The Sony Xperia 1 VI has arrived, bringing several exciting features to Sony’s flagship smartphone lineup. Released earlier this year, this device maintains Sony’s distinctive approach to mobile technology while introducing notable improvements. The Xperia 1 VI stands out with its impressive camera system, featuring a versatile range of focal lengths from 16mm to 170mm with true optical zoom throughout the range, along with exceptional battery life that can last up to two days on a single charge.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the phone’s realistic color reproduction and macro capabilities, which offer greater creative freedom than previous models. The device doesn’t just excel in photography – it also maintains rare features that have disappeared from most modern smartphones, including a headphone jack and expandable memory options, while being powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
Sony has equipped the Xperia 1 VI with a 6.5-inch display and a substantial 5000mAh battery, addressing previous concerns about endurance. While the phone maintains Sony’s distinctive design philosophy, it delivers powerful performance and versatility that appeals to both creative professionals and everyday users seeking a premium smartphone experience.
Overview
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is Sony’s 2024 flagship smartphone, announced in May 2024 and released in June 2024. It’s the successor to the Xperia 1 V and continues Sony’s tradition of premium design, pro-grade cameras, and a focus on media creation.
Unlike previous Xperia 1 models, the 1 VI shifts from a 4K OLED display to a more mainstream 19.5:9 HDR OLED panel — a big move that improves battery life and everyday usability.
⚙️ Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.5-inch FHD+ (2340 × 1080) OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 12 GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB, expandable via microSD (up to 1 TB) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh, 30W fast charging, wireless charging supported |
| Rear Cameras | 52 MP main (1/1.35″ Exmor T sensor) + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP telephoto (85–170mm continuous zoom) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP |
| OS | Android 14 (upgradeable) |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack, front-facing stereo speakers, LDAC & Hi-Res Audio |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back), aluminum frame, IP65/68 water resistance |
| Weight/Thickness | 192g / 8.2mm |
| Colors | Black, Khaki Green, Platinum Silver |
| Price | £1,299 (UK), approx. €1,399 / AU$2,100 |
🎥 Camera System
Sony’s Xperia 1 VI continues its “Pro Camera” philosophy, borrowing tech from Sony’s Alpha camera division.
📸 Rear Camera Highlights
- Main Sensor (52 MP Exmor T) – Dual-layer stacked design for better low-light performance and dynamic range.
- Telephoto Zoom (85–170mm) – True optical zoom, not digital crop — a standout feature compared to most flagships.
- Ultrawide (12 MP) – Great for landscapes and vlogging.
- Real-time Eye AF & Object Tracking – For both humans and animals.
- Manual Controls – Full control in “Photography Pro” and “Videography Pro” apps.
🎬 Video Capabilities
- 4K HDR recording up to 120fps.
- S-Cinetone color profile (for cinematic tones).
- New unified Camera app that merges Sony’s previous “Pro” apps into one simplified interface (PhoneArena).
🖥️ Display and Multimedia
- 6.5-inch FHD+ OLED with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Brighter than the Xperia 1 V and supports Adaptive Brightness Boost for outdoor visibility.
- Still one of the few flagships with a 21:9 aspect ratio, ideal for movies and multitasking.
- Front-facing stereo speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with Dolby Atmos support.
- Retains the 3.5mm headphone jack — a rarity in 2024 flagships.
🔋 Battery and Performance
- 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use.
- 30W USB-PD fast charging (0–50% in ~30 minutes).
- Supports wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and video editing.
- Sony’s thermal management system keeps the phone cool during long sessions (TechRadar).
🧠 Software and Features
- Ships with Android 14, with minimal bloatware and a near-stock experience.
- Sony promises 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches.
- Features like Game Enhancer, Side Sense, and Multi-window enhance productivity and entertainment.
- Supports PS Remote Play and DualShock/PS5 controller connectivity for gaming.
🎧 Audio Experience
Sony continues to lead in smartphone audio:
- 3.5mm headphone jack with high-quality DAC output.
- LDAC, DSEE Ultimate, and 360 Reality Audio support.
- Front-firing stereo speakers tuned for clarity and spatial sound.
For audiophiles, this is one of the best phones available.
🧾 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Excellent camera system with real optical zoom
- Bright, color-accurate OLED display
- Long battery life + efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Clean Android experience
- 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
- Durable, premium build (IP68 + Gorilla Glass Victus 2)
❌ Cons
- Expensive compared to similar-spec rivals
- No 4K display (unlike previous Xperia 1 models)
- Camera app can feel complex for casual users
- Limited software update window compared to Samsung/Google
💬 Verdict
The Sony Xperia 1 VI refines Sony’s formula — it’s a creator’s phone, built for photographers, videographers, and audiophiles who want full control and top-tier hardware.
While it’s not the most mainstream flagship, it offers unique professional features that few competitors match.
