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I have a Touch HD now and I'm thinking about moving to an Xperia. I really like how the X1 looks but I haven't played around with it so I'm not familiar with the software. The things I really like about the Touch HD are the calendar/tasks access from the home screen, and the weather feature. Do you all think I'd like the X1, would it be a good phone to switch to? Or what about waiting for the X2, from what I've seen it looks basically the same.
Hmm. It seems like you like HTC's software (touchflo etc.) Therefore you will have to live with custom roms. I mean you almost find the same software for Xperia as you used for your HD. But...to be honest...you have to have your hands on it before you decide to switch..
They're pretty similar phones, so it'll be more of a step sideways, than a step forward. The X2 has some improvements, but nothing that would stop me from buying the X1 over it (except TV out, but no biggie). Everything you have on the HD can almost certainly be on the X1, so its really just the looks and keyboard.
As you know X1 looks awesome, but keyboard may disappoint, although its perfectly fine once your used to it.
Personally I don't think theres enough of a difference to switch.
Camera on SE is much better too....
How is the software on the X1, does it have the features I mentioned, is it easy to use, how do you all like it?
Also, the X1 is definitely thicker than the HD, do you think it feels too big in your pocket or is it fine?
rpimps said:
How is the software on the X1, does it have the features I mentioned, is it easy to use, how do you all like it?
Also, the X1 is definitely thicker than the HD, do you think it feels too big in your pocket or is it fine?
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Click to collapse
Firstly, X1 seems like a small device to me.
Looks like it's kinda thick on paper, but finally - its REALLY COMPACT.
I'm always surprised it almost seems like a normal phone in the pocket and I love this fact! It's like a bonus here....
As for your software questions: many many users here just installed HTC TF3D on their devices so the functionality would be the same in this case as HTC HD - you have the same thing on X1.
But if you want to use SonyEricsson solutions: their SE panels allow you
to customize WHAT is on screen in more ways than HTC, so you can display tasks events or calendar ones on the homescreen - or not. You can also set on the homescreen the applications icons or attribute any application to one of the two hardkeys. So absolutely plenty of options here.
As for weather - it's better on HTC but SE also gives you selected city/cities weather and current temp. displayed on homescreen.
For any detailed weather I use SPB Weather anyways....
Hope this is helpful!
One little thing that might be an irritant to an HD user is that the screen is recessed. Not a deal-breaker for me, but many users have expressed disappointment at this.
It makes using a software keyboard a bit hard when you want to hit q or p.
And well, after using the Xperia for quite some time, the recessed screen only irritates when hitting q or p, and that's only when I'm trying to type without visual aid, so the recessed screen is pretty much a non-issue, just a bitxh to clean.
Edit : TBH I feel like trying a Touch HD myself - HD2 is way too expensive (and huge) and N900 is not available in SG - and the reception of the Xperia is balls in my house. Hairy monkey balls preserved in 9000+ year old vinegar, what with it keep losing signal whenever I touch it. Outside - no issue. But I spend most of my time inside, so...
doministry said:
Firstly, X1 seems like a small device to me.
Looks like it's kinda thick on paper, but finally - its REALLY COMPACT.
I'm always surprised it almost seems like a normal phone in the pocket and I love this fact! It's like a bonus here....
As for your software questions: many many users here just installed HTC TF3D on their devices so the functionality would be the same in this case as HTC HD - you have the same thing on X1.
But if you want to use SonyEricsson solutions: their SE panels allow you
to customize WHAT is on screen in more ways than HTC, so you can display tasks events or calendar ones on the homescreen - or not. You can also set on the homescreen the applications icons or attribute any application to one of the two hardkeys. So absolutely plenty of options here.
As for weather - it's better on HTC but SE also gives you selected city/cities weather and current temp. displayed on homescreen.
For any detailed weather I use SPB Weather anyways....
Hope this is helpful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all that info, it sounds like I'll like the SE interface and even if I don't I'd just be able to install TF3D anyway.
