Sony’s new Xperia 1 VIII is drawing some criticism online, though this time it is not about the cameras or pricing. Instead, the discussion is centered around the phone’s actual thickness versus what Sony officially lists on the spec sheet.

Sony advertises the Xperia 1 VIII at 8.3mm thick, but well-known leaker @OnLeaks recently measured the device and arrived at roughly 8.59mm instead. That may sound like a tiny difference, but it was enough to spark debate about how smartphone brands report dimensions in the first place.

The front and rear glass panels of the Xperia 1 VIII sit slightly above the metal frame, which Sony could be excluding from its thickness measurements. In other words, Sony appears to be measuring just the middle frame thickness.

The internet already mocked Apple for advertising the iPhone Air at 5.64mm despite its huge camera bar reaching roughly 11.32mm in thickness. Now Sony seems to be taking things a step further by excluding part of the phone body users actually hold.

Sony might have some justification for this new way of measuring thickness, just as it did during the recent AI Camera Assistant controversy. Unfortunately, there has been no official response so far, so we cannot say for sure how the company measured the Xperia 1 VIII and arrived at the 8.3mm figure.

Most people probably would never notice a 0.29mm difference in daily use. Still, the situation touches on a larger issue that has existed in the smartphone industry for years. Brands often advertise the thinnest possible point of a device while ignoring protruding camera bumps or slightly raised glass edges.

Some companies even end up with small dimension differences between color variants because of coating layers or material changes, yet the marketing almost always highlights the smallest number possible.

At the end of the day, this is not exactly a scandal-level controversy. But it does highlight how smartphone measurements can sometimes be more complicated than the clean numbers listed on product pages. For buyers who care about ergonomics and in-hand feel, independent measurements and hands-on reviews still matter quite a bit.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Sources: Sony | OnLeaks)

The post Xperia 1 VIII turns out to be thicker than what Sony claims appeared first on Gizmochina.

Vivo X300 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 VIII represent two completely different visions of what an ultra-premium Android flagship should be in 2026. Vivo is chasing maximum hardware dominance with a massive battery, extreme camera setup, and ultra-fast charging, while Sony continues to refine its creator-focused Xperia formula with professional camera tools, expandable storage, and one of the few remaining headphone jacks in a flagship phone. 

Both devices sit at the very top of the Android market, but they target very different kinds of users. This comparison breaks down which flagship actually delivers the better overall experience in design, performance, cameras, battery life, and long-term value. 

Please note: Since the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is still expected to launch in June 2026, some specifications, features, and pricing could change before the official release. 

Major Features:

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The Vivo X300 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 VIII approach flagship design very differently. Vivo focuses on a bold ultra-premium camera-centric style with curved edges, a polished aluminum frame, and strong IP68/IP69 protection. The phone feels futuristic and luxurious, especially with the massive camera module that clearly signals its imaging ambitions. Sony, meanwhile, keeps its signature minimalist Xperia identity with flatter sides, Gorilla Glass protection, and a cleaner professional look. The Xperia feels more practical for long-term use thanks to the dedicated microSD slot and headphone jack, which are becoming increasingly rare in flagship phones.

Display Quality

Vivo easily pushes ahead in raw display specifications. Its LTPO AMOLED panel offers a sharper 1440p resolution, smoother 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and extremely high brightness handling. Content consumption and gaming feel more immersive and premium. Sony’s OLED panel is still color-accurate and cinematic with HDR BT.2020 tuning, but the lower resolution and 120Hz refresh rate feel conservative for a 2026 ultra-flagship. Sony’s display is clearly tuned for creators, while Vivo aims for maximum visual impact.

Verdict

The Xperia 1 VIII feels cleaner and more functional, but the Vivo X300 Ultra delivers the more modern and visually impressive flagship experience overall.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

Both phones run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset paired with the Adreno 840 GPU, so flagship-grade performance is guaranteed on either side. Heavy gaming, AI processing, multitasking, and 4K video editing should run effortlessly. Vivo, however, appears more aggressive with overall optimization. The combination of UFS 4.1 storage, a high-refresh display, and OriginOS tuning makes the phone feel exceptionally fast in daily use. Sony takes a more balanced approach focused on sustained performance and creator-oriented stability. Features like bypass charging and native Sony Alpha support make it especially appealing for photographers and videographers.

