New listings have revealed early details about the Xperia 1 VIII and the more affordable Xperia 10 VIII along with hints at their global availability.
Xperia 1 VIII appears in network listings ahead of schedule
Sony’s next flagship phone isn’t expected until spring 2026, but carriers have already listed the Xperia 1 VIII in their databases. This week, they added multiple model numbers PM-1520-BV through PM-1525-BV that closely follow the Xperia 1 VII’s pattern. These entries suggest Sony has nearly finalized the device for production and plans to launch it in Europe.
North America, however, may once again be left out. Sources suggest Sony has no immediate plans to expand its flagship phone sales in the U.S. or Canada.
Samsung confirms Exynos 2600 launch ahead of Galaxy S26 debut, promising flagship performance and first-ever 2 nm chip design.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powers Sony’s next flagship
Back in September, Qualcomm confirmed that Sony would adopt its new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for an upcoming Xperia model. While Sony hasn’t named the device outright, most observers assume the statement refers to the Xperia 1 VIII. The chip should deliver major performance gains across CPU, GPU, and AI tasks.
That could give the Xperia line a needed edge, especially with Samsung and Google tightening their grip on the Android high-end.
Xperia 10 VIII to launch alongside flagship sibling
New references also include a second, unnamed Xperia model almost certainly the Xperia 10 VIII. This midrange device will likely share the same regional rollout as the flagship. In the past, Sony has limited Xperia 10 sales to Europe and parts of Asia, and signs point to the same plan this time around.
The hardware specs for the Xperia 10 VIII are still unknown. However, Sony usually focuses on long battery life, headphone jacks, and clean Android software.
Xperia 1 VIII availability likely limited by region
If Sony follows previous trends, here’s what the Xperia 1 VIII launch could look like:
- Europe: Broad release through online and carrier channels
- Japan: Flagship support from major operators
- North America: No official release
- Asia (outside Japan): Limited availability depending on market demand
These patterns have remained consistent for several Xperia generations, and nothing in the latest leaks suggests a change.
Sony prepares for a quiet but calculated rollout
Sony isn’t known for splashy smartphone launches, but it sticks to its niche. It seems to be refining its formula again with the Xperia 1 VIII. It’s focusing on cutting-edge hardware, region-specific launches, and a low-key marketing push aimed at die-hard Xperia fans.
