Sony's cost-efficient Xperia X Compact is now available in the United States

Sony Experia X — Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends

For a company that has repeatedly failed to produce a popular smartphone, Sony’s strategy sure is strange. Rather than doubling down on costs and offering a streamlined lineup, the company is continuing to offer more and more varieties along its latest Xperia X line. We currently have the Xperia X, the Xperia XA, Xperia XA Ultra, and Xperia X Performance. There were rumors about an Xperia XZ and an Xperia X Compact, and now, they’ve come true. At least, on the Xperia X Compact front — the phone was officially launched in the United Kingdom on September 8, and in the Unites States. on September 25.

Too many devices can certainly confuse consumers, but at least there’s some consistency to the Compact. It follows predecessors such as the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact. And there’s certainly interest in these smaller devices, especially when most manufacturers only offer devices larger than 5.2 inches. Take a look at the popularity of the iPhone SE, for example.

Here’s everything we know so far.

Design

Notable leaker Evan Blass, or @evleaks, posted an image of the Xperia X Compact with no other information.

Sony Xperia X Compact pic.twitter.com/q2GKddYUqh

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 25, 2016

The device strongly resembles the most recent Xperia Z5 Compact, and will likely feature the same display size of 4.6 inches. It’s got the same button placements as the other Xperia X phones — on the bottom right edge of the device. The main difference, if anything, is that the bottom bezel looks a little larger.

Still, we can’t verify this information, so take it with a grain of salt.

Release date

The Xperia X Compact was made available Thursday for free or for a small upfront payment on cheap (under 30-pounds per month contracts) across a number of carriers, including O2, EE, giffgaff, Carphone Warehouse, and Mobiles.co.uk.

Updated on 09-30-2016 by Lulu Chang: Added report of X Compact’s debut in the U.S.

Sony’s Xperia X Compact is official