Sony xperia z1 mini. Sony Xperia Z1 Mini: new mini flagship. Appearance and usability

Unlike the vast majority of smartphone manufacturers, Sony took a different path, creating a pocket version of its flagship that received all the top features and chips. And the differences are only in the size of the device and a reduced display diagonal

Unlike the vast majority of smartphone manufacturers, Sony took a different path, creating a pocket version of its flagship that received all the top features and chips. And the differences are only in the size of the device and the reduced display diagonal.

Equipment

The branded box contains a power supply, a microUSB cable, a wired headset with interchangeable pads, as well as a quick user's guide and a set of additional brochures.

Design and ergonomics

The scaled-down version looks exactly like the Z1, which has been scaled down proportionally, keeping clean lines and rounded edges. The model is available in vibrant pink and lime colors, as well as classic white and black.

The case is made of a one-piece aluminum frame with anodized coating, the front panel is covered with protective glass, and the back - with transparent plastic, resistant to damage.

At the same time, moisture and dust resistance has been preserved, all connectors, except for the audio port, are covered with plugs. Taking a shower or jumping into a pool with a smartphone in your pocket won't end in tragedy.

Above the screen is a webcam, light sensors, proximity sensors and a speaker in a small recess. An event indicator is also installed there.

Despite the wide bezel at the bottom, the manufacturer decided to use on-screen touch buttons instead of a separate block.

On the right side, just under the thumb, there is a round on / off button made of aluminum. And just below is the volume rocker and a separate camera quick launch button.

A multimedia speaker and microphone are hidden on the bottom panel behind an oval grille.

With a thickness of just under 1 cm, the smartphone weighs 137 g.

Display

The 4.3-inch matrix is \u200b\u200bmade using TFT technology. The TRILUMINOS display has a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels with a density of 342 ppi.

The X-Reality screen has wide viewing angles, excellent color performance and incredible clarity. White balance settings are available in the settings, allowing you to change the colors to personalize the display.

The sensor is incredibly sensitive, recognizing touches with gloves and wet hands: enviable versatility.

Ergonomics

The compact version is for people who are intimidated by the size of the original Z1. Compact fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, does not slip and does not look like a snow shovel. Therefore, one-handed operation is not difficult.

The onscreen keyboard is large enough for fast typing in both portrait and landscape positions. The buttons are large, touches are recognized accurately.

Sound

You don't need to plug in headphones to listen to music and movies on the Z1 Compact. The speaker has a loud and clear sound. And sound effect settings transform recordings beyond recognition, emphasizing bass and producing transparent highs.

In addition, the item "Call settings" contains settings for the sound quality when talking with the interlocutor. You can use the equalizer, voice enhancement, which, subjectively, degrades the sound more often, as well as programmatically slow down the caller's speech.

Interface and software

In contrast, the compact runs on the Google Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system. This is where the differences end. The proprietary shell from Sony, as well as the list of preinstalled programs, have not changed.

Performance

The honest mini boasts flagship features. It uses a 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor with Adreno 330 graphics. In addition to 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage is installed. This volume can be expanded using a microSD card.

The pocket version is only slightly behind the company's main smartphone in performance, judging by the results of synthetic tests. This is most likely due to significant heating of the case when the processor and graphics are running at maximum frequencies. But in everyday use, it is difficult to imagine a task that could load the device at least half.

Camera

Where else can you find the compact version with a 20.7 megapixel main camera? The smartphone has a 1 / 2.3 ″ Exmor RS sensor, a 27 mm wide-angle lens with an F2.0 aperture and a proprietary BIONZ image processor. The maximum image resolution is 5248 x 3936 pixels. In addition, the device shoots Full HD video at 30 frames per second.

Photos have excellent detail and excellent color rendering, the picture is clear without obvious blurring. The smartphone can easily replace the average compact camera.

Examples of photos:

Video examples:

The camera app is crammed with modes, settings and options. At the same time, the interface is simple and uncomplicated. In addition to the proprietary automatic mode, there is a manual one with the ability to configure all parameters.

• Timeshift burst will help you choose the best photo from the series.

• AR effect suitable for entertaining children - you can create a photo with virtual characters.

In addition, there is panoramic shooting and graphic effects.

Communications

The model exists only in the LTE version. Of course the GSM and HSDPA standards are also supported. In addition, the smartphone received all modern wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n / ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS with support for A-GPS and GLONASS, as well as DLNA and an FM receiver.

On the left side behind the plugs are hidden microUSB (MHL), microSD and microSIM connectors, which are highlighted when the display is on. There is also a port for connecting an optional docking station.

The only bare jack is a 3.5 mm headset slot on the top edge.

