Sony Xperia 5 ii

[Wildkraut]

Watch the movie...

Watch Sony detail all the Xperia 5 II's features in a leaked video

Leaker Evan Blass shared a new promotional video of the upcoming Sony Xperia 5 II that details all of the phone's features.

www.androidauthority.com

I will probably get this, or a Xperia 1 ii, or a Xperia 1 Pro which will maybe released too

September 17th they will have a few announcements.

 

[Aneres11]

I mean, as everyone knows I am a sucker for Sony phones, so I am watching this one with intent.
If the 5 ii is slightly smaller than the 1 ii then it is definitely going to be better suited to me as the latter is a large device. It's narrow build does make it easier to handle though.

 

[filu_]

What is the length of support from Sony? There are rumors that X1II and X5 II are going to get 3 years of updates. It's still pretty little compared to Apple.

I am asking with kind interest, because although I am not a fan of Android, I am thinking of changing the platform.

 

[bokdol]

I don't think any phone company can match apple os support.

But noticed that a lot of android phones is promising 3 years of os updates now.

 

[filu_]

I don't think any phone company can match apple os support.

But noticed that a lot of android phones is promising 3 years of os updates now.

But is Sony among them? I read that Samsung is, and apparently Nokia (if it exists) .....

 

[vladi]

Sony is still on two years OS upgrade/security update cycle. But keep in mind that Sony dedicated apps get the updates until EOL status. That means that photo and video pro apps will be updated, music app will be updated and so on.

 

[filu_]

@vladi

I know that this is not a wise question, but I will ask it - do you think that it is worth buying this phone? I like the minimalist approach in the system cover, I take a lot of photos with the phone (I like mountains, bike), if I use headphones, these are EarPods with a jack.

I do not play games but I get rid of the iPad and a larger screen than in the iPhone 8 would be ok.

When it comes to costs, getting rid of the BT headphones added in the promotion "I would go down" with the purchase price to the level of the iPhone 11. I am considering this phone too, but I am a little tired of iOS, although it is very priced for privacy.

I have a Linux computer and I want to seamlessly transfer files between it and my phone without the ridiculous syncs via iTunes.

Thank you!

 

[Aneres11]

@vladi

I know that this is not a wise question, but I will ask it - do you think that it is worth buying this phone? I like the minimalist approach in the system cover, I take a lot of photos with the phone (I like mountains, bike), if I use headphones, these are EarPods with a jack.

I do not play games but I get rid of the iPad and a larger screen than in the iPhone 8 would be ok.

When it comes to costs, getting rid of the BT headphones added in the promotion "I would go down" with the purchase price to the level of the iPhone 11. I am considering this phone too, but I am a little tired of iOS, although it is very priced for privacy.

I have a Linux computer and I want to seamlessly transfer files between it and my phone without the ridiculous syncs via iTunes.

Thank you!

I know you were asking another member, but I thought I'd chime in! Of course it's wise to buy this phone if you like the look of it!

I think it's marketed as a gamers phone heavily as it has the 120hz refresh rate and the 240hz touch thing (I never looked into that too much as I don't game on my phone much).

Having used a 1 ii up until the other day I can tell you that you'll be getting a phone with unbelievable build quality, an amazing screen, and the most colour accurate camera on the market.
Though some members of the Samsung Shrine here would say otherwise ?.

It's set to be a great device. You get the headphone jack as you say which is a plus too.
It's this or the new iPhone for me. I just haven't decided what yet but I don't think i want to go back to iOS when I like a good camera and iPhone cameras just don't really do it for me.

Pre-order bonus of headphones (dependant on your location) is also a massive bonus!

 

[filu_]

Not many people comment here so I was like a praying mantis and caught whoever spoke up

I'm glad you got in touch, although you admitted that you are a Sony fan

Thanks for your reply, I'm 99% determined to buy

 

[Aneres11]

Not many people comment here so I was like a praying mantis and caught whoever spoke up

I'm glad you got in touch, although you admitted that you are a Sony fan

Thanks for your reply, I'm 99% determined to buy

Haha yeah Sony devices are not really on many peoples radars currently. So Sony threads here are never too busy with comments, sadly.

I definitely am a Sony fan. Their devices have had some issues up until the last year or two where I feel like they have really upped their game.

I'd recommend the 1ii and now the 5ii to anyone really. They finally have their cameras sorted out but also have the additional Pro apps for those who do prefer to tinker.

For me its the build quality. They make amazing feeling phones these days and I love the 21:9 aspect ratio.

 

[filu_]

I think this model has a good chance of a custom ROM? LineageOS handles Sony phones quite well, judging by the entries on their Wikipedia ...

 

[ian87w]

What is the length of support from Sony? There are rumors that X1II and X5 II are going to get 3 years of updates. It's still pretty little compared to Apple.

