Is the compact line dead? - Sony Xperia X Compact Questions & Answers

Leaks for all other phones are all over the place but nothing ever gets leaked for Sony phones (save for maybe 2 days before announcement). Any body remember if Sony made any comments about the future of compact line? I just put my pixel back in the drawer and started using my z3 compact (trying out lineage os 7.1.2). Such an awesome phone, perfect size and battery. Almost pulled the trigger on xc, but the thought of mid range specs (particularly no water proof) kept me from buying it. Wish they released a compact version of XZs, without any compromises, except for thickness which is understandable and acceptable. That would be perfect....

flintfirewalker said:
Leaks for all other phones are all over the place but nothing ever gets leaked for Sony phones (save for maybe 2 days before announcement). Any body remember if Sony made any comments about the future of compact line? I just put my pixel back in the drawer and started using my z3 compact (trying out lineage os 7.1.2). Such an awesome phone, perfect size and battery. Almost pulled the trigger on xc, but the thought of mid range specs (particularly no water proof) kept me from buying it. Wish they released a compact version of XZs, without any compromises, except for thickness which is understandable and acceptable. That would be perfect....
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Click to collapse
the x compact is still a very capable phone. i think sony didnt release a x compact successor, because it's without competition. if you want a small android phone, you're gonna get the x compact. and i haven't regretted it.

tempurastyle said:
the x compact is still a very capable phone. i think sony didnt release a x compact successor, because it's without competition. if you want a small android phone, you're gonna get the x compact. and i haven't regretted it.
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Right, exactly, it's like they know they don't have to push the limit and make the best, coz they don't have any competition. It's a niche market already with a smaller number of buyers to win over, so they are doing the minimum required. (I'm not counting the iPhone se, coz ios folks will buy iphone se and Android folks will buy Xperia compact). But where they excelled was making the very best phone possible, but in a compact smaller screen format. That seems to have changed starting x series (assuming compact line isn't​ dead altogether).
I remember reading some review that claimed Sony said their compact buyers don't care for performance, they care more for battery and camera in smaller form factor. If that is true, then compact line is dead for me. A mid range cpu like 650 may be capable, but it's not future proof and won't age very well. I wish another company would enter the compact market and infuse some competition.

I tend to agree: I'm afraid sony is going to "non hi-end" devices for their compacts, which I do not prefer.
Nevertheless the X compact is a very good device, and regarding water proof ...
The real downside I see is the lack of interest on latest sony devices, compared to the Z series era (I mean from developers, so less mods and customizations).

flintfirewalker said:
Right, exactly, it's like they know they don't have to push the limit and make the best, coz they don't have any competition. It's a niche market already with a smaller number of buyers to win over, so they are doing the minimum required. (I'm not counting the iPhone se, coz ios folks will buy iphone se and Android folks will buy Xperia compact). But where they excelled was making the very best phone possible, but in a compact smaller screen format. That seems to have changed starting x series (assuming compact line isn't​ dead altogether).
I remember reading some review that claimed Sony said their compact buyers don't care for performance, they care more for battery and camera in smaller form factor. If that is true, then compact line is dead for me. A mid range cpu like 650 may be capable, but it's not future proof and won't age very well. I wish another company would enter the compact market and infuse some competition.
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Click to collapse
I agree with you that the compact line went from high end back to medium specs. But the 650 processor runs well on this phone and the battery life is nice too. In some Youtube videos the X compact beat some flagship phones on side by side speed tests, I forgot which though. The screen resolution may be 720, but I don't see a difference to the last Quad HD display phone I owned (V10). In general the CPUs in phones have hit a peak, like laptop or computer CPUs. It's not like back in the days when you needed the fastest CPU to get the most out of your device. My laptop runs on a Core M, it's 3 years old, and still works great. I don't think our phones will need any higher processing power. The future will rely on software optimization, just look what Apple is doing with minimal specs and great software. And the future will be about picking which manufacturer releases the newest Android OS version the fastest. Besides the Pixel phones, Sony is doing a superb job recently. It's the first manufacturer to release Android 7.1.1, although it's limited on 2 phones at the moment. If you look at the X compact and which updates the phone has been receiving, you will see that Sony treats it as a flagship model, because the updates are very consistent and fast. I'm sure 7.1.1 for the X compact is just around the corner. I have spent much more money on real flagship phones from Samsung, LG and HTC, but they all fail to deliver updates on time.

I agree that sony should have used a more high end cpu on x compact but I must say the performance on this phone is like nothing I have seen before! so the only thing I dont like about it is being 28nm and not lower.
Also about waterproofing I can assure you that this phone is water proof:
-The phone size and weight is exactly the same as the waterproof model which is released in Japan only.
-There is a youtube video testing the phone with cocacola
-I accidentally dropped my phone into water and I wasnt able to take it out for about 15mins and the phone didnt take a bit of damage(But I turned it of after that and let is sleep in rice for a little time because it didnt have warranty anyway)
So I would recommend you to go for it and Im sure the first thing that catches your eye would be the screen quality
I hope in future sony releases another capable compact phone with less screen bezzels and borders...

Compact line is 100% fine, only released 1x per year in the fall.
Only the A4 broke this tradition ( which was a re-release of the Z3 compact in plastic vs glass )
http://www.sonymobile.co.jp/xperia/docomo/so-04g/
Next Xperia compact coming in September.

I have my xc for a month now. I'm surprised it's the most satisfying phone. I never thought a mid range phone was enough for me. It is. This phone flies, even compared fine to an iPhone 6s. You really don't need SD820, 821 unless you're a gamer which I'm not. Sony's thin Android skin means I'm not missing any native Android functions. I now only get compact phones, width less than 70mm. I'll definitely buy the next Sony compact phone.
Sent from my F5321 using Tapatalk

Personally I have no need to upgrade a phone every year, or 4-6 months like some other brands. This is getting ridonculous - what ever happened to making a device last more than 3 years (even by the community, if not by the manufacturer)? Look at the HTC HD2 as a good example of device obsolescence.
That's a phone that was released in November 2009, initially using Windows Phone. 7 years, still has XDA support to the day, very efficient use of developer resources.
Devices have been barely incremental upgrades over the past 3 years.
Gadget Stockholm syndrome should be a term added to the vernacular, it's really a sad state (non-removable batteries are not an excuse either).
The spirit of XDA is keeping a device ALIVE.

