Xperia 1 VII - Esato archive

Posted by moogoo
https://www.sony.co.uk/smartphones/products/xperia-1m7

Posted by moogoo
Rumors were mostly incorrect.

Very minor updates over the VI.

Camera - new ultrawide sensor, slightly larger shutter button, otherwise the same.
Display - brightest ever display
audio - walkman features seem tied to having gold in the solder to improve signal transmission

Supposedly a new rigid frame.

Seems most of the "upgrades" are AI related. but i would imagine these are purely software that will be pushed to the VI at some point? maybe i'm wrong and it has a new AI chip (doubtful).

that's basically it. Very disappointing as far as upgrades. Does it warrant the additional price increase? i guess gold is more valuable these days. hahaha

Now i have a lot to think about...

Posted by ascariss
the walkman related details are also fine sound resistors, which I predicted on my blog post.

as for the ai chip, probably the ai from the new SD 8 elite, nothing more.

Posted by moogoo
1400 british pounds is more than i want to spend on a phone, even with the XM5s.

there's no way I can justify that. Unless I can find a better price somewhere else, I guess my 1m2 will have to last longer or I may end up getting a pixel :/

Posted by cableguy
Is the notification led back?

Posted by badassmam
Minimal upgrade with a price increase, it's too much of the same junk. Also, no UI improvement so what is the point of this phone? No reason to buy Sony, especially when the Chinese phones really stepped up this year.

Posted by nh1402

On 2025-05-13 03:11:55, moogoo wrote:
1400 british pounds is more than i want to spend on a phone, even with the XM5s.

there's no way I can justify that. Unless I can find a better price somewhere else, I guess my 1m2 will have to last longer or I may end up getting a pixel :/

I'm in a similar position, My 1m2 has been so slow, the battery life is terrible. I really was looking to get the VII. But that price. If it came with the 1000xm6 instead then that would be more palatable.

But for me, I just abject refuse to get a phone with a camera cutout in the display. So it's this or the Nubia phones with no updates. At the very least sony have a better update policy this year, which meant that I could keep it for 5 years and still get another year of security updates out of it. Whereas this 1m2 has been out of updates for years. Still not a good price though.

Posted by Maratonmannen
Bundled with 1000XM5 you can preorder 1 VII for 16399 SEK (1560 USD) in Sweden.
Scheduled to be released June 12.

I will wait for 512 GB version.

[ This Message was edited by: Maratonmannen on 2025-05-13 16:41 ]

Posted by tai020381
Thanks for the link.

Theres improvement to the main as well as telephoto sensor quality. Sony did magic again:

https://youtu.be/KjMlBNUwdaw?t=1436

https://youtu.be/P7PVe2DtoE4?t=623

[ This Message was edited by: tai020381 on 2025-05-13 13:55 ]

Posted by moogoo

On 2025-05-13 13:48:31, tai020381 wrote:
Thanks for the link.

Theres improvement to the main as well as telephoto sensor quality. Sony did magic again:

https://youtu.be/KjMlBNUwdaw?t=1436

https://youtu.be/P7PVe2DtoE4?t=623

[ This Message was edited by: tai020381 on 2025-05-13 13:55 ]

No improvements to the actual hardware of the main and telephoto. Anything improved is purely software side.

@cableguy doesn't look like it. Sadly.

@nh1402 exactly. My main reason to upgrade is security updates and I would like to take advantage of the new camera features. My phone isn't too laggy. It depends on the app. But battery is probably only about 60% of what it used to be brand new.

I wish sony would publish their planned release countries and timing. That would be very helpful. For now it looks like if I want this phone, now would be the time to get it cause at least the XM5 will offset the cost a bit. But prices, shipping and then tariffs... I dunno.

[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2025-05-13 14:14 ]

Posted by ascariss
definitely a lot of the heavy lifting is being done by improvements in ai and algorithm rather than the actual sensor or lenses.

Posted by Gitaroo
unfortunately 4K screen is dead....

Posted by cool_sauce
Im quite happy with this update considering how much of a let down VI was. This one has some substantial stuff. But I still can't wrap my head around of not having burst mode in regular Photo.

Posted by moogoo
gsmarena review is out: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_1_vii-review-2828.php

typical gsmarena comments. somehow their reviews and testing don't really translate to real world situations in my experience.

There are a few other "review" videos out. This one is nice cause it gives a clear demonstration of the various AI features.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDCu935YlaM

[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2025-05-14 16:19 ]

Posted by goldenface
Thanks. That explains clearly what the new features are all about. The auto framing is very clever.

