Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

Overview

The Xperia Z1 Compact is the small version of Sony's flagship Z1. Despite the small size, the Z1 Compact is a truly high-end smartphone running Android 4.3 and according to Sony an update to Android 4.4 is to follow. The Z1 Compact is water and dust resistant, it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with 2GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, expandable via microSD.

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 70 expert reviews

Excellent:

45
Good:

22
Average:

1
Bad:

2

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Last revision on January 5, 2016

Reviewers Liked

Its small size makes it comfortable to use
Cutting edge performance
Improved display offers better viewing angles than older Sony handsets
Powerful processor
Great battery life
Great camera
Water and dust resistance (IP 58)

Reviewers Didn't Like

Not running the latest version of Android
Relatively small display
More expensive than other "mini" phones
Minor UI issues

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

Price-wise it shouldn’t really come as a surprise that the Xperia Z1 Compact is priced similarly to its large-screen flagship counterparts. MobiCity, which provided us with the Z1 Compact to review today, sells the Z1 Compact for $570 unlocked and off-contract, which is the same price as the full-size Xperia Z1, so it won’t cost you to opt for the smaller model.

By TechSpot on March 19, 2014

The quality of this mini smartphone is evident from the moment you pick it up and the solid one-piece aluminium frame oozes craftsmanship and is detailed right down to the alumium power on/off button.It isn't just all show though as the build includes...

By MobilePhones on July 30, 2014

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...

By Digital Trends on May 22, 2014

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...

By What Mobile on April 07, 2014

There's no doubt that big-screen devices which offer a more immersive experience of viewing multimedia, playing games, browsing the web or reading documents are enjoying massive uptake currently. However, this comes at the cost of comfortable handling...

By 91mobiles.com on March 26, 2014

100

The Sony Z1 Compact is proof that good things can come in small packages and if you like a smartphone that's easy on the hand, then this is a good...

By What Hi-Fi? on March 25, 2014

Not a fan of big phones? You’re not the only one, and Sony may have found the perfect middle point for someone keen on flagship specs and performance without needing to tax the pockets too much. While the big phones tend to be the flagship devices...

By Gadget Guy Australia on March 21, 2014

Sony has achieved something special with the Xperia Z1 Compact. The company has created an excellent phone — first. Then they've added wonderful features to it, like the high resolution camera, exquisite display and its I'm-not-scared-of-water attitude....

By Good Gear Guide on March 19, 2014

Sony has decided to follow in the footsteps of other smartphone providers and offer a smaller version of its flagship phone in the form of the Xperia Z1 Compact. Unlike other manufacturers, however, Sony's accomplished this feat with few, if any,...

By Brighthand on March 04, 2014

Great battery life and superb performance in an attractive waterproof package; what's not to...

By Alphr on February 21, 2014

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Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

TechSpot Metascore

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini SM-G800

Motorola Moto G

Apple iPhone 5s

Expert reviews and ratings