Sony has officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 VII, continuing the legacy of its renowned Xperia line. This new model boasts an impressive array of audiovisual (AV) enhancements compared to its predecessor, designed to prioritize both picture and sound quality. With a fresh partnership with the Walkman division, Sony aims to elevate the audio experience on this device to unprecedented levels.
The Xperia 1 VII stands out as one of the few flagship smartphones still equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, showcasing Sony's commitment to superior audio performance. The company has rigorously tested premium internal components sourced from its acclaimed Walkman portable music players. This has led to the development of a new headphone jack that features high-quality solder infused with gold, significantly enhancing sound reproduction and improving both soundstage and directional accuracy.
For audiophiles who prefer wireless listening, the Xperia 1 VII supports advanced Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC and aptX Adaptive, ensuring high-quality wireless audio streaming. Additionally, it supports Dolby Atmos, providing immersive sound experiences through both the device's speakers and connected headphones. The full-stage stereo speakers have also seen improvements, delivering an even more realistic audio experience.
Continuing its collaboration with the Bravia TV division, the Xperia 1 VII features a 6.5-inch Full HD+ OLED display that has been meticulously tuned for optimal performance. The display boasts a dynamic refresh rate of 120Hz, enhancing user experience for gaming and media consumption. While some may miss the 4K 21:9 display from previous models, the focus on usability and battery life is a welcome trade-off. Sony has implemented an AI system designed to replicate the best aspects of its Bravia TVs, enhancing color, contrast, texture, and depth perception for stunning visuals.
Furthermore, the display receives a remarkable 20% brightness upgrade, making it the brightest screen ever on an Xperia device. Accompanied by a new rear light sensor, the display intelligently adjusts settings to suit varying ambient light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility at all times.
Under the hood, the Xperia 1 VII is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite processor and is equipped with 12GB of RAM, running on Android 15—the newest version of the operating system. Embracing advancements in AI technology, the device features the new Xperia Intelligence suite, enhancing the capabilities of picture, sound, and photography.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the sophisticated camera system, which includes three rear sensors: a 48MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. These advanced sensors work seamlessly with Sony's professional camera app and a dedicated camera shutter button, providing users with an enriched smartphone photography experience.
The Sony Xperia 1 VII is now available for pre-order at a price of £1399, reflecting a £100 increase from the Xperia 1 VI. Customers can choose from three elegant finishes: Slate Black, Moss Green, and Orchid Purple. As a special promotion, pre-ordering the Xperia 1 VII grants customers a complimentary pair of the award-winning WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones.
However, it's worth noting that, similar to previous models, the Xperia 1 VII is not expected to launch in the United States, marking another chapter in Sony's selective global rollout strategy.
For more insights, be sure to check out our full reviews of the Sony Xperia 1 VI and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
