I've got the Xperia 1 V1 and agree with everything you say, I've had xperias for over ten years and Sony's decisions on marketing and phone hardware always leaves me scratching my head in frustration,they could have the best smartphone and camera there is going in the mobile world but, for some reason they don't seem to do or want it,God so frustrating,and annoying😵💫
Yeah it really is. Because I really love their approach to the cameras up to this year. Couple last year's software with cutting edge camera hardware and it would be a formidable beast for content creation and photography/videography.
This is probably the best example of” you’ll realize the importance of something once its lost” like for 1V, a lot of people complained about 3 camera apps and not being point and shoot friendly which i think is dumb to expect from a sony phone( point and shoot part) and now same people are upset about the simple camera apps in 1VI. Camera apps or lack of is one of the main reasons i didn’t upgrade to mark VI. And totallu agree with your point on making it a portable camera replacement more like a secondary camera that happens to work as a phone.
Yeah they've made it the opposite of what they intended the last five years. The point and shoot is better but it's still quite poor in certain scenarios.
Majority people was complaining in every review of Mark V about 2 complicated camera and video apps and were asking Sony to make it easier. Sony have done it and now people are complaining that they miss PRO apps ( I actually miss them a lot) ;) I think with Android 15, Sony will introduce Video Pro (which I really miss a lot. Mark V did much better videos with it ) for sure and maybe improve camera app. I actually came back to Xperia after using s24 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro and recently iPhone 16 pro. I don't know, the feeling of Xperia in my hand is definitely the best one out of all I tested. Like the shape, size and material structure. Also appreciating high quality audio support. BTW see that we supports same "guy" - LN4 ! fingers crossed for rest of season.
Difference is the people complaining about the separate apps were not Xperia users and never will be. I agree though hardware wise it's an amazing feeling phone. For the money though I don't think it's worth it. LN4 ftw. He can still do it! 😁 Thanks for watching. Glad you like the phone.
@@GroundedTech I like it mainly because i managed to get it much cheaper ;) however I totally share your opinion, direction of improvements needs to be changed, there are many positives still, but also a lot of field to improve ;) I will stay with it hoping that Android 15 will bring expected changes. All the best !
@@GroundedTech@GroundedTech I'm also sick 😂 changing phones every 2-3 months. But I have feeling that will stay with Xperia longer 😅. What is your favorite phone right now ?
@DamianNocun good question! The one I really enjoy using right now is the CMF Phone 1. Also the Motorola Razr 50. I'm eyeing up a Vivo X200 Pro at release right now though so let's see 😁 Like you said. Illness 😂
Thank you for this video. This is exactly what I feel and I wish Sony would understand. I bought the 1 III mainly because of the 4K display and 21:9 aspect ratio. I'm one of those people that can easily tell the difference between 1080p and 4k. I was planning on upgrading to the 1 VI but when I saw the downgrade, it was an instant turn off for me.
The first two things I look for in smartphones are camera features and photo quality. Then, I look for the screen and audio. High-end gaming is unimportant because I rarely play video games on mobile. I wish Xperia push its megapixel count from 12mp to about 20mp.
Well the main camera is capable of taking 48mp shots. Can't remember if that sensor is actually 52mp. Could be wrong. Still binned down to 12mp most of the time. I was hoping for 48mp across all three rear lenses which I think they have to do next year.
@@GroundedTech 48mp may sound great, but a higher mp count may hinder low-light performance. 20mp-25mp should be good enough for a smartphone camera size, especially printing A3 size in 300ppi. I'm not a fan of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's 200mp count.
@r.t1576 48 or 50mp is kind of the standard now. The sensor is the main focus. In low light it tends to be better taking binned 12mp shots anyway. Samsung's 200mp camera isn't very impressive.
I love what sony has done in some aspect, but in some I really don't... Like why change the camera app so much? And then the periscope should have been differfent, it simply is too small... It's a shame because with the main sensor I really like it! I love the camera button, the 3.5mm headphone jack and MicroSD!
They should have kept the 4K front-facing speakers And just improve on everything. That's all they had to do is just keep approving and give more software update. Especially security anyway
It's difficult on the price front. They can't lose money on it and because they produce so few units the cost of manufacturing is high. Maybe if they move from Snapdragon to Dimensity would help cost a little.
So quick question... Should i go with the V instead??... I have pixel 7a and was comparing this vs sony 5.... Last phone i had with sony was mark 3.... Loved it but i had to change
Sony has forever been paranoid that if they make their phones too good they would eat into other parts of their business. It's nonsense considering they're a multi media powerhouse. It's almost like they're using the Xperia line up as a showcase of their lenses and other tech. I think the battery tech is super cool and again, under advertised
Just depends how much you like the camera app. I'll be doing another video in follow up to this to go over it with my 1 V. The VI gives more options such as 48mp shots from the main camera and the new telemacro, but you can't shoot in RAW with them which is hugely frustrating. I'd say save your money and maybe wait for the next Xperia to release. At the same time I would personally be looking at Vivo/Xiaomi for a photography focused phone. Sony need to do much better on the hardware front.