Posted by moogoo
One thing I have noticed many of the reviews say that there is only a 256GB variant. This isn't true.

There will be a 12GB/512GB and a 16GB/512GB variant as well. Maybe these two variants will only be sold in Japan?

Almost makes me want to take a trip to japan, purchase the 16GB/512GB variant and get a little vacation out of it. Not only that, but since the yen is weak against the dollar, the price will be more palatable too!

I'll have to check the japanese site again on May 20th, which is when they will post the VII for sale. Not sure if they will be doing the headphone bundle in japan as well, but if so, that makes it an even better deal. Especially if the Japanese bundle includes the XM6s, since that should be after they are announced. Currently there is no mention of bundles on the sony japan site.

Posted by goldenface
You could be right, they may be saving the best bundles till last, ha. Lets hope.

And you're right about the GSMArena review, they've always been about the bare bones specs too much. The AI adds a new dimension and is becoming increasingly important.

[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2025-05-14 19:56 ]

Posted by moogoo

On 2025-05-14 20:54:37, goldenface wrote:
You could be right, they may be saving the best bundles till last, ha. Lets hope.

And you're right about the GSMArena review, they've always been about the bare bones specs too much. The AI adds a new dimension and is becoming increasingly important.

[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2025-05-14 19:56 ]

ha ha.. it would be funny if they did reserve the XM6 bundle for themselves. seriously, if they bundle the XM6, i may have to plan a week long trip to japan to grab myself a new phone and feast on sushi and ramen

GSMArena did mention the AI but said that as one of the negatives against Sony because they don't have in your face AI features like samsung and apple and relies on Google Gemini. They glossed over the fact that there's plenty of AI doing heavy lifting in the display, audio, and camera.

My biggest criticism of GSMarena is their hardware tests don't ever seem realistic to me. they always rank sony phones as average or low compared to others. Same with their camera tests, which rely solely on automatic mode and nothing else. Something they don't make very clear to readers.

Posted by Tsepz_GP

On 2025-05-14 21:42:12, moogoo wrote:

[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2025-05-14 19:56 ]

Sony phones have become very niche specialist devices I think, GSMArena are still trying to look at them from a mass consumer position which makes things a little difficult. A Sony fan will not want anything but an Xperia no matter what reviewers say.

The fact that you are prepared to go to Japan to get the spec you want is very different to someone who wants to walk into their network providers local shop/branch and get a 512GB smartphone, throw a case on it and go on with their life.

Posted by moogoo
@Tsepz! Long time no see.

Yes, I agree and am aware that GSMarena are reviewing for the mass public. And I still think their hardware tests are not realistic and practical. Not just for xperia, but for all phones.

Only reason I would be willing to go to Japan to get the phone is because I have been wanting to plan a trip to Japan anyway. Otherwise, getting a sony phone would not be my sole motivation.

In any case, I don't deny that I am a sony fan. But I'm not so much of a superfan that i'd be willing to spend $2,000USD for a phone. Might as well get a japan vacation out of it right?

Posted by goldenface
Don't see why not. It's a good as reason as any to visit Japan (what a great place to test out the camera).

Posted by moogoo

On 2025-05-16 18:40:36, goldenface wrote:
Don't see why not. It's a good as reason as any to visit Japan (what a great place to test out the camera).

me and goldenface going to Japan for new phones. confirmed.

Posted by goldenface
See you there. I bagsy the purple version.

Posted by Tsepz_GP

On 2025-05-16 17:54:59, moogoo wrote:
@Tsepz! Long time no see.

Yes, I agree and am aware that GSMarena are reviewing for the mass public. And I still think their hardware tests are not realistic and practical. Not just for xperia, but for all phones.

Only reason I would be willing to go to Japan to get the phone is because I have been wanting to plan a trip to Japan anyway. Otherwise, getting a sony phone would not be my sole motivation.

In any case, I don't deny that I am a sony fan. But I'm not so much of a superfan that i'd be willing to spend $2,000USD for a phone. Might as well get a japan vacation out of it right?

Long time indeed Moogoo

hope you are keeping well!

Yeah the hardware tests are quite unrealistic, I often just watch their videos to get an idea of what the phone Design is, any interesting new software features and then an idea of battery longevity compared to the previous generation when it comes to written reviews, other than that their opinion doesn’t factor as much as used to for me. Us enthusiasts know what we want out of a device already.

Haha!

true, the Japan trip will be far more memorable!