For those interested, X compact was first leaked around end of august (around 23-27 august). Compact series always released in 2nd half of the year with the exception of Z1 compact which is released feb 2014, but have the japanese version released earlier at the end of 2013

Compacts are released once per year every fall with the exception of the A4, which was basically a Z3 compact with a plastic back, which was released alongside the Z4 two years ago.
X compact is amazing, anything beyond this build would have been unnecessary Overkill, especially when you take into account the Japan Home Market and the intended consumer it's built for originally. Xperia phones are not built for worldwide consumers at all, they are very much crafted for the Japanese consumer and then just happen to be released in other parts of the world after the fact.

Here is the latest news:
http://www.gsmarena.com/specs_for_sony_xperia_xz1_xz1_compact_and_x1_leak-news-25138.php

BadBoy4490 said:
Here is the latest news:
http://www.gsmarena.com/specs_for_sony_xperia_xz1_xz1_compact_and_x1_leak-news-25138.php
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Moving on, the XZ1 Compact will also be powered by a Snapdragon 835 SoC, and will sport a 4.6-inch HD display. RAM will be 4GB, while a 2,800mAh battery will be tasked with keeping the lights on.
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Unless other phone models by Sony have done this, going to say this rumour is salty. Otherwise this doesn't make sense.
Mine even last for 5 days with lower brightness. No alarm clocks, No vibration, No sound, No Wifi, no bluetooth. No background apps running such as location services are off. 3G/4G data off. Pure call and text usage.
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Commenting on a comment from this article - but I never understood why people buy expensive flagship devices for features then feel the need to turn it all off, making it as useful as an old T9 phone (when it can be done for much less coin). It makes no sense.

volcolm said:
Unless other phone models by Sony have done this, going to say this rumour is salty. Otherwise this doesn't make sense.
Commenting on a comment from this article - but I never understood why people buy expensive flagship devices for features then feel the need to turn it all off, making it as useful as an old T9 phone (when it can be done for much less coin). It makes no sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z1 compact does have same SoC and RAM as Z1, so having XZ1c with same SoC and RAM as proper XZ1 is not out of the question. However sony just increased the ram from 2gb to 3gb from z5c to xc, while it stagnated between z1c to z5c. Will they increase it again so soon? Even the proper flagship stagnated the RAM (3GB) between Z2 to XZ
But yeah that one looks more of a hope. A hope of what would be a no compromise compact phone: return of highend end SoC, same RAM, maybe even throw the certified water proof back as well.
PS: tbf I usually turn my old phone into glorified media player with airplane mode, but only after i have newer phone. People need to realise that there is middle ground for battery vs feature. But People sometime just go extreme on saving battery.

i was hoping for next model with <=14nm cpu (660?), but im not so sure if there will be anything at all after reading this:
http://www.xperiablog.net/2017/05/2...expect-a-successor-to-xperia-x-and-x-compact/
650 is still capable processor and i might just purchase kugo if there is indeed none upcoming, but i hope to be proven wrong about that...

Related

Why did you choose Xperia Z2?

