Like the iPhone SE, the Xperia X Compact is a great device for Sony’s mobile portfolio. While many people have had no problem transitioning to larger 5-inches and above phones, there is still a good portion of the population that prefers something a bit smaller. In addition to their compact form factor which can be easier to use, smaller phones also inventively come at a lower price point that makes them far more attractive in developing nations like China and India. In short, a device like the Xperia X Compact can be a hit across territories like the US and Europe due to its smaller design aesthetics while helping due higher volume in other countries because of its lower price point. But a flagship Xperia XZ Compact doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Chris Barraclough from recombu had a chance to talk with Sony’s senior product marketing manager Jun Makino about such a device.

 Makino told us that its Compact fans tend to value the camera tech and battery life above everything else. The majority aren’t bothered about the fastest processors or water resistance, so it makes sense for Sony to produce an Xperia X Compact rather than an Xperia XZ Compact. As a result, you get a phone that ticks off most consumers’ love list priorities, while also trimming the price tag. 

As much as an Xperia XZ Compact would be nice, Makino is right. If price is one of the key factors in your purchase, it’s quite likely that you’re ok with some features being dropped, otherwise you’d swing for the fences and buy the flagship model. In the case of the Xperia X Compact, Sony brought some of the most important features of a modern phone, a great camera and a fast processor. Other things like waterproof housing and 4K video while nice, are not likely high on the list of a budget conscious consumer.

And from there, if Sony were to produce such a phone, chances are its price point wouldn’t be that far off from the Xperia XZ if the only differentiator was just screen size which in turn would muddy their own lineup of phones.

Discuss:

Would you like to see an Xperia XZ Compact?