Xperia Z3 Compact Review: A Small Phone That Packs a Big Punch | Pocketnow
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- Опубліковано 27 жов 2024
- The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact may be small, but that doesn't mean it isn't capable. We've put it to the test all week and it's surprised us. Watch our video review to see how the Xperia Z3 Compact fares in the day to day!
We want to extend a final thanks to our friends over at Clove for supplying us with an Xperia Z3 Compact for review. Visit clove.co.uk to see about getting your very own Z3 Compact or to browse hundreds of other mobile products for sale!
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Xperia Z3 Compact Review: A Small Phone That Packs a Big Punch | Pocketnow
• Xperia Z3 Compact Revi...
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Sony is the only company that takes consumers looking for a smaller device seriously. With other OEMs, if you want a smaller phone, you'll have to buy a phone with a lot of compromises. But with Sony, you can get a small phone _and_ still get a flagship. Just goes to prove that other OEMs skimping out on specs on their "mini" phones is completely unnecessary, and should rightly be criticised.
Yep. People with smaller hands deserve better
I don't really like Sony, but I can't disagree with that.
Im really considering buying one, which model was this D5803 or D5833? Jazli Aziz Pocketnow It seems as both models will work on ***** in the US but the D5833 has a few more bands than the D5803.
I vouch for you sir.
Jason D D5833 is the internation model I think, it works on a couple more bands for Asian carriers.
Wait.... You're making a big deal of 720p but when iphone does it, it's suddenly ok
Hamza Ali neither does the xperia z3 compact
Hamza Ali Lol yes it does. The reason is because it's bad for publicity to criticize anything Apple does.
Your overlords are always watching.
My 2004 Panasonic home theater projector is also "just" 720p but it's enough to watch blu-rays on 80 inch screen.
I own this phone and I am sure I didn't make a wrong choice. First of all, with only 2600 mAh you should already know that 1280 x 720 resolution is already a good choice. This phone is only 4.6", you wouldn't even notice the difference. Higher resolution often means faster battery drain. This phone's picture quality is superb. I really like the fact that it was small but could compete against the others. I have not find any dissatisfaction towards the phone. The thing that I liked the most was the build quality and design which is so minimalist and beautiful.
Herson Lae Hi, I'm thinking of purchasing this phone but I'm curious about the front camera. How is it so far? :)
The front camera is 2.2MP and honestly, I don't find any problem like lack of quality and such (Low light will give lots on noise though), but keep in mind that it's only 2.2MP and don't expect too much since everything has its own limits. Battery life was awesome though.
Herson Lae oh okay. Thank you! :)
Kaysha Ainayya You;re welcome. ;)
Hi, can i ask you something?
what's the max resolution for watching youtube videos?
I remember getting this phone all those years ago and thinking it was absolutely amazing
Indeed! I had to order one days ago…I still think that the design is absolutely minimal and better than many devices these days! Talking about design, obviously!
Same here! Quite frankly, had it little better specs, I'd continue using it daily.
The UI Sony uses is actually pretty nice
When Samsung were doing big phones people were laughing but as soon as Apple starts doing them everyone is all over it? So annoying.
***** My point still stands.
Its a shame 720p has become ' only 720p ' . When quad HD screens become common place people will be saying ' only 1080p ' . 720p is a beautiful High Def display on any phone, regardless of size.
I agree, fuck 1440p displays on smartphones i mean wtf... Qhd displays do no good but consume more battery and make the phone more sluggish. Then people complain about this shit. I completely agree with 720p is the best for ~ 4.5" displays and 1080p on > 5" smartphones till the day phones will last again a week and won't be outdated every 2 years...
Sharp's made a 5.5 inch 4K display, soon it'll be 'only 1440p'.
jake Stevens Thank you, someone with common sense.Give me a bigger battery (love my Z3C ^^) in a compact device anytime.People should just market with ppi.Lets be honest, above approx. 300ppi you don't see the difference
+jake Stevens my laptop is a 720p, it still sharp and doesnt give me problems (15.6 in) ... compared to a 4.6 in phone
***** depends on tour budget
I feel like Sony has really improved significantly this time with Z3 and Z3C. They really make no compromises for the first time, which is nice. The screen side visability has improved by a lot compared to previous models. To me, the screen really matters and that is why I didn't consider Sony before. But now, with its 2 days battery life + good screen, Sony has come back quite well. The only downside is the 16GB ROM side which I am worried if we cant install much apps on the expandable storage, 16GB is not enough for heavy users.
i believe it is same as Z1 compact, an internal 16GB storage plus a expandable sd slot.. you have everything you need,,, just way fancy
a z3 compact user here. I love it.
