Sony has unveiled a significant update to its Xperia 10 series with the Xperia 10 VII, bringing both design innovations and solid hardware upgrades. Aimed at markets in Europe, Asia, and select other regions, this mid-range Android smartphone shows that Sony is trying to re-energize its mid-tier offerings with style and practicality.
What’s Changed: Design & Features
- New Rear Camera Bar: For the first time in years, Sony has departed from its classic vertical camera stack. The Xperia 10 VII features a horizontal pill-shaped bar holding two rear cameras. It’s a big aesthetic shift and makes the back of the device more distinctive.
- Color Options & Finish: It comes in at least three finishes — black, white, and turquoise — all with a matte plastic body, offering a sleek look without the high cost of glass or metal backs.
- Display & Bezels: It has a 6.1-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. The screen uses a more conventional aspect ratio (19.5:9) versus Sony’s older 21:9 “tall” design. However, Sony retains quite noticeable bezels above and below the display, which some may see as a throwback.
- Other Signature Sony Touches: The Xperia 10 VII keeps features that many fans appreciate: a 3.5mm headphone jack, expandable storage via microSD, front-facing stereo speakers, and a physical shutter button on the side. Resistance to dust and water is there too with IP65/IP68 ratings.
Specs & Performance
- Processor & Memory: The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. For many mid-range users, that’s a pretty solid setup.
- Cameras: The dual rear cameras are made up of a 50MP main sensor plus a 13MP ultra-wide sensor. For selfies, an 8MP front camera is included.
- Battery & Charging: It houses a 5,000mAh battery, which should deliver good endurance, especially given the power efficiency of the mid-range chip and modest screen size. Charging is wired only; there is no wireless charging.
- Durability & Extras: The device includes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the front, supports multiple connectivity options like WiFi 6E, Bluetooth, NFC, and retains Sony’s attention to detail in build quality and features.
Pricing & Availability
- The Xperia 10 VII is priced at about €449 or £399 (~USD $530) in Europe.
- Preorders are open, with shipments expected to begin mid-September.
- It is not being released in the United States at launch, though Sony is targeting Europe, the UK, parts of Asia, and other selective markets.
How It Compares & Who It’s For
- Compared to its predecessor, the Xperia 10 VI, this model introduces better cameras, a faster refresh rate display, and refreshed styling. However, its chip is not flagship level, so it’s designed more for everyday users than performance power users.
- Those who prefer more compact phones, physical camera buttons, stereo speakers, and the ability to use wired headphones will find a lot to like here.
- On the flip side, if someone expects no bezels, wireless charging, or top-tier chip performance, there are other phones in the price range that outshine parts of what this phone offers.
Bottom Line:
The Xperia 10 VII represents a thoughtful evolution of Sony’s midrange line — embracing bold design changes while retaining practical, user-friendly features. It may not challenge flagships, but for its price and market, it offers a compelling package, especially for fans of Sony’s design philosophy and those who want durable features without breaking the bank.
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