PhoneLifespan

Sony Xperia 1

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$180
used/refurbished market price
$949 at launch

How long will it last?

Official promise

Supported until May 2021 · Buy-by May 2019

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2019◆ Buy-by May 20192021

Sony promises 2 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until May 2021 — buying it today still gets you about -5.1 years of safe use (verified June 2026).

Source: Sony's official policy · last verified 2026-06-18 · how we compute this

Our verdict

The phone that introduced the 4K 21:9 'CinemaWide' OLED and Sony's triple camera, now a long-obsolete collector's curiosity.

Pros

  • First-ever 4K HDR 21:9 smartphone display, still uniquely cinematic
  • Sony's first triple 12MP camera with eye-tracking autofocus
  • Distinctive tall, narrow design that is easy to grip
  • Solid IP65/68 water resistance for its age

Cons

  • Software and security support ended around 2021; long unsupported
  • Small 3330mAh battery and no headphone jack hurt everyday usability
Best for: CollectorsBest for: Cheap media devicesAvoid if: You need any software or security updatesAvoid if: You want all-day battery life

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen6.5-inch OLED, 4K HDR (1644x3840), 21:9, 60Hz
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetSnapdragon 855
RAM6GB
Storage64GB / 128GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main (26mm)12MP
ultra-wide (16mm)12MP
telephoto 2x (52mm)12MP
front8MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery3,330 mAh
Charging18W wired (USB PD)
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions167 x 72 x 8.2 mm
Weight178 g
MaterialsGorilla Glass 6 front and back, aluminum frame
Water resistanceIP65/68
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 9 (upgradable to Android 11)
ConnectivityWi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB-C
Update policy2 OS upgrades · 2 years of security updates (official promise)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sony Xperia 1 still getting updates in 2026?

No. The original Xperia 1 reached its last update around 2021 (Android 11), so it has had no security patches for years.

How long will the Xperia 1 last?

Hardware-wise the Snapdragon 855 still runs everyday apps, but the small battery and dead update window mean it's only suitable as a media or backup device in 2026.

Is the Xperia 1 worth buying in 2026?

Only as a sub-$200 curiosity for its 4K screen. It is too old and unsupported to recommend as a daily phone.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-18.