Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

Specifications

Pricecompare

Reviews for the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

90% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Phone Review
Source: On MSFT Archive.org version
Overall, Sony has done a great job of making the Xperia Z3 Compact appealing to customers, thanks to its ability to keep sacrifices to a minimum when designing a smaller sized device. They squeeze a LOT into its water and dust proof little body. The company has also succeeded in maintaining the best specifications from the full-sized Z3.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/12/2015
Rating: Total score: 90%

Sony's little and large are two of the best Android tablets you can buy in 2015
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
This is a case of horses for courses. The 8in form factor is great for reading, or watching and playing whilst on the move. If you need to stand up on your commute, for instance. Meanwhile Sony's 10in tablet is a stylish and powerful full-sized slate. If you are in the market for an Android tablet, Sony's devices are high-quality, fairly priced.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/12/2015

90% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Review: Small But AWESOMELY Powerful
Source: Know Your Mobile Archive.org version
It is an impressive update to the Xperia Z1 Compact and stands out amongst the miniature crowd. The display needs improving and the UI has some issues but overall the small package manages to pack a punch.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/19/2015
Rating: Total score: 90%

100% Review: Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: PC Authority Archive.org version
The Xperia Z3 Compact can’t quite match the very best smartphones we’ve seen over the past year when it comes to all-round performance, but then it doesn’t need to. Why? First, if you want flagship performance and features in a smaller package, it’s currently your only option other than the iPhone 6. Second, its $699 SIM-free price undercuts all of its larger-screened rivals by a huge margin.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 02/16/2015
Rating: Total score: 100%

Little big phone: Sony Xperia Z3 Compact, a toothsome hand-fulla Android
Source: Reg Hardware Archive.org version
For users who value pocketability and want a strong all-rounder with outstanding battery life, the Z3 Compact is really out there in a class of its own. Alas, the price is stubbornly high and there’s no sign of a fire sale yet.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/17/2014

100% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
Source: T3 Archive.org version
The Z3 Compact isn't perfect, however, with the camera disappointing us despite its fancy specifications. The handset's habit of getting hot when in use is also a shame. We know that Sony is already working on the Z3 Compact's successor for a 2015 launch which will bring an improved camera and (we hope) improvements to prevent the phone from overheating.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/17/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%

iPhone 6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact comparison: Sony's Compact flagship is much better value for money than the iPhone 6
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The iPhone 6 will appeal to fashionistas, lovers of the iOS ecosystem and those who aren't too concerned about how much they spend on their smartphone. For the more frugal among us, the Z3 Compact is the better option, and will also appeal more to keen smartphone photographers/videographers (though the iPhone 6 doesn't do a bad job here either), klutzes (me included), Android users, audiophiles and PlayStation gamers.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/08/2014

85% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Review
Source: Techspot Archive.org version
While the Xperia Z3 Compact is a very good device in its own right, it also succeeds because the lack of competition. At this stage I’d discount the Galaxy Alpha from the race, essentially leaving just the Z3 Compact and iPhone 6 as the main high-end competitors with smaller displays. The iPhone is actually larger than the Z3 Compact, and while it features a nicer build and better hardware in some cases, iOS will be a turn off for those wanting to stay (or join) the Android ecosystem.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 85%

Living with the Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact: Damn, Sony's phones are getting good
Source: Computerworld.com Archive.org version
All things considered, the Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact provide some of the best all-around experiences you can get with Android right now. They offer unusual features like distinctive glass-centric designs and fully waterproof constructions that allow for underwater photography. And whether underwater or on dry ground, their cameras are truly top-notch and capable of capturing some of the finest photos you can get from a smartphone today.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/20/2014

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact video review: Smaller, cheaper and better than Sony's flagship Z3
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
With almost everything which the full-size Z3 offers at a lower price, the Xperia Z3 Compact is a great buy and not only the best mini device we've seen but one of the best smartphones around. We award four and a half stars and our Recommended award.
video review
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/11/2014

80% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
The Z3 Compact, much like its big Z3 brother, is undoubtedly a great phone and the best of the new 'mini' smartphones. Screen quality aside, it crams in all of those great qualities of the Xperia Z3 and, at £430, is cheaper as well. Against the competition in the same £400-ish price range, you're looking at the S5 Mini, the One Mini 2 and even the iPhone 6. It definitely outperforms the HTC and Samsung phones, despite not matching the One Mini 2’s sleek design. The iPhone 6 arguably offers a better all-round package, but can't match the Z3 Compact's battery life.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/10/2014
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 90% features: 80% display: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 80%

90% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review: A better deal than the Z3 and most smartphones
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Xperia Z3 compact is great little smartphone offering pretty much everything available on the full-size Z3 (including PS4 Remote Play and High-Res audio) apart from a Full HD screen. The new design is thinner and lighter plus the display is bigger than previously. At £349, this is not only the best mini smartphone you can buy, it's one of the best smartphones around.
video review
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/06/2014
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 100% performance: 90% features: 80% workmanship: 90%

Apple iPhone 6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and the Apple iPhone 6 are two of the best smartphones for people looking for a reasonably sized mobile sidekick.The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact has little competition in the Android market where most flagships are larger, but when comparing it to the iPhone 6, it goes short of breath in a couple of areas.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 10/29/2014

Samsung Galaxy Alpha vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
The Z3 Compact's extra design feature – its stereo speakers at the front – are arguably a more useful addition than Samsung's stand-out fingerprint scanner, too. The Galaxy Alpha also loses the battery life and call quality match, as well as the price battle – the Sony Z3 Compact is currently $150 cheaper than the Alpha, so you will be voting with your wallet as well.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 10/24/2014

90% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review: A better deal than the Z3 and most smartphones
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Xperia Z3 compact is great little smartphone offering pretty much everything available on the full-size Z3 (including PS4 Remote Play and High-Res audio) apart from a Full HD screen. The new design is thinner and lighter plus the display is bigger than previously. At £349, this is not only the best mini smartphone you can buy, it's one of the best smartphones around.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/23/2014
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 100% performance: 90% features: 80% workmanship: 90%

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Review
Source: Droid-Life Archive.org version
I really like the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. It probably isn’t my favorite phone of 2014, but it has been (mostly) a pleasure to use, thanks to its perfect size, awesome battery life, and impressive display. Its camera is capable of taking some really nice photos too, the performance issues I mentioned above aren’t deal breakers, and features like water and dust resistance help place it up there with the other flagships of 2014. By all means, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is a winner that Sony should be proud of and fans of small phones should consider.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/23/2014

91% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review: a small phone that packs a big punch
Source: Pocketnow Archive.org version
After a week of using the Xperia Z3 Compact, we are left with a tiny phone that we actually like. That’s not something we’ve openly said about most other phones in this size range. OEMs are quick to shave away the great specs while not slashing the price so quickly, resulting in somewhat smaller phones that are sort of like their larger counterparts and marginally more affordable.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2014
Rating: Total score: 91% performance: 90% features: 90% mobility: 80%

88% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Engadget Archive.org version
Having spent a decent amount of time with the new Xperia Z3 Compact, I can easily recommend it as the best small Android smartphone. Low-light camera performance aside, it's got everything you want in a flagship handset, except maybe a fingerprint sensor or coffee maker, packed into a neat and portable package.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/15/2014
Rating: Total score: 88%

iPhone 6 vs. Galaxy Alpha vs. Xperia Z3 Compact: Three kings
Source: GSM Arena Archive.org version
It's impossible to tally up a final score for this but that was never the point - as usual, the point is to help different users pick out the phone that's right for them. The super mini playground is not as empty as it once was and these three phones are excellent picks at three different price points. The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is the most affordable of the bunch so it celebrates each of its victories a little louder than the other two. The Apple iPhone 6 meanwhile is easily the most expensive one and has the most to prove, yet its fans are rarely swayed by such mundane details such as pricing.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/13/2014

100% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
If your hands can manage a bigger device there are smartphones around that offer bigger and more beautiful screens and cameras that are more point-and-shoot friendly, but for smaller-handed gadgeteers Sony's no-compromise Pocket Hercules will tick every box.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/10/2014
Rating: Total score: 100% performance: 90% display: 80% workmanship: 80%

90% Time to step out of big brother's shadow?
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
There's a lot to really like about the Xperia Z3 Compact. Though Sony seems to be putting out new Xperia Z models every six months, you get the feeling that with each iteration it is steadily improving the formula. Sony has also avoided offering a severely cut down version of its flagship device. Where other manufacturers will cut the specifications of the mini variants, the Xperia Z3 Compact keeps a lot of the features of the bigger Z3, making the compact an excellent choice if you fancy the Z3, but are not too sure about the large size of the handset.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/09/2014
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 80% performance: 90% features: 80% workmanship: 90%

80% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review: Small and beautifully formed
Source: IT Pro Portal Archive.org version
The biggest fans of the Xperia Z3 Compact are likely to be those who are already Sony fans, but you can ignore all the Sony tie-ins and still get a lot from this handset. The camera is easy to use and has lots of customisability, the screen is great for everything from looking at photos and web pages to watching movies and YouTube, there's lots of power and battery life is excellent. I'd have liked to see the screen resolution taken up a notch, but overall this is a pleasingly powerful hand-friendly phone.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/09/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%

100% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
Source: Gadgets Now Archive.org version
Sony’s taken its proven formula of slimming down its flagship handset and sparing practically no expense with its hardware, unlike some other phone makers. The Z3 Compact is easily one of our favourite phones, and at a cheaper £400 price tag than the full-fat model, it’s well worth considering. Sony’s crafted its smallest, but best phone to date that feels solid in the hand and simply pops; using a phone with one hand and one thumb never felt better.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/08/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review: almost the perfect smartphone
Source: Androidbeat Archive.org version
If you’re not that fussed over ultimate camera quality and if you’re prepared to work round the Sony store bloatware, then I can recommend this latest Z series iteration. The choice then comes down to whether to plump for this Z3 Compact or its larger sister device, the full Z3? The latter has the higher resolution, larger screen, slightly more RAM and the feel of cold hard metal on your fingers each morning – and some people simply must have the latest, greatest and biggest. But with all this comes significant extra size (an extra 2cm in length ) and significant extra cost.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/06/2014

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact vs Sony Xperia Z3 Compact comparison review: What's the difference?
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
Overall, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is not all that different from the Xperia Z1 Compact. The design is improved, the screen is a bit bigger, the processor is slightly better and the camera has been tweaked, but we'd suggest that none of those improvements are major. However, unless you can find the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact for under £300, we'd recommend buying the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact for £349 for those slight improvements, extra durability and new features.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/26/2014

100% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
But it's that last thought; that lure to the larger screen that also highlights just how good the Z3 Compact is. Because whatever your preference, big or small, Sony is offering a choice without having to worry about sacrificing performance. Like the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, the Z3 Compact is a great - and importantly a little - flagship handset. We're yet to see a better Android device at this size.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/26/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%

80% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Review: The Mighty Miniature
Source: NDTV Gadgets Archive.org version
The Xperia Z3 Compact represents a criminally under-exploited market segment and we're still waiting for competition to jump in. Maybe the strategy will catch on now that Apple has adopted it. It's high time that our fixation with huge screens was reined in, and for now, Sony has the only options in town on the Android side of the fence.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/26/2014
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% performance: 90% display: 80% mobility: 100% workmanship: 80%

78% Small in size big on performance
Source: Digital Trends Archive.org version
Sony has managed to bring in the best mini Android smartphone yet again, but with a really high price. The Z3 Compact is a slight bump from the Z1 Compact and it definitely looks and feels better. The smartphone has an excellent camera, a bright display and a great battery life. Rather than calling it a mini version of a flagship device, we think that it is a flagship smartphone in itself for people want a powerful smartphone in a compact form factor.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/25/2014
Rating: Total score: 78%

100% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review
Source: Expert Reviews Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is an exceptional mid-range smartphone, and it's arguably the first 'mini' phone that truly lives up to the idea of delivering a flagship experience inside a smaller, cheaper chassis. It puts the rest of the mini market to shame, and its range-topping performance and incredible battery life even gives high-end smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One (m8) and LG G3 cause for concern. It goes head-to-head with the Samsung Galaxy Alpha, and although that handset is arguably sleeker, the Xperia Z3 Compact smashes it in terms of battery life, performance and price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/23/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%

90% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Review
Source: Phone Arena Archive.org version
The Xperia Z3 Compact takes the successful formula of the Z1 Compact and makes it better in practically every way: the glass panel contributes to a more premium feel, colors are livelier, and the handset is thinner, lighter and water-proof; it keeps the same petite dimensions, but gets a larger, 4.6” screen; the processor is the newer and faster Snapdragon 801; the camera is a good performer; and the battery is a class above most.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/19/2014
Rating: Total score: 90%

100% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Recombu Archive.org version
The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact isn’t just the best mini phone we’ve played with this year, it’s one of the very best smartphones that money can buy. Packing premium features and specs into a comfortable-to-fondle frame, the Z3 Compact offers an excellent user experience with next to no drawbacks.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/18/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review: Not your usual suspect
Source: GSM Arena Archive.org version
Although there obviously aren't many significant improvements in the Xperia Z3 Compact, it nevertheless brings a refreshed design and updates in key areas like display and battery life. Not only did Sony fix the screen's contrast degradation at an angle, which plagued the 4.3-inch IPS panel of the Z1 Compact, but it squeezed a 4.6-inch screen in the same size chassis, making it brighter along the way.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/12/2014

