[UPDATE] Sony offered comment on its sensor selection, which I'll reproduce in full below: "We use the 1” sensor for many reasons, even though only a portion of the sensor is used. The benefit of the larger sensor goes beyond using the full surface area vs. a cropped portion. The only thing to gain using the full surface area would be more megapixels. You would go from 12MP to 20MP. All other benefits would be the same. The downside would be a MUCH MUCH thicker and heavier device to accommodate for the much larger lens it would require. Benefits of using the 1” sensor: -Using only 12MP as this image size is optimized for smartphone use and online sharing. -Even though we crop into 12MP from the 20MP, we still use a larger surface area than a typical 12MP smartphone sensor. -The photo diodes are MUCH larger than typical smartphone sensor resulting in greater light gathering capabilities resulting in low noise single image (vs. computational imaging) with the benefit of added computational imaging. -Higher sensitivity also results in faster shutter speeds in low light settings reducing the possibility of motion blur due to slower shutter speeds. -Even though we crop in, the larger sensor delivers shallow DO Far F2.0 -The larger pixels and sensor type also deliver higher dynamic range."
Sadly some of that is marketing BS, from the film world we know that no, unless you use and capture the full sensor size you get ZERO benefit in terms of depth of field. f/2.0 on this cropped sensor will not give you the depth of field of the full 1” sensor will when used completely in the RX100 series. Nor will it out perform a sensor of the same captured size when talking about depth of field.
lol what a load of rubbish. Please, Sony PR people, tell us what the difference would be were you to use a 12MP sensor of the same pixel size ?? I mean aside from losing the marketing BS of the 1" size you're using now. And what would stop anyone now from putting a full frame sensor in a phone and using like a tenth of the pixels,,, oh no, don't get any ideas, Sony.
Ok guys, what do you want them to do? Make the phone 1 " thick? Why don't they spend mega dollars to make a 3/4" sensor to shut you guys up? You guys are a joke!
@@chuckm482 wow, you okay there bud? Also FYI, they make a shit tonne of sensors, probably the most of any sensor manufacturer, so yes they already make a bunch of sensors in that size.
Sry to ask that but, does all that marketing blablubb explain the heat problems that thing has? It's fine yeah, it's a good sensor, but does it MATTER if the phone constant overheats, and you can't use it then? Where are their explanations of that?
Exactly. Hence I still rock a Galaxy Note 9, no notch and a headphone jack. Sony are still world leaders on industrial design when it comes to high end phones and other products. They would never do notches. Wish Sony would make a stylus equipped phone.
10:10 I admire the fact that Sony still chooses to go with a solid bar at the top of the phone foregoing the notch or tear drop or Any such. For me it has a certain classic elegance and practicality since you can fit a whole lot of sensors in it or even some decent front-facing stereo speakers
Love the fact that Sony brought back the 3.5 mm jack since Xperia 1 II. Love the fact that it still has LED notifications and no stupid notches. Despise the overheating (which Sonys have been known for). I also find it unexcusable how jarring that stabilization is. Why should a $1000 not have decent stabilization? I don't think that's too much to ask for non-pro users.
@@The-Heart-Will-Testify Oh I hate how many companies are following Apple. And now they're not even including the charging brick. Like "come on! Can you not nickel and dime us so much?" You gotta vote with your wallet. If we keep paying for all the unexcusable messes they make, no company will change.
Been using Sony phones since the Sony Ericsson days recently bought the Xperia PRO-I so far i'm impressed with it. The next model will be interesting since Sony are on the right path now with their phones improvements.
This phone seems like my old Xperia 1. A nearly there, which the Xperia 1 mk2 refined beautifully. The PRO-I mk2 will be a thing of beauty if they do it... The overheating is Qualcomms fault this gen. Next year they won't make the same error you'd hope
I'm typing this on an Xperia 1 ii - my friends' pixel/galaxy/iphones definitely get better shots than the 'normal' camera app, but I've got some amazing results with the advanced settings. It's like an SLR camera I can take with me, and I might even sell my separate compact point and shoot because I never feel the need to use it. The headphone jack, fingerprint reader and absence of a notch are huge bonuses as well! Very difficult to find those features in a phone with a flagship SoC.
Xperia 1 ii user here Using it since 1 and half year The device is as snappy as it was new. Xperia quality is unmatched I feel different while composing the shots with my manual touch 👍👍👍 I will definitely upgrade the moment they will will use full 1 inch sensor. I don't mind even if the phone is double thick compraed to current size.
I'm an old Xperia user who stopped using in the last 4 years, but let me tell that when I check my old trips photos I feel the urge to get out and buy the new Xperia phone, the photos I took with that phone makes feel proud of myself. The only curse these phones suffer from is that they release the phones with the "alpha version" camera app.