Hannigan174 said:
One little thing that might be an irritant to an HD user is that the screen is recessed. Not a deal-breaker for me, but many users have expressed disappointment at this.
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Click to collapse
How big a deal is the recessed screen? Do you get used to it after a few days or is it constantly annoying you?
rpimps said:
How big a deal is the recessed screen? Do you get used to it after a few days or is it constantly annoying you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is constantly annoying me, because i don't like the hardware keyboard (too small). It's a pain to use scroll bars or touch anything in the edges without the stylus.
But i suggest you to try it out somewhere.
locomarco said:
This is constantly annoying me, because i don't like the hardware keyboard (too small). It's a pain to use scroll bars or touch anything in the edges without the stylus.
But i suggest you to try it out somewhere.
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Click to collapse
I'm trying to find a local store that has it but haven't had any luck so far.
rpimps said:
Thanks for all that info, it sounds like I'll like the SE interface and even if I don't I'd just be able to install TF3D anyway.
How big a deal is the recessed screen? Do you get used to it after a few days or is it constantly annoying you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a problem for me at all. Even me hitting corners with fingers (X button and Start Menu) is fine, but depending on how you hold phone, and size of fingers or thumb it may be an issue. If you can, a few minutes in-hand should let you know if it will be an issue.
Again, not an issue for me, but give it a feel before you commit to an Xperia
Just before you sell your HD an Buy an X1 ,think about it...
I have an X1 Silver,9 Months old...now i have to send it back for Warranty issues
6 Cracks on the Cover (some are really annoying..)and a broken MIC told me....NEVER BUY ME AGAIN
And I Obey...
don´t sell your HD for an Xperia,it IS really a nice Phone,ok....but on comparison on the Problem you´ll get it is not worthy!
had a hd before my x1 now. With the stuff i do, the x1 is more usefull for me.
like a lots of and fast sms, msn.
good luck
Mobile of Sorrow said:
Just before you sell your HD an Buy an X1 ,think about it...
I have an X1 Silver,9 Months old...now i have to send it back for Warranty issues
6 Cracks on the Cover (some are really annoying..)and a broken MIC told me....NEVER BUY ME AGAIN
And I Obey...
don´t sell your HD for an Xperia,it IS really a nice Phone,ok....but on comparison on the Problem you´ll get it is not worthy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean "6 cracks on the cover and a broken mic"? Like you dropped the phone and cracked it or what?
Cracks are usually a manufacturing defect, a well known one to the X1. It usually occurs in the battery compartment, and stylus holder. It doesn't do any real damage to the phone or affect use of it whatsoever, but its just a bit disappointing to have. Long thread about it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=447211
In fact, although SE will usually just repair the cracks under warranty, and my phone had a bit of crack, I didn't bother sending it in until another issue popped up. SE in Australia are pretty good btw, they sent a courier to pick the phone up, waiting on it to be sent back, its been 3 days.
Not sure about the broken mic though.
If your buying X1 used, its viable to try it out before you sell HD and if you don't like it, just sell it again.
Hey guys!
I'm looking at getting myself a secondary Android device to accompany my Galaxy S i9000. (I use my phone a lot, and it's quite difficult to rely on a single phone that has quite poor battery life.)
Put simply, I'm wondering whether you would recommend a Nexus One as a good 'secondary' device, or whether I should consider the Nexus S. From friends, I've heard that the N1 has much better build quality, and there isn't anything particularly inside the Nexus S that jumps out at me as a must have feature.
Anyway, I'll leave this with you.. you haven't got to answer me, of course.
Lewis
I haven't had a hands on with the NS but I love the build quality of the N1. Beyond the multi touch issues I'd highly recommend it as a second phone, if not your primary one
I've owned them both. Get a N1. With a NS, you will not be able to install your SD card from your galaxy (it uses internal flash only). The N1 is a metal unibody design with soft-touch plastic covers, while the NS is too 'plasticy' (IMHO).
