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Sony Xperia 5 III review - A top compact and light smartphone with variable focus

High-end meets compact size. With its 120-Hz OLED display in the 21:9 format measuring only 6.1 inch, the Sony Xperia 5 III is a very compact and light Snapdragon 888 smartphone. Yet the Sony device still offers the same interesting camera system as the Xperia 1 III flagship.
Sony Xperia 5 III

Together with its larger sibling, the Xperia 1 III, the  Xperia 5 III is the first smartphone in the world with a variable tele lens. This provides the Sony smartphone with a variable focal length of 70 mm or 105 mm. Even though this slightly more affordable and also more compact version of the Xperia 1 III has to make do without the 4K OLED panel or the advanced object tracking via real-time tracking, the Xperia 5 III still offers a Snapdragon 888 and the triple camera system including the Zeiss lenses of Sony's flagship smartphone. 

Sony Xperia 5 III (Xperia 5 Series)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G 8 x 1.8 - 2.8 GHz, Cortex-X1 / A78 / A55 (Kryo 680)
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
Display
6.10 inch 21:9, 2520 x 1080 pixel 449 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, OLED, Corning Gorilla Glass 6, glossy: yes, HDR, 120 Hz
Storage
128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash, 128 GB 
, 100.4 GB free
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio port, Card Reader: microSD up to 1TB, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, color spectrum, OTG, Miracast, Status-LED
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.2, 3G: 2100 (Band 1), 1900 (Band 2), 1700 (Band 4), 850 (Band 5), 800 (Band 6), 900 (Band 8), 800 (Band 19); 4G: BAND 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66; 5G: BAND n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40,, Dual SIM, LTE, 5G, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.2 x 157 x 68 ( = 0.32 x 6.18 x 2.68 in)
Battery
4500 mAh Lithium-Polymer, 30 watt Sony Quick Charge
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 11
Camera
Primary Camera: 12 MPix (f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.7", 1.8µm) + 12MP (f/2.3, optical zoom) + 12MP (f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm, 1/2.6")
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix (f/2.0, 24mm, 1/4", 1.12µm)
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: virtual, charger, USB cable, Sony UI, 24 Months Warranty, widevine L1, SAR value: 0.94W/​kg Head, 1.07W/​kg Body; GNSS: GPS (L1), GLONASS, BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1) , fanless, waterproof
Weight
168 g ( = 5.93 oz / 0.37 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
950 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible Competitors in Comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
87.1 %
10/2021
Sony Xperia 5 III
SD 888 5G, Adreno 660
168 g128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash6.10"2520x1080
87.3 %
02/2021
Xiaomi Mi 11
SD 888 5G, Adreno 660
196 g128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash6.81"3200x1440
87.2 %
04/2021
OnePlus 9
SD 888 5G, Adreno 660
192 g256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash6.55"2400x1080
87 %
08/2021
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
SD 888 5G, Adreno 660
230 g256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash6.67"2400x1080
89.5 %
02/2021
Samsung Galaxy S21
Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14
169 g128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash6.20"2400x1080

Case - The Xperia 5 III is compact

Sony Xperia 5 III in black
Sony Xperia 5 III in black

The design of the Xperia 5 III is dominated by the Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the back that is equipped with a smooth, reflective glass surface and the shiny metal frame. The workmanship is at a very high level, which gives an overall high-quality feel to the Sony smartphone.

In contrast to many competitors, the Xperia 5 III is a very compact and manageable smartphone that feels decidedly comfortable in the hand. The case is also water and dustproof according to the IP65/68 standard. However, all the connections and covers should be tightly closed to achieve this. 

Gorilla Glass 6 is also used in front. While the relatively large bezels are not really up-to-date anymore for a 1000-Euro (~$1160) smartphone, they allow the Xperia 5 III to go without a notch or punch-hole. The display-to-surface ratio is only 81.5%.

Xperia 5 III in green
Xperia 5 III in green
Xperia 5 III in green

Size Comparison

165 mm / 6.5 inch 77.28 mm / 3.04 inch 9.6 mm / 0.378 inch 230 g0.507 lbs164.3 mm / 6.47 inch 74.6 mm / 2.94 inch 8.06 mm / 0.3173 inch 196 g0.4321 lbs160 mm / 6.3 inch 74.2 mm / 2.92 inch 8.7 mm / 0.3425 inch 192 g0.4233 lbs157 mm / 6.18 inch 68 mm / 2.68 inch 8.2 mm / 0.3228 inch 168 g0.3704 lbs151.7 mm / 5.97 inch 71.2 mm / 2.8 inch 7.9 mm / 0.311 inch 169 g0.3726 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Equipment - Sony smartphone with a 3.5-mm audio port

The internal UFS storage of the Xperia 5 III offers a capacity of 128 GB, but because of the operating system and preinstalled apps, the actually available storage is significantly smaller at 100 GB. The 4500-mAh battery is charged using the Type-C connection, which is specified as USB 3.1 (Gen1) and recognizes external peripheral devices via USB-OTG. Wireless transfer of the display contents to external monitors via Miracast is also supported.

