Hands-on with the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

PhoneDog Media Exclusive

The new Sony Xperia Z1 Compact may not come with any revolutionary features or specs, but I’m almost tempted to name it the best Android smartphone of CES 2014 and the show is technically just starting today. On the inside, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact features a quad-core 2.2GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB of storage, microSD card slot, a 20.7 MP camera and a 2,300mAh battery. But the main attraction is the phone’s size, highlighted by a 4.3-inch 720p (343ppi) display. Because of the smaller display size, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact measures 127 x 64.9 x 9.5mm, making it the smallest flagship Android handset in years. Due to its smaller overall footprint, the Z1 Compact’s 9.5mm thickness feels thicker than it should, but we’re definitely not going to complain, because it wouldn’t be hard to fit three of the Compacts into my front jeans pocket.
The design of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact follows the same standards set by the Xperia Z1. It sports glass panels on the front and back and a curved aluminum band along its edges. Performance on the Zperia Z1 Compact was phenomenal. The phone quickly and smoothly transitioned between apps, games, HD video and the camera with no noticeable lag.
While it’s exciting that T-Mobile will be getting the Sony Xperia Z1S in the coming week, I’m a bit jealous that the smaller Xperia Z1 Compact is currently not scheduled for release in North America.