PhoneLifespan

Sony Xperia 1 IV

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$600
premium flagship; sold unlocked in US at launch (~$1599). Now heavily discounted secondhand
$1599 at launch

How long will it last?

Official promise

Supported until May 2025 · Buy-by May 2023

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2022◆ Buy-by May 20232025

Sony promises 3 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until May 2025 — buying it today still gets you about -1.0 years of safe use.

Source: Sony's official policy · last verified 2026-06-12 · how we compute this

Our verdict

The only phone with a true 4K screen and a continuous-zoom variable telephoto — but its software support has run out.

Pros

  • Unique 4K OLED display and continuous optical zoom telephoto
  • Keeps 3.5mm jack, microSD and IP68
  • Pro-level Photo/Video/Cinema Pro camera apps

Cons

  • Update support ended in 2025 (only 2 OS upgrades)
  • Ran hot and charged slowly at 30W
Best for: Videographers wanting smooth optical zoomBest for: Bargain hunters buying secondhand for the cameraAvoid if: You need current security updatesAvoid if: You want fast charging and cool operation

Full specifications

Display

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

Screen6.5-inch OLED 4K, 1644x3840, 120Hz
Performance

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

ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM12GB
Storage256GB / 512GB
Cameras

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

main12MP
ultra-wide12MP
telephoto12MP
front12MP
Battery & charging

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

Battery5,000 mAh
Charging30W wired, 15W wireless
Build

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

Dimensions165 × 71 × 8.2 mm
Weight187 g
MaterialsAluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus front and back
Water resistanceIP68
Software & connectivity

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

SoftwareAndroid 12 with Xperia UI at launch
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, USB-C, NFC, microSD, 3.5mm jack
Update policy2 OS upgrades · 3 years of security updates (official promise)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the Sony Xperia 1 IV get updates?

Sony gave it 2 major Android OS upgrades (to Android 14) and about 3 years of security patches, so official support ended around 2025.

Does the Xperia 1 IV really have a 4K screen?

Yes. It uses a 4K HDR OLED panel (1644x3840) in a 21:9 ratio, still one of the highest-resolution smartphone displays ever made.

What makes the Xperia 1 IV camera special?

Its telephoto lens offers true continuous optical zoom between 85mm and 125mm, rather than fixed steps, plus Sony's pro manual camera apps.

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 2026-06-12.