Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving relationship between consumers and brands, particularly focusing on Sony and its Xperia 1 Ⅶ smartphone, highlighting the gap between consumer expectations and the actual product offerings [6][12][13]. Group 1: Sony's Xperia 1 Ⅶ Analysis - Xperia 1 Ⅶ is not a poor product in the smartphone industry, featuring high-end specifications such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, up to 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, along with unique camera capabilities [6][8]. - Despite its strengths, the Xperia 1 Ⅶ fails to meet consumer expectations, particularly in display resolution and audio technology, leading to disappointment among loyal users [10][12]. - The decision to exclude advanced audio technology like S-Master from the Xperia 1 Ⅶ is seen as a strategic move to protect Walkman sales, indicating a prioritization of commercial interests over consumer satisfaction [12][19]. Group 2: Consumer Expectations and Brand Faith - Consumer faith in a brand should be based on a rational understanding of its capabilities, rather than blind loyalty, leading to reasonable expectations for product quality [13][15]. - The article contrasts Sony's approach with Meizu's Note 16 series, which, despite deviating from traditional design, successfully meets market needs and attracts new customers [17][19]. - The concept of "fan economy" has shifted from supporting innovative brands to catering to less discerning consumers, which can dilute the integrity of brand loyalty and product quality [21][23]. Group 3: Emotional Value vs. Product Performance - Emotional value can influence purchasing decisions, but it cannot compensate for subpar product performance, as consumers will eventually notice discrepancies in quality [25][27]. - The expectation for self-developed chips in the industry reflects a desire for better performance and cost-effectiveness, indicating that consumers prioritize tangible benefits over brand loyalty [29].