Latest news with #SonyXperia
Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Phone Arena
iPhone 17 Pro may flaunt a feature that once made Samsung Galaxy phones stand out
The Galaxy S23 Ultra was Samsung's last flagship phone to feature a 10x telephoto camera. It has been replaced with a 5x sensor, and many are still not over long-range lenses which let them take incredible photos at a distance. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra is unlikely to fill that void, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro might step up to the plate, according to a new anonymous source has tipped MacRumors off about several iPhone 17 Pro specs. The leaker seems to know about an ad being shot for the iPhone 17 Pro by the Slovenian company Division Film. While Division Film's does indeed list Apple as one of its clients, MacRumors didn't independently verify the claim. The leaker claims that the iPhone 17 Pro will flaunt a new telephoto lens with up to 8x optical zoom, up from 5x on the iPhone 16 Pro. The lens will apparently have a moving element, which will allow for continuous optical zoom at various focal lengths. The iPhone 17 Pro may copy Sony Xperia's continuous optical zoom feature. | Image Credit - Sony Xperia" The tipster also says that the iPhone 17 Pro will come with an all-new pro camera app for both images and videos. It will rival the likes of Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro, all of which offer a professional experience. There's also a chance that Apple will overhaul its Final Cut Camera app instead of building a new app. It's not known whether the new (or updated) app is going to be exclusive to the Pro models. Lastly, they also assert that the iPhone 17 Pro will have another Camera Control button on the top edge to make it easier for users to access the camera. The leaker also corroborated some earlier rumors, such as a new copper-ish shade for the iPhone 17 Pro and a repositioned Apple logo. The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to have a horizontal camera bar, and a 48MP sensor is expected to replace the 12MP telephoto camera, making for a triple 48MP camera array. Earlier rumors have also pointed to video shooting upgrades such as the ability to use both the front and back cameras at the same time for recording clips. Thus, it does seem plausible that Apple will double-down on the camera-centric changes by introducing a higher-zoom range. This could also help it win over the Samsung users who don't find a 5x telephoto camera good enough for far-away subjects. And since it will be a moving lens, users probably won't miss out on a lower zoom level since the device should be able to optically achieve two levels of zoom. This is a trick that Sony's top smartphones also employ. Not only will Apple be going after the users of standalone cameras with this move, but it will also be courting Samsung and Sony users by launching the feature.
Geeky Gadgets
23-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Xperia 1 VII vs Pixel 9 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: The Blind Camera Shootout
Smartphone photography continues to evolve, with the Sony Xperia 1 VII, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Pixel 9 Pro representing the pinnacle of modern camera technology. Each device offers a unique combination of hardware and software innovations, making it challenging to determine which one truly excels. This blind comparison explores their performance across various scenarios, providing insights into their strengths and limitations. By examining real-world results, you can identify the device that aligns best with your photography needs and preferences. The video below from WhatGear compares the cameras on the three handsets. Watch this video on YouTube. Camera Hardware and Processing: What Sets Them Apart? The foundation of any smartphone camera lies in its hardware and image processing capabilities. These three devices take distinct approaches to deliver exceptional photography experiences. Xperia 1 VII: Equipped with an upgraded ultra-wide sensor featuring enhanced light sensitivity, this device is designed to excel in challenging lighting conditions. Its focus on natural tones and fine details appeals to those seeking realism. Equipped with an upgraded ultra-wide sensor featuring enhanced light sensitivity, this device is designed to excel in challenging lighting conditions. Its focus on natural tones and fine details appeals to those seeking realism. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Powered by an advanced image signal processor (ISP), it ensures consistent color accuracy and sharpness across various scenarios. The iPhone's vibrant colors and balanced exposure make it a favorite for users who prioritize striking visuals. Powered by an advanced image signal processor (ISP), it ensures consistent color accuracy and sharpness across various scenarios. The iPhone's vibrant colors and balanced exposure make it a favorite for users who prioritize striking visuals. Pixel 9 Pro: Uses AI-driven computational photography to optimize image quality through intelligent post-processing. This results in dramatic contrasts and clarity, ideal for users who appreciate artistic flair in their photos. The differences in their hardware and processing approaches are evident in the final images. While the Xperia 1 VII emphasizes lifelike details, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers vivid and balanced results, and the Pixel 9 Pro stands out with its AI-enhanced clarity and contrast. Macro Photography: Close-Up Performance Macro photography is a specialized area where these devices showcase their unique capabilities. Capturing intricate details up close requires precision and adaptability, and each smartphone offers a different solution. Xperia 1 VII: Employs a telephoto macro technique, allowing you to capture detailed close-ups from a distance. This approach minimizes shadows and ensures even lighting, making it ideal for delicate subjects like flowers or insects. Employs a telephoto macro technique, allowing you to capture detailed close-ups from a distance. This approach minimizes shadows and ensures even lighting, making it ideal for delicate subjects like flowers or insects. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Relies on its ultra-wide camera for macro shots, requiring closer proximity to the subject. While this can produce stunning results, it may introduce challenges such as uneven lighting or difficulty focusing on very small objects. Relies on its ultra-wide camera for macro shots, requiring closer proximity to the subject. While this can produce stunning results, it may introduce challenges such as uneven lighting or difficulty focusing on very small objects. Pixel 9 Pro: Similar to the iPhone, it uses an ultra-wide lens for macro photography. Its AI processing helps refine details, but the need for close proximity can sometimes limit convenience. Your choice in macro photography depends on whether you value the Xperia 1 VII's ability to maintain distance and lighting consistency or prefer the iPhone and Pixel's ultra-wide approach for dramatic close-ups. Image Quality and Dynamic Range: A Matter of Style Image quality and dynamic range are critical factors in evaluating a smartphone camera's performance. Each device offers a distinct photographic style, catering to different user preferences. Xperia 1 VII: Delivers neutral tones and lifelike images, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer realism and subtlety in their photos. Delivers neutral tones and lifelike images, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer realism and subtlety in their photos. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Enhances colors for a vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic. Its ability to control highlights ensures balanced and visually appealing results. Enhances colors for a vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic. Its ability to control highlights ensures balanced and visually appealing results. Pixel 9 Pro: Strikes a balance between realism and artistic expression, offering dramatic contrasts and deep shadows that add a sense of depth to its images. Dynamic range performance further distinguishes these devices. The Xperia 1 VII excels in preserving shadow details, the iPhone 16 Pro Max effectively manages highlights, and the Pixel 9 Pro delivers a bold and dramatic look with its emphasis on contrast. Low-Light Photography: Testing the Limits Low-light photography is a critical test of any smartphone camera's capabilities. These devices employ different strategies to handle challenging lighting conditions. Xperia 1 VII: Features an improved sensor that captures more light, reducing noise and enhancing detail in dim environments. This makes it a strong contender for night photography enthusiasts. Features an improved sensor that captures more light, reducing noise and enhancing detail in dim environments. This makes it a strong contender for night photography enthusiasts. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Uses advanced algorithms to brighten images while maintaining a natural appearance. Its ability to balance light and shadow ensures consistent results in low-light settings. Uses advanced algorithms to brighten images while maintaining a natural appearance. Its ability to balance light and shadow ensures consistent results in low-light settings. Pixel 9 Pro: Uses AI to optimize exposure, balancing shadow details and bright spots. Its computational approach produces well-exposed images even in near-darkness. While all three devices perform admirably in low-light conditions, the Xperia 1 VII and Pixel 9 Pro stand out for their ability to minimize noise without sacrificing detail. Audio Recording: Microphone Quality and Noise Suppression For users who prioritize video recording, microphone performance is just as important as image quality. Clear audio can significantly enhance the overall experience, and these devices offer varying levels of performance. Xperia 1 VII: Incorporates advanced microphone technology to capture clear and detailed audio, even in noisy environments. This makes it a strong choice for content creators who value sound quality. Incorporates advanced microphone technology to capture clear and detailed audio, even in noisy environments. This makes it a strong choice for content creators who value sound quality. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Delivers consistent audio performance, effectively reducing background noise while preserving voice clarity. Its reliability makes it a versatile option for various recording scenarios. Delivers consistent audio performance, effectively reducing background noise while preserving voice clarity. Its reliability makes it a versatile option for various recording scenarios. Pixel 9 Pro: Performs well in most situations but occasionally struggles to isolate sound in particularly loud settings. While it offers good overall audio quality, it may not match the precision of the Xperia or iPhone. If audio clarity is a priority, the Xperia 1 VII and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer a slight edge over the Pixel 9 Pro. Making Your Choice: User-Driven Evaluations Choosing the best smartphone camera ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Each device brings unique strengths to the table: Xperia 1 VII: Excels in natural tones, low-light performance, and audio clarity, making it ideal for users who value realism and versatility. Excels in natural tones, low-light performance, and audio clarity, making it ideal for users who value realism and versatility. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Impresses with vibrant colors, balanced exposure, and consistent audio quality, catering to those who prioritize striking visuals and reliability. Impresses with vibrant colors, balanced exposure, and consistent audio quality, catering to those who prioritize striking visuals and reliability. Pixel 9 Pro: Shines in computational photography, dynamic range, and dramatic contrasts, appealing to users who enjoy artistic and bold imagery. By analyzing real-world results and considering your specific needs, you can confidently select the smartphone that best complements your photography and videography style. Uncover more insights about Blind Camera Comparison in the previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: WhatGear Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Verge
11-06-2025
- The Verge
Huawei's latest phone fits two telephoto lenses into one camera
Huawei has just announced the Chinese launch of its Pura 80 flagship phones, and the Ultra comes with a clever trick: a 'switchable' dual-lens telephoto camera that allows two different lenses to share the same sensor. You can see both lenses side-by-side in the largest of the three camera rings on the 80 Ultra's rear, but they share more than just a housing. Both lenses are attached to the same set of periscopic elements and the same image sensor, with a movable prism that directs light from the chosen lens. That's a different approach to the variable telephotos in some Sony Xperia phones, which use a single lens but move parts of the periscopic structure to change the zoom distance. The Pura 80 Ultra's two lenses offer 3.7x and 9.4x optical zoom — or 83mm and 212mm if you prefer — which is a wider range than Sony's take ever managed. The shorter lens has an f/2.4 aperture and Huawei's spec sheet lists it as a 50-megapixel camera. The other lens is f/3.6 and curiously, despite using the same sensor, is listed with a smaller 12.5-megapixel resolution, suggesting that there's either sensor-cropping or additional pixel-binning going on when using that lens. Combining the two telephoto lenses isn't just a way of grabbing headlines. Image sensors are among the most expensive components in modern phones, so finding ways to use one sensor for multiple lenses could save costs in the long run. It's also a space saver, even more so by avoiding having two full periscopic systems. That could keep the phone slimmer, but also makes space for better components — the 1/1.28-inch-type sensor used here is larger than most telephotos offer, and possibly enabled by the new design. Beyond the novel telephoto cameras, the Pura 80 Ultra includes a 50-megapixel main camera with Huawei's returning dynamic aperture design, plus a 40-megapixel ultrawide. A 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display, 5,700mAh battery, and IP68 and 69 ratings round out the flagship spec sheet. It comes with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, but Huawei hasn't detailed the chipset that powers it — a secrecy that's become standard in the last few years as it develops its own chips in the wake of US sanctions. Image: Huawei The Ultra has launched alongside three other phones: the Pura 80, 80 Pro, and 80 Pro Plus. All three have similar designs, and even the base model includes a triple rear camera, only slightly smaller 6.6-inch LTPO OLED screen, and 5,600mAh battery. The Pro and Pro Plus are the same size as the Ultra, and share its main camera and ultrawide, but have a single 48-megapixel telephoto each. The only edge the Plus gets is a little extra RAM and support for two types of satellite communications, though every Pura 80 phone can connect to the Beidou satellite system. All the new Pura phones launch running HarmonyOS 5.1, the latest version of Huawei's operating system, which is no longer based on Android. The 80 Ultra starts at CNY9,999 (around $1,390), while the Pro models start at CNY 6,500 (around $900); the regular Pura 80 isn't on sale yet and doesn't have a price. Last year's Pura 70 series launched internationally a few weeks after its China debut, so we'll have to see if the same will be true this year.
