I received the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact thanks to Clove Technology.

It’s official specifications are-

-Operating System – Android 4.3
– Processor 2.2 GHz Quad Core Qualcomm MSM8974
– Expansion Slot MicroSDXC up to 64GB
– RAM 2GB
– ROM Capacity 16GB (~11B user-accessible)
– Touchscreen Size 4.3 IPS LCD
– Resolution 1280×720, Pixel Density 342 PPI
– TRIMLUMINOS Display for mobile with X-Reality
– GSM/GPRS Frequencies 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
– 3G/HSPA Frequencies UMTS HSPA 850 (Band V), 900 (Band VIII), 1700 (Band IV), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) MHz
– 4G Frequencies Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20
– Bluetooth Version 4.0
– WiFi and DLNA
– MicroUSB 2.0 plus OTG cable
– 3.5mm headphone jack
– Video Out MHL via microUSB
– IP55/IP58 Protection Rating
– GPS A-GPS Yes
– Camera Megapixels 20.7MP
– Flash Pulsed LED Flash
– Camera Lens G Lens: 27 mm wide angle lens with F2.0 aperture, Burst mode, HDR, 8x Digital Zoom, Image Stabiliser, Object Tracking, Red-eye reduction, Scene recognition, Superior Auto (setting adjust), Panorama, Touch to focus and more.
– Front Facing Camera 2MP 1080p
– Sensors G-Sensor, Proximity Sensor – Digital Compass and Gyro
-Light Sensor
– Audio Formats MP3, 3GPP, MP4, ADTS, AMR, SMF, XMF, OTA, RTTTL, RTX, iMelody, WAV, OGG, FLAC
Recording 3GPP, MP4, AMR
– Video Formats 3GPP, MP4, M4V, MKV, AVI, XVID, WEBM
Recording 3GPP, MP4

– Near Field Communication
– FM Radio
– Battery Capacity 2300 mAh with STAMINA mode
– Call Time GSM Up to 18 hours, 3G
Standby Time , GSM Up to 670 hours
3G
– Dimensions 127 x 64.9 x 9.5 mm
– Weight 137g

Above due to IP58 waterproof and dust rating flaps are used for the micro usb connector, sim card and memory card slots. The headphone jack is specially coated so doesn’t need a cover. The rear of the phone reveals the 20.7MP camera.

You can also see the large power button with the volume controls underneath it.

As a comparison the Z1 Compact is similar in size to the iPhone 5S. It is also one of the first mini sized android phones that has a high level of specification from the 20.7MP camera, Snapdragon 800 processor and waterproof and dust rating. If opening the flaps to charge the phone is a pain, the Z1 Compact also had a magnetic charge point on the side.

One of the stand out features of the Z1 Compact is the battery life. 2 days from a charge is normal. But turning on Sony’s power management mode you can get alot more.

As the phone is a Sony a number of apps are added by Sony but it’s not as over the top like a Samsung phone.

Basically Sony include all their Sony Playstation and Entertainment Services with special offers via the Privilege app. As an unusual inclusion in the box apart from the usb lead and power adapter, there was a screen protector and a USB OTG adapter.

The Z1 Compact features a anti shatter screen protector that you then put another screen protector over. This has the effect of dulling down the screen which is a shame.

So out of the box you can connect for example a memory stick or your PS3 Dual Shock Controller. Via the Playstation app I was playing games with the controller. Rather neat.

Audio. The loudspeaker doesn’t possess lots of bass but if you turn on the speaker EQ options it does improve the quality.

Several tests were carried out comparing the speaker to that of the iPhone 5S and Note 3 and the Z1 Compact maxed out at 82db. This was identical to the other phones tested. But it was a tinnier sound. However, plug in some decent headphones and get ready for some quality sound. You can use the equaliser to fine tune the sound.

In terms of the Android experience Sony use their own skin which I didn’t mind. It didn’t slow down the device. In fact the Z1 Compact with its Snapdragon 800 processor and 720p screen zips along.

The other key feature of the phone is its camera and the 20.7MP lens. The camera has many modes from auto to manual and loads of settings to fine.

Some of the more unusual modes is AR.

With this mode you select the style and it superimposes a live image over what you’re seeing. When you like the combined image you press the camera shutter. So for example below is a dinosaur on Dartmoor.

Of course you may just want to take normal photos. In the next post are some normal photo samples. The camera seems to take some very good photos and capture motion fairly well. I wasn’t happy using the flash as it seemed over aggressive so I switched to manual mode and the night scene.

So in summary the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is a mini android phone packing a decent punch. Good camera and battery life and full of whizz.

Available from Clove Technology and my thanks for their wonderful service.