Sony Xperia 10 VI: Is This Compact Mid-Ranger Your Next Smartphone?

Sony has once again thrown its hat into the compact mid-range ring with the brand-new Xperia 10 VI! Priced at a competitive €400, this latest iteration aims to carve out its niche in a crowded market. But the big question on everyone's mind is: does it hit the sweet spot for a compelling purchase, or does it leave you looking elsewhere? We’re diving deep into what makes the Xperia 10 VI tick and, more importantly, whether it deserves a place in your pocket.

At its heart, the Xperia 10 VI boasts the capable Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, paired with a generous 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

For those who love to expand, the microSD slot is a welcome sight. True to Sony's commitment to audio, you'll find a classic 3.5mm headphone jack, complemented by the much-anticipated addition of stereo speakers. Powering this package is a robust 5,000 mAh battery, promising excellent endurance, and the device retains its impressive IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The visual experience is handled by a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED display, though it maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Camera-wise, Sony offers a dual setup: a main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) ready to capture your moments, alongside an ultrawide lens for expansive shots. However, a notable omission from its predecessor, the Xperia 10 V, is the telephoto camera.

While the 10 VI brings upgrades like the new Snapdragon chip (a significant jump from the 695 in the 10 V), an improved main camera sensor, and those welcome stereo speakers, it retains the same battery, screen, and IP rating as its forerunner. This mix of enhancements and subtractions creates a fascinating balancing act.

In the fiercely competitive mid-range segment, the Xperia 10 VI faces formidable challengers like the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy A55.

These rivals often tempt consumers with higher refresh rate displays (typically 120Hz), and in some cases, more versatile camera arrays, including telephoto options. Yet, Sony’s offering distinguishes itself with features increasingly rare in modern smartphones: that cherished 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage via microSD.

These are serious considerations for audio enthusiasts and power users alike.

So, the moment of truth has arrived. Considering its compact design, durable build, solid battery life, and unique features like the headphone jack and microSD slot, does the Sony Xperia 10 VI present a compelling case at €400? Or do the 60Hz display and absence of a telephoto lens nudge you towards alternatives? It’s a phone of distinct choices, designed for a specific kind of user.

We want to hear from you: would you buy the Sony Xperia 10 VI, or are you passing on this intriguing mid-ranger?