The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is a mini version of the Xperia Z3, featuring a robust design with dust and water resistance, a responsive 4.6-inch display with 720p resolution, and a powerful 20.7MP primary camera capable of 4K video. It operates on Android 4.4 KitKat with a smooth user interface and impressive performance from its Snapdragon 801 processor and 2GB of RAM, boasting strong battery life of over a day. However, the display is noted as lackluster, and the device carries a steep price tag of Rs 44,990, which may deter potential buyers.

1. Sony Xperia
Z3 Compact
Review in pictures
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2. 2
OmniBalance with a twist
The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is the mini variant of the Xperia Z3
Features Sony’s OmniBalance design, and adds rounded translucent plastic edges
The back panel is made of toughened glass, while durable corners safeguard it from drops
IP65/68 certified for dust- and water-resistance, can be submerged in up to 1.5 metres of
water for 30 minutes
DESIGN

3. Decent display, but fails to dazzle
Features a 4.6-inch display, making it ideal for one-handed use
720p resolution results in a pixel density of 319ppi
Features Sony’s X-Reality mobile engine and a Super Vivid Mode
The display is smooth and responsive, and supports a Glove Mode
Brightness and sharpness are on the lower side, but viewing angles are good
DISPLAY

4. Snap to your heart’s content
Features a 20.7MP primary
camera with an Exmor RS
sensor, and a 2.2MP front
shooter
Rear camera can shoot 4K
videos and supports ISO 12,800
Several new camera modes such
as AR Fun, Multi Camera, Face
In and Live on YouTube
Camera resolution has to be
toned down to 8MP to use the
Scene and HDR modes
CAMERA

5. Takes excellent daylight shots
Dedicated camera shutter key is
useful, and enables taking
underwater snaps
Primary camera takes excellent
daylight shots, although colours
appear slightly toned down when
transferred to a PC
Low light photos are grainy, while
night shots tend to display light
leaks
Front camera is fixed focus but
can take a good selfie
Sunlight
Low Light
CAMERA

6. Same ol’ Sony
The Z3 Compact runs
Android 4.4 KitKat with
Sony’s custom UI on top
Features the usual
additions, such as a
custom lockscreen,
widgets, a quick settings
tab alongside the
notification bar, and slide-out
tab in the app drawer
Small Apps is accessible
via the Recents key and
lets you open small
floating windows of select
apps
USER INTERFACE

7. Tons of pre-loaded apps
Simple Home changes
the homescreen to an
easy to use layout
Several pre-loaded third-party
apps, including AVG
Antivirus, OfficeSuite,
NeoReader, Kobo,
Evernote and LINE
Also a ton of Sony’s own
apps, like Sony Select,
PartyShare, Socialife,
TrackID, Lifelog, Sony
Music, Sony LIV and LIV
Sports, to name a few
USER INTERFACE

8. A zippy little performer
Handling performance is a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor, paired with
2GB of RAM and an Adreno 330 GPU
Races through both day-to-day and intensive tasks, with no lags or freezes
A beast for gaming, although the small screen can hamper the experience
Out of the 16GB of onboard storage, a tad over 11GB is user available
PERFORMANCE

9. Hello, two-day battery life
A 2,600mAh battery fuels
the device
Battery life is excellent,
lasting well over a day for
regular use
Lasted 10 hours and 45
minutes in our video loop
battery drain test
Sony’s STAMINA mode
and Ultra STAMINA mode
are on call to extend usage
PERFORMANCE

10. At a glance…
4.6-inch, 1,280 x 720 pixels (319ppi)
2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm
Snapdragon 801 processor
Adreno 330 GPU
2GB RAM
16GB in-built storage with microSD
slot
20.7MP primary camera with flash,
2.2MP front camera
Android 4.4.4
2,600mAh battery
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB OTG,
NFC, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA

11. Pros and Cons
Great build, classy looks
Capable daily driver
Impressive battery life
Great pair of cameras
Underwhelming display
Too many pre-loaded apps
Steep pricing

12. Pricing & Verdict
Price:
Rs 44,990
“The Xperia Z3 Compact is already being hailed as an
“iPhone 6 killer”, thanks to its similar proportions. It’s a
truly powerful device, scoring on almost every aspect
barring the slightly underwhelming display. Our only
concern is its steep pricing, which might ward off
potential buyers. If you don’t mind shelling out the big
bucks though, the Z3 Compact is an excellent choice.”