Sony launches three new Xperia phones, including two with a unique variable telephoto lens
The launch of the new Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 III and Xperia 10 III sets out Sony’s 2021 lineup, and the flagships boast key features for avid photographers.
Xperia 1 III Xperia 5 III Xperia 10 III
In keeping with previous models, the top-end Xperia 1 III retains its 4K resolution display, along with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus. It is now powered by Qualcomm’s top-end Snapdragon 888 SoC.
There are louder speakers with 360-degree spatial sound, new AI super resolution zoom technology, as well as a newly improved professional camera mode with a ‘basic mode’ to help amateur photographers learn the ropes.
The Xperia 1 III also comes with a 4,500mAh battery and allows for 30W fast wired-charging, which gets the battery to 50% from dead in 30 minutes. With Sony’s Adaptive Charging feature, the company quotes a battery life span of three years, up from two on previous models. There’s also wireless charging, with reverse wireless charging available too.
The key feature on both the Xperia 1 III, and its smaller 1080p screened sibling, the Xperia 5 III, is the new variable telephoto lens that can switch between 70mm and 105mm instantly. In total, the combination of image sensors allow for 16, 24, 70 and 105mm focal lengths.
Zeiss optics help reduce reflections, and the Zeiss T* coating is calibrated specifically for the phones.
The Xperia 1 III and the more compact Xperia 5 III will be released in the summer, and at the time of writing there is no indication of price. Colours for the Xperia 1 III will include black or purple, while the Xperia 5 III will come in black or green.
Xperia 10 III
A more affordable offering from Sony will be the Xperia 10 III, which opens up 5G to a wider audience.
The phone will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 690 5G chipset, and comes with a 4,500mAh battery with the same three-year promise as the other two models.
Despite being more affordable than the other two phones announced, the Xperia 10 III still comes with a 21:9 ratio 6-inch OLED display with HDR, an IP rating for water and dust resistance, and Corning Gorilla Glass 6.
As with earlier Xperia smartphones, these models retain a narrower width than many other smartphones on the market, making them more usable one-handed.
The Xperia 10 III will also ship in the summer, and be available in black, blue or white.
Xperia 1 III Camera Samples
These photos were supplied by Sony to demonstrate the capabilities of the new flagship phone.
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