Sony Xperia 5 III vs Samsung Galaxy S23 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 8, 2021 February 17, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 78.83 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.63 "/g
Weight 168 g 168 g
Height 157 mm 146.3 mm
Width 68 mm 70.9 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 21:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 88.1 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 425 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1200 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.94 mAh/in² 104.81 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 49.47 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 3900 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. Samsung Galaxy S23: A User-Centered Perspective

As a technology communications specialist, my goal is to move beyond raw specifications and delve into the heart of user experience. Let's explore the Sony Xperia 5 III and Samsung Galaxy S23 through a narrative lens, focusing on how design choices translate into real-world usability.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIISamsung Galaxy S23User Experience Impact
Interface DesignClassic, minimalist Android with dedicated shutter buttonModern One UI with customizable featuresXperia offers a purist experience; S23 provides flexibility and personalization.
Interaction FlowSmooth, but traditional Android navigationHighly refined One UI with intuitive gestures and animationsS23 offers a more fluid and modern interaction experience.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsExtensive One UI accessibility suite with advanced customizationS23 provides a wider range of accessibility features for diverse user needs.
Design ErgonomicsSlim, lightweight design with a dedicated side-mounted fingerprint sensorCompact, comfortable design with an under-display fingerprint sensorBoth are comfortable to hold, but the side-mounted sensor on the Xperia might be preferable for some users.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Capturing a Spontaneous Moment: Imagine you're at a concert, and the energy is electric. You want to capture a perfect photo of the band. With the Xperia 5 III, the dedicated shutter button provides a tactile, familiar experience, akin to using a traditional camera. This allows for quick, intuitive photo capture, ensuring you don't miss the moment. The S23, while lacking a dedicated button, compensates with its advanced camera software and processing, capturing stunning images with ease.

Scenario: Navigating a Busy Day: The S23's refined One UI, with its smooth animations and intuitive gestures, enables seamless multitasking and effortless navigation through a busy day. Picture yourself quickly switching between apps, responding to emails, and capturing memories – the S23 facilitates a fluid and efficient workflow. The Xperia 5 III offers a more traditional Android experience, reliable but less visually dynamic.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

Both devices offer standard Android accessibility features. However, the S23's One UI significantly expands on these options, providing a more inclusive experience for users with diverse needs. Its advanced customization options allow for personalized adjustments to font sizes, color contrasts, and interaction methods, catering to a broader range of users.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Choosing between these devices depends on your priorities. If you value a pure, minimalist Android experience with a focus on photography, the Xperia 5 III's classic design and dedicated shutter button might appeal to you. However, if you prioritize a modern, feature-rich interface with extensive customization and accessibility options, the S23 provides a more compelling user experience.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While I appreciate the Xperia 5 III's classic design and dedicated shutter button, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23. Its refined One UI, superior performance, longer software support (up to Android 17!), and advanced camera capabilities offer a more compelling overall user experience. The S23's commitment to accessibility, with its extensive customization options, further solidifies its position as a truly user-centered device. In the fast-paced world of technology, the S23 empowers users with a fluid, intuitive, and inclusive experience that seamlessly integrates into their lives. The newer processor and more modern design of the S23 make it a more future-proof option as well. It's a device that not only meets user needs but anticipates them, making technology more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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.