The Sony Xperia 5 iii (as in 'mark 3') is a top - though pricey - 2021 smartphone option, as a compact phone with flagship specifications and plenty of 'enthusiast' features (3.5mm jack, 'Pro' camera apps, notification LED, shutter button, the list goes on...)
As usual for my case roundups, I'll cover a variety of styles, with most samples supplied by MobileFun, kind people that they are. See their complete range of Xperia 5 iii cases and covers.
But on with the individual cases, each link goes to the relevant product page, of course.
This particular case is available for just about every phone in the world and it's a known quantity. You get quality TPU for maximum grip, but you accept that 'ultra-thin' also means that there's not much material between your expensive phone and the ground if the worst were to happen.
Of course, the point of the TPU and the case in general is that you don't drop the phone at all, and I can't fault the feel in the hand. It fits well and only adds a millimetre or so to the Xperia 5 iii's native thickness.
The case edges are flush with the phone's glass - great for feel but obviously obviously offering no face drop protection.
The other point is that this is so cheap that there's no real downside in not trying it out. Or replacing it a year later if the TPU becomes yellowed (this happens with all clear cases and is something to do with ultra-violet light).
Score: 8/10 (factoring in price and value)
Now this is clear TPU in another league - at three times the price, admittedly. Spigen even send this out with protectors from the factory, to stop microscratches in packing or shipping. The blue tabs help you remove them before use. All very slick.
In the hand, it's very evident that your Sony is cased, but reassuringly so. The corners are both raised, top and bottom, and also feature 'Air Cushion Technology', a fancy term for a hollowed out section of TPU trapping a small amount of air that helps by compressing when the cased phone is dropped on a corner.
A lanyard pair of holes and tough ridges around the all important camera glass island complete a top quality protective case that also both looks the part and helps you enjoy the colour and design of your phone to a degree.
The button covers are top notch too, ditto the cutouts, including for the fingerprint sensor. In fact, it's hard to see how this case could be improved. Other than, perhaps, being a bit cheaper(!)
Score: 10/10
I always like to include a folio case in each round-up - and this real leather affair from Olixar is very well done. Two NFC/RF-protected card slots are about right in terms of not adding too much bulk, while the holder for the Sony is basic but does the job.
The magnetic closure is using two little tabs, one of which closes over the Xperia's capacitive fingerprint sensor, and this can be a little annoying, since your thumb has to learn to push this aside before making contact each time you open up the case. It works, but it's a little clumsy.
All other buttons and jacks are easily accessible. I did like the materials used throughout - the leather is all padded on its exterior and this feels downright luxurious.
The most interesting design feature is the cutout in the leather to go around the camera island. This is done because otherwise there would just be too much bulk in this corner, even risking bits of case getting into shot, especially with the ultra-wide camera.
The end result is striking, though I did worry a little about the camera glass having slightly less protection than the rest of the phone. Only a tiny worry, mind you, since it's all still recessed behind the leather back plane.
In the hand, the cased Sony feels great - not too thick and yet protected and with wallet functions (though no cash/notes flap, note).
Not shown here, but the hinge in the material behind the main phone holder section means that the case can do excellent double duty as a media stand - watching YouTube, and so on.
The score reflects the general unpopularity of folio style cases and the slightly awkward closure. But if you're looking for a wallet case then yes, I can definitely recommend this genuine leather design.
Score: 8/10
Priced slightly higher than you'd expect for a black TPU case of this design, the anomaly is explained by the inclusion of a full glass screen protector, complete with applicator, wipe, and full instructions. All very comprehensive if you want to go down the 'all-in' protection route.
The TPU used is quite hard (good for protection and scratch resistance, though slightly harder on the palm!) and there's the usual Olixar 'Sentinel' brushed metal and textured panels on the back, for style and grip.
Of course, decked out like this, it's hard for anyone else to see what phone you've got - only you know how much you do or don't want to publicise what you're using! But yes, it's all a little generic.
Protectively so though - although there are no obvious enhancements, the top and bottom edges are slightly raised and in fact the whole phone display face-drop protected.
With a score of just less than the Spigen option above, this Olixar design is still a great choice and a good all rounder - especially if you take advantage of the glass screen protector as well.
Score: 9/10
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