Model numbers such as PM-1502-BV, PM-1503-BV, and now PM-1521-BV have been spotted in eSIM databases, hinting at both global and regional versions.
Sony’s Xperia 1 lineup has always stood apart — built for Android purists and creators who value pro-level camera tools. But while Sony has been quietly scaling back its smartphone ambitions, early traces of the Xperia 1 VIII have started appearing online, and it’s expected to ship with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
The new chip, announced at Qualcomm’s recent Summit, promises serious gains over the 8 Elite — up to 20% faster CPU, 23% faster GPU, and 35% increase in power efficiency. It’s already powering flagships like Xiaomi’s 17 series, Honor’s Magic 8 Pro, and will power upcoming flagships like Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, and gaming-focused phones like the iQOO 15, RedMagic 11 Pro series, and Asus ROG Phone 10.
