Sony today announces the launch of its latest flagship smartphone 'Xperia 1 VIII'. Featuring the new AI Camera Assistant powered by Xperia Intelligence, which leverages AI technology to enhance photography by suggesting helpful camera settings such as colour tones, lens selection, and bokeh effects which are optimized depending on the scene and subject. The new telephoto camera is equipped with a 1/1.56-inch image sensor, approximately four times larger than that used in the Xperia 1 VII, enabling improved delicate and highly detailed shots of distant subjects. All three of its cameras (16mm / 24mm / 70mm)ⁱⁱⁱ deliver low-light performance comparable to that of a full-frame sensor in terms of noise reduction and dynamic range^iv ,allowing for clear imaging even in dark environments^v.

With the introduction of Xperia 1 VIII, Sony aims to support the joy of everyday photography and creation by enabling customers in their drive to capture better photos. ​ ​

Improved Photography Experience Thanks to the New AI Camera Assistant and Telephoto Camera

The new AI Camera Assistant powered by Xperia Intelligence is designed to make photography even more enjoyable. By simply pointing the camera at your subject, it automatically recognises the scene by combining various factors such as the subject itself and weather conditions to suggest different options for your image that include colour tones, lens effects and bokeh expressions. These recommendations are based on Creative Look that reflect Sony’s unique imaging philosophy cultivated through α™ (Alpha™). With a simple tap on the suggestion, you can effortlessly achieve your desired creative expression^vi. ​

In addition, the telephoto camera is equipped with a 1/1.56‑inch image sensor that is approximately four times larger than that of the previous model^vii, delivering clear and detailed images even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, RAW multi-frame processing is applied to all lenses, simultaneously expanding dynamic range (HDR) and performing noise reduction in low-light conditions. This method effectively suppresses highlight clipping and shadow crushing, improving color reproduction accuracy in high-contrast scenes. Fine details with clear, sharp edges are faithfully preserved in both bright and dark areas. In addition, noise is reduced even in low-light environments, ensuring clear and crisp images.

Redesigned and Crafted to Inspire

The stunning new ORE design is inspired by natural materials with color inspiration for the four new choices originating from raw gemstones, Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, Garnet Red, and Native Gold^viii. By incorporating a camera design that makes use of the new telephoto camera, along with newly developed processing applied to the materials used throughout the sides, back, and overall body, a unified and cohesive design has been achieved. Subtle surface textures provide a comfortable feel in the hand and enhanced grip. Xperia 1 VIII retains the famous dedicated camera shutter button which offers a photography experience similar to a dedicated camera, plus the 3.5mm audio jack continues to support high-quality audio using wired headphones, offering exceptional sound quality inherited from WALKMAN® DNA. ​

Advanced Full-Stage Stereo Speakers Deliver a Powerful, Immersive Sound Experience ​

Xperia 1 VIII is equipped with newly developed identical left and right speaker units, to deliver further advances in stereo performance. These speakers produce deeper bass and more extended high frequencies, while creating a wider and deeper soundstage. Voices and instruments are reproduced with greater clarity and richness, making music performances and movie scenes feel as though they are unfolding right in front of you for an immersive and engaging audio experience.

Peak Performance Combined with up to Two-Days Battery Life^ix

Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform^x, Xperia 1 VIII has improved processing speed and increased performance by 20%^vi. From lightning-fast app launches and seamless multitasking to captivating gameplay and responsive content creation, this powerhouse platform delivers next-generation speed, performance, and efficiency.​ ​

The long battery life of up to two-days^xi and 4 years of healthy battery^viii can be enjoyed worry free so you can create, enjoy and relax with the reassurance you won’t easily run out of charge when out and about. ​

In addition to everyday activities such as browsing social media and websites, Processing Optimization^xii has also been newly applied to the usage of map apps with high power consumption, achieving further reductions in overall power usage.

​ ​

A Case Designed to Protect and Harmonise

The Xperia 1 VIII can be protected with the optional casexiii, which features a translucent material designed to enhance the device’s ORE-inspired design. It also features a convenient built-in stand that supports both vertical and horizontal positioning, providing comfortable provision for video viewing. Additionally, the material is resistant to yellowing, maintaining its optimum appearance over time. ​

Pricing and Availability

Xperia 1 VIII will be available to pre-order from 13th May direct from Sony and select online retailers (depending on the country) for approximately 1499EUR / £1399 for the 256 version, during the pre-order period purchases of Xperia 1 VIII will include Sony’s high-end headphones WH-1000XM6. ​ The 1TB Native Gold version is available exclusively from Sony online in select countries for 1999EUR / £1849.

