Sony’s latest flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 VII, launched in May 2025 to much anticipation, promising cutting-edge features like a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a refined camera system, and a sleek design. However, just months after its debut, Sony has suspended sales of the device in its home market of Japan due to significant technical problems. Reports of random shutdowns, unexpected reboots, and devices failing to turn on have prompted the company to halt shipments and sales at its stores, raising concerns about the phone’s reliability and Sony’s mobile division future.
Unforeseen Technical Glitches
The Xperia 1 VII, celebrated for its 6.5-inch Bravia-branded display and unique features like a 3.5mm headphone jack, has encountered serious issues primarily affecting Japanese models (SO-51F, SOG15, A501SO, and XQ-FS44). Users have reported devices shutting down unexpectedly, rebooting without warning, or, in some cases, becoming completely unresponsive. Speculation points to a potential link with Japan’s Osaifu-Keitai mobile payment system, though Sony has yet to confirm the exact cause. For now, global variants of the phone appear unaffected, but the situation has sparked worry among Xperia enthusiasts worldwide.
Sony has advised affected users to attempt a recovery by holding the power and volume-up buttons for about 20 seconds and applying the latest software update (build number 71.0.A.2.43). While the company hopes this update will resolve the issues, some experts suggest that the problems could stem from hardware defects, which would be far more challenging to address. If hardware is indeed the culprit, this could spell trouble for Sony’s already niche mobile division, which has struggled to compete with giants like Apple and Samsung.
Sony’s Response and Market Implications
Sony’s decision to pause sales demonstrates a commitment to quality control, but it comes at a cost. The Xperia 1 VII, priced at around €1,500, is a premium device aimed at a dedicated audience, including photographers and audiophiles who value its advanced camera system and Walkman-inspired audio components. However, the sales suspension, coupled with earlier reports of canceled pre-orders in Europe without explanation, has frustrated customers and damaged Sony’s reputation. Many who pre-ordered the phone were promised free WH-1000XM5 headphones, only to face cancellations and ineligibility for the promotion upon reordering.
The timing is particularly unfortunate, as Sony recently shifted Xperia manufacturing to third-party OEMs, a move intended to cut costs but now raising questions about quality assurance. The Xperia 1 VII’s issues could undermine confidence in this new production strategy, especially if hardware problems are confirmed. Moreover, with the Xperia brand already a niche player in markets like the US, where the 1 VII is unlikely to launch, Sony risks alienating its loyal fanbase.
What’s Next for Xperia?
Sony is actively investigating the root cause of the Xperia 1 VII’s issues, but the lack of an official statement beyond the Japanese market has left users in other regions uncertain. If the problems are software-related, a comprehensive update could restore confidence. However, a hardware defect could necessitate recalls or redesigns, potentially delaying sales further and impacting Sony’s mobile ambitions. Posts on X reflect growing concern, with some users speculating that these issues could signal the decline of the Xperia line.
For now, Sony’s focus is on resolving the issue swiftly to salvage the Xperia 1 VII’s reputation. The company’s ability to address these challenges transparently will be crucial in maintaining trust among its dedicated users. As the investigation continues, Xperia fans await updates, hoping Sony can deliver a solution that keeps the brand’s legacy alive in a competitive market.
