The Sony Xperia 1 VI is official with a TV-like display and 7.1x optical zoom

Say hello to Sony’s latest camera-focused phone: the Xperia 1 VI!

If you’re certain you’re experiencing the greatest déjà vu ever right now, let me assure you: you are not.

It’s just that in the last two weeks, Sony Xperia 1 VI It leaked significantly several times, leaving almost nothing to the imagination.

Now, though, Sony’s 2024 flagship is official, so let’s put those rumors behind us and see what the deal is with this great-looking phone.

Right away: You’ll notice that there’s something very different about the Xperia 1 VI from the outside. Yes, the aspect ratio – or proportions – of the screen has changed.

Instead of the tall (and unique) 21:9 aspect ratio, the Xperia 1 VI comes with The aspect ratio is 19.5:9identical to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

This screen is inspired by Sony’s Bravia TVs (more on that in a minute).

However, the real deal is the fact that the Xperia 1 VI comes with 7.1x optical zooma significant jump ahead of the Xperia 1 V’s 5.2x optical zoom.

Sony explains that 7.1x optical zoom is “scheduled to be delivered in the next Android OS version update,” so it remains to be seen what they mean by that and how the telephoto camera will work out of the box.

Photography whistles and bells

Usually, we start our phone reveal report with details about the chipset and other “traditional” specifications.

However, the Xperia 1 line does not fall into any category that can be called “traditional” – or at least it tries not to.

Let’s not kid ourselves, the Xperia was and still is a phone all about photography (and video).

So, let’s dive into it!

Users can expect a triple rear camera setup:

• Main camera: Equivalent focal length 24mm
• Ultra wide camera: Equivalent focal length 16 mm
• TElephoto cameraOptical zoom: 85mm-170mm

That goodness of Exmoor still exists!

The main camera uses the camera developed by Sony Exmor T for mobile Sensor. Pair this with the obligatory AI processing (it is 2024, after all!) and users should get pretty good results. I’m very skeptical about the “image quality equivalent to full frame cameras” statement from Sony itself, but hey, Marketing is a tough racket.

Overall, the Exmor T for mobile phones should enable lower noise and wider dynamic range in low light, and should make videos look full of cinematic color expression.

Macro shots with telephoto

If you’re interested in macro photography, get this, there’s no dedicated macro lens, but the telephoto comes with a maximum magnification of approximately 2x and a minimum focus distance of 4cm.

Sony AF Tracking: The bee’s knees

The Xperia 1 VI is newly equipped with AF Tracking with Human Pose Estimation – an AI feature developed using Alpha series cameras (you know, the world-famous Sony dedicated cameras!)

The rear camera integrates AI technology to recognize the human skeleton, enabling precise AF tracking even in difficult shooting scenarios due to potential obstacles obscuring the view of the subject. This advanced function ensures consistent and accurate tracking, resulting in improved image capture in a variety of environments.

New camera app

Sony says the camera app on the Xperia 1 VI has received a major update. The app now features an intuitive interface designed for smooth navigation. This improvement prioritizes comfort without compromising on the range of creative tools available, such as special shooting modes and customizable color presets.

There’s touch tracking, capable of automatically adjusting brightness and color adjustments, along with introducing a new Pro Video mode. This device provides detailed control over settings for video capture and users can easily capture photos and videos with intuitive control and precision.

The shutter button grows and grows

A welcome upgrade: The Xperia 1 VI features a larger shutter button than its predecessor, the Xperia 1 V, providing improved control while taking photos.

The screen is inspired by Bravia TVs

Apart from being image-focused flagship phones, the Xperia 1 phones are known for their high-quality displays. The Xperia 1 VI will not disappoint, as it promises cutting-edge display technology inherited from the Bravia 9 TV.

The main goal is to improve contrast, color and clarity. This technology works with your content and even streaming services.

The Xperia 1 VI has a Full HD+ display that can be set between 1 and 120 Hz for energy-efficient operation using LTPO technology. As you know, LTPO technology for mobile displays helps save battery life by dynamically adjusting the screen refresh rate based on the displayed content.

As we mentioned before, this Sony hero comes with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. The tech giant also claims that it offers the brightest display in Xperia history, ensuring a visually stunning user experience.

Furthermore, there is a new Sunlight Vision mode for better viewing in difficult outdoor lighting conditions.

