Introduction
It's once again peak smartphone season and Sony is next to join the annual spring race. But while others do regular and plus-size models, Sony, as usual, is going towards the other end of the spectrum with the new Xperia XZ2 Compact.
You can tell a lot has changed for both the XZ series and the Compact lineup. The Infinity Loop design was retired for good, but Sony also waves goodbye to the analogue audio jack. There are some very welcome upgrades, though, which put the Xperia series in line with the current trends.
We mean a tall screen, not a notch, in case you were worried. The new taller screen increases the diagonal to 5 inches at the expense of bezels without a change to the pocket-friendly footprint. And for the first time in a Compact, the display resolution has been upgraded to 1080p.
Sony's 19MP Motion Eye camera is here to stay, but it has received a new multi-stacking noise reduction feature, a long overdue improvement. There is also 960fps slow motion in Full HD, which instantly diminished one of the Galaxy S9 key-selling features even before it goes on sale.
There are some old Xperia tricks, which are here to stay for better or worse. The camera on the back is still single, though this will probably be for the last time as Sony is said to be introducing its first dual-camera setup this Fall.
The lightweight Xperia UI is here to stay, lighter than ever, and the spirit of the compact beast lives on thanks to the unmatched processing power of the latest, as usual, Snapdragon 845 SoC.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Specs
- Body: Aluminum frame, Polycarbonate back, Gorilla Glass 5 front; IP65/68 waterproof
- Screen: 5.0-inch, 18:9, FHD+ IPS LCD, HDR, 483 PPI
- Rear Camera: 19MP, 1/2.3" Sony IMX400 camera, f/2.0 lens, predictive hybrid laser/phase detection/contrast AF, burst AF, IR sensor for white balance, LED flash, dedicated hardware shutter key, BIONZ for mobile image-processing engine; ISO 12800
- Video Recording: 4K video recording @30fps, HDR video up to 4K, 1080p @60fps, 1080p @960fps, 720p @960fps, Steady Shot; Stereo audio recording; Predictive capture; ISO 4000
- Front Camera: 5MP, 1/5" Exmor RS for mobile, 23mm wide angle lens, 90-degree FOV, f/2.2; 1080p video
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, Kryo 385 (8x custom Cortex-A75 @ up to 2.8GHz), Adreno 630GPU
- Memory: 4GB RAM, 64GB UFS + microSD (up to 400GB)
- OS: Android 8.0 Oreo
- Battery: 2870mAh; Quick Charge 3.0
- Connectivity: Hybrid dual SIM (4G), 4G VoLTE, 4CA LTE Cat.15, 4x4 MIMO, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/GLONASS, NFC, USB 3.1 Type-C
- Audio: High-res audio, DSEE HX, LDAC, Stereo speakers with S-Force surround, aptX HD audio
- Misc: Fingerprint sensor, 3D creator scan on back and front cameras, SDR to HDR up conversion
Just like Samsung, Sony also swapped the position of the fingerprint sensor. But while Samsung was busy finally getting it right, Sony was hard at work on finally making it work in all markets around the world, so USA fans rejoice!
It seems there wasn't enough space for the new vibration module that premiered on the bigger XZ2. At least everything else made it over.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Unboxing
No matter where you get it, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact will ship within a basic paper box. The accessory bundle on the other hand will differ a lot depending on your local markets and retailer.
Our review unit came packed with a USB Type-C cable, an analogue jack adapter, and a QuickCharge enabled wall charger. Not all markets will be getting that bundled but most of the European countries will surely get one.
Also, our Compact came with a basic audio adapter, but Sony is probably going to include a more versatile Y-style splitter in the retail boxes on most markets so that users can charge and listen at the same time. Also, given the company's track record and ever-growing assortment of audio accessories, you can likely expect to find the Xperia XZ2 Compact bundled with a Sony MH750 in-ear headset on most markets.
So, if you are interested in getting this Compact, we'd advise checking with your local Sony stores and retailers for the actual in-box contents.
Design and spin
Sony's designs have always been straightforward, simplistic, and easily recognizable. Until the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact that is.
Well, to be honest, everything has probably started earlier this year with the XA2 series and their swollen-like backs. But now this shape has been named and put through Sony's PR machine for some positive spins. But is it working in favor of the XZ2 Compact?
Let's check the size first. The XZ2 Compact spreads at 135 x 65 x 12.1 mm, which is just 6mm taller than the previous Compact phones. It's slightly thicker due to the new design but noticeably heavier at 168g (up from 140g).
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact next to the XZ1 Compact
To keeping the same footprint as before Sony trimmed the screen bezels a lot. The stereo speakers are here to stay, but the second grille is almost invisibly etched into the far bottom of the screen glass.
The curved metal frame meets the glass on the front or rather its 2.5D curved edges.
The XZ2 Compact has ditched the sharp edges for rounded ones. Now it looks more elegant and classy, in contrast to the plain and understated look of the XZ1 compact.
The fingerprint sensor has moved from the power key on the back, and it will be working for all markets, USA included.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact next to the XZ1 Compact
Unfortunately, the analog jack didn't make it to the XZ2 series and is now officially retired. Sony explained this was done for the sake of the Ambient Flow design, but that doesn't hold much water, does it? Anyway, the phone ships with the proper audio adapter, but we are sure this omission will be a tough bite for the Sony fans.
No audio jack on the Xperia XZ2 Compact
The back is brand new - the ergonomic curve was shaped to fit nicely in hand - and it does fit as nicely as a tailored suit. While there were some concerns on how this new build will work for the bigger XZ2, it's a blessing for the Compact.
Both the metal frame and the plastic back have this so-called frosted finish - though truth be told, the frosted part doesn't look like one on the black color. Still, it works as supposed to - towards an overall care-free secure grip.
The Ambient Flow shape with the small footprint makes for one of the best handling experience we've had in a while. The XZ2 Compact is very easy to pick up from a flat table, has a secure grip, and there is no immediate danger of dropping as the sense of slipperiness is gone.
But as we said, not everyone is as happy with the new design as we are. Some were quick to render it, let's just say not cool, while others question its premium build and flagship-worthiness. We won't argue in favor or against Sony, as the definition of premium is different for each person.
But we can confirm the XZ2 Compact is of a high-end build and delivers on the promised sturdiness. The metal frame is thick, the front is a very nicely looking Gorilla Glass 5, while the frosted plastic on the back is just great on touch.
The Compact isn't as pretty as the bigger XZ2, the Galaxy S9, or the iPhone X. It still has a hint of the industrial designs from the past, which we've grown to appreciate more often than not.
So, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact doesn't have a breath-taking or futuristic design. Instead, it offers one of the most ergonomic shapes we've handled that feels just natural in hand. It's a no-nonsense water-proof shell with a personal touch here and there. And we think Sony has done an excellent job with this Compact, though we understand why it won't be everyone's cup of tea.
XZ2 vs XZ2 Compact • XZ2 vs XZ2 Compact • XZ2 Compact in a hand
The XZ2 Compact is available in Black, White Silver, Moss Green, and Coral Pink. The black model is prone to fingerprints and smudges, but it looks as great as the rest of them.
Display
The most obvious upgrade on the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is the screen. Sony has opted for the new tall aspect ratio and increased the diagonal to 5". But the larger size is not the only upgrade. The screen resolution is now 1080p - for the first time ever on a Compact phone. That's a flagship-grade 483ppi density.
The LCD screen features all of Sony's proprietary display tech - Triluminos display and the X-Reality Engine. There is also HDR support - the panel supports 10-bit colors and is certified for the BT.2020 standard.
The new screen has deeper blacks but lower maximum brightness if compared to the XZ1 Compact. Then again, the XZ2 Compact screen is very bright at 576 nits and thanks to the improved blacks it achieved an excellent contrast ratio of 1315:1.
| Display test | 100% brightness | ||
| Black, cd/m2 | White, cd/m2 | ||
| 0.438 | 576 | 1315 | |
| 0.515 | 640 | 1243 | |
| 0.431 | 618 | 1434 | |
| 0.409 | 575 | 1406 | |
| 0.463 | 573 | 1238 | |
| 0.397 | 554 | 1395 | |
| 0 | 370 | ∞ | |
| 0 | 658 | ∞ | |
| 0.416 | 592 | 1423 | |
| 0.462 | 603 | 1305 | |
| 0.228 | 468 | 2053 | |
| 0.382 | 703 | 1840 | |
Sunlight legibility turned out great for an LCD and you won't find yourself struggling with outdoor light when using the Xperia XZ2 Compact.
Sunlight contrast ratio
- Apple iPhone X
5.013 - OnePlus 5T
4.789 - Samsung Galaxy S8
4.768 - Samsung Galaxy S8+
4.658 - Samsung Galaxy S9
4.63 - Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+
4.615 - Samsung Galaxy S9+
4.537 - Motorola Moto Z2 Play
4.459 - Oppo R11
4.454 - Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
4.439 - OnePlus 3
4.424 - Samsung Galaxy S7
4.376 - HTC One A9
4.274 - Samsung Galaxy Note7
4.247 - Samsung Galaxy A3
4.241 - Nokia 8
4.239 - Google Pixel 2 XL (pre-update)
4.234 - OnePlus 3T
4.232 - Google Pixel XL
4.164 - ZTE Axon 7
4.154 - Samsung Galaxy Note8
4.148 - Meizu Pro 7 Plus
4.147 - Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)
4.124 - Samsung Galaxy S6 edge
4.124 - Huawei Mate 10 Pro (normal)
4.096 - Samsung Galaxy Note5
4.09 - Google Pixel 2 (pre-update)
4.023 - LG V30
4.022 - Huawei Nexus 6P
4.019 - Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro
3.998 - OnePlus X
3.983 - Vivo Xplay5 Elite
3.983 - Oppo R7s
3.964 - Apple iPhone 7
3.964 - Apple iPhone 8 (True Tone)
3.957 - Huawei P9 Plus
3.956 - Meizu Pro 6 Plus
3.935 - Lenovo Moto Z
3.931 - Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
3.918 - OnePlus 5
3.914 - Samsung Galaxy C5
3.911 - Samsung Galaxy C7
3.896 - Samsung Galaxy A5
3.895 - Samsung Galaxy J7 outdoor
3.879 - Samsung Galaxy J2 outdoor
3.873 - Samsung Galaxy A8
3.859 - Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018)
3.842 - Sony Xperia XZs
3.818 - Samsung Galaxy A9 (2016)
3.817 - Motorola Moto X (2014)
3.816 - Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017)
3.812 - Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)
3.804 - Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016) outdoor mode