Working hours

The Xperia Z1 Compact has a slightly smaller battery compared to its larger sibling. The 2300 mAh battery provides excellent autonomy. With moderate use of functions and infrequent calls, the smartphone will easily work for 3 days. And the maximum use of wireless functions, watching videos and surfing the web, games and programs can drain the battery in one half day. Saving energy doesn't improve the situation too much.

Impression

As Sony strives hard for customers, the Xperia range keeps getting better and better. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Xperia Z1 Compact is a unique smartphone - a scaled-down version with top-end features. Protected body, clear display, 20.7 megapixel camera, powerful chipset. Most flagships cannot boast even half of that.

FEATURES

Bright design.

Protected case.

Compactness.

Powerful filling.

Clear display.

20.7 megapixel camera.

Battery life.

Software .

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model Sony Xperia Z1 Compact D5503
• Standard GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100, LTE 800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600
• Dimensions 12.7 x 6.49 x 0.95 cm
• The weight 137 g
• CPU Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 2.2GHz Quad Core
• GPU Adreno 330
• Display 4.3 ", TFT, Triluminos
• Resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
• RAM 2 GB
• Memory 16 GB + microSD up to 64 GB
• Nutrition Li-Ion 2300 mAh
• Camera 20.7 MP + 2 MP
• Communications GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA, Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n / ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS, А-GPS, GLONASS, DLNA, FM radio
• Connectors microUSB (MHL), 3.5 mm output
• Additionally dustproof and waterproof housing, IP55 / IP58 standards
• OS Google Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with a proprietary graphical shell

So what happened that millions were waiting for - the exhibition of the Japanese mobile operator NTT DoCoMo, where the best mobile devices “winter 2013 - spring 2014” were supposed to be presented, was a success. As part of this event, the curtain of rumors regarding a mini version of Sony's flagship was finally dropped and the world was presented to the review of the Sony Xperia Z1f Mini (SO-02F). The interest in this device was overwhelming, since rumors about this model have been leaking into the network for a long time. According to preliminary data, in the east of the Sony Xperia Z1f Mini it will be possible to buy from the end of December, while for the European market the smartphone will most likely be presented at CES 2014.

As expected, the mini version will get the best from its big brother, rather than just a stripped down version of it. The case is protected from dust and moisture as it should be, the smartphone is piloted by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with a core frequency of 2.2 GHz and a typical 2 GB of RAM is installed. Xperia Z1 Mini 20.7 Megapixel camera with Exmor RS sensor and proprietary G Lens. Everything is exactly the same as in the older model Xperia Z1.

The main differences are the dimensions of the smartphone itself, the diagonal of the display and the battery capacity: 140 grams versus 170 in the Z1 and the size 127x6x9.4 mm versus 144x7 x8.5 mm; the screen diagonal is 4.3 inches and the resolution is 720p; well, the battery capacity is 2300 mAh.

Bravo to Sony's company, because they did not follow the path of all competitors by creating only a shadow of their older model, but made a real mini-flagship, with a powerful filling and amazing appearance.

“The spool is small, but it is dear,” says popular wisdom, although the guys from HTC and Samsung have their own truth: “More is cooler!”. Sony is among the abstaining thanks to the long-awaited just released.

In Japan, where the novelty is due to debut at the NTT DoCoMo event "at the end of December", the smaller version is also known as the Z1 f SO-02F. By the way, the announcement of the Japanese Z1 f will probably be followed by the announcement of a version for the global market - don't go to a fortuneteller. We hope this momentous event will take place before the start of CES 2014.

As is the case with the "full-size" flagships, the designers of the Japanese company did not pay too much attention to the aesthetic component. As a result, the Z1 f turned out to be not particularly fashionable due to its "dense build", 140 grams of weight and a 9.4 mm thick profile. However, such characteristics are beneficial, as this little one with a 4.3 ”screen reportedly fits perfectly in the hand and boasts a dust and water resistant design -. At your service is a hefty 2300 mAh battery - exactly the same as with the larger 4.7 ”screen. And the "stocky" look of few worries.

In terms of "stuffing" Z1 mini is a real embodiment of advanced technologies that can give odds to any high-class (including older brother) not only now, but also in the near future. So, our attention is offered a 4-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 2 gigabytes of RAM, 16 gigs of internal memory, support for microSD memory cards and much more "tasty". For example, a rear camera with a resolution of 20.7 megapixels with an autofocus function, equipped with an LED flash. To say that the quality of photos and videos is high is to say nothing.

As for the display, this is perhaps the only component that has lost in performance in comparison with its older brother. Although the resolution was reduced “only” to 1280 x 720 pixels, Full HD would be overkill at this screen size, wouldn't it?