My htc one x had a 720p screen display and it had one of the best mobile screens at the time, and still gives modern screens a run for their money. For such a small screen, the lower resolution makes sense. Gives better performance, better battery life and lowers both consumer and manufacturer cost. A great move IMO.
I have the Z3C and it's amazing. My only complaints would be the 16GB of storage (and only because Google fucked up Android on 4.4) and lack of Qi charging and OIS. But on the OIS side, Sony did a great job with the DIS. The camera tech could use some licensed Nokia tech though...
I currently have a Galaxy S5. It's a nice phone and all. but my hands are pretty small so I've been looking for a smaller alternative. I really wish more companies would consider making more quality mini smartphones.This looks amazing, so I plan on getting this in the next month or so!
Love my z3!! I should have got the compact though as the size would be perfect, the z3 is a little too big. I still use my z1 compact more than the z3. perfect phones. I suggest buying the charging cradle or magnetic charger with your phone to save the hassle of opening the flap all the time.
Thomas Kelly www.amazon.ca/ccessory-Magnetic-Charging-Charger-Indicator/dp/B00N77VLWY/ref=pd_sbs_w_31?ie=UTF8&refRID=01K7HXXQ33KB0DE0DWJH
here you go buddy. or alternatively,
www.amazon.ca/Sony-DK48-Magnetic-Charging-Compact/dp/B00N9OBP7G/ref=pd_sim_w_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Y05CACVH7GX1D13KB8H
that's from amazon.ca if you're located in america just check out amazon.com instead.
Best Phone for me. With android 5 I get up to 4 days of battery life on normal use with sleep hours from 10 pm to 7 am. I want to see any other flagship do that and maybe i'll take it into consideration.
how did sony cram in a 2600 mah battery into this thing? the n5 is 5mm wider, 10mm taller and the same thickness yet only has a 2300 mah battery
The nexus had to cut corners to make it a budget friendly phone.
Patrick Hafner But they have all the same physical components. The only thing I can think is Sony's display technology allows for a thinner display compared to LG's
***** That's what I'm saying
***** your right that makes sense, but for the manufacturer a bigger battery would add a couple dollars to the price and with Google already subsidizing the price they don't make money on them.
I would rather they upped the price to put in a bigger battery but I guess since it built with devs in mind the battery isn't the first priority.
it's actually a 3100 mah battery lol
Guys, if you doubt to buy the Z3 Compact, don't doubt! I got it for Christmas, it's too good I can't even describe it with words. I moved from the iPhone 5C, and I already love my Z3 Compact MUCH more than the iPhone 5C.
People are complaining over it's 720p screen but the screen looks very sharp and the colours are vibrations. I've tested it underwater a couple of times, and it works great. The phone can get a little bit of heated on the back around the NFC icon in heavy use, but it's no big deal. The phone is very fast, and I've got no lag AT ALL so far. The battery is great, I've gotten 2 days in heavy use so far. The camera performs great aswell but when recording in 4K the phone can get a little bit heated.
You were at the Dixie classic Taylor! I just went and had a blast. Hope you had fun.
Something that everybody knows, but no one mentions. This is the only phone with S801ac and 720p screen, which makes it a beast when it comes to gaming or any 3D intense app.
Nice review Taylor! Greets from Sicily! :)
Just got a brand new z3 compact for only 230$ ! Amazing phone ! Imo the best in term of price/performance. The design is perfect for me, since I hate the other big-ass mobile phones.
Just sold my iPhone for this phone.
VexWard idiot
Shane Horne sheep
now this... this is the phone i want! next year i'm going to buy it.
Jason Castillo it will be nearly 3 years old next year
I really wanted to get this phone, but I settled for the Nexus 5 for the time being.
Will definitely consider buying the Z3 Compact once it hits Australian shores.
Best phone I've owned since the HTC Desire
Sony Z3 Compact is nice phone...which will fullfill all my requirements...and thnx to make a such beautiful full depth video
I have an Xperia SP with a 4.6 inch screen and 720p display. I can tell you for sure that the Z3 Compact's display will be awesome.
