Sony Xperia 1 VIII Sales Surpass Expectations Despite High Price

Despite a limited release and a premium price tag, Sony’s Xperia 1 VIII is enjoying strong Sales and high customer satisfaction across markets. While the ambition for the phone might have been to compete with top-tier devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the company is reportedly pleased with sales figures.

Xperia 1 VIII Sees Strong Sales in Japan and Europe

In an interview with IT Media, Sony Mobile executives Sohachi Ike and Eri Kitazwa stated that European sales have significantly increased thanks to a strengthened direct-to-consumer channel. The 1TB storage option and the Native Gold color are proving particularly popular. Sohachi Ike commented, “Despite rising prices, sales have remained strong, and customer satisfaction is very high.”

The phone faced a price hike in Japan, exceeding 200,000 yen. Outside of Japan, the Xperia 1 VIII started at €1,500 in Europe and £1,400 in the UK, maintaining the same price point as the Xperia 1 VII but remaining more expensive than many flagship competitors.

Sony Defends Key Features: 3.5mm Jack and MicroSD Card

Sony remains committed to retaining features like the microSD card slot and the 3.5 mm headphone jack, considering them “integral” to the Xperia brand identity. Internal research indicates customers value these qualities. Executives aim to preserve the phone’s distinctive design to differentiate it from competitors, stating, “I think they are one of the things that make Xperia unique and should never be lost.”