topic Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV. in 1 Series

What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

kzagham — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 12:46:24 GMT

Everyone can add in below in comments, the functionality they would like to see in the next Xperia flagship.

I've compiled a list below and hope to see Sony leverage its capabilities to bring the best in the Xperia 1 IV next year. Although I do like Sony's approach in focusing on; Audio, Gaming, Photography, Cinematography, Cinephiles & Performance, there is still a lot more that Sony can do in this space.

This is the list of features I would like to see:

1) Better Selfie Camera- using Sony's own IMX sensor, larger sensor size, higher MP & support 4K 60fps video.

2) Include tech from Bravia XR, so utilise some form of cognitive intelligence, add in some of the features such as:

XR OLED Contrast Pro, XR Color, XR Clarity, XR Motion, Dolby Vision/ HDR10+ Support etc for mobile. It will not affect TV sales due to screen size difference and TV's have different purposes- Samsung is a good example of this- in fact, they optimise sharing features etc exclusive to Samsung smartphones for higher quality video/ content transfer and having a better display on smartphones encourages more people to get TV's from that brand if they like the smartphone.

3) Leverage Bravia x Sony Pictures so we can get something like Bravia Core for mobile (4K content on mobile is currently too limited, Prime is temperamental as not all 4K content is available in 4K on mobile, Netflix is capped at 1080p, Disney+ is capped at 1080p etc).

4) Improved Camera performance working with Zeiss and Alpha division- especially video, we definitely need an automatic mode in Cinema Pro, better dynamic range, multi-exposure framing for video, better stabilisation, higher bit-rate video, 8K, oversampling to get 4K video using full sensor size, more aspect ratio options e.g. 16:9/ 17:9 video in Cinema Pro, S-Cinetone, possibly Dolby Vision, 4D Focus, time-lapse, better video in the native camera app similar to the basic mode for photo pro. In general larger MP and sensor sizes across the board. If Sony wants to stay competitive they need to be better than competition smartphones, they need to realize that making an amazing smartphone camera will not cannibalize/ harm professional camera or DSLR sales- but if you put poor performance cameras on your smartphones, people will just buy smartphones from other companies such as Samsung or Oneplus and that drives revenue away from Sony.

5) Add in more modern solutions and features such as reverse wireless charging, Night Mode Photography and Cinematography, 12-bit photography, 8K video, larger battery sizes, zoom capabilities, better 5G and mm wave support, new display tech (better/ brighter panel, higher res 5120*2160 etc).

6) Gaming should incorporate PlayStation Division- exclusive PlayStation games for mobile but only available on Xperia smartphones, PS Now in 1080p/4K, PS5 Controller Support, PS5 Remote Play, etc.

7) Better Software- move away from stock android and make software more stable, there are always problems with late rollout of android and there are always issues on older devices. Sony needs to fix this, bring back stuff like the gallery app, increase software support time for devices and make sure apps such as the native camera app, cinema-pro and photo-pro do not crash and allow photography and video-recording below 5% battery, as there are moments that are more important than battery life that once missed can not be retaken.

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

MarlonUk1 — Wed, 05 May 2021 18:41:52 GMT

@kzagham

good suggestions. Im afraid if all of these tech is in one device the price of the device would be astonishingly high..

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

kzagham — Thu, 06 May 2021 21:55:47 GMT

Not really, in fact this might still be lacking in terms of other 'features' that competitors are working on. Also a lot of this is software-based and Sony already has the technology, they just need to internally move it to support the Xperia line. Sony should keep price exactly the same or cut down on it to compete. As it stands, Sony should be targeting the likes of the S21+ and iPhone 12 Pro level pricing with the Xperia 1 lineup, reason being the lack of brand recognition in the mobile space. Not many people know that Sony makes smartphones or the quality of those smartphones. A lot of people think that adding features will 'increase' price, but this year could have been better for Sony to increase market share- iPhone 12 was iterative and S21 lineup was iterative this year. Sony could have innovated much more and gained market share with a better device. However, next year will be a big upgrade for the S22 which will launch in Jan/ Feb- whilst Sony will be waiting until May/ June to launch. If they don't innovate and save cost by not updating devices Sony will end up like Nokia, Motorolla, HTC etc. It is disturbing to see fewer number of smartphones being sold by Sony year on year for this exact reason.

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

Ollsbols — Wed, 12 May 2021 12:44:59 GMT

For me it is some basic things. Sony returning to some of their own software development.

