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Have any of you come from the Samsung galaxy S3 what are your thoughts and opinions on the Sony TL phone? I am looking to get something different.
Well, the TL is only an American release for ATT, and it's the only one (of the Xperia T series) that hasn't had its bootloader unlocked. Root is possible though. There's tons of development for the T, but very little for the TL. I came to the Xperia TL from an Xperia X10, and once I had my hands on that first Xperia, I haven't felt the need to switch brands.I feel like from now on, I'm only going to buy Sony android devices.
Custom roms for the TL can be a little tricky. Roms for locked bootloaders work fine but you have to be careful with the baseband. A lot of these custom roms are built from European builds, so they say to flash the original stock rom (ATT) with only allowing the baseband to flash onto the device to try to keep LTE connectivity. ATT's 4G LTE network is very specific for the US and I've had signal issues with custom roms where I lose connectivity (data and voice) briefly at random times.
On a final note, very nice phone in my opinion. The stock JB firmware on the TL is plenty fast for me. I've basically just put the stock JB back on my phone, then rooted it to get rid of ATT bloatware and to allow tethering (without having to pay extra). Badass phone for only having to pay 50 bucks to ATT to get it. If you happen to get it and it has ICS on it (which had a lot of bugs on the TL), get the JB update on it ASAP.
Sorry to be so wordy, but I've spent hours on this forum figuring all this out. Just trying to save you some time...
jonchance_84 said:
Well, the TL is only an American release for ATT, and it's the only one (of the Xperia T series) that hasn't had its bootloader unlocked. Root is possible though. There's tons of development for the T, but very little for the TL. I came to the Xperia TL from an Xperia X10, and once I had my hands on that first Xperia, I haven't felt the need to switch brands.I feel like from now on, I'm only going to buy Sony android devices.
Custom roms for the TL can be a little tricky. Roms for locked bootloaders work fine but you have to be careful with the baseband. A lot of these custom roms are built from European builds, so they say to flash the original stock rom (ATT) with only allowing the baseband to flash onto the device to try to keep LTE connectivity. ATT's 4G LTE network is very specific for the US and I've had signal issues with custom roms where I lose connectivity (data and voice) briefly at random times.
On a final note, very nice phone in my opinion. The stock JB firmware on the TL is plenty fast for me. I've basically just put the stock JB back on my phone, then rooted it to get rid of ATT bloatware and to allow tethering (without having to pay extra). Badass phone for only having to pay 50 bucks to ATT to get it. If you happen to get it and it has ICS on it (which had a lot of bugs on the TL), get the JB update on it ASAP.
Sorry to be so wordy, but I've spent hours on this forum figuring all this out. Just trying to save you some time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a great device and acts like the very popular Xperia T, (If you flash the European .140 firmware with flashtool excluding the baseband to keep 4GLTE
I can't say I came from the 3, but I came from an HTC Amaze and the T just blows it away.
Also, I sent you a PM
I purchased the sg s3 to replace my water-damaged Ion and I hated it. I have to take 3 or 4 pictures everytime to make sure I got a good one. I also didn't like the way notifications still come through the phone speaker instead of the earphones when you are using them and I didn't use any of the gimmicky features of the s3. So I bought a TL on Ebay and sold the S3. The camera on the Xperia TL is much better. I plan to stay with Sony next time I upgrade.
I ilke my Xperia T more than my previous phone (S3). Sony's launcher kills Sammy's TouchWiz... and the S3 had some pretty silly rules, like when using the volume button to turn down the ringtone, the notification volume didn't follow automatically. Also it had this annoying volume escalation in the ringtone when getting a phone call. Had to use a 3rd party app to silence it (but some custom roms had this 'feature' fixed so that was good.). I enjoy the size of the Xperia T more than the S3 also.
Things I don't like about the Xperia T that the S3 handled fine were 1) Removing the battery... I like to know I can replace the battery at any time. 2) When I plug my Sony PS3 controller into the S3, it can instantly use it as an input device... when I plug the controller into my Xperia T, it whines about how it can't power it.
I came from the Samsung Captivate, this phone is way better than that device.
The only thing I miss is dsp manager from cm10. The bass and volume were absolutely killer.
Sent from my LT30p using xda app-developers app
Much happier with this than my old s3 had it for 3 days and found it to plastic. No doubting that it's a half tidy phone, just feel that the t is way better made and considering that the s3 is meant to have a better processor. This performs awesome.
Sent from my LT30p using xda premium
Sony's phones are design for speed despite their low CPUs unlike other brands which hogs their phones with useless tweaks, thus reducing speed.
Sent from my LT25i using Tapatalk 2
low CPUs?are you kidding me?american SG3 has the same dual core and remember 28nm dual core krait is on almost on par with exonos and better than tegra3 45nm
josephnero said:
low CPUs?are you kidding me?american SG3 has the same dual core and remember 28nm dual core krait is on almost on par with exonos and better than tegra3 45nm
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Click to collapse
When I said low CPUs I meant for their older device. Also I meant it as lower CPUs. Sony having a lower CPUs than others.
Sent from my LT25i using Tapatalk 2
The PS3 power consumption problem doesn't exist if you use Sony Ericsson Livedock DK25 (even though it was for SE2011 devices) as I use an Xbox wired controller on my 3 out of my 4 android devices without a problem
Sent from my LT30p using xda premium
I came from a very similar model, the HTC One XL (only difference between the SGS3 is the extra 1GB of RAM). I was a little skeptical at first but I picked up the TL at walmart for 10 cents. Having not seen them anywhere else I thought it was quite the find. The camera is what sold me on it for sure.
As I got to using it, I realized what a smart move it was. All of my favorite mods for the One XL were native to this device. Bravia engine, clear audio+, xloud, etc. I had pretty much all of the Sony stuff installed on my HTC so it made the stock ROM very much usable; A slightly embellished AOSP. This is the first Android device I have EVER owned that I had no desire to flash a new ROM to get away from the stock software, which is typically clunky and slow, managing memory very poorly. Not with the TL. It takes full advantage of the identical hardware that my old phone had, proving to me that there really isn't any need for quad/octa core power-hungy beasts yet.
