Sony Xperia 5 III vs Samsung Galaxy A55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

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

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 102.25 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 168 g 213 g
Height 157 mm 161.1 mm
Width 68 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Navy
  • Iceblue
  • Lilac
  • Lemon

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 21:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 85.8 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.94 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 48.9 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Xclipse 530

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 13 18

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. Samsung Galaxy A55: A User-Centered Perspective

As a technology communications specialist, my goal is to help you understand these phones beyond the numbers. Let's delve into a narrative-driven comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 III and the Samsung Galaxy A55, focusing on the user experience.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIISamsung Galaxy A55User Experience Impact
Interface DesignClean, minimalist Android skinOne UI 4.1, feature-rich, customizableSamsung offers greater personalization, while Sony prioritizes simplicity.
Interaction FlowSmooth, thanks to 120Hz OLED displaySmooth, with 120Hz Super AMOLED displayBoth offer fluid navigation and responsive touch.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsOne UI accessibility suite, more comprehensiveSamsung provides a wider range of accessibility options.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, lightweight (168g), 21:9 aspect ratioLarger, heavier (213g), 19.5:9 aspect ratioSony is more pocketable for one-handed use; Samsung offers a larger screen.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah. The Xperia 5 III, with its dedicated camera button and professional features like 4K HDR video at 120fps and advanced manual controls, transforms her phone into a powerful creative tool. She can capture stunning slow-motion footage of her dog playing fetch, with incredible detail and clarity. The A55, while offering a capable camera with a 50MP main sensor, focuses more on ease of use with features like AutoFraming and Single Take, making it perfect for capturing everyday moments effortlessly.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For the tech-savvy user: The Xperia 5 III offers granular control and a more "pure" Android experience.
  • For the casual user: The A55's One UI is packed with features and customizations, making it a more approachable and user-friendly option.
  • For users with accessibility needs: Samsung's more comprehensive suite of accessibility features offers a wider range of customization options.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The Xperia 5 III prioritizes a compact, premium design and a focused user experience tailored for enthusiasts. The A55 offers a larger display, a wider array of features, and greater accessibility, catering to a broader audience.

My Choice: As Sophia Rodriguez, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 III. While the Samsung Galaxy A55 offers a compelling package, the Xperia 5 III resonates more with my personal design philosophy. Its compact form factor, clean interface, and emphasis on a streamlined user experience, especially regarding photography, align with my preference for intuitive and purposeful technology. The dedicated camera button harkens back to classic camera design, offering a tactile and engaging photography experience that goes beyond simply pointing and shooting. I appreciate the power and control the Xperia 5 III provides, allowing me to truly tailor the device to my specific needs. The unique 21:9 aspect ratio, while perhaps not for everyone, offers a cinematic experience for media consumption that appeals to my appreciation for design details. While I acknowledge the Samsung's strengths in accessibility and broader user appeal, the Xperia 5 III's focused approach to design and functionality better suits my personal preferences and workflow.

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.