SONY Xperia PRO-I | A Smartphone built into a Camera

Gadgets

November 16, 2021

SONY’s latest flagship smartphone, Xperia PRO-I is now open for pre-orders with prices starting from RM7,199.

The Xperia PRO-I is a Snapdragon 888 powered device that features a large 1-inch Exmor RS sensor. While most smartphones are equipped with a camera set, the Xperia PRO-I feels more like a digital camera that is equipped with smartphone features.

The 1-inch Exmor RS sensor or better referred to as 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor is the biggest camera sensor ever featured on a smartphone. It is also the main highlight of this masterpiece.

Xperia PRO-I Camera Key Highlights

As mentioned earlier, the key highlight of the Xperia PRO-I is its impressive triple camera set (12MP wide + 12MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide) with a 1.0 inch main sensor.

3 Dedicated Apps

To complement the impressive sensor, the device comes complete with three separate camera applications: Photo Pro, Video Pro and Cinema Pro. With these dedicated applications, users have more control over the photo and video taking process by adjusting the aperture, iso, shutter speed and more.

Dual Aperture

Furthermore, the camera is equipped with dual aperture of F2.0 / 4.0m, allowing users to experiment with depth of field and portray a subject in a variety of ways.

**ZEISS Tessar T* Lenses**

That’s not all! Instead of plastic lenses, the Xperia PRO-I uses ZEISS Tessar optics which features a glass aspherical lens and is coated with T* anti-reflective. This guarantees images of superior brilliance at all times, even in unfavourable lighting conditions.

Dedicated Shutter & Record Buttons

With its dedicated shutter button, using the Xperia PRO-I feels a lot like using the Sony RX100 series. It even features the same shutter switch module and requires similar button strokes to operate AF and shutter release.

Dedicated Image Processor

Lastly, the device is equipped with the latest BIONZ X for Mobile™ image processor to ensure accurate imaging, even with quick-moving subjects.

4K HDR 120fps

For greater creative flexibility, the Xperia PRO-I lets you shoot high quality video in 4K HDR 120fps, and select playback frame rates from 24fps up to 120fps.

Xperia PRO-I Full Specifications

Weight & Dimensions:
211g, 166 x 72 x 8.9 mm

Display:
6.5″, 4K HDR OLED, 120Hz Refresh rate, DCI-P3 100%

OS & Processor:
Android 11, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)

Memory & Storage:
12GB + 512GB
*With expandable storage up to 1TB

Rear Camera:
12 MP, f/2.0-4.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0-type, 2.4µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.9″, PDAF, 2x optical zoom, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, Dual Pixel PDAF

Selfie Camera:
8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4″, 1.12µm

Sound & Microphone:
Stereo Speakers with 3.5mm Audio Jack
Stereo microphones with built-in monaural microphone next to the main camera

Sensors:
Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass, color spectrum

Battery:
4,500mAh, 30W Fast Charge

Price:
RM7,199

Price & Availability in Malaysia

The XPERIA PRO-I is now available for pre-orders till 15th December 2021 via SONY Malaysia’s official site. Buyers will enjoy free 256GB microSD, casing and screen protector.

Aside from the device, shoppers can also opt for the PWP Bundles that come complete with a vlog monitor and a handheld gimble.

Package	Items	FREE Gifts	Price
Device Only	XPERIA PRO-I (12+512GB)	Screen Protector, Casing, 256GB MicroSD	RM7,199
PWP Bundle A “Complete Creator’s Kit”	XPERIA PRO-I (12+512GB), ECM-LV1 Stereo Lavalier Microphone, GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip With Wireless Remote Commander, XQZ-IV01 Vlog Monitor	Screen Protector, Casing, 256GB MicroSD	RM8,028
PWP Bundle B “Vlog Monitor Only”	XPERIA PRO-I (12+512GB), XQZ-IV01 Vlog Monitor	Screen Protector, Casing, 256GB MicroSD	RM7,718

Final Thoughts

Priced at RM7,199, the Xperia PRO-I is definitely not a daily driver for everyone. In fact, the Xperia PRO-I feels very much like a smartphone built into a camera instead of a feature typically found on a smartphone.

This device is built to serve a very niche group of content creators and/or photography buffs. Even then, serious content creators may opt for investing in a DSLR or mirrorless camera instead of splurging on this particular device.

At the end of the day, the Xperia PRO-I is a showcase device of SONY’s ability to bring its camera innovations into the smartphone space to truly deliver a unique but yet powerful device. It guarantees a sense of novelty for anyone who decides to buy one.