Sony Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone

Photo: Beamish4 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

January 2014 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is an Android smartphone released in early 2014, known for packing high-end specifications into a smaller, more manageable 4.3-inch form factor. It featured a powerful Snapdragon 800 processor and a 20.7MP camera, making it a premium option for users preferring compact devices.
Display4.3-inch IPS LCD, 720p resolution
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 800
Main Camera20.7 MP with G-Lens
Battery2300 mAh non-removable
Starting from $64

💰 Sony Xperia Z1 Compact Price

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact lowest price is $64, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD, Triluminos display, X-Reality Engine
Size4.3 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels
ProtectionShatter-proof sheet on scratch-resistant glass
Pixel Density342 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 4.3 Jelly Bean, upgradable to Android 5.1 Lollipop
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974)
CPUQuad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

Memory

Internal16GB
RAM2GB
Card slotmicroSDXC, up to 64GB

Main Camera

Megapixels20.7 MP
Features1/2.3" sensor size, f/2.0 aperture, G-Lens, autofocus, LED flash, HDR, panorama, face detection, smile shutter, geotagging
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Megapixels2 MP
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeNon-removable Li-Ion
Capacity2300 mAh

Body

Dimensions127 x 64.9 x 9.4 mm
Weight137 g
SIMMicro-SIM
BuildGlass front, plastic back, aluminum frame
DurabilityIP58 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, aptX
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioFM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out)

Launch

AnnouncedJanuary 6, 2014
ReleasedJanuary 2014 (Sweden: January 24, 2014)

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent performance for its compact size
  • High-quality 20.7 MP camera
  • Ergonomic and pocket-friendly design
  • Water and dust resistance (IP58)
  • Good display quality for its era

Cons

  • Outdated Android version by modern standards
  • Non-removable battery
  • Limited internal storage (16GB)
  • Plastic back, unlike the glass on the larger Z1
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact offered top-tier performance and features in a uniquely compact, water-resistant design, making it a standout choice for users who preferred smaller phones without compromising on power at its release.

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, while a groundbreaking device in its time for offering flagship specs in a compact form, is now a vintage smartphone. If you're considering purchasing one today, it would primarily be for collection, nostalgia, or as a very basic secondary device. Its Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system is severely outdated, meaning many modern apps will not function, and security updates are non-existent. The battery life will likely be significantly degraded on any used unit, and finding replacement parts or official support will be challenging. For daily use, even budget smartphones released in recent years will offer a superior experience in terms of software, camera, and overall performance. Only consider it if you understand its limitations as a historical piece of mobile technology.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia Z1 Compact handset
  • USB cable
  • Wall charger
  • Headphones
  • Documentation

Typically, new Sony smartphones came with a one-year limited manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the release date of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact?

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact was officially unveiled in January 2014, with its release in markets starting on January 24, 2014.

Is the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact water resistant?

Yes, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact features an IP58 rating, meaning it is resistant to both dust and water.

What operating system does the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact run?

It originally launched with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and was upgradable to Android 5.1 Lollipop.

What kind of camera does the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact have?

The phone is equipped with a 20.7-megapixel main camera featuring Sony's G-Lens and a 1/2.3" sensor, capable of 1080p video recording.

Does the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact have expandable storage?

Yes, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 64GB.

What processor powers the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact?

It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, featuring a 2.2 GHz quad-core Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU.