When Sony released the Xperia Z1 Compact, a non-outsized phone with specs nearly identical to the flagship Xperia Z1, we hoped it would be the beginning of a new trend. Large screens might be nice, but users who prefer something a little easier handle had been left out of the flagship market altogether. Unlike its "mini" counterparts, the Z1 Compact boasted of a top-end processor and camera, with only the screen really scaling down to suit the smaller body.

Sony didn't refresh the Z1 Compact when the Xperia Z2 was released, but thankfully the company hasn't given up on the idea altogether. After skipping a generation, the brand new Z3 Compact is here. It's a little less premium and a lot more expensive than before, which means there isn't much of a gap between it and its full-fat sibling. We're curious about whether the Z3 Compact will carry on the mission its predecessor started, or will find a new niche for itself in the market.

Look and feel

The first thing that struck us about the Z3 Compact is that it has ditched the metal frame that stood out so prominently on the Z1 Compact. There's plastic all around, which gives it a slightly lower-end feel, but the aesthetics have actually improved. Sony has toned down the colours - beyond the standard black and white, you can now choose a deep orange or a pale green instead of the bright pink and yellow.

The opaque front and back sandwich a translucent middle band. The corners have the same shock-absorbing properties as the ones on the new Xperia Z3 (Review |Pictures), but you won't find any of its slick curved metal. The advantages of this are that the magnetic dock connector is far better concealed, and the flaps covering the ports and slots are easier to open. One thing the two siblings do have in common is that their glass backs are so smooth, they both slide around on flat surfaces like air hockey pucks.

Sony's trademark round silver power button is in its usual place on the right edge, with the volume rocker right below it. Both are too low to be used easily, and we wish Sony had placed them more appropriately considering how this phone will typically be held. There's also a dedicated two-stage camera shutter button which doubles as a shortcut to launch the camera app even when the phone is in standby.

There are twin stereo speakers on the front. Our white review model had clearly visible cutouts for the front camera and sensors. All the other variants have black front panels, which we think looks a little better. The Z3 Compact has the same IP68 rating as its sibling, which means it is resistant to damage from exposure to dust and liquids. That's always a good thing, but the tradeoff is that you'll have to deal with the fiddly side flap every time you need to plug this phone in to charge.

The Z3 Compact is only a hair bigger than the Z1 Compact was , but it's also nearly a millimetre thinner. It's light enough to be comfortable, and it isn't too much of a stretch to use it with one hand. In terms of size, this phone is a little wider than an iPhone 5s and about the same height, but its screen occupies more of the front face. Interestingly, the Z3 Compact is smaller than (but not as thin as) the newly announced iPhone 6.

Specifications and software

The list is pretty much identical to that of the Xperia Z3. Both use the same quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 running at 2.5GHz with integrated Adreno 330 graphics and LTE modem. However, while the Z3 has 3GB of RAM, the Z3 Compact has only 2GB. 16GB of internal storage and support for 128GB microSD cards are common to both, along with Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS, and a full complement of environmental sensors.

The biggest difference is of course the screens. The Z3 Compact steps down from full-HD to 720x1280. It's a little less crisp in absolute terms of pixels per inch (ppi), but it still looks very crisp and should be more than enough for most people. Interestingly, the screen has been bumped up to 4.6-inches diagonally, from the Z1 Compact's 4.3 inches, without any significant increase in body size.

As a result of the smaller body and less power-hungry screen, the Z3 Compact can get by with a 2,600mAh battery rather than the 3,100mAh required by the Z3. We'll be very interested in seeing whether this compromises battery life in our tests and in real-world usage.

The camera is the same 20.7-megapixel unit as the one on the Z3, and is also capable of recording 4K video. High-resolution audio support and PS4 Remote Play also make their way over. Nothing has been reserved or made exclusive to the more expensive model. Considering our excellent impressions of the Z3, these are all tempting reasons to buy the Z3 Compact instead, and we're glad we get to choose between the two.

