Sony Xperia 1 VI Review: Hadn’t Screen This Coming

In the case of smartphones, Sony has at all times executed issues somewhat otherwise. 

Its latest Xperia handsets have been one thing of an outlier, choosing a tall, slender design that’s constructed for 21:9 widescreen content material. Within the case of the Xperia 1 V, there was additionally 4K show. 

Nevertheless, each of these issues are gone on the Xperia 1 VI, Sony’s flagship for 2024. As a substitute, the 19.5:9 side ratio is rather more in step with rivals just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, whereas a Full HD+ decision is definitely decrease than most equally priced handsets. 

Does the Xperia 1 VI do sufficient in different areas to make this obvious downgrade value it? I used it as my fundamental telephone for over per week to search out out.

Discover out what telephones Sony is up towards in our greatest smartphones chart.

Design & Construct

• Shorter, wider construct than earlier than
• Engaging however fragile rear design
• 3.5mm headphone jack

The Xperia 1 VI represents a giant shift in design for Sony. That tall, slender construct we’ve come to affiliate with Xperia handsets is gone, changed by one thing that’s much more mainstream. 

The full dimensions of the telephone haven’t modified massively – it’s simply 3mm shorter and 3mm wider than the Xperia 1 V – however it seems like extra.  

In comparison with Xperia handsets I’ve used previously, it’s a lot simpler to carry and means one-handed utilization is now doable (albeit not significantly comfy). Regardless of being barely heavier than earlier than, it’s nonetheless one of many lighter telephones round, at 192g. 

I firmly consider that this transfer advantages the person expertise, however there’s little question the 1 VI feels lots like another Android flagship. The hallmark of a Sony telephone has been misplaced, which can disappoint some individuals. 

The corporate has added a splash of character on the again, with a selection of three colors: Platinum (the model I examined), Black or Khaki Inexperienced. I’ve seen all three in individual, and the inexperienced one is my private favorite. 

This isn’t your commonplace glass-backed telephone, although. A textured matt coating means you don’t get the build-up of disagreeable fingerprint smudges or different seen grime which can be commonplace on shiny telephones. 

It additionally makes the telephone extra grippy, however that didn’t cease it falling out of my hand whereas utilizing Google Maps on the road. Regardless of a drop of solely round 1m, the glass on the prime shattered and there was a big dent within the aluminium body. 

That is shocking, given the again of the telephone is supplied with Gorilla Glass Victus, which producer Corning particularly says survived “drops onto onerous, tough surfaces from as much as 2 metres” in inner testing.  

The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the entrance is supposedly even more durable, however on this proof, I’d be fearful about the way it may fare. In the event you plan on utilizing the telephone round any onerous surfaces, I’d extremely suggest a case. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Nevertheless, one space the place I’m assured in its safety is water and mud. The Xperia 1 VI has each IP65 and IP68 resistance, which means it will possibly survive submersion in as much as 1.5m of water for half-hour and is absolutely sealed towards mud. 

Not like most telephones, there are just a few attention-grabbing issues to notice on the edges of the telephone. Essentially the most vital is a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a uncommon sight on any handset, not to mention a flagship. One other is the SIM tray, which might simply be opened and closed while not having a fiddly ejector device. 

Sony can be one of many few manufacturers resisting the under-display fingerprint sensor. It’s nonetheless constructed into the ability button on the Xperia 1 VI, and simple to arrange, quick and dependable. Another corporations ought to take notice. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

The very last thing to say right here is the vibration motor, which delivers a number of the most real looking haptics I’ve used on a telephone. The suggestions whereas typing, managing open apps and taking pictures is an actual pleasure. 

Display screen & Audio system

• 6.5-inch, Full HD+ show
• 120Hz LTPO OLED
• Twin stereo audio system

It might have extra mainstream enchantment, however there’s no doubting that the Xperia 1 VI’s show is a big downgrade on paper. 

