Sony Xperia 1 VI Review: The Ultimate Flagship for 2024

Sony has continued its tradition of blending cutting-edge technology with sleek design in its latest flagship, the Sony Xperia 1 VI. Announced on May 15, 2024, and available from June 3, this smartphone promises to deliver a premium experience across various fronts, from display and performance to camera and audio. Here’s a deep dive into what makes the Sony Xperia 1 VI stand out in a crowded market.

Design and Build Quality

The Xperia 1 VI boasts a sophisticated design with dimensions of 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm and a weight of 192 grams, making it both slim and light. The device is crafted with a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame, ensuring durability and a premium feel. Its IP65/IP68 rating means it is dust and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, adding an extra layer of protection against the elements.

Display: Visual Excellence

One of the standout features of the Xperia 1 VI is its 6.5-inch LTPO OLED display. With a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, the screen offers a crisp and vibrant viewing experience. The display supports 1 billion colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR BT.2020, ensuring smooth visuals and rich colors. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the screen is also designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.

Performance: Powerhouse Under the Hood

Under the hood, the Xperia 1 VI is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process. The octa-core CPU configuration (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2×3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) and Adreno 750 GPU ensure top-tier performance for both daily tasks and intensive gaming. The device comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, expandable via a microSDXC card using the shared SIM slot.

Camera: Professional-Grade Imaging

Sony has always excelled in camera technology, and the Xperia 1 VI is no exception. The triple camera setup includes:

– 48 MP wide-angle lens (f/1.9, 24mm)** with dual pixel PDAF and OIS
– 12 MP telephoto lens (f/2.3, 85mm & f/3.5, 170mm)** with 3.5x-7.1x continuous optical zoom, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, and macro capabilities
– 12 MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2, 16mm, 123˚)** with dual pixel PDAF

Features like Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, LED flash, HDR, and eye tracking enhance the camera’s capabilities, making it suitable for both photography enthusiasts and professionals. The video recording capabilities are impressive as well, supporting 4K HDR at various frame rates and 5-axis gyro-EIS.

Selfie Camera: High-Quality Front Shooter

The front-facing camera is a 12 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and 24mm wide-angle lens. It supports HDR and can record 4K videos at 30/60fps, ensuring that selfies and video calls are of high quality.

Audio: Immersive Sound Experience

Sony has packed the Xperia 1 VI with a robust audio setup. The device features stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones. It supports 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio, both wired and wireless, along with Snapdragon Sound and a dynamic vibration system for a more immersive audio experience.

Connectivity: Cutting-Edge Technology

The Xperia 1 VI supports the latest in connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 (enabled via a software update), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and a USB Type-C 3.2 port with OTG and video output. Positioning technologies include GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS, ensuring accurate and reliable location tracking.

Battery: Long-Lasting and Fast Charging

The device is equipped with a 5000 mAh non-removable battery. It supports 30W wired charging, PD3.0, and PPS, capable of charging 50% in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add to the convenience, ensuring the phone stays powered throughout the day.

Additional Features

– Security: The fingerprint sensor is side-mounted for easy access.
– Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, and color spectrum.
– Software: Runs on Android 14 with native Sony Alpha camera support for professional-grade photography.

Colors and Pricing

The Xperia 1 VI is available in four colors: Black, Platinum Silver, Khaki Green, and Scar Red. The pricing is set at $1,244.00 / €1,399.00 / £1,299.00, positioning it in the premium segment.

Performance Benchmarks

The Xperia 1 VI has proven its prowess in various performance benchmarks:
– AnTuTu: 1,612,156 (v10)
– GeekBench: 6,119 (v6)
– 3DMark Wild Life: 16,109 (offscreen 1440p)
– Battery Active Use Score: 17:27 hours