Sony clarifies AI Camera Assistant function as independent analysis finds flaws persist

Sony has issued a clarification regarding the functionality of its AI Camera Assistant feature on the Xperia 1 XIII smartphone, following significant public criticism of its promotional materials. The company asserts that the AI tool does not directly edit photos but instead provides user suggestions for adjusting exposure, colour, background blur, and camera angle based on lighting and subject analysis.

The controversy centres on the discrepancy between Sony’s marketing claims and the actual performance of the AI tool. In its product video, Sony states that the AI Camera Assistant will suggest the most photogenic angle. However, independent analysis of the demonstration indicates the clip only shows a suggestion to zoom in, which does not constitute an adjustment of the camera angle.

Sony previously posted promotional examples on 14 May that drew unwanted attention for their poor quality, including extreme washing out in a sandwich photo and over-exposure in a meadow portrait. The company subsequently posted improved examples on X (formerly Twitter), avoiding the extreme issues seen in the May 14 releases.

Despite these clarifications, independent analysis of the examples provided by Sony indicates that the suggested adjustments remain flawed. Issues identified include excessive saturation, flat processing, and unnatural contrast. One suggestion is overly saturated, another is flat and over-processed, a third makes the food appear artificially inserted, and the fourth has contrast levels that are excessively high.

The source advises Xperia 1 XIII users to ignore the AI Camera Assistant’s suggestions for the time being. The long-term viability of the feature remains uncertain, as the results are described as worse than the original images.