3.802 - LG V20 Max auto
3.798 - Xiaomi Redmi Pro
3.798 - Sony Xperia XZ
3.795 - Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)
3.789 - Apple iPhone 6s
3.783 - Meizu Pro 5
3.781 - Microsoft Lumia 650
3.772 - Xiaomi Mi 6
3.767 - Sony Xperia XZ1
3.765 - Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016)
3.756 - Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
3.729 - Apple iPhone 8 Plus (True Tone)
3.725 - Oppo F1 Plus
3.709 - Vivo X5Pro
3.706 - Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017)
3.688 - Apple iPhone SE
3.681 - Huawei Mate 9
3.68 - Samsung Galaxy A7
3.679 - Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
3.675 - Meizu PRO 6
3.659 - BlackBerry Priv
3.645 - Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra
3.597 - Apple iPhone 7 Plus
3.588 - Sony Xperia XZ2
3.58 - LG G6
3.556 - Apple iPhone 6s Plus
3.53 - Motorola Moto Z Play
3.526 - Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
3.523 - Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) outdoor mode
3.523 - Acer Jade Primo
3.521 - Microsoft Lumia 950
3.512 - Oppo R7 Plus
3.499 - nubia Z11
3.466 - Huawei P10 Plus
3.456 - HTC U Ultra
3.453 - Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra
3.445 - Samsung Galaxy J7
3.422 - Meizu MX5
3.416 - LG V20
3.402 - Huawei P10
3.379 - Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016)
3.378 - Oppo R9s
3.352 - Honor 8 Pro
3.341 - Oppo R7
3.32 - Lenovo P2
3.316 - Archos Diamond Omega
3.305 - Honor 9
3.289 - Xiaomi Mi 5s
3.276 - Nokia 5
3.261 - Nokia 6 (Chinese version)
3.244 - Nokia 6 (Global version)
3.238 - Samsung Galaxy J2
3.235 - Sony Xperia X Performance
3.234 - Xiaomi Mi Note 2
3.228 - Motorola Moto X Play
3.222 - Oppo F3 Plus
3.218 - Huawei Mate 9 Pro
3.206 - Huawei P9
3.195 - Xiaomi Mi Mix 2
3.19 - ZTE Nubia Z17
3.159 - Oppo R11s
3.153 - Lenovo Vibe Shot
3.113 - HTC U11 Life
3.108 - Motorola Moto X Force
3.105 - LG Nexus 5X
3.092 - HTC U11
3.089 - Huawei Mate S
3.073 - Microsoft Lumia 640 XL
3.065 - Apple iPhone 6 Plus
3.023 - Asus Zenfone 4 ZE554KL
3.019 - Sony Xperia XA1
3.012 - Motorola Moto X4
3.012 - Sony Xperia L1
2.994 - Sony Xperia X
2.989 - LG Q6
2.987 - Huawei P10 Lite
2.974 - Samsung Galaxy Note
2.97 - Xiaomi Redmi 5
2.951 - Huawei Mate 8
2.949 - Sony Xperia XA2
2.938 - Xiaomi Redmi 4
2.92 - Xiaomi Redmi 3S
2.913 - Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus
2.913 - Sony Xperia XA Ultra
2.906 - LG G5
2.905 - HTC One S
2.901 - Huawei Honor View 10
2.896 - Xiaomi Redmi 3s Prime
2.893 - Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus
2.884 - Sony Xperia XZ Premium
2.877 - Sony Xperia XZ Premium (sRGB)
2.877 - Sony Xperia Z5
2.876 - Nokia 3
2.871 - Microsoft Lumia 550
2.851 - Lenovo Moto M
2.813 - Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro
2.803 - Sony Xperia Z5 compact
2.784 - Nokia 2
2.752 - Meizu MX6
2.751 - LG V10
2.744 - Huawei Mate 10 (normal)
2.742 - Motorola Moto G5S Plus
2.737 - Xiaomi Redmi 3
2.735 - Huawei Honor 7X
2.734 - Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (S625)
2.714 - Meizu M5
2.71 - Sony Xperia M5
2.69 - Xiaomi Mi A1
2.689 - Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime
2.679 - Huawei P9 Lite
2.679 - vivo V7+
2.671 - Vivo V3Max
2.659 - Xiaomi Mi Mix
2.658 - Huawei Mate 10 Lite
2.654 - Oppo F5
2.653 - Doogee Mix
2.642 - Xiaomi Mi 4i
2.641 - Xiaomi Redmi 4a
2.635 - Xiaomi Mi 5X (Standard)
2.616 - Sony Xperia XA
2.609 - Motorola Moto G4 Plus (max auto)
2.582 - Motorola Moto G4 Plus
2.582 - Meizu M5s
2.58 - Xiaomi Mi 4c
2.574 - LeEco Le Max 2
2.567 - Microsoft Lumia 640
2.563 - Asus Zenfone 3 ZE552KL
2.563 - Huawei P Smart
2.563 - Xiaomi Mi Max 2
2.561 - Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A (Y1)
2.556 - HTC U11+
2.556 - Lenovo K6 Note
2.544 - Lenovo Moto G4
2.544 - Oppo F1
2.528 - Sony Xperia Z5 Premium
2.525 - Huawei Honor 7 Lite / Honor 5c
2.506 - Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
2.503 - BlackBerry Motion
2.494 - Oppo F1s
2.481 - Motorola Moto G
2.477 - Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus
2.473 - Huawei G8
2.471 - Huawei nova
2.467 - Sony Xperia Z
2.462 - Lenovo Vibe K5
2.459 - Meizu m3 max
2.447 - Xiaomi Mi 4
2.424 - Xiaomi Mi 5X (Auto)
2.417 - HTC 10 evo
2.407 - Huawei Honor 7
2.406 - Vivo V7
2.404 - Sony Xperia E5
2.386 - ZUK Z1 by Lenovo
2.382 - HTC 10
2.378 - Oppo F3
2.376 - vivo V5 Plus
2.371 - Meizu m1 note
2.362 - Huawei nova plus
2.329 - Razer Phone
2.328 - HTC One E9+
2.305 - Alcatel One Touch Hero
2.272 - Sony Xperia L2
2.266 - Lenovo Vibe K4 Note
2.254 - Sony Xperia C5 Ultra
2.253 - HTC U11+ (EU)
2.253 - Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek)
2.249 - Sony Xperia C4 Dual
2.235 - Xiaomi Mi Note
2.234 - Motorola Moto G (2014)
2.233 - LG Nexus 5
2.228 - Huawei P8
2.196 - Meizu M5 Note
2.189 - Huawei Honor 6
2.169 - Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
