What is the best Sony smartphone of all time?

From waterproof trailblazers to 4K displays and pro-grade cameras, Sony's Xperia lineup has always pushed boundaries that others followed. Which was the best?

Xperia Z

Sony's 2013 flagship that introduced the iconic OmniBalance design language and IP57 waterproofing to the premium smartphone market.

1/13

Xperia Z3

Widely regarded as the high point of Sony's Z-series, the 2014 Xperia Z3 combined exceptional battery life with a stunning 5.2" display and robust waterproofing.

2/13

Xperia Z5 Premium

Sony's 2015 flagship that became the world's first 4K-display smartphone, a milestone in mobile screen technology.

3/13

Xperia XZ Premium

The 2017 flagship that introduced super slow-motion 960fps video capture to mobile phones, winning GSMA Best New Smartphone at MWC 2017.

4/13

Xperia 1

Sony's 2019 reinvention that launched the 21:9 CinemaWide OLED format and 4K HDR display, establishing a distinct premium identity.

5/13

Xperia 1 II

The 2020 flagship that brought professional-grade Sony Alpha camera controls to mobile, with real-time Eye AF and 20fps burst shooting.

6/13

Xperia 1 III

Sony's 2021 groundbreaking release featuring the world's first variable telephoto zoom in a smartphone, covering 70mm and 105mm focal lengths.

7/13

Xperia 1 IV

The 2022 model introduced the world's first true optical zoom smartphone camera with a continuously variable 85–125mm lens.

8/13

Xperia 1 V

Sony's 2023 flagship featuring the first Exmor T sensor in a smartphone and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, bringing the best low-light photography to the Xperia line.

9/13

Xperia 1 VI

The 2024 model that finally replaced the narrow 21:9 aspect ratio with a more conventional display while retaining Sony's pro-camera heritage.

10/13

Xperia 1 VII

Sony's 2025 flagship that upgraded to a 48MP main sensor and Snapdragon 8 Elite, cementing itself as the best Xperia ever made at launch.

11/13

Xperia 5 V

The 2023 compact flagship that matched the Xperia 1 V's main camera in a smaller, more affordable body, becoming the best-value Xperia ever.

12/13

Xperia 1 VIII

Sony's 2026 Xperia flagship with upgraded 66.8MP sensors and a redesigned camera grip system, announced at MWC 2026.

13/13