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Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
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9/10
Informr score
The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact currently has an Informr score of 9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 32 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Excellent processing speed and power
  • Accurate and deep colors
  • Long battery life
  • Easy to use one-handed

What's bad

  • Thicker and heavier than larger smartphones
  • White balance is a little off
  • Back cover scratches easily

Unlike other smartphone manufacturers, Sony has been able to miniaturize its flagship phone – the Xperia Z1 – without compromising performance. When compared to other smartphones, the Z1 Compact is smaller in terms of width and height but it errs on the thicker side at 0.4 inches and is actually heavier than larger devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4 at 137 grams. Despite the thickness and weight, reviewers highlight the fact that the smaller size and ergonomic design makes it much easier to handle. Experts mention that the phone also feels solid due to its single-piece aluminum frame and protective glass covers. Unfortunately, they also noticed that the glass back is prone to fingerprints and scratches and suggest using a case to avoid these issues.

Aside from the smaller 4.3 inch screen size, the Z1 Compact also has a lowered resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. While not full HD like the Z1, it still offers an excellent pixel density of 341 ppi, which is actually higher than the iPhone 5S. Critics only noticed issues with clarity and sharpness when they were fully zoomed out in websites but it was practically negligible. More noticeable to them, however, were the improvements to color accuracy and black levels. The Z1 Compact boasts Sony's Triluminos display technology that allegedly provides a color gamut that is 50 percent larger than conventional LCD panels. Trusted Reviews backs up the claim stating, "Colours are visibly more accurate and deeper than the iPhone 5S's…" though they go on to say that whites are not quite perfect.

In terms of power, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact sports the same internal hardware as its larger sibling: 2.2GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. Experts were able to use processor intensive apps without any lag or resolution issues. For daily tasks like browsing around the interface and switching between apps, CNET describes the experience as "satisfyingly swift, with zero noticeable lag." Running the show is a 2,300 mAh battery. While smaller than the Z1, benchmark tests place battery life at just around 9 hours. Real world use backs up the benchmark numbers as The Verge clocks battery life at over a day of moderate usage.

On the back is the same 20.7-megapixel camera from the Z1 complete with the same software. While reviewers describe it as a good all-rounder, it still has issues with noise for indoor and low light conditions. Still, Digital Trends notes that its lowlight performance is better than many of its competitors despite its aggressive flash.

The issues with the Xperia Z1 Compact are few and far between. For the most part, reviewers highly recommend it for those looking for a smaller phone alternative. Phone Arena states, "…the Xperia Z1 Compact is not only a great Android smartphone, it's simply a great phone, all things considered." Engadget adds, "Sony's 'mini' flagship is what companies should have been doing all along."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.2 GHz
4.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.3"
20+ MP
Camera
Camera
20+ MP
2300 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

It's very easy to recommend the Z1 Compact. You might not like the styling or the overabundance of ports and flaps, but that's the tradeoff for waterproofing, which is definitely a neat feature. As for alternatives in this price range, you could buy an LG G2, which is larger, or an iPhone 5c which i...

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

It’s not the smallest or lightest phone on the market but it exudes quality and class in every area. In the Xperia Z1 Compact Sony has created a truly mighty mini.

- Evan Kypreos, TrustedReviews
UnleashThePhones
UnleashThePhones

The Z1 Compact fills a niche that has been largely ignored by pretty much every other smartphone maker on the planet save for Apple. For all the hardware diversity within the Android ecosystem, there really is nothing like it, and as a result it should be a downright astounding device. I adore the d...

- Alvin Wong, UnleashThePhones
Digital Trends
Digital Trends

Sony has nailed a market segment that needs some love. The Z1 Compact is the best small smartphone running Android.

- Simon Hill, Digital Trends
What Mobile
What Mobile

Hate phablets? Don’t like Apple’s iOS? Help is at hand at long last. Now you can finally buy a premium phone that doesn’t swamp your hands or dwarf your face when you lift it to take a call. Kudos to Sony for coming up with a phone as petite and powerful as Apple’s bad boy....

- Saqib Shah, What Mobile


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions



Sony backs up the Xperia Z1 Compact with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Xperia Z1 Compact has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Sony support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Sony's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
4.3"

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact's screen size is 4.3 inches with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.2 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad core 2.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system (OS).

Camera
20+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 20+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2300mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2300 mAh battery. Sony's performance ratings are 1080 minutes, 757 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Xperia Z1 Compact Specs

Overview
Release Date January 31, 2014
Regions Available United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8974 Quad core 2.2 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.43 W/kg
Body: 1 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
20+ Megapixels
Zoom
8x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama, HDR, Scene recognition
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, XviD, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Self-portrait, Self-timer
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Pixel Density 342 pixels
Size 4.3 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2300 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 720 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 757 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1080 minutes
Standby Time Up to 21.9 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White, Pink, Lime
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.7 x 6.5 x 0.9 cm (5 x 2.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 137 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 58
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Sony D5503

ANT+ support

Related Links Manual (PDF)
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact Reviews
Where to buy Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
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