Sony has been concentrating on its Xperia 1, 10, and 5 series smartphones since 2019, unveiling a new iteration of each series annually. Presently, the Xperia 1 VI (Xperia 1 Mark 6) and the Xperia 10 VI are anticipated to debut around May. However, recent leaks indicate that Sony may discontinue the Xperia 5 VI, halting the Xperia 5 series. Despite Sony launching the last two versions of the Xperia 5 series in September, following the release of the Xperia 1 and Xperia 10 series devices, there remains a window for the company to reconsider this decision.
Sony's Shifting Focus
Tipster Zacbucks hinted at the end of the Xperia 5 series by 2024 in a Weibo post but did not elaborate on the rationale behind this forecast.
The predecessor, Xperia 5 V, was introduced in Europe last September but was not made available in the US market. Sony stated that they "will not [be] carrying the Xperia 5 V in the North American market this year. We want to focus on our flagship Xperia 1 V." Could this indicate that Sony is directing more of its resources and attention towards the Xperia 1 series? The fate of the Xperia 5 series lies in the hands of time and Sony's strategic decisions.
Series Lineup Overview
Here is a compilation of the Xperia 1, 5, and 10 series models that Sony has launched to date:
- Xperia 1 Series
- Xperia 1 – 2019, February 25
- Xperia 1 ii – 2020, February 24
- Xperia 1 iii – 2021, April 14
- Xperia 1 iv – 2022, May 11
- Xperia 1 v – 2023, May 11
- Xperia 1 vi – (upcoming)
- Xperia 5 Series
- Xperia 5 – 2019, September 05
- Xperia 5 ii – 2020, September 17
- Xperia 5 iii – 2021, April 14
- Xperia 5 iv – 2022, September 01
- Xperia 5 v – 2023, September 01
- Xperia 5 vi – DISCONTINUED (Rumored)
- Xperia 10 Series
- Xperia 10 – 2019, February 25
- Xperia 10 Plus – 2019, February 25
- Xperia 10 ii – 2020, February 24
- Xperia 10 iii – 2021, April 14
- Xperia 10 iv – 2022, May 11
- Xperia 10 v – 2023, May 11
- Xperia 10 vi – (upcoming)
Potential Changes in the Xperia 1 VI
Rumors are circulating about a significant design modification in the forthcoming Xperia 1 VI. Previous Xperia 1 models boasted a unique 6.5-inch 4K display (1644 x 3840) with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio. The Xperia 1 VI is speculated to feature a more conventional design, transitioning to a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and a downgraded 2K panel. This shift could broaden Sony's target audience beyond professional camera users, potentially streamlining costs in the process.
