Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact hands-on review: First impressions

31 August 2017
So, you want an Android power-house that won't rip your pockets, at least not in the literal sense, that is? Sony's Compact line has traditionally been one of the first places to turn. The choice beyond that is limited to say the least. That being said, while most of us around the office can't exactly relate to the issues of small form factor fans, we can definitely understand some of their feelings for last year's Xperia X Compact.

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  • D
  • AnonD-397942
  • vV5
  • 22 Sep 2017

Anonymous, 16 Sep 2017I don't understand how people want compact and good battery... morePeople like these only know to complain about anything, that's all. They didn't know how things work,dual speaker,big battery 2700 mah considered big for 4.6 inches phone, head phone jack and fingerprint in a compact phone. Tell me the other manufacturers who offer these kind of specs,no one even Apple can't applied big battery and dual speaker. Btw xz1 compact scored 108h in endurance rating, close to double the iPhone 7's endurance rating.

    • ?
    • Anonymous
    • HjB
    • 16 Sep 2017

    I don't understand how people want compact and good battery life but then complain on low resolution and thickness... Lower resolution, better battery life... Compact in size, increase in thickness.. Smh

      • S
      • SA
      • 0Vh
      • 14 Sep 2017

      This is the dream phone for people like me who need a couple of phones with easy access to emails and only a few other data requirements because we have access to laptops or other bigger devices for proper computing. We do not want a 150mm device to carry around (not possible in a pocket) whatever the technology is there.

      GSMarena still specifies that XZ1 Compact will have dual sim availability in some markets, however, the Sony website does not indicate so. Could you please guys in GSMarena confirm if it is going to be for sure a dual sim version even in some markets only. If there is dual sim version many people like me will drop iPhones to buy this superstar (if it has dual sim)!

        • ?
        • Anonymous
        • s}b
        • 11 Sep 2017

        AnonD-402029, 04 Sep 2017well most ppl wont have any problem with 720p @ 4.6". i do... moreSure, most people would be fine. Hard to track anons, but I've stated I've been spoiled by the smaller 2.5k screens. Still a shame that 4 years after M7, there are no compacts with a great resolution to take its spot. I've love to go back to a compact... Well, may be next year. And hopefully Sony will have the bezels under control by then.

          • ?
          • Anonymous
          • bJ7
          • 06 Sep 2017

          AnonD-152638, 04 Sep 2017I wish all phones were specified in Cubic Centimeters. I d... morez3 comp was almost perfect

            AnonD-152638, 04 Sep 2017I wish all phones were specified in Cubic Centimeters. I d... moreSpeakers with very nice quality must have the greater hardware and software support, otherwise the bass will thin and the treble shrill people ears.

              • D
              • AnonD-152638
              • mhB
              • 04 Sep 2017

              I wish all phones were specified in Cubic Centimeters.
              I don't mind the "thickness" of this device. But it does mean that it is less compact to others, than one might first think.

              And the bezels are too large in my taste. I would not buy a 2017 mobile with that much bezels unless it offer a lot of power for cheap.
              And I expect this will not be cheap.
              With the thickness of this device, they should have been able to fit that camera inside even it it was sitting behind the display.
              Although I much prefer stereo over mono. Most phones simply doesnt come with good enough audio, so a separate speacker is still needed. And in that case I would prefer less bezels over stereo speakers.

              I do applaude Sony for making compact flagships.
              I just wish another company making adroid phones should take up the challenge and perfect the concept in a way Sony hasn't been able to do (they were closer to perfection a few years back, when the bezels compared better to the competition).

              I do wish that Sony or another "big" brand should take up making mini phones.
              I mean sub 4" phones. I still use my Xperia Active from time to time. And my X10 Mini still holds a special place in my heart.
              I would love to see some sub 4" clamshell phones with a sensible outer screens (think Android Wear style interface).

                • D
                • AnonD-244675
                • IbF
                • 04 Sep 2017

                MichaelRSR, 31 Aug 2017Well why would anyone put 1080p in the 4.6" display? What's... more1080P is a waste of battery when you consider the phone size.