At first I didn't like the screen, but after playing with the settings a bit, I love it. The limited viewing angle ensures privacy, though some people do not like it. Colors are very true to life, as opposed to the One XL which is vivid and bright, but colors would look washed out. My wife had the S III and I absolutely hated the power-hungy super AMOLED. screen, everything looked so artificial. What amazes me most about the TL display is how functional it is with the backlight turned way down. Reproduces colors very well and is very readable in indoor and outdoor situations. Makes for a very battery-efficient device.
Yes the bootloader can't be unlocked, and flashing ROMS is limited compared to Samdung or HTC, but when you can theme and mod the device with a locked bootloader why bother? I have CM10 themes and cybershot camera, themed SMS and dialer, with the docomo status bar and task switcher. Debloated and greenified this has been the best stock experience I have had with any device. I'm sold on Sony I think I will stick with them.
I'd say I'd love a unlocked bootloader for the sake of a ported Ubuntu
Anyways, I came from a Motorola Defy+. Whilst the phone was "dumber", there was one single thing it made better than my current Xperia T: Audio playback. Never complained about that. On my Sony, however, it's quite problematic. As I really like to skip audio, it's a issue for me. I also dislike the audio bloatware Sony gives me. I flashed a different .FTF, no difference at all. Waiting for 4.2./4.3 (although I could flash a ROM).
However, this is not the entire story.
The Walkman music player rocks with one single dumb thing: search. I can search an album/artist/song/genre/whatever, and access everything really fast (I've got 20 GBs of music on my phone). And that's nice.
I also like the hardware and the lack of bloatware. The camera, which is good. The screen size is perfect IMO.
I like the fact that it feels mine, and only mine. That I can mod it, if I want to, and that I can.
I really am waiting for Ubuntu for this, and maybe I'll even flash MIUI some day.
I'm thinking of getting an xperia t mainly because of the camera. Should be in my hands by the end of the week. I know that it seems like a downgrade from my nexus 4 but it's not gonna stop me from trying it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Camera especially fv from market is really good
Inviato dal mio LT30p con Tapatalk 2
i came to Xperia V from SGS3. i must say i hated the S3 because of it's size and i got frustrated when i tried to operate the phone with one hand and couldn't reach the screen and the phone often fell from my hand trying.
however, i miss the screen, the samsung roms, the plethora of choices and mods to use (not forgetting a super cool CM 10.1 build which i loved)
and one thing i just constantly mind about Xperia V is that doesn't give separate volumes for the ring and notification. as you know we use our smartphones a lot for chatting and i want to be able to have a low volume for the notifications, while not risking to miss a phone call.
apart from this, i love the V. it's water resistant and the camera is cool.
oh yes, and the last thing is the battery. i think that the V should also have stamina mode and try to make the device last throughout the day while using it extensively. when i say this, i always compare the usage time and the battery juice we get from both phones, i have a feeling that the S3 lasted me a good 2 hours longer than the V with about similar amount of usage
I came from a Galaxy Note.
The main thing for me is the camera. The Samsung cameras are rubbish - my note and my friends' S3s and even the recent S4 can't touch the Xperia for camera quality. I don't even take my point and shoot instant camera out anymore!
I guess the thing you will probably notice more than anything initially though it's the screen. LCD isn't so bright and vibrant as Samsung's LED ones, but I find them more natural and the Bravia engine is good.
My only other comment is that I was never really happy with my Samsung phone. I was constantly wanting to flash new custom or leaked firmware for a better experience. Don't really feel like that with the Sony device - it just works and doesn't have the garish TouchWiz interface either!
Im coming from a S3, and my first impression was the build of the entire phone, the quality is amazing and than S3, I'm really happy with my new phone
Enviado desde mi LT30p usando Tapatalk 4
I had a s3 before. Then changed to the Xperia Ion then just bought the Xperia T tonight.
So far love it. And yes alot more than the S3.
Okay first off, I hate to start one of these threads, since it's basically an opinionated question. The GS4 is a no go for me, really don't like physical buttons. Currently looking for a gsm replacement on tmobile for my Galaxy Nexus. The only thing holding me back from getting the Xperia Z is the lack of a huge development community (and possibly reports of poor screen performance). Just curious if anyone who's used these devices could weigh in with their experience. I'd prefer to hear first hand accounts than continue to read expert reviews.
Thanks everyone!
Also, mods if this kind of post isn't allowed on xda anymore, my apologies, please remove it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
crimson12 said:
Okay first off, I hate to start one of these threads, since it's basically an opinionated question. The GS4 is a no go for me, really don't like physical buttons. Currently looking for a gsm replacement on tmobile for my Galaxy Nexus. The only thing holding me back from getting the Xperia Z is the lack of a huge development community (and possibly reports of poor screen performance). Just curious if anyone who's used these devices could weigh in with their experience. I'd prefer to hear first hand accounts than continue to read expert reviews.
Thanks everyone!
Also, mods if this kind of post isn't allowed on xda anymore, my apologies, please remove it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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Click to collapse
I went from a Galaxy Nexus to a Nexus 4, then had the same decision as you.
In terms of screen, the HTC One's has better viewing angles, no doubt about it, so does the Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus. In actual usage, on the latest firmware that improves blacks, it doesn't really matter that much. When actually looking at images, I compared the screens side by side and the Xperia Z seems to have a sharpness or vibrancy that the HTC One's doesnt. I really think the reviews overcook the view angle issue, it nearly put me off.
If you're used to the on screen buttons of AOSP, then I think the HTC one would be really irritating. That was a major factor for me, the quick swipe up from the middle launch of google now is also retained on the Xperia Z.
I found the HTC One difficult to hold, the edges seemed really sharp and hard, and the phone was quite slippery. At the same time the Xperia Z is also quite uncomfortable, but it doesn't feel like it is going to slide out of your hand. The power button placement is also much better on the Xperia Z.
The speaker is definitely much better on the HTC One, that said, the Nexus 4 is much better than the Galaxy Nexus, and the Xperia Z's speaker sounds better than the Nexus 4. So the Xperia Z isn't bad. I hold my phone with my left hand so it doesn't block the speaker, but if you hold your phone with your right hand and play music, then you will muffle the speaker.
I'm sure the HTC One is slightly faster due to newer processor but I don't think this matters that much, both will be fast.
