Sony is back. Again. With a new flagship. The Sony Xperia 1 VII - 2025 is a hybrid that combines three worlds: the photographic world of Alpha cameras, the audio nostalgia of Walkman sound and the prestigious visual experience of BRAVIA TVs. All this is packed into a phone that costs more than a weekend getaway in Venice, but promises an experience like no other smartphone. Is this really a new milestone or just technological boasting with a hefty price tag?
Sony, that tech giant that can do everything — except a smartphone that anyone would actually buy in large numbers — has struck again. Sony Xperia 1 VII – 2025 is their latest reinterpretation of what a smartphone should be. And yes, this is again a device that is futuristic in terms of capabilities, but in terms of user experience… well, typically Sony. If you like gadgets that were clearly developed by an engineer with six PhDs and no patience for “user friendly”, read on.
Camera: The role of artificial intelligence in a world where we all take better photos than the paparazzi – this is the Sony Xperia 1 VII – 2025
Sony's Alpha engineers have built an AI into the Sony Xperia 1 VII – 2025 that can predict movement, stabilize the image, and even hold the frame when you're already looking away (because you're on TikTok). "AI Camerawork" and "Auto Framing" act as your personal cameraman, following you around without a fuss. That means: you just hold your phone roughly in front of the scene, and it does the magic. Professional video recording without professional knowledge. Finally, every vlog you make will look like a Netflix documentary — if you can handle the interface.
Sound: When Walkman and AI meet at a bar
If you grew up with a Walkman and changed 12 batteries a week, you'll be pleased to know that the sound here is great. Really great. Sony has stuffed components from its legendary music devices inside and the result is audio ecstasy. Even if you're listening to Spotify in the lowest bitrate version, the "DSEE Ultimate" AI will enhance everything to sound like the studio version. But hey, of course, only if you use Sony headphones. Of course. Even wired ones, since it has a "headphone" jack - that is - the Sony Xperia 1 VII - 2025.
Screen: BRAVIA, but at 6.5 inches
If you're still not convinced: The Sony Xperia 1 VII – 2025 has a display that learns from its environment. Not emotionally, but light. The rear sensor detects light and color temperature, and the phone optimizes the display accordingly. Sunlight Vision makes sure you can see everything, even if you're standing in the middle of the desert (or a Slovenian summer festival at 1 p.m.).
Hardware: Snapdragon 8 Elite, but without overkill
Inside the Sony Xperia 1 VII – 2025 is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is currently what we would call “overkill in the best possible way”. A processor that can run the latest games while also thinking about how to reduce your battery consumption. With optimization, you can go up to two days without charging, unless you are on a Netflix marathon or a photo shoot for Instagram stories.
Ecology and sustainability, but seriously
Plastic? No thanks. The Xperia 1 VII comes in plastic-free packaging, uses recycled materials, SORPLAS, plant-based resins… in short, more sustainable than your favorite vegan coffee. And even though it costs the same as a second-hand small electric car, you’ll feel like you’re doing something positive for the planet.
Technical specifications of the Sony Xperia 1 VII
- Screen: 6.5-inch LTPO OLED HDR display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, 120 Hz refresh rate, 240 Hz touch detection rate and 10-bit color depth. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and includes BRAVIA technology for adaptive brightness and color temperature depending on the environment.
- Processor and memory: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB with a microSD card.
- Camera:
- Main camera: 48 MP (effective 52 MP) with 1/1.35″ Exmor T sensor, f/1.9, 24 mm, with optical image stabilization (OIS).
- Ultra-wide-angle camera: 48 MP with a new 1/1.56″, f/2.0, 16 mm sensor, with minimal distortion and the ability to take macro photos from a distance of 5 cm.
- Telephoto camera: 12 MP periscope lens with optical zoom from 85 mm to 170 mm, with OIS.
- Functions: AI Camerawork, Auto Framing, 4K video recording at 120 fps.
- Sound:
- 3.5mm headphone jack with high-quality components from the Walkman series, including gold-plated soldering to reduce signal loss.
- Stereo speakers with enhanced bass and midrange, calibrated in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment.
- Support for DSEE Ultimate, Hi-Res Audio, LDAC and Dolby Atmos.
- Battery: 5000 mAh with up to 2 days of use, support for 30W fast charging and wireless charging.
- Operating system: Android 15 with a promised 4 OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates.
- Additional features:
- IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance.
- Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
- Built-in cooling system with evaporation chamber for efficient heat dissipation.
- Dimensions and weight: 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm; 197 g.
- Color variations: Slate Black, Moss Green, Orchid Purple.
- Price and availability: Available for pre-order in Europe for approximately €1499; US availability not confirmed.
Price and availability
The Xperia 1 VII is available from May 13, 2025. Colors? Slate Black, Moss Green, Orchid Purple. Price? €1,499. As you'd expect from a device that's supposed to be all-in-one. With one small caveat: it won't be available in the US (again). Because Sony is Sony.
Conclusion: Sony Xperia 1 VII – 2025
The Xperia 1 VII is a phone for those who are looking for more than just a smartphone. It's a phone for people who want a photo studio, a concert hall and a cinema in their pocket. And are willing to pay for it. For everyone else? There are more practical alternatives. But none will be like… Sony. And sometimes that's exactly what we need.
