Official-looking Xperia 1 VIII images show new design, colors; launch date, price increase tipped

[Redaktion]

After leaked Amazon listing, fresh marketing images have revealed the redesigned Sony Xperia 1 VIII in all colors. Set for a potential May 20th launch, the 2026 model faces controversy over a rumored price hike and the removal of the continuous optical zoom.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Official-looking-Xperia-1-VIII-images-show-new-design-colors-launch-date-price-increase-tipped.1291965.0.html

[Mr. Green]

That's so unfair. Why can't they just make a US version again. Or at least a global version with band N71.

[Dan Zeigler]

The hype surrounding Sony phones has always been a mystery to me.  I have literally never met anyone that has one.  And honestly, why would anyone want one?  The price is insane and the features are super niche.  Is a business model sustainable when your target market is seemingly a couple hundred people at the most? 

[Big0range]

Hi! I have one, the Experia 1 V.  Bought it used because I don't need new, but Sony specifically because it's one of the few brands that still includes an SD card slot.

Nice to meet ya.

[B]

The hype surrounding Sony phones has always been a mystery to me.  I have literally never met anyone that has one.  And honestly, why would anyone want one?  The price is insane and the features are super niche.  Is a business model sustainable when your target market is seemingly a couple hundred people at the most? 

Because that's unlikely the actual price.
The price is exactly the cost of the VII + the headphones. And since this was a bundle offer on amazon take a guess.
News outlets saw the price of a listing with the xm6 which is usually the release bundle where you get the headphones for free and assumed a 300€/£ price increase.
They didn't care that the 300 bucks is the usual asking price for these headphones.

[EDav]

So they moved a camera on the back.  WOW.  Go with the Motorola Stylus 2025 or 2026 for an 1/8th the cost.  I got a 2025 model last year 4 months after it's release for $130 and they have SD card slot and stylus and headphone jack that sounds good and takes good photos and is a US phone.  Sony is killing themselves slowly.