Email client on the Z3 was really good. No longer available

Gallery on the Z3 was brilliant. The current one is very basic

Show map where photos have been taken
Set up a folder that is connected to my NAS drive
Setup a folder connected to my OneDrive

Files app to allow me to connect to cloud or NAS

I have an Xperia 5, so a finger print scanner that works would be good.

Some user customisation of the native launcher. Icon packs, size of grid.

Brighter screen for sunny days.

Rely less on native Google apps.

Allow the user to remove the Facebook and YouTube apps not just disable.

Keep (from the Xperia5):

The design philosophy. Sony phones are really well built and look great.

The camera button on the side is brilliant. Don't lose that.

Fingerprint scanner on the side (when it worked) was really good.

Pro video camera software is very good. Love it. (wish I could get the pro stills camera app on my X5)

Expandable and removable memory card is great.

Primarily get the marketing and pricing right. It is always going to be difficult to outspend Samsung and Apple. However Sony are not really looking to overturn these companies. Just announce the phone with an actual release date and a price that seems reasonable.

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

jeoleo7 — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:36:44 GMT

Play memories Online with 15 GB for a user and changelogs during software updates would be appreciated.

and 3 major software updates!!

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

Gilgameshuk — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 18:53:29 GMT

1. Do not use any Samsung sensors at all, they are simply MUCH inferior and since all phones that have had a samsung sensor have had problems and criticism. That is reviews and end users have criticized the quality of images effected by the Samsung sensor.

On the 1 and 5 mark 1 (the 2019 models) it was because the MAIN sensor was a Samsung model.

I have undertaken a battery of tests to bare this out, how 4k video stability was slowly getting better and then as soon as Sony used a Samsung sensor as the main snapper, then things went to pot

Below is the proof

The reason for this is that Samsung make Sony xperia screens (since they went to 4k OLED, as the XZ2P and below the 4k screen was made by JAPAN display INc but they are not geared up for OLD The xz3 was a 1440p Panasonic display p-oled, with anything after that made by Samsung) but Samsung FORCED Sony into a contract where if Samsung built the screen (to Sony Specifications) then they had to include their samsung sensors, also for Sony to get a cheaper price.

This question was asked on this forum before , however one of the moderators was under the instructions on not to answer that question, however a simple DEVICE HW INFO will tell you that Sony were forced to utilised INFERIOR SK5 Sensors.

There has been a current trend within Sony Xperia releases

Xperia 1 and 5 mark 1 series (3 Samsung S5K sensors and just 1 Sony sensor 'the Ultrawide)

Xperia 1 and 5 mark 2 series (2 Sony sensors main and ultrawide and two Samsung sensors telephoto and selfie)

Xperia 1 mark 3 Three Sony sensors and only one Samsung (with that being a Selfie sensor)

So if the trend follows then hopefully Sony will be wise enough not to use an inferior Samsung sensor at all (if they can get out of the contract that has plainly hurt sony xperia sales)

My views for the next Sony Xperia

Don't utilise Samsung sensors at all
A small change on Cinema PRo and that is common sense to allow for an OPTION OF AN EXTERNAL MIC (use a toggle switch between internal and external mic, us film makers will wish to use shotgun mics etc. Currently in Cinema pro only Internal Mic is support and this does not make sense at all and forces us film makers to forgo the Cinema pro and we are forced to use Filmicpro and thus rendering Cinemapro useless..
Larger Battery but keep the charge times the same as they are on the mark iii
Further Improve the Internal DAC
Allow for major third-party GIMBAL support in Cinema Pro
Allow for switch off HDR in Cinema Pro (in some cases HDR IS WORSE as proven below:
Work on making HDR colours more accurate
Do what you do on the Alpha series of Cameras-even the ZV-E10 does this (ALLOW the phone to film in 6K but downsample is to 4k -leaving a slightly better result than filming in 4k natively. CaN THIS BE DONE ON A 1/7" sensor or does it have to APSC sized to bring this about?
Be more transparent with your customers: include a changelog with any MAJOR update- if its just a security fix then just say security fix)

NOTE: HDR is NOT a magic bullet in order to fix videos and stills. Knowing how to use your phone IS.