Hi all, refer to the above let's discuss why you choose xperia z2 compare with others device.
is it because the design, Spec, price, sony fans or others.
Sent from my LT26w using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Simply because it's the best flagship on the market at the moment.
S5 sucked balls. It will be Z2 unless HTC suprises us with a monster in about 1 month.
Skickat från min GT-I9505 via Tapatalk
Just saw ARTICLE about new IPS screen and Sony finally have great and quality product.
I'm completely satisfied with my Z1 but if I get some interesting offer (like I got for Z1) I'll definitely try it.
Why?
Because, now, Z1 is ultimate device and Sony just upgraded it
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
Because the Z2 is the best on the market just now, S5 rom is 8Gb compared to the Z2's 4Gb, plus Z2 has way more excellent specs. I don't care that Samsung maybe releasing a 64bit S5 later this year as I think it is too early for me to get into 64 bit phones just now; as infrastructure etc is not in place yet i.e. app devs have yet to jump on board. That is my opinion anyway...
Waterproofing
Micro SD slot
Front facing speakers
Great camera
And thankfully a big battery
Also simple things like a camera shutter button make this the best phone on the market atm.
BTW, would not touch the S5. The design combined with touchwiz is enough to put me off.
I had a Z, ZL and now Z1. Logical to have a Z2 next.
Sendt fra XPERIA Z SGP312
Lost faith in Samsung with there handling of s3 updates plus had problems with them regarding other Samsung products. Been a fan of sony for a while now and its coming close to my phone upgrade and the Z2 currently looks like it. I have a few months to go so plenty of time to judge the competition and see what negatives might crop up about the z2.
As long as root is easily gained with minimal drawback Ill most likely be picking up the z2.
Plus the specs of this phone do look pretty good to me
Bigger battery, nicer look, wanted something that wasn't made by Samsung for once.
Skickat från min GT-I9505 via Tapatalk
Eye friendly...
I am one of the small amount percentage of population who seems to suffer from LED's displays... Sony triluminos display tech, seems to be benign on our eyes. At least sony Vaio Pro 13 and flip are better displays... This issue has years... Hope Z2 is really eye friendly to me too...
Seems spectrum of light of triluminos technology is more balanced. Not a huge blue spike on spectrum...
Here you could see a thread talking on LED's:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1677617?start=0&tstart=0
My HTC One is killing my eyes...
Cheers...
xz2
because of this past year i cannot trust Sony easily!
i love to buy Xperia Z2 IF all thing about display & ... be right!
if no two quality of display!
sharp display! jdc! OR all story like those!
It s ok if sony s using different company for display supplying BUT not different quality from each company.
:good:
My first phone was the Motorola RAZR V3i and have been a loyal user since then with Moto Droid & Moto RAZR... just loved the premium build quality along with excellent specs. Beauty with brains! Loved the design of Xperia Z & Z1 but was hesitant to switch due to the screen quality as I'm spoiled by AMOLED on my RAZR.
But the Z2 seems like the only phone to be awesome inside & out with no drawbacks to give me second thoughts why not to buy it... (Size was a little concern but I can live with that)
It's either the htc one 2014 or z2. I'm going to buy on tmobile 's jump program if i do decide to get one of these puppies. The phone addict in me wants the latest and greatest, but honestly don't "need" one just yet since I have the N5.
I expect by Fall, everyone will update their SOCs with 64 bit cpus. Also hope that finger print unlock and pw will be supported more widely. Not to mention waterproof and 3GB of ram. These will be must have options.
bigbrown said:
It's either the htc one 2014 or z2. I'm going to buy on tmobile 's jump program if i do decide to get one of these puppies. The phone addict in me wants the latest and greatest, but honestly don't "need" one just yet since I have the N5.
I expect by Fall, everyone will update their SOCs with 64 bit cpus. Also hope that finger print unlock and pw will be supported more widely. Not to mention waterproof and 3GB of ram. These will be must have options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also want to see what htc will bring to the table. I doubt it can match sony. Also would need a case since you can't get protection on the alu back.
I don't really see a need for 64 bit systems. What do you see 64 bit bring? Do phones need a new OS to match it? Will support for old systems stop?
We might not need it in the consumer space, but it's one of those things where if you can get it as a little to no-cost option, why not? I can envision a bunch of enterprise use cases like big data analytics and data visualization, not to mention phones/phablets/tablets with > 4gb of ram etc
I'm currently on a htc one x, my contract has 2 weeks on it, so I started looking. The galaxy s5 is a massive fail in my eyes, and I'm just getting bored with HTC. As soon as a saw a leak of sense 6 I knew I'd be bored. I'm going to miss BlinkFeed, but the look of the Z2 and the specs, plus noise cancelling and stereo speakers, as well as the camera (going on a once in a lifetime holiday in August), coupled with an sd card slot and waterproofing (11 pools in the resort), I think it'd be a crime not to go for the Z2. I am worried about the size a little bit, even tho I have big hands.
I have the HTC one and have very little complaints about it and the 2014 version looks promissing but that panel that used to have the capacitive buttons on it is still there but now it's just a logo. Idk why they would keep that. I hate wasted space and big bezels and I think the Z2 once I get Cyanogenmod running on it would be amazing
because the first android phone that i used was sony
sony phones are great in price , support in my country and dev's are supporting them great
and the most important one because sony phones are blazing fast and their software is useful and they don't have useless futures that only make your phone slower and they will eat your ram as hell
thats why i decided to buy sony z2
I love the design,
I love the software,
I love the camera,
I love the build quality,
I love the bigger battery,
I love front facing speakers,
And 3gb of Ram which the s5 don't have (besides I got the note 3, I dont need any more Samsung devices for now)
The Z2 and the note 3 will do me for now
mujj said:
Waterproofing
Micro SD slot
Front facing speakers
Great camera
And thankfully a big battery
Also simple things like a camera shutter button make this the best phone on the market atm.
BTW, would not touch the S5. The design combined with touchwiz is enough to put me off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the above + 3GB RAM is what sold me. It should also make this phone relevant for a while. Can't wait for the Z2 to arrive!

