Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Reviewing the Sony Xperia 1 VIII, the burgundy sheep of the 2026 flagship line-up. I've been testing this phone for a fortnight, including a jaunt to Mexico to see how the camera tech, battery life and performance hold up under pressure. So, is the Sony Xperia 1 VIII worth that sky-high UK price?
One thing's for sure: this wallet-drainer is unlike any other smartphone, for better or worse. You'll find some excellent features that other flagships shun, such as proper front-firing speakers, a headphone jack and expandable storage. All staples of Sony's iconic handsets. However, the Xperia 1 VIII also messes up a few of the basics.
I've been using this as my full-time phone for a while, to see how the battery life copes with real world usage. I've also been meandering my way through Wuthering Waves, to see if the Sony Xperia 1 VIII can cope with extended gaming sessions on the go.
Of course, a large focus of any Sony smartphone is the camera tech, complete with the Japanese giant's own Exmor sensors. This time around you have an upgraded telephoto zoom lens, which can cope better for night photography. Here's what I thought of the optics after taking the Xperia 1 VIII to Mexico for wrestling, football and of course - mezcal.
So that's my review of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII, but do you agree? Let us know your thoughts below!
Sony Xperia 1 VIII Review Chapters:
0:00 - In bits
0:54 - Design
4:00 - Features & Android
7:42 - Display & audio
10:25 - Performance & gaming
12:42 - Battery life
14:33 - Cameras
21:47 - Verdict
Reviewing the Sony Xperia 1 VIII, the burgundy sheep of the 2026 flagship line-up. I've been testing this phone for a fortnight, including a jaunt to Mexico to see how the camera tech, battery life and performance hold up under pressure. So, is the Sony Xperia 1 VIII worth that sky-high UK price?
One thing's for sure: this wallet-drainer is unlike any other smartphone, for better or worse. You'll find some excellent features that other flagships shun, such as proper front-firing speakers, a headphone jack and expandable storage. All staples of Sony's iconic handsets. However, the Xperia 1 VIII also messes up a few of the basics.
I've been using this as my full-time phone for a while, to see how the battery life copes with real world usage. I've also been meandering my way through Wuthering Waves, to see if the Sony Xperia 1 VIII can cope with extended gaming sessions on the go.
Of course, a large focus of any Sony smartphone is the camera tech, complete with the Japanese giant's own Exmor sensors. This time around you have an upgraded telephoto zoom lens, which can cope better for night photography. Here's what I thought of the optics after taking the Xperia 1 VIII to Mexico for wrestling, football and of course - mezcal.
So that's my review of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII, but do you agree? Let us know your thoughts below!
Sony Xperia 1 VIII Review Chapters:
0:00 - In bits
0:54 - Design
4:00 - Features & Android
7:42 - Display & audio
10:25 - Performance & gaming
12:42 - Battery life
14:33 - Cameras
21:47 - Verdict
