Sony Xperia 1 VIII Launches with Larger Telephoto Sensor and Enhanced AI Features

​Sony has unveiled the Xperia 1 VIII, introducing a new 1/1.56-inch sensor in its telephoto camera. This sensor is four times larger and offers four times the resolution compared to its predecessor. The device also features a redesigned camera island and upgrades to the latest Qualcomm chipset. Despite these changes, Sony retains signature Xperia features such as expandable storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a two-stage shutter key.

Key Highlights

• Sony Xperia 1 VIII features a new 1/1.56-inch telephoto sensor with four times the resolution.
• Latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset delivers up to 20 percent CPU boost and 23 percent faster GPU.
• Camera system uses RAW multi-frame processing for improved dynamic range and low-light performance.
• Device retains microSD slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, and symmetrical stereo speakers.
• Pre-orders start at €1,500 with shipping scheduled for June.

Camera System Upgrades

Sony has shifted its camera approach with the Xperia 1 VIII. Previous models, including the Mark 7, 6, 5, and 4, offered continuous optical zoom. The Mark 3 allowed switching between two focal lengths. The Xperia 1 VIII now locks its telephoto camera at 70mm, which is a 2.9x magnification from the 24mm main lens. Higher zoom levels use the new 48MP sensor. This module has an f/2.8 aperture, which should improve low-light performance. The Mark 7, by comparison, had a wider f/2.3 aperture at 3.5x zoom, narrowing to f/3.5 at 7.1x.

The other cameras remain unchanged. The main camera is a 48MP 1/1.35-inch sensor with a 24mm f/1.9 lens and optical image stabilization. The ultra-wide camera uses a 48MP 1/1.56-inch sensor with a 16mm f/2.0 lens. The selfie camera is a 12MP unit with a 1/2.9-inch sensor and a 24mm f/2.0 lens. Sony applies RAW multi-frame processing to all cameras. This process extends dynamic range and reduces noise in low-light conditions, preventing clipped highlights and crushed shadows.

Performance and Features

The Xperia 1 VIII uses the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, replacing last year's 8 Elite chip. Sony claims a 20% increase in CPU performance, a 23% faster GPU, and up to 20% lower power usage. The base configuration offers 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, with options up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The phone retains a microSD slot, which is rare among flagship devices.

The Snapdragon chip's AI accelerator powers the AI Camera Assistant, branded as Xperia Intelligence. This feature analyzes scenes and suggests settings such as color tones and lens effects. Users can accept the AI's recommendations or adjust settings manually.

Audio features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting lossless, latency-free audio. The phone also has symmetrical stereo speakers, which Sony has optimized for deeper bass, clearer highs, and a wider soundstage.

Display, Battery, and Availability

The Xperia 1 VIII keeps its 6.5-inch LTPO display with up to 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is flat, with no cutouts, and places the camera in the upper bezel. The resolution remains at 1080p+, which is lower than previous 4K Xperia models. The 5,000mAh battery supports 30W wired and 15W wireless charging, unchanged from before.

Sony offers four color options: Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, Garnet Red, and Native Gold. An official case with a built-in stand is available, made from a translucent, yellowing-resistant material.

The Xperia 1 VIII is available for pre-order now. The base 12/256GB model starts at €1,500 or £1,400 and includes free headphones during pre-orders. The 1TB Native Gold version is exclusive to Sony and costs €2,000 or £1,850. Shipping begins in June.