Sony Xperia Z3 vs Xperia Z3 Compact comparison review: Is the mini Z3 too good?
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
Sony has done a great job of making a mini version of its flagship smartphone so getting the Z3 Compact only really means a smaller screen and less money. In fact, unless you want the bigger screen of the Z3, it really makes no sense to buy it over the Compact. Sony might have done too good a job.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/11/2014

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review – the little GIANT!
Source: TLBHD Archive.org version
So yes, I like this one and I believe it’s also the go-to device if you plan on switching from an iPhone to Android and don’t mind paying for the best. But I’d really want to know what do you guys think about this Z3 Compact and whether you consider it a good buy or not. So make sure to leave your replies and opinions below, in the comments section, as well as your questions if you have any, I’ll be around to reply.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/03/2014

Foreign Reviews

88% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Netzwelt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/11/2015
Rating: Total score: 88% features: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Android Magazin - Heft 2/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 03/01/2015

89% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Stiftung Warentest - Heft 3/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 02/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 89% mobility: 88% ergonomy: 91%

90% Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Source: Guter Rat! - Heft 2/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 01/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 90%

100% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: e-media - Heft 25/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/16/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: c't - Heft 01/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/16/2014

99% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Chip Test & Kauf - Heft 1/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 99%

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Connect Freestyle - Heft 1/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/01/2014

85% Schick, scharf und schnell
Source: Chip.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/12/2014
Rating: Total score: 85% price: 84% features: 95% display: 86% mobility: 71%

88% Sony Xperia Z3
Source: Tabtech DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/12/2014
Rating: Total score: 88% price: 80% performance: 100% display: 90% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%

87% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Telecom Handel - Heft 22/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 11/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 87%

Drei Tage ohne Strom
Source: Futurezone.at DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/23/2014

"Mini"-Smartphone mit mächtig Dampf
Source: Tom's Hardware DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2014

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact im Kamera-Test: Blitz-Problem vom Z1 Compact weg?
Source: Mobicroco DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/12/2014

96% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact im Test: Kleiner Kraftprotz zeigt's den Großen
Source: Mobicroco DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/09/2014
Rating: Total score: 96% features: 97% workmanship: 90% emissions: 98%

92% Kompaktes Smartphone mit viel Leistung
Source: Notebookinfo DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/07/2014
Rating: Total score: 92% performance: 95% display: 90% mobility: 95% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 90% emissions: 95%

89% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Computerbild - Heft 20/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 10/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 89% features: 87%

87% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: Connect - Heft 11/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 10/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 87%

97% Silver Samurai
Source: Chip.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/24/2014
Rating: Total score: 97% price: 68% mobility: 99%

100% Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
Source: e-media - Heft 20/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 09/16/2014
Rating: Total score: 100%

Comment

Model:

The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact closely resembles its bigger brother, the Sony Xperia Z3 in all design aspects including the beautifully rounded bevel and the glossy back panel. Even the waterproof and dust resistant capabilities are kept with the device rated at IP65/IP68. There are also four colors to choose from; white, black, orange and green.

The 4.6 inch 1280 x 720 Pixel TFT panel delivers good color rendition and sharp images. The 129 gram device comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad core processor clocked at 2.5 GHz, 2 GB RAM, Adreno 330 graphics chip and up to 16 GB internal memory, depending on the model. Users can add up to another 128 GB storage using a microSD card with SDXC support.

There is a 20.7 MP rear-facing camera with pulsed LED flash and 8x digital zoom capability. A secondary front-facing camera rated at 2.2 MP is also available to ensure good quality video telecommunication. Powering the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is 2600 mAh cell which is embedded into the frame. This enables the device to have up to 14 hours of talk time or 110 hours of music listening time.

Qualcomm Adreno 330: Integrated graphics card in some Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs, supports OpenGL ES 3.0

Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

801 MSM8974AC:

High-end ARM SoC with 4 CPU cores up to 2.45 GHz and an Adreno 330 GPU up to 578 MHz. Based on Qualcomm's Krait 400 architecture and is manufactured in a 28nm HPM process.

4.60":

This display is tiny. You will probably see very little on the screen and be able to use mini-resolutions.

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.

91.43%: There are not very many models that are rated better. Most of the assessments are in percentage ranges below that. The tested product is not considered perfect, but the sources give a clear purchase recommendation.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

Similar devices from a different Manufacturer

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Devices with the same GPU

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight