Sony Xperia 5 III Review: Compact Flagship with 120Hz OLED for Rs. 289,999 in Pakistan

Sony’s Xperia 5 III is a compact flagship that punches above its weight with a 120Hz OLED screen, top-tier performance, and a camera system that rivals larger phones. In Pakistan, it retails for Rs. 289,999 (approximately US$1,049 at the current exchange rate). We spent two weeks with the device to see if it’s worth the premium price for local users.

Design & Build

The Xperia 5 III feels like a miniaturized version of the Xperia 1 III, with the same boxy, premium design but in a more pocket-friendly 6.1-inch frame. It weighs just 169 grams and measures 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm, making it comfortable to hold for hours. The back is matte glass with a subtle texture that resists fingerprints, while the frame is aluminum for durability. The phone comes in four colors: Black, Blue, Pink, and Gray. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is responsive, and the power button doubles as a shutter key—a handy feature for photographers.

Display

The 6.1-inch OLED display is the star of the show, offering a 21:9 aspect ratio with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support. The resolution is 2520 x 1080 pixels, delivering sharp visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks. In bright sunlight, the screen maxes out at 1,000 nits, ensuring readability even under direct light. The 120Hz mode is smooth for scrolling and gaming, though it slightly reduces battery life. Sony’s Cinema Pro app enhances the viewing experience with professional-grade color grading.

Performance

Powering the Xperia 5 III is the Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. In real-world use, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease. We tested it with games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact, and it ran smoothly at high settings without overheating. The Adreno 660 GPU ensures consistent frame rates, and the device stayed cool even during extended sessions. Benchmark scores (AnTuTu: ~750,000; Geekbench 5: ~1,100 single-core, ~3,500 multi-core) confirm its flagship status.

Camera

Sony’s triple-camera setup includes a 12MP main sensor (f/1.7, 24mm, OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 16mm), and a 12MP telephoto (f/2.8, 70mm, 3x optical zoom). The main camera captures excellent detail in daylight, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens is useful for landscapes and vlogs, though it lacks autofocus. The telephoto lens delivers sharp 3x optical zoom shots, but digital zoom beyond 10x shows noticeable softness. Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps with 5-axis in-body stabilization, producing steady footage even while walking. Night mode works well in low light, though it can oversaturate colors slightly. The front 8MP camera is decent for selfies but struggles in low light.

Battery

The Xperia 5 III packs a 4,500mAh battery, which is modest for a flagship but manageable thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 888 and 120Hz display. In our tests, the phone lasted 14-16 hours of mixed use (social media, calls, light gaming). With the 120Hz display disabled, battery life extends to 18-20 hours. Charging is capped at 30W wired, which takes about 70 minutes to reach 100%. Wireless charging is absent, a notable omission for a premium phone. Sony includes a 30W charger in the box, so you won’t need to buy one separately.

Verdict

The Sony Xperia 5 III is a niche but excellent choice for users who prioritize a compact design, a stunning display, and a reliable camera system over raw battery life or wireless charging. It’s ideal for professionals, content creators, and mobile gamers who want a flagship experience without the bulk of larger phones. The Snapdragon 888 ensures top-tier performance, while the 120Hz OLED screen delivers a premium viewing experience. However, the 30W charging and 4,500mAh battery feel outdated in 2024, and the lack of wireless charging may deter some buyers. If you’re willing to compromise on battery endurance, the Xperia 5 III is one of the best compact flagships available in Pakistan today.

Key details

• Price in Pakistan: Rs. 289,999 (approximately US$1,049).
• Availability: Officially sold in Pakistan via Sony’s authorized retailers and online stores like Daraz and Yayvo.
• Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty.
• Colors: Black, Blue, Pink, Gray.
• Where to buy: Sony Pakistan’s official website, major electronics retailers (e.g., ECS, Power World), and online marketplaces.
• Exchange offers: Some retailers offer up to Rs. 20,000 for old phones.

For the latest updates, check Sony Pakistan’s official website: https://www.sony.com.pk.