Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note9
Starting at
£142.00
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the Galaxy Note9 and Sony Xperia 5?
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy Note9 starts at £142, £74 less than the Sony Xperia 5. The Sony Xperia 5 is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5.
- The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.4 inch on the Galaxy Note9, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5.
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The Galaxy Note9 and Sony Xperia 5 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy Note9 offers a larger 6.4 inch Super AMOLED screen and a bigger 4000 mAh battery, making it well suited for those who want a roomier display and longer battery capacity. The Sony Xperia 5 has a slightly smaller 6.1 inch OLED screen and a Snapdragon 855 chipset, which may appeal to those looking for a more compact phone with a newer chipset. Both devices have 6 GB of RAM and 128GB storage with unlocked SIM compatibility. The Note9 supports dual physical SIMs and is heavier and wider, while the Xperia 5 is lighter, narrower, and slightly thinner.
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Durability matters for how long your phone lasts and how it fits daily use. The Galaxy Note9 has a larger battery capacity, which can affect how long you go between charges.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note9 has a 4000 mAh battery, which provides more power capacity than the Sony Xperia 5's 3140 mAh battery. This means the Note9 may last longer before needing a recharge, which suits users who spend extended periods away from charging points. The Xperia 5's smaller battery is still practical for everyday use but may require more frequent charging.
Operating System Support
This means app compatibility and security updates may not be fully current on either device.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage. Both phones come with 6 GB of RAM and 128GB storage, suitable for smooth multitasking and ample space. The key difference lies in their chipsets.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy Note9 uses either the Exynos 9810 or Snapdragon 845 chipset, while the Sony Xperia 5 features the Snapdragon 855 built on a 7 nm process. The Snapdragon 855 is a newer generation chipset that can offer improved efficiency and speed, which benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking frequently. The Note9's chipsets remain capable for everyday use and standard apps.
RAM and Storage
Both devices have 6 GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which allows for smooth handling of multiple apps and plenty of room for media and documents. This makes either phone suitable for users who need reliable performance without constant storage management.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality affects how you enjoy media and interact with your phone. The Galaxy Note9 offers a larger screen with higher resolution and a different screen technology compared to the Sony Xperia 5.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Note9 has a 6.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2960, offering a larger and sharper display that suits users who watch videos or read on their phone. The Sony Xperia 5 has a slightly smaller 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2520, providing a compact display ideal for those who prefer a phone that fits more easily in one hand or pocket.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy Note9 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, which enhances media viewing and outdoor visibility. The Sony Xperia 5 features an OLED screen, which also delivers good contrast and brightness with a slightly different colour profile. Both screen types provide quality visuals but may appeal differently based on personal preferences.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Camera and front-facing camera quality matter for photos, selfies, and video calls. Both phones share the same megapixel counts for their front and main cameras.
Camera Resolution
Both the Galaxy Note9 and Sony Xperia 5 have a 12 megapixel main camera and an 8 megapixel front camera. This means users can expect similar levels of detail and image quality from either device, making them both suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Other factors like size, weight, SIM options, and expandability affect how you carry and use your phone daily. These differ noticeably between the two models.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Note9 is larger and heavier, measuring 161.9 mm tall, 76.4 mm wide, 8.8 mm deep, and weighing 201 g. This suits users who prefer a bigger phone with a substantial feel. The Sony Xperia 5 is more compact and lighter, at 158 mm tall, 68 mm wide, 8.2 mm deep, and 164 g, ideal for those who want a phone that is easier to hold and carry.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy Note9 supports dual physical SIM cards, allowing use of two networks or numbers simultaneously. This feature benefits users who need to separate work and personal calls or travel frequently. The Sony Xperia 5 supports a single physical SIM card, which suits users with simpler SIM needs.
Storage Expansion
Both devices support microSDXC cards, letting you increase storage space beyond the built-in 128GB. This is useful for users who store many photos, videos, or apps, providing flexibility with media and file storage.
Network Compatibility
Both phones operate on 4G networks and come unlocked, allowing you to choose your preferred mobile network and switch between providers without restrictions.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note9 or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £142, £74 less than the Sony Xperia 5
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3140 mAh)
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want a lighter build (164 g vs 201 g)
- you want the newer model (2019)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Note9 often praise its condition, with several saying it looks like new or mint and that it functions well. Many highlight the phone's good features and consider it a good value purchase. Some mention the battery as a concern, needing replacement after some use. The screen and overall performance satisfy users who appreciate a larger display and reliable multitasking. A few customers note the phone only runs Android 10, affecting app compatibility.
Sony Xperia 5 customers generally report satisfaction with the phone's condition, describing it as almost new or perfect. Users appreciate the compact size and the phone's performance for everyday use. Battery life receives mixed comments, with some finding it needs frequent charging. The camera and screen quality meet expectations, and the phone's unlocked status is valued. Some users note minor issues with network unlocking or battery performance but remain happy overall.
Both phones suit buyers looking for solid refurbished devices. The Galaxy Note9 appeals to those who want a larger screen and longer battery life, while the Sony Xperia 5 suits users who prefer a lighter, more compact phone with a newer chipset.
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
Galaxy Note9 vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5. The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
The Galaxy Note9 is cheaper refurbished, from £142 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note9 ended in Jul 2022. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Both come in 128GB refurbished.
