SonyXperia 10 VI - 6.1 Inch 21:9 Wide OLED - Three optical focal lengths - Lightweight - Android 14 - SIM free - 128GB storage - IP65/68 rating - Dual SIM hybrid- White

The Sony Xperia 10 VI is one of Sony's latest additions to its mid-range lineup, and it's packed with features that set it apart in a crowded smartphone market. After using this device extensively, here's my personal and detailed review of this phone, covering everything from its design and display to its camera capabilities and overall performance.Design and Build QualityOne of the first things that struck me about the Xperia 10 VI is its sleek and minimalist design. It maintains Sony’s signature look with a tall, narrow frame that makes it comfortable to hold, especially for one-handed use. The phone measures 6.1 inches with a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it longer and slimmer than most competitors. This design choice is great for watching videos and multitasking with split-screen apps.The device feels lightweight and easy to carry around, weighing in at only 159 grams. However, despite its lightness, it doesn’t feel cheap. The build quality is solid, with a matte finish on the back that provides a good grip and resists fingerprints. Sony has also ensured durability with IP65/68 water and dust resistance, meaning it can handle splashes and even brief submersion without any issues.Display: 6.1 Inch 21:9 Wide OLED ScreenThe 6.1-inch OLED display is one of the standout features of the Xperia 10 VI. Sony is known for its display technology, and this phone lives up to that reputation. The Full HD+ (2520 x 1080) resolution ensures sharp, vibrant visuals, while the 21:9 aspect ratio provides a cinematic experience that’s perfect for watching movies or YouTube videos.Color Accuracy: The colors are rich and true to life, thanks to Sony's expertise in display technology. Blacks are deep, and there's good contrast, making it ideal for content consumption.Brightness: While the screen performs well in most conditions, it could be a bit brighter for outdoor use. Under direct sunlight, visibility is just average, but indoors, it’s more than sufficient.Eye Comfort: I appreciate the low blue light technology, which reduces eye strain during prolonged use.PerformanceUnder the hood, the Xperia 10 VI is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD). Here's how it performs in real-world use:Daily Usage: For day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the phone is snappy and responsive. Apps load quickly, and multitasking is smooth, thanks to the decent amount of RAM.Gaming: Casual games run smoothly without any hiccups, but if you’re into more demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, you might notice some occasional frame drops, especially at higher settings. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it handles light to moderate gaming quite well.5G Connectivity: The inclusion of 5G support is a welcome addition, especially for a phone in this price range. It provides faster download speeds and improved network performance, making it future-proof for the next few years.Camera System: Three Optical Focal LengthsSony has always been known for its camera technology, and the Xperia 10 VI is no exception. It features a triple camera setup on the back:12MP Main Camera (f/1.8) – This camera produces sharp and detailed images, especially in well-lit conditions. Colors are natural, not overly saturated, which I prefer for a more realistic look.8MP Ultra-Wide Camera (f/2.2) – The ultra-wide lens is great for capturing landscapes or large group shots. However, in low light, there’s noticeable noise, which can affect image quality.8MP Telephoto Lens (f/2.4) – The telephoto lens provides up to 2x optical zoom, which is useful for getting closer to subjects without sacrificing image quality.Low-Light Performance: The camera struggles a bit in low-light conditions. While there’s a dedicated night mode, the results are just average compared to higher-end devices.Video Recording: It can shoot up to 1080p at 60fps, which is decent but lacks the 4K recording found in more premium models. The SteadyShot™ stabilization helps reduce shakiness, especially during handheld video recording.Front Camera: The 8MP front camera is serviceable for selfies and video calls. It’s nothing groundbreaking but does the job well in good lighting conditions.Battery LifeOne of the most impressive aspects of the Xperia 10 VI is its battery life. With a 5000mAh battery, this phone easily lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. On lighter days, I’ve found it can stretch to nearly two days without needing a charge.Battery Optimization: Sony’s adaptive charging technology learns your charging patterns and helps extend the battery lifespan by adjusting the charging speed. This is a thoughtful feature for long-term use.Charging Speed: Unfortunately, the phone only supports 30W fast charging, which is on the slower side compared to other phones in this segment. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to get a full charge, which may be a downside for those looking for quicker top-ups.Software ExperienceThe Xperia 10 VI runs on Android 13 with a near-stock interface. Sony has kept the bloatware to a minimum, which is refreshing. The UI is clean, intuitive, and smooth, making for an enjoyable user experience.Side Sense: I found the Side Sense feature to be quite useful. It provides quick access to frequently used apps and shortcuts with just a double-tap on the side of the screen.Multi-Window Support: Thanks to the 21:9 aspect ratio, multitasking is a breeze. The extra vertical space allows for a comfortable split-screen experience, whether you’re browsing the web while watching a video or chatting while reading an article.AudioThe Xperia 10 VI includes stereo speakers that deliver clear and crisp sound, though they lack the depth and bass you might find in more premium devices. Sony’s DSEE Ultimate technology enhances compressed audio, which is great if you listen to a lot of streaming music.3.5mm Headphone Jack: Yes, Sony has kept the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a rare and welcome feature in today’s market. Audio quality via wired headphones is excellent, thanks to the Hi-Res Audio support.LDAC and AptX: For wireless audio enthusiasts, support for LDAC and AptX ensures high-quality Bluetooth audio.Pros and ConsPros:Stunning OLED display with a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio.Solid build quality with water and dust resistance (IP65/68).Great battery life, lasting up to two days on moderate use.Expandable storage via microSD card.Retains the 3.5mm headphone jack and supports Hi-Res Audio.Clean, bloatware-free Android experience.Cons:Mid-range processor may struggle with demanding games.Limited brightness on the display, which can be challenging in bright outdoor conditions.Average low-light camera performance.No wireless charging support.Slow charging speed compared to competitors in this price range.Final VerdictThe Sony Xperia 10 VI is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that excels in areas like display quality, battery life, and build durability. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a phone with a cinematic screen, strong audio capabilities, and a simple yet elegant design.However, if you're someone who prioritizes cutting-edge performance, ultra-fast charging, or a flagship-level camera, you might find the Xperia 10 VI a bit lacking. But for everyday users who want a reliable device with a premium feel at a reasonable price, the Xperia 10 VI is definitely worth considering.