The software is identical to that on the Z3 - Android 4.4.4 with Sony's rather overbearing UI skin. The two phones behave identically and their software looks just the same. You can read all about the software usage experience, including the unfortunate bloatware and the new camera app modes, in our detailed review of the Z3.

Now that Apple has announced its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus with nearly identical specifications, comparisons to the Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact are inevitable - no one else offers such similar hardware in two sizes. However, where Apple has tweaked its software to offer more options and a richer UI on its larger model's bigger screen, Sony has just scaled things up and down, pixel for pixel.

Performance

If you were expecting lower performance than that of the Xperia Z3, prepare to be surprised. The Z3 Compact actually pulls ahead in a number of tests - the lower-resolution screen is easier to push, giving the smaller model an edge in tests that measure graphics performance. The score of 41.2fps in GFXbench is the highest of any device we've tested all year, and is comfortably higher than the Z3's score of 29.9fps (and a decent improvement over the Z1 Compact's 34.9).

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Similarly, the 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited test gave us 19,465 points as against the 16,995 that the Z3 managed. AnTuTu 5, which is a mixed test, showed a lesser advantage to the Z3 Compact with a score of 42,493 compared to 39,441. Quadrant's overall score tipped in favour of the Z3 Compact, but the CPU and memory sub-scores indicated that the Z3 a clear advantage in these areas - they just get overshadowed by graphics performance.

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All this means that the Z3 Compact will be an excellent device for gaming on. The experience might not be very immersive, but games will be smoother and look better. HD videos played perfectly, and the sound from the front stereo speakers was impressively loud, though just a little tinny. This isn't just the most powerful compact phone on the market - it's one of the most powerful, period.

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Real-world performance is also just as good. We couldn't find anything to complain about in terms of UI responsiveness or app behaviour. This phone was a total pleasure to use. Call quality was perfectly good, though you have to make sure you position the tiny earpiece correctly.

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We weren't entirely sure how the battery life equation would work out, with a smaller battery but less demanding screen than the Z3. It turns out we shouldn't have been worried - the Z3 Compact posted one of our best ever battery life results with a very impressive 15 hours and 5 minutes of uninterrupted video playback. You should easily get two or three days of usage out of every full charge.

We were constantly impressed by how slowly the battery life percentage reduced, even during demanding test situations. We charged the phone fully and put it away in storage one night, only to find it happily kicking back at 99 percent the next morning. In fact we tested the battery twice, because our initial finding of 11 hours, 13 minutes (despite being impressive on its own) didn't adequately bear out our impressions of what we should find.

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We were also very happy to note that the Z3 Compact's camera is every bit as good as the one on the Z3. There's still a lot to discover, especially since Sony only makes various features available as separate "camera apps", no matter how useful (or frivolous). Despite the 20.7-megapixel rating, we'd stick with the default 8-megapixel setting which really is good enough, and makes storage and management easier.

In terms of image quality, we were more than happy with the camera's performance in all conditions. Low-light and video reproduction could have been a little better, but what we have is still miles ahead of the competition at this price point.

Verdict

As you can probably tell, we are tremendously impressed with the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. If you've ever wanted a top-end phone but held back because of the sheer size of the things today, this is easily the one for you. The only thing working against it is its price - at Rs. 44,990, you might not see much point in "stepping down" from the Z3, which costs Rs. 51,990. It's also quite a bit more expensive than other manufactures' full-sized flagships - the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M8)included. The decision truly comes down to just screen size, not budget.

This disappoints us a bit, because the Z1 Compact had the same equation with its bigger sibling yet cost a lot less when it launched, making it a very attractive proposition. In fact, the Z1 Compact is still available for around Rs. 29,500 today, which makes it not only one of the best choices at that price, but also a very compelling reason not to buy the Z3 Compact.