                  • D
                  • AnonD-402029
                  • IWa
                  • 04 Sep 2017

                  Anonymous, 31 Aug 2017It may be crystal clear to you, but it isn't for me. I can ... morewell most ppl wont have any problem with 720p @ 4.6".
                  i dont see any problem with Z3C and Z5C screen, so i bet ZX1C is the same for me.
                  720p @ 4.6" is theoretically great for gaming performance and battery.
                  there is none flagship small screen nowadays but sony compact and iphone, so the choice to get small flagship is limited anyway.

                    Ahong Surahong, 02 Sep 2017Why don't they use 900p resolution? Good idea.

                      • D
                      • AnonD-514012
                      • Kgw
                      • 02 Sep 2017

                      AnonD-166545, 31 Aug 2017Would have liked at least a 3000 mAh battery, but props to ... moreIphone 7 is small too.

                        • A
                        • Ahong Surahong
                        • tDQ
                        • 02 Sep 2017

                        Why don't they use 900p resolution?

                          • D
                          • AnonD-632062
                          • 3Ye
                          • 01 Sep 2017

                          XZ1 Compact is a welcome sight, 2 years after the last compact Sony flagship, the Z5 Compact. Good 2700 mAh battery capacity for it's screen. Android 8.0 Oreo is another bonus delight. 3.5 mm headphone jack is safe too. And with the SD 835's Adreno 540 powering the 720p screen, I expect the on-screen frame rates will easily match (or even beat?!) Apple's latest.

                            AnonD-510275, 31 Aug 2017Snapdragon 835 with 720p? Isn't that smooth-overkill?Although , tehnically , the answer is yes due the resolution is only HD , but for some people that need a compact yet powerful phone with flagship specs , it must be enough too get in love with it , even much more than needed , which in positive sides as a total plus point . With much deeply optimized and lightweight UI from Sony ? Well , that's not questionable anymore , It's gonna run like a supercar and fantastic .

                              • ?
                              • Anonymous
                              • s}b
                              • 31 Aug 2017

                              MichaelRSR, 31 Aug 2017Well why would anyone put 1080p in the 4.6" display? What's... moreIt may be crystal clear to you, but it isn't for me. I can still see the screen door effect @ 319ppi. Small text are a blurry mess. It is usable for sure, but I am not paying premium prices if it came with that panel.

                                • m
                                • mobutu
                                • 3RM
                                • 31 Aug 2017

                                excellent phone, with ONLY ONE terrible flaw: USB 2.0 instead of 3.0 like on big XZ1
                                this one is intentional and has no engineering excuse whatsoever.
                                rubbish

                                  Anonymous, 31 Aug 2017Disappointed at the screen. Loved my M7 with the 4.7" 1080p... moreWell why would anyone put 1080p in the 4.6" display? What's the point? 720p is more than enough to get crystal clear image in this frame.

                                    • D
                                    • AnonD-166545
                                    • 86w
                                    • 31 Aug 2017

                                    Would have liked at least a 3000 mAh battery, but props to Sony for being the only one to still manufacture regular-sized flagships. This is the only phone I would consider buying out of the slew of phablets on the market.

                                      • ?
                                      • Anonymous
                                      • s}b
                                      • 31 Aug 2017

                                      Disappointed at the screen. Loved my M7 with the 4.7" 1080p display. My Z3c was noticeably lower resolution. Not quite to the point of frustration though. With SD835, why not throw in a 1080p screen? Now that I am thoroughly spoiled by 2.5k screens @ low 5" sizes (HTC10, S6 and S7). 720p is a no go.

                                        • ?
                                        • Anonymous
                                        • krW
                                        • 31 Aug 2017

                                        Cod3rror, 31 Aug 2017I'm very glad it has a720p screen. No need to rate l waste ... moreYeah. Those 5 minutes more you'll get for having lower ppi is incredible.

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