Sony Xperia 1 review - Ahead of the curve - Android

• 167 x 72 x 8.2mm, 178g
• IP65/68
• Gorilla Glass 6
• USB-C audio

“Interesting.” “Not for me.” “Why is it so skinny?” — These are the responses I received when I asked my friends and family what they thought about the Sony Xperia 1.

There’s no question the phone stands out. With a super tall and uncommonly thin profile, the Xperia 1 is monolithic in its own way. The phone’s 21:9 aspect ratio screen demands that it take on a new shape, one that is narrower than most comparable flagships on the market. Though it has been four months since I first saw the phone, I’m still not accustomed to its gangly appearance. People in the real world agreed.

“Interesting.” “Not for me.” “Why is it so skinny?”

Your hand will love the narrow waist. The phone is easy to clutch as you walk about. Reaching the top of the screen with your thumb is an entirely different story. It’s simply impossible for most people. My hand has never performed such gymnastics trying to interact with a phone as it has with the Xperia 1. Sony has software to combat this issue, but still.

These first impressions should not take away from the quality of the product assembled by Sony, which is top notch through and through. The Xperia 1 features stunning Gorilla Glass 6 on both sides, a robust aluminum frame, and (nearly) all the specs and tech you could ask for in a modern phone.

The Xperia 1 is one of the most seamless devices I’ve tested this year. The frame is curved perfectly to match the rounded glass front and back. The seams are aligned flawlessly, creating a tight seal where glass and metal meet. The polished sheen is downright luscious. You can get the phone in black or (love it) purple. I warn you, the phone will slip off your desk or table. Be careful where you place it.

Sony provides a bevy of hardware controls to help you interact with the Xperia 1, all of which are on the right side.

The bottom-most key is the dedicated camera button — something fairly unique these days. Not too many phones opt for the hardware camera button and I’m glad Sony has kept it around. The two-stage key has great action, though it is a bit small. I noticed, however, that I accidentally gripped the button and launched the camera nearly every time I stuffed the phone into my pocket. This got real old real fast. Ugh.

Next is the screen lock/power button. It’s a little further up the side and in a fairly good spot. Perfect action.

Sony was smart to put the fingerprint reader in the right side of the frame. It’s a cinch for your right thumb to reach and sidesteps the problematic under-the-screen placement. It’s also surely simpler to find than an rear-mounted reader would be. The last thing you’ll find on the right edge is the volume rocker. It works well.

One thing I truly appreciate about Sony phones: the thumbnail-accessible SIM and memory card slot. You’ll find it tucked into the top edge.

Other than the USB-C port, the only functional elements built into the bottom edge are two microphones. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack. Bad, Sony, bad.

The triple-camera module is significant. It’s a vertical strip and it stands out from the rest of the rear glass thanks to its raised profile. The phone will rock side to side a bit when placed on a hard surface, such as a table or desk. That might be bothersome to some people.

Sony’s Xperia 1 is a high-quality piece of kit, despite the lanky shape.

Let’s not forget the IP68 rating, which means the phone can sit in up to 1.5 meters (~5 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes before you have to start worrying. I let the Xperia 1 take a nap at the bottom of a water-filled bucket and the phone is still running like clockwork.

Sony’s Xperia 1 is a high-quality piece of kit, despite the lanky shape.

Display