Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3
Starting at
£121.00
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the Google Pixel 3 and Sony Xperia 5?
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 starts at £121, £95 less than the Sony Xperia 5. The Sony Xperia 5 is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5.
- The Sony Xperia 5 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Sony Xperia 5 has a bigger battery: 3140 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The Google Pixel 3 and Sony Xperia 5 differ in several ways that suit different users. The Sony Xperia 5 has a larger 6.1 inch screen with higher resolution, more RAM, and a bigger battery capacity, making it a better choice if you want a roomier display and more memory for multitasking. The Pixel 3 is lighter and smaller, which suits those who prefer a compact phone. Storage is larger on the Xperia 5 with 128GB compared to 64GB on the Pixel 3. The Xperia 5 supports microSDXC cards for extra storage flexibility, while the Pixel 3 includes an eSIM alongside a physical SIM. If you want a smaller phone with simpler storage, the Pixel 3 fits well. If you prefer a bigger screen and more memory, the Xperia 5 is more suitable.
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
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Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery size, software updates, and physical build details. Battery size varies slightly, which affects usage times.
Battery Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 has a 3140 mAh battery, while the Google Pixel 3 has a 2915 mAh battery. This means the Xperia 5 may last longer between charges, which suits users needing more screen time or heavier use. The Pixel 3's smaller battery fits its more compact design, ideal if you prefer a lighter device.
Operating System Updates
This means both phones run older versions of Android, so neither benefits from the newest features or security patches. Buyers should choose based on other factors rather than software updates.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Performance depends on chipset, memory, and storage options. The Xperia 5 offers a newer chipset and more RAM, with double the storage capacity in our stock, which supports heavier multitasking and storing more files.
Processor Chipset
The Sony Xperia 5 uses the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 built on a 7 nm process, while the Google Pixel 3 has the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 with a 10 nm process. The Xperia 5's chipset is newer and likely more efficient, which suits users who want smoother performance with demanding apps.
Memory and Storage
The Xperia 5 has 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage in stock, supporting more apps open at once and more saved files. The Pixel 3 comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, fitting everyday use and lighter multitasking. The Xperia 5 also supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and technology. The Xperia 5 offers a larger and taller display with a slightly higher resolution. The screen types differ slightly, influencing viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Sony Xperia 5 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2520, offering more room for videos, reading, and multitasking. The Google Pixel 3's 5.5 inch screen with 1080 x 2160 resolution is more compact and easier to handle one-handed. Choose the Xperia 5 for a roomier display or the Pixel 3 for a smaller device.
Screen Type
The Pixel 3 uses a P-OLED screen, while the Xperia 5 has an OLED screen. Both offer rich colours and deep blacks, but the Pixel 3's P-OLED may give a slightly different display experience, which some users notice in colour tint.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera quality. Both phones have similar front camera resolution and main camera megapixels, supporting good quality photos and video calls.
Camera Megapixels
Both phones have an 8 megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls. The Pixel 3's main camera is 12.2 megapixels, while the Xperia 5's main camera is 12 megapixels. The difference is slight, so either phone suits users looking for solid photo quality.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Miscellaneous differences cover size, weight, connectivity, and storage expandability. These affect handling comfort, network options, and how you manage files.
Size and Weight
The Google Pixel 3 is smaller and lighter at 145.6 mm tall, 68.2 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and 148 g. The Sony Xperia 5 is taller and a bit heavier at 158 mm tall, 68 mm wide, 8.2 mm deep, and 164 g. The Pixel 3 suits those wanting a compact phone, while the Xperia 5 is better for those comfortable with a larger device.
SIM and Storage
The Pixel 3 supports a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexible mobile network options. The Xperia 5 uses a physical SIM only. For storage, the Xperia 5 supports microSDXC cards, so you can add more space if needed. The Pixel 3 does not have a card slot.
Connector and Network
Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 4G mobile networks. Both are unlocked for use on any network.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3 or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121, £95 less than the Sony Xperia 5
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 164 g)
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3140 mAh vs 2915 mAh)
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Google Pixel 3 appreciate its small size and light weight, describing it as a good phone for everyday use. Many say it looks like new and works perfectly, though some mention needing to watch the battery and a screen tint that can appear pinky orange. A few customers noted issues with network locking or battery life, but overall the Pixel 3 is praised for being capable and well-priced.
Sony Xperia 5 customers highlight its excellent condition and feel, often describing the phone as almost new. The larger screen and memory suit users who want more from their device, though some mention the battery life can be short. A few buyers experienced network unlocking issues. Overall, the Xperia 5 is seen as a solid, well-performing phone for those who value screen size and storage flexibility.
The Pixel 3 suits buyers who want a smaller, lighter phone with straightforward storage options. The Xperia 5 fits those who prefer a larger display, more memory, and expandable storage.
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
Google Pixel 3 vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5. The Sony Xperia 5 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 3 is cheaper refurbished, from £121 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The Sony Xperia 5 has a bigger battery: 3140 mAh vs 2915 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3 has 12.2 megapixels and the Sony Xperia 5 has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3 ended in Oct 2021. Its last version is Android 12. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3 comes in 64GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
