Sony Xperia 1 II review

The Sony Xperia 1 II has a confusing name, but it's the full package

VERDICT

The Sony Xperia 1 II is the full package as smartphones go, but it isn’t for everyone. Its large size and particular quirks make it something of a niche device, but if you’re looking for a phone with a great rear camera, unbeatable display and a battery that will last you a whole day, you’ve got it

Stunning display Return of the 3.5mm jack Strong battery life

Difficult to hold Very high price No in-screen fingerprint

Two-minute review
The Sony Xperia 1 II – pronounced Sony Xperia 1 Mark 2 – is the Japanese company’s latest attempt at a full-blown flagship phone to compete with the very best from Apple, and from Samsung and a variety of other growing Android competitors.

This is the best Sony handset we’ve seen for some time, with major improvements in some core areas, but it’s also an expensive phone that’s designed for a narrow demographic. Think of this as Sony’s alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, rather than the more ubiquitous Samsung Galaxy S20 or S20 Plus.

The Sony Xperia 1 II offers the most refined design from the company so far, while retaining its signature square look. There’s also the return of a gorgeous 4K display that offers a resolution you won’t find on other smartphones.

Sony’s 4K phones have struggled in the past when it comes to battery life, but we’ve found the Sony Xperia 1 II to perform excellently, with a battery that will see you through at least a full day of normal usage, while if you’re a light user it can last even longer.

News by Karl Brittain, created 1 Jun, 2020