In the world smartphones there have been typically two choices to go with: large-screened handsets with top-end specifications, and smaller devices with mid-range internals. Recently companies such as Samsung (with the Galaxy Mega) and Nokia (with the Lumia 1320) have shifted to producing large devices with weak specifications, but the complete opposite has been neglected. Simply put, there's very little choice for those who want a highly portable smartphone, but don't want to sacrifice the hardware inside to get it.

Sony has an answer in the form of the Xperia Z1 Compact. Nearly everything about this smartphone is the same as its large-screened brother, the Xperia Z1. There's a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC inside, a 20.7-megapixel rear camera, and a fully water resistant aluminium-glass build ? but it's all in a body barely larger than its 4.3-inch display.