I had been using SONY phones since Zuma Z1 days and also owned the cybershot K500 as well as SONY Activ and then moved on to their Z series and ended with the XZ that still runs. I switched to Huawei P20 Pro as I found the pictures better as well as build quality. My Z5 needed fixing twice, one for the dead screen issue and other for the battery, the XZ developed an issue with speaker. It was a shock as previous gen SONY phones had been bullet proof for me.
I totally agree with you. Sure the 1V had learning curve, but when you know what youre doing it gave more granular control. Im not a fan of the more generic for the masses approach. I used the have the PRO i and I really miss the dedicated video button too.
Xperia should have kept the aspect ratio and worked on polishing the cam performance, while keeping the pro app. There is a growing market for vloggers and photography junkies. The 5 series should not have been stopped as well…
Are the Honor's portraits as bad as folk say they are? I've taken them side-by-side with the 1VI's bokeh mode and it's chaln n' cheese. In even slightly low light the Honor can be horrifically painterly.
Portrait mode is one thing I don't really use but I'll test it out. I find the camera to be a little hit or miss and the software in general to be a little weird. The hardware is insane though.
Im sorry to hear about your experience but for 99% of the general public this new Sony is more appealing. Ive had a Sony Xperia 1 ii for 4 years and i don't use the Pro apps and don't shoot in RAW. For me it is the perfect upgrade although i too would have liked to see bigger sensors in the telephoto and wide angle but the main sensor is brilliant and other phones have to rely on processing to achieve similar results i just wish Sony would up their processing game (especially night mode) for people like me who use the basic camera app. Plus like you say the battery life is unbelievable 👌
The trouble is the general public don't buy Xperia phones and they still won't. They had already made changes to the camera apps for folks like yourself. They just didn't need to remove the tools people bought the phone for. Going from a 1 ii it will feel like an amazing upgrade. But I just bought a 1 V again. I'll do a follow up video to show why.
@@GroundedTech I appreciate the response so would you say the Xperia 1 VI would be better for me than the Google pixel 9 pro XL which I'm also considering (AptX lossless and L-DAC are also very important to me)
@oliverskinner8962 I would say if the most important thing for you is software and auto camera, go Pixel. If you want great hardware with top audio and battery life, go Xperia.
I have the phone got it as a"bargain" for 1100€ with the Headphone bundled... And i still feel ripped off after ~4 months now. I still find myself clammering my 1 mark 4 for that premium display, form factor and Pro Apps, despite the demonic SD 8 Gen 1... That phone had more "personality" in its Notification LED than the whole 1 mark 6😢
I totally understand what you mean. I'm eyeing up a Mk IV or V now just to use with the vlog monitor and for B roll purposes. But yeah it really has lost some of that identity. There's others in the comments adamant that we're wrong, but I don't think we are at all.
@@GroundedTech i for my part have been with xperia since the xz premium... I have voted with my wallet for nearly 8 years. Its like the saying goes "the grass is always greener on the other side" and Sony apparently considers me a high maintenance customer i will just go with another brand next round... OnePlus looks like a worthwhile experiment. Sony can then dream on, about getting a share of the default Samsung buyers
Yeah OnePlus 12 is fantastic, but even they're leaning towards iPhone with the software. I've been struggling to find something I'm really happy with tbh. I'm at the point where nothing really gives me what I want totally, so I'm looking more at midrangers and such to use and then have a dedicated camera for photography.
@@GroundedTech you get my jist. Get a phone thats fun to use and has an appropriate pricepoint... For the camera needs then just get a dedicated Camera
@chopcookies yeah this is why I'm eyeing up an Xperia 1/5 V. Took out a dedicated camera last weekend for a day in London and loved it so seems like that's the way to go.
Three real problem in my opinion is not the phone camera apps or changes, I feel they are not updating the sensors ( for all the lenses) like other mainstream players. And then comes the post processing part, Xperia is really a tough device for normal photographers who are nowadays stuffed with AI processing to the max. Sony is lagging behind, if not even providing it.
I talked about the processing side in my last Xperia video some more. You're right they don't do as much as others and in fact the results are sometimes quite shocking. In terms of hardware I am happy enough with the main sensor staying the same this year, but the telephoto in particular desperately needed the update. I'm expecting a full rework next year. Will be an even more difficult sell than usual if they don't.
They really seemed to miss the mark this time. The problem was never the pro app, the problem was that the auto mode was never good enough. And when you have a photo-centric phone, the ultra wide and telephoto should be much better. As a phone I hope some aspects are better than on my V iv. I sold mine after a year, I did love it for some aspects but it was sooo buggy and the Bluetooth connection was really subpar.
I had the 5 IV as well and in the videos I did for it I talked about the poor RAM management and general bugginess. The 1 V and VI are definitely better in auto. However there are times when the results are so bad and a £200 phone can handle it just fine. Definitely needs to be better.
@@GroundedTech yeah it’s such a shame, because when it works, it works so very, very well. The elegance of the phone, and even the official cases. How fast the shutter speed was. And that autofocus with face detection… my god, my iPhone 15 isn’t even close in those regards. If just everything else would be of the same standard it would be the perfect phone. Alas…
@jonasolofsson4128 yeah it's so close to being utterly fantastic. They just need to take a couple more steps with the next phone. I'm still going to be annoyed by the software change though 😆
100% agree.... this phone is great, but not Sony like.... For me, hardware wise, the missing dedicated LED light is super annoying, the ability to tether whilst on Wifi is missing (this is a weird but big one I had on my 1ii) . Love the phone and will hold onto it, but still.... Hope they get the 1vii right
That's the thing I still liked it as a phone. Who knows maybe I'll end up with it again. Got a 1 V coming now. I really hope they get the VII right too. Needs some major upgrades on all cameras.
@@GroundedTech in Australia, 3G is getting shut off this month. Apparently the v doesn't get a compatible volte profile here (since it's such a niche product) so had to go with the vi.
I really hope Sony doesn't shut down their smartphone division. If Sony did that, that means the death of headphone jack and microSD card slot on flagship smartphones.
Certain tech reviewers AKA gatekeepers ran sony phones out of the US and sony most definitely trying to appease these people which they shouldn't. They just pushed them in the more of a rabbit hole. I mean if they going to do that they need to drop that price and dramatically. $899 with that price we'll put them back on the map. You can't even trade the phone back in. Not even on their own site that says a lot too.
THe point is Sony messed up- the SIMPLEST route to fo this was to keep Photography pro as is and then all one needed to do is improve the auto experience for the apple and Samsung-nites further tweak pro mode and add some new features.......There its all done! All in one app too!
I was going to go with the Magic V3 but went for the Pixel 9 pro (compact version). Hows the V3? Battery life any good? I did consider the Xperia 1 VI now its on offer but many of your points mentioned also put me off it
The V3 is pretty great. Hardware is phenomenal. Software and cameras not exactly to my liking though. I'll have a video soon. I may go for the Pixel 9 Pro yet myself. I currently have the 8 Pro though and it's still very good.
@@GroundedTech I must admit I do love the more compact form factor in a phone as one handed use is just something I tend to use alot with them. Will keep a lookout for the V3 vid, keep up the good work mate! 💪
Sony chose to go mainstream but they didn’t have the resources to develop good software. That’s why they went off at half-cock with the new camera app. They won’t have a loyal customer base if they continue with this kind of software support.
I agree tbh. I mean there was no reason to remove the previous apps when this app wasn't ready. That's turning off a lot of people right there. Myself included. They're changing things that just didn't need changing instead of focusing on meaningful software improvements.
Yeah I did that a while back actually but they didn't work unfortunately. Might be different now but I don't want to have to use workarounds on such an expensive phone.
Honestly I still use 1v ... My experience with 1vi it was just for 30 mnt ... And I don't see any different with speed experience even with battery full day is enough with heavy using
I totally agree! I was really saddened and dissapointed with the Xperia 1 VI and im a SONY FAN! The interface for the camera looked like a child had drawn it with a crayon and it was SAMSUNGISH! Until they go back to us power users Im staying away from any future Xperias and keeping my 1V. Although this travesty of a camera phone (the 1 VI) DID force me to buy a Sony A6700 camera with a 18-135mm lens and I havent looked back since. It simply SLAUGHTERES any phone althoughtapple and their i phone 16 and samsung fans will never understand this point.
Sony just doesn't care for selling phones, that's why they don't even advertise them. Generally good phones but very expensive especially for such a mediocre camera
I think the cameras are very good for video, which I think was the primary focus. But they definitely need better camera hardware. Everything else though I'm very happy with.
I have 1 V and have sideloaded new photo app from VI and it's trash. Sony went from best photo app (for people who know how to use a camera) to worst. No way I'm updating to new app (if they roll out an update) or a next gen xperia if the photo app stays the same. Why sony? why?
See you get it. I'm literally about to buy another Xperia 1 V because I still value the experience and toolset that gave us. The auto mode isn't good enough for them to be touting it as an everyday user phone. In one scenario that I didn't show here (you can find it in my written review on Substack/Medium) the 1 VI is auto was put to shame by the CMF Phone 1. A sub £200 phone. I kid you not. And they think those people are going to get a 1 VI?!?