Posted by moogoo
another bonus to going to japan to buy it is you can get the 16GB/512GB version, which doesn't seem to be available anywhere else. 512gb storage might not matter since you can expand with SD, but 16GB ram would be nice for keeping the phone for the 6 years it can get security updates.

@goldenface purple eh? i was contemplating which i would want. i've always gone with black or white (when available). I was thinking the moss green looked very nice too. Then again, when it's covered by a case, does it really matter?

Posted by goldenface
I know. How many people actually use the phone without a case - I hardly ever see my phone in it's naked form.

I was drawn towards the green but it looks even paler than the Forest Grey of the 1v. A Midnight Blue version to match the XM6 headphones would have made them a lovely pairing.

[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2025-05-16 19:36 ]

Posted by Tsepz_GP

On 2025-05-16 20:12:17, moogoo wrote:
another bonus to going to japan to buy it is you can get the 16GB/512GB version, which doesn't seem to be available anywhere else. 512gb storage might not matter since you can expand with SD, but 16GB ram would be nice for keeping the phone for the 6 years it can get security updates.

@goldenface purple eh? i was contemplating which i would want. i've always gone with black or white (when available). I was thinking the moss green looked very nice too. Then again, when it's covered by a case, does it really matter?

Yeah 16GB RAM would really future proof it very well.

Do Sony treat their Japan models better on updates than Global devices? I ask this because it seems all manufacturers seem to have a blanket approach these days. I believe Sony promises 4 Android version upgrades and 6 years of security patches there after, so you are more than covered for the 6 years. The 16GB RAM will just ensure that everything still runs smoothly as more features are added in those Android upgrades.

Posted by moogoo
@goldenface - midnight blue would be amazing.

@Tsepz_GP - japanese variant gets the same 4 OS updates and 6 years of security updates.

May 20th Sony Japan will list the phone for sale on their website. It'll be interesting to see if it does get a bundle and with which set of headphones. Also curious what the prices will be for each spec variant.

I'll update here on the 20th.

Posted by tai020381
Xperia 1vii have DAC. Sauce :

http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx3[....]mZCK_o-alP?si=RoQilQPPgSSw73Eb

Everyone!! According to official confirmation from Sony Taiwan!

The Xperia 1 VII does have an "independent DAC" but there are no further hardware details to share at this time.

*Background material:

This generation of Sony Xperia 1 VII was jointly developed with its Walkman team. In addition to using professional materials such as "gold solder" and "non-magnetic resistors".

It is also confirmed that it is equipped with an "independent DAC"

Posted by cool_sauce

On 2025-05-17 03:50:15, tai020381 wrote:
Xperia 1vii have DAC. Sauce :

http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx3[....]mZCK_o-alP?si=RoQilQPPgSSw73Eb

Everyone!! According to official confirmation from Sony Taiwan!

The Xperia 1 VII does have an "independent DAC" but there are no further hardware details to share at this time.

*Background material:

This generation of Sony Xperia 1 VII was jointly developed with its Walkman team. In addition to using professional materials such as "gold solder" and "non-magnetic resistors".

It is also confirmed that it is equipped with an "independent DAC"

Yeah just like every previous Xperia. It's equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset Aqstic audio in chip WCD9385 and WSA8835 amp. Not too shabby.

Posted by moogoo
to say that it's "independent" would mean that it shouldn't be the WCD9385, but something could be lost in translation. I think the biggest evidence against it being any special type of Sony developed DAC is that Sony did NOT bring any attention to it in their marketing material or product announcement.

I think we can probably very safely assume it's not a special DAC in any way, whatever it is.

Posted by goldenface
More info. . . .

https://www.qualcomm.com/prod[....]mer/audio/mobile-audio/wcd9385

Posted by tai020381
Battery life actually on par with xperia 1vi

https://www.phonearena.com/ne[....]battery-life-revealed_id170471

Posted by Maratonmannen

On 2025-05-16 18:53:08, moogoo wrote:

On 2025-05-16 18:40:36, goldenface wrote:
Don't see why not. It's a good as reason as any to visit Japan (what a great place to test out the camera).

me and goldenface going to Japan for new phones. confirmed.

Sounds pretty cool.

Are the Japanese phones manufactured with the same frequency bands as we use in US & UK for 5G?

And are all languages like English and Swedish included in the Japanese made phones?

And last, do the Japanese made phones come with worldwide warranty?

I´m thinking of import the 1 VII 16GB/512GB version.

[ This Message was edited by: Maratonmannen on 2025-05-18 12:03 ]

Posted by moogoo

On 2025-05-18 13:01:19, Maratonmannen wrote:
Sounds pretty cool.

