The Sony Xperia 1 VII is a flagship phone built around photography, video and audio. Sony announced it on May 13, 2025, and opened orders in Europe the same day. Sales began in June 2025. In Europe, it costs €1,499, and the UK price is £1,399. Sony does not sell it in the US. In 2026, the Xperia 1 VIII replaced it at the top of the lineup.
Design and display
The phone measures 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm and weighs 197 g. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covers the front, and Gorilla Glass Victus protects the back. It is rated IP65 and IP68 for dust and water resistance.
The 6.5-inch OLED panel has a 2340 x 1080 resolution. Its refresh rate adapts between 1 Hz and 120 Hz. Sony also added a rear light sensor that tunes color temperature and brightness to the room. The phone comes in Slate Black, Moss Green and Orchid Purple.
Performance
Inside is the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12 GB of RAM. Sony sells 256 GB of storage in Europe and the UK. Some Asian markets also get 512 GB and a 16 GB RAM model. A microSD slot accepts cards up to 2 TB, which is rare in flagship phones today.
Cameras
The rear setup has three cameras with ZEISS optics. The main camera uses a 48 MP 1/1.35-inch Exmor T sensor with an f/1.9 lens. It can also shoot at a 48 mm view, equal to 2x zoom. The new ultrawide camera has a 48 MP 1/1.56-inch sensor and a 16 mm lens. This sensor is about 2.1 times larger than the one in the Xperia 1 VI.
The 12 MP telephoto lens zooms optically from 85 mm to 170 mm. On the front, there is a 12 MP selfie camera. The phone records 4K video at up to 120 fps. New features include AI Camerawork, which keeps a subject centered, and Auto Framing. A two-stage shutter button sits on the side.
Battery and charging
The 5,000 mAh battery matches the previous model. Sony says the phone can last up to two days of use. It supports wireless charging, but Sony does not list a charging wattage. A charger is not included in the box.
Software and updates
The Xperia 1 VII launched with Android 15. Sony promises four OS upgrades and six years of security updates. Audio remains a focus, with a 3.5 mm headphone jack, stereo speakers and parts taken from Sony’s Walkman players. The phone also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
In July 2025, Sony paused sales because some units had power issues. The company traced them to faulty circuit boards and changed its production process. Sales restarted in European markets on August 25, 2025, and Sony offered free replacements for affected units.
Should you buy the Xperia 1 VII?
- It suits users who want manual camera controls, a real optical zoom range and a dedicated shutter button.
- It fits people who still use wired headphones and microSD cards.
- Buyers who want faster charging or more base storage may prefer other flagships.
- The newer Xperia 1 VIII is now available, so compare prices before you buy.
