Sony continues to bend its line: it produces original flagships for mobile photographers and video operators. However, in the new Xperia 1 VI, progress seemed to slow down: the screen lost 4K resolution, and the case ceased to delight with its convenient grip. We understand what else you should know about the top Japanese device.
Release Date and Pricing:
Sony unveiled its Xperia 1 VI in mid-May 2024, with sales commencing in Europe at the start of summer. However, due to the brand’s exit from the Russian market, official shipments to Russia have ceased. Despite this, the Xperia 1 VI remains available through specialty stores like BigGeek, known for offering unique gadgets not typically found in major retail chains.
Technical Specifications:
Here’s a summary of the Xperia 1 VI’s key specifications:
| Display | 6.5 inches, LTPO OLED, 2340×1080, 120 Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Memory | 12/16 GB of RAM 256/512 GB of ROM, microSD support |
| Main camera | Main module — 52 MP, f / 1.9, OIS; Ultra-wide — 12 MP, f / 2.2; Telephoto — 12 MP, f / 2.3 — f / 3.5, EFR 85 — 170 mm, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f / 2.0 |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, wire charge 30 W, wireless charge |
| OS | Android 14 |
| Corps | 162 × 74 × 8.2 mm, 192 g |
Review:
After extensive testing of the Sony Xperia 1 VI, including photo and video capabilities, benchmarks, and battery life, here are the insights:
Design:
Sony’s minimalist approach is evident right from the packaging: a slim, rounded box with minimal contents. There’s no cable included, and luxuries like a case or screen protector are absent. This stark simplicity might be seen as a step too far, making even Apple and Samsung’s packaging look generous in comparison.
The design of the Xperia 1 VI itself is a mixed bag. Sony’s signature “cinematic” display aspect ratio has been replaced with a more traditional 19.5:9 ratio. This shift has affected ergonomics. While the older Xperia 1 IV felt great in hand with its elongated form, the new model feels less comfortable due to its flat edges and protruding screen and back cover. This design leads to an awkward grip, with the phone’s edges digging into the palm. Despite this, the back cover’s texture is pleasant and prevents slipping.
The physical camera button remains a highlight, allowing you to take photos without touching the screen. Positioned on the lower right edge, it’s well-placed for shooting horizontally. Its textured surface makes it easy to locate by touch, even in dim lighting.
The fingerprint sensor, integrated with the lock button, is efficient but less user-friendly for left-handed individuals. It works quickly and accurately, recognizing the correct finger and avoiding false unlocks. This feature, while practical, might not suit everyone’s preference for under-display sensors.
Sony has retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, an increasingly rare feature in flagships. It’s conveniently placed, but its top-edge location can be awkward, as the cable dangles in front of the screen. Despite this, the audio quality is excellent, with loud, clear external speakers and balanced sound.
SIM Card Slot:
The Xperia 1 VI features a user-friendly SIM card slot that can be removed with fingers, eliminating the need for a pin. This design choice doesn’t compromise the phone’s water resistance. Additionally, the tray supports microSD cards, a standout feature in today’s market, offering up to 1 TB of expandable storage.
Display:
The Xperia 1 VI’s display has transitioned from the 3840×1440 pixel resolution of its predecessors to a 2340×1080 pixel resolution. Despite this change, the display remains outstanding, with exceptional clarity and detail. It supports LTPO technology, adjusting the refresh rate based on content to save energy.
The screen excels in color accuracy, supporting sRGB, DCI-P3, and BT.2020 color spaces. Factory calibration is precise, ensuring accurate color reproduction. The display’s flat design, with the front camera housed in a minimal strip, avoids gimmicks and provides a classic, quality look.
Performance and Software:
The Xperia 1 VI is incredibly fast, though it doesn’t set benchmark records. Its performance feels superior in everyday use due to a clean, minimal interface and optimized memory. Synthetic benchmark results include:
- Geekbench 6 (Single): 2193
- Geekbench 6 (Multi): 6696
- AnTuTu: 1,635,289
While these numbers don’t lead the pack, the phone’s speed in real-world scenarios is impressive. However, it does run hot, and the software design feels outdated, with inconsistent icon and widget styles. Despite this, the Xperia 1 VI avoids excessive pre-installed apps, and its stock wallpapers complement the phone’s design.
Camera:
Sony’s approach to photography remains unique. The Xperia 1 VI’s camera system, featuring three 12MP sensors, offers high-quality images with minimal computational enhancements. This results in natural, realistic photos without excessive processing. The main camera’s 1/1.35-inch sensor captures excellent detail, outperforming many 50MP competitors. Each lens provides distinct focal lengths, allowing flexible shooting options. While the camera performs well in good lighting, it struggles in low light, with noise reduction sometimes compromising detail. Manual mode can help in challenging conditions, but overall, the Xperia 1 VI’s camera caters well to professional users seeking authentic results.
For video, the Xperia 1 VI excels with 4K recording at 120 frames per second and impressive stabilization. The sound quality is also commendable, even in noisy environments.
Battery Life:
Battery performance is a notable weakness of the Xperia 1 VI. The 5000mAh battery, coupled with 30W fast charging, may struggle with intensive tasks, requiring frequent recharges. The lack of a charger in the box adds to the inconvenience. Despite supporting wireless charging, the overall battery life may not meet the expectations of heavy users.
Conclusion:
The Sony Xperia 1 VI stands out for its minimalist design, high-quality display, and exceptional camera performance. However, its ergonomic issues, battery life, and pricing may be drawbacks for some users. For professionals and enthusiasts who value Sony’s approach to smartphone design and photography, the Xperia 1 VI is an excellent choice. For those seeking better ergonomics, battery life, and user-friendly features, other flagship models might be more suitable.