Sony Xperia 1 VI

Hey all,

I currently am using the Samsung note 20 ultra and am looking to upgrade to a new phone and the only one that supports expandable storage in a flagship phone is the Sony Xperia 1 phones.

Unfortunately it was announced that they would not be releasing in the USA. I am wondering if it is possible to import the phone and use it on the Verizon network with my already activated SIM card from my note 20 ultra. Has anyone bought an international phone and used it on Verizon?

Cheers,

Rob

Accepted answers

shrubb23

Here is a link I think is helpful to see how the frequency bands on Verizon's network and the Xperia 1 VI overlap. I'm trying to be helpful and have been a customer for over 20 years).

https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/US/sony-xperia-1-vi

SynthpopAddict

The full specs for the Sony Xperia 1 IV can be found here:

https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_1_iv-11521.php

I do not see CDMA listed as being supported, although there are notations for LTE and 5G, including "mmWave - US". With Verizon being the one company with a CDMA network and everyone else including the competition being GSM, if you were to buy this phone, you'd most likely have to switch to either Blue Logo Place or Pink Logo Place for it to work. Whether or not you could get 5G service with them depends on what bands they use for 5G, 5G UC (Pink Place's ultrawideband 5G), or 5G+ (Blue Place's ultrawideband 5G).

Verizon is the reason why US models of cell phones are built with CDMA compatibility.

All comments

SynthpopAddict

From what I've read elsewhere, it all depends on the specs of the phone. The overseas version of a phone doesn't necessarily have all the US radio frequencies built into it, so if it doesn't have the US bands for 5G or 5G UW as an example, the phone will completely lose internet connection any time it picks up a radio signal it doesn't support. Many international version phones only support GSM technology and not CDMA, because CDMA technology isn't common overseas. Verizon's network is CDMA, so if the phone only runs with GSM, it would completely not work at all.

TheForceIsStrongWithThisOne

Wondering the same as I'm thinking of upgrading one or my S23 ultras. I read that the Xperia 1 V works.

rm111

I am curious if just the US variant of the 1 V works, or if the 1 V international version also worked. I believe a lot depends on the bands that the phone covers like the n71 and the n77 bands. If you find out anymore info please let me know. Thank you!

Verizon_Support

rm111, we always want to make sure that you're fully aware of your device options. Unlocked devices from the manufacturer may work on our network, but there might also be certain features that are not supported, such as Wi-Fi Calling, 5G Ultra Wideband, etc. The best way to determine whether a phone will work on our network, will be by checking the IMEI number here: https://www.verizon.com/sales/digital/byod/enterDeviceIMEI.html

We hope this helps!

~Izzy

Verizon_Support

Great question! As mentioned earlier unlocked devices from the manufacturer may work on our network, but there might also be certain features that are not supported, such as Wi-Fi Calling, 5G Ultra Wideband, etc. The best way to determine whether a phone will work on our network, will be by checking the IMEI number here: http://spr.ly/6602eIKYo.

Hope this helps.

~Gilbert

Verizon_Support

Happy Monday! Good inquiry! As indicated earlier unlocked devices from the manufacturer may work on our network, but there might also be certain features that are not supported, such as Wi-Fi Calling, 5G Ultra Wideband, etc. The best way to determine whether a phone will work on our network, will be by checking the IMEI number here: http://spr.ly/6602eIKYo.

Hope this helps.

~Gilbert

rm111

This solution would work if I had the phone and had an IMEI to test. It requires I buy the phone and check the IMEI. If it turns out it is not compatible then I will have wasted money unless switching to T-Mobile. https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/s/BvVXKQWoPO

It is unfortunate that there can't be more transparency, but it may just require testing from others to see if it works. Thank your for the reply.

shrubb23

Here is a link I think is helpful to see how the frequency bands on Verizon's network and the Xperia 1 VI overlap. I'm trying to be helpful and have been a customer for over 20 years).

https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/US/sony-xperia-1-vi