# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published May 14, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-sony-smartphone-of-all-time*

---

## Current results (0 votes)

1. **Xperia Z**
   Sony's 2013 flagship that introduced the iconic OmniBalance design language and IP57 waterproofing to the premium smartphone market.
2. **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.
3. **Xperia Z5 Premium**
   Sony's 2015 flagship that became the world's first 4K-display smartphone, a milestone in mobile screen technology.
4. **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.
5. **Xperia 1**
   Sony's 2019 reinvention that launched the 21:9 CinemaWide OLED format and 4K HDR display, establishing a distinct premium identity.
6. **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.
7. **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.
8. **Xperia 1 IV**
   The 2022 model introduced the world's first true optical zoom smartphone camera with a continuously variable 85–125mm lens.
9. **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.
10. **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.
11. **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.
12. **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.
13. **Xperia 1 VIII**
   Sony's 2026 Xperia flagship with upgraded 66.8MP sensors and a redesigned camera grip system, announced at MWC 2026.

Tags: mobile, brands, tech, all-time