Sony Xperia 1 VII Brings Walkman Audio Tuning and AI Camera Enhancements

Sony’s new flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 VII, has just landed in the U.K. and Europe, bringing with it a nostalgic punch and future-ready upgrades. This latest entry in Sony’s Xperia line resonates with both tech enthusiasts and audiophiles, thanks to its blend of modern performance, advanced AI features, and a nod to its Walkman heritage. Packed with improvements under a familiar design, this phone marks a distinctive offering in the crowded premium smartphone market.

Sony Xperia 1 VII: A Power-Packed Flagship Experience

The Sony Xperia 1 VII features a familiar design but introduces significant technical upgrades that elevate its performance. It boasts a 120Hz FHD+ HDR OLED display that employs Sony’s BRAVIA display technology. This combination promises vivid visuals and buttery smooth performance for media consumption and everyday use. Unlike most contemporary smartphones, it retains traditional bezels with no punch-hole camera, maintaining a clean, distraction-free screen.

One of the standout upgrades is the new Sunlight Vision feature. It intelligently adjusts brightness and contrast to ensure screen visibility even in bright, direct sunlight. Additionally, a new extra light sensor on the back helps fine-tune display brightness based on environmental conditions. These upgrades reflect Sony’s commitment to offering a viewing experience that stands out, particularly for outdoor use.

Under the hood, the Xperia 1 VII is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, one of the most powerful mobile processors available. This ensures fast and responsive performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing photos and videos. Coupled with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage—expandable up to 2TB via microSD—the phone is well-equipped for demanding tasks.

On the software side, it runs the latest Android 15 and promises longevity with four years of OS updates and six years of security patches. Sony’s focus on long-term usability ensures the device remains secure and up-to-date well into the future.

AI Camera Work and Walkman Audio Reimagined

In the photography department, Sony has pulled expertise from its acclaimed Alpha digital camera team. The Xperia 1 VII retains a triple-camera setup but sees a sensor upgrade. The primary camera now uses a 16mm 48MP f/1.56-inch sensor, replacing the older 12mm configuration. This change promises improved light sensitivity and better detail in various lighting conditions.

Two new AI-driven features—AI Camera Work and AI Auto Framing—introduce pro-level functionality to casual photographers and content creators. AI Camera Work uses posture estimation to predict human movement for consistent focus and adds enhanced stabilization. This is particularly useful for shooting video while moving, delivering smooth and professional-quality footage.

AI Auto Framing is equally impressive. It leverages the wide-angle camera to track and center subjects automatically, whether you prefer horizontal or close-up video formats. These features bring the feel of studio-grade video tools to a smartphone form factor, aligning perfectly with the needs of vloggers, influencers, and mobile videographers.

In a nostalgic move, Sony has revived its classic Walkman audio tuning in the Xperia 1 VII. Engineers collaborated with the original Walkman team to implement high-performance circuits and reengineered signal paths. The result is an unparalleled audio experience, promising rich, high-fidelity sound previously unheard of in smartphones. This makes the Xperia 1 VII a serious contender for music lovers seeking a premium listening experience on the go.

Battery, Build, and Other Essentials

The Xperia 1 VII packs a robust 5,000 mAh battery, ensuring all-day power for users engaged in high-performance tasks. It supports fast charging and retains Sony’s signature features like a tool-less SIM/microSD slot, a fingerprint-embedded power button, and a dedicated camera shutter button—features often omitted by competitors.

Although not a radical departure in design, the Xperia 1 VII offers a refined, practical aesthetic. Its form factor, durability, and thoughtful engineering cater to users who prioritize utility over trend-chasing.

Availability and Market Positioning

Currently, the Xperia 1 VII is available only in the U.K. and Europe, with prices starting at £1,399 and €1,499 respectively (approximately $1,847). Unfortunately, Sony has no plans to launch this model in the U.S., a decision that may disappoint American fans but perhaps reflects a focus on markets where Sony’s mobile division still holds significant traction.

With premium features across the board, the Xperia 1 VII competes directly with other flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 16 Pro Max, albeit offering a more niche appeal, especially to audiophiles and videography enthusiasts.

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FAQs

What makes the Sony Xperia 1 VII’s camera special?

The Xperia 1 VII features AI-powered camera tools and a new 48MP sensor developed with Sony’s Alpha team, enabling superior video stabilization and auto-framing features.

Does the Xperia 1 VII support expandable storage?

Yes, it supports microSD cards up to 2TB, allowing for significant storage expansion beyond the built-in 256GB.

What is the Walkman audio tuning in Xperia 1 VII?

It’s a high-fidelity audio feature designed in collaboration with Sony’s Walkman team to deliver an immersive listening experience with superior signal processing.

Is the Xperia 1 VII available in the U.S.?

No, the Xperia 1 VII is currently only available in the U.K. and Europe, with no announced plans for a U.S. release.

How long will Sony support the Xperia 1 VII with updates?

Sony promises four years of Android OS updates and six years of security patches, offering excellent longevity for the device.

How does AI Auto Framing work?

It uses the wide-angle lens to track subjects and automatically crop footage to keep them centered, offering horizontal and close-up video options.