Sony Xperia 1 VI Review: Sony has been known for making premium flagship smartphones that cater to photographers, videographers, and multimedia enthusiasts. With the Xperia 1 VI, Sony continues its tradition of 4K OLED displays, powerful cameras, and high-end performance. But does this smartphone justify its premium price tag, or is it just for niche users? Let’s find out in this in-depth review.

Read More: Redmi Note 13 vs Realme 12 Pro: Budget Camera Kings

Read More: Moto G Stylus 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A25: Stylus vs Substance

Design and Build

Sony Xperia 1 VI follows the classic Xperia design language with a tall, boxy frame and a premium glass-metal build. The device is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, making it highly durable. Unlike most flagships, Sony continues to offer a 3.5mm headphone jack and a dedicated camera shutter button, catering to audiophiles and photography lovers. Available in Black, Silver, and Purple, the Xperia 1 VI exudes elegance while maintaining a professional look.

Display

Sony once again delivers an exceptional display with a 6.5-inch 4K OLED panel that supports HDR10 and a 120Hz refresh rate. The tall 21:9 aspect ratio makes it ideal for watching movies and editing content. Unlike competitors that have moved towards QHD or FHD+ resolutions, Sony sticks to 4K, providing unparalleled sharpness and detail. The display is powered by Sony’s Bravia technology, ensuring deep blacks, rich colors, and accurate contrasts.

Performance

At its core, the Xperia 1 VI is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage. This flagship hardware ensures fast performance, smooth multitasking, and a lag-free gaming experience. Whether you’re playing intensive games, editing 4K videos, or running multiple apps, this phone handles everything with ease. Sony’s game enhancer mode optimizes performance for gamers, reducing thermal throttling.

Cameras

Sony is known for its alpha-inspired camera technology, and the Xperia 1 VI continues that legacy with a triple-lens setup featuring a 50MP main sensor with variable aperture (f/1.2 – f/4.0), and OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The variable aperture allows photographers to dynamically adjust the depth of field, mimicking a professional camera lens. The real-time eye autofocus and subject tracking, borrowed from Sony’s mirrorless cameras, make it one of the best smartphones for photography. The front-facing 12MP camera also captures detailed selfies and supports 4K HDR recording.

Battery and Charging

Sony has equipped the Xperia 1 VI with a 5000mAh battery, ensuring all-day endurance even with 4K resolution and high refresh rate enabled. The phone supports 30W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. While 30W charging might feel slow compared to competitors offering 65W or higher, Sony’s battery care technology extends battery longevity, reducing degradation over time.

Software and Features

Sony Xperia 1 VI runs on Android 14 with Sony’s lightweight UI. Unlike other brands that heavily modify Android, Sony keeps the experience clean and near-stock. There are no unnecessary bloatware apps, and Sony includes useful tools like Cinema Pro, Photo Pro, and Audio Pro, giving users complete control over their multimedia creation. The software is optimized for smooth performance and minimal lag.

Price and Value for Money

With an expected price of ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,30,000, the Xperia 1 VI competes with flagships like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While it lacks some mainstream features like ultra-fast charging and AI-driven software enhancements, it compensates with industry-leading display quality, superior camera tech, and a unique multimedia experience. Sony’s commitment to pro-grade features makes this phone an excellent choice for users who need more than just a mainstream flagship.

Conclusion

Sony Xperia 1 VI is not for everyone—but for those who appreciate premium display tech, top-tier camera capabilities, and a clean Android experience, it is one of the most unique flagships available. While its high price and slower charging speed might be a drawback, its exceptional build, high-end performance, and professional-grade camera features make it stand out. If you’re looking for something different from the mainstream flagships, the Xperia 1 VI is an excellent choice, offering a refined experience tailored for enthusiasts and professionals.