Let’s get straight to the point: sony Makes a good phone. The hardware is always beautiful and the software has generally taken positive steps to become a perfectly usable skin over the latest builds of Android. The camera experience is top-notch, and overall, there isn’t much going on when it comes to Sony devices. So you may ask, what is the problem? I’m glad you asked.
Long-term issues with Sony are pricing and release schedules. All in all, charge what you think is fair, but at the end of the day, we know that there are generally better options available below the price of Sony phones. We can argue until the cows come home about the price, but Sony’s main problem is how they announce the phones and then release them.
The modus operandi for Sony is that they announce a phone in the spring, then we don’t hear from them for months. After enough time has passed and everyone has forgotten about Sony’s announcement (unless you’re a hardcore Sony follower), they release the phone through limited retail channels for a price that would turn off most potential buyers. Due to the lack of US carrier partners, paying full price is usually one of the only purchase options, which is too high for some or most.
Let’s take last year’s high-end Xperia 1 IV as an example. Fantastic phone, top of the line specs. The phone was initially announced and put up for pre-order in May 2022 for $1600. Not a typo. The phone wasn’t released until September. Sony, my friends, is that waaaay too long. In my mind, when a phone is announced, it better be available and potentially in my hands within 2-3 weeks or any interest dies. Because of the time between announcement and release, companies like Google are able to unveil and later release the Pixel lineup of phones, especially at much lower prices and packed with notable software features.
As I’ve said before, Sony makes a great phone and I’m sure it’s worth the high price to those who buy it, but let’s be real, there are plenty of other good options at better prices. Those two things, price and release schedule, don’t really help in recommending the phone to my family and friends. No one I know is dropping that kind of money on a smartphone. Sony’s least expensive option is the Xperia 5 III, from $999 2021, currently selling for $699. I’m sorry, but it seems crazy to me.
Sony, I need to have more options besides Google, Samsung and OnePlus. Please, try to tone it down a bit and don’t make me wait so long for your phone.