New Xperia 1 IV rumors detail camera equipment, specs, and release date for Sony's 2022 flagship

The Xperia 1 III showed the smartphone world that Sony was far from giving up on its flagship production, with the device faring well in our exhaustive tests. However, our review pointed out a con with the slow charging, which may be rectified with the 2022 Xperia flagship if this batch of rumors is accurate. There is also a Sony Xperia 1 IV release date in the mix, with the Weibo source (ZACKBUKS) plumping for a May launch. Its predecessor had a staggered release that started in June (China) and lasted until August (worldwide) and a similar process may occur with this year’s model.

As for the potential specs for the Mark 4 variant of the Xperia 1 smartphone, the source reckons it will boast a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which is pretty much to be expected at this point. RAM choices will go from 12 GB to a huge 16 GB while storage is split between 256 GB and 512 GB. A 5,000-mAh battery provides the juice while apparently the Xperia 1 IV will support PD charging of 45 W (Xperia 1 III: 4,500 mAh and 30 W). Wireless charging will be included, and there might even be something of a design overhaul for the 2022 Xperia flagship.

The Xperia 1 IV camera equipment is listed as the same ultra-wide sensor (Xperia 1 III: 12 MP Sony Exmor RS IMX36312) while both the main lens and telephoto camera get upgrades. It’s likely the MP configuration will be 12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP output, which is typical for Xperia 1 phones with Sony choosing large sensors over resolution; however, there could be some pixel binning involved as a separate rumor suggested there will be 50 MP and 48 MP Quad-Bayer sensors for the Sony Xperia 1 IV.

A final vague but interesting Sony Xperia 1 IV rumor is that the 2022 flagship will be “great” because of the details mentioned above (cameras, charging, etc.) and because of its “improved design”. It’s a very ambiguous post from a hit-and-miss tipster, but it might be time for Sony to revisit the practically iconic design of its Xperia 1 phones and introduce some further refinement without betraying the recognizable tall and rectangular form. 

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