yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Milkywaye:
I had already decided to get a case for the same reasons.. although my main reason is the fear of scratches.

I have a preoder for the Krusell FrostCover.. seems to be one that will work with the magnetic cradle without any mods needed (I hope!)

Having said that.. to me the phone still feels premium and I would have gotten the phone if the back had been made of jam (well.. maybe not jam)

Poor show from Sony, but it doesn't lessen my thought of this little cracker in anyway.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Darkimmortal:
The back definitely isn't gorilla glass, it scratches way too easily. I've already got several visible deep scratches that I can feel with my fingernail.

That being said I'm not really fussed. It feels like glass and is likely more durable when dropped. It's also very grippy.

Disappointed with the bait and switch from Sony, but not the end of the world given I bought this phone on specs and dimensions, not build quality. Even a cheap huawei runs rings around my old Galaxy S in perceived build quality, so this phone is a massive step up for me regardless
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] SirRobin78:
So what do you think, is there also a protection foil on the back? Only on front display, right?

Gesendet von meinem D5503 mit Tapatalk
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
There is no protection on the back, since it's plastic (it may differ on Jap z1f version though). So, it's highly advisable to get one, otherwise you'll have over-scratched back soon =)
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] darksideauto:
I just picked up the frostcover today. Its very slim and simple. I will probably use it around the house or on quick outings but when the flipcover comes back in stock I am going to get one of those.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
Offtopic: Is Frostcover actually transparent as stated on their site (it doesn't look so on the pictures)? :confused:
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] darksideauto:
I got the black one so it looks like a transparent smoked gray. So I am guessing the other colors are transparent as well but as the name states they are frosted. Only on the back though. The sides of mine just look like tinted plastic. I'll post a photo in the accessories section I suppose.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] louis0815:
it doesn't fit into the DK32 without modifications. Not rocket science, just some pads - but still. I saw a picture on android-hilfe.de: http://www.android-hilfe.de/showthread.php?p=7181796
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Pytte:
frostcover is cheap and flimsy, wouldn't recommend it, i'll probably get a skin from skinzone.eu, at least I wont scratch the real back then.. :P
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] xperia-alvis:
I think I've found the problem...

They just copy the whole chapter from Z1's whitepaper...

If you read it carefully, you'll find this line:

Paired with the Magnetic Charging Dock DK31, charging is made smooth and comfortable, with no need to open a USB cap.

Really a BIG mistake...
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Milkywaye:
Top find.. thanks.

Now that mod I don't mind making :good:
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] SirRobin78:
I think it would be interesting if the Z1f, the asian version, is also plastic on back? Anyone knows that?
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
There are few brave z1f (aka z1c Jap version) users, which tested their back by scratching it with needle or coin and no scratches remained. So, while it's unknown if z1f's back is made from glass, it's fairly certain, that it's made from a much more durable material than ours z1c =(
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] guap:
Pity. Can we disassemble ours back covers and install the Z1f one?

http://parts4mobiles.com/acatalog/SONY-Xperia-Z1-L39H-Battery-Back-Cover--Black.html

(Z1 for now, not compact or f, but I suppose it's coming...)
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
I don't think that it's easy, nor do I think that it's feasible in your usual home environment. But if you have required skills and tools, then of course you can =)

The main problem is the heater to remove the back and the tape and\or glue to waterproof and place it back.

PS: Try searching on youtube for z1c disassembling video, if you need more info ;)
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] monoelectron:
its definitely plastic on the back of mine anyway. tbh i thought when i got it the first day that the front was plastic as well. its strange comparing it to my last phone, a cheap plasticy samsung s advance, which is completely chipped all around the edges because its made with cheap ass plastic, but it has a solid sounding screen. the phone that cost me 500! euro sounds plastic and hollow on the inside when you tap the screen... but has a nice aluminium frame around the edge. hmm cant have everything i suppose. im just glad it works, i really thought for a second that had sold me some hollow showcase phone :/
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Castanje:
Z1 Compact's back is plastic! Only Z1f's is glass!

Dear Z1 Compact users,

Today I stumbled on the bad news that the back of the Xperia Z1 Compact isn't (dragontrail/gorilla) glass like the original Z1. It's plastic. These websites explain this issue:

- http://www.phonearena.com/news/Does-the-Sony-Xperia-Z1-Compact-have-a-plastic-back-instead-of-a-glas...

