We compare Sony Mobile’s upcoming handsets, set to be launched at the end of August 2017. How does the new flagship Xperia XZ1 compare with the miniature Xperia XZ1 Compact and the cut-price Xperia X1, according to the latest leaks and rumours?
Sony has had a cracker of a year so far when it comes to smartphone launches. The Xperia XZ Premium was the world’s first 4K HDR handset (and still unmatched, until the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 launches), while the Xperia XA1 is one of our favourite affordable phones of 2017.
Things are set to get even hotter towards the end of the year, as Sony Mobile reveals three new devices at IFA 2017. A new flagship phone, the Xperia XZ1, will be accompanied by a mini version called the Xperia XZ1 Compact as well as the more affordable Xperia X1 handset.
So how do these three new Sony phones compare, in terms of specs, features and performance? Here’s how they’re stacking up according to the latest leaks.
Read next: Our favourite Sony Xperia phones right now
Sony Xperia XZ1 vs XZ1 Compact vs X1: Specs to expect
| Phone | Xperia XZ1 | Xperia XZ1 Compact | Xperia X1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.2-inch | 4.6-inch | 5-inch |
| Screen resolution | 1920×1080 | 1280×720 | 1920×1080 |
| Water resistant? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fingerprint sensor? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OS | Android Nougat | Android Nougat | Android Nougat |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 | Snapdragon 835 | Snapdragon 660 |
| Memory | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| microSD? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 2800mAh | 2800mAh |
| Release | Sept 2017 | Sept 2017 | Sept 2017 |
Sony Xperia XZ1 vs XZ1 Compact vs X1: Design
Although these three new Sony mobiles differ when it comes to specs, they also sport very different dimensions.
The Xperia XZ1 flagship phone is the biggest model here, which is to be expected. At 5.2-inches it should hopefully slip into a pocket or bag without much trouble, although you can bank on the typical chunky bezels above and below the screen.
Next on the size scale is the Xperia X1, at 5-inches. This should prove easier for one-handed use, although the dinky Xperia XZ1 Compact is the winner for usability at just 4.6-inches.
So far we don’t know what kind of materials will be employed in the construction of these three mobiles. However, Sony tends to opt for metal for its standard phones and plastic for its Compact models (with a more colourful range of colours on offer). You can also pretty much guarantee that the Xperia X1 will lack water resistance to save on construction costs, while the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact should hopefully survive a trip into liquids.
Sony Xperia XZ1 vs XZ1 Compact vs X1: Screen and media
Sony will pack a Full HD IPS display onto the Xperia XZ1 and X1, giving crisp visuals when viewing photos, relaxing with some Netflix or whatever else. This is bumped down to a 720p HD panel for the Xperia XZ1 Compact, although the smaller screen size means images will still be reassuringly detailed.
You can expect Sony’s X-Reality software to help sharpen up the picture as well. Plus, with the Super Vivid mode on board, you’ll get punchy, vibrant colour reproduction.
We’re expecting Hi-Res audio support on all three of the new Sony phones too. After all, this feature has appeared on every Xperia handset from the mid-range upwards in recent times.
We’d be surprised to see less than 32GB of storage on any of these phones, although this hasn’t been confirmed in any leaks so far. You’ll get microSD memory card expandability also.
Sony Xperia XZ1 vs XZ1 Compact vs X1: Features and OS
All three of Sony’s new Xperia phones will sport Android Nougat, primed for an upgrade to Android O at the end of 2017.
You can expect the same slick unified design language, where Sony’s swishy desktops are tailored to match your chosen handset colour. They should all support PS4 Remote Play, to stream your PlayStation gaming session to the smaller screen.
In other words, the user experience should be very similar between these three blowers.
Sony Xperia XZ1 vs XZ1 Compact vs X1: Performance and battery life
The Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact should both boast the premium Snapdragon 835 chipset, which is supremely powerful as well as energy efficient. That means smooth-as-butter performance at all times, even when blasting through demanding Android games and editing your media. You’ll also get the best possible LTE experience, with support for peak download speeds of 1Gbps.
In comparison, the Xperia X1 offers a more subdued Snapdragon 660 platform, for that lesser cost. This isn’t quite as strong although seems to benchmark well and offer strong efficiency levels like the Snapdragon 835.
All three phones offer a similar-sized battery. The Xperia XZ1 Compact has a 2800mAh cell stuffed inside, which is only a little smaller than the 3000mAh battery of the XZ1 and X1. You’ll get Quick Charge support no matter your choice, while Sony will hopefully offer the same Qnovo tech for preventing long-term charge damage.
Sony Xperia XZ1 vs XZ1 Compact vs X1: Cameras
So far we know next to nothing about the camera tech packed into these three new phones. However, you can certainly expect the very best results from any Xperia snapper, as Sony really knows its stuff when it comes to optics.
The Xperia X1 is likely to be a small step down from the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact, as the platform it uses isn’t quite as powerful. However, we’re still hopeful for up to 4K resolution video capture as well as a dependable full auto mode that can match pretty much any shooting conditions with the best possible settings.
Stay tuned for our full coverage of Sony’s Xperia X1, Xperia XZ1 and Xperia ZZ1 Compact launch, as well as our hands-on reviews of these new mobiles.