@@NadDew old Sony user who'd never come back. Purchase a phone with decent camera and you won't ever think of purchasing this brand any more. Currently I own a LG I purchased two years ago and I don't understand what held me with Sony for too long. Comparing my old shots with friend's photos from their Samsungs or other brands... Xperias has been terrible since... ever. I wish it wasn't like that but there is no coming back.
I don't know about America or the rest of the world, but here in Japan, the Xperia is second most sold smartphone to the iPhone (being the most sold). Sharp comes third and Samsung fourth. And I'm in love with my Xperia 1 MKIII.
Ha - thanks! I think Sony has actually been improving pretty rapidly ever since it reorganized the Mobile division alongside the camera folks a couple years back. Like, this one gets really close.
@@TheMrMobile that's great. Given you're one of their target customers, they ought to just value this sort of review in gold. I think pretty much all of what you said is solid stuff they can work with. Here's to hoping!
Mr mobile said it, but to echo it. Sony takes the most advice out of any mobile company. People asked for an audio jack, power/fingerprint button, and wireless charging after the Xperia 1. The Xperia 1 ii had all those things. People then asked for 120htz, a matte black and better cameras, they did that again with variable zoom an focus on the Xperia III. Sony is trying very hard and they finally have turned a profit, so something is working.
@@Joshpower57 thumbs up for the jack and SD slot. But everything sounds great until the phone overheats and you can't use it, again the same thing that has happened for the last 7 years
I had been missing a Mrmobile review and as always the wait payed off. Amazing video! These videos are SO entertaining and informative great job Michael!
As someone who carries around a small point and shoot when i can't take my big camera somewhere, I am glad to see their sensors moving over once again to phones. If sony gets this right in their next model I may actually buy it.
I think that the S888 is the one to blame here. The 1 II doesn't overheat, but this year... The cameras on high end Xperia are really in their own league, and I really like that And the overall package is so complete.
Yes, the SD888 was one of the worst updates in years and I am surprised that Qualcomm stayed with Samsung fabs. I have heard there are many issues with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and that Qualcomm are trying to get TSMC onboard. The SD865 and SD855 made by TSMC were very good.
Initially when I was choosing my first Sony phone, I kinda wanted the 5 iii because a phone being released recently means the phone will get longer support from Sony, but knowing the issues with SD888, I went with the 5 ii instead. If the Gen 1 and later still continues the cycle, I might have to stick with my 5 ii for years.
Sony needs to use Asus' passive cooling method found on their Rog Phone 5. It will thicken the phone but nobody in Sony's target demographic will care that much about that.
@@svenstefansson3088 Lifestyle? This isn't a phone for the general pop. It's another phone that sits between the iPhone's video and the Pixel's photo, which is a space already dominated by the giants (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc). The people who want this phone are primarily bloggers who can justify dropping ZFold3 prices.
@@THEJPR Well u know this phone specifically is only for proffesionals but they also have their own flaship range that is meant for more normal people. It shares a lot of feature with the Pro tho and uses the same philosophy. These phones are really really far away from other popular phones like Samsung or Chinanomi or iPhone. Sony is choosing way different approach. They keep stuff like headphone jack and frontfacing speakers at the cost of small chins on the display. They offer camera app that lets you dial everything and shoots in very natural way. Sadly these phones also share some negatives with this phone like thermals so this comment actually makes sense for their whole lineup.
Kinda wish Sony will make a compact version with just the main lens and sensor, focusing more on photography. Maybe a bit thicker for better thermal, and perhaps reposition the lens to use more area of the large sensor.
Excellent video as always, Michael. I'm still daily driving a measly Xperia 10 (2019), basically the polar opposite of the Pro-I you reviewed here. I'm spoiled by the headphone jack, 21:9 aspect ratio and notchless display (even though it's a pretty poor LCD, it's still 1080p). Sony's been one of my favorites since I fell in love with the PSP as a kid. When I finally upgrade It'll probably be another Sony phone, hopefully a midrange this time.
Xperia 10 is nothing bad, it is midranger actually. The only other phones that sony makes are flagships - Xperia 5 and 1 and then they make that premium crazyness for proffesionals like Pro and now Pro-I
@@MrMozkoZrout The phone is definitely terrific for what it is, but I'd definitely classify it as low end. The processor, camera and screen colors all leave a lot to be desired. Still I'm very happy with it, especially considering I got it for about 100£.
The heat problem is the responsibility of Qualcomm processors, but I think that Sony will find solutions to reduce the temperature as it did with the Xperia 1 iii , When I bought it, I was feeling hot while playing a game in it, but two months after its release I received an update and after that I felt that the the heat had decreased significantly and when I searched for update information I found some Chinese sites It says that the temperature has decreased after this update, in general, I hope that Qualcomm will find a solution as soon as possible for the new processors
It's never boring watching your reviews..i love how you explain things like telling a story. Great Job.. Sony did made a "Pro" phone but yeah it's not perfect like other smartphones..
