For such an enormous tech firm, Sony’s smartphone division has been a curious failure.
The firm has been making Android handsets since 2008, however has by no means change into one among the main manufacturers, at the very least in the West. Based on Statcounter, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, Motorola, Huawei and Google are all forward by way of international market share.
However that hasn’t stopped Sony from persevering with to make telephones…but.
The firm has simply introduced its new flagship for 2025 in the type of the Xperia 1 VII, full with a number of upgrades in comparison with last yr’s Xperia 1 VI.
Nonetheless, regardless of some new AI digital camera 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 believe now could be the time for it to throw in the towel. Listed here are 4 huge the explanation why.
Notice: Sony has briefed me on the phone however hasn’t provided any photographs of the Xperia 1 VII in time for publishing. The ones you see listed here are of the Xperia 1 VI and I’ll replace with official photographs sooner or later.
No USP
For some time, Sony was the solely main smartphone producer to supply a tall, 4K display screen (after being the first to launch a Full HD phone in 2013 – the Xperia Z). Granted, its enchantment was area of interest, but it surely was good to see the firm making an attempt one thing completely different.
That each one modified with the introduction of the Xperia 1 VI, which shifted to a way more frequent 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 price.
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 similar can be stated for many Android rivals, so there’s no motive to pay a premium for the Xperia 1 VII.
I don’t know anybody who would purchase a high-end phone simply to allow them to plug of their headphones
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
That’s symptomatic of the gadget as a complete. It has loads of premium options, together with a premium glass and aluminium design, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 5000mAh battery that should ship sturdy battery life. However these are all par for the course with regards to an Android flagships in 2025.
Maybe the solely defining function is the continued presence of the 3.5mm headphone jack, making the Xperia 1 VII unrivalled with regards to wired audio. However I don’t know anybody who would purchase a high-end phone simply to allow them to plug of their headphones.
Cameras nonetheless fall brief
If there’s one factor that Sony is thought greatest for, it’s most likely cameras. The firm’s Alpha line of mirrorless cameras is one among the most celebrated round the world, so that you’d anticipate it to be in a position to ship a top-class smartphone images expertise.
There doesn’t appear to be something unsuitable with the {hardware} – Sony digital camera lenses can be present in a lot of the greatest digital camera telephones on the market. However for some time, Sony has fallen barely brief on the software program processing aspect, resulting in some inconsistency.
if you need the best possible digital camera phone, you shouldn’t purchase a Sony phone
Foundry
After all, which may’ve been fastened on the new Xperia 1 VII, which I haven’t been in a position to strive for myself but. However I believe it’s unlikely to correctly rival the likes of the Xiaomi 15 Extremely, Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely and iPhone 16 Professional Max.
In the end, if you need the best possible digital camera phone, you shouldn’t purchase a Sony phone.
What’s occurring with software program help?
There’s completely nothing unsuitable with Sony’s Android pores and skin.
It’s refreshingly mild, providing a near ‘inventory’ expertise that’s intuitive and simple to make use of. Any additional pre-installed apps can simply be eliminated.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
That’s just too costly for a phone with a number of key drawbacks
Nonetheless, it continues to fall brief with regards to software program updates. The new Xperia 1 VII is ready to obtain simply three main OS updates and 4 years of safety patches. Meaning Android 18 will be its last main model, and it’ll be unsafe to make use of past 2029.
Examine 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 obtainable on the Xperia 1 VII?
The value…
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 new Xperia 1 VII prices €1,499, and whereas we don’t have UK or US pricing but, it’s more likely to be much like the 1 VI’s £1,299.
That’s just too costly for a phone with a number of key drawbacks.
What Sony should deal with as a substitute
This text isn’t a name for Sony to cease making tech merchandise. I simply suppose the firm would profit from having one much less product class to consider, permitting it to focus its efforts on different areas.
In the case of TVs, cameras, audio gear and, after all, video games consoles, Sony is up there with the highest. It should additionally proceed supplying digital camera sensors to different phone makers, who appear to know get the greatest out of them.
As troublesome as it would be, I believe it’s time for Sony to confess defeat with regards to smartphones. It was enjoyable whereas it lasted.
In search of an alternate? See our information to the greatest telephones you should buy proper now. You may be extra concerned about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
