Sony has confirmed the presentation date of the Xperia 1 VIII: details about the flagship and the new A7r VI camera

Sony has officially confirmed the date of its next major event – the presentation of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII will take place on May 13, 2026 at 11:00 Japanese time. The slogan of the event – “when perfection closes a circle, it’s time for the next one” – hints at a new round in the development of the brand’s mobile line.

Overview and main announcements of the event

The main star of the presentation will be the flagship smartphone Xperia 1 VIII. However, the Japanese tech giant has prepared surprises for professional photographers: along with the smartphone, the announcement of a new full-frame high-resolution camera Sony A7r VI and a specialized 100-400mm f/4.5 GM telephoto lens is expected.

Characteristics and description of Sony Xperia 1 VIII

The new Xperia 1 VIII is expected to bring long-awaited design changes. The device will receive a square block of cameras, which will replace the vertical strip. The dimensions of the case will also change: the new product will become slightly wider and thicker than its predecessor, which may indicate an improved cooling system or a more capacious battery. One of the key features will be operation in “2-day autonomy” mode without recharging.

Camera and photo capabilities

The camera system will traditionally remain the strong point of Sony’s flagship. According to leaks, the configuration will include:

• Main 24mm wide-angle module.
• 16mm ultra-wide-angle camera.
• New periscope telephoto lens with sensor size ranging from 1/3.0 to 1/2.0 inches.

This upgrade to the telephoto sensor will significantly improve the quality of zoom shooting, especially in low light conditions.

Market launch date

Despite the May announcement, the actual appearance of the new product in stores may be delayed. Based on preliminary listing data, the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is scheduled to start shipping on June 26th.

New price

Sony’s flagship traditionally belongs to the premium segment, and the Xperia 1 VIII will be no exception. The price of the device is expected to be:

• In Germany: €1,868.99, which is equivalent to 83,260 UAH (about $2,028 USD).
• In the UK: £1,728, which is equivalent to UAH 91,800 (about $2,233 USD).

And this is a little more than we reported earlier. However, you should wait for the official presentation, where the final specifications and prices will be announced.