Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact review

25 September 2017
The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is a rare breed - it's small on the outside, but big on the inside. Packed with all the latest hardware and having only a small screen to power, Sony’s latest super-mini may very well be the performance champion to beat. But whenever there is a superhero, there is a villain lurking in the shadows. So yes, the Compact has its own battle to fight that’s not all about size or speed.

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Amok, 26 Sep 2017Only Sony fanboys will surprise about the battery endurance... moreActually, Sony updates mostly prolong battery endurance, with latest september update since 3 days ago my "lousy batterylife" half year old X Performance has gone from average 6 to 7 hr SoT, up to 7.5 to 8 hr SoT endurance now on 200 nits and 4g....
Qnovo indeed ensures consistancy without batterylife drop over time....

I dare you to find any other phone keeping this level of SoT consistency and even upgrade over a year of usage.

    • D
    • AnonD-565268
    • s8H
    • 26 Sep 2017

    I have used 2 devices from Sony ans both of them without any cover and screen guard. The build quality is awesome. I was just not happy with the grainy pictures taken by the camera. Hope Sony improved this.

      Anyway, superb phone from Sony, like always.
      I went 5 inch tho, maybe I should ve kept to Compact, as this device just shines.

        That awkward moment when Arena does more evidence based camera review than a dedicated site like dxo.
        Im starting to like you guys. :-)

          Bezels, bezels, monstrous bezels!
          My, where did the bezel haters go?

          —————

          Finally, I get a worthy replacement for my Xperia Z3 Compact! Virtually the same footprint with an awesome spec sheet to match! Not forgetting that it's got an even better battery endurance than the Z3 Compact.

          I just can't wait for general availability!

            AnonD-700950, 26 Sep 2017HTC released the U11 with 128GB of storage ... LG G6+ also ... moreAt least S8+ is available with 128 GB in some regions (Just like U11 128GB and G6+ are only available in some regions).

              • S
              • Samarth N8 808 user
              • KAL
              • 26 Sep 2017

              Xperia X1 Compact is a good phone. Don't know about GSM Arena staff, but I don't mind the 720p screen, in fact it will help with high quality games...

              However, I don't understand how a Sony phone in 2017 has "ups and downs in Audio Quality", whereas even Mi and Samsung are posting awesome scores.
              This is the unbearable fact, at least for me.

              Then again, the camera ain't an Ace anyways. The on board camera RAM is only used for one mode- 720@960. Not even a 1080 equivalent.
              Don't know your opinion, but Sony isn't the same after Ericsson split..

                WOW , Iam surprised by its solid battery performance ... & This phone is looking very solid also ,

                  • ?
                  • Anonymous
                  • 3nE
                  • 26 Sep 2017

                  If it had a 1080p oled screen and wireless charging I would buy it right now. Im using Samsung S7 now and had the Sony Z3 Compact before... with the wireless charging stand.

                    Amok, 26 Sep 2017you didn't noticed that this is compact device with sd835 a... moreUmm... Xz1 same capacity, fullhd 5.2" lcd = 82hour
                    A3 4.7" 720p AMOLED, low power cpu and 2350 mAh=93hour

                    So.... No excuse here

                      • J
                      • Jimbob
                      • gKH
                      • 26 Sep 2017

                      That battery life is much better than the x compact. If they put in a 2900 or 3000mAh it would have been pretty awesome.

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                        • AnonD-697839
                        • Kg{
                        • 26 Sep 2017

                        AnonD-34062, 26 Sep 2017What are the advantages of having no bezels?It's easier to handle the device since it will have a smaller footprint/dimensions. Also easier to slip in the pocket and less chances of dropping the phone. I want sony to trim the top and bottom bezels. Hope the next compact will have smaller bezels and materials for better grip.

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                          • Anonymous
                          • IbE
                          • 26 Sep 2017

                          AnonD-538833, 25 Sep 2017Samsung fanboys will not be happy reading this review. Look... moreYes thus Sony compact is a biGG little beaSt !

                            • D
                            • AnonD-697839
                            • Kg{
                            • 26 Sep 2017

                            Why would GSM arena put the 720p screen as a Con? It should be a Pro for this phone size.

                              • ?
                              • Anonymous
                              • 7XX
                              • 26 Sep 2017

                              Anonymous, 26 Sep 2017Strange that it has smaller dimensions than the iPhone 7 bu... moreAnd it has way way better battery life than the mediocre battery iPhone 7.

                              Too bad it probably won't be released here in the Philippines, I would have bought it in a heartbeat instead of the P10 (not that I don't like this phone, it's fine. It's just the size that is rather inconvenient).

                                • A
                                • Android freak
                                • YPe
                                • 26 Sep 2017

                                AnonD-34062, 26 Sep 2017What are the advantages of having no bezels?The advantage of having no bezels is that u will get to crack up screen faster and buy out new devices from Ur parents faster

                                  • ?
                                  • Anonymous
                                  • 7XX
                                  • 26 Sep 2017

                                  So disappointed that they won't release it in many Asian countries like the Philippines, would have waited for it to arrive and bought it instead of buying the P10 (which isn't bad, but it's rather big as I prefer smaller (> 4.6" screen) phones).

                                    Anonymous, 26 Sep 2017Strange that it has smaller dimensions than the iPhone 7 bu... moreIt's thicker and packing a significantly bigger battery.

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                                      • Amok
                                      • P@Y
                                      • 26 Sep 2017

                                      L0lip0p, 26 Sep 2017If the battery endurance is achieved by using 4000mah+ batt... moreyou didn't noticed that this is compact device with sd835 and 720p right? surprised no! LOL

                                        • ?
                                        • Anonymous
                                        • XNk
                                        • 26 Sep 2017

                                        AnonD-538833, 25 Sep 2017Samsung fanboys will not be happy reading this review. Look... morePray tell why Samsung only?