Sony's Upcoming Mid-Range Contender: A Mix of Old and New
Sony's Xperia line is gearing up for its 2024 refresh, and the mid-range Xperia 10 VI is shaping up to be an intriguing blend of modern performance and throwback features. Recent leaks and benchmark results have given us a glimpse into what we can expect from this device.
Design: Embracing the Past
Leaked renders from reliable source Evan Blass showcase the Xperia 10 VI's design, revealing some surprising inclusions:
- 3.5mm headphone jack: A rarity in modern smartphones
- Dual front-facing speakers: Potentially offering improved audio quality
- Dual rear camera system: Main camera with 2x cropped zoom and an ultrawide lens
- Color options: Black, White, and Lavender
The images also hint at water resistance and a kickstand case with a lanyard hole, suggesting Sony is targeting practicality alongside performance.
Performance: A Step Up
While the design may have some retro elements, the internals appear to be getting a significant upgrade:
- Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (according to Geekbench listing)
- RAM: 8GB confirmed, with rumors of a 6GB variant
- Geekbench 6 scores: 934 (single-core), 2816 (multi-core)
This represents a notable improvement over last year's Xperia 10 V, which used the Snapdragon 695.
What We're Still Wondering
Several key details remain unknown:
- Screen specifications (size, resolution, refresh rate)
- Battery capacity and charging speeds
- Detailed camera specs
- Pricing and availability
The Competition Heats Up
The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with devices like the upcoming Google Pixel 8a set to launch around the same time. Sony will need to price the Xperia 10 VI aggressively and leverage its unique features to stand out.
What's Next
Sony is expected to unveil its full 2024 smartphone lineup, including the Xperia 10 VI, at its Xperia event on May 17th. We'll be watching closely to see how this device stacks up against the competition and whether its mix of old-school charm and modern internals can win over consumers.
Update: Tuesday May 07 13:41
The Xperia 10 VI will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and run on Android 14. Its design includes minimal side bezels with slightly thicker top and bottom bezels. The device will be available in three color options: Black, White, and Powder Blue (referred to as Lavender in the main article). Sony has confirmed that the Xperia 10 VI will be unveiled alongside the flagship Xperia 1 VI at an event scheduled for May 15th, two days earlier than initially reported in the main article.
