Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact review

The iPad mini has made tablets around the 8-inch form factor cool, and Sony's first stab at this middle market is a pretty good one.

It's not going to set the world alight, but for a powerful Android slate it offers a good array of features, although the price is on the steep side.

We liked

Battery life when playing video at normal brightness levels is fantastic, making it perfect for making any long-haul flights more bearable.

The super-slim, super-light frame makes the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact a joy to use, especially during those crowded work commutes.

Waterproofing gives you confidence you're not going to have any issues in the rain. Or the bath, if that's your bag.

We disliked

Until recently we'd have been happy with a 1200p screen but there are several tablets out there that offer greater sharpness.

Value isn't top-notch when the second-teir iPad mini is so much cheaper, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 offers extra features at the same price.

If you don't care about waterproofing, having to deal with the microUSB flap every other day becomes a pain.

Verdict

If you want the most tablet hardware you can get for the least amount of cash, you may find the equation a little off in the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. The screen resolution is lower than the top contenders, and this shows up when web browsing and in the interface.

However, it's not really a concern for watching video or playing games, where the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact excels.

Add in the thin, light body and you have a great tablet for long trips and boring work commutes.

First reviewed: November 2014