Sony Announces Xperia Z3 Compact

Mobile users looking to get their hands on a smaller sized smartphone that isn’t completely watered down can rejoice. Overnight at IFA 2014 Sony announced the Z3 Compact. Like last year’s Z1 Compact – the Z3 Compact inherits almost exactly the same specifications as its bigger sibling – the Z3. The new device comes kitted with a powerful Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz quad-core processor, 4.6-inch 720×1280 resolution display, 20.7-megapixel 1/2.3-inch imaging sensor (capable of shooting in 4K video) and improved water resistance.

The smartphone market for many years now has trended towards a bigger is better approach, with display sizes dramatically increasing year after year. What’s left behind in its wake is a large void between display sizes and performance. We’ve seen a number of companies release ‘mini’ versions of their flagships – but most have fallen short, with poor specifications, cheaper finicky materials and features. With the Z3 Compact, Sony’s really upped its game – and after our first impressions it looks like they’ve done a magnificent job. With a 2600mAh battery, fantastic optics, 2GB of RAM, and expandable memory – users should receive excellent battery life and zippy performance across the board.

The Z3 Compact comes preloaded with the latest version of Android  (KitKat 4.4.4), and has all the usual bells and whistles that you’d expect from Sony. Everything’s also covered up nice and tight – leading to an improved IP68 certified water resistance rating. Design wise things are familiar with the Z3 Compact. The big change-up is its surrounding exterior band – gone is the metal frame that frequently surrounds Xperia’s – it’s now all plastic. But that’s not a bad thing; the grey plastic is visually pleasing and feels excellent in the hand. The handset can be found in an array of four colours and will be available later this fall.

Image courtesy of The Verge.