The proof is below:

Anyone who has been around the Mall of Dubai (i fly there on a regular basis -at least before Covid, knows that the Aquarium water and lights in there are BLUE)

Aquarium with HDR OFF (the natural blue) (this one is correct)

Now the second is with HDR set to on (both were taking with the standard app as that allows me to turn HDR on and OFF) both videos were taken one after another.

I could go on but HDR needs some SERIOUS work.

Not meaning to big up my channel but if you visit it I doubt if there is anyone who has tested the 1 and 5 mark 1 series as much as I.

So these are my suggestiond

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

kzagham — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 15:05:32 GMT

Techradar just came up with their own list of features they want in the Xperia IV:

https://www.techradar.com/news/sony-xperia-1-iv

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

AlexandruRai — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 22:00:37 GMT

I would say in fewer words:

1. Bigger sensors with xenon blitz (clearly only Sony's, front having like the one on XA2 with 2 in 1 capability could be perfect, but with much better processing!).

2. Better glass and screen nits (only made by Sony!).

3. Better torchlight for lantern (for all class devices!).

4. Better software processing video-audio and compatibility with third party apps.

5. Lower pricing!

Resulting: HOT PRO CAKES and AMAZING LONGTIME SALES!

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

Gilgameshuk — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 17:26:23 GMT

Addendum to my post:

INCLUDE inbuilt ND FILTERS for the next flagship that can be turned on/off.

I mean you included them with the ZV-1 Vlogging camera (which as a fixed lens)

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

kzagham — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 21:50:23 GMT

Definitely would be nice to see ND Filters!

I also agree with the other points made, such as the in house software like email clients, gallery, etc.

The idea on a button for HDR on/off would be nice to see as-well, as would bigger sensor sizes all Sony, more gimbal support, mic support etc.

Having seen the announcement of the iPhone 13 today, I think sony does have a good chance if they can offer a big jump in the next product. The cinematic video mode with pull focus which renditions automatically is a good feature, but Sony has already had pull focus tech since the first Xperia 1- but touch to focus & 3D itof sensor could be used to enhance this affect automatically in the cinema pro app to give depth and slow down the transition of focus.

Also the max brightness of this gen iPhone is only 1200 nits at HDR, otherwise 1000 nits- which should reduce the gap if Sony can improve in this area, at least this year.

On the flipside, software wise I hope to see some improvements. The Xperia 1 is showing it's age and the delay between pressing shutter button and camera opening is noticeably longer now with a black screen preventing any action. Also when trying to use the native camera app for video, the first few frames are missed and then it jitters before resuming smoother video. Other than that is absolutely fine, battery is still quite good and the phone is still fast for other tasks and gaming. I think it's something with the native camera app that is flawed or after an update broke. Things breaking in software updates or over time on older phones is something Sony needs to prevent if they want to retain customers.

But features wise, I think Sony don't need to waste money on a macro camera, under-display fingerprint scanner or a huge design change. These things would be nice, but that R&D money would be better used in improving the current fingerprint scanner, better selfie camera with higher MP count and larger sensor size, night mode finally and software/ ISP improvement, brighter panel and other useful changes that are more practical.

Fingers crossed, Sony deliver something truly amazing this year and the wait is worth it!

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

AlexandruRai — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 21:59:35 GMT

Bigger, faster, OWN MADE sensors!

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

jeoleo7 — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 10:02:26 GMT

I think SONY should also give software updates for few more years than what it provides now.

.... similar to that of mangoes and apples. 😋

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:48:29 GMT

I do believe that they support software updates for 2 years only and it will be really great if that can be more

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

kzagham — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:56:33 GMT

Have you seen the Xperia Pro I?

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/smartphones/xperia-pro-i

https://electronics.sony.com/mobile/smartphone/professional-smartphones/p/xqbe62-b

Unfortunately, only 60% of the sensor is being used, as it is outputting 12MP from a 20MP sensor. Which puts it at 1/1.66" if I'm calculating this correctly. Despite that the output is pretty good, it is putting an Xperia phone into the hands of content creators. Now hopefully, Sony can get direct feedback or collect data on how pro's edit photos and videos, to improve the auto mode to automatically process images in that way. So essentially make the usual Xperia line, i.e. the Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 IV and Xperia 10IV targetted at a wider audience, to slowly gain back more market share. And having two seperate pro phones that they can alternate or update for the more dialled in manual settings and niche's of prosumers. I do hope the unique processing (LSI) or something better is used in the Xperia 1 IV. They also can update the algorithm over time via software updates, so Sony should normalise a new cycle of updates, 3 android updates, 5 years of bug fixes & software support and 2 years of camera updates. So you'll get all the software updates of the current flagship and the next one, as most people are on a 2 year contract or cycle anyway, this will bring more people in.

