Sony Xperia 1 IX Tipped to Get Bigger Camera Sensor, New Design

Sony’s upcoming Xperia 1 IX smartphone is reportedly set to receive a major camera upgrade, with the device tipped to feature a larger primary camera sensor and a redesigned rear camera module. The rumour comes only a few months after the launch of the Xperia 1 VIII, suggesting that Sony may be preparing a notable imaging improvement in its next flagship Xperia model. The reported change would mark a significant shift for a camera system that has remained largely unchanged across several generations.

According to a report citing a now-deleted post on Weibo, the Xperia 1 IX could use a primary sensor larger than the 1/1.35-inch-type sensor found on the Xperia 1 VIII. The larger sensor is expected to improve light capture and potentially enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. However, Sony has not officially confirmed the Xperia 1 IX or revealed any specifications for the rumoured device.

The reported sensor upgrade could also lead to changes in the smartphone’s rear camera design. The Xperia 1 VIII features a relatively compact, square-shaped camera module housing three rear-facing cameras. The new model is expected to retain the refreshed square design language, although the module could become larger to accommodate the bigger primary sensor. The report also claims that Sony has continued using the same primary sensor since the Xperia 1 V, making the proposed change potentially one of the most important camera updates in recent Xperia history.

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Sony launched the Xperia 1 VIII globally in May with a redesigned exterior and updated internal hardware. The smartphone is available in Garnet Red, Graphite Black, Iolite Silver and Native Gold colour options, with the base model priced at JPY 2,35,400, approximately ₹1.43 lakh. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and offers up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

The Xperia 1 VIII features a 48-megapixel primary camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with a 140mm focal length. It also includes a 12-megapixel front camera and a 5,000mAh battery with wired and wireless charging support. Other specifications include a microSD card slot supporting expansion up to 2TB, dimensions of 162 x 74 x 8.3mm, a weight of around 200 grams and IP65 and IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance.

While the Xperia 1 IX remains unannounced, the reported camera changes indicate that Sony may be focusing on improving imaging hardware rather than making only incremental upgrades. A larger primary sensor and a redesigned camera module could help the company strengthen the Xperia line’s photography credentials. More details regarding the phone’s launch timeline, processor, display, pricing and complete camera specifications are expected to emerge if the rumours gain further confirmation.

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