The Xperia 1 VII controversy has grown into more than just a hardware hiccup-it feels like the end of an era for Sony’s mobile ambitions.
What began as a promising launch in May 2025 has turned into a PR nightmare, with long-time fans expressing frustration and disillusionment. While Sony has taken steps to address the issue through a free replacement program, the emotional damage might be harder to fix.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a stunning 6.5-inch 4K OLED display, and a new 48 MP ultrawide lens, the Xperia 1 VII seemed poised to challenge the giants. But reports of power failures, random shutdowns, and boot loops emerged shortly after release, particularly from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Europe. Sony has since confirmed a manufacturing defect tied to faulty motherboard components and halted sales in affected markets while offering IMEI-based replacements.
Despite the quick response, many fans feel this is just the latest disappointment in a series of letdowns. Xperia has long served a niche crowd who value features like the 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage-rare gems in the flagship phone world. But repeated stumbles-high prices, limited availability, and underwhelming software support-have worn that loyalty thin.
One Reddit user summarized the mood: “Sony’s decline feels like the final chapter of the golden age.” That sentiment resonates deeply with users who have stood by Sony through thick and thin but now question the brand’s ability to justify its premium pricing. At €1,499 in Europe and £1,399 in the UK, the Xperia 1 VII sits above even Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max in many markets.
And with just four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, Sony’s support lags behind Google and Samsung, both of which now offer seven years of full updates. For some, that’s a dealbreaker in a phone that demands top-tier investment.
This was supposed to be a rebirth for Xperia-a bridge between Sony’s pro Alpha cameras and its mobile DNA. Instead, it has reignited concerns over the brand’s future relevance. While not every Xperia 1 VII unit is defective, the symbolic damage is harder to undo. A brand once synonymous with innovation in mobile photography now finds itself teetering on the edge of irrelevance.
For fans who grew up with Walkmans, Cyber-shot phones, and Bravia displays, the decline feels deeply personal. The Xperia 1 VII isn’t just a phone with a flaw-it’s a painful reminder of what Sony once was and what it’s struggling to remain.