The 4K, 21:9 panel is gone, changed by a Full HD+ (1080 x 2340) model at 19.5:9. In the event you’re one of many individuals who loved watching 4K films in your telephone, it will come as a giant disappointment. 

Nevertheless, if that’s not vital to you, the Xperia 1’s display will most likely go well with you higher. The 6.5-inch OLED is now LTPO, which means it will possibly mechanically drop all the way in which all the way down to 1Hz while you don’t want that easy 120Hz refresh charge, benefitting battery life. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

The display additionally will get impressively vivid – I recorded 723 nits, and a side-by-side demo subsequent to the Xperia 1 V proved how a lot brighter it will possibly get. Because of this, out of doors visibility is superb, even in direct daylight. 

Additionally, apart from supported movies, the decrease decision isn’t as a lot of a difficulty as you may count on. Content material nonetheless appears to be like clear and crisp in all situations, and it’s value remembering that many 1440p telephones (such because the Galaxy S24 Extremely) are set to 1080p by default. 

Regardless of shedding its headlining characteristic, the Xperia 1 VI’s show is rather more versatile and sensible than its predecessor.

There are not any adjustments to the twin stereo audio system, which means they nonetheless produce clear, balanced audio with a pleasant hit of bass. Nevertheless, the utmost quantity is decrease than on most, and it’s vulnerable to distortion as issues get louder. 

After all, the three.5mm jack means you possibly can simply join headphones or audio system by way of Bluetooth or a bodily wired connection. And in contrast to its predecessor, the Xperia 1 VI additionally now helps Hello-Res LDAC audio wirelessly, which is a pleasant enchancment that audiophiles can get enthusiastic about. 

Specs & Efficiency

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB RAM
• Very good all-round efficiency
• 256GB storage, expandable as much as 1.5TB

Like most Android flagships in 2024, the Xperia 1 VI is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. 

It’s Qualcomm’s newest and biggest telephone chipset on the time of writing, and it exhibits. Alongside 12GB of RAM, efficiency is just excellent in all situations. 

Nearly all of the time most individuals spend on a telephone includes duties that may’t push the Xperia 1 VI near its efficiency limits. My typical day by day duties embrace net shopping, messages, e mail, watching movies and taking some pictures, typically rapidly switching between them. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

All through all of it, there wasn’t even a touch of hesitation, not to mention any noticeable slowdown. A few app crashes I skilled are nearly definitely software program bugs moderately than any lack of energy. 

Whenever you need to take issues up a notch, the Xperia 1 VI may deal with it. I performed just a few of the Play Retailer’s most demanding video games – Asphalt 9, Name of Obligation: Cellular, Genshin Impression and PUBG Cellular in an in the end futile try and push the telephone to its limits. 

It’s onerous to consider any scenario the place the 1 VI wouldn’t have sufficient efficiency, even for essentially the most devoted energy customers. 

Nevertheless, you’ll have to take care of a big build-up of warmth. It occurs whereas taking part in these video games, as you may count on, but additionally sometimes throughout on a regular basis duties akin to taking pictures or watching YouTube. When charging, it turns into uncomfortably sizzling to the contact. 

This shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, however I used to be anticipating extra environment friendly cooling from such an costly machine.  

Sony Xperia 1 VI benchmarks

The one configuration obtainable within the UK gives 256GB of storage. Which may appear a bit restricted, however you possibly can simply add as much as 1.5TB by way of the microSD card slot. 

The Xperia 1 VI’s connectivity has additionally been upgraded to absolutely the newest requirements – I’m speaking Wi-Fi 7 (by way of a future software program replace) and Bluetooth 5.4. You additionally get 5G, after all, and NFC for contactless funds. 

Cameras

• 50Mp fundamental
• 12Mp 3.5-7.1x telephoto
• 12Mp ultrawide
• 12Mp selfie

When it comes to digicam {hardware}, the Xperia 1 VI is basically unchanged in comparison with its predecessor. 

