The Sony Xperia 1 was Sony’s flagship offering for 2019, showcasing the brand’s commitment to delivering a premium multimedia experience, especially in terms of display and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia 1:
Overview:
Launched in 2019, the Xperia 1 was a testament to Sony’s efforts to redefine its smartphone design and improve upon the features of its predecessors. The device emphasized a high-quality 4K display, professional-grade camera features, and a sleek design.
Features:
- Operating System: Shipped with Android 9 Pie, upgradable to later versions.
- Display: 6.5-inch 4K OLED with a resolution of 1644 x 3840 pixels, supporting HDR BT.2020 and a 21:9 CinemaWide aspect ratio.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855.
- Memory: 6 GB RAM with 64 GB or 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
- Camera: Triple 12 MP rear camera setup – primary sensor, telephoto lens, and an ultrawide lens. The camera system benefits from technology and expertise from Sony’s Alpha camera series. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
- Battery: 3330 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
- Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP65/IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos sound.
Pros:
- 4K OLED Display: The Xperia 1 was one of the first smartphones to feature a 4K OLED display, offering unparalleled sharpness, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast.
- Professional Camera Features: The collaboration with Sony’s Alpha series brought professional-grade features to the camera system, including Eye AF and Cinema Pro video recording.
- 21:9 Aspect Ratio: The unique aspect ratio offered a different viewing experience, especially for movies, and allowed for more content to be displayed vertically.
- Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 855, the device offered smooth and responsive performance.
- Design: The device featured a sleek and modern design with a glass back and metal frame, emphasizing its premium positioning.
Cons:
- Battery Life: The 3330 mAh battery was considered modest for a flagship, especially when powering a 4K display.
- Camera Low-light Performance: While the camera excelled in good lighting conditions, it sometimes struggled in low-light scenarios.
- Price: Being a flagship, the Xperia 1 came with a premium price tag, which might have been a deterrent for some users considering the competition.
Comparisons to Other Technologies:
In its segment, the Xperia 1 faced competition from:
- Samsung Galaxy S10: Offering a Dynamic AMOLED display, Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820), and a versatile camera setup.
- iPhone XS: With its Super Retina OLED display, Apple A12 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system.
- OnePlus 7 Pro: Featuring a Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 855, and a triple-camera system.
Launch Date:
The Sony Xperia 1 was announced in February 2019 and became available in June 2019.
Common Issues/Problems:
- Fingerprint Scanner Sensitivity: Some users reported occasional misreads or sensitivity issues with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Camera Software: While the camera hardware was impressive, some users felt that the camera software could be improved for better image processing and more intuitive use.
- Battery Longevity: Given the 4K display and powerful internals, some users found the battery life to be less than ideal for a full day of heavy use.
Conclusion:
The Sony Xperia 1 was a bold statement from Sony, showcasing its strengths in display and camera technology. It was a device tailored for multimedia enthusiasts and users who prioritize display quality and camera capabilities. While it had its set of drawbacks, especially in terms of battery life, it stood out in the flagship market due to its unique features and Sony’s brand legacy. For those who value a cinematic viewing experience on a smartphone, the Xperia 1 was a compelling choice.