Sony Xperia 1 V review: specs, battery & used prices
Hands-on-style overview of the Sony Xperia 1 V with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: screen, cameras, battery, performance and what it costs used.
Summary
The Sony Xperia 1 V is Sony's 2023 flagship — the last with the true 4K 21:9 display: a 6.5-inch panel at 120 Hz, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a triple camera led by a 48 MP main with the line's larger sensor, 4K at 120 fps video, and a 5,000 mAh battery in a 187 g body. It sold new for $1,399, and the used median for a 12/256 GB unit has settled near $496 on a deep 20-sale sample — a three-quarters discount that finally makes the line accessible.
Display and design
The 6.5-inch 21:9 OLED runs at 120 Hz, scoring 63/100 on our screen-quality axis — the unique 4K-class aspect ratio remains the display argument even as brighter rivals arrived. At 187 g with a compactness score of 87/100, it is among the most one-handable flagships ever made, with IP68 protection and a headphone jack.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still plays in the upper tier: a gaming score of 40/100 with the Xperia's strong sustained behaviour, and everyday speed that remains fully fluid. Update policy is not recorded; by 2026 the practical runway should be considered short.
Camera
The triple camera pairs 48 MP main and ultrawide sensors with a 12 MP variable telephoto, recording to 4K at 120 fps with Alpha-derived autofocus. Our camera score of 41/100 is mid-catalog — video and manual control are the strengths; computational stills never were the Xperia way.
Battery and charging
The 5,000 mAh battery scores 40/100 on our battery-life axis — dependable all-day runtime. 30 W charging is dated for 2026, scoring 12/100 on our axis, and wireless charging is supported.
Verdict
At around $496 used, the Xperia 1 V is the affordable entry to Sony's video-phone philosophy: 4K120, manual control, the last 4K 21:9 panel — with slow charging and a short remaining runway as the price. Its deep sales sample and 83/100 resale score make pricing predictable rather than cheap. The Xperia 1 VI trades the 4K panel for efficiency; the Xperia 1 VII continues the line.
Data sheet
Overall score
mid (0–100 composite of performance, battery, value and longevity)
Review scores
nanoreview.com editorial · 0–100| Screen | 6.5" OLED |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Memory (RAM / storage) | 12 GB / 256 GB · 12 GB / 512 GB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Main camera | 48 MP |
| Released | 2023 · Android |
Memory & used prices
| RAM / storage | New | Used (eBay median) | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 / 256 GB | $1,399 | $496 | 20 listings |
| 12 / 512 GB | — | $800 | 2 listings |
Resale trend
Estimate from two anchors: launch MSRP $1,399 (2023) and used-market median $496 (2026). −29% / year · next year ≈ $351
Cost to own ≈ $10/mo · buying now at $496, 2-year horizon
Money could earn ≈ $1.8/mo · the $496 kept at 4.17%/yr (US Treasury 3-month bill, as of Sep 21, 2026)
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