I disliked sense 5 coming from AOSP, hated not being able to remove blink feed (find it really frustrating even though you can move it to a different home screen). The Sony customisations are actually an improvement on AOSP, things which frustrate me are fixed and also there are some other nice additions like location based wifi, bravia engine, wifi syncing with media go. The Sony Gallery called Albums is much much better than AOSP, the Walkman app is really good as is the Movies app. I never used built in apps before but I do here, I haven't installed MX Player.
The better camera in good light is undoubtedly the Xperia Z. I'm an amateur photographer (although street photographer so not much of a pixel peeper) and I'm impressed with the Xperia Z. Again the Nexus 4 is a step up from the Galaxy Nexus and the Xperia Z is much better. I haven't taken many pictures low light but I won't argue that the HTC One will provide better photos, the HTC also takes better videos and has Zoe which is cool (was one of the reasons the HTC One was attractive to me). Front camera is better on the Xperia Z than either the Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4, the HTC One's is wider than the Z's if that matters to you.
The battery life I've been seeing has been pretty good, eg, if you're playing an mp4 film, I was seeing about 25% drop for 2 hours of watching the film. It's much better than the Nexus 4 which is a bit better than the Galaxy Nexus. Apparently the HTC One has a better battery life, I've never tested it though.
The Xperia Z has Micro SD slot which is great for music and films, I missed that owning the recent Nexus phones.
The last major point is the Xperia Z is water resistant, which is priceless, not because I want to take it under water but because it's nice having a life proof phone that you don't have to worry touching when you have wet hands or worried that rain will get into etc. It's a relaxing phone to own.
I only got the phone last weekend, the HTC One was the same price and I'm very happy with the phone and that I made the right choice for me.
Well thanks for that really in depth review. The more I think about it, the more I really want the Xperia. The water resistance factor hit me today while missing several calls walking through a downpour. I'm sure no matter what I end up getting, it will still be a step up from the gnex (which isn't actually in need of replacing, I'd just like something new). Hopefully T-Mobile releases the phone soon as the leaks suggest. I think I'd rather pay monthly for it than fork over the 500+ now. Thanks again
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
crimson12 said:
Well thanks for that really in depth review. The more I think about it, the more I really want the Xperia. The water resistance factor hit me today while missing several calls walking through a downpour. I'm sure no matter what I end up getting, it will still be a step up from the gnex (which isn't actually in need of replacing, I'd just like something new). Hopefully T-Mobile releases the phone soon as the leaks suggest. I think I'd rather pay monthly for it than fork over the 500+ now. Thanks again
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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Click to collapse
The best you could do is to actually go to a shop and play with those two phones for some time and then decide.
Sent from my C6603
crimson12 said:
Okay first off, I hate to start one of these threads, since it's basically an opinionated question. The GS4 is a no go for me, really don't like physical buttons. Currently looking for a gsm replacement on tmobile for my Galaxy Nexus. The only thing holding me back from getting the Xperia Z is the lack of a huge development community (and possibly reports of poor screen performance). Just curious if anyone who's used these devices could weigh in with their experience. I'd prefer to hear first hand accounts than continue to read expert reviews.
Thanks everyone!
Also, mods if this kind of post isn't allowed on xda anymore, my apologies, please remove it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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Click to collapse
I expect the development community that it will continue to develop and grow larger with more mods.
This is one good things about the Z.
The screen on my Xperia Z is completely fine and I don't notice any problems with it
crimson12 said:
...The only thing holding me back from getting the Xperia Z is the lack of a huge development community...
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Click to collapse
Agree completely with uberlaggydarwin.
Fact is, compared to most (non-Nexus perhaps) phones. Much more actual development gets done such as actual "fixes" for problems and not just hacky workarounds. We still have a way to go towards complete AOSP, theres one or two driver blobs still required for example, and a few minor bugs. But with (almost) every day that passes there are new platform-specific patches submitted to the CyanogenMod device repo on github and if I'm reading them correctly we have already, or will very soon, have a blob-less driver powering WiFi.
I must say, coming from a non-Nexus device it is a relief to see this much actual development and not just WinZip-wielding 10yr olds mashing together ROMs with 10,000 unnecessary hacks that make them laggy and/or unstable.
...a little torn on the screen though. As everyone is saying it is beautiful to look at from the front and probably (from this angle) the best mobile screen I have used, but again, as mentioned, the viewing angles are sub-optimal.
Too add my egg to the basket... I too am coming from a Gnex, which i loved. Been owning the XZ for roughly 3 months now. The screen angle thingy is definitely exaggerated. The colours and the viewing angles will take some getting used to, coming from an amoled screen, but the sharpness and clarity definitely make the transition much more pleasant.
The camera is undoubtedly much much better then on the Gnex, which was my only gripe with it. As to the HTC, I would wager the XZ one better for my taste, but thats only based on reviews, no hands on :/
The battery life has been stable enough for me, for my use... they both lasted about 2 days, Gnex maybe a bit better, HTC again cannot comment.
As far as the build quality... there have been some issues if u read the forms and from my case - the flap on the charging port doesn't wanna stay closed anymore In this case I would say HTC is better. It also prefers on your design preferences.
For me, leaving my Gnex behind for the XZ was actually not that hard of a step. U will have to get used to less development as compared to the nexus devices but that doesn't mean there isn't any. Free xperia team are awesome and CM is coming along nicely and with it a whole bunch of other roms, from PAC, PA, AOKP and independent AOSP projects, so no fear there
In any case, ull get a wonderfull new phone, whichever u choose and I hope u enjoy it!
I guess in terms of development, I definitely prefer actual dev work over tons of roms that are almost the same. Out of curiosity, any soft key mods yet? I have mine set to RECENTS HOME BACK and having been like this for almost 2 years I'd rather not have to relearn default (honestly minor issue I'm just being picky).