I am asking with kind interest, because although I am not a fan of Android, I am thinking of changing the platform.

Only Google and Samsung (on select models) who have officially stated 3 years of OS updates. The rest are up in the air with no official stance. Nokia is 2 years simply because they’re on Android One program.
[automerge]1602198599[/automerge]

I think this model has a good chance of a custom ROM? LineageOS handles Sony phones quite well, judging by the entries on their Wikipedia ...

But wouldn’t you lose the point of getting this phone? Ie. The pro camera and video app.

 

[vladi]

Keep in mind that Xperia 5 II is still a big device despite being marketed as compact, it's tall as Max models.

My thoughts on Sony flagships:
If you are coming from iPhone world Sony is the SOLE Android manufacturer that offers build quality and fit and finish equal to Apple. Don't know how to describe it but as soon as you have it in your hand you can tell. Knock on it's screen with your fingernail and then knock on Samsung flagship screen, then do the same on the back panel. Samsung sounds thin, like it's made of plastic, while Sony has that deep thump. That's amount of GG6 coating, Sony has more coating than Samsung and Huawei. Another trait that Sony does much like Apple is battery life, with less battery capacity they do more. For example Xperia 5 II lasts close to 25% longer in 120Hz mode than S20 does in either 60Hz or 120Hz despite having the same battery capacity. And then there is a screen which is as good as Apple and Oppo but slightly dimmer.

Cameras! Right off the bat it's completely different approach than Apple, totally different. In order to shoot Apple like photos you need to turn on HDR option in Photo Pro app settings menu, and even if you do it's still not as good or aggressive as Apple. My advice is to forget HDR and use it for burst sequences, unlike Apple camera 5 II can lock a moving subject in focus and exposure for 10 second burst. Have kids playing around? Burst it. Shooting birds or wind swaying foliage? Burst it. You can do all that in AUTO camera mode, no need to fiddle with manual settings if you don't want to. Video is recorded in HLG format which gives you HDR highlights when you view it on HDR TV, something Apple doesn't do yet. Stabilization is not as good as Apple's but in low light it is for the simple reason that Apple still stacks images even in low light video so you get lot's of ghosting.

 

[filu_]

But wouldn’t you lose the point of getting this phone? Ie. The pro camera and video app

You are right, but I did not specify that I thought about it as a last chance for a second life for the phone. As long as it works well, there is no point in uploading a custom ROM. Especially if SONY's proprietary software is a valid buying argument.

@vladi
Thank you very much for such a thorough explanation!

 

[Aneres11]

Keep in mind that Xperia 5 II is still a big device despite being marketed as compact, it's tall as Max models.

My thoughts on Sony flagships:
If you are coming from iPhone world Sony is the SOLE Android manufacturer that offers build quality and fit and finish equal to Apple. Don't know how to describe it but as soon as you have it in your hand you can tell. Knock on it's screen with your fingernail and then knock on Samsung flagship screen, then do the same on the back panel. Samsung sounds thin, like it's made of plastic, while Sony has that deep thump. That's amount of GG6 coating, Sony has more coating than Samsung and Huawei. Another trait that Sony does much like Apple is battery life, with less battery capacity they do more. For example Xperia 5 II lasts close to 25% longer in 120Hz mode than S20 does in either 60Hz or 120Hz despite having the same battery capacity. And then there is a screen which is as good as Apple and Oppo but slightly dimmer.

Cameras! Right off the bat it's completely different approach than Apple, totally different. In order to shoot Apple like photos you need to turn on HDR option in Photo Pro app settings menu, and even if you do it's still not as good or aggressive as Apple. My advice is to forget HDR and use it for burst sequences, unlike Apple camera 5 II can lock a moving subject in focus and exposure for 10 second burst. Have kids playing around? Burst it. Shooting birds or wind swaying foliage? Burst it. You can do all that in AUTO camera mode, no need to fiddle with manual settings if you don't want to. Video is recorded in HLG format which gives you HDR highlights when you view it on HDR TV, something Apple doesn't do yet. Stabilization is not as good as Apple's but in low light it is for the simple reason that Apple still stacks images even in low light video so you get lot's of ghosting.

Agree with you. I've said it before too but build quality on Sony devices is outstanding.

I don't think there are any better phones for feel in hand. Once you hold one it's difficult to want anything else I think.

I'm really tempted by the 5 ii but I want the grey model which for some reason isn't coming to the UK. Unless Vodafone have it as they always have an exclusive Sony colour. But chances are it'll be the blue. I may look to import one as that grey looks so so good.

 

[bokdol]

But is Sony among them? I read that Samsung is, and apparently Nokia (if it exists) .....

probably not.

