Sony’s next flagship phone may be getting one of its biggest design shake-ups in years.
Leaked images of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII suggest the company is moving away from its long-standing look. In addition, Sony is introducing a redesigned body alongside a return to its signature 21:9 display.
The images, first spotted on Weibo and shared by case manufacturers (via Notebookcheck), show a noticeably different approach. Most striking is the shift to a square camera module, replacing the pill-shaped layout seen on the previous Xperia 1 VII.
The setup still appears to include three lenses and an LED flash. Furthermore, the Zeiss T* branding remains – a sign that Sony’s long-running partnership with the optics specialist is continuing.
From what’s been shared so far, the front design is changing just as much. Sony looks to be ditching its trademark thick top and bottom bezels in favour of a more modern punch-hole selfie camera. This change could also mean the removal of the front-facing stereo speakers. It’s a notable break from the Xperia formula, which has long prioritised symmetry and uninterrupted displays.
Despite the changes, some familiar Sony touches remain. The display is tipped to feature a 21:9 aspect ratio, shifting back from the 19.5:9 panel on the previous model. In addition, a 3.5mm headphone jack is still expected at the top. Around the edges, you’ll also likely find a dedicated camera shutter button. Further, there will be USB-C and SIM tray placement at the bottom.
As with most early leaks, details should be taken with a pinch of salt. However, sources close to Xperia communities suggest the design is relatively close to the final version. Previous rumours also point to a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and a possible 200MP telephoto camera. These hints suggest serious hardware upgrades to match the new look.
If Sony sticks to its usual schedule, the Xperia 1 VIII is expected to launch around June.
