Sony is gearing up for the potential Sony Mobile 2024 premium flagship Xperia 1 VI launch, set to succeed the Sony Xperia 1 V released in May 2023. The Xperia 1 V is equipped with notable features, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, a 5,000mAh battery supporting 30W fast charging, and a triple rear camera system comprising a 52-megapixel primary sensor accompanied by two 12-megapixel sensors.
Speculation arose in September 2023, hinting at Sony unveiling the Xperia 1 VI approximately a month after the Samsung Galaxy S24 series launch on January 17th, 2024. As we approach this period, indications suggest that Sony is gearing up to introduce its next-generation Xperia handsets.
A teaser image with an intriguing countdown message is doing rounds on social media. It is hinting that an official announcement of the new 2024 Xperia is just “27 days away.” The enigmatic nature of the teaser adds an element of suspense, sparking curiosity and anticipation among fans as they eagerly await details about Sony’s upcoming Xperia release.
@INSIDERSONY, a source known for Sony insights, has shared a leaked promotional image suggesting that the Sony Xperia 1 VI launch might occur during a Sony event at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 on February 26 at Barcelona. Subsequently, in a series of posts, the same source provided additional details about the rear cameras of the rumored phone.
The formal announcement is likely to occur at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 on February 26, with the Xperia 1 VI release anticipated in the early summer 2024. This aligns with Sony’s customary timeline for unveiling new smartphones during the spring, followed by their availability in the market during the early summer months.
Xperia 1 VI specifications’ speculations
A significant development has surfaced through the HTML5TEST browser benchmark, indicating the presence of a potential new Xperia model, likely the Xperia 1 VI. The image discloses the utilization of the “pineapple” chipset, signifying the inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, accompanied by the specified operating system, Android 14.
Initially posted by a Reddit user, the shared details lack explicit references to “SONY” or “Xperia,” creating an element of uncertainty regarding the exact model. However, the notable detail centers around the “Screen Size” category, highlighting a resolution of “418 x 999.” This corresponds with the typical aspect ratio found in Xperia smartphones, approximately 21.5 x 9.
A point of interest is the contrast between the reported resolution and the current Xperia aspect ratio of 21:9, suggesting a display longer than the given resolution. In comparison, the “Screen Size” data for existing Xperia 1 series devices, like the Xperia 1 V, consistently registers at 418 x 976 px.
While the possibility exists that this aspect ratio belongs to an unreleased foldable smartphone from another company, the combination of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a display with such a vertical aspect ratio strongly implies the likelihood of this being the next-generation Xperia flagship. Also, if past trends continue, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
If confirmed, it suggests a potential shift in display design, possibly reflected in models like the Xperia 1 VI or other forthcoming Xperia devices, featuring an even more vertically oriented display compared to current offerings.
Xperia 1 VI camera specifications
Leaked promotional material, reportedly from @insidersony, that have originally reported by Zakbucks on Weibo have surfaced, offering a glimpse into the anticipated rear camera setup of the Xperia 1 VI.
The upcoming Sony Xperia 1 VI is poised to introduce a triple rear camera setup, showcasing notable advancements from its predecessor. Leaked details indicate that the Xperia 1 VI may feature a 48-megapixel 1/1.4-inch Exmor T sensor, offering an expansive f/1.4 aperture, a 1.12μm pixel size, a 48mm focal length, full-pixel dual-PD autofocus, and 2x optical zoom.
The additional two camera units are rumored to also house 48-megapixel Exmor T sensors. One of these is suggested to employ Sony’s 2×2 On-Chip Lens (OCL) technology within a 1/2.7-inch sensor, coupled with an ultra-wide-angle lens spanning a focal length from 14mm to 18mm. The second unit is expected to function as a telephoto shooter, mirroring the 48-megapixel resolution and featuring a focal length ranging from 70mm to 135mm. This unit may provide up to 3x optical zoom and up to 6x sensor crop zoom through digital expansion.
In contrast, the current-generation Sony Xperia 1 V boasts a 52-megapixel 1/1.3.5-inch primary sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, a 12-megapixel 1/2-inch sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and f/2.2 aperture, and a 12-megapixel telephoto shooter offering 3.5-5x optical zoom and 15.6x hybrid zoom.
Xperia 1 VI Price speculations
Noteworthy is the Xperia 1 V price at $1,399 (approximately Rs. 1,14,700) for its singular configuration of 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. These leaked details hint at a substantial upgrade in the camera specifications for the Xperia 1 VI, promising an elevated imaging experience for potential users.
User expectations from Sony Mobile 2024 Xperia 1 VI
Despite the lack of concrete details about the Xperia 1 VI, an intriguing survey conducted on Reddit has provided insights into users’ expectations for the upcoming device.
Notably, the survey unveiled that users are most eager for updates rather than focusing on the price of the Xperia 1 VI. The question posed on Reddit was, “What do you most expect from Xperia 1 VI?” The overwhelming majority of responses emphasized the desire for an extended period of update support, making up nearly half of the total.
Interestingly, despite the perception of the Xperia as somewhat “expensive,” the expectation for a “lower price” ranked the lowest among the provided options, excluding the “other” category. This suggests that price may not be a top priority for Xperia users, challenging the notion that cost is a crucial factor.
In the context of rising smartphone prices, especially for premium flagships, the Xperia, although considered relatively costly, no longer appears to be viewed as “overpriced.” The survey also suggests a notable number of dedicated Xperia/SONY fans overseas who prioritize features and updates over price, indicating a potential divergence in economic sensibilities compared to the Japanese market.
Conversely, the perception of Xperia’s mid-range models as “expensive” was highlighted, particularly when compared to other models with similar or superior performance available at a lower cost in Japan. This observation underscores the challenge of differentiating the Xperia 10 series based on price, indicating a potential bottleneck in this aspect for the mid-range lineup.
While leaks have surfaced, providing seemingly reliable information about changes such as model names, significant design alterations, and using Exmor-T sensors in non-standard cameras, it’s important to exercise caution. Despite the wealth of leaked details, the absence of a confirmed model number leaves the upcoming Sony Xperia 1 VI shrouded in mystery.
As is customary with unreleased models, various uncertainties persist until Sony discloses official information. Until concrete details and specifications are officially confirmed, enthusiasts are advised to view leaked information as intriguing possibilities rather than facts. The anticipation continues as the tech community awaits official announcements from Sony to shed light on the true nature of the Xperia 1 VI.
Despite Sony maintaining official silence on details about the successor, online leaks have provided insights into potential features of the Sony Xperia 1 VI, generating excitement and anticipation for its imminent debut in the market.
