Sony Xperia 1 VII rumoured to be launching with upgrades like 70-200 mm flagship telephoto camera

Sony only recently announced the Xperia 1 VI, a follow-up to last year's Xperia 1 V. Nonetheless, early rumours about the company's plans for a successor have already started circulating on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media website. Allegedly, Sony will concentrate on distinguishing one Xperia 1 from the other with an upgraded camera offering.

Specifically, Sony is said to be including an improved telephoto camera, which is a 12 MP and 1/3.5-inch optical format sensor inside the Xperia 1 VI. While its output resolution remains unknown for now, the sensor is rumoured to feature a 1/2.3-inch optical format for improved light capture, higher dynamic range and reduced image noise. Additionally, the new sensor will allow Sony to market the Xperia 1 VII as supporting a 70-200 mm (35 mm equivalent) continuous zoom range.

Moreover, Sony is expected to accommodate this larger telephoto sensor by moving away from its vertical camera layout. Instead, the Xperia 1 VII appears set to adopt a layout similar to that of the Galaxy S24 Ultra (curr. $1,299.99 on Amazon), an early impression of which we have embedded below. Furthermore, the same 1/2.3-inch sensor is rumoured to be replacing the existing 1/2.5-inch ultra-wide-angle camera found in the Xperia 1 VI.

However, the Xperia 1 VII is currently anticipated to retain the 48 MP and 1/1.35-inch primary camera of its predecessor. Meanwhile, other camera-related upgrades could be headed to the Xperia 1 VII too, such as a LiDAR sensor, improved image stabilisation and a brighter LED flash array. Ultimately, we would recommend taking any early leaks with a healthy amount of scepticism until more concrete details arrive.