Sony Xperia 1 VII: Sony’s Xperia series has always been unique with its special design and cinematic touch. The newly launched Xperia 1 VII is no different, with a focus on viewing media and camera workmanship. But is it substantial enough to justify its luxury price point? Let us have a closer look at this smartphone’s pros and cons.
Great Display with a Cinematic Feel
Sony’s 21:9 OLED signature display returns with the Xperia 1 VII, and it’s a pleasure to watch things on. The 6.5-inch screen might appear tiny in such massive phones now, but it’s sharp and pleasing. The 120Hz refresh rate paired with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection gives the screen a very premium feel and look.
Pro-Grade Camera System
Sony features a triple 48MP + 48MP + 12MP camera setup that will surely dazzle camera enthusiasts. Fitted with Optical Image Stabilization and 4K video recording, the images are sharp and shake-free. Though the 12MP front shooter is not groundbreaking, the rear one compensates for it with pro-grade specifications.
Super-Tier Performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite
Driven by the lightning-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the Xperia 1 VII is meant to accelerate. Combined with 12GB RAM and 256GB internal memory, it handles games, photo editing, and multitasking with ease. The chip is among the fastest on the market, and it holds up in actual use cases.
Premium Features That Add Value
From wireless charging to the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Xperia 1 VII checks most of the premium boxes. It has both wired and wireless reverse charging, 5G connectivity, NFC, and fast USB-C 3.2 for transferring data quickly. Sony has not been frugal on connectivity and convenience.
Clean Software and Long-Term Reliability
Shipping with Android 15, the phone is essentially stock. Combined with Sony’s reputation for timely software updates and a robust build, the Xperia 1 VII feels like a long-term investment for consumers who want a clean, secure Android experience.
Pros:
- Cinematic OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip
- Professional-grade triple camera setup
- Wireless, reverse, and fast charging support
- Clean Android 15 experience with a high-end build
Cons:
- 30W wired charging alone is slow in 2025
- No headphone jack or FM radio
- Average pixel density (396 ppi) for the price point
- Selfie camera has to be better for the segment
- A smaller screen size may not suit all