I would love to go to the store and compare them as someone has said, but I can't find anywhere local that sells the Xperia Z.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Even since the update the screen on the z has been great and really great to see in bright sunlight how I noticed today using it in sunlight yeah Germany didn't had the best weather as of late lol anyway I also don't think the viewing angle are a huge deal. I still see just fine what is on the display and actually Sony here in Berlin told me that the viewing angle is extra made a little darker so not everyone just can look and see stuff that easy on the screen if u don't want them too. Even so I think the viewing angle o's fine. Never had any issues seeing anything. Battery has been great as long as not being used with mobile data. All phones seem to get sucked dry in no time using Mobile data. At home with WiFi I can easily get 2 days.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Any idea what kind of battery life you guys get with mobile data enabled? I currently get about 16 hours with 2.5ish hours of screen on time with my gnex.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
With my Gnex I get about the same as you. 2,5-3 hours of screen on time per day on auto-brightness. With my Xperia Z I can get 4-5 hours of screen time per day, depending on brightness (0%) and usage. With auto-brightness I get like 3 hours per day. But with light usage I can easily make it trough 2 days with my Z. My Gnex never lasts that long, even when I almost don't use it.
crimson12 said:
Any idea what kind of battery life you guys get with mobile data enabled? I currently get about 16 hours with 2.5ish hours of screen on time with my gnex.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42716310&postcount=1196
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
crimson12 said:
Okay first off, I hate to start one of these threads, since it's basically an opinionated question. The GS4 is a no go for me, really don't like physical buttons. Currently looking for a gsm replacement on tmobile for my Galaxy Nexus. The only thing holding me back from getting the Xperia Z is the lack of a huge development community (and possibly reports of poor screen performance). Just curious if anyone who's used these devices could weigh in with their experience. I'd prefer to hear first hand accounts than continue to read expert reviews.
Thanks everyone!
Also, mods if this kind of post isn't allowed on xda anymore, my apologies, please remove it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XZ and HTC one is neck and neck for me, I dont like sense one bit, havent touch the device but i had prior HTC devices and I can tell ya sense really suck other wise i think the HTC one won in every aspect. if you looking to go CM10.1 then i would go HTC one if you looking to stay stock i would choose XZ.
P.S I dont like the physical key either damn samsung for starting that in the S3
I am kind of new to android, and just got my Z. But one thing i can say is: Phoning while showering is so chilled.
Why haven't I thought of this?! You're a genius mate, gonna do that tonight! Lols
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Battery life on data is not that good actually. Well I would say when listening music. Somehow the mediaserver always comes with on and even after turning off music it still drains the battery. Just a reboot fixes that. Listen barely to music on the phone anymore.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
dante501 said:
Battery life on data is not that good actually. Well I would say when listening music. Somehow the mediaserver always comes with on and even after turning off music it still drains the battery. Just a reboot fixes that. Listen barely to music on the phone anymore.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
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That's really unfortunate. I primarily use Spotify on my phone for several hours a day.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I'm having a blast with my Xperia Z.
Lots of fantastic ROMS in development...
Never noticed anything with regards to "viewing angles" i'm one of these freaks that tends to look at my phone head on.
With my own custom setup and settings i'm getting a full days use out of my phone.
I'm getting a whole day's battery life with heavy usage. Internet, Web, Whatsapp, Youtube, Camera etc.
Some people submerse their phones and have no problem, but i'm happy jsut treating my phone as resistant not proof.
I can reply to text messages in the bath with wet hands etc.
Build quality is fantastic. The best out at the minute i feel. Feels like a slab of glass! :fingers-crossed:
If you get one, buy a dock straight away, saves wear and tear on your charging ports.flaps.
I did that right away with my XZ when i bought it dock to charge,back n front glas protection this baby is amazing especially the White one my friend asked me to traid it for his Htc One,guess what,nop i said
Sent from my C6603
Short version:
Before you bought the Xperia SP, which other mobiles were you taking into consideration and what made you choose (or not) the SP?
Long version:
Here's the thing: today I was ready - I finally went to a shop and proudly said "I want to buy the Xperia SP". Unfortunately they only had the white version so I'll have to wait one more week. This was quite disappointing because I really, really wanted it so badly and since I now have another week to decide maybe there are other/better alternatives among midrange smartphones?
Thanks!
Tons of others phones.
Optimus G, but no card slot. Nexus 4, same problem.
Galaxy S4, unfortunately far too expensive.
MI2-A, no SD slot, again.
Motorola Razr HD, CPU sucks. Same with the HTC One X+.
HTC One? No way to get a 64gb here in ****ty Europe.
So, well, the SP is the only 720p phone with a microSD slot, and a good built quality that I can afford.
Only big problem: devs support. We have DoomLord, but no one else. I'm afraid we will never get CyanogenMod.
Some time ago I've spoken with fxp. They said they need to buy phone to start development.
This device is fresh so don't expect development will start from day of release.
BTW. XSP is middle range device... This is next reason to start development later then e.g. XZ relatively.
I was considering buy N4 or XSP or wait for some time and collect more money and buy SGN2 or XZ.
C5303 is great device, powerfull, supported LTE, nice looking, with 'big' screen, made from good quality materials, with usefull transparent iluminated bar, with good quality camera and other hardware and released with 4.1.2 (Google said that phones need to be upgraded for 18 mounths from release so we can expect something above then 4.2.2 with this specs).
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium
Fealakwen said:
Tons of others phones.
Optimus G, but no card slot. Nexus 4, same problem.
Galaxy S4, unfortunately far too expensive.
MI2-A, no SD slot, again.
Motorola Razr HD, CPU sucks. Same with the HTC One X+.
HTC One? No way to get a 64gb here in ****ty Europe.
So, well, the SP is the only 720p phone with a microSD slot, and a good built quality that I can afford.
Only big problem: devs support. We have DoomLord, but no one else. I'm afraid we will never get CyanogenMod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reaper61616 said:
Some time ago I've spoken with fxp. They said they need to buy phone to start development.
This device is fresh so don't expect development will start from day of release.
BTW. XSP is middle range device... This is next reason to start development later then e.g. XZ relatively.
I was considering buy N4 or XSP or wait for some time and collect more money and buy SGN2 or XZ.
C5303 is great device, powerfull, supported LTE, nice looking, with 'big' screen, made from good quality materials, with usefull transparent iluminated bar, with good quality camera and other hardware and released with 4.1.2 (Google said that phones need to be upgraded for 18 mounths from release so we can expect something above then 4.2.2 with this specs).
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Well I am thinking of getting this one. And I see no existing PA or CM support. But I used to compile my own ROMs for my Nexus (which is dead and the reason why I am getting this one) so I think I can compile for this ROM too, the only difficulty being the illumination bar API, on which I have never wrked till date.
