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Sony Xperia 1 VIII first look: Major redesign confirmed; hints at triple 48MP camera, battery upgrades

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII ditches the camera strip after six years. Glow around the camera added for emphasis.
ⓘ MyMobiles, OnLeaks (edited)
The Sony Xperia 1 VIII ditches the camera strip after six years. Glow around the camera added for emphasis.
First Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders reveal a major redesign for the 2026 flagship’s camera module, shifting to a square island. The leak settles the design debate, confirming Sony will retain symmetrical bezels and avoid a punch-hole camera. Physical dimensions show a thicker 8.58 mm chassis, hinting at significant camera hardware or battery upgrades.
Android Leaks / Rumors

After long-lasting speculations, the first official-looking CAD-based renders of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII have surfaced, offering a first look at Sony’s 2026 flagship and successor to the Xperia 1 VII.

For fans worried that Sony might finally cave to industry trends like the "punch-hole" cutout, these factory-sourced files offer a sigh of relief. However, the renders also confirm something not every Sony fan is going to stand behind - yes, the Sony Xperia 1 VIII rear camera is getting a redesign. This is Sony’s first rear design change since the original Sony Xperia 1.

Sony's iconic camera strip makes way to a square camera island.
ⓘ MyMobiles, OnLeaks
Sony's iconic camera strip makes way to a square camera island.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders will leave fans with mixed feelings: Redesigned square camera Island; no punch-hole

The images confirm Sony is doubling down on its signature symmetrical front design as the Xperia 1 VIII retains slim top and bottom bezels to house the front-facing camera and dual stereo speakers, maintaining an uninterrupted 6.5-inch flat display.

While the front remains classic Sony, the back reveals the significant shift - the Japanese giant is retiring the iconic Sony "strip" for a redesigned square-style island (reminiscent of the OnePlus 10). The new square camera module houses three sensors.

The Xperia VIII is slightly thicker than the VII, hinting at a camera/battery upgrade.
ⓘ MyMobiles, OnLeaks
The Xperia VIII is slightly thicker than the VII, hinting at a camera/battery upgrade.
Expect 6.5-inch flat display and a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
ⓘ MyMobiles, OnLeaks
Expect 6.5-inch flat display and a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

Xperia 1 VIII key dimensions hint at triple 48MP camera system upgrade

The Xperia 1 VIII is a refined evolution of the Xperia 1 VII, growing slightly wider and thicker - possibly to accommodate the rumored triple 48MP camera system we’ve been hearing about.

Of course, it’s possible that the increased thickness is due to a larger battery.

  • Height: 161.9 mm (0.1 mm shorter than VII)
  • Width: 74.4 mm (0.4 mm wider than VII)
  • Body thickness: 8.58 mm (up from 8.2 mm)
  • Total thickness (with bump): 11.37 mm
  • Display: 6.5-inch flat panel, symmetrical bezels

Following Sony’s established launch cycle, the Xperia 1 VIII is expected to be announced in May 2026, with a release following in June.

Are you sad to see the iconic Sony camera strip go?

Source(s)

MyMobiles

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 04 > Sony Xperia 1 VIII first look: Major redesign confirmed; hints at triple 48MP camera, battery upgrades
Martin Filipov, 2026-04-24 (Update: 2026-04-25)