Ever since Samsung burst onto the scene with the original 5.3-inch Galaxy Note back at IFA 2012, we’ve been getting gradually more and more used to larger smartphones. While a lot of firms stick a display size and headset footprint that tries to please everyone, Sony has been one to offer a little more choice than others. Their flagship devices have never gotten that big in screen size, with 5.2-inch and 5.5-inch models becoming the norm over the past few years. On top of this, Sony had a long history with their Xperia Z Compact line, devices with similar specs as the higher-end Xperia Z models but with a smaller display and a more compact overall form factor. Now, Sony is introducing their first compact device in their new X Series, the Xperia X Compact.
Considering that the Xperia X Performance currently packs in a Snapdragon 820 and 3GB of RAM, with a smaller 5.0-inch display, many will be wondering how much smaller the Xperia X Compact is. With a 4.6-inch display, the answer is not very much, but this time around it appears as though the Compact line is also going to be more affordable than just a smaller alternative. The Xperia X Compact is powered by a Snapdragon 650 and 3GB of RAM, while sporting a 4.6-inch 720p display. Sony is not, however, skimping on the imaging side of things here and they’re shipping the Xperia X Compact with the same 23-megapixel camera as the new Xperia XZ, and a 5.0-megapixel front-facing camera for all of those selfies and such. The 23-megapixel camera here features the same 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization as the Xperia XZ, and should allow for super-quick shots without any blurring or anything like that getting into the shot.
On the battery side of things, the Xperia X Compact features a 2,700 mAh battery, which also brings with it the STAMINA mode that Sony has become famous for. With a USB Type-C connector to charge said battery, the Xperia X Compact is getting a modern upgrade, as well as Quick Charge 3.0 support. Design wise, the Xperia X Compact features the same look and feel that Sony have introduced with the new Xperia XZ, and while it’s still an Xperia Z-style of design, it’s more rounded and less square this time around.
While the Xperia X Compact isn’t being billed as the most exciting device Sony has to offer, the Japanese firm is confident that their new, smaller smartphone with find its place in the market. With Mist Blue, Universe Black and White colors, the Xperia X Compact will become available towards the end of September, but pricing is to be announced. A European launch is practically confirmed here, but whether or not this reaches the US before 2017 remains to be seen.