2.166 - OnePlus Two
2.165 - HTC One X
2.158 - LG Aka
2.145 - Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (X20)
2.145 - Archos 50 Diamond
2.134 - Xiaomi Redmi Note
2.119 - Xiaomi Mi 4S
2.095 - Acer Liquid X2
2.084 - Huawei P8lite
2.078 - vivo V5
2.059 - Moto G 3rd gen max manual
2.026 - Xiaomi Mi 3
2.001 - Xiaomi Mi Max
1.996 - Sony Xperia E4g
1.972 - OnePlus One
1.961 - Sony Xperia Z2
1.944 - Meizu m3 note
1.923 - BlackBerry Leap
1.892 - Meizu m2 note
1.892 - HTC Butterfly
1.873 - Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
1.772 - ZTE Nubia Z9 mini
1.759 - Sony Xperia U
1.758 - Asus Zenfone Selfie
1.68 - Motorola Moto E (2nd Gen)
1.675 - ZTE Nubia Z9
1.659 - Jolla Jolla
1.605 - Motorola Moto E
1.545 - Sony Xperia M
1.473 - Sony Xperia L
1.351 - HTC Desire C
1.3 - Meizu MX
1.221 - Sony Xperia E
1.215
The LCD panel on the XZ2 Compact is well-calibrated against the DCI-P3 color space, which we typically test against. The default Standard color mode gives an average deltaE of 4.4 and a maximum of 8.5. No matter how much we tried, whites and grays always retained a certain level of blue tint.
Finally, let's talk about the HDR video support. As we established, there is support for 10-bit colors, and there is a certification for the BT.2020 standard. Determining how that correlates to other industry standards, like HDR10 video is a bit difficult and needlessly technical. In practical terms, all that really matters is whether content vendors, like Netflix, enable their HDR content for the XZ2 Compact. For now, the best way for early adopters to take advantage of the HDR panel is by watching the compatible 4K HDR clips captured by the phone itself.
Sony also offers an automatic conversion system, as part of its "Advanced X-Reality for mobile" engine. It takes SDR video content and seamlessly tries to upconvert its colors to HDR levels during playback. If you've seen an HDR TV attempt to do the same, you probably already know that it looks great only on cherry-picked demo videos. Real-world usefulness depends strongly on your content. You can probably expect to salvage some detail in shadows and fix some light smear in low-light shots, but it can't do miracles. If the data isn't there, it isn't there.
Battery life
The Xperia XZ2 Compact comes with a larger battery capacity at 2,870 mAh than the Xperia XZ1 Compact. It goes from 0 to 32% in half an hour when using its 1.5A charger. The units bundled with a QC3.0-compatible charger will have up to 41% of their depleted battery fill in 30 mins.
Sony has proven quite proficient in optimizing the software for long-lasting battery autonomy, so we had high hopes for the XZ2 Compact. And indeed, the phone posted an excellent 88 h endurance given the provided battery capacity and the hardware at hand.
The Xperia XZ2 Compact did great on all battery routines. Combining those great scores with a frugal standby consumption, it achieved a great endurance and Sony's claim on battery efficiency lives on.
Our endurance rating denotes how long a single battery charge will last you if you use the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact for an hour each of telephony, web browsing, and video playback daily. We've established this usage pattern so our battery results are comparable across devices in the most common day-to-day tasks. The battery testing procedure is described in detail in case you're interested in the nitty-gritties. You can also check out our complete battery test table, where you can see how all of the smartphones we've tested will compare under your own typical use.
Loudspeakers
Despite the increased screen size, Sony has still managed to fit a good stereo setup inside the new XZ2 Compact body design, and we appreciate that. And it is one of the better ones we have seen.
Our tests can mostly confirm Sony's claim - the stereo speakers are about 20% louder than the XZ1 Compact and scored a Very Good loudness in our test. The speakers sound great with rich sound and there is no distortion at maximum volume. It's a significant improvement over the previous generation.
| Speakerphone test | Voice, dB | Ringing |
Overall score | |
| 62.9 | 65.2 | 71.6 | Below Average | |
| 66.4 | 70.9 | 68.4 | Average | |
| 66.1 | 71.8 | 78.1 | Good | |
| 66.1 | 69.0 | 84.1 | Very Good | |
| 67.7 | 70.0 | 83.6 | Very Good | |
| 66.7 | 73.3 | 83.3 | Very Good | |
| 68.5 | 74.3 | 81.1 | Very Good | |
| 71.7 | 77.8 | 80.3 | Excellent | |
| 88.0 | 77.1 | 81.4 | Excellent |
Unlike the Xperia XZ2, the Compact model doesn't come with the new Dynamic Vibration System, which vibrates in tune with any sound the phone gives off.
Audio quality doesn't disappoint
The Xperia XZ2 Compact is a perfect match for its larger Xperia XZ2 sibling when it comes to audio output. When hooked to an active external amplifier the XZ2 Compact had above-average loudness and perfect clarity.