No offence, but your advice will bankrupt this brand. Youre mentioning why you got the previous models. You are one person. I can tell you why me and everyone around me didn't get it - that absolutely weird and uncomfortable aspect ratio, that 4k screen that killed the battery, the sub par photos. This year they made some improvements, but ironically enough what they need to do is the opposite of what you say - not make it more for the 5 people like you but make it more for the rest of us. Sorry. For ex 1080p is not acceptable at 1300 eur. For 700 eur, ok. QHD would have been perfect and in line with the competition. The point and shoot photos are not as good as samsung but the price is the same. It has a microsd and headphone jack.. .but almost no one needs that. Also that pastic feel due to the texture is not what we want. So the way the phone is should cost around 900 eur. Then it would be competitive. If they want 1300eur then QHD, photo quality as good as samsung, better UI, better battery life, better design, better feel, faster charging, maybe keep the microsd as a feature gimmick. If they want to keep selling to 20 people then they should make the changes you suggested.
@@GroundedTech If im wrong it means recent xperia models all had great sales since they were made as per your recipe and the opposite of what I say. Was that the case? no.
@LukoBala you have little understanding of the brand and that's fine. Xperia was losing a lot of money for a long time. They returned to profitability a couple of years ago due to focusing on a niche of users and releasing in a limited number of countries. Since then their decisions have been poor and sales have dropped. That isn't down to not appealing to Galaxy and iPhone users. It's poor hardware choices and poor marketing. And that's all the time I'll be wasting here. I have better things to be doing.
@@GroundedTech i do like that with each reply you try to insert a little snipe towards me. Meanwhile you admit your formula for xperia phones has kept them unprofitable. What you don't mention is that even when they were profitable it wasn't due to selling more phones but due to reducing cost. Yet again proving how "successful your phone recipe" is. By the way there were other phone companies who focused on imaginary niche markets - for ex the amazing market of people who wanted physical keyboards (BB). Or the amazing market of people who preferred symbian and windows mobile (Nokia). Or the market of people who wanted modular phones (LG G5 etc). Let us know how that strategy of focusing on 5 customers went. Ironically enough there are more people who want a physical keyboard than people who want to use a phone as a viewer for their camera. But ok... you have better things to do.
@LukoBala nothing you mentioned there is even comparable. And at no point did I say that "my formula" had kept them unprofitable lol Thanks for the engagement anyway. It was a good laugh.
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I've got the Xperia 1 V1 and agree with everything you say, I've had xperias for over ten years and Sony's decisions on marketing and phone hardware always leaves me scratching my head in frustration,they could have the best smartphone and camera there is going in the mobile world but, for some reason they don't seem to do or want it,God so frustrating,and annoying😵💫
Yeah it really is. Because I really love their approach to the cameras up to this year. Couple last year's software with cutting edge camera hardware and it would be a formidable beast for content creation and photography/videography.
Sony listened to big influencer youtubers like MKBHD that's why they dumbed them down to be more appealing (and easy to use) for the masses.
Absolutely true. And he like many others will never use an Xperia. He doesn't even cover them fairly or correctly to begin with.
@@GroundedTech agreed MK FLEA , Mr WHo's the Gimp and Super Snuff are biased against Xperia NO matter what Sony Xperia do.
This is probably the best example of” you’ll realize the importance of something once its lost” like for 1V, a lot of people complained about 3 camera apps and not being point and shoot friendly which i think is dumb to expect from a sony phone( point and shoot part) and now same people are upset about the simple camera apps in 1VI. Camera apps or lack of is one of the main reasons i didn’t upgrade to mark VI.
And totallu agree with your point on making it a portable camera replacement more like a secondary camera that happens to work as a phone.
Yeah they've made it the opposite of what they intended the last five years. The point and shoot is better but it's still quite poor in certain scenarios.
Majority people was complaining in every review of Mark V about 2 complicated camera and video apps and were asking Sony to make it easier. Sony have done it and now people are complaining that they miss PRO apps ( I actually miss them a lot) ;) I think with Android 15, Sony will introduce Video Pro (which I really miss a lot. Mark V did much better videos with it ) for sure and maybe improve camera app. I actually came back to Xperia after using s24 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro and recently iPhone 16 pro. I don't know, the feeling of Xperia in my hand is definitely the best one out of all I tested. Like the shape, size and material structure. Also appreciating high quality audio support. BTW see that we supports same "guy" - LN4 ! fingers crossed for rest of season.
Difference is the people complaining about the separate apps were not Xperia users and never will be.
I agree though hardware wise it's an amazing feeling phone. For the money though I don't think it's worth it.
LN4 ftw. He can still do it! 😁
Thanks for watching. Glad you like the phone.
