Design & Build Quality
The Sony Xperia 1 VI continues the brand’s legacy of sleek, minimalist design with a premium build. Measuring 164 x 71 x 8.2 mm and weighing 192 grams, it feels substantial yet comfortable in hand. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, ensure durability while maintaining a refined aesthetic.
Sony retains the signature 21:9 CinemaWide aspect ratio, making it ideal for media consumption. The matte finish reduces fingerprints, and the IP65/IP68 rating guarantees dust and water resistance. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, while the dedicated shutter button enhances the photography experience.
Display: A Visual Feast
The Xperia 1 VI boasts a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering unparalleled sharpness and fluidity. Sony’s proprietary Bravia X1 technology enhances contrast, color accuracy, and brightness, making it one of the best smartphone screens available.
The 21:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive cinematic experience, perfect for watching movies without black bars. The 10-bit panel supports 100% DCI-P3 coverage, ensuring true-to-life colors. Additionally, the Creator Mode replicates Sony’s professional monitors, making it a favorite among videographers and photographers.
Performance: Flagship Powerhouse
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Xperia 1 VI delivers top-tier performance. Paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage (expandable via microSD), it handles multitasking, gaming, and 4K video editing effortlessly.
Thermal management has improved, thanks to a larger vapor chamber, ensuring sustained performance during intensive tasks. The Adreno 750 GPU handles demanding games like Genshin Impact at max settings without throttling.
Camera System: Pro-Grade Photography & Videography
Sony’s Alpha camera expertise shines in the Xperia 1 VI. The triple-lens setup includes:
- 48MP primary sensor (24mm, f/1.9, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF)
- 12MP ultra-wide (16mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV)
- 12MP telephoto (85-170mm, f/2.3-f/3.5, continuous optical zoom, OIS)
The telephoto lens now offers a true optical zoom range (3.5x to 7.1x), a rarity in smartphones. Real-time Eye AF and Object Tracking, borrowed from Sony’s Alpha cameras, ensure sharp focus in both photos and videos.
Cinematic Videography Features
- 4K 120fps HDR recording
- S-Cinetone color profile for film-like grading
- Manual controls (ISO, shutter speed, focus peaking)
- External monitor support via USB-C
Low-light performance is stellar, with minimal noise and excellent dynamic range. The front-facing 12MP selfie camera supports 4K recording and HDR for vloggers.
Audio: Immersive & High-Fidelity
Sony doesn’t compromise on audio. The stereo speakers, tuned with Dolby Atmos, deliver crisp, distortion-free sound. The 3.5mm headphone jack (with Hi-Res Audio support) and LDAC Bluetooth codec cater to audiophiles.
The DSEE Ultimate AI upscales compressed audio, restoring lost details in streaming tracks. For creators, the microphone array captures studio-grade audio with wind noise reduction.
Battery Life & Charging
The 5000mAh battery ensures all-day endurance, even with heavy use. Sony’s optimizations, including Stamina Mode, extend standby time.
- 30W wired charging (50% in 30 mins)
- 15W wireless charging
- Battery Care feature to prolong lifespan
While charging speeds aren’t class-leading, the efficient power management compensates.
Software: Clean & Professional
Running Android 14 with minimal bloatware, the Xperia 1 VI offers a near-stock experience. Sony’s additions, like Game Enhancer and Cinema Pro, enhance functionality without clutter.
The Side Sense feature provides quick app access, and Multi-Window Mode leverages the tall display for split-screen productivity.
Connectivity & Extras
- 5G (Sub-6 & mmWave)
- Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.3
- NFC & Wireless DeX-like desktop mode
- Dual SIM (nano + eSIM or microSD expansion)
Pricing & Availability
The Xperia 1 VI starts at $1,399 (12GB/256GB), positioning it as a premium flagship. It competes with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but its unique cinematic features justify the cost for professionals and enthusiasts.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a niche masterpiece, excelling in cinematography, photography, and media consumption. If you prioritize display quality, manual controls, and audio fidelity, it’s unmatched. However, casual users may find rivals more practical due to the steep price and pro-centric features.
For filmmakers, photographers, and audiophiles, the Xperia 1 VI is a cinematic powerhouse that stands in a league of its own.