Review The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is a beautiful, thin and consistently powerful product from Sony. Wireless network support and OTG mode


What's good about Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact? Briefly this: compact body(thin and light), LTE support, good display, interesting Sony features, water protection, I keep looking...

Design, construction

Sony says that this is in many ways the best tablet on the market. The lightest, weighs only 270 grams. The lightest with water protection, yes, the device is protected according to the IP68 standard, you can safely lie in the bathroom, text with someone or watch movies. The lightest with water protection, and also capable of working as regular smartphone– yes, you can accept a call and talk without a headset. It looks strange, but it's good way Take one device with you on vacation and leave your smartphone at home. I like that the tablet is thin. There are very thin frames around the display, unlike the ten-inch version, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Tablet does not look like a photo frame at all, the gadget is elegant, the matte plastic on the back does not get dirty, except for the black one, there is also a white version.



Accessories include a stand for a magnetic connector, a Bluetooth keyboard, a case with a stand, and if desired, you can set up a mobile office right in the cafe. At the ends there are metal inserts, at the corners there are the same polymer inserts as on the Z3. Neat plugs, a nanoSIM card is used, if desired, you can increase the memory using a microSD card with a capacity of up to 128 GB. On the back there is an 8 MP camera lens and an NFC area. At the bottom there is a cover for the microUSB port, I’m still waiting for Sony to completely abandon the covers; now, before immersing in water, you definitely need to check that they are all closed. If plugs bother you, I recommend buying a cradle for a magnetic connector.






It’s gratifying that the device’s design feels consistent with other Xperia gadgets: a strict appearance without any crazy patterns or plastic skin, a neat power button on the right, a minimalistic appearance. But the 3.5 mm jack should have been moved to the top end, the headphone cable protruding from the side is not very good.




The indicator light is above the display and lights up orange while charging. The speakers on the device are loud.



A huge plus of the tablet is that it fits in a very small bag, outerwear pocket, or in the inside pocket of a jacket. Considering the weight, you might even forget that you have anything there. Ideal for reading on public transport. Reading books at home is also very good, your hand never gets tired of holding it.

Here is a video about the device, from September and filmed not so long ago about a commercial sample.

The tablet case is protected according to the IP65/68 standard, which means that you can swim in the bathroom or take the tablet into the sea - just close the caps. Dimensions are 213.3x6.4x123.6 mm, weight - 270 grams for all modifications.

Display

The diagonal of the IPS display is 8 inches, the resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels, the screen is quite bright, I didn’t have any questions about the display. Good viewing angles, calm colors, it is possible to wake the device from standby mode with two taps. Automatic brightness adjustment works well, another interesting mode is automatic shutdown backlight when you stop looking at the tablet. In the settings, you can select the “With gloves” mode, which is important in cold weather, when many people wear gloves even on the subway. It is possible to adjust the white balance.


It seems to me that the screen here is still covered with film; if I’m wrong, my colleagues from Sony will correct me. The icons are large, if this bothers you, I recommend installing a different shell. Although I think they are quite comparable to the iPad mini icons.

Performance

Uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor, 2.5 GHz, Adreno 330 video adapter, 3 GB installed random access memory, operating room Android system 4.4. There will probably be an update to the next one coming soon Android versions. 16/32 GB of memory are installed, you can use microSD, cards with a capacity of up to 128 GB are supported. Branded wallpapers are used, icons have been redesigned, the clock widget has undergone changes, the hour numbers have become thicker - or rather, the font has become thicker, the minutes have remained unchanged.

Wireless interfaces are typical: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), NFC. A five-pin connector is used, as on the Z2 and Sony Xperia Z3, all new accessories that require power from the gadget are supported - a microphone, a noise-canceling headset. There will probably be other things as well - for example, headphones with support for Hi-Res audio. The magnetic stand on the end allows you to charge the Z3 without using the microUSB connector; if you get tired of the plug, we recommend buying a docking station. By the way, the headset will be removed from the package of all Z3s; you will have to buy it separately. A lot of additional software is installed; they say that if you remove some programs, you can increase not only the memory, but also the performance in AnTuTu. The indicators are not outstanding, you can see in the screenshot, but I didn’t notice that the tablet was slow - it works quite quickly, programs launch without brakes, there’s nothing to complain about.

So, continuing about the software. There is a Deezer client, a music service, a pre-installed program for PlayStation users, radio, Evernote, Garmin navigation, Dropbox, a utility for editing videos, some kind of antivirus, Xperia Lounge. I advise all owners to use latest program, there are many smart offers for Xperia users. For example, if you install the Amediateka client, you can get a month of viewing as a gift. Or 100 books at liters, or a 25% discount on Sony audio accessories, or 50 GB of space in the cloud - in general, take a look, don’t be lazy. It uses nanoSIM, don't forget about this when you buy a tablet.

Camera

Front-camera 2.2 MP, main 8 MP, I can’t say that the quality amazed me - rather, it’s an ordinary average camera, with a strong desire and good lighting you can shoot something more or less sensible. Sony proprietary effects are supported.

