Sony Xperia 1 IV: WORST Phone of 2022?!

Summary

The Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV is a powerful phone designed for photography enthusiasts and content creators, offering features like a 4K screen, manual camera controls, and continuous zoom. However, its steep $1,600 price tag and overheating issues, especially during video recording, significantly hinder its value. While the phone excels in specific areas, like its dedicated camera app and impressive design, the reviewer argues that most users will find better alternatives, such as the Pixel 7, which offer superior performance at a lower cost. Overall, the Xperia 1 Mark IV is a niche product that falls short in terms of value for the average consumer.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV is a high-end phone with impressive features like a 4K display, Cinematic aspect ratio, continuous zoom, and manual photography controls.
• 😀 Despite its high-end features, the Xperia 1 Mark IV is criticized for not providing great value for its $1,600 price tag, especially considering its overheating issues.
• 😀 The reviewer paid around $1,170 for the Xperia 1 Mark IV, and it dropped in price shortly after, further impacting its value perception.
• 😀 One major flaw of the Xperia 1 Mark IV is its overheating, particularly when using the camera for recording videos, even at lower resolutions like 1080p.
• 😀 Although the Xperia 1 Mark IV has a great camera system for manual photography, its point-and-shoot performance is subpar compared to other phones, especially the Pixel 7.
• 😀 The Xperia 1 Mark IV's software support is limited to 2-3 years, compared to competitors like Apple, which offer longer software lifespans.
• 😀 For most people, the Pixel 7 offers better overall value and photo quality, often surpassing the Xperia 1 Mark IV even in manual photo settings.
• 😀 The Xperia 1 Mark IV is aimed at content creators and enthusiasts who want control over their camera settings, but this comes at a premium price.
• 😀 The Xperia 1 Mark IV features thoughtful design elements like expandable storage, a dedicated shutter button, a headphone jack, and a lightweight build.
• 😀 The reviewer still enjoys the Xperia 1 Mark IV, considering it their favorite phone of 2022, but recognizes its limitations for the majority of users and its poor value proposition.

Q & A

What are the key features of the Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV mentioned in the script?

The Sony Xperia 1 Mark IV features a 4K display, cinematic aspect ratio, continuous zoom, 120Hz refresh rate, built-in fingerprint sensor in the power button, expandable storage, headphone jack, 5000mAh battery, and great camera capabilities with manual control options.

What is the main reason the reviewer believes the Xperia 1 Mark IV is a flop of 2022?

The reviewer feels the Xperia 1 Mark IV is a flop due to its high price of $1600, which they believe doesn't justify its value when compared to other phones, especially with its overheating issues during video recording.

How does the reviewer describe the camera experience on the Xperia 1 Mark IV?

The camera app for point-and-shoot is not highly rated by the reviewer. While manual photography mode offers extensive controls and better results, the phone's regular camera performance is not impressive compared to other smartphones like the Pixel 7.

What issues did the reviewer encounter with the phone’s overheating?

The reviewer faced frequent overheating warnings, particularly when recording videos, even at 1080p resolution. The phone would shut off or give warnings when it got too hot, especially in warm outdoor conditions.

How does the reviewer compare the Xperia 1 Mark IV to the Pixel 7?

The reviewer states that the Pixel 7 often takes better photos with its point-and-shoot camera, even without manual adjustments. While the Xperia 1 Mark IV offers more control with manual settings, the Pixel 7 delivers better results for most users.

What is the price comparison between the Xperia 1 Mark IV and other phones mentioned in the script?

The Xperia 1 Mark IV costs $1600, which the reviewer believes is too much when compared to other phones like the Pixel 6A ($299) or the Pixel 7. The reviewer points out that one could buy several Pixel 6A phones for the price of one Xperia 1 Mark IV.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the design and form factor of the Xperia 1 Mark IV?

The reviewer loves the design and form factor of the Xperia 1 Mark IV, appreciating its sleek, thin build. However, they note that this tight design contributes to its overheating issues, as there is little room for heat dissipation.

What does the reviewer think about Sony’s approach to the phone’s software support?

The reviewer criticizes Sony for providing limited software support (2-3 years), which is less than other brands offering 4-6 years of support, such as Apple. This is seen as a disadvantage in the Xperia 1 Mark IV.

What other phones or devices did the reviewer mention as alternatives to the Xperia 1 Mark IV?

The reviewer mentioned the Pixel 7, Pixel 6A, and the OnePlus 10T as alternatives. They particularly recommend the Pixel 7 for its better camera performance and value for money.

What accessories does the reviewer mention for the Xperia 1 Mark IV, and what are their thoughts on them?

The reviewer mentions several accessories for the Xperia 1 Mark IV, including a gaming apparatus to bypass overheating and a handheld monitor. While these accessories can enhance the experience, they increase the overall cost, making the phone even more expensive.