Sony Xperia Z1s - Xperia Z1 Compact Review and specification

A pared-down version of the flagship Sony Xperia Z1s, the new Compact is, as the name suggests, a smaller version albeit one that doesn't compromise on hardware.

While the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and the HTC One Mini don't quite live up to the high standards set by their range-topping brethren, Sony hopes that Z1 Compact will offer an alternative to its top-tier handset without compromising on specs.

Sony Xperia Z1s Compact: Size and build

The Sony Xperia Z1s is only 1mm slimmer than the Z1 but the overall size difference is easily noticeable. Unlike the HTC One and the HTC One Mini which, while different in dimensions, are almost indistinguishable when placed next to each other, the Z1 Compact is very clearly a pint-sized version of its big sibling.

The smaller dimensions means that the phone is much more comfortable to hold and use with one hand, unlike the Z1 and the gigantic Sony Xperia Z Ultra. Weighing in at just 140g, the Z1 Compact comes in four colours - black, white, striking lime and a shocking, but not-too-awful pink. Article continues after the video.

Sony Xperia Z1s Compact: Features

Sony has tried to make it easier for you to switch from another smartphone, even from a different OS, with Xperia Transfer Mobile. The idea is that it will will recognise key data that you want to transfer - including contacts, messages, music and videos. Data is transferred wirelessly after an initial connection has been made via NFC (or using a cable if you're transferring from an iPhone).

According to Sony, the software will recognise data from major smartphone brands including Samsung, LG and HTC (and of course Sony Xperia).

The Z1 Compact also sports the same waterproof casing as the original Z1, along with the same 20.7-megapixel camera and 2-megapixel front-facing cam. You'll also get 16GB of on-board stroage, which is expandable via micro SD.

Sony Xperia Z1s Compact: Screen

The 4.3-inch screen is noticeably smaller than the Z1's 5-incher, but the 720p display is just as impressive. In our short time with the phone, we found the screen to be bright and full of clarity, even on darker videos. Obviously it's something that we'll be looking at more closely as soon as we get a full review sample to test.

Camera :

Sony has more experience than any manufacturer when it comes to optics, and the Xperia Z1S packs the highest megapixel count of any Android device on the market today. With its 20.7 megapixel camera, it brings very powerful optics via its G Lens.

Here’s the break down:

f/2.0 aperture brings initial low light capabilities and some added software stabilization helps too

The camera app, however, comes with the same problems that plagued the Xperia Z1

20.7 megapixel shooting is only done in a singular setting (and 4:3 aspect ratio, no less) and when you step down, the pictures jump way lower to 8 megapixels

Superior Auto does its job of getting good settings without much fuss

Focusing speed is not all that fast but there are are much worse performers out there in this regard

It does feature many enhancement applications that add to your smartphone photography – you can add dinosaurs to your scene, modify your shot creatively, and share your view live to social media, with more apps adding more functions in the future

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact: Battery

The Z1 Compact sports a 2300 mAh battery - the same as the original Sony Xperia Z, first launched at CES 2013. This, along with Sony's clever Battery Stamina Mode, which turns off all non-essential functions when they're not in use, means that you should get a least a full day's charge from the phone.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact: Performance

Sony's new handset features the same quadcore Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor as the full-size Z1 - which means that the UI feels just as snappy.

The phone will launch with Android Jelly Bean (4.3) on board, with an Android KitKat (4.4) update promised before the end of March.

Sony Xperia Z1s Compact: Verdict

Our first impressions of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact were good - and it's manageable form factor means that we actually found it easier to handle than the flagship Xperia Z1.

The top-tier specs, combined with a lower price and some fancy neww colours could well make the Z1 Compact a big success. Stay tuned for a full review.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact release date: Mid-February 2014