Working hours

The tablet uses a 4500 mAh battery; they promise a battery life of about 13 hours in video playback mode, which is not bad - even during a long flight you can watch movies. The STAMINA mode is supported; if the screen is turned off, all contacts between programs and the outside world are stopped, this allows you to save battery power. Charging time with the included power supply is about five hours, yes, yes, it takes a very long time to charge.

Competitors

Naturally, the main competitor for the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is the third generation iPad mini, a model with Wi-Fi + LTE and 16 GB of memory will cost 30,490 rubles, the second generation tablet costs 27,990 rubles. You need to understand that Sony is not increasing prices yet and you can buy a tablet for very good money - probably next year the situation will change and the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact will cost several thousand more.

What to choose? Complex issue. I love iOS, but even when using the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact I didn’t wince - it’s a completely normal work machine, a kind of laptop in my pocket. Not a bad screen, all the familiar functions and programs, in general, what difference does it make what to use? You can even make calls from a Sony tablet, although that doesn't interest me much. After all, you can also take calls from your iPhone on the iPad mini, although it's not quite the same. In short, if the goal was to save almost ten thousand, I would buy the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. But if you choose large tablet, here I advise you to give preference iPad Air first or second generation. And if you can’t live without iOS, then don’t try to replace it with Android, it won’t work.

PS4 Remote Play

This is not the most popular function for devices of the Sony Xperia Z3 family - it is practically useless on smartphones, since playing modern beautiful games on a small display is somehow stupid. Anyway, I bought the PS4 for use with a TV, and I'm not at all happy with this strange scenario. Like, if your girlfriend wants to watch TV and you want to play, take your tablet and go to another room. I don't want to go anywhere if I want to play. I’d rather send the girl or someone else to another room - hey, Sony, you know that TVs are inexpensive these days, right? They should know.




How is the connection implemented? Very simple. You need to install the Remote Play program on your tablet or smartphone, enable remote play in the console settings, then the connection occurs, that’s it, you can play. Just don't forget to connect your joystick via Bluetooth.


And ideally, also buy a Sony GCM10 accessory, it will allow you to install a smartphone or tablet on the joystick.


Then I started playing. First in BF4, then in CoD: Advanced Warfare. Let me remind you that the connection between devices is via Wi-Fi, I have an access point AirPort Extreme. There are delays that terribly interfere with the game; it’s better to forget about multiplayer right away. And the screen is small, it’s hard to get used to it, you really need a TV here. And if you use a mount, tablet or smartphone, it’s easy to go somewhere when the game gets nervous - and if you’re an emotional player, it will always be like that.


In general, the result is this. You can use Remote Play with a tablet or Sony Xperia Z3. With the Xperia Z3 Compact this will be very bad, the screen is very small.

You can play not in multiplayer, but in some kind of racing, action-shooting games, in general, where speed and delays are not particularly important. Why do this? Don't know. Sony sometimes comes up with seemingly ingenious things, but it’s just not at all clear why they are needed. I'm like a representative target audience, there are all the necessary components, desire, but only after the first try the second will not follow - if my girlfriend says that she wants to watch TV, it’s easier to stop playing and not wander around. Well, or leave with a set-top box for another TV.

Modifications

As I wrote above, the tablet comes in black and white casings, I would choose black for myself, it is more practical, although the prints of white ones are also invisible, rear end matte. There are versions with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + LTE, in my opinion, it’s worth buying the latter. With a SIM card you can make calls, send messages, and the tablet can be held like a smartphone - funny, but many people do just that. We no longer laugh when we see a person taking photos with a tablet. I personally no longer smile when I see someone talking on a tablet. Of course, it’s more convenient to do this with a headset, but many people simply don’t want to carry around some headphones - why, if it’s easier to type and talk this way?

Accordingly, the version without Wi-Fi will instantly turn into a pumpkin as soon as you leave the range of the access point. The model with LTE is much more interesting in this sense; in Moscow the speed is very good, it is quite possible to surf or even play WoT without Wi-Fi.

There are versions with 16 and 32 GB of memory, however, only for versions with Wi-Fi. With LTE there is one version, 16 GB (about 10 GB available to the user). Its cost in the official Sony store is 24,990 rubles, versions with Wi-Fi cost 21,990 and 22,990 rubles (16 and 32 GB). Considering that there is a slot for microSD memory cards, you don’t have to worry about the memory - however, I would still prefer the version with 64 GB of memory, it’s calmer. In general, it’s a pity that there is no model with LTE of higher capacity. Memory cards up to 128 GB are supported.

conclusions

The sound quality is not bad, I tried listening with noise-canceling headphones - however, I personally don’t have enough volume, I instinctively press on the rocker, but that’s it, it’s already the ceiling. The speaker is quite loud, but the iPad mini is louder.

Thin and light body (and fits in a pocket), water resistance, LTE, good display and performance (though I have a hard time comparing). The plugs are annoying - buy a magnetic docking station. The update to version 5 will be coming soon, and it's very good. The main question is, has Sony perfected its tablet? I don't think so yet. You need to install a camera like in the Z3 and not think about marketing. Here, too, you need a case covered with glass on both sides (or better yet, let it be metal). High-quality audio stuffing is also lacking. Version with 64 GB, I don’t dream about 128 GB.

