Sony’s Xperia 1 VII carries forward the brand’s legacy of blending innovation in imaging, display, and audio into a refined smartphone. Anchored by the company’s Alpha, BRAVIA, and Walkman heritage, it synthesizes Sony’s expertise across divisions into one polished flagship. The handset is available in three distinct finishes—Slate Black, Moss Green, and Orchid Purple—offering both style and substance.
At the heart of the device lies Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage (expandable via microSDXC up to 2 TB), and a robust 5,000 mAh battery; Sony confidently claims up to two days of battery life. The 6.5-inch FHD+ LTPO OLED display, enhanced by Sony’s “BRAVIA beauty” tuning, delivers vibrant colors and smooth motion with its 120 Hz refresh rate and dual light sensors that intelligently adjust brightness and tone.
Sony continues to cater to audio enthusiasts by retaining the 3.5 mm headphone jack—now upgraded with Walkman-grade DNA components and high-quality soldering for improved sound integrity—alongside powerful stereo speakers, LDAC, DSEE Ultimate, and Dolby Atmos support.
A Smarter Camera Experience with AI at the Forefront
Sony’s camera trio retains the familiar triple-lens setup—wide (48 MP), periscope telephoto (85–170 mm), and ultrawide (48/50 MP)—but with meaningful enhancements in the ultrawide department. The sensor is now significantly larger (1/1.56″) to improve low-light performance and clarity, while AI-powered tools like AI Camerawork and Auto Framing elevate usability; video framing now dynamically tracks subjects though it’s limited to Full HD resolution when active. Sony also adds advanced autofocus with real-time eye tracking, continuous 60 Hz AF/AE, burst shooting at 30 fps, plus RAW output—perfect for hands-on photography.
Real-World Camera Performance: Singapore Botanical Garden & Jewel’s Glow
During my field tests at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Jewel Changi:
The ultrawide lens (upgraded sensor and wider aperture) beautifully captured lush landscapes and architectural grandeur under natural light. Skin tones were accurate and the overall ambiance felt true-to-life. That said, in dense shaded areas, fine details were still slightly softened.
At Jewel Changi, the telephoto lens excelled at isolating distant details—patterns in the Rain Vortex and foliage were well captured. Still, sharper optics by competitors shine more in low-light zoom—something Sony is refining with its AI tools.
Video work remained a highlight: filming slow-motion sequences of light installations at Jewel with 4K 120 fps and S-Cinetone produced cinematic results, especially when paired with the device’s Auto Framing feature that keeps subjects centered with minimal work.
Availability and Pricing in Malaysia
Sony launched the Xperia 1 VII in Malaysia in late August 2025, priced at RM 6,499 for the 12 GB/256 GB variant. Early buyers enjoy a promotional bundle that includes free WH-1000XM6 headphones (worth RM 2,099) until October 5.
Final Verdict
Sony’s Xperia 1 VII is unapologetically designed for the discerning creator. It’s a testament to manual control and appreciation for quality—offering advanced camera hardware augmented by AI, best-in-class audio experiences, a stunning adaptive display, and powerful sustained battery performance. The cornerstone enhancements—a larger ultrawide sensor and intelligent framing—address prior weak spots and elevate everyday shooting.
That said, mainstream users seeking point-and-shoot computational photography might find its approach less intuitive compared to mainstream flagships. Those who value deep customization, superior audio, and Sony’s design ethos will find the Xperia 1 VII uniquely rewarding—and with extended update support and launch bundles, stands as a compelling offering in 2025.
