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Sony Xperia 1 IV vs Sony Xperia 1 VI

Updated Apr 2026phones
Sony Xperia 1 IV
Sony
Sony Xperia 1 IV
$1,599
7.8/10
VS
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Sony
Sony Xperia 1 VI
$1,399
8.6/10
Winner

The Verdict

Sony's flagship evolution shows meaningful generational improvements favoring the Xperia 1 VI. Display technology separates these phones significantly,the VI's 2100-nit LTPO OLED with 2340x1080 resolution delivers superior brightness and efficiency compared to the IV's 3840x1644 ultra-high-res panel, though purists may debate sharpness versus practicality. Camera systems both excel, but the VI's 48MP main sensor with larger 1/1.35" Exmor T significantly outperforms the IV's 12MP setup in detail capture and low-light performance, while the extended 170mm telephoto zoom provides greater versatility. Performance-wise, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 crushes the older Gen 1, offering faster real-world speed and efficiency. Battery capacity remains identical at 5000mAh, though the VI's superior processor efficiency likely extends endurance. Software matters too,Android 14 versus Android 12 provides meaningful feature gaps. At $200 less, the VI delivers better value with newer technology across nearly every metric. Only the IV's unique 4K ultra-high-resolution display appeals to media professionals. For most users, the Xperia 1 VI is the superior choice.

Value1 VI
Camera1 VI
Battery1 VI
Display1 VI
Performance1 VI

Who Should Buy

Buy the Sony Xperia 1 IV if…

  • True optical continuous zoom (85-125mm) is unique
  • 4K 120Hz OLED display
  • Professional video recording with Cinema Pro

Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VI if…

  • Continuous optical zoom telephoto (85-170mm)
  • Pro-grade camera apps for photo and video
  • 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card support

Category Scores

Sony Xperia 1 IV
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Value
7.0
8.5
Camera
8.2
9.0
Battery
7.8
8.2
Display
7.5
9.0
Performance
7.5
9.0

Pros & Cons

Sony Xperia 1 IV

Pros

  • True optical continuous zoom (85-125mm) is unique
  • 4K 120Hz OLED display
  • Professional video recording with Cinema Pro
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • microSD card slot for expandable storage

Cons

  • $1599 was the most expensive mainstream phone
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 overheating problems
  • 12 MP sensors felt dated versus competition
  • Slow 30W charging
  • Point-and-shoot camera results behind rivals

Sony Xperia 1 VI

Pros

  • Continuous optical zoom telephoto (85-170mm)
  • Pro-grade camera apps for photo and video
  • 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card support
  • Compact form factor for a flagship
  • Very long battery life

Cons

  • Resolution dropped from 4K to FHD+ vs predecessor
  • Slow 30W charging
  • Premium price
  • Niche appeal outside enthusiasts

Full Specifications

SpecSony Xperia 1 IVSony Xperia 1 VI
SoftwareAndroid 12Android 14
Body
Weight185 g192 g
MaterialAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass VictusAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back
IP ratingIP68IP65/IP68
Dimensions165 x 71 x 8.2 mm162 x 74 x 8.2 mm
Camera
Main camera12 MP, f/1.7, OIS48 MP, f/1.9, 1/1.35" Exmor T
Front camera12 MP, f/2.012 MP, f/2.0
Video4K@120fps, Cinema Pro4K@120fps HDR
Telephoto12 MP, f/2.3-2.8, 85-125mm continuous zoom12 MP, f/2.3-3.5, 85-170mm continuous optical zoom
Ultrawide12 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2, 16mm
Memory
RAM12 GB12 GB
Storage options256 GB, 512 GB256 GB, 512 GB
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh5000 mAh
Charging30W wired30W wired
Wireless charging15W wirelessQi wireless
Display
Size6.5 inches6.5 inches
TypeOLEDLTPO OLED
Resolution3840 x 16442340 x 1080
Refresh rate120Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)10002100
Processor
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 + 5x3.2 GHz A720 + 2x2.3 GHz A520)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 750
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 7
Bluetooth5.25.4

This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.

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