A Sony Experia Z3 Compact Smartphone Is Pictured At The IFA Consumer Technology Fair In Berlin
A Sony Experia Z3 Compact smartphone is pictured at the IFA consumer technology fair in Berlin, September 5, 2014. Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch

Water-resistance and dust protection features have been added to Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z1 Compact. While both offer powerful hardware components, Xperia Z3 Compact boasts some things Xperia Z1 Compact cannot provide.

Durability Aspect

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact offers dust-tight protection in addition to water-resistance with IP 68 which is better compared to IP 58 on Xperia Z1 Compact that provides limited dust resistance. Both smartphones can withstand water damage for up to 30 minutes within 1.5 metres of depth provided all ports are tightly sealed.

PlayStation 4 On-The-Go

Similar to its big brother, Xperia Z3 Compact has been compatible with PlayStation 4 games using the installed Remote Play feature. Users of this smartphone can access, browse and play games PlayStation 4 titles as if doing it on a console.

A special type of accessory made by Sony Mobile allows the DUALSHOCK4 controller to be used on Xperia Z3 Compact. Xperia Z1 Compact cannot use the controller normally since it is an exclusive feature among Xperia Z3 devices.

Upgraded Battery Performance

Sony Mobile claims that Xperia Z3 Compact offers up to two days of battery performance with normal usage which can be extended further using the updated version of battery STAMINA mode. The Extended Usage mode can give up to 14 per cent usage time even if the device is actively in use while the Ultra STAMINA mode enables the user to shutting down non-core phone functionality to bring out more juice.

Improved Audio Experience

Three main audio engines have been added on Xperia Z3 Compact which Xperia Z1 Compact cannot deliver. DSEE HX or Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, High Resolution Audio and Digital Noise Cancellation enable the user to get better audio experience.

1. DSEE HX upscale low resolution songs to near high resolution sound quality.

2. High Resolution Audio engine reduces distortion and noise.

3. Digital Noise Cancellation provided by a compatible accessory can block up to 98 per cent of exterior noise.

Camera Experience

Camera apps are common on Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z1 Compact as part of Sony Mobile's services on Xperia devices. Also, both devices use a 20.7 MP rear camera 1/2.3" Exmor RS lens but Xperia Z3 Compact offers two additionally features:

1. Very ISO of 12800 in a smartphone for low-light conditions.

2. 25 mm wide-angle lens to get more light and subjects into the frame.

Software Related Perks

One of the advantages of Xperia Z3 Compact is having Android 4.4.4 KitKat as default OS with automatic eligibility to two major software releases - Xperia Z1 Compact is likely to end on Android L. Xperia Z3 Compact hardware components such as processor, graphics chipset and battery can be easily adapted to any future upgrades from Sony Mobile related to apps and services, gaming and entertainment, and a possible new version of STAMINA mode.