Are the Japanese phones manufactured with the same frequency bands as we use in US & UK for 5G?

And are all languages like English and Swedish included in the Japanese made phones?

And last, do the Japanese made phones come with worldwide warranty?

I´m thinking of import the 1 VII 16GB/512GB version.

[ This Message was edited by: Maratonmannen on 2025-05-18 12:03 ]

Hahah. As i began to read your post, I knew that your inquiry was a preface to possibly importing the 16GB/512GB version haha.

1. I checked the VII product page on Sony Japan and it lists the bands. They work for me in the US, so I would assume the UK too. This information is specifically for the SIM FREE model that is sold at the Sony Store in Japan.
5G: n1, n3, n5, n28, n41, n66, n77, n78,n79
4G LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 21, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
3G: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19

2. As far as I know, you can add any of the supported Android languages at any time. They might not be on the phone by default, but you can always add a language to the phone and set it as primary, which will change the entire phone experience to the primary language.

3. As far as i know, the warranty is only valid in the region where it is purchased. If sony doesn't release it in the US, technically I don't think i'll have a sony warranty if i purchase it in the US unless the seller offers one. If I get it in Japan, maybe I can get a tourist warranty, but not sure if those apply to xperia. I'll have to ask sony japan customer service at some point. time difference makes it difficult but i'll give it a go.

[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2025-05-18 15:04 ]

Posted by moogoo

On 2025-05-18 03:18:41, tai020381 wrote:
Battery life actually on par with xperia 1vi

https://www.phonearena.com/ne[....]battery-life-revealed_id170471

GSMarena says the VII battery is worse than the VI. goes to show these tests are not that reliable for exact expectations but more for general range of expected battery life.

Posted by Maratonmannen

On 2025-05-18 15:48:38, moogoo wrote:

[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2025-05-18 15:04 ]

Thanks!

1. My 5G operator uses the n78 band.
2. I checked my 1 VI, and yes, it´s possible to add a language.
3. Doesn't look hopeful.

Spigen AlignMaster for 1 VII is listed on Amazon. And it´s the same as for 1 VI. I already have 4 of them.

Posted by Maratonmannen

On 2025-05-18 15:48:38, moogoo wrote:

2. As far as I know, you can add any of the supported Android languages at any time. They might not be on the phone by default, but you can always add a language to the phone and set it as primary, which will change the entire phone experience to the primary language.

A second thought of the language.

If the default system language is Japanese when the phone is first started, it might be challenging to navigate the settings and change the language to Swedish. Additionally, it would be helpful to confirm whether the Swedish language can be added as an option.

This could likely be verified once the phone is in your hand.

Posted by moogoo

On 2025-05-19 14:39:04, Maratonmannen wrote:
A second thought of the language.

If the default system language is Japanese when the phone is first started, it might be challenging to navigate the settings and change the language to Swedish. Additionally, it would be helpful to confirm whether the Swedish language can be added as an option.

This could likely be verified once the phone is in your hand.

Luckily for you, you have a VI that can be used with google lens translate, so you can navigate the system settings. haha. Even without google lens translate, i'm sure you could figure it out. the options are generally in the same spots. But, if you needed a tutorial walkthrough in japanese, I could put one together.

As for Swedish, i'm confident it can be added since adding languages is an android base feature. I like how you're already putting a VII in my hands already! I haven't even purchased my plane tickets. haha

[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2025-05-19 16:57 ]

Posted by moogoo
Okay. VII is on sale now from Sony Japan

The 12GB/256GB model is Y204,600 (~$1400 USD).
The 12GB/512GB model is Y218,900 (~$1500 USD).
The 16GB/512GB model is Y234,300 (~$1600 USD).

These prices are all tax inclusive. Not sure if there is a duty free option if you were to go to Japan and buy it and how much that would be.

Looks like there is NO headphone bundle at all. Blows my mind actually. But considering the UK version is equivalent to $1800 USD for the 12GB/256GB model, I'm ok with not having headphones. I think the price from Sweden was the cheapest I could find and even that was $1600 USD with the headphones. I'd rather pay that and get the higher spec'd model.

Sony Japan does not ship internationally. You cannot order online unless you live in Japan. You can buy from a Sony Store in Japan. They offer an Xperia Care plan, but it's unclear whether that warranty covers you if you live in a different country.

There you have it. So, who is going to Japan?

Posted by goldenface
The 256 model is available for £1399 with free headphones.

