Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review: Mini gone big

28 January 2014
Sony is the first to deliver a smartphone, which wouldn’t let size get in the way of performance or screen quality. It’s no accident that it’s called the Compact version of Xperia Z1 rather than a mini...

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  • D
  • AnonD-81000
  • XMi
  • 23 Feb 2014

Anonymous, 29 Jan 2014Do you have experiences Sir? I compared a real life phot... moreBtw, I was talking about image quality of xperia z1, not other sony devices

Yes, I have quite a lot of pixel peeping experiences. I own Xperia Z and I have compared its camera with (with the results):

- Samsung Galaxy S3 (indoor and night shots): Xperia Z beat S3 in indoors thanks to lower noise and slightly better detail, in night shots xperia z completely trashed S3 because of superior detail, better exposure, and lower noise)

- Samsung Galaxy Note 1 (mall): Note 3 won in terms of colour rendering but Xperia Z has better details

- Samsung Galaxy S4 (indoors, night shots, macro): S4 trashed Xperia Z indoors, and macros thanks to superior detail, better colours, and lower noise. In night shots however, The S4 turned into a noisy mess but well exposed and Xperia Z has lower noise images

- Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (outdoors, night shots): note 3 beat xperia z in outdoors but not by much. In night shots, Xperia Z is noticeably better

- Sony Xperia SL (low-light indoors): Xperia Z won because of lower noise, better exposure, and better colours

- Sony Xperia ZR (Mall): Xperia Z won thanks to better details and noise levels. Quite surprising considering both devices have the same android 4.3 firmware

- HTC One (outdoors, indoors, low-light): meh, In outdoors and indoors it wasn't even a contest. Xperia Z was clearly superior, HTC One was downright horrible. Images from HTC One showed a lot of noise, oversharpening artifacts, the tendency to over and underexpose, and ofcourse lack of detail because of 4MP resolution. But in low light shots, HTC One showed its superiority thanks to its bigger pixels

- LG G2 (mall): a bit shocked to see Xperia Z won. Xperia Z has better details

- iphone 4s (indoor):

- iphone 5 (indoor):

    • D
    • AnonD-236177
    • JKq
    • 22 Feb 2014

    Same here, returning phone back for fraudulent Sony specs and poor quality. Propably will wait for S5.
    Theres tons of scratches after week on back side.

      • d
      • djz
      • m7G
      • 22 Feb 2014

      Just bought it. And love it. Good camera, great battery. It feels very solid and high quality.

        • s
        • s.jhorar
        • U{d
        • 22 Feb 2014

        Anonymous, 12 Feb 2014I am thinking of getting this to replace my S4 mini :)Your same problam with me...

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          • AnonD-235183
          • 5gm
          • 20 Feb 2014

          This phone does not feel premium in the hand, the back material is not glass, but plastic, and cheap easily-scratched plastic at that. Additionally I've got the now well known flash bleed issue.

          I'm sending mine back, and I would recommend any potential buyers try holding one in hand before you actually purchase it. The plastic back might not be a problem for some people but for others (like me) it is a total deal-breaker, especially given the whitepaper Sony released did mention the back being glass.

          Throw in audio issues (really low maximum volume), and the variability in screen quality (I got lucky - mine is a JDI), and you have a phone where the reality doesn't meet the fantasy promised by all the glowing reviews.

            • J
            • J.R.
            • n3Y
            • 19 Feb 2014

            AnonD-102470, 19 Feb 2014When you said "compared to samsung"I, or we immed... moreI have this phone. I let go of Samsung to try something new and this is my first Sony. Not talking about the crazy gimmicks that the Galaxy series have but the small things like, quick access to the task manager from the notifications pane, the long press on the toggles to access their respective menu, adjusting the notifications sound and ringer sound separately, SMS delivery report with sound, turn phone to mute ringer, changing fonts without root and some other minor things make the Samsung software smarter. The Sony video camera app doesn´t even have a video recording pause button. I hope that you understand my point...

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              • AnonD-102470
              • 9xm
              • 19 Feb 2014

              james2312, 10 Feb 2014Hi, I agree 100% with you. The Z1C pics look sooo bad (espe... moreI only have one thing to say to those waiting for the perfect phone.Amazing pictures are being taken with pro camera tools, not with a phone.The phone is made for ocasional amateurs momments seising opportunities and not for high resolution ubber quality pictures.

              Since your expectations are rising every year due to various technology developing, I believe that perfect phone will never be there for you but in my oppinion, the Z1c in this very momment is the best you can get.I, personally will go get it and I will be pleased about it.I have the ZR and the battery last for TWO FULL DAYS with average or beyond daily usage.Now I can assure you, that's something not many smartphones can do nowadays.

