Sony Xperia 1 IV smartphone

World-first camera phone zoom technology and 120fps video capture means the Sony Xperia 1 IV makes history, but Basil Kronfli asks, is the price too high?

- Basil Kronfli

WEBSITE: sony.com Price: £1,299/$1,599

Everyone can enjoy a phone like the Xperia 1 IV, but Sony makes camera phones for camera fans – it’s that simple. The Xperia 1 IV is particularly exciting given its world-first tech. This is the first phone to support 120fps video capture across all of its rear cameras. Most impressive, though, is the inclusion of a true optical zoom. The phone’s periscope camera can take you from 85mm to 125mm continuously, despite the fact the Xperia 1 IV is a slim, fine-looking slab of frosted glass and blasted metal.

With its 21:9 screen measuring 6.5-inches, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is taller than the competition. This is part of Sony’s Xperia design DNA, and the Xperia 1 IV takes few risks as the 2022 flagship, offering a frosted back and matte, metal frame for a rich-feeling package. It’s a classic mix of flat glass on the front and back and flat, metal sides. IP68 dust and water protection should give peace of mind to anyone using the phone in wet conditions and there’s Gorilla Glass Victus on both sides for added hardiness.