Sony smartphones are known for their niche focus on photo and video features, which can sometimes limit their appeal among mainstream consumers. Additionally, they tend to be priced higher than even the top-end iPhone. The new Xperia 1 V is no exception, with a price tag of $1,399. While this is $200 less than its predecessor, it is still considered pricey. The price in the UK and Europe remains the same at £1,299 and €1,399, respectively.
Despite its high price, the Xperia 1 V offers several features that are not commonly found in high-end phones today. Its signature tall and slim profile makes it instantly recognizable as a Sony phone. When holding the phone, it feels grippy and surprisingly light. The Gorilla Glass Victus on the back gives it a durable and classy look, and the ridged pattern around the aluminum frame enhances its grip. Moreover, the finish is resistant to smudges, providing a clean and polished appearance.
One standout feature of the Xperia 1 V is the inclusion of a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is a rarity in today’s flagship phones. Having all the buttons, including the power button/fingerprint sensor and a crosshatched camera shutter button, on the right edge adds to the convenience of using the device. Additionally, the phone offers a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand the 256 GB of internal storage as needed. The Xperia 1 V is also IP65/IP68 rated, meaning that it is water-resistant and can withstand submersions and rain.
While the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is convenient for one-handed use, it can be easily triggered when slipping the phone in and out of a pocket. This can result in the phone not recognizing the fingerprint and unlocking on the first try. Another challenge of using the Xperia 1 V with one hand is pulling down the notification shade due to its height. To address these issues, Sony has introduced Side Sense, a customizable menu overlay that allows users to access everything with their thumb.
One of the standout features of the Xperia 1 V is its 6.5-inch OLED screen with a 4K resolution and support for HDR10. The display also has a 120 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for watching movies. Sony continues to stick to the 21:9 aspect ratio, with slim bezels at the top and bottom to accommodate front-facing stereo speakers and the selfie camera. The phone’s Creator Mode picture setting offers accurate colors, providing users with an immersive movie-watching experience.
The Xperia 1 V offers a year of free access to Sony’s lesser-known streaming service, Bravia Core. The phone also features front-facing speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing balanced and loud audio. Additionally, it supports 360 Reality Audio for an immersive sound experience. When watching certain content, such as movies or games that have black bars on the sides, users may find the display less immersive. In these cases, turning off the Creator Mode and using the brighter and more saturated standard mode may produce better results. While the display might not be the brightest, it remains legible even in direct sunlight.
In conclusion, the Xperia 1 V maintains Sony’s focus on photo and video features, while offering some unique features not commonly found in high-end phones. Its premium design, grippy feel, and lightweight construction make it a desirable option for users. The inclusion of a headphone jack and a microSD card slot adds to its convenience and versatility. The OLED screen, with its 4K resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, offers an excellent movie-watching experience. However, the device’s high price and its limited mainstream appeal may be drawbacks for some users.