There isn't much difference between the Z1 Compact and Z3 Compact - a little CPU speed, LTE support, a few camera tricks, a marginally smaller screen, and 1mm of width. Despite all its amazing qualities, the Z3 Compact has a deadly competitor in the form of its own predecessor. As we noted in our wrap-up of the Xperia Z3 review, it's a fantastic device when seen on its own, but it really makes its lower-priced predecessor look even better.

The Xperia Z3 Compact represents a criminally under-exploited market segment and we're still waiting for competition to jump in. Maybe the strategy will catch on now that Apple has adopted it. It's high time that our fixation with huge screens was reined in, and for now, Sony has the only options in town on the Android side of the fence.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

Rs. 42,149

• REVIEW

• Design
• Display
• Software
• Performance
• Battery life
• Camera
• Value for money

• Good
• Massive power in an unobtrusive package
• Great camera
• Good screen and speakers
• Dust- and water-resistant

• Bad
• Software could use improvement

Read detailed Sony Xperia Z3 Compact review

Apple will launch the iPhone 6 16GB variant in India at a price of Rs. 53,500, while the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus will start at Rs. 62,500. The phones will be available in India starting October 17, in line with the date that was last seen on Apple's India website. Apple authorised dealers will start taking pre-orders next week, with customers who pre-book receiving their units on 16th night itself.

NDTV Gadgets has seen emails Apple authorised dealers are sending out to customers which mention the price and availability details.

The 64GB and 128GB 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will be priced at Rs. 62,500 and Rs. 71,500 respectively. Similarly, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus will cost Rs. 71,500 for the 64GB variant, before topping at Rs. 80,500 for the 128GB variant.

NDTV Gadgets had independently heard the same price and availability information earlier this week, but we'd been waiting for verification from other sources before sharing with our readers. Needless to say, Apple India refused to comment for this story.

Apple announced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the biggest iPhone models till date, on September 9. The phones received over 4 million pre-orders within 24 hours, andopening weekend sales topped 10 million, though the launch has been far from smooth for Apple.

The company had to deal with the Bendgate controversy, and has also been embarrassed by a series of bugs in iOS 8, the OS that comes pre-installed on the new iPhone models.

It's worth remembering that last year's iPhone 5s also came to India sporting a price tag of Rs. 53,500. More recently, BlackBerry launched the Passport - which is being sold at $650 off-contract in the US, $1 more than the iPhone 6 - in India at Rs. 49,990, raising hopes that Apple will follow suit with a sub-Rs. 50,000 tag for the new iPhone 6.

For now, those hopes look set to be dashed.

What do you think about the India price of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus? Let us know via the comments.

After months of speculation and plenty of leaks, Microsoft has given the world its first official look at the next version of Windows. The biggest surprise is its name - Windows 10. While some of the new features are predictable, others come as surprises. It's clear that Microsoft has gone back to the drawing board after enduring endless criticism of its bold Windows 8 strategy and redesign. The reinvented Windows tries to combine the best of both worlds.

1. Windows 10 will be designed to appeal to office workers 

After years of dealing with complaints that Windows 8 was too different to roll out in large-scale corporate environments and would require massive resources to be spent on retraining users, Microsoft has decided to appeal to that crowd by incorporating familiar elements and hiding features that won't be applicable. The new Start menu is a prime example of this. 

2. ...and corporate IT managers

On the management side, Windows 10 promises better security, easier manageability, and improved capabilities for dealing with today's security threats. There will also be improved methods of installing and dealing with volume licenses, making the upgrade process easier. Custom app stores will help corporate environments to deal with software deployments and permissions. There is still a huge install base of Windows XP machines in office environments which work just fine, but Microsoft's new features might be tempting enough for managers to finally decide that an upgrade is worthwhile.

3. Windows 10 will scale from small smartphones to giant data centres

The Windows 10 name will apply to future versions of Windows Phone as well as Windows on tablets, desktop PCs and hybrid portable devices. The same experience will carry over to the Xbox One console and potentially other devices as well. Users will see an interface suited to their device type, screen size and input methods, so for example, the full-screen Start UI will not necessarily be a part of the desktop usage experience, but will appear for touch-first tablet users. There will even be a way for users to switch between the two modes, especially if they use tablets with detachable or foldable keyboards.

