Sony has announced the flagship smartphone Xperia 1 VIII.
It is scheduled to be released on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and pre-orders for the SIM-free model started on Wednesday, May 13.
(Note: This article is based on information released in Japan. Please refer to each local official website for availability and pricing in each country or region.)
Sony's Flagship Smartphone Xperia 1 VIII Announced!
The Xperia 1 VIII is a flagship smartphone equipped with an approximately 6.5-inch OLED display and supports a variable refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz.
It features AI Camera Assistant, a new function of Sony's proprietary AI technology Xperia Intelligence.
By simply pointing the camera at a subject, it automatically recognizes the scene and suggests the color tone, the optimal lens, and the bokeh expression, allowing users to easily take photos exactly as intended without needing any post-processing.
Adjusted settings can be registered to a custom look and recalled at any time.
Telephoto Sensor Size Increased by Approximately 4 Times From Previous Model
The rear camera system is equipped with a 48-megapixel 24mm wide-angle main lens, a 48-megapixel 70mm telephoto lens, and a 48-megapixel 16mm ultra-wide-angle lens.
The telephoto camera uses a 1/1.56-inch image sensor, which is approximately 4 times larger compared to the previous model Xperia 1 VII.
All three lenses—ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto—achieve low-light shooting performance equivalent to Sony's digital cameras equipped with full-frame sensors, allowing users to shoot beautifully in any scene without worrying about differences in performance between lenses.
Furthermore, with the newly developed RAW Multi-Frame Processing, the stacking process of RAW data improves noise reduction, resolution, and HDR performance for still images.
Noise performance in dark locations and bokeh description accuracy have also been improved.
It supports optical focal lengths of 16mm, 24mm, 48mm, 70mm, and 140mm, making it possible to capture distant subjects without degradation in image quality.
Adopts Latest Chipset "Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform"
The processor adopts Qualcomm's latest chipset Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, achieving high performance and excellent efficiency.
The battery is 5,000mAh, claiming a 2-day battery life which is "the longest in the series history," and with Xperia's unique charging optimization technology, it has a long-life design that is resistant to degradation even after 4 years of continuous use.
It supports up to 4 OS version upgrades and security updates for a support period of up to 6 years.
Evolved Full-Stage Stereo Speakers
The newly developed speaker units are installed identically on the left and right, reproducing deep bass and extended treble while allowing users to experience an expansive and deep sound.
It also features a function where Xperia Intelligence reproduces Bravia's video quality (color, contrast, and texture) on the Xperia display.
New Design and 4 Color Variations
The body design adopts the uniquely developed ORE Texture.
The fine irregularities comfortably fit the palm of the hand, achieving a stable grip.
Colors include Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, and Garnet Red, along with Native Gold, which is exclusive to the SIM-free model.
It supports microSDXC of up to 2TB, and continues to feature a 3.5mm audio jack.
In addition, the design of the camera bump has been refreshed to match the new telephoto lens.
The prices for the SIM-free model of Xperia 1 VIII are as follows:
- 12GB/256GB: Around 236,000 yen (including tax)
- 12GB/512GB: Around 252,000 yen (including tax)
- 16GB/512GB: Around 269,000 yen (including tax)
- 16GB/1TB: Around 300,000 yen (including tax)
Please check the Xperia 1 VIII Product Page for details.
| Product Overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Xperia 1 VIII |
| Display | Approx. 6.5-inch OLED |
| Resolution | Full HD+ |
| Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz variable |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform |
| Memory | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Camera | Rear Camera: 48 megapixels (ultra-wide) + 48 megapixels (wide) + 48 megapixels (telephoto) Front Camera: 12 megapixels |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, wireless charging supported |
| Color | Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, Garnet Red, Native Gold (SIM-free exclusive) |
| Size | Approx. 74×162×8.3mm |
| Weight | Approx. 200g |
| Other Features | microSDXC (up to 2TB), 3.5mm audio jack equipped |
“上手に撮りたい”人を後押しする、フラッグシップスマートフォン『Xperia 1 VIII』を発売。
新機能AIカメラアシスタントを搭載、好みの撮影表現を見つけ、狙い通りの撮影表現を実現します。https://t.co/ea3DN8hXMC pic.twitter.com/tRAnAPNx6C— Sony (Japan) (@sony_jpn) May 13, 2026
