Sony Xperia 1 VI

The Sony Xperia 1 VI, launched in May 2024, marks a significant shift for Sony’s flagship Xperia 1 series, moving away from the 4K 21:9 display of its predecessors to an FHD+ 19.5:9 panel. Priced at $1,399/£1,299 at release, it features a 6.5-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a triple camera system with a versatile 85mm-170mm telephoto zoom lens, targeting photographers, videographers, and audiophiles. With a 5000 mAh battery and Android 14 (upgradable to Android 15), it offers improved battery life and brightness over the Xperia 1 V. In 2025, the Xperia 1 VI remains a premium choice for niche users, but its lack of US availability, high price, and FHD+ resolution downgrade make it less competitive against flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a bold evolution of Sony’s flagship line, offering a brighter display, versatile camera system, and excellent battery life for multimedia enthusiasts in 2025. Its 19.5:9 aspect ratio makes it more practical for everyday use, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures top-tier performance. The telephoto zoom lens and audio features like the 3.5mm headphone jack make it a dream for photographers and audiophiles. However, the downgrade to FHD+ resolution, lack of US availability, and slow charging hold it back compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max, which offer higher resolutions and broader market support. The high launch price of $1,399 also makes it a tough sell, though recent discounts to around $1,199 improve its value. If you’re a Sony fan or a creative professional in a supported region, the Xperia 1 VI is a rewarding choice. For most users, however, more accessible and well-rounded flagships may be a better fit.