For this screen size, 720p is perfect! You also get amazing battery life too..... So why compromise battery life for extra pixels which your eye won't be able to appreciate anyway?
"The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact may be small,.." since when 4,6" is small? Around 2-3 years ago it was the biggest screen now it's small. As if people had only a short distance memore.
+HunGerMovies I'm getting this from my 3.5" iphone 4 lol
+Bloxxy Rider me too.
ikr when I first saw the iPhone I considered it big but now it's considered compact damn that's something
***** I have Z3 Compact - have no experience with the ultra - and the Z3C seems to be a great choice so far. Great display, great standby time, even with strong use the battery lasts for 2 days easily, and of course many features - love the slowmotion videos. Probably Z3 C has more features than the Ultra, but you can google it. Tho personally I think the ultra looks better and of course has bigger display, but if size doesn't matter so much for you, I would go for the compact, it's one of the best phones from Sony so far.
***** I see, in this case both can meet your requirements I think. However if you spend a lot of time without battery charger or record long videos, Z3 Compact's battery is superior to recent smart phones:)
Thank you for reviewing this hidden gem here in the US. Looks like a winner.
Z3 Compact is easily the most underrated phone this season. It's just a phenomenal phone all around for those who refuse to 'go big' and want all the stuff the big guys offer. Battery life is insane and makes you stopping being a wall hugger once and for all.
6 years have pass. Now, I'm buying this phone for under 40 Dollars. How time passed...
Same lol. Switching to it from an s9
Taylor! We'll miss you! Good luck on whatever you plan to do next!
I love how just a year before this phone the Xperia SP was praised for having a 720p display and a "big" display at 4.6'
Watching this in 2018 on my Z3 Compact :-))
Great review, Taylor, great phone too.
I couldnt agree more with the comment at the end, this phone is just about the only option if you want something smaller with proper current specs. Pity there isnt much interest from the custom rom ppl for this phone. After slimbean I dont think I can do a stock UI again.
great review! I'm getting this on Christmas
Good reviews! Thanks.
However, one aspect that most review sites never deal with is the real functionality of GPS. Sure, there are reviews and comparisons of GPS, but the tests are usually run in cities and places where, if you get lost, you can just look at a road sign or ask one of the many passerbys. Personally, GPS is something that I am interested in. I wish to attach my phone to my motorcycle when I ride off the beaten track -- away from the towns and cities. This is where people REALLY need GPS.
So, how about some more realistic GPS reviews? It would be much appreciated, so I can choose my next smart phone.
I got mine yesterday and I absulutly love it pretty smooth and fast
This phone is worth buying.. I have been using this phone for 2 years now.. It is really a solid phone. For Compact phone lovers who do not want to compromise on features, Sony is the best and only option.
im watching this video on my z3 compact
buying one of these as a stop gap after my note 4 decided to let me down with its lag and random reboots!
actually looking forward to it and am now onto my 3rd smartphone manufacturer (2 HTC's and 2 Samsungs previously)
still holding out for project ara though.
Lol if project ara hits the markets what smartphone parts would u get in my case I would get battery and performance from Apple screen display from Samsung camera from Samsung and Apple and that's pretty much it!
A nice normal sized phone. More of these please.
What clock and weather widget were you using on the Z3 Compact?
Great review, Taylor.
Really like the new z3 launcher its fast and functionality is amazingly fluid. New tweaks are useful and make the experience complete. Great device.
I think z5 or z4(bc sony wont be launching new models every half year bc they've realised it is stupd to do so) will have to have have little bit alluminium and , the most important for me in this case are flaps for simcard and charger, that buttons should be "in the phone" not the screen, it's stupid bc most of the games or apps you play in landscape mode aren't compatible and the sreen is cut off..
I had it for 10 days it was good but something kept me away from keeping it, mostly those stupid flaps that weren't "strong" enough for the price i paid for it...
i would rate it 8/10
sorry for my english..
Good day ladies and gents. To all the Z3C owners, how has your device fared thus far? What's this talk about the phone cracking in pockets? Care to shed some light for how it's been for you? How long have you used your Z3C? Any accidental falls?
nupa311 Z3 Compact is IP58, this means it's waterproof......
