Sony may have a major camera upgrade for the Xperia 1 IX, according to a new rumor published (translated source) by Japanese blog Sumahu Digest. The company is said to use a new, larger sensor for the main camera of the upcoming flagship, but it’s still unclear what its specifications may be.
This would be the first sensor upgrade for the Xperia 1 series since the Xperia 1 V, which was released in 2023. Since then, Sony has been using the same Exmor T IMX 888 sensor, which is 1/1.35 inches, and it was the first dual-layer multi-stacked CMOS image sensor.
One thing that won’t change is the shape of the square camera bump, which was introduced with this year’s model. However, the protrusion is expected to grow, though it’s yet unclear if it’ll only get taller or it’ll also take up a larger area on the back of the upcoming phone.
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What change would you like for Sony to make with the Xperia 1 IX the most?
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Which camera sensor will be used on the Sony Xperia 1 IX?
The camera bump on the Xperia 1 IX may look very different. | Image by PhoneArena
Considering the Xperia 1 IX is expected to launch in the spring of 2027, there’s a lot of unknowns about it. Unfortunately, it is still unclear which sensor Sony may choose for the flagship, but chances are the company will use one of its own.
In the best-case scenario, the company will opt for the LYTIA 901 sensor, which is already powering flagships like the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra. This is a large, 1/1.12-inch sensor with 200MP resolution and some of the most advanced capabilities on the market.
Of course, the company could also opt for the LYTIA 910, which has a 50MP resolution and is Sony’s first LOFIC sensor with a 1/1.28-inch size. While smaller and with lower resolution, this sensor has a much better dynamic range, allowing it better low-light performance.
This will address one of the main complaints my colleague Victor has in his in-depth review of the Xperia 1 VIII. Even in daylight photos, its main camera struggled with dynamic range, but in low-light photos, that led to a more natural look.
Hopefully only part of a major rework
As much as I like Sony’s phones, they’ve been slowly turning into the most bizarre thing on the market. Loved because of their cameras in the past, they’ve slowly turned into some of the most expensive devices while stuck with largely the same hardware for years. I hope the company rethinks its strategy and finally launches something that’ll be much more intriguing than its recent attempts.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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