Battery and Charging

Battery capacity is one of Vivo’s biggest strengths. The massive 6600mAh battery paired with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging significantly outclasses Sony’s 5000mAh setup with 30W charging. Vivo clearly targets power users who demand long endurance and minimal downtime. Sony’s battery system is more conservative but likely healthier for long-term battery lifespan. Still, charging speeds now matter heavily in premium phones, and Vivo simply feels more future-ready here.

Verdict

Sony offers refined stability and creator-focused features, but Vivo dominates in battery life, charging technology, and overall flagship performance feel.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

Camera hardware is where the Vivo X300 Ultra becomes extremely difficult to ignore. Its dual 200MP setup with large sensors, gimbal stabilization, Zeiss optics, and optional external zoom lenses creates a camera system that feels closer to dedicated photography equipment than a smartphone. Low-light shots, zoom quality, and cinematic video recording are likely among the best in the market. Sony takes a different route by focusing on natural color science, eye tracking, Alpha-inspired controls, and balanced lens consistency. The Xperia 1 VIII may produce more realistic photos, especially for creators who prefer manual tuning over aggressive computational photography.

Selfie Camera

Vivo again carries stronger hardware with a 50MP autofocus selfie camera capable of detailed 4K recording. Sony’s 12MP front camera prioritizes natural tones and stable video rather than extreme detail. Content creators who rely heavily on front-camera quality may find Vivo more versatile overall.

Verdict

Sony delivers a professional photography experience with cleaner image processing, but Vivo provides a more advanced and versatile flagship camera package in nearly every hardware category.

Pricing

The Vivo X300 Ultra is priced around $1500 or ₹160000, while the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is expected to cost around $1600 or ₹140000, depending on the region and configuration. Interestingly, Sony carries the higher global pricing despite offering a comparatively weaker display and charging specifications on paper. Vivo aggressively packs flagship-grade hardware into nearly every category, making the pricing feel surprisingly competitive for what is included.

Sony justifies its premium through niche creator-focused features like microSD support, headphone jack integration, Alpha ecosystem compatibility, and cleaner Android software support. That approach will appeal strongly to photographers and long-time Xperia enthusiasts. However, mainstream flagship buyers often prioritize battery life, charging speed, and camera hardware, areas where Vivo clearly provides more value.

Verdict

The Xperia 1 VIII feels premium but specialized. The Vivo X300 Ultra offers stronger overall hardware value and feels like the better flagship deal for most buyers at this price level.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.

Conclusion

The Vivo X300 Ultra stands out with its enormous battery, extremely advanced camera hardware, optional zoom lenses, satellite communication support, and ultra-fast charging system. It feels designed for users who want the most cutting-edge smartphone technology available without compromise. The Xperia 1 VIII, on the other hand, continues Sony’s niche flagship philosophy by prioritizing creator tools, expandable storage, professional camera controls, and audio-focused features like the 3.5mm headphone jack and Snapdragon Sound support.

Both phones target premium users, but they cater to different personalities. Vivo feels bold, experimental, and specification-heavy, while Sony feels mature, focused, and intentionally practical. The difference is not just about hardware numbers but also about the kind of user experience each brand wants to deliver.

Verdict

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII remains one of the most creator-friendly Android flagships available, but the Vivo X300 Ultra delivers the more complete ultra-premium experience overall with stronger display, battery, charging, and camera hardware.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the specifications provided and is intended for general informational purposes. Actual performance, camera results, battery life, and overall experience may vary depending on real-world usage, software updates, and individual preferences.

Read More:

• Vivo X300 Ultra vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra Comparison: Camera, Battery & Performance
• Vivo X300 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which Ultra Flagship Wins in 2026?
• OnePlus Nord 6 vs Poco F8 Pro Full Comparison: Which Phone Gives More Value for Money?

The post Vivo X300 Ultra vs Sony Xperia 1 VIII: Battery, Camera, Display & Performance Compared appeared first on Gizmochina.

