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The Sony Xperia 1 II, announced in February 2020, is a flagship smartphone that showcases Sony’s expertise in display and camera technology, drawing heavily from its Alpha camera and CineAlta divisions. Pronounced "Xperia 1 Mark II," this device targets creative professionals and tech enthusiasts with its unique 21:9 aspect ratio 4K display and pro-grade camera features. Priced at $1,199/£1,099 at launch, it competes with premium devices like the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, offering a distinct experience with a focus on cinematic visuals and photography. While it boasts impressive specs like the Snapdragon 865 and a return of the 3.5mm headphone jack, its niche appeal and high price point make it a polarizing choice. Let’s break down its specifications, strengths, weaknesses, potential future upgrades, and overall verdict.

Feature

Sony Xperia 1 II

Release Date

May 2020 (Japan), July 2020 (US/EU)

Display

6.5" OLED, 4K (3840 x 1644), 60Hz, 21:9 aspect ratio, HDR

 

 

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, 7nm

RAM

8GB (LPDDR5)

Storage

256GB, microSD support (up to 1TB)

Rear Camera

Triple 12MP (24mm main with OIS, 16mm ultra-wide, 70mm telephoto with OIS), Zeiss lenses

Front Camera

8MP

Battery

4000 mAh, 21W fast charging, wireless charging

OS

Android 10 (upgradable to later versions)

Build

Gorilla Glass 6 (front and back), IP65/68 water/dust resistant

Connectivity

5G (sub-6, non-US), 4G (US), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC

Price (Launch)

$1,199 / £1,099

  • Stunning 4K Display: The world’s first 4K smartphone display with HDR support delivers unmatched clarity for movies and gaming, ideal for cinephiles.
  • Pro-Grade Camera Features: Borrowing from Sony’s Alpha cameras, the Xperia 1 II offers 20fps burst shooting, real-time Eye AF, and manual controls via Photo Pro and Cinema Pro apps.
  • Headphone Jack and Audio: A rarity in flagships, the 3.5mm jack, paired with front-facing stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and 360 Reality Audio, makes it an audiophile’s delight.
  • Solid Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery lasts a full day despite the high-res display, with 6-7 hours of screen-on time.
  • Stunning 4K Display: The world’s first 4K smartphone display with HDR support delivers unmatched clarity for movies and gaming, ideal for cinephiles.
  • Pro-Grade Camera Features: Borrowing from Sony’s Alpha cameras, the Xperia 1 II offers 20fps burst shooting, real-time Eye AF, and manual controls via Photo Pro and Cinema Pro apps.
  • Headphone Jack and Audio: A rarity in flagships, the 3.5mm jack, paired with front-facing stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and 360 Reality Audio, makes it an audiophile’s delight.
  • Solid Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery lasts a full day despite the high-res display, with 6-7 hours of screen-on time.
  • IP65/68 Rating: Dust and water resistance adds durability for outdoor use.
  • No High Refresh Rate: The 60Hz display feels dated compared to competitors like the Galaxy S20’s 120Hz, despite a motion blur reduction feature.
  • Average Camera in Auto Mode: While manual modes shine, the auto mode struggles with dynamic range, low-light performance, and consistency compared to rivals like the Pixel 4 or Galaxy S20.
  • Slippery Design: The glossy glass build and tall 21:9 aspect ratio make it awkward to hold and prone to slipping.
  • No 5G in the US: The US variant lacks 5G support, a significant drawback for a flagship at this price.
  • Pricey for Features: At $1,199, it’s more expensive than some competitors with better all-around performance.
  • High Refresh Rate Display: Upgrade to a 120Hz or 144Hz 4K OLED panel for smoother scrolling and gaming, matching competitors like Samsung and OnePlus.
  • Improved Camera Processing: Enhance auto mode with better dynamic range, low-light performance, and AI-driven features to rival Google Pixel and iPhone cameras.
  • Global 5G Support: Ensure full 5G compatibility, including mmWave and sub-6 bands, for all regions, especially the US, to future-proof connectivity.
  • Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Increase battery capacity to 4500 mAh or more and support faster charging (e.g., 45W or higher) to keep up with power-hungry displays.
  • Ergonomic Design: Introduce a grippier finish or textured back to improve handling, addressing the slippery glass build of the Xperia 1 II.
  • Simplified Camera Software: Streamline the Photo Pro and Cinema Pro apps with a more intuitive UI, making pro features accessible to casual users.
  • Advanced AI Features: Integrate AI for photography (e.g., scene optimization, night mode) and battery management to enhance efficiency and user experience.

The Sony Xperia 1 II is a niche masterpiece that prioritizes creative control and audiovisual excellence over mainstream appeal. Its 4K display and pro camera apps make it a dream for photographers, videographers, and cinephiles who value manual settings and realistic image rendering. The return of the headphone jack and stellar audio features further cater to enthusiasts. However, its high price, lack of 5G in the US, and dated 60Hz display hold it back in a competitive 2020 market, let alone by 2025 standards. The camera, while impressive in manual mode, underperforms in auto settings compared to peers, and the slippery design can be impractical. If you’re a Sony fan or a creative professional, the Xperia 1 II is a rewarding choice, but for most users, alternatives like the Galaxy S20 or OnePlus 8 Pro offered better value and versatility at the time. In 2025, newer Xperia models likely address some of these gaps, but the 1 II remains a bold, if flawed, statement of Sony’s vision.

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  • Published: 3/27/2025
  • Company: Sony
  • Category: Mobile