The Xperia Z5 Compact had an impressive three-day battery life without activating power saving modes. The Z5 Compact is waterproof to IP68 standards, but still has an exposed headphones port and microUSB port, meaning there’s no need to struggle with fiddly doors during normal use. It is colourful and bright, but not quite as pin-sharp as some rivals with much higher pixel densities in excess of 400 or 500ppi. The 4.6in screen has relatively low resolution at 720p with a pixel density of 319 pixels per inch (ppi). With a reassuringly solid build, easy to reach power button and front-facing speakers that aren’t blocked by hands: there’s no doubt this is one of the easiest smartphones to use.Ĭall quality is excellent but the volume buttons are quite low down on the right-hand edge making them relatively difficult to reach while holding the Z5 Compact in a secure grip. Its size makes it feel really nice in the hand. Its larger 5.2in brother the Xperia Z5 is 1.6mm thinner and its predecessor was just 8.6mm thick, but it is markedly thinner than the 11.6mm Motorola Moto G.

The phone is also relatively chunky for a flagship smartphone at 8.9mm thick. The plain plastic sides and glass front and back feel and look basic – a step back compared to last year’s model. Sony’s minimalist design has reached its natural conclusion with the Z5 Compact. The frosted glass back is protected by a small lip to the plastic sides that keeps it off the deck when placed flat on its back.

Sony xperia z5 compact case