Sony’s newly launched Xperia 1 VIII was supposed to highlight the company’s continued focus on creators and mobile photography. Instead, much of the conversation online this week has ended up revolving around a few badly received demo images.

The Xperia 1 VIII launched on May 13 with flagship hardware, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, ZEISS-branded cameras, expandable storage, and even a headphone jack — features Sony continues to keep around while most brands have moved on. But shortly after launch, Sony’s official Xperia account on X posted a set of “before and after” images to showcase the phone’s new AI Camera Assistant feature, and things quickly went sideways.

Rather than looking improved, the AI-processed shots appeared massively overexposed. Highlights were blown out, colors looked washed, and in some examples, details nearly disappeared entirely. One portrait sample in particular drew attention because the subject’s face looked almost faded away after processing.

The reaction online was immediate. Nothing CEO Carl Pei reposted the images with the comment, “This must be engagement farming??” Other creators joined in as well, and before long, social media had turned the whole thing into a meme. Users started posting exaggerated “AI enhanced” edits of their own, some reduced to completely white images with sarcastic captions thanking Sony for the upgrade.

Sony later clarified that the AI Camera Assistant is not meant to automatically edit photos after capture. The feature instead suggests different shooting styles and settings based on the scene, including exposure, color tone, lens effects, and bokeh adjustments. Users can then pick one of those styles or ignore them entirely.

The company also shared additional examples afterward that looked considerably more reasonable than the originals.

Whether it was simply a poor marketing example or indeed an engagement farming, the situation ended up overshadowing part of the Xperia 1 VIII launch. Ironically, the phone itself is still receiving fairly positive reactions for its hardware and camera-focused approach.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Sony)

The post Sony’s Xperia 1 VIII AI camera demo backfires after overexposed samples go viral appeared first on Gizmochina.

Sony has officially confirmed a launch event for May 13, and all signs point toward the company unveiling the Xperia 1 VIII. The teaser highlights the rear camera layout, which lines up with recent leaks showing a noticeable redesign compared to older Xperia models.

For years, Sony has mostly stuck to the same vertical camera layout on the Xperia 1 series. This time, though, the company appears to be moving toward a more modern square-shaped camera module. At the same time, Sony doesn’t seem interested in abandoning the things Xperia fans actually buy these phones for.

The Xperia 1 VIII is still expected to focus heavily on manual camera controls and creator-focused hardware rather than chasing mainstream trends. Leaks suggest the phone will feature a 6.5-inch 120Hz OLED panel with FHD+ HDR support, alongside Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and 12GB RAM. Color options are also expected to expand a bit this year, with reports mentioning Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, Garnet Red, and Native Gold variants.

Cameras remain the bigger talking point

Sony is reportedly changing direction with the telephoto system on this generation. Instead of continuing with the variable continuous zoom setup found on the Xperia 1 VII, the new model is expected to use a fixed 3x optical zoom periscope camera with a 48MP 1/1.56-inch sensor. The predecessor, in comparison, packs a much smaller 12MP sensor. On paper, that may sound like a downgrade in flexibility, but the larger sensor could improve detail, low-light performance, and image consistency in the zoom ranges people actually use most often.

The rest of the rear camera setup is rumored to include two additional 48MP sensors for the main and ultra-wide cameras. Selfies could once again be handled by a 12MP front-facing sensor, just like last year. Battery capacity is rumored to sit around the 5,000mAh mark, with IP68 water resistance also likely making a return.

Some early Amazon listings, which were later removed, hinted at European pricing above €1,800 and a release window sometime in June. For now, though, the bigger story is the redesign itself. Sony seems to be modernizing the Xperia look.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Source)

The post Sony Xperia 1 VIII teaser confirms camera layout, May 13 launch date appeared first on Gizmochina.

Sony looks like it’s changing direction a bit with the next Xperia flagship, especially when it comes to zoom photography. Fresh leaks surrounding the upcoming Xperia 1 VIII suggest Sony is moving away from the variable telephoto system used on the Xperia 1 VII.

The details come from listings spotted on Amazon Germany and Amazon UK, reported by NotebookCheck. According to ITHome, the Xperia 1 VIII swaps the previous continuous optical zoom lens for a fixed 70mm telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

On paper, that sounds like a downgrade. The Xperia 1 VII could smoothly shift between 85mm and 170mm focal lengths (roughly 3.5x-7.1x), something no phones offer as of early 2026. But Sony seems to be compensating in another area that arguably matters more for everyday use: sensor size.

