iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5
Shop iPhone
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 new
Sony Xperia 5
Starting at
£216.00What's the difference between the iPhone XS and Sony Xperia 5?
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £77.65 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, 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 2658 mAh.
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 specs
The iPhone XS and Sony Xperia 5 differ in key areas that suit different needs. The Xperia 5 offers a larger screen with a slightly higher resolution height and more RAM, which helps keep more apps open. Battery capacity is higher on the Xperia 5, which may appeal if longer battery capacity matters. The iPhone XS has storage options up to 256GB, while the Xperia 5 is stocked with 128GB. Cameras are similar in megapixels, with the Xperia 5 having a slightly higher front camera resolution. The iPhone XS features a Lightning connector and dual SIM capability including eSIM, while the Xperia 5 uses USB-C and a microSDXC slot for storage expansion. These differences make the iPhone XS a solid choice for those who want iOS and software support, while the Xperia 5 suits users who prioritise screen size, RAM, and expandable storage.
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, operating system, and physical features that affect daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 has a larger 3140 mAh battery compared to the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the Xperia 5 may offer longer usage between charges, which benefits users who need extended battery life during a busy day. The iPhone XS's battery is smaller but still suitable for typical daily use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones offer capable processors and enough memory for everyday use, but their choices suit different user preferences.
Processor
The iPhone XS is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chip, while the Sony Xperia 5 uses the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm). Both processors handle common tasks smoothly, making either phone suitable for typical apps and multitasking.
RAM Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 has 6 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open at the same time, benefiting users who multitask frequently. The iPhone XS has 4 GB of RAM, enough for everyday use and smooth performance in most apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone XS is stocked with 64GB and 256GB storage, giving a choice between moderate and larger storage needs. The Sony Xperia 5 comes with 128GB, a middle ground offering ample space for apps, photos, and media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 screen
Screen quality impacts your viewing experience for videos, games, and reading. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type affect how the display looks and feels.
Screen Size And Resolution
The Sony Xperia 5 has a larger 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels, offering more room for content and a taller display. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels, providing a slightly sharper pixel density that may give crisper images on a smaller screen.
Screen Type
The iPhone XS features a Super Retina OLED screen, known for high colour accuracy and brightness. The Sony Xperia 5 uses an OLED screen, which also delivers rich colours and deep blacks. Both screens offer quality viewing experiences suited to multimedia and daily use.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras, which impact photography and video calls. Both phones have similar main camera resolution but differ slightly on the front camera.
Front Camera
The Sony Xperia 5 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS front camera is 7 megapixels, still suitable for clear self-portraits and video chats.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone XS and Sony Xperia 5 have 12 megapixel main cameras, offering similar resolution for everyday photography. This makes both phones capable of capturing detailed images under normal conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectors, SIM options, physical dimensions, and storage expansion. These affect how you use the phone day to day and your preferences for charging, carrying, and connectivity.
Connector Type
The iPhone XS uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, common for Apple devices. The Sony Xperia 5 uses USB-C, a widely adopted standard that works with many chargers and peripherals.
SIM And Storage Expansion
The iPhone XS offers dual SIM capability with a physical SIM and eSIM, which is useful if you want to use two numbers without swapping cards. The Sony Xperia 5 supports a single physical SIM and includes a microSDXC slot for expanding storage, allowing you to add more space with a memory card.
Physical Size And Weight
The Sony Xperia 5 is taller and slightly narrower, measuring 158 mm in height and 68 mm in width, and it weighs 164 g. The iPhone XS is more compact at 143.6 mm tall and 70.9 mm wide, weighing 177 g. Choose the Xperia 5 if you prefer a larger screen with a lighter phone, or the iPhone XS if you want a smaller, more compact device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone XS or Sony Xperia 5: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £77.65 less than the Sony Xperia 5
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3140 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (8 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone XS often comment on the phone looking like new and running smoothly. Many appreciate the compact size and smooth performance, with battery life lasting comfortably through the day. A few mention minor marks or battery health varying by condition, but overall users praise the camera quality and smooth operation. Some note the phone feels fast and stable.
Sony Xperia 5 customers describe the phone as almost new in appearance and working well. Many are happy with the condition and quality for the price, although some mention battery life needing topping up more often. The fingerprint sensor sensitivity is noted by one user as typical for this model. The phone's size and screen quality are appreciated, with few visible marks reported. Some users mention the phone running well for their needs, with a few noting network or battery issues.
The iPhone XS suits those who want a compact, smooth iOS experience with up-to-date software and dual SIM options. The Sony Xperia 5 appeals to users who prefer a larger screen, more RAM, and expandable storage with microSDXC. Both phones meet different priorities based on what customers value most.
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 FAQs
iPhone XS vs Sony Xperia 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS, 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 is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £216 for the Sony Xperia 5.
The Sony Xperia 5 has a bigger battery: 3140 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone XS 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 comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 in 128GB.