Moreover, the new Sunlight Vision mode provides improved visibility in outdoor environments, not only increasing image brightness, but also performing AI image processing to prevent excessive lighting by analyzing frames and environmental brightness in real time.

Sony has revealed that the new screen is 1.5 times brighter than the previous model.

Yes, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is in the house

You wouldn’t expect a 2024 Sony flagship without a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, would you?

Most likely, the Xperia 1 VI won’t top any of the top 10 benchmark rankings, but so what? Existence The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset inside means you’ll get fast, reliable, and more than enough performance. This powerful processor “boosts the AI ​​capabilities of the Xperia 1 VI, delivering unparalleled performance in camera, audio, gaming and display,” claims Sony.

In fact, there is a new feature to improve the game: “FPS Optimizer”!

FPS Optimizer dynamically optimizes CPU usage and frame rate based on the gaming environment. Touch input has been optimized, offering three tracking speeds and two levels of tap accuracy, ensuring an unparalleled gaming experience for both gaming and live streaming where quick reactions are essential.

The 240Hz touch sampling rate is said to enable “unparalleled responsiveness, offering near-instant feedback to touch inputs for faster in-game actions and increased control,” but you’ll have to see for yourself if that’s any good.

The phone includes a Game Optimizer and Vapor Chamber for improved thermal management, promising a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience, even during extended gaming sessions.

In addition, Ly Raiser adjusts image details in dark areas of the game, making it easier to see opponents in the dark.

Design: Hot and textured

Sony Xperia phones look good – did I say that already? Or did I describe them as unique? It doesn’t matter.

The Xperia 1 VI will make users happy with its back panel finish – think comfort, functionality and beauty. And fist. Yes, the grip has been improved (any photographer will confirm that this is very important) and the micro-convex manufacturing of the hard glass has also been improved, along with a frosted finish that makes it more resistant to fingerprints and surface scratches.

Comes in a range of colors to suit your style:

• black
• Platinum silver
• Green khaki

There is also a newly assembled loop strap that can be attached to the cover: more stability! Moreover, the stand supports both horizontal and vertical orientations for added convenience.

The Xperia 1 VI maintains a sleek look, measuring just 8.2mm thick (thinner than previous Xperia models) and weighing just 192g.

Battery: Give me power!

The Xperia 1 VI is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery which should not be underestimated. Sony claims that the battery is designed for two days of typical use. There is a heat dissipation component in the steam room. Not only does it support fast charging, reaching nearly 50% capacity in just 30 minutes, but Battery Care and Xperia Adaptive Charging ensure the battery doesn’t get overworked while charging, giving you four years of healthy battery life.

In addition, the Xperia 1 VI supports the new wireless standard Wi-Fi 7 coming later in 2024. This latest connectivity standard enables high-speed data exchange, enhancing the user experience.

New voice for users

Sony isn’t giving up the 3.5mm headphone jack. I love that!

Featuring a new premium audio circuit for 3.5mm wired headphones, a new high-performance amplifier and innovative audio technologies, Xperia 1 VI promises great sound.

The performance of the speaker unit has undergone significant improvements. By reducing distortion at high volume levels and improving low-frequency output, Sony claims a “significant increase” in sound pressure level.

The Xperia 1 VI lets you explore the latest audio industry technologies and formats by supporting:

• High fidelity sound
• High-fidelity wireless audio
• LDAC (a technology that allows high-quality wireless audio transmission over Bluetooth connections)
• Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) Audio
• Snapdragon sound

When paired with select wireless headphones, activating the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) connection mode further improves sound quality, even in “noisy urban environments.”

Accessibility features

Sony doesn’t want people to fall behind because of physical differences. This is how they are included:

From voice control to increasing text volume, the Xperia 1 VI includes a range of accessibility features, allowing everyone to communicate freely, whatever their individual needs. For example, the Xperia 1 VI includes a function that uses sounds to inform users of the camera’s horizontal metering information while shooting. In addition, Sony has introduced unique enhancements to Android’s “TalkBack” function, ensuring that on-screen menus are read in a user-friendly sequence, enhancing accessibility for all users.

Pricing, availability and software updates

The Xperia 1 VI will be available to buy from early June for approximately €1,399/£1,299. The phone will come with 3 years of operating system updates and 4 years of security updates.