@@GroundedTech I like it mainly because i managed to get it much cheaper ;) however I totally share your opinion, direction of improvements needs to be changed, there are many positives still, but also a lot of field to improve ;) I will stay with it hoping that Android 15 will bring expected changes. All the best !
@DamianNocun hey there every chance I pick it up again in a couple of months lol I'm terrible for these things.
Same to you. Take care.
@@GroundedTech@GroundedTech I'm also sick 😂 changing phones every 2-3 months. But I have feeling that will stay with Xperia longer 😅. What is your favorite phone right now ?
@DamianNocun good question! The one I really enjoy using right now is the CMF Phone 1. Also the Motorola Razr 50.
I'm eyeing up a Vivo X200 Pro at release right now though so let's see 😁
Like you said. Illness 😂
Xperia died when Sony decided it was a good idea to release a "new" flagship every six months.
Wasn't a great move.
Thank you for this video. This is exactly what I feel and I wish Sony would understand. I bought the 1 III mainly because of the 4K display and 21:9 aspect ratio. I'm one of those people that can easily tell the difference between 1080p and 4k. I was planning on upgrading to the 1 VI but when I saw the downgrade, it was an instant turn off for me.
Unfortunately I don't see them changing back.
The first two things I look for in smartphones are camera features and photo quality. Then, I look for the screen and audio. High-end gaming is unimportant because I rarely play video games on mobile. I wish Xperia push its megapixel count from 12mp to about 20mp.
Well the main camera is capable of taking 48mp shots. Can't remember if that sensor is actually 52mp. Could be wrong. Still binned down to 12mp most of the time. I was hoping for 48mp across all three rear lenses which I think they have to do next year.
@@GroundedTech 48mp may sound great, but a higher mp count may hinder low-light performance. 20mp-25mp should be good enough for a smartphone camera size, especially printing A3 size in 300ppi. I'm not a fan of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's 200mp count.
@r.t1576 48 or 50mp is kind of the standard now. The sensor is the main focus. In low light it tends to be better taking binned 12mp shots anyway.
Samsung's 200mp camera isn't very impressive.
I love what sony has done in some aspect, but in some I really don't... Like why change the camera app so much? And then the periscope should have been differfent, it simply is too small... It's a shame because with the main sensor I really like it! I love the camera button, the 3.5mm headphone jack and MicroSD!
Like I said I love the 1 VI as a phone, but that's not enough when spending so much to use it as a production tool. So frustrating...
They should have kept the 4K front-facing speakers And just improve on everything. That's all they had to do is just keep approving and give more software update. Especially security anyway
Yeah I agree for the most part. I wouldn't have minded a QHD LTPO screen with the better brightness.
@@GroundedTech yessir 👍🏾
And drop the price some..😎
It's difficult on the price front. They can't lose money on it and because they produce so few units the cost of manufacturing is high. Maybe if they move from Snapdragon to Dimensity would help cost a little.
So quick question... Should i go with the V instead??... I have pixel 7a and was comparing this vs sony 5.... Last phone i had with sony was mark 3.... Loved it but i had to change
Depends on your priorities. What do you like features wise? Auto camera Pixel is king. Everything else the Xperia 1 V is wonderful.
Sony has forever been paranoid that if they make their phones too good they would eat into other parts of their business. It's nonsense considering they're a multi media powerhouse. It's almost like they're using the Xperia line up as a showcase of their lenses and other tech. I think the battery tech is super cool and again, under advertised
They have all the ingredients to make a super impressive device for creatives. Make it part of their camera line. Xperia Alpha 1 or something.
I've got an Xperia 1 iv, and am looking to upgrade. I do a lot of photography, always shoot raw, should I go with the V or the VI?
Just depends how much you like the camera app. I'll be doing another video in follow up to this to go over it with my 1 V.
The VI gives more options such as 48mp shots from the main camera and the new telemacro, but you can't shoot in RAW with them which is hugely frustrating.
I'd say save your money and maybe wait for the next Xperia to release. At the same time I would personally be looking at Vivo/Xiaomi for a photography focused phone. Sony need to do much better on the hardware front.
I had been using SONY phones since Zuma Z1 days and also owned the cybershot K500 as well as SONY Activ and then moved on to their Z series and ended with the XZ that still runs. I switched to Huawei P20 Pro as I found the pictures better as well as build quality. My Z5 needed fixing twice, one for the dead screen issue and other for the battery, the XZ developed an issue with speaker. It was a shock as previous gen SONY phones had been bullet proof for me.
That's a frustrating experience.
I totally agree with you. Sure the 1V had learning curve, but when you know what youre doing it gave more granular control. Im not a fan of the more generic for the masses approach. I used the have the PRO i and I really miss the dedicated video button too.
Yeah exactly. And I just picked up another 1 V. Another video to follow.
