Sony’s latest offering, the Xperia 1 V employs a stacked CMOS image sensor technology with a 2-Layer Transistor Pixel design, first launched for its cameras back in 2021 . The Xperia and Sony camera technology connection has always impressive.
Traditional CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensors consist of photodiodes and pixel transistors that reside on the same substrate layer. A photodiode is the component that converts light into an electrical signal, while pixel transistors are used to read that signal.
However, in the Xperia 1 V, Sony has separated these two components into different substrate layers. This separation allows the photodiode to be larger, leading to a higher signal saturation level, or full well capacity. In simpler terms, it can hold more light before it becomes “full,” which increases the dynamic range of the image, capturing a larger range of tones from dark to light.
Conversely, the larger transistors result in less noise. Noise in images manifests as random speckles of color that degrade image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Larger transistors are more efficient and generate less electrical noise, leading to cleaner, crisper images.
On the manufacturing side, creating this 2-layer transistor pixel design requires precision on the nanometer scale, a feat which Sony achieves through a 3D sequential integration process. Instead of bonding completed wafers together as is typically done, Sony first forms the photodiode, then bonds two layers together. The photodiode is then used to align the creation of the transistor in the second layer. This way, alignment accuracy is determined by the precision of the lithography process (used to etch the transistors) rather than the accuracy of the bonding process.
The Xperia 1 V’s image sensor has been designed to enhance the depth and quality of images. It can capture rich colors and textures in various light conditions. Interestingly, its low-light performance reportedly has improved by approximately double compared to the previous model. The device also utilizes high-speed multi-frame overlay processing technology, which helps in shooting noise-resistant photos with a wider dynamic range. This feature aims to mimic the output of a full-frame camera.
This smartphone also introduces the S-Cinetone feature, adjusted and installed specifically for mobile use. It allows users to capture impressive cinematic images without the need for color grading. The new sensor is said to have three times the saturation signal level compared to the conventional sensor, and unique image quality processing suppresses noise in dark scenes, resulting in images with soft colors.
It’s not just the still images, the Xperia 1 V also enhances the video experience for vloggers. With the Product Showcase Setting, the focus shifts from the reviewer’s face to the product, a feature that is popular in Sony’s Vlogcam series. A new voice priority mic, placed near the rear camera, ensures the creator’s voice is clearly recorded, even in busy outdoor locations.
The Xperia 1 V is fitted with a 6.5-inch 4K OLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, aiming to provide an immersive viewing experience. The speaker amplifier aims to enhance the spread and depth of the sound, creating a more dynamic and clear sound.
In terms of battery power, the Xperia 1 V houses a 5,000mAh battery. This allows for approximately 20 hours of continuous video playback, despite using a 4K display. The device supports wireless charging and also comes with a quick charge feature that can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Sony’s unique charging optimization technology claims to maintain 80% or more of its maximum battery capacity even after 3 years.
Sony has also taken a step towards sustainability with the Xperia 1 V. The packaging is plastic-free and is made from Sony’s unique original blended material, which is composed of bamboo, sugar cane fibers, and recycled paper collected from the market. Some components of the device, both internal and external, use Sorplas, a flame-retardant recycled plastic developed by Sony that uses up to 99% recycled materials.
The Xperia 1 V will be available for purchase in late June, with the pricing set at approximately $1399/€1399/£1299. It will be available in three color options: black, platinum silver, and khaki green.