4. The new Start menu will combine Windows 7's usability with Windows 8's tiles

While a lot might change between now and the final release of Windows 10, previews indicate a two-column Start menu with old-style icons for pinned or recent programs on the left, and live tiles on the right displaying updates and information. The tiles will be customisable, though at their smallest size they will be functionally identical to pinned shortcuts.

5. Modern apps will run in windows on the desktop

Desktop users will be able to run Modern apps (downloaded from the Windows store) on the desktop just like other apps. They will be resizable and can be pinned to the taskbar. Important functions will be accessible through a context menu.

6. Virtual Desktops are finally coming to Windows

A mainstay of OS X and most Linux distributions for years, virtual desktops have remained a niche feature on Windows. In another move aimed at appeasing hardcore desktop users, virtual desktops are now baked right in. A new Task View will let you see an overview of all running apps and arrange them between desktops. 

7. Snap has also been improved

You can now quickly tile four apps at once on the Windows 10 desktop just by dragging them to the corners of your screen. You'll see suggestions for filling up your screen so that you don't have to deal with overlapping windows. Desktop users with large monitors will rejoice. 

8. Search and power user features will be improved

The new search feature combines local and Web results. You can begin searching just by typing when the Start menu is open, which means you can continue to hit the Start button and just start typing exactly like in Windows 8. Microsoft has another treat for power users - finally, you can use a simple Ctrl+V shortcut to paste text into the Command Prompt. 

9. The Charms bar isn't going anywhere

Just like with the Start screen, Microsoft isn't completely removing all vestiges of Windows 8. The Charms bar remains, though most probably only visible to users of touch-first devices. It will be improved, and those Windows 8 users who are familiar with it can continue to use it.

10. There's much more to come

Microsoft has teased that there are plenty of good reasons for its decision to skip a Windows 9 and jump two version numbers ahead. We hope to see many more improvements and refinements of the concepts that have been demonstrated so far. With public beta releases not too far away, it's going to be an eventful year leading up to the final release of Windows 10.

From stereo speakers to 7.1 channel surround sound, home entertainment systems have come a long way and Dolby is perhaps the name most synonymous with this development. While many homes have speaker systems that support Dolby surround sound, until recently its latest technology Dolby Atmos was only available in cinema halls. Now the company is bringing Atmos to the home and brands like Yamaha, Pioneer, Denon and Marantz are getting ready to ship products.

Dolby Atmos cinemas first made their appearance in 2012, and in India many of our halls are still in the process of upgrading to the new technology. The first hall to add Atmos in the country was the Sathyam multiplex in Chennai, though more halls including PVR Juhu and Prasads Multiplex in Hyderabad have also started to use the technology. In Delhi the first theatre to bring in Atmos was Delite in May, and Sapna added Atmos in June.

What is Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is essentially a way to layer an extra bed of sounds over the regular mix made using traditional channel-based method. The bed mix largely consists of atmospheric sounds. On top of this bed, additional audio elements or an audio object can be positioned according to the corresponding visual on screen.

Instead of using the speaker channels, Atmos can pinpoint individual speakers, to make the position of sounds much more precise, letting you accurately trace the movements of, say, a helicopter, or helping you feel like you're really inside a scene as the various environmental effects fill the space.

By doing this, Dolby Atmos gives sound designers the ability to 'move' the sound as background or foreground objects move on or off-screen, giving the resultant effects a more realistic feel. For example, in Transformers: Age of Extinction there is a scene where a gunfight is taking place. If you watched this film with Atmos, you can hear - not just see - the bullets whizzing past, and thudding into different parts of a wall.

While the technology is still being adopted in cinema halls in India, this technology will soon be making its way into our living rooms in the form of Dolby Atmos for Home Theatres. Bollywood is also warming up to its enhanced surround effect. The first Bollywood movie to use the technology, Madras Cafe, won the sound designer Bishwadeep Chatterjee a National award.

