9 July 2020

Meet Sony’s new flagship Xperia 1 II smartphone

Sony’s new flagship Xperia 1 II is built for speed, offering the world’s first1 smartphone with up to 20 frames per second (fps)2 auto focus/auto exposure (AF/AE) tracking burst

• The 21:9 CinemaWide 6.5” 4K HDR OLED display3 delivers colour accuracy with Creator mode “powered by CineAlta”.

• Audio quality as artists intended with sound tuned in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, front stereo speakers, and new 360 Reality Audio4 with unique hardware decoding to optimise sound quality

Source: Sony. The Xperia 1 II smartphone.
Source: Sony. The Xperia 1 II.
Sony has further strengthened its Xperia lineup with the introduction of the Xperia 1 II (Mark two), a smartphone that incorporates technologies from across the Sony technology portfolio. Built-for-speed features include:

- Twenty fps2 burst shooting with 60 times per second5 AF/AE calculations from Sony's Alpha interchangeable lens cameras.

- Creator mode and cinema recording functions from Cinematography Pro “powered by CineAlta”, from Sony’s professional solutions business division.

- X1 for mobile, based on technology from BRAVIA TV.

Designed with Sony’s Alpha AF technology, the newly-developed triple lens camera supports advanced photo technologies with ZEISS optics, calibrated specifically for the Xperia 1 II. A ZEISS T* Coating contributes to exquisite rendering and contrast by reducing reflections.

Utilising technology developed for Alpha interchangeable lens cameras, Xperia 1 II offers continuous AF that performs AF/AE calculations at 60 times per second5. This enables the world's first1 AF/AE continuous tracking for high-speed shooting at a maximum of 20 fps2 which is especially useful for shooting moving subjects6 such as during sports events - focus and follow the subject with high precision. Furthermore, real-time Eye AF5 locks focus on the subject's eye for stunning portrait shots.

Xperia 1 II fast-focus also works in challenging circumstances thanks to four technologies:

- Dual photo diode sensor7,

- An autofocus system that covers approximately 70% of the sensor8,

- The 3D iToF sensor9, and

- A new large 1/1.7” Exmor RS for mobile sensor which is 1.5x more sensitive than the previous model.

The triple lens camera offers three focal lengths: 16 mm/24 mm/70 mm. The new Photography Pro “technology from Alpha” brings a user interface that is aligned to Alpha photographers, with manual controls to set ISO, shutter speed and more. Imaging Edge for Mobile connects the Xperia 1 II to Sony’s Alpha cameras10, enabling users to repurpose the phone as a camera remote, controlling composition, focus mode and ISO sensitivity among other settings.

The phone also allows the user to transfer photos taken on Alpha to Xperia 1 II to review colours and hues with professional grade accuracy.  

Cinematography Pro “powered by CineAlta” newly supports 2K 120 fps 10-bit HDR cinematic high frame rate shooting11 and cinematic 21:9 4K HDR recording at 24/25/30/60 fps12, enhancing cinematographic shooting experiences. Touch AF, metered manual controls for setting exposure, a level meter and improved white balance settings offer more manual control, while the unique Intelligent wind filter technology from Sony reduces noise and wind interference for clearer audio recording.

The Xperia 1 II is finely tuned for an immaculate entertainment experience. Motion blur reduction technology is equivalent to that of a 90 Hz display and reduces frame lag for clearer image quality.
Drawing on Sony's expertise in both audio hardware and music entertainment, the Xperia 1 II also offers audio optimised in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment. The aural experience is taken even further with 360 Reality Audio hardware decoding to optimise sound quality when listening to music on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL13.

High-quality music can be enjoyed through the front stereo speakers or in combination with wired headphones with the 3.5 mm jack or wireless headphones. Significant audio tuning has reduced crosstalk to an imperceptible 20 dB - over 90% lower than USB-C headphone connections. In addition to High-Resolution and High-Resolution Wireless Audio14, Xperia 1 II introduces DSEE Ultimate. This new technology utilises AI to automatically improve audio frequency and bit rate in real-time, taking each track close to high-resolution audio. It works with wired or wireless headphones, with local or streaming music.

