Sony unveils mid-range Xperia X Compact

The handsets, which feature Sony‘s “triple image-sensing technology” which is created to capture blur-free photos, were launched at IFA Berlin 2016.

The Sony Xperia X Compact launches on September 25, ahead of the XZ on October 23.

As with the Z5-series, there is very little difference between the XZ and X Compact aside from the chipset, CPU, and a few other bits. The Xperia XZ is the most premium phone of the group, packing Sony’s best camera tech to date as well as some impressive specs. The top and bottom sides are flat, so the phone can stand flat on a desk, in case you ever wanted a phone that can do that. The Nova boasts a 12MP camera and Full HD screen, retailing for about €399 (Dh1,636), while the Nova Plus has a 16MP camera and 3,340mAh battery, and is expected to retail for €429. It will come with 3GB of RAM, which is actually pretty good, 32GB of storage that can be expanded upon up to 256GB.

Sony Xperia X Compact is water resistant like Xperia XZ and features a fingerprint sensor embedded into the power button like Xperia Z. The smartphone also drops microUSB port in favour of USB-C standard. It is a IP68 certified device that protects it from water and dust contact.

Around the back, you’ll find the same 23-megapixel, “triple-sensing” camera Sony built into the high-end XZ.

Both phones bring significant advancements in the evolution of image stabilization, cultivated in Sony’s Handycam camcorders, with Sony’s SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode to enable superb video.

In addition, the XZ offers 4K video, along with manual focus and shutter speed control (maximum 1/4000 second). The front camera is a 13MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture.

Sony’s recent round of tough restructuring has not come at the price of innovation, the company’s chief executive told CNBC, adding that the company was still able to create “wacky” products to wow consumers.

It now has four X models on the market (not all in Ireland), with the XZ and another new handset launched today, the X Compact, bringing the total to six. The display measures at 4.6-inches, easy to use single-handedly and weighs only 135g.

Inside, the Xperia X Compact shows its Xperia X roots as it features a Snapdragon 650 SoC. The X Compact also offers 32GB of built-in storage, 3GB of RAM, a fingerprint reader and a microSD card slot. However, there is no waterproofing on the device. It will be available in black, white and light blue. We haven’t got an exact release date or any word on United Kingdom pricing just yet, but you can expect a price tag of around £549 SIM-free.

Xperia Tips also recognises user habits to provide personalised tips and recommendations, helping you optimise your own personal user experience while Smart Cleaner automatically maximises performance by cleaning the cache from certain apps based on learning their usage so optimal performance is achieved at all times.