Sony Xperia 1 II
Specifications

Secondary Camera: 8 MPix f/2.0, 24mm, 1/4", 1.12µm
Price comparison
Average of 49 scores (from 74 reviews)
Reviews for the Sony Xperia 1 II
The Sony Xperia 1 II comes with the Cinema Pro application, which we already saw in other smartphones from Sony, and a new special camera application. It brings features found in Sony’s DSLR cameras to the Xperia 1 II, which should make photography enthusiasts particularly excited. Read our review to learn whether or not the 1200-Euro (~$1420) smartphone provides enough value in day-to-day use to justify its price tag.
Source: Android Authority

Returning to the Sony Xperia 1 II has been a bitter-sweet experience. I still really like the phone but, despite numerous updates, the handset has the same niggling problems as 12 months ago. Of course, Sony isn’t going to pay much attention to my personal quibbles. But I am left wondering about its priorities after it chose to add niche new features in lieu of addressing quality of life improvements. The phone still fits the bill for Sony’s target audience, but it’s a tougher sell to the broader market. I’m excited to see if Sony can perfect the formula with the Xperia 1 III. The handset offers faster charging, dual-SIM 5G, a cutting-edge zoom camera, and the latest processing technology. Although this package might end up costing even more than the previous generation, given the lack of last-gen discounts, I recommend seeing what Sony’s 2021 flagship costs before picking up the older 1 II.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/10/2021
Source: DxOMark

Sony has made great strides with the Xperia 1 II, delivering a phone that’s more appealing to demanding photographers than its predecessor. It is photographically competent and capable of recording pleasing video, but it’s also in the very highest price tier for smartphones, and competition at these rarified four-figure heights is fierce. Most of the top-end phones we’ve tested outperform the Xperia 1 II, and there are even some mid-range handsets that approach its numbers. Those who appreciate other aspects of Sony’s approach to phone design will be pleased that the Xperia 1 II provides a significant upgrade over its predecessor’s imaging capabilities, but buyers who prioritize camera performance should consider alternatives before committing.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/27/2021
Source: Tech Advisor

Sony made unusual (but not necessarily bad) choices with the Xperia 1 II's hardware but if you're after an entertainment powerhouse and can find the phone at a lower price than its RRP, this is a superb way to enjoy media on-the-go to the fullest.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/18/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Best Products

Sony has priced the Xperia 1 II at $1,200, which is on par with the excellent Samsung Galaxy S20+, and only slightly less than the incredible Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra. However, because of Sony’s track record when it comes to making amazing cameras and headphones, sound and photography aficionados should consider the smartphone — its audio jack and camera experience are worth it.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/06/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Techradar

The Sony Xperia 1 II is the full package as smartphones go, but it isn’t for everyone. Its large size and particular quirks make it something of a niche device, but if you’re looking for a phone with a great rear camera, unbeatable display and a battery that will last you a whole day, you’ve got it here.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/03/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: What Mobile

Considering the fact we are in the middle of a global pandemic it makes me question the £1,099 price tag. However, this phone has every kind feature you would expect for a phone this price such as the Qualcomm snapdragon 865, IP68 rated, 21:9 4K OLED display and a very good camera that if you are into your photography, makes it a must.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/21/2020
Rating: Total score: 92% price: 80% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 100%
Source: DxOMark

The Sony Xperia 1 II took some big steps forward over its predecessor, the Sony Xperia 1, but its overall average score is a bit of a disappointment for a flagship phone. Bright spots include great performance for artifacts in both playback and recording. It’s worth noting again that when switched on, the Dolby Atmos boosts the timbre performance across frequencies and improves dynamics, with better performance on short transients, punch, and bass precision. As a recording device, the Xperia 1 II earned better marks, especially in life video, with good timbre performance in high-SPL scenarios.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/05/2020
Source: Android Authority

The Sony Xperia 1 II is a wonderful smartphone. While Sony put a lot of focus into the Alpha-like camera experience, the rest of the phone is great enough to make up for the "just fine" camera quality.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/24/2020
Rating: Total score: 90% performance: 95% display: 85% mobility: 75% workmanship: 85%
Source: Pocket Lint

Sony's flagship Xperia is the phone of two halves: the front half is pretty good with that great display and wonderful speakers, the rear half is pretty weak with a disjointed and messy camera experience.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/20/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Hot Hardware

We really enjoyed our time with the Xperia 1 II, and we don’t want Sony to stop making phones the "Sony" way. There’s absolutely room in the market for niche products like this, but these devices need to nail the essentials first (like 5G), then deliver something truly special to justify the additional cost.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/20/2020
Source: Engadget