Z2 Compact

Seriously???!!!!!
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-z2-compact-already-on-the-way--1239773
C;mon Sony.. let me enjoy my phone for a bit longer!!!!
More RAM and better camera and faster processor if it follows the z2.... life time of z1 = 3 to 6 months??? :S
emilic said:
More RAM and better camera and faster processor if it follows the z2.... life time of z1 = 3 to 6 months??? :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
almost identical processor... almost identical camera... i dont see the point for upgrading.
DAC Audio is cool indeed, timeshift too... 4k is not a big deal for me.
No matter what you do... you will always be 4-6 months from what manufacturers and the carriers would have you believe is 'obsolescence'. Much like the megapixel race (which is laughable), and 4G -eewhisyouneedthis, most of it is the marketing team and peers making you think you need it. I spent tons of graphics cards for my PC's before I finally realized the chase never ends, and that I should research and settle on something for more than 8 months.
I won't be chasing that rabbit...
profyler said:
almost identical processor... almost identical camera... i dont see the point for upgrading.
DAC Audio is cool indeed, timeshift too... 4k is not a big deal for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I just wonder about the 3gb ram... that is the most interesting feature for me...
But once again I just hope this news will bring the z1 compact price down and I will get mine
Sent from my LG-P990
Sony would be a lot more profitable if they didn't insist on flooding the market with numerous but similar spec variations of essentially the same device. I'm gutted that they've brought the Vaio to an end and would be sad to see the Xperia go down the same track.
I think sony do the big profit in the first 2 month ish... after 2-3 month the phone profit goes down to a not as big one and of course Sony cares only of the big profit. So I can see why thy to what they do... more when u take into account all the other phone makers that are putting out their devices at different times. Good way for Sony to compete against the others.
Just wonder about quality control and development costs...
emilic said:
Just wonder about quality control and development costs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm referring to, they would be better off with 3 or 4 models every year, compact, budget, mid range and high end.
emilic said:
I think sony do the big profit in the first 2 month ish... after 2-3 month the phone profit goes down to a not as big one and of course Sony cares only of the big profit. So I can see why thy to what they do... more when u take into account all the other phone makers that are putting out their devices at different times. Good way for Sony to compete against the others.
Just wonder about quality control and development costs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually.... No. =)
I can agree, if we are talking about Z2 (which has to compete with the new Samsung S5, HTC New One and etc), but it's different with Z1c. Z1 Compact is one-of-the-kind. It has literally no competitors in it's High-End-Portable niche on the market. So, IMO, it's kinda counter-productive to dish out another Compact in such a short period of time since Z1c release. :\
While I won't buy the Z2 compact (and maybe even skip the Z3 compact), I just hope they keep the size the same as z1 compact. I want a small phone, not a smaller phone (which will grow in size if flagships increase in size). I once said to my friend, it's ironic when the so called "minis" (and compact) is so much larger than my non "mini" phone (was using, xperia ray, I guess that made my ray "micro" ) and about the same size as xperia s/galaxy s2 which is a "normal" sized phone
ps: I know that mini actually means smaller version and not small in manufacturer definition. I just dislike the trend.
Well let's just note that the news of the FCC are not necessarily for the z2 compact but for the Sony z2 2f or Japanese version of the z2 compact... so time wise we should add two to three months more for the z2c starting from the release date of the Japanese version.
How is 4.5" compact? The Z1 Compact is already not compact at all because of the bezel. I said they should make the phone smaller not bigger, but apparently Sony don't understand.
Well they could easily fit a 4.5 inch screen and make the bezels smaller.
I fully expect a Z2 compact come the end of the year, but not in a few months.
hellgiar said:
How is 4.5" compact? The Z1 Compact is already not compact at all because of the bezel. I said they should make the phone smaller not bigger, but apparently Sony don't understand.
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Completely agree. While I think the Z1 Compact is great, if anything I would prefer it to be slightly smaller - maybe a 4.1" or 4.2" (at most) screen with reduced bezel/hard capacitive buttons would be perfect. If Z2 'Compact' has a 4.5" screen then I certainly wouldn't be interested in upgrading.
if you read sony forums everyone is begging for a bigger display/phone. I'd almost think these guys are fake competitor accounts, since it makes no sense. the regular Z2 is great for a larger display. It's not like you need 5.2, 5.1, 5.0, 4.9, ... displays
4.2/no bezels would be cool (also, its probably never going to happen...)
I think the main concern seems to be the bezel. Looking at something like the Moto X its clear the screen could be 4.5 or even 4.7 while maintaining a similar size without those massive bezels.
Personally I'd like to see 4.3 with little bezel or 4.5 with little bezel. Even 4.7 is possible if they minimize bezel ala LG G2. I've actually got a Note 2 so I'm sure the size will be much more managable regardless of bezel or not though! Just sort of feels like wasted space though.
Keep in mind that z1 compact has the largest battery in this size and is waterproof ontop of it. Choosing between small bezel or big battery + waterproof id go with the latter everytime...
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The z1c already is too big, I had a moto RAZR I before that, that was a nice form factor (not that I want it back, but this part of it, they did very well).
--
That does put a damper on our relationship.
Best camera, screen, battery life and great performance, all in a compact waterproof dustproof package, can't be BEAT.
I still intend to keep my Z1 Compact for at least a year. So... I guess I'll be getting the Z3 Compact then?
I hope the screen stays at 4.3 inch. I still want a nice ppi.

Should I wait to buy?

