Sony Xperia 10 VII: The Truth About This ₹40,000 “Game-Changer”

Here’s something that’ll shock you: Sony just launched the Xperia 10 VII globally, but they won’t sell it in India – yet Indian tech enthusiasts are already planning to import it. Why?

I’ve been tracking Sony’s smartphone strategy for years, and this launch feels different. Let me tell you what everyone’s missing about this phone.

Wait, Sony Still Makes Phones? The Reality Check

Sony ceased smartphone sales in India back in 2018, but here’s what’s interesting: Indian pricing sites are already listing the Xperia 10 VII at ₹39,990. Someone’s clearly expecting demand.

I think this shows how desperate Indian users are for alternatives to the same old Xiaomi-Samsung-OnePlus triangle. When I posted about this on Twitter last week, the responses surprised me. People are actually considering importing.

But is it worth it?

Here’s What Actually Happens When You Use This Phone

The Xperia 10 VII packs a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. That’s smaller than most phones today, but here’s my controversial take: this might be exactly what Indian users need.

Think about your daily commute from Gurgaon to Delhi. One-handed usage while hanging onto a Metro rail. Most flagship phones today are massive tablets pretending to be phones.

The specs that actually matter:

• Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset (not flagship, but efficient)
• 8GB RAM + 128GB storage (expandable to 2TB)
• 5,000mAh battery
• Android 15 out of the box

The Hidden Problem Nobody Mentions

Here’s where things get messy. The phone starts at EUR 399 (₹42,000) in Europe, but that doesn’t include:

• Import duties (roughly 20% more)
• No local warranty
• Service centers? Forget about it
• Software updates might be delayed for Indian users

I calculated the real cost: you’re looking at ₹50,000+ to actually get this phone in your hands in Mumbai or Bangalore. For that price, you could get a Nothing Phone (2) or even consider an iPhone SE.

Why I Changed My Mind About Sony’s Camera Claims

Sony loves talking about their camera heritage. The Xperia 10 VII has a 50MP main sensor with Exmor RS technology and a 13MP ultra-wide lens.

But when I compared sample shots online with my OnePlus 11’s camera, the difference wasn’t as dramatic as Sony wants you to believe. Yes, Sony’s color science is different – more natural, less Instagram-ready. That might appeal to photography purists, but will it satisfy your college friend who just wants great photos for social media?

The 8MP front camera is honestly disappointing in 2025. Even budget phones like the Realme 12 Pro give you better selfie capabilities.

Is This Really Worth ₹50,000? The Money Talk

Let’s be brutally honest about value. At the likely imported price of ₹50,000, you’re competing with:

The numbers don’t lie. You’re paying a premium for the Sony brand and that compact form factor.

The OnePlus vs Sony Reality Check

Here’s what killed Sony in India originally: they never understood our market. OnePlus succeeded because they gave flagship performance at mid-range prices. Sony? They’ve always charged premium prices for upper-mid-range performance.

The Xperia 10 VII continues this tradition. You’re getting solid build quality, good battery life, and a unique design. But you’re not getting the raw performance that Indian users expect at this price point.

What Nobody Tells You About Import Headaches

Let me share something from my experience importing phones. Last year, I helped a friend import a Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here’s what actually happened:

• Customs held it for two weeks
• Had to pay ₹8,000 extra in duties
• Phone arrived with European software (no Hindi support initially)
• When the screen cracked 6 months later, repair quotes were ₹25,000

The Xperia 10 VII would face similar issues. Are you prepared for that?

The Hidden Gem: Battery Life During Indian Summers

One thing that impressed me about previous Xperia phones: battery optimization. The 5,000mAh battery combined with the efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip could actually deliver great endurance.

During Delhi’s 45°C summers, when most phones struggle, Sony’s thermal management typically shines. If you’re someone who needs a phone that works reliably during power cuts and intense heat, this might actually justify the premium.

Should College Students Even Consider This?

Absolutely not. For a college student earning pocket money or even starting their career, ₹50,000 on an imported phone makes zero sense. You could get:

• iPhone SE (₹43,900) with better resale value
• OnePlus 12R (₹42,999) with superior performance
• Nothing Phone (2) (₹44,999) with unique design and better specs

The Xperia 10 VII is for a very specific person: someone who values compact phones, doesn’t mind import hassles, and has money to burn on Sony’s brand premium.

The Verdict: Who Should Actually Buy This?

After analyzing everything, the Sony Xperia 10 VII makes sense for maybe 2% of Indian smartphone buyers:

Buy if you:

• Desperately want a compact flagship-ish phone
• Love Sony’s understated design language
• Don’t mind paying 25% extra for the privilege
• Have experience with imports and customs

Skip if you:

• Want maximum performance per rupee
• Need reliable local service
• Care about resale value
• Are buying your first premium phone

FAQs: The Questions Everyone’s Actually Asking

The Final Truth About Sony’s Indian Strategy

Here’s my unpopular opinion: Sony’s not selling in India because they know they can’t compete on value. They’d rather maintain their premium image abroad than get slaughtered by Xiaomi and OnePlus here.

The Xperia 10 VII is a good phone. It’s just not a good phone for India’s market realities.

What do you think? Am I wrong about Sony’s chances in India? Would you spend ₹50,000 on an import, or stick with local brands? Drop your thoughts below – I read every comment.