Sony Xperia 1 VII review: When unique isn’t enough

Finest Costs At present: Sony Xperia 1 VII

Sony is a model that’s not afraid to buck the mainstream smartphone tendencies. At the very least, that’s a technique to have a look at it. The opposite can be that Sony is so caught in its ways in which it hasn’t advanced with the remainder of the business.

When you ask me, that’s a superb factor. I nonetheless can’t fathom why each different smartphone producer determined to take away the headphone socket, and I’m undecided why each cellphone wants a razor-thin bezel, particularly when it compromises audio high quality. Expandable storage was one of many biggest benefits of utilizing an Android quite than an iPhone, however that’s lengthy gone too, except you employ a Sony.

It’s my first time correctly testing an Xperia flagship, and on paper, the Sony Xperia 1 VII ought to be my favorite cellphone. It has every part that the competitors lacks, plus Sony’s experience in digicam {hardware}, gaming and audio – to not point out the newest chip from Qualcomm.

In actuality, although, I didn’t take pleasure in utilizing this cellphone half as a lot as I believed I’d. So, let’s dig a bit of deeper and work out why.

Design & Construct

• Textured siderails and rear
• 197g, aluminium body, glass again
• IP68 rated

I’ve already talked about that the Sony Xperia 1 VII addresses quite a lot of my complaints with fashionable cellphone design, however one design facet I haven’t talked about but is grip. The Xperia 1 VII has a ribbed texture operating alongside the facet rails, and a dotted texture on the rear panel.

Luke Baker

It implies that the cellphone is extraordinarily grippy, and consequently, it’s one of many solely flagship units I’ve ever felt snug utilizing with no case. I do not know why this isn’t a extra widespread design characteristic; most telephones really feel like a bar of cleaning soap by comparability, and this simply makes a lot extra sense.

The identical goes for the SIM tray. It may be popped out utilizing a fingernail, without having for that little pokey software. Why is nobody else doing this? It stays in place securely, but when I ever have to get my SIM out, I don’t wish to should seek for a software. It’s the best way it ought to be.

Luke Baker

One facet I’m much less offered on is the side-mounted fingerprint sensor. It’s fairly fast and dependable, however it takes some getting used to should you normally have an under-display unit. I typically discovered it was making an attempt to learn my fingerprints as I eliminated the cellphone from my pocket.

As for the general aesthetic, there’s not so much to speak about. Sony hasn’t actually modified the design language for the final 5 generations or so. There’s nothing improper with it, however it certain does really feel a bit of stale and uninspired at this level.

Luke Baker

On the very least, there are some new color choices. I’ve the basic Slate Black choice in for testing, however the Orchid Purple and Moss Inexperienced variants have a bit extra persona whereas remaining elegant {and professional}.

The cellphone carries the identical IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance as its predecessor, and it’s nonetheless coated in Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which ought to make it pretty scratch- and impact-resistant. There’s no case included within the field, although, and a unadorned cellphone can solely survive a lot abuse. Fortunately, the grippy design means I’ve but to drop it.

Luke Baker

I don’t usually pay an excessive amount of consideration to haptics, except they’re notably good or dangerous, however they’re value mentioning right here. The vibration motor on this cellphone is insanely highly effective, which is usually a good factor at occasions, however the default notification vibration is borderline obnoxious.

In fact, it means you’ll be much less prone to miss a textual content message, however if in case you have the cellphone set down on a desk, it seems like a miniature earthquake. Fortunately, you may tone it down within the settings. 

Display & Audio system

• 6.5-inch, 1080 x 2340, OLED, 120Hz
• 10-bit HDR, 20% brighter
• Entrance-firing stereo audio system

The Sony Xperia 1 VII has primarily the identical display specs as its predecessor, which implies it’s solely an FHD+ panel, regardless of the older Xperia 1 V sporting a 4K panel. Personally, I don’t suppose that’s a problem. The display nonetheless appears sharp as a tack, with strong pixel density for a show of this dimension.

Luke Baker

It’s an LTPO display, so it’ll dynamically regulate from 1-120Hz relying on what’s being displayed and, because it’s an OLED, you may anticipate deep inky blacks and excellent color accuracy. There’s help for HDR10+ and BT.2020, however no Dolby Imaginative and prescient – which is a bit of shocking, for the reason that audio system are Dolby Atmos licensed.

It’s a totally flat display with a comparatively chunky bezel on the highest and backside, however there’s a superb purpose for that. The bezel homes forward-firing audio system and the selfie digicam, so there’s no want for a notch or a cutout within the show.

I’m an enormous fan of this. I admire the slick, fashionable look of bezel-less designs, however I really suppose they’re worse for gaming, as your palms could cause unintentional touches when you’re gripping the cellphone. To not point out the audio system, which sound manner higher after they’re really pointed at your ears.

Luke Baker

The audio system are up there with the perfect you’ll discover on a contemporary cellphone. The stereo impact is unmatched, there’s a little bit of low-end grunt, and luggage of element within the increased frequencies. My solely grievance is that the audio system can sound a bit of harsh at excessive volumes – however hey, it is a cellphone we’re speaking about.

