What You Need to Know About the New Sony Xperia Pro

In a crowded smartphone market filled with heavy hitters like the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy line and the Google Pixel, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. Sony is hoping that the Xperia Pro handset stands out with an amazing suite of audio and video production tools. These features are sure to appeal to YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and other content creators and influencers.

There's certainly a target market for the Xperia Pro. So keep reading to find out if Sony's impressive — and costly — phone is right for you.

Sony has always been known for making killer screens. That reputation is well-earned with the Xperia Pro. This device features a stunning 6.5-inch OLED 4K screen clocking in at 3840x1644 and boasting HDR capability. Not only is a screen this sharp perfect for watching 4K videos on your favorite streaming services, it's also useful from a video production perspective.

Thanks to the HDMI input located on the bottom of the device, users can plug in digital cameras or video recorders and use the Xperia Pro's screen as a monitor. In general, the screen is well-suited to watching recorded footage or viewing photographs on something far superior than you'd find on a typical digital camera. It's easy to see why the Xperia Pro's gorgeous screen serves as the backbone of the device.

With three rear cameras and one on the front, the Xperia Pro has joined the ranks of other high-end devices that seemingly get another lens packed into the case every year. Each of the three rear cameras are 12 megapixels — and each one has a different field of view. This allows users to capture perfect videos even when seeking tight shots of people and wide-angle panorama shots. This device makes recording 4K video at 60 frames per second a snap. It's also great for handling slow motion at 120 frames per second.

5G capability is slowly starting to roll out in more and more phones — and the Xperia Pro's 5G functionality makes it a future-proof handset...until 6G comes along. By plugging an external video recorder into the Xperia Pro, you can utilize 5G to stream your 4K content over platforms such as Youtube and Twitch. This exciting feature isn't particularly practical for parents sending videos of the kids to the grandparents, but those well-versed in video production and looking to gain a following with high-quality videos will definitely sit up and take notice.

While the Xperia Pro's multimedia capabilities are robust, users may feel slightly underwhelmed by the device's traditional smartphone specs. Consumers looking to run the newest version of Android will be disappointed with the Xperia Pro's Android 10 OS.

Another knock against Sony's new handset? The inclusion of a slightly dated processor. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 is in the older Xperia 1 II and 5 II units. These may not seem like huge issues to most consumers, but it's definitely worth noting. Given the eye-popping price of the Xperia Pro, you can't help but wonder why Android 11 or the Snapdragon 888 — which powers the Samsung Galaxy S21 —weren't included.

The high price (retailing at $2,499) might be too much to stomach for some consumers just beginning to dip their toe into the video production pool. Experienced multimedia users are no strangers to shelling out thousands of dollars for high-end cameras, monitors, and other tech, though. But the same can't be said for your typical 20-something interested in starting a YouTube channel.

Sony's Xperia Pro probably won't be the next ubiquitous smartphone to take the tech world by storm, but that's not really what it's trying to accomplish. This is a very specific device for a very particular brand of consumer. If you know that going in — and you're willing to part with a couple thousand dollars in the process — you won't be disappointed by what's included in the very plain, very functionally designed Xperia Pro.

Given the sheer price of the Sony Xperia Pro, extended warranty protection is vital for this device. You likely will be offered a warranty when you purchase your device from your preferred retailer. However, another option is available for most Sony Xperia models: an extended subscription warranty from Upsie. Upsie's smartphone warranties cost only $9.99 per month.

With an extended warranty from Upsie, you'll receive protection that is not typically included with standard warranties. This will give you peace of mind in the event of a drop or spill. In most cases, it's easy to get your phone repaired at a certified facility in your area. Think about the exorbitant cost of a full replacement as you determine whether you need an extended warranty or not.

Upsie can protect any smartphone that costs less than $1899.99. This includes non-pro Sony Xperia models such as the Xperia 1 II, Xperia 5 II and Xperia 5 III.