Sony Xperia 10 VI Review

The Sony Xperia 10 VI is a mid-range smartphone that continues Sony’s tradition of offering unique features in a compact and lightweight form factor. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a distinctive 21:9 aspect ratio, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, and a dual-camera system. The device aims to provide a well-rounded experience with long battery life, strong audio capabilities, and a focus on camera performance​.

Design and Build

It maintains Sony’s signature boxy design, characterised by a matte-finish back panel and a lightweight build, weighing just 164 grams. The device is available in three colours: blue, black, and white. It also boasts IP65/68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front provides additional screen protection, making it resilient against scratches and minor drops.

Technical Specifications

• Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080 × 2520 pixels, 21:9 aspect ratio
• Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 1.5TB via microSD
• Cameras:
  • Rear: 48MP primary (with optical image stabilisation), 12MP secondary
  • Front: 8MP
• Battery: 5000mAh, supports fast charging and Xperia Adaptive Charging
• Operating System: Android 14, with 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security updates
• Other Features: 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, LDAC support for high-resolution audio, Bluetooth 5.2, side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Performance

The device, powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, provides a balanced performance suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. It handles multitasking efficiently, aided by 8GB of RAM. The device’s 5000mAh battery is a standout feature, promising up to two days of usage on a single charge. The inclusion of Xperia Adaptive Charging technology helps prolong battery life by learning charging patterns and adjusting accordingly.

Camera Performance

The dual-camera system is versatile, featuring a 48MP primary sensor capable of capturing detailed photos and an ultrawide 12MP lens for expansive shots. The camera setup includes optical image stabilisation (OIS) and electronic image stabilisation (EIS) for both photos and videos, enhancing stability and clarity. The new Video Creator app is a notable addition, allowing users to create and edit short videos directly on the device.

User Experience

The Xperia 10 VI runs on Android 14 and offers a streamlined user interface with minimal bloatware. Sony’s commitment to software support includes three years of major OS updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the device remains updated and secure. The stereo speakers provide a clear and immersive audio experience, further enhanced by the LDAC technology for high-resolution audio over Bluetooth.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

The device integrates well with other Sony products, particularly in the audio and entertainment segments. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and support for high-resolution audio codecs makes it an attractive option for audiophiles. The Xperia 10 VI also supports standard Android features like Google Assistant, Google Pay, and seamless connectivity with other Android devices.

Value for Money

It offers good value for those seeking a compact, feature-rich smartphone with a strong emphasis on media consumption and battery life. It competes favourably with other mid-range devices, particularly those offering similar display and audio features.

Comparison with Other Products

In the mid-range segment, the Xperia 10 VI competes with devices like the Google Pixel 6a, which offers a superior camera system and faster updates, and the Samsung Galaxy A53, known for its vibrant display and longer software support. The Xperia 10 VI stands out with its unique 21:9 display, excellent battery life, and robust audio features.

Conclusion

The Sony Xperia 10 VI is a sleek and powerful mid-range smartphone, ideal for users seeking high-performance and refined design. Encased in a durable yet lightweight body, the Xperia 10 VI measures 155 × 68 × 8.3 mm and weighs just 164 grams, offering easy portability and a comfortable grip. The device is also IP65/IP68 dust and water-resistant, providing added durability against the elements.

At the heart of the Xperia 10 VI is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU (4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) and Adreno 710 GPU. This configuration delivers smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. The device runs on Android 14, ensuring access to the latest software features and security updates.

The 6.1-inch OLED display offers a stunning visual experience with a resolution of 1080 × 2520 pixels and a 21:9 aspect ratio. This Triluminos display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, provides vibrant colours and sharp detail, making it perfect for streaming videos and browsing.

The dual rear camera system includes a 48 MP main sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and an 8 MP ultrawide sensor, capable of capturing detailed photos and expansive landscapes. The camera supports 4K video recording and features like HDR and panorama for versatile shooting options. An 8 MP front camera is available for clear selfies and video calls.

For connectivity, the Xperia 10 VI supports 5G, ensuring fast internet speeds and seamless streaming. It also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and NFC. The device offers 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM, with the option to expand storage via a microSDXC card using the shared SIM slot.

The 5000 mAh battery supports fast charging via USB Type-C, providing extended usage for all-day performance. The Xperia 10 VI also features stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting 24-bit/192kHz audio for an immersive sound experience.

It’s a compelling choice for users looking for a mid-range smartphone with a focus on display quality, battery life, and audio capabilities. While it may not match the processing power of some competitors, its balanced feature set and solid build quality make it a strong contender in its price range. With ongoing software support and a suite of unique features, the Xperia 10 VI is well-positioned to cater to media enthusiasts and casual users alike.

For more perspectives, why not try PhoneArena or Android Central?