Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
You can not fail to have noticed the Samsung Galaxy range of smartphones if you have looked
to charge your mobile device within the last 24 months.
The brand is growing from strength to strength with record sales on many of their Galaxy
devices.
Under this brand falls many different handsets, some of which are smaller/mini versions of
more capable premium ones. The S4 Mini is one such example.
Many have purchased the Mini, thinking it had all the capabilities of the bigger S4
only to find (when it was too late) that this was not the case.
Sony have now stepped in the ring to bring the ideal solution. A smaller sized handset
that retains the majority of high end or premium features.
OK the screen size and battery have had to be compromised but some is to be expected.
What Sony do that Samsung and HTC have not is limited these compromises. The result is
the Z1 Compact.
Commanding a bit of a premium, how do they stack up in terms of hardware specification
and real world operational differences.
The specs certainly stack up in favour of the Compact and at about £80-100 more than
the S4 Mini it is not surprising.
However, spread that £100 difference over the average 24 month ownership and for an
extra £5 per month there are some considerable advantages.
Naturally the quad-core processor outperforms the dual-core, but for everyday tasks such
as making calls, sending texts, browsing the web and similar procedures the dual-core is
more than adequate.
However start throwing some mobile games at it and really intensive multi-tasking and
the lag becomes apparent.
The Compact is a PlayStation mobile approved device meaning it will better suited to those
who like to kickback with a game or two, but that does not mean the S4 Mini is not capable,
it is just not as capable when it comes to more intensive and demanding content.
Consider your usage and be lead by that, not just by the fact that Z1 is superior.
With only 8GB from day one the S4 Mini is already at a disadvantage. Add the heavy Samsung
software and the 8GB soon gets closer to 5GB.
Like the Z1 Compact, it is does have a microSD memory card slot meaning both benefit from
expandable storage, but the Compact has 16GB out of the box and a lighter OS install, so
initial value for money for memory goes to the Compact.
The Compact boasts 2GB against the 1.5GB of the S4 Mini. With only 512MB between them
it will be only those that push the limits of these devices that would notice the difference.
This again portrays itself in the more intensive activities such as gaming.
It is worth mentioning that whilst both have 4.3" displays, they vary in resolution, with
the Z1 Compact offering 1280 x 720 against the 960 x 540 of the S4 Mini. The PPI is too
affected with 342 against 256 respectively. This is by no means a big thing, but a small
notable difference.
Whilst a camera is not all about the megapixels, there is no denying that the technology and
components used on the Z1 Compact set an extreme hurdle for the S4 Mini, which it can not possibly
jump over.
The Mini puts up a good fight and produces an all round decent photo and video results
but Sony show Samsung how it is done.
Both offer quite extensive control over the camera and what it can do. Personally I think
the S4 Mini's interface is nicer on the camera, but there isn't a lot to differentiate the
two. There are 'value added' features such as Social Live and Info-Eye on the Z1 but
whether they are of value to you will depends on your needs.
The Compact does too have the dedicated camera button, the S4 Mini does not.
Bigger is often better with battery, but as such it knocks onto the physical size of the
device. There is just 400mAh between the two here.
The Compact has the bigger battery, but this is built in whereas the S4 Mini is removable.
There are some advantages to this, but battery technology is so good now, that it is rare
you actually need to remove the battery or replace it.
The Mini will last a good day and possibly longer with power saving mode, but with S4
can not withstand the might of the Compact's battery. Even with the higher resolution display
this device can last a good couple of days with STAMINA mode turned on. It is quite impressive
and somewhat odd when you do not need to actually charge the device every day. This will not
be applicable to all, but many could be in this position.
Both are Android devices.
The S4 Mini is stuck currently on Android 4.2, whilst the Z1 Compact is on 4.3.
There is not a great deal of difference but both Sony and Samsung offer a customised version
of Android.
Samsung's customisation is deeper and heavier and affects the on board memory, whereas Sony's
is not quite as rich, but looks to offer value over stock Android.
It is personal opinion as to which you prefer. I don't mind either. Samsung's interface looks
more polished, but the impact on performance and memory is noticeable.
Neither device is weak in terms of connectivity, but the Compact has MHL out as well as Miracast
technology which gives it the edge over the S4 Mini for the media lovers or business user.
Whilst most phones withstand the odd splash, the Z1 can survive a full immersion in fresh
water for up to 30 minutes. Rare that you might need this but you can more comfortably
use the Z1 Compact in wet conditions. Just make sure the covers are closed if you are
going to immerse the device.
Plastic is well known to be one of the favourite materials for Samsung and the S4 Mini is made
up of primarily of this.
The Compact on the other hand has an aluminium and glass construction.
Both feel solid enough but the Compact feels the more premium of the two without doubt.
There is a softer edge to the S4 though which can be of benefit in comparison to the squarer,
slab esq design of the Compact. It doesn't take a genius to work out that on first impressions
the Z1 often wins.
The Compact is 30g heavier than the S4 Mini but that is not surprising when you consider
the package and the materials. It is noticeable in hand but quite possibly worth it for what
you get.
Once being small and lightweight was of uppermost importance, but the demand for features appears
today to outweigh this. It will inevitably be a personal decision.
There is quite some variation in the specs. This of course comes as a result of the Z1
Compact being a squashed Z1 rather than the S4 Mini which is a smaller and less featured
S4.
It will be personal opinion as to whether you feel the added bulk and cost of the Compact
is worth the extra spend.
Neither device will leave you struggling and demanding much more if you are aware of the
differences.
If however you want to ensure you get the better all round experience, you would be
best off opting for the Z1 Compact.
For the full detailed specification comparison visit Clove.co.uk