The ability to edit photos and videos natively on the phone, as marketed for the Xperia Pro-I would be great to see on the Xperia 1 IV as-well. Although, they need to use a bigger sensor than 1/1.66", ideally at least 1/1.33" if not 1/1.22" or more. But actually utilise 100% of the sensor. The reason for using a bigger sensor, is to enable down-sampling, so if the phone can record in 6K 60fps that can be downsampled to 4K 60fps, whilst using more of the sensor and also for better dynamic range & low light performance. Also, that could lead into a higher fidelity codec, similar to pro-res in the new iPhone 13 or the recording in Dolby Vision, so a hybrid format that has great output which can be used out of the box, but also leaves room to edit.

Also, hopefully we see a night mode this time, or as some users have pointed out the need for an option to enable more processed images & automatically trigger night mode where required (even if that means automatically taking two pictures in dim lit scenarios, one without and one with night mode).

The next phone is going to be a big market shifter for Sony and I am really looking forward to seeing what Sony bring to the table! Finally looking to upgrade from the Xperia 1 as-well, so this needs to be good. Also, Sony should at some point start thinking of either doubling in with Snapdragon or looking to get their own chip made that plays nicer with sony tech such as the BionZ processor and X1 for mobile (maybe even newer versions, cough cough the letter X and the letter R).

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

AlexandruRai — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 09:01:27 GMT

For now, the PRO I one has:

1. Still crap front face camera not in house made!

2. Still not a 100% capable 1 inch rear sensor!

3. No one mentioned the brightness. Sony is capable of repeating errors!

4. Who knows how bad is the torchlight instead and what's more important that an 1-inch sensor needs also a blitz flash! Where is it?

5. Where is 'better pricing' compared to real life results?!

In conclusion, I don't know who is telling Sony to make up its ideas, but one thing is for sure: THIS SITE IS SUCH AN OUTSIDER WAY FOR SONY's DEVELOPMENT! NONE OF THE REQUESTED HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED! (Not to remember the fact that for other devices 1, 5, II, III still the shooting modes are not sufficiently software improved! 10II, III are lost, none of the requested in Sony customer support have not been solved!)

So: THANK YOU SONY FOR CONSTANTLY BS-ing the most die hard fans and to all that are working for this site and being such outsiders being unable to do something great! CHEERS!!!

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

kzagham — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 23:01:11 GMT

We are nearing the launch of the Xperia 1 IV, unfortunately it doesn't seem to be as big of an upgrade as it should be. There are new rumours out, posted on multiple sites including trusted reviews:

https://www.trustedreviews.com/hub/sony-xperia-1-iv-leaks-release-date-specs-features-4206089

The only positives are bigger battery at 5000mah, which was long overdue, and new bigger sensors but only for the main wide and telephoto lenses, the ultrawide will be the same as in the Xperia 1 III (so no improvements there or new macro mode). There is also a bump in ram to 16GB from 12GB, which is progress.

However, competitors such as the S22 are making giant leaps in AI photography and better ISP, which you can find more on at:

https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s22_series_galaxy_tab_s8_series_specs_features_massive_leak-news-52931.php

There is a redesign that could be exciting, but I can tell you it won't look as crazy as some of the renders out there, I know it's the IV and needs to buildup to the V, but still can't see this happening, no matter how creative the "fan like" camera bump is.

What I think are the top 5 most important things to focus on at the very least, but I'd like to hear what everyone else thinks:

Better selfie camera (number 1 priority) & all round camera hardware improvement.
Panel Improvement, brighter, 10-bit physically and better utilisation of higher resolution.
More AI & Intelligent ISP for better computational photography, finally add in night mode!
More well rounded video shooting (include the Video Pro App, add in a few more functionalities and improve user experience).
More investment in software, remove bugs/ crashes, longer support for updates and add in more unique factors to the OS.

Sony could really stand out if they up their game this year, improve the audio jack (almost wish another manufacturer picks up where LG left off), improves the flash (subtle change), use the 3D itof better (more AI tasks, differentiate different objects to render them differently and add depth in actual photo, improve bokeh etc. take a note from Apple's use of Lidar), prevent accidental camera launches in the pocket, manage heat dissipation better, allow quicker camera launch and stutter free video (happens for first few seconds of recording with older devices), take on board expertise from the alpha division in creating a new isp for Xperia lineup, improve photography for higher detail retention and more dynamic range (which Xperia devices are known to struggle with) and improve the videography capabilities by doubling down on it.