But whether they finished it or not, Sony succeeded good gadget for the people. And the price is not too bad yet.

Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact 16gb is an interesting tablet, the strengths and weaknesses of which we will analyze in detail within detailed review. In short, it is distinguished by a stylish and compact body, support for modern communication frequencies, an excellent display, interesting proprietary technologies, protection from moisture and dust, and much more.


The equipment does not foretell anything special:

  • The gadget itself;
  • Network adapter;
  • USB cable.


The manufacturer positions the tablet as one of the best in the world, and these are not empty words at all. It is the lightest, weighing only 270 grams with a diagonal of 8 inches. In addition, it has water protection according to the IP68 standard, so it can be safely submerged to a depth of 1.5 meters.

The advantages don’t end there, because it also has dialer functions, you can take calls and communicate without a headset. Yes, with such dimensions it is not entirely convenient, but many will find such opportunities useful. The bezels around the display are so thin that you hardly notice them. The back cover is made of matte plastic, it does not get dirty at all. There are black and white versions of the Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact 16gb tablet to choose from, the price for which does not differ.

Sony is a world-famous manufacturer that takes care of its customers by offering a wide selection of additional accessories. Among them is a convenient docking station, wireless keyboard, case with stand. The side faces are made of metal, but there are polymer inserts in the corners. The plugs cover the slot for a memory card (up to 128 GB) and a nano SIM card.

On the back side there is an 8 MP camera lens, and in the center there is an NFC area. At the bottom there is a microUSB port hidden under a flap. To avoid having to constantly struggle with plugs, we recommend purchasing a docking station.

The design of the tablet is certainly pleasing to the eye - it is strict and without any special frills, but at the same time attracts with its minimalism. The round power key and volume rocker are located on the right.

It would be better to place the 3.5 mm jack on top, because now it sticks out from the side, which is not good.

There is an event indicator light above the display, so you won't miss a single notification. The speaker volume is sufficient for even the most demanding users. The case dimensions are as follows: 213.3x6.4x123.6 mm. While reviewing the Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact lte, we were pleased with how the tablet fits in our hands. If you have your own opinion on this matter, then you can leave it in the reviews.


Display

The screen of the Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact lte justifies the price. When writing the review, we were very impressed with the quality of the display. It is made according to IPS technology with a diagonal of 8 inches and FullHD resolution. It has an excellent brightness reserve, maximum viewing angles, as well as natural colors. You can exit the lock mode by double tapping on the display. Auto brightness adjustment works correctly. There is an original mode in which the backlight turns off when you stop looking at the screen. For use in cold winter weather, there is a “Gloves” mode. You can customize the white balance. The interface has large application icons, but their size can be changed in the settings.

Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact specifications

The performance of the tablet is driven by a processor built on 4 cores Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, 2.5 GHz, which in combination with 3 GB of RAM and the Adreno 330 video accelerator guarantees fast operation of the interface and the ability to run even the most demanding games. There are two modifications - 16 and 32 GB of internal memory. The volume can be supplemented with using microSD. Kit wireless interfaces very standard - Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, NFC.

The test results were as follows:


Interface

Conducting Sony review Xperia Z3 tablet compact 16gb I would like to draw special attention to the interface, which is very beautiful and convenient. A lot of additional software is installed as standard, and there is an opinion that if you remove it, you can achieve not only liberation free space, but also improve test results in Antutu. The indicators are not record-breaking, but the tablet works smoothly and can handle any games. maximum settings graphics. Installed huge selection proprietary applications such as radio, Evernote for taking notes, Garmin navigator, cloud storage Dropbox, video editing program, music player Walkman, branded gallery and much more.


Cameras

When reviewing the Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact, we were pleasantly surprised by its cameras, which is something you wouldn’t expect from a tablet. The selfie camera has a resolution of 2.2 megapixels, and the main one is 8 megapixels. In good lighting you can get great pictures, but unfortunately there is no flash. You can experiment with proprietary effects and camera settings.


Autonomy

The Sony Xperia Z3 tablet has a 4500 mAh battery with a promised operating time of 13 hours when watching videos. Stamina's proprietary energy-saving technology significantly extends battery life. It works in several modes. In the most economical mode, when the display is locked, all activity in the background mode stops. With the included adapter, charging takes about 5 hours, so you will have to wait a long time for the charge to be replenished.


Modifications

Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact tablet reviews are positive, and the price largely depends on the modification. The device is available in black and white casing. The first one will be more practical. There is a version with Wi-Fi support, and there is Wi-Fi + LTE, it’s up to you to decide which one to choose. The cost of the latter is about 30,000 rubles. It all depends on the specifics of use. If you often take the tablet with you and use it for conversations, then the version with LTE would be optimal, but it is only available with a memory capacity of 16 GB, of which only about 10 GB is available to the user. The Wi-Fi version is available with 16 and 32 GB of memory.


