Opening assessment
The Sony Xperia 1 is an ambitious premium smartphone built around a 6.5-inch OLED panel with a striking 1644 x 3840-pixel resolution. Its HDR BT.2020 designation gives the display a technically advanced foundation, while the tall screen size suggests a device aimed at buyers who place visual presentation high on their priorities. This is not merely a large-panel handset on paper: the resolution is the defining feature of its identity.
The display is supported by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855, an octa-core chipset with a maximum frequency of 2.84GHz and Adreno 640 graphics. That combination places the Xperia 1 on a substantial hardware platform, with 6GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of storage. The 128GB version offers the more accommodating starting point for locally held content; the 64GB option is a more constrained proposition for buyers who expect to retain substantial files on the phone.
Cameras and construction
Photography is covered by three 12-megapixel rear cameras serving main, ultrawide and telephoto roles. The main camera has an f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilisation, giving that camera a specification designed to support steadier capture. The arrangement is more useful than a single focal length because it covers three distinct perspectives without relying on one rear camera alone.
The construction combines Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and back with an aluminium frame. At 178g and 8.2mm thick, the Xperia 1 has a substantial physical presence rather than a particularly compact brief. That trade-off accompanies the 6.5-inch screen: buyers drawn to the viewing area should also be comfortable with the phone’s larger overall footprint.
IP65/IP68 protection is a useful confirmed inclusion, giving the design a defined level of resistance against dust and water exposure. It is one of the more practical aspects of the specification, alongside the choice of four colours: black, grey, purple and white.
The compromises
The 3330mAh battery is paired with 18W charging. Those figures establish the power and charging hardware, but they do not promise a particular endurance result. Wireless charging is not included, so charging is designed around a wired connection. The absence of 5G also marks the Xperia 1 as a device for earlier-generation mobile networks rather than one prepared for that newer connectivity standard.
Verdict
The Xperia 1 makes the strongest case for itself through its high-resolution HDR OLED display, Snapdragon 855 platform, flexible three-camera layout and rated water resistance. Its 178g body, wired-only charging, no 5G and 64GB base option are clear compromises. For buyers prioritising screen technology and camera versatility over the newest connectivity and charging conveniences, it remains a distinctive, specification-rich premium handset.