The update offers the following new features and improvements in its changelog, which are similar to what we have already seen on the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 updates.

Sony Xperia Z1 update (14.5.A.0.270) changelog

• Ensured the lock screen / notification bar doesn’t indicate “no service” when the device has coverage
• Added a Sony feature; bringing back the “close-all-button” in the activity menu, so you can easily close all apps at once
• Unblocked devices with server policies (such as Exchange Active Sync for e-mail), to enable the new Lollipop lock-screen notifications
• Ensured the LED light is lit across all sound modes – and no longer offset by “silent”
• Made the necessary fixes to enable the easy movement of content from internal memory to external microSD card (something we saw affecting a few devices)
• Improved messaging functionality in Ultra stamina mode – some conversations could not be opened before in Ultra stamina mode

source - Xperia Blog

source - XperiaBlog

The display on the Xperia Z1 compact is 4.3 inches with a 720 by 1280 pixel resolution compared to the 5 inch 1080 by 1920 pixel display on the full-size model. Addtionally the Compact comes with a 2300 mAh battery compared to the 3000mAh battery on the Xperia Z1. However its smaller size makes it easier to handle and reportedly offers superior battery life over its larger sibling. Even the display quality of the Compact is reportedly better than the Xperia Z1¹.

There is only on grand prize to give away, and all you have to do its watch the video embedded in the competition link and spot the Easter Bunny. Then simply tell Sony where you spotted the Bunny and you will be entered to win the prize. Entries will be accepted until Thursday April 24th. Only one entry per person will be accepted


The winner will be notified via email between April 28th and May 2nd, based on the decision of three judges. Good luck!

Sony is rolling out the Android 4.4 KitKat software update to the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z1 Compact. The update will bring all the new features and performance improvements offered by the latest version of Android, along with the customizations from Sony.

This means you will get the updated Status Bar and Quick Settings menus which are now clearer and more intuitive. The Xperia lineup will also borrow the new launch animation and live wallpaper from the Sony PlayStation 4.

Furthermore, Sony's native Android apps, such as Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, TrackID TV, Sony Select, Smart Social Camera have received updates as well, while the Media apps (Walkman, Album, and Movies) are now integrated with Sony Entertainment Network and PlayMemories. The update should bring a better UI and faster download speeds.

Finally, Sony's Xperia Themes with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select will let you customize up to 280 items from the Xperia Android interface in a variety of styles.

Sony kicked off a competition that lets you win two of its latest products: the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone and the Sony SmartBand wearable. To enter the competition you have to Like the official Sony Mobile Facebook page, and answer two simple questions - you'll get the answers by watching a video presenting Sony’s new Lifelog app.

While the Sony SmartBand will go on sale later this month (for around $120 - €99), the Xperia Z1 Compact is available to purchase since the end of January. Unlike other mini smartphones, the Z1 Compact doesn’t compromise on specs. Apart from the smaller display (4.3 inches, 720p), it’s pretty much identical to the Sony Xperia Z1, featuring a waterproof body, a quad-core 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 20.7MP rear camera.

The competition is open globally to participants of at least 14 years old, and it will end on March 17. There will be six winners, each receiving an Xperia Z1 Compact plus a Sony SmartBand. Make sure to read the Terms and Conditions before entering.

The video is available on the competition page which you can access by clicking the following source link


source - Sony (Facebook)

One of the great new features on the Sony Xperia Z2 is the ability to answer a call by just bringing the phone to your ear. The feature is enabled from the Smart call handling set on the Z2, and has been present on phones from other manufacturers for a while now.

Now the folks at XDA have managed to port the Smart call handing feature to the Xperia Z1 and the Xperia Z1 Compact.

[NOTE] Keep in mind that your device will have to be rooted before you continue with a custom recovery installed.

[NOTE] Rooting and installing custom apps is not recommended unless you are fully aware of the risks that come with it. You will be fully responsible for any loss of data or device malfunction which may occur from incorrectly following this guide.

1. Download the Intelli_sign zip file, and flash it to your device in recovery mode
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2. Download the Gesture.2.apk file, sideload it, and install
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3. Start the Gesture app, enable the Smart call handling feature, and start answering calls by just raising the phone to your ear

You can see click on the images below for higher resolution samples.

