The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact offers everything you want from a flagship smartphone in a smaller package. While it’s a little chunky and doesn’t have the best camera on the market, it’s the best “small” phone on the market.What's good
- Pocketable size
- Lightning fast processing power
- IP68 certified
- Sharp and colorful display
What's bad
- Thicker when compared to other modern smartphones
- Camera struggles in low light situations
- Battery consumption skyrockets with high use
Sony proves bigger isn't always better with the Xperia XZ2 Compact. While the earlier XZ1 Compact didn’t especially impress reviewers, the XZ2 Compact appears to offer flagship quality in a small package.
Given its name, you’d expect it to be small. It’s great for one-handed use as it’s only 5.3 inches tall and 2.56 inches wide. But it’s fairly thick at 0.47 inches. That’s almost twice as thick as the Huawei P20 Pro and slightly thicker than the first iPhone.
It’s not light either, weighing 168 grams. Although it might be chunky, the rounded aluminum sides and plastic rear make it comfortable to hold and provide a decent grip. Should it slip out of your hands into a puddle of water, you need not worry -- it is IP68 certified.
Sony has updated the design for the XZ2 compact, removing the large top and bottom bezels. While it’s not bezel-less, it’s much more pleasant and modern looking than earlier models.
The screen might seem small at 5-inches, but it packs a punch with its 1080-by-2160 LCD panel. Not only does it sport the popular 18:9 aspect ratio, it also uses Sony’s X-reality image processing for HDR capabilities.
Reviewers were blown away by the vibrant color, excellent contrast, and maximum brightness the screen could achieve. With all those pixels, it's plenty sharp too. Still, when compared to AMOLED displays, the blacks were not as inky.
Proving big things can come in small packages, the phone is equipped with an octa-core Snapdragon 845 processor and 4GB of RAM -- the same internals as found on the full-size Xperia XZ2.
As expected, critics experienced no issues with performance. Whether they were multitasking, surfing the web or playing the latest games, it tackled everything without a hitch.
The 2,870mAh battery was good despite its small size. It lasted a full day when used moderately though experts noticed a sharp increase in battery consumption during heavy use. If you're a power user, you'll enjoy the quick charge capabilities.
The XZ2 Compact sports the same 19MP camera as found on the full-size XZ2. Results were the same with detailed and colorful pictures in good lighting situations. It also offers the same 4K video recording and 1080p/960fps super slow motion.
Sadly, it faces the same problems as well with no touch to focus, a finicky autofocus, poor low-light performance, and no optical image stabilization.
Despite its flaws, reviewers highly recommend the Xperia XZ2 Compact for people who want a smaller smartphone. Engadget states, “Sony’s Xperia XZ2 Compact is in a class of its own, packing meaningful features and components of the XZ2 into a petite, translucent body…” Pocket-Lint adds, “... if you want a high-end Android phone that’s not too big, then the XZ2 Compact should be your number one choice.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Julian Chokkattu, Digital TrendsThe perfectly sized Xperia XZ2 Compact will fit in any pocket, and it comes with excellent performance, a good camera, and day-long battery life.
- Caitlin McGarry, Tom's GuideSony's pint-size Xperia XZ2 Compact is the iPhone SE of Android phones — a beautiful, nostalgic phone that can easily compete when it comes to performance and battery life.
- Eric M. Zeman, Phone ScoopThe XZ2 Compact represents a wholly different value for mobile phone shoppers. There are very few — if any — premium flagship phones that are also compact and truly one-handed. That makes the XZ2 Compact stand out in a sea of thin slates that seem super-size by comparison.
- Andrew Hoyle, CnetThe Sony XZ2 Compact's flagship-level performance and pocketable size makes it the phone to get if you want something smaller that doesn't skimp on the goodies.
- Lanh Nguyen, Android AuthorityThe main appeal of Sony's Compact series of smartphones has always been flagship specifications in a small form factor but it doesn't come without a price. At $599.99 the Xperia XZ2 Compact is expensive and unless you highly value its compact nature, it isn't worth the purchase.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact user manual here.
Sony backs up the Xperia XZ2 Compact with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Xperia XZ2 Compact has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Sony support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Sony's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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