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

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

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

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 113.58 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 2.91 "/g
Weight 168 g 234 g
Height 157 mm 163.4 mm
Width 68 mm 78.1 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1440 x 3088
Aspect Ratio 21:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 89.5 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 500 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 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 44.02 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 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 Ultra: A User-Centered Perspective

Let's dive beyond the spec sheet and explore the Sony Xperia 5 III and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as complete user experiences. Instead of a dry recitation of numbers, we'll craft a narrative that reveals how these devices feel in your hand and how their design choices impact your daily interactions.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIISamsung Galaxy S23 UltraUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignClean, minimalist Android skinFeature-rich One UI overlayXperia offers a potentially smoother, less cluttered experience; S23 Ultra provides more customization options.
Interaction FlowFocus on speed and efficiency; dedicated shutterMultitasking-focused; S Pen integrationXperia caters to photography enthusiasts; S23 Ultra offers productivity power users a unique input method and features.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsExtensive One UI accessibility suiteS23 Ultra provides a wider range of options for users with diverse needs.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, lightweight; comfortable one-handed useLarger, heavier; premium feel but less portableXperia excels in portability; S23 Ultra prioritizes a luxurious in-hand experience, but may be less comfortable for some.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Capturing a fleeting moment: Imagine you're at a concert, and the lead singer leaps into the crowd. With the Xperia 5 III, the dedicated shutter button offers a familiar, tactile experience, allowing you to quickly capture the moment with a satisfying click. The S23 Ultra relies on touchscreen controls, which might feel less intuitive in the heat of the moment.

Scenario: A busy workday: You're juggling emails, editing a presentation, and taking notes during a video conference. The S23 Ultra's S Pen transforms the phone into a note-taking powerhouse, allowing for seamless multitasking and precise annotations. While the Xperia 5 III offers capable performance, it lacks this unique input method.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User 1: A photographer: The Xperia 5 III's dedicated shutter button and pro-grade camera features cater to their passion.

User 2: A business professional: The S23 Ultra's S Pen, large display, and multitasking capabilities enhance their productivity.

User 3: A senior citizen: The Xperia 5 III's compact size and simple interface might be more approachable than the S23 Ultra's complexity.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Choose the Xperia 5 III if:

  • You prioritize a compact, lightweight phone for easy one-handed use.
  • You value a clean, uncluttered Android experience.
  • You're a photography enthusiast who appreciates a dedicated shutter button.

Choose the S23 Ultra if:

  • You want a powerful, feature-rich device with a premium feel.
  • You need the unique productivity features offered by the S Pen.
  • You prioritize a large, vibrant display for immersive content consumption.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While I admire the Xperia 5 III's focused design and portability, the S23 Ultra's comprehensive feature set and innovative S Pen integration resonate more with my personal needs and workflow. As a technology communicator, I value the ability to seamlessly multitask, take detailed notes, and capture high-quality photos and videos. The S23 Ultra, despite its larger size, offers a more versatile and powerful platform for content creation and communication. The advanced camera system, while lacking the dedicated shutter button, provides unparalleled image quality and versatility. Ultimately, the S23 Ultra's user experience aligns more closely with my demands for productivity and creative expression.

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.