Sony Xperia 1 V1 is Launching Next Month: Better Camera, Screen Worth the Wait?

Sony has officially introduced its flagship phone for 2024, the Sony Xperia 1 VI, alongside the mid-range Sony Xperia 10 VI.

If you have the budget to buy a more advanced version, the Xperia 1 VI is the better choice with impressive camera capabilities and premium features, setting a new benchmark for flagship smartphones.

High-Quality Telephoto Camera and Optical Zoom

Sony Xperia 1 V1 is Launching Next Month: Better Camera, Screen Worth the Wait? — Sony Xperia 1 V1 is finally here with a slightly bigger screen on top of impressive camera upgrades we haven't seen on previous models. Should you buy it? Sony

When it comes to cameras, the Sony Xperia 1 VI boasts a telephoto camera with a focal length range of 85mm to 170mm, enabling a remarkable 7.1x optical zoom. This surpasses the zoom capabilities of competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro, both offering up to 5x optical zoom. The telephoto lens also supports macro photography, with a maximum magnification of 2x and a minimum focus distance of 4cm, according to TechRadar.

Exceptional Camera Quality and AI Enhancements

In addition to its telephoto lens, the Xperia 1 VI features an ultra-wide camera and an impressive main camera.

Sony claims the new phone's 24mm lens delivers "picture quality equivalent to full-frame cameras," thanks to advanced AI processing. While the AI enhances autofocus tracking, recognizing human skeletons and poses, and improving screen contrast, color, and clarity, it operates primarily behind the scenes, avoiding an overload of flashy AI features.

Brighter Display with Sunlight Vision

The OLED display of the Xperia 1 VI is 1.5 times brighter than its predecessor, the Xperia 1 V. A new 'Sunlight Vision' feature uses AI to prevent overexposed highlights by analyzing frames and environmental brightness in real time, guaranteeing a clear and vibrant viewing experience even in bright sunlight.

Long-Lasting Battery and Fast Charging

Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the Xperia 1 VI promises up to two days of usage on a single charge, including over 36 hours of continuous video playback. The phone also supports fast charging, reaching 50% battery in just 30 minutes, GSM Arena reports.

Top-End Performance and Audio Features For Audiophiles

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Xperia 1 VI delivers top-tier performance. Audiophiles will appreciate the 3.5mm headphone port and support for numerous audio industry technologies and formats, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize high-quality sound.

Prepare For its Premium Price Tag

All these impressive features come with a premium price tag. The Sony Xperia 1 VI is priced at £1,299, the same as its predecessor.

While there is no official word on US or Australian availability, the previous model was priced at $1,399 in the US and AU$2,099 in Australia. This makes the Xperia 1 VI more expensive than the starting prices of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Affordable Alternative: Sony Xperia 10 VI

For those seeking a more affordable option, the Sony Xperia 10 VI is available for £349 (approximately $440 / AU$665). This mid-range phone features a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display, a 3.5mm headphone port, and a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.