A much larger telephoto sensor (rumored)

The new telephoto camera is said to use a much larger 48MP 1/1.56-inch sensor, replacing the older 12MP 1/3.5-inch unit. That’s a pretty big jump, and it should help with light capture, detail, and low-light performance. There’s a chance the trade-off could actually work in Sony’s favor.

While the extreme long-range zoom from the older model may be gone, most users could end up getting better-looking photos in the focal lengths they actually use more often. The main and ultra-wide cameras reportedly stay familiar, sticking to 24mm and 16mm equivalents.

Outside the camera system, benchmark listings show the Xperia 1 VIII (Sony XQ-GE54) running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip paired with 12GB RAM. Geekbench scores floating around online point to flagship-level performance.

There also seem to be a few design tweaks this time around, including what looks like a more squared-off camera module. At the same time, Sony is apparently keeping some of the things Xperia fans tend to care about, including the 3.5mm headphone jack and the tall cinematic-style display.

Nothing is official yet, but the overall direction is becoming clearer. Sony doesn’t seem interested in chasing the highest zoom numbers anymore. Instead, it looks like the company is trying to improve the kind of shots people take most often, while still keeping that enthusiast-focused Xperia identity intact.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Sources: 1, 2, 3)

The post Sony Xperia 1 VIII Amazon listing, Geekbench reveals specs ahead of June 26 launch appeared first on Gizmochina.

Sony’s next Xperia flagship has started showing up in leaks, and the Xperia 1 VIII looks like it could bring a noticeable design change. A set of detailed renders has surfaced online, giving an early look at what Sony might be working on ahead of a possible May launch.

The first thing that stands out is the camera module. Sony has stuck with that narrow vertical strip for years now, but in these images, it’s replaced by a square-shaped camera island. It holds the triple cameras and the flash, and overall, it feels more in line with what other brands are doing right now. It also differs from earlier renders, where the design looked closer to the OnePlus 10 Pro, with the camera island blending into the middle frame.

Reactions seem a bit mixed, which isn’t surprising. Some people like the larger camera island, but others feel it loses some of that classic Xperia identity. That older design was quite recognizable. The new one, while not bad, doesn’t stand out in the same way. The renders also point to a few color options, including purple, olive green, and black.

On the camera side, the changes look more straightforward. The Xperia 1 VIII is expected to move to a triple 48MP setup, including the telephoto lens. The previous model already upgraded the main and ultra-wide sensors to 48MP but kept the telephoto at 12MP, so this seems like a natural step rather than a big surprise.

Sony also appears to be sticking with a couple of features that have become rare in this segment. The microSD card slot and 3.5mm headphone jack are both expected to remain, which will probably matter more to existing Xperia users than new buyers.

As always with leaks, there’s a chance the final design ends up a bit different. Still, this gives a fairly good idea of the direction Sony might be taking. If the usual timeline holds, we shouldn’t have to wait too long to see the full picture.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Source)

The post Sony Xperia 1 VIII fresh renders surface with square camera island appeared first on Gizmochina.

Sony might be planning a big design refresh for its next Xperia flagship. Fresh images of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII (via Insider Sony) reveal a design that doesn’t quite follow the company’s recent playbook.

The phone is noticeably different from earlier Xperia models, which have typically stuck to a tall, minimalist look with subtle changes year over year.

What stands out here is the camera layout. It feels familiar, not to Sony users, but to those who remember the OnePlus 10 Pro. Of course, the resemblance isn’t one-on-one, but the overall arrangement and styling do give an old OnePlus vibe. 

Up front, things are more in line with Sony’s usual approach. The renders show a flat display with relatively standard bezels, rather than the ultra-thin borders seen on many competing flagships. 

The front-facing camera sits within the top bezel instead of a punch-hole or notch. And in classic Sony fashion, there are also visible stereo speakers on the front. 

