Sony Reaffirms Commitment to Xperia Line
Following news that Sony handed control of its Bravia TV brand to TCL, some Xperia fans grew concerned about the future of the smartphone division. During a recent earnings call, Sony Corporate Executive Officer and CFO Lin Tao addressed these worries directly. He stated there will be "no change in status" for Xperia phones, putting speculation to rest.
Xperia 1 VIII and 10 VIII Appear in GSMA Database
Japanese tech site S-Max conducted its own investigation and uncovered evidence that development is actively moving forward. The site discovered model names for the Sony Xperia 1 VIII and Xperia 10 VIII registered in the GSMA IMEI database. This confirms that both devices are in the pipeline for release.
The model naming follows Sony's established pattern. The Xperia 1 VII carried the PM-150X-BV designation, while the Xperia 10 VII used PM-151X-BV. The "X" represents different digits for regional variants. The new entries show PM-152X-BV for the flagship and PM-153X-BV for the mid-range model.
Additional model codes reveal further details. The Xperia 1 VIII appears as XQ-GE44, XQ-GE54, and XQ-GE74. The Xperia 10 VIII shows up as XQ-GH44, XQ-GH54, and XQ-GH74. These alphanumeric combinations typically indicate different storage configurations or market regions.
GSMA registration details: Xperia 1 VIII (PM-152X-BV) • Xperia 10 VIII (PM-153X-BV)
What the IMEI Data Tells Us
The database entries list both phones with one physical SIM slot and two IMEI numbers. This configuration points to a single nano-SIM tray paired with eSIM support. It's a common setup for modern flagship devices and aligns with Sony's recent approach.
What's notably absent is any mention of an Xperia 5 VIII. Sony hasn't released a compact flagship since the Xperia 5 V arrived in September 2023. That makes three generations without a true compact option, suggesting Sony has shifted focus exclusively to the 1-series flagship and 10-series mid-range models.
Release Timeline Remains Uncertain
The GSMA database doesn't reveal specifications, camera details, or launch dates. Sony typically operates on its own schedule rather than following predictable annual cycles. The Xperia 1 VII launched in June 2024, while the Xperia 10 VII followed in September. There's no guarantee the Mark VIII devices will follow the same pattern.
For now, Xperia fans can take comfort in knowing the product line isn't going anywhere. The IMEI registrations prove active development, and Sony's official statements confirm continued investment in the smartphone division.
Source 1 | Source 2 (in Japanese)