Fans of the Japanese brand Sony have been waiting for this event for a long time, and in January 2014, a smaller version of the Sony Xperia Z1 was presented. In Russia, the start of sales is planned for February 2014. It is already known that the new mini-flagship Sony Xperia Z1 mini will have a price of about 22,000 rubles.

Now it is still difficult to find reviews and a full review of the Sony Xperia Z1 mini on the network, its characteristics, however, are already known.

Outwardly, this mini-smartphone looks quite adult and serious - its body is made of plastic and metal with a monolithic aluminum frame, made within the framework of the design concept of OmniBalance. The device is protected against ingress of dust and water (IP55 / 58 certified). Those who have already managed to hold the device in their hands were very pleased with its smooth, pleasant to the touch surface and dimensions suitable for carrying it even in a pocket. It is assumed that the Sony Xperia Z1 mini will be released not only in classic black and white, but also in pink, yellow and possibly purple.

Obviously, one of the main differences between the Sony Xperia Z1 Mini and its "big brother" is the smaller display. Its diagonal is 4.3 inches, unlike the 5 inches of the Sony Xperia Z1, and the resolution is only 720 p instead of 1080 p.

Despite its modest dimensions, the technical characteristics of the new mini-smartphone are impressive. Sony Xperia Z1 Mini received a 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory expandable with a microSD card.

It's nice that the mini-version has a 20-megapixel camera with G-lenz optics, LED flash, autofocus and 8x digital zoom. There is also a 2MP front camera. If we compare the mini-smartphone with our own kind, these are very good characteristics, since the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini has only an 8MP camera. Judging by the pictures, which can be found on the World Wide Web as an example, their quality is in no way inferior to the pictures taken by the Sony Xperia Z1.

Many believe that in this mini-smartphone the price and quality will be optimally correlated, since its "full" version - Sony Xperia Z1 - is good for everyone, but the price seems too high for most, and similar models released under other brands are obviously inferior in quality ...

The user has hidden his data

Problem solved

Pros: Certainly a camera. Perfectly removes not only during the day but also at night. I tried to shoot underwater - the pictures are clear, good, the phone is alive and well after clinical trials. All 20 megapixels are in effect if you shoot with manual settings, but everything is fine in other modes. There is a camera button if you don't feel like poking your finger into the lens when shooting. The flash is not strong, but, in my opinion, this is more an advantage than a disadvantage, because the photos are more natural, not overexposed. The battery is good, it keeps a day with the most active use (games, internet, wifi, bluetooth, music, calls). There are no complaints here. It is perfect in size: the screen is large, I hardly miss the keys, everything is visible, but not so large that it does not fit into my pocket. Can be used with one hand. The shutdown button is located on the side, you don't have to reach for it like in LG or Samsung. Here is the best combination of compactness and quality. The phone is really nimble, downloads applications and websites only with a bang. The screen flips, as expected (in case anyone is interested). No stripes on the screen, the screen is very juicy and bright, no worse than Super Amoled. There is no noise when calling. Doesn't lag. All the functions that the manufacturer positions are really present in the phone. There is a good program that allows you to find the tracks you need by excerpt. Many built-in apps are removed if you don't need them. The phone is very "smart" and has many useful little functions and programs that come in handy. It is very convenient to install updates - there is a special program for this. And yes, the first thing the phone did when buying it was to update android to 4.4. The sound is good, no complaints. The back cover is glass, not plastic, as some sites claim. And here Sony did not save. Disadvantages: The screen and the back cover quickly get dirty and easily scratched, so I recommend that you immediately get protective films or a cover when buying, of which there is a whole bunch for this model. But this is solvable and not so scary. The menus and settings are conveniently located, albeit chaotically in places, but after other phones, the transition is not difficult. After a day of use, everything becomes familiar and understandable. The camera button is difficult to press. The sound from the speakers is weak, but a small portable speaker is available. After all, this is a telephone, not a tape recorder. The biggest drawback is the Walkman player, and everything would be fine with it if it could sort the music into folders. But, alas, he does not know how to do this at all. Get ready to scatter your tracks (imagine if you have several thousand) across playlists. Or as an option - install some other player, not native, since there are a lot of them in the Play market. I did just that. (PlayerPro, for example). Commentary: In conclusion, the phone is worth its money, it has 95% of the functions of the Z2, but it costs much more attractive. The camera is gorgeous, a phone and a camera in one bottle. By the way, you can purchase additional lenses. Moisture protection that never sleeps and justifies itself. The plugs, by the way, are quite durable, with elastic bands, they won't fall off right away. Lightweight, slim, fits in your pocket. Oh yeah, another great thing is the built-in dictionary that helps you type much faster, but not as annoying as the T9. Buy, you will not regret it.