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Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Test and Review

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is largely based on the technical data sheet of the XZ2, the flagship of the brand. The real difference is that its small size allows it to fit in the palm of the hand.

Released jointly with his big brother the powerful Xperia XZ2 , this XZ2 Compact may have something to make the difference. With its high-end smartphone features, a very small format and a price below the 600 euro mark, it could well find its audience. Let’s see if Sony succeeds in condemning the best of its flagship of 2018 so that it fits easily in pocket.

Little but strong

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Test and Review

For 2018, Sony has slightly changed the design of its smartphones Xperia. It was time ! The XZ2 Compact indeed benefits from lower and upper edges thinner than previous models. The space occupied by the screen is thus better optimized, nuance the effect too imposing and heavy that could have the old mobiles of the range. Well, for the borderless side we will iron anyway, especially at the bottom that still eat a lot of space unnecessarily.

The compact size of our mobiles has gradually disappeared to make room for ever larger smartphones. This XZ2 should please those who have small hands and / or who dream of using a smartphone very compact. Small certainly, but not so much “light” with its solid technical sheet.

On the design side, the convex back of Xperia quickly becomes a disadvantage if you use your device placed on a desk. It will indeed tend to leave as a top. The fingerprint sensor placed at the back is also a bit too low for the index finger to fall perfectly on the first shot.

On the left has been integrated the microSD and Nano SIM card drawer (optional two SIM or a memory card and a SIM), right the buttons for volume, unlocking the screen and the shortcut to launch the camera . This little Xperia has a USB Type-C port … but no jack.

A bright screen but the wrong colorimetry

The XZ2 Compact is equipped with a small 5 “IPS screen in 18: 9 format. The Full HD panel reaches a brightness of 659 c / m² which allows it to maintain excellent readability even in direct sunlight. The contrast ratio is very satisfactory with its 1345: 1. Unfortunately the Delta E rises to 7.45 (the ideal is between 2 and 3), indicating a fidelity of colors frankly perfectible. In particular, there is poor reproduction of whites that tend to shoot blue. The other color profiles proposed do not help things, but you can play with the white balance and raise the red color for example.

Xperia a lightened overcoat

The Xperia environment has the advantage of being a little more discreet than in the past. This is confirmed from the first startup of the device: now Sony no longer force your hand to install its application packs as useless as congested. You have the choice to do with, or without these little software. Some still require a small detour through the settings to remove notifications or omnipresence on the taskbar as Xperia Assistant or the built-in antivirus. But once this is put aside, we find a suitable Android experience. When writing this test, the Xperia XZ2 Compact only accepts the Oreo 8 version of Google’s OS, but it should be upgraded to Android 9 Pie by the end of the year.

Very good performance

This XZ2 may be housed in a compact format, but its performance is not diminished. Equipped with a Snapdragon 845 coupled with 4GB of RAM, the smartphone fate easily and can run the most resource-hungry apps and games. Well optimized, it does not get tired, even when performing several tasks at the same time. The XZ2 Compact is powerful, but it must be admitted that it tends to quickly heat up during prolonged use. Finally, let’s add that it has 64 GB of internal memory, but it is possible to expand its storage space up to 400 GB with a microSD card.

Enduring but long to recharge

The XZ2 Compact incorporates a 2870 mAh battery. Nothing impressive on paper so, but our tests reveal a good versatile autonomy of 12 hours and 45 minutes. In practice, it is equally satisfying, since it is able to hold more than one day. The problem comes from its loading time that goes up to … 2:30! Indeed, Sony boasts the merits of its fast charge but, like the classic Xperia XZ2, the compatible charger is not delivered with the smartphone. It is necessary to disburse about fifty euros to appropriate it. A choice reminiscent of Apple for its latest iPhone and that can not really justify.

Beautiful pictures that could improve

The XZ2 Compact opts for a 19 Mpix (f / 2.0) rear photo module. When we think Sony, we often have in mind a good photographic equipment. Indeed, the company manufactures the best sensors for the vast majority of smartphones. And yet, it is among its competitors that the result is better, thanks to a software part better controlled. The XZ2 Compact is better than in the past since it no longer undergoes heavy smoothing. The photos are raw, detailed, with natural colors and good effects of textures, but it’s double-edged: there is a lot of noise and a little lack of contrast. In short, the clichés are closer to reality but do not benefit from the flattering optimization of a Samsung Galaxy S9 or even the results of a OnePlus 6 .

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Test and Review

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Test and Review

In low light, the XZ2 Compact has the merit of preserving natural colors on its photos especially outdoors. Indoors, a slightly yellowish hue can spoil the party a little. Overall shots maintain a certain brightness even if one does not reach the level of a Huawei P20 Pro . Side details, the loss remains light compared to more enlightened conditions, but we are still far from what can bring a Galaxy S9.

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Test and Review

DATASHEETSony Xperia XZ2 Compact

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