A 21:9 display combined with a direct connection to PlayStation 4's DUALSHOCK 415 Wireless Controller makes gaming on the go more fun. Game Enhancer, a feature that was first introduced on Xperia 1 to enhance the mobile gaming experience, has been improved for the Xperia 1 II. It will now support Competition Set which pins the game app on the screen and turns Xperia to a game-first and focused device, suitable for even competition matches in e-sports. In addition, the touch response time on the screen has been improved performance when compared with Xperia 1.

The Xperia 1 II comes with IP 65/68 water resistance16 and Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on both sides. Matching covers are available. The Xperia 1 II Style Cover View comes in Black and Purple17. This cover protects against everyday wear and tear and also lets users see time, date, and notifications even when it’s closed. The Xperia 1 II Style Cover with Stand, also available in Black and Purple, is a slim case with an integrated kickstand.

Xperia 1 II is powered by a high-capacity 4,000 mAh battery that charges up to 50% in just 30 minutes18 and features Qi fast wireless charging as well. Sony continues to develop battery technologies to improve the lifespan and keep the battery healthier for longer, including artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Battery Care that adapts to users' personal routines.

Details:

The Xperia 1 II in Black, Purple and White will be available in Singapore from Q420 at Sony Stores, Sony Store Online, and the Sony flagship store on Lazada. Price information will be shared later.

Register to be notified of the model’s availability closer to the date.

1 Xperia 1 II’s camera features up to 20 fps AF/AE continuous shooting with tracking. Xperia 1 II produces in-focus photos at up to 20 fps by continuously calculates AF/AE up to 60 times/second. Verified by Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX Service against the published camera specifications for over 16,000 smartphones. Correct as of the 23rd February 2020.

2 Up to 20 fps burst shooting with AF/AE is available for 24 mm camera. 16 mm and 70 mm cameras can shot up to 10 fps AF/AE. This function can be taken with Photography Pro. Effective when drive mode is Hi. Effective when shutter speed is 1/100 second or faster. It may vary depending on the shooting environment. Maximum fps will depend on shooting environment and settings.

3 Display ratios may vary based on content formatting.

4 360 Reality Audio requires a subscription to a compatible online music service, and third party terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply.

5 Effective with 26 mm lens. This function can be taken with Photography Pro. Effective when shutter speed is 1/60 second or faster. It may vary depending on the shooting environment.

6 Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations and this does not work with all types of animals.

7 Dual Photo Diode available for 16 mm and 24 mm cameras.

8 Available on the 24 mm camera.

9 Up to 5 m distance. For videos the 3D iToF sensor works for 70 mm. ToF stands for time of flight.

10 Please see Sony website for list of compatible cameras.

11 Video clip shot in 120 fps high frame rate will be recorded and played back in slow motion. Slow motion effect varies depending on project fps rate such as x2, x4, x4.8, x5.

12 Recording time restrictions apply. Quality of playback subject to platform and device screen capabilities.

13 Xperia 1 II features on-device 360 Reality Audio hardware decoding. Hardware decoding works with TIDAL. Third party-terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply. Service availability may vary by market. Verified by Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX Service against the current audio specifications for over 16,000 smartphones. Correct as of the 23rd February 2020.

14 High-resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless require a compatible headset.

15 DUALSHOCK 4 and XD mount sold separately. Compatibility with game titles may vary.

16 XPERIA 1 II is water-resistant and protected against dust. It can be in rain or placed under a tap, but only if all ports and attached covers are firmly closed. Do not put the device completely underwater; or expose it to seawater, saltwater, chlorinated water or liquids such as drinks.

Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty. The device has been tested under ingress protection rating IP 65/68. For more info, see https://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/dm/waterresistant/.

Note the XPERIA 1 II has a capless USB port to connect and charge. The USB port needs to be completely dry before charging.

17 Timing and availability will vary by country or regions.

18 Charges up to 50% in just 30 minutes (using 21 W USB PD charger, accessory sold separately).