Sony Xperia 1 VII Review
Sony’s smartphone division continues to fight in a tough market dominated by Apple, Samsung, and Google. Yet, the company has stayed true to its unique identity, building phones that deliver an outstanding audio-visual (AV) experience.
The Xperia 1 VII is Sony’s latest flagship, aiming to offer a perfect balance between a portable cinema and a high-quality music player. Priced at £1399 in the UK, it targets enthusiasts who value sound and picture above all else. But can it still stand strong against mainstream flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Design and Build Quality
The Xperia 1 VII carries forward Sony’s familiar design philosophy. It has a sleek, premium look with a textured glass back and etched aluminium frame, now featuring smoother, more comfortable edges.
The phone comes in three finishes, Slate Black, Moss Green, and Orchid Purple, each offering a refined and subtle look. Despite being similar to its predecessor, the design feels more mature and ergonomic.
Sony retains practical touches like a 3.5mm headphone jack, dedicated camera button, and a SIM and microSD card slot that can be opened without a tool. These small details make it stand out in a market where such features have nearly disappeared.
Display: Bravia-Tuned for Cinema Lovers
Sony’s display expertise shines again. The Xperia 1 VII features a 6.5-inch LTPO OLED screen with a 1080 x 2340 resolution (Full HD+). While some may expect 4K at this price, the screen still looks sharp and vibrant, offering 396ppi pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate.
The display is 20% brighter than the previous model, and Sony claims it’s the brightest Xperia display to date. It also adapts brightness based on ambient light for better viewing comfort.
Sony offers multiple display modes:
- Bravia-tuned Standard Mode, for rich colors and detailed textures.
- Creator Mode – for more accurate, film-style visuals.
Users can even assign different modes to different apps, switching automatically between everyday and cinematic settings. Though the phone lacks Dolby Vision or HDR10+, the overall display quality remains impressive, with deep contrast and lifelike colors.
Audio: A True Walkman in Smartphone Form
Where Sony truly dominates is sound. Partnering with its legendary Walkman division, the Xperia 1 VII enhances both wired and wireless listening.
The 3.5mm headphone jack is constructed with high-quality gold solder to improve soundstage and detail. The result is a warm, clear, and dynamic audio performance that sets it apart from most modern flagships.
For wireless users, the phone supports Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and 360 Reality Audio, ensuring hi-res playback on compatible headphones.
The front-firing stereo speakers also deliver impressive clarity and separation, making casual movie viewing or gaming enjoyable without headphones.
Simply put, the Xperia 1 VII is the best smartphone for anyone serious about high-fidelity audio.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, the Xperia 1 VII runs smoothly across tasks. It operates on Android 16, offering clean performance with minimal Sony skin customization.
While the interface feels simple, some users might miss features like a dedicated gallery or weather app. However, it supports Google’s latest AI tools such as Gemini Assistant, Circle to Search, and Generative Photo Editing.
The phone handles multitasking effortlessly, maintaining a fast and fluid experience throughout.
Camera: Powered by Sony Alpha Expertise
Sony’s Alpha camera division contributes heavily to the phone’s camera system. It includes:
- 52MP main camera (Exmor T sensor)
- 85-170mm telephoto lens with true optical zoom
- 50MP ultra-wide camera (16mm lens)
This setup ensures excellent detail, accurate focus, and strong low-light performance thanks to a sensor that’s 2.1 times larger than before.
The dedicated shutter button and manual controls appeal to photography enthusiasts, while automatic mode still produces beautiful results. It’s a reliable camera system, though it may feel complex for casual users.
Battery Life and Charging
The Xperia 1 VII packs a 5000mAh battery, capable of lasting a full day of heavy use or two days of moderate use. Efficiency is solid, thanks to the optimized chipset and adaptive refresh rate.
Sony continues to focus on longevity, ensuring the battery retains its health even after extended usage periods.
Picture and Sound Performance in Real Use
When watching movies like Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning or Blade Runner 2049, the Xperia 1 VII delivers vivid colors, balanced contrast, and a natural cinematic tone. The display offers good depth and clarity, although Samsung’s higher resolution screen still looks sharper in side-by-side comparisons.
However, the audio experience easily outshines the competition. Using wired headphones, the sound is rich, emotional, and layered. Vocals and instruments feel distinct yet balanced, making it ideal for both music and film playback.
The combination of Sony’s AV tuning and hardware design results in an unmatched multimedia experience.
Verdict
The Sony Xperia 1 VII may not be for everyone. It doesn’t have all the flashy AI features or highest-resolution display that other brands offer. But for audiophiles and cinephiles, it’s an exceptional smartphone that prioritizes sound and picture quality over everything else.
If you want a device that doubles as both a pocket cinema and a hi-fi music player, the Xperia 1 VII is hard to beat.
Scores:
- Picture: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Sound: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Features: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
FAQs
- What is the price of the Sony Xperia 1 VII?
The phone is priced at £1399 in the UK and is not officially available in the US or Australia. - Does the Xperia 1 VII support a headphone jack?
Yes, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack with enhanced audio quality. - How does the display compare to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
While the Sony display is bright and balanced, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a higher resolution and slightly sharper visuals. - Is the Xperia 1 VII good for gaming?
Yes. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 120Hz refresh rate, it offers smooth and fast gameplay performance. - Who should buy the Sony Xperia 1 VII?
It’s perfect for users who prioritize top-tier sound and visual quality, especially film and music enthusiasts.
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