The Sony Xperia 1 VIII has been officially announced: a flagship phone priced over 10,000 yuan has arrived.

Sony officially announced that its flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 VIII, will be officially released on May 13 at 11:00 AM Japan time.

The product lineup at this launch event is very extensive. In addition to the new Xperia 1 VIII smartphone, Sony will also launch several major imaging devices, including the full-frame high-resolution flagship mirrorless camera A7RVI and a new 100-400mm f/4.5GM lens. At present, the official detailed specifications and core details of this new camera have not yet been disclosed.

As Sony’s new flagship of the year, the Xperia 1 VIII has undergone its most significant design overhaul in recent years. The new phone adopts a completely new design language, featuring a square camera module on the back and a triple-lens rear camera setup. This represents the most radical design change Sony has made in recent years, resulting in a completely refreshed and distinctive look.

The front of the phone continues Sony’s classic design philosophy, featuring a 6.5-inch screen that still adopts the iconic symmetrical full-screen design, offering a clean screen experience without notches or punch holes, which is highly distinctive in today’s mobile phone market.

In terms of hardware, the Xperia 1 VIII is expected to be equipped with Qualcomm’s fifth-generation Snapdragon 8 Ultra flagship platform, delivering powerful performance. The imaging system features a 16mm ultra-wide-angle lens, a 24mm wide-angle main camera, and a new telephoto lens, providing more comprehensive coverage across all focal lengths. Battery life has also been optimized, achieving up to two days of continuous use, eliminating the need for frequent charging in daily use.

Based on previously leaked listing information, the Xperia 1 VIII is expected to officially ship on June 26th. In terms of pricing, this phone is positioned as a top-tier flagship, priced at £1728 in the UK, equivalent to approximately 16,000 RMB, placing it at a relatively high price point.

It’s worth noting that this distinctive flagship phone will not be available in the Chinese mainland market. Since last year, Sony has essentially withdrawn from the Chinese mobile phone market, and its official service accounts have been completely discontinued. This means that the Xperia 1 VIII will likely not be released in a Chinese version, and domestic users will not be able to purchase it through official channels.