Sony

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: Pros and Cons

Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AC
Adreno 330
2 GB / 16 GB
4.6 inch (720 x 1280 px)
20.7 MP, 5248 х 3936 px, autofocus

Sony announced the launch of the Xperia Z3 Compact smartphone in 2014. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4.6 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AC SoC, and 2 GB of RAM. The Xperia Z3 Compact comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) pre-installed. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. This phone has only one rear-camera (20.7 MP, 5248 х 3936 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact / 1

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact specifications

BrandSony
NameXperia Z3 Compact
ModelD5803/D5833
Release date2014

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight4.55 oz
Dimensions5 x 2.56 x 0.34 inch
Colorsblack, green, orange, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v5.1 (Lollipop)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AC
CPUQuad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size4.6 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes, up to 10 fingers

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact / 3

Memory, storage

RAM2 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Xperia Z3 Compact (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera20.7 MP, 5248 х 3936 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera2.2 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The main camera of Xperia Z3 Compact smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact / 5

Connectivity, network, wireless

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 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Xperia Z3 Compact supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Xperia Z3 Compact smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Xperia Z3 Compact has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Xperia Z3 Compact comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Xperia Z3 Compact does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Sony phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Sony Xperia Z3 Compact to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
Phone42.com / Smartphones / Sony / Sony Xperia Z3 Compact