The Sony Xperia 1 VI is another big step forward for Sony as it tries to change the way content creators and media lovers use smartphones. With a strong focus on display quality, photography, and multimedia capabilities, the Xperia 1 VI continues Sony’s tradition of delivering professional-grade performance in a sleek, minimalist design. Let’s take a detailed look at what makes this device stand out — and where it falls short.
A Classic Sony Design Refined
Sony has stayed loyal to its distinctive design identity, and the Xperia 1 VI is no exception. The phone retains its tall, narrow 19.5:9 aspect ratio and understated elegance. The matte glass back and strong aluminum frame make it feel both elegant and strong. The device is also IP65/IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring everyday durability.
Available in classic shades such as Black, Khaki Green, and Platinum Silver, the Xperia 1 VI looks premium without being flashy. Sony also keeps fan-favorite physical features intact, such as the dedicated camera shutter button and the 3.5mm headphone jack, which are rare in modern flagships.
Display: From 4K to FHD+ — A Bold Move
Sony shocked everyone by replacing its famous 4K OLED panel with a 6.5-inch Full HD+ OLED LTPO display. While some enthusiasts initially questioned this downgrade, in practice, the screen remains exceptional.
The new panel supports a variable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, providing buttery-smooth scrolling and better battery optimization. It also offers high brightness, excellent contrast, and support for HDR and BT.2020 color gamut, ensuring that movies and photos look stunningly lifelike.
By moving to FHD+, Sony significantly improved battery efficiency, a common complaint in previous Xperia models. Even without 4K resolution, this display remains one of the best for professionals and cinephiles who demand accuracy and balance.
Camera System: Professional Tools in Your Pocket
Sony’s camera philosophy is based on giving users full manual control instead of relying only on computer tricks. The Xperia 1 VI has three cameras that were made in collaboration with Sony’s Alpha camera team:
- Main sensor: 48MP Exmor T (24mm, f/1.9)
- 12MP ultra-wide (16mm, f/2.2)
- 12MP telephoto lens (85–170mm continuous optical zoom)
The highlight here is the variable telephoto zoom lens, a rare feature in smartphones. It allows for continuous optical zoom from 3.5× to 7.1×, maintaining clarity and sharpness throughout the zoom range. This is a game-changer for photographers who want flexibility in framing shots.
The main 48MP sensor captures incredible detail, especially in daylight, while the ultra-wide camera performs well in landscapes and architectural shots. Sony’s real-time Eye AF and Object Tracking make shooting moving subjects a breeze.
In low light, the Xperia 1 VI performs admirably, though it still trails behind AI-heavy rivals like the Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S24 Ultra in automatic processing. However, professionals who prefer manual adjustments will appreciate the control Sony provides through its Photography Pro and Videography Pro apps.
A Creator’s Dream: Video and Audio
Sony’s dominance in video technology translates beautifully to this device. The Xperia 1 VI supports 4K video recording at up to 120fps, along with 10-bit color depth and real-time HDR. The camera’s professional features, like focus peaking, zebras, and manual shutter control, make it great for people who make content.
The sound quality is just as good. Sony still includes stereo speakers, support for Hi-Res Audio, and Dolby Atmos enhancement. The 3.5mm headphone jack remains a major bonus for audiophiles. Wireless audio is also excellent, thanks to LDAC and 360 Reality Audio compatibility.
Performance: Quick, useful, and dependable
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is at the heart of the Xperia 1 VI. It has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage that can be expanded with a microSD card. This combination makes sure that everything, from multitasking to 3D gaming, runs at lightning speed.
The phone comes with Android 14 and Sony’s simple, clean software skin. Unlike heavily customized Android versions, Sony’s approach feels close to stock, providing a smooth and responsive experience. Thermal management has also gotten a lot better, which means that the device doesn’t get too hot when you play games or record videos for a long time.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the biggest improvements in the Xperia 1 VI is its battery endurance. The new display and processor make the device’s 5,000mAh battery last easily through a full day of heavy use.
Sony’s Battery Care technology extends battery health by preventing overcharging during overnight use. Charging speeds remain modest at 30W wired, achieving around 50% in 30 minutes. The phone can also be charged wirelessly and wirelessly in reverse, but these speeds are slower than those of competitors that offer 65W or more.
Software and Features
The Xperia 1 VI ships with Android 14 and promises up to three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. Sony also includes several exclusive tools for photographers and filmmakers, such as Creator Mode, Cinema Pro, and Game Enhancer.
This is a great choice for mobile gamers because it has customizable performance modes, adaptive cooling, and high touch-sampling rates.
Verdict: A True Niche Flagship
The Sony Xperia 1 VI isn’t trying to be the flashiest smartphone on the market — it’s designed for purists who value control, precision, and multimedia quality above all else. It delivers outstanding performance, professional-grade photography tools, and top-tier display and audio experiences.
It might not be for everyone, especially those who want super-fast charging or computational photography, but it is still one of the most balanced, durable, and creator-focused flagship phones of 2025.
If you’re a content creator, videographer, or someone who values craftsmanship and performance over gimmicks, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is one of the best phones you can buy today.