It means the telephone remains to be utilizing Sony’s customized Exmor T, a 48Mp, f/1.9 fundamental lens. That’s regardless of the corporate’s 1-inch LYT-900 getting used on the Xiaomi 14 Extremely, the most effective digicam telephone you should buy proper now. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Because of this, pictures from the Xperia 1 VI are superb, however a step down from the best round. Not making any adjustments seems like a missed alternative for Sony in such a aggressive area. 

Regardless of this, in good lighting circumstances, you’re unlikely to be disillusioned. The overwhelming majority of take a look at pictures I took had been excellent, providing glorious element and dynamic vary. Not like most telephone cameras, pictures are additionally impressively true to life. 

Publicity could be a little extra temperamental, however while you get it proper, pictures look very skilled. In my expertise, it’s equally nicely suited to each the pure world and concrete environments. 

You should utilize the principle lens for portrait-style pictures, although I most popular to face somewhat additional again and go for the telephoto as an alternative.  

The 12Mp, f/2.3 lens can transfer constantly between 3.5x and seven.1x optical zoom, making it extra versatile than most different digicam telephones. There’s a small drop-off in high quality in comparison with 1x pictures, however it’s nothing like as vital as digital zoom. 

And the ‘bokeh’ background blur is superb, doing an excellent job of detecting the place the topic ends and the background begins. I examined it on an individual, canine and chook, and there have been no weaknesses. 

One other large purpose to make use of the telephoto lens is for close-up macro pictures, that are hands-down the most effective I’ve ever taken on a smartphone. Whether or not you need to take pictures at 120mm, 360mm (equal) or one thing in between, the helpful focus peaking characteristic ensures you get a fantastic shot each time. 

There’s a clear step down in high quality while you swap to the 12Mp ultrawide, however it’s not as dramatic as one some telephone cameras. You possibly can nonetheless get some spectacular footage with that full 123˚ area of view. 

Nevertheless, all three lenses battle much more in low gentle. You will get some superb pictures at evening, however it recurrently struggles with shadows and noise. I’ve examined just a few glorious low-light telephone cameras not too long ago – this isn’t certainly one of them. 

The 12Mp front-facing digicam is rather more spectacular, providing clear, detailed selfies and the choice for real looking background blur. 

The Xperia 1 VI nonetheless has a singular two-stage bodily shutter button, the place a half press is used to focus earlier than you press down absolutely to seize it. Alongside a quantity rocker that doubles as zoom controls, it feels lots such as you’re utilizing a devoted digicam.

One large plus level for the Xperia 1 VI is that Sony not has three separate digicam apps – the choices from Images Professional, Video Professional and Cinema Professional are all now included in the principle digicam app. 

Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless a sense that the telephone is finest for individuals who need to take advantage of these pro-level settings. With a little bit of tremendous tuning, you possibly can most likely take stellar pictures, however it’s nonetheless a way wanting the most effective level and shoot telephone cameras. 

On condition that there was once two apps devoted to it, it’s additionally value mentioning video. The Xperia 1 VI can seize footage in as much as 4K at 60fps, although it will use a variety of cupboard space. The default FHD at 30fps is okay, however publicity and element each take successful in comparison with stills. 

Battery Life & Charging

• 5000mAh battery
• Two-day battery life more often than not
• 30W wired charging, 15W wi-fi

The Xperia 1 VI has a 5000mAh battery, which is a quite common capability for contemporary smartphones. 

Nevertheless, Sony is claiming two full days of battery life, which made me do a double take after I first noticed it. Can the telephone actually final 48 hours or extra on a single cost? 

Because it seems, sure it will possibly! All through my testing time, I used to be going two and even three full days between costs, regardless of utilizing the telephone for 2-3 hours per day. 

Granted, this was largely whereas on Wi-Fi and dealing from residence. However even on these days with excessive brightness, cellular knowledge and GPS navigation, I ended the day with loads of cost to spare. 