Plus its a relatively new phone, so we will see more action once other devs buy the device too!
Cheers mates!
charliebigpot said:
Short version:
Before you bought the Xperia SP, which other mobiles were you taking into consideration and what made you choose (or not) the SP?
Long version:
Here's the thing: today I was ready - I finally went to a shop and proudly said "I want to buy the Xperia SP". Unfortunately they only had the white version so I'll have to wait one more week. This was quite disappointing because I really, really wanted it so badly and since I now have another week to decide maybe there are other/better alternatives among midrange smartphones?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you really going to recant about buying an XPERIA™ SP just for waiting a week to get the color you want? Really? I must wait another half year to get mine and it isn't available here in Mexico still. I don't want to be mean but don't be like that. I'd wish to have your luck, about being in your situation.
There aren't better options for a midrange smartphone with the potential of this XSP, really, it'll be very worthy to wait for it.
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app
sarkar1990 said:
Well I am thinking of getting this one. And I see no existing PA or CM support. But I used to compile my own ROMs for my Nexus (which is dead and the reason why I am getting this one) so I think I can compile for this ROM too, the only difficulty being the illumination bar API, on which I have never wrked till date.
Plus its a relatively new phone, so we will see more action once other devs buy the device too!
Cheers mates!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... But there is no need to implement illumination api in apps/system in begin stage. First we need fully working cm then we can think about transparent bar and it's lights Think this is not so hard to implement it. Sony release api and documentation also great will be see floating touch working like in stock rom (gloves mode).
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium
As of now, Best mid range phone is still SP. S3 is a bit more expensive, but SP is better than it (except for camera and if you like amoled). If you want you can wait for HTC one mini, although its only 4.3 inches and price is not yet revealed.
Not this thread. Sorry. Please Delete.
cidane said:
As of now, Best mid range phone is still SP. S3 is a bit more expensive, but SP is better than it (except for camera and if you like amoled). If you want you can wait for HTC one mini, although its only 4.3 inches and price is not yet revealed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the HTC to be far more expensive, without any expansion port, and with a huge bezel.
S3 is a good choice, yea. But the S4 mini is a complete joke. No HD, and the worst pricing ever.
Maybe, for someone that is not in a hurry, waiting for the X Phone could be a good idea. But for now, SP (and S3) rules.
Hmmm, I 1st look at N4, but it cost as much as a XZL, not worth it I guess, but getting either one will blow my budget. so I then get an XV, after three weeks a member of my local Facebook group is interested to swap his SP with My V.. He is a mobile seller who get the SP for free, but he need a waterproof phone as he ride a bike. So that how I get the SP.
Sent from my C5302 using xda app-developers app
well, today I bought the SP - I like it a lot, the only downsides are:
- WIFI signal
- Camera is quite weak
- can't connect it to my Mac?! the option to access the storage in order to transfer files isn't there.. (tg there's airdroid)
I'll try it over the weekend but if the wifi is still an issue (intermittent signal 5m from the router with no walls in between!) I'll give it back and will look for an alternative.. we'll see
charliebigpot said:
well, today I bought the SP - I like it a lot, the only downsides are:
- WIFI signal
- Camera is quite weak
- can't connect it to my Mac?! the option to access the storage in order to transfer files isn't there.. (tg there's airdroid)
I'll try it over the weekend but if the wifi is still an issue (intermittent signal 5m from the router with no walls in between!) I'll give it back and will look for an alternative.. we'll see
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... Wait for update.
Battery: ok, I installed plenty of apps and had exactly 70% left. Oddly enough this morning I had 71% left so there's a calibration issue. Now after 5 hours of occasional 3g, 20 min of offline music and some messaging it's at 29%.
Photos : not impressed
Wifi and 3g: connectivity is very poor.. my old Desire was a lot better and reliable
Screen: it's on auto brightness and honestly note while typing this message the luminosity changed about 10 times, pretty annoying.
Audio: excellent!
Overheating: no
(While writing this message the battery dropped to 26%)
I am seriously considering to give it back, I like the phone but the connectivity issue seems to be h hardware related.. I'm a moment of madness I even thought about buying an iPhone5 instead..
charliebigpot said:
Battery: ok, I installed plenty of apps and had exactly 70% left. Oddly enough this morning I had 71% left so there's a calibration issue. Now after 5 hours of occasional 3g, 20 min of offline music and some messaging it's at 29%.
Photos : not impressed
Wifi and 3g: connectivity is very poor.. my old Desire was a lot better and reliable
Screen: it's on auto brightness and honestly note while typing this message the luminosity changed about 10 times, pretty annoying.
Audio: excellent!
Overheating: no
(While writing this message the battery dropped to 26%)
I am seriously considering to give it back, I like the phone but the connectivity issue seems to be h hardware related.. I'm a moment of madness I even thought about buying an iPhone5 instead..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About battery... Battery live is good - 2+ days standard usage: sms, calling, 3g always on, about 50 minutes wifi activity, stamina on, some photos and movies.
And when I got my phone first 2 days was waring... Battery was very week. I have charged my phone about 3-4 times. And on third day battery is ok strange but I'm happy it now working correctly.
Mobile signal is ok. Like in my previous Xperia S.
Wifi is week - waiting for SW update.
Autobrightness must be improved, this is not working properly.
Camera is not so good, waiting for SW update.
Usefull transparent illumination bar. VERY VERY GOOD IDEA TO PLACE IT IN THIS PHONE!!!!
Umm. XPERIA ZR would be a perfect alternative
Phillip Wu said:
Umm. XPERIA ZR would be a perfect alternative
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Click to collapse
Yep, indeed. Only that it's slightly bigger, heavier and more expensive. But apart from that it looks like the waterproof twin of the SP Actually, if the wifi problems still hold on I might go back to the store and try to get the ZR instead.
Well, today I gave my SP back and fetched a S4 Mini instead.
I'm not saying all SPs have the same issues as mine had, but the ones that I had (below) were pretty severe and after talking twice to the Xperia customer service and 2 factory resets they were like "just return it". I guess I was unlucky but here's what went wrong and what I really liked:
What I liked:
- Battery: after 2 full days I still had 12% left
- Screen: it's simply wonderful
- Call quality: The sound was really really good
What went wrong:
- WiFI was just horrible as I often lost signal even with the router being 3 meters away. I tried changing the router's channel/frequency but that didn't help, even my old HTC Desire has much better WiFI signal.