Conclusion

Sony Xperia Z3 tablet compact 16gb is waterproof, high-quality sound conversational and multimedia speakers, good photographic capabilities, autonomy and high-performance hardware. The case not only looks stylish, but is also lightweight. If you are annoyed by the plugs, then just buy a docking station. The only drawback will be the small amount of memory by modern standards, because many people no longer have enough 64 GB.

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Your rating for the smartphone:

As a rule, most new products from the Sony brand immediately reach the top of all ratings, and this is due not only to the well-known, but also to the high quality of its devices. Among such equipment was the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, which immediately gained popularity due to its elegant design and powerful hardware.

Users appreciate the high quality of Sony brand gadgets

What exactly is special about this model? We will consider this issue in our today's review. We will also find out details about all the characteristics of the tablet.

operating system Android 4.4
Screen 8 inches, IPS, 1920x1200 pixels, capacitive, multi-touch, glossy, 283 ppi
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, 4 cores, 2.5 GHz
GPU Adreno 330
RAM 3 GB
Flash memory 16 GB (in version with LTE 16/32 GB)
Memory card support Micro SD (up to 128 GB)
Connectors Micro-USB (with OTG support), 3.5 mm headphone jack
Camera rear (8 MP) and front (2.2 MP)
Communication Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, in another version - support for LTE, GLONASS
Battery 4500 mAh
Additionally accelerometer, gyroscope
Dimensions 213x124x6.4mm
Weight 270 g
Price $350

Contents of delivery

The tablet comes with documents, a charger and a USB cable. There is nothing bad to say about this set, although it does not contain additional accessories. Apparently, the fact is that the creators still pay the main attention to the gadget itself and its contents.

Design

The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact tablet is beautiful, because it has the thinnest body among all existing devices of this kind - 6.4 millimeters. The most important thing about this fact is that for the sake of such a design solution, the manufacturers did not have to sacrifice the filling, as you can see below.

And it’s not just about subtlety, because even in terms of design, the model is stylish and noticeably different from its competitors. The tablet is clad in a black or white case (customer's choice) and is made of matte plastic. There is no need to talk about the strength of the structure, because it is not only well assembled, but is also waterproof. Well, there is protection from dust, which is also good. Plus, you'll want to take it with you everywhere, because the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact weighs less than 300 grams - impressive for an 8-inch device. It is convenient to hold it in one hand, however, you still have to use both hands, because it does not have exactly miniature dimensions.

The finish on the case isn't glossy, so the tablet won't slide out easily, and the back won't easily show a lot of fingerprints. The only thing you need to remember is that before you accidentally or intentionally put it in water, you need to close all the plugs for the connectors.

The front part of the tablet is occupied by the screen, above it there is a front module lens and a light indicator. On the back you will see the main camera as well as the Sony logo.

The tablet is simple and minimalist in design, but attracts with its rigor. Taking this into account, we can immediately conclude that it can be used in any environment, so it will certainly gain a large audience of admirers. And its dimensions and weight only play to its advantage.

Screen

The model has an 8-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 by 1800 pixels. The display is very good and produces a high-quality, rich and clear picture. This last advantage is possible thanks to the placement of 283 dots per inch, which makes the image accurate, and pixelation as such is simply not visible on the screen.

If at the beginning of use you are faced with the fact that the colors are somehow unnaturally displayed on the display, do not rush to get upset - in the settings, the color combination can be brought to perfection by turning them on automatic correction. The viewing angles are maximum here thanks to the IPS matrix.

In addition to the colorful picture, the user has access to several more tools for comfortable use of the screen, for example, control with wet fingers or gloves (useful in the cold season). The ability to automatically adjust the brightness is also noteworthy - it works correctly here, and even the “smart” backlight, which will make using the tablet as comfortable as possible.

We will conclude that the screen is a definite plus of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, especially since the IPS matrix does not consume too much energy.

Performance

The device has a 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with high frequency at 2.5 GHz. In addition to the powerful processor, there is as much as 3 GB of RAM and an adapter for working with Adreno 330 graphics. Since the Android system is installed here, which does not require very many resources, it in no way can interfere with the correct operation of the tablet.

What is he capable of? The tablet will cope with almost any task: it will reproduce without problems streaming video highest quality and will launch any game. There is no point in talking about simpler tasks - especially since no problems will arise with them. The performance of the tablet does not cause any complaints, so it is its main advantage.

It's not cheap for a reason, because you can use the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact for work, leisure and games without worrying about performance speed. With so much RAM and a video adapter, it will be fast when performing any task.

The important thing is that it does not overheat, although it is framed in a thin body. This is another significant point, because even if the processor is of excellent quality, overheating can significantly reduce its performance. Therefore, the model attracts buyers, first of all, due to its high speed of operation with the delicate execution of the outer shell.

Multimedia capabilities

The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact has everything you need to work with multimedia - a bright and high-quality screen, high productivity for playing videos and downloading games. But all this concerns the characteristics already mentioned in the review, and if we talk about the speakers, then they didn’t disappoint here either - they produce a loud, clear sound.

The tablet has a proprietary function of the brand with the ability to connect a PS4 console to it, which will certainly interest gamers. It’s difficult to say whether it will be convenient for you to play on a small tablet, but the technology is interesting and definitely worthy of attention.

