Sony Xperia 5 III vs Apple iPhone 15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 8, 2021 September 22, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 82.43 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.57 "/g
Weight 168 g 171 g
Height 157 mm 147.6 mm
Width 68 mm 71.6 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 21:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 461 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.94 mAh/in² 90.00 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 40.63 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 3349 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
GPU Adreno 660 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 11 17
Maximum OS Version 13 18

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. Apple iPhone 15: A User-Centered Comparison

As a technology communications specialist, my goal is to help you understand these phones not just as lists of specs, but as tools that fit into your life. Let's explore the Sony Xperia 5 III and the iPhone 15 through a user-centered lens.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIIApple iPhone 15User Experience Impact
Interface DesignClassic Android with Sony customizations; Focus on functionalityiOS 17; Streamlined, consistent aestheticSony offers more flexibility and customization, while Apple prioritizes simplicity and ease of use.
Interaction FlowCustomizable; More complex due to Android's open natureIntuitive; Guided experience with limited customizationPower users might prefer Sony's flexibility, while those seeking a straightforward experience might lean towards Apple.
AccessibilityStandard Android accessibility featuresComprehensive suite of iOS accessibility featuresBoth offer accessibility features, but Apple generally leads in innovation and breadth of options in this area.
Design ErgonomicsTaller, narrower body; Dedicated camera buttonSlightly heavier; More compact overall; Rounded edgesSony's design caters to single-hand use and photography enthusiasts, while Apple offers a more pocketable design with a premium feel.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah, who wants a phone that captures stunning images and videos.

  • Sony Xperia 5 III: The dedicated camera button evokes the feel of a traditional camera, providing a tactile and intuitive shooting experience. The advanced manual controls empower Sarah to fine-tune her shots, while the 120Hz display ensures smooth subject tracking.
  • iPhone 15: The iPhone 15's advanced computational photography capabilities automatically enhance Sarah's photos, requiring less manual adjustment. The Cinematic mode allows her to create videos with shallow depth of field, adding a professional touch. While lacking a dedicated button, its streamlined interface makes point-and-shoot photography effortless.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • Tech-Savvy User: The Xperia 5 III's customization options and expandable storage would appeal to a tech-savvy user who enjoys tweaking settings and having more control.
  • Casual User: The iPhone 15's simplicity and user-friendly interface would be more suitable for a casual user who prioritizes ease of use and a seamless experience.
  • Creative Professional: While both offer compelling features, the iPhone 15's superior camera performance, especially in video recording, and integration with the Apple ecosystem might make it a more compelling choice for creative professionals.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Beyond technical specifications, consider your personal preferences:

  • Prioritize Customization and Control: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 III.
  • Prioritize Simplicity and Ease of Use: Choose the Apple iPhone 15.
  • Prioritize Camera Performance and Video Capabilities: Choose the Apple iPhone 15.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15

While I admire the Xperia 5 III's unique features and design philosophy, I would choose the iPhone 15. Its superior camera performance, particularly the advancements in video recording and computational photography, align with my appreciation for capturing high-quality visuals. The seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, while a potential lock-in, offers a smooth and cohesive user experience that I find valuable. Though I generally lean towards more customizable experiences, the significant leap in camera technology and the overall refined user experience of the iPhone 15 make it the more compelling choice for me. It represents a more future-proof investment in terms of software updates and continued performance.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.