Sony’s newest Xperia smartphone, the Xperia 10 VII, introduces the first new design in the Xperia 10 series in years. While the design update is notable, the phone does little else to significantly advance mobile photography features.
One of the most significant design tweaks for photographers is the addition of a dedicated “shutter button” on the side of the Xperia 10 VII. Pressing this button allows users to immediately open the camera app and take a photo with a single tap. Even when the phone is locked, a long-press on the shutter button instantly launches the camera, ensuring photographers never miss a shot.
### Camera System
The Xperia 10 VII features a two-camera setup. Its primary camera boasts a 50-megapixel Type 1/1.56 image sensor paired with a 24mm equivalent f/1.9 lens. This camera also functions as a 48mm standard camera through cropping. Notably, the new 50MP sensor is about 1.6 times larger than the sensor found in the previous model.
Accompanying the main camera is a 16mm ultra-wide shooter with a relatively small 13-megapixel Type 1/3 sensor.
For comparison, Sony’s Xperia 1 VII, launched in May, offers a more advanced triple-camera setup. It includes a 48-megapixel Type 1/1.56 ultra-wide camera and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens (Type 1/3.5) with optical zoom ranging from 85mm f/2.3 to 170mm f/3.5 (35mm equivalent).
### Missing Zeiss Branding
Unlike the Xperia 1 VII, which features Zeiss T* coatings on its main camera, the Xperia 10 VII does not include Zeiss branding or their optical expertise. Despite this, Sony assures users of good image quality, supported by the phone’s AI Scene Recognition technology that optimizes camera settings based on the subject.
Since the Xperia 10 VII runs Android 16, it also benefits from Google Photos’ AI-powered editing tools, including the Magic Editor, enabling users to enhance their photos easily.
### Display and Design
Beyond the new shutter button, the Xperia 10 VII sports a redesigned 6.1-inch OLED screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, making content consumption and browsing more comfortable.
Sony has focused on a compact and lightweight design for this model. Though the design looks somewhat old-fashioned due to noticeable top and bottom bezels and squared-off edges, the phone weighs just 168 grams (5.9 ounces) and measures 8.3 millimeters (0.33 inches) thick.
### Pricing and Availability
The Sony Xperia 10 VII is positioned as an affordable mid-range smartphone, starting at £399 in the United Kingdom. As with recent Xperia models, there is no expectation of an official U.S. release. However, the device is compatible with American cellular networks, making it a viable import option for Sony enthusiasts in the U.S.
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Overall, the Xperia 10 VII offers a solid balance of design updates and photography features, though it stops short of pushing boundaries in mobile photography innovation. The dedicated shutter button and AI enhancements add convenience, while the lightweight form factor makes it a practical everyday smartphone.
https://petapixel.com/2025/11/04/sonys-redesigned-xperia-10-vii-smartphone-has-old-school-vibes/