Sony is expected to officially unveil its latest flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 VIII, on May 13 but ahead of the launch, multiple renders and specifications of the device have already surfaced online.One of the biggest highlights of the upcoming Xperia 1 VIII is its redesigned camera module. Unlike previous Xperia 1 models that featured Sony’s signature vertical camera arrangement, the new device is rumored to adopt a larger rectangular camera island with a more modern appearance.
Based on leaked renders, Sony appears to be maintaining its premium design language with a flat-edged frame, symmetrical bezels on the front and front-facing stereo speakers. The company is also expected to retain features that are becoming increasingly rare in flagship smartphones today, including a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card support.In terms of specifications, the Xperia 1 VIII is rumored to feature a 6.5-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone is also expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with 12GB RAM and storage options of up to 512GB.
For photography, Sony could introduce a triple 48MP rear camera setup consisting of ultra-wide, primary, and periscope telephoto sensors. Reports also suggest Sony may replace its continuous optical zoom technology with a redesigned telephoto system.Besides camera improvements, the Xperia 1 VIII is also rumored to feature new “Xperia AI” capabilities aimed at enhancing imaging performance and multimedia experiences through artificial intelligence.
The leaked renders show the device in several color options, including Graphite Black, Garnet Red and Iolite Silver. There are also rumors that Sony may introduce a gold color variant at a later stage.Pricing could become another major talking point for the Xperia 1 VIII. Early retailer listings reportedly suggest a starting price of around EUR1,800, potentially making it one of the most expensive Xperia smartphones released so far.
Sony is expected to officially announce the Xperia 1 VIII during a special launch event that will be livestreamed on YouTube on May 13, 2026.
