Sony has launched the Xperia 1 VIII in Singapore, its latest flagship smartphone featuring an AI Camera Assistant designed to take the guesswork out of photography by automatically suggesting camera settings based on scene and subject recognition.

Available for order from 13 May 2026, the Xperia 1 VIII is the first in the series to integrate Sony’s Xperia Intelligence AI layer directly into the camera workflow, recommending colour tones, lens selection, and bokeh effects in real time.

AI Camera Assistant and Telephoto Upgrade

The AI Camera Assistant works by analysing the scene — factoring in the subject, lighting conditions, and environment — and surfacing creative suggestions that draw on Sony’s imaging philosophy developed through its Alpha camera line. Users can apply a recommended look with a single tap.

The telephoto camera has also been substantially upgraded. Its new 1/1.56-inch image sensor is approximately four times larger than the one used in the Xperia 1 VII, enabling clearer detail in low-light conditions and at distance. All three cameras — 16mm, 24mm, and 70mm — now apply RAW multi-frame processing across every lens, simultaneously expanding dynamic range and reducing noise in challenging lighting.

Performance and Design

The Xperia 1 VIII is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform, delivering a reported 20% improvement in processing performance over its predecessor. Sony claims a two-day battery life under standard usage conditions.

The handset introduces a new ORE design language inspired by raw gemstones, available in four finishes: Graphite Black, Iolite Silver, Garnet Red, and Native Gold. It retains the dedicated hardware camera shutter button and 3.5mm audio jack — features that have distinguished the Xperia line from most flagship competitors.

Newly developed left and right stereo speaker units deliver wider stereo separation, deeper bass, and extended high-frequency response.

Singapore Pricing and Promotion

Pricing has not been disclosed in the press release. An early bird promotion runs from 13 May to 30 June 2026, bundling the Xperia 1 VIII with a pair of WF-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones (valued at S$479) and a first-party case (valued at S$50). The handset is available through Sony Stores in Singapore.