Sony Xperia Z1 Compact Pro Reviews

Apple has long argued the merits of its perfect-sized iPhone that you can comfortably hold and use without requiring two hands. If you buy into that, then the Xperia Z1 Compact is easily your best option on the Android platform right now. Sony is the first manufacturer to understand that people don’t want a mini mid-ranger that only shares a name with the latest flagship; they want as many of the same cutting edge specs packed into a smaller phone as they can get. Unfortunately, the Z1 Compact hasn’t been released in the U.S. and we don’t know which, if any carriers will pick it up, though T-Mobile is the most likely because it offered the Z1S. If you were to venture online and order a Z1 Compact, you’ll spend around $500. As the best small Android phone available right now, we think it’s worth it.

The Xperia Z1 Compact occupies an interesting area of the market with little competition, positioning itself as high-end device in a compact body. Some may see it as nearly a win by default for Sony, but there are genuinely many reasons why you should consider this handset for yourself. Inside the Z1 Compact you’re getting a powerful, top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC that monsters any tasks given to it. Sony hasn’t fallen into the trap of including mediocre specs in a small form factor handset, as you’ll also get 2 GB of RAM, LTE support, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and an all-important microSD card slot. Battery life is fantastic from this handset too, complemented by a great battery saver mode. Sony knows how to produce a premium smartphone, with the design imitating that of the Xperia Z1. Its use of two glass panes combined with a single-piece aluminium frame feels very nice and surprisingly strong in the hand. Water resistance adds to the overall package, even if it does mean adding annoying flaps to critical ports. The 4.3-inch display included on the front isn’t the best I’ve seen, but its respectable 720p resolution gets the job done.

Great battery life and superb performance in an attractive waterproof package; what’s not to like?

As we expected, the Sony Xperia Z1 and the Z1 Compact are truly identical on many levels – from design and internal hardware specs to software and camera performance. Metaphorically speaking, they are like two different serving sizes of the very same ice cream flavor. That is why a potential buyer who is torn between them should be most influenced by the size factor that sets these two phones apart. We find the Xperia Z1 Compact much more suitable for those who value ease of use above all; those who would appreciate owning a top-notch phone that they can easily operate with one hand and fit in any pocket. On the other hand, people who often find themselves watching videos or photos, browsing the web, or playing games on their smartphone should be more satisfied with the Xperia Z1 since its bigger, higher-resolution screen is a huge asset when it comes to multimedia consumption. Overall, we find both phones equally appealing, which is why whichever you pick, we doubt you'd end up feeling disappointed.

The Z1 Compact isn't perfect but it's still very good, a top-end smartphone in a smaller package

And here we are, looking at what's probably the only two compact high-end smartphones on the market today. Which one to choose? Well, while we can't really say that it's an easy choice, at least both options are quite safe ones, as neither will disappoint you with their advanced features and characteristics. That's the cool thing when you're dealing with cutting-edge products – there are no compromises or drawbacks that you have to take into account before making the move. The only thing that you need to decide is what type of device you want: a curated and mature phone that's slightly limited in its functionality, or a more open and flexible one that's just slightly less perfected.

No conclusive winner can be cast when you pit the Z1 Compact with the HTC One, as they're two devices that specialize in somewhat different areas, though each is more than capable in pretty much every and all regards. The Xperia Z1 Compact, as the name suggests, is a great pick if you're tired of lugging around a big device, but you still don't want to compromise on the specs front. Moreover, its fancy shooter will certainly not leave you wanting. The HTC One's performance capabilities are lagging behind in terms of raw power, but that isn't saying a whole lot, seeing as the Snapdragon 800 is already so far ahead of the curve. It's speedy, and its camera, while lagging behind what rival flagships have to offer, is still adequate.. Little can stand in its way when it comes to its audio capabilities, too, and it makes for a great overall multimedia device that leaves very little to desire. The One is also, arguably, the more attractive device of the two, and that's saying something, as the Z1 Compact is a looker in its own right. In the end, we wish we could say that it comes down to a simple choice between practicality and looks, but that's just not the case. Both these devices are heavily invested in both these fields, though the Z1 Compact is definitely the more pragmatic of the two, while the HTC One sports the better looks and bigger, more detailed screen.

With all this said, it’s time to answer the big question - which one should you buy, the Z1 Compact or the Galaxy S4? It’s clear that we’re talking about two great devices all around, but - if you are not scared of the smaller screen - the Z1 Compact seems to have the upper hand. After all, it’s not only newer, but it is built with premium materials, features better protection from the elements, a beefier processor, and a better camera - all of that makes it the logical choice. The Galaxy S4 is a nearly one-year old device, and its age starts to show, as it has older and less capable internals. At the same time, it's also true that it has dropped down in price, so that it's not a bad value for its money. If you're looking for the very best out there, though, it's hard to give the S4 a heart-felt recommendation right now. For that, between the two, the Xperia Z1 Compact wins our heart.

Sony has got the Xperia Z1 Compact right: it's packed with power, is well designed, and delivers a first class experience. We have no reservations in recommending it because it's certainly the best Android device at this size.

We love what Sony has done with the Xperia Z1 Compact. Finally consumers have the choice to buy a high-end smartphone without being forced to use a large screen. The fact it's cheaper than most flagship devices makes it one of the best smartphones around.

Sony has done with its mini phone what we hoped other manufacturers would do with theirs -- shrink the size of the flagship, but keep the elite lineup of specs. Mix in the waterproof construction, the beautiful design and the good camera and the Z1 Compact is a superb phone for those who don't want their pockets stretched out by 5-inch goliaths.

Xperia Z1 Compact is not only a great Android smartphone, it's simply a great phone, all things considered. Sony has made the bold move of venturing where few Android manufacturers have dared to go so far. Let's see how well it's going to work out for them!