Hi
I'm pretty much committed to buying a Z3 Compact or the Z1 Compact as they seem to be the only smaller Androids out there.
I've noticed the price has dropped a little (£292 on Amazon) which I presume is something to do with the imminent arrival of the Z5 compact - do you think if I wait a little longer the price may fall some more?
And is the Z3C that much better than the Z1C?
Thanks
phoneowner71 said:
Hi
I'm pretty much committed to buying a Z3 Compact or the Z1 Compact as they seem to be the only smaller Androids out there.
I've noticed the price has dropped a little (£292 on Amazon) which I presume is something to do with the imminent arrival of the Z5 compact - do you think if I wait a little longer the price may fall some more?
And is the Z3C that much better than the Z1C?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems as if there will also be a z4c.
You might want to wait for that, but if you fancy a good camera Sony phones wouldn't be something for you.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
Dsteppa said:
It seems as if there will also be a z4c.
You might want to wait for that, but if you fancy a good camera Sony phones wouldn't be something for you.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally speaking I'm not quite sure how much the price of the z3c will fall with the introduction of the z4c.
However I'm curious about the overall performance of the phone: Do you think it is worth the buy?
And what is more, I've seen there is quite a struggle with the bootloader and with developers, but with official CM nightlies this should be fine, right?
Jkay7 said:
Generally speaking I'm not quite sure how much the price of the z3c will fall with the introduction of the z4c.
However I'm curious about the overall performance of the phone: Do you think it is worth the buy?
And what is more, I've seen there is quite a struggle with the bootloader and with developers, but with official CM nightlies this should be fine, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The price won't fall THAT much, but the recent price drop could be because of that.
The phone is still worth to buy for sure as for bootloader problems, they should be history now.
There is no real evidence of a z4 compact being released anytime soon. For now, pretend like it doesn't exist and get whatever phone you want. Besides, the rumors indicate the phone will only be a marginal upgrade: newer processor and increased screen resolution.
Sent from my Xperia Z3 Compact
phoneowner71 said:
Hi
I'm pretty much committed to buying a Z3 Compact or the Z1 Compact as they seem to be the only smaller Androids out there.
I've noticed the price has dropped a little (£292 on Amazon) which I presume is something to do with the imminent arrival of the Z5 compact - do you think if I wait a little longer the price may fall some more?
And is the Z3C that much better than the Z1C?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just my opinion and I don't intend to talk trash about Sony phones but I'm gonna just tell you like it is.
Just so you know, I'm in IT field (Windows) and I have a comprehensive knowledge about PC hardware tech. Since I switched to android from iPhone about 2.5 years ago, I had bought quite a few phones that included 3 Sony phones.
- ZR with overheat problem even only on browsing the internet with Chrome and very poor quality display (made with TFT) => RETURNED with 15% restocking fee.
- ZL Same poor quality TFT display => I ended up gave it to my sis.
- Z3C made with IPS but with poor touch panel. Annoying touch pattern grids are visible. IPS display quality of the Z3C is well below average even compared to the iPhone 4's. Camera is mediocre at best but all the hype makes me really look down on Sony - the only company who created TA partition just to put their crappy softwares on it and tied the bootloader with it. Not that I give a rat ass about losing its DRM functions, it's just that errors pop up here and there when I unlock the bootloader.
My other 2 Android phones are the Nexus 5 and LG Optimus E970. These 2 phones' displays are superb. I wish the Z3C has the same display quality as those 2. I love its size and battery performance but Sony mobile display sucks big time. Don't get me started on Sony bloatwares (2 ecosystems on 1 device is a joke).
I have many Sony devices in my home (laptop, bluray player, tv...) but when it comes to Sony phones, I'm sure next time I'll pass.
I bought my Z3C for $520 USD. It's still 99.99% new. I would sell it to you for $300 USD if you live in my area (I wouldn't buy it even for $300 though)
Some of the cheaper Z3C listings in the US are for the D5833 overseas model. Be careful with this version, as it will suffer from limited 4G compatibility in the States.
phoneowner71 said:
Hi
I'm pretty much committed to buying a Z3 Compact or the Z1 Compact as they seem to be the only smaller Androids out there.
I've noticed the price has dropped a little (£292 on Amazon) which I presume is something to do with the imminent arrival of the Z5 compact - do you think if I wait a little longer the price may fall some more?
And is the Z3C that much better than the Z1C?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a D5803 running stock 5.0.2 and I'm very happy with the device.
It's compact, fast and battery lasts for 2 days minimum (if you don't play games).
The user interface is simple, fast and close to AOSP look&feel .
I saw no reason to hack the phone with custom ROMs or mods, since I found it to be VERY stable and basically everything works.
If you plan to heavily customize your phone, be ready to face some obstacles mainly due to the fact that Lolipop is quite new on this phone and mods are not yet perfect (although they are improving). I've gone that route before with previous phones, and usually the outcome is that you get some visual adaptations to your taste, but in fact the overall stability/performance will be worst.
Some may argue that the camera software could be better, and I tend to agree. But you will be able to take good pictures, if you use some manual settings.
In my experience, Bluetooth/NFC works very well with different gadgets/systems: hi-fi, Pebble watch, BT headphones (even using aptX), car system, ...
I haven't tested audio high-res external DACs, but some users report some devices are tricky to interface well using Lolipop. Other report their device works. Basic audio play is quite good if you have good headphones and choose the right eq settings.
Some users report the glass may crack due to overheating, and I saw many friends with other phones (like Samsung) suffering from the same issue. Mine is in perfect condition and I hope it stays that way.
In summary: I'm very happy with my gadget and I wouldn't change it for anything out there with similar form factor. And although Lolipop 5.0.2 is not perfect, I got used to it and don't see a reason to go back to KK. And 5.1 will certainly come...
Is there a perfect smartphone (hw+sw+UX+price) ? No, but in my opinion this one is a good step forward.
Oh, and if you don't want to fiddle around with connectivity issues, be sure to buy the phone that maps to your geography and operator (D5803 vs D5833) and use a ROM that was built for it.
z4c would defiantly be a "want to have" but at a premium price point, that's why i picked z3c and i got a great deal. In my eyes it's the best phone on the marked atm. If you exclude all the minitablets which i have 0 interest in.
I am in the same position as the OP.
I had some android devices (nexus s, gnexus, htc incredible s, nexus4, htc one m7), right now I have no smartphone.
Z3C seems the "right choice" except for a couple things:
1) Price: here in Portugal the lowest is 400eur. For that price you can also have: htc desire eye, galaxy s5, and a lot of other non-waterproof phones with better cameras and better screens, but also worse battery.
The Z1C is 100eur cheaper.
2) Camera: it seems that sony camera is not on pair with others, even with everyone saying that is software the truth is that nobody solved it.
3) Sudden death: there are some cases (see sony's forum) of sudden death phones.
4) Cracked glass: this I don't know if is hype or not.I had a nexus 5 and people said that it broken by itself but mine only broke by hitting the floor.
I guess that if the Z4C brings the Snappdragon 810 it won't be very good because of overheating and throttling...
Only option is to wait.
Thanks for the replies.
For me the Z3C choice comes down to physical size.
I want a smaller phone but good specs, and as far as I can see there is no competition in the Android sphere (happy to be proved wrong).
I'll be keeping the phone pretty much stock until I need to start tinkering, so mods are not a problem for me currently.
I suspect the Z3C will have OS support for longer than the Z1C so that may make the £100 difference worth paying.
phoneowner71 said:
Thanks for the replies.
For me the Z3C choice comes down to physical size.
I want a smaller phone but good specs, and as far as I can see there is no competition in the Android sphere (happy to be proved wrong).
I'll be keeping the phone pretty much stock until I need to start tinkering, so mods are not a problem for me currently.
I suspect .com/2015/04/22/sony-xperia-z4-compact-e5803-z4ultra-e6683-e6883-certification-details/"]http://www.whatsontech.com/2015/04/22/sony-xperia-z4the Z3C will have OS support for longer than the Z1C so that may make the £100 difference worth paying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.whatsontech-compact-e5803-z4ultra-e6683-e6883-certification-details/
Z4c and Z4U are real coming and they already passed the certification process with the model number being leaked out. I guess they will out on Sep.
But if you are speaking for the battery life, Z3c with s801 and 720p will be much better. All I can think is Z4c will improve the camera software further(and also fixed the Z3/Z3c red/green/purple tint issue) and upgraded to FHD screen. I've got a Z1c, if you want a cheaper phone to wait Z4c then Z1c is still doing good. If you want battery life for all then go for Z3c now.

