Sony Xperia Z5 Compact

It's now quite difficult to find the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact on sale because the company is focusing its small phone attention on the newer Xperia X Compact. If you're after a smaller phone from Sony, be sure to check that more recent device out.

The Xperia Z5 Compact stands alone: Sony is the only Android manufacturer making a small high-end phone right now.

Like the Xperia Z3 Compact before it, the Xperia Z5 Compact puts an impressive array of features comfortably into the palm of your hand, and makes you wonder why no other brands are interested in this niche.

Not everyone wants a giant phone, and who could be blamed for wanting to use their whole screen without needing both hands?

The Xperia Z5 Compact sits alongside two other phones from Sony. There's the Sony Xperia Z5, which offers a 5.2-inch 1,080p screen and 3GB of RAM that you don't get here. Then there's the Xperia Z5 Premium, which will be here in November with a 5.5-inch screen and a 4K resolution screen.

These have since been superseded by Sony's new X line of handsets, including the Sony Xperia X Compact - although it fails to hit the same heights as the Z5 Compact.

One early problem was the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact price. High-end specs require a high-end price, even if the reduced frame might lead purchasers to expect a bargain.

At launch the Xperia Z5 Compact price was £429 in the UK (about AU$710) – but since launch that's dropped and it can now be picked up SIM-free for as little as £350 (around AU$580).

Meanwhile, in the US the Z5 Compact unlocked now retails for $400 - down from $500 at launch. It's not available via popular US carrier subsidies, which will blunt its success.

It's now quite difficult to find a store selling the Xperia Z5 Compact, but the price may be even lower if you do find a retailer stocking the aging phone. If you can't find this phone, we'd recommend checking out our guide to the best compact phones out right now.