Sony would be working on a new tablet which could be presented at the presentation conference that will take place in Berlin on September 3, and in which You could also present the Sony Xperia Z3 and the Sony Xperia Z3 CompactIn addition Sony Xperia Z3 TabletHowever, Sony would also have a new small-format tablet which would compete with the iPad Mini, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact.
We do not know the possible Technical specifications of the new tablet, nor do we have a photograph of it, nor do we know if it will have a seven, eight or nine inch screen. However, its existence is almost official, since the name of said tablet appears in the official manual for the Sony BSC10 magnetic charging base. However, there is no mention in the manual of a full-size Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet. It is possible that they made a mistake in including the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet CompactThe Xperia Z3 or the Xperia Z3 Compact do not appear either, although it could also be possible that they will not launch a new full-format tablet with this generation.
We can expect, being Sony, that it will be a tablet with a design very similar to the Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact, of which photographs have already been published. And something very important is that the fact that it is a small format tablet does not necessarily mean that it will have worst specifications, but quite the opposite. Just like the Xperia Z1 Compact, it's possible that this is a high-end tablet. If so, we're talking about a tablet capable of rivaling the iPad Mini, although we'll have to see what price Sony sets for this new tablet, because knowing the company, it's also possible that it's one of the most expensive mid-size tablets on the market. Although, yes, it would have a glass and aluminum design, and it would be waterproof.
Comparison and positioning against iPad mini
In the compact segment, the iPad mini stands out for its aluminum finish and a very fluid interface thanks to iOS, while Samsung with its 8,4-inch Galaxy Tab S opted for a screen Super AMOLED high-resolution. If Sony maintains its “compact without cuts” strategy, it is reasonable to expect high-end hardware in the Z3 Xperia Tablet Compact: Qualcomm platform with high-performance CPU and GPU Adreno 330, a combination that once rivaled the Apple A8 and the Apple GPU in the iPad mini with Touch ID. As a performance benchmark, tests such as Geekbench 5 They measure both the performance of single core (sensations of fluidity) such as that of multiple cores (multitasking and heavy apps), so software tuning will be key to competing with the iPad mini and high-end Androids.
Design, screen and durability
Apple's proposal usually prevails in premium feel, while Samsung opted for extreme lightness and a panel 2.560 x 1.600 which shone in contrast and color. In Sony's case, its hallmark is durability IP68 and the minimalist frame in glass and metal. In compact models of this era, Sony combined very sharp Full HD panels (1.920 x 1.200) with its own technologies (Triluminos, X-Reality) sufficient to compete with the iPad mini's Retina display (2.048 x 1.536). This, combined with a very compact thickness, makes it a tablet for multimedia and mobility, easy to use with one hand and comfortable for reading or video.
Performance, software, sound and connectivity
In real-world performance, the iPad mini excels in iOS optimization, while in Android there are differences: Sony opts for an Android close to stock, very fluid, and Samsung added features with its layer, which can affect the agility of the interface. In storage, iPad mini does not support microSD, something that Android proposals do offer. The reader of footprints appears in the iPad mini and the Tab S, while Sony prioritizes durability and ergonomics. In sound, it matters speaker placement front or stereo for cinema and gaming; and in connectivity, the cellular variants of these compacts usually include LTE Cat4 with high theoretical peaks, as well as WiFi ac, Bluetooth LE and GPS/GLONASS. 8 MP rear cameras with 1080p video and front-facing cameras for video calls are common in this category, sufficient for casual capture. For gamers, there are video comparisons where it is tested with demanding titles such as Batman: Arkham Origins, showing that the graphic performance and the Thermal stability mark the final experience. If you have a PlayStation 4, the function of Remote Play with Sony tablets offers a clear extra in entertainment.
The arrival of Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact It's shaping up to be a very interesting duel in the compact format: premium design, high-level screen, agile software and extras such as IP68 resistance and PlayStation ecosystem reinforce its proposal against the iPad mini and Androids with Super AMOLED screens. If Sony's strategy of not cutting power in the compact format is confirmed, we will be looking at one of the most balanced options for those looking for mobility and performance without sacrificing materials and finishes.
Source: Sony BSC10 Official Manual (page 4).