Sony Xperia 1 VIII coming 13 May
Sony has officially announced when its new flagship will be unveiled. The presentation of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is scheduled for 13 May at 11:00 am Japanese time. Sony did not release many details yet, but it is clear that the successor to the Xperia 1 VII is coming.
The announcement was accompanied by the striking slogan: "If genius has gone full circle, the next is coming." What exactly Sony means by that remains somewhat mysterious for now, though it seems to be mostly a hint at the device' s redesign.
Indeed, according to earlier leaks, the Xperia 1 VIII will get a modified camera module with a more square shape. The smartphone would also be slightly wider and thicker than its predecessor. That may not sound immediately spectacular, but a slightly thicker body often provides room for better cameras or a larger battery.
And precisely the latter seems to become an important point. Sony is said to be aiming for a battery life of around two days. On the camera front too, Sony seems to be staying true to its own approach. For years, the Xperia series has been aimed at users who value photography and manual settings. Rumours point to an updated telephoto sensor, in addition to a 16 mm ultra-wide-angle lens and a standard 24 mm wide-angle camera.
In terms of screen and multimedia, Sony is again expected to bet on its familiar combination of an elongated OLED screen and strong focus on audio and video. Details on that are still missing, but that approach is now typical of the Xperia line.
What may provoke more discussion is the price. Previous shop listings pointed to a recommended retail price of almost 1,900 euros in Germany. Those are hefty sums, although it is not yet certain whether those prices are final.
If the information is correct, the device would be available from 26 June. With this, Sony seems to be opting once again for a relatively niche-oriented premium smartphone, aimed at users who value specific camera, screen and audio features over mass appeal.
On 13 May, it will become clear how many of the rumours end up being true. In any case, a new picture has appeared on the internet, revealing the colours of the phone. Black, silver, red and gold colours of the new Xperia are expected to be released.
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