Sony’s Xperia Z1 Compact finally goes on sale in the U.S.

By Malarie Gokey July 9, 2014

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact front angle

Sony showed off the small but mighty Xperia Z1 Compact at CES 2014 in January and now, six months later, it’s finally on sale for U.S. customers from Sony’s online store. Unfortunately, no U.S. carrier has picked up the smaller version of the original Xperia Z1, but you can still get it unlocked online.

Sony’s Xperia Z1 Compact is just about the only high-end Android smartphone out there with a screen size under 5 inches. It’s 4.3-inch display is a rarity in the phablet-obsessed mobile space. The smaller display may not have a full HD resolution, but it does offer 1280 x 720 pixels. The Z1 Compact is powered by Qualcomm’s 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM, making it the equal of most flagship smartphones in that regard.

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The Z1 Compact comes with 16GB of storage built in, which can be expanded up to 64GB via MicroSD card. The device runs Android 4.4 KitKat and offers 4G LTE connectivity. Perhaps the most intriguing specs on the Z1 Compact include the high-end 20.7-megapixel back camera and the IP55 and IP58 water and dust resistance rating. The camera has the same high-quality G lens and Exmor RS sensor as the regular size Xperia Z1. These two specs set the Z1 Compact apart from other mini-me versions of flagship smartphones.

Back in May when we reviewed the device, we agreed that the Xperia Z1 Compact is the best small Android smartphone you can buy.

Although it’s debut on the U.S. stage is late, Sony still has a chance to sell a few units of the Xperia Z1 Compact to those looking for a good quality 4.3-inch Android smartphone. The company is offering the device for $550 unlocked on its website. The Compact comes in black, pink, or white and should work with any U.S. carrier’s network.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

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