Audiophile users should be pleased about the 3.5-mm audio port and the stereo speakers in front.

Bottom of the case
Bottom of the case
Top of the case
Top of the case
Right side
Right side
Left side
Left side

microSD Card Reader

The Sony accepts microSD cards up to 1 TB. In our transfer test, the Xperia 5 III performs quite slow in combination with our Angelbird V60 reference storage card, and the values in the CPDT (see below) also turn out relatively low. 

SD Card Reader - average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
39.93 MB/s +158%
Sony Xperia 5 III
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash
15.5 MB/s

Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)

0102030405060708090100Tooltip
Sony Xperia 5 III Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB: Ø20.9 (5.29-28.6)
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Toshiba Exceria Pro M501: Ø52.3 (40-66.8)
Sony Xperia 5 III Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB: Ø42.5 (35.5-65.2)
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Toshiba Exceria Pro M501: Ø88.4 (33.9-108)

Software - Xperia 5 III with Android 11

As the operating system, the Japanese manufacturer has installed Android version 11, which is expanded by the Sony UI. At the time of the test, the security patches are fairly current at the level of August 2021.

There are supposed to be software updates for two years, so buyers of the Xperia 5 III should probably be able to get support up to Android 13. The Camera2 API of the Sony smartphones is available at "Full" level, and streaming content can be viewed in HD quality thanks to the DRM Widevine L1 certification.

Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III

Communication and GNSS - Xperia smartphone with 5G

The Xperia 5 III supports the current Wi-Fi 6 WLAN standard. While this provides the Sony smartphone with convincingly high data transfer rates, the Zenfone 8 Flip achieves higher transfer rates using our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router, particularly when receiving data.

In terms of the communication modules, Sony uses the newest mobile communication standards with 5G and NFC for near field communication. In addition to the 5G frequencies, the Xperia 5 III also supports a wide range of LTE bands up to a total of 24. All the LTE frequencies that are relevant for Germany are covered. Thanks to the Qualcomm X60 modem, in addition to 5G, Bluetooth 5.2 functionality is also supported.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
1153 (560min - 1208max) MBit/s +70%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Mali-G78 MP14, Exynos 2100 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
789 (613min - 870max) MBit/s +16%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Mali-G78 MP14, Exynos 2100 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
500 (390min - 572max) MBit/s -26%
OnePlus 9
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
685 (654min - 709max) MBit/s +1%
Sony Xperia 5 III
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash
680 (620min - 701max) MBit/s
Xiaomi Mi 11
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
519 (391min - 604max) MBit/s -24%
iperf3 receive AX12
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
889 (447min - 904max) MBit/s +6%
Xiaomi Mi 11
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
842 (329min - 976max) MBit/s 0%
Sony Xperia 5 III
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash
839 (805min - 859max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy S21
Mali-G78 MP14, Exynos 2100 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
778 (678min - 837max) MBit/s -7%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Mali-G78 MP14, Exynos 2100 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
650 (249min - 792max) MBit/s -23%
OnePlus 9
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
777 (623min - 829max) MBit/s -7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s -55%
04590135180225270315360405450495540585630675720765810855Tooltip
Sony Xperia 5 III; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø839 (805-859)
Sony Xperia 5 III; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø680 (620-701)
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test outdoors
GPS Test outdoors

We evaluate the locating accuracy in a practical test, where we take the smartphone on a bike ride and record the route in parallel with a Garmin Edge 520 for comparison. The difference between the route recorded by the GPS module and the navigation device in the almost 15-Kilometer (~9.3 miles) test route is only 50 meters (~164 ft). The low deviation is also confirmed in the detail view of the GPS recording, so that nothing should be in the way of using the Sony smartphone for navigation.