A product announcement video on the new Xperia 1 VIII can be viewed HERE. ​

Full product video can be viewed HERE.

For detailed product information, please visit: ​ Sony

Notes:

[i] Suggestions may not be available depending on the shooting environment, subject, or scene

[ii] Accuracy of the feature may vary according to environmental circumstances and settings. Some performance restrictions may apply.

[iii] 35mm equivalent

[iv] Based on comparisons with Sony digital cameras equipped with full-frame sensors, evaluating still image noise performance and dynamic range under lighting conditions of LV (Light Value) 2 or lower.

[v] limited to still images

[vi] This feature may not be available under certain shooting conditions or settings, including continuous shooting or RAW capture.

[vii] Comparison with Xperia 1 VII

[viii] Colour availability may vary by market, variant or sales channel

[ix] The test assumes a usage scenario based on the standard battery usage profile of Xperia™ users, where internet browsing, video viewing, gaming, and other functions are used for 360 minutes per day (with 1080 minutes of standby time). This indicates that the battery will last for 48 hours of use. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage conditions and environment.

[x] Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. ​

[xi] Based on simulations of repeated USB charging and discharging with the same type of battery. Battery health depends on usage.

[xii] The effect of power consumption reduction may vary depending on the type of app, its state, and the content being displayed.

[xiii] Sold separately

Image Gallery

Xperia 1 VIII Back40 Graphite BlackXperia 1 VIII Back40 Native Gold

Xperia 1 VIII Back40 Garnet RedXperia 1 VIII Back40 Iolite Silver

Xperia 1 VIII Back40r Graphite BlackXperia 1 VIII Back40r Native Gold

Xperia 1 VIII Back40r Garnet RedXperia 1 VIII Back40r Iolite Silver

Xperia 1 VIII Bottom GoldXperia 1 VIII Bottom Red

Xperia 1 VIII Bottom SilverXperia 1 VIII BoxA11Y 1x1

Xperia 1 VIII CinemaSound Black 1x1Xperia 1 VIII CinemaSound Black 16x9

Xperia 1 VIII CMF 1x1Xperia 1 VIII CMF 3x4Xperia 1 VIII CMF 4x5

Xperia 1 VIII CMF 9x16Xperia 1 VIII CMF 16x9

Xperia 1 VIII Combo2 GoldXperia 1 VIII Combo2 Red

Xperia 1 VIII Combo2 SilverXperia 1 VIII Combo3

Xperia 1 VIII FromWalkman 16x9Xperia 1 VIII Front Black

Xperia 1 VIII Front Native GoldXperia 1 VIII Front Garnet Red

Xperia 1 VIII Front Iolite SilverXperia 1 VIII Front40 Graphite Black

Xperia 1 VIII Front40 Native GoldXperia 1 VIII Front40 Garnet Red

Xperia 1 VIII Front40 Iolite SilverXperia 1 VIII Front40r Graphite Black

Xperia 1 VIII Front40r Native GoldXperia 1 VIII Front40r Garnet RedXperia 1 VIII Front40r Graphite Silver

Xperia 1 VIII FrontHoriz Graphite SilverXperia 1 VIII Game FPSoptimizer

Xperia 1 VIII Game InHand

Xperia 1 VIII GorillaGlass Black 16x9

Xperia 1 VIII Group Graphite BlackXperia 1 VIII Group Native GoldXperia 1 VIII Group Garnet Red

Xperia 1 VIII Group Iolite SilverXperia 1 VIII InHand Capturing Both Hands3

Xperia 1 VIII Left Graphite BlackXperia 1 VIII Left Native GoldXperia 1 VIII Left Garnet Red

Xperia 1 VIII Left Iolite SilverXperia 1 VIII NewTeleSensor 16x9

Xperia 1 VIII OSV Black 16x9

Xperia 1 VIII Packshot

Xperia 1 VIII PoweredbyAlpha Black 1x1Xperia 1 VIII SIMtray 1x1

Xperia 1 VIII TeleCamImprove Black 16x9Xperia 1 VIII WirelessHP 9x16

Xperia 1 VIII WirelessHP 16x9Xperia 1 VIII Back Iolite Silver

Xperia 1 VIII Back Graphite BlackXperia 1 VIII Back Native GoldXperia 1 VIII Back Garnet Red

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business in the Sony Group. With the vision to "continue to deliver Kando and Anshin* to people and society across the world through the pursuit of technology and new challenges," Sony Corporation supports the Sony Group with technology to create the entertainment of the future together with creators. For more information, visit: www.sony.net ​ ​

* Both Japanese words, Kando means emotion and Anshin has various meanings such as peace of mind, reassurance, reliability and trust. ​