Sony has released the Xperia 1 VIII, marking an attempt at a step change for its flagship phone line. The device retains several longstanding features, including a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot, according to The Verge and Android Authority. It also maintains a 19.5:9 display aspect ratio and a tall, narrow 'chocolate bar' design with an undisturbed front screen and no punch hole, as reported by GSMArena. The front bezel is thick to accommodate stereo speakers, a detail noted by The Verge.

Sony has revamped the camera system on the Xperia 1 VIII, dropping the continuous optical zoom telephoto lens that defined the previous four generations, according to The Verge. The Xperia 1 VIII was launched exactly one year after the Xperia 1 VII, as reported by GSMArena. The device will not be available in the United States, according to The Verge. In the UK and Europe, it starts at £1,399 / €1,499 (about $1,850) and rises to £1,849 / €1,999 ($2,100), according to The Verge.

Sony’s Xperia range has been criticized for slow charging, inconsistent thermals, and merely decent battery life, according to Android Authority. The cameras have also been described as undercooked compared to rival flagships, despite the Alpha branding. However, the range continues to support Hi-Res audio over wired and wireless connections and unmatched video playback options, according to Android Authority. The Xperia 1 VIII remains compatible with microSD storage for expanded media libraries, a feature highlighted by Android Authority. The device is the latest in Sony’s annual flagship releases, as reported by AndroidPolice.