Sony Xperia 10 VII review

Design, build quality, handling

The Xperia 10 VII is instantly recognizable as part of Sony's mid-range family, but its design feels a bit too familiar - and perhaps even retro. The overall look is clean and minimalistic, but the oversized bezels around the 6.1-inch display push the phone into old-school territory. Some may appreciate the simplicity, but it does come across as dated compared to its sleeker rivals.

In terms of footprint, the Xperia 10 VII measures 153 x 72 x 8.3 mm and weighs just 168 grams. It's slim and very lightweight, staying true to Sony's philosophy of practicality and comfort in the hand. The flat sides and flat display reinforce the utilitarian look, though ergonomically, the device is quite easy to handle.

The back panel has a rubbery matte finish that feels pleasant and grippy to the touch. However, it's also the kind of soft plastic that quickly collects dust, smudges, and tiny fibers, and cleaning it is nearly impossible. On the flip side, the use of plastic has its perks: it keeps weight down, doesn't dent like metal, and still provides structural rigidity. Sony also notes that a certain percentage of recycled plastics is part of the construction, though the exact figure isn't disclosed.

The Xperia 10 VII will be available in at least three colors: in White, Turquoise and Charcoal black. Our review unit is the Charcoal black model, which looks understated but fits the phone's minimalist approach.

The phone is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, while the frame and back are entirely plastic. It's a solid build overall with no noticeable flex or hollowness, and Sony's customary IP65/IP68 rating for water and dust resistance remains on board - always a welcome reassurance in this price range.

In terms of controls, everything is located on the right-hand side. You get the volume rocker and the power button, which doubles as a capacitive fingerprint reader. The reader is fast, reliable, and well-placed - a potentially better user experience for some than under-display scanners, especially given Sony's decision to keep the bezels thick and the whole experience retro anyway.

Below the power key sits Sony's trademark camera shutter button, which launches the camera with a long press and takes a screenshot with a short press. Unfortunately, it can not be remapped to other functions and is not two-stage either.

Sony Xperia 10 VII

Above the display, the earpiece also doubles as a second stereo speaker. The sensors for proximity and ambient light are visibly tucked into the top bezel rather than being hidden under the OLED panel. The phone also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack on the top frame - a rare but welcome sight in 2025.

Handling is where the Xperia 10 VII shines most. At 168 grams and with a modest width of 72 mm, it's compact, light, and easy to grip. Despite its plain and understated looks, Sony's mid-ranger is built with everyday practicality at its core, and it delivers in that regard.