The first "real" compact flagship, Sony's Xperia Z1 Compact, has finally made its way to the US. Available in European markets not long after its announcement in January, the device is now available through Sony's online store.
This latest delayed outing for the US market coincides with Sony's somewhat odd release strategy for the US, where Sony smartphones have typically arrived there later than in other global markets. As America is the second largest smartphone market after China based on shipments, most manufacturers make it a priority for their devices to have timely US releases.
Not so with Sony, as their current Xperia Z2 flagship is still not available for sale there, while the US variant of their previous Z1 flagship, the Z1s, was released a full four months after the device was available to European retailers, missing the holiday season altogether.
The late release of the Z1 Compact could have more effects than simply missed sales, as an eventual compact variant of Sony's next flagship, the Xperia Z3, is rumored to land shortly. This makes the Z1 Compact potentially even less enticing, as its eventual replacement could arrive mere months after its US availability (likely not in the US, however).
The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is nevertheless a capable device, providing the same robust processor as the Z1 flagship in a smaller frame, with the only sacrifices coming in regards to battery capacity and screen resolution.
For more on the Z1 Compact, check out our comprehensive review. Otherwise, visit Sony's US store, where the device is up for purchase for $549.
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