Sony presented the much awaited mini variant of its flagship phone Sony Xperia Z1(Quick Review) at CES 2014, named Sony Xperia Z1 Compact . Unlike other mini variants, Sony has provided full high end specs in the compact device, something we really admire. Up to now, the only high end specs option for those looking for a small display phone was Apple’s iPhone and now Android has an answer. Let’s explore this new smartphone from Sony.
Camera and Internal Storage
Sony has managed to squeeze in its 20.7 MP camera from Sony Xperia Z1 in this phone too. The 20.7 MP sensor is 1/ 2.3 inches in size and the camera module boats of features like image stabilization, full HD 1080p video recording, LED Flash, BIONZ image processor and high end G Lens. The same camera was slightly inconsistent on Xperia Z1 and we hove Sony has worked around the issue this time. The front camera with 2 MP sensor is also capable of full HD video recording. The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact has 16 GB on board storage which is expandable to 64 GB using MicroSD support. The storage shouldn’t leave anything to complain about for most people.
Processor and Battery
The processor employed is the best in business Snapdragon 800 processor with 4 power efficient Krait 400 cores clocked at 2.26 GHz. The chipset also incorporates 2 GB RAM and Adreno 330 GPU for efficient multitasking and graphic intensive gaming. The battery is less than the flagship Xperia Z1 at 2300 mAh, but with the reduced display size, the difference in back up will be further reduced. This is one of the spec that did not make through to the compact variant, but Sony promises 600 hours of standby time and up to 18 hours of talk time on 3G which is not bad at all.
Display and Features
The IPS LCD display is 4.3 inches in size and features 720p HD resolution which gives you pixel density of 342 ppi which although is not full HD, but is still a very sharp display. The display is a triluminous display, which promises natural and accurate color reproduction with LED backlight reproducing more tones and textures. The display is also dust and water resistant with IP55/58 certification. The X-Reality engine which processes even low resolution images with optimum colors is also present. The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact comes with Android 4.3 out of the box and promises a Android 4.4 KitKat update in the near future for best of Android experience.
Looks and Connectivity
The Xperia Z1 Compact is similar in looks and body design to Xperia Z1 but it comes in more color options. You can choose from White, Black, Lime and Pink. At 9.5 mm Xperia Z1 Compact is 1 mm thicker compared to Xperia Z1 (which seems reasonable) and weighs 137 grams. Connectivity features include 3G, WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, USB OTG and GPS with AGPS and GLONASS.
Comparison
The phone stands pretty much alone in its category of small sized phones with high end specs. It will however compete with phones like HTC One, HTC One Mini, Samsung S4 Mini and iPhone 5c.
Key Specs
Conclusion
Not everyone likes a big display phone and Sony Xperia Z1 Compact will open way for more such phones with high end specs and small form factor. Buy this phone only if you are looking for compact, easily pocket able phone with high end specs. The phone is expected to be priced between the 35,000 and 40,000 INR mark in India.
Xperia Z1 Compact – the best of Sony in a compact waterproof smartphone [Video]
