Sony Xperia 1 II vs Xperia 1 V: The Ultimate Flagship Showdown

Sony's Xperia line consistently caters to enthusiasts seeking a premium experience. The Xperia 1 II and Xperia 1 V represent the pinnacle of this philosophy, offering stunning displays, powerful cameras, and a unique Android experience. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xperia 1 V is the clear winner, boasting a significantly brighter display, a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and improved charging speeds. While the 1 II remains a capable device, the 1 V’s advancements in camera processing and overall performance make it the superior flagship.

PHONES
Phone Names Sony Xperia 1 II Sony Xperia 1 V
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 3, 28, 77, 78 NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat19 1600/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Asia
Launch
Announced2020, February 242023, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, May 22Available. Released 2023, July 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions165.1 x 71.1 x 7.6 mm (6.5 x 2.80 x 0.30 in)165 x 71 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 2.80 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight181.4 g (6.38 oz)187 g (6.60 oz)
 IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~643 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 98.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, HDR BT.2020OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
 Runs at 1096 x 2560 pixels except for select use cases-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 740
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12Android 13, upgradable to Android 15
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye trackingZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Triple12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)48 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.35", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 125mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-5.2x continuous optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.5", dual pixel PDAF
Video4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
Video1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
 -Native Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD 11W wireless30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min Wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Purple, Mirror Lake GreenBlack, Khaki Green, Platinum Silver
ModelsXQ-AT51, XQ-AT52, SOG01, XQ-AT42XQDQ62/B, XQ-DQ72, XQ-DQ54
PriceAbout 700 EUR€ 684.00 / $ 1,409.99 / £ 519.99
Tests
Battery lifeEndurance rating 83h Endurance rating 115h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -27.3 LUFS (Good) -25.4 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 534701 (v8) GeekBench: 3295 (v5.1) GFXBench: 39fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 1127931 (v9) GeekBench: 4916 (v6) GFXBench: 96fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sony Xperia 1 II

  • Excellent camera system
  • Stunning 4K HDR display
  • Premium design and build quality
  • Clean Android experience

  • Slower charging speed
  • Older chipset
  • Less bright display compared to 1 V

Sony Xperia 1 V

  • Significantly brighter display
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • Improved camera processing
  • Faster charging (30W)
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging

  • Higher price
  • Larger size compared to 1 II

Display Comparison

The Xperia 1 V’s display is a noticeable upgrade. Its peak brightness of 936 nits blows the 1 II’s 611 nits out of the water, making it significantly better for outdoor visibility. Both feature excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), and the 120Hz refresh rate on both provides a smooth viewing experience. The 1 V's improved color accuracy and HDR performance further enhance the visual experience.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer excellent camera systems, but the Xperia 1 V introduces improvements in image processing and low-light performance. The 1 V's Exmor T sensor and AI-powered processing result in more detailed and natural-looking photos. Video recording capabilities are also enhanced on the 1 V, with improved stabilization and dynamic range. The 1 II's camera is still very good, but the 1 V represents a significant step forward.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xperia 1 V offers a substantial performance leap over the Snapdragon 865 in the 1 II. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 1 V's more efficient chipset also contributes to better power management. While the 1 II is still capable, the 1 V is in a different league.

Battery Life

While both phones have similar endurance ratings (115h for both old models), the Xperia 1 V’s more efficient chipset and faster charging (30W vs 21W) give it an edge in real-world usage. The addition of wireless and reverse wireless charging on the 1 V is also a welcome convenience.

Buying Guide

The Xperia 1 II is a great option for users who prioritize a slightly more affordable price point and don't need the absolute latest performance. It's ideal for photography enthusiasts who appreciate Sony's camera tuning. The Xperia 1 V is for those who demand the best possible display, performance, and camera capabilities, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Xperia 1 V worth the upgrade from the Xperia 1 II?
If you prioritize display brightness, performance, and camera improvements, then yes. The 1 V offers a significant upgrade in these areas. However, if you're happy with your 1 II and don't need the latest features, it might not be worth the investment.
❓ What is the battery life like on the Xperia 1 V?
The Xperia 1 V offers excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. The endurance rating of 115h suggests very good standby time as well.