The Sony Xperia 1 IV is the 2022 flagship of the Xperia 1 series. Sony announced it on May 11, 2022. In the US, it launched at $1,599.99 with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. In Europe, it cost €1,399 with 256 GB of storage. It is aimed at photographers, video creators and people who want a headphone jack on a flagship.
Design and display
The Xperia 1 IV keeps the tall 21:9 shape of the series. It measures 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm and weighs 185 grams. Japanese carrier models weigh about 187 grams. Gorilla Glass Victus covers the front and the back, around a metal frame. Sony rates the phone IP65 and IP68 for dust and water resistance.
The 6.5-inch 4K OLED display has a resolution of 3840 x 1644 pixels and 643 ppi. It refreshes at up to 120Hz. Sony says it is about 50% brighter than the Xperia 1 III panel. The front camera sits in the top bezel, so there is no punch-hole. Sony sold the phone in Black, Ice White and Purple. Some markets call the Purple model Violet, and North America got only Black and Purple.
Performance
The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, built on a 4 nm process. Most versions have 12 GB of RAM with 256 GB or 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. A 16 GB and 512 GB SIM-free model was sold in Japan. A microSD slot accepts cards up to 1 TB. An official Gaming Edition bundle was also sold with a gaming accessory.
Cameras
Three 12 MP rear cameras cover 16 mm, 24 mm and 85–125 mm. The telephoto is the headline change, because it zooms continuously between 85 mm and 125 mm. Sony calls this the first true optical zoom on a smartphone. The 24 mm main camera has a 1/1.7-inch sensor, an f/1.7 lens and optical stabilization.
All three rear cameras record 4K HDR video at up to 120 fps. The 12 MP front camera also supports 4K HDR video. A 3D ToF sensor assists the rear cameras, and a dedicated shutter button sits on the side frame.
Battery and charging
A 5,000 mAh battery powers the phone. Sony quotes 50% in about 30 minutes with its optional charger, and reviews list 30W wired charging. The phone also supports 15W Qi wireless charging, according to reviews. Battery Share handles reverse wireless charging. No charger comes in the box.
Software and updates
The Xperia 1 IV launched with Android 12. Sony promised two Android version upgrades and three years of security updates. The phone keeps a 3.5 mm headphone jack and front stereo speakers. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC. The fingerprint reader sits in the power button.
Should you buy the Xperia 1 IV?
The Xperia 1 IV suits buyers who value manual camera tools, a headphone jack and a microSD slot. Its continuous zoom and 4K screen remain unusual features. However, its update promise has run out, and new units are harder to find. Sony has since released the Xperia 1 V as its successor.