We got a chance to visit Dolby's new office in Mumbai to get a live demo of Atmos for Home Theatres and were pretty impressed. The results are not quite as good as the enveloping feeling of audio in a properly equipped cinema hall, but considering how stripped down the setup is, the experience is still very good.

Modular and upgradable

At Dolby's facility, the test setup included an Oppo media player, Yamaha's soon-to-launch RX-A3040 Audio Video Receiver (AVR) and a 12 channel 7.1.4 custom Bower and Wilkin speakers, where the number 4 indicates a new set of overhead speakers. This meant that we had a total of 12 speakers, but according to Dolby, the Atmos for Home Theater format will support up to 32 independently firing speakers, to create an even more immersive experience than the one we got to try. While that's impressive, it's still a far cry from the 64-channel setup that you can have in cinema halls.

Of course, aside from the cost of the AVR, adding more speakers will also make it more expensive for you to put together your Atmos setup but the system is modular and speakers can be added over time.

To use Dolby Atmos you can add overhead speakers to your current home theater or upward firing speakers that reflect sound from your ceiling to create the surround effect, the same way virtual surround sound bounces the sound waves off your walls. Home Theatres in a Box (HTIB) with Dolby Atmos audio are being planned for the near future. These will also be cheaper than putting together your own setup.

To showcase the technology, Dolby showed us a few demo videos such as a Red Bull racing video, and an experimental music video for the song Bailando, by Enrique Iglesaias.

First impressions

The moment we heard Sebastian Vettel's Renault F1 racing car whizzing past us at a dizzying speed, we were hooked. The panning sound moved through the side mounted speakers smoothly.

The overhead speakers on the other hand were a little too close for comfort, and couldn't really replicate the same engulfing effect that Atmos has in cinema halls. If a sound passes through the overhead speakers, it is very apparent and feels like something is flying by right overhead instead of being up in the air.

Of course, this will depend on the size of the room, the speakers being used, the sealing of sound, and many other factors, so the experience has the possibility of getting better in different settings.

On the other hand the music video really took us out of the experience. The problem could just be that the mix was done to showcase Atmos and not the song, but when instruments start to come from just one speaker for no real reason then it takes away from the experience. What could probably work is if the technology was used for accurate sound staging and highlighting channel separation, especially to pan the sound of a particular instrument.

These small quibbles aside, there is no other surround sound experience that can match Dolby Atmos at the moment.

Content is king

Of course, a technology is only as good as the content that supports it. However, Dolby assures us that customers will not have to switch to entirely new formats to make use of Atmos. Blu-ray discs and HDMI 1.4 cables will continue to be used, which means that your old content will work fine on a Dolby Atmos setup. At the same time, you'll be able to buy Blu-rays, starting with Transformers: Age of Extinction, which will release by the end of September. Also, starting October 15, Bollywood movie May Kom's Blu-ray discs with Dolby Atmos mix will become available.

In other markets, services with 4K streaming can also support Dolby Atmos which will give customers a lot of content, although this is something Dolby expects to see in more mature markets for now, and there is no indication of 4K streaming in India yet.

This means that getting Atmos for your home is a tempting proposition, but it won't come cheap. Pioneer has three AVRs available now in the US market, which support an 11-channel setup. You can get the SC-85 at $1,600 (Rs. 98,400 approximately), the SC-87 at $2,000 (Rs. 1,23,000 approximately) and the SC-89 at $3,000 (Rs. 1,84,230 approximately) - plus of course, shipping and customs will add a fair bit to the price.

Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon and Marantz have already lined up their products for release but we have no concrete details about their pricing right now. Of course, you have to factor in the cost of speakers to the actual cost of having your own Atmos setup.

For now at least, we, along with most others, will continue to experience Atmos in cinema halls. But the demo has us convinced that, over the next few years, Atmos for Home Theater is going to be as big a leap as the jump from stereo to 5.1 surround sound.