IFA 2014: Sony Launches Xperia Z3 Compact, The Most Powerful Mini Flagship Yet

Along with the Xperia Z3, Sony also announced the Xperia Z3 Compact today. It is the Mini version of the Xperia Z3 and unlike the Minis from other manufacturers, it retains almost all the features of its bigger brother.

The Xperia Z3 compact comes with a 4.6 inch 1280 x 720 HD resolution IPS display with TRILUMINOS and Live Color LED, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz CPU with Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage (expandable up to 128GB by microSD cards), 20.7MP f2.0 aperture rear camera with 4K video recording, 2600mAh battery, IP65/68 certified dust and water-resistant, LTE Cat.4 connectivity, and runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

Sony really seems to have concentrated on the “compact” bit with the Xperia Z3 Compact. Despite packing a bigger display than its predecessor the Xperia Z1 Compact, it has nearly the same dimensions at 127 x 64.9 x 8.6mm. This has been possible mainly by reducing the bezels all around the display. Sony has also been able to fit a larger 2600mAh in a body that is thinner by 0.9mm. Truly impressive.

As we mentioned earlier in the post, Sony has retained most of the big features from the Xperia Z3 on the Z3 compact. The same 2 day battery life is available on the Z3 compact despite the smaller sized battery. It also features the ultra-stamina mode that lets you maximize battery life when you wish to squeeze the maximum out of what little battery life you have remaining by allowing only the core functionalities like making calls and sending text messages. The screen makes use of the same intuitive contrast enhancement technology for sharp viewing in bright sunlight along with an ultra-bright panel.

The camera improvements are all there too. The Z3 Compact also makes use of the new 25mm wide-angle Sony G Lens. The low light sensitivity has been boosted to ISO12800 and there’s a new Intelligent Active Mode to improve stabilization during video recording by analyzing your movements and reducing shake and blur accordingly. Sony’s legendary Walkman prowess has also made its way into the Xperia Z3 Compact with Hi-Res Audio support and DSEE HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) to deliver great audio quality. There is also noise cancellation tech built-in that works with compatible Sony noise cancelling earphones. PlayStation 4 Remote Play function lets you play PS4 games on the Z3 Compact’s screen by connecting the PS4 DualShock controller to the phone using an attachment accessory. This is an exclusive feature that is currently available only for the Xperia Z3, Xpera Z3 Compact and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact.

The Xperia Z3 will launch in autumn this year in four color options – Black, White, Orange and Green. Like the Z3, Z3 Compact will also come in LTE variants only. There won’t be any HSDPA models this time from what we are seeing on the device’s official whitepaper. There is no information on the pricing yet, but we do expect it to be on the higher side initially. But the fact remains that the Z3 Compact is the only sub 5 inch smartphone that can boast of flagship level specifications and a compact size that fits perfectly in the hand.

What are your thoughts on the new Xperia Z3 Compact? Do you think it can compete against the Apple iPhone 6?