              Cheers

                • D
                • AnonD-102470
                • 9xm
                • 19 Feb 2014

                J.R., 10 Feb 2014This phone was ruined by the poor choice of materials for t... moreWhen you said "compared to samsung"I, or we immediately know who you are and what are you doing here.
                Go get your bashing to some low quality phones forum and buy your pathetic copy of apple 5s, the brand new Samsung Galaxy S5 with fingerprint scan button.Amazing innovation as well as many functions with no use whatsoever in real life.Stop visting Sony page if you like Samsung.I never check any producer page unless i'm interested in their phones.Seems youa are too but your frustrations of having an old Samsung phone and can't afford to buy Sony's products can't simply let you live your life.

                Wow, that's sad now....

                  • r
                  • rahul
                  • Mf5
                  • 18 Feb 2014

                  this phone is very sweet.........

                    • D
                    • AnonD-234025
                    • NsE
                    • 16 Feb 2014

                    Wow....i goota say...the z1 compact is one everyways like the z1...excoet in battery life nd screen size.....its a phone dat will cover all ur needs in a smartphone

                      • D
                      • AnonD-227883
                      • mqD
                      • 15 Feb 2014

                      It's all subjective and down to taste. Many people are completely satisfied with the Z1C's camera. Others are simply overly picky and judgmental b****es and will find a fault in anything they get their hands on. I have a Z1C and couldn't be happier with the camera, I've used many camera phones before and only a few Nokias top this. So please don't make baseless recommendations. If you have something to gripe about, then pick up a real camera.

                        • H
                        • Hirok
                        • t1$
                        • 13 Feb 2014

                        I am impressed by this little big phone. Nice spec for 4.3" screen phone.

                          • ?
                          • Anonymous
                          • IaH
                          • 12 Feb 2014

                          I am thinking of getting this to replace my S4 mini :)

                            • J
                            • J.R.
                            • n3Y
                            • 10 Feb 2014

                            This phone was ruined by the poor choice of materials for the front, (non oleophobic glass covered by a cheap plastic film that scratches easily), and the back, (plastic that scratches easily). You WILL have to use a case or else the brand new feeling will last for a couple of hours while you discover your new phone, and then, kaput; scratches everywere. Sony just can´t get it right. Also, compared to Samsung, Sony´s software is way simpler and "dumber". Function wise, this phone is very basic.

                              • j
                              • james2312
                              • LIm
                              • 10 Feb 2014

                              pipo, 06 Feb 2014@Anonymous from 4QSR: Did you even bother to LOOK at these ... moreHi, I agree 100% with you. The Z1C pics look sooo bad (especially with the comparison tool). Well I think I will wait for the Z2C (Size does matter to me). I think a lot of people are missing the point. They are trying to be fans of a company (sony, samsung, apple) instead of objectively looking/reading at what gsmarena is trying to show in their reviews. I think people looking for such a high end phone deserve the best or at least the best that can be achieved nowadays. And speaking about software updates, I do not think sony can fix this one. There are also a lot of reviewers saying someone must have the phone to write about it. In fact I gave a rating only for 3 devices that I actually own but on the other hand I think websites like this one are the first/best place to see if I should pay so much for a phone that seems terrific but only on paper, showing under a real test that the most important feature (the camera) does not deserve the name. Actually I think the "older" xperia Z (not Z1) produces better images. I highly recommend to potential Z1C buyers to really take a closer look at the review pics (1:1) and the comparison tool like pipo suggested. Greetings.

                                • ?
                                • Anonymous
                                • 4QS
                                • 08 Feb 2014

                                pipo, 06 Feb 2014@Anonymous from 4QSR: Did you even bother to LOOK at these ... moreAre those the only shots you looked at? There are far greater results...And I know yeah yeah...After the update, but there was even better ones after the update. Did you look at the comparisons?? It holds up quite nice and I'm sure to see even better results after another update or so. Sadly it does take Sony some time with software. Plus some awesome burst mode shots.

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                                  • ospr...
                                  • 3vy
                                  • 08 Feb 2014

                                  Never read such a great review / test ... congrats... thnx for that!!!

                                    • ?
                                    • Anonymous
                                    • 4QS
                                    • 07 Feb 2014

                                    genius, 06 Feb 2014U know nothing about cameras U troll, Sony xperia z1 beat 1... moreYou call them a troll who knows nothing then tell them the Z1 beats the 1020....The irony

                                      • g
                                      • genius
                                      • fjS
                                      • 06 Feb 2014

                                      pipo, 06 Feb 2014What a crap camera?!?!? Is this the best they can do on An... moreU know nothing about cameras U troll, Sony xperia z1 beat 1020 as tested among UK people competing with other smartphones.

                                        • D
                                        • DQ
                                        • iUK
                                        • 06 Feb 2014

                                        AnonD-231001, 06 Feb 2014Does the z1 compact have qi capabilities out of the box or ... moreNo it doesn't buddy...

                                        It was probably a misunderstanding or confusion with the magnetic charger (Dock DK32)

                                        Recently a Sony staff responded this question at Xperia's official forum.