Sony, a name not typically associated with smartphones in recent years, is determined to stay in the game and has announced a multi-year deal with Qualcomm to power its handsets with Snapdragon platforms. The partnership extends an existing agreement between the two companies and solidifies Qualcomm’s role in Sony’s upcoming premium devices as well as its high- and mid-tier smartphones.
Just last month, Sony introduced the Xperia 1 V, targeting photographers and vloggers with its Snapdragon 8 Gen2 Mobile Platform. While catering to niche use cases, Sony leverages its expertise in camera technology to enable users to capture high-quality photos and videos. One notable feature of the Xperia 1 V is its ability to serve as a monitor for compatible Sony Alpha cameras. Despite its niche focus, Sony’s high-end Xperia smartphones still command a premium price, with the Xperia 1 V starting at $1,400.
In addition to its premium offering, Sony also unveiled the mid-range Xperia 10 V in May. The device boasts a Snapdragon 695 chipset and features a 60Hz, 1080p OLED display. Sony began selling the Xperia 10 V in Europe this month, pricing it at £399 or €449 (around $500).
While Sony may not be at the forefront of consumers’ minds when it comes to smartphones, the company’s commitment to utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platforms signals its determination to remain competitive in the industry. By leveraging Qualcomm’s advanced chipsets, Sony aims to deliver powerful performance and innovative features to its smartphone lineup.
As Sony continues to invest in its smartphone division and forge partnerships with industry leaders like Qualcomm, it will be interesting to see how the company’s offerings evolve and whether it can carve out a larger share of the highly competitive smartphone market.
