Sony Xperia smartphones look so good on paper. So why is it that we don't recommend them? Here's our answer to that and a brief 2023 review of the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
Yes you can unlock the bootloader (not supported on the Japanese model and there is no US model this time), I'm not sure how well the camera system works on a gsi. On previous models they had to use proprietary blobs to get it to work properly
Flashing Lineage on the 1 II is trivial now compared to a few years ago.
The stock ROM is loaded with shitware in II III and V.
The shape is great not too big for the hand.
The camera is decent, surely better in VI. No stupid AI color boost and faking pictures.
The price is steep as you know.
The screens feel like they could have been brighter.
3.5mm AUX, MicroSD as you know.
Sony ASOP is about the only thing keeping me interested in their lineups.
Better than Sam or Apple. But to be honest all cellphones are trash, satellite StarLink phone and others can't happen soon enough or a decent Linux phone.
I got a 1ii and though LineageOS works great compared to stock, it still has its downsides - on the top of my head screen mirroring is lost and since LOS21 can't make Magisk w/ zigisk work.