Also, I am sure the prices of used Nexus Ones are less that that of used Nexus S. You can probably pick a used N1 up with accessories (including the docks) for cheap.
How bad exactly are these multitouch issues I've heard about? Do they affect daily pinch zooming of webpages etc?
Price isn't an issue: I'll be getting it on Vodafone UK - my aunt is due an upgrade, and she doesn't want a new phone at all - she's still happy with a 2006 Nokia!!
I understand that I can unlock it pretty easily and remove the Vodafone software?
It's looking more and more likely that I'll get the Nexus One!
Putzy said:
How bad exactly are these multitouch issues I've heard about? Do they affect daily pinch zooming of webpages etc?
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Click to collapse
Nope, pinch zoom isn't affected at all, at least not in my experience. It only occurs when two fingers pass each other either horizontally or vertically E.g. putting one finger in the bottom right hand corner and one in the top left then moving them to the top and bottom respectively, at the point they pass each other the axis swap. Fortunately this is a rare gesture, even in games and one I haven't had a real problem with in over a year.
I understand that I can unlock it pretty easily and remove the Vodafone software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to keep the warranty you can root the phone without unlocking the bootloader but if you wish to you simply need to issue 'fastboot oem unlock' in the bootloader and you can flash whatever you'd like
Hey guys,
This is my first serious thread, so please hit me over the head with a frying pan if I did anything wrong. I won't take it personally. I tried to search the forums for an answer to this question but I couldn't find a thread about it, so here goes...
I'm sorta looking at the Droid 3 as a replacement for my Milestone. I've also looked at the Desire Z, but I'd really like to have a dedicated number row, which is one reason I'm not too keen on the Desire Z. So the Droid 3 looks pretty good to me right now, but it depends on how the keyboard feels.
My question is basically, has anyone who's owned a Droid or a Milestone (or any of the other phys-key phones) bought one of these, and can they tell me how the keyboard feels in comparison? Since I'd have to import it, I can't really go out to the store and try it for myself, which is what I'd normally do. Preferably I'd like to hear if the keys feel like they are just one plastic sheet, or actual different buttons. That's my main complaint with the Milestone, that all the buttons feel like they're connected and just cut out.
(Note: I don't want to start an argument about physical keyboards vs. virtual keyboards. I can't live without my QWERTY! )
Had an OG Droid with the bubbling keyboard issue. So in my experience this is much, much better. Keys feel great, perfect size, etc.
Sent from my DROID3 using xda premium
I had an OG droid since day 1... 3 days ago I picked up a D3 and I have to tell you, the absolute best part about the phone is how exceptional the keyboard is. The Keyboard is the #1 reason I picked up the D3, I just cant stand using a touchscreen to type.
The phone has it's flaws, but I couldn't be happier having such an excellent keyboard. Totally worth it man.
i have 3 milestones, each with a slightly different physical keyboard (one completely flat, on slightly raised, and one really raised), and a couple of my mates have desire z's. i havent played with a d2/ milestone 2, but what i can say is that the d3's keyboard is infinitely better than any of my milestones, and better than the desire z's... the buttons on the d3 are much much easier to press than the ones on the milestone
it took me a while to get used to the d3 cause if the slightly larger size, but after a week or 2 i'm back to being able to type without looking, and i'm probably a little faster than i was with my milestone.
Thanks guys, that sounds reassuring! It sure looks like a good device too. I might hold off until some ROMs start showing up and development becomes fired up (Cyanogenmod is so lovely on my Milestone, I don't know if I could go back to stock), but it's definitely at the top of my to-get list with comments like that.
And yeah, I tried the Desire Z briefly with a friend and it was ok, but I didn't like the hinge (maybe it was my friend's set that was bad, but it didn't snap, so it would get stuck halfway, and if you held it upside down, it would just sort of hang there and get in the way of the keyboard)... And the number row is a big deal for me, too!