To store numerous files, the drive has 16 or 32 GB of memory, which is expandable with a card up to 128 GB. Agree that this is enough for everything you need.

Battery and operating time

The tablet comes with a 4500 mAh battery and has excellent performance battery life- about 11 hours of continuous video playback at the highest brightness. With moderate use of the model, the charge will last much longer. And these results are simply amazing for a tablet of this brand.

Camera

The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact has two cameras: an 8 MP main camera and a 2.2 MP front camera. Not bad, although not enough for high-quality photos. The main flaw that will prevent the user from using the camera everywhere is the lack of flash. Otherwise, the camera is quite good for a tablet, and in normal lighting it takes good pictures.

In addition, you can shoot Full HD video with it, and those who like to play with effects will be pleased with the numerous settings and tools for. The front module does an excellent job with video communication, and you can also take good selfies with its help.

Although cameras as such are only an additional, but not the main element of such equipment, the model we are considering in general has quite decent specimens.

Operating system and programs

The tablet is equipped with Android version 4.4 with the manufacturer's proprietary shell. It looks minimalistic, strict and has a lot of programs from the developer.

The tablet supports NFC function, it is possible to unlock the screen double tap, and the notification panel consists of two parts, one of which shows the current status of the device, and the second contains a quick settings menu.

In general, using the system is convenient and simple; the proprietary shell improves the already comfortable Android interface. It is up to the user to decide whether all those components from Sony are needed or not, but they can be removed at will.

As for the operation of the system, as one would expect, it “flies” and is displayed correctly. It’s not for nothing that the tablet has high performance; its applications launch without delay.

Let us clarify that there is a second version of the tablet, which additionally supports LTE with a SIM card, which expands the already great functionality of the model and allows you to use it for calls and high-speed Internet access.

Competitors

The tablet has several competitors - products from Apple and Samsung with its model Galaxy Tab S 8.4. If you choose between them, then first of all you should focus on which software is more convenient for you to work with.

If it's iOS, then it's clear that you'll still choose Apple iPad Mini 3. But if you love or are more accustomed to Android, then the competing model from Samsung will attract you with its more affordable price and better camera.

But it's not that simple. If you fork over the cash and choose the model we're reviewing today, you'll get significantly better performance, a water-resistant build, and a smarter design. And don't forget about the visual appeal and incredibly light weight of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact:

  • Nice screen.
  • High performance.
  • For a long time.
  • Waterproof housing.
  • Slim body and light weight.

With such advantages, the device has practically no disadvantages as such, except perhaps its cost.

conclusions

The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact tablet is an excellent purchase for those who want to get everything from such technology at once: beautiful design, reliability, high performance and a high-quality screen. A significant advantage of the tablet is its long battery life - you can certainly carry it with you everywhere, take it on the road and use it throughout the working day without recharging.

Yes, the model costs a lot. But, based on the review, we can conclude that the device fully justifies its high cost with its strong parameters and excellent appearance. So if you need a really powerful tablet, then the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is a great choice.

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Which we awarded with an honorary medal “Editor's Choice”. Sony tablets were akin to a breath of fresh air amid the general stagnation of the full-size tablet market. By and large, the only drawback of Sony tablets was the price - of course, quite a lot, like all hi-end devices. On the other hand, the high cost was justified - an attractive appearance, top-end technical features and a host of other advantages. On this moment for the basic version of the ten-inch Z2 Tablet they are asking 26 thousand rubles (the Russian division of Sony has already managed to revise the prices for its devices). It is noteworthy that the new Z3 Tablet Compact with an eight-inch display costs exactly the same.

So, in general, it should be: from a technical point of view, these tablets are very similar. Perhaps the only more or less significant improvement in the hardware part is that the Z3 Tablet Compact has increased the frequency of the processor cores - from 2.3 to 2.5 GHz. Also, its body can be considered more protected from dust. The moisture resistance of the Z3 Tablet Compact is the same as that of the Z2 Tablet. According to official data, the tablet is protected according to IP65/IP68 standards, that is, you can dive with it for half an hour to a depth of up to one and a half meters, and the ingress of dust into the body is completely excluded. Otherwise, the devices are extremely close - the comparison table clearly demonstrates this. They even have the same display resolution.

