Sony Xperia 1 VIII Leaks: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Inside

Sony's next flagship, reportedly the Xperia 1 VIII, has surfaced in eSIM databases — and the early signs point to a high-performance handset powered by Qualcomm's newest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. These quiet sightings hint that Sony is still building a camera-first premium phone, even as it trims its broader smartphone efforts.

eSIM entries and model numbers reveal regional variants

Database listings have revealed several model codes tied to the possible Xperia 1 VIII, suggesting global and regional versions are already in testing. Observed identifiers include:

• PM-1502-BV, PM-1503-BV, PM-1521-BV — likely global and region-specific SKUs
• SO-51G — a Docomo listing in Japan
• Potential carrier codes like SOG17 and A601SO — matching Sony's past release patterns

While Sony hasn't announced anything publicly, multiple eSIM records are one of the stronger early indicators that the device is moving through validation and carrier certification stages.

What Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 brings to the table

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — unveiled at the recent Summit — promises notable uplifts over its predecessor: roughly 20% faster CPU performance, about 23% faster GPU performance, and near a 35% gain in power efficiency. That combination has already become the backbone of flagships such as Xiaomi's 17 series and Honor’s Magic 8 Pro, and it’s slated for upcoming devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra and several gaming phones.

For Sony, a potent SoC is less about gaming and more about headroom: faster processing helps image pipelines, real-time AI features, and smoother pro-level camera controls. In short, the chipset should let Sony squeeze more out of sensors and computational photography without sacrificing battery life.

What’s still under wraps — and the likely launch window

Key details remain unconfirmed. We don’t yet know the final camera specs, any design refreshes, or whether Sony plans to reintroduce the Xperia 1 VIII to North America. Early performance figures for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 put it in close competition with Apple’s A19 Pro, which raises expectations for raw speed and camera processing.

If Sony follows its usual cadence, the Xperia 1 VIII could arrive in the first half of 2026 — roughly a year after the Xperia 1 VII debuted in June. Until Sony makes an official announcement, eSIM sightings and model codes are the best clues we have.

Expect more leak-tracking over the coming months. If Sony is serious about keeping the Xperia line relevant to creators, the Xperia 1 VIII will need to deliver both powerful internals and refined camera tools — and the new Snapdragon chip gives it a solid shot.

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