Sony isn’t giving up on smartphones just yet. New listings in the GSMA IMEI database confirm the company is developing both the Sony Xperia 1 VIII flagship and the mid-range Xperia 10 VIII. The model numbers suggest these phones are headed to Japan, Europe, and Asia, so don’t expect a US release.
The flagship Xperia 1 VIII uses model codes with the “XQ-GE” prefix. The more affordable Xperia 10 VIII has “XQ-GH” designations. These certifications show development is well underway. The leaked data reveals multiple regional variants, which points to a fairly wide release plan across international markets.
What to expect from Sony’s 2026 lineup
The Sony Xperia 1 VIII will likely pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. That puts it on equal footing with other 2026 flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and OnePlus 15. The Xperia 10 VIII should stick with a Snapdragon 6 series processor, focusing on battery life instead of raw power.
Sony’s probably keeping its signature 4K OLED display and tall form factor for the flagship. But many fans hope the company finally improves its image processing to compete with Samsung, Apple, and Google. The Xperia 1 VII launched at €1,499, so expect similar pricing for the VIII.
Both devices should debut sometime in mid-2026, following Sony’s usual release schedule. The Xperia 10 VII brought a new horizontal camera design and 120Hz display, so it’ll be interesting to see what changes Sony makes for the next generation.
This feels like good news considering how rough 2025 was for Sony Mobile. The company’s still moving forward with smartphone development despite the tough market conditions. Just don’t expect to buy either phone if you’re in North America.