⇡ Technical specifications

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
Display 8 inches, resolution 1920x1200 (WUXGA); IPS technology 10.1 inches, resolution 1920x1200 (WUXGA); IPS technology
Touch screen Capacitive, up to 10 simultaneous touches
Air gap No
Oleophobic coating Eat
Polarizing filter Eat
Platform Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AC: four Qualcomm Krait-400 cores (ARMv7); frequency 2.5 GHz; process technology 28 nm HPm Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AB:
four Qualcomm Krait-400 cores (ARMv7); frequency 2.3 GHz; process technology 28 nm HPm
Graphics controller Qualcomm Adreno 330, 578 MHz Qualcomm Adreno 330, 550 MHz
RAM 3 GB
Flash memory 16/32 GB NAND Flash + microSD (up to 128 GB)
Connectors 1 × MicroSD
1 × Nano-SIM
1 x Micro-USB 3.0 (MHL)
1 × MicroSD
1 × Micro-SIM
1 × micro-USB 3.0 (MHL)
1 × 3.5mm headset jack
1 × magnetic charging connector
cellular
2G: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz 3G: DC-HSPA+ (42.2 Mbps) 850/900/1700/1900/2100 MHz
4G: LTE Cat. 4 (150 Mbit/s)
band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20
One Nano-SIM (optional)
Qualcomm MDM9x25 modem (built into SoC):
2G: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz 3G: DC-HSPA+ (84.4 Mbps) 850/900/1700/1900/2100 MHz
4G: LTE Cat. 4 (150 Mbit/s)
band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20
One Micro-SIM (optional)
WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4/5 GHz + Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Miracast
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC Eat
IR port No Eat
Navigation GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
Sensors Accelerometer/gyroscope, digital compass, light sensor, pedometer
Main camera 8 MP (3264 × 2448), Sony Exmor RS matrix with back illumination;
autofocus, no flash
Front-camera 2.2 MP (1920 × 1080), Sony Exmor R matrix with back illumination; without autofocus and flash
Nutrition Non-removable battery
17.1 Wh (4500 mAh, 3.8 V);
Non-removable battery
22.2 Wh (6000 mAh, 3.7 V);
STAMINA energy saving mode
Dimensions 213 × 123 mm
Case thickness 6.4 mm
266 × 172 mm
Case thickness 6.4 mm
Weight 270 g 440 g
Water and dust protection IP65, IP68 (immersion up to 1.5 meters) IP55, IP58 (immersion up to 1.5 meters)
operating system Google Android 4.4.4 (KitKat)
Sony branded shell
Current official price
28,990 rubles for the 16 GB + 3G/4G version
25,990 rubles for the 16 GB version
29,990 rubles for the 16 GB + 3G/4G version

So far, two versions of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact are available for order in Russia: without a built-in modem or with it, both with 16 GB of flash memory. The official cost of the first modification is about 26 thousand rubles. For the opportunity to access the Internet via mobile networks third and fourth generation you will have to pay another three thousand. A version with 32 GB of built-in flash memory without 3G/4G was also announced, but it is not yet available in the Sony store - even the official cost of such a modification has not been published.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact - information about the system and hardware according to data CPU-Z applications

⇡ Appearance and ergonomics

Let's remember what the first tablets and smartphones of the flagship Z and Z Tablet series were like? Outwardly, they looked strict, angular, so to speak, stately. With the release of the third generation of smartphones, the appearance of the line has changed significantly. Gadgets have become less official and more “light” visually. From somewhere, convex edges, rounded corners appeared... smartphones lost a little of their individuality, but became more convenient to use. We talked about this in detail in our review of this year's Sony Mobile flagship - Xperia Z3. We left open the question of whether such innovations suit him.

Meet the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

And if, as far as smartphones are concerned, we leave it that way, then in the case of tablets we can safely say that the new, “lightweight” (visually) design suits them. The Z3 Tablet Compact is comfortable to hold in your hands; its ends and corners do not dig into your palm. By the way, the device weighs only 270 grams, so your hands don’t get tired of it even after prolonged use. The thickness of the case is also very small - the same as that of the Xperia Z2 Tablet: only 6.4 millimeters. It's a pleasure to work with such a thin gadget. It easily fits into the pocket of a winter down jacket and does not weigh it down at all.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact - front panel

There are no hardware keys on the front panel of the smartphone - the buttons here are virtual, they are located directly on the screen. At the top of the panel there is a front two-megapixel camera lens. Next to the logo is led indicator exercises and new events.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact - physical buttons

The tablet's ergonomics are fine. And this is good - I remember that the Z2 Tablet suddenly had minor problems with it. The location of the hardware keys on the Z3 Tablet Compact case does not raise any questions. The power button and volume rocker are located on the right side, next to the thumb, if you hold the device in a vertical orientation with one hand. Just above is a five-pin universal 3.5 mm audio jack for connecting a headset.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact - magnetic connector

You can charge the tablet through a special magnetic connector, which has already become a “calling card” of Sony devices. It is placed on the left side. Next to it are slots for Nano-SIM and MicroSD cards.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact - card slot

Sony engineers traditionally hid the connectors for installing cards under a common plastic plug. Under the same at the bottom of the device There is an MHL interface that combines video output and Micro-USB 2.0. These plugs are necessary to protect the device from dust and moisture.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact with open covers

The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact body is made of plastic. Its “back” is rough, with a barely noticeable relief. The tablet does not slip in your hands at all during operation, and back panel, at least white, practically does not get dirty. It houses the lens of the main, eight-megapixel camera... and that's it. The body of the gadget, of course, is non-separable. The tablet comes in black and white colors. Apparently, Sony has finally consigned the signature purple to the river of time, which is a pity.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact - rear panel

We have no comments regarding the assembly of the device. Despite the small thickness of the case, the gadget passed the torsion and fracture test without problems - there are enough stiffening ribs in the design. During the test, we did not detect any suspicious play or creaks. The device looks very nice. However, the main advantage of the Z3 Tablet Compact's exterior, in our opinion, is the modest dimensions of the case. The device turned out to be truly compact - it can easily fit into any compartment of a backpack. It is convenient to take it anywhere with you.