- http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=50148656

If you still don't believe it, you can even see it in this breakdown video:

- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6aSZgKUfI

- Here's a link to some obvious pictures: http://habrahabr.ru/company/vilianov_inc/blog/211687/

So Sony isn't only using cheaper materials for the Z1 Compact, but they also edited the white paper AFTER the Z1 Compact was released (The first white paper version said the back had tempered glass, but the second version - edited on February the 6th - didn't mention the back anymore, which clearly indicates that the back isn'tglass!). So Sony actually ripped off the first buyers by telling them they had tempered glass at the back of their phone, but instead it's plastic!

But as if this news isn't bad enough: The original Z1 Compact, the Z1f, which was only released in Japan, apparently DOES have glass at the back. My Japanese isn't that good, so I Google translated the Z1f page:

http://www.sonymobile.co.jp/xperia/docomo/so-02f/design/design.html

"Combination of metal frame which gave anodized and rear glass of jet black with the depth , gives a high-quality brightness with the accent .

The combination of the metal frame and the back glass shine pure, I will produce a freshness along with the relaxed atmosphere."

This was taken from the official Japanese website and although the translation is bad, I think it is totally clear that the Japanese Z1f users DO get the premium glass version of the phone and the other countries get the inferior plastic version.

Very sneaky, Sony.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ghtop:
nm
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BCH/HTC:
Totally weak. This was going to be my next phone. I was super psyched to get it. I'm a total sucker for a well built mobile. Now this news....it's really misleading which is the bigger picture. Why sacrifice? I for one would've gladly forked out an extra $30-40 for all glass. I'll go with the Japanese version if it does indeed come to light that it's all glass. Sony's choice to take this premium device and put plastic on it is puzzling to say the least.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] 1923829:
Z1f has glass backs!!!

I was quite mad when i saw the news saying the rear pannel is made of plastic.I dont care what does the white paper says ,but i will show you this pciture,one of my Chinese friend showed me this and he told me it was glass with bursting diaphragm as you can see the cracks and scratches.Sorry my english is not quite as good because im a Chinese,hope you guys can understand.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] darksideauto:
Now is that a z1c or a z1f ?
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] thermalboyz:
Title clearly say "Z1f has glass backs!!!"

I've been with this "Back Plastic" for long and been searching for info related.

Looks like it was not Fair on Z1C users as we paid the same price and got plastic. The reason I am going about this particular topic was the "Scratches" (Although I dont have scratches on both screen as yet but I am sure others did).
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Milltach:
Thank you, yes that´s nice, but we are talking here about the z1 compact, not the z1f. On the z1 compact it´s plastic. But that´s not a problem at all - the problem is that there are many quality issues with this phone and that´s for 500€. This is not alright.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] thermalboyz:
There are basically same model one for Japan and one for International. Japan released it few months earlier.

Not sure how/what effect of the "Flash light" fault which some users encounter with Glass(Z1f) vs Plastic(Z1C)
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Richdog:
It's annoying, but not a deal breaker...
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BCH/HTC:
I agree, but after reading some reviews about it, it seems that even the most careful handling of the device still causes unsightly scratches. I have honestly never once dropped my phone or even caused a blemish, so if the people like me can't keep it looking new, it doesn't bode well for the long haul.

If the device cost a couple hundred less...well then....plastic would be okay imo. It's just I don't like to pay premium prices for less than premium materials. I really do like my HTC ONE, but perhaps other manufacturers will sit up & take notice that not everybody wants a big device anymore.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] darksideauto:
I wish I had quality photos to show everyone. I dropped my phone and it only has a few small dings in it. One tiny tiny scratch. I haven't noticed any scratches prior to the drop or after. I'd say its pretty resilient. This is also the first time I have dropped a phone so I don't have experience with this kind of thing.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BCH/HTC:
That's good to hear. The back being plastic isn't an end-all, seeing as I can put a premium tempered glass screen protector on it. Just want the frame and buttons to be solid.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Areos:
Thanks for the information, now I know I do not want this smart, such an expensive thing and going for low cost material? Reminds me of 5C Iphone... so sad...
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Richdog:
A couple of hundred less...simply because the back is plastic? A couple of hundred.., despite the fact that almost every Android device in the world barring a couple (HTCO, Z1) are also plastic backed and still command the same premium? Sometimes I wonder what planet some of you live on. :confused:

It is still a high quality and very solid device that is unique in specs and form factor... the main annoyance about the plastic back is the principle and how Sony handled it... in reality it's not so much of a big deal.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
While I do agree that the phone is still awesome even with a plastic back, it doesn't change the fact that the plastic used in our z1c is of the low quality - it scratches easily even with careful usage, so now case\protector\vinyl is essential for keeping our phone pristine. Not all plastic is equal.