In fact, you even have extra headphone choices than regular with this cellphone, as a result of it’s the one flagship gadget that also comes with a 3.5mm socket. Plus, it’s not simply any headphone socket; Sony has used the identical parts from its Walkman line to make sure the perfect sound high quality.

Luke Baker

I had a good time listening to wired IEMs with this cellphone, and it was good to truly use the AUX twine within the automobile, which usually sits gathering mud.

Specs & Efficiency

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB storage

The Xperia 1 VII runs on Qualcomm’s prime chip, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite. In a lot of the world, you may solely purchase this cellphone with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, however in choose areas (largely in Asia), you should buy a 512GB variant.

Luke Baker

With this cellphone, although, storage capability isn’t an enormous concern. You may add as much as 1TB of further storage through the microSD card slot. It’s an absolute luxurious on a flagship gadget like this, particularly should you document quite a lot of 4K movies.

In terms of efficiency, we already know that the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a monster, and it lives as much as these lofty expectations right here. You’ll haven’t any bother operating probably the most demanding video games obtainable within the Play Retailer, and should you wish to dabble in emulation, it’s excellent for that, too.

Luke Baker

The cellphone does get a bit of toasty if you’re pushing the efficiency, however there’s nothing uncommon about that. Sustained efficiency is completely enough, and as ever, utilizing a cellphone gaming grip will assist hold the warmth off your palms.

I notably loved utilizing this cellphone with my GameSir X2 Professional clamp-on grip, because the small digicam bump and squared-off corners make for an virtually seamless match. There’s additionally a reasonably complete (and surprisingly vibrant) gaming menu, which lets you block notifications, optimise your sport settings and shortly document gameplay.

Sony Xperia 1 VII benchmarks

Cameras

• 48Mp f/1.9 essential sensor
• 48Mp f/2.0 ultrawide
• 12Mp 3.5x-7.1x f/2.3 telezoom
• 12Mp f/2.0 selfie digicam

The Sony Xperia 1 VII has virtually similar digicam {hardware} to its predecessor; the one upgraded lens this time is the ultrawide. It’s now a 48Mp unit, up from 12Mp, and it’s a bigger 1/1.56-inch sensor with a barely wider f/2.0 aperture.

Luke Baker

This implies it ought to carry out a lot better in low-light conditions, and also you’ll get far more detailed panorama pictures within the day, as long as you allow the high-res seize mode.

Elsewhere, you get the identical 48Mp 1/1.35-inch essential digicam and 12Mp 3.5x-7.1x steady zoom telephoto. Across the entrance, the 12MP f/2.0 selfie snapper stays unchanged, too. You additionally get the identical two-stage tactile shutter button, which I completely love. It permits you to half-press to focus and totally press to take your shot, similar to a correct digicam.

Given Sony’s dominance within the skilled mirrorless digicam market, and the wonderful picture sensors it makes for different telephones, I had excessive hopes for the digicam system, however the actuality was fairly underwhelming.

Sony’s picture processing simply doesn’t fairly sustain with the competitors; the dynamic vary isn’t nearly as good, and I acquired extra blurry pictures than I’m accustomed to.

Inevitably, Sony followers will say that this method is optimised for professionals and you could shoot RAW, use guide settings and course of the pictures your self, however I feel that’s nonsense.

I can do this with any cellphone if I wish to and, with sufficient effort, I’ll get good outcomes. However that’s not how most individuals use telephones, and the truth is, straight from the digicam, these images can’t fairly compete with the highest canines.

Luke Baker

That’s to not say the cameras are dangerous, removed from it, however if you’re spending this a lot, you anticipate the perfect – and that’s not what you’re getting.

As intelligent because the optical zoom telephoto tech on this cellphone is, I feel Sony must ditch it. The tech implies that Sony is caught utilizing a comparatively tiny 1/3.5-inch sensor, so it’s virtually ineffective when the sunshine will get low. Even pictures on overcast days can come out wanting very grainy.

The telemacro mode is neat. You may get some insanely close-up pictures that look wonderful – however it’s flawed, too. It locks you at a 120mm equal focal size and requires guide focusing, which may be actually difficult. Comparatively, telephones just like the Huawei Mate X6 and Oppo Discover X8 Extremely can take wonderful macro pictures with full autofocus – and the outcomes look simply nearly as good, if not higher.

There’s a brand new characteristic for video capturing that Sony calls AI Camerawork. Primarily, it digitally zooms your pictures to maintain your topic locked in place, a bit of bit like Heart Stage on an iPhone. You may also robotically body vertical pictures from 4K panorama movies, and the cellphone will save each recordings. It could possibly be very helpful for budding TikTok stars.

I’ve little doubt some customers will discover these options helpful, however the method appears a bit of disjointed. A lot of the digicam system appears geared towards professionals; certainly they’d admire a correct LOG profile greater than an AI framing characteristic.

