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Sony embedded an AI Camera Assistant directly into the Xperia 1 VIII's default camera mode. It pops up automatically while you're shooting, showing alternate versions of the scene with adjustments to exposure, white balance, contrast, saturation, and sometimes artificial background blur — similar to Instagram filters. You can tap to apply the suggestions or swipe to see three more options.
Why it matters
Despite the Xperia 1 VIII having genuinely strong camera hardware (large sensors across three rear lenses and distinctive processing), the AI suggestions are so aggressive and poorly targeted that they rarely produce photos worth keeping or sharing. The Assistant doesn't explain what effects it's applying or offer framing advice like Google's Camera Coach does; it just applies a preset look and leaves the rest to you. It also fails to suggest changes consistently — it doesn't work on the selfie camera at all, and often freezes or produces no options when pointing at bright light, blank walls, or macro subjects.
What to watch
Running the AI Camera Assistant appears to add significant strain to the phone's performance, causing the camera app to open slowly, freeze when switching lenses, and crash altogether. The reviewer found that turning the Assistant off alleviated these issues. The Xperia 1 VIII is priced at the equivalent of $1,850, though it is not launching in the US.
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