Smart phone’s arrival turned it enough once, and the last year has been the mantra of the larger, the better.
Is Sony about to lead the way in enough bend of the curve with its newcomer Xperia Z1 Compact?
Other mobile manufacturers have in recent years released so-called mini-versions of their top models, but these have generally been weaker equipped than the originals, not only on screen but also the performance and functionality (two of these are HTC One Mini and Samsung Galaxy S III Mini.)
It is gratifying probably not the case with the Xperia Z1 Compact.
From 5 to 4.3 inches
Sony has made chess move of taking the best from the flagship model Xperia Z1 and pack it into a smaller format. There are only a few features beyond the physical that separates Z1 Compact from big brother.
While the screen size has shrunk from 5 to 4.3 inches, the display resolution is reduced from 1080p to 720p. In addition, the battery capacity is reduced from 3,000 to 2,300 mAh. There is just enough compromises that Z1 Compact still can claim status as a top model.
phone is equipped with the same camera as the Z1 which is of 20.7 mega pixels. On the inside the Sony calls “the world’s fastest smartphone processor,” Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with 2.2GHz quad-core processor. So it also has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.
It supports 4G/LTE, NFC and Bluetooth 4.0, and is also dustproof and waterproof. Especially the latter comes in handy in Norwegian weather almost all year round. This need not be afraid to take out of his pocket to use when there is snow or rain in the air.
Handy as gain
Sony has not made too many changes to the aesthetic of the Z1 Compact. It has the unmistakable Xperia Z-design, square with barely rounded edges. It looks stylish, and it says I’m not just because we got the pink model to the test.
Build quality is good, but both the screen and the back scratched easier than we appreciate. This is a plastic protective coating, but still makes that one has to be extra careful that it will not be the ugly.
Z1 Compact ørlitt thicker than big brother, almost two millimeters and it actually felt when you hold it in your hand. But to make it easier to get a better grip on the least issue.
It’s ideal for énhåndsbruk, comfortable to hold, and it is easy to control it with your thumb without having to reach the too much or change position completely. It could certainly not me with Z1.
To not talk about the 6.4-inch Xperia Z Ultra
On the left side of the screen we find all doors and entrances, which are covered by rubber protective caps. They are easy to both open and close, but it’s one extra thing to do.
Wet headphone protection
On the right side sits the lock button, volume button and camera button. The first two are located in the middle, which makes sense considering how the fingers resting along the sides when you hold them in one hand. The volume knob could have been bigger, it is not particularly outstanding, so it’s easy to press the wrong.
Headphone socket sits at the top, and although this is not equipped with a waterproof plug, it still protects your phone against the wet element.
At the bottom we find the built in speakers. They produce decent sound, but no rival to HTC One sin (s). Plug in a good pair of headphones or ear buds, songs, far better.
Call quality is also very good, even in low signal on the subway in Oslo.
Sharp and nice screen
Though both the size and resolution of the screen to the Z1 Compact is decreased compared to the original, the picture is still pretty sharp. 4.3 inches and 720p resolution delivers a pixel density of 342 pixels per inch, which is actually higher than what we find in 4-inch iPhone 5S with its 326 ppi. Sony screen is not vastly superior to that reason – both screens are very good.
Z1 Compact has any other Sony phones do not have, namely an IPS display, which provides a much better viewing angle for example when the phone is on the desktop. It also supports gauntlet mode, which increases the sensitivity of the touch screen so the phone can be used with gloves or mittens.
Previous Android version
Some may be disappointed that the Z1 Compact does not come with the latest version of Android, 4.4, KitKat, but the previous version, 4.3 Jelly Bean. It is admittedly not much difference between the two versions, so something huge problem it is not.
Of news in Android 4.4, however, is the ability to run apps in full screen, and just what could we wanted the Z1 Compact, so that such sites are not lost valuable space for status and menu bar at the top and bottom.
Sony has added its own skin over Android, and it’s a pretty gentle shell that does not attempt to change how you use your phone, but first and foremost change the visual. Often for the better.
All those little features such shells should have in place, as good klokkeapp and handsome calendar. Like all other such shells also Sony’s numerous stuff we personally never use, like TrackID, Xperia Lounge, Xperia Privilege, Social Life and Sony Select. But they do not bother us.
On the contrary, Z1 Compact more features we actually use. As shortcuts to settings in the notification menu and power when the battery is running out. You also get a little fancy goofing off as “suspended apps”, ie applications that are located in separate windows over what you do, for example to take notes while surfing the web. They also managed to not include their own browser in addition to Chrome, which we applaud.
Performance and battery life
With the same feed as its big brother Z1, Z1 Compact is a real powerhouse. It handles all tasks with aplomb, and it floats silky whatever we do, whether it is surfing in the web browser, watch HD videos, play graphics heavy games like Asphalt 8 or snap many pictures in succession.
More of Benchmarks DinSide uses, the larger top models like HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4 and LG G2. Such tests do not necessarily tell the full truth about how fast a phone is, but our results make sure we can safely conclude that Z1 Compact is one of the very fastest to get right now.
Battery time is also excellent although the capacity is reduced from 3,000 to 2,300 mAh compared to the Z1.
Thanks to the smaller screen, Compact Z1 no trouble keeping your day with normal use. Sony has also added a number of power saving features that can let you squeeze even more power out of the battery if necessary.
Z1 Compact has also 16GB built-in storage, of which about 11GB is available to the user. If it gets too low, you can insert the MicroSD card up to 64GB if you need more space for photos, videos and music.
great camera
Z1 Compact has mentioned the same camera as the Z1, a 20.7-megapixel camera with 1/2 ,3-inch image sensor. On the side of the phone there is also a separate shutter button for photos, so you will not have to touch the screen.
Just as Z1 Z1 Compact very good pictures, especially in broad daylight. When they are both detailed with good color and contrast. We think, however, the pictures tend to be grainy and washed with a little indoor low light without it being something that is unique to this phone.
It’s also a plus that the phone comes with a quick and user-friendly camera app that lets you take pictures with manual settings and add a bunch of “fun” effects in a simple way.
Conclusion
Sony has stated that they want to hijack Iphone users with Xperia Compact Z1. They can also make fast, at least for this audience is tempted to switch over to Android, but have been reluctant to do so until now because the best phones have only been large 5-inches.
Z1 Compact, however, is also a proof that it is possible to create a 4.3-inch Android mobile without compromising on specifications.
It is handy and pocket friendly, good at most, and then it is also waterproof. In other words, the best of all worlds. What more could we wish for?
Are you looking for the very best on the hardware front, but want bigger screen, there are other good options out there:
- • For those who want “pure” Android Google Nexus 5
- • For those who want outstanding here sound: HTC One
- • For those who want mobile which can be controlled with pen: Samsung Galaxy Note 3
- • For those who want good camera: Check our big camera test
The case was originally published on DinSide. Read here.
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