Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Sony Xperia 5 V
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 3 targets budget-conscious users with its compact 4.7-inch design, A15 Bionic processor, and solid iOS ecosystem, but its 4GB RAM, 625-nit LCD display, and modest 2018mAh battery limit longevity. Sony's Xperia 5 V demands $999 yet delivers flagship capabilities: a stunning 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED screen (1700 nits), Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance, professional-grade triple camera setup with 48MP main sensor and 4K@120fps video, plus a spacious 5000mAh battery. While the iPhone SE excels at value and simplicity, the Xperia 5 V's superior display, cameras, processing power, and battery life justify its premium for enthusiasts and content creators. Sony's offering wins decisively for anyone prioritizing performance and multimedia capabilities.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Sony Xperia 5 V |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 182 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 154 x 68 x 8.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 48 MP, f/1.9, OIS (Exmor T for mobile) |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 12 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@120fps, log video recording |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2, 124-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | OLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2520 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1700 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Pros
- Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Long iOS software support
Cons
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera
- Small 4.7-inch LCD display
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Modest battery life
Sony Xperia 5 V
Pros
- Compact 6.1-inch flagship in an era of large phones
- 4K@120fps video with professional log recording
- Exmor T sensor excels in low light
- Headphone jack retained
- IP68 with two years of OS updates
Cons
- No telephoto camera
- Only 30W wired charging — no wireless
- Premium price for a compact with limited camera versatility
- Display not as bright as competitors
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