Introduction
Sony has kept its mobile phone enthusiasts on their toes this year, especially after announcing a joint venture with TCL concerning its Bravia TV brand. Fortunately, the company quickly reassured fans that there would be “no change in status” for its beloved Xperia phones. This leads us to the launch of the Xperia 1 VIII (spelled as Mark 8), exactly one year after the introduction of the Xperia 1 VII.
The new Xperia 1 VIII remains unmistakably a Sony device, showcasing the company’s unique design quirks. Notably, it has undergone one of the most significant redesigns in recent years while maintaining a “tall and skinny” chocolate bar-style profile, characterized by an uninterrupted display without any punch hole.
Sony Xperia 1 VIII Specs at a Glance:
- Body: Dimensions of 162.0×74.0x8.3mm, weighing 200g; Featuring a Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame; IP65/IP68 dust and water-resistant.
- Display: 6.50″ LTPO OLED, supporting 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020, with a resolution of 1080x2340px and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio.
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm); Octa-core (2×4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6×3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M) with Adreno 840.
- Memory: Options include 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, and 1TB 16GB RAM; Supports UFS and microSDXC (using the shared SIM slot).
- OS/Software: Android 16, with up to 5 major Android upgrades promised.
- Rear Camera:
Wide (Main): 48MP, f/1.9, 24mm; Telephoto: 48MP, f/2.8, 70mm, providing 2.9x optical zoom; Ultra Wide: 48MP, f/2.0, 16mm. - Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.0.
- Video Capture: Handles 4K@24/30/60/120fps with HDR capabilities, alongside 1080p at various frame rates.
- Battery: 5000mAh; Supports 30W wired charging, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging.
- Connectivity: Features 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, BT 6.0, NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Misc: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint reader and native Sony Alpha camera support.
It’s worth noting that while Sony has shifted away from the classic 21:9 cinematic display, the Xperia 1 VIII features a 19.5:9 display. This design choice gives the phone a taller than wider appearance, enhanced by the noticeable bezels above and below the screen.
One of the most striking changes can be found on the back of the device, which boasts a completely redesigned camera island. This fresh look features a sloping edge that mirrors design elements seen in the Galaxy S22 and S21 series but retains a unique flair characteristic of Sony.
Additionally, the Xperia 1 VIII introduces a matte, textured finish that is unlike any other mobile device currently available. This distinctive texture provides a surprisingly grippy feel, reminiscent of a fine nail file yet far more elegant and sophisticated.
From a specs perspective, Sony has opted for subtlety. While the camera setup has seen some rearrangement, the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset ensures top-tier performance. Time will tell if this approach will please or disappoint long-standing fans.
Unboxing
The Xperia 1 VIII arrives in a remarkably simple cardboard box, arguably one of the least elaborate we’ve encountered in recent times. This minimalist approach is commendable, highlighting Sony’s commitment to sustainability over extravagance. The box features only black and white printing and contains an internal cradle for the phone, also crafted from eco-friendly cardboard.
Notably, Sony continues its trend of not including a USB cable in the box. This has been the practice for several years now, so users should be prepared to rely on their existing cables. There’s also no SIM ejector tool included, as the Xperia’s toolless SIM tray remains a signature Sony feature, underscoring the brand’s focus on the user experience.
For further details on the Xperia 1 VIII, visit the full review Here.
Image Credit: www.gsmarena.com