Garmin Edge 520 locating
Garmin Edge 520 locating
Garmin Edge 520 locating
Garmin Edge 520 locating
Garmin Edge 520 locating
Garmin Edge 520 locating
Sony Xperia 5 III locating
Sony Xperia 5 III locating
Sony Xperia 5 III locating
Sony Xperia 5 III locating
Sony Xperia 5 III locating
Sony Xperia 5 III locating

Telephone Functions and Voice Quality - Xperia 5 III with VoLTE

Sony Xperia 5 III

The voice quality of the Sony smartphone is inconspicuous using the Vodafone network. There are no annoying drops or reception problems during our test calls with the Xperia smartphones. Voices are reproduced clearly and our conversation partner also characterizes them as very clear. WLAN calls and VoLTE are supported. Video calls via Skype using the built-in front camera also succeed without any problems in the test. 

Cameras - Sony smartphone with a triple camera

Selfie taken with the Sony Xperia 5 III
Selfie taken with the Sony Xperia 5 III

The Xperia 5 III uses some interesting camera features, such as object tracking technology and a continuous autofocus with 60 computations per second, as well as audio separation technology. By offering 16 mm (ultra wide-angle), 24 mm (main camera), 70 mm and 105 mm (variable tele lens), the Sony smartphone covers a relatively wide focus range. All the image sensors of the ZEISS lenses offer a resolution of 12 MP and the ZEISS T* coating.

With Photography Pro and Cinema Pro, Sony again places a particular focus on the video and software areas. However, video recording at 60 fps is only possible in the 1080p resolution and you cannot switch between the cameras while recording. 

Compared to the Xperia 5 II, not much has changed in terms of the image sensors. The in-house IMX 557 of the 12-MP main camera records objects and sceneries with relatively accurate colors without being overly sharpened. However, the level of sharpness is not comparable to that of a 1000-Euro (~$1160) smartphone. The Xperia 5 III has some problems focusing sharply on the object, particularly at close range. The ultra wide-angle lens also doesn't really impress us either. While the dynamic of the recordings is first-rate, the details often disappear in blurriness not only in the edge areas. 

While the high-class smartphone isn't really a selfie specialist such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or the Asus Zenfone 8 Flip, the recordings with the front camera, which only has an 8-MP resolution, are still rich in contrast and the skin tones are also matched well. We find the soft focus of the pictures slightly annoying.

Ultra wide-angle
Ultra wide-angle
Main camera
2.9x zoom
4.4x zoom
12.9x zoom (max)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

HauptkameraHauptkameraWeitwinkelkameraLow Light
ColorChecker
6.7 ∆E
8.9 ∆E
12 ∆E
9.3 ∆E
12 ∆E
10.9 ∆E
7.9 ∆E
11 ∆E
9.5 ∆E
9.5 ∆E
7.9 ∆E
5.9 ∆E
9.2 ∆E
9.1 ∆E
6.2 ∆E
2.9 ∆E
10 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
5.7 ∆E
6.3 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
3.5 ∆E
6.7 ∆E
ColorChecker Sony Xperia 5 III: 8.17 ∆E min: 2.9 - max: 13.13 ∆E
ColorChecker
28.6 ∆E
47 ∆E
39.3 ∆E
34.3 ∆E
44.7 ∆E
54.6 ∆E
43.2 ∆E
34.7 ∆E
34.8 ∆E
29 ∆E
55.1 ∆E
55.8 ∆E
31.5 ∆E
40.5 ∆E
30.5 ∆E
60.2 ∆E
38.5 ∆E
40.8 ∆E
51.6 ∆E
58.5 ∆E
47.9 ∆E
35.9 ∆E
23.8 ∆E
13.9 ∆E
ColorChecker Sony Xperia 5 III: 40.62 ∆E min: 13.91 - max: 60.21 ∆E

Accessories and Warranty - Xperia 5 III with 30W charging

Antibacterial style cover of the Sony Xperia 5 III
Antibacterial style cover of the Sony Xperia 5 III

The quick charger included in the box of the Xperia 5 III is rated at 30 watts. There is also a USB cable (Type-C to Type-C). You can purchase additional accessories such as an antibacterial style cover with a fold-out stand from the manufacturer's website. 

Sony offers a warranty period of 24 months to buyers of the Xperia 5 III in Germany.

Input Devices and Operation - Sony smartphone with a touch scan rate of 240 Hz

The operation of the Xperia 5 III benefits from a good (although not very good) vibration motor, from the high image refresh rate of the 120-Hz panel, and the touch scan rate of up to 240 Hz. This means that the capacitive multi-touchscreen is checked for touch input up to 240 times per second (for example, while gaming). 

The capacitive fingerprint sensor in the power button responds quickly and recognizes the fingerprints accurately most of the time. Its position is a comfortable choice. Those who want to use their face to unlock the screen will be disappointed by the Sony smartphone, since biometrical identification via face recognition is not available.

