The Sony Xperia 1 VII is launching soon, but not everyone will get it right away. A recent leak suggests a staggered release, with Japan getting the first taste of Sony’s latest flagship while the global market faces a significant delay. The U.S. release remains uncertain, leaving American fans in suspense.
According to sources cited by Notebookcheck, including Sumaho Digest, the Xperia 1 VII is expected to launch in Japan as early as next week, around May 15. However, other markets will likely have to wait until the third quarter of 2025, with a tentative release date sometime in July. While a European launch seems probable, the situation in the U.S. is less clear.
While there’s no official confirmation of a U.S. release, there’s a glimmer of hope. The Xperia 1 VII was recently spotted on the FCC website, suggesting that at least one upcoming Xperia phone could be headed stateside. This doesn’t guarantee the 1 VII’s arrival, but it does keep the possibility alive.
The Xperia 1 VII is rumored to share a similar design and size with its predecessor, the Xperia 1 VI. However, under the hood, it’s expected to boast significant upgrades. Reports point to a 4K display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The camera system is also expected to receive a boost, with a new telephoto lens offering a 70-200mm focal length, according to Phone Arena.
The Xperia 1 VI notably skipped the U.S. market, disappointing American Sony enthusiasts. Sony officially confirmed to The Verge that the phone would be limited to Europe and the UK. Will Sony reconsider its strategy for the Xperia 1 VII? Despite the FCC filing, it’s too early to say for sure. For now, we’ll have to wait and see.
