Sony makes perfect Android and prices it as such

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In May 2026, a new smartphone launched. This smartphone features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a minimum 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration, three 48-megapixel cameras, a headphone jack, and a microSD slot.

It's the Sony Xperia 1 VIII, and it's the perfect Android phone. So why haven't you heard of it?

The simple answer is that it's not available in the US. But I think that's a shame, as this is the most consumer-friendly Xperia. I'm ready to buy one, but not quite yet.

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII costs £1,400 in the UK, which is equivalent to roughly $1,900. That's the same price as the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Sony markets its Xperia phones to professionals who want the best with no bloatware. Their cameras are top of the range (there's a reason Google uses Sony's components for its Pixel cameras) and offer a minimalist software experience.

On top of that, Sony slaps a markup to further differentiate its devices. The result is phones for people who want the best, but are irrelevant for those of us who just want a phone that works.

However, I think it's time for Sony to approach the everyday buyer again. It's time for a manufacturer to show us that you don't need to cram AI into a phone to make it great. Practical features like microSD card slots are valuable.

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