If you value camera control, display quality, and audio fidelity, this is one of the best Android phones of 2024.
🛒 Buying Advice
- Release Date: June 3, 2024
- Price: £1,299 (UK) / approx. €1,399 / AU$2,100
- Availability: Sony official store, Amazon, major carriers in Europe and Australia (U.S. release limited to import).
Key Takeaways
- The Xperia 1 VI features a versatile camera system with true optical zoom from 85-170mm and can last up to two days on a single charge.
- Sony maintains rare features like a headphone jack and expandable memory while offering powerful performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- The realistic color reproduction and macro capabilities provide creative freedom for photography enthusiasts using the Xperia’s camera system.
Design and Performance
The Sony Xperia 1 VI represents a significant step forward in Sony’s flagship lineup with its redesigned form factor and powerful internal components. The device maintains Sony’s premium build quality while addressing previous design criticisms.
Advanced Hardware Specifications
The Xperia 1 VI comes equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, positioning it firmly in flagship territory for 2024-2025. This chipset delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and camera processing. The phone’s hardware setup handles demanding applications with minimal lag or heating issues.
Battery life has seen notable improvements over previous Xperia models. Users report the device easily lasting through a full day of heavy usage. One reviewer described the battery as “a beast” that “definitely lasts” throughout the day.
The display remains a highlight, featuring Sony’s bright, color-accurate panel. The screen’s quality complements the device’s photography capabilities, allowing users to view their captured content with exceptional clarity.
Audio Features
Sony continues its commitment to audio excellence with the Xperia 1 VI. The device retains the increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing audiophiles to use high-quality wired headphones without adapters.
The built-in stereo speakers deliver impressive sound quality for a smartphone. Sony’s audio tuning provides clear mids and highs with respectable bass response for the form factor.
Advanced audio processing features cater to music enthusiasts. The device supports high-resolution audio formats and includes specialized audio enhancement technologies that improve sound quality across various listening scenarios.
Sony has included customizable audio settings that allow users to tailor the sound profile to their preferences or specific headphone characteristics. These audio capabilities maintain Sony’s reputation for prioritizing sound quality in their mobile devices.
Software and Connectivity
The Xperia 1 VI delivers a refined software experience with Sony’s minimalist approach to Android, while offering cutting-edge connectivity options that future-proof the device for years to come.
Operating System and Updates
The Xperia 1 VI runs Android 14 out of the box with Sony’s lightweight customizations that maintain the clean Android experience while adding useful Sony-specific features. The latest February 2025 software update (version 69.1.A.2.160) includes the February 1, 2025 security patch, ensuring the device remains protected against the latest vulnerabilities.
Sony has established a strong track record for software
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sony Xperia 1 VI brings several key improvements over previous models. Users have many questions about its features, availability, and performance compared to other flagship smartphones.
What are the specifications of the Sony Xperia 1 VI?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI comes with 256GB of internal storage and supports expandable memory through microSD cards. It features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for secure authentication.
The device maintains Sony’s commitment to audio quality by including a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is increasingly rare in flagship smartphones. It also offers a relatively stock Android user experience with minimal bloatware.
Android 15 serves as the operating system, although some users have reported questions about certain aspects of this implementation.
When is the Sony Xperia 1 VI expected to be released?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI has already been released in select markets as of early 2025. Full global availability is rolling out in phases across different regions.
Sony typically spaces out their releases across different territories, with some markets receiving devices earlier than others.
How does the Sony Xperia 1 VI camera performance compare to its predecessors?
The Xperia 1 VI features major upgrades to its camera system compared to previous models. Sony has implemented improvements to both hardware and software components.
Reviews indicate that low-light performance has seen significant enhancements. The camera system continues to leverage Sony’s expertise in professional photography and videography equipment.
The device maintains the dedicated shutter button that Xperia phones are known for, allowing for more precise photography controls.
What improvements have been made to the battery life in the Sony Xperia 1 VI?
Battery performance has been enhanced in the Xperia 1 VI compared to its predecessors. The device features a larger capacity battery than the Xperia 1 V.
Power management optimizations in both hardware and software contribute to longer usage times between charges. The device also supports faster charging technologies, reducing downtime when the battery is depleted.
What is the anticipated price point for the Sony Xperia 1 VI in various markets?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is positioned as a premium flagship device with pricing that reflects its high-end specifications. In European markets like Ireland, it falls within the upper tier of smartphone pricing.
Regional variations exist due to taxes, import duties, and market positioning strategies. Sony typically prices its flagship Xperia devices competitively with other premium smartphones from manufacturers like Samsung and Apple.
Will the Sony Xperia 1 VI be available for purchase in the United States?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI will have availability in the United States, though Sony’s presence in the US smartphone market remains more limited than in other regions.
US consumers can purchase the device through Sony’s official channels and select authorized retailers. Historically, Sony has had more restricted carrier partnerships in the US compared to other markets.
