Sony Xperia 1 VI Review: Xperia Pros and Cons

Sony Xperia 1 VI Review: Xperia Pros and Cons

This overview focuses on the key strengths and weaknesses of the Sony Xperia 1 VI, helping viewers decide whether it’s a suitable purchase for their needs.

Introduction

Sony doesn’t sell as many phones as Samsung or Apple, but it keeps making them. Most years, I’m torn between being glad it still makes them – for variety alone – and confused as to the business sense of it with declining sales even in its home country signaling a seemingly inevitable demise. In those years, I’ve often found the focus on making it a pro camera phone alienates any other general phone buyer. But for 2024, things have changed, and I’m glad this phone exists.

Also Read: Sony WF-C700N Review : A Sonic Marvel Unveiled

Design

Pros:

  • Grippy, textured design
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Practical features like a dedicated camera button and microSD card slot

Cons:

  • Accidental touches
  • Durability concerns

The Xperia 1 VI has a unique design with subtle grooves and raised dimples for better grip. It includes practical features like a 3.5mm headphone jack, a dedicated camera button, and a microSD card slot. However, the fingerprint sensor can be accidentally triggered, and the phone’s lightweight frame feels less durable.

Screen

ProsCons
6.5-inch FHD+ OLEDSlow auto-brightness response
19.5:9 aspect ratio
Energy-efficient LTPO panel

The 6.5-inch FHD+ OLED screen offers sharp visuals with a practical 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The LTPO panel enhances battery life. However, the auto-brightness feature is slow to respond to changes in ambient light.

Cameras

FeatureDescription
Main Sensor48MP Exmor-T with face/eye recognition
Camera AppSimplified with automatic mode
ZoomPeriscope zoom from 3.5x to 7.1x
Night ModeStruggles with handheld shots, grainy and noisy results

The Xperia 1 VI camera system is versatile, featuring a 48MP main sensor with face/eye recognition, a simplified camera app, and a periscope zoom lens. However, night mode performance is weak, with grainy and noisy results in low light.

Performance

ProsCons
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processorOnly gets warm under extreme stress
12GB RAM and 256GB/512GB storage options

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Xperia 1 VI delivers fast performance with 12GB RAM and ample storage options. It rarely gets warm, even during intensive gaming sessions.

Software

ProsCons
Near-stock Android 14Limited software update promises
Creator-focused apps

The phone runs near-stock Android 14 with a light UI and preloaded creator-focused apps. However, Sony’s update promises are less ambitious compared to other manufacturers, with only two or three major updates expected.

Battery Life

ProsCons
5000mAh batteryModerate charging speeds
Decent real-world usageNo wireless charging

The 5000mAh battery offers a full day of typical use. Charging speeds are moderate, and there is no support for wireless charging.

FAQs on Sony Xperia 1 VI

Q1. What makes the Sony Xperia 1 VI’s camera special?

The Xperia 1 VI’s camera features a versatile 48MP Exmor-T sensor with an automatic face/eye recognition system, offering a simplified camera app experience. It provides vibrant, natural colors and a variety of focal lengths, including a periscope zoom lens.

Q2. How does the battery life compare to other flagship phones?

The Xperia 1 VI’s 5000mAh battery provides decent battery life, offering a full day’s use for typical activities. However, it’s not a battery champion compared to some other flagship phones.

Q3. Is the design of the Xperia 1 VI user-friendly?

Yes, the Xperia 1 VI features a grippy, textured design with practical additions like a 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD card slot, and a dedicated camera button. However, it has issues with accidental touches and durability.

Q4. What are the software update promises from Sony?

Sony’s update promises are less ambitious compared to other manufacturers. The Xperia 1 VI will likely see two or three major updates in its lifetime, but Sony isn’t as transparent with its update schedule.

Q5. Does the Xperia 1 VI support fast charging?

The Xperia 1 VI supports 30W charging, which is faster than some competitors but not as rapid as others. It doesn’t support wireless charging.

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