Sony's AI Camera Assistant on Xperia 1 VIII delivers terrible Instagram-like filters

Sony's AI Camera Assistant on the Xperia 1 VIII is exactly as bad as the promotional photos suggested, according to a hands-on review by Dominic Preston. The feature, embedded in the default camera mode, automatically pops up a small box showing alternate settings—usually aggressive exposure, white balance, contrast, or saturation adjustments that mimic ugly Instagram filters from 16 years ago. It sometimes adds artificial bokeh or darkens the subject, but never offers framing or focus advice like Google's Camera Coach on Pixel phones. The Assistant also behaves inconsistently: it's completely absent on the selfie camera, rarely triggers for macro shots or bright lights, but eagerly suggests changes for a plain palm of a hand. Users can tap to apply a suggestion or swipe through four options, but the AI never explains what effects it's applying, so there's no learning curve.

Sony claims the Assistant can recommend switching lenses or finding better angles, but after a week of testing, that never happened. The Xperia 1 VIII already has built-in filters (film simulation, vivid mode), yet the AI Assistant's suggestions feel cruder and more random. The lack of consistency and the poor aesthetic choices make the feature more of a nuisance than a helper. For photographers who want control or education, the AI Camera Assistant is a step backward. It undermines the phone's camera potential and frustrates users looking for reliable, tasteful enhancements.