Sony Xperia 1 VII Revealed in Live Photos with Familiar Design and Snapdragon 8 Elite Power

Published by Rafael Torres on April 25, 2025

tl;dr

Sony's upcoming Xperia 1 VII flagship has been spotted in real-world images following its certification in Taiwan, revealing subtle design updates and three color options. Powered by the anticipated Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the new flagship is rumored to keep Sony’s signature camera and audio features intact, combining classic elements with a modernized chipset. This…

Sony Xperia 1 VII Live Images Leak After Taiwan Certification

Sony’s next flagship, the Xperia 1 VII, has surfaced in live photos through Taiwan’s National Communications Commission (NCC), confirming much of what was previously seen in renders. These images give us a definitive look at Sony’s new device, showcasing a familiar yet refined design language that fans have come to expect.

Sony Xperia 1 VII live image showing front and back design

Design and Color Options: A Comfortable Continuation

Compared to the Xperia 1 VI, the Xperia 1 VII stays true to its predecessor with only minor tweaks. The phone sports a boxy form factor with slightly rounded corners and flat front and back panels. It will be available in three colors: black, navy green, and purple. These colorways bring a fresh but subdued palette to the lineup.

The rear of the device features a vertically aligned triple camera setup housed in a unified camera island at the top-left corner. Notably, the physical shutter button remains on the right side, catering to Sony’s dedication to mobile photography enthusiasts.

Key Features and Hardware Specs

  • Display: A 6.5-inch screen, reportedly retaining the same dimensions and sizable bezels as its predecessor.
  • Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Elite is expected to power the device, marking a significant chip upgrade for Sony’s flagship line.
  • Camera: The main sensor is believed to be an Exmor-T, continuing Sony’s use of advanced imaging technology.
  • Audio: A 3.5mm headphone jack remains present, a feature increasingly rare in flagship phones but cherished by audio purists.
  • Dimensions: Slightly taller at 165mm compared to 162mm of the Xperia 1 VI, though the width remains the same at 74mm.

The continuity in design and inclusion of dedicated camera controls highlights Sony’s commitment to creating a device that balances practical photography tools with flagship-grade performance. It’s not perfect, but it gets a lot right.

Launch Timeline and Expectations

Given that the Xperia 1 VI debuted in May last year, the Xperia 1 VII’s launch appears imminent — likely within the upcoming month. Enthusiasts can expect incremental refinements rather than groundbreaking changes, which could appeal to those who prefer consistency and reliability in their smartphone experience.

While concrete details on camera improvements and software enhancements are still pending, the integration of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset promises a boost in speed and efficiency, supporting better multitasking, gaming, and overall performance.