Sony’s Next Flagship Android Phone Lands Next Week, But Will You Be Able to Buy It?

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge has some competition, as Sony will launch its next flagship phone next week, too.

The Japanese company has yet to confirm the name of the upcoming smartphone, but if Sony follows its current naming convention, it will likely be the Xperia 1 VII.

The launch event is set for May 13 in Japan, but as it takes place at 11 a.m. local time, it’ll be at 10 p.m. ET or 7 p.m. PT on May 12 in the US. You can watch along with Sony’s YouTube livestream (embedded above) to be among the first to learn about the phone.

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Multiple Xperia 1 VII teasers have emerged over the last few days, like a 3.5mm headphone jack, a key selling point on Sony phones.

Sony has also confirmed it will highlight the Walkman brand on the phone, suggesting a focus on its audio prowess. One of the trailers also has a “powered by Alpha” tagline, so expect some camera tricks. Leaks also tip a top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Android 15 software, and a refined design.

Oddly, Samsung also plans to formally announce the Galaxy S25 Edge on May 12, two hours before Sony’s reveal.

That said, it’s unclear if Sony will sell this phone in the US. Last year’s Sony Xperia 1 VI didn’t launch in the States, where Apple and Samsung dominate the market.

The ongoing tariff situation may also be giving Sony pause. In early April, Trump announced a 24% “reciprocal tariff” on Japan, which was later lowered to 10% for at least 90 days. The US then exempted smartphones from tariffs (save for a separate 20% levy on goods from China), though phones may get roped into an upcoming semiconductor-focused tariff.

Sony shifted most of its smartphone production from China to Thailand in 2019. Thailand faced a 36% tariff before the pause and exemption.

Japan is currently negotiating a trade deal with the US, but the two countries “remain far apart,” The Japan Times reported this week.

About James Peckham

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I’ve written tech news for over a decade, and as a Reporter at PCMag, I cover the latest developments across the gadgets and services you use every day. Previously, I worked for Android Police, TechRadar, and more.

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