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 91.39 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 168 g 196 g
Height 157 mm 157.8 mm
Width 68 mm 76.2 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 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 21:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 88.9 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 393 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 107.90 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 51.43 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4700 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 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 delve into a narrative-driven comparison of the Sony Xperia 5 III and the Samsung Galaxy S23+, focusing on the user experience.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIISamsung Galaxy S23+User Experience Impact
Interface DesignClean, minimalist Android skinOne UI - Feature-rich, customizableS23+ offers more personalization; Xperia emphasizes a pure Android experience.
Interaction FlowStock Android navigation, predictable behaviorGesture-based, potentially steeper learning curveXperia may feel more intuitive for Android purists. S23+ offers more advanced options.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsExtensive One UI accessibility suiteS23+ likely provides a wider range of accessibility features.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, lightweight (168g), 21:9 aspect ratioLarger, heavier (196g), wider aspect ratioXperia is more pocketable for one-handed use; S23+ offers a larger viewing area.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah. The Xperia 5 III, with its dedicated shutter button and professional-grade manual controls, allows Sarah to capture fleeting moments with precision, mimicking the tactile experience of a traditional camera. The S23+, on the other hand, empowers Sarah with AI-enhanced scene optimization and effortless point-and-shoot capabilities, perfect for capturing stunning images without fiddling with settings.

Design Choice Impact: The Xperia's design caters to the intentional photographer, while the S23+ prioritizes ease of use and accessibility for a broader audience.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User Perspective 1: A senior citizen might find the Xperia's compact size easier to handle and the clean interface less overwhelming.

User Perspective 2: A young professional who values cutting-edge technology and customization might gravitate towards the S23+'s advanced features and vibrant display.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Choosing between these phones hinges on your individual priorities:

  • Prioritize Compactness and a Pure Android Experience? Choose the Xperia 5 III.
  • Prioritize Cutting-Edge Technology, Customization, and a Larger Display? Choose the S23+.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23+

While I appreciate the Xperia 5 III's compact design and clean Android experience, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. Its newer processor and more advanced camera technology, coupled with the extensive customization options of One UI and broader range of accessibility features, make it a more compelling device for me. The brighter, larger display enhances media consumption, and although it's a bit heavier, the overall user experience offered by the S23+ aligns better with my personal preferences for a feature-rich and powerful smartphone. The leap in performance and the longer software support from a newer device also significantly influence my decision.

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.