Sony Xperia 1 V Review in 2025

Hey everyone! In today’s article, we’re talking into a device that’s close to my heart, the Sony Xperia 1 mark V. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why review a 2023 phone in 2025?” Well, here’s the thing: Sony’s phones have always felt like they’re playing a different game. They’re not chasing trends; they’re sticking to their guns, for better or worse. And honestly? That’s kinda refreshing.

Before we start, full disclosure: I bought this phone myself back in 2023. No sponsorships here—just my honest thoughts after two years since its launch. Let’s get into it, but first, grab your favorite drink and let me know in the comments: Do you still rock a phone with a headphone jack? Mine’s been a lifesaver during long flights!

Design

Let’s kick things off with the design. The Xperia 1 V looks… well, like a Sony phone. It’s boxy, industrial, and unapologetically not curved. Some folks call it “chunky,” but I’ve grown to love its no-nonsense vibe. The textured glass back with those tiny dimples? Genius. It’s grippy, doesn’t attract fingerprints, and honestly, it’s just fun to touch.

Last summer, I dropped this thing on a hiking trail. Heart stopped, right? But thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and that aluminum frame, it walked away with a tiny scratch. IP68 rating? Check. Headphone jack? Still here, bless Sony’s soul. But let’s address the elephant in the room: that fingerprint sensor.

Sony insists on a side-mounted scanner, and… it’s rough. Half the time, I end up typing my PIN because it doesn’t recognize my thumb. For a $1,400 phone? C’mon, Sony.

How important is a headphone jack to you in 2025? Let’s debate below!

Display

The Xperia 1 V with 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen is a flex. Watching Dune on this thing? Pure eye candy. Colors pop, blacks are infinite, and the 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling buttery. But here’s the catch: Do you need 4K on a phone?

Most apps and videos don’t even hit 4K, and the default render resolution is actually 2560 by 1096. That said, photo and video pros might appreciate the precision. Plus, no notch! Just a slim bezel housing the front camera. It’s quirky, but after using punch-hole screens for years, I kinda dig the retro vibe.

Creator Mode vs. Standard: Creator Mode nails color accuracy for editing, while Standard adds a subtle vibrancy. No gimmicky “ultra-vivid” modes here—Sony keeps it classy.

Performance

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still holds up. Apps launch fast, and Genshin Impact runs smoothly… until the phone gets warm. And oh boy, does it get warm. Streaming music? Warm. Browsing Instagram? Warm. Sony’s thermal management improved from the Xperia 1 IV, but it’s still a hiccup.

Software Update

Here’s where Sony surprised me. We’re on Android 15 as of January 2025! The UI is clean, bloat-free, and those “pro” apps—Music Pro, Cinema Pro—are legit tools for creators. Using this as a USB-C monitor for my Sony camera? Chef’s kiss. But let’s be real: most folks won’t touch these features.

Thermal Throttling Test: After 15 minutes of gaming, performance drops to ~60%. Not terrible, but phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra handle heat better.

Battery Life

The 5,000 milliAmpere-hour battery is a trooper. On average, I get 1.5 days of use—social media, calls, YouTube, and light editing. That cross-country trip I mentioned earlier? 25% left after 16 hours. Solid!

But charging? Sigh. 30W wired and 15W wireless felt outdated in 2023. In 2025? It’s downright sluggish. My OnePlus friend laughs as his phone hits 100% in 25 minutes. The Xperia? 60% in 45 minutes. If you’re a heavy user, keep a power bank handy.

Camera

Ah, the cameras. Sony’s pièce de résistance. The Xperia 1 5’s triple-lens setup is a photographer’s playground. The 48 MegaPixel main sensor captures stunning detail, and the ultra-wide? Consistently reliable. But the star is the 3.5x to 5.2x optical zoom.

Personal Experience: Shooting my niece’s soccer game was a blast. The zoom lets you frame shots creatively, but here’s the rub: soft edges. At 5.2x, details get mushy compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s AI magic. Low light? Good, not great. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Night Mode still reigns.

Pro Apps Galore: Photo Pro and Cinema Pro are where Sony shines. Manual controls, focus peaking, and shutter speed tweaks—it’s like having a mini Alpha camera. But the learning curve? Steep. My dad gave up and switched to Basic Mode.

The Preview Problem: What you see isn’t always what you get. The app’s preview underexposes shots, making you second-guess compositions. Frustrating, but fixable with practice.

Downsides

Now let’s talk and recap the downsides:

• Heating Issues: Even in 2025, it’s a warm companion.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Unreliable for a flagship.
• Slow Charging: Painfully behind the curve.
• Price: Still demands a premium for niche features.

Would you pay top dollar for a headphone jack and SD slot in 2025?

Conclusion

Who’s This Phone For in 2025?
So, is the Xperia 1 V still worth buying? It depends.

• Keep It If… You already own one. It’s aging gracefully, and Android 15 keeps it relevant.
• Buy It If… You’re a creator craving manual controls, a headphone jack devotee, or a Sony loyalist.
• Pass If… You need cutting-edge performance, fast charging, or foolproof point-and-shoot cameras.
• As a Companion Phone: Pair it with a mainstream flagship. Use the Xperia for content creation, wired audio, or as a secondary device. It’s niche, but purposefully so.

Final Thoughts: A Niche Masterpiece

The Xperia 1 V isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. In a world of homogenized flagships, Sony’s stubbornness feels like a rebellion. It’s flawed, yes, but brimming with character. So, what do you think? Could this be your sidekick in 2025? Let’s chat below!

Thanks for hanging out, folks. Stay humble, stay curious, and remember: tech is about what works for you. Catch you in the next one!