Sony Xperia 1 VI

Sony's flagship phone cuts back on features without sacrificing picture and sound performance

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We often get asked why we bother to review smartphones, when our wheelhouse is hi-fi, TVs and home cinema. The answer is simple: it is the primary music device for many people; and, given the use of an HDR-supporting OLED screen, possibly the highestquality display that they own.

No other smartphone has devoted itself to AV and musical prowess quite like Sony’s revitalised Xperia series, namely the flagship Xperia 1. We have long recommended it as a top choice for those who want the best-looking and -sounding smartphone available (and don’t want an Apple iPhone).

Let’s face it, the 4K display on the older Xperia 1 models was a costly addition, so dropping it (it’s now 1080p HD) should drop the price, right? Wrong. The Xperia 1 VI launches at the same £1299 price as its predecessor, putting it in the direct firing line of smartphones from the likes of Samsung and Apple.

While the latest Xperia (which is IP65/ IP68 water- and dust-resistant) feels solid in the hand, and the security of grippy back and sides is appreciated, we do prefer the smoother and more premium-feeling offerings from Apple and Samsung when it comes to tactility.

A new ratio