Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20
Starting at
£188.75£999.00 new
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S20 and Sony Xperia 5?
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 starts at £188.75, £27.25 less than the Sony Xperia 5. The Galaxy S20 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- The Galaxy S20 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.2 inch on the Galaxy S20, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5.
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The Galaxy S20 and Sony Xperia 5 share many features but also differ in ways that suit different users. The Galaxy S20 offers a larger battery and more RAM, which helps keep apps running smoothly and supports longer use between charges. Its screen is slightly larger and sharper with Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, making it a better fit for those who watch a lot of videos or prefer higher resolution. The Xperia 5 has a slightly smaller screen and lower resolution but uses OLED technology, which still delivers good colour and contrast. Both phones have the same main camera resolution, but the Galaxy S20 has a higher resolution front camera for clearer selfies. The Xperia 5 uses a single physical SIM while the Galaxy S20 supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM. These differences help you pick the phone that matches how you use your device daily.
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £312.00
- BlueStarting at £219.99
- PinkStarting at £197.00
- GreyStarting at £188.75
- WhiteStarting at £197.00
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Battery life and operating system updates matter for daily use and long-term reliability. Here, the Galaxy S20 and Sony Xperia 5 show some key differences that affect how long you can go between charges and the options you have for SIM cards.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 has a larger 4000 mAh battery, which means it can typically support longer use between charges. This suits users who rely on their phone heavily throughout the day or prefer less frequent charging. The Sony Xperia 5's 3140 mAh battery is smaller, which may suit users with lighter daily use or those who regularly charge their device.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S20 supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering more flexibility if you want to use multiple phone numbers or switch carriers without changing physical cards. The Xperia 5 supports a physical SIM only, which is straightforward for users who prefer a single SIM setup.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, from sharpness to colour and size. Both phones use OLED technology, but the Galaxy S20's screen offers a few stand-out features for viewers.
Resolution and Size
The Galaxy S20 has a higher resolution screen at 1440 x 3200 pixels and a 6.2 inch size, delivering a sharper and roomier display ideal for watching videos, browsing, or gaming. The Sony Xperia 5's screen is slightly smaller at 6.1 inches with a 1080 x 2520 resolution, which still provides a clear and vibrant viewing experience suitable for everyday use.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S20 uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, which enhances brightness and colour accuracy, benefiting users who want vivid visuals. The Xperia 5 features OLED technology, known for deep blacks and good contrast, making it a solid choice for users who appreciate rich colours without necessarily needing the highest resolution.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Camera quality plays a role if you take a lot of selfies or photos. Both phones have strong cameras but differ in front camera detail.
Front Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy S20 has a 10 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise clearer front-facing photos. The Xperia 5 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which still produces good quality images for everyday use.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, offering similar photo resolution for everyday photography. This means both the Galaxy S20 and Xperia 5 can take detailed pictures suitable for most needs.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Other practical differences include physical size, weight, and connectivity options, which can affect comfort and compatibility.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S20 measures 161.9 mm in height, 73.7 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 163 g. The Xperia 5 is slightly shorter and narrower at 158 mm height and 68 mm width, with a depth of 8.2 mm and weight of 164 g. The Xperia 5's more compact size may suit users looking for a phone that fits more easily in one hand or pocket.
Storage and Network Compatibility
Both phones offer 128GB of storage and support 4G mobile networks, meeting common needs for space and connectivity. Both are unlocked, so you can use them with a variety of UK carriers.
Connectors
Each phone uses a USB Type-C connector, ensuring compatibility with most modern chargers and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy S20 or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £188.75, £27.25 less than the Sony Xperia 5
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3140 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S20 often mention that the phone looks like new or in excellent condition and works well. Many appreciate its light weight and clear screen. Some have noted issues with screen responsiveness or SIM card status, but others find the phone perfect for everyday use. Users highlight smooth performance and good battery life, with some saying the phone matches the description of excellent condition.
Sony Xperia 5 customers generally say the phone looks nearly new and performs well for its price. Some mention that the battery life may be shorter, needing more frequent charging, but this suits users who want a lower priced option. The phone's condition is often described as very good with few visible marks. Some users find the fingerprint sensor a little sensitive, which may be typical for this model.
Overall, the Galaxy S20 suits those wanting a sharper screen and a larger battery for longer daily use, while the Xperia 5 appeals to buyers looking for a compact phone with good condition and solid all-round performance at a simpler level.
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
Galaxy S20 vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy S20 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 is cheaper refurbished, from £188.75 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The Galaxy S20 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 ended in Mar 2025. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Both come in 128GB refurbished.
