‘IT is simply the best Android smartphone on the market at the moment.” And so goes the summary of Engadget.com Associate Editor Jamie Rigg’s review of the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact—also referred to as the Xperia Z3C, which is part of the surprisingly beefed-up Xperia family of mobile communications/productivity devices that Sony Philippines unveiled on October 14 at a midday event in posh Century City Mall in Makati City.
We say “surprisingly” because not only does this latest collection of Xperia products carry the usual suspects of sexy, cutting-edge smartphones targeted at markets that go from the mid-range to the high-end, but also an unexpected tablet (the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact with a stunning 8-inch display), SmartWear offerings (the downright exciting SmartBand Talk that Dick Tracy would have loved, and the SmartWatch 3), plus a gaggle of accessories that easily turn your Xperia smartphone into a professional-grade DSLR camera (Smartphone Attachable Lens-style Camera DSC-QX100), or a kick-ass PlayStation 4 remote player (the trifecta of Xperia smartphone, DualShock4 wireless controller and Game Control Mount GCM10), plus lots of wireless state-of-the-art speakers, headphones and charging docks.
Of course, the attention-grabber at the launch was the Xperia Z3, which is a fabulous refinement over its predecessors with edges and corners that are softer and just a tad rounder, a 5.2” Full HD display with even more exceptional viewing angles, and even more color choices (white, black, copper or silver green).
Now, which colors would you like, luv?
That said, the Xperia Z3 Compact (available in orange and green, in addition to the classic white and black) garnered its share of fans during the recent reveal—and with good reason.
Unlike rival smartphone vendors’ smaller “mini” iterations of their flagships, which are not just smaller in size but also considerably lesser in performance, the Z3C is identical to its bigger sibling in almost every way but the screen size.
Of course, this means the Z3C is as much a powerhouse as the flagship Xperia Z3: integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.5 GHz quad-core CPU with 4G LTE modem, 20.7-megapixel camera with 1/2.3” “Exmor RS for mobile” image sensor, new 25 millimeter “G Lens” and ISO 12800 sensitivity—a first for smartphones—for superior photos even in low-light conditions, and a battery life that Sony claims (and early reviews buttress) powers the Z3 and the Z3 Compact for up to two days with typical use—two days, and that’s even with the excellent power-saving Battery Stamina Mode off.
“At Sony Mobile, ‘flagship’ now means offering a choice to consumers of enjoying a large-screen Xperia Z3 for immersive entertainment, or the more compact, lighter Xperia Z3 Compact that doesn’t ask you to compromise on features,” says Vince de la Cruz, Sony Philippines manager for mobile communications. “Consumers demand and deserve greatness from their smartphone—in design, camera and battery life. That’s precisely what we aim to deliver with Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact, at the same time as delivering leading innovations such as unique Sony camera experiences and, for the first time, PS4 Remote Play in two beautifully designed, fully waterproof smartphones.”
You don’t get a similar range of color choices with the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact—but that doesn’t diminish the lust factor of this tablet.
Impossibly slim, astonishingly light and exquisitely crafted—Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is a design sensation. At just 6.4mm slim, its compact design is perfect for those on the go, while advanced Sony technology ensures you don’t have to compromise on power. Weighing just 270 grams, the ultra-portable tablet feels weightless in your hand.
Created using the highest quality materials, its clean lines and uniquely designed power button capture Sony’s exquisite attention to detail. Stainless steel corners, an ultra slim rounded frame and a tempered glass front give an elegant and durable finish.
Even more compelling, Sony’s passion for perfection takes the design of this compact tablet even further—adding market-leading waterproofing to beauty. The IP65/68 rating means you won’t ever have to worry about water or dust getting in the way of performance. Take your tablet poolside, find your way in the rain, and keep scrolling through your recipe next to the kitchen sink. Wet conditions are no problem, and other compact tablets are officially blown out of the water.
There’s much more to write about the latest and totally exciting additions to Sony’s Xperia family of mobile and wearable devices and accessories, and we’ll do just that as soon as we get to take a product or three for a spin.
Meanwhile, Sony Philippines has launched an early Christmas campaign that encourages Filipinos to create and share random acts of kindness to move Filipinos to spread the Christmas cheer this season.
Entitled as “Loud and Clear,” the social-media campaign calls for netizens to capture and upload photos or videos on any social-media platform (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) that show how they or other people make family, friends, or even strangers happy with a small or big gesture.
Running from October 24, 2014 to January 25, 2015, the campaign requires netizens to use the hashtag #PassTheCheer and tag @SonyPHInc for Instagram and Twitter and @SonyPhilippines for Facebook to qualify in the promo.
Every month from October to January, two winners will be randomly selected to bag exciting surprises and gadgets from Sony.
Know more at www.facebook.com/SonyPhilippines.