The Xperia XZ2 Compact is a smaller variant from Sony's updated XZ2 series. Not only is the size smaller, the price is also a bit lower. Is this XZ2 Compact again the best choice for a modest smartphone?
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
Price € 599,-Colors black, green, silver
OS Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Screen 5 inch LCD (2160x1080)
Processor 2.7GHz octa-core (Snapdragon 845)
RAM 4GB
Storage 64 GB (expandable with memory card)
Battery 2,870mAh
Camera 19 megapixel (rear), 5 megapixel (front)
Connectivity 4G (LTE), Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS
Format 13.5 x 6.5 x 1.3 cm
Weight 168 grams
Other fingerprint scanner, usb-c, no headphone port
Website www.sonymobile.com 7 Score 70
- Pros
- Screen
- Specifications
- Battery life
- Negatives
- bloatware
- Design
- Camera
- No headphone port
The XZ2 smartphone line should turn the tide at Sony, with a renewed design. This line consists of the Xperia XZ2 and the smaller XZ2 Compact. I recently reviewed the regular version of the smartphone, but I was not very enthusiastic: the lag behind other top smartphones in terms of camera and screen, for example, was not caught up and the choices made with the new design are, in my opinion, at odds with what Sony for state. In particular, by omitting the headphone port, music lovers are left out in the cold. It is especially embarrassing that Sony, in addition to a dongle, includes regular headphones with the Xperia XZ2 Compact.
Despite that, the XZ2 line certainly has good points to offer, such as excellent battery life and a relatively clean Android version, which is completely up-to-date and can even run the trial version of Android P thanks to Android's Treble. The devices also contain excellent specifications such as a super-fast processor and ample working memory.
The Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact side by side.
Differ
in general, with the regular Xperia XZ2 smartphone, you get a phone that doesn't really excel at anything for too high a price. However, the Compact edition stands out more because of its rather unique size and lower price: 600 euros. What you get for that money with the Xperia XZ2 Compact is quite acceptable.
The Xperia XZ2 Compact also differs from the regular version in other areas. The device is smaller, which means that a different screen panel has also been used. Furthermore, the compact Xperia has less RAM (four gigabytes instead of six).
New design
For that money you get a newly designed Xperia back. The design resembles the Lumia smartphones of yesteryear, thanks to the rounded back. The device is not very big, but it is a bit thick. However, this makes it pleasant to hold in the hand the old-fashioned way. The fingerprint scanner and camera are also better placed at the back, so you don't try to unlock your smartphone in vain by placing your finger on the camera lens.
Still, I find the term compact a bit strange for this smartphone. The device is wider, longer and thicker than its predecessors from the Compact versions. The device has a 5-inch screen, which is surrounded by thick screen edges. Thanks in part to the overall design, the XZ2 Compact seems years older than the XZ1 Compact.
Small but nice screen
My criticism of the previous compact Xperias was that the screen resolution was too low. This is what Sony has addressed. The screen has a Full HD resolution, with HDR support. Don't attach too much importance to HDR, but in practice it means that color reproduction and contrast meet a certain standard. In terms of display, you are in good hands with the Xperia XZ2 Compact. The only criticism is that white surfaces often appear very gray.
Those looking for a somewhat smaller smartphone have fewer and fewer options.Alternatives
Those looking for a somewhat smaller smartphone have fewer and fewer options. After all, smartphones are getting bigger, that even goes for this XZ2 Compact. Budget devices often have the same size, but cannot match the screen and specifications of the XZ2 Compact. iPhones have about the same size, but with those smartphones you know for sure that you are too deep in your pocket and in terms of battery life, these devices may not tie the proverbial shoelaces of the XZ2. The only real alternative to the XZ2 Compact is the XZ1 Compact. Although it will lose out in terms of support, this smartphone is more complete thanks to a headphone port and has a design that appeals to me more personally.
Conclusion
The Xperia XZ2 series is a bit disappointing, because of the design used, camera and the lack of a headphone port. Fortunately, there are also plus points to report, such as the battery life, good specifications, recent Android and the screen quality. This Xperia XZ2 Compact offers some unique features on top of that, such as a handy size and a better price. Those looking for a small smartphone have therefore once again a safe choice with the XZ2 Compact from Sony.
