Sony Xperia 1 VII: The smartphone that defies convention

Is the Sony Xperia 1 VII the phone the creatives were hoping for?

Every year, the smartphone world seems to move in the same direction: more cameras, more artificial intelligence, more fast charging. And amidst this trend, Sony continues to march to its own beat . With the introduction of the Xperia 1 VII , the Japanese brand once again demonstrates that its vision doesn't follow trends, but rather responds to its own unique logic: taking the audiovisual experience to the extreme, with an almost professional approach.

As a self-confessed technology enthusiast, and especially a fan of smartphones with character, I must say that few releases generate as much curiosity as the high-end Xperia models. Not because they're massive or popular (which they aren't), but because they always offer something unique. In this article, I'll tell you what's new with the Xperia 1 VII, why it might be the best phone for content creators, and also why it's not for everyone.

A design that does not negotiate its identity

Sony doesn't resort to curves or protruding cameras. The Xperia 1 VII maintains the same sober, minimalist aesthetic that has characterized the line since its inception: a rectangular, elegant, symmetrical design with very thin but visible bezels and no annoying notch or hole in the screen.

The result? A clean front, ideal for viewing content without distractions. Plus, it still includes a physical camera button , a 3.5mm audio jack , and a side-mounted fingerprint reader —details that many users value and that most manufacturers have already abandoned.

Is it big? Yes. Is it comfortable? Only if you're used to long, thin phones. But what's clear is that it has an identity, and that's saying something in a market of clones.

The display: 4K that really shows (although not always)

One of the big differentiators of the Xperia 1 VII continues to be its 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate . Yes, you read that right: 4K. Although it's often debated whether that resolution is really perceptible on such a small panel, the truth is that the level of detail and sharpness is simply impressive when you're watching compatible content.

For those who edit video, watch movies in the highest quality, or play graphically demanding games , this display is a dream. Plus, its 21:9 aspect ratio makes it perfect for widescreen movies (without the black bars).

The weak point? It doesn't have the same maximum brightness as a Galaxy S24 Ultra or an iPhone 15 Pro, which can be a problem outdoors. But indoors or for precision visual work, it's among the best on the market.

The camera: more than a smartphone , a filmmaking tool

This is where Sony is putting all its chips on the line. The Xperia 1 VII's main camera not only relies on Sony's own sensors (the same ones used in many professional cameras), but it also offers something no other smartphone can offer: true continuous optical zoom , not jump-like ones.

With a telephoto lens that can be adjusted between 85 and 170 mm , users can zoom fluidly, just as if they were using a DSLR or an Alpha. Speaking of Alpha, the camera app's interface borrows many features from Sony Alpha cameras, allowing users to control exposure, ISO, shutter speed, and manual focus.

Who is this camera for? Photographers, filmmakers, bloggers, and content creators who know what they want. It's not an "automatic" camera that does everything for you like on Galaxy or iPhones, but a tool that challenges you but rewards you with professional results.

High-quality performance, but without boasting

The Xperia 1 VII comes with the latest in power: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 , 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage , putting it at the elite level in terms of raw performance.

In my tests and those reported internationally, there are no surprises: everything runs smoothly , from heavy gaming to 4K video editing right on the phone. And best of all, thanks to its good heat dissipation, it doesn't heat up as quickly as other competitors .

The operating system? Android 14 is almost pure, with barely any modifications. Sony doesn't bloat its software with unnecessary bloatware, which is greatly appreciated. It's fast, clean, and reliable.

Audio: still with connector and real stereo sound

One area where Sony continues to shine (and one that many overlook) is sound. The Xperia 1 VII retains the 3.5mm jack , ideal for audiophiles or professionals who need real-time monitoring.

Plus, it includes true front-facing stereo speakers , not a bottom-firing speaker/top-firing earpiece combo like some others. This results in a richer, more balanced, and immersive sound experience. If you like watching movies or gaming with powerful audio, this is your phone.

Battery and autonomy: good, but not outstanding

With a 5000mAh battery and 30W fast charging , the Xperia 1 VII offers decent battery life, but it's not outstanding. It lasts a full day without any problem, even with demanding use, but it doesn't reach the figures of champions like the Galaxy S24+ or the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

What is valued is its thermal management and efficiency: it doesn't slow down when it gets hot , nor does it consume more power when it's idle. It also supports wireless charging and reverse charging, although they aren't the fastest on the market.

And in Chile? Price and availability

This is where many of us fall off the wagon. Sony doesn't have a strong official distribution network in Chile , so getting an Xperia 1 VII may involve importing, paying taxes, and risking the warranty. Its estimated price will be around CLP $1,200,000 to $1,300,000 , which puts it in line with the most premium models from Samsung and Apple.

Is it worth it? It depends. If you're a content creator, a fan of manual photography , or just looking for something different, this phone might be a hit. But if you're just looking for good performance, battery life, or a fully automatic camera, there are more affordable and easier-to-find options.

The Xperia 1 VII is a gem for a very specific audience

Sony isn't trying to please everyone, and that's clear with the Xperia 1 VII. This is a phone designed for advanced users who know how to take advantage of its camera, display, and audio. It's not the most popular, nor the most user-friendly, but it is one of the most unique you can find today.

Highlighted Pros:

• Professional camera with real optical zoom

• 4K OLED display with 21:9 format

• Exceptional audio with included jack

• Clean software without bloatware

Cons to consider:

• Somewhat limited outdoor brightness

• High price and limited availability in Chile

• Learning curve to take advantage of the camera

Would you dare to try it?

If you're looking for an unusual smartphone that combines design, power, and near-professional-level creative tools, the Xperia 1 VII deserves your attention. It's not the easiest to use, nor the cheapest, but it is one of the most interesting of the year.

- Have you heard about it before? Would you like to see Sony make a strong comeback in Chile? Leave me your comments and share this article with other smartphone fans who think differently.