Imo, if Sony discarded glass back, they should've used soft-touch plastic (which is much greater in scratch department) instead of the cheap glossy, that we have :\
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Darkimmortal:
Yep, I'd like to have seen the same plastic as the back of the tablet z as the next step down from glass

I've already got a few scratches that are visible from any angle, as well as countless scuffs visible from certain angles only.

Interestingly the front is still immaculate, despite me having kept the anti-shatter film.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] xperia-alvis:
Well... That's a bit strange...

I played with a sample device in the Sony store yesterday...

I even scratched the back hard with my nail!!

But I still can't see any scratch...:confused:
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dno62:
/sign

I am really annoyed of the easily-scratchable back. U have to be EXTREMELY careful to not scratch it. I didn't even use my x1c often and it's scratched. Don't know how.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kess78:
I also got a quite big scratch on the back although I use it carefully. Do you know if there is "screen protector" but for the back panel available ?
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
There are some protector films for the back on ebay as well as all sorts of vinyl protectors.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] thermalboyz:
Check this thread out

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2631495
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BCH/HTC:
Unfortunately....yes. if you compare the pricing of the Japanese Z1f and the Z1c, it comes to roughly $200.00 with the only difference being all glass....However. There is also word that the Z1f uses a superior display capable of better brightness. Now if the Z1c got the short end of that stick too, I'll not be surprised. I have a friend who lives in Japan and owns the Z1f, along with a few of his buddies and none of them have had any issues that Z1c owners are experiencing.

This has always been Sony's downfall. Take a great product and somehow botch it all up. Inconsistency. Plain and simple.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] guap:
first one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6aSZgKUfI

should be not too difficult to replace the cover with the glass one if available as spare part somewhere
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] belyj:
I went with these guys:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271398454078

Had all sorts of phones in the last decade, first time ever will be applying any sort of protection... Total shame on Sony for the gaijin-treatment we received with Z1c.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Richdog:
There is a good reason it is $200 cheaper in Japan... it's called basic economics...
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BCH/HTC:
It's actually $200.00 MORE in Japan than what is being priced on competitive US markets. Better materials command higher prices...it's as you put it..."basic economics"

I do think you are missing the bigger picture here though. You have a company who, for all intents & purposes, falsified documents, sent out superior built review models en masse to well known mobile blogs & reviewers to garner all kinds of positive reviews & support, & then simply pulled the collective wool over the consumers eyes via a white-sheet change under the guise of an "admin error".

If I buy an iPhone 5s or an HTC One or Moto X in Belgium, it will still be comprised of the same materials as if I bought it in the United States, or Japan, or Australia or....

I have been tuned in to the mobile world for quite some time now, & this is the first time, (that I am aware of) that different materials were used on a variant meant for global consumption.

I spoke with my pocketbook, & promptly sent my Z1c back. At then end of the day, it's my money & I should have the right as a consumer to make well informed choices.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Richdog:
I haven't checked the price...the guy said it as 200 less so I took his word for it. If its 200 more then he made a mistake and the answer is still the same. It's about the local economy and market conditions, and if you think the use of glass on one side makes a $200 dollar difference either way then you are simply mistaken.

As for me missing the point...goodness grief man Im the one who started a huge thread about this on Xperia forums stating all the same points that have been made here... so please think a little before finger pointing because you are really barking up the wrong tree with your arguments.

My point was that although this IS an annoyance, and it IS shady with the way they have acted, its not enough to affect a price point even remotely as much as some of you are making out. It's not a deal-breaker either because there is no other phone that gives us what this gives us.

The principle is the main issue here, not the way it affects the actual monetary value of the phone.

Sometimes you need to think logically, and not just emotionally. :)
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Random Username:
I already have scratches in the plastic, I think I would have preferred glass :/

I mean it's still a great device, but it doesn't look as good with hairline scratches on the back...
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Zoidy:
I've just had confirmation from Xperia support via email that the back is indeed plastic and he sent me a link to the newly updated white paper.

I'm trying to complain to them but so far not getting anywhere.

It just bugs me that they put in the box a free screen protector but not one for the back. Then all the media reviews say it's a glass back. Even reviews from the likes of the Telegraph this week.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Phukkitt:
What are you trying to get out of the complaint? I mean, are you looking for some sort of compensation or do you want to return the phone?

In case of the latter, a user on the Swedroid forum was apparrently told by Sony that they will accept returns on phones bought before the whitepaper change, but only through the reseller you bought it from. (Link to the actual post, it's in swedish though)
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Hejnfelt:
Is anyone seeing very easy scratching of the backside plastic? I've had the phone for less than a week and I already have 2 deep noticeable cuts on the back... I have no idea how they've come as I've babied it since I got it.

