Sony Xperia 1 VIII Arrives in Malaysia with AI Camera Assistant, Bigger Telephoto Sensor and Free WF-1000XM6 Worth RM1,784

One of the biggest highlights of the Xperia 1 VIII is the introduction of the AI Camera Assistant, powered by Xperia Intelligence. Instead of simply relying on automatic modes, the AI acts like your personal photography guide by analysing the scene, subject and even weather conditions before recommending the best camera settings.

Whether it’s suggesting a different lens, adjusting colour tones or applying the perfect amount of background blur (bokeh), users can simply tap on the recommended settings to instantly achieve a more creative and professional-looking shot. The recommendations are based on Sony’s Creative Look technology, inspired by the colour science found in its acclaimed Alpha mirrorless cameras.

Sony has also made a major leap in camera hardware by equipping the Xperia 1 VIII’s telephoto camera with a 1/1.56-inch image sensor—approximately four times larger than the previous generation. The larger sensor allows more light to enter, producing brighter, sharper and more detailed photos, especially when photographing distant subjects or shooting in low-light environments.

The Xperia 1 VIII features a versatile triple-camera system with 16mm ultra-wide, 24mm wide and 70mm telephoto focal lengths. All three cameras now benefit from Sony’s enhanced RAW multi-frame processing, which combines multiple images to improve dynamic range, reduce image noise and preserve fine details. The result is cleaner images with more natural colours, improved shadow details and better highlight control, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Sony has refreshed the Xperia 1 VIII with its new ORE design, drawing inspiration from the textures and colours of natural gemstones. The smartphone is available in four elegant finishes:

• Graphite Black
• Iolite Silver
• Garnet Red
• Native Gold

The device also features a refined body with subtle textured surfaces that provide a more secure grip while maintaining a premium feel.

Photography enthusiasts will be pleased to see the return of Sony’s dedicated camera shutter button, offering a shooting experience that closely resembles using a dedicated camera. Meanwhile, audiophiles will appreciate that Sony continues to include the 3.5mm headphone jack, preserving high-quality wired audio inherited from its iconic WALKMAN heritage.

Entertainment also receives a significant boost with newly developed full-stage stereo speakers. Sony has redesigned both the left and right speaker units to deliver deeper bass, clearer vocals and a wider soundstage.

Whether you’re streaming movies, listening to music or gaming, the Xperia 1 VIII aims to provide a richer and more immersive audio experience without the need for external speakers.

Under the hood, the Xperia 1 VIII is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, delivering approximately 20% better performance than its predecessor.

From demanding mobile games to video editing and multitasking, the flagship chipset promises faster app launches, smoother performance, and improved power efficiency.

Sony also claims the Xperia 1 VIII can deliver up to two days of battery life under typical usage while maintaining long-term battery health for up to four years. Additional power-saving optimisations have also been introduced, including better efficiency when using navigation and map applications.

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII is now available for order in Malaysia with a recommended retail price of RM6,499.

As part of the early bird promotion, customers will receive a Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds and a Style Cover with Stand, bringing the total promotional value to RM1,784.

For those looking for a flagship smartphone that combines Sony’s renowned camera technology, premium audio experience and AI-powered photography tools, the Xperia 1 VIII is shaping up to be one of the brand’s most compelling smartphones yet.