- Multitasking: Couldn't use 3g with Chrome (2-3 tabs open) and listen to Google Music (playing music from the SD card) at the same time as it always closed Google Music. I guess I should have seen that one coming with 1gb RAM only.
- Call issues: today all of a sudden I could only hear the other person speaking when using headphones or by activating the speaker
I was debating and then I was like "what was I thinking" though the camera is mediocre, and speakers are Ok, everything else is fantastic.
I was going to wait for the HTC one2, and realized that more than likely no other phone soon will be able to last as long as the z1 with their battery saving software.
to be honest with you, as much as I complain about my Z1, overall there isnt one device out there for me that tops it. Just hope that the new update will do something to the Camera and 4K vid recording is something I really really wanted, but not enough to move be back to Samsung.
I have Z1, SGS4 and used the nexus 5 for a day and a half, I will compare them below
Nexus 5 best performance but lack features
SGS4 worst performance (too much lag and stuttering) but has lots of features (most of which are useless and no-one actually uses them except to show off)
Z1 excellent performance (almost identical to the nexus 5) and has some useful features like camera apps, small apps ...etc
Although the Z1 is not perfect (nothing is perfect), but it is the best overall phone out there. I will get chance to play with the HTC ONE for few days in a week or two then I will probably be able to say what is the best phone currently available (apart from the LG G2 which I haven't had the chance to play with).
Not even considered it, got it sim free and I'm happy with it
I returned mine because I spotted a dead (or maybe stuck) pixel on the screen. I hope I'll have better luck next time.
I am very very disappointed in the camera, the speaker is actually close to top considering its a tiny waterproof speaker but I love every thing else about the Z1 so no, I didn't return my device and I wont be doing so.
Gitaroo said:
to be honest with you, as much as I complain about my Z1, overall there isnt one device out there for me that tops it. Just hope that the new update will do something to the Camera and 4K vid recording is something I really really wanted, but not enough to move be back to Samsung.
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Click to collapse
I'm interested in knowing why since I was thinking about getting the Note 3.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
DAddYE said:
I'm interested in knowing why since I was thinking about getting the Note 3.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I had the Note 3, it is the worst mistake that I made up until now!
now the problems I had with it are more philosophical than fair, so to make it fair I'll only point out the problems that "others" consider worthy!
1. Not so great looking even though its an improvement over the S4 and Note 2
2. Has A LOT of bloat ware
3. Cheap looking/feeling device (like all Samsungs)
4. Depending on what you do with it scales form lagging a couple of times a day to constantly lagging (I couldn't handle the lag so...)
5. Bigger than most people would want it to be (I actually where okay with it mainly because I didn't called anyone with it)
6. You would look Very-Very stupid talking with it on the street or anywhere else for that matter!
DAddYE said:
I'm interested in knowing why since I was thinking about getting the Note 3.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mostly personally preference but Im coming from a S3 owner, but here are some of the reasons
-touchwiz, hate it with a passion, actually got to play with a real note 3 today at the store and it actually still lag a little bit like seriously lol?! Checked the ram consumption it always over 1.2+ gigs after I clear everything it goes back up quickly no wonder why they keep added more rams for all the galaxy phones. My Z1 has to be on for a couple of weeks to hit over 1 gig and generally around 0.9.
-hate OLED colors, it has gotten a lot better with the pentile problem but still not enough to bring me back. Triluminos looks better to me straight on even if you have to sacrifice the wash out colors in extreme angles which I never look at my phone that way. Plus I see color shifting problems on Note 3, like yellow would turn green in a angle, so viewing angle is not a clear victory on the note 3 neither (same with Nexus 5 and G2 which have their own problems in extreme angle when I played with them today). Didn't get to do out door test with the note 3 not sure if it become unreadable under the sun.
-Built quality, I dont think I need to say much here, just personally when I pay hundreds of dollars for a flashship device I want it to actually feel like a flagship device.
the only features in the Note 3 that I want in the Z1 is the 4K video recording, downsampling 4K video to play on 1080p screen is a huge difference. You don't need a 4K display to take advantage of it. I used to think that the multi screen features from note2 and S3 is going to make me happy with my S3 again, but after the update came out I've never use it once.... Its all personal preference so those my not apply to others.
ahomad said:
I have Z1, SGS4 and used the nexus 5 for a day and a half, I will compare them below
Nexus 5 best performance but lack features
SGS4 worst performance (too much lag and stuttering) but has lots of features (most of which are useless and no-one actually uses them except to show off)
Z1 excellent performance (almost identical to the nexus 5) and has some useful features like camera apps, small apps ...etc
Although the Z1 is not perfect (nothing is perfect), but it is the best overall phone out there. I will get chance to play with the HTC ONE for few days in a week or two then I will probably be able to say what is the best phone currently available (apart from the LG G2 which I haven't had the chance to play with).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm coming from Note 2, Galaxy s4 and HTC one to Sony Z1, apart from note 2 (which I liked) the other's are disappointing s4 has lag and loads of stupid features you turn off, HTC One was boring and battery life was rubbish plus I was scared to scrape or dent the metal (best sound though) . I was wanting Note 3 but too expensive and cant believe it still has lag, plus Knox! (which totally put me off s4)
Sony Z1 feels premium has a decent enough camera and battery is probably the best with the note 2 I've had.
Before I had Z1 I was waiting for Nexus 5 and was going to sell s4, but after seeing it, Z1 is much better.
Thank you all guys you opened (again) my eyes. There are just few things that make me sad about the Z1.
- camera is not so fantastic. Unless you have the stone hand just pressing the hw button from focus to shoot makes the phone shaking and the picture a little blurry. This is almost not noticeable with high lights but as soon start to be a little darker things gets worse. Thus in low lights this camera is totally incapable to take decent pictures, what you see 'good' in your screen will be post processed and 'destroyed'. No manual mode could help ATM.
