Sony Xperia 1 VIII and 10 VIII Models Confirmed in IMEI Database Amid Brand Uncertainty

Sony has moved to reassure Xperia fans about the future of its smartphone lineup, with CFO Lin Tao stating there will be "no change in status" for Xperia phones during the company's recent earnings call. This comes as new model numbers for the Xperia 1 VIII and Xperia 10 VIII have been discovered in the GSMA IMEI database, suggesting Sony's mobile division remains active despite recent strategic shifts in other areas of the business.

The discovery was made by Japanese site S-Max, which found the upcoming models registered under the identifiers PM-152X-BV (Xperia 1 VIII) and PM-153X-BV (Xperia 10 VIII). These follow the sequential numbering pattern established by their predecessors - the Xperia 1 VII and 10 VII were PM-150X-BV and PM-151X-BV respectively, with the X denoting regional variants.

Model Details and Naming Convention

The new Xperia models come with additional cryptic model names that Sony fans have come to expect:

Xperia 1 VIII (PM-152X-BV)

• XQ-GE44
• XQ-GE54
• XQ-GE74

Xperia 10 VIII (PM-153X-BV)

• XQ-GH44
• XQ-GH54
• XQ-GH74

While these alphanumeric designations offer little insight into the devices' specifications, their presence in the official GSMA database confirms Sony's intention to continue the Xperia product line. The registration indicates both models will feature a single nano-SIM slot alongside eSIM capability, suggesting Sony is maintaining its current approach to connectivity options.

Timeline Uncertainty and Xperia 5 Series Absence

Sony's smartphone launch strategy remains characteristically unpredictable. Unlike competitors who follow annual release cycles, Sony tends to introduce new Xperia models when they're ready, without adhering to a strict timeline. The Xperia 1 VII launched in June 2024, while the Xperia 10 VII arrived in September of the same year.

However, one notable absence continues to concern Xperia enthusiasts. This will mark the third consecutive generation without an Xperia 5 model - the last being the Mark V from September 2023. The Xperia 5 series has traditionally occupied the middle ground between Sony's flagship 1 series and the more affordable 10 series, offering a compact form factor with high-end specifications.

Context: Sony's Broader Strategy

The reassurance about Xperia's status comes at a time when Sony has made significant changes to other product lines. Most notably, the company recently entered a joint venture with TCL, placing its prestigious Bravia TV brand under shared control. This strategic move raised questions about Sony's commitment to its hardware businesses, making the CFO's statement particularly significant for mobile enthusiasts.

The Xperia division has long been a niche player in the smartphone market, maintaining a loyal following despite limited market share. Sony's approach has typically focused on delivering premium devices with unique features like the 21:9 aspect ratio displays and exceptional camera systems, rather than competing directly on volume sales.

What We Know and Don't Know

From the GSMA registration, we can confirm:

• Both models exist and are officially registered
• They will support single nano-SIM and eSIM
• They follow the established sequential numbering
• No specific launch timeline has been announced

What remains unknown:

• Exact specifications and features
• Launch dates
• Whether the Xperia 5 series will return
• Pricing strategy for the new models

The registration of these model numbers suggests Sony is maintaining its product roadmap, but the company's history of unpredictable launches means enthusiasts will need to stay tuned for official announcements. Given that the Xperia 1 VII launched mid-year and the 10 VII arrived in the fall, the VIII models could potentially arrive at various points throughout 2026.

For now, Xperia fans can take comfort in the official confirmation that their favorite smartphone line remains active, even as Sony navigates broader strategic changes across its consumer electronics portfolio.