The Sony Xperia 1 VII is able to taking some gorgeous images, however you really want to work for them. I’m happy to see such a big sensor on the ultrawide; it makes a noticeable distinction at night time. And the principle digicam performs effectively in virtually any state of affairs, however that telephoto is sort of disappointing.

The selfie digicam is enough, however it’s unremarkable, and the mediocre portrait mode doesn’t assist issues a lot, both. It’s a disgrace, as with such a chunky bezel surrounding it, you may suppose Sony may push the boat out with sensor dimension and autofocus capabilities however as an alternative, it’s behind a lot of the competitors.

Battery Life & Charging

• 5000 mAh battery
• 30W wired charging
• 15W wi-fi charging

The Xperia 1 VII has a 5000 mAh battery, similar to its predecessor, and the identical 30W wired and 15W wi-fi charging speeds, too.

They’re not spectacular figures, particularly the charging velocity. Even Apple and Samsung (which each catch some flak for his or her sluggish charging) are managing to push 45W on their flagships.

Luke Baker

Nonetheless, in actuality, it’s straightforward to stay with. The cellphone is effectively optimised, and it acquired me to the tip of the day with out subject. Our regular PCMark Battery Drain take a look at reveals that it doesn’t final fairly so long as the Galaxy S25 Extremely, however in apply, I had a tough time noticing the distinction.

With an acceptable wall adapter, you may anticipate simply over 50% cost in half an hour, whereas a full cost will take effectively over an hour. There’s no charger included within the field, and unusually, there’s not even a USB cable. It’s good for the planet, however it’s a really spartan unboxing expertise at a value like this.

Software program & Apps

• Android 15
• Bloat-free streamlined expertise
• Google Gemini and Circle to Search

The Sony Xperia 1 VII software program feels old skool and stripped again. You could possibly argue that it’s nearer to inventory Android than even Google’s Pixel UI, and that could possibly be seen as a superb or a nasty factor. The one standout styling alternative is the usage of sq. icons within the fast settings shade.

Luke Baker

It definitely feels fast and environment friendly, and it’s not loaded up with superfluous apps or overcomplicated options. In some methods, it’s a breath of recent air. In contrast to most producers, Sony isn’t chasing the newest AI tendencies; the one options you’ll discover on this cellphone are Circle to Search and Gemini.

That’s even true of the picture modifying instruments. Sony solely affords options like Google’s Magic Eraser, quite than creating its personal instruments. They work rather well, however the choice may be very restricted in comparison with different manufacturers, and I missed having issues like the flexibility to take away reflections or develop the FOV of my pictures.

Sony guarantees 4 main Android upgrades and 6 years of safety patches for this gadget. An honest displaying, however not fairly matching the likes of Apple, Samsung and Honor, who all supply 7 years of help for his or her flagship telephones.

Value & Availability

The Sony Xperia 1 VII is barely obtainable with 256GB of storage within the UK and EU, and Sony has set the MSRP at a lofty £1399/€1499. Presently, there doesn’t appear to be any plans for a US launch, though you may at the moment purchase an unlocked mannequin on Amazon for $1,294.99.

This makes it one of many priciest non-folding telephones you may at the moment purchase. It’s £200 dearer than the iPhone 16 Professional Max and £150 greater than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely.

Excluding the US, international availability is sort of good. Within the UK, you may both purchase the cellphone outright from Sony or Amazon, however we haven’t seen any contract offers simply but.

You may see the way it stacks up subsequent to our most really useful fashions in our round-up of the perfect telephones we’ve examined.

Must you purchase the Sony Xperia 1 VII?

The Sony Xperia 1 VII is probably the most uncommon Android flagship obtainable as we speak. If you need expandable storage, a headphone socket and front-facing audio system, it’s your solely choice exterior of the finances market.

For these causes, it’s straightforward to see why Sony has a devoted fan base. I particularly loved utilizing my wired headphones with out an adapter whereas testing this cellphone.

Personally, although, I prioritise digicam efficiency over most different issues, and Sony’s photos simply don’t fairly stay as much as fashionable flagship requirements – at the least, not with out spending hours in Lightroom to present them the polish they want.

Then there’s the worth. It’s probably the most costly non-folding telephones obtainable. To justify that, it ought to be outperforming different telephones, and I don’t suppose it does.

Specs

• Android 15
• 6.5-inch, 1080 x 2340, OLED, 120Hz
• Energy-button fingerprint sensor
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB storage
• Cameras:
  • 48Mp essential sensor
  • 48Mp ultrawide
  • 12Mp 3.5x-7.1x telezoom
  • 12Mp selfie digicam
  • As much as 4K @ 120fps rear video
• Stereo audio system
• Twin-SIM and microSD card
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
• Bluetooth 5.0
• 5000mAh battery
• 30W wired charging
• 15W wi-fi charging
• 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm
• IP68 licensed
• 197g
• Colors: Moss Inexperienced, Orchid Purple, Slate Black