Nokia Lumia 1020 (5MP)	Sony Xperia Z1 Compact (8MP)
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Bright sunshine, medium distance subject
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Bright sunshine, same subject but zoomed
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Weak sunshine, zooming again, but limited
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Bright sunshine, distant subject, zoomed
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Indoor lighting macro
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Party scene mock-up
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Dark of night

You can check out the author's verdict and take on each of these photos by heading over to the source link below


source - AllAboutWindowsPhone

In their attempt to top one another, Android manufacturers sometimes forget that bigger doesn't always mean better. While many would argue that Apple should offer a larger iPhone, several users are happy with the user friendly dimensions on the Apple iPhone 5s. So lets see how Apple's flagship compares against the OmniBalance design of the near equally sized Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

While Sony has provided the same hardware on its flagship device in the compact form, manufacturers like HTC and Samsung provide sub-par experiences on their flagship mini variants. This makes the Xperia Z1 Compact stand out as one of the only compact high end phones next to the iPhone 5s.

At the end of the day your choice will come down to personal preference. While the iPhone's app ecosystem and user experience will never let you down, the Z1 compact has the advantage in the hardware department along with the customizable user experience of Android.

You can read a detailed comparison between the Xperia Z1 Compact and the Apple iPhone 5s on PhoneArena.

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is not the first mini version we have seen of a flagship device. But unlike the other mini variants, the Z1 Compact packs the exact same hardware into a smaller more handler friendly frame, including the premium-looking, water- and dust-proof body. But lets see how this quality smartphone compares against one of the best built Android handsets in the market - the HTC One.

In terms of design, we have a close match between the HTC One and the Z1 Compact, but the latter has the advantage of faster and more powerful internal hardware. The HTC One has aged quite a bit and will fall short if it goes up against the younger competitor in performance.

While the Z1 Compact is more suitable for portability and single handed use, the attractiveness HTC One, along with its front facing stereo speakers and bigger display will continue to win it some fans.

You can read a detailed comparison between the  Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and the  HTC One on PhoneArena.

Size is not everything, especially in the smartphone world. Manufacturers have proven time and time again that not everyone is looking for the biggest displays on smartphones. That’s where the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact comes in with the simple promise to be not just compact, but also running on no-compromise top-notch hardware. So how does a mini version of Sony's flagship compare against the Samsung Galaxy S4?

Bothe the Xperia Z1 Compact and the Galaxy S4 are great devices. If you prefer a smaller more handleable handset, the Z1 Compact is a better choice. It additionally offers a premium build, better protection from the elements, a more powerful processor and better camera.

The Galaxy S4 is now nearly a year old, and its age is starting to show. While its larger screen size has some advantages, you could always consider the Xperia Z1 as an alternate.

You can read a full comparison between the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and the Samsung Galaxy S4 on PhoneArena.

The Sony Xperia Z1 and the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact are two very similar smartphones. They share the same design language that Sony phones are known for, like their waterproof bodies, and they both pack the hardware specs we've come to expect out of a high-end Android devices. Size, however, is the key factor that sets them apart. The Xperia Z1 comes with a 5-inch screen and is obviously the chunkier one of the two, while the Z1 Compact is physically smaller as it is equipped with a 4.3-inch display. The following video takes a closer look comparing these two handsets to find out what sets them apart.

Both handsets are very similar as you will see from the video, hoping to reach a wider audience based on the users preference in smartphone size. The Xperia Z1 Compact much more suitable for those who value ease of use above all; those who would appreciate owning a high performer that they can easily operate with one hand and fit in any pocket. On the other hand, people who often find themselves watching videos or photos, browsing the web, or playing games on their smartphone should be more satisfied with the Xperia Z1 since its bigger, higher-resolution screen is a huge asset when it comes to multimedia consumption. Overall, we find both phones equally appealing, which is why whichever you pick, we doubt you'd end up feeling disappointed.

You can read a full comparison between the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and the Sony Xperia Z1 on PhoneArena.

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact maybe a compact smartphone like the HTC One mini and the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, but it has one major difference - it is a high-end flagship device. While other manufacturers release smaller variants of their flagships with mid-range hardware, Sony has decided that their compact Z1 deserved the very best.


Many Android users consider bigger as better, and so the Xperia Z1 Compact may not be the top choice for someone looking for an Android flagship device. However the fact that the Z1 Compact is easy to use and handle, makes it one of the top choices for someone stepping into the Android world after using an iPhone.

With its handleable size it includes the same high quality 20.7MP camera found on the Xperia Z1 along with the powerful quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM. Its only shortcoming is its 4.3 inch display, which has a 720p resolution compared to the 5 inch 1080p display on its larger siblings.

You can read a full review of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact on PhoneArena.