
We often get asked why we bother to review smartphones when our wheelhouse is hi-fi, TVs and home cinema. The answer is simple; it is the primary music device for many people, and given the use of an HDR-supporting OLED screen, possibly the highest-quality display that they own.
No other smartphone has devoted itself to AV and musical prowess quite like Sony’s revitalised Xperia series, namely the flagship Xperia 1. We’ve long recommended it as a top choice for those who want the best-looking and sounding smartphone available (and don’t want an Apple iPhone). For years, the Sony’s unique 21:9 aspect ratio screen made it stand apart from the Android crowd. While the Xperia 1 wasn’t necessarily the best for daily use, it was an absolute treat for watching movies.