Recent years brought smartphones of varying sizes, build quality, and overall reliability. Now, see Sony's answer to every discerning smartphone user's plight with their compact version of the flagship Xperia Z3.

Tony Ibrahim of Goodgearguide.com.au reviewed the compact version of Sony's champion. It is safe to say that other manufacturers should be on their toes, as the phone delivers so much in the places that matter, and where others simply fall short.

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At 5.01 inches, the phone's small form factor is comfortable for hands of all shapes and sizes. The 4.6-inch IPS screen has a pixel density of 319 pixels per inch with a resolution of 1280x720; any more of the specification, Ibrahim says, is "overkill".

Sony sticks as close to stock Android as they always do, throwing in minimal bloatware and a UI that goes well with pure Android. The device is snappy, as people expect from an Android 4.4 Kitkat device.

The phone keeps an overlay that "is applied consistently throughout the smartphone." It keeps close to stock Android, but adds some Sony flair with the Sony custom menu popup when sliding from the left in the application drawer.

Where the device shines is the battery, an aspect that mobile users can definitely appreciate. With a total of 27 hours of heavy use, the reviewer concludes that it would keep users from worrying whether the phone would last a weekend without a single charge.

With added PS4 compatibility, a 20.7MP camera, and water/dust-proofing, the Xperia Z3 compact does great where users truly care about. A powerful quad-core 2.5Ghz processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage with microSD support make the device an attractive choice for those looking for a versatile smartphone replacement.

Despite the fanfare, nothing is ever perfect. The compact screen may make some users find it small, and charging the device quickly with a cable requires opening some unsightly flaps.

Sony scores a slamdunk with the flagship specifications, however, and with its rigid metal corners, and a flat form factor, the Z3 Compact is one of the only devices that Goodgearguide have given a complete 5-star rating.

Tagssony, Xperia Z3 Compact, battery, Review