Sony is finally bringing us the new Xperia Compact phone we’ve been asking for, in the Xperia XZ1 Compact. This 4.6-inch Sony phone will offer premium specs in a gloriously mini device, launching later in 2017. Here’s what we know about the XZ1 Compact’s specs, UK price and release date so far.
What are the Sony Xperia Compact phones and why are they so good?
For several years now, smartphones have been bulking up in size. Nowadays a 5-inch mobile seems positively demure, while 5.5-inches is closer to the norm. Some flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6 are even pushing close to the 6-inch mark, which isn’t too far off tablet territory.
Which is why we loved Sony’s Xperia Z5 Compact so much. This dinky 4.6-inch mobile offered the same top-end specs and processor tech found in the full-sized Xperia Z5 flagship phone, smushed down into a smaller, super-colourful frame. This was much easier to handle and simple to slip inside of a pocket or bag to boot.
Sadly last year Sony didn’t deliver an Xperia XZ Compact as we’d wished. Instead, we got a smaller version of the mid-range Xperia X handset, the Xperia X Compact, which barely offered any kind of specs upgrade compared with the older Z5 Compact. A real shame, as a mini version of the Xperia XZ flagship phone could have been a great device.
Read next: Sony Xperia Z5 Compact vs Xperia X Compact, what’s the difference?
What is the Xperia XZ1 Compact?
Thankfully we seem to be back on track in 2017. Sony is set to release an all-new mini mobile at IFA 2017 at the very beginning of September, and leaks point to this being the Xperia XZ1 Compact. This is a tiny 4.6-inch version of the also-new Xperia XZ1 flagship, which will be revealed at the same time.
Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact leaked specs
Like the full-sized Sony flagship, the Xperia XZ1 Compact should come packing a Snapdragon 835 processor inside. That’s one of the most powerful mobile chipsets you can find right now, also boasting impressive energy efficiency, strong security support and peak download speeds of 1Gbps. Impressive then to find it stuffed into a dinky frame.
Backed by 4GB of RAM, you can certainly expect smooth everyday performance from the Xperia XZ1 Compact. This powerhouse should be able to blast through the latest games with ease. Of course, the Snapdragon 835 is also geared towards VR smartphone experiences, although we’d suggest looking elsewhere for a dedicated VR handset. After all, that dinky low-res screen won’t exactly provide an immersive experience.
The 4.6-inch IPS LCD panel will offer 720p HD resolution visuals again, as per the other Compact phones. Although you don’t get Full HD output, the XZ1 Compact should still prove perfectly fine for a bit of Netflix on the go. After all, the mini nature of the display means you’ll struggle to notice individual pixels, while we’re hoping for Sony’s usual X-Reality and Vivid Colour features to produce good-looking images.
We should also get Hi-Res Audio support, as well as Remote Play streaming for PS4 owners – although neither has been confirmed in leaks thus far.
A 2800mAh battery should be stuffed inside the Xperia XZ1 Compact, quite a feat considering the small stature of Sony’s new phone. You can expect Quick Charge support for fast refilling and perhaps Qnovo tech to prevent long term damage from constant recharging.
So far we don’t really know anything about the Xperia XZ1 Compact’s camera tech. However, Sony is always on top of its game when it comes to smartphone snappers, so we’d be shocked if this mini mobile didn’t offer impressive optics.
Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact UK price and release date
The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is expected to launch on Thursday August 31 out in Berlin. Rumours suggest that the handset will be available to buy in the UK in early September, although we don’t know the asking price just yet. We’re expecting this mini blower to cost at least £499 when it is released however, thanks to those premium specs.
Stay tuned for our full Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact launch coverage and in-depth review.
Check out our round-up of the best mini mobiles you can buy in 2017 for more ideas, as well as our pick of the best Sony phones right now.
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