Our common PCMark battery take a look at displays that – a rating of 14 hours and 55 minutes ranks it simply outdoors the highest 10 finest battery life telephones we’ve reviewed. 

Nevertheless, charging isn’t fairly as spectacular. The Xperia 1 VI solely helps 30W wired USB-C speeds, and there’s no charger included within the field. Utilizing a 65W one I personal, it reached 52% after half an hour, with 0-100% taking 80 minutes. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Qi wi-fi charging at 15W and reverse wi-fi charging are additionally supported.

Software program & Apps

• Runs Android 14
• Clear, slick person expertise
• 3 years OS updates, 4 years safety

Out of the field, the Xperia 1 VI runs Android 14, the newest model of Google’s working system on the time of writing. 

The software program expertise is refreshingly near what you’ll discover on Pixel telephones, with no cluttered design or off-putting pop-ups or advertisements. It seems like Android as Google supposed it to be. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

In truth, the one actual distinction I seen is what Sony calls ‘Facet sense’. Basically, it’s a shortcut bar that gives easy accessibility to key apps and capabilities. Personally, I discovered it extra annoying than helpful, however it will possibly simply be turned off. 

Sony has included just a few apps of its personal – Music Professional, Video Creator and Exterior monitor – however most might be uninstalled. And transferring all the principle digicam capabilities inside one redesigned app makes a giant distinction.

When it comes to updates, Sony is supporting the telephone with three main OS variations and 4 years of safety patches. Which means it ought to rise up to and together with Android 17, plus additional assist till 2028. 

It’s not dangerous, however somewhat underwhelming by fashionable requirements. Samsung and Google each supply seven years of each on their flagships, whereas even the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Extremely supply 4 OS and 5 safety. 

Value & Availability

At launch, the Xperia 1 VI prices £1,299 within the UK when purchased outright. 

It’s obtainable direct from Sony, but additionally by way of Amazon, AO and Very. 

Alternatively, you possibly can see the most effective contract choices within the widget under. 

Nevertheless, not like the Xperia 1 V, the 1 VI isn’t obtainable within the US. 

That outright value within the UK places it in direct competitors with a number of the most costly flagships round, together with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely (from £1,249), Xiaomi 14 Extremely (from £1,299) and iPhone 15 Professional Max (from £1,199). 

For most individuals, a kind of shall be a more sensible choice. 

Must you purchase the Sony Xperia 1 VI?

The Xperia 1 VI is a big change for Sony, bringing the design and show of its flagship according to different Android telephones. Whereas it would sound like a downgrade, the telephone advantages in consequence. 

Different highlights embrace sturdy Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 efficiency, glorious battery life and superb zoom and macro pictures. 

Nevertheless, the remainder of the digicam expertise is a step down from the most effective digicam telephones round, whereas gradual charging and occasional overheating points are irritating. 

In the end, while you’re paying this kind of cash for a telephone (or committing to a protracted, costly contract), it’s essential to ensure that it’s the appropriate machine for you. And for most individuals, these flaws imply that’s not the case. 

Specs

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset   
• 12GB RAM  
• 256GB inner storage (expandable as much as 1.5TB by way of Micro-SD) 
• 6.5-inch, 1080 x 2340 LTPO OLED show, 120Hz  
• 48Mp, f/1.9 fundamental digicam with OIS   
• 12Mp, f/2.3-3.5 telephoto digicam with 3.5x-7.1x optical zoom and OIS 
• 12Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide digicam 
• 12Mp, f/2.0 front-facing digicam 
• 5000mAh battery   
• 30W wired charging
• 15W wi-fi charging
• Reverse wi-fi charging 
• 5G   
• Twin stereo audio system   
• Wi-Fi 7 
• Bluetooth 5.4 
• NFC   
• IP65/IP68 water and mud resistance   
• Android 14 
• 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm 
• 192g