The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is a remarkable entry in the realm of 8-inch tablets, successfully marrying innovation with portability. Launched alongside the Xperia Z3 smartphone, this compact device features a sleek and waterproof design that sets it apart from competitors. With its impressive hardware specifications and future-proof capabilities, the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact promises to elevate your multimedia experience. Its user-friendly interface and great battery life make it not only one of the best compact tablets but also an essential tool for on-the-go users. Let’s explore the key features and performance metrics in our comprehensive Z3 Tablet Compact review.
Taking a closer look at Sony’s offerings, the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact represents the pinnacle of portable technology for users seeking a lightweight device that does not compromise on performance. This tablet, known for its slim design and robust hardware, brings exceptional user experience tailored for both leisure and productivity. As we dissect the features that make this Sony tablet stand out, it’s crucial to note its competition in the landscape of compact devices, where performance and design play integral roles. Reviewers across the board have hailed its battery life and multimedia capabilities, solidifying its position as a favored choice among users of 8-inch tablets. In this exploration, we’ll delve into how the Xperia Z3 stands against other tablets in its class.
Overview of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Design
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact presents itself with an elegant and modern design, aligning with Sony’s OmniBalance aesthetic. At just 6.4mm thick and weighing around 9.52 oz, it is claimed to be the most lightweight and compact 8-inch tablet available. The device is toughened with an IP68 rating, ensuring it can withstand splashes and brief water immersion without compromising functionality. However, while the sleek design is visually appealing, some users have mentioned that it lacks the premium feel of its predecessors due to the use of softer plastic on the back.
The front of the device is entirely glass, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall durability of the tablet. It’s designed for optimal comfort whether held in portrait or landscape mode, making it user-friendly for extended use. The well-placed buttons and protective water-tight flaps add to its practicality, ensuring that the design does not only focus on looks but also functionality. With these design features, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is certainly in contention for one of the best compact tablets currently on the market.
Display Quality of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
The display of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact features an 8-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels, translating to a pixel density of 283ppi. The Triluminos technology that Sony uses improves color quality, offering a decent visual experience. Although users can appreciate bright viewing experiences with a maximum brightness of 590 nits, there are reported concerns about the display’s color accuracy, as it tends to lean towards a cooler, bluish tint. This might not adequately cater to users who require precise color reproduction for professional tasks.
While the overall sharpness of the display is acceptable for everyday use, potential buyers should be aware that it’s not the standout feature of this model. The brightness levels show that it performs well in direct sunlight conditions, making outdoor use feasible. However, its minimum brightness might not meet the needs of nighttime readers, as it drops to 14 nits, possibly leading to some discomfort for extended viewing in darker environments.
Performance Review of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Under the hood, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is powered by a Snapdragon 801 chipset paired with 3GB of RAM, ensuring a fluid performance across various tasks. Users have praised the device for its ability to handle demanding applications and multitasking remarkably well, making it a viable option for gamers and productivity tasks alike. Storage options vary between 16GB and 32GB, which can be easily expanded via a microSD card. This flexibility in storage is an essential aspect for users who tolerate substantial multimedia consumption.
Overall, the performance of the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact stands out in tests when compared to other 8-inch tablets on the market. Whether browsing the web, streaming videos, or using productivity tools, users have reported smooth and responsive interactions. This robust performance is a crucial consideration for those looking for a tablet that can act as both an entertainment and a productivity device.
Camera Capabilities of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact features an 8.1MP rear camera as well as a 2.2MP front-facing camera. While the front camera performs adequately for video calls and selfies, the rear camera has garnered mixed reviews due to its underwhelming performance in varying lighting conditions. Users often find that the image quality does not meet expectations for a premium tablet, particularly in low-light situations where clarity and detail can suffer.
This underperformance can be a significant drawback for users who prioritize camera quality for capturing moments or even just scanning documents. While other tablets in the same category may offer superior camera capabilities, the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact seems to focus more on multimedia consumption rather than photography. This distinction makes it imperative for potential buyers to consider their needs—especially if they view the tablet primarily as a media device rather than a photography tool.
Battery Life Insights of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
One of the standout features of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is its impressive battery life, powered by a 4,500mAh unit. Users can expect almost 10 hours of continuous web browsing, which positions it strongly against competitors in the compact tablet market. Such longevity ensures that the tablet can last throughout a busy day without the constant need for recharging, addressing one of the most critical aspects that users consider when purchasing a device.
However, the trade-off comes in the charging time, which can take approximately 4 hours and 42 minutes to fully recharge from empty. This means that while the tablet excels in battery longevity, prospective buyers should be prepared for longer charging sessions. Nevertheless, the dependable battery performance elevates the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact as a reliable choice for users who require a device with extended usability.
Multimedia Experience with the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is designed with multimedia consumption in mind, boasting a superior audio experience that showcases the brand’s audio technology. Users have reported that the stereo speakers on this tablet deliver clear and immersive sound, making video streaming and music listening enjoyable. With support for varied video formats, including the ability to play 4K videos seamlessly, it stands out as a strong contender for movie lovers and gamers alike.
Beyond audio, the visual display complements the multimedia experience well enough, despite some display criticisms. The combination of great sound quality and decent visuals allows users to engage fully in their favorite shows or games. Thus, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact proves to be a great option for individuals looking for a multi-functional device that excels in consumption and entertainment.
