The Sony Xperia 1 V is the 2023 flagship of Sony’s Xperia 1 series. Sony announced it on May 11, 2023. Carrier versions went on sale in Japan on June 16, 2023. In the US, it launched at $1,399.99 with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. US deliveries started on July 28, 2023. In Europe, it cost €1,399. The phone targets photographers and video creators who want manual control.
Design and display
The Xperia 1 V keeps the tall 21:9 design of the series. It measures 165 x 71 x 8.3 mm and weighs 187 grams. The front uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the back uses textured Gorilla Glass Victus. Sony added fine ridges on the side frame for a better grip. The phone is rated 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. There is no punch-hole, because the front camera sits in the top bezel. Sony sold it in Black, Khaki Green and Platinum Silver. In the US, Khaki Green was sold only on Sony’s own store.
Performance
The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, built on a 4 nm process. Most markets get 12 GB of RAM with 256 GB or 512 GB of storage. A 16 GB / 512 GB SIM-free model was sold in Japan. A microSD slot accepts cards up to 1 TB. Sony says the heat diffusion sheet is about 60% larger than in the Xperia 1 IV.
Cameras
The main camera has a new 48 MP Exmor T for mobile sensor. It is a 1/1.35-inch stacked sensor with a two-layer transistor pixel design. Sony says it is about 1.7 times larger than the sensor in the Xperia 1 IV. The lens is a 24 mm f/1.9 with optical stabilization.
A 12 MP telephoto offers continuous optical zoom from 85 to 125 mm. A 12 MP 16 mm ultrawide completes the rear setup. The phone records 4K video at up to 120 fps and adds S-Cinetone for mobile. The 12 MP front camera sits above the screen. A dedicated shutter button sits on the side frame.
Battery and charging
A 5,000 mAh battery powers the phone. Sony quotes up to 20 hours of video playback. Wired charging reaches 50% in about 30 minutes with Sony’s optional charger, and reviews list it at 30W. The phone also supports Qi wireless charging and Battery share for reverse wireless charging. No charger comes in the box.
Software and updates
The Xperia 1 V shipped with Android 13. Sony promised two Android version upgrades and three years of security updates. The phone keeps a 3.5 mm headphone jack and stereo speakers. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC.
Should you buy the Xperia 1 V?
The Xperia 1 V suits buyers who value manual camera tools, a headphone jack and a microSD slot. Its 4K screen and dedicated shutter button stand out in a crowded market. However, the update promise is short, and the launch price was high. Sony has since released the Xperia 1 VI as its successor.