My old Xperia compact only got to android 9.

 

[Harthag]

I just watched MKBHD video on why people don’t buy Sony phones, great video. I previously bashed 21:9 phones as being totally ridiculous but admit I am intrigued by the Xperia 5 ii. Here in the U.S. there isn’t a bundle that includes the XM4 headphones, just some gaming ones that I don’t care about.

I placed a reservation on Sony’s site just to have one reserved, not sure if I’ll actually go through with the purchase. Have been planning on going from my 11 Pro Max to a 12 Pro, but this Xperia has piqued my interest!

 

[Aneres11]

I just watched MKBHD video on why people don’t buy Sony phones, great video. I previously bashed 21:9 phones as being totally ridiculous but admit I am intrigued by the Xperia 5 ii. Here in the U.S. there isn’t a bundle that includes the XM4 headphones, just some gaming ones that I don’t care about.

I placed a reservation on Sony’s site just to have one reserved, not sure if I’ll actually go through with the purchase. Have been planning on going from my 11 Pro Max to a 12 Pro, but this Xperia has piqued my interest!

Hah great to see! I'm glad MKBHD covered it, as it will get Xperias back on people's radar again.
They are great phones.

I'm just waiting for Tuesday's iPhone event and will see what the new phones brings. Likely... Absolutely nothing new. Once I've seen that I'll decide between iPhone and Xperia 5 ii.

 

[filu_]

I still have a few doubts:
1) privacy - on iPhone I avoid Google anyway, I use DuckDuck, on Sony I would probably use Firefox with DuckDuck but still I would have to log into a Google account;
2) The convenience of TouchID for authorization to banking websites and applications - will it work on Android?
3) I will choose headphones only to sell, I think that I will buy wired headphones for half the price, am I right?

 

[Aneres11]

I still have a few doubts:
1) privacy - on iPhone I avoid Google anyway, I use DuckDuck, on Sony I would probably use Firefox with DuckDuck but still I would have to log into a Google account;
2) The convenience of TouchID for authorization to banking websites and applications - will it work on Android?
3) I will choose headphones only to sell, I think that I will buy wired headphones for half the price, am I right?

Number 1 I can't really help with. I am not well educated enough on privacy to help there, sorry. All I will say is both Google and Apple likely collect data from your phone!

Point 2, the fingerprint scanner on Android works just as touch ID does. Providing your apps support biometric log in (which in my experience they virtually all do on Android - face id not so much) so you'll be good to go.

3 not really sure what you mean re half the price. You can definitely sell the bundled headphones for a price and buy wired headphones with the money you make.

 

[filu_]

Thanks!
Ad 3
I don't know much about headphones, I use EarPods, I know that some in-ear headphones are also included with the Xperia. I do not need BT headphones, but having a jack input in Xperia, I will probably want to use it. And it's probably better to use headphones over the ears (on a headband). In fact, I should ask at what price will I buy something similar to the WH-XB900?

 

[ian87w]

I still have a few doubts:
1) privacy - on iPhone I avoid Google anyway, I use DuckDuck, on Sony I would probably use Firefox with DuckDuck but still I would have to log into a Google account;
2) The convenience of TouchID for authorization to banking websites and applications - will it work on Android?
3) I will choose headphones only to sell, I think that I will buy wired headphones for half the price, am I right?

1. You cannot avoid Google on Android. Google services are integrated well deep in Android, so even if you don't install any apps, Google still get to track you through the Play Services. Now not saying that it's bad (I'm an android user myself), but if you are truly paranoid against Google, your only option is to get the latest Huawei phones.
2. Fingerprint sensor on Android works as secure and as well.

 

[filu_]

Thanks, I don't care about such a paranoid level of security

 

[Aneres11]

Ordered my 5 ii tonight.
Using O2 Refresh on a new line, this phone is only £640 rather than the £799 retail and I'll get the headphones I can sell for £100 minimum. So technically £540.

Happy to pay that and cancel the contract the minute I receive it and be charged £36 to do so taking the grand total to £576.

I can then upgrade my proper line to the new iPhone 12.

 

[Vegastouch]

1. You cannot avoid Google on Android. Google services are integrated well deep in Android, so even if you don't install any apps, Google still get to track you through the Play Services. Now not saying that it's bad (I'm an android user myself), but if you are truly paranoid against Google, your only option is to get the latest Huawei phones.
2. Fingerprint sensor on Android works as secure and as well.

I dont get what people are paranoid about. You think Apple doesnt follow you or any apps you use like Facebook or Instagram? Amazon and Alexa products? If you have a smartphone, you are being tracked somehow. You dont like it, dont use a smartphone.

Turn off your location for everything which now renders the smartphone...not as smart. May as well have an old flip phone.