Phone Arena
04-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
The Sony Xperia 1 VII has a unique feature, it's a shame that it's bad
Sony Xperia 1 VII Yes, it's amazing that you have true optical zoom. But does it make the photos better? Receive the latest editorials Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy To top it off, competing phone manufacturers have been perfecting software post-processing over the past few years. And the results are, nowadays, pretty good! But no, Sony refused to use software to enhance its photos for quite a while. Which is why it is a bit behind the rest right now. Don't make us pay for tech that isn't there yet One of the major things holding Sony Xperia flagships back is their price. With an asking price of €1,499, the Xperia 1 VII had better be perfect and deliver on every front. Especially on its major selling points. The truth is, I do like the phone. The design, the style, the feel. For a lower price tag, I'd be willing to work with the camera and accept its limitations. But as it is, I can't really recommend it. Yes, the new ultra-wide camera is pretty good, if not very ultra-wide. But the main camera's Auto mode is still severely behind, and that zoom camera is there just for bragging rights, not actual zoom quality. And yes, I know that the price includes a set of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, which are honestly really nice. For the small percentage of customers that are in the market for an OK flagship and a high-end headset at the same time. But no, Sony refused to use software to enhance its photos for quite a while. Which is why it is a bit behind the rest right of the major things holding Sony Xperia flagships back is their price. With an asking price of €1,499, the Xperia 1 VII had better be perfect and deliver on every front. Especially on its major selling truth is, I do like the phone. The design, the style, the feel. For a lower price tag, I'd be willing to work with the camera and accept its limitations. But as it is, I can't really recommend it. Yes, the new ultra-wide camera is pretty good, if not very ultra-wide. But the main camera's Auto mode is still severely behind, and that zoom camera is there just for bragging rights, not actual zoom yes, I know that the price includes a set of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, which are honestly really nice. For the small percentage of customers that are in the market for an OK flagship and a high-end headset at the same time. The Sony Xperia 1 VII launches today, but the phone has already gone through its review cycle. We have the fullreview here, and while I generally like the phone, there are some places where it just doesn't an absurd thing, but in 2025, Sony phone cameras are just not up to par with the competition. And the reason why this is so contradictory is that most smartphones out there — from the value midrangers to some of our favorite flagships — use Sony sensors to begin even hurts worse that the super-advanced zoom camera just doesn't produce the quality of photos to justify its the Sony Xperia 1 IV, these phones have had actual, true variable zoom inside. Components inside the camera module move around to produce stepless zooming between 3.5x and implied benefit is that you get lossless magnification — instead of using digital crop-in and sharpening to get a quality zoom shot, it should be perfect and pristine as it's not. The reality is that smartphones have small sensors and small lenses. This limits how much light and detail they can capture, and they can't replace the nice, big sensor of a DSLR. Actually, scratch that, Sony — the camera behemoth that has a true zoom telephoto lens — uses smaller sensors than the competing ' camera phones ' nowadays. Which, I'd say, is a misstep in prioritization when it comes to hardware most of these are Sony sensors!
GSM Arena
25-05-2025
- GSM Arena
Weekly poll: would you buy the Sony Xperia 1 VII?
Sony doesn't make many phones these days, but the models it does release are like nothing else on the market. With the Sony Xperia 1 VII the company has fixed some of the issues that fans complain about, but many still remain. Sony Xperia 1 VII The Mark 7 promises 4 OS updates. After that, you won't have the latest Android, but you will have a secure phone with patches for two more years. That's much better than the Mark 6, which only got 3 OS updates and one extra year of security patches. That longevity is important because the Xperia 1 VII costs a whopping £1,400/€1,500 in the UK and Europe and that is only with 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage. Asia will get a 512GB variant, North America might not get the phone at all. Sony Xperia 1 VII 5G Yes, storage is expandable, but microSD cards are slower than internal storage and high resolution video at high frame rates (the phone does up to 4K @ 120fps) will be a pain to transfer from a slow memory card. Speaking of video, we were hoping for better results. Also, the new ultra-wide camera is great and delivered some great shots, but the telephoto camera still has flaws – despite being the only one with proper optical zoom. The Xperia 1 VII has features you won't find on many (any?) flagships Besides the microSD slot, the Xperia 1 VII stands out with a 3.5mm headphone jack and a two-stage shutter key. However, battery life is worse than last year and charging is quite slow. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is fast, but poor cooling significantly impacts sustained performance. Read our review and watch our video review for more details. Before we ask for your thoughts on the phone, let's introduce the competition. With a €1,500 price tag, the Sony is up against the very best models from Xiaomi, Oppo, vivo, Apple, Google, Samsung and everyone else, really. And these Pro and Ultra phones are cheaper than the Sony. Xiaomi 15 Ultra • Oppo Find X8 Pro • vivo X200 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Of course, if you still use wired headphones or want to carry a few terabytes of data with you or want to use your phone as an external monitor for a Sony camera, there's only one phone that can do all that – the Sony Xperia 1 VII. It's a rather specific niche, but it's a niche likely to attract people with spending money. So, what do you think – would you buy the Sony Xperia 1 VII or has Sony completely lost the plot?
