Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is a smartphone that was released in 2017, but still holds its own in today’s market. It is a smaller version of the Xperia XZ1, with a 4.6-inch display instead of the larger 5.2-inch screen.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact boasts a sleek and compact design, measuring at 129 x 65 x 9.3 mm and weighing in at a mere 140g, making it comfortable to hold and use with a single hand. The phone's physical appearance is minimalistic and refined, with a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass 4 and a plastic back and frame. The phone is also IP68 certified, making it resistant to dust and water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes.

The ergonomics of the Xperia XZ1 Compact are well-thought-out. The fingerprint sensor is conveniently located on the side of the device, making it easy to reach and use. The buttons on the phone are tactile and responsive, ensuring ease of use.

Although the phone's construction may seem less premium than other devices on the market with metal or glass backs, the use of plastic gives the Xperia XZ1 Compact a sense of durability and sturdiness. The phone has undergone rigorous testing and has been proven to withstand accidental drops and bumps.

In conclusion, the Xperia XZ1 Compact's design and build quality are impressive, given its compact size. The use of plastic in its construction may not be as premium as other devices on the market, but it is built to withstand accidental drops and bumps. The phone's minimalistic and refined design, coupled with its ergonomic features, make it a comfortable and practical device to use.

Display

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact boasts a 4.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. With a pixel density of 319 ppi, the display produces sharp and clear visuals. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and features Triluminos display and X-Reality Engine technologies that enhance color accuracy and vibrancy.

In terms of brightness, the Xperia XZ1 Compact performs well, making it easy to view content even in bright sunlight. The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the display are also impressive, ensuring that users can interact with the device smoothly and efficiently.

Overall, the display on the Xperia XZ1 Compact is one of its standout features, offering a well-balanced combination of size, resolution, and color reproduction. While it may not match up to the OLED screens found on some of the latest flagship devices, it is still a strong performer in its class.

Performance

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is a powerful smartphone that can handle demanding tasks with ease. It is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and an octa-core processor, which can achieve clock speeds of up to 2.45 GHz. This configuration is complemented by 4GB of RAM, which ensures that the phone is responsive and can handle multitasking without any lag.

The phone's graphics performance is also impressive, thanks to the Adreno 540 GPU. This means that it can run even the most graphics-intensive games without any noticeable performance issues. We tested the phone with several popular games, and it handled them all without any problems.

In terms of benchmarks, the Xperia XZ1 Compact scored well on both AnTuTu and GeekBench, achieving scores of 204581 and 5596, respectively. These scores are in line with other high-end smartphones released around the same time.

In terms of storage, the Xperia XZ1 Compact comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card slot. This is sufficient for most users, although power users may find themselves running out of space quickly.

Overall, the performance of the Xperia XZ1 Compact is top-notch, and it is one of the fastest and most powerful smartphones in its class. Whether you're a heavy gamer or a multitasking power user, this phone is sure to meet your needs.

Software and User Interface

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact runs on Android 8.0 Oreo, with an upgrade to Android 9.0 Pie available. The user interface is sleek and user-friendly, with customizable options for personalization. The phone also comes with a range of pre-installed apps, which can be easily removed or disabled if not needed.

One standout feature of the Xperia XZ1 Compact is its ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, thanks to its 4GB of RAM and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. This makes switching between apps quick and seamless, with no lag or delay.

The phone also allows for split-screen multitasking, letting users work on two apps at once. This is particularly useful for productivity and makes the most of the phone's compact size.

Updates and software support are also strong points for the Xperia XZ1 Compact, with regular security and feature updates pushed out by Sony. The user-friendly interface and easy-to-use customization options make it a great choice for users who want a customizable and intuitive smartphone experience.

However, some users may find the pre-installed apps and bloatware to be excessive and unnecessary, taking up valuable storage space. Additionally, some may find the lack of a dedicated app drawer to be a downside, as all apps are placed on the home screen by default.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact are impressive, with powerful multitasking capabilities and frequent updates. The user-friendly interface and customization options make it a great choice for users who want a personalized smartphone experience.

Camera

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact boasts an impressive 19MP rear camera with a f/2.0 aperture lens and 1/2.3" sensor size, making it a top contender in the camera department. Its laser autofocus and predictive phase detection capabilities allow for quick and accurate focusing, while the LED flash, panorama, and HDR features contribute to capturing stunning photographs.

The camera also supports 4K video recording at 30fps, 1080p video recording at 60fps, and 720p video recording at 960fps, making it ideal for both amateur and professional videographers. The front-facing camera is also impressive, with an 8MP lens, f/2.4 aperture, and 1080p video recording at 30fps.

In terms of image quality, the Xperia XZ1 Compact delivers sharp and vibrant images with accurate colors, making it a great choice for those who love to capture beautiful moments. The camera also performs well in low-light conditions, with minimal noise and distortion.

