Let me start by saying that I come from the Huawei "environment" where I stayed for about 8 years. However, the ban on Google services did not stop, my p30 pro started to noticeably slow down, and I didn't feel like spending 1000+ euros just to discover what digital life is like without Google services. My options were either the flagship of Honor (a subsidiary of Huawei) or the Xperia. I ended up with the Xperia because I thought that since I'm making the decision to change brands, I might as well change the digital ecosystem as well. So, the Xperia 1 V in khaki color ended up in my hands.
Let's start from the beginning and I'll begin with the complaints.
It is unacceptable for a phone that costs 1500 euros (excluding offers) to not come with a charger in the box and not come with any offers (e.g. free case, headphones, etc.). I know that other brands (except Chinese ones) also do not provide a charger in the packaging, but those other brands sell millions of units, Sony does not. You need something to attract the buyer from a marketing perspective. This lack was made worse by the fact that the official retailer in the physical store never told me that the charger is not included in the packaging.
Moving on. It is very unpleasant that the entire Sony relies on Google for apps that should be Inhouse. Like calendar, photo gallery, photo editing tools, optimizer app, etc. Especially in the area of photo collection and image editing tools, the choice to go with the Google Photos app is like cutting off the legs of the amazing software and hardware that it has loaded into its cameras. I mean, it doesn't even have the basic ability to blur/pixelate, highlight something in a photo, select multiple folders for transfer or deletion, etc. And all of these are missing simply because, for some unknown reason, Google does not offer such tools. Such a shame. I ended up searching for the corresponding Huawei app, which is truly comprehensive, but unfortunately, I haven't found a compatible apk yet.
The most annoying feature (although I understand that it's a personal preference) is the imposition of having an app drawer. Listen, Sony, not all of us are into app drawers. We don't all have the same psychological need. Don't force it on us just because you want to. At least give me the option not to use it. Why should I, who don't want it, have to endure it and get annoyed every time I have to go there to organize another new app that I downloaded?
Another annoying thing in daily life is the very weak flashlight. I'm talking about dimness, not a flashlight.
I also found the sounds of the phone (ringtone and notifications) to be very cold, like they're taken from some sci-fi movie describing a dystopian future.
Finally, the placement of the fingerprint sensor on the side is not convenient. In theory, it seems like a logical choice since it "fits" with the way we hold the phone, but in reality, there are more times and hours when we have the phone resting somewhere and not closed in our hands. So, it's easier to unlock it with the fingerprint sensor in front, below the screen, rather than having to hold it, lift it, and touch it on the side to unlock it. And this becomes even more apparent in the car when it's on a stand.
So far, all the complaints have been related to the UI. The last and very, very important one has to do with the hardware. And this is none other than the overheating of the mobile phone. I read in a review that the phone is described as "cool". Every time I think of this characterization, I simply laugh, feeling the Xperia 1 V burning under its case. Because yes, the phone BURNS. There is no other way to describe it. Are you watching a 3-minute video? IT BURNS. Do you have Google Maps on for 500 meters? IT BURNS. Are you scrolling through social media for 2 minutes? IT BURNS. Are you transferring files from your old phone? IT BURNS, while the old, Chinese phone is just warm. And you feel it burning under its damn case, which is a hard case and not some silicone. Now, how much this heat will affect the longevity of the phone remains to be seen, but I am not optimistic.
I will not go into detail about the battery because I constantly have the screen at 120Hz, so I don't expect it to last for one and a half or two days. However, with a full charge overnight, it reaches around 30% by 8:00 PM with all-around use. Decent performance, I would say.
And with this decent battery performance, we move on to what makes the Xperia 1 V special and unique.
The cameras, kids. The cameras and the software that accompanies them. Yes, they are not for the user who is lazy and just wants to point and shoot, but don't be scared. You don't have to be a professional photographer to fully utilize them. The cameras make me feel not just good, but truly happy that I got rid of the ease of auto and filter and have capabilities in my hands without having to go into full manual mode and learn about apertures, ISO, etc. Amazing and incredible photos. Crazy possibilities, numerous options, unbelievable combinations. Sony bet on all the brands to create a camera phone and made the best one. If you are interested in photography and have a liiiittle bit of enthusiasm to deal with taking photos and videos that everyone will envy, this is your phone, period, end of story.
As for the rest, the phone is very fast. It has amazing sound. AMAZING! Its unique shape and dimensions make it comfortable to use with one hand and also ideal for online content consumption.
In conclusion.
Sony first made the cameras and then made a phone to put them in. Then it created a very powerful software photo suite and didn't even bother with the rest of the UI. It did everything it could to remove itself and load it onto the default Google apps, and in the rest, it did only what was necessary and basic. The phone doesn't even have themes to download!
Is it the best phone for photos and videos? Undoubtedly. Is it fast with a good screen and capable of handling heavy applications? Absolutely! Would I recommend it to a friend/relative to buy? Unfortunately, no. The overheating, the unfriendly UI, and the price in relation to the overall package take it out of the competition. I would have liked to be more satisfied with my choice, but unfortunately, the reality (for me) regarding the Xperia 1 V is reflected in this small review I wrote as a critique. I will have to live with its good and bad aspects, but there's no need for someone else to be forced to do the same because of me.
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