In addition to a specific shutter key for the camera on the right side of the case, the Xperia 5 III also offers a dedicated key for Google Assistant.

Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III

Display - Sony smartphone with OLED

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid

The Xperia 5 III offers a 6.1-nch CinemaWide FHD+ OLED display with a 120-Hz refresh rate and HDR certification. However, our brightness measurements only attest the panel with 577 cd/m2 even in APL50. 

To control the brightness, the Sony smartphone uses PWM at a relatively high frequency of 490 Hz across the whole brightness range.

545
cd/m²
554
cd/m²
574
cd/m²
548
cd/m²
554
cd/m²
575
cd/m²
551
cd/m²
553
cd/m²
573
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 575 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 558.6 cd/m² Minimum: 3.1 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 95 %
Center on Battery: 554 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.22 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.6 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
100% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.193
Sony Xperia 5 III
OLED, 2520x1080, 6.10
Xiaomi Mi 11
LED DotDisplay, 3200x1440, 6.81
OnePlus 9
AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.55
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Super AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.67
Samsung Galaxy S21
Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2400x1080, 6.20
Screen
42%
49%
9%
29%
Brightness middle
554
840
52%
731
32%
689
24%
790
43%
Brightness
559
845
51%
739
32%
686
23%
793
42%
Brightness Distribution
95
98
3%
96
1%
96
1%
97
2%
Black Level *
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.22
1.2
46%
0.59
73%
3.1
-40%
2.2
1%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
5.94
2.7
55%
1.3
78%
5.7
4%
4.2
29%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.6
2
44%
0.9
75%
2.2
39%
1.6
56%
Gamma
2.193 100%
2.26 97%
2.243 98%
2.25 98%
2.13 103%
CCT
7000 93%
6492 100%
6573 99%
6684 97%
6497 100%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 490.2 Hz

The display backlight flickers at 490.2 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) .

The frequency of 490.2 Hz is relatively high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. However, there are reports that some users are still sensitive to PWM at 500 Hz and above, so be aware.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18071 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

In addition to the pronounced contrast, the Xperia 5 III also offers a high color space coverage. The panel is also calibrated well in the Creator Mode. At 2.2 for colors and 3.6 for the grayscale, the analysis of the photo spectrometer and the CalMAN software results in low Delta E deviations to the sRGB color space on average. 

The 10-bit equivalent panel of the Sony Xperia 5 III also supports the BT.2020 color space.

Color accuracy (target color space: sRGB, Creator Mode)
Color accuracy (target color space: sRGB, Creator Mode)
Color accuracy (target color space: sRGB, Standard Mode)
Color accuracy (target color space: sRGB, Standard Mode)
Color space (target color space: AdobeRGB, Standard Mode)
Color space (target color space: AdobeRGB, Standard Mode)
Color space (target color space: P3, Standard Mode)
Color space (target color space: P3, Standard Mode)
Color space (target color space: sRGB, Standard Mode)
Color space (target color space: sRGB, Standard Mode)
Grayscale (target color space: sRGB, Creator Mode)
Grayscale (target color space: sRGB, Creator Mode)
Grayscale (target color space: sRGB, Standard Mode)
Grayscale (target color space: sRGB, Standard Mode)
Saturation (target color space: sRGB, Standard Mode)
Saturation (target color space: sRGB, Standard Mode)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5 ms rise
↘ 3 ms fall
The screen shows fast response rates in our tests and should be suited for gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 16 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
21 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 4 ms rise
↘ 17 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 28 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

The viewing angle stability of the OLED panel is at a very good level. Although the Xperia 5 III can be used outdoors without any reservations, competitors such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 or OnePlus 9 can get significantly brighter. 

Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III

Performance - Xperia 5 III with Snapdragon SoC

The high-end Snapdragon 888 chip set used is based on the Kryo 680 CPU unit. This integrates a fast "Prime Core" at up to 2.84 GHz based on the ARM Cortex X1 architecture, three fast performance cores (2.42 GHz) based on the Cortex A78, and four ARM Cortex A55 cores with a maximum clock speed of 1.8 GHz. As the graphics unit, a Qualcomm Adreno 660 is used. 

In our benchmark package, the Xperia 5 III presents itself at a good Snapdragon 888 level. Particularly in the browser tests, the Sony smartphone does very well. The Xperia device also leaves a very good impression in everyday operation. The system performance is first rate, and the load times of apps are very short. This is also due to the fast read and write rates of the UFS storage. However, those are still relatively low for the 3.1 standard, since the Snapdragon 888 should support the whole bandwidth.