One of the standout features of the Xperia XZ1 Compact's camera is its Super Slow Motion capability, allowing users to capture slow-motion videos at an incredible 960fps. This feature is particularly impressive, as it captures details that would otherwise be missed in regular video recording.

Overall, the Xperia XZ1 Compact's camera is one of its strongest attributes, providing an exceptional photography and videography experience. While there are other smartphones with comparable camera capabilities, the Xperia XZ1 Compact's Super Slow Motion feature sets it apart from the competition.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2700 mAh battery, which may seem modest in comparison to some of its competitors. However, the device manages to provide decent battery life thanks to its power-efficient hardware and software optimization features. Users can expect a standby time of up to several days, depending on usage patterns. When it comes to screen-on time, the Xperia XZ1 Compact holds up well, offering sufficient usage for browsing, media consumption, and gaming. The device supports fast charging technology, allowing users to quickly recharge their battery using the included 18W charger. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging option available on this device. Overall, the battery performance of the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is commendable, considering its compact form factor and the optimized software that helps maximize battery efficiency and longevity.

Connectivity and Networking

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected wherever you go. It supports various network compatibility, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring reliable connectivity and fast data speeds. With its support for LTE, you can experience faster internet browsing, streaming, and downloading. The device also features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, allowing you to connect to Wi-Fi networks with ease. The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct further enhances the wireless connectivity options. Bluetooth 5.0 is available on the Xperia XZ1 Compact, providing fast and stable connections for wireless audio streaming and file transfers. NFC support enables convenient contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible devices. The USB Type-C 2.0 port allows for fast data transfer and charging. Other connectivity features include GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for accurate navigation, and the ability to create a mobile hotspot to share your internet connection with other devices. Overall, the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, ensuring you stay connected no matter where you are.

Additional Features

1. Water resistance: The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact comes with an IP68 rating, making it both water and dust resistant. This means that it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without any damage.


2. Advanced sensors: In addition to the standard set of sensors like the accelerometer and gyroscope, the Xperia XZ1 Compact is equipped with a range of advanced sensors. These include a barometer, compass, and color spectrum sensor, allowing for more accurate and detailed environmental measurements.


3. Wireless charging: The XZ1 Compact supports Qi wireless charging, which means you can conveniently charge the device without the need for cables or adapters. Simply place it on a compatible wireless charging pad to start charging.


4. Compact size: One of the standout features of the Xperia XZ1 Compact is its compact size. With dimensions of 129 x 65 x 9.3 mm and a weight of just 140g, it is one of the smallest and lightest smartphones on the market. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a more comfortable and pocket-friendly device.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is a powerful compact smartphone that offers a unique set of features in the market. When comparing it with related gadgets, such as the iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 4a, the Xperia XZ1 Compact stands out for its impressive specifications and performance.

In terms of specifications, the Xperia XZ1 Compact boasts a 4.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. While this may not be as high as the display on the Google Pixel 4a or the iPhone SE, it still offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles. Additionally, the Xperia XZ1 Compact is IP68 dust and water-resistant, which is a major advantage over its competitors.

Performance-wise, the Xperia XZ1 Compact is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and lag-free performance. In benchmark tests, the Xperia XZ1 Compact performs admirably, with AnTuTu scores of 204581 (v7) and 255140 (v8), surpassing both the iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 4a.

When it comes to camera capabilities, the Xperia XZ1 Compact features a 19 MP main camera with predictive phase detection autofocus and laser autofocus. It also offers 4K video recording and a host of camera features such as panorama and HDR. While the iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 4a may have better low-light performance, the Xperia XZ1 Compact still delivers impressive image quality.

In terms of pricing, the Xperia XZ1 Compact is priced at around 300 EUR, making it a more affordable option compared to the iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 4a. This makes it a great value for money proposition, especially considering its powerful specifications and unique features.

In the competitive landscape, the Xperia XZ1 Compact faces tough competition from the likes of Apple and Google. However, its compact size, water resistance, and solid performance give it a competitive advantage. Additionally, Sony's reputation for durability and build quality further differentiate the Xperia XZ1 Compact from its competitors.

Overall, the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact offers a compelling package for those looking for a compact smartphone with powerful specifications. Its unique features, competitive pricing, and solid performance make it a strong contender in the market.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact offers a powerful and compact package for those seeking a smaller-sized smartphone. With its solid build quality and IP68 water and dust resistance, it provides durability and peace of mind. The Triluminos display with X-Reality Engine delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The Snapdragon 835 chipset ensures smooth performance, and the 4GB RAM allows for multitasking with ease. The camera capabilities are impressive, especially the predictive PDAF and 960fps slow-motion video recording. While the 2700mAh battery may seem small, the phone offers decent battery life. Overall, the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is a reliable and feature-packed device that caters to users who prefer a compact form factor without compromising on performance.