The keyboard feels like each key is an independent button. Sort of like the newer 'Chiclet' style keyboards on laptops and netbooks. Honestly, it is the best physical smartphone keyboard I have ever used.
The keyboard is the reason I got the Droid 3 over the Bionic.
D3 definitely feels like the keyboard has seperated keys, extremely nice to use in hand
I'm pretty sure this verdict will all depend on what phone you're coming from. I had a Touch Pro2 and that keyboard was amazing, arguable the best available to date. After having the D3 activated and under use for about 6 hours i'm not as impressed as I would have liked. One thing that is really bugging me is the sliding mechanism...I did see on all the reviews that they mentioned there was no spring in it but I really underestimated how hard it would be to open the keyboard, especially with the thin styling (not much to push against). I always find myself pushing slowly until i hear the 'click,' because i don't want to damage it but need to slide it all the way to reveal all the keys. Also the buttons are a little smaller than the TP2 so this will be a learning curve for me...it took me about a month to get used to a Blackberry I had as a temp phone so I'm hoping I'll get accustomed to this one just as quickly if not faster.
I'm almost positive in the end it will be more than satisfying. Just sort of a downgrade for me.
Easily the best physical keyboard I've ever used. The keys have a nice layout, perfect spacing and size, and the click is just right.
GoogleAndroid said:
Easily the best physical keyboard I've ever used. The keys have a nice layout, perfect spacing and size, and the click is just right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like (almost) everyone says . . . they keyboard is exceptional. I thought the Atrix4g was well made, but this D3 takes the cake. It's hard for me to believe I once thought that HTCs were well-made phones. Moto has come a long way in build quality since my squeaky, uncomfortable-to-do anything with Timeport!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Vha62lcGSgs
I mean seriously watching this video the buttons don't even vanish when you're in an app. I mean seriously how did Google think this was a good idea? Means you just hit them all the time or you have to be really careful where you touch and they don't change to which way you hold the phone.
How hard is it to A. Use that massive bottom part of the Bezel with Hardware buttons or B. Have some kind of gesture to hide them? I don't care if there is some rooted app out there, it needs to be standard, I just don't get how Google have overlooked this. People keep making a case that software buttons are better because you can change them....... have they ever changed? They've been the same standard design since I started using Android and whocares if they change in the future? I'm using my GS2 and the buttons work fine, just because they look different doesn't mean they have less functionality.
this may come off as I'm defending the Nexus 4 mindlessly but I'm not a huge fan of touch screen gaming. The whole reason I got the Evo Shift instead of a higher end phone was for the keyboard so I could play my games the way I like. I actually just bought a PS3 controller for my phone but I have to wait until Sixaxis Controller updates for 4.2. Though of course it doesn't work with most app store games, but I don't really enjoy playing those anyways
Venekor said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Vha62lcGSgs
I mean seriously watching this video the buttons don't even vanish when you're in an app. I mean seriously how did Google think this was a good idea? Means you just hit them all the time or you have to be really careful where you touch and they don't change to which way you hold the phone.
How hard is it to A. Use that massive bottom part of the Bezel with Hardware buttons or B. Have some kind of gesture to hide them? I don't care if there is some rooted app out there, it needs to be standard, I just don't get how Google have overlooked this. People keep making a case that software buttons are better because you can change them....... have they ever changed? They've been the same standard design since I started using Android and whocares if they change in the future? I'm using my GS2 and the buttons work fine, just because they look different doesn't mean they have less functionality.
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Click to collapse
This is not a Google problem, this is an ap developer problem. They can design the game to function like you want but they choose not to. Blame them, not Google.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
The whole point is to create the "physical button feeling" yet have them flexible for different apps. I think its a great idea! Physical buttons are annoying and are locked into doing only one function. Getting rid of the navigation buttons is like telling apple to get rid of the app dock at the bottom of their phone..... that's the way it was designed for the majority of users. If you don't like it then find a way to change it....you can its Android.
