Sony Xperia Z1 Compact launched for Rs 36,990: Flagship internals in a small package

Announced at the CES this year, the Xperia Compact-mini version of Sony’s popular flagship Z1-has finally reached Indian shores. It is now listed on the company’s official site at a price of Rs 36,990. However, there is no word on the availability yet. Unlike other mini versions, the Z1 Compact  isn’t a trimmed down version of Z1, instead it is a powerful smartphone that caters to those who want superior features found in flagships but in a smaller form factor.

Unlike the Xperia Z1 which had a 5-inch screen, the Z1 Compact has a 4.3-inch screen, making it just a little bigger than the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c. Other than the screen size, the features are the same as the Xperia Z1. It is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core 2.2Ghz processor with 2GB RAM, and fuelled by a 3000 mAh battery. The device comes with 16 GB memory space and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It also supports a microSD card up to 64 GB.
As far as the rear camera is concerned the phone has a 20.7 megapixel camera and like other Sony smartphones it is dust-resistant and waterproof. The device has a 2 megapixel front camera and an aluminium frame. It will be available in a range of vibrant colours including lime and pink.

Sony had initially launched the mini version of Z1 only in Japan, and named it Z1 f. The device started topping sales charts instantly and there were comparisons drawn to the iPhone 5s. Earlier this month, the company finally announced the device for other markets.

With this device, Sony has put an end to the notion that a mini version has to be weaker. However, with the growing phablet trend, let’s wait and watch if it manages to woo Indian audiences.