Sony Xperia 1 VII Officially Launched: Premium Features but Lacks Major Upgrades for $1600 Price Tag
Sony has unveiled its latest flagship, the Xperia 1 VII, continuing the familiar design language of its predecessor but introducing modest internal enhancements. While the phone sees upgrades in select areas like camera sensors and connectivity, it falls short of expectations in several key aspects — especially given its premium price point of $1600.
Display & Design: Familiar Look, Brighter Panel
The Xperia 1 VII features a 6.5-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2340 resolution, the same as the previous model. The only notable improvement is a 20% increase in brightness. However, unlike many flagship competitors, Sony still does not offer LTPO technology or higher-resolution panels.
The device retains Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Victus on the rear, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Sony’s signature tall, narrow design and dedicated two-stage camera button remain intact, with new color options: Moss Green, Orchid Purple, and Slate Black.
Performance and Software: Strong Hardware, Average Support
Under the hood, the Xperia 1 VII is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage (expandable via microSD). Thermal performance is enhanced by a vapor chamber cooling system.
Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 7 and upgraded Bluetooth bandwidth. The phone runs Android 15 out of the box and is guaranteed four major Android updates and six years of security patches, slightly trailing brands like Samsung and Google in long-term support.
Camera System: Ultrawide Gets an Upgrade, Telephoto Falls Behind
The Xperia 1 VII’s rear camera setup includes:
- 48MP wide camera (1/1.35″ Exmor T sensor, OIS, f/1.9)
- 12MP telephoto lens with 85-170mm continuous zoom (1/3.5″ sensor, OIS)
- 48MP ultrawide lens (now upgraded to a 1/1.56″ sensor, f/2.0)
While the ultrawide sensor has been improved for better low-light performance, the telephoto camera still uses a relatively small sensor, impacting zoom quality. AI-powered features like autofocus, subject recognition, and image processing are integrated, derived from Sony’s Alpha camera technology.
Battery and Charging: No Real Improvements
Battery capacity stays at 5,000mAh with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging, lacking fast charging advancements seen in competing devices. Sony claims the battery retains over 80% capacity after four years, aided by features like Adaptive Charging and Battery Care.
Sony Xperia 1 VII Price and Availability
- Base Variant: 12GB + 256GB — $1600 (UK)
- 512GB Model: Limited release in select Asian markets
Xperia 1 VII Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
| Display | 6.5″ OLED, 1080 x 2340, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020 |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB |
| Cameras (Rear) | 48MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto) + 48MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (wide) |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 30W wired, 15W wireless |
| OS | Android 15, 4 years updates, 6 years security |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68, Stereo Speakers |
| Price | $1600 |
Verdict: A Premium Flagship With Caveats
While the Xperia 1 VII offers high-quality display, solid build, and advanced camera features, the lack of significant hardware upgrades, slow charging, and average software support may deter users considering its steep price. For those loyal to Sony’s design and camera ecosystem, it still holds value — but the competition offers more innovation for less.
