Iterative products are just a way of life these days. We get a new slightly updated device every few months, sometimes every six months, sometimes even every year, Sony have mastered the iterative product cycle, releasing new products every six months ensuring they stay current.
A manufacturer finds a new niche or use case and sometimes it’s a hit with the consumer, the Sony Z1 Compact was one such phone, for a while to buy a small compact Android device meant you'd have to compromise on specs, build quality and design. A few companies had tried something different but none had really made a success with them.
Sony last year decided to offer a high spec device in a small chassis that would appeal to those people who wanted the latest flagship spec and high performance, but didn’t want a huge great 5″+ device that needed two hands to operate.
This year they’ve gone and updated it, on paper it’s basically the same as the larger Xperia Z3 that was announced a few weeks ago at IFA, only a few minor details are different. Anyway I’ve been using one for a few weeks now, thanks to getting one pre-ordered with Clove, I ordered the red one, I just wanted something a bit different and it kind of matched my watch.
So onto to the review, as always starting with my good and bad points.
Good Points
- Great size, great feel in the hand, great design.
- Great build quality.
- The display despite being 720p is sharp, colourful and bright.
- Feels really quick through the UI.
- Software is pretty intuitive.
- Micro SD slot.
- Water and dust proof.
- Great sound quality with either speakers or headphones.
- In the right conditions the camera is great.
- Some of the Sony software is really rather nice, such as the Gallery and Walkman apps.
Bad Points
- The camera seems to be a little bit off in certain conditions.
- Front speakers distort at high volume.
- Flap longevity is a concern after having to replace my Z2 flaps recently.
- The Sony launcher and bundled software is getting a little much.
Design
The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact or Z3C as I'll call it from now on, is a great looking piece of kit. It is a mix of nice soft touch plastic, some underlying metal and two panes of glass. I was quite surprised when I took the Z3C out of its box, mainly because small devices always surprise me and also that the edges were made of plastic.
