Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
Specifications
Secondary Camera: 5 MPix f/2.2, Video @1080p
Price comparison
Average of 41 scores (from 73 reviews)
Reviews for the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
Another one. Just 6 months of development time separates the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact and its predecessor. Still, a lot has changed: Design, display size and Super Slow-Motion, which is still one of the core features. Find out in this review whether the exterior only serves to mask stagnation or if the smartphone really is a successful evolution.
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The XZ2 Compact ships with Android 8.0 Oreo as standard, using Sony’s typically minimal additions and tweaks, like optional themes, wallpapers, and widgets.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/16/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Toptenreviews Archive.org version
It's not cheap, but this is a top-end phone at a manageable size, but the camera can be improved.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/03/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tom's Guide Archive.org version
It's hard to pinpoint why I'm smitten with the XZ2 Compact. Sure, it offers great performance and solid battery life, and it takes nice photos. But that's not unusual for a premium phone.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/23/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
The Sony XZ2 Compact's flagship-level performance and pocketable size makes it the phone to get if you want something smaller that doesn't skimp on the goodies.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/14/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 90% mobility: 70% workmanship: 60%
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact only makes sense for big spenders who are after a small phone.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/13/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is available for $599.99 in the U.S. as an unlocked GSM device. Sony has always charged hefty price tags for its devices and the XZ2 Compact is no exception. This is a powerful phone with some great specifications and features, but it isn’t the best deal.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/09/2018
Rating: Total score: 88% performance: 90% display: 85% mobility: 90% workmanship: 85%
Source: T3 Archive.org version
Sony has crammed a dump truck-load of hot tech into the Xperia XZ2 Compact. You can tell too, as it certainly has chunk in thickness (12.1mm!), with its full fat feature set and hardware bulging out of its brushed metal and plastic casing. An on-trend 18:9 aspect ratio screen (5-inches), new curved design, and rapid all-round user experience, though, generates a pleasingly positive overall experience.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/20/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Android Central Archive.org version
Admittedly, it's disappointing not to have a swipe-for-notifications gesture on the fingerprint sensor, and there's no face unlock option — both of which are becoming increasingly common — but those are minor omissions in an otherwise excellent experience. Similarly, many will scoff at the phone's lack of a headphone jack, but Bluetooth (and USB-C) audio sounds so good, I find it difficult to care. There's an adapter in the box, too.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/13/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is small and powerful. It's also chunky and partially plastic, so not the best choice if you want a phone that looks as good as it runs.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/11/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Engadget Archive.org version
Sony's Xperia XZ2 Compact is in a class of its own, packing every meaningful feature and component of the XZ2 into a petite, translucent body. I'd even say the device's 5-inch full HD+ display is better than the 5.7-inch equivalent on the XZ2. What's more, the Compact is reasonably priced, which is unusual for Sony. Anyone generally in the market for a new flagship should put it on their short list, and lovers of small but high-performance machines should think about taking the plunge. It's the Compact you've been wanting.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/07/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
Overall, the Sony XZ2 Compact shows that Sony can still cut it. Although not strong enough to challenge many of the top-tier flagship devices, it's not often these days you'll find a phone that's both compact and powerful. So if you want a high-end Android phone that's not too big then the XZ2 Compact should be your number one choice.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/06/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Recombu Archive.org version
For those who’ve ever wanted an Xperia Compact but thought they compromised too heavily over their standard siblings, this generation might be the one to jump for.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/06/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is small and powerful. It's also chunky and partially plastic, so not the best choice if you want a phone that looks as good as it runs.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/04/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
