Sony is pushing the boundaries of smartphone innovation once again with the introduction of its latest flagship device, the Xperia 1 VII. This premium smartphone brings together the best of Sony’s renowned technologies, developed through its expertise in digital imaging, audio, and display—from its Alpha™ camera series and Walkman® audio players to BRAVIA™ televisions. Central to this next-generation Xperia is ‘Xperia Intelligence,’ a suite of AI-powered enhancements that refine the user experience across photography, videography, sound, and content viewing.
A key highlight is the Xperia 1 VII’s revolutionary camera capabilities. Introducing new features like ‘AI Camerawork’ and ‘Auto Framing’, users can now shoot stable, well-composed videos even when they’re not focusing on the screen. ‘AI Camerawork’ leverages Sony’s posture estimation and advanced stabilisation to keep the subject centered, allowing for smooth, professional-grade footage—even when the camera is moving. Meanwhile, ‘Auto Framing’ uses AI to intelligently crop and track the subject, enabling creators to capture both wide-angle and close-up footage simultaneously without manually adjusting the frame.
The device boasts a triple rear camera setup, including a newly developed 16mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 48MP 1/1.56-inch sensor—around 2.1 times larger than its predecessor. This results in improved low-light photography, wide dynamic range, and impressive macro shots from as close as 5cm. The 24mm wide-angle and 85–170mm telephoto lenses, equipped with the Exmor T for mobile image sensor, deliver vivid, high-resolution images and smooth video even when cropped with AI.
Audio quality on the Xperia 1 VII reaches new heights, building on Sony’s legacy in music innovation. With circuit designs inspired by Walkman devices and premium hardware components, users can enjoy rich, high-fidelity sound, whether using wired or wireless headphones. The inclusion of DSEE Ultimate™ AI enhancement ensures compressed music files and streaming audio are rendered with immersive clarity, while the improved full-stage stereo speakers deliver a balanced audio profile across all frequencies.
For visual content, the device integrates display intelligence from Sony’s BRAVIA line. A newly added rear light sensor helps the Xperia 1 VII automatically adjust brightness, colour gamut, and temperature based on the surrounding environment. Whether in harsh sunlight or low-light indoor settings, features like the enhanced display panel and Sunlight Vision mode guarantee vivid, high-contrast viewing.
Powering this feature-rich device is the Snapdragon® 8 Elite processor, with significant performance gains in CPU, GPU, and AI processing. Sony claims the Xperia 1 VII can handle demanding tasks like AI-based shooting and high-end gaming while conserving power. With ‘Processing Optimization’ enabled, users can expect up to 10% energy savings in daily use and as much as two full days of battery life. The phone also offers long-term support, with four OS version updates and six years of security patches.
Sony has also emphasised accessibility and sustainability in this release. Camera accessibility tools include horizontal alignment feedback via sound and vibration, while enhancements to Android’s TalkBack feature provide a user-friendly experience for individuals with visual impairments. On the sustainability front, the packaging uses zero plastic, relying instead on Sony’s Original Blended Material. Internally, the device incorporates 84% eco-conscious plastics, including SORPLAS™ recycled and plant-based resins.
To complement the phone, Sony is offering a Style Cover with Stand (XQZ-CBFS), sold separately. This functional case includes a stand usable in both portrait and landscape modes, features a built-in grip and strap for stability during filming, and uses approximately 78% sustainable resin materials.
The Xperia 1 VII will be available in Slate Black, Moss Green, and Orchid Purple, with Malaysian availability starting mid-July 2025.
