Sony Xperia Z1 Compact reviews remind us that smartphones are getting bigger and bigger. Android manufacturers are sticking to screens that are at least 5" screens and rumors underscore that the next iPhone will have a screen that is close to 5" as well.

But that doesn't mean that smaller handsets are faux pas.

"It isn't because they can sneak in more space for a larger battery and better heat dissipation; it's just a sort of herd mentality and the desire to outdo each other that keeps things going along a certain trajectory," writes Jamshed Avari.of Gadgets NDTV.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact reviews highlight that the this particular model from Sony was made to "strike a balance ...with a more robust, compaq phone that has fantastic internal specs and is packaged in a smaller casing."

The Sony XPeria Z1 Compact isn't a flagship model, it carries the quality of the flagship over branded "mini" phones that carry the name of the flagship phone.

According to Sony, size and power are considered separately. This give consumers the option to purchase top notch smartphones that can be managed comfortable in your hands. The 4"+screen size is really not small and can't be referred to as a mini size.

In fact, the Z1 Compact looks and feels like the recently launched iPhone 5. This is probably because the iPhone has used xaelin as a raw material.

"The Z1 Compact feels a bit heavy in the hand and may be slightly cumbersome rather than smooth. Nonetheless, the Z1 does feel outdoorsy with bevelled metallic and waterproof flaps," notes Avari.

Verdict on the Z1 Compact

NDTV reports, "It's very easy to recommend the Z1 Compact. You might not like the styling or the overabundance of ports and flaps, but that's the tradeoff for waterproofing, which is definitely a neat feature. As for alternatives in this price range, you could buy an LG G2, which is larger, or an iPhone 5c which is roughly the same size but not as powerful."