Dude chill... the software buttons are just another method like capacitive touch buttons..just incorporated into the screen. jus look at the specs of the nexus 4 as it has a 4.5 inch screen... if u cant live with that and want a bigger screen then fine move on and get the one x+ or something that has 4.7 inch screen plus capacitive touch buttons.unless you want THEM to disappear in an app too...
If we are going to complain about button placement can we not start with developers persistence with placing menu buttons at the top of most apps! They either have long fingers or small phones. I found this annoying on my SGS1 and very annoying on my Note 2, for obvious reasons. IMO Boat Browser is one of the few browsers that have placed the menu and navigation buttons in a sensible place.
I'm actually a big fan of the software buttons. This is one of the reasons I changed from the OneX to the Nexus4.
There are so many more interface possibilities with the software buttons, and as mentioned earlier the software devs need to make their apps more aware of their presence.
I haven't had to used on screen buttons with my gnex for about 10 months now and same with my Nexus 7 since I got it. There's a way to remove the on screen buttons by modding the res-framework apk. It's as simple as finding the option and and changing it then recompiling the new apk and pushing it to your phone.
Not sure if it's still this simple since I haven't had to do it for a while now that there are a few roms with the option to remove the Nav buttons. I would try if I had the Nexus 4 but that might not be for an while now.
I'm sure this feature will be included in nexus 4 roms too just be patience. I'm the meantime you can check out LMT, its a nav button alternative that uses pie menu that disappears when not in use.
If done right, the on-screen buttons are actually great.
If there are no dedicated buttons. they could either make the screen bigger, or remove the bezel on the bottom of the device, making it significantly smaller.
Also, there needs to be an option to hide them manually whenever you want, whether the application supports hiding the buttons or not. I know that there are such features in CM10 and other custom ROMs, but this needs to be a default feature on any device with on-screen buttons.
I like the buttons and they are not visible when viewing full screen video. That to me is when I care most about the screen space.
sent via xda premium with nexus 7
I love the buttons. Looks so much better than actual hardware buttons.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
A lot of us like the onscreen buttons. If you don't, get another phone. Most don't have them. Those of us that like onscreen buttons have like 2 options, you have 100000. If Google puts capacitive buttons on the next Nexus because of whiners like you, I'm gonna be really upset.
I would have preferred hard buttons and a full 4.7 screen. Similar to the One X. There are only 3 phones with on screen buttons. Most game devs are gone make thier games for the biggest market which is hard button phones.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium
seamus5 said:
I'm actually a big fan of the software buttons. This is one of the reasons I changed from the OneX to the Nexus4.
There are so many more interface possibilities with the software buttons, and as mentioned earlier the software devs need to make their apps more aware of their presence.
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Click to collapse
So am I. It makes navigating through the system easier and a lot smoother. Just like the multitasking icon, you don't have to press and hold like in the galaxy s phones for example. Also OP, the software keys disappear when you watch a vid, YouTube etc.... And you mentioned that they should use the bottom bezel, well that's where the notification light is.
Sent from my Nexus quattro using Tapatalk!
NardVa said:
There are only 3 phones with on screen buttons.
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Click to collapse
Nope. There's lots. The two Nexus, all the new Motos, Sony have started using them (Xperia T), Asus Padfone uses them too.
