iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5
Shop iPhone
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 new
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the iPhone XS Max and Sony Xperia 5?
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £47.91 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 A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5.
- The Sony Xperia 5 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- Battery: 3174 mAh on the iPhone XS Max, 3140 mAh on the Sony Xperia 5.
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The iPhone XS Max and Sony Xperia 5 offer distinct experiences suited to different needs. The iPhone XS Max features a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED screen with higher resolution, ideal for those who prefer a bigger display for media. The Xperia 5 provides more RAM and a microSDXC slot for extra storage, suiting users who keep many apps open or need more space. The Xperia 5 is lighter and narrower, making it easier to hold for one-handed use. Camera megapixels are similar, with the Xperia 5 having a slightly higher front camera resolution. Battery capacities are close, so daily endurance is similar. Your choice depends on whether you want a larger iPhone screen and iOS updates or a smaller, lighter Android with more RAM and expandable storage.
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
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Storage
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and operating systems.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery while the Sony Xperia 5 has a 3140 mAh battery. Both capacities are very close, so daily battery life will be similar. Both should handle a full day of typical use, but exact endurance depends on individual usage patterns.
Software Updates
If keeping your system current matters, the iPhone XS Max is the choice.
Operating System
The iPhone XS Max runs iOS, which offers a different ecosystem and user experience compared to the Sony Xperia 5's Android operating system. Choosing between them depends on your preference for iOS or Android apps and features.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence speed, multitasking, and how much content you can keep on your device.
Processor Power
The iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, while the Sony Xperia 5 has the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm). Both are capable chipsets from their time, designed to handle everyday tasks smoothly. The iPhone's chipset integrates tightly with iOS for efficient performance.
Memory for Multitasking
The Sony Xperia 5 has 6 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open simultaneously and can improve multitasking. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM, which also supports smooth app use but with less multitasking capacity compared to the Xperia 5.
Storage Choices
The iPhone XS Max offers three storage sizes: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, giving you flexibility depending on how much space you need. The Sony Xperia 5 comes with 128GB of storage, which suits users with moderate storage needs but also supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and apps. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type influence clarity and comfort.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen compared to the Sony Xperia 5's 6.1 inch display. If you prefer a bigger screen for watching videos or reading, the iPhone XS Max offers more room.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone XS Max features a resolution of 1242 x 2688, which is higher than the Xperia 5's 1080 x 2520. This means the iPhone's screen can show slightly sharper images and text, which benefits users focused on detail.
Screen Technology
Both devices use OLED technology for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS Max uses a Super Retina OLED screen, while the Xperia 5 uses OLED. Both provide good contrast and colour, making media and photos look vivid.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Camera and front camera quality determine how well you capture photos and videos or take selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone XS Max and Sony Xperia 5 have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means image detail is comparable, so either device can take photos with similar resolution.
Front Camera
The Sony Xperia 5 has an 8 megapixel front camera, slightly higher than the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This may appeal to users who prioritise selfie or video call quality.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Other features like size, weight, connectors, and SIM options affect how the device fits your lifestyle and accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide and 208 g in weight. The Sony Xperia 5 is slimmer and lighter at 158 mm tall, 68 mm wide and 164 g. The Xperia 5 suits those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone for easier handling.
Connector Type
The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector, which is standard for Apple devices. The Sony Xperia 5 uses USB-C, common among many Android phones and accessories. Your choice may depend on which cables and chargers you already have.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The iPhone XS Max supports a physical SIM and eSIM, offering dual SIM capability. The Sony Xperia 5 has a physical SIM slot only but offers a microSDXC card slot for storage expansion, useful if you want to add more space beyond the built-in storage.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone XS Max or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £47.91 less than the Sony Xperia 5
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (164 g vs 208 g)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the iPhone XS Max for its like-new appearance and solid performance. Many say it looks brand new with no scratches or dents and find the battery life acceptable, though some have noted shorter battery endurance in certain cases. The setup process can take longer, but the phone generally does everything needed well. Some customers mention the screen and call volume have been reliable, and the device is praised for its simple and clear product descriptions. A few customers have experienced issues with Face ID or battery health but overall recommend the phone for those not needing the very latest model.
The Sony Xperia 5 is valued for its condition, often described as almost new or perfect. Customers highlight its lightweight design and comfortable size. Battery life varies, with some users noting it needs frequent charging or lasts under two hours, but others find it acceptable for the price. The phone's fingerprint sensor sensitivity is mentioned, and network unlocking has sometimes been an issue. Overall, customers are happy with the Xperia 5's performance and quality given its price, finding it a satisfactory replacement device.
The iPhone XS Max suits buyers wanting a larger screen, iOS updates, and multiple storage options. The Sony Xperia 5 fits those who prefer a lighter, narrower Android phone with more RAM and expandable storage, accepting trade-offs in update support and slightly smaller screen.
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
iPhone XS Max vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max, Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5. The Sony Xperia 5 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The iPhone XS Max has 3174 mAh and the Sony Xperia 5 has 3140 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5.
Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
