Sony Xperia 1 review: the best phone in the world for watching movies

Sony plays to its strengths and the results are impressive

T3 Recommends Award
Sony Xperia 1 review
(Image credit: Sony)
T3 Verdict

With the Xperia 1 Sony plays to its strengths and, despite some small issues, the results are impressive. The 4K, HDR, 21:9 aspect ratio OLED screen is a thing of true beauty and makes watching movies on the go a best-in-the-world experience, for example. While with the flagship Qualcomm Snapdraon 855 processor installed in the heart of its hardware suite, performance is rapid and power high. Below flagship-level battery life and fingerprint sensor performance, as well as some small camera system and charging niggles, take some sheen off the finished package, though.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Premium, mature design

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    Excellent 21:9 4K HDR OLED screen

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    Rapid Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor

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    Refreshingly stock Android 9.0 Pie OS

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    Immersive Dolby Atmos audio

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    IP65/IP68 dust and waterproof rated

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Battery life is disappointing

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    Camera system is beaten by rivals

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    Fingerprint sensor feels inconsistent

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    No wireless charging

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