Sony’s flagship phone for 2024, the Sony Xperia 1 VI, has arrived with a blend of features designed to captivate photographers and audiophiles alike. Priced at £1,299—matching the launch price of its predecessor, the Xperia 1 V—the new model may retail for around $1,399 in the US and AU$2,099 in Australia. This high-end device is more than just an upgrade; it represents a strategic shift in Sony’s smartphone design philosophy. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Xperia 1 VI a standout device, from its price and design to its key specs and features.
Features of Sony Xperia 1 VI
Quick Overview
What is it? Sony’s latest flagship phone.
When is it out? Announced on May 15, 2024, with shipping starting on June 6, 2024.
How much does it cost? £1,299 (approximately $1,399 / AU$2,099).
Design and Build
The Xperia 1 VI flaunts a sleek, modern design featuring a glass back with a “textural rear panel finish” intended to enhance grip. The robust metal frame supports the device’s premium feel, and a dedicated shutter button underscores its focus on photography. Available in Khaki Green, Platinum Silver, and Black, the Xperia 1 VI combines aesthetics with functionality.
Measuring 162 x 74 x 8.2mm and weighing 192g, this phone is built to withstand the elements, with IP68 and IP65 water and dust resistance ratings. The front is shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the back uses the original Gorilla Glass Victus, contributing to the phone’s overall durability.
Display
The 6.5-inch OLED display of the Xperia 1 VI is slightly wider with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio compared to the Xperia 1 V’s 21:9 screen. However, this year’s model features a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340, a notable downgrade from the previous 4K resolution (1644 x 3840). While a 4K screen may have been excessive for its size, the drop to Full HD+ is a shift away from the ultra-high resolutions seen in competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
On the bright side, the Xperia 1 VI boasts improved brightness levels—up to 1.5x brighter than its predecessor. The new ‘Sunlight Vision’ mode uses AI to adjust screen brightness and prevent overexposed highlights in bright conditions. The display’s variable refresh rate ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz, enhancing the visual experience with smoother transitions and animations.
Camera
The camera system is the crown jewel of the Xperia 1 VI. Featuring a 12MP telephoto lens capable of zooming between 85mm to 170mm (about 3.5x to 7.1x), this device offers unparalleled zoom versatility. The 48MP f/1.9 main sensor, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens, and 12MP f/2.0 front-facing camera complete a robust setup. The telephoto lens excels in macro photography, allowing users to capture intricate details with impressive clarity.
The Xperia 1 VI supports 4K HDR video recording at 120fps and includes a dedicated shutter button for ease of use. AI-driven autofocus and image processing further enhance the photography experience, making this phone a formidable tool for both casual and professional photographers.
Battery and Charging
Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the Xperia 1 VI promises substantial endurance. Sony claims up to two days of battery life under typical usage and up to 36 hours of continuous video playback. The device also benefits from Xperia Adaptive Charging technology, which helps prolong battery health by reducing degradation over time. It supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding to its convenience.
Performance
Powering the Xperia 1 VI is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a staple in 2024’s flagship Android devices. Coupled with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is expandable via a microSD card slot—a rare feature in high-end smartphones—the Xperia 1 VI offers robust performance. Running on Android 14, the device promises three years of Android updates and four years of security patches, aligning with industry standards but trailing behind competitors like Samsung, Google, and Apple in terms of update longevity.
Software and Features
The Xperia 1 VI introduces several software enhancements tailored to gamers and audiophiles. The FPS optimizer allows users to fine-tune image rendering performance, power consumption, and surface temperatures for an optimized gaming experience. Other gaming features include adjustable touch sensitivity and white balance settings.
For audio enthusiasts, the Xperia 1 VI stands out with a 3.5mm headphone jack, full-stage stereo speakers, and support for high-resolution audio formats such as High-Resolution Audio, High-Resolution Audio Wireless, LDAC, Bluetooth® 7 LE Audio, and Snapdragon Sound18. AI-enhanced music playback and the Music Pro feature, which allows studio-quality vocal recording using the built-in microphone, elevate the audio experience further.
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a sophisticated, lightweight device, though it comes with a premium price tag. The shift from a 4K to a Full HD display might seem like a step back, but the new screen’s improved brightness and battery efficiency are valuable trade-offs. The camera system, particularly the versatile telephoto lens, provides exceptional opportunities for photographers, while the robust battery life, powerful performance, and comprehensive audio features make it a well-rounded choice for both content creators and audiophiles.
While the Xperia 1 VI may not be the ultimate point-and-shoot phone, it offers a user-friendly experience with advanced features that cater to those who appreciate exploring their device’s full potential. The dedicated camera trigger, thoughtful software enhancements, and top-tier hardware make it a compelling option for anyone in search of a high-end smartphone with a strong emphasis on photography and audio quality.
Final Thoughts
Sony’s Xperia 1 VI upholds the brand’s tradition of producing high-quality, feature-rich smartphones tailored to specific user needs. Although it may not capture the mainstream market’s attention as strongly as some competitors, it presents a unique set of features that appeal to photographers, audiophiles, and tech enthusiasts.
Striking a balance between design, functionality, and innovation, the Xperia 1 VI remains a noteworthy contender in the 2024 flagship smartphone arena. Whether you’re a photography aficionado seeking versatile camera options or an audiophile craving exceptional sound quality, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is worth your consideration.