Plugging in a pair of headphones dropped the loudness to only average, but the accuracy of the output didn’t see much damage. The hike in stereo crosstalk was well contained and while some intermodulation distortion did creep in, it’s nothing you will notice without dedicated testing equipment.
| Test | Frequency response | Noise level | Dynamic range | THD | IMD + Noise | Stereo crosstalk |
| +0.01, -0.03 | -93.4 | 93.2 | 0.0024 | 0.011 | -92.7 | |
| +0.15, -0.29 | -92.3 | 90.3 | 0.0058 | 0.220 | -60.4 | |
| +0.02, -0.01 | -90.6 | 91.2 | 0.0020 | 0.0096 | -89.2 | |
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact frequency response
You can learn more about the tested parameters and the whole testing process here.
Android Oreo works well with Xperia
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact runs on Android 8.0 Oreo. Despite the latest Android OS, don't expect a radical change in the UI of the device compared to its siblings, like the XA2, XA2 Ultra, or most of its recent predecessors, like the XZ1, for that matter. Like many other manufacturers, the Japanese giant has mostly decoupled its signature UX from the Android underneath at this point, so as to deliver a familiar experience across its lineup.
It is worth noting, though, that unlike the mid-range XA2 pair, the flagship XZ2 duo is still not part of Sony's Open Device program. We can only hope it's a question of time, though, since participation not only facilitates custom ROM development but also means a vanilla Android build - available straight from Sony.
During setup, the Xperia Launcher actually prompts for approval for a big chunk of said apps. If you don't like or need any of the non-essentials, you can simply tick them off the list and never deal with them again.
Long-term Sony fans should feel right at home with what is essentially the same Xperia launcher. The homescreen appears unchanged from previous Xperia generations. This includes the swipe down gesture, which shows a screen of the apps you use most along with recommendations for new apps to install. The search field is highlighted so you can start typing the app's name immediately. There is also a Google Feed pane, accessible through a left swipe on the home screen.
Xperia launcher
Themes are available (both free and paid) that can customize the look and sound of the Xperia XZ2 Compact. These are managed through a dedicated interface but seem to be distributed via the Google Play Store. Some themes are even interactive, with their wallpapers reacting to your touches.
Xperia Themes
The notification drawer and the task switcher are very similar to the vanilla Android ones. There is also a Split Screen feature available to a limited number of apps.
Notification shade • Quick toggles • Task switcher • Split screen • Split screen
The traditional app drawer is present and even if you opt out of all the additional app installs during setup, you will still end up with at least a few essentials. Sony takes great pride in the A/V prowess of its devices, and the multimedia apps are all custom and feature-rich - Album, Music, and the Video app.
App drawer • All apps • Album • Music • Video
The Xperia Assistant is a new addition to the mix. Naturally, in keeping with current trends, it utilizes AI, but nothing too fancy, like Bixby, Siri or the Google Assistant. Unlike those, the Xperia app lacks a voice of its own, at least for now that is and is more of an interactive manual and convenient management hub for some of the device's features. The main interface is arranged in a chat manner, although you rarely get to actually type. Rather, the Assistant guides you via suggested topics.
Xperia Assistant main chat interface
It's a fairly intuitive mode of operation, even if not particularly speedy. When you reach a certain juncture in your conversation, the Xperia Assistant can drop convenient links to features you might be interested in checking out. Those cards, or notifications, of sorts, also end up in your inbox, for quicker access later, without having to repeat the conversation with the AI. In some cases, the assistant can directly navigate you to an interface of interest. It can also remind you of various things and send you tips through its own volition when it deems them applicable. You can thankfully enable or disable this behavior on a per-topic basis.
The third and final tab in the Xperia Assistant UI is titled Tools and serves as a convenient management hub for convenient Xperia features, like the extensive STAMINA mode battery-saving platform and the Battery Care feature.
We particularly like the latter, since modern batteries do actually benefit from proper care, or rather avoiding certain unfavorable scenarios, like keeping the device charged up all the way for prolonged periods of time. We wish more manufacturers extended such efforts to preserve the longevity of their sealed-in battery backs.
The assistant drops tip cards • Assistant settings • Xperia Assistant tools
Finally, in addition to the fingerprint unlock, you can set up Smart Lock. It gives you conditional security - trusted nearby devices, locations, faces, or voices can allow you to skip the security protocol that you may have set up on the phone.
Performance
Sony has been dead serious about the prowess of its Compact flagships and the XZ2 model makes no difference. The latest Compact packs the same chip as its bigger XZ2 sibling - the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 845.
The Snapdragon 845 chip (10nm LPP) has a new octa-core processor with brand-new Kryo 385 cores. The high-performance quartet of Kryo 385 Gold cores is clocked at 2.7GHz and the architecture derives from Cortex-A75. The power-efficient Kryo 385 Silver cores (based on Cortex-A55) work at 1.7GHz.
The new SoC employs Adreno 630 GPU, 30% more powerful than the Adreno 540 inside the Snapdragon 835.
The Snapdragon 845 chip inside the Xperia XZ2 Compact units is coupled with 4GB of RAM. Unlike the XZ2 model, the Compact won't be having editions with 6 gigs of RAM.
We start with some pure CPU number-crunching ratings courtesy of GeekBench. The Snapdragon 845 fall just a bit short of its Exynos 9810 rival inside the Galaxy S9. Still, both chips rule over the rest of the Android gang by a chunky margin.
GeekBench 4.1 (multi-core)
Higher is better
- Apple iPhone 8
10214 - Samsung Galaxy S9
8830 - Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
8487 - Sony Xperia XZ2
8466 - Xiaomi Mi 6
6719 - Samsung Galaxy S8
6656 - Apple iPhone 7
5831 - Oppo R11
5777 - Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
5596 - Sony Xperia XA2
4215 - LG G6
4175
Apple remains the undisputed king of the hill when it comes to pure CPU prowess. Samsung did better than Qualcomm this year with its third-generation custom Mongoose cores, as well.
