Sony has once again delivered a meticulously crafted smartphone aimed squarely at creative professionals and multimedia enthusiasts with the Xperia 1 VII. Launched on May 13, 2025, and seeing a market release in early June, this latest iteration in the Xperia 1 series continues Sony’s tradition of blending advanced camera technology, immersive display experiences, and high-fidelity audio into a sleek package.
Designed for Creators, Engineered for Performance
The Xperia 1 VII maintains the signature tall and slender 6.5-inch form factor with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, offering a comfortable grip and an excellent viewing experience for cinematic content. The display is a vibrant FHD+ HDR OLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, now boasting improved brightness and an additional rear light sensor for optimal outdoor visibility. Durability is also enhanced with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, along with an IP65/IP68 dust and water resistance rating.
Under the hood, the Xperia 1 VII is powered by the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, ensuring top-tier performance for demanding applications, gaming, and 4K video editing. This is paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card slot – a welcome feature increasingly rare in flagship phones. The device ships with Android 15 and is promised four major OS upgrades and six years of security updates, demonstrating Sony’s commitment to long-term software support.
Battery life is another highlight, with a robust 5000mAh battery that Sony claims can last up to two days with typical usage. It supports 30W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging.
A Photographer’s Dream: Enhanced Camera System
The camera system on the Xperia 1 VII is, as expected from Sony, a major focal point. Building on its “Alpha-inspired” heritage, the triple-lens rear setup features Zeiss optics and continuous optical zoom:
- Main Camera: A 48MP (effective) sensor (Sony Exmor T IMX888/Lytia LYT-800) with f/1.9 aperture and 24mm focal length, offering excellent low-light performance.
- Ultrawide Camera: A significant upgrade comes in the form of a new 48MP sensor (Sony Exmor RS IMX906) with a 1/1.56″ size and f/2.0 aperture, providing a wider 16mm field of view. This larger sensor promises vastly improved low-light capabilities and reduced distortion.
- Telephoto Camera: A 12MP sensor (Sony Exmor RS IMX650) behind a periscope lens offers a continuous optical zoom range equivalent to 85-170mm (3.5x to 7.1x optical zoom), allowing for versatile long-range photography. It also features a “Telephoto Macro” mode for incredibly close-up shots.
Sony has also introduced new AI-powered camera features like “AI Camerawork” and “Auto Framing” to assist users in capturing stable, perfectly framed videos, even when subjects are in motion. Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, real-time tracking AF, and a familiar Alpha-like menu structure further enhance the professional shooting experience.
Audiophile-Grade Sound and Immersive Entertainment
Sony’s dedication to audio quality shines through in the Xperia 1 VII. The phone boasts a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern flagships, and incorporates “Walkman DNA” for a higher sound quality experience. It supports High-Resolution Audio, High-Resolution Audio Wireless (LDAC), 360 Reality Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DSEE Ultimate. The front-facing full-stage stereo speakers have also been upgraded, offering improved mid-range performance for a richer audio experience.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony Xperia 1 VII is available in Moss Green, Orchid Purple, and Slate Black. Pricing for the 256GB model starts around €1,499 in Europe, with slight variations depending on the region and retailer. While it’s a premium device, its specialized features and commitment to professional-grade content creation justify the cost for its target audience.
In conclusion, the Sony Xperia 1 VII is a testament to Sony’s unwavering vision of a smartphone that caters to the most demanding users. With its powerful new processor, significantly upgraded ultrawide camera, refined audio capabilities, and extensive software support, it stands as a compelling choice for creators, cinematographers, and anyone seeking a truly immersive mobile experience.
Photos by Sony Europe B.V.
