Sony Xperia 5 III vs Motorola Edge 50 Ultra - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 8, 2021 May 15, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 100.31 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.4 "/g
Weight 168 g 197 g
Height 157 mm 161.1 mm
Width 68 mm 72.4 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Peach Fuzz
  • Forest Grey
  • Nordic Wood

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1220 x 2712
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 92.9 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 446 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 144 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 2500 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.94 mAh/in² 100.25 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 44.86 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 735

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.1
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A 1.4
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output USB Type-C 3.1, Gen 2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 13 17

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra: A User-Centered Perspective

Let's move beyond the numbers and delve into the heart of what makes these phones unique experiences. Instead of a spec sheet showdown, we'll embark on a journey of user-focused discovery.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIIMotorola Edge 50 UltraUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignClean, Minimalist AndroidModern Android with CustomizationsXperia offers a purer Android feel, Edge provides more personalization options.
Interaction FlowSmooth, thanks to 120Hz OLEDUltra-smooth with 144Hz pOLEDEdge's higher refresh rate provides a noticeable advantage in perceived fluidity.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android Accessibility SuiteStandard Android Accessibility SuiteBoth offer similar accessibility features, relying on Android's built-in capabilities.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, one-handed friendlyLarger, requires two handsXperia excels in portability and single-hand use, Edge prioritizes screen real estate.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: A Day in the Life

Imagine a busy professional, Sarah. With the Xperia 5 III, Sarah effortlessly navigates crowded commutes, the phone's compact design slipping comfortably into her pocket. Its clean interface allows for quick access to essential apps, and the responsive 120Hz display ensures a smooth experience.

Contrast this with Alex, a creative individual, who uses the Edge 50 Ultra. The expansive 6.7" display becomes Alex's canvas, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate details thanks to the HDR10+ pOLED screen. The blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through design portfolios and editing photos feel incredibly fluid. While bulkier, the larger screen enhances Alex's creative workflow.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User Personas:

  • The Minimalist: Values a clean, bloatware-free experience, prioritizes portability and ease of use. The Xperia 5 III strongly caters to this user.
  • The Power User: Craves cutting-edge technology, demands top-tier performance and a visually stunning display. The Edge 50 Ultra aligns with these needs.
  • The Casual User: Seeks a reliable device with a good balance of features and usability. Both devices can satisfy this user, depending on individual preferences for size and display.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Choosing the Right Device:

The decision hinges on your personal priorities:

  • Prioritize portability and a pure Android experience? Choose the Sony Xperia 5 III.
  • Prioritize screen real estate, performance, and a visually immersive experience? Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra.

My Choice: The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra

While I appreciate the Xperia 5 III's compact elegance and clean Android experience, as a technology enthusiast and someone who consumes a lot of visual content, I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra.

The combination of a stunning 144Hz pOLED display with HDR10+ support, the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, and advanced camera capabilities creates a truly compelling user experience. The slight increase in size is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the significant gains in visual fidelity and performance. Furthermore, the Edge 50 Ultra's future-proofed connectivity and longer software support timeline make it a more compelling long-term investment. While I appreciate minimalist design, I also value the ability to customize, making the Edge's more flexible Android build attractive. It speaks to my personal preference for a device that pushes the boundaries of mobile technology and offers a premium, immersive experience.

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.