GeekBench 4.1 (single-core)
Higher is better
- Apple iPhone 8
4234 - Samsung Galaxy S9
3759 - Apple iPhone 7
3459 - Sony Xperia XZ2
2454 - Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
2446 - Samsung Galaxy S8
1991 - Xiaomi Mi 6
1929 - Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
1826 - LG G6
1767 - Oppo R11
1596 - Sony Xperia XA2
865
Moving on the GPU tests, it's the Snapdragon's GPU to shine. The Adreno 630 easily steal the crown of the best mobile GPU to date.
GFX 3.1 Manhattan (1080p offscreen)
Higher is better
- Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
60 - Sony Xperia XZ2
55 - Samsung Galaxy S9
46 - Apple iPhone 7
43 - Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
41 - Xiaomi Mi 6
41 - Samsung Galaxy S8
36 - LG G6
26 - Huawei P10
22 - Oppo R11
15 - Sony Xperia XA2
9.6
For the onscreen test, keep in mind that the XZ1 Compact runs on a 720p screen, while the Galaxy S9 has 1440p to handle.
GFX 3.1 Car scene (onscreen)
Higher is better
- Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
50 - Sony Xperia XZ2
33 - Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
33 - Xiaomi Mi 6
25 - Huawei P10
16 - Samsung Galaxy S9
14 - Samsung Galaxy S8
13 - Oppo R11
8.6 - LG G6
8.5 - Sony Xperia XA2
6
The compound AnTuTu benchmark, which take into account many other hardware aspects of its test subjects, is often considered as the most reliable test on Android. And here the Xperia XZ2 Compact aced the chart, although it's not far from the XZ2 and Galaxy S9.
AnTuTu 7
Higher is better
- Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact
265326 - Sony Xperia XZ2
259244 - Samsung Galaxy S9
250156 - Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
204581 - Samsung Galaxy S8
199022 - LG G6
158785 - Huawei P10
144458
Comparing numbers and topping chart is easy, but the reality is that all modern smartphones are up to the job. Apple, Huawei, Samsung, Sony or Xiaomi - all proprietary and mass-market chips does an excellent job in handling whatever the task hassle-free and this will last for at least two years. Yes, benchmark scores show raw power, but in real life everything is cutting-edge.
Thanks to the 10nm LPP manufacturing process the Snapdragon 845 chip inside the XZ2 Compact keeps its tiny environment cool even when stress tests are running. We didn't experience any bottlenecks or throttling, and that's what's important here.
The 19MP Motion Eye camera we know
Sony is sticking to its 19MP IMX400 ExmorRS for the main camera, also known as Motion Eye. The sensor is 1/2.3" big with 1.22µm pixels and sits behind f/2.0 lens. Its field of view is still quite wide at 25mm (in 35mm equiv.). There is no OIS, only EIS to keep things steady.
The IMX400 is the same module that appears on the XZ Premium, XZs, as well as the XZ1 pair. But Sony has worked hard to improve the software processing, and its image processor helps too, so the XZ2 is not without upgrades in its camera department.
Some may consider the lack of a dual-camera as a disappointment, though at least we now know such setup is coming finally on the Xperia series this fall.
One thing that is part of the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact camera packages is Sony's excellent RAM chip solution, sandwiched right in between the sensor and control circuitry layers. It serves as an ultra-fast buffer where the camera can temporarily offload what the sensor captures without the need to wait for the storage to catch up.
This lets the sensor reads out the full 19MP resolution really fast, which prevents the nasty rolling shutter in photos of fast-moving objects. It also enables the headline feature - 960fps slow-motion video. Now, thanks in part to a hardware and software collaboration with Qualcomm on the Spectra 280 ISP, inside the Snapdragon 845, the slow-motion resolution has been bumped up to 1080p! Unfortunately, at half the slow-mo burst length, but more on that in a bit.
There haven't been any radical changes to the Xperia camera UI in some time now. Well, that does depend on when you've last looked into it. For instance, a while back, Sony finally moved the 4K video recording into the resolution settings, as opposed to being a separate mode.
Speaking of resolution settings, you might want to go into settings and switch the default 17MP (16:9) one to 19MP (4:3), so you can get the highest possible resolution for your photos. The is also Sony's familiar Manual mode. It is full-featured, with access to shutter speed (1s max), ISO as well as white balance and exposure compensation.
The Camera app
And if you find the lens distortion of the XZ2 wide angle lens not to your liking, you can also experiment with the correction option. It does reduce the still quality a bit, though.
Predictive Capture is here to stay, though it works as rarely as before. When the camera detects fast-paced movement, it records a few of the moments before you press the shutter. So, if you were late in clicking the shutter button, you could be able to use one of those pre-cached shots instead.
There are also some new features in the 3D Creator app, which now can use the rear or the front camera. If you haven't heard of it, it's a software that lets you create three-dimensional captures of objects. Facebook has now stepped in to simplify the sharing process. You can upload your creations to the site directly, where they can be viewed in all their 3D glory without any additional software.
3D Creator app, now with selfie support
Making a scan of your face and head with the newly added support for the selfie camera is even more fiddly and frustrating than having somebody hover around you for a few minutes. On the plus side, however, this could hint that there are no real hardware requirements for the system to work, making it potentially portable to other devices.
Still Image Quality
When the light is good, the XZ2 Compact resolves plenty of detail, slightly more than on previous Xperia flagships. Sony's color science hasn't changed much - colors are reproduced very accurately, and the dynamic range is pretty wide. The Auto mode successfully recognizes the scenes and uses Backlight where needed, so we didn't need to use the Manual mode for HDR, ever.
