Top 5 BEST Sony Phones in 2025
With great cameras and high-end specs, these are the best Sony phones you can buy today
The greatest Sony phones are fierce competitors to Samsung or Apple since they come with a ton of high-end features. But which one ought you to pick?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI, the newest and greatest Sony phone on the market, is at the top of our list if you don’t have time to read any farther. However, it’s really pricey, so further down our list you’ll find a variety of more accessible and reasonably priced devices.
There are several more camera phones available if you’re still unsure about Sony, such as Google’s Pixel series, Samsung’s Galaxy line, and Apple’s industry-leading iPhones.
Table of Contents
best overall
1. Sony Xperia 1 VI
best value
2. Sony Xperia 1 V
Best under $1K
3. Sony Xperia 1 IV
Best performer
4. Sony Xperia Pro-I
Best Classy camera phone
5. Sony Xperia 5 IV
1. Sony Xperia 1 VI
The newest and greatest Sony phone to date is the Xperia 1 V. It adds additional features that will appeal to fans of photography and video while building on the achievements of its predecessor, the Xperia 1 V.
The continuous zoom telephoto camera, which offers a seamless transition between 85mm and 170mm, is the most notable feature here. It is therefore a flexible tool for photographers seeking solutions for accurate framing. A distinctive feature of the telephoto lens is the addition of macro capabilities, which enable you to focus as near as 4 cm at 120mm, ideal for capturing fine details.
Additionally, Sony redesigned its camera app, merging its three prior apps into a single, simplified interface. Although the UI is made simpler, pro-grade video features like LOG mode won’t be available until an update in the fall. Nevertheless, a big benefit for filmmakers is that it can shoot 4K at 120 frames per second with all of the back cameras.
With a Full HD+ OLED screen and a revolutionary 19.5:9 aspect ratio, the VI differs from its predecessors. The new panel is 50% brighter and enhances outside visibility, although it is not as sharp as the 4K displays of previous versions. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset powers its performance, and a sturdy 5,000mAh battery guarantees all-day use.
2. Sony Xperia 1 V
Even if it isn’t the newest model in the Xperia series, the Sony Xperia 1 V is still a fantastic option for photographers. Even if the Xperia 1 VI has superseded it, the Xperia 1 V is still competitive because to features like its 48MP primary sensor, excellent eye AF, and a simple Android interface driven by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU. A high-end multimedia experience is also guaranteed by its expansive 21:9 4K display and superb audio capabilities.
The Xperia 1 V’s zoom capabilities are more constrained than those of the more recent Xperia 1 VI, and its low-light performance falls short of that of its successor. But for those who want premium performance without the higher price tag of the Xperia 1 VI, this is a great option because of its more reasonable price and still great camera configuration.
The Xperia 1 V is still a good option for anybody looking for a high-end phone with professional-caliber photo and video capabilities at a marginally reduced price. See our review of the Sony Xperia 1 V for further information.
3. Sony Xperia 1 IV
The Xperia 1 IV, which was released in 2022, boasts a big 6.6-inch screen, a real optical zoom, and the ability to record at 120 frames per second using all of its 12MP rear cameras. Even though the Xperia 1 IV is a thin, elegant slab of frosted glass and blasted metal, the phone’s periscope camera can continually take you from 85mm to 125mm.
You should be able to get one for a reasonable price because this is an aging model. Therefore, if you want a high-end camera and multimedia experience at a lower cost, this is a perfect option.
Yes, a phone like the Xperia 1 IV is suitable for all users, but Sony makes camera phones for camera enthusiasts. Fans of cameras can delve into the specifics and extract the hidden value from the phone’s three (yes, three) pre-installed camera apps.
The Xperia 1 IV’s world-first technology makes it very intriguing. This is the first phone with all of its rear cameras capable of recording at 120 frames per second. However, the addition of a real optical zoom is the most remarkable feature. Even though the Xperia 1 IV is a thin, elegant slab of frosted glass and blasted metal, the phone’s periscope camera can continually take you from 85mm to 125mm.
4. Sony Xperia Pro-I
The first smartphone with a 1-inch sensor was Sony’s high-end Xperia Pro-I, which was released at the end of 2021. For supporters of Sony, this was long needed validation. It’s the first real instance of the Japanese smartphone manufacturer using the same photographic rigor as its Sony camera division to navigate its mobile range.
The Pro-I is a more affordable high-end photography phone, while the original Sony Xperia Pro was a costly external monitor/smartphone hybrid with a good camera configuration. It features three cameras with 12MP resolution sensors: a 50mm portrait lens, a 24mm wide (supported by the huge Type-1 sensor), and a 16mm ultra-wide-angle.
The Xperia Pro-I, Sony’s most recent high-end smartphone, is the first to have a 1-inch sensor. For lovers of Sony, this is long needed validation. It’s the first time a Japanese smartphone manufacturer has successfully integrated its imaging expertise from its camera section into its mobile line.
The Pro-I is a more affordable high-end photography phone, making it the best Sony phone to date. The original Sony Xperia Pro was a highly costly external monitor/smartphone combination with a good camera configuration.
5. Sony Xperia 5 IV
A smaller variant of the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Although it comes in a more compact and reasonably priced packaging, it has many of the same characteristics. The Xperia 5 IV will not let you down if you’re a photographer, videographer, or content creator looking for a smartphone with cutting-edge camera capabilities and video recording.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is perhaps worth the price because it has three camera applications, full manual camera control, and 4K HDR 120fps video capture. In addition to being a powerful tool for photography and filming, it also has great music capabilities, with front-facing speakers and a headphone connection.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a fantastic, small phone that is among the best choices for anyone looking for a high-end, easily manageable gadget with a classic design. The phone’s design is enhanced with a frosted glass back that is rich to the touch and effectively deters fingerprints. Its flat edges are also nice to grasp.
The classic philosophy of Sony is reflected in the design of their phones. It has a camera button and a headphone jack, and its general design language and aesthetic haven’t evolved much over time. The reason why Sony fans are so devoted is rather clear. In contrast to many other brands, whose annual debuts seldom differ from one another, Sony is incredibly consistent.