Sony Xperia Z5 Compact

Into Droid Hardware

The Sony Xperia Z5 Compact was part of Sony’s Z5 series, and as the name suggests, it was the compact variant of the flagship Z5. Launched in 2015, the Z5 Compact aimed to deliver flagship-level performance in a smaller, more manageable form factor. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia Z5 Compact was designed for users who wanted a high-end smartphone experience without the larger sizes that had become the norm. It was a testament to Sony’s commitment to offering powerful devices in compact sizes, a niche that wasn’t heavily catered to by other manufacturers.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), with subsequent updates available.
  2. Display: 4.6-inch HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: 2 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, phase detection autofocus, and a 5.1 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 2700 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: IP68 dust/waterproof, fingerprint sensor, NFC, and front-facing stereo speakers.

Pros:

  1. Compact Size: The 4.6-inch form factor was perfect for users who preferred a more manageable device size without compromising on performance.
  2. Performance: Despite its size, the Z5 Compact packed the same Snapdragon 810 processor as its bigger siblings, ensuring smooth performance.
  3. Camera: The 23 MP camera was capable of capturing detailed images, making it one of the best in its class.
  4. Battery Life: The 2700 mAh battery combined with the HD display ensured good battery life.

Cons:

  1. Overheating: The Snapdragon 810, known for its heating issues, was a concern, especially during intensive tasks.
  2. Display Resolution: While the HD resolution was adequate for its size, some users expected a Full HD display given the device’s premium positioning.
  3. RAM: 2 GB of RAM was a bit on the lower side, especially when multitasking.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia Z5 Compact faced competition from:

  • iPhone SE (1st generation): Offering a 4-inch display, Apple’s A9 chip, and a focus on a compact iOS experience.
  • Samsung Galaxy S6: Although not a direct competitor in terms of size, the S6 offered a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display and a premium design.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia Z5 Compact was announced in September 2015 and released in October 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Overheating: As mentioned, the Snapdragon 810’s heating issues were a concern, especially during extended camera usage or 4K video recording.
  2. Software Updates: Some users felt that the updates were slower than expected, especially given the device’s premium positioning.
  3. Build Quality: Some users reported issues with the build, including gaps between the frame and the display.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia Z5 Compact was a unique offering in the smartphone market, catering to users who wanted a compact device without compromising on performance. It packed most of the flagship features of the Z5 series into a smaller form factor. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of size and performance, it faced challenges in terms of overheating and certain specifications. For users who prioritized a compact form factor and were fans of Sony’s design and camera capabilities, the Z5 Compact was a compelling choice in the market.