Xperia should have kept the aspect ratio and worked on polishing the cam performance, while keeping the pro app. There is a growing market for vloggers and photography junkies. The 5 series should not have been stopped as well…
I'm right with you!
Hope they improve it next year, id love to give it a try!
I'm sure we'll have another meet up before then.
I have VI the photos are the best compate to the previouse Xperia, bokeh, contrast is amazing
It's exactly the same as the previous version...
Are the Honor's portraits as bad as folk say they are? I've taken them side-by-side with the 1VI's bokeh mode and it's chaln n' cheese. In even slightly low light the Honor can be horrifically painterly.
Portrait mode is one thing I don't really use but I'll test it out. I find the camera to be a little hit or miss and the software in general to be a little weird.
The hardware is insane though.
Im sorry to hear about your experience but for 99% of the general public this new Sony is more appealing. Ive had a Sony Xperia 1 ii for 4 years and i don't use the Pro apps and don't shoot in RAW. For me it is the perfect upgrade although i too would have liked to see bigger sensors in the telephoto and wide angle but the main sensor is brilliant and other phones have to rely on processing to achieve similar results i just wish Sony would up their processing game (especially night mode) for people like me who use the basic camera app. Plus like you say the battery life is unbelievable 👌
The trouble is the general public don't buy Xperia phones and they still won't.
They had already made changes to the camera apps for folks like yourself. They just didn't need to remove the tools people bought the phone for.
Going from a 1 ii it will feel like an amazing upgrade. But I just bought a 1 V again. I'll do a follow up video to show why.
@@GroundedTech I appreciate the response so would you say the Xperia 1 VI would be better for me than the Google pixel 9 pro XL which I'm also considering (AptX lossless and L-DAC are also very important to me)
@oliverskinner8962 I would say if the most important thing for you is software and auto camera, go Pixel.
If you want great hardware with top audio and battery life, go Xperia.
@@GroundedTech thanks for confirming what I thought, a pixel would tempt me away from Samsung but not from Sony lol 😆
@oliverskinner8962 exactly how I feel a lot of the time lol
I have the phone got it as a"bargain" for 1100€ with the Headphone bundled... And i still feel ripped off after ~4 months now.
I still find myself clammering my 1 mark 4 for that premium display, form factor and Pro Apps, despite the demonic SD 8 Gen 1... That phone had more "personality" in its Notification LED than the whole 1 mark 6😢
I totally understand what you mean. I'm eyeing up a Mk IV or V now just to use with the vlog monitor and for B roll purposes.
But yeah it really has lost some of that identity. There's others in the comments adamant that we're wrong, but I don't think we are at all.
@@GroundedTech i for my part have been with xperia since the xz premium... I have voted with my wallet for nearly 8 years.
Its like the saying goes "the grass is always greener on the other side" and Sony apparently considers me a high maintenance customer i will just go with another brand next round... OnePlus looks like a worthwhile experiment.
Sony can then dream on, about getting a share of the default Samsung buyers
Yeah OnePlus 12 is fantastic, but even they're leaning towards iPhone with the software.
I've been struggling to find something I'm really happy with tbh. I'm at the point where nothing really gives me what I want totally, so I'm looking more at midrangers and such to use and then have a dedicated camera for photography.
@@GroundedTech you get my jist. Get a phone thats fun to use and has an appropriate pricepoint... For the camera needs then just get a dedicated Camera
@chopcookies yeah this is why I'm eyeing up an Xperia 1/5 V.
Took out a dedicated camera last weekend for a day in London and loved it so seems like that's the way to go.
Three real problem in my opinion is not the phone camera apps or changes, I feel they are not updating the sensors ( for all the lenses) like other mainstream players.
And then comes the post processing part, Xperia is really a tough device for normal photographers who are nowadays stuffed with AI processing to the max. Sony is lagging behind, if not even providing it.
I talked about the processing side in my last Xperia video some more. You're right they don't do as much as others and in fact the results are sometimes quite shocking.
In terms of hardware I am happy enough with the main sensor staying the same this year, but the telephoto in particular desperately needed the update.
I'm expecting a full rework next year. Will be an even more difficult sell than usual if they don't.
@@GroundedTech yes, I'm too waiting, was about to take the Xperia 1 VI but then I stopped.
Good move. Wait if you can.
They really seemed to miss the mark this time. The problem was never the pro app, the problem was that the auto mode was never good enough. And when you have a photo-centric phone, the ultra wide and telephoto should be much better.
As a phone I hope some aspects are better than on my V iv. I sold mine after a year, I did love it for some aspects but it was sooo buggy and the Bluetooth connection was really subpar.
I had the 5 IV as well and in the videos I did for it I talked about the poor RAM management and general bugginess. The 1 V and VI are definitely better in auto. However there are times when the results are so bad and a £200 phone can handle it just fine.
Definitely needs to be better.
