The phone was announced to the public along with the Sony Xperia XZ1 at a press conference which was held at IFA 2017 on August 31, 2017.

[1] It features a Snapdragon 835 chipset, IP65/68 waterproofing and S-Force Front Surround stereo speakers.

Reviewers liked a return of a top-end processor and waterproof body compared to the Sony Xperia X Compact, as well as its display and battery life.

[7][8][9] Its main competitor was the first-generation iPhone SE, the only other small sized smartphone at the time.

[10] It was succeeded by the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact, which featured a new smooth curved design and a larger 5.0 inch display.