Sony Xperia 10 VII Review
First Impressions & Positioning
The Sony Xperia 10 VII marks a notable refresh in Sony’s mid-range lineup. Announced in September 2025, it brings design updates, solid specs, and thoughtful features — while remaining true to some of Sony’s signature touches.
One important thing to note: it may not officially launch in the U.S., according to multiple sources. Some users are importing the phone instead.
Design & Build
- The Xperia 10 VII shifts to a horizontal pill-shaped camera bar, moving away from the older vertical stack — a more modern aesthetic.
- Dimensions are 153 × 72 × 8.3 mm, and the weight is around 168 g (or 169g per some specs) — compact and light.
- Build: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front. The frame is plastic (per some spec sources) with IP65 / IP68 dust and water resistance.
- Sony also retains a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a physical camera shutter button, which long-time Xperia fans will appreciate.
Display
- The screen is a 6.1-inch OLED with Full HD+ resolution (1,080 × 2,340).
- It supports 120 Hz refresh rate, which gives smoother scrolling and UI interactions.
- The display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space and offers good color fidelity.
- Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Performance & Hardware
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, built on a 4 nm process.
- Memory / Storage: 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.
- Expandable Storage: Supports microSD (up to 2 TB), handy for those who want more space.
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC.
- Software: Ships with Android 15, and Sony promises 4 major OS upgrades + 6 years of security updates.
Cameras
- Rear Camera:
- 50 MP (main) with OIS.
- 13 MP ultra-wide, 123° field of view.
- Front Camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, for selfies.
- Video: According to spec sources, it can record up to 4K at 30 fps.
- Other camera perks: Dedicated physical shutter button — a rare feature these days.
Battery & Charging
- Battery Capacity: 5,000 mAh.
- Charging: Supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD).
- Battery Features: Sony includes its “Xperia Intelligent Charging,” Battery Care, and STAMINA mode to prolong battery health.
- Longevity: Reportedly good for up to two days in moderate use.
Audio
- Stereo front-facing speakers.
- Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is increasingly rare.
- Supports high-resolution audio formats (per Sony spec sheet).
Durability & Extras
- IP65 / IP68 rating means decent water and dust resistance.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Google “Circle to Search” feature and Gemini AI accessibility (via long-press power button) are included, adding smart AI interactions.
Real-World Feedback (from Users)
- Some users note limited band support for U.S. carriers, which may make using this phone in America problematic.
- MicroSD performance: one user reported that SD read speeds are very slow on this model.
- Several users praise the compact form factor and nostalgia for Xperia’s classic design, though some say the phone feels “wider than expected.”
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- 120 Hz OLED screen
- Durable build with IP65/68
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Headphone jack + stereo speakers
- Long software support (4 OS + 6 years security)
- Good camera hardware for the class
- AI features (Circle to Search, Gemini)
Cons:
- Possibly limited U.S. carrier compatibility
- Charging speed is modest (just PD, no super-high-watt fast charge)
- MicroSD speeds may be disappointing
- 5,000 mAh is decent but not huge by modern standards
- Some risk in importing (warranty / band issues)
Sony Xperia 10 VII Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Sony Xperia 10 VII |
| Launch Date | September 12, 2025 |
| Body | 153 × 72 × 8.3 mm; ~168 g; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front; plastic frame/back; IP65/IP68 water & dust |
| Display | 6.1″ OLED, 120 Hz, 2340×1080, 100% DCI-P3 |
| OS | Android 15 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| RAM / Storage | 8 GB + 128 GB; microSD up to 2 TB |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP (wide) + 13 MP (ultra-wide) |
| Front Camera | 8 MP |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K @ 30 fps |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | USB PD |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, 3.5 mm jack |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Other Features | Physical shutter button, microSD slot, AI features (Circle to Search, Gemini) |
| Software Support | 4 Android upgrades, 6 years security updates |
| Colors | Charcoal, White, Turquoise |
USA Price & Availability
- According to Dkanto, the Xperia 10 VII is listed at approximately US$429 for the 8GB / 128GB model.
- However, Sony has reportedly not officially released the 10 VII in the U.S. market, according to multiple user reports.
- Some users are importing the device: for example, one Redditor said they bought it for about US$1,128 for a 512GB version via a network / event deal.
- Because of this import situation, buyers in the U.S. should check band compatibility, warranty coverage, and import costs carefully.
Final Verdict
The Sony Xperia 10 VII is a very compelling mid-range 5G phone — especially for users who value:
- A compact, premium-feeling device
- Expandable storage and a 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Good software longevity from Sony
- Clean design and useful AI features
However, its appeal to U.S. buyers is complicated by uncertain availability and price. If you’re willing to import, and are comfortable with those trade-offs, it could be a very good pick. If you rely on buying from U.S. retailers and want official warranty support, you may want to tread carefully or wait for Sony (or other brands) to release a more U.S.-friendly variant.