Z3C - simply the best

I bought a Google pixel 3 weeks ago, and now I find myself using my old broken and taped z3c. This is the perfect size and I hope Sony never discontinues the compact series.
I bought pixel because Sony went mid range on their new compact. And that really sucks. I'd spend the same amount on a top range compact that looks exactly like the z3c. Water proof and awesome battery life and just the perfect to hold.
Sucks that its looking less and less likely.
flintfirewalker said:
I bought a Google pixel 3 weeks ago, and now I find myself using my old broken and taped z3c. This is the perfect size and I hope Sony never discontinues the compact series.
I bought pixel because Sony went mid range on their new compact. And that really sucks. I'd spend the same amount on a top range compact that looks exactly like the z3c. Water proof and awesome battery life and just the perfect to hold.
Sucks that its looking less and less likely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm agree with you, Compact series from sony is awesome. Nice hardware and perfect size including water proof and dust resistance. And I think it's still one of the best in terms of battery life. At the moment, absolutely satisfied with this phone.
flintfirewalker said:
I bought a Google pixel 3 weeks ago, and now I find myself using my old broken and taped z3c. This is the perfect size and I hope Sony never discontinues the compact series.
I bought pixel because Sony went mid range on their new compact. And that really sucks. I'd spend the same amount on a top range compact that looks exactly like the z3c. Water proof and awesome battery life and just the perfect to hold.
Sucks that its looking less and less likely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree, every cent was well expended on this phone. I regret nothing. Also I thought I'd never use the waterproof feature, but this week accidently I poured water on my phone. I didn't even bothered about it
flintfirewalker said:
I bought a Google pixel 3 weeks ago, and now I find myself using my old broken and taped z3c. This is the perfect size and I hope Sony never discontinues the compact series.
I bought pixel because Sony went mid range on their new compact. And that really sucks. I'd spend the same amount on a top range compact that looks exactly like the z3c. Water proof and awesome battery life and just the perfect to hold.
Sucks that its looking less and less likely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are rumors that in February there will be a XZ Compact release.
Is the Pixel that bad? I was interested in buying it, but it's way too expensive.
No, absolutely not. Pixel is awesome. Unparalleled software and camera experience. Love the screen quality and oh so smooth.
Give me pixel software and camera on a z3c shape and size (maybe upgraded to include xperia x fingerprint scanner, USB c, and the new chips -821 and 4 GB RAM) and that works be my ideal phone.
I guess this is a good place to give my two cents, for all z3c users considering pixel - don't be fooled by those reviews calling the regular pixel a compact form, it's so not. Maybe it feels like compact to those who like and use phablets - to us z3c users, it's a big ol phone. And the way I hold the phone one handed (so I can type) actually hurts my finger. The bottom of pixel is sharp where the speaker cut out is. I rest my phone on my little finger - could do that with z3c - can't do that with pixel. The phone is top heavy, it always feel like it'll topple over during typing.
Compared to z3c, the pixel is a bar of soap, super slippery. Add to that the width and weight, and of course the price (meaning you don't want to drop this) this phone is a pain to use - super scared of dropping it all the time.
flintfirewalker said:
No, absolutely not. Pixel is awesome. Unparalleled software and camera experience. Love the screen quality and oh so smooth.
Give me pixel software and camera on a z3c shape and size (maybe upgraded to include xperia x fingerprint scanner, USB c, and the new chips -821 and 4 GB RAM) and that works be my ideal phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I had the money to buy it then. Sounds like a cool phone.
But if you mod the Z3C right (my setup is SLIMM 3.8 + EliteKernel (personalized kernel profile) + ARISE Sound Mod + Cyberian (I tweaked some files as well and use personalized KCal settings) + N-ify along with Greenify and AppOps for saving battery and Media Scanner Optimizer + SDMaid for snappiness) I can say that this phone can perform par on par with the latest flagships. My girlfriend has a S7 and the way the camera is edited due to CyberianMod and my edits, the Z3C is coming really close to it.
The only problem with Z3 is the overheating issue and the fact that we don't have official support anymore. But, hey! A lot of bugs were fixed with the latest blobs.
I was searching for a new phone to buy as well, but I couldn't find anything (nor had the money). I took into account Nexus 5X but that phone has at most 1 more year of support. Same with the Z5C. XZ is too big, X Compact is mid-range. Pixel is way too expensive and OnePlus 3 is far too big.
I guess that I'll be stuck with the Z3C for a while. At least I can try and make the most of it. Great phone. Wish support wasn't dropped for it.
And it's a great phone to be stuck with - I almost wish I stayed put (hence the post) but I cracked my z3c and currently using it with tape. Also, got tired of the camera and low light picture quality - that and diminishing developer support ????
flintfirewalker said:
