On July 10, 2024, Sony has just launched a new smartphone model, the Sony Xperia 1 VI, with a price offer of RM6499, putting it in line with flagship devices on the market now, even though this price is seen to be more expensive than the previous model. The question is whether this price offer is comparable and worth what is being offered?. We will answer and share the answer based on the experience of using it as a daily main device in a period of almost 2 weeks.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5″ LTPO OLED screen, 120Hz, 2340 x 1080 pixels,
HDR BT.2020
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (4nm)
1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 chip
3×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720
2×3.0 GHz Cortex-A720
2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520
Adreno 750 Graphics Chip
RAM 12GB RAM
Internal Storage 256/512GB UFS 4.0
Primary Camera 48 MP, f/1.9 (Wide)
12 MP, f/2.3 (Telephoto)1
2MP, F/2.2 (Ultra-wide)
12MP f/2.0 Selfie Camera
5000 mAh battery
30W wired charging
Wireless 15W
SIM/Telephony Dual Nano/5G
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof IP65/IP68
Scan System Fingerprint scanner
Sale Price RM6,499 (12/256GB)
SCREEN
Not much different from the design of the previous model, Sony still maintains the elongated and tapered screen design on this Xperia 1 VI model. The screen comes with a 6.5” LTPO OLED size along with a 120Hz refresh rate level. However, unlike before, its display resolution capabilities have dropped to FHD resolution and no longer 4K like the previous model.
However, this sacrificed resolution feature is not something that has a major impact on its display quality. Throughout the test period, the experience of watching videos with high resolution remained good, clear and bright. In addition, the graphic display for the first one is also nothing we want to complain about.
In terms of bezel design, we believe that the average Sony Xperia model fan doesn't pay much attention to the issue of bezel thickness on the device. Sony still maintains thick bezels on the device's screen design, especially on the top and bottom. The haptic system on it is also one of the things we like because the vibrations feel natural and not annoying at all.
BIOMETRIC
Security and privacy features on the device come with fingerprint scanning capabilities located on the power button on the side of the device. However, the face scan feature is not available and we feel it is inappropriate when it is a flagship device. This is because, most budget and mid-range devices in the market now have also started to provide this function.
DESIGN
Looking at the design of this device we can say that Sony is quite loyal to its design which is not much different from previous models. At first glance, we already guessed that it is a Sony smartphone with its design that has not changed much and is quite different from the average smartphone design today. Despite that, we feel that the design is quite neat and looks solid. This device is available in two colors for the Malaysian market, namely Black and Khaki Green.
The back body panel comes with a textured construction and makes it feel quite comfortable with a grip that also feels more secure. The design of the back panel like this makes us not have to deal with the problem of a dirty surface with fingerprints as faced on the body of the devices we have tested before.
The side frame of the device is made of metal with carved V-grooves for a premium finish and is also firm for a better grip especially when used with one hand. There are also three camera bumps on the back along with the metal base build and arranged lengthwise down along with the LED flash.
All the physical buttons are placed on the right side of the device such as the power button which doubles as a fingerprint scanner, the voice adjustment button and also the physical camera shutter button. All the buttons feel good to press and work well without any problems.
USE AND SOFTWARE
The operating system used is Xperia UI which we feel is easy to use as well as simple and clean of any fat applications that are not needed and there are some applications of Sony's own creation. Overall the experience of using the device feels very responsive and smooth without any issues. Playing first with a high-resolution display and repeatedly for a long period of time is also no problem without having to face issues such as time lag or stuttering.
As for the storage space, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is equipped with a memory size of 12GB RAM and a storage size of 256GB, but there is no virtual memory available. A microSD card to expand storage is possible for larger storage space up to 1TB. The experience of downloading apps can be done without any issues.
BENCH MARK
Here are the scores from the benchmark test results recorded by the Sony Xperia 1 VI using Geekbench 6, Antutu 3D and 3D Mark. A comparison is made with several suitable competitor devices.
Antutu 3D Benchmark
Sony Xperia 1 VI – 1,608,889
Xiaomi 14 Ultra – 2,000,434
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 1,768,765
Geekbench 6
Sony Xperia 1 VI – 2137/6408
Xiaomi 14 Ultra – 2221/6632
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 2278/7016
WildLife Extreme
Sony Xperia 1 VI – 4910
Xiaomi 14 Ultra – 4717
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 4657
The Sony Xperia 1 Vi performs as well as other flagships with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips with benchmark test results showing not much difference. All the available features and functions can be used very smoothly and quickly without any problem.
TELEPHONY AND GPS
The available 5G telephony network does not have any errors with WiFi 7 support which is quite fast and stable. Throughout usage, no network connection issues were encountered. The experience of using GPS also shows the ability to locate the position well and accurately.
CAMERA
The Sony Xperia 1 Vi is equipped with a 48MP (wide), 12MP (telephoto) and 12MP (ultra-wide) camera system along with a 12MP front camera setup. This Sony Xperia 1 VI camera we say honestly that it may not be what most users want. The camera setup is seen more specifically for those who want to do the camera settings as appropriate on each shot.
For photos taken with normal settings, the results we feel are less than satisfactory and sometimes even disappointing for a camera that uses the photographic expertise of the Sony Alpha camera.
Image results with these basic settings show images with faded colors, soft detail and inconsistent lighting. The result of ultra-wide images looks dark even in sufficient lighting.
The zoom shot gives a softer and faded result, even in some situations the zoom feature also causes the shot to become blurry. Video recording can be done at HD and 4K resolution with a relatively good 120fps.
BATTERY
The battery life we feel is able to last quite a long time along with the size of the battery capacity which is also large which is 5000mAh. However, the charging process is quite slow with only 30W wired and 15W wireless charging support. The charging head and cable are not included in the box.
Using the device in a normal usage pattern makes the device able to last the whole day which is from the morning before office hours until bedtime around 12 pm. Usually we only need to charge the device once a day.
AUDIO
There are no shortcomings that I want to complain about the audio system because overall it works quite well. The sound produced is loud, clear and unbroken. Music played through Spotify sounds flat making the experience of listening to music, watching videos and playing games using the device quite exciting. This device is also unique in the flagship category because it still has a 3.5mm audio jack.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
Here is what is received in the box with purchase:-
1x Sony Xperia 1 V
1x Manual
CONCLUSION
Overall, we feel this Sony Xperia 1 VI is a smartphone with excellent and smooth performance. A large battery setup, unique and quality design and impressive audio capabilities are quite captivating.
Just as we have said in the comments above, the camera function may not be what most users want today where it is more focused on the camera setting system that needs to be modified every time a picture is taken.
Such a function may be what professionals want but not for the majority of users who want beautiful photo results just by pressing a button. The selling price of RM6499 also feels a bit expensive without many accessories available together in the box.
Pro
Unique and practical design.
Benchmark chip performance.
There is a 3.5mm audio jack.
Micro SD card support.
Long battery life.
Good audio system.
Cons
Premium price.
A camera with disappointing basic settings.
There is no cable and charging head in the purchase box.
Only 30W charging support.