It felt like Sony Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II have just gotten into the hands of users and we are already hearing about the new Xperia 1 and Xperia 5. Did time really fly, or is it that Sony is slow in pushing them out after they were announced? I wonder…
Anyways, with the new Sony Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III smartphones, Sony has introduced the world’s first smartphone with a Variable telephoto lens paired with a Dual PD sensor and the world’s first 4K HDR OLED 120 Hz refresh rate display.
As usual, imaging is the main focus (pun not intended) with these phones.
Here are the official highlights as far as imaging goes:
• Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, newly equipped Real-time Tracking and fast, accurate continuous AF across all lenses
• 20fps Burst Mode with low light noise reduction powered by BIONZ X™
• Brand new AI (artificial intelligence) super resolution zoom technology
• Updated Photography Pro feature – now equipped with 'Basic Mode' 
And here’s what Variable Telephoto Lens is about:
“The variable telephoto lens on each of the new Xperia models allows for focus to acquire instantly when users are switching between the 70mm and 105mm lenses. Pairing this unique lens setup with a dual PD sensor and a dual PDAF capabilities ensures that all of the beauty and detail in each image is captured in full, across the entire focal range.”
Both models offer four focal lengths in photo and video recording, namely, 16 mm, 24 mm, 70 mm and 105 mm. And then there is, of course, ZEISS optics calibrated for Xperia and ZEISS T* coating that reduces reflections.
There’s actually another world’s first and that is Sony’s pride and joy, 360 Reality Audio. The new Xperia is the world’s first smartphone to reproduce 360 Reality Audio in the speakers.
The audio department further touts 360 Spatial sound for up-mixing stereo music “into an immersive audio experience.” Also partly relating to audio is the new and improved Game Enhancer features which include a new audio equalizer, an optimized V.C microphone and high frame rate recording feature.
Other notables include Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, Gorilla Glass Victus, “evolved full-stage stereo speakers” that is 40% louder than its predecessor, expandable storage up to 1 TB, and an improved battery life (4,500 mAh) with 30W charger that tops up to 50% in 30 minutes.
The fastest charging there is, but good enough. Qi wireless charging is in order too. In addition, there is a newly extended battery life of up to three years.
The difference between the two models are quite subtle, IMHO. Key differences are in the display size, resolution and type, memory capacities, and camera configuration.
The new Sony Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III Smartphones will reached U.S. shores in Summer. Pricing remains to be advised. Meanwhile, you can learn more the new Xperia devices HERE and HERE.
Images: Sony.
