
Quick Verdict
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact corrects everything we didn't like about the Xperia XZ2 and does so at a size where you're usually beset with compromises. It's easily one of the best small premium smartphones on the market.
The good
- Great performance
- Easy to hold and operate in one hand
- Surprisingly good battery life
- 1080p 960fps slow motion
The bad
- No headphone jack
- No wireless charging
- Pudgy design
- Camera is only good, not great
Sony proves you can still make a great small phone with the exceptional Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact.
Sony announced the Xperia XZ2 Compact alongside its bigger sibling, the Xperia XZ2 back at Mobile World Congress in February 2018.
I've already reviewed the Xperia XZ2, finding it a solidly built but ultimately frustrating phone. Typically, the small or "lite" versions of a handset are worse than their bigger siblings, but Sony has pulled off a remarkable feat with the Xperia XZ2 Compact, producing a handset that is superior by a pretty wide margin.
Design
- Squat size makes it easy to hold and carry around
- Lack of a headphone jack remains frustrating
Camera
- 4K video recording and slow-motion capture add versatility
- Single-lens array lacks the capabilities of modern dual-lens set-ups
Performance
- Every bit as powerful as the full-sized Xperia XZ2
- Smaller screen size tempers the impact of all that power
Battery life
- Delivers all-day longevity under moderate use
- Fast charging, but no support for Qi wireless charging
Verdict
- Packs all the premium bells and whistles into a more pocket-friendly form factor
- A more capable small-screen device than the iPhone 8
Pricing and availability
- The Xperia XZ2 Compact is available through the Sony Store for $949.
- You can also find the Xperia XZ2 Compact on sale at retailers like Catch and Kogan for less.
OS | Android 8 |
---|---|
Display size (inches) | 5 |
Display resolution (pixels) | 2160 x 1080 |
Pixels per inch (PPI) | 483 |
Processor | Snapdragon 845 |
Height (mm) | 135 |
Width (mm) | 65 |
Depth (mm) | 12.1 |
Weight (g) | 168 |
Battery size (mAh) | 2,870 |
Wireless charging |
No |
Internal storage |
64GB |
MicroSD expansion | 400GB |
Fingerprint scanner | Yes |
RAM | 4GB |
Water resistance | IP68 |
Rear camera (1) resolution | 19 |
---|---|
Rear camera (1) aperture | f/2.0 |
Rear camera (2) resolution | |
Rear camera (2) aperture | |
Rear camera (3) resolution | |
Rear camera (3) aperture | |
Front camera (1) resolution | 5 |
Front camera (1) aperture | f/2.2 |
Front camera (2) resolution | |
Front camera (2) aperture |
Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
---|---|
Network category speed | Category 15 |
NFC support | Yes |
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