@@GroundedTech yeah it’s such a shame, because when it works, it works so very, very well. The elegance of the phone, and even the official cases. How fast the shutter speed was. And that autofocus with face detection… my god, my iPhone 15 isn’t even close in those regards.
If just everything else would be of the same standard it would be the perfect phone. Alas…
@jonasolofsson4128 yeah it's so close to being utterly fantastic. They just need to take a couple more steps with the next phone.
I'm still going to be annoyed by the software change though 😆
100% agree.... this phone is great, but not Sony like....
For me, hardware wise, the missing dedicated LED light is super annoying, the ability to tether whilst on Wifi is missing (this is a weird but big one I had on my 1ii) .
Love the phone and will hold onto it, but still.... Hope they get the 1vii right
That's the thing I still liked it as a phone. Who knows maybe I'll end up with it again. Got a 1 V coming now.
I really hope they get the VII right too. Needs some major upgrades on all cameras.
@@GroundedTech in Australia, 3G is getting shut off this month. Apparently the v doesn't get a compatible volte profile here (since it's such a niche product) so had to go with the vi.
That's a shame. Ours is about to be shut off too actually. Not something I come across often anyway tbh.
I have a 1 ii but never needed to tether while on WiFi I only tether my phone to my computer if the WiFi goes down in my house it works perfectly 👌
@@oliverskinner8962 Turns my 1ii into a router for those I don't want to share my home Wifi pw with. Strangely useful.
I really hope Sony doesn't shut down their smartphone division. If Sony did that, that means the death of headphone jack and microSD card slot on flagship smartphones.
I hope it doesn't as well, but the decisions they're making feels like a last throw of the dice.
I've got the V but the lack of the video pro app made me hold off.
Looking at picking up an iPhone 16 pro for the prores log.
I don't blame you tbh. I'm eyeing the iPhone too potentially but may wait for the S25 Ultra in January. The 1 V is still a cracking phone.
Certain tech reviewers AKA gatekeepers ran sony phones out of the US and sony most definitely trying to appease these people which they shouldn't. They just pushed them in the more of a rabbit hole. I mean if they going to do that they need to drop that price and dramatically. $899 with that price we'll put them back on the map. You can't even trade the phone back in. Not even on their own site that says a lot too.
They're in a tricky spot but yeah, going after the casual users looks inviting but won't work at all.
I just jumped from Samsung to the Xperia for the same reasons you guys are not happy with Sony 😂 removing features we liked
Tbf it's a whole other level when it comes to Samsung 😆
THe point is Sony messed up- the SIMPLEST route to fo this was to keep Photography pro as is and then all one needed to do is improve the auto experience for the apple and Samsung-nites further tweak pro mode and add some new features.......There its all done! All in one app too!
Yeah that's what I would have liked to see. Made no sense to discard it.
I was going to go with the Magic V3 but went for the Pixel 9 pro (compact version). Hows the V3? Battery life any good? I did consider the Xperia 1 VI now its on offer but many of your points mentioned also put me off it
The V3 is pretty great. Hardware is phenomenal. Software and cameras not exactly to my liking though. I'll have a video soon.
I may go for the Pixel 9 Pro yet myself. I currently have the 8 Pro though and it's still very good.
@@GroundedTech I must admit I do love the more compact form factor in a phone as one handed use is just something I tend to use alot with them. Will keep a lookout for the V3 vid, keep up the good work mate! 💪
@MJ-85 thanks I appreciate it.
Sony chose to go mainstream but they didn’t have the resources to develop good software. That’s why they went off at half-cock with the new camera app. They won’t have a loyal customer base if they continue with this kind of software support.
I agree tbh. I mean there was no reason to remove the previous apps when this app wasn't ready. That's turning off a lot of people right there. Myself included.
They're changing things that just didn't need changing instead of focusing on meaningful software improvements.
Thanks for the video. Have you tried installing the Camera Pro app on the Xperia 1 V? It will probably work! Regards
It is easy to find the APKs of the professional applications of the Xperia 1 V on the internet and try to install them
Yeah I did that a while back actually but they didn't work unfortunately. Might be different now but I don't want to have to use workarounds on such an expensive phone.
Honestly I still use 1v ... My experience with 1vi it was just for 30 mnt ... And I don't see any different with speed experience even with battery full day is enough with heavy using
Battery was definitely better on the VI but I still think it was excellent on the V. I need the V back 😅
The main sensor of 1VI is the same as 5V. 1V has the old sensor.
Say that again
@@GroundedTech I didn't notice the mistake. I corrected it 😅
@Sebby916 still technically incorrect. They all have the same main sensor.
