Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

“Nobody wants a small, powerful Android phone, except for everyone who does. So Sony hasn't been able to find a carrier to pick up the Z3 Compact. Instead, it's available for $529 unlocked direct from Sony or through electronics stores like Newegg. That will seriously limit its popularity in a nation where people prefer to pay less up front for their phones.America needs the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. Smaller doesn't have to mean cheaper. If you want a super-phone that fits easily in one hand, you absolutely must take a look at this device.”

“Sony does it again: Introduces a new model after a couple of months and actually managed to integrate significant improvements over the predecessor. Huge innovations are not possible, but a convenient evolution is not bad, either. You can obviously have mixed feelings about the product policy and its usefulness, but it is a fact that the Japanese once again produced a great smartphone.Why? Because the display is very bright and sharp and has a good contrast. Because the speakers and the better sound quality are a quantum leap compared to its predecessor. Because the performance is much higher compared to the rivals and the battery runtimes were improved significantly at the same time. Because the camera is probably not the best one on the market, but it takes very good pictures. And because Sony still has some great features, for example, the game streaming from the best-selling next-gen console PlayStation 4.You also have to look really hard for drawbacks: The GPS module could be more accurate, the WLAN signal could be better, the case stability is not perfect and the materials are too slippery and quickly attract fingerprints. The camera could take better pictures in bad lighting conditions and a blue cast in the display is not really acceptable nowadays.The great user interface with numerous settings, the optional accessories, free software for virus protection as well as navigation and the comprehensive picture and video apps can quickly compensate these small drawbacks. We add one point to the rating for this and the possibility to stream PS4 games.The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is a small high-end smartphone where you hardly have to make any sacrifices compared to the larger Xperia Z3. However, it is also more expensive than the rivals, and this was often the reason that Sony lost market share in the past.”

“The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact brings a very capable and stylish package in a comfortable footprint, at precisely the right time. If you're looking for a robust device at this size, Samsung's Galaxy Alpha and Apple's new iPhone 6 are the only real threats. Big ones though, quite obviously, especially considering the original Z1 compact ruled that same market segment virtually unchecked. Oh well, Sony's in for a fight - and looks up to it.”

“There's so much to like about the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. It's one of few devices as powerful at this size, offers great battery life, is well designed and fully packed with features. Sony's pricing at £429 undercuts the rival Samsung Galaxy Alpha by a considerable margin, making it an even more enticing proposition.As much as we love the Z3 Compact and almost everything it does, there are still some small niggles. It arrives just over six months after its predecessor, there's some software overkill, the camera app doesn't load as fast as we would like, and the screen still isn't best in class despite doing a decent job.We also can't help but look at the larger Sony Xperia Z3 and its more resolute display - bigger movie playback, more gaming space, a better browsing experience also sounds enticing - but then there's the inflated cost to consider.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.”