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The Sony Xperia XZ Compact will probably never happen

Sony has just launched its latest flagship phone, the Xperia XZ, as well as a new mini version of the existing Xperia X called the Xperia X Compact. But why is there no Sony Xperia XZ Compact, and are we likely to see one in the future?

Sadly, the answer to that last question appears to be no. We asked Sony’s senior product marketing manager Jun Makino why a mini version of the Xperia XZ wasn’t launched here at IFA 2016, alongside the full-sized flagship phone. After all, previous Sony Compact phones have been squashed-down versions of the most premium Sony handsets, such as the Xperia Z5 Compact and Xperia Z3 Compact.

Makino told us that its Compact fans tend to value the camera tech and battery life above everything else. The majority aren’t bothered about the fastest processors or water resistance, so it makes sense for Sony to produce an Xperia X Compact rather than an Xperia XZ Compact. As a result, you get a phone that ticks off most consumers’ love list priorities, while also trimming the price tag.

Read next: Xperia X Compact vs Xperia X, what’s the difference?

All the same, the Xperia X Compact does actually have some of the Xperia XZ’s DNA, in the form of the excellent 23-megapixel camera. Like the XZ, you get Sony’s tri-sensor tech complete with 5-axis image stabilisation, so you can take sharp, detailed shots with no blur. Sadly there’s no 4K UHD video recording, but again that’s something that many consumers aren’t fussed about.

We’d absolutely love Sony to release an Xperia XZ Compact that’s fully water-resistant and packing the latest Snapdragon, but for now the Xperia X Compact will definitely suffice.

Read next: Best mini mobiles to buy in 2016

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