Sony Xperia X Compact

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia X Compact was a part of Sony’s X series, which aimed to bring flagship-level features to a more compact form factor. Launched in 2016, the Xperia X Compact was a successor to the Xperia Z5 Compact. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia X Compact:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia X Compact was designed for users who preferred a smaller, more manageable device without compromising too much on performance and features. It was positioned as a compact variant of the flagship Xperia X series.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), with subsequent updates.
  2. Display: 4.6-inch HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 Hexa-core.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 23 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, predictive hybrid autofocus, and a 5 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 2700 mAh non-removable battery with Qnovo Adaptive Charging and Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: USB Type-C, fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), and NFC.

Pros:

  1. Compact Design: The 4.6-inch form factor was perfect for users who found larger phones unwieldy.
  2. Camera: The 23 MP rear camera was capable of capturing detailed photos, and the predictive hybrid autofocus was a standout feature.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 650, combined with 3 GB of RAM, ensured smooth performance for most tasks.
  4. Battery Life: Despite its compact size, the device had a decent battery life, thanks to its 2700 mAh battery and adaptive charging.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: A 720p resolution was a bit dated for 2016, especially when considering the device’s price point.
  2. No Waterproofing: Unlike its predecessor, the Xperia X Compact wasn’t waterproof.
  3. Price: The device was priced relatively high for its specifications, making it a tough sell against some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket and size range, the Xperia X Compact faced competition from:

  • Apple iPhone SE (1st generation): Offering a 4.0-inch display, Apple’s A9 chip, and a 12 MP rear camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017): With its 4.7-inch HD display, Exynos 7870, and IP68 water and dust resistance.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia X Compact was announced in September 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While the X Compact did receive updates, some users felt that the updates were slower than expected.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: Despite having a capable camera, low-light performance was not always consistent.
  3. Build Quality: Some users reported that the plastic build felt less premium compared to the previous Z5 Compact’s frosted glass.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia X Compact was a niche offering for those who desired flagship features in a compact form factor. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of camera capabilities and performance, it faced challenges in terms of pricing and certain missing features like waterproofing. For users who prioritized a smaller screen size and were fans of Sony’s software experience, the Xperia X Compact was a solid choice. However, it had to contend with other offerings that provided better value or more updated features in certain areas.

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