Sony confirms Xperia 1 VIII launch date, hints at new camera bump
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- Sony has confirmed the Xperia 1 VIII will be announced on May 12 at 10:00 PM ET.
- The phone is expected to feature a major camera‑island redesign.
- It is also expected to be more expensive than its predecessor.
Announcement details
Days after the Xperia 1 VIII was accidentally listed on Amazon, Sony has confirmed that the phone will be officially announced on May 12 at 10:00 PM ET. The timing reflects a Japan‑based launch, and the event will be streamed on Sony’s YouTube channel.
Expected specifications
- Display: 6.5‑inch FHD+ OLED, 120 Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Audio: 3.5 mm headphone jack (still alive)
- Battery: Two‑day endurance claim
The teaser suggests a triple‑rear camera system consisting of:
- 16 mm ultrawide lens
- 24 mm primary shooter
- 70 mm telephoto lens
Design and camera island
Leaked renders (source) show a drastic redesign compared to the previous model, with a much larger camera island—likely to accommodate a larger sensor.
Sony’s flagships are known for excellent manual camera controls rather than extreme specs. The Xperia 1 VIII is expected to continue this tradition, offering a robust set of pro‑oriented features in the camera app.
Pricing and availability
The Xperia 1 VII did not launch in the US, and the same may apply to the Xperia 1 VIII. Imported pricing from leaked Amazon listings suggests:
- €1,868.99 (~$2,196)
- £1,728 (~$2,352)
Some listings hint at a bundled pair of WH‑1000XM6 headphones.