@@Lyraxhaze yep..but other toxic fan boys always see an opportunity to complain about those imperfections of other brands but hey it's their opinion though ehehe ✌✌✌
Currently am owning Xperia 1ii, really love the experience. Have been a Sony lover ever since it had been Sony Ericsson,K300i being my first Phone and thereafter having used sets like W300i, Vivaz, Satio, XperiaSP, Xperia Z3+ etc Was bit upset when they stopped service in India. Had to use Samsung galaxy for a couple of years before coming back to sony with Xperia 1ii. A Sony lover can never like or be comfortable with any other phone. Though I still miss some internal Sony Multimedia features like the old old walkman/movie/music softwares etc.
Last Sony phone I owned was the Xperia Z3 and I loved it. Front facing speakers and waterproof back in 2014 was just amazing. It's a shame Sony doesn't sell any of their phones through carriers in the US anymore.
had the Z5 premium. Biggest regret. The phone was shit, heated up, and its selling point of water resistance and how we can take pictures under water well guess what? it was bs and when sent to sony cause it was clearly badly sealed they just said "it's water damange it ain't our fault"
@@VampsBoy4 I had XZ premium which is like Z5 but updated and that was the best "complete" phone Sony has ever made I think. Currently using Xperia 1 and looking for a new Sony phone to upgrade to and I honestly don't know what to pick. The 1 II is old, 1 III has some overheating issues according to XDA forums and the two PRO phones are pricy and idk if I can justify them + they seem to over heat as well. When I received the X 1 it also had overheat issues even in cold weather. I remember I was at a local car meet, just doing pictures in -10 C weather and this phone threw a fit. The X 1 has now all the major issues taken care of, but I am still a bit salty about the issues I faced. But to be honest there is no other phone I would go for either, I don't want camera I never use taking a hole from my screen and the 3,5 mm jack is a must, the X 1 is lacking it and dongles are annoying,
Great review. This is the MrMobile videos we all like, detailed, encompassing, well narrated, visual comparisons with other devices, all good stuff. Still staggering how companies actually get away with releasing tech that isn't fit for purpose though. That overheating issue isn't cool (literally). it was present on the Xperia Z5 I had way back in 2016, it's even present on the latest GoPro. For devices that sell themselves on enabling you to go out and film in 4k at 120fps etc. but then turns out you can't (or atleast can't for more than a minute) is disappointing. Totally with you on other manufacturers bringing back the notification light. And the physical button for the camera (combined with half press focus) should be on more devices. We take a load of images with our phones, seems only right to have a shutter release button nestled right where our index finger lives when in landscape mode, instead on fumbling (or should that be thumbling) with our thumbs at a non-haptic shutter icon on the touchscreen.
You know what is worse? Those awful and useless Google assistant buttons, why the hell would I want a 'insert useless assistant here' button on my phone?
@@eduardocoyoli2610 I think on some you can repurpose them to call whatever app/action you want. Think it might only be Samsung that has it glued to Bixby!? But yeh, seems daft when you can call Google Assistant by voice or by pressing the home key down.
was the z5 or premium version of it the one with snapdragon 810? that was a toasty one.. same as this one(888)... man they need to beef that up .... the 888 while not as notorious is still pretty infamous for heat too sadly.
That's actually a lot of what Sony products are, they are liable to be either a Banger and highly memorable device or a flop that fell down so hard its kinda funny.
I don't know my dude is it really all that terrible ? no phone is perfect and with what this offers those downsides are actually someting i could be okay with.
Phenomenal video man you honestly take like the best photos and video, and of course you're a master with the audio 👌 Also saw a quick shot that had me in it, it was super dope meeting you again and for small chats we had, till next time! Great work and hope your week goes well my friend 🤝
If you have the time to mess with the 'Pro Mode" dslr type settings every shot, then you can get a really good quality photo. If you just want a quick point a shoot, you are better off with the competition.
I find this completely not true. I have a pixel 6 and Xperia 1 ii. In anything but super lowlight I prefer the 1ii photos. Pixel 6 hdr+ is way too strong and crushes any contrast in a shot. So with the pixel 6 I am constantly messing with the shadow slider or editing raw. The Xperia has auto mode in photo pro that's point and shoot and gets it right majority of the time.
@@saln1296 Yeah, my point is for point and shoot purpose, I don't have to do post edits on my 1ii. Sometimes I don't feel like messing with Lightroom mobile and raw. I've also been in situations in lowlight where the pixel is worse. Example is indoor stage with the lights down in the crowd but the band on stage well lit. Every pixel 6 photo blurred the face of the performer on stage. Took 3 photos and did this every time. A single exposure is adequate at a relatively fast shutter so hdr+ is not helping here. There are situations where the pixel doesn't "just work" like so many reviewers like to bash the Xperia line. It's like these guys have a predefined script they follow every time without doing real testing... All the comments about over heating and bad battery life. This is every sd888 device including s21. Try to list these things as negatives for Sony that affect all current flagships. Not to mention the pixel 6, lots of complaints with heat and battery life. They all are on the same Samsung fab node using x1 cpus. That's where the heat and battery issues come from. The pixel tensor even had 2 x1 cores instead of 1 possibly making it even worse.