I totally agree! I was really saddened and dissapointed with the Xperia 1 VI and im a SONY FAN! The interface for the camera looked like a child had drawn it with a crayon and it was SAMSUNGISH! Until they go back to us power users Im staying away from any future Xperias and keeping my 1V. Although this travesty of a camera phone (the 1 VI) DID force me to buy a Sony A6700 camera with a 18-135mm lens and I havent looked back since. It simply SLAUGHTERES any phone althoughtapple and their i phone 16 and samsung fans will never understand this point.
Yeah I hope Sony recognise this was a mistake.
@@GroundedTech yup I look forward to when you get an a6700 too
Could be a while.
@@GroundedTech took me three months of hard saving to do it
@theSFCchannel which I could do...if I wasn't about to be paying for the one thing that will cost me more than anything possible 😆
I felt the same with my Xperia 1 VI, still an excellent device of course but it didn't feel like a Sony anymore if that makes sense.
Totally get what you mean. That identity is gone.
Sony just doesn't care for selling phones, that's why they don't even advertise them. Generally good phones but very expensive especially for such a mediocre camera
I think the cameras are very good for video, which I think was the primary focus. But they definitely need better camera hardware. Everything else though I'm very happy with.
Sony doesn't make phones. They make small consumer cameras that have phone call capability. 😅😅
Well that was kinda supposed to be it lol
I have 1 V and have sideloaded new photo app from VI and it's trash. Sony went from best photo app (for people who know how to use a camera) to worst. No way I'm updating to new app (if they roll out an update) or a next gen xperia if the photo app stays the same. Why sony? why?
See you get it. I'm literally about to buy another Xperia 1 V because I still value the experience and toolset that gave us.
The auto mode isn't good enough for them to be touting it as an everyday user phone. In one scenario that I didn't show here (you can find it in my written review on Substack/Medium) the 1 VI is auto was put to shame by the CMF Phone 1. A sub £200 phone. I kid you not.
And they think those people are going to get a 1 VI?!?
I was gonna keep watching but you have Lando Norris merch.
😱
How do u like your eggs in the morning, I like mine with a kiss lol.
Now I'm well and truly scrambled.
@@GroundedTech lmfao
Are you egging him on again?
@theSFCchannel just yoking around like
This complaining not even use xperia they will complain until sony closed xperia division. And those people still will complain.
Exactly. Those complaining I don't think even bothered covering Xperia 1 VI. It didn't release in the US.
I have no idea what Sony are doing tbh.
Hey I love your hat.
Ok. Cheers.
No offence, but your advice will bankrupt this brand. Youre mentioning why you got the previous models. You are one person. I can tell you why me and everyone around me didn't get it - that absolutely weird and uncomfortable aspect ratio, that 4k screen that killed the battery, the sub par photos. This year they made some improvements, but ironically enough what they need to do is the opposite of what you say - not make it more for the 5 people like you but make it more for the rest of us. Sorry. For ex 1080p is not acceptable at 1300 eur. For 700 eur, ok. QHD would have been perfect and in line with the competition. The point and shoot photos are not as good as samsung but the price is the same. It has a microsd and headphone jack.. .but almost no one needs that. Also that pastic feel due to the texture is not what we want. So the way the phone is should cost around 900 eur. Then it would be competitive. If they want 1300eur then QHD, photo quality as good as samsung, better UI, better battery life, better design, better feel, faster charging, maybe keep the microsd as a feature gimmick. If they want to keep selling to 20 people then they should make the changes you suggested.
You're wrong in pretty much every way possible, but thanks for the comment 👍🏻
@@GroundedTech If im wrong it means recent xperia models all had great sales since they were made as per your recipe and the opposite of what I say. Was that the case? no.
@LukoBala you have little understanding of the brand and that's fine. Xperia was losing a lot of money for a long time. They returned to profitability a couple of years ago due to focusing on a niche of users and releasing in a limited number of countries.
Since then their decisions have been poor and sales have dropped. That isn't down to not appealing to Galaxy and iPhone users. It's poor hardware choices and poor marketing.
And that's all the time I'll be wasting here. I have better things to be doing.
@@GroundedTech i do like that with each reply you try to insert a little snipe towards me.
Meanwhile you admit your formula for xperia phones has kept them unprofitable. What you don't mention is that even when they were profitable it wasn't due to selling more phones but due to reducing cost. Yet again proving how "successful your phone recipe" is.
By the way there were other phone companies who focused on imaginary niche markets - for ex the amazing market of people who wanted physical keyboards (BB). Or the amazing market of people who preferred symbian and windows mobile (Nokia). Or the market of people who wanted modular phones (LG G5 etc). Let us know how that strategy of focusing on 5 customers went.
Ironically enough there are more people who want a physical keyboard than people who want to use a phone as a viewer for their camera.
But ok... you have better things to do.
@LukoBala nothing you mentioned there is even comparable.
And at no point did I say that "my formula" had kept them unprofitable lol
Thanks for the engagement anyway. It was a good laugh.