Sony

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact (2014) review

Android OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8794
Adreno 330
2 GB / 16 GB
4.3 inch (720 x 1280 px)
20.7 MP, 5248 х 3936 px, autofocus

Sony announced the launch of the Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone in 2014. The manufacturer is offering the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact phone with 4.3 inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8794 chipset, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage.

The Xperia Z1 Compact was launched with Android OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean) pre-installed. The IPS display of Xperia Z1 Compact provides wide viewing angles, meaning the screen content remains clear and consistent even when viewed from different angles. This phone has only one rear-camera (20.7 MP, 5248 х 3936 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Some smartphones with multi-camera setups offer specialized features like macro photography, low-light capabilities, or advanced image stabilization. The Xperia Z1 Compact also features a 2 MP front-facing camera.

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Sony Xperia Z1 Compact specifications

BrandSony
NameXperia Z1 Compact
ModelD5503
Release date2014

Body

Weight4.83 oz
Dimensions5 x 2.56 x 0.37 inch
Colorsblack, lime, pink, white
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is 4.83 oz. It is still considered to be relatively lightweight and portable. The dimensions of this Sony smartphone are average (5 x 2.56 x 0.37 inch). For some people, larger smartphones are more comfortable to hold and easier to use, as they provide a larger display for watching videos, browsing the web, and using apps. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older, larger SIM card size. You can use a SIM card adapter to convert a Micro or Nano SIM card into the required size.

System

OS versionAndroid OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8794
CPUQuad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact comes with Android OS v4.3 (Jelly Bean) out of the box, but it is upgradable to the next OS. Android is an open-source operating system, which means that users and developers have more control over the software and can customize it to suit their needs. The Xperia Z1 Compact has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8794 CPU. A quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games.

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact comes with Adreno 330 Graphics Processing Unit. The GPU is optimized for parallel processing and complex mathematical operations required for rendering and manipulating graphics. Adreno GPUs are widely used in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. These GPUs are known for their strong performance, power efficiency, and advanced graphics capabilities.

Display

Display typeIPS
Screen size4.3 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes, up to 10 fingers

This smartphone comes with an IPS display. IPS is known for its ability to provide wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. IPS panels have become more energy-efficient over time, allowing for longer battery life in portable devices. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size represents the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. Text will be easier to read, and videos will be more immersive on a larger display. This smartphone is multitouch capable. Multitouch is a feature in smartphones that allows for the detection and tracking of multiple touch points on the screen simultaneously. It enables users to interact with the device using more than one finger or touch input at the same time.

Memory

RAM2 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

With 2 GB of RAM, a smartphone can run multiple apps simultaneously without experiencing any significant lag or slow performance. Having more RAM in a smartphone can provide benefits in terms of performance and multitasking. When you have more RAM, you can keep more apps and processes open in the background without slowing down the device. If you primarily use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. The Xperia Z1 Compact has only 16 GB of internal storage. The memory of Sony Xperia Z1 Compact (2 GB) cannot be expanded, but the internal storage (16 GB) can be expanded with a compatible microSD card. A microSD card is a type of small, removable flash memory card used to store digital information.

Camera

Main camera20.7 MP, 5248 х 3936 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera2 MP

This smartphone has only one camera on its back. If you have budget limitations or prioritize other features over a multi-camera system, this single camera setup can be a suitable choice. The autofocus is an important feature in this smartphone. Autofocus helps the camera to focus on a subject automatically, which ensures that the resulting photo or video is clear and sharp. The main camera of Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones, particularly for those who frequently use their phones to take photos and videos.

Connectivity

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes, with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), USB Host
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact supports 4G/LTE networks. 4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone technology. 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. It offers peak download speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on the specific network and implementation. To connect to a Wi-Fi network on the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, you simply need to go to the Wi-Fi settings on the device, select the network you want to connect to, and enter the password.

The Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that allows devices to connect and communicate with each other over short distances. The Xperia Z1 Compact has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS to accurately measure and record outdoor activities such as running, cycling, hiking, or tracking routes.

The Xperia Z1 Compact comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless connectivity technology that makes life easier and more convenient for consumers around the world by making it simpler to make transactions, exchange digital content, and connect electronic devices with a touch. The Xperia Z1 Compact phone has built-in FM radio. The built-in FM Radio is great for listening to your favorite radio station.

The Xperia Z1 Compact has a microUSB port. MicroUSB is a type of USB connector that was commonly used on older smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. A 3.5 mm headphone jack is a small round port, that allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 2300 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery which offers high energy, is lightweight and does not require periodic full discharge. The Xperia Z1 Compact does not have a removable battery. The battery is integrated into the phone's design and is not intended to be removed or replaced by the user.

Features

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity

Smartphones today come with a wealth of sensors to facilitate a better user experience. The accelerometer is a sensor that measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. When an object, such as your hand or face, comes close to the sensor of Xperia Z1 Compact, it triggers a response that can be used for specific functions or features. The Xperia Z1 Compact phone comes with a compass sensor. A compass sensor is a device that provides accurate directions in relation to the earth's North and South magnetic poles.

The specifications above are based on the official data published by the manufacturer, but we also take user reviews into consideration. If you found an error or something lacking in the specifications above for the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, then don’t hesitate and signal the problem to us.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact pictures

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact photo
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact photo
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact photo
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact photo
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact / D5503

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