Xiaomi Mi 5 vs. Sony Xperia Z5: Comparison of price, features, specs and release date

In November, Sony released the flagship Xperia Z5 and the mini sibling Xperia Z5 Compact in Australia. Xiaomi, meanwhile, has been playing hide and seek with regard to release date of the powerful yet inexpensive flagship, the Mi 5.

But now, a new Weibo post talks about the exact announcement date of the device. In this article, we compare the rumoured configuration details and price of the Xiaomi Mi 5 with the well-received Xperia Z5.

Xiaomi Mi 5 vs. Xperia Z5: Price, Release Date

Xiaomi handsets are known for their affordable price tags even though the company packs a punch when it comes to configurations. Following the same pattern, the Xiaomi Mi 5 price has been speculated as 1,999 yuan i.e. about AU$427 or US$310, Phone Arena reported. Plus, a high-end model of the handset will also be made available for 2,499 yuan i.e. roughly AU$534 or US$387.

The expensive Sony Xperia Z5, meanwhile, can now be purchased in Australia for AU$999 via Sony Mobile. The other way is to opt for data plans via Telstra Australia.

According to Android Pit, the Chinese tech giant was planning to launch the flagship in November but later Dec. 3 was rumoured. Now, a Weibo post says the Xiaomi Mi 5 release date is set for Jan. 21, 2016.

Xiaomi Mi 5 vs. Xperia Z5: Display

The Xperia Z5 comes with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display and 1,080 x 1,920 pixels resolution, whereas the Xiaomi Mi 5 is believed to feature a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display and a QHD resolution. The pixel densities of the Mi 5 and Z5 translate to 554 ppi and 428 ppi, respectively. Readers should note that as a rule of thumb, handsets with more pixel strength offer a brilliant viewing experience with stunning colour reproduction and depth.

Speaking of design, the Sony device flaunts a frosted glass panel with matte finish. The Japanese tech giant has stuck to the classic, recognizable rectangular shape for the Z5. Phone Arena, meanwhile, observed the device is not prone to fingerprints. It’s very slippery, however. Overall, the Z5 has the preferred premium look.

On the other hand, there’s no official information available to determine the exterior design of the upcoming Mi 5. The device is believed to flaunt a metallic chassis.

Xiaomi Mi 5 vs. Xperia Z5: Processor, Software, Memory

Under the hood, the Sony handset is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 and backed by a good 3 GB of RAM. The Xiaomi Mi 5 will apparently come powered by the latest Snapdragon 820 chipset and a killer 4 GB of RAM.

Speaking of software configuration, the Xiaomi handset will run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with custom MIUI on top, whereas the Sony device uses the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. It can be upgraded to Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS.

While the Mi 5 is believed to come equipped with 16 GB and 64 GB of internal storage space, the Z5 comes with 32 GB of native storage. As always, the Sony handset supports a microSD card whereas the Xiaomi phone doesn’t.

Xiaomi Mi 5 vs. Xperia Z5: Camera, Battery

In general, Sony handsets are known for phenomenal camera units. Following the tradition, the Sony Xperia Z5 sports a top-notch 23 MP primary camera with LED flash and a 5.1 MP snapper at the front.

The Xiaomi Mi 5 will reportedly feature a 16 MP rear-facing sensor with dual-LED flash and support for OIS. In addition, a 6 MP shooter at the front is believed to be the selfie-clicker.

When it comes to battery specification, the Xperia Z5 comes equipped with 3,430 mAh (non-removable) cell while the Xiaomi Mi 5 is nearly there with a 3,030 mAh cell (non-removable) unit.

Xiaomi Mi 5 vs. Xperia Z5: Misc

1. Both handsets support a fingerprint scanner and fast charging options.
2. The Sony device comes packed with IP 68 rating that guarantees dust and water-proofing whereas the Xiaomi Mi 5 doesn’t.
3. The Mi 5 will reportedly feature an USB Type-C port while the Sony device settles for a microUSB port.

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