Of course, it's also important to note that the XZ1 costs $1,000, whereas the XZ2 Compact costs a relatively affordable $699.95. If you're comfortable with a smaller device, then the XZ2 Compact is the clear choice.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/04/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Xperia XZ2 Compact fits almost every major feature from the XZ2 into a smaller frame, offering the best specs you'll find in a 5in phone right now - at the cost of a slightly chunky rear end. If you don't mind the bezel-ly design and the lack of wireless charging, you won't find better performance anywhere near this price point.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/03/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is a great choice for those after a small phone with no-compromise hardware. There’s serious power under the hood.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/29/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
The XZ2 Compact, however, has its peculiar charm: it has a clean and likable Android interface and a chubby body that is different. But it just seems to be little more than a tiny Android phone that just works and has decent battery life. It does not have a particularly great camera or any captivating new features.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/23/2018
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: GSM Arena Archive.org version
It's rarely so simple to give a firm verdict on a smartphone, whether it's a flagship or not. But Sony has a winner here, as the XZ2 Compact is one of the best smartphones right now and it's cheap at that. It pulls a real OnePlus in today's insane race of premium prices. But it also does an excellent one up from the previous XZ1 Compact model with better screen, camera, performance, and sound.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is a smaller format powerhouse, with very little compromise for opting for a smaller handset. We think it looks great - even if it's a bit in the chunky side - but what's really appealing is that you get the full power offering of a flagship phone in the XZ2 Compact.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/16/2018
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Xperia XZ2 Compact fits almost every major feature from the XZ2 into a smaller frame, offering one of the better screen-to-body ratios you’ll find for a 5in phone right now. With less competition at this screen size, the Compact could be a more compelling option than it’s bigger brother so long as you don’t mind missing out on wireless charging or the gimmicky vibration.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/16/2018
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
Slightly chunky exterior aside, the XZ2 Compact has plenty going for it. There’s no other device – aside from the iPhone 8 – that’s this powerful and this pocketable. If you’re tired of big phones, the XZ2 Compact is for you.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/02/2018
Source: NDTV Gadgets Archive.org version
The XZ2 Compact misses out on one other feature - its larger sibling introduces what Sony calls “Dynamic Vibration System” which basically triggers the phone’s vibrator based on the sound in games and videos and even music, like force feedback in a game controller. You can adjust the intensity at any time. We tried it and found it to be extremely gimmicky. It can actually be distracting when you’re absorbed in watching something, and we imagine it would get uncomfortable very quickly if we were holding the phone while listening to music. We don’t think this will become a must-have feature anytime soon.
Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 02/28/2018
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
Slightly chunky exterior aside, the XZ2 Compact has plenty going for it. There’s no other device – aside from the iPhone 8 – that’s this powerful and this pocketable. If you’re tired of big phones, the XZ2 Compact is for you.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Xperia XZ2 Compact fits almost every major feature from the XZ2 into a smaller frame, offering one of the better screen-to-body ratios you’ll find for a 5in phone right now. With less competition at this screen size, the Compact could be a more compelling option than it’s bigger brother so long as you don’t mind missing out on wireless charging or the gimmicky vibration.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
The 5-inch Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact could be one of the best phones for one-handed use.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
If you’re after a colorful, nostalgia-fueled phone as your next, Sony’s smaller XZ2 might be the first Compact phone worth lusting over.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: GSM Arena Archive.org version
Sony's presence at this year's WMC was definitely and eventful one. A pair of phones is a pretty light announcement roster on the surface, but the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact are quite unlike Sony's phones of the past.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is a smaller format powerhouse, with very little compromise for opting for a smaller handset. We think it looks great - even if it's a bit in the chunky side - but what's really appealing is that you get the full power offering of a flagship phone in the XZ2 Compact.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
Where its bigger brethren struggles in comparison to the very cream of the smartphone crop, the Compact seemingly does its own thing with little in the way of compromise. That makes it a thoroughly tempting proposition when compared to more expensive, but comparatively-sized fare in the iPhone 8 and Google Pixel 2.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Android Authority Archive.org version
The Sony XZ2 and XZ2 compact are slated to ship in late Spring, and will come to the U.S. unlocked. The Canadian version will come through a partnership with Bell, taking advantage of their Gigabit LTE network.
