The Sony Xperia 1 VII has been launched in Europe, retailing at €1,499. Unfortunately, there is no release planned for the USA.
For those curious about the pricing, this places the Xperia 1 VII slightly above the cost of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra in Europe. Given its steep price, the question arises: does the Xperia 1 VII live up to the expectations?
In our review, we found the Xperia 1 VII to be a competent smartphone, displaying a comfortable grip and appealing design. However, it lacks that extra spark.
While it runs a clean Android experience devoid of flashy features or AI enhancements, Sony claims certain functions benefit from AI. The phone delivers stable performance but falls short of being remarkable, and the cameras do not measure up to competitors.
To make the high price tag more palatable, Sony includes a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with the device. This package saves buyers €299, but one must question whether providing headphones with the phone is a strategic move or simply a way to push sales.
It draws comparisons to Apple bundling iPhones with AirPods, raising concerns about whether such tactics are necessary. Despite these headphones being highly-rated, bundling them with the Xperia 1 VII seems forced.
Some Sony fans suggest that buyers could sell the headphones to recoup costs, but this rationale feels regressive. Furthermore, reports indicate that in secondary markets, the phone may not come with this bundle, adding to the frustration for potential buyers.
Beyond pricing, the value proposition is clouded by the execution of features promised by Sony, such as camera enhancements and audio upscaling. While the company offers four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, competitors like Samsung and Google provide superior support in terms of longevity and update speed.
Ultimately, the Xperia series struggles to make a mainstream impact, pointing to a need for a reevaluation of its value offer.