Yeah, but there's no reason this phone shouldn't be able to point and shoot/fire and forget stuff as well. It's a *smartphone*. It's not like to do so requires special extra hardware or really even software (there are pre-made solutions available they could use/adapt).
I can't tell you how much I wish that little screen worked with any phone or camera. I have the Atomos Ninja V+, but sometimes I'd like a smaller, lighter screen just for framing up my shot. This little screen would be perfect.
I've shot sony pro i before and the picture is something that you can't explain like it's not always perfect but there is something special about that phone
thanks for the review, I had two units of the xperia xz and the overheat in both of them was very annoying, it ruined a lot of videos of my son. I wish sony had fixed this issues because their phones are quite appealing for me
Great review. Just a quick question. For the night video, did you force the camera to use a specific shutter speed? Or did you leave it on Auto? I wonder if the bad stabilization is linked to have a shutter speed that is too slow for video.
This is not a phone. It is a point and shoot camera with phone function. As a Xperia 1 iii user here, 4500mAh battery wont cut it for a whole day usage if it is being continuously used due to the 4k 120Hz screen.
Finally someone giving it a fair try. We know it still pales in some areas compared to the major phone companys out there but I was tired of watching popular YT reviewers not even trying to use anything that make this phone shine and just giving it a hard time for not having the same post processing. Good job!
Sony needs to take the next step and integrate a rear display into the phone. Those accessories look cool, but all I see is extra time putting it together and taking it apart each time I shoot.
I have been a Sony user for years. I have Experia 1-II in hand. The cons about this phone are its lack of optical stabilization and dim monitor outdoors. I have learnt that Xperia Pro-I also has a dim monitor outdoors. So, I am waiting for the next generation of Xperia.
Oh snap you were on my island! Looks like you were in Waikoloa down the street from me! Hope you had a blast! It's almost always nice especially in winter!
all these people congregating in close proximity on our islands, only double-vaxxed, but no double masks wth? no delta booster and no omicron booster??? disgusting display of disregard for hawaii public health and pfizer's bottom line smdh
The ZEISS logo on the back is enough to convince me of the image quality of that phone! My Planar T* 1.4/50 is permanently mounted on my main camera… as for the 1” sensor here, I am so spoiled from using apsc and FF sensors to find the results just ok. Maybe for social media and vlogging the image quality is perfect but not for a camera replacement, not even an RX100.
how do these companies not see these reviews and think “we need him on our R&D team now!” 🤷♂️ I mean just imagine if Sony collaborated with Michael, how insane would that phone be!!!! 😉👍
This phone has dropped down to 1000 us dollars and if you get it at Best buy , you can get the vlog monitor free. The phone has android 13 ... but sadly still over heats .... I loved the video thanks :)
I remember the excitement I felt around my Sony Expedia Z2 and Z3 phones. The beautiful screens, water resistance (sometimes great, sometimes…not so much). I always felt like with so many megapixels and the Sony image sensor the pictures should just have been … better. As much as I love Sony tech (their WF-1000XM4 are THE noise canceling buds for me), I e always been left disappointed and sad with the cameras on their phones. Which in many ways back then were otherwise excellent. Sad to see they still haven’t quite gotten it right. Sony tends to get stuck in their ways like no other company I’ve ever seen. When that happens with a great product, it’s awesome, but when it’s something that could be great with some real changes, then it’s like being stuck in the Twilight Zone.
Btw 1 inch sensor is equivalent to the old tubing diametre that allows light into the chamber to expose light to the sensor. The sensor itself is not 1 inch. It's an old standard still used till this day. Check out the iconoscope and vidicon tube. Very interesting piece of history. I know nobody will see this but hopefully someone will learn about sensor sizes and their history on why they are called "1 inch" today.
The overheating issue is sadly thanks to the SD888... Hopefully next year they use the true 1" sensor, also, the SD8G1 seems to fix the issues from the SD888, if they put wireless charging maybe next year model might be the best one!
i was using sony xperia one i love the phone but the only problem was battery drain the same issue was with Samsung s9 plus but Samsung fixed it with updates and s9 plus became invincible compared to xperia and i started carrying s9 instead of xperia.
I was so tempted to get this but I already had the Sony Xperia 1 III and I had to set aside the money for other expenses. Still sad. Maybe the next iteration next year. Thanks a lot for this video! 🙏❤️✨