Sony Xperia 1 VII: The new Sony Xperia 1 VII has appeared on Geekbench ahead of its official launch with a package of high-end features that can put it on the list of 2025’s most powerful smartphones. Fueled by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with 12GB of RAM and Android 14 pre-installed, this phone is aiming at performance enthusiasts and multimedia consumers in equal proportions.

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Design and Display: Thin but Compact

Sony remains faithful to its lovely, recognizable design language with the Xperia 1 VII. The device features a 6.56-inch OLED display with 1080 x 2340 pixels in resolution. Although smaller compared to some of its rivals from other phones, this Full HD+ screen remains crisp and clear thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate as well as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Still, the 393 ppi pixel density may seem suboptimal for a 2025 flagship smartphone.

Performance: All Eyes On Snapdragon 8 Elite

At the core of the Xperia 1 VII is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a 4.32GHz octa-core processor designed for lightning-fast performance and future-proofing. Paired with 12GB of RAM, the phone guarantees seamless multitasking and lag-free gaming performance. Geekbench scores attest to it being one of the fastest Android phones yet. It comes with 256GB of internal storage, which should be enough for most users, and a hybrid memory card slot for expansion.

Camera Equipment: Aging Sony with Jaw-Dropping Lens

Sony has always emphasized camera performance, and the Xperia 1 VII is no exception. The rear triple camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto lens, all supported by Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Selfie enthusiasts have a high-resolution 50MP front camera. Front and rear cameras both support up to 4K video recording at 60fps, providing excellent content creation capabilities.

Battery and Charging: A Good Match but Not the Best Couple

The Xperia 1 VII is driven by a 5100mAh battery, a mere fraction larger than normal, but which should easily last through the day if used. It’s juiced with 33W fast charging, which is acceptable but not quite as fast as some in its class. Sony does compensate for this, however, with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capability, so it’s a bit more handy for mobile users.

Connectivity and Extras: Contemporary Features

The phone checks all the boxes of contemporary connectivity 5G, VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.4, NFC, and USB-C v3.2. There’s also a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for instantaneous and guaranteed unlocking. The sole glaring gap is the absence of an FM Radio, which may not be worrying most of the consumers, but needs to be pointed out.

Early Verdict: A Rock-Solid All-Rounder with Sony’s Signature Touch

The Sony Xperia 1 VII never attempts to pursue gimmicks. It gives a no-nonsense, premium package with emphasis on robust performance, understated aesthetics, and pro-grade cameras. It can lag on paper with the best specs in each department, but for Sony ecosystem enthusiasts and those who adore good, balanced hardware, this phone will be well worth the wait.