Sony Xperia C5 Ultra: A Selfie Lover’s Mid-Range Phablet
Sony Xperia C5 Ultra (2015) – Detailed English Explanation & Specifications
The Sony Xperia C5 Ultra is a mid-range phablet smartphone launched by Sony Mobile in August 2015, positioned as a device for selfie enthusiasts and multimedia consumers. Distinguished by its dual 13 MP front cameras and large 6-inch display, it targeted young users seeking a budget-friendly option with strong selfie capabilities, competing with models like the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2015) and Huawei Honor 7. Unlike flagship Xperia devices, it skipped Sony’s premium features (e.g., Triluminos display, high-end processors) to focus on value and selfie-centric hardware.
Core Identity & Timeline
Term
English Explanation
Sony Xperia C5 Ultra
Official global model name; regional variants include C5 Ultra Dual (dual-SIM support, model E5533/E5563) and single-SIM variant (E5553).
Release
Announced: August 2015; Launched: September 2015 (Global); Discontinued: 2017 (replaced by Xperia C6 Ultra).
Market Position
Mid-range phablet with selfie-focused dual front cameras; entry-level alternative to Sony’s flagship Xperia Z series.
Key Differentiator
Dual 13 MP front cameras for bokeh selfies (pre-AI portrait mode era), 6-inch slim bezel display, and dual-SIM support as standard in most regions.
Sony’s custom UI (minimal bloatware; includes Sony apps like Walkman, Album, Movies)
Update Support
Only one major OS update (to Android 6.0 Marshmallow); no further updates beyond 2016
Key Pre-Installed Apps
Google Mobile Services (GMS); Sony Walkman (audio player with equalizer); Sony Album (photo organizer with editing tools)
Core Features & User Experience Highlights
Dual Front Cameras for SelfiesThe Xperia C5 Ultra’s dual 13 MP front sensors were its selling point. Before AI-powered portrait modes became mainstream, it used dual lenses to capture depth information, enabling manual bokeh adjustment for selfies— a rare feature in mid-range 2015 devices. The wide-angle lens also allowed group selfies without a selfie stick.
Large Display for MultimediaThe 6-inch FHD IPS LCD delivered a immersive viewing experience for videos and games, with Sony’s BRAVIA Engine 2 tuning enhancing color accuracy and contrast. However, the lack of an IP rating made it less durable than Sony’s flagship Z series.
Dual-SIM VersatilityThe C5 Ultra Dual variant was popular in emerging markets, supporting two SIM cards (or one SIM + one microSD card) for users who wanted to separate work and personal lines or use local data SIMs while traveling.
Market Reception & Legacy
1. Strengths
Innovative Selfie Hardware: Dual front cameras were a unique selling point that resonated with young users and social media enthusiasts.
Slim & Lightweight Design: Despite its 6-inch display, the 7.6 mm thickness and 187 g weight made it comfortable to hold compared to other phablets of the era.
Value for Money: The combination of FHD display, dual cameras, and dual-SIM support at a mid-range price (~$300 at launch) was competitive.
2. Weaknesses
Underpowered Processor: The MediaTek MT6752 chip struggled with heavy multitasking and gaming, leading to lag in resource-intensive apps.
No IP Rating: Unlike Sony’s flagship Xperia Z series, the C5 Ultra lacked water/dust resistance, a common criticism from users familiar with Sony’s premium devices.
Limited Software Updates: Only one major OS update (from Android 5.1 to 6.0) left the device vulnerable to security risks after 2016.
3. Legacy
Today, it is a discontinued device with no official support, though it remains a niche collector’s item for Sony Xperia enthusiasts.
The Xperia C5 Ultra was one of Sony’s earliest attempts to target the selfie-focused mid-range market, paving the way for later models like the Xperia C6 Ultra and Xperia L3.
It highlighted the growing demand for front camera innovation in budget and mid-range smartphones, a trend that would be amplified by AI portrait modes in the following years.
Ruigu Electronic 
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