Sony Xperia 1 vi: high price but groundbreaking camera tech

Many people believe that any telephoto lens in a smartphone is "optical zoom." In most cases, this is a misconception. Companies like Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi use lenses with a narrower field of view than the main cameras, but these are fixed focal length lenses that do not offer smooth optical zoom adjustment. True optical zoom is precisely about that.

Since the Xperia IV model, Sony has been using variable focal length telephoto lenses. The new Xperia 1 VI model has significantly improved this lens, but interested parties must be prepared for a high price.

The Xperia 1 VI in the 12/256 GB version costs approximately $1,530. Sony makes no compromises, aiming at the premium segment, competing with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, unlike these brands, Sony does not offer a cheaper version of its flagship.

In pre-order, which starts on May 16, Sony adds premium Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, worth around $330, as a gift, making the whole offer more attractive.

Here is the full specification of the cameras of Sony's new flagship:

• Primary camera: 48 MP with f/1.9 aperture, optical image stabilization, and 24 and 48 mm modes;
• 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 16 mm lens;
• 12 MP camera with a telephoto lens f/2.5-f/3.5, optical image stabilization, macro mode, and focal length adjustment from 85 to 170 mm.

The focal lengths of 85-170 mm correspond to a zoom of 3.5 to 7.1 times compared to the primary camera. In the previous model, the range was from 3.5 to 5.2x, so the optical zoom of the Xperia 1 VI has been significantly improved. The new telephoto lens can also be used for macro photography from a distance of even 1.6 inches.

It is worth noting that the entire sensor of the Xperia 1 VI has a resolution of 52 MP, a size of 1/1.35 inches, and a 4.3:3 aspect ratio. In photography mode, 48 MP in a 4:3 format is used, while in filming mode, the entire width in a 16:9 format is utilized.

All cameras on the Xperia 1 VI support recording 4K HDR movies at 120 fps across the full range of focal lengths. The new Sony flagship also offers real-time eye tracking during focus setting, a feature in Sony's professional cameras.

The Xperia 1 VI is another Sony smartphone with ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare. Users of earlier models often complained about having three different applications for camera operation. The Xperia 1 VI has a new application that combines all functions in one place.

This smartphone can also be an external monitor for a Sony α camera, offering functions like outline display, zebra pattern, backup copy saving, recording videos in the phone's memory, and live streaming to YouTube and other platforms supporting RTMP (Real-time Messaging Protocol).

The new display in the Sony Xperia 1 VI differs from previous models. Past smartphones in this series had 4K screens with a 21:9 aspect ratio. In the "six," Sony reduced the resolution to Full HD. She changed the aspect ratio to 19.5:9. Powered by BRAVIA technology, the screen has better image quality and visibility in the sun.

Besides the mentioned cameras, the specification of the Xperia 1 VI includes:

                        
• 6.5-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 (396 ppi) and 120 Hz refresh rate;
• Front stereo speakers;
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor;
• 12 GB RAM;
• 256 GB expandable data memory;
• 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and eSIM;
• Headphone jack;
• Fingerprint reader in the power button;
• 5000 mAh battery with 30 W charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging;
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.9 x 0.32 inches;
• Weight: 6.8 ounces;
• IP65/68 waterproof certification;
• Android 14 system.

The available colour versions are black, khaki, and silver. The back is covered with Gorilla Glass Victus glass and the screen with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Sony declares that the Xperia 1 VI will receive 3 major software updates and 4 years of security support.