Discover Sony Xperia X Compact Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Sony Xperia X Compact boasts a minimalist design with dimensions of 129 x 65 x 9.5 mm, making it compact and easy to hold in one hand. Weighing just 135g, it combines a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 with a plastic back and frame, delivering durability alongside a sleek appearance. The device is available in three colors: White, Universe Black, and Mist Blue.

Display

The Xperia X Compact features a 4.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The screen offers a pixel density of approximately 319 ppi, ensuring that images and text are sharp and clear. Despite its non-HD resolution, the screen performs well in most lighting conditions thanks to a respectable contrast ratio. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 69.6%, providing ample display real estate in a compact form factor.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Xperia X Compact is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8956 Snapdragon 650 chipset. It integrates a hexa-core CPU (four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.4 GHz and two Cortex-A72 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz) and an Adreno 510 GPU. This setup allows for smooth multitasking and decent graphics performance. Coupled with 3GB of RAM, the device can handle day-to-day tasks with ease. Internal storage is set at 32GB, which can be expanded using the dedicated microSDXC slot.

Camera

The main camera is one of the standout features of the Xperia X Compact, featuring a 23 MP sensor with an aperture of f/2.0 and 24mm wide lens. It offers predictive phase detection autofocus (PDAF), enabling quick focus and making it suitable for capturing moving subjects. Additional features include LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode. For video recording, the rear camera supports 1080p resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second.

The front-facing selfie camera is equipped with a 5 MP sensor capable of recording 1080p video at 30 fps. Though modest by today's standards, the front camera performs adequately for video calls and casual selfies.

Battery and Charging

Fueling the Xperia X Compact is a non-removable 2700 mAh Li-Ion battery. The device supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 technology, ensuring that users can quickly replenish the battery. The battery offers a standby time of up to 710 hours on 2G and up to 750 hours on 3G. Talk time is rated at up to 11 hours on 2G and 14 hours on 3G, which should be sufficient for most daily usage patterns.

Software and User Experience

The Xperia X Compact initially ships with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow but is upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo. Sony's user interface offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware, contributing to smooth and efficient operation. The device includes Sony's suite of multimedia applications, adding value to media consumption experiences.

Network and Connectivity

The Xperia X Compact is equipped to handle a variety of network bands, with support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, making it versatile in different global regions. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA for wireless file sharing. Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX support ensures high-quality audio streaming. Additional features include GPS, NFC, a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support, and FM radio functionality.

Audio

The sound quality of the Xperia X Compact is enhanced by stereo speakers, providing a richer audio experience. A traditional 3.5mm audio jack is also present for wired headphones. In terms of performance, speaker output levels are adequate with decent clarity during calls and media playback.

Additional Features and Sensors

The device comes equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, ensuring secure and convenient unlocking. Several other sensors support the usability of the device, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, barometer, compass, and color spectrum sensor. These sensors enhance the overall functionality and allow applications to leverage hardware features for improved performance.

Price and Availability

Upon release, the Sony Xperia X Compact was priced at approximately 220 EUR. Although the model has since been discontinued, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a compact and reliable smartphone with a strong emphasis on camera quality and performance.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sony Xperia X Compact offers a well-rounded package for users who value portability without compromising on the functionality. Its standout camera performance, coupled with efficient hardware and a compact design, ensures that it remains relevant, particularly for those who prefer smaller devices. Despite being a few years old, the Xperia X Compact continues to be a solid choice in the mid-range smartphone segment.