Since hearing the rumours, and recently having the opportunity to get an early hands-on, Sony’s latest, highly-anticipated addition to their flagship Experia smartphone series, the Xperia 5, is finally available.

The new handset, that borrows much of its imaging tech from the brand’s digital imaging, TV and pro-cinema divisions, comes packed with image-making promise and early signs are very good.

The Xperia 5 lands with many of the key technologies we’ve seen previously in the Xperia 1, delivering them in a compact and sleek smartphone package.

Despite its smaller, more pocket-friendly footprint, the Xperia 5 has kept some of the key design leads and features that customers liked in the Xperia 1. The 21:9 CinemaWide™ 6.1 inch Full HD+ OLED display, powered by Sony’s award-winning BRAVIA® TV technologies, is ideal for running two apps concurrently, promising to deliver an experience with more contrast, colour and clarity than ever before.

The cameras

As mentioned previously, Sony’s group tech is evident throughout the new Xperia 5, including the device’s triple-lens camera which boasts 12MP sensors along with Sony’s native ‘Optical SteadyShot™’ image stabilisation. This applies the brand’s critically acclaimed Eye AF technology that’s been borrowed directly from Sony’s Alpha™ cameras. There’s a 16mm lens for super wide-angle shots, a 26mm lens and a 52mm portrait and tele lens [35mm equiv.]

From our limited time with the Xperia 5, we learned that the pro video modes give the user a full range of tools that are pretty much unique to the device, [in terms of smartphones, that is]. We are itching to trial this in a review, so keep an eye out as we beg Sony for a sample to test.

Gaming

Those who might be hoping for a home console experience from their smartphone can expect a lot from the Xperia 5 with the ability to sync their device to a PlayStation® DualShock®4, giving an unparalleled full-screen view and unrivalled control on the go. 

Dolby Atmos® sound will add to the immersive experience, whether watching a movie, streaming a TV show, listening to music or playing games. The 3140mAh battery should be enough to keep the Xperia 5 going all day. 

Pricing and availability

Available in Black, Blue and Grey, the new handset is available from £699 [sim-free] and comes with Android™ 9 Pie. It’s available online and in-store at retailers nationwide. Selected retailers are offering customers the opportunity to claim a handful of bundles with their purchase of the Xperia 5.

Watch this space for our hands-on review, coming soon. In the meantime, check out Sony’s dedicated web pages.