(Sony Xperia PRO-I all carriers 5G smartphone with 1-inch image sensor, triple camera array and 120Hz 6.5” 21:9 4K HDR OLED Display)
Sony Xperia phones have a rich history, dating back to 2008 when they were first developed by Sony Ericsson (a joint venture between Sony and Ericsson).
Sony Xperia phones are good for a certain niche of users. They consistently get high marks for their cameras, which offer excellent image quality and manual controls that rival professional equipment. Xperia phones also tend to have beautiful, sharp displays and sleek designs.
If you’re a photographer or videographer who prioritizes camera quality, or if you just appreciate a clean, uncluttered software experience, then a Sony Xperia phone could be a good option for you. However, if you’re on a tight budget or you live in a region where Xperia phones are hard to find, you might want to consider another brand.
Here are the top 5 Sony Xperia phones for 2024, categorized based on what you might be looking for in a phone:
Best Overall: Sony Xperia 1 V
The Xperia 1 V is Sony’s latest flagship phone and it offers the best of everything Sony has to offer. It has a stunning 6.5-inch 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a versatile triple-lens camera system on the back. The battery life is also excellent, and the phone supports 30W fast charging.
Best Under $1000: Sony Xperia 5 V
The Xperia 5 V is a more compact and affordable version of the Xperia 1 V. It has a smaller 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, but it’s still a very capable phone. It’s powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor as the Xperia 1 V, and it has a very similar camera system. The battery is a little smaller, but it still supports 30W fast charging.
Best for Battery Life: Sony Xperia 10 V
The Xperia 10 V is a great option if you’re looking for a phone with long battery life. It has a large 5000mAh battery that can easily last a full day on a single charge. The phone is also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded buyers. However, it has a less powerful processor and camera system than the Xperia 1 V and Xperia 5 V.
Best Compact Phone: Sony Xperia 5 V
As mentioned earlier, the Xperia 5 V is a more compact version of the Xperia 1 V. It has a smaller 6.1-inch display, making it easier to use with one hand. It’s still a very powerful phone, and it has a great camera system.
Best Budget Option: Sony Xperia 10 V
The Xperia 10 V is Sony’s most affordable phone, but it still offers good value for the money. It has a decent processor, a good camera system, and a long-lasting battery. However, the display is not as good as the displays on Sony’s other phones, and the design is a bit more basic.
Ultimately, the best Xperia phone for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider what features are most important to you, such as display quality, camera performance, battery life, and price, before making your decision.
01. Best Overall: Sony Xperia 1 V 5G
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
The Xperia 1 V is Sony’s latest flagship phone and it offers the best of everything Sony has to offer. It has a stunning 6.5-inch 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a versatile triple-lens camera system on the back. The battery life is also excellent, and the phone supports 30W fast charging.
The Sony Xperia 1 V 5G is a niche phone aimed at mobile photography enthusiasts and videographers. It has a lot to offer in those areas, but there are some drawbacks to consider before you buy one.
Here’s a breakdown of the Sony Xperia 1 V 5G:
Strengths:
- Superb Camera System: The Xperia 1 V boasts a large main sensor, improved image processing, and a variable optical zoom that lets you smoothly switch between 3.5x and 5.2x zoom. It also offers extensive manual controls and pro-style camera apps, giving photographers a high degree of creative freedom.
- Excellent Display: The phone features a stunning 4K OLED display with a unique 21:9 aspect ratio, perfect for watching movies or browsing the web.
- Other perks: It has a headphone jack (a rarity these days!), expandable storage, and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
Weaknesses:
- Price: The Xperia 1 V is an expensive phone.
- Camera in Low Light: While low-light performance has improved, it doesn’t quite match the best camera phones on the market.
- Slow Charging: The phone only supports 30W charging, which feels outdated compared to competitors with much faster charging speeds.
Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 V 5G is a great option for those who prioritize photography and videography and are willing to pay a premium for those features. However, if you’re looking for the best low-light camera performance or the fastest charging speeds, you might be better off considering another phone.
02. Best Runner Up: Sony Xperia 5 V 5G
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
The Xperia 5 V is a more compact and affordable version of the Xperia 1 V. It has a smaller 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, but it’s still a very capable phone. It’s powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor as the Xperia 1 V, and it has a very similar camera system. The battery is a little smaller, but it still supports 30W fast charging.
The Sony Xperia 5 V 5G is a bit of a niche phone in the crowded flagship market. Here’s a rundown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you:
Pros
- Compact design: If you’re tired of giant phones, the Xperia 5 V is a breath of fresh air with its comfortable 6.1-inch display. It’s great for one-handed use and easy to slip into your pocket.
