The Xperia 1 VIII is Sony's newest phone for camera enthusiasts, but I have concerns about the extensive use of AI tuning.

      Sony’s latest Xperia 1 VIII includes AI camera assistance for those who dislike auto mode.

      Sony

      Xperia phones have always stood out in the market. The company designs phones for users who appreciate focal lengths, shutter buttons, color science, and camera-style controls. The new Xperia 1 VIII maintains this legacy while introducing AI assistance via Xperia Intelligence, giving Sony a new angle to differentiate itself—even though I remain somewhat doubtful.

      How Sony AI plans to assist rather than automate

      Sony

      This aspect raises some concern for me because the attraction of Xperia phones has consistently been their focus on camera functionality. Sony devices feel more like compact Alpha companions rather than typical point-and-shoot smartphones that do everything for the user. Credit to Sony, the AI appears to provide guidance rather than complete automation. Recommendations are reportedly informed by Sony’s Creative Look system, allowing users to implement them with a simple tap, rather than allowing the device to take control of the shot entirely. Additionally, Sony mentions that suggestions might not always be available based on the environment, subject, or settings, and that this feature may not function in continuous shooting or RAW capture modes.

      Camera enhancements

      Sony

      The more intriguing improvement is the telephoto camera. Sony claims that the Xperia 1 VIII features a new 1/1.56-inch telephoto sensor, which is about four times larger than the one in the Xperia 1 VII. This enhancement not only increases clarity in zoomed shots but should also enhance low-light performance. Sony asserts that all three cameras can achieve low-light capabilities comparable to a full-frame sensor regarding noise reduction and dynamic range, though this claim applies only to still images under Sony's testing conditions. RAW multi-frame processing is utilized across all lenses to enhance dynamic range, lessen noise, retain detail, and improve color accuracy in challenging lighting conditions.

      Additional features

      Sony

      The Xperia 1 VIII operates on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Battery effectiveness is claimed to last up to two days, but that assertion may seem exaggerated with a 5,000mAh battery. The device also retains the dedicated camera shutter button and a 3.5mm headphone jack—features still valued by Xperia users. The available colors include Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, Garnet Red, and Native Gold, and Sony’s new ORE design incorporates textured surfaces for better grip.

      Notable specifications comprise a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 48MP Exmore T main sensor, a 6.5-inch FHD+ LTPO OLED display, and expandable storage of up to 2TB via a microSD card slot.

      Pricing begins around €1,499 / £1,399 for the 256GB model, while the 1TB Native Gold version retails for €1,999 / £1,849 in select regions. Preorders commence on May 13 through Sony and select retailers, with Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones included during the preorder phase.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware, focusing on...

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