Navigating the Interface of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
The interface of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is built upon Sony’s Xperia UI on top of Android 4.4.4, providing users with a functional yet relatively straightforward experience. The multitasking feature, facilitated by Small Apps, allows users to manage multiple applications effortlessly, which is necessary for those who thrive on productivity. While some may find the interface not as flashy as those of competitors, its straightforward functionality caters to a broad audience who prefer simplicity over embellishments.
Additionally, features like the Double Tap to Wake add convenience, allowing users easy access without needing to press the power button. This minor functionality enhances user interactions and reduces wear on the physical buttons over time. Thus, while the Xperia UI may not set trends, it effectively provides a stable platform for users to navigate seamlessly throughout their daily tasks.
Comparative Analysis of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
In the competitive landscape of portable tablets, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact finds itself amidst formidable rivals, such as the iPad mini 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4. Positioned as one of the best compact tablets, it offers users a unique combination of portability, performance, and battery life. When directly comparing specifications and user experiences, many users appreciate how the Z3 Tablet Compact balances a robust feature set against its sleek design.
Additionally, while some competitors may surpass it in camera quality or advanced display technology, the overall user experience of the Z3 Tablet Compact—considering its waterproof capabilities, multimedia strengths, and performance—places it strong within its category. Users looking for an all-around tablet experience that is both compact and powerful may find the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact meets their needs effectively.
Final Verdict on the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
In conclusion, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a lightweight and compact 8-inch tablet. With a solid battery life and a design that showcases durability, it aligns well with the demands of modern users who prefer portability without sacrificing essential performance. While its camera and display may not meet every user’s expectations, it still offers a robust experience in media consumption and everyday tasks.
Ultimately, the Z3 Tablet Compact’s ability to deliver an engaging multimedia experience coupled with solid performance reveals why it stands out in the market. Even though there are areas for improvement, such as its display accuracy and camera capabilities, the overall package makes it a great addition to Sony’s tablet lineup, ensuring it remains relevant in 2014’s tablet landscape and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact?
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact features a sleek and lightweight design, measuring only 6.4mm thick and weighing just 270g. It is waterproof with an IP65/68 rating, has an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels, and is powered by a Snapdragon 801 chipset with 3GB of RAM. The tablet also includes impressive battery life, lasting nearly 10 hours on web browsing.
How does the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact compare to other 8-inch tablets?
In comparison to other 8-inch tablets, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact stands out for its slim design, powerful hardware, and waterproof capabilities. While it excels in battery life and performance, it has been noted for issues with display accuracy and a subpar camera compared to competitors like the iPad mini 3 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4.
What is the battery life of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact?
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact boasts an impressive battery life, with its 4,500mAh battery lasting close to 10 hours during web browsing, making it one of the best compact tablets for longevity. However, the charging time from 0 to 100% is approximately 4 hours and 42 minutes.
What makes the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact a good multimedia device?
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is an excellent multimedia device due to its high-quality stereo speakers, enhanced by Sony’s audio technology, and support for various video formats, including 4K playback. Its display brightness of up to 590 nits allows for use even in direct sunlight, ideal for watching videos on the go.
Is the camera performance of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact satisfactory?
While the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact features an 8.1MP rear camera and a 2.2MP front camera, its camera performance is generally considered underwhelming. The rear camera struggles with quality in various lighting conditions, making it less effective for photography compared to other tablets in its class.
What is the user rating for the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact?
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact has impressive ratings, boasting a PhoneArena rating of 8.8 and a user rating of 10.0, indicating strong customer satisfaction and performance in the 8-inch tablet category.
How can the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact’s display be improved?
Users have noted that the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact’s display could benefit from improved color accuracy and responsiveness. Despite its decent sharpness and brightness levels, parts of the display lean towards a cold and bluish tone.
Can I expand the storage on the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact?
Yes, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact offers storage options of 16GB or 32GB, which can be expanded via microSD cards, making it versatile for users who require additional storage for apps and multimedia.
Which operating system does the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact run?
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact runs on Android 4.4.4 with Sony’s Xperia UI overlay, providing users with a functional interface along with preloaded apps and multitasking capabilities.
What are the pros and cons of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact?
Pros of the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact include its lightweight design, waterproof body, powerful hardware, and excellent battery life. However, cons include display inaccuracies and underwhelming camera performance, which may not meet expectations for photography.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pros | – Most compact and lightweight 8” tablet on the market – Slim, waterproof body – Fingerprint-free back cover – Powerful hardware setup – Great battery life |
| Cons | – Inaccurate display – Underperforming camera in real-life situations |
| Ratings | PhoneArena: 8.8 User: 10.0 |
| Design | – 6.4mm thin and weighs only 9.52 oz (270 g) – IP65/68 waterproof rating – Elegant design with some soft plastic finishes |
| Display | – 8-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels – Good brightness but color accuracy is lacking |
| Performance | – Snapdragon 801 chipset – 3GB RAM – Supports multitasking with Small Apps |
| Camera | – 8.1MP rear camera – 2.2MP front camera with acceptable quality but rear struggles in various light situations |
| Battery Life | – 4,500mAh battery – Lasts nearly 10 hours while browsing – Charging time of about 4 hours 42 minutes |
Summary
The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact offers an impressive combination of compactness, lightweight design, and strong performance, making it a notable choice in the tablet market. Despite its criticisms regarding display accuracy and camera performance, it provides excellent battery life and multimedia capabilities, positioning itself strongly against competitors. As of late 2014, it stands out as one of the best 8-inch tablets available.