- Excellent camera: Sony continues to impress with their smartphone cameras, and the 5 V is no exception. The main 48MP sensor takes sharp, detailed photos, and the upgraded software delivers impressive results. Videography is also a strong point, with features geared towards professional-looking content creation.
- Long battery life: The 5,000mAh battery is a powerhouse and should easily last you a full day on a charge, even with heavy use.
- Unique features: Unlike many flagships these days, the Xperia 5 V boasts a headphone jack and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. These are increasingly rare features that some users will really appreciate.
Cons
- No telephoto lens: This is a surprising omission for a flagship phone. While the main sensor takes great photos, the lack of a dedicated zoom lens means you’ll be relying on digital zoom for close-up shots, which can result in a loss of quality.
- Display limitations: The OLED display is good, but not great. The refresh rate is stuck at 60Hz, making scrolling appear less smooth compared to competitors with high refresh rate displays. Some reviewers have also noted more noticeable color shifting than on other high-end phones.
- Only 128GB base storage: While the microSD card slot helps, 128GB of base storage feels stingy for a flagship phone in 2024.
Overall
The Sony Xperia 5 V is a solid phone with a lot to offer, particularly for those who prioritize a compact size, excellent battery life, and a great camera. However, the lack of a telephoto lens and some display shortcomings hold it back from being a clear-cut winner against other flagships. It’s a phone that caters to a specific niche of users who value its unique features over the absolute cutting edge specs.
03. Best for Battery Life: Sony Xperia 10 V
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
The Xperia 10 V is a great option if you’re looking for a phone with long battery life. It has a large 5000mAh battery that can easily last a full day on a single charge. The phone is also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded buyers. However, it has a less powerful processor and camera system than the Xperia 1 V and Xperia 5 V.
The Sony Xperia 10 V is a budget-friendly phone with some strong selling points, but also some compromises. Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros:
- Excellent battery life: The Xperia 10 V is known for its exceptional battery life, thanks to a large 5000mAh battery and efficient processor. Reviewers report [5] getting up to 28 hours of browsing on a single charge, which is outstanding.
- Compact and lightweight: This phone is very thin and light, making it easy to carry around and use with one hand.
- Bright display and stereo speakers: The Xperia 10 V has a 60Hz OLED display that reviewers say is bright and clear, and it boasts a stereo speaker setup for a richer audio experience than many budget phones.
- IP65/IP68 water resistance: This phone can survive splashes, spills, and even being submerged in water.
Cons:
- Modest performance: The Snapdragon 695 processor is starting to show its age, and it’s paired with only 6GB of RAM. This means the phone might struggle with demanding games or multitasking.
- 60Hz display: Most budget phones have moved to smoother 90Hz or 120Hz displays, so the 60Hz refresh rate on the Xperia 10 V feels dated.
- Unremarkable camera: While the camera system is decent, it doesn’t compete with the best budget phones and lacks some features like 4K video recording.
- Bare-bones accessories: The Xperia 10 V comes with very few accessories in the box, not even a USB cable.
Overall, the Sony Xperia 10 V is a good option for someone who prioritizes battery life, a compact design, and a great media experience on a budget. However, if you’re looking for the latest specs or the best camera, you might want to consider other options.
04. Best for Photography: Sony Xperia Pro-I
4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
Sony Xperia Pro-I: This phone is designed for professional photographers and videographers. It has a massive 1-inch sensor in its main rear camera, which is the same sensor size that is found in many high-end mirrorless cameras. This sensor allows the phone to capture stunning photos and videos in even low-light conditions. The phone also has a variety of professional-grade features, such as a built-in HDMI port and support for RAW capture.
The Sony Xperia PRO-I is a phone designed with professional photographers in mind. It boasts a high-end camera system with a large 1-inch sensor, offering impressive image quality and manual controls. Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Superb Camera: The main draw is the camera. It captures stunning photos and videos with exceptional detail and low-light performance. Professional photographers will love the manual controls and RAW shooting capabilities.
- Unique Features: The dedicated shutter button and textured grip enhance the phone’s camera-centric design. It also has a headphone jack, a rarity these days.
- Capable Phone: Aside from the camera, it’s a powerful phone with a sharp display, fast processor, and ample storage.
Cons:
- High Price: This phone is very expensive, costing significantly more than other flagship phones.
- Battery Life: Battery life is just average and may not be enough for heavy users.
- Display: While the display is good, it can be dim in bright sunlight.
- Missing Features: It lacks features found on other flagships, such as wireless charging and a periscope zoom lens.
Overall:
The Sony Xperia PRO-I is a niche phone ideal for professional or enthusiast photographers who prioritize exceptional camera quality and manual controls. However, the high price tag, average battery life, and some missing features make it a tough sell for casual users.