Sony Xperia 1 VIII could bring notable camera upgrades 

Beyond the design, early rumors also suggest some changes in the camera system. The Xperia 1 VIII is expected to feature a triple-camera setup built around 48-megapixel sensors. While the ultrawide camera may remain unchanged from the previous generation, the main and telephoto cameras could see more meaningful updates.

Specifically, leaks suggest a larger primary sensor, which typically helps with low-light performance and overall image quality. There’s also talk of a new telephoto sensor, possibly falling somewhere between 1/3-inch and 1/2-inch in size.

That said, it’s still just a rumor at this point. Sony has not confirmed anything yet, and details like the final design, hardware, and feature set could change before launch.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

The post Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders show a OnePlus 10 Pro-like design appeared first on Gizmochina.

A new leak suggests two Xperia devices are now in development. Qualcomm has already confirmed that Sony will be one of the launch partners for its latest flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

In recent weeks, rumors have centered on the Xperia 1 VIII, the presumed successor to this year’s Xperia 1 VII. Earlier evidence showed Sony registering multiple model numbers believed to correspond to the upcoming flagship. Now, The Walkman Blog has uncovered a separate set of model IDs pointing to a second unreleased Xperia smartphone, shifting speculation away from a possible revival of the Xperia 5 series.

Sony’s mobile division has been in a state of uncertainty, yet it expanded its lineup earlier with the Xperia 1 VII and Xperia 10 VII. The flagship 1 VII runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, while the 10 VII uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, a mid-range chipset. With the new model numbers PM-152xx understood to correspond to the Xperia 1 VIII, the six additional codes—PM-1530-BV, PM-1531-BV, PM-1532-BV, PM-1533-BV, PM-1534-BV, and PM-1555-BV—are believed to represent regional variants of a new mid-range entry.

This device is most likely the Xperia 10 VIII, rather than a new Xperia 5. Sony discontinued the Xperia 5 line after its fifth-generation release due to declining demand, making a comeback unlikely. Instead, it appears Sony will maintain a simplified two-tier strategy: a high-end Xperia 1 and a mid-range Xperia 10.

This also means the Xperia 1 VIII will likely be Sony’s only smartphone powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Qualcomm has already confirmed that Sony will be deploying the chip soon, cementing the flagship’s place in Sony’s 2025 portfolio.

If these leaks hold true, Sony fans can expect both a next-gen flagship and a refreshed mid-range offering in the months ahead.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Source)

The post Leak hints at Xperia 1 VIII and another Xperia model in development appeared first on Gizmochina.

Sony’s Xperia 1 lineup has always stood apart — built for Android purists and creators who value pro-level camera tools. But while Sony has been quietly scaling back its smartphone ambitions, early traces of the Xperia 1 VIII have started appearing online, and it’s expected to ship with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

The new chip, announced at Qualcomm’s recent Summit, promises serious gains over the 8 Elite — up to 20% faster CPU, 23% faster GPU, and 35% increase in power efficiency. It’s already powering flagships like Xiaomi’s 17 series, Honor’s Magic 8 Pro, and will power upcoming flagships like Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, and gaming-focused phones like the iQOO 15, RedMagic 11 Pro series, and Asus ROG Phone 10. Sony’s inclusion in this list suggests it isn’t ready to compromise in performance, even though it’s not aimed at gamers. The new chip should give it more headroom to make the most of its camera hardware.

Model numbers such as PM-1502-BV, PM-1503-BV, and now PM-1521-BV have been spotted in eSIM databases, hinting at both global and regional versions. For Japan, listings point to SO-51G for Docomo and possibly SOG17 and A601SO for other carriers — a pattern that aligns with past Xperia releases.

While Sony hasn’t confirmed anything, these sightings are a good indication that the Xperia 1 VIII is well into testing. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s performance numbers compete neck and neck with Apple’s A19 Pro, suggesting the next Xperia could pack some serious horsepower. What’s still under wraps are the camera details, design tweaks, and whether Sony plans to bring the device back to North America.

If it follows the usual schedule, the Xperia 1 VIII could arrive in the first half of 2026, roughly a year after the Xperia 1 VII’s June debut.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Source: 1, 2)

The post Sony Xperia 1 VIII surfaces on eSIM database appeared first on Gizmochina.