[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2025-05-20 07:52 ]

Posted by herasymcuk
From what I learned by investigating, each Sony store sells exclusively in the country of origin. On eBay there are already 3/4 importers who do not yet know the origin of the imported model (most likely Hong Kong). Clearly without bundled headphones and without, above all, the original Sony cover. Some national Amazons (not all) allow shipping (I am referring to the cover) to other countries other than the country of origin.

Posted by moogoo

On 2025-05-20 08:51:50, goldenface wrote:
The 256 model is available for £1399 with free headphones.

[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2025-05-20 07:52 ]

Yes that's what I was referring to. That's $1800 US and that's before shipping and ...ugh tariffs

Posted by Maratonmannen
This sounds great!

I have checked Amazon.jp, but I can´t see it´s listed yet.

Those on eBay are 12GB/512GB, none 16GB/512GB yet.
Headphones is nothing I have use for.

Now I have no idea where to order.

[ This Message was edited by: Maratonmannen on 2025-05-20 14:08 ]

Posted by funkadopest

On 2025-05-18 15:48:38, moogoo wrote:

On 2025-05-18 13:01:19, Maratonmannen wrote:
Sounds pretty cool.

Are the Japanese phones manufactured with the same frequency bands as we use in US & UK for 5G?

And are all languages like English and Swedish included in the Japanese made phones?

And last, do the Japanese made phones come with worldwide warranty?

I´m thinking of import the 1 VII 16GB/512GB version.

[ This Message was edited by: Maratonmannen on 2025-05-18 12:03 ]

[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2025-05-18 15:04 ]

Looks like it's lacking all the 5g high-band (mmWave), no n260 and n261 used by US carriers and only some of the low-band and mid-band...might result in spoty 5g coverage and fall back on LTE

You can check the compatibility of the vii with your US carrier here

https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/US/sony-xperia-1-vii

And even with all that said, if the phone is not approved by your network it might just end being blocked, the last xperia that worked with AT&T (which is my carrier) was the xperia V

https://www.att.com/scmsasset[....]ces-working-on-att-network.pdf

[ This Message was edited by: funkadopest on 2025-05-20 15:01 ]

Posted by moogoo
Yep. definitely spotty 5G service in the US across all carriers, but that's ok for me since I don't rely on mobile data too much anyway. As long as I have 4G LTE, I'm ok with that.

I use ATT in the US and they at least have 2 of the low and mid bands.

[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2025-05-20 14:53 ]

Posted by Maratonmannen
There is a site that offers "Buy from Japan". I have bought computer stuff from the site a couple of times.

I tried to send a purchase request. When entering the price it stops: " Please use half-width numeric characters only". Have no clue to proceed. The price is ¥ 234,300

Link to a black 16GB/512GB SIM-free 1 VII:
https://pur.store.sony.jp/xpe[....]a1m7/xperia1m7_purchase/?rmd=1

Posted by funkadopest

On 2025-05-20 15:46:23, moogoo wrote:
Yep. definitely spotty 5G service in the US across all carriers, but that's ok for me since I don't rely on mobile data too much anyway. As long as I have 4G LTE, I'm ok with that.

I use ATT in the US and they at least have 2 of the low and mid bands.

[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2025-05-20 14:53 ]

AT&T will flag any unlocked phone right away when you'll insert your sim since it's not approved on their network...
I updated my previous post with some links...
But here it is again
https://www.att.com/scmsasset[....]ces-working-on-att-network.pdf

Posted by moogoo
Thanks for the link. Looks like they only approve models that were sold/released in the US. I've seen people have luck getting their unapproved VI working on ATT as long as their prior phone also had physical sim. Worst case, I'm happy to switch providers. Should work fine with Tmobile/Google Fi. I have no loyalty to ATT hah.

Posted by moogoo

On 2025-05-20 15:56:14, Maratonmannen wrote:
There is a site that offers "Buy from Japan". I have bought computer stuff from the site a couple of times.

I tried to send a purchase request. When entering the price it stops: " Please use half-width numeric characters only". Have no clue to proceed. The price is ¥ 234,300

Link to a black 16GB/512GB SIM-free 1 VII:
https://pur.store.sony.jp/xpe[....]a1m7/xperia1m7_purchase/?rmd=1

It's true, there are some shipper companies that will buy in japan for you and ship it to you. I haven't used any before and didn't come across any that shopped the sony store and ship to the US. I'm also wondering how I will handle the tariff situation. Might be prudent to wait out this tariff nonsense first to save myself some money and/or see if sony will unexpectedly release the VII in the US. That half width character error message is strange. Have you tried changing your keyboard? Using a laptop instead of phone?

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