A new hit from the creators of Xperia Tablet S, Tablet Z and Z2 Tablet. One of the most stylish and lightweight compact tablets on the market with flagship specifications (Snapdragon 801 processor, 3 GB RAM, support microSD cards up to 128 GB), IP68 dust and moisture protection, light weight, capacious battery and, of course, a fantastic price. In terms of power, the device is completely identical to the previous Xperia Z2 Tablet, and flagship smartphones, in particular, the Z3 line; the device’s performance is excessive; both the interface and games fly in the model. This tablet (and the larger model) is the fastest and most enjoyable Android tablet I've ever owned.

What else is he interested in?

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact at the time of its release is the thinnest tablet in the world. Unlike smartphones bearing a similar title, there is no compromise in every detail here. Like the new flagship Sony smartphones, tablet supports remote control PS4 over Wi-Fi network. The Z3 Tablet Compact has powerful stereo speakers located on the body in the same way as in the HTC Nexus 9.

What does he look like?

The tablet's materials and body design are very similar to the Z2 Tablet, but the materials on this “tablet” collect fingerprints less diligently. In terms of tactile sensations, the case materials are somewhat reminiscent of sandpaper, so the tablet does not slip either in your hands or on a smooth surface. By the way, the same material was used in ancient Xperia smartphone Go. Let me remind you that this was the first middle-class model in a waterproof case.

The tablet is so compact that you can even hold it in one hand. However, it is impossible to just hold and operate the 8-inch model with one hand.

And although the material of the case is far from being defined as “glamorous” and “charming,” the minimalism of the design, simplicity and subtlety of the model instantly makes you fall in love with it. Please note that there is no flash on the back - this tablet does not have one, although flagship tablets often even have a flash.

Even more delight from the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact arises at the moment when you catch yourself thinking that the device weighs almost nothing. 270 grams - today this is a record in the segment of 8-inch models. Even the iPad Mini 2 is heavier. It’s comfortable to read from a tablet because your hand doesn’t get tired at all. Of course, it’s also comfortable to play with toys where you need to hold the device suspended and even rotate it. For example, in any race.

Since the Z3 Tablet Compact is protected from dust and moisture, most of the connectors on the case are located under plugs. Only the audio output is open, but this is not uncommon for rugged devices. The tablet exists in a version with LTE; in this case, a nano slot is allocated for the SIM card, and it is located in the same “compartment” as the microSD slot. In our model, which only has Wi-Fi support, the connector is tightly closed with some kind of plastic.

It's so thin, it probably gets very hot?

No, this 6.4mm thick tablet does not experience any heat build-up despite the fact that it uses powerful processor Snapdragon 801. Under heavy gaming load, the device becomes warm, but yes temperatures Nexus 9 or Samsung Galaxy Note It doesn't live up to the Edge, although these models don't even qualify as air heaters.

What's wrong with the screen this time?

The situation with the screens in mobile devices Sony is very reminiscent of the old joke about an intellectual at a psychologist’s appointment: sorry, I couldn’t resist. Even when the company switched from unknown screens to IPS in its flagship smartphones, it could not ensure their sufficient quality. A new weak point was poor calibration. There were no problems with tablet displays in previous models. But the Z3 Tablet Compact got a “blue” screen with settings out of the box. In this form, it will be perfectly readable under the sun, but blue Internet pages and blue faces in films, and incorrect color rendition during photography are striking. In the screen settings, the intensity of blue, green and red colors can be adjusted manually. After this, you can start to enjoy it immensely. high resolution(FulHD), excellent detail (283 ppi), rich colors and excellent sensitivity. By the way, the tablet screen supports both operation with gloves and wet fingers. The sensitivity of the sensor in this mode is so high that it is even annoying in places, so I turned it off completely. Automatic backlight brightness adjustment works correctly. Hidden deep in the display settings is a “smart backlight” that remains on as long as the tablet is in your hands.

How long does the battery last?

The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. Thanks to modern processor with good energy efficiency in standby mode when in background No running applications The device loses several percent per day. In online video playback mode with average backlight brightness in FullHD quality, the device’s battery lasts more than 11 hours. Of course, with the power saving mode disabled. This is a very decent result for a modern tablet. By the way, in the device settings, the notification and energy efficiency control item has grown noticeably. If you go on a trip with your tablet, be sure to study it and turn off unnecessary things. Because the Megogo app running in the background alone will eat up your battery within a day. And unnecessary notifications are not only annoying, but also eat up a fraction of a percent of the charge.

What's new in the interface?

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact runs on Android control 4.4 and Sony proprietary interface. The interface doesn't change much from generation to generation, but still regularly learns new tricks. In the interface of the Z3 Tablet Compact, the user is greeted with the same rigor and minimalism, a comfortable keyboard and a host of proprietary Sony applications. The notification panel is divided into two parts: the actual notifications and quick access to settings. I don't like this trend in Android devices, but I can live with it. The interface is well adapted for both vertical and horizontal use. And the tablet also learned my favorite trick - unlocking the screen with a double tap.