I hate people like op. If you know that this device has on screen buttons - and you should know this by now because there was galaxy nexus with same buttons- why the fcuk did you buy it in the first place? The whole spec sheet is there, all the info about the phone is written down... I knew it has glass back I knew it has non removable battery or no SD card or friggin buttons. Don't complain if you know what you're buying
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
MattSkeet said:
I hate people like op. If you know that this device has on screen buttons - and you should know this by now because there was galaxy nexus with same buttons- why the fcuk did you buy it in the first place? The whole spec sheet is there, all the info about the phone is written down... I knew it has glass back I knew it has non removable battery or no SD card or friggin buttons. Don't complain if you know what you're buying
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda app-developers app
The worst thing about this phone is its ability to attract users like the OP who don't bother to look at what they are getting and then to come in here on XDA and create the most ridiculous threads. I hate that about this phone. Anyone know a fix?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
At first I thought it would bother me coming from a Gs2 Skyrocket but really it looks so much better. It does make it so much easier to navigate and if you don't like em we have all the best devs migrating to the N4 so I'm sure we will have many different setup options soon. I'm loving the stock right now though buttery smooth.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I change my buttons all the time. Google may not, but I like my menu and search button. I much prefer on screen buttons.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Hi Everybody!
So after 4 years with my iPhone 4, I think it might be about time to get a new phone. The Z3 Compact looks and sounds like the a really great phone for me, I like almost everything such as the speed, water-resistance, design, Sony skin etc.
BUT, I'm really not sure about the size. I'm just not sure it it's too small for me or just right. Consider this: The vast majority of the time spent with my current iPhone 4 (3.5') I use it for browsing the web (reading stuff) one-handed (either because the other hand is doing something else or just because it's more comfortable). So being able to use it one-handed is important to me, but then, so is easy readability. One of my worries going with a huge new phone is that it won't be as comfortable in one-handed use. I'm not the only person who has a smartphone in this world, so I did get to use the Nexus 5 (4.95') and found that while it isn't as comfortable as my iPhone 4 it is perfectly usable with one hand. The Galaxy Note 1 (5.3') I used on the other hand, not so much. If I decide I go with a bigger phone it will be the Galaxy S5 (5.1'), the LG G2 or the big Z3 (both 5.2'). I probably will be able to use these regularly with one hand (especially since I don't think these device are as big, chunky and clunky as the original Note), but nevertheless it won't be as comfortable, wheres with the Z3 Compact (4.6') I'm sure it'll be perfectly comfortable to use one-handed.
So what I'm wondering is - is the sacrifice in comfort even worth it? I mean, the vast majority of the time I use my phone not for playing games or watching movies, but rather for reading stuff, whether it's browsing the web or messaging (although I'm also thinking about starting with reading ebooks). When I use my teeny iPhone 4 (3.5') I don't really think "wow this is so small I can't read anything" (especially since almost all websites nowadays have a mobile view), although when I use a bigger device I defiantly notice that reading is easier. But will the half an inch difference (and 1080P resolution, whether that makes a difference or not) between the 4.6' Z3 Compact and bigger devices with 5.1'/5.2' displays really make a significant difference in reading? That's what I'm wondering and hope you guys and gals can help me figure out. However keep in mind that I want to make this discussion purely about what size is better for me, not about the features and prices of all these different phones which I am well aware of.
TL;DR: I want to know if a bigger display will make reading significantly easier and better - enough to sacrifice a little in one-handed use comfort.
Buy a Kindle, your eyes and you will thank me later.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using XDA Free mobile app
Tuberomix said:
...purely about what size is better for me
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Click to collapse
Why you asking us then?
geronimoid said:
Why you asking us then?
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Click to collapse
I'm asking you people because since I haven't used any new device extensively I'm really not sure how much half an inch difference and 1080P resolution (such is the difference between the 4.6' Z3 Compact and larger devices such as the 5.1' S5) can make reading easier, so I'm asking you people who have more experience and might know.
And I'm not going to buy a kindle because I need a smartphone for reading web stuff on-the-go.
Where are you based?
In the UK phone shops have the Z3C in store, often with working wifi so you could pop in and compare reading an article on your favourite online publications on that and other phones such as the Z3 or S5 to decide if the difference bothers you.
I *personally* believe 4.6" is a large enough, in fact the 4.3" screen that the Z1C had was one of the few things that bothered me about that phone. And this is from someone who owns the LG G2 and still loves it - the extra screen area is only noticeably better when watching youtube videos or playing games.
