Sony has officially presented the Xperia 1 VIIIits new flagship for 2026, and the news comes just after weeks in which leaked renders by sources like WinFuture and accidental listings on Amazon had uncovered almost everything: colors, design and price. No big surprises, then, although there are some specific improvements that deserve attention.
The big aesthetic change is the camera modulewhich abandons the classic vertical strip of the Xperia line and adopts a more compact square island, where Sony has also relocated its logo. The rear finish features a texture called “ORE”, inspired by natural stones, which in theory differentiates the device from the rest of the high-end range. The stereo speakers are now balanced between both sides before there were noticeable differences and the elements that Sony fans have defended for years are maintained: 3.5mm jackphysical shutter button and microSD slot.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but the battery does not advance
The jump to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 It was obligatory and it is here. The base configuration starts with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage – identical to the previous model – although there is an exclusive version from the Sony store with 16 GB and 1 TB. The battery stays on 5,000 mAh with 30W chargingthe same as before; Sony promises two days of autonomy, although this will have to be verified in real conditions.
The OLED screen 6.5 inches with FHD+ resolution and 120 Hz does not change, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The phone will still not arrive in the United States. In Europe, the price starts from 1,499 eurosthe same as last year, which is the best news of the entire presentation given the inflationary context. Of course, those who reserve get WH-1000XM6 headphones as a gift. Sony guarantees four years of Android updates and six of security patches.
Technical data sheet of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII
- Screen: 6.5″ LTPO OLED, 120 Hz, FHD+ (1080 x 2340), 19.5:9 aspect ratio
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- RAM/Storage: 12GB / 256GB | 16 GB / 1 TB (Sony Store exclusive)
- Main chamber: 48 MP, 1/1.35″ sensor, f/1.9
- Wide angle: 48 MP, 1/1.56″ sensor, f/2.0
- Telephoto: 48 MP, 1/1.56″ sensor, f/2.8, 70 mm (2x digital zoom at 12 MP)
- Front camera: 12 MP, 1/2.9″ sensor
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 30 W wired charging
- Audio: 3.5 mm jack, balanced stereo speakers
- Endurance: IP65/IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- Price: From 1,499 euros (availability: Europe and Asia; no plans for the US)
The telephoto camera takes center stage
The most significant jump is in the telephoto sensorwhich happens to measure 1/1.56 inches, approximately four times larger than that of the Xperia 1 VII. It is a 48 megapixel sensor with a 70 mm equivalent focal length and f/2.8 aperture, capable of digital cropping at 12 MP to double the effective zoom. The wide angle is also 48 MP with 1/1.56 inch yf/2.0 sensorand the main camera repeats the 48 MP of its predecessor. The front camera is 12 MP.
In software, Sony is betting on its AI Camera Assistantwhich suggests startup settings before shooting, although automatic mode is still available for those who prefer to keep things simple. Multiframe processing in RAW, available on all cameras, is a clear nod to demanding photographers.
Is it enough to convince those who hesitated with the Xperia 1 VII, or is Sony still speaking only to an audience that is too small for the mobile division to have a long-term future?
