Sony Xperia Pro-I hands-on review

26 October 2021


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tun61, 26 Oct 2021Sd card is way faster than cloud storage. Couldn't agree more. Not only cloud storage depends on internet connection all the time, but not all places also have a properly stable internet connection in the first place. That is why I stopped using cloud storage and go back to a microSD card. Needless to say, I never looked back.

    "Apple overprocesses the photos and often ruins the foliage, sometimes people's faces look like oil paintings, and the colors are accurate yet dull."

    Couldn't have said better. Even with the Sony's aperture set at f/4.0, the iPhone photos are a complete joke. Heck, the iPhone's oversharpening effect is even more visible in lowlight conditions. It seems like Sony finally got the photo quality right with the new Xperia Pro-I. Despite my little interest in Snapdragon 888 chipset, this is definitely on my bucket list, that's for sure.

      • t
      • tun61
      • pd6
      • 26 Oct 2021

      gsmarena, 26 Oct 2021such a big deal, wireless earphones are becoming mainstream... moreSd card is way faster than cloud storage.

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        • 150Ikhwan150
        • XTM
        • 26 Oct 2021

        Nick Tegrataker, 26 Oct 2021"You claim this even when article states iphone abuses... moreHey you guys can stop fighting Now

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          • gsmarena
          • 3Xf
          • 26 Oct 2021

          Alpha, 26 Oct 2021People: IPhone and Samsung drops charger and sd slot and 3.... moresuch a big deal, wireless earphones are becoming mainstream and ever heard of cloud storage?

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            • Stefan
            • S7y
            • 26 Oct 2021

            Sony wouldn't so something as stupid as destroying their own compact camera sales that's why they won't use this sensor to it's full potential

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              • Ivo.
              • jMx
              • 26 Oct 2021

              Why use 1" sensor, but just use a part of it? It makes no sense, especially for this huge price! How horrible is Sony? And why compare the pictures with the iPhone 13 instead of the S21 Ultra, which has the same pixel size, and much better pictures?

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                • Anonymous
                • TL%
                • 26 Oct 2021

                I don't think Sony wants their phones to cannibalise their camera sales so this is the best they can do camera wise. It's not bad but they can do a lot better.

                  • ?
                  • Anonymous
                  • mip
                  • 26 Oct 2021

                  I wish one day Sony's phones will be somewhat important. Right now they are very far into a niche that even professionals often don't dare to go there.
                  We all understand they want to differ, and they do! Those are great phones! They are even way better Camera-Tools. But also they sell horrible and that's for a reason:
                  Phones, unlike cameras, age quicker than they become important. Let's see the iPhone 14 for example. Yes you read that right. Before the 13 was released there were leaks and rumours about the iphone 14. Right after the Galaxy S21 Ultra was released there was rumours about the S22 Ultra. Phones are outdated the day they get released. And they do see a successor just 1 year later.
                  Sony shows us that a phone can be more than a phone, YET it stays a smartphone AND Sony releases phones with hefty delay of 3-6 months(!) after teasing it - often with aged hardware.

                  That said: do you think a "professional" is willing to stick to outdated hardware when there will be new hardware just around the corner? Dont forget Sony sells their phones so delayed, that other manufacturers already rock the new hardware for less money.

                  Sony should think about this: Do they want to sell the greatest cameras, the greatest smartphones or the best camera monitors? Right now their Smartphones are sadly hitting none of those claims.

                    Anonymous, 26 Oct 2021"While Sony is technically correct by saying it is usi... moreThere's nothing to correct - other websites report this as well.

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                      • Ash
                      • 6p}
                      • 26 Oct 2021

                      Spectacular. Just amazing. So much surprised with that totally unique approach of sony. Boss is back with bang

                        Anonymous, 26 Oct 2021You claim this even when article states iphone abuses sharp... more"You claim this even when article states iphone abuses sharpening."
                        Yeah, and I literally said iPhone "isn't particularly great at rendering details naturally" in my comment, didn't I? The point I'm trying to make is that even compared to iPhone with rather mediocre post-processing, the detail rendition on this Xperia isn't fantastic during the day, did you seriously manage to miss such a simple implication? Just zoom into the image and look into small patterns, texts, or even foliage. In a well-lit situation, iPhone is (surprisingly) better, and it's not because of sharpening making it look like it's better or anything.

                        Zero comprehension skill months after months, utterly embarrassing.

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                          • Guest from the best
                          • J9n
                          • 26 Oct 2021

                          Looks like Sony get its own way. Way with real camera inside and fully hardware solution. Not like iPhone\Pixel with their software that operates with one button. This phone will be for pro users, not consumers.

                            Stop blaming this phone for poor selfie cam! Just buy yourself Vlog Monitor and take the best selfies!

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                              • Shui8
                              • KZK
                              • 26 Oct 2021

                              Anonymous, 26 Oct 2021You claim this even when article states iphone abuses sharp... morehttps://youtu.be/9ayaQOBgbbo

                              Go to 6:40. The guy agrees with every single thing that Nick said. Its a great camera, but compromised. This time around looks like Sony hands the phone to a lot of photographers to do the review, and I'm glad it does that.

                              The funny part is, the photographer owns an iPhone 13 (which most other professional photographer does). Why not he's using Xperia 1iii/5iii or before that? Do u think he end up using the Xperia Pro-I? No. Because photographers already have an actual camera components already, they do not care about cameras in smartphone. Trust me, all of the professionals are using Xperia Pro-I for doing reviews only, and they will stick back with their iPhones.

                              And that is the part where Sony target the consumer is? Professional Photographers? Nope. Newbie photographers that want to save money & conveniently a 2 in 1 smartphone + camera)? Might be. If its for newbie, the price are definitely not. Yeah Sony got big profits because of the device are way too high in prices, but on how many units compared to other brands? Sony marketing strategy are definitely weird.

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                                • Anonymous
                                • vjX
                                • 26 Oct 2021

                                Why not use the entire 1-inch sensor, Sony?

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                                  • Alpha
                                  • 80i
                                  • 26 Oct 2021

                                  People: IPhone and Samsung drops charger and sd slot and 3.5mm but its worth the price.

                                  Also People: Sony keeps all of that and adds a new revolutionary camera without stupid gimmicks but its too expensive!

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                                    • Karthikybk
                                    • D3v
                                    • 26 Oct 2021

                                    r33fd, 26 Oct 2021Why, just why? The 1 inch sensor sounded great, until we... moreBecause the small chip might get phone to overheat. Obviously there would be some technical reasons

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                                      • GS88
                                      • L7W
                                      • 26 Oct 2021

                                      Why didn't they go for a imx 700, 766 / 789 setup for the other 2 camera's? It looks impressive, but apparently only the main cam..?

                                        • r
                                        • r33fd
                                        • ScY
                                        • 26 Oct 2021

                                        Why, just why?

                                        The 1 inch sensor sounded great, until we hear they only use a portion of it.

                                        Sony why?