Sony Xperia 1 VI Review: A Fast Flagship, with Adult Design
Sony Xperia 1 VI Summary
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is the newest member of Sony’s flagship series, and it’s a device that wants to balance traditional with modern. The Xperia series has always appealed to a niche audience with its unique design, great camera capabilities, and multimedia performance. However, Sony has taken some daring steps with the Xperia 1 VI, such as moving away from its trademark 4K display and switching to a Full HD+ panel with a more standard aspect ratio. I say still get one, because this phone’s competitive flagship game is far from over. Let us get into this detailed review to see.
Sony Xperia 1 VI key specifications
Let’s quickly run through the main specs of the Sony Xperia 1 VI
- Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ OLED with a refresh rate of 120Hz
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB (microSD expandable)
- Main camera : 48MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto (3.5x-7. 1x optical zoom)
- Front Camera: 12MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 30W wired charging
- OS: Android 14
- Weight: 192g
- Toughness: IP65/68 dust and water resistant
Unboxing Experience
The Sony Xperia 1 VI arrived in a simple but stylish box. Inside, the phone, a 30W fast charger, a USB-C cable, and some docs. The unboxing experience is simple, if a bit less premium than some competitors, which might include earphones or a protective case in the packaging. That said, in a market where other brands are no longer providing a fast charger, this is certainly appreciated.
- Sony Xperia 1 VI smartphone
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- Quick start guide & warranty documents
Design, Build Quality & Handling
The Xperia 1 VI sticks to Sony’s hallmark boxy design, but with a few changes. However adding to the aesthetics is the textured glass back which offers a premium look to the device and also makes sure that you do not slip off your hand holding the device. It is offered in Black, Platinum Silver and a all-the-way-out-there colour Khaki Green as an option too.
The build quality is superb, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back. But that textured finish does scratch and polish easily, so users who prefer to go caseless may have some concerns. It is not common to see a 3.5mm headphone jack or even a microSD card slot in a flagship, which is why this phone is loved by audiophiles and content creators alike.
Display, Battery Life, and Charging Speed
Xperia 1 VI presentation screen and 120Hz refresh rate: 6.5-inch FHD+ OLED The LTPO panel is even better in terms of power efficiency and brightness (up to 1,300 nits) than the 4K screen, so while the resolution does indeed drop from 4K to FHD+, this is not necessarily a bad thing. It has great color accuracy and HDR10+ support for multimedia consumption, and looks vibrant.
The phone’s strongest suit is its battery life. The 5,000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day, even under heavy use, and can head into a second day with moderate use. 30W wired charging, however, seems low when competitors are delivering 65W or even 100W fast charging.
Software and Performance
The Xperia 1 VI is driven by Android 14 and Sony’s near-stock UI, which is very clean and bloatware free. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it is as smooth as possible for gaming, multitasking, or editing photos. The 12GB RAM makes mobile snappy, and power users will certainly appreciate expandable storage.
Camera: Photos and Videos
A key feature of the Xperia 1 VI is its camera setup which includes a 48MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 3.5x-7. 1x optical zoom. The telephoto lens also serves as a macro camera, which can obtain beautiful close-up images. A single interface has been used to streamline the camera app, making it easier to use without losing the advanced features such as; manual controls and RAW support.
The quality of photos is excellent with accurate colours and a good dynamic range. The telephoto lens excels in bright light, though low-light performance is less impressive. Video recording is also superb, offering 4K@120fps support and great stabilization.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Solid build quality with IP65/68 certification
- Gorgeous OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Handy telephoto macro camera setup
- Long battery life
- MicroSD card slot and 3.5mm headphone jack
Cons:
- 30W charging is slow by flagship standards
- Back is textured, but can scratch easily
- Low light camera performance does need some improvement
Price and Availability
The Xperia 1 VI is available in Europe for €1,399 and in the United Kingdom for £1,299. It’s being offered in select markets, like Europe, Asia and Australia, but not the US.
Does the Sony Xperia 1 VI Launch in India?
Yes, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is launched in India with a starting price of ₹1,25,000. Available from major online and offline retailers
Final Verdict
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a highly relevant flagship aimed at a small group of users. Its display quality, battery life, and camera versatility is unmatched making it one of the best for multimedia and creativity. However, its slow charging speed and easily scratched design could turn some users away.
When Should You Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VI?
If you appreciate a standard Android experience, a flexible camera setup, and some niche perks like a headphone port and removable storage, the Xperia 1 VI is one to keep on the radar. It’s also a solid choice for battery life and multimedia performance.
Reasons Not to Purchase the Sony Xperia 1 VI
If you want the quickest charging rates or a more conventional look, the Xperia 1 VI may not be for you. But its high ticket item cost better positions it to compete against others with similar or superior capabilities at a more cost efficient option.
Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 VI remains a great all-around flagship that doesn’t shy away from Sony’s legacy while still adopting all the necessary changes. It’s a superb option for those who love its distinctive features and can look past its shortcomings.
