Sony Xperia 1 V Review

In a market saturated with “pro” phones that lean heavily on computational magic, Sony continues to chart its own, uncompromising course. The Xperia 1 V isn’t just another flagship; it’s a statement. It’s a meticulously crafted tool that unapologetically caters to the creator, the enthusiast, and the purist. By borrowing heavily from its acclaimed Alpha camera and CineAlta divisions, Sony has built a device that feels less like a smartphone with a good camera, and more like a professional camera that happens to make calls. This is the anti-point-and-shoot flagship, and for the right person, it’s brilliant.

Design and a Touch of Nostalgia

Sony’s design language remains a bastion of practicality in a world of curved glass and camera islands the size of small continents. The Xperia 1 V is a tall, narrow monolith with flat sides and a distinctive textured back that provides exceptional grip. This isn’t just for aesthetics; the unique micro-dot pattern feels fantastic and repels fingerprints with ease. The build is impeccable, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and a sturdy aluminum frame.

More importantly, Sony continues to champion features others have abandoned. You’ll find a tool-less SIM/microSD card tray, a 3.5mm headphone jack for high-fidelity audio, and the pièce de résistance: a two-stage physical shutter button. These aren’t just legacy ports; they are deliberate choices that serve a pro-oriented workflow, and their inclusion is a massive win for enthusiasts. The 21:9 aspect ratio, while perfect for cinematic content, can still feel a bit awkward for one-handed typing, but it’s a trade-off inherent to Sony’s media-first philosophy.

A Display and Audio Masterclass

The screen is, in a word, spectacular. The 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED panel is a feast for the eyes, delivering incredible sharpness and color accuracy that few can match. Powered by Sony’s Bravia TV processing, colors are natural and vibrant without being oversaturated. The lack of a notch or punch-hole provides a completely immersive viewing experience. The only minor critique is that the 120Hz refresh rate isn’t a fully adaptive LTPO panel, but the visual fidelity more than compensates.

Audio performance is just as impressive. The front-facing stereo speakers are loud, clear, and well-balanced—a rarity today. For those who prefer a wired connection, the headphone jack delivers pristine audio, supported by a host of high-resolution codecs like LDAC. It’s a complete audio-visual package that remains best-in-class for media consumption on the go.

Uncompromising Performance and a Revolutionary Camera

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides all the power you could need, running apps and demanding games with fluid ease. Sony has focused on sustained performance over peak, fleeting benchmark scores, meaning the device manages heat well during long 4K video recording sessions or intense gaming. Paired with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the Xperia 1 V comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use, though its 30W charging feels a step behind the competition.

The camera system is the star of the show. The main sensor is a brand new “Exmor T for mobile,” a stacked CMOS sensor with a two-layer transistor pixel structure. In simple terms, it captures significantly more light and reduces noise, resulting in stunning low-light performance that rivals the best in the business. Where the Xperia 1 V truly diverges is its software. Instead of an all-in-one camera app, you get Photography Pro, Video Pro, and Cinema Pro. These apps mirror the interface and functionality of Sony’s professional Alpha and Venice cameras, offering granular control over everything from ISO and shutter speed to focus peaking and color profiles.

This approach is the phone’s greatest strength and its most significant hurdle. For photographers and videographers who know their way around a manual dial, it’s a dream come true. You can achieve a natural, filmic look that other phones struggle to replicate. However, for the casual user wanting a quick, computationally enhanced snapshot for social media, the experience can feel unintuitive and demanding. This is a camera that rewards skill and patience, but it won’t hold your hand.

Final Verdict: The Creator’s Choice

The Sony Xperia 1 V is not a phone for everyone, and it doesn’t try to be. Its price is steep, and its core philosophy requires a learning curve that will deter many. This is not the best choice if you just want a simple, reliable point-and-shoot camera.

However, if you are a photographer, a mobile filmmaker, an audiophile, or simply a tech enthusiast who values manual control, professional-grade features, and a design that prioritizes function over fleeting trends, there is simply nothing else like it on the market. The Xperia 1 V is a powerful, specialized tool that confidently serves its niche, and for that audience, it is an absolute triumph.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon