Sony Xperia Z3 Compact smartphone

Photo: Juandev via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Sony

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

September 2014 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact was a groundbreaking Android smartphone that delivered flagship-level performance in a rare compact form factor. Released in 2014, it featured a waterproof design, a powerful Snapdragon 801 processor, and a high-resolution camera, appealing to users who preferred smaller devices without compromising on specifications.
Display4.6-inch HD IPS LCD (720x1280)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 801
Main Camera20.7 MP
Battery2600 mAh
Starting from $5,405

💰 Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Price

The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact lowest price is $5,405, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD, Triluminos display, Live Color LED, X-Reality Engine
Size4.6 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels
ProtectionShatter-proof glass
Pixel Density319 ppi

Platform

OSAndroid 4.4.4 KitKat, upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 801 (MSM8974AC)
CPUQuad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot, up to 128GB)
Internal16GB 2GB RAM

Main Camera

Single20.7 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", AF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama, ISO 12800
Video2160p@30fps (4K), 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR

Selfie Camera

Single2.2 MP
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W wired (Quick Charge 2.0)

Body

Dimensions127.3 x 64.9 x 8.6 mm (5.01 x 2.56 x 0.34 in)
Weight129 g (4.55 oz)
BuildGlass front (Shatter-proof glass), glass back, plastic frame
SIMNano-SIM
Water & Dust ResistanceIP65/IP68 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
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou
NFCYes
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
USBmicroUSB 2.0 (MHL 3 TV-out, USB Host)

Launch

Announced2014, September 04
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rare combination of compact size and high-end specifications
  • Durable and waterproof design
  • Impressive camera for its time, capable of 4K video
  • Strong battery life performance
  • Stereo front-facing speakers

Cons

  • 720p display resolution, not Full HD
  • Glass back can be slippery and prone to breakage
  • Discontinued and runs an older Android version (up to Marshmallow)
  • Limited availability of new units and official support
★ Our Verdict

The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact earned a high rating at its release for successfully delivering a premium, compact Android experience with top-tier specs, a great camera, and robust water resistance, a combination rarely seen in the market.

The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is a vintage smartphone from 2014. While it was an excellent device in its prime, offering flagship power in a small, waterproof body, it is now significantly outdated. If considering a purchase, be aware that you will only find it on the used market. Expect an older Android operating system (up to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow) with no further official updates, meaning potential security vulnerabilities and incompatibility with newer apps. Battery health on used units will vary, and replacement parts may be scarce. It's best suited for collectors, enthusiasts, or those needing a very basic, durable secondary device, rather than a primary smartphone for modern daily use. Ensure any used unit is thoroughly checked for functionality and battery degradation.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Sony Xperia Z3 Compact smartphone
  • MicroUSB cable
  • AC wall charger
  • Documentation/Manuals

Typically came with a standard 1-year manufacturer's warranty upon purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact released?

The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact was officially announced on September 4, 2014, and released in September 2014.

Is the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact waterproof?

Yes, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is IP65/IP68 certified, meaning it is dust-tight and water-resistant, capable of being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.

What operating system does the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact run?

The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact launched with Android 4.4.4 KitKat and was officially upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

What are the key camera specifications of the Xperia Z3 Compact?

It features a 20.7 MP main camera with an f/2.0 aperture and 4K video recording capabilities (2160p@30fps). The front-facing camera is 2.2 MP and can record 1080p video.

Does the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact support expandable storage?

Yes, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 128GB.

Is the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact still a good phone to buy today?

Given its age, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is largely outdated for modern daily use, lacking current software support and potentially having degraded battery life on used units. It is primarily recommended for collectors or as a very basic secondary device.