Noise suppression artifacts are abundant, though, even if the lighting was great. If you downscale those images to 12MP or less, that becomes less noticeable. That's a pretty common trait for the 19MP motion camera, and other high-resolution cameras for that matter, along with the slight distortion in the corners, caused by the wide lens.
The new noise-reduction system dials back a bit and thus producing a more coarse and grainy rendition of noise but the level of the resolved detail is now higher. In low-light, the difference is even more pronounced with photos coming out looking substantially sharper and with better colors.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact 19MP camera samples
There is manual HDR mode available in, well, Manual mode, but its switch is hidden in the advanced settings. Intelligent Auto is doing a good job, though, so you will rarely, if ever, need to switch to Manual only to shoot HDR.
Auto • HDR
As we mentioned before, low-light is where the new BIONZ platform seems to shine the most. Historically, this is where 19MP Motion Eye Xperia's have struggled a lot. The XZ2 still has to battle the lack of OIS, so a tripod will always yield better results even at Auto mode. But even without one, the new Multi-Frame noise reduction seems to do a better job, compared to earlier Sony algorithms.
Now, the XZ2 Compact low-light samples are less noisy, richer in detail, and the ISO rarely hikes above 1250.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact 19MP low-light camera samples
Involve a tripod, and things get even more interesting.
The tripod detection appears to be better optimized on the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact, and the new software feels comfortable pushing the shutter speed even lower. For instance, our Superior Auto in-studio test shot was taken at ISO 200 and a 1/8s shutter speed - camera settings which previously were achievable only through manual mode. Resting the phone carefully on a level surface can yield the same results.
It's worth mentioning that when the XZ2 Compact's Auto mode decides on longer shutter speeds (0.5s - 1s) because of that tripod detection, it will take a total of six seconds to capture that shot. We can only assume that's the Multi Frame noise reduction, asking for six 1 second, or so, shots to work with. If you don't really feel like waiting, using manual mode seems to skip to lengthy process, only capturing one single shot with your desired settings.
Auto with a tripod • Manual with a tripod
We snapped the same low-light scene with the Xperia XZ2 Compact and the XZ1 Compact. Comparing the two shots side-by-side reveals the much awaited improvement in Sony's BIONZ algorithms.
The new multi-frame noise-reduction does a wonderful job, but it also pops more detail whereas previously impossible even when mounted on a tripod.
Naturally, we shot our standard posters with the Xperia XZ2 as well. You can use our photo compare tool to see how it stacks up against competitors.
Sony Xperia XZ2 vs. Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact vs. Sony Xperia XZ Premium in our photo compare tool
Panorama
The panoramic shots have a height of up to 3,600 pixels. The resulting angle of view is up to you since you can stop the capturing process at any time. You do get plenty of detail and practically no stitching artifacts unless you shoot moving objects.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact panorama
Bokeh
Sony has offers a Bokeh app on the XZ2 Compact as part of its Xperia suite. Since the phone only has one camera, it operates the old-fashioned way - by taking a pair of photos and then allowing the user to adjust the focus, blurring the rest, as best it can. Sometimes it works well if you line up your shot correctly, and sometimes it just doesn't. Also, you have to be really close to the subject, 1 meter or less.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Bokeh samples
Selfies
The selfie camera on the XZ2 Compact did take a hit in specs, likely associated with the new design with slimmer bezels. Resolution is down to 5MP (f/2.2, 1/5"). There is no autofocus either.
We can't complain about any lack of details. Samples came out nice and sharp and dynamic range is also decent. So, the only real bummer is the fixed focus. Bear in mind that in Intelligent Auto the camera seems to have some beautification enhancement on by default, so if you don't fancy the effect it has on your face, you might want to switch it off from Settings.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact 5MP selfie samples
Slow-mo video recording
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact might be packing the usual familiar 19MP Motion Eye camera, but its video recording got a few new tricks added to the mix. For one, there is the upgraded slow-motion capture, we mentioned earlier.
The maximum resolution for the slow-mo clips has been bumped up to 1080p. However, since Sony hasn't doubled the capacity of its custom RAM buffer, you can only capture slow-motion bursts of half the length compared to the 720p ones.
720p is still a fallback option though. And given that you only have 0.18 seconds to work with, even in HD and the result is really dependent on proper lighting and timing on your part, lowering the resolution remains a pretty viable option. We wish for Sony to have opted for an automatic detection like Samsung did for the S9 series.
But the process of shooting a 960fps clip is still just as complicated as it was on the Xperia XZ Premium and the XZ1. You have to switch to video recording, then hit the slow-motion button, then start recording the video and then hit the slow-motion button again at the moment you want. This certainly excludes any potential for capturing the odd moment on a whim, and you certainly have to prepare your shots.
Even if you go through the sequence, nailing the right moment is still quite hard as the camera doesn't start recording when you hit the button. Instead, it offloads what's already in its buffer, so it shows you the recording of the events that have already happened when you press the button. Once you get the hang of this, it becomes easier, but getting the timing just right is still a hit-or-miss affair and has not been improved over last year.
HDR video capturing
The Xperia XZ2 Compact has true HDR recording mode at 4K or 1080p resolution at 30fps - a Sony and potentially Android first. This is another fruit harvested from the collaboration between Sony and Qualcomm on the Spectra 280 ISP, inside the Snapdragon 845. It does take a lot of processing and bandwidth to pull this off.
