iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5
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iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the iPhone SE (2016) and Sony Xperia 5?
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £23.60 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: Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5.
- The Sony Xperia 5 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Sony Xperia 5 has a bigger battery: 3140 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The iPhone SE (2016) and Sony Xperia 5 differ in size, performance, and features, suiting different user needs. The iPhone SE is smaller with a 4 inch screen and uses iOS, making it ideal if you prefer a compact phone with simpler features and a familiar interface. The Sony Xperia 5 offers a larger 6.1 inch OLED screen and more RAM, suited for those who want a bigger display and multitasking capability. The Xperia has a higher capacity battery and more storage, which benefits heavy users. The iPhone SE supports a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is handy if you use wired headphones.
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system, and compatibility with software updates. These factors influence how long the phone lasts on a charge, what apps you can run, and how the phone feels to use over time.
Battery Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 has a 3140 mAh battery, nearly double the 1624 mAh in the iPhone SE (2016). This means the Xperia 5 can support longer use between charges, which suits users who spend more time away from charging points. The iPhone SE's smaller battery fits its compact size and suits lighter daily use or users who prefer smaller phones.
Operating System
The iPhone SE (2016) runs iOS, offering a different ecosystem compared to the Sony Xperia 5's Android OS. Your choice depends on which platform you prefer for apps, updates, and interface.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage capacity. These determine how smoothly the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores your data.
Processor and RAM
The Sony Xperia 5 has a Snapdragon 855 chipset and 6 GB of RAM, which supports more apps running at once and smoother multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has an Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use like messaging and basic apps. Choose the Xperia 5 if you use multiple apps simultaneously or heavier apps.
Storage Options
The Xperia 5 offers 128GB of storage, double the 64GB in the iPhone SE (2016). More storage is useful if you keep many photos, videos, or apps. The Xperia 5 also supports microSDXC cards for additional storage, which the iPhone does not.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality affects how you view videos, read text, and interact with apps. Size, resolution, and screen type all influence the visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Sony Xperia 5 has a 6.1 inch screen with 1080 x 2520 resolution, offering a large, sharp display that is good for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, suited for users who want a compact phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket.
Screen Type
The Xperia 5 uses an OLED screen, which typically offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen, providing consistent colours and wide viewing angles. OLED suits those who prioritise richer display quality.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras and front-facing options for photos and video calls. These affect the detail and quality of images you capture.
Front Camera
The Sony Xperia 5 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video chats compared to the iPhone SE (2016) with its 1.2 megapixel front camera. This suits users who value better front-facing photos or video call quality.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means they offer similar resolution for regular photos, so your choice here depends on other camera features or personal preference.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectors, network compatibility, and SIM options. These details affect comfort, connectivity, and expandability.
Size and Weight
The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, measuring 123.8 mm by 58.6 mm and weighing 113 g, making it easier to carry and use with one hand. The Sony Xperia 5 is larger and heavier at 158 mm by 68 mm and 164 g, offering a bigger screen but less compact feel.
Connectors
The iPhone SE (2016) has a Lightning connector plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is convenient if you use wired headphones without adapters. The Sony Xperia 5 uses a USB-C connector, common for many modern Android devices.
Expandable Storage
The Sony Xperia 5 supports microSDXC cards for extra storage, allowing you to add memory as needed. The iPhone SE (2016) does not have this option, so you rely on built-in storage.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 4G networks and use physical SIM cards, with unlocked compatibility. This gives flexibility in mobile network choice.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone SE (2016) or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £23.60 less than the Sony Xperia 5
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 164 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3140 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want an OLED screen
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the iPhone SE (2016) for its compact size and straightforward use. Many find it good value, noting it performs well for everyday tasks and messaging. The battery life is generally solid for its size, though some mention it can need topping up or replacement over time. The screen remains clear and functional, with some users highlighting the phone's simplicity and suitability for users who prefer smaller devices. Light scratches on bodywork are common but not a problem for most.
Reviews of the Sony Xperia 5 highlight its larger screen and smooth performance. Customers say it looks almost new and runs well for most needs. Some mention the battery life can be short, requiring regular charging. The phone's size and camera quality are praised, and many find the storage ample. A few note that the fingerprint sensor is sensitive but this may be part of the model's design.
Overall, the iPhone SE (2016) suits those wanting a smaller, easy-to-use phone with iOS, while the Sony Xperia 5 is better for users who want a bigger display, more RAM, and expandable storage on Android.
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
iPhone SE (2016) vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016), Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5. The Sony Xperia 5 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The Sony Xperia 5 has a bigger battery: 3140 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) comes in 64GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
