Sony has unveiled its new flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 V, featuring groundbreaking technology such as the Exmor T for mobile stacked sensor, designed to revolutionize low-light smartphone photography. The device also showcases the signature 21:9 4K OLED display that the series is known for, along with the latest Snapdragon chipset.
The Xperia 1 V boasts a 6.5-inch screen with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It incorporates the X1 for mobile engine, a software enhancement from the Xperia 1 IV, aimed at improving video quality. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and includes a traditional full bezel housing the 12MP selfie camera with a 1/2.9″ sensor.
The back of the phone is also covered with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and features a unique grippy finish, providing a distinctive feel. With IP65 and IP68 certifications, the Xperia 1 V ensures protection against dust and water.
Under the hood, the Xperia 1 V houses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Setting itself apart from other premium smartphones, this Sony flagship includes a microSD card slot for easy storage expansion. Sony has addressed past heating issues by increasing the heat diffusion sheet volume by 60%. The company has also focused on reducing the power consumption of the camera, a significant heat producer in smartphones.
Fortunately, Sony achieved lower power consumption without compromising on the sensor size. The Xperia 1 V features a 1/1.35″ imager, 70% larger than its predecessor, behind the F/1.9 lens. It utilizes a 52MP multi-aspect sensor, allowing for cropping in both still photos and videos without compromising resolution. The Xperia 1 V employs a modern BSI Quad-Bayer imager with 1.12μm individual pixels that combine to produce 12MP stills with 2.24μm pixels. The unique pixel structure, dividing the photodiode and transistor into separate layers, maximizes light capture and reduces noise.
Sony claims that the new sensor will deliver twice the performance of its predecessor in low-light environments. The company has also introduced a night mode to assist in extremely dark conditions. In addition to the main camera, the Xperia 1 V retains the 85-125mm F/2.3-F/2.8 12MP telephoto camera with continuous zoom and a 12MP sensor behind the 16mm ultrawide camera with autofocus. The TOF sensor has been removed as Sony’s advanced AI algorithms have rendered it redundant.
Sony has updated its creator-focused apps, Photo Pro and Video Pro, with a vertical UI and focus peaking. Streamers can now monitor live chat directly from the phone’s screen. Regarding audio, the Xperia 1 V offers enhanced stereo speakers with increased loudness and richer bass. For users who prefer wired headphones, the device retains the 3.5mm audio jack.
The Xperia 1 V is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 30W wired charging, capable of reaching a 50% charge in 30 minutes. It also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, with Sony guaranteeing at least 80% battery capacity retention after three years of use.
The Sony Xperia 1 V will be available in black, platinum silver, and khaki green color options starting in late June, with specific market availability details to be announced later. The price will be €1,399 in continental Europe and £1,299 in the UK. US pricing will be confirmed soon.
Published on 05/19/23 5:13 | by Rawa John
In just ten days, Sony will be unveiling the Xperia 1 Mk V, a flagship device that was teased over two months ago and is expected to have a design similar to its predecessors. A confirmation of the device’s appearance has now been provided by a billboard in Hong Kong that shows the Xperia 1 with a triple rear camera setup featuring a vertical alignment, larger lenses, and a more prominent oval island.
According to a photo of the billboard posted on Reddit, the Xperia 1 Mk V will have a tagline of “one for all lights” and boast a “next-gen double low-noise camera sensor.” Previous reports have suggested that Sony may use an IMX989 sensor for the main camera, but the company could opt for the IMX858 instead, as it’s the only platform that supports the new low-noise mode LN2 in combination with MCSS (Multi-Camera Synchronisation System).
LN2 works by stacking photodiodes and pixel transistors on top of each other, rather than applying them to the same substrate and plane, resulting in a wider dynamic range, more light, and less noise without affecting overall phone performance. Unlike other manufacturers, Sony is not known for revealing specs early, so we may have to wait until the Xperia 1 Mk V’s official launch on May 11 to learn more details.
Published on 05/10/23 9:43 | by Rawa John