Sony Xperia Z1 Compact Review: Big Things Come in Small Packages, Or Do They?

| Updated: Friday, May 2, 2014, 18:38 [IST]

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact: OS, Apps and Performance

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact originally came bearing the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system, which was obviously a bit dissapointing given the fact that the new KitKat was already present.

However, the good news here is that Sony has since then upgraded the device to Android 4.4.2, bringing alongside all the great things that are now available via the KitKat update. And apart from the Android offering, Sony has also complimented with a well rounded off design.

Also, it seems like Sony has offered a lot of time and real thought to the device's UI, and that's explained via the device's attractive slide-style unlock, clean icons and more. For example, the app drawer provided is a real treat for all those expecting smooth and easy toolbar navigational options.

There's also a notification light emitting multiple colours that comes equipped with the Xperia Z1 Compact, hence offering a sort of competition for the likes of HTC One Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini.

To power up its systems, the Xperia Z1 Compact uses the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU. And that's quite a fast affair if you know your processors well. For starters, you will not face any issues where there are significant delays in opening apps or games. And we could go pages after pages about how great games actually look on the device.

However, on the flipside, the Z1 Compact does tend to get hot under stress and workload. While this is not the kind of hotness we have experienced in recent years with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy range of flagships (with their flimsy back cover), but the device does tend to get a bit hot from time to time.

Apart from that, users get to use most of the 16GB of on-board storage per their wishes, while adding to that is a microSD slot that supports memory cards up to 64GB.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact: Camera

Sony, it's quite needless to say, maintains a certain high standard while developing cameras for its handsets, and the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is no different.

As it seems quite clearly, Sony has put in a lot of work into the Xperia Z1 Compact's camera, and that's pretty visible. If only going by numbers for starters, the device's 20.7 MP camera sensor easily dwarfs most of the big names in the market.

On an overall, the whole camera app is quite well designed, and comes loaded with features that will satisfy needs generated by the most ardent of photographers, or the ones who are just starting out. So be it for your personal Facebook or Instagram page, or even for the more serious clicks that are destined for sites such as Flickr, this device delivers for all.

The Xperia Z1 Compact has been automatically set to take photos using an intelligent auto setting that's set at eight megapixels, although this is a bit strange considering that the device has an extra twelve-odd pixels in reserve.

Although we have great things to say about the in-device camera, it needs to be stated that there are a few issues when photos are clicked at maximum resolution and shows off lack of clarity, sharpness and definition. Also, low-light images seem quite dark when clicking at full rez. However, there's nothing that a good old intelligent auto function cannot fix.

Nonetheless, well lit images keep up with Sony's trend of delivering great camera. Moreover, the inclusion of a dedicated shutter button also compliments the overall feel of it.

Not only does it allow for the quick launch of the app, but it also allows the camera to focus before capture. Also, since the device is completely waterproof, it also lets you capture images underwater. However, the thing that could be a real issue for some is the size of the camera button -- quite small to say the least and you won't even feel that you have actually pressed it, creating a lot of confusion.

There's also an Augmented Reality mode that allows capturing of images with an added layer added on top of it which are basically like filters. Apart from that, other creative modes include adding effects like sketch images, or even brighten the colours in the image.

Sony has also included three main modes on the Xperia Z1 Compact's camera: Info-eye, Timeshift Burst and Social live. While Info-eye captures a photo and then offers information on the subject of the image, Timeshift Burst allows capturing of images before and after pressing the shutter button.

The Social live mode, as the name suggests, helps broadcasting live feed to any of the social media sites it is connected to.