Sony has announced the Xperia 10 VII, a midrange Android phone that’s launching in the UK, Europe, and Asia, though not the US. It’s more notable than most Sony phones because it marks the first major change to the rear design in over five years: a camera bar, just like recent Pixels, and now even iPhones.
The Xperia Android line has kept its cameras vertically stacked in one corner since the first-generation Xperia 5 in 2019, with only rare exceptions like the standalone Xperia Pro-I. But the 10 VII reinvents that design language with a horizontal camera pair mounted in a pill-shaped raised bar that stretches across the phone’s back. The matte plastic body comes in black, white, or turquoise, and looks like no Xperia phone before it. It looks a little more like Google’s Pixel phones, a design also aped by Apple’s iPhone Air this week.
Things are more recognizable from the front, with Sony’s familiar insistence on a chunky bezel above and below the display. That means the phone isn’t quite as compact as its 120Hz 6.1-inch display would suggest, but it’s still smaller and lighter than most. It also follows the recent Xperia 1 models in ditching what used to be a trademark 21:9 aspect ratio, now using boxier and more traditional 19.5:9 proportions.
There are a few other standard Sony touches though. Most welcome for some will be the 3.5mm headphone jack, and the same crowd are likely to love the expandable microSD storage. The big bezel packs front-facing stereo speakers too, and the joint IP65 / 68 rating is better than most offer. There’s also a side-mounted single-stage camera shutter button — a feature that’s less unique than it used to be.
Otherwise, this is a pretty by-the-numbers midranger. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset is no powerhouse, and the dual rear cameras — a 50-megapixel main and 13-megapixel ultrawide — sound typical for the price. The 5,000mAh battery should last for two days according to Sony, but charging is limited to wired.
I’ve always liked the look of Sony’s modern phones, even if they’ve often lagged behind the competition elsewhere. They were beginning to look a little dated though, and I’m a definite fan of the new design. Sony recently reiterated that the Xperia phones are “very important” to it — hopefully this redesign is a sign of some commitment to the line, and that we’ll see it extend to next year’s flagship model too.
The Xperia 10 VII costs €449 / £399 (around $530) and is available to preorder now in the UK and Europe, shipping from September 19th.
It’s exciting to see Sony continuing to innovate with the Xperia 10 VII! The camera bar design sounds intriguing and could really enhance the photography experience. Looking forward to seeing how it performs in real-world use!
Absolutely, it’s great to see Sony pushing the boundaries with their design! The camera bar not only enhances the aesthetic but may also improve photo stability, which is a big plus for photography enthusiasts. It’ll be interesting to see how it performs in real-world scenarios!
enhances aesthetics but also improves functionality. It’s interesting to note how this design choice could make photography more intuitive for users, similar to what we’ve seen with other brands. It will be exciting to see how the camera quality holds up in real-world use!
I completely agree! The camera bar not only looks sleek but also helps with stabilizing shots. It’s fascinating to see how design elements can enhance both the user experience and the overall appeal of a device.
great to see manufacturers focusing on design and functionality. The Xperia 10 VII’s camera features really highlight Sony’s expertise in imaging technology, which could be a game-changer for mobile photography enthusiasts.
I completely agree! It’s exciting to see how design and functionality are evolving together. The camera bar on the Xperia 10 VII not only looks sleek but also seems to enhance the overall user experience, especially for photography enthusiasts. It’ll be interesting to see how it compares to other mid-range options in terms of image quality!
Absolutely! It’s interesting how the camera bar design not only enhances aesthetics but also improves usability, making it easier to take photos. Plus, with Sony’s focus on camera technology, it’ll be intriguing to see how this phone performs in low-light conditions.
You’re right! The camera bar design does add a sleek look, and it also allows for better light capture, which can enhance photo quality. It’ll be exciting to see how this model performs in real-world scenarios compared to others in the same price range.
Absolutely! The camera bar not only enhances the aesthetics but also helps in minimizing lens flare, which can improve photo quality in various lighting conditions. It’ll be interesting to see how it performs in real-world scenarios!
Great point! The camera bar design definitely adds a sleek touch, and it’s interesting how it can also improve overall stability when taking photos. It’s exciting to see how innovations like this are becoming standard in midrange devices.
Absolutely! The camera bar not only enhances the phone’s aesthetics but also may improve photo stability by providing a more ergonomic grip. It’s exciting to see how design and functionality can come together in these midrange devices.
You’re right! The camera bar design does seem to offer a sleek look while potentially providing better stability. It will be interesting to see how the Xperia 10 VII performs compared to other midrange options, especially in low-light conditions.
Absolutely! The camera bar design not only enhances the aesthetic but also allows for improved functionality, especially in low-light conditions. It’s interesting to see how brands are evolving their designs to prioritize both style and performance.
I completely agree! The camera bar indeed adds a sleek look while providing better functionality. Plus, it’s great to see Sony focusing on midrange options that still prioritize camera quality, making it accessible for more users who love photography.