Weekly poll: the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is here, are you getting one?

Posted on May 17, 2026, 7 a.m.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII: A Return to Form or a Missed Opportunity? Our Poll Results Are In!

The latest flagship from Sony, the Xperia 1 VIII, has landed, and it's sparking quite the debate. In a smartphone landscape dominated by trending features, Sony is taking a decidedly different approach with its newest offering. This device seems to hail from an alternate reality where essential features like the microSD card slot and the 3.5mm headphone jack remain, and display notches are a distant memory.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII camera interface with colorful pillows.

Key Features and Controversies of the Xperia 1 VIII

The Xperia 1 VIII boasts a premium price tag, starting at €1,500 / £1,400. While the inclusion of the highly-regarded WH-1000XM6 headphones is a nice perk, many users are expressing disappointment with the battery specifications. The device features a 5,000mAh battery, supporting 30W wired and 15W wireless charging, but notably lacks magnetic charging capabilities. This has been a significant point of contention in user comments following the announcement.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII smartphones in three colors.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII phones with protective cases

Camera Innovation: A Closer Look at the Telephoto Upgrade

Sony has made significant strides with the Xperia 1 VIII's telephoto camera. While it might appear conventional with its high-resolution sensor and fixed focal length lens, the new 48MP 2.9x/70mm module delivers noticeably sharper images compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, its low-light performance sees a considerable improvement.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII SIM tray beside phone

Sony Xperia 1 VIII rear camera module detail.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII camera module closeup.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII triple camera close-up.

Beyond the telephoto lens, all three rear cameras on the Xperia 1 VIII consistently produce impressive results across various lighting conditions. A standout feature is their support for 4K video recording at a smooth 120fps. However, in a fiercely competitive market, other manufacturers offer phones at similar price points with camera systems that leverage the expertise of renowned brands like Hasselblad, Zeiss, and Leica, suggesting that Sony Alpha's camera pedigree isn't the sole benchmark for photographic excellence. Additionally, the integrated AI camera features have been met with mixed reactions, leaving room for improvement.

Your Verdict: Are You Joining the Xperia 1 VIII Fanbase?

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII clearly caters to a dedicated following, often considered a niche product by the wider market. We're keen to hear where you stand. Are you a loyal Xperia enthusiast drawn to its unique philosophy, or are you looking elsewhere for your next smartphone upgrade? Let us know your thoughts!

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