lucadelladora – Sony has made a significant change in its smartphone manufacturing strategy by outsourcing all production to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including for its flagship models. The Xperia 1 VII, announced as the company’s flagship smartphone for 2025, is no longer made in Sony’s own factories. Instead, like its mid-range and entry-level models, the Xperia 1 VII is now produced by an external OEM. This move marks a turning point in Sony’s long-standing tradition of in-house smartphone manufacturing.
The update was first noted by Japanese media outlet Sumahodigest. Which reported that Sony’s official website no longer lists smartphones among the products made at its factories. This marks a clear and possibly permanent shift in how Sony approaches smartphone production.
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Xperia Flagships No Longer Assembled In-House, Signaling Permanent Change
Historically, Sony reserved OEM manufacturing for its non-flagship smartphones. While its premium Xperia flagships were built in-house to ensure strict quality control. The shift with the Xperia 1 VII suggests Sony now trusts external manufacturers to meet the high standards expected from its top-tier devices. This change is particularly noteworthy because flagship phones typically feature advanced components, custom parts, and complex engineering—factors that previously justified in-house production.
Sony previously assembled Xperia smartphones at its factories in Chonburi and Bang Kadi, Thailand, and Wuxi, China. Now, the company has removed smartphones from the list of products made at these facilities. This update indicates that Sony has fully transitioned away from in-house smartphone production. It also suggests that third-party manufacturers will produce future flagship models, including those following the Xperia 1 VII.
Website Update Confirms End of Sony Factory Smartphone Production
A key indicator of this change is an update to Sony’s website. Made in mid-May, which no longer lists smartphones among its factory-manufactured items. This update has been interpreted as confirmation that the company has ceased smartphone production at all of its owned facilities.
Previously, Sony’s official documentation listed smartphones as products made at its facilities in both Thailand and China. The removal of smartphones from this list supports growing speculation that Sony is now fully reliant on OEM partnerships for production. This change is unlikely to be temporary and reflects a longer-term manufacturing strategy.
New OEM Strategy Aims for Efficiency Without Compromising Quality
Outsourcing production to OEMs allows Sony to focus on design, software, and innovation while reducing manufacturing costs. OEM partnerships are common in the smartphone industry, with brands like Google and Nokia also using external manufacturers. However, Sony’s shift is significant due to its previous emphasis on quality control, especially for its high-end devices.
By working closely with capable OEMs, Sony can maintain control over design and quality standards. The Xperia 1 VII is expected to reflect Sony’s signature build quality and performance. Even if not assembled in a Sony-owned facility. This shift may also lead to faster production cycles and improved supply chain management.
Future Xperia Models to Be OEM-Made, Reflecting Broader Industry Trends
This move by Sony aligns with a broader trend in the smartphone industry, where more companies are relying on OEMs for production. The decision likely reflects cost considerations. Increased supply chain flexibility, and a focus on research and development rather than manufacturing infrastructure.
While longtime fans of the Xperia brand may view this change with concern. It doesn’t necessarily mean a decline in product quality. Instead, it marks a strategic evolution in Sony’s approach, allowing the company to remain competitive in a market where efficiency and scalability are increasingly vital. Future Xperia smartphones will likely follow this OEM manufacturing model, starting with the Xperia 1 VII.
