Sony has officially launched its new Xperia 1 VIII smartphone, which introduces a new AI-powered photo assistant called Xperia Intelligence for automatic optimization of color gradients, lens selection and bokeh effects.
The rear camera module features three 16mm, 24mm, and 70mm equivalent lenses. The telephoto lens features a 1/1.56-inch sensor, four times larger than the one in the previous Xperia 1 VII, while Multi-Image RAW processing across all lenses reduces noise and expands dynamic range in low-light conditions.
The hardware configuration is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, which offers a performance boost from the 20%. The claimed battery life reaches two days of use, with an estimated overall battery life of four years. The device includes full-stage stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones. The chassis, featuring the ORE textured design and equipped with a dedicated physical shutter button, is available in Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, Garnet Red, and Native Gold color variants. A translucent case with an integrated stand for horizontal or vertical positioning is available as an optional accessory.
The device is available for pre-order in Switzerland starting May 13, 2026. The recommended price is approximately CHF 1,349 for the 256 GB storage version and CHF 1,799 for the 1 TB Native Gold configuration, the latter distributed exclusively through the manufacturer's official website.