05. Editor’s Pick: Sony Xperia 1 IV
4.2 out of 5 Star Rating
Sony Xperia 1 IV: This phone is a slightly older model, but it is still a great option for users who are looking for a flagship Xperia phone at a more affordable price. It has a 6.5-inch OLED display with a 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, a quad-lens rear camera system, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.
The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a powerful contender in the world of high-end Android phones, but it has some quirks that might make you hesitate. Here’s a quick rundown of the good and the not-so-good:
Highs:
- Superb Camera: The Xperia 1 IV boasts a versatile camera system with a continuous optical zoom lens, letting you capture crisp images at various ranges. Videography is also excellent, with the ability to shoot 4K footage at a silky smooth 120fps on all three rear cameras.
- Stunning Display: Sony doesn’t disappoint with a gorgeous 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for a super sharp and responsive viewing experience.
- Long Battery Life: The 5,000mAh battery keeps the phone running through a full day of use, and even longer if you’re not a heavy user.
- Unique Design: The Xperia 1 IV stands out with its sleek design and a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio display, perfect for watching movies or browsing the web.
Lows:
- Heating Issues: Some users report the phone overheating during extended video recording or on hot days.
- Limited Refresh Rate Options: The display refresh rate is locked at either 60Hz or 120Hz, lacking the more granular control some competitors offer for optimizing battery life.
- Finicky Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be hit-or-miss in terms of reliability.
- Pricey: The Xperia 1 IV comes with a flagship price tag, which might be a turnoff for some.
Overall:
The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a great phone for creative professionals and videography enthusiasts with its exceptional camera system and pro-grade video features. However, the heating issues and lack of some modern conveniences like a variable refresh rate display hold it back from being a slam dunk recommendation for everyone.
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your priorities and budget. If you prioritize camera prowess and a fantastic display, the Xperia 1 IV is a compelling option. But if you value a more well-rounded feature set or a lower price tag, you might be better served looking elsewhere.
06. Best Recommended: Xperia 1 III – 5G
4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
The Sony Xperia 1 III is a high-end phone released in 2021 that is still a very capable device in 2024. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you:
Pros
- Excellent Cameras: The Xperia 1 III boasts a versatile triple-lens rear camera system with a variable focal length, offering impressive low-light performance and fast autofocus. It’s particularly suited for photography enthusiasts or mobile content creators.
- Stunning Display: The phone features a beautiful 4K HDR OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for watching videos or playing games.
- 5G Connectivity: The Xperia 1 III supports a wide range of 5G bands, so you can experience the benefits of next-generation connectivity where available.
- Other Highlights: It also has a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, 12GB of RAM, and a long-lasting battery with fast charging capabilities. Additionally, it boasts features like a headphone jack and expandable storage via a microSD card.
Cons
- Price: The Xperia 1 III was a pricier phone at launch, and while prices may have come down, it can still be expensive compared to some competitors.
- Battery Life: While the battery is decent, some users report needing to charge it more frequently with heavy use.
- Design: The phone has a tall and narrow design that might not be for everyone, and it can be a bit on the heavy side.
Overall, the Xperia 1 III is a great option for users who prioritize a top-tier camera experience, a gorgeous display, and future-proof 5G connectivity. However, the price tag and potentially average battery life for some users are factors to consider.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- The Xperia 1 III was released in 2021, so there may be newer models available with better specs.
- Sony may be offering deals or discounts on the Xperia 1 III, so it’s worth checking their website or retailers before you buy.
- Be sure to read user reviews to get a well-rounded perspective on the phone’s strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion:
Sony Xperia phones cater to a specific set of users, and here are some reasons why you might choose one:
- Superb Cameras and Video: Sony is a giant in the camera industry, and their expertise shows in Xperia phones. They boast excellent image quality, sometimes with unique features like continuous optical zoom. If you’re a photography or videography enthusiast, this is a major perk.
- Top-notch Display: Xperia phones are known for their crisp, high-resolution displays with accurate colors. If you enjoy watching videos or gaming on your phone, the visual experience on a Sony Xperia can be fantastic.
- Clean Software Experience: Sony phones typically have a bloatware-free experience, meaning you get mostly stock Android with minimal pre-installed apps. This can be a big selling point for users who prefer a clutter-free and customizable interface.
- Unique Features: Sony incorporates some features not commonly found elsewhere, like a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be a deciding factor for some users.
However, it’s important to consider some downsides:
- Price: Sony Xperia phones tend to be on the pricier side.
- Limited Carrier Selection: Xperia phones may not be widely supported by all carriers, especially in the US.
- Fewer Accessories: Compared to more popular brands like Samsung, there might be a smaller selection of cases and other accessories available for Xperia phones.
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your priorities and budget. If the exceptional camera, display, clean software, and unique features resonate with you, then a Sony Xperia could be a great choice. But be sure to weigh the downsides as well, especially the price and potential carrier limitations.
