Sony Xperia 10 VIII: Same as Last Year, Now Pricier

Sony unveils the Xperia 10 VIII, a mid-range smartphone nearly identical to its predecessor, the Xperia 10 VII. Only a brighter screen, improved speakers, and a translucent design set it apart, with a €150 price increase.

A smartphone almost unchanged, except for the price

The Xperia 10 VIII retains nearly all the features of the Xperia 10 VII. It keeps the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, 8 GB of RAM (with up to 6 GB of virtual RAM), 128 GB of storage, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a 6.1-inch OLED display with 2340 x 1080 pixels. The camera setup remains unchanged: a 50 MP main sensor with optical stabilization, a 13 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an 8 MP selfie camera.

The only notable upgrades are the screen, with a maximum brightness announced as 50% higher than the previous model, and the front stereo speakers, with a 15% volume boost and 30% deeper bass. Sony also adds a "Rewards and Payments" shortcut accessible via a double-press of the power button, as well as a translucent rear panel with a matte finish.

A higher price tag, despite limited improvements

The Xperia 10 VIII will be available in France from mid-September at a recommended retail price of €599, €150 more than the Xperia 10 VII. In the UK, the price rises from £399 to £549, a similar increase. This hike is partly due to the "RAMpocalypse," a global shortage of RAM that is driving up smartphone production costs.

The smartphone retains user-favorite features: a 3.5 mm Hi-Res and LDAC-compatible jack, a microSD slot (up to 2 TB), and a dedicated physical camera shutter button. It also remains waterproof with an IP65/IP68 rating.

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Three color options available

The Xperia 10 VIII will come in three colors: Frozen White, Frosted Grey, and Misty Lilac.

With the Xperia 10 VIII, Sony is betting on continuity over innovation. While the improvements are real, they seem insufficient to justify such a significant price increase. Fans of the brand will have to decide: pay more for a brighter screen and better speakers, or look for more competitive alternatives.