And it's a great phone to be stuck with - I almost wish I stayed put (hence the post) but I cracked my z3c and currently using it with tape. Also, got tired of the camera and low light picture quality - that and diminishing developer support ????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should give a try to a brand new Z5 compact( or back again to a brand new Z3 compact) , in my opinion. Sure,many people would say it's a failure to buy a brand new 1-2 year old phone, when there's the new X Compact, BUT i just can't move to any other phone bigger than 4.7....And guys, let's be honest, only Sony provides power in these inches...(maybe Apple with the iPhone SE too, but it's not waterproff, no sd card + it's 4.0 not 4.6)
Don't think I didn't consider that. I really did... It boiled down to z5c not being much of an upgrade from z3c, looks more plasticky, and the horror stories I heard about overheating.
Combine that with my desire for the latest stock software and timely update and also a top notch camera - I had to make the call on pixel. Also, I'm on T-Mobile, been on it for quite a while, don't anticipate switching, so when T-Mobile half off over two years promo came out, the phone became affordable (not that it would have stopped me,, considering I bought the phone before the promo was announced).
As I said, if Sony releases an upgraded z3c again, same form factor and look, and battery life, just improved internals and maybe added finger print sensor, I'll sell my pixel and buy that instead. (I hope Sony is reading these forums )
flintfirewalker said:
Don't think I didn't consider that. I really did... It boiled down to z5c not being much of an upgrade from z3c, looks more plasticky, and the horror stories I heard about overheating.
Combine that with my desire for the latest stock software and timely update and also a top notch camera - I had to make the call on pixel. Also, I'm on T-Mobile, been on it for quite a while, don't anticipate switching, so when T-Mobile half off over two years promo came out, the phone became affordable (not that it would have stopped me,, considering I bought the phone before the promo was announced).
As I said, if Sony releases an upgraded z3c again, same form factor and look, and battery life, just improved internals and maybe added finger print sensor, I'll sell my pixel and buy that instead. (I hope Sony is reading these forums )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said lad. Have fun with your new phone, it's a nice feeling! I'll keep going with my Z3c until it dies! Haha,cheers!
flintfirewalker said:
Combine that with my desire for the latest stock software and timely update and also a top notch camera - I had to make the call on pixel.
As I said, if Sony releases an upgraded z3c again, same form factor and look, and battery life, just improved internals and maybe added finger print sensor, I'll sell my pixel and buy that instead. (I hope Sony is reading these forums )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to own a Pixel, stock android, tons of custom roms and outstanding camera, those two have my attention, but damn WTF with the price? Apart from the looks (the back is OK, but why did they copy iPhone's front is beyond every logic) the battery is a joke, come on from the Z2/Z3 days it should have become a standard to use a 3000mah battery with ~5" screen. This is not an affordable Nexus device so that they can cut costs on a battery and get away with it.
Anyway, even if Sony releases "upgraded z3c" or something similar, I'd think twice about it, mainly because I love using AOSP (fully working and stable), and that's impossible if you don't own Nexus/Pixel.
doriandiaconu said:
Wish I had the money to buy it then. Sounds like a cool phone.
But if you mod the Z3C right (my setup is SLIMM 3.8 + EliteKernel (personalized kernel profile) + ARISE Sound Mod + Cyberian (I tweaked some files as well and use personalized KCal settings) + N-ify along with Greenify and AppOps for saving battery and Media Scanner Optimizer + SDMaid for snappiness) I can say that this phone can perform par on par with the latest flagships. My girlfriend has a S7 and the way the camera is edited due to CyberianMod and my edits, the Z3C is coming really close to it.
The only problem with Z3 is the overheating issue and the fact that we don't have official support anymore. But, hey! A lot of bugs were fixed with the latest blobs.
I was searching for a new phone to buy as well, but I couldn't find anything (nor had the money). I took into account Nexus 5X but that phone has at most 1 more year of support. Same with the Z5C. XZ is too big, X Compact is mid-range. Pixel is way too expensive and OnePlus 3 is far too big.
I guess that I'll be stuck with the Z3C for a while. At least I can try and make the most of it. Great phone. Wish support wasn't dropped for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
I'm very new here and also not that experienced with modding android. I have 2 Zc3 witch I've Rooted and put some Slimm rom in. (I've no Idea What th SLimm stands for)
Going to try to copy your setup now, so thanks for posting that!
I Upgraded one of them today with the "D5803_3657_Android 6.0 Sony Marshmallow Concept"
And to my Suprise they added support for Exchange server??
I've tried so hard to get any exchange calender to work with the slimm but to no sucess, Do any of you use marsmallow? or do you use older ones? (My work uses office365 )
I been looking for any phone that can match the batterylife and size with the xperia but with no sucess. So I guess I'm stuck with simply the best ^^
Best phone I was used before but due digitizer problem I sent to service they replace the phone with X
I really enjoyed with z3c it is great phone

