Update: 20/2/14 Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is listed at Rs. 36,990 MRP. we expect the best buy price to be far lesser.
We finally have a pint sized powerhouse of a phone, thanks to the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact. The device was showcased at the CES a few days back, and Sony would hope to quench thirsts of those who’ve been on the lookout for a powerful ‘mini’ phone for no avail until now. On the Other hand, the full sized Z1 which was shown at the IFA in Berlin last year packs top-of-the-line imaging hardware. 
Now for the inevitable – which one should you go for?
Hardware
| Model | Sony Xperia Z1 | Sony Xperia Z1 Compact |
| Display | 5 inches, 1920 x 1080p | 4.3 inches, 1280 x 720p |
| Processor | 2.2GHz quad core | 2.2GHz quad core |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Internal Storage | 16GB | 16GB |
| OS | Android v4.3 | Android v4.3 (After Update) |
| Cameras | 20.7MP/2MP | 20.7MP/2MP |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 2300mAh |
| Price | 35-38,000 INR | 36,990 INR |
Display
There’s a vast difference in the display sizes of these devices, as you can make out. While the Z1 features a 5 inch FHD unit in true flagship spirit, the Z1 Compact comes with a much smaller 4.3 inch screen. This screen features an HD resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. Quite clearly, the Z1 Compact isn’t one for large screen lovers, and isn’t meant to be a secondary mini device as the specifications of the phone reveal its meant to replace your full sized smartphone. 
Camera and Storage
The devices come with identical imaging hardware. The Z1, when launched, was hyped for its 20.7MP camera that was regarded as the best smartphone camera ever. The Z1 Compact takes forward this legacy, but with a very different form factor. The phone comes with the same 20.7MP rear and 2MP front shooters which should give you some amazing shots. Storage too is identical on the phones. There’s 16GB of on-board ROM on both devices, with a microSD slot that can be engaged to expand storage by up to 64GB. We believe this feature has more importance on the full sized Z1 since we do not think it would be a good idea to indulge in heavy multimedia on the Z1 Compact.
Processor and Battery
Both phones feature the revered Snapdragon 800 from Qualcomm. The processor has 4 cores running at 2.2GHz at max, and is regarded as one of the most powerful mobile processors going around (although this is all set to change with Snapdragon 805 coming out). Both phones feature the same amount of RAM as well, i.e., 2GB. However, the distinguishing factor would be the screen resolution – the Z1 Compact will/should have smoother transitions and performance thanks to a lower res screen.
Recommended: Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 with Krait 450 cores and Adreno 420 GPU
Both devices impress on the battery front. While the full sized Z1 comes with a large sized 3000mAh battery, the Z1 Compact features a 2300mAh which does seem quite apt for the size. Come to think of it, the Nexus 5 with 5” screen comes with a 2300mAh battery.
Conclusion
Both devices are very impressive with the powerful internals and sharp imaging hardware. Probably the only distinguishing factor for most would be the screen size. Depending upon your usage, you can go with either – if you are into gaming/watching movies/web browsing, you should go for the full sized Xperia Z1. On the other hand if you will be using your phone for utility apps and not multimedia with a little gaming every now and then, the Z1 Compact would be a good idea.
