Sony redefines mobile photography and introduces the Xperia PRO-I smartphone

Sony has announced a new smartphone Xperia PRO-I, designed specifically for content creators. With a 1-inch image sensor, 24mm ZEISS Tessar optics, new image processor, advanced autofocus, support for 4K 120p video recording and a host of other features, it delivers professional image quality in an ultra-slim form factor – the smartphone is only 8.9mm thick.

Yang Cheng, vice president of imaging solutions at Sony Electronics Inc.

“We remain committed to creating tools that offer content creators unprecedented opportunities to shoot, process and publish their work. The Xperia PRO-I is unlike any other smartphone ever released. Powerful Type 1 image sensor in one package.0, similar to that found in the compact RX100 VII and the high-speed performance of Alpha interchangeable-lens cameras, which has been further enhanced by the powerful computing capabilities of the Xperia. It also offers video capabilities similar to those available in our line of professional video solutions. And all this in a device that easily fits in your pocket! The letter I in the smartphone’s name – from the word “imaging” – accurately conveys Sony’s desire to completely redefine imaging standards across our entire product line.”.

Photography at a professional level

Xperia PRO-I is designed using the same advanced imaging technology as Sony’s award-winning Alpha mirrorless cameras. World’s first smartphone with image sensor size 1.0 with phase detection autofocus AFi . The smartphone uses an Exmor RS® Type 1 sensor.0 with 2.4µmv pixel pitch for stunning low-light performance. In addition, the novelty supports 12-bit RAW shooting for an incredibly high dynamic range, and is equipped with a switchable aperture F2.0 F4.0 , which lets the photographer easily change the depth of field. In addition to a 1-inch sensor, the Xperia PRO-I comes with the BIONZ X for mobile processor and a new interface chip. This advanced processor delivers unprecedented speed and improved image quality in a wide range of shooting conditions, a feature that’s highly valued in Sony Alpha cameras.

The Xperia PRO-I features three lenses with ZEISS® T* anti-reflective coating and the 3D iToF depth-of-stage sensor for total creative freedom. The new 24mm lens uses ZEISS® Tessar optics, which produces high-resolution images with less peripheral distortion and greater contrast and sharpness. In addition, the smartphone is equipped with two more lenses – a 16-mm and a 50-mm lens – allowing the user to be more creative in their composition. Installed in a smartphone sensor 3D iToF instantly calculates the distance between the camera and the subject, providing fast and accurate autofocus in any scene.

In addition, the Xperia PRO-I supports 315-point phase autofocus covering 90% of the frame, and offers industry-leading autofocus technology, including real-time human and animal eye autofocus, real-time object tracking, continuous shooting at 20 frames per second with autofocus auto exposure, and an anti-distortion shutter for sharper capture of fast-moving subjects.

Users can use the Photography Pro app to set up the camera manually or easily access auto settings and shoot RAW images. When shooting RAW, the Xperia PRO-I supports a 12-bit version of the format that delivers smooth tonal gradation and rich colors without artifacts like stripes or staggered gradients. The app also features Basic mode for quick access to a number of easy-to-use photo functions, including a touch button to release the shutter. Like previous Xperia devices, it works with Imaging Edge™ Mobile app.

The Xperia PRO-I also has a dedicated shutter button, which uses the same module as Sony’s RX100 series cameras and requires the same amount of pressure to operate the autofocus and shutter release. Users can press and hold this button to quickly launch the Photography Pro app and immediately start shooting, even if the display is off. The new smartphone also has a strap hole, so you can hold it even in the most challenging conditions.

Advanced video capabilities

The Xperia PRO-I delivers high video quality with easy-to-use post-processing functions to ease your workflow. It offers even more creative possibilities – it’s the world’s first smartphone that lets you shoot high-quality video at 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, so users can capture and play back fast-moving scenes and shoot video with 5x slow motion. Shake-free video shooting is made even easier with the latest Optical SteadyShot™ with FlawlessEye™v. Xperia PRO-I is the first smartphone in the Xperia lineup to support eye-based autofocus and subject tracking technology when shooting video, helping the user to keep a clear focus on the subject and spend more time building the frame.

In addition to stereo microphones, the Xperia PRO-I also has a built-in monaural microphone located next to the main camera, allowing you to record speech more clearly, leaving other sounds in the background. In addition, the novelty includes Sony’s industry-leading sound separation technology, allowing you to filter out wind noise for both stereo and monaural microphones.

In addition, Xperia PRO-I users will get two new features for creating videos and movies. For fast, high-quality video capture and videoblogging, the smartphone features Videography Pro. In developing it, Sony drew inspiration from its rich history of imaging technology. This app supports video production capabilities and provides direct feedback from videographers as well as collects all creative settings in one place. Users can intuitively and precisely adjust settings such as focus, exposure and white balance to suit shooting conditions, even during video creation.

The Xperia PRO-I also features a high-precision level indicator, each individually calibrated at the factory. “Hotkey” located on the side edge of the Xperia PRO-I’s body is assigned to call the “Videography Pro” app, so you can start shooting video immediately, just like on a regular camera. You can also assign other applications or functions to the shortcut key. Cinematography Pro mirrors the user interface of Sony’s professional camcorders to effortlessly achieve cinematic effects with eight different color settings, like Sony’s VENICE digital cinema camera, a 21:9 aspect ratio and more.

With Xperia PRO-I, users can edit and share video content directly from the device. The wide, 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with professional-quality color gamut in creator mode makes editing content on a mobile device easier than ever. Excellent white color consistency and stability is achieved by color shift correction in display settings. In addition, display color adjustments can be brought in line with the user’s monitor or printed photos. Plus, you can easily share video files via the 5Gix network or by connecting Xperia PRO-I to your PC via USB 3.2 Gen 2, doubling the data transfer speedx.

Vlog Monitor takes mobile video blogging to a new level

Users can expand their arsenal for mobile video blogging with the new Vlog Monitor accessory, which connects to Xperia PRO-I and features a 3.5-inch LCD screen with 1280×720 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, as well as a metal holder. This accessory has a collapsible design with magnets and is easily attached and detached from the holder.

By connecting the smartphone to the Vlog Monitorxi video blogger monitor, users can capture themselves with outstanding image quality for video blogging, sharing videos with friends or family and more thanks to the Xperia PRO-I 1-inch image sensor. In doing so, they will be able to see exactly what they are recording and create truly memorable content.

When shooting with Xperia PRO-I and Vlog Monitor, users can easily connect a Bluetooth Handle, such as GP-VPT2BT, to start/stop recording without touching the buttons on Xperia PRO-I itself.

In addition, the Vlog Monitor features a three-pin 3.5mm microphone jack that allows users to plug in their own external microphone by mounting it on the accessory shoe at the top of the holder.

The accessory also lets you display your screen via the Photography Pro or Videography Pro apps when connected to your smartphone using the included cable. At the same time, since Vlog Monitor is equipped with a USB Type-C port for connecting an external source, users can take pictures by feeding power to both their smartphone and accessory.

Uncompromising quality for watching movies, listening to music and playing video games

Users can fully enjoy watching their favorite content on the new Xperia PRO-I thanks to the 10-bit OLED display with 4K HDR resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and the X1™ for mobile processor for even more contrast, color and clarity. The Xperia PRO-I also features Dolby Atmos support for fully immersive spatial audio. In addition, the headphone connection via 3.5mm audio jack guarantees high sound quality. When headphones are not in use, the device’s panoramic stereo speakers provide powerful and balanced stereo sound. Xperia PRO-I supports 360 Reality Audio and upscaling two-channel stereo to 360 spatial sound. In addition, it features High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless via LDAC codec for wireless connectivity, as well as DSEE Ultimate, which helps bring the playback quality closer to the High-Resolution Audio standard.

The Xperia PRO-I gives mobile gamers an edge over the competition with a 120Hz refresh rate display and 240Hz motion blur reduction. This provides clear visualization of fast-moving objects and smooth gameplay. The device also supports Game Enhancer to improve gameplay, providing superior touch responsiveness and a number of other features to help the user win. With Heat Suppression mode, the Xperia PRO-I powers the smartphone subsystems directly, bypassing battery charging, so as to reduce the heat load and keep it working. Xperia PRO-I also features the Qualcomm® Snapdragon Elite Gaming processor for superior performance.

High performance and sleek design

Xperia PRO-I uses the same large 1.0-inch image sensor as Sony’s RX100 VII premium compact camera, but is optimized for smartphones. Even so, the device itself is made in a slim form factor and has a body length of about 166 mm, a width of about 72 mm and a thickness of 8.9 mm. The new Xperia PRO-I is durable, reliable and able to meet the demanding needs of today’s content creators: Its frosted glass back, matte finish and sandblasted metal frame give it strength and style. Its housing is water and dust proofxv and rated IP65/68. The smartphone also features Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™, the strongest Gorilla® Glass to date – with enhanced drop and scratch resistance.

The 4,500mAh battery provides enough power to keep the Xperia PRO-I running all day. Users can quickly recharge up to 50% of battery capacity in just 30 minutes using the included 30W XZQ-UC1 Battery Charger. In addition, thanks to the technology used to prevent overcharging the device, the smartphone battery will retain its capacity even after three years of use.

Xperia PRO-I is built around the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 5Gxvii mobile platform, delivering a premium user experience. In addition, the novelty is equipped with an impressive internal memory: 12 GB of RAM for demanding computing tasks and an internal memory of 512 GB for photos, videos and other files. Support for micro SDXC memory cards up to 1TB.

Offers advanced connectivity and supports the latest 5Gxi and Wi-Fi 6xvii technologies. At the same time, the smartphone uses intelligent algorithms for connection, constantly analyzing and evaluating the quality of the Wi-Fi signal and switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks to ensure the best possible connection.

Multi-window functionality with a variety of easy-to-select display options for easy multitasking.

In addition, a leather cover case is available for the novelty as an optional accessory, reflecting the popularity of this material in the modern photography industry. Its genuine leather design is unique, with a cover that fits snugly against the body and texture on its surface for the most comfortable grip, so your smartphone won’t slip out of your hands when you’re shooting. The accessory was certified “Gold” by the international organization Leather Working Group, which aims to protect the environment around the world, as well as to ensure a reliable and safe supply of leather to consumers. In addition, the surface of the cover is coated with an antibacterial coating that suppresses the growth of a number of bacteria, such as staphylococcixviii, by 99.9%.

Environmentally conscious

Sony Group has developed the environmental plan “Road to Zero”, according to which the company intends to achieve a zero impact on the environment by 2050. As part of this initiative, Sony has set medium-term goals for the period from 2021 to 2025, called Green Management 2025 GM2025 . One of the goals of the GM2025 is to “do away with plastic completely in the packaging of new small products”. To that end, the company has reduced the use of plastic in packaging in the Xperia line, eliminating plastic components or replacing them with paper materials. As an example, replacing plastic film lamination with abrasion-resistant varnish.

In addition, the Xperia PRO-I was the first smartphone in the Xperia™ lineup to use paper instead of plastic in its individual packaging vvi. Sony will continue to make every effort to reduce its environmental impact.

Price and affordability

New Xperia PRO-I goes on sale in December. American market price to be announced. The smartphone will be sold in Sony’s chain of branded stores and online Store.Sony with delivery all over America. The new Vlog Monitor and cover case will also be available in December