Future phone options

This phone is starting to show its age. Eventually it will get too slow and/or the battery will degrade too much.
Has started looking at getting a new phone? The only other similar phone I can find at this size is the XZ1.
However I've been getting tired of Sony's poor camera drivers. It would also be nice to be able to record a 4K video longer than 2min in a warm environment. Plus I'd like an OLED screen in my next phone. Unfortunately the smallest phone I can find that meets all my requirements is almost an inch bigger.
I'm only thinking than my next will be a 5 inch screen but without frames because the market tendence.
But nothing more than 5.5" x 3" phone measures.
I agree. I think I'll keep using this phone at least through the end of this year. At that time, I will likely be forced to a larger phone just because there is nothing out there in a small size. Definitely something with a good camera HW AND SW. And something that is actually capable of record 4K video for more than a minute in warm weather without cropping down the video.
Who knows, maybe someone will go out on a limb and put out a phone that will fit in your hand. I think the fact that phone manufacturers have had to add features for "one-handed mode" that resize your phone so the rest of the screen is unusable so that you can reach the buttons or the various products that stick something to the back of your phone so you can securely hold the phone with one hand shows that there exists a market for a phone that you can use with one hand.
Xperia XZ2 compact.
But sadly i need fm radio and dual sim for my next phone. Both are absent in xz2 compact
If anyone finds a good alternative be sure to let us know
Would actually consider the XZ2 Compact if the camera on Z5 Compact wasnt such a big dissapointment, afraid it will be the same on the XZ2. I remember reading the specs and reviews about the Z5 camera being great, 23MP and all, reality was a whole different story...
Hi,
I agree! I want a phone that fits in one hand and in my girl-size pockets! The Sony XZ2 is even bigger. And again (!) no radio! The Z5c seems to be the last decently spec'd small smartphone ... I'm about to buy it for this reason. I mention I tried looking on aliexpress and not sure how great it would work but there's a VKWorld T2 Plus phone that looks like it may be worth checking out. It's thicker but length is decent and think may still fit the pocket! It's dual sim with independent micro SD, and dual screen! It's a flip-phone!! Remember how we used to be able to text without looking at your phone because you could just tap the buttons?!?! So the outside screen is touch, the inside one isn't and is controlled via the buttons... have a look.
What about Nokia 8 Sirocco ?
I also like the Z5c for the same reason, because it fits perfectly in one hand and is very powerful for it`s size. But i also think about upgrading and the best i found so far is this Nokia. The Nokia 8 (the previous version) was compared to Pixel 2 on most forums as for hardware with only drawbacks in the software category. So i think the sirocco version would be much better and although 0,9 Inch bigger it has almost no bezels and screen curved....
What do you think? Also i got my wife a Huawey P10, and it is actually quite good and not that big (5.1 inch) but i do not want same phone as my wife )))
EDIT :
I found out that it has lunched the XZ2 compact.
It is not as good looking as the Nokia 8 Sirocco but ...... i like it
Tarts5 said:
.... I remember reading the specs and reviews about the Z5 camera being great, 23MP and all, reality was a whole different story...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I remember reading reviews with statements like "since we assume this will be fixed with future software updates". I've learned the hard way to never believe those words.
It's sad that my 10yr old phone I had before the Z5 gets better reception (including GPS) and can sometimes take better photos.
Cameras on xz1 compact and xz2 compact are really one level better than z5 compact.
Shooting 4K video problem - it was because of 810 chip problems, not because of the camera.
So I think I've finally had enough with this phone. On my vacations/trips, when I really need the phone to last, I have to carry a secondary battery with me, keep the phone in airplane mode most of the time, and be very careful to get it to last through the day (and not strand me somewhere with no google maps).
Right now, the smallest phone that I can find (with 3.5mm jack, microsd), is the Samsung Galaexy s10e or A40.
Have any of you found any other phones possibilities?
eng3 said:
So I think I've finally had enough with this phone. On my vacations/trips, when I really need the phone to last, I have to carry a secondary battery with me, keep the phone in airplane mode most of the time, and be very careful to get it to last through the day (and not strand me somewhere with no google maps).
Right now, the smallest phone that I can find (with 3.5mm jack, microsd), is the Samsung Galaexy s10e or A40.
Have any of you found any other phones possibilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at both A40 and S10e in the store. Bought S10e after testing the camera on both. Been using it for 1 month, no problems so far. Not any custom roms available yet, but I imagine S10e will have a larger chance of getting custom roms than A40 because of popularity.
Why is no one mentioning xz1 compact?
I bought an XZ1 Compact as a replacement and I'm very happy with it. It's a lot faster than Z5C (and Z5C was already fast enough for me), and it has a lot of custom ROMs. Finally I can use LineageOS 16 on my phone, I was hoping it would be on Z5C too eventually but everybody seems to have abandoned this phone, and so did I. Z5C a great phone, but it's useless if it has no ROMs in development. So no regrets here.
TheVan28 said:
Why is no one mentioning xz1 compact?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, maybe because as of July 2019 it's nowhere near being readily available? Even the second-hand market for XZ1c is super-dry.
If you know this to be the case otherwise, then please: point us to your source for excellent-condition XZ1c. No, seriously: I am honestly looking for one (in black) and they are pretty much impossible to find, so any leads would genuinely be appreciated. I keep hoping I'll stumble upon an online retailer that still has a stash of these in new-old-stock condition for a reasonable price...
-- Nathan
nlra said:
Uh, maybe because as of July 2019 it's nowhere near being readily available? Even the second-hand market for XZ1c is super-dry.
If you know this to be the case otherwise, then please: point us to your source for excellent-condition XZ1c. No, seriously: I am honestly looking for one (in black) and they are pretty much impossible to find, so any leads would genuinely be appreciated. I keep hoping I'll stumble upon an online retailer that still has a stash of these in new-old-stock condition for a reasonable price...
-- Nathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you live?
I'm in Italy where it's available on amazon and you can easly find it at stores.
TheVan28 said:
Where do you live?
I'm in Italy where it's available on amazon and you can easly find it at stores.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucky you. I'm in the U.S. I imagine this probably has something to do with it. I'm not sure if this is an *accurate* perception, but my perception nonetheless is that as soon as XZ2c was introduced to the market, XZ1c completely disappeared from all shelves -- both physical and virtual -- over here.
-- Nathan
Still very happy with my Z5C, but looking for replacements is a total guessing game, and there's nothing new that even compares with the small form-factor.
I still use the Z5 for everything (on standard OS) and although it's a little bloated with the larger apps (I had to clear off some unused apps recently), it still works very well.
I can't even find a 'new' XZ1C which appears to be the most comparable 'newer' unit.
Have to say I'm tempted by a CAT of some sort, simply for the ruggedness, but they're all over 5" screens. I'm actually surprised that CAT don't do a smaller form factor.
How about the new unihertz jelly 2
Luumumba said:
How about the new unihertz jelly 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aaaah, it's so cute! But Jeez! Only 2.45" display? Rather not.
I can strongly support the XZ1c as a replacement for the Z5c. Did this myself in summer 2019 and am very happy with it. Don't know about the XZ2c, though: It's got almost the same measurements but has this bulky back which I don't really like.
Best regards,
the.k
I've had the XZ2 compact. I've lost it into the water so I'm back at my Z5c. Yes I know it's waterproof but it's a bit of a struggle to get it back out of a channel 5 meters deep.
The camera is indeed better, especially at low light situations, and yes, while it still has an IPS panel, colors are quite vibrant.
I noticed I was really happy with the smaller size of the Z5c, and I also like the fingerprint sensor being at the side, combined with the power button. I do miss the 960fps video shooting ability despite the fragments are really short.
I'm surprised I don't really miss the higher resolution of the display, which was the reason not to go for the XZ1c, so now that's out of the way I guess I'll be looking for a used XZ1c. I can't find any other reasonable phone with the same size. Also I'm quite happy with Sony's decision to keep the dedicated shutter button, which no other brand has nowadays.
I would almost go for a Palm Palm, but at about € 200 that's a bit too much to spend for a toy.

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