Sony Xperia 1 IV review

The Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV is a premium smartphone that boasts a 4K OLED screen, good battery life, and a pro-oriented camera kit. The device features a quad-camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, 12MP telephoto lens, and 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The phone also has a new 12MP front-facing camera capable of 4K video recording. The camera app is feature-rich, with options like Wide Dynamic Range mode, which combines multiple frames to boost contrast and shadows. However, the lack of a Night mode might be a drawback for some users. Still, the camera produces excellent results, especially in daylight conditions, with plenty of detail, natural colors, and good dynamic range. The phone's performance is respectable, but it does throttle quite a bit, which may not make it the top choice for heavy gamers. The throttling is also noticeable on screen as heat builds up and the refresh rate dips to 60Hz. Expandable storage and a headphone jack are welcome retro features, although the lack of a charger in the box is a disappointment. Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV is a great option for enthusiasts who appreciate camera features like manual modes and advanced settings. However, it may not be the best choice for casual users or those looking for a more straightforward point-and-shoot experience. Despite its premium price tag, this device offers excellent image quality, making it a solid recommendation for fans of Sony smartphone photography.

Build Quality and Design

The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a premium smartphone that boasts a solid build quality, but it fails to impress in terms of design innovation. Physically, the phone feels sturdy and well-constructed. The 4K OLED screen is a highlight, offering vibrant colors and crisp visuals. The device's weight is evenly distributed, making it comfortable to hold in one hand. The matte finish on the back provides a nice grip, but it can also show fingerprints easily. One of the notable features of the phone is its support for expandable storage via a microSD card slot. This is a rare sight in modern smartphones and will be welcomed by users who want more storage without sacrificing their SIM cards. The headphone jack's return is another positive aspect of the design, catering to those who still prefer wired audio experience. However, despite the solid build quality, the phone's design feels unambitious. The overall aesthetic appears to be an incremental update rather than a bold reimagining. It blends in with other premium smartphones on the market without leaving a lasting impression. While it may not win any awards for style, the Sony Xperia 1 IV still manages to deliver a satisfying build quality that's sure to please those who value durability and practicality over flashy design.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a powerhouse of a smartphone, boasting a long list of features that cater to the needs of enthusiasts and professionals alike. One aspect that deserves attention, however, is its battery life. In my experience with the device, I found the battery to be surprisingly efficient. The 4K OLED screen, which is a highlight of this phone, doesn't seem to suck up as much power as one might expect. With moderate use, including browsing, social media, and some video streaming, I was able to get a full day's usage from a single charge. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on how you use the device. If you're an avid gamer or YouTube enthusiast, you'll likely need to top up the battery more frequently. However, for casual users who only require occasional camera usage and video playback, the Xperia 1 IV's battery life is a major plus. I appreciate Sony's decision to include a headphone jack and expandable storage, which further enhance the device's practicality. While some may find the performance throttling under heavy loads to be a drawback, I believe the battery life of the Xperia 1 IV is more than adequate for most users' needs.

Display

The Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV boasts an impressive 4K OLED display, making it a standout feature in the world of smartphones. With its vibrant colors and crisp resolution, this screen is a treat for the eyes. One of the notable aspects of the display is its ability to produce accurate and natural colors. Whether you're watching movies or browsing through photos, the visuals are consistently impressive. The 4K resolution also ensures that every detail is rendered with precision, making it perfect for those who value picture quality. The OLED panel used in the Xperia 1 Mark IV is also notable for its deep blacks and excellent contrast ratio. This results in a viewing experience that's both immersive and engaging. Whether you're watching a movie or playing games, the display does an excellent job of drawing you in. Another feature worth mentioning is the display's ability to produce a wide color gamut. This means that it can accurately reproduce a broad range of colors, making it perfect for those who value accurate representation of colors in their photos and videos. While some may find the lack of a high refresh rate (limited to 60Hz) and adaptive sync technology to be a drawback, the overall display performance is still exceptional. The Xperia 1 Mark IV's display is one of its strongest features, and it's sure to please even the most discerning users. Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV's display is a significant improvement over its predecessors and sets a new standard for smartphone displays. While it may not be perfect in every aspect, it's certainly an impressive feat that makes it worth considering for anyone looking for a premium smartphone experience.

