SONY

Sony Xperia 10 VIII: same processor and few new features

Sony has just officially unveiled its latest mid-range smartphone, the highly anticipated Sony Xperia 10 VIII. Recent rumors and leaks regarding the brand proved once again to be spot-on, revealing a device with a very familiar look.

This new device hits the market with an extremely conservative approach, retaining a large portion of its predecessor's hardware. It is surprising, to say the least, to see the Asian manufacturer betting on a recycled processor to try and win over consumers in such a competitive year.

Even so, there are several reasons to be excited about this European launch, scheduled for late September. Get ready to discover the details of what has actually changed in the iconic Japanese brand's latest offering.

For those who can't stand punch-hole screens or the notches commonly found at the top of displays, Sony remains steadfast in its philosophy of a perfectly clean design. The side bezels remain quite slim and elegant, although the top and bottom of the frame are still noticeably thicker than those of most rivals in the same price range.

The real star of the device's front is undoubtedly the 6.1-inch OLED panel. This year, you finally get a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive brightness level that is 50% higher than last year's model—a feature that will come in handy on days with intense sunlight.

Recycled processor and software with new tricks...Inside the new smartphone lies one of the launch's biggest disappointments, as the tech giant decided to recycle the processor from the previous generation. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 makes a return appearance, so you shouldn't expect any major technological leaps in raw day-to-day performance. The real highlight of this generation lies in the software, as the phone comes pre-loaded with the Android 16 operating system. The manufacturer has also added a new feature dubbed "Point & Pay," allowing you to double-press the power button to instantly access your payment QR codes and standard loyalty cards.

Technical specifications of the new smartphone...To ensure you don't miss any key details about the build of the new Sony Xperia 10 VIII, we have gathered the full specifications that have been revealed. It boasts a well-balanced set of features, perfectly capable of handling all your most demanding daily tasks and needs.

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3

Display: 6.1-inch OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate

RAM: 8GB

Internal Storage: 128GB

Battery: 5,000 mAh cell

Operating System: Android 16

Cameras: 50MP main lens with a 1/1.56-inch sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens

Beyond the technical specs, your photos will continue to benefit from the now-iconic dedicated shutter button on the right side of the device. At the same time, the multimedia experience promises to be richer, as the brand has optimized the dual speakers to deliver fuller, more immersive sound in any situation.

The new Sony Xperia 10 VIII is scheduled to launch in the European market between mid- and late September. Regarding official pricing, the manufacturer confirmed that the device will hit stores with a price tag of 599 euros.

This is an attractive price point considering the rampant inflation and constant price hikes in the tech market, ensuring your budget doesn't take a massive hit. However, the decision to stick with the older processor might make many enthusiastic users think twice before making a final decision.

mundophone