Sony Launches Xperia 10 VIII with Minimal Hardware Upgrades

Sony Group Corporation launched the Xperia 10 VIII mid-range smartphone via a livestream on August 25, 2026. The device debuts in Japan with a scheduled wider release in mid to late September for markets including the UK and Germany, though it will not be available in the United States due to limited LTE band support and a lack of US carrier 5G certification.

The handset maintains several core specifications from the previous Xperia 10 VII, including a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 5,000 mAh battery with 30W charging. It also retains legacy hardware such as a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD slot. The device runs Android 16 and comes with a promise of up to four major OS updates.

Improvements are primarily focused on the user interface and audio. The 6.1-inch OLED display is 50% brighter than the previous model, and the front-firing stereo speakers are 30% stronger. The camera system consists of a 50MP main sensor and an ultrawide lens, which varies by report between 12MP and 13MP. The phone is available in Frozen White, Frosted Grey, and Misty Lilac with a new translucent rear design.

Despite the minimal internal upgrades, Sony implemented a price increase for the European and UK markets. While early estimates placed the price around €449, the official launch price was set at €599 or £549.