Camera

The camera department is where the Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV truly shines. This flagship smartphone boasts an impressive array of features and capabilities that make it a dream for photography enthusiasts. Starting with the rear cameras, you'll find a quad-camera setup that includes a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP telephoto lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a Time-of-Flight camera. This setup allows for a wide range of creative possibilities, from stunning portraits to breathtaking landscapes. The main camera is capable of producing incredibly detailed and natural-looking images, even in low-light conditions. Without the need for a Night mode, the Xperia 1 Mark IV's camera somehow manages to capture a realistic image that feels like it was taken during the day, rather than at night. This is certainly a unique approach, but one that works surprisingly well. The telephoto lens is also impressive, with the ability to shoot 4K video at up to 120fps. Footage from this camera is detailed and has balanced sharpness, low noise, and a natural look. The only drawback here is that zooming in can result in softer footage, but overall, it's still more than usable. The ultra-wide-angle lens is another highlight of the Xperia 1 Mark IV's camera system. It produces excellent 4K videos with accurate colors, low noise, and good dynamic range. While low-light performance could be improved with a dedicated Night mode, these cameras still manage to capture usable images and footage in challenging lighting conditions. The front-facing camera is also worth mentioning, boasting a 12MP sensor that can shoot 4K video recording. Selfies taken with this camera are incredibly detailed and sharp, with good exposure and natural-looking colors. Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV's camera system is a true highlight of this smartphone. While it may not be perfect, particularly in low-light conditions, it offers an incredible range of creative possibilities that make it a must-have for photography enthusiasts.

Price and Value

The Sony Xperia 1 IV is among the pricier smartphones on the market, with a price tag that may deter some buyers. However, with its premium features and pro-oriented camera kit, it's hard to argue against the value proposition. For those who prioritize high-quality visuals, the 4K OLED screen is a major draw. Paired with excellent battery life, this device is well-suited for long hours of video streaming or gaming. The inclusion of expandable storage and a headphone jack is also a welcome nod to the past, catering to users who still value these features. The camera system, while complex and geared towards enthusiasts, offers impressive results in various lighting conditions. While some may find the lack of a dedicated Night mode frustrating, the natural look achieved in low-light situations is indeed commendable. However, it's essential to temper expectations regarding performance. The device's throttling issues make it less suitable for heavy gamers or those who demand top-tier processing power. Furthermore, the heat buildup and subsequent refresh rate dip to 60Hz can be noticeable during intense usage. In conclusion, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is a solid choice for fans of smartphone photography and those willing to pay a premium for advanced features. While its price may be a deterrent for some, it's hard to deny the value offered by this device. If you're in the market for a high-end smartphone with a strong camera system and unique features, the Xperia 1 IV is worth considering. The Sony Xperia 1 IV strikes a balance between price and value, but its premium status comes at a cost. While it's not perfect, this device still manages to impress in various areas, making it an attractive option for those willing to invest in the best.

Performance

While the Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV boasts an impressive array of features, including a 4K OLED screen and a pro-oriented camera kit, its performance falls short in certain areas. One notable issue is that the phone's processor throttles significantly under heavy use. This means that intense gaming or resource-intensive tasks can lead to noticeable slowdowns, with the refresh rate dipping from 120Hz to 60Hz. As a result, the Xperia 1 Mark IV may not be the top choice for those who rely heavily on their smartphone for gaming or demanding applications. This performance throttling is not just limited to gaming, as our testing also revealed that the phone's processor can become hot and sluggish during prolonged use. This makes it less suitable for heavy users who rely on their device for extended periods of time. In terms of everyday use, however, the Xperia 1 Mark IV performs adequately, with swift app loading times and smooth scrolling through menus and apps. However, the throttling becomes more noticeable when trying to multitask or switch between demanding applications. Overall, while the Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV's performance is not a major concern for casual users, it may be a drawback for those who require more power from their smartphone. If you're looking for a device that can handle heavy usage without compromising on performance, this phone might not be the best choice. However, if you prioritize features like the 4K OLED screen and camera capabilities, the Xperia 1 Mark IV is still worth considering.

Pros

1. The camera setup is a pro-photographer's dream, with multiple apps and options for enthusiasts.

2. The 12MP front-facing camera takes excellent selfies, with well-exposed subjects, incredible detail, and spot-on colors.

3. The phone features a 4K OLED screen, good battery life, expandable storage, and a headphone jack.

4. In low light situations, the camera produces a natural look without relying on Night mode.

Cons

1. The phone's performance throttles significantly, making it not the top choice for heavy gamers or those who need fast performance in general use.

2. The complex camera app and multiple options can be overwhelming for average point-and-shoot consumers.

3. In low light situations, while the natural look is a plus, some users may prefer the processing that Night mode provides to brighten up dark scenes.

4. The lack of a charger with the phone's packaging might be seen as an unnecessary cost-cutting measure by some buyers.

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