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

AlexandruRai — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 09:26:11 GMT

Send these requests to Sony Support!

More and more is a proof that this site is controlled by some dudes that have nothing to gossip about how to turn on and off the device but nothing more!

Sadly, even after software upgrades I was right. For now, the PRO-I one still has:

1. Still crap front face camera not in house made!

2. Still not a 100% capable 1 inch rear sensor!

3. No one mentioned the screen's brightness - some people have eye issues. Sony is capable of repeating errors!

4. Who knows how bad is the torchlight instead and what's more important that an 1-inch sensor needs also a blitz flash! Where is it?

5. Where is 'better pricing' compared to real life results and top software improvement (video stabilization is not up to others using even small/worse Sony sensors)?!

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

JustinPM — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 04:55:24 GMT

I think since it's a media phone it should focus on:

1. Best audio DAC ever in a phone (better than LG's quad DAC)

2. Variable refresh screen to save battery, but also brighter (perhaps 800+ nits). Improve HDR

3. Bigger battery 5000+ mAh

4. Improve front facing speakers more

5. Be sure this phone covers all high res audio file formats like FLAC

Other things needed:

6. Increase memory to 16gb

7. Improve the front camera

8. Please please please choose the best processor available. I think the Mediatech 9000 is better than the Snapdragon 8 in every way other than gamin and that's slight, all while being much more energy efficient. Perhaps they could consider Samsung's new exynos chip if it's better than the Snapdragon too. I think the GPU in that phone is something to consider. For me, I just want the efficiency and the mediatech seems better by a fair amount.

9. Offer 4 years software support

10. Give better AI for camera, so everyone shuts up and then you'll have a good night mode (not that I care about that). Sales will increase substantially if you satisfy all the supposed photographers out there.

11. Don't take away any of the features that currently set you apart from the competition. We love the headphone jack, SD slot, 1644x3840 screen, etc.

12. Try not to increase the price... It's already pretty high.

If I'm going to spend big money, I hope you choose the best options available, like the best available processor.. Not just a snapdragon because that's what you use...

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

AlexandruRai — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 07:42:33 GMT

All these at most 1000$ and it's like.no.other... HOT CAKE!

Re: What we want to see in the Xperia 1 IV.

kzagham — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:07:25 GMT

I don't think Sony Support would do much either, there isn't a direct consumer-corporate pathway that exists. Especially now that production is done in Taiwan, so feeding back to Sony UK would not do much good. The problem with Sony is lack of effort between regions and departments. There is a lot of expertise Sony has in the walkman, ranging from access to high quality mobile dacs to S-Master HX, but that does not come across fully in the Xperia flagships. Then there is audio expertise but that doesn't translate into good speakers, how is Apple with their iPhone able to make better phone speakers than an audio company? Camera expertise, computational or AI photography could be made with better isp co-developed by Alpha and Sony partner photographers who tweak photos afterwards anyway. They have the knowledge on how they want photos to look on social media or whatnot, so they could develop a custom isp for Sony to use in their Xperia smartphones and that would set Sony apart from all other competitors. Gaming wise, the Playstation involves a number of studios that could make custom games for Xperia phones, kind of like the PSP or at least add PS5 remote play or tie into gaming somehow. We could also see more bravia tech such as bravia core for mobile. The reason Xperia lagged behind other competitors is the lack of collaboration in Sony internally, they seem to be more content in allowing other companies to steal revenue from them by not putting out the best phones (to avoid canibalising other divisions revenue). Instead of moving with the times and trying their best to keep all revenue internally. Apple came into the game much later than Sony but don't hesitate to innovate where necessary, the iPhone became better than the iPod, the tablet reaches similar performance to the laptop etc.

Especially across regions, Sony has not bought any wearable tech outside of Japan and a lot of products are region bounded. The Xperia Pro-I, seems like a great marketing platform, but agree if they charge premium they need better tech. All I can do is hope, that Sony wakes up and surprise us. A lot of their products are amazing from their TV's, the PS5, Alpha 1, Walman, Headphones, TWS buds, etc. but the Xperia lineup is lagging behind.