The sound settings menu has grown to unprecedented proportions. The tablet has special audio modes for a number of Sony headsets, surround sound modes (although it is better to disable them at least when listening to music through speakers, the result in headphones is not for everyone) and support for Hi-Res audio.

The tablet supports NFC, and its settings include the now popular “touch payment” option. When I installed the Privatbank Privat24 application on the device, it appeared in this menu item as the default tap payment application. Unfortunately, I was not able to test the operation of this function.

But greatest number updates appeared in the camera interface. Although it does not differ in special photographic capabilities, thanks to the presence of more than ten shooting modes “out of the box” and a number of additional paid and free ones in the application store, the tablet’s camera can captivate any lover of non-standard photographs for a long time. Including new augmented reality functions, which even moved to their own menu item - AR-leisure. In them, a photograph can be “thrown” with all sorts of strange things - buckets of paint, bombs, etc. In my opinion, this function has no practical application. But I remember well the story when my friends’ four-year-old son downloaded iPad app with similar possibilities and amused myself with it for several days in a row. I think this is purely childish joy.

Well, and the actual photographs. The camera does not have a flash, the module is 8-megapixel, it can shoot video in FullHD, but photographs should only be taken in sunny weather, because in winter, on a not very clear day, you get such sadness (and the original resolution pictures are in a separate gallery on Torba).

What is in the box?

The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact package is minimalist: Charger, USB cable, documents.

What are the alternatives?

Z3 Tablet Compact at the time of preparation of the review costs 9 thousand hryvnia in the basic configuration (16 GB of internal memory, without SIM slot). This is approximately the same as they ask for Apple iPad Mini 3, but noticeably more than it costs today Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 (7-8 thousand hryvnia) or Apple iPad Mini 2 (6-7.5 thousand hryvnia). When making a choice between all these devices, first of all you should decide on the platform. If iOS is nicer or you already have gadgets on it (and at the same time shopping in the store), then switching to Android for the sake of a waterproof case makes no sense. If you use Android gadgets, then choosing between compact tablets from Sony and Samsung will be somewhat more difficult than choosing between Apple iPad Mini 2 and Apple iPad Mini 3. U better camera and higher display detail. But there is one “but”. Due to the screen resolution of 1600x2560 pixels and a heavier proprietary shell TouchWiz interface The device works so fast. The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact has enough performance for two: the screen resolution is moderately high, and the shell is “light”. And also - the tablet is so thin and light that on the road you don’t feel it in your bag at all; with it you can fearlessly watch movies in the bathroom, read or play on it more comfortably when weighted. But you will have to pay more for this comfort. Well, if the compatibility of your device with PS4 is really important to you, then there is simply no choice.

Bottom line

Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is another great tablet under the Sony brand. Although the model has practically not changed in terms of characteristics compared to the Z2 Tablet (only the display has become smaller and the screen is clearer), the company has done the right job in the area of ​​​​proprietary software capabilities in the new generation. Improved autonomy settings, a bunch of camera features (however, these are most likely unnecessary, but still), “smart” functions (although many of them have long been present in competitors’ devices), a proprietary feature that allows you to play from a tablet in PS4 - that’s all useful and pleasant things. But even without them, the device turned out to be the best or one of the leaders in almost everything among its classmates: design, ergonomics, lightness, performance, autonomy. For these things you can love the Z3 Tablet Compact without looking back. If you are preparing to buy a compact tablet and your budget allows you to choose this model, then we recommend doing just that. The only contraindication in it is the camera - here it is weaker than in flagship tablet Samsung and Apple. If you plan to shoot on a tablet while traveling (we don’t approve, but you never know), it’s better to take something from the above-mentioned competitors. Yes, and you will have to tinker with the screen settings for a few seconds, but its “blueness”, fortunately, is a fixable matter.

5 reasons to buy Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact:

  • uncompromising performance;
  • dust and moisture protection IP68;
  • impressive autonomy;
  • you need a tablet with the ability to play PS4 remotely;
  • record low weight and thickness.

2 reasons not to buy Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact:

  • you can't afford it;
  • You plan to take photos with a tablet, so you're looking for a device with a decent camera.
Technical Sony specifications Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Display 8"", IPS, 1920x1200 pixels (283 ppi)
Dimensions and weight dimensions 213x124x6.4 mm, weight 270 g, protection IP68
operating system Android 4.4.2 (upgrade to Android 5.0 expected)
CPU quad-core, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, clock frequency 2.5 GHz, Krait 400 core architecture, Adreno 330 graphics
RAM 3 GB
Storage device 16/32 GB+microSD memory cards up to 128 GB
Camera 8 MP, video 1080p; autofocus, front 2 MP
Communications Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, MHL, Bluetooth 4.0, a-GPS+GLONASS, LTE (optional), NFC
Connectors microUSB(with OTG support)
Battery 4500 mAh