- freaking hardware buttons
I can't believe that my 5" real estate triluminus 400+ DPI 1080 **** should have a damn waste of space: soft keys IMHO are the android cancer. Now I'm using a pie (after gtm) it's okay but still annoying and uncomfortable. I'll be happy to pay one dollar more and have at least a central hw button. Note that I compared twitter, Google+ and Chrome with the iPhone and on the smaller 4" there is much more space!!! This piss me off!!!!
- unlock the boot loader. I used to pay the retail price in order to not increase the US mafia of carriers. After more than a month this phone isn't really unlockable. No official words from Sony about the fact they are working for a fix or a date. This scares me.
- 2013 and our display is not oleophobic. This makes me sad even more when a friend tell me: cool phone can I see it? And my screen is a finger print fest. Tried almost any good screen protector antifinger print. None of them really works without decrease the screen quality.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Just one tip.
Don't compare N5 and Z1 now.
Wait until Z1 gets 4.4 then you'll see what Z1 is capable to do.
As I said few times, it's better to have great camera (hardware) which is fixable than great software without hardware support.
Z1 has great camera and with 4.4 update we will have the best device money can buy...
Everyone compares N5 and Z1 now and all of them are unique in conclusion - these two devices are similar but remember we are comparing 4.2.2 with 4.4 - so you can just imagine Z1 with a KitKat under the hood
It will fly
Sent from my Z1
Hello from North Carolina, US.
After carrying the Note 2 for two years, I am over the large phone form factor and was considering the Z3c back when it was released. But, I'm on Verizon (CDMA) and it just wasn't a good time to shift to TMobile. My Note 2 died, and I started carrying my wife's old Galaxy S3, which confirmed my preference for a smaller handset. Since my contract with Verizon is over in June, I figured I would carry the S3 until then, see what phones were announced at MWC and make my next phone decision based on that.
Frankly, for my use cases... MWC was MEH.
The S6/edge and HTC One M9 are both lovely phones, but I don't feel like they meet my needs as well as the Z3c. With the Z3c, I love the small form factor, the waterproofiness, the battery and the dedicated shutter button. Also, an S6 with as much storage as the SD card I already own will be hundreds of dollars more expensive than the Z3c.
That said, is it crazy to buy a 6 month old phone? Considering my use cases (primarily utilitarian - music, email, rss, news/weather, social, navigation, camera - no processor intensive games) and considering how surprisingly well the S3 is still running with these use cases at nearly three years old, I am thinking the Z3c may still be a good fit for me. And, I don't want to wait as long as the rumors are saying I would need to wait for the Z4 series (autumn 2015).
What about you, would you still buy the Z3c today? Do you think, based on how I've described my uses, that it would be a good fit for me? Is there another small form factor device I should be considering? Should I suck it up and wait for autumn and the Z4's?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.
Cheers
Jack
JackinNC said:
Hello from North Carolina, US.
After carrying the Note 2 for two years, I am over the large phone form factor and was considering the Z3c back when it was released. But, I'm on Verizon (CDMA) and it just wasn't a good time to shift to TMobile. My Note 2 died, and I started carrying my wife's old Galaxy S3, which confirmed my preference for a smaller handset. Since my contract with Verizon is over in June, I figured I would carry the S3 until then, see what phones were announced at MWC and make my next phone decision based on that.
Frankly, for my use cases... MWC was MEH.
The S6/edge and HTC One M9 are both lovely phones, but I don't feel like they meet my needs as well as the Z3c. With the Z3c, I love the small form factor, the waterproofiness, the battery and the dedicated shutter button. Also, an S6 with as much storage as the SD card I already own will be hundreds of dollars more expensive than the Z3c.
That said, is it crazy to buy a 6 month old phone? Considering my use cases (primarily utilitarian - music, email, rss, news/weather, social, navigation, camera - no processor intensive games) and considering how surprisingly well the S3 is still running with these use cases at nearly three years old, I am thinking the Z3c may still be a good fit for me. And, I don't want to wait as long as the rumors are saying I would need to wait for the Z4 series (autumn 2015).
What about you, would you still buy the Z3c today? Do you think, based on how I've described my uses, that it would be a good fit for me? Is there another small form factor device I should be considering? Should I suck it up and wait for autumn and the Z4's?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.
Cheers
Jack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure I'd still buy the Z3C today.
You're using your wife's S3 which is over 3 years old, so calling a 6 month old phone 'old' is kind of bs (No offense @ all)
As for the Z4, well.... there is no word about a Z4C and based on what Sony previously did, there shouldn't be a Z4C, but a Z5C (if ever).
The Z3C is a great phone, besides the occasional build flaws and bad camera under low light conditions.
That's great feedback, thank you.
Dsteppa said:
You're using your wife's S3 which is over 3 years old, so calling a 6 month old phone 'old' is kind of bs (No offense @ all)
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Click to collapse
None taken. The last 5 phones I've bought for myself or my wife have been purchased within 2 weeks of release, sometimes by me standing in line on release day. I buy them early, use them for 2 years when I can contractually upgrade and get a new one and start the cycle over. I typically use a phone for two years and it starts to feel "old" to me at ~18-20 months when a couple new cycles of phones and android versions have been released. My concern is not that the phone is "old" now, rather that, being 6 months old now, it may start to feel old at 12-14 months rather than 18-20.
Btw, I followed your photo link from another post of yours. Like you comments here, your sample photos are really helpful.
Thanks again
Jack
JackinNC said:
That's great feedback, thank you.
None taken. The last 5 phones I've bought for myself or my wife have been purchased within 2 weeks of release, sometimes by me standing in line on release day. I buy them early, use them for 2 years when I can contractually upgrade and get a new one and start the cycle over. I typically use a phone for two years and it starts to feel "old" to me at ~18-20 months when a couple new cycles of phones and android versions have been released. My concern is not that the phone is "old" now, rather that, being 6 months old now, it may start to feel old at 12-14 months rather than 18-20.
Btw, I followed your photo link from another post of yours. Like you comments here, your sample photos are really helpful.
Thanks again
Jack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
Well I don't know, in terms of specs I don't see much changing any time soon, unless all manufacturers decide to make 64bit phones or use a new type of battery that either lasts long and/or charges super fast.
In the end as long as you're doing 'normal' things the phone should be your companion for at least 2 years without you really noticing a difference between your phone and other people's.