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1137 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1136 Points 0%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
1124 Points -1%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1124 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
1003 Points -12%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (976 - 1198, n=27)
1118 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=214, last 2 years)
900 Points -21%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
3572 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
3784 Points +6%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
3653 Points +2%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
3502 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
3228 Points -10%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (3204 - 3810, n=27)
3571 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=214, last 2 years)
2947 Points -17%
Vulkan Score (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
4399 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
4279 Points -3%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
3894 Points -11%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
5879 Points +34%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
6524 Points +48%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (3894 - 6176, n=26)
4711 Points +7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (79 - 15910, n=90, last 2 years)
4248 Points -3%
OpenCL Score (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
4673 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
4674 Points 0%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
4566 Points -2%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
4717 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
7433 Points +59%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (3100 - 4786, n=26)
4617 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (434 - 13654, n=82, last 2 years)
4036 Points -14%
PCMark for Android - Work 3.0 (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
14729 Points
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
15201 Points +3%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (11435 - 17085, n=21)
14307 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (4761 - 21385, n=209, last 2 years)
11643 Points -21%
3DMark
Wild Life Score (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
5787 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
5599 Points -3%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
5786 Points 0%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
5778 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
5815 Points 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (3958 - 5942, n=26)
5674 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (395 - 9839, n=132, last 2 years)
2528 Points -56%
Wild Life Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
5064 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
5678 Points +12%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
5751 Points +14%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
5761 Points +14%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
5966 Points +18%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (3959 - 5925, n=26)
5617 Points +11%
Average of class Smartphone
  (394 - 20068, n=197, last 2 years)
6135 Points +21%
Wild Life Extreme (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1456 Points
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1524 Points +5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (1236 - 1602, n=21)
1516 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 5226, n=202, last 2 years)
1647 Points +13%
Wild Life Extreme Unlimited (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1256 Points
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1503 Points +20%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (974 - 1564, n=21)
1421 Points +13%
Average of class Smartphone
  (110 - 5248, n=197, last 2 years)
1656 Points +32%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
117 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
120 fps +3%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
61 fps -48%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
91 fps -22%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
110 fps -6%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (60 - 143, n=20)
102.5 fps -12%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 165, n=180, last 2 years)
83.1 fps -29%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
202 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
268 fps +33%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
275 fps +36%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
243 fps +20%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
137 fps -32%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (173 - 294, n=20)
247 fps +22%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=180, last 2 years)
243 fps +20%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
113 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
91 fps -19%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
60 fps -47%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
91 fps -19%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
119 fps +5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (55 - 121, n=20)
93.9 fps -17%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 165, n=181, last 2 years)
70.8 fps -37%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
129 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
158 fps +22%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
101 fps -22%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
144 fps +12%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
143 fps +11%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (101 - 180, n=20)
141.7 fps +10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9.2 - 363, n=181, last 2 years)
137.8 fps +7%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
58 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
59 fps +2%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
57 fps -2%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
83 fps +43%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
106 fps +83%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (36 - 105, n=20)
71.5 fps +23%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 158, n=181, last 2 years)
59.7 fps +3%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
71 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
111 fps +56%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
96 fps +35%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
103 fps +45%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
83 fps +17%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (69 - 126, n=20)
98.9 fps +39%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.2 - 279, n=181, last 2 years)
97.1 fps +37%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
39 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
33 fps -15%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
48 fps +23%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
51 fps +31%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
58 fps +49%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (26 - 61, n=20)
47.2 fps +21%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 117, n=181, last 2 years)
42.7 fps +9%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
48 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
67 fps +40%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
42 fps -12%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
62 fps +29%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
42 fps -12%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (42 - 74, n=20)
60.6 fps +26%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.9 - 166, n=181, last 2 years)
58.6 fps +22%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
45 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
41 fps -9%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
58 fps +29%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
58 fps +29%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
46 fps +2%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (32 - 73, n=26)
55.7 fps +24%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=221, last 2 years)
43.1 fps -4%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
57 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
79 fps +39%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
57 fps 0%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
71 fps +25%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
49 fps -14%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (46 - 87, n=27)
70.4 fps +24%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=221, last 2 years)
63.1 fps +11%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
37 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
25 fps -32%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
41 fps +11%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
37 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
45 fps +22%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (25 - 51, n=26)
38.5 fps +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=221, last 2 years)
32.1 fps -13%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
23 fps
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
29 fps +26%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
28 fps +22%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
27 fps +17%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
25 fps +9%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (19 - 32, n=26)
27.5 fps +20%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=221, last 2 years)
25.1 fps +9%
Antutu v9 - Total Score (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
714551 Points
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
782871 Points +10%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (636471 - 824694, n=17)
767997 Points +7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (102602 - 1650926, n=151, last 2 years)
738649 Points +3%
AImark - Score v2.x (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
261820 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
209984 Points -20%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
Points -100%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
228879 Points -13%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (171404 - 264766, n=15)
243759 Points -7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1043 - 139804, n=54, last 2 years)
20600 Points -92%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
6362 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
6361 Points 0%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
6537 Points +3%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
6648 Points +4%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
6030 Points -5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (5839 - 6985, n=20)
6495 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (411 - 11438, n=162, last 2 years)
5686 Points -11%
System (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
10927 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
10377 Points -5%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
11627 Points +6%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
11131 Points +2%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
10530 Points -4%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (9119 - 11774, n=20)
10766 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2376 - 16475, n=162, last 2 years)
9595 Points -12%
Memory (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
5573 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
8789 Points +58%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
7526 Points +35%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
7822 Points +40%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
5924 Points +6%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (5352 - 9044, n=20)
7316 Points +31%
Average of class Smartphone
  (670 - 12306, n=162, last 2 years)
6206 Points +11%
Graphics (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
15739 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
12732 Points -19%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
12938 Points -18%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
13965 Points -11%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
14636 Points -7%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (9399 - 15739, n=20)
13676 Points -13%
Average of class Smartphone
  (697 - 58651, n=162, last 2 years)
13856 Points -12%
Web (sort by value)
Sony Xperia 5 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1827 Points
Xiaomi Mi 11
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1434 Points -22%
OnePlus 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 12288
1627 Points -11%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, Adreno 660, 8192
1607 Points -12%
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Exynos 2100 5G, Mali-G78 MP14, 8192
1448 Points -21%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
  (1434 - 1983, n=20)
1683 Points -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10 - 2145, n=162, last 2 years)
1487 Points -19%
Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Sony Xperia 5 III (Chrome93)
119.3 Points
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=170, last 2 years)
103.9 Points -13%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (61.3 - 125.1, n=13)
96.1 Points -19%
Xiaomi Mi 11 (Chrome 88)
83.2 Points -30%
Samsung Galaxy S21 (Chrome 88.0.4324.152)
65.1 Points -45%
OnePlus 9 (MS Edge)
61.3 Points -49%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip (Chrome 92)
210.1 Points 0%
Sony Xperia 5 III (Chrome93)
209.3 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (77 - 223, n=19)
168.8 Points -19%
Xiaomi Mi 11 (Chrome 88)
137.9 Points -34%
OnePlus 9 (MS Edge)
119.2 Points -43%
Samsung Galaxy S21 (Chrome 88.0.4324.152)
98.8 Points -53%
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 104.3, n=2, last 2 years)
85.2 Points -59%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip (Chrome 92)
46075 Points 0%
Sony Xperia 5 III (Chrome93)
45930 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (23491 - 47543, n=20)
35591 Points -23%
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=205, last 2 years)
33314 Points -27%
Xiaomi Mi 11 (Chrome 88)
27539 Points -40%
Samsung Galaxy S21 (Chrome 88.0.4324.152)
25656 Points -44%
OnePlus 9 (Chrome89)
23843 Points -48%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Samsung Galaxy S21 (Chrome 88.0.4324.152)
1810 ms * -97%
Xiaomi Mi 11 (Chrome 88)
1722 ms * -87%
OnePlus 9 (Chrome89)
1692 ms * -84%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=168, last 2 years)
1658 ms * -80%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (891 - 1841, n=20)
1319 ms * -44%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip (Chrome 92)
940 ms * -2%
Sony Xperia 5 III (Chrome93)
919 ms *

