Sony Xperia 1 VIII Introduced with Enhanced 48MP Telephoto Sensor and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Processor

The new Sony Xperia 1 VIII features an upgraded telephoto camera equipped with a 1/1.56” sensor, which is four times larger than the one found in the Mark 7 model and offers four times the resolution. Additionally, the new model showcases a redesigned camera layout and transitions to the latest Qualcomm chipset, while retaining signature Xperia features such as expandable storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a two-stage shutter key.

Turning our attention back to the cameras, Sony has made substantial changes. The Mark 7, 6, 5, and 4 included continuous optical zoom similar to point-and-shoot cameras, with even the Mark 3 allowing switching between two focal lengths.

The latest Xperia 1 VIII locks its telephoto camera at 70mm (2.9x magnification compared to the 24mm main lens). It employs the enhanced 48MP sensor for higher zoom capabilities. This module features an f/2.8 aperture, which should improve low-light performance; however, the Mark 7 offered a wider f/2.3 aperture at 3.5x zoom, which narrowed to f/3.5 at the maximum 7.1x zoom.

The remaining camera modules are consistent with previous models: a 48MP 1/1.35” main camera (with a 24mm f/1.9 lens and OIS), a 48MP 1/1.56” ultra-wide camera (with a 16mm f/2.0 lens), and a 12MP selfie camera (1/2.9” sensor, 24mm f/2.0 lens).

Sony assures that RAW multi-frame processing is utilized across all cameras, enhancing dynamic range and reducing noise in low-light conditions while preventing issues such as clipped highlights or crushed shadows.

In addition to the telephoto lens, a significant upgrade in this generation is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which surpasses last year's 8 Elite chip. This upgrade promises a 20% increase in CPU performance, a 23% faster GPU, and a reduction in power consumption by up to 20%.

The device starts with a base configuration of 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage, with options to increase RAM up to 16GB and storage up to 1TB. Notably, it retains a microSD slot, a rarity among modern devices, especially at the flagship level.

The AI accelerator in the Snapdragon chip supports the AI Camera Assistant feature (marketed under Xperia Intelligence). This feature analyzes the scene—considering factors such as subject and weather conditions—to recommend adjustments to settings like color tones and lens effects. Users can accept the AI's suggestions or adjust settings manually for a personalized outcome.

Sony maintains its Walkman legacy with the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy lossless, latency-free audio without the need for headphone battery management. What’s not to appreciate?

Moreover, the device is equipped with symmetrical left and right speakers that provide stereo audio without headphones. The speakers have been optimized to deliver richer bass, clearer highs, and an extended soundstage compared to previous models.

Some features remain unchanged, which may be viewed positively or negatively. The display is a 6.5-inch LTPO panel with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and the device houses a 5,000mAh battery. While the flat screen design devoid of cutouts (with the camera positioned in the upper bezel) may appeal to many users, the 1080p+ resolution could be seen as insufficient, especially for a series historically known for its 4K displays.

The battery charging capabilities are identical to prior iterations, featuring 30W wired and 15W wireless options. In light of mid-2025 standards, both the battery capacity and charging speeds feel relatively outdated.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII Colors

The Xperia 1 VIII is available in four color options, inspired by natural materials: Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, Garnet Red, and Native Gold. An official case with a built-in stand, compatible in both portrait and landscape orientations, is also available. This case is made from a translucent material that resists yellowing over time.

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII is now available for pre-order, accessible through Sony's official website as well as select online retailers. The base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at €1,500 / £1,400. During the pre-order phase, customers will receive a complimentary pair of Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. The exclusive 1TB Native Gold model is available only through Sony, priced at €2,000 / £1,850, with shipping scheduled to commence in June.