Sony Xperia 1 IV: Is It Worth It?

Looking for a high-end smartphone with advanced camera features and 5G connectivity? Look no further than the Sony Xperia 1 IV. This factory unlocked smartphone boasts a 512GB storage capacity and a 6.5” 4K 120Hz HDR OLED display. But is it worth the price tag of $1,398.00? Let’s find out.

After using the Sony Xperia 1 IV for a few weeks, I can say that it’s a mixed bag. On the one hand, the camera is undoubtedly the star of the show. The 4K HDR native 120fps video recording on all rear lenses is impressive, and the true optical zoom 85-125mm/16mm/24mm lenses w/ 20fps HDR AF/AE makes it easy to get the perfect shot. The real-time Eye AF & object tracking for photo/video is a nice touch as well.

On the other hand, the phone has some significant drawbacks. It gets hot quickly, and the overheat symbol comes on frequently. The battery life is mediocre, and it takes forever to charge. The fingerprint sensor died on me after just five months of use, and Sony’s customer support wasn’t helpful at all. I also found it frustrating that the phone uses only Google apps to run, and there’s no way to customize it.

Video Recording

The Sony Xperia 1 IV smartphone boasts an impressive 4K HDR native 120fps video recording capability on all rear lenses. This feature enhances the quality of videos, making them more detailed and vibrant. The true optical zoom of 85-125mm/16mm/24mm lenses with 20fps HDR AF/AE also makes it possible to capture high-quality videos from a distance. Furthermore, the build-in live streaming feature is a plus for videographers who want to share their content in real-time. However, some users have reported overheating issues when using the camera/video app for a long time. It’s important to note that overheating could result in a slower and unresponsive device but has never crashed.

Display

The Sony Xperia 1 IV comes with the brightest 6.5” 4K 120Hz HDR OLED 21:9 wide Display, making it a great device for streaming movies and playing games. The Display resolution maximum of 1644 x 3840 pixels is also impressive and ensures that images and videos are crystal clear. Additionally, the 21:9 aspect ratio makes it possible to view more content on the screen at once, which is great for multitasking. However, some users have complained about the battery life of the device, which lasts less than a day due to the always-on display. Also, some users have reported that the screen randomly drops to 60Hz, which becomes laggy, and the device takes forever to charge.

Camera

The Sony Xperia 1 IV has a great camera that features real-time Eye AF and object tracking for photo/video on all rear lenses. This feature makes it easy to capture high-quality images and videos of moving objects. The camera is also capable of taking 4K HDR native 120fps video recording, which is rare in smartphones. However, some users have reported overheating issues when using the camera/video app for a long time. It’s important to note that overheating could result in a slower and unresponsive device, but it has never crashed. Also, some users have reported that the camera’s colors are inaccurate, with horrible color separation.

Fingerprint Sensor

The Sony Xperia 1 IV’s fingerprint sensor is a bit too sensitive, which sometimes reads when it’s in your pocket, and you’ll have to unlock the phone with the normal passcode. Some users have also reported that the fingerprint sensor died within five months of use, and Sony support was unhelpful even under warranty.

Customization

The Sony Xperia 1 IV smartphone only uses Google apps to run, with no customization like Samsung, iPhone, or really any other. This could be a downside for users who prefer a more personalized experience. Additionally, some users have reported that the non-standard screen size isn’t friendly with most apps, and even the version of Android it ships with will do weird things when a notification comes in, shifting the whole screen down then ghosting the notification over itself.

Price

The Sony Xperia 1 IV smartphone is quite expensive, with a price tag of $1,398.00. Some users have complained that they had to pay full price for both the phone and headphones, which cost $200+. Additionally, some users have reported that the device does not work in Canada, even when they had the Xperia 1 III, and Sony lied to them regarding this.

Pros:

• The Sony Xperia 1 IV has an amazing camera, with 4K HDR native 120fps video recording on all rear lenses and real-time Eye AF & object tracking for photo/video (all rear lenses).
• The phone has a bright 6.5” 4K 120Hz HDR OLED 21:9 wide Display, perfect for streaming videos and gaming.
• The Sony Xperia 1 IV has a true optical zoom 85-125mm/16mm/24mm lenses w/ 20fps HDR AF/AE, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Cons:

• The phone has a tendency to overheat when using the camera or video for an extended period of time, causing the phone to slow down and become unresponsive.
• The device charges slowly and does not have a great battery life, lasting less than a full day due to the display being always on.
• The Sony Xperia 1 IV is expensive and does not come with a gallery app, requiring users to purchase one separately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is a good phone, but it’s not without its flaws. The camera is undoubtedly the standout feature, but the phone’s tendency to overheat, slow charging time, and lack of customization options are significant downsides. If you’re a professional photographer or videographer looking for a phone with advanced camera features, this phone is worth considering. However, if you’re looking for an all-around great phone, there are better options out there for a lower price.

Questions & Answers:

Question: Is the Sony Xperia 1 IV good for streaming and gaming?

Answer: Yes, the phone has a bright 6.5” 4K 120Hz HDR OLED 21:9 wide Display, making it perfect for streaming videos and gaming.

Question: Does the Sony Xperia 1 IV have a good camera?

Answer: Yes, the phone has an amazing camera, with 4K HDR native 120fps video recording on all rear lenses and real-time Eye AF & object tracking for photo/video (all rear lenses).

Question: What are some downsides to the Sony Xperia 1 IV?

Answer: The phone has a tendency to overheat when using the camera or video for an extended period of time, charges slowly and does not have a great battery life, and is expensive and does not come with a gallery app.