* ... smaller is better

Sony Xperia 5 IIIXiaomi Mi 11OnePlus 9Asus Zenfone 8 FlipSamsung Galaxy S21Average 128 GB UFS 3.0 FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
5%
-3%
9%
19%
-20%
8%
Sequential Read 256KB
1593
1615
1%
1872
18%
1798
13%
1648
3%
1520 ?(1406 - 1692, n=13)
-5%
1471 ?(215 - 4512, n=213, last 2 years)
-8%
Sequential Write 256KB
740
754
2%
739
0%
797
8%
1095
48%
546 ?(213 - 740, n=13)
-26%
1084 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=213, last 2 years)
46%
Random Read 4KB
253.4
278.5
10%
225.4
-11%
288.4
14%
309.7
22%
206 ?(170.1 - 253, n=13)
-19%
243 ?(22.2 - 543, n=213, last 2 years)
-4%
Random Write 4KB
271.3
289.3
7%
221.4
-18%
277.7
2%
282.6
4%
193.9 ?(29.9 - 271, n=13)
-29%
267 ?(13 - 709, n=213, last 2 years)
-2%

Games - The Xperia 5 III can be used for gaming

More demanding 3D games from the Android Play Store such as "Asphalt 9 Legends" do not pose any problem for the Xperia 5 III even at high graphic details. However, the case gets very warm after a short time. 

