Sony launches Xperia 1 VIII smartphone with integrated AI for better photos

Sony announced the launch of its latest flagship smartphone Xperia 1 VIII, featuring the new AI Camera Assistant powered by Xperia Intelligence, which leverages AI technology to enhance photography by suggesting helpful camera settings such as colour tones, lens selection, and bokeh effects which are optimized depending on the scene and subject. The new telephoto camera is equipped with a 1/1.56-inch image sensor, approximately four times larger than that used in the Xperia 1 VII, enabling improved delicate and highly detailed shots of distant subjects. All three of its cameras (16mm / 24mm / 70mm) deliver low-light performance comparable to that of a full-frame sensor in terms of noise reduction and dynamic range ,allowing for clear imaging even in dark environments.

The new AI Camera Assistant, powered by Xperia Intelligence, is designed to make photography even more enjoyable. By simply pointing the camera at your subject, it automatically recognizes the scene by combining various factors such as the subject itself and weather conditions to suggest different options for your image that include color tones, lens effects, and bokeh expressions. These recommendations are based on Creative Look that reflects Sony’s unique imaging derived from Alpha mirrorless cameras.

In addition, the telephoto camera is equipped with a 1/1.56‑inch image sensor that is approximately four times larger than that of the previous model, delivering clear and detailed images even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, RAW multi-frame processing is applied to all lenses, simultaneously expanding dynamic range (HDR) and performing noise reduction in low-light conditions. This method effectively suppresses highlight clipping and shadow crushing, improving color reproduction accuracy in high-contrast scenes. Fine details with clear, sharp edges are faithfully preserved in both bright and dark areas. In addition, noise is reduced even in low-light environments, ensuring clear and crisp images.

Xperia 1 VIII is equipped with newly developed identical left and right speaker units, to deliver further advances in stereo performance. These speakers produce deeper bass and more extended high frequencies, while creating a wider and deeper soundstage. Voices and instruments are reproduced with greater clarity and richness, making music performances and movie scenes feel as though they are unfolding right in front of you for an immersive and engaging audio experience.​

Xperia 1 VIII will be available direct from Sony and select online retailers (depending on the country) for approximately 1499EUR / £1399 for the 256 version, during the pre-order period purchases of Xperia 1 VIII will include Sony’s high-end headphones WH-1000XM6. ​ The 1TB Native Gold version is available exclusively from Sony online in select countries for 1999EUR / £1849.