Z3 and Z3 compact are best options on android right now.
implying you don't want a phablet.
new phones like GS6 and ONE M9 are cool but you can find a Z3 for 500€/$ and a Z3C for 400, (gs6 and one ~750$)
you'll have same software 5.0.2 with better UI, and better battery, only the camera will be a bit behind but still excellent.
so unless you have money to waste just go for it it's a good deal
I love my z3 compact but if I were to buy a new phone now, I would get the galaxy s6 edge.
The biggest issue I have with the z3c is the speaker. Currently if I am in a semi loud surrounding, I can hardly hear the other person on the line.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
As usual it depends on what you need. Me personally there is no other phone than the Z3c atm. Size/hardware/design... its perfect for me.
So if you're looking for a smaller phone (one hand use) with excellent battery life and fast hardware just go for it there is nothing that comes even close in that department.
I'm very torn right now, I'm frustrated that I would have to use the bloated stock software to get decent camera quality (no barrel distortion and better low light) and that CM12, while it runs decently doesn't support the features locked away by DRM. I'm contemplating reverting back to a Nexus 5...I think my biggest issue would be the camera, I thought it would be superb but in reality it only matches my nexus considering the distortion. And Sony's DRM and bootloader locking nonsense seems ridiculous to me.
zander21510 said:
I'm very torn right now, I'm frustrated that I would have to use the bloated stock software to get decent camera quality (no barrel distortion and better low light) and that CM12, while it runs decently doesn't support the features locked away by DRM. I'm contemplating reverting back to a Nexus 5...I think my biggest issue would be the camera, I thought it would be superb but in reality it only matches my nexus considering the distortion. And Sony's DRM and bootloader locking nonsense seems ridiculous to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can just root and then debloat.
2mal16 said:
you can just root and then debloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's easy...the hard part is losing all the customizations. I went to stock 5.0.2 rooted, system R/W support isn't there, I lose all sorts of little features like expanded desktop, quick unlock, navigation customization...
zander21510 said:
That's easy...the hard part is losing all the customizations. I went to stock 5.0.2 rooted, system R/W support isn't there, I lose all sorts of little features like expanded desktop, quick unlock, navigation customization...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rw is already fixed though you wont like the process if you want to Stay on locked bl. Those features will be implemented either by Sony or more likely xposed working. Just give it some time
2mal16 said:
Rw is already fixed though you wont like the process if you want to Stay on locked bl. Those features will be implemented either by Sony or more likely xposed working. Just give it some time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure Sony is done with us after this update, minus maybe a couple security patches there won't be any new features. I already tried CM12 for a good month, just couldn't stand the camera and the bugs were a bit too much for a DD. Hoping for xposed and working recoveries on lollipop...that's about all I can do right now.
zander21510 said:
Pretty sure Sony is done with us after this update, minus maybe a couple security patches there won't be any new features. I already tried CM12 for a good month, just couldn't stand the camera and the bugs were a bit too much for a DD. Hoping for xposed and working recoveries on lollipop...that's about all I can do right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeah it will Come soon enough, I mean lolli was just released and recoveries,custom Kernels and a working xposed will all make their way on this device sooner or later. Just play the waiting game... again
zander21510 said:
Pretty sure Sony is done with us after this update, minus maybe a couple security patches there won't be any new features. I already tried CM12 for a good month, just couldn't stand the camera and the bugs were a bit too much for a DD. Hoping for xposed and working recoveries on lollipop...that's about all I can do right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's see... The Xperia Z that has been released for about 2 years also received the Lollipop update, why would you think that Sony would stop update a phone that's just been out 6 month's. Can you please tell me your logic?
Sent from my D5803
Nice Features
There are some things which are so nice. Most of the new phones arent waterproof. Phones are getting bigger and bigger. But the z3c is smaller but quite good.
I certainly would buy the Z3C again, the biggest gripe I have is the lack of Quality Case choices. Great phone IMO, size, battery, speed and takes above average pictures(Auto mode) and if you take the time to use the manual settings it can take excellent pictures.
So far, Sony Z3C has no real competition. In android world. I just bought one.
Dsteppa said:
Let's see... The Xperia Z that has been released for about 2 years also received the Lollipop update, why would you think that Sony would stop update a phone that's just been out 6 month's. Can you please tell me your logic?
Sent from my D5803
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well with the persisting rumors that Sony is either scaling back or dropping their mobile division...I just have a gut feeling.
And I guess I changed my mind. Just ordered a replacement Nexus 5 like my old one. I will miss the size and it is a sharp looking phone, but the broken features that can never be fixed (mostly camera stuff) and the DRM nonsense really turned me off of this phone. I may be an oddball but I just don't like that I'm missing all the little customizations and things on CM12 when I'm on stock, and Xposed will probably only fix about half of those features. Miss Privacy Guard, Quick unlock, all that good stuff. And I just don't like the UI design choices. Plus all the no-name "device reporting" and "anonymous reporting" services running in the background that can't be disabled.
I'm sure in a few months CM12 will have the microphone & other issues ironed out, but what's the point of having a 20MP camera that has distortion and poor image quality that (from what I've read) can never be fixed in an AOSP rom?
I would recommend it to my fiancee that doesn't use her phone for much more than texting and Youtube, but not for a tinkerer like myself.
FOR SURE! Unless you want to wait for a Z4 Compact to even be announced, and then eventually come out, I'd say the Z3 Compact remains the best phone at it's size from anyone, still to this day. The Galaxy S5 Mini just came out recently, and it's a Snapdragon 400! The Z3 Compact has a great, waterproof build, MicroSD, Camera Button, and 801 processor. Nothing else comes close unless you're okay with a leviathan of a phone I love my Z3 Compact and really do not desire a new phone or ever again something larger...
Would definitely still buy again. Just ticks so many boxes that other devices don't (size, speed, battery, microSD, camera). It really has no competition. I'm not sure we'll see a Z4 compact at all - doubt z3 compact is a big seller and with Sony in such a mess, they may just focus on the Z4. If that happens, we're in bad shape for fully spec'd < 5" Android devices. The good news is that the hardware is advancing so slowly now, the z3c will probably be a viable platform for quite awhile.
My Galaxy S4 (two generations old!) still runs CM12 perfectly fine. It's an SD600!