***** Lol. Did you have a case on it? I have bought one a few days ago, after mine slid off my bed and fell on concrete flooring. I heard the thud in my sleep. Wasn't pleasant I tell you!
***** Elaborate
Pretty good phone, been using it these 4 days. Without the extra stamina battery mode on, I can use the z3 compact for a full day, no charging over night and be back at work using it lightly until 5pm where I have about 8-11% charge.
Not bad.
I heard it can go on for 3 or 4 days.
With all the power saving modes, I can believe it!
Onizuka GTO Interesting. How much screen on time are you getting? Are you running lollipop? How much battery do you lose per hour?
totally agree it is a GREAT phone ( well if you like smaller phones ... ) good specs, good display , good camera , everything is running smoothly on it ! I totally recommend it ! and yeah i really love HTC phones but this one is ...in MY opinion... way more better than HTC M7, I don't know about M8 i do not have one... or had :) .
I went to the SONY store on Madison Ave in NYC and saw "real" Z3 Compact for the first time. But some people were around, and I couldn't try it :( Next time I will touch and feel it
small but mighty, arguably the best phone now
just bought Z1. i'm happy with it. :)
Thanks for the review:)
Pocketnow is clove technology worth it? I live in Canada
Can we see an Xperia Z3 Compact vs Galaxy Alpha comparison please?
i'm extremely happy with mine. full recommendation!
Z3 compact is exactly what I'm looking for, and I'm waiting for the US launch
Definitely goin to grab this phone, there's the Z5 Compact, but right now it is too pricy. I think that this phone should be just right, specs are great and the screen size is just perfect compared to my current Xperia Z with a 5inch display. BTW, anyone here knows if Sony's Service Center can fix my Xperia Z Phone housing? My little sister dropped it badly, and the sides are loose. >.>
Only 4.5 hours screen on time per charge? Other reviews have been saying that this phone lasts 10+ hours screen on time while browsing and that it can last almost 3 days on 1 charge.
4.5 hours screen on time if you're keeping it in your pocket a lot. The 10 hours browsing was literally 10 hours of straight browsing, which means every single bit of battery will be going to screen on time.
4.5 hours of screen on time is really quite a lot.
ᵒʳᵍᶤᶰᵃˡ does this work on at&t LTE?
Electro
I bet not. Due to bands limitations
With light to medium usage, I've managed to get 38 hours out of it and is currently at 9%. Background stuff like location is activated. When at work, it's still left on but I activate stamina mode which cuts out the wi-fi and mobile data when the phone is on standby.
Electro The D5803 model fully supports ATT and tmobile lte and hspa bands.
Hi Pocketnow, what is your watch called at 6.05? It looks super nice.
I was an iPhone user, now I switched to z3 compact and it is running Android 5.2, maybe a stupid question, but how did you do forecast at 2:30? My forecast looks awful, this is quite simple and I really like it...
well after 4 years, 1 cracked screen and 2 heaphone jack repairs (until I learned to be more careful about letting the cable pull on teh jack) I'm about to buy my second Z3C.
I don't like big phones, don't game on my phone, if I use the camera it's because I don't have one of my better cameras on me and to be honest I text more than I talk. I do a bit of browsing and that's about it. This phone is robust and out of the Z series, it has the best battery life in terms of screen on time (even the Z5 with a bigger battery runs out faster, because the bigger battery is powering a QHD screen which draws a lot more power.)
I want a simple android phone that is compact, tough, can get rained on and doesn't cost me two or more weeks pay. That rules out apple, samsung, nexus, pixel and all the other so called flagships out there. Sure I could go for cheap and chinese but I don't like the build quality and they tend to have smaller batteries. This phone ticks all the right boxes for me even four years after it debuted, so much so that today I went ahead and brought one brand new in box for less than the cost of some iphone cases. I guess if you're the kind of wanker who cares what other people think about the products you buy, if you think brands = status then go waste your money on some shiny chunk of glass and marketing jizz. if you just want a solid, dependable phone that gives a good feature set at a reasonable price, this thing is gravy.
What is the latest official android version for this phone in 2018 ??
@@khakcsar I know I'm late, but it's on Android 6.0.1 with May 2016 security patch.
@@hackerman2183 K, Thanks :)
Great review but 720 is a pro and not a con on a 4.6inch screen and for battery life.
Great review! Xperia z3 Compact or Oneplus x??
