Sony Xperia 1 VII & XM6 Headphones Launching Soon: Full Specs, India Plans Leaked

July 12, 2025 | Mumbai, India

By Michael B Norris tech enthusiast

A few years ago, while attending CES in Las Vegas, I remember testing the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones in a noisy exhibit hall. 

I had to pause mid-demo - the ANC was that surreal. It felt like stepping into a quiet cabin from a chaotic street. 

Since then, I've followed Sony's releases closely, curious to see how far their mobile and audio tech can go.

Now, Sony appears ready to take the next leap. The upcoming Xperia 1 VII smartphone and WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones have cleared key certifications, signaling an imminent global launch.

What’s particularly notable this time? Hints at meaningful upgrades in imaging, audio quality, and possibly AI-assisted features. 

This could matter a lot for markets like India, where users expect top-tier performance that justifies premium price tags.

Whether you're an Android enthusiast, mobile photographer, or someone who just appreciates good design and silence, here's what you need to know about Sony's next flagship duo - and why they may be more relevant than ever in 2025.

Launch Confirmed Through Certifications

Sony’s Xperia 1 VII was recently spotted on the FCC and TENAA listings, revealing its model number (XQ-ES72) and some early specs. Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 has passed Bluetooth SIG certification and gained regulatory approvals in the US, Japan, and South Korea.

These aren't just paper filings - they're strong indicators that Sony is preparing for a Q3 2025 launch, likely within the next 4–6 weeks.

Indian retailers have already started making backend listings for Xperia stock-keeping units (SKUs), suggesting a parallel India launch, unlike the staggered rollout of the Xperia 1 V.
First Look: Key Xperia 1 VII Features

Sony has kept most hardware details under wraps, but certification leaks and supply chain chatter offer a clear-enough picture. The Xperia 1 VII is expected to retain its tall 21:9 OLED display, but with improvements.

🔍 Key Highlights:


Improved 1-inch sensor in the main rear camera, likely co-developed with Sony’s Alpha division.


Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, matching rival flagships from Samsung and Xiaomi.


Brighter 4K OLED panel, with better HDR peak brightness.


Subtle chassis refinements, possibly a matte texture to reduce smudges.


Likely Android 14 out of the box with promised 4 years of software updates.

While nothing screams revolutionary yet, the Xperia line has always catered to a specific crowd - pro photographers, content creators, and media buffs - who appreciate control over flashy gimmicks.
WH-1000XM6: More Than Just ANC

Sony’s next-gen headphones, the WH-1000XM6, are perhaps even more intriguing. The WH-1000X series has consistently ranked as the best ANC headphones in the market. But this time, the certifications hint at a larger driver redesign, a possible shift to LE Audio support, and improved battery optimization.

🔊 Key Improvements Expected:


Custom V2 driver designed for richer bass and clearer mids.


Bluetooth LE Audio & LC3 codec support.


Possibly a new touch sensor layout on the earcups.


Smart adaptive noise canceling based on AI-learned usage patterns.


Slightly longer battery life (up to 38 hours).

The design is rumored to stay familiar, but Sony might adopt more sustainable materials, following trends set by Apple and Sennheiser.
Key Specs Table

FeatureXperia 1 VIIWH-1000XM6Display 6.5” 4K OLED, 120Hz N/A
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 QCC5181 (expected)
Camera Triple lens, 1" main sensor N/A
Battery 5000mAh, fast charging ~38 hrs ANC playback
Audio Features High-Res Audio, 3.5mm jack LDAC, LE Audio, AI Adaptive ANC
OS Android 14 N/A
Price (expected) ₹1,14,999 (India) ₹34,999–₹38,499 (India estimate)
Launch Date (expected) August 2025 August 2025


Analysis: Where Do They Stand in 2025’s Market?

Sony's smartphone market share in India remains niche - under 2% - but the Xperia 1 VII isn't for the masses. It's for people who care about manual photography controls, dedicated shutter buttons, and zero bloatware.

In that segment, the Xperia 1 VII competes directly with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro. What it lacks in marketing muscle, it makes up for in build quality and precise camera tuning.

Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 will face heavy competition from Bose QC Ultra, Apple AirPods Max 2, and the newer Sennheiser Momentum 5. But if Sony keeps its price competitive and improves comfort and sound profile, it could remain the default recommendation for business travelers and audiophiles alike.
Why This Matters for Indian Users

Indian users are increasingly looking for premium devices that last, especially amid rising repair costs and shrinking update timelines from brands. Sony’s headphones are known for durability, and Xperia phones - while rare - are valued in the used market due to their hardware stability.

Moreover, Sony tends to skip India with some Xperia launches, but if the backend listings are accurate, this could change. For users frustrated with Samsung’s One UI or Pixel’s battery optimization issues, the Xperia 1 VII offers a clean Android alternative that’s still camera-forward.

And with more people working remotely and streaming from anywhere, WH-1000XM6’s enhancements could make real day-to-day differences - less ear fatigue during long meetings, faster connectivity, and smarter audio switching between devices.
Our Take: Thoughtful Upgrades, No Gimmicks

Sony isn’t throwing folding screens or wild camera humps into this launch. That restraint might cost it in hype but win over practical users.

The Xperia 1 VII feels like a refinement-focused release - cleaner thermals, better tuning, and sensible battery improvements. It's likely to be one of the few flagship phones that still includes a headphone jack, a detail that quietly matters to content creators and wired audio fans.

The WH-1000XM6, meanwhile, could finally fix some minor quirks in XM5 - like inconsistent touch controls and slightly flimsy headband flex.
Final Thoughts

In a year where most brands are chasing foldables and flashy AI features, Sony seems to be doubling down on utility, stability, and user control. That might not make for viral videos, but it does build trust - and over time, loyalty.

Indian buyers looking beyond the usual suspects like Samsung, Apple, or OnePlus may find something surprisingly long-lasting and quietly powerful in Sony’s upcoming launch.

If both products launch in India this August, they’ll arrive just ahead of the festival season - a good time for Sony to regain visibility.

Let’s hope Sony plays its cards right this time.

Author: Michael B Norris

Michael covers consumer tech and digital culture from Delhi. he writes for trendingalone, he is been using Xperia phones since the Z5 and still listens to music on his WH-1000XM3s while reviewing the next big thing.

Have thoughts about Sony’s upcoming launches? Would you buy an Xperia over a Samsung? Let us know in the comments