Unveiled at IFA 2023, Sony’s Xperia 5 V is a smartphone aimed at creators that also happens to be an entertainment powerhouse. Features include a 6.1-inch OLED HD+ screen, Bravia X1 mobile image engine, and a front stage sound system with “powerful deep bass” that Sony says eliminates the need for external speakers. Building on the preceding model, upgrades include the Video Creator app, which edits select video content into a finished clip in about a minute. This new iteration shoots 4K video at up to 120fps in HDR and features optical image stabilization. A dedicated microphone can isolate and capture the main vocal amidst environmental noise and other voices.

The Xperia 5 V has “some nice high-end features and one fewer camera, along with a slightly lower price tag,” Engadget summarizes, adding that Sony “also promises an ‘extraordinary music and video experience’ thanks to the HDR display, updated speakers and more — all at a slightly lower price than the previous Xperia 5 IV model.”

“Pocketable but powerful,” is TechRadar’s takeaway.

Other features include eye-tracking and ‘Creative Look’ color presets. The latest Exmor T stacked sensor that debuted on the Xperia 1 V packs 52-megapixels, and is “very fast and very good in low-light,” according to Engadget. “Sony has improved the AI-powered ‘bokeh mode’ to get pictures ‘closer to the standards of interchangeable lens cameras.’”

“The dual camera lens on the back allows you to enjoy shooting with three focal lengths of 16mm, 24mm, and 48mm,” Sony details in a press release, explaining that “48mm is equivalent to 2x optical focal length, so you can capture the subjects of your images in a larger size without worrying about image quality deterioration.”

The Xperia 5 V is optimized for gaming, “with a Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor, 120Hz display refresh rate and a larger heat diffusion sheet (it’s available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, plus 128GB of expandable storage),” Engadget explains, adding that a “game enhancer” includes an audio equalizer, voice chat mic and screen recording.

A Sony Xperia 5 V product video indicates the model is “‘for creative younger audiences who shoot, post and consume content heavily on their smartphone,’ which in our minds means it goes up against everything from the Samsung Galaxy A54 to the iPhone 14 and beyond,” TechCrunch reports.

One thing that sets it above is the battery life. Sony promises the 5,000mAh battery endure high use all day and be left with more than 50 percent in the tank.

Sony says the Xperia 5 V will be available in selected countries beginning Q4 2023, and the product page indicates a price equivalent to $1,599 (including GST).

Related:
Sony Announces Xperia 5 V with Stacked Camera Sensor: We Try It Out, Digital Camera World, 9/1/23
Sony Xperia 5 V is the Compact Flagship Android Phone Enthusiasts Always Wanted, Android Police, 9/1/23
IFA 2023: Sony Launches Xperia 5 V and the Camera Blew My Mind, BGR, 9/1/23