For such an enormous tech firm, Sony’s smartphone division has been a curious failure.
The corporate has been making Android handsets since 2008, however has by no means turn into one of many main manufacturers, no less than within the West. In accordance with Statcounter, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, Motorola, Huawei and Google are all forward when it comes to international market share.
However that hasn’t stopped Sony from persevering with to make telephones…but.
The corporate has simply introduced its new flagship for 2025 within the type of the Xperia 1 VII, full with a number of upgrades in comparison with final 12 months’s Xperia 1 VI.
Nevertheless, regardless of some new AI digicam options that present promise, there’s little or no to get enthusiastic about right here. Given Sony’s tiny share of the smartphone market, I feel now’s the time for it to throw within the towel. Listed here are 4 huge explanation why.
Be aware: Sony has briefed me on the telephone however hasn’t equipped any photographs of the Xperia 1 VII in time for publishing. Those you see listed here are of the Xperia 1 VI and I’ll replace with official photographs in the end.
No USP
For some time, Sony was the one main smartphone producer to supply a tall, 4K display screen (after being the primary to launch a Full HD telephone in 2013 – the Xperia Z). Granted, its attraction was area of interest, however it was good to see the corporate making an attempt one thing totally different.
That every one modified with the introduction of the Xperia 1 VI, which shifted to a way more widespread Full HD+ panel. That continues on the Xperia 1 VII, which affords a 6.5-inch, 19.5:9 OLED show, full with a 120Hz refresh charge.
If the Xperia 1 VI is something to go by, it’ll be a really good display screen, and definitely extra sensible than the tall 4K one. However the identical may be stated for many Android rivals, so there’s no purpose to pay a premium for the Xperia 1 VII.
I don’t know anybody who would purchase a high-end telephone simply to allow them to plug of their headphones
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
That’s symptomatic of the gadget as an entire. It has loads of premium options, together with a premium glass and aluminium design, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 5000mAh battery that ought to ship robust battery life. However these are all par for the course in relation to an Android flagships in 2025.
Maybe the one defining characteristic is the continued presence of the three.5mm headphone jack, making the Xperia 1 VII unrivalled in relation to wired audio. However I don’t know anybody who would purchase a high-end telephone simply to allow them to plug of their headphones.
Cameras nonetheless fall brief
If there’s one factor that Sony is thought finest for, it’s in all probability cameras. The corporate’s Alpha line of mirrorless cameras is among the most celebrated all over the world, so that you’d count on it to have the ability to ship a top-class smartphone images expertise.
There doesn’t appear to be something unsuitable with the {hardware} – Sony digicam lenses may be present in most of the finest digicam telephones available on the market. However for some time, Sony has fallen barely brief on the software program processing facet, resulting in some inconsistency.
if you need the very best digicam telephone, you shouldn’t purchase a Sony telephone
Foundry
After all, which may’ve been fastened on the brand new Xperia 1 VII, which I haven’t been in a position to strive for myself but. However I feel it’s unlikely to correctly rival the likes of the Xiaomi 15 Extremely, Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely and iPhone 16 Professional Max.
Finally, if you need the very best digicam telephone, you shouldn’t purchase a Sony telephone.
What’s occurring with software program assist?
There’s completely nothing unsuitable with Sony’s Android pores and skin.
It’s refreshingly gentle, providing a near ‘inventory’ expertise that’s intuitive and straightforward to make use of. Any further pre-installed apps can simply be eliminated.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
That’s just too costly for a telephone with a number of key drawbacks
Nevertheless, it continues to fall brief in relation to software program updates. The brand new Xperia 1 VII is about to obtain simply three main OS updates and 4 years of safety patches. Which means Android 18 might be its final main model, and it’ll be unsafe to make use of past 2029.
Evaluate that to the likes of Samsung and Google flagships, which provide seven years of each, and Sony’s dedication is starkly underwhelming. That’s earlier than you even get to the timeliness of those updates – how lengthy earlier than Android 16 really turns into accessible on the Xperia 1 VII?
The worth…
These shortcomings are way more of an issue for the Xperia 1 line than the cheaper fashions, which Sony could or could not proceed making.
The brand new Xperia 1 VII prices €1,499, and whereas we don’t have UK or US pricing but, it’s more likely to be just like the 1 VI’s £1,299.
That’s just too costly for a telephone with a number of key drawbacks.
What Sony ought to concentrate on as a substitute
This text isn’t a name for Sony to cease making tech merchandise. I simply suppose the corporate would profit from having one much less product class to consider, permitting it to focus its efforts on different areas.
In relation to TVs, cameras, audio gear and, after all, video games consoles, Sony is up there with the easiest. It also needs to proceed supplying digicam sensors to different telephone makers, who appear to know find out how to get one of the best out of them.
As troublesome because it could be, I feel it’s time for Sony to confess defeat in relation to smartphones. It was enjoyable whereas it lasted.
In search of another? See our information to one of the best telephones you should buy proper now. You could be extra within the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.