The Sony Xperia 10 VII brings a fresh new look to the mid-range smartphone segment with a new horizontal camera module, improved camera and a battery that lasts up to two days. For €449 ($525), you get a compact device with a 6.1-inch display, support for six years of security updates and eco-friendly materials. Ideal for users looking for a sustainable and practical solution without unnecessary extras.
Imagine a smartphone that is like a faithful companion on your daily adventures – lightweight, reliable and always ready, without forcing you to constantly charge or search for wireless headphones. Sony has Sony Xperiaa 10 VII did just that: it refreshed its mid-range series, which until now had been a silent hero in the shadow of stars like the iPhone or the Galaxy. Instead of dealing with artificial intelligence that writes stories, Sony went back to basics - and with an irony, as if to say: "Why have a hundred lenses when one good camera button solves everything?" In this article, we'll explore why this phone should be on your list if you value technology that serves your life, not fills it with unnecessary features.
New design: Like Pixel, with Sony elegance and practicality
The Sony Xperia 10 VII is like a friend who, after years of routine, decided to make a change – and it did it without exaggeration. Instead of a vertical camera setup, it now has a horizontal “camera bar” reminiscent of Google Pixel phones, but with a matte texture on the back for better grip. The phone weighs just 168 grams, measures 153 x 72 x 8.3 mm and is available in three colors: white, turquoise and charcoal black. This turquoise color is particularly attractive – it’s as if Sony has added a little bit of the sea to your everyday tech without trying too hard.
The front has a 6.1-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels) and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, which is wider than the previous 21:9 – videos will no longer look like long letters in a letter. The screen supports 120 Hz refresh for smooth scrolling, and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 against scratches and drops. Brightness reaches about 1064 nits in automatic mode, which is enough for indoor use, but you may need shade in the sun. IP65/IP68 water and dust protection means you can take the phone to the beach or in the rain without worry.
Irony? Sony keeps the 3.5mm headphone jack – because why give up on audio tradition? – a microSD slot for up to 2TB of storage expansion, and front-facing stereo speakers with less vibration for richer bass. If you like to customize your case with pictures or stickers, this phone is your canvas – Sony offers a Style Cover (XQZ-CBFE) that's yellow-resistant and button-aligned.
Camera: The shutter button that captures the moment – and maybe even a laugh
Sony has always been known for its cameras, and the Xperia 10 VII is no different – ironically, it has added a feature to the mid-range that only the top models have. The side shutter button instantly launches the camera, even when the screen is locked, allowing you to take a quick photo. Imagine: a child jumps, you press – and you have a shot instead of tapping the screen. It’s like having a pro in your pocket, except it doesn’t require coffee.
The rear camera has two lenses: a 50 MP main sensor with optical (OIS) and electronic (EIS) stabilization and a 1/1.56-inch sensor, which is 1.6 times larger than its predecessor, and a 13 MP ultra-wide-angle lens (1/3-inch sensor). They support three focal lengths (16 mm ultra-wide, 24 mm wide and 48 mm zoom, 35 mm equivalent), allowing for versatility - from landscapes to portraits. In low light, the sensors capture clear images with good dynamic range, thanks to Sony's Exmor RS technology. The 8 MP front camera is basic, but sufficient for selfies and calls.
But not everything is perfect: video recording is limited to FHD at 30fps with no 4K, which is a bit ironic at this price point, as competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A55 offer more. For everyday photos, especially with the AI tools in Google Photos, it's more than enough - and Circle to Search lets you circle part of an image and get information without switching apps.
Battery and performance: Two days without worries, but not without waiting for a charge
The battery is the star: the 5000 mAh capacity lasts for about two days with moderate use (360 minutes of activity per day, including browsing, videos and games), ideal for trips without a charger. Sony's "Adaptive Charging" technology prevents degradation after four years of use (based on USB charging simulations), meaning the phone will remain reliable longer than your very expensive shoes.
Under the hood is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (expandable with microSD up to 2TB), which ensures smooth, lag-free performance - tests show an 8% improvement in single-core tasks compared to the Xperia 10 VI. The phone comes with Android 15, and promises up to four operating system updates and six years of security patches (from the release date, depending on the time of purchase), which is a rarity in the mid-range. The irony? Charging is limited to 30W, which means about 1 hour and 45 minutes for a full charge - for the patient, not for those in a hurry.
Bluetooth power is doubled for better connections in crowded environments, and it supports AAC codec with adaptive bitrate for stable audio. Google Gemini, accessible by holding the power button, makes it easy to learn or brainstorm - like a distraction-free personal assistant.
Environmental commitment: Sony goes green without sacrificing style
Sony hasn't forgotten about the environment: the packaging is plastic-free, with a mix of recycled and plant-based resins (around 77% of % of the raw materials are eco-friendly, including SORPLAS™ plastic, calculated by weight, excluding electrical components). This isn't just marketing - it's practical irony in a world where technology often harms the planet. The phone is lightweight and durable, reducing the need for replacements.
Price and availability: Worth every euro?
The Xperia 10 VII costs €449 ($525, as verified on Sony's official website) and will be available from September 2025, with pre-orders starting September 12 in Europe, the UK and other select countries. Accessories like the Style Cover (XQZ-CBFE) are available separately. Compared to competitors like the Google Pixel 8a (€509) or the Samsung Galaxy A55 (€479), the Sony offers more convenience (headphones, microSD) but less in performance - ideal for those looking for a balance.
Conclusion: Sony Xperia 10 VII
Sony Xperia 10 VII It's like a reliable everyday hero - it won't shock you with crazy features, but it'll be there when you need it, with a long life, a good camera and a design that looks to the future. If you're looking for a phone that serves your rhythm, not accelerates it, this is your choice. Irony? In a world where everyone is rushing to get the latest, Sony reminds you that sometimes reliability wins. Check it out and see for yourself - it might become your new pocket friend.
