Sony Xperia 1 VIII official-looking renders leak; rumored specs show triple 48MP camera

Sony’s next flagship, the Xperia 1 VIII, is coming into focus following a series of leaks and rumors. Expected to debut this May, the most premium Sony phone might (finally) see a notable visual overhaul.

If the leaked renders prove accurate, Sony is retiring the narrow, vertical camera strip used since the original Xperia 1 in 2019. In its place is a more prominent, "generic" square-ish island - a move that has left some Sony fans on social media feeling uninspired by the loss of the company's distinct design identity.

The headline internal upgrade is a rumored move to a triple 48MP camera system (just like Apple's iPhone 17 Pro). While its predecessor, the Xperia 1 VII, introduced the 48MP Exmor T sensor for its main and ultra-wide lenses, it still relied on a lower-res 12MP continuous zoom snapper.

Despite the exterior overhaul, Sony is reportedly sticking to its guns by retaining the microSD card slot and 3.5mm headphone jack. While calling these "selling points" might be an overstatement given Sony’s niche market share these days, they remain essential pillars for the Japanese brand’s loyalists who still prioritize professional hardware flexibility.