Sony Xperia 5 V announced: compact flagship with revamped camera

Sony has just unveiled its latest compact flagship, the Xperia 5 V. This phone boasts a revamped camera system that ditches the telephoto unit but gains a much larger main sensor.

The Xperia 5 V retains its familiar 6.1-inch FHD+ 120Hz 21:9 OLED display and comes with front-firing stereo speakers for an immersive audiovisual experience.

Under the hood, Sony has packed the Xperia 5 V with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage through a microSD card slot.

What's noteworthy in today's world is that the 3.5mm headphone jack has managed to hold its ground for another year. Making the Xperia 5 V a rare find in this regard.

Turning to the rear camera setup, Sony made a significant change by moving from a triple camera setup to a dual one. However, the main sensor now boasts an impressive 52MP with a 1/1.35-inch size, similar to the Xperia 1 V. This sensor delivers 12MP default shots at 24mm and even the 2x zoom option (effectively 48mm) offers better light gathering than the Xperia 5 IV's telephoto camera.

The second camera is a 12MP 1/2.5-inch ultrawide with a 16mm focal length, providing dual-pixel autofocus capabilities. Selfies are handled by a 12MP front camera with a 1/2.9-inch sensor.

Despite these improvements, the phone maintains its compact size, thanks to its 6.1-inch screen and tall aspect ratio. It's only slightly thicker and shorter than its predecessor. Making it a pleasantly diminutive device in a market of shrinking compact flagships. Competing with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S23 and Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 and 15 Pro, the Xperia 5 V faces a tough battle.

The battery remains unchanged at 5,000mAh, but Sony promises better endurance due to the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. With a 30W charger (sold separately), you can expect to reach 50% battery in just 30 minutes.

The Sony Xperia 5 V is set to hit the market in late September with a price tag of €999/£849. It's a promising addition to the compact flagship scene, offering a blend of powerful performance and an impressive camera system in a smaller form factor.