Armajet
Armajet
Asphalt 9 Legends
Asphalt 9 Legends

Emissions - Sony smartphone with pronounced heat development

Temperature

The case of the Sony device heats up relatively unevenly under load. The maximum temperatures that we measure are also at a fairly high level, so that the heat development inside leads to a reduced performance. 

Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III
3DMark
Wild Life Stress Test Stability
Xiaomi Mi 11
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
90.2 (5064min) % +43%
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
85.5 (4880min) % +35%
Sony Xperia 5 III
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash
63.2 (19.4min) %
Samsung Galaxy S21
Mali-G78 MP14, Exynos 2100 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
56.5 (3290min) % -11%
OnePlus 9
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
56.2 (3203min) % -11%
Wild Life Extreme Stress Test
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
91.2 (1363min) % +65%
Sony Xperia 5 III
Adreno 660, SD 888 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.0 Flash
55.2 (5.08min) %
051015202530Tooltip
Sony Xperia 5 III; Wild Life Stress Test Stability; 0.0.0.0: Ø21.3 (19.4-30.7)
Sony Xperia 5 III; Wild Life Extreme Stress Test; 1.0.5.1: Ø6.51 (5.08-9.2)
Max. Load
 43.1 °C
110 F
39.4 °C
103 F
37.7 °C
100 F
 
 44.1 °C
111 F
39.6 °C
103 F
37.6 °C
100 F
 
 44.1 °C
111 F
39.9 °C
104 F
37.5 °C
100 F
 
Maximum: 44.1 °C = 111 F
Average: 40.3 °C = 105 F
37 °C
99 F
38.8 °C
102 F
41.2 °C
106 F
36.8 °C
98 F
40.1 °C
104 F
44.2 °C
112 F
36.6 °C
98 F
40.2 °C
104 F
44 °C
111 F
Maximum: 44.2 °C = 112 F
Average: 39.9 °C = 104 F
Power Supply (max.)  42.3 °C = 108 F | Room Temperature 21.5 °C = 71 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-260
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 40.3 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 44.1 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 44.2 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 30 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony Xperia 5 III

Speakers

The Xperia 5 III uses stereo speakers that are slightly quiet compared to those in the competitors. We measure a maximum volume of only 80 dB. However, our measurements show a linear frequency development for the mids and highs of the Sony smartphone. Bass frequencies are not present in the sound spectrum. 

Those who want sound output that is rich in bass could use either a wired or wireless headphone solution. In addition to the classic 3.5-mm audio port, the Bluetooth 5.2 standard is also supported.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2050.743.42541.337.7313131.44035.635.9503834.66330.1298030.832.910023.522.712520.327.316020.337.620016.242.225015.949.931513.957.840013.663.750013.566.763019.365.780016.568.6100013.972.112501471160013.267.2200013.267.4250014.267.231501666.8400017.260.3500017.962.2630018.567.2800019.169.61000019.869.41250019.363.91600020.155.2SPL28.879.7N1.147.4median 16.5median 65.7Delta37.42634.528.328.623.329.224.328.833.936.422.527.722.525.923.925.617.23719.948.916.548.613.350.917.656.82055.919.66623.268.613.270.712.672.412.674.91473.512.776.512.777.513.278.613.774.613.773.913.974.113.473.31474.614.768.815.763.227.386.80.967.5median 14median 70.72.88.6hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseSony Xperia 5 IIIXiaomi Mi 11
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Sony Xperia 5 III audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (79.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 26.1% lower than median
(-) | bass is not linear (15.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.9% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 23% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 69% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 44% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 49% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Xiaomi Mi 11 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 26% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.5% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (2.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 10% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 84% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 30% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 62% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life - Xperia 5 III with 4500 mAh