There are some caveats, though, unlike the regular 4K footage, the XZ2 can pump out at 30fps and a video bit-rate of around 55 Mb/s, the HDR 4K clips end up with about 24 frames each second and a bitrate of around 35 Mb/s. You are losing quite a bit of detail in the process and the result has a sort of cinematic feel to it.
Still, the wider BT.2020 color space is visible on the XZ2 Compact's certified HDR display. And that's an important note to make here. Although we are providing a sample video, as always, unless you watch it on a BT.2020 compliant display, or at least a similar HDR one, it will likely look washed-out not revealing its true colors. Played back on the XZ2 or XZ2 Compact, the sample exhibit more true-to-life colors, with a lot more discernible shades and better contrast.
Regular video recording
Drop all the fancy modes, and you would still get lots of options for the video capturing. The Xperia XZ2 Compact can do 4K videos, but oddly the 60fps options is available only for the 1080p resolution.
While on the subject of seemingly odd limitations, there is still no Intelligent Active SteadyShot Stabilization in the 4K or 1080p@60fps recording modes - just Standard SteadyShot. Historically, flagship Xperias have had no optical image stabilization, and neither does the XZ2 Compact.
Using the HEVC (or H.265) codec is now an option at any resolution, whereas the new codec was previously limited only to 4K. If you decide to throw in HDR at any resolution, H.265 becomes your default and only choice.
HEVC offers notably more efficient compression - one of our sample 3-minute 4K videos came out 1.24GB in H.264 but only 790MB in H.265. Pixel-peeping does reveal small potential differences in quality between the two, but almost insignificant. It is worth opting for the newer and more efficient standard, especially now that YouTube supports it.
The 4K and 1080p videos all have plenty of detail, great contrast and dynamic range, and accurate colors. There is no corner softness either. Processing is rather laid-back, in the sense that not much sharpening is applied.
There was this small "wobble," which we believe is slight focus hunting. Wind could play some role in the outdoor samples, but the issue appeared while shooting our test charts indoors as well.
We've compiled a playlist of all 4K and 1080p videos we shot on the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact.
You can download short untouched samples of all the video modes we tested, if you like - 4K (10s, 68.5MB), 4K HDR at 24fps (10s, 44MB), 1080p at 30fps (10s, 21MB), 1080p at 60fps (10s, 39MB) and 4K HEVC (10s, 41MB).
And here is the Xperia XZ2 in our video compare tool.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact vs. Galaxy S9 vs. iPhone 8 in our 4K video compare tool
Finally, here is 1080p video we shot with the selfie camera. The SteadyShot stabilization was turned off, but you can the proprietary EIS for selfie stabilization, too.
The Competition
It's hard to argue against a compact flagship, mostly because no one else is making them. Sony was the first to offer a proper mini beast and it has been sticking to that niche ever since.
But the new Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is not only a continuation of that admirable dedication but one that redefines the lineup and investing in such a device sound even more sensible.
Being the cheapest Snapdragon 845 smartphone so far is probably an even better angle of looking at it, but the Xperia XZ2 Compact has a lot more to show off than a fit body and big muscles. But the competition hasn't been sleeping either.
Samsung Galaxy S9 • Huawei P20 • Sony Xperia XZ2 • Apple iPhone 8
The Galaxy S9 is surely the first to come to mind as a threat. It's a whole centimeter taller, but has a bigger and higher-res screen, more attractive body, better camera and selfie experience. Sounds good until you realize those will cost about €250 on top of the Xperia XZ2 Compact. In the end, the S9 isn't that compact and its sky-high price quickly becomes repelling.
Huawei has both the P9 and P10 to offer as regular-sized flagships, but those will soon be replaced by the P20 in a couple of weeks. And we are not sure it will fit the XZ2 Compact category too.
Sony's bigger Xperia XZ2 is an obvious choice if you need a bigger screen and you are brand-loyal. It builds on everything that makes the Compact great - screen, power, camera, but also adds a new dynamic vibration system, better-looking design and wireless charging. But are those upgrades worth of some extra €200? It's up to you.
Finally, Apple's iPhone 8 is the obvious competitor outside the Android camp. Apple has stuck to its small phones, too, and the iPhone 8 is as big as the Xperia XZ2 Compact. It has a slightly smaller screen and thus thicker bezels, but offers better camera experience, prettier design, and equally fast, if not faster, performance. Then again, it is more expensive than the XZ2 Compact and that's a big deal.
The Verdict
It's rarely so simple to give a firm verdict on a smartphone, whether it's a flagship or not. But Sony has a winner here, as the XZ2 Compact is one of the best smartphones right now and it's cheap at that. It pulls a real OnePlus in today's insane race of premium prices. But it also does an excellent one up from the previous XZ1 Compact model with better screen, camera, performance, and sound.
Pros
- Very compact footprint, not that bigger than the XZ1 Compact
- Solid, ergonomic, and grippy water-proof design
- Snapdragon 845 chipset
- Efficient battery life
- Excellent daylight and low-light image quality in high resolution
- Great 960fps slow-mo videos in 720p and 1080p resolution
- Impressive stereo speakers and audio quality
- Cheap for a flagship by today's standards
Cons
- The chubby design is not everyone's cup of tea
- No audio jack
- Lacks the new Dynamic Vibration System and wireless charging
The axing of the audio jack is probably Sony's only sin this year. Sony's explanation for the reasoning behind this move sounds even lamer than Apple's, but it is what it is.
Sony has tried and succeeded in fitting everything that's cool and cutting-edge into this XS-sized smartphone. So, everything boils down to pricing. Is the Xperia XZ2 Compact among the best new smartphones €600 can buy?
Yes, it is.
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