The upcoming Sony Xperia 10 VII has surfaced online through a protective case listing on Amazon Japan, hinting at a significant design refresh and key hardware upgrades. The device is expected to be officially unveiled in October 2025, but these early images already offer a peek at what Sony has in store.
Major Camera Layout Overhaul
One of the most noticeable changes in the leaked case renders is the new pill-shaped camera module, which stretches horizontally across the back of the phone. Unlike its predecessor, the Xperia 10 VI, which used a traditional vertical stack, the new module places the dual cameras side by side. An LED flash and dual microphones are also integrated into the camera housing, suggesting a renewed emphasis on audio and imaging performance.
Classic Sony Front Design, Subtle Body Tweaks
Up front, Sony is retaining its signature design choice of thick top and bottom bezels, continuing to avoid the notch or punch-hole trend seen across most modern smartphones. The right-hand side hosts the volume rocker, lock button, and wrist strap mount, a feature that gives the Xperia series its unique character. Interestingly, the case leaks do not show a dedicated camera shutter button, though long-time Xperia users will expect it to remain.
The Xperia 10 VII is said to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, keeping it as one of the slimmest smartphones on the market. Reports also claim that Sony is upgrading the build materials, moving from plastic to a metal frame for improved durability and premium feel.
Performance Upgrade with Snapdragon 6 Gen 4
Under the hood, the Xperia 10 VII is rumored to ditch the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset found in its predecessor in favor of Qualcomm’s newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, promising better performance and efficiency. While exact RAM and storage configurations haven’t surfaced yet, Sony’s mid-range lineup traditionally offers multiple variants to suit different regions.
Niche Appeal in a Shrinking Market
Sony’s Xperia smartphones remain distinct in a sea of lookalike devices. However, the company’s global market share has dwindled to around 1%, and sales have been scaled back in several regions, including parts of Europe. Despite this, Sony continues to pursue a strategy of serving a dedicated niche of compact smartphone enthusiasts, prioritizing tall displays, camera-centric features, and a minimalist design approach.
If the leaks hold true, the Sony Xperia 10 VII will continue Sony’s tradition of offering a slim, tall, and design-differentiated smartphone experience. With a refreshed camera layout, more premium materials, and upgraded processing power, the device is shaping up to be one of the most compelling niche smartphones of 2025.
The official launch is expected in October, where pricing and full specifications will finally be confirmed.