Tag: compact

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is part of Sony’s XZ2 series, which was introduced in 2018. The “Compact” moniker in Sony’s lineup typically refers to a smaller, more pocket-friendly version of their flagship devices, but without compromising much on the specifications. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Xperia XZ2 Compact was Sony’s answer to users who desired flagship-level performance in a more compact form factor. It retained many of the features of its bigger sibling, the Xperia XZ2, but in a smaller package.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, upgradable to later versions.
2. Display: 5.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, supporting HDR10.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845.
4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: Single 19 MP rear camera with 4K HDR video recording and super slow-motion video at 960fps. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
6. Battery: 2870 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and Dynamic Vibration System.

Pros:

1. Compact Size: One of the few phones in the market to offer top-tier specs in a compact form factor.
2. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 845, the device offers smooth and responsive performance.
3. Camera Capabilities: The 19 MP Motion Eye camera offers impressive slow-motion video capabilities and 4K HDR recording.
4. Build Quality: Despite its size, the phone feels premium with a mix of glass and aluminum construction.
5. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 rating ensures the phone can handle splashes and brief submersion.

Cons:

1. Battery Life: While decent, the 2870 mAh battery might not last a full day for heavy users, given the powerful internals.
2. No Headphone Jack: Unlike its predecessors, the XZ2 Compact dropped the 3.5mm headphone jack.
3. Design: Some users found the design to be a bit chunky compared to other compact phones.
4. Front Camera: The 5 MP front camera might not be sufficient for users who prioritize selfies.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia XZ2 Compact faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S9: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), and a variable aperture camera.
• iPhone 8: With its 4.7-inch Retina IPS display, Apple A11 Bionic chip, and a single 12 MP camera.
• Google Pixel 2: Featuring a 5.0-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 835, and a highly-praised 12.2 MP camera.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact was announced in February 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Dynamic Vibration System: Some users found this feature, which adds haptic feedback to media playback, to be more of a gimmick than a useful feature.
2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users felt that Sony’s camera software lacked some of the refinements seen in competitors.
3. Heat Management: Some users reported the device getting warm during extended camera use or gaming.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact was a unique offering in 2018’s smartphone market. For users who desired flagship specifications but in a more manageable size, the XZ2 Compact was one of the few options available. While it made some compromises, like battery size and the omission of the headphone jack, it didn’t skimp on performance or general capabilities. For those who prioritize one-handed use and portability but still want a powerful device, the Xperia XZ2 Compact was a compelling choice.

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.

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.