+Antoine Van Oostdam Z3C
I do wish you guys across the pond would say Chassis correctly!
In UAE price is 1800 AED in local shops with global assurance warranty.
I think 720p is enough, it helps battery survive more, it would be awesome if he had both. But yea I would prefer more battery than having a slightly sharper display.
So thinking of buying this....is the glass gorilla glass?.... And what else should I know about this?...
What two games did you play on this review?
Alone and Roid rage
Is This phone a good purchase? want to upgrade from my Xperia T
@FutureCars agree on OIS, disagree on aluminium body. I rather have Qi charging built in and 32GB+SDcard.
i havet the phone like 2 weeks and it's perfect except two things, it is easily heated(I think this may cause cracks in back glass) and it has high sar value.
Sony most underrated phone
Far far better than leading mobile phone companies
Thinking of switching to this from my M8 due to it's poor camera, what do you think? also does this phone support Emojis? any help would be appreciated.
My back camera suddenly just didn't work anymore and then I found out more people were experiencing the same thing
Which is better.. Xperia z2 or xperia z3 compact...
This guy is getting better and better in reviews ,iam so sad for his leaving anyway he is way better than that guy who is doing the Microsoft surfaces reviews !!!!!!
Can't wait to get it :)
Informative review Thanks awesome video Thumps up Sorry no punctuation
nice review!
From your review, can you please say if the Z3 will support UHS-II or UHS-I for the micro SD card? No sense spending more on a UHS-II if the Z3 Compact does not support the bus speed. Thank you!
I just got upgrade to Lollipop 5.0.2. and like it!
Hey Martin, how do you customize your xperia z3c homescreen?
Yeah, im wondering the same
I had this my 8th or 9th grade year. And gosh I miss it lmfao. Really good phone.
Sony has some good devices. It needs to get its act together in marketing and sales
Thanks for the best review I've ever seen
Back when phones were priced logically.
Problem for me is price tag.. In Poland this phone costs around 800$, which is too much for me..
Thanks. I am buying it!
Nobody you won't regret it!
i think sony will fix the camera problem till it's next operating system updated. I hope that pocketnow will do the review again.
Although a little to late,i have a question regarding the z3c's quick charge 2.0 capability.Are all variants quick charge 2.0 compatible or only the japanese variant(as some sites suggest) Thanks in advance!
Can someone please help me with this? I am looking to buy a new phone pretty soon and I am between this phone and the HTC One M8. The most important things in a phone for me are how it looks, sound quality, screen resolution, how fast it is, and its size (not huge). I'd be really thankful for anyone that could give me advice. Thanks.
I dont own any of the phons, but i reconended at least to ny friend the z3c
What widget and or extension is that ? And also your wallpaper ?
The "built exceptionally well" is arguable. My rear glass cracked spontaneously (yes, just like that). Probably because of inner pressure (vacuum+waterproof+super high specs=heat=alot of glass prone to cracking from very minor [or no] impact). Google "Z3 Glass Survey" if you want some actual data. Over 500 people reported having mysterious cracks on their z3c's after a days or weeks of use.
I must say, I still am happy with my decision to buy this phone because it is a beast... but it's really annoying.
So don't take the "waterproof" so seriously. Once it cracks the water can go in...
Have it, enjoying it, first android phone ever. for you people who love to listen to good quality music. The Z3 compact play ALL hi-res audio that are currently available. (by ALL i meant audio formats)
Did you get from t mobile on contract?
Chichi dbz got it unlocked in singapore
Oh.. .well I can't wait to get it when it comes to the U. S on tmobile and I think you should get a case for it because ive watch drop tests and it breaks easily.
Chichi dbz already did, bought a dock with it as well =D, i reckon those flaps wont last if i open and close them too much.
this is first sony phone that I heard not impressive in sound quality at all from built in speakers.
Gonna wait for the Z4 compact, 64 bit and 1080p display most likely, and its only 6 months away
Watching this on z3 compact.
Very impressed.
Wonder if they will officially make this available in the USA and it will work with more TMobile bands.
Amazingly smooth! Like a nexus device
best ever compact phone. it deserves to sell more then iphone. problem is not much people are aware of sony mobile products cause lack of marketing and availability. i hope that change for sony soon. they deserve a lot better sales. amazing device. so much better then iphone as far as i'm concerned.