# Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders reveal new square camera island and

**Published:** 2026-06-18T15:29:42.654Z  
**Topic:** Render  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/56141065-d73a-4447-9335-cef0604bbdad

Sony Xperia 1 VIII CAD renders show a slightly wider, thicker phone with a square camera island, replacing the iconic vertical strip.

The latest CAD renders confirm that the Sony Xperia 1 VIII will be marginally larger than its predecessor and will abandon the vertical rear‑camera strip for a square‑shaped camera island, signaling a notable design shift for the flagship line [2].

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.9 mm × 74.4 mm × 8.58 mm (slightly wider, thicker, shorter) |
| Camera bump height | 2.79 mm (total thickness 11.37 mm) |
| Display | 6.5‑inch flat panel, unchanged size |
| Design change | Square camera island replaces vertical strip; bezels return |

## New dimensions and camera architecture  
The CAD files released by My Mobiles and OnLeaks detail that the Xperia 1 VIII measures 161.9 mm tall, 74.4 mm wide and 8.58 mm thick—compared with the Xperia 1 VII’s 162 mm × 74 mm × 8.2 mm [2]. The modest increase in width (0.4 mm) and thickness (0.38 mm) is largely attributed to a larger rear‑camera module. The new camera island stands 2.79 mm high, pushing the overall device thickness to 11.37 mm, more than a millimetre above the VII’s 9.3 mm total with its 1.1 mm bump [2].

## Design departure from the iconic strip  
All leaked renders now show the classic vertical camera strip replaced by a square‑shaped island housing three sensors, a layout reminiscent of recent OnePlus flagships [3][5]. The front of the phone retains uniform top and bottom bezels, with the selfie camera embedded in the top bezel rather than a punch‑hole or notch, preserving Sony’s “no‑cutout” aesthetic [2][5].

## Implications for the Xperia line  
The redesign marks the first rear‑camera architecture change since the original Xperia 1 launched in 2019, suggesting Sony may be aligning its flagship with broader industry trends toward larger sensors and multi‑lens modules [5]. While the display size remains at 6.5 inches, the added bulk could also accommodate a bigger battery—a frequent request from Xperia enthusiasts—though this remains speculative [5].

## What to watch  
- Official launch timing: Sony announced the Xperia 1 VII in May 2025; the next reveal could follow a similar schedule.  
- Final camera specifications: Confirmation of a triple‑48 MP sensor setup would validate current rumors.  
- Pricing and market positioning: How the new design influences Sony’s premium pricing strategy against competitors.  

The renders confirm that Sony is ready to break with its long‑standing vertical camera strip, opting for a more conventional square island that may enable higher‑resolution sensors and improved low‑light performance. Whether this design shift will resonate with the brand’s niche audience remains to be seen.

## Sources
1. Androidauthority — [Xperia 1 VIII renders preview Sony's bold design departure](https://www.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-1-viii-new-renders-3659006/)
2. Androidauthority — [Big bump, bigger bezels: Fresh Xperia 1 VIII CAD renders back ...](https://www.androidauthority.com/xperia-1-viii-cad-renders-3660869/)
3. Gizmochina — [Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders show a OnePlus 10 Pro-like design](https://www.gizmochina.com/2026/04/07/sony-xperia-1-viii-renders-show-a-oneplus-10-pro-like-design/)
4. Newsbreak — [Xperia 1 VIII renders preview Sony's bold design departure](https://www.newsbreak.com/news/4602452321600-xperia-1-viii-renders-preview-sony-s-bold-design-departure)
5. Gsmgotech — [Sony Xperia 1 VIII Renders Are Here: Farewell to the Iconic ...](https://www.gsmgotech.com/2026/04/sony-xperia-1-viii-renders-are-here.html)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders reveal new square camera island and", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/56141065-d73a-4447-9335-cef0604bbdad