Who Owns Xperia?

Xperia was launched in 2008 as a smartphone brand developed through Sony Ericsson, a 50/50 joint venture between Sony Corporation and Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson. The joint venture had been formed in 2001 to combine Sony's consumer electronics expertise with Ericsson's mobile technology capabilities. The Xperia name was derived from the word "experience," reflecting the brand's focus on delivering a superior mobile experience.

The first Xperia phone, the Xperia X1, was released in 2008 running Windows Mobile. The brand transitioned to Android in 2010 with the Xperia X10, which was one of the first Sony Ericsson phones to run Google's Android operating system. The shift to Android aligned Xperia with the dominant smartphone platform and opened up access to the Google Play app ecosystem.

In 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson's 50% stake in Sony Ericsson for approximately $1.47 billion, making Xperia a wholly-owned Sony brand. This acquisition gave Sony full control over its smartphone strategy and allowed deeper integration between Xperia devices and Sony's other product lines, including PlayStation, Bravia televisions, and Sony's camera technology.

Xperia has been particularly known for its camera technology, leveraging Sony's expertise as the world's leading image sensor manufacturer. Sony's image sensors are used in many competing smartphones (including Apple's iPhones), and Xperia phones have been used to demonstrate Sony's imaging capabilities. The Xperia 1 series, launched in 2019, introduced a 21:9 aspect ratio display and professional-grade camera features including Cinema Pro and Photo Pro modes.

Xperia has maintained a niche but loyal following among photography enthusiasts and consumers who value Sony's ecosystem integration. The brand has focused on the premium segment, competing with Samsung's Galaxy S series and Apple's iPhone rather than attempting to compete in the mass-market segment.