Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5
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Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and Sony Xperia 5?
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a starts at £155, £61 less than the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, 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 3000 mAh.
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
Both the Google Pixel 3a and Sony Xperia 5 were released in 2019 and run Android, offering a solid experience for everyday use. The Sony Xperia 5 suits you if you want a larger screen, more RAM, and extra storage with a microSD card slot. It also has a slightly bigger battery and a more powerful chipset for smoother multitasking and performance. The Google Pixel 3a is a good choice if you prefer a smaller, lighter phone with eSIM support. Both have similar camera resolutions and are unlocked for use on any UK network. Your choice depends on whether you want a more compact device or one with more power and screen space.
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
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Storage
- 64GBSold out
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Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, physical design, and software updates. Both phones share the same Android OS and release year but differ in battery size and SIM options.
Battery Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 has a 3140 mAh battery while the Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery. This means the Xperia 5 may last a bit longer between charges, which could benefit heavier users or those away from power sources for extended periods.
SIM and Software
The Google Pixel 3a supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving you more flexibility with mobile plans. The Sony Xperia 5 uses a physical SIM only.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Performance focuses on chipset power, RAM, and storage capacity. These elements affect how smoothly the phones run apps and handle multitasking.
Chipset
The Sony Xperia 5 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, which is built on a 7 nm process, making it more efficient and powerful than the Pixel 3a's Snapdragon 670 which uses a 10 nm process. This difference suits you if you use demanding apps or multitask often.
RAM and Storage
Sony Xperia 5 comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, supporting smoother multitasking and more space for apps and media. The Google Pixel 3a has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, which suits everyday use and lighter multitasking.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience. Both phones have OLED screens but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Sony Xperia 5 has a 6.1 inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2520, providing a taller and wider view that suits watching videos or browsing with more on screen. The Google Pixel 3a has a 5.6 inch OLED screen with 1080 x 2220 resolution, making it more compact and easier to use one-handed.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras which affect your photo and video quality, along with front camera capabilities for selfies or video calls.
Camera Specifications
Both phones have an 8 megapixel front camera suitable for selfies and video calls. The Google Pixel 3a has a 12.2 megapixel main camera, slightly higher in resolution than the Sony Xperia 5's 12 megapixels. This means the Pixel 3a might capture a little more detail in photos.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Miscellaneous details include physical dimensions, carrier compatibility, network support, and storage expandability which affect daily convenience.
Physical Size and Weight
The Google Pixel 3a measures 151.3 mm in height, 70.1 mm in width, and weighs 147 g. The Sony Xperia 5 is taller at 158 mm, narrower at 68 mm, and heavier at 164 g. If you prefer a lighter, more compact phone, the Pixel 3a suits you better.
Storage Expansion
The Sony Xperia 5 supports microSDXC cards for extra storage beyond its 128 GB internal memory. The Google Pixel 3a does not have a memory card slot, so its 64 GB storage is fixed.
Network and Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, allowing you to use them with any UK carrier without restrictions.
SIM Card Options
The Google Pixel 3a offers a combination of physical SIM and eSIM, giving you flexibility if you want to use multiple plans or switch carriers easily. The Sony Xperia 5 uses a physical SIM only.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3a or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £155, £61 less than the Sony Xperia 5
- you want a lighter build (147 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 3000 mAh)
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Google Pixel 3a often praise its condition and reliability. Many say it works perfectly or looks like new, making it a dependable choice for everyday use. Some note slower performance or charging issues, but others have successfully used it with different operating systems like Ubuntu. The phone's compact size and ease of setup are appreciated, although one customer mentioned a power button issue and another found an employee lock.
Sony Xperia 5 customers frequently mention the phone's excellent condition, with many saying it looks almost new or perfect. The larger screen and good camera attract users who want more from their device. Some users note battery life as a concern, reporting it does not last very long, but most are happy with the storage capacity and overall performance. A few mention slight sensitivity with the fingerprint sensor, which appears to be a model characteristic rather than a refurb issue.
Overall, the Pixel 3a appeals to those who want a smaller, lighter phone with reliable basic performance. The Sony Xperia 5 suits buyers looking for a bigger display, more memory, and extra storage options, accepting a slightly heavier device.
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, 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 3a is cheaper refurbished, from £155 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The Sony Xperia 5 has a bigger battery: 3140 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a has 12.2 megapixels and the Sony Xperia 5 has 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
