Sony Xperia 5 III vs Realme 12 Pro+ - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 8, 2021 January 29, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 105.17 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 168 g 196 g
Height 157 mm 161.5 mm
Width 68 mm 74 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Submarine Blue
  • Navigator Beige
  • Explorer Red

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 90.4 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 950 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.94 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 47.54 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 710

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. Realme 12 Pro+: A User-Centered Comparison

As a technology communications specialist, my goal is to help you understand these phones beyond the spec sheet. We'll explore how design choices translate into real-world experiences, empowering you to choose the device that best fits your lifestyle.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIIRealme 12 Pro+User Experience Impact
Interface DesignClean, minimalist Android skinCustomized Android skinXperia offers a closer-to-stock Android experience, potentially appealing to users who prefer simplicity and faster updates. Realme's customization might offer more features but could feel bloated to some.
Interaction FlowOptimized for single-hand useLarger display, two-handed useXperia's compact form factor enhances one-handed usability. Realme's larger screen provides more immersive content consumption but might be less convenient for single-hand operation.
Accessibility FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorUnder-display fingerprint sensorBoth offer biometric security. Side-mounted sensors are often faster and more reliable, while under-display sensors offer a cleaner aesthetic.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, lightweight (168g)Larger, heavier (196g)Xperia prioritizes portability and comfort for extended use. Realme prioritizes a larger display and battery, potentially sacrificing some ergonomics.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: A Day in the Life

Imagine a busy professional, Sarah. With the Xperia 5 III, she effortlessly navigates crowded commutes, responding to emails with one hand while holding onto a train strap. The phone's compact size slips easily into her pocket. Later, she enjoys a movie during her lunch break, the OLED display bringing vibrant colors to life.

Contrast this with David, a creative enthusiast. The Realme 12 Pro+'s expansive 6.7" AMOLED screen becomes his canvas for photo editing and sketching. The faster charging ensures he's always ready to capture inspiration, while the larger battery keeps him powered throughout the day. The superior camera system of the Realme also allows for capturing higher resolution images and using the telephoto lens.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User 1: The Minimalist: Values clean software, reliable performance, and one-handed usability. The Xperia 5 III aligns perfectly with these preferences.

User 2: The Content Creator: Prioritizes a large, vibrant display, long battery life, and a powerful camera system. The Realme 12 Pro+ caters to these needs.

User 3: The Tech Novice: Seeks an intuitive, easy-to-learn device. Both phones offer relatively straightforward Android experiences, but the Xperia's cleaner interface might be slightly more approachable.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Choosing the Right Device:

  • Prioritize portability and one-handed use? Choose the Xperia 5 III.
  • Need a large screen for content creation and media consumption? Choose the Realme 12 Pro+.
  • Value a clean software experience and faster updates? Lean towards the Xperia 5 III.
  • Desire a higher resolution, more feature rich camera? The Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.

My Choice: Realme 12 Pro+

While I appreciate the Xperia 5 III's compact design and clean software, as Sophia Rodriguez, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. Its superior camera capabilities, larger battery, and faster charging align better with my needs as a technology communicator who often documents events, creates visual content, and requires a device that can keep up with a demanding schedule. The larger screen also facilitates multitasking and content review. While the Xperia excels in portability, the Realme's compelling features and modern chipset offer a more comprehensive and future-proof experience for my professional needs. I believe that the slightly heavier weight can be overlooked given the significant advantages offered in other key areas.

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.