Very disappointed in the low quality easily damaged back of this device. I actually thought it was glass...

Does anyone know if the plastic is exchangeable?
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
Nope, it's not. The only thing you can do is to buy a case, glass protector or a vinyl wrap.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] vetko:
Sony's feedback on the back..

It's fresh and warm:

http://www.xperiablog.net/2014/02/1...hat-the-xperia-z1-compact-has-a-plastic-back/
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
Yeah, riiiiight... When the back is getting scratched just by staying alone in the pocket, suuuure it's premium material ><""
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Golempl:
Plastic back is really crap quality, look what happend after 4 days of intensive use.

I just ordered shell case however I didn't expect so many scratches in just 4 days.

I started looking for 2nd protective foil on back side however don't look like there is.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BCH/HTC:
Yep.. It is ridiculous to say the least. I was so psyched for this device. It had EVERYTHING I was looking for in a mobile. After I got mine & saw how cheap the back was & the purported incidences of scratches, I had to send it back. The idea of looking at all those unsightly

scratches would've bummed me out...& I take really, really good care of my devices. There would've been no way around it.

Sony...LISTEN to the public. You almost had a complete home-run with this device.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Darkimmortal:
I've resorted to a vinyl skin/sticker/cover for protection, the amount of scratches that simply wouldn't occur on any other device is crazy

Can vouch for http://www.ebay.com/itm/271398454078 being pretty good and a perfect fit (got the slate one), though I definitely preferred the feel of the polished plastic back - it may not look good but it feels excellent in hand regardless of how scratched it is.

If someone can find a transparent protector that feels similar to the bare plastic then I'm all ears
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheQwertiest:
Did you order the full-body vinyl? Or just the back side?

ps: Any plans on making a review of this skin? =)
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] handbonana:
I don't take good care of my devices, so I'm definitely going to send mine back. This "high-rigid" plastic they've used is ridiculously easy to scratch, and I'd wager that it is actually less rigid than the back panel of the Z1f anyway.

When I emailed the company I bought the phone from, they made it seem as though the review unit they had been sent had a glass back, has anyone else heard of anything similar?

On that note, it seems that almost no reviewers have picked up on the plastic back, so I guess Sony either sent out glass-backed review units or it just shows how superficial most reviews really are.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BCH/HTC:
I am not quite sure if Sony surreptitiously‎ handed out review models with glass backs, I wouldn't be surprised, but I do remember reading a review where the reviewers did say that they thought the back was in fact, plastic.

Many reviewers just go through the motions and regurgitate the obvious, so they may not had any reason to suspect otherwise...especially when Sony themselves said it was glass.

But you are correct. The back plate scratches incredibly easy, & that is indeed quite a puzzling thing.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] handbonana:
This was my first Android phone, and the only (expensive) phone I've bought new, so I read just about every review I could. I've only found one (V3) that mentioned it before it was widely known, which doesn't even rank on the first two google pages for "sony z1 compact review".

Only one review has mentioned that they made a mistake (pocket-lint), and many more have still been published saying it is glass, even since Sony changed their white paper. Clove (who I purchased mine from) have changed the wording in their review, although the white paper they link to and their video review both still mention it being glass. Disappointing display from all involved really.

I also find it weird that so many people have commented in favour of a plastic back over a glass back on the websites that are reporting the "miscommunication", even in the face of comments from owners saying it is not high quality plastic and will scratch easier than the ASF coated glass on the front side (as has been my experience). It could just be un-informed (in relation to the actual quality of the rear panel plastic) people who have a strong brand loyalty to Sony, but it seems that it could also be Sony astroturfing to downplay their use of plastic, especially when there has been so many comments in favour of the use of premium materials in the comments sections of most of the reviews.
[Xperia Z1 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BCH/HTC:
Yep....I know. Why would people prefer plastic over glass? I for one, do not get it, especially on an expensive high-end device. I think many people who had already purchased this device, only to find out it's plastic, really wanna pretend it's not that big of a deal....& maybe it's not to some. I felt it was unfair of Sony to command a premium price, but not uphold their end of the deal & use premium materials.

I am still hoping that a company releases & device with the same high-end hardware, coupled with premium materials & a smaller footprint. Like I said, I really like my HTC One, but I find myself never really putting it my pocket due to it's dimensions. If I could re-choose my upgrade again, I'd go with the HTC One Mini, or even the iPhone 5s.