While May is usually known for Google’s I/O events as well as its Pixel A-series product launches, it’s also expected that we’ll see new smartphones arrive within this month from Sony’s Xperia brand. Sony earlier announced that it will be hosting a special event, which is scheduled to take place on 15th May. With that in mind, we’ve seen a number of different leaks pop out all over the internet since then, which give us an idea of what to expect with Sony’s new phones.
With that being said though, most of the leaks so far revolve around the top-of-the-line Xperia 1 VI, and the more budget-friendly Xperia 10 VI. If you’re wondering about the middle child Xperia 5 VI, then it looks like we’ll have to wait a bit more for further leaks, as not much is known about the 5-series model. With that out of the way though, let’s take a look at what we have so far!
Xperia 1 VI: Specs and Design
First up is the Sony Xperia 1 VI – the phone has been leaked quite a lot lately, with veterans such as Evan Blass sharing several product photos of the device, which unsurprisingly bears a close resemblance to earlier Xperia 1 series models. With that in mind, it seems that Sony is determined to retain the general look and feel of the 1 VI, with the slim top and bottom bezels, rectangular form factor, as well as the triple-array sensor on the rear camera module.
Speaking of the camera, it’s hinted that Sony might overhaul its mobile camera software for the Xperia 1 VI, in addition to juicy new hardware – the folks over at MS Power User report that the new Sony flagship will pack a a triple-camera setup with an ultra wide angle 16mm lens, a wide angle 24mm lens (48mm with 2X optical zoom), as well as a telephoto zoom 85-170mm lens (up to 7X zoom). Additionally, it’s hinted that the 24mm lens features Sony’s “Exmor T for mobile” CMOS image sensor.
As for camera software, Sony is expected to replace its “Pro” photo and video functionality with a single camera app, and will supposedly come with features from the company’s Alpha-series cameras. Other hardware details include a hefty audio setup, consisting of a new audio chip and circuit improvements, as well as Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless, 360 Reality Audio, LDAC, DSEE Ultimate, and as always, a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Sony Xperia 10 VI: Design
As for the Xperia 10 VI, the handset’s hardware components are still a mystery, although recently-leaked images (also shared by Evan Blass) show us a glimpse of the upcoming smartphone. For one, it will ditch the triple-camera setup on earlier Xperia 10 series phones, and instead will come with a more moderate dual lens setup, similar to the Xperia 5 series. With that aside though, the design also remains the same, with a similar look to the rest of Sony’s smartphone lineup, including top and bottom bezels, a mostly rectangular form factor.
With that said, we’re hoping that it gets an actual upgrade this time, as the Xperia 10 V didn’t differ much from the 10 IV aside from a few minor updates to hardware. As such, we’re bound to know more in the days and weeks leading to Sony’s May 2024 event.