Power Consumption

Using the included 30-Watt charger, the Xperia 5 III needs almost exactly 1.5 hours until it is completely recharged. Thanks to the Xperia Adaptive Charging, supposedly the user is offered overheating protection and also a long lifetime of the battery.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.2 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 1.8 / 2.6 / 3.1 Watt
Load midlight 5.3 / 11.5 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Sony Xperia 5 III
4500 mAh
Xiaomi Mi 11
4600 mAh
OnePlus 9
4500 mAh
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
5000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S21
4000 mAh
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
11%
20%
24%
22%
27%
33%
Idle Minimum *
1.8
1.57
13%
0.9
50%
1.05
42%
1.1
39%
1.066 ?(0.46 - 1.8, n=23)
41%
0.896 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=159, last 2 years)
50%
Idle Average *
2.6
1.92
26%
1.7
35%
1.41
46%
1.61
38%
1.58 ?(0.74 - 2.6, n=23)
39%
1.449 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=159, last 2 years)
44%
Idle Maximum *
3.1
1.94
37%
2.7
13%
1.81
42%
1.78
43%
1.733 ?(0.78 - 3.1, n=23)
44%
1.629 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=159, last 2 years)
47%
Load Average *
5.3
6.32
-19%
5.4
-2%
6.44
-22%
6.47
-22%
5.46 ?(3.87 - 6.7, n=23)
-3%
5.51 ?(2.3 - 16.5, n=159, last 2 years)
-4%
Load Maximum *
11.5
11.65
-1%
11.1
3%
10.23
11%
10.12
12%
9.79 ?(5.89 - 11.7, n=23)
15%
8.19 ?(4.32 - 20.8, n=159, last 2 years)
29%

* ... smaller is better

Power Consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)

01234567891011121314Tooltip
Sony Xperia 5 III Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G: Ø7.8 (2.54-14.5)
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G: Ø6.18 (1.502-13.2)

Power Consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)

01234567891011121314Tooltip
Sony Xperia 5 III Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G; 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Offscreen: Ø12.8 (11.8-14.2)
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G; 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Offscreen: Ø10.5 (1.248-13.2)
Sony Xperia 5 III Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G; Idle 150cd/m2: Ø2.59 (2.36-2.87)
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G; Idle 150cd/m2: Ø1.241 (1.155-1.741)

Battery Life

Despite a relatively high consumption in idle mode, the Sony smartphone delivers a solid battery life with 12 hours of surfing in our WLAN test at 120 Hz.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
12h 07min
Sony Xperia 5 III
4500 mAh
Xiaomi Mi 11
4600 mAh
OnePlus 9
4500 mAh
Asus Zenfone 8 Flip
5000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S21
4000 mAh
Battery Runtime
WiFi v1.3
727
527
-28%
854
17%
556
-24%
544
-25%

Pros

+ compact and light
+ premium haptics
+ good stereo speakers
+ a lot of performance

Cons

- wide bezels
- slow SD card slot
- no wireless charging
- high heat development

Verdict on the Sony Xperia 5 III

Testing the Sony Xperia 5 III. Test unit provided by Sony Germany.
Testing the Sony Xperia 5 III. Test unit provided by Sony Germany.

The Sony Xperia 5 III is distinguished by a being a competitive overall package in a very compact and therefore comfortable case. However, together with its compact build, you also have to make some compromises compared to other high-end smartphones such as the Xiaomi Mi 11. As its predecessor before, the Xperia 5 III has large bezels around its OLED panel, which only offers a 1080p resolution. The lack of Qi compatibility is also not up to the current standards in this price class anymore. 

Those who are looking for a compact high-end smartphone can hardly overlook the Xperia 5 III. However, you can find another interesting alternative in the significantly more affordable Asus Zenfone 8.

In addition, the compact build of the Sony smartphone probably also leads to a bad cooling performance, so that the temperature development of the Xperia 5 III has to be considered critical. Especially while running demanding apps and during gaming, the glass back quickly becomes very warm.

Price and Availability

While BestBuy shows the Sony Xperia 5 III with 128 GB of storage for $999 in the US, it is currently listed as sold out.

Sony Xperia 5 III - 08/31/2022 v7
Marcus Herbrich

Chassis
90%
Keyboard
69 / 75 → 92%
Pointing Device
95%
Connectivity
54 / 70 → 77%
Weight
91%
Battery
89%
Display
89%
Games Performance
57 / 64 → 89%
Application Performance
86 / 86 → 100%
Temperature
85%
Noise
100%
Audio
75 / 90 → 84%
Camera
70%
Average
81%
87%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Sony Xperia 5 III review - A top compact and light smartphone with variable focus
Marcus Herbrich, 2021-10- 2 (Update: 2021-10- 2)