Comparison, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
All in all, I left Sony’s hands-on event feeling that the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact felt like competent phones. I’m not sure if Sony’s emphasis on video and audio excellence will resonate with Canadian consumers, but if you’re a Sony fan, there’s something to be excited about here. More importantly, after years of false starts, it finally feels like Sony has something it can build on.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 02/26/2018
Foreign Reviews
Source: Futurezone.at DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/07/2018
Source: Computerbase DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/13/2018
Source: Curved DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/11/2018
Rating: Total score: 92% performance: 95% display: 91% mobility: 92%
Source: Golem DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/11/2018
Source: Tech Stage DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/10/2018
Source: Android Pit DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/06/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: n-tv DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/04/2018
Source: Inside Handy DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/30/2018
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: Android Pit DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/14/2018
Source: Android Pit DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Computerhoy ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/29/2018
Rating: Total score: 79% features: 90% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70%
Source: Movil Zona ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/14/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% performance: 80% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Source: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/07/2018
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 93% display: 88% mobility: 83% workmanship: 80%
Source: El Androide Libre ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; nice design; solid workmanship; decent hardware.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/08/2018
Source: AndroidWorld.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/09/2018
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 80% features: 85% display: 85% mobility: 70% workmanship: 85% ergonomy: 85%
Source: AndroidPit.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/16/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: HDblog.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/10/2018
Rating: Total score: 82%
Source: Tutto Android IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/25/2018
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 86% features: 90% display: 82% mobility: 88%
Source: Andrea Galeazzi IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/22/2018
Rating: Total score: 86% price: 83% display: 89% mobility: 88% workmanship: 80%
Source: Notebook Italia IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good price; nice design; compact size; decent hardware.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/05/2018
Source: Leonardo.it Tech IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; light weight; impressive design; solid workmanship; good price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/05/2018
Source: AndroidPit.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; light weight; good price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: AndroidWorld.nl NL→EN Archive.org version
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 08/18/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Computer Totaal NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/28/2018
Rating: Total score: 78%
Source: Consumentenbond NL→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; light weight; solid workmanship; nice design; decent hardware.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/12/2018
Source: Hitek FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/24/2018
Rating: Total score: 82% price: 80% performance: 100% display: 80% mobility: 60%
Source: CNet France FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 81%
Source: Phonandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/20/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: AndroidPit.fr FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/09/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Frandroid FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/02/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 90% display: 70% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70%
Source: Geekbecois FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; decent display; nice cameras; good speakers; high performance. Negative: Slippery; thick frames; location of the fingerprint sensor.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/27/2018
Source: AndroidPit.fr FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; good price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Hi-Tech Mail RU→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/04/2018
Rating: Total score: 76% performance: 100% display: 80% workmanship: 60%
Source: Hitech Vesti RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; nice display; good speakers. Negative: Poor cameras.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/12/2018
Source: Product Test RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: High performance; nice display; good cameras; waterproof. Negative: Combined slot; thick and heavy; no headphone jack.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/28/2018
Source: HWSW HU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; nice design; solid workmanship; excellent cameras.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/16/2018
Source: XT Mobile VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; good cameras; powerful hardware; nice display. Negative: Mediocre design; overheats while using; short battery life.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/22/2018
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Impressive design; powerful hardware; high performance; decent speakers; excellent cameras.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 02/26/2018
Source: Tek.no NO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/21/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Alt om Data DA→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/07/2019
Rating: price: 60% performance: 70%
Source: Mere Mobil.dk DA→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/06/2018
Rating: Total score: 83%
Source: Mobil.se SV→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/29/2018
Rating: Total score: 78%
Comment
Qualcomm Adreno 630: Integrated graphics card in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC. According to Qualcomm 30% faster than the old Adreno 540 in the Snapdragon 835 with 30% less power consumption.
Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
SD 845: High-end SoC for smartphones that was introduced in early 2018 and manufactured in 10 nm LPP FinFET at TSMC. Integrates 4x Kryo 385 cores (Cortex-A75) at up to 2.8 GHz (max) for performance and 4x Kryo 385 at 1.8 GHz (max) for efficiency. Furthermore offers an X20 LTE modem, ac-WiFi and a dual-channel 32-Bit 1866 MHz LPDDR4x memory controller.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
5.00":
This display is tiny. You will probably see very little on the screen and be able to use mini-resolutions.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Sony: Sony Corporation is one of the largest Japanese electronics companies. The company was founded in 1946 under a different name and initially produced rice stoves. The company launched the first transistor radio. In 1958, the company was renamed Sony. Sony is a combination of the Latin word sonus (sound) and the English word sonny (little boy). Today, its core business is consumer electronics. The company is engaged in the development, design, manufacture and sale of electronic equipment, instruments, devices, game consoles and software. Sony operates in the following segments: Gaming and Network Services, Music, Images, Home Entertainment and Sound, Imaging Products and Solutions, Mobile Communications, Semiconductors, Financial Services and Others.
83.1%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.