Sony Xperia 5 III vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 8, 2021 April 26, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 95.71 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.65 "/g
Weight 168 g 176 g
Height 157 mm 159.9 mm
Width 68 mm 73.9 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Ice Blue
  • Onyx Black
  • Pearl Green

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.43 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 84.5 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 409 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 700 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.94 mAh/in² 120.93 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 52.24 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Mali-G57 MC2

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 13
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's embark on a journey beyond the spec sheet, exploring the Sony Xperia 5 III and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S as complete user experiences. We'll uncover how design choices translate into real-world usability for diverse individuals.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIIXiaomi Redmi Note 12SUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignClean, minimalist Android skinMIUI, feature-rich, customizableXperia offers a potentially smoother, less cluttered experience. MIUI offers more immediate customization but could feel overwhelming.
Interaction FlowOptimized for single-hand use (narrower body)Larger display, potentially less agileXperia benefits users who prioritize one-handed operation. Redmi might appeal to those who prefer a larger canvas for media consumption.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsMIUI-specific accessibility enhancementsBoth offer basic accessibility, but MIUI might provide a slightly more tailored experience.
Design ErgonomicsPremium materials, compact buildLighter but larger, potentially less premium feelXperia emphasizes in-hand feel and durability, while Redmi prioritizes a larger screen and lighter weight.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a photographer on the go. The Xperia 5 III, with its dedicated shutter button and pro-grade camera features (like 4K HDR video at 120fps), empowers them to capture fleeting moments with precision and artistic control. The story here is about empowering creativity through thoughtful design. The Redmi Note 12S, while boasting a 108MP main camera, lacks the same level of dedicated hardware and software integration, potentially hindering the spontaneous creative flow. Its strength lies in capturing detailed stills, appealing to a different user narrative focused on capturing high-resolution images for social media.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

User 1: A busy professional who values a compact, powerful phone for one-handed use on the commute. The Xperia 5 III's narrower form factor and clean interface cater perfectly to their needs.

User 2: A student who prioritizes affordability and a large screen for media consumption. The Redmi Note 12S's larger display and competitive price point align with their priorities.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

Beyond raw specifications, the choice hinges on individual priorities:

  • Prioritize Premium Feel and Performance: Xperia 5 III
  • Prioritize Affordability and Larger Display: Redmi Note 12S

My Choice: Sony Xperia 5 III

While the Redmi Note 12S offers impressive specifications for its price, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 III. Its user-centered design philosophy, evident in its compact form factor, clean interface, and dedicated hardware features (like the shutter button), resonates deeply with my appreciation for intuitive technology. The Xperia 5 III tells a story of purposeful design, prioritizing a seamless and empowering user experience over sheer numbers on a spec sheet. Its focus on ergonomics, creative enablement, and a less cluttered software experience aligns more closely with my personal values when it comes to technology interaction. I value the feeling of a well-crafted tool in my hand, and the Xperia 5 III delivers that in spades. The commitment to a smoother, less bloated Android experience also contributes significantly to my decision. While the Redmi offers strong value, the Xperia 5 III provides a more refined and intentional user experience that I find more appealing.

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.