Sony Xperia 1 VII: The camera you can frame without looking at the screen: the future of mobile shooting or a passing gimmick?

What if you could record without looking at the screen? Sony wants to change how we use our phone cameras... again.

For several years now, the Sony Xperia 1 line has been a standout in the Android world. While other manufacturers are pushing the envelope with curved designs, automatic modes, and a minimalist aesthetic, Sony remains steadfast with its "pro" approach: 21:9 aspect ratio displays, dedicated physical buttons, and cameras designed more as cinematic tools than social media toys.

In 2025, with the arrival of the Sony Xperia 1 VII , the Japanese company is introducing a provocative idea: new recording and framing modes that don't require looking at the screen . A proposal that arouses both curiosity and skepticism.

Are we witnessing a real leap in photography experience, or is this just a belated response to Apple, Samsung, and Google's dominance in computational photography? As an analyst who has tested dozens of smartphones—from the most commercial to the most experimental—here's a thorough, technical yet human analysis of what the Xperia 1 VII represents and why this feature could have much deeper implications than it seems.

The concept behind it: record without looking (literally)

Sony is no stranger to introducing features that feel like they're straight out of a pro camera, and with the Xperia 1 VII, it's decided to double down on that. New to this model are new "Screen-Free Framing" and "Blind Capture" recording modes , allowing users to record or take photos without relying on the screen .

How does this work?

• Screen-Free Framing : Uses motion and depth sensors and an intelligent tracking system to detect the subject's position in the environment , offering tactile and audible feedback (via vibration and tones) to confirm framing without having to look at the panel.

• Blind Capture : Ideal for street photography or spontaneous situations, this mode automatically adjusts exposure, focus and framing based on motion detection, light and silhouette recognition.

The idea, according to Sony, is to reconnect the photographer with their environment . It's a bit like returning to the experience of shooting with an analog camera with an optical viewfinder, but with artificial intelligence to support it.

A real innovation or a niche feature?

This is where we enter controversial territory. While the proposal is technically fascinating, it also raises legitimate questions about its practical usefulness for the average user .

In favor:

• Street photography and documentary : Capturing moments without holding your phone up to your face can allow for greater naturalness and discretion.

• Accessibility : People with visual impairments or in environments where viewing the screen is not feasible (such as recording from low or extreme angles).

• New narrative formats : “Blind” recording opens up space for more spontaneous, less controlled styles, which can be a creative advantage.

Against:

• High learning curve : It is not an intuitive feature for the average user.

• High dependence on software and sensors : Framing accuracy depends entirely on tracking technology.

• Little use for social media : If your priority is to review your selfie before uploading it, this is not the ideal mode.

The camera: the technical aspects behind the experiment

The Sony Xperia 1 VII maintains the brand's tradition of offering professional camera specifications in a smartphone body . The new system includes:

• Triple 48 MP lens , with Exmor T sensors for mobile phones.

• True 85-170mm variable optical zoom (a first for a smartphone).

• Improved real-time eye and face tracking , now also for animals and objects.

• 4K recording at 120 fps on all sensors , without crops.

In addition, the Videography Pro app is now updated with screen-free modes, maintaining the interface inspired by Alpha cameras. All of this is aimed at advanced users: videographers, documentary filmmakers, or photographers with a technical background.

Design: more of the same, and that's good

There are no major surprises in the design. And that, for many fans of the Xperia series, is good news .

• 6.5” 4K OLED display in 21:9 format , without notch or perforations.

• Physical trigger button with double travel , something that no longer exists in almost the entire market.

• Headphone jack, microSD slot, and symmetrical body : features that disappeared in the competition, but remain here.

Sony continues to resist fads like curved or foldable displays. Its focus is on functional consistency , not flashy aesthetics.

Performance and autonomy: no risks, no surprises

The Xperia 1 VII is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy , which guarantees plenty of performance, although without reaching the overclocking extremes of other manufacturers. It is accompanied by 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256/512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage .

The battery is 5000 mAh , with 45W fast charging and standard wireless charging. It's not a device that stands out for its battery life, but it lasts a day under demanding use thanks to its software optimization.

How does this fit into the current landscape?

We're at a stage where major manufacturers are strongly embracing computational photography, generative AI, and ecosystem integration (Samsung-DeX, Apple-Continuity, etc.) . In contrast, Sony seems to be going in the opposite direction: more manual control, more sensory connection, less automation.

Is it wrong? Not necessarily. What Sony is offering is an alternative for an audience that already knows what it wants : precision, control, and serious recording tools, not just beauty filters and portrait mode.

However, this also limits their mass appeal , especially in markets like Chile , where high-end competes not only on innovation, but also on brand status, local availability and after-sales service.

What does the Xperia 1 VII represent?

The Xperia 1 VII isn't for everyone. And it doesn't try to be. In a market dominated by point-and-shoot simplicity (the Google Pixel), seamless integration with other devices (Apple), or AI-powered photography (Samsung), Sony is betting on a purist, almost romanticized experience of what capturing an image should be like.

Is recording without looking at the screen the future? Maybe not for everyone, but certainly for those who want to feel like taking a photo requires more than just a tap on the screen. In a world of automation, the Xperia 1 VII demands active participation. And that, for many, is what makes it worthwhile.

What do you think?

Would you like to try a smartphone that lets you record without looking? Do you think these types of features should be standard, or are they just for a niche market?
- Leave your comments below and let's talk about where mobile photography is going.