CES 2014: Sony Announces the Xperia Z1 Compact

Sony today announced the Xperia Z1 Compact and as the name alludes, the device is a smaller version of the Xperia Z1 but in a marketplace where “mini” usually means mid-range specs, it’s refreshing to see Sony buck the trend with a device that’s under 4.3-inches with all the bells and whistles of a true flagship device.

The Xperia Z1 Compact is every bit as capable at its top of the line stablemate, the Xperia Z1. This means you get the same speedy and battery frugal 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of on-board storage as well as the 20.7MP f/2.0 G Lens rear camera with BIONZ and Exmor RS first seen in the Z1.

There’s also LTE, NFC and a sizable 2,300mAh battery. All this is packaged in a robust IP58-rated waterproofing that’s only 1mm thicker than the 5-inch Z1. The Triluminos display now has IPS (thankfully addressing the very narrow viewing angles plaguing displays on Sony devices) but its a 720p unit instead of the full HD 1080p screen on the Z1. The Compact gets new colour options as well and the ladies will be happy to know that there’s a bubblegum pink version just for them.

Together with the Xperia Z1 Compact Sony introduced Xperia Transfer, an application that Sony says make switching to an Xperia device from another device — including the transfer of contacts, content and apps — quick easy.

Sony says the Z1 Compact will be priced under the Z1 and if our experience with the latter is anything to go by then there’s a lot of good things to expect from the Z1 Compact. No word on when the device will be available in Malaysia but if you’re guessing March, we would agree with you.