Xperia Z1 Compact, the First True High-end Small Form-factor Android Phone.

When talking about screen sizes, five inches can be quite a hassle to fit in normal size pockets. Nor comfortable for single handed use for most users. Sadly enough, that's the size class that most Android flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, and the HTC One only come in.

Samsung saw this issue and has addressed this issue with their Galaxy S3 Mini and their recent Galaxy S4 Mini. Now you would believe that with the same S3 or S4 branding, you'll be getting the same power found in Samsung's flagship devices but in a smaller form factor. However, under closer inspection you'll reveal that the S4 Mini is half of what its larger S4 cousin in every possible way: screen size, battery, processor speed, number of cores, camera quality, and RAM. The same issue also plagues the HTC One Mini. Which begs the question, is there really such thing as a small form factor flagship?

 

Xperia Z1 (Left) compared to Compact brother (Right

The answer, yes.

Just recently at CES 2014, Sony has released the new Xperia Z1 Compact. In a nutshell, the Z1 compact has everything that the bigger brother Z1 had. Still boasting the zippy Snapdragon 800 Quad Core CPU running at 2.2 GHz, 2GB of RAM, Adreno 330 GPU, the same 20.7 MP Camera with Sony's Exmor RS® for mobile image sensor, as well as the same waterproof features with Sony's OmniBalance design language. Still running the same identical Sony interface as the original Z1 with the Sony ecosystem including Walkman, Albums, Movies, Sony Select and much more.

Unfortunately however, due to the smaller form factor, the display has been downgraded to 720p Triluminos display retaining a 342 ppi rather than the 1080p variety on the original Z1.Though you'll still have the Bravia Engine hard at work behind the scenes so image quality will still be extremely clear and life like.

Xperia Z1 Compact (Left) compared to iPhone 5S (Right)

Expect availability to come later this year and the price relatively close to the Original Z1. Don't expect the device to be priced much lower than it's larger counterpart as this is still packing the best hardware available. This device is mainly for the people who have small hands and want a high-end smartphone but don't want to deal with the bulkiness of a 5 inch or larger display. It's about time a device like this has come to the Android market as it was in dire need of one for a long time. iPhone users have loved the performance mated with the comfort of the 4 and 5, now the android side has something that is compelling for their user base.