The $1,200 Xperia 1 ii is many things, but a crowd-pleaser it is not. In fact, its charm derives from how niche it is. It has a screen meant for movie nerds. Its cameras are meant for film and photo nerds. And thankfully, it’s more than solid in all the other departments that matter, like performance, battery life, and overall software quality. Ultimately, it's that unabashed geekery that will either win you over or drive you away. For people who relish the thrill of laboring over camera settings to get just the right photo or snippet of footage, the Xperia 1 ii scratches that itch like no other phone.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/13/2020
Rating: Total score: 86%
Source: The Verge

Despite all of that, though, I can’t recommend the Xperia 1 II to any but the most devoted Sony world devotee. The high $1,200 price combined with the strange lack of 5G in the US makes it a confusing device at best. Phones that include now-standard flagship features like high refresh rate screens and stronger auto-mode photos can be had for hundreds less. And if you are a Sony camera world citizen, wait to see what the upcoming Xperia Pro can do. (It will have HDMI-in, so you can use it as a proper monitor on a standalone camera.)
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/13/2020
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Engadget

For a company that produces the sensors used in many smartphones, in addition to their own revolutionary mirrorless and cinema camera, Sony has never produced a standout phone camera.The Xperia 1 II aims to change that, feeling sometimes more like a camera that can make calls than a phone with a camera. The Xperia 1 II is firmly aimed at enthusiasts, enabling granular control for both still and videos. We found it could achieve incredible results, but only with some work. The iPhone 11 or Pixel 4 will deliver better images from a quick snapshot, but with some effort and care, the Xperia 1 II can take remarkable photos.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/13/2020
Source: Android Authority

The Sony Xperia 1 II is a wonderful smartphone. While Sony put a lot of focus into the Alpha-like camera experience, the rest of the phone is great enough to make up for the "just fine" camera quality.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/10/2020
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 95% display: 85% mobility: 75%
Source: Engadget

When we reviewed the Xperia 1 last year, we didn't love it. There was a lot that was unique about the phone, but it felt a little too specific and niche to ever find a wide audience. We were right, but Sony has doubled down on the formula with the Xperia 1 II, and we've got to admit, they know what they're doing.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/10/2020
Source: T3

The Sony Xperia 1 II, like most Sony flagships before it, impresses in a lot of key areas – the camera, the display, the speed. If you like the design, and if you can afford it, then the Sony Xperia 1 II might be worth investing in as your next high-powered flagship phone.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/02/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Phone Arena

At the end of the day, the Sony Xperia 1 II excels at being a Sony: stylish, often with a surprisingly great camera, yet at the same time it never quite reaches out to be something better than a good camera in a sleek design. Sony seems to have abandoned all efforts to improve upon the stock Android experience, it doesn’t have any of the exciting new features in the Android world like fast refresh rates, fast charging, or long range zoom. US shoppers would also be disappointed to find support for 5G bands missing (the device will support Europe and Japan 5G bands). And it costs a whopping $1,200. Finally, the phone doesn’t go on sale until July 24th, 2020, some three months after all other Android phones have arrived.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/01/2020
Rating: Total score: 87%
Source: MrMobile

Sony. It’s the company that builds the sensors for almost half the world’s smartphones, and it makes nearly half of all mirrorless cameras sold – including the camera I use to shoot every MrMobile video. It’s also the company that for years has failed to capitalize on these strengths in its mobile division. In preparing for this video I went back and watched seven years of my own Sony smartphone reviews, from my days at Pocketnow to last year’s Xperia 1 video. They all say pretty much the same thing: Sony’s phones are very good, even great at points, but they’re too expensive, and not always for the right reasons.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/25/2020
Source: Techradar

The Sony Xperia 1 II is the full package as smartphones go, but it isn’t for everyone. Its large size and particular quirks make it something of a niche device, but if you’re looking for a phone with a great rear camera, unbeatable display and a battery that will last you a whole day, you’ve got it here.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/21/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Trusted Reviews

It packs a nice design, plenty of clever touches (headphone port on a flagship feels almost novel at the point) and great software. Save for the £1000/$1000 price, this is Sony’s best phone for a number of years.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/19/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Techradar

The Sony Xperia 1 II is the full package as smartphones go, but it isn’t for everyone. Its large size and particular quirks make it something of a niche device, but if you’re looking for a phone with a great rear camera, unbeatable display and a battery that will last you a whole day, you’ve got it here.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/16/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Techradar

The Sony Xperia 1 II is the full package as smartphones go, but it isn’t for everyone. Its large size and particular quirks make it something of a niche device, but if you’re looking for a phone with a great rear camera, unbeatable display and a battery that will last you a whole day, you’ve got it here.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/03/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV

Combines a cinephile-grade display with camera smarts taken straight from Sony's Alpha division to great effect. Outright image quality might not be the best, but this feature-packed flagship is still one of the most photographer-friendly handsets around.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/01/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: GSM Arena

What we're saying is that the Xperia 1 II isn't great value at its projected retail price, and that prevents it from getting an all-out recommendation. What it is, on the other hand, is a great phone for Sony fans or for anyone else with a money-is-no-object attitude looking for one of the best camera systems in a smartphone. Imagine they had released it in March.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/29/2020
Rating: Total score: 86%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Area DVD

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/19/2020
Source: Android Mag

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/02/2020
Rating: Total score: 94% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 86% workmanship: 100%
Source: WinFuture

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/13/2020
Source: Nextpit Germany

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/15/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tech Stage

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/12/2020
Source: Inside Handy

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/13/2020
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: MobiFlip

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/08/2020
Source: Computerbild

Positive: Nice display; fast system; support 5G; waterproof; wireless charging. Negative: Slippery; no dual SIM; no face unlock.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/01/2020
Source: Computerhoy

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/09/2020
Rating: Total score: 89% features: 90% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 100%
Source: Hipertextual

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/29/2020
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Xataka

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/03/2020
Rating: Total score: 88% performance: 93% display: 93% mobility: 88% workmanship: 85%
Source: Zona Movilidad

Positive: Modern design; great built quality; excellent cameras; nice gaming performance; good speakers. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/29/2020
Source: El Androide Libre

Positive: Impressive display; excellent cameras; elegant design. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/05/2020
Source: Tutto Android

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/16/2020
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 90% mobility: 75% workmanship: 84%
Source: HDblog.it

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/09/2020
Rating: Total score: 79% features: 96%
Source: AndroidWorld.it

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/06/2020
Rating: Total score: 84% price: 55% features: 95% display: 95% mobility: 75% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 90%
Source: Andrea Galeazzi

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/04/2020
Rating: Total score: 84% price: 69% mobility: 78% workmanship: 90%
Source: Quotidiano Hardware Upgrade

Positive: Great display; high performance; nice cameras. Negative: High price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/24/2020
Source: Techzine

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/15/2020
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: AndroidWorld.nl

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/05/2020
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Tablets Magazine

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/15/2020
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: Computer Totaal

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/01/2020
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Computer Totaal

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/01/2020
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Want.nl

Positive: Excellent cameras; long battery life. Negative: Mediocre design; high price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/03/2020
Source: AndroidWorld.nl

Positive: Big screen; large battery capacity; powerful hardware; high performance. Negative: Slow charging; relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/30/2020
Source: Meilleurmobile

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/30/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Le monde numerique

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/21/2020
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 100% workmanship: 90%
Source: Nextpit France

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/18/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Journal du Geek

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/29/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Phonandroid

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/25/2020
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Frandroid

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/20/2020
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 100% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Android.com.pl

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/27/2020
Rating: Total score: 81% performance: 90% display: 80% mobility: 70% workmanship: 80%
Source: Tabletowo

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/14/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Antyweb

Positive: Elegant design; long battery life; nice display; excellent cameras; decent speakers; support 5G. Negative: Slippery; inflexible fingerprint sensor; high price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/10/2020
Source: Komputerswiat

Positive: Premium design; solid workmanship; waterproof; nice display; great speakers; excellent cameras. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/09/2020
Source: Hi-Tech Mail

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/07/2020
Rating: Total score: 82% performance: 100% display: 90% mobility: 70% workmanship: 90%
Source: Smartmania.cz

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/16/2020
Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 91% features: 95% mobility: 77% workmanship: 92%
Source: The Gioididong

Positive: Excellent display; impressive design; solid workmanship.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/10/2021
Source: The Gioididong

Positive: Beautiful design; nice display; excellent cameras.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/08/2021
Source: The Gioididong

Positive: Impressive design; great built quality; excellent display; top cameras.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/23/2021
Source: Genk

Positive: Premium design; solid workmanship; excellent display; great cameras; high performance. Negative: Relatively high price.
Hands-On, online available, Long, Date: 06/09/2020
Source: Danviet

Positive: Premium design; excellent display; big screen; great speakers; support 5G.
Hands-On, online available, Short, Date: 02/24/2020
Source: Tek.no

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/13/2020
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: Dinside

Positive: Slim size; nice display; headphone jack; high performance; powerful hardware. Negative: Inflexible fingerprint sensor; no face unlock; high price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/16/2020
Source: Alt om Data

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/12/2020
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 50% performance: 83%
Source: Lyd og Billede

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/26/2020
Rating: Total score: 83%
Source: Mere Mobil.dk

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/23/2020
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Mobil DK

Positive: Good price; decent hardware; nice performance; big screen; excellent cameras.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 06/03/2020
Source: M3 PC för alla

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/13/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Mobil.se

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/22/2020
Rating: Total score: 78%
Comment
Model:
Sony has released its latest smartphone, Sony Xperia 1 II (pronounced Mark 2) which is the follow-up to last year’s Sony Xperia 1. While last year’s Xperia 1 was rated as a quality phone, Xperia 1 II has definitely been updated with a bigger and taller 21:9 ratio display. The 6.5 inches HDR OLED panel screen is a perfect treat for watching films on the go while improving the overall user experience. The model caters for a 4K (1644 x 3840) resolution. The 5G incorporation within the model also supports better streaming such as Netflix for those movie lovers out there. While its predecessor Sony Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 decided to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack similar to the footsteps of Apple and many others, Sony has made the decision to bring back the port in Xperia 1 II. This model features the headphone jack on the top edge. Sony stated that the reason for the return of this feature was to cater for both wired and wireless headset options for users. Wired headphones often provide better-quality sound as it does not have Bluetooth interference. The Hi-Res audio is capable of incorporating up to 192 KHz and also has a cinematic audio mode which had been created in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment. The ultra-wide screen, stereo speakers and a headphone jack has made this smartphone a mobile cinephile and definitely a gamer’s dream come true. The Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protects the phone on both the face and rear with a fingerprint sensor located on the right-hand side of the phone. Users have the option of unlocking the phone using their fingerprint which definitely saves the time of unlocking to access the phone.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 that has been incorporated within the Xperia 1 II is the same chipset as found in Samsung Galaxy S20. The processor provides better gaming experience for the users while increasing the overall smartphone performance. It also offers some strong performance and ability to cope with all the tasks that most other top-end phones could do. The phone carries 8GB of RAM along with a 256GB of internal storage which gives more space for users to store photos and files. As far as the camera is concerned, it includes a 12-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel telephoto one, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide one along with a 3D time of flight sensor which is stated to be able to offer ‘ground-breaking autofocus technology’. It incorporates the technology which was developed by Sony for its Alpha range of cameras with the aim of providing the best shot through stronger autofocus. In terms of its battery, Xperia 1 II has definitely been upgraded with a larger battery of 4000mAh as compared to the smaller 3300mAh battery which was incorporated within Xperia 1. This boost provides a much more improved battery life along with fast charging of up to 50 percent within 30 minutes. This model comes in two colours namely black and purple for users to choose from.
Qualcomm Adreno 650: Graphics chip for smartphones and tablets that is integrated within the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC. Qualcomm claims that it is 25% faster than the Adreno 640 in the Snapdragon 855 SoC and offers 50% more compute units (ALUs). For Android it should be one of the fastest graphics cards in 2020.
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
SD 865: High-end SoC for smartphones that was introduced in late 2019 and manufactured in 7 nm at TSMC (improved N7P). Integrates one “Prime Core” based on a ARM Cortex-A77 architecture clocked at up to 2.84 GHz. Three more performance cores are also based on the A77 but clock up to 2.42 GHz. Furthermore, four energy saving cores are integrated that are based on the ARM Cortex-A55 architecture and clock at up to 1.8 GHz. In addition to the processor cores, the SoC integrates a WiFi 6 modem (including 60 GHz mmWave support), a Hexagon 698 DSP (up to 15 TOPS) and a Spectra 480 ISP. The integrated memory controller now supports faster LPDDR5 memory with up to 2,750 MHz. LTE is not included anymore in the SoC, but the external Snapdragon X55 5G modem has to be used.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
6.50":
It is a small display format for smartphones. You shouldn't be severely defective in vision, and you won't see much detail on the screen and only have a small resolution available. For that, the device should be small and handy, easy to transport.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Sony: Sony Corporation is one of the largest Japanese electronics companies. The company was founded in 1946 under a different name and initially produced rice stoves. The company launched the first transistor radio. In 1958, the company was renamed Sony. Sony is a combination of the Latin word sonus (sound) and the English word sonny (little boy). Today, its core business is consumer electronics. The company is engaged in the development, design, manufacture and sale of electronic equipment, instruments, devices, game consoles and software. Sony operates in the following segments: Gaming and Network Services, Music, Images, Home Entertainment and Sound, Imaging Products and Solutions, Mobile Communications, Semiconductors, Financial Services and Others.
82.04%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.