A smartphone that combines all the best technologies of the company. Sony chose to make no compromises and aim for maximum quality in developing the Xperia 1 VII, the top-of-the-range aimed at professionals and content creators looking for a device that also works as a camera. Although no longer as strong as in the past in European markets with its mobile division, the Japanese company is proving that it can offer an excellent device, in line with the best smartphones on the market in terms of cost.
Alpha, Bravia and Walkman are Sony’s three icons in digital cameras, televisions and portable audio players. In this case, they are the strength of the Xperia 1 VII because engineers from various sectors have contributed to developing technologies optimised for the phone. Called Xperia Intelligence, these improve the user experience and functionality of the camera, as well as the audio and content viewing.
New features for perfect images and videos
Two of the most interesting new features are AI Camera Work and Auto Framing, which ensure stable videos with the right framing even when the person filming is not focusing on the subject. Thanks to image stabilisation and posture detection, AI Camera Work is able to keep the frame centred on the subject, even when they are moving. This is a huge help for less experienced users who are unable to avoid camera shakes when filming.
Auto Framing comes into play during filming by using AI to follow the subject and automatically cut the video to create the ideal scene. In this way, Sony offers two versions of the same video: one with the entire scene and the other with a focus on the subject in the foreground. Here, too, it is easy to see how this feature will allow anyone to create semi-perfect videos despite mistakes and distractions.
Cameras and displays, the strength of Sony
When talking about Sony, we have to talk about cameras. The Xperia 1 VII has a rear camera with three lenses: a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens which, together with proprietary algorithms designed to enhance the scene and colours, allows you to take shots of a quality similar to full-frame cameras with low noise and a wide dynamic range. The same lens is also useful for macro photography with close-ups up to a distance of 5 centimetres. The second lens is a wide-angle lens with a 48 MP sensor, while the telephoto lens integrates a 12 MP sensor with 85 to 170 mm optical zoom for capturing distant subjects with precision.
Another key element of the Xperia 1 VII is the 6.5-inch OLED display made by Samsung, which has a 120 Hz refresh rate and 10-bit true colour depth, resulting in smooth content and colour transitions that stand out in the nuances of images. Along with some technologies from the Bravia TV range, Sony has added a second light sensor on the back to adjust brightness, contrast, colour temperature and colour gamut more precisely and in relation to environmental conditions. There is also Sunlight Vision, which optimises performance when viewing the display in sunlight.
Good updates, top-of-the-range price
In terms of hardware, Sony has chosen the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with a series of proprietary technologies aimed at improving data processing and reducing energy consumption. The 5000 mAh battery should be enough to get you through the day, considering that the Japanese manufacturer claims 36 hours of continuous video playback. Charging takes around 30 minutes to go from 0 to 50%, and the phone is compatible with Qi wireless charging, while the Battery Share feature allows you to charge other compatible devices, such as earphones and smartwatches.
In addition to its in-house AI features, Sony has integrated the latest innovations from Google’s Gemini AI, such as Circle to Search and Magic Editor, which facilitate web searches and image retouching. On the software side, Sony guarantees four updates for the Android OS and six years of security updates. Available only in select European markets in three colours (Slate Black, Moss Green and Orchid Purple), the Sony Xperia 1 VII with 12+256GB of storage (expandable up to 2TB via microSD card) is priced at 1,499 euros.
The end of an era?
Sony’s latest smartphone could be historic in some ways, as the company has decided to stop manufacturing Xperia devices in-house at its factory in Thailand. According to reports from Japan, the company will rely on a Chinese company. This unexpected change of direction is worrying enthusiasts, who are frightened by the possibility of finding devices of a lower quality than that guaranteed by Sony, known for its strict controls over its supply chain.
