iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and Sony Xperia 5?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Sony Xperia 5 starts at £216, £116.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.7 inch on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and Sony Xperia 5 offer different strengths suited to varied needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger and higher resolution screen, a bigger battery, and supports 5G networks. The Sony Xperia 5 has a smaller screen with full HD resolution, runs Android, and includes a microSDXC card slot for expandable storage. It uses USB-C charging and has a lighter, more compact design. Buyers who want a larger display, longer battery life, and 5G connectivity may prefer the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Those who value a more pocketable phone, physical microSD storage, and USB-C might find the Sony Xperia 5 a better fit.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
- Pacific blueStarting at £344.00
- GraphiteStarting at £332.70
- GoldStarting at £335.00
- SilverStarting at £344.00
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical design elements. These factors affect daily use, longevity, and device compatibility.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which is larger than the Sony Xperia 5's 3140 mAh. This means the iPhone 12 Pro Max typically offers longer usage between charges, making it suitable for heavy users or those who want to go a full day without recharging.
Software Updates
The Sony Xperia 5 does not have this compatibility, so it runs the last supported Android version it received.
Operating System
The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS, offering the Apple ecosystem and app experience. The Sony Xperia 5 runs Android, which offers more customisation options and a different app environment. Your preference for operating system will guide your choice.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence speed, multitasking, and how much data or media you can keep on your device.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset paired with 6 GB of RAM. The Sony Xperia 5 has a Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 chipset with the same 6 GB of RAM. Both devices can handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the different chipsets offer distinct processing architectures suited to their operating systems.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, giving you a choice depending on your need for space. The Sony Xperia 5 is available with 128GB storage but offers a microSDXC slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add memory cards if you want more space for media or files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality affects how you view media, browse, and interact with apps. Size, resolution, and screen technology all play a role in the visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels, providing a larger and sharper display. This is ideal for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking. The Sony Xperia 5 offers a 6.1 inch screen at 1080 x 2520 pixels, which is more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, designed to deliver vivid colours and strong contrast. The Sony Xperia 5 uses an OLED screen, which also offers bright colours and deep blacks. Both provide good visual quality for most viewing needs.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras and their resolution. These affect photography and video calls, where clarity and detail are important.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the Sony Xperia 5's 8 megapixel front camera. This suits users who prioritise high-quality video chats or self-portraits.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and Sony Xperia 5 have 12 megapixel main cameras. This means they can capture photos of similar resolution, suitable for everyday photography and sharing.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Other practical features include network compatibility, charging connectors, physical dimensions, and SIM options that affect usability and convenience.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where 5G coverage is available. The Sony Xperia 5 supports 4G networks, which provide reliable connectivity but at lower maximum speeds.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector for charging and data transfer. The Sony Xperia 5 uses USB-C, a widely adopted standard compatible with many accessories and chargers.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger and heavier, measuring 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 226 g. The Sony Xperia 5 is smaller and lighter, at 15.8 cm height, 6.8 cm width, 0.82 cm depth, and 164 g weight, making it easier to hold and carry.
SIM and Storage Features
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility for multiple mobile plans. The Sony Xperia 5 supports a physical SIM only but includes a microSDXC slot for expandable storage, which can be useful if you need extra media space.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 3140 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want 5G
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £216, £116.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (164 g vs 228 g)
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 Pro Max appreciate its like-new condition and long battery life that lasts all day. Many find the device's appearance elegant and are happy with the storage options available. Some mention minor cosmetic marks that are barely noticeable or disappear with a clear case. Overall, users report the iPhone 12 Pro Max performs well and suits those wanting more storage and a larger screen.
Owners of the Sony Xperia 5 praise its condition as almost like new and find it satisfactory for everyday use. The compact size and good screen quality are noted, though some customers comment that battery life can be shorter, needing more frequent charging. The microSDXC slot and USB-C connector are convenient features for those needing expandable storage and standard charging options.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max fits buyers looking for a phone with a large, high-resolution display, longer battery life, and 5G connectivity. The Sony Xperia 5 is appealing for users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with expandable storage and USB-C charging.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
The Sony Xperia 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £216 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3140 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