I've used the following phones as daily drivers, in this order, primarily for reading ebooks, forums, and general web browsing:
IPhone 4
Note 2
Note 3
Nexus 5
Z3 Compact
My opinion is the Z3c is so far the best of the lot due to a nearly ideal mix of size, power, and battery stamina.
I wouldn't willingly go back to any of the other devices except the Nexus 5, which I intend to keep as a backup phone.
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Obviously they scale fonts/images/icons for the smaller screen. Some things appear smaller, and other things are sized fine but you just can't get as many on the screen. You have to decide for yourself, but it is entirely a matter of comfort and not function.
As for me, I wanted a phone that I couldn't feel in my pocket with top-tier speed and a strong battery and a decent camera. As a plus, the daylight readability and weatherproofing make it a very nice go-anywhere phone. I sampled a lot of phones this year, and I'm very satisfied to settle with this one for a while.
TJCacher said:
I've used the following phones as daily drivers, in this order, primarily for reading ebooks, forums, and general web browsing:
IPhone 4
Note 2
Note 3
Nexus 5
Z3 Compact
My opinion is the Z3c is so far the best of the lot due to a nearly ideal mix of size, power, and battery stamina.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am well aware that the Z3 Compact is awesome feature-wise. However, didn't you feel that going down in screen size in comparison to the larger phones is kind of downside, and a detract when reading web-content/forums/ebooks? When you say that the Z3c is "nearly ideal mix of size..." do you mean it feels slightly too small for your everyday use (which is going to be pretty similar to my everyday use)?
Tuberomix said:
I am well aware that the Z3 Compact is awesome feature-wise. However, didn't you feel that going down in screen size in comparison to the larger phones is kind of downside, and a detract when reading web-content/forums/ebooks? When you say that the Z3c is "nearly ideal mix of size..." do you mean it feels slightly too small for your everyday use (which is going to be pretty similar to my everyday use)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all. I went up in size after the IPhone because I thought it was too small, and, after experiencing the advantages and disadvantages of the larger phones, found myself moving back down in size, first to the N5 and now, smaller still, to the Z3c.
At this point I found I've gone nearly full circle, with a device somewhat larger than my original iPhone, but significantly smaller than the other Androids, and I'm finding this size to be the best overall experience for my use cases.
Specifically, for me, that means I want to read on a comfortably pocketable device with a bright, clear screen and not run out of power before I get back to a charger.
I believe this device meets that mix of my requirements better than any of the previous ones I have owned.
I haven't been bothered in the slightest by the downsize in physical screen dimensions or resolution when reading books, forums or websites.
The only adjustment I've had to consciously make is to change my typing style from my previous "tap each letter individually" preference to the "slide continuously to each letter in the word" style due to an unacceptably higher error rate of the former style on the smaller keyboard - a change I probably should have made a long time ago anyway.
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Hi there I had similar concerns when I was looking for a new phone. Here's my thought process:
- When you are talking about one hand usability you can't only talk about screen size.
1. Example: While the 4.7" screen of the iphone6 is basically operable with one hand (provided you have big hands) the space that you need to be able to reach with your thumb is actually quite alot bigger, because of the homebutton placement. So when you're talking one hand use the iphone6 has actually a over 5" space that you need to be able to reach, which really is too big for "normal" sized hands.
2. Example: HTC Mini 2 (almost bought that one), the screen is 4.5" with on screen buttons meaning you only have to operate a 4.5" surface which is perfect for my hands. BUT the only way to power up the phone is with the power button on the top making it uncomfortable to use. You basically need to move your hand upwards to reach that button, while holding it with one hand and then back down again. Very risky maneuver if you ask me.
--> Z3C has none of these issues. You wake up by double tap, and control everything on the 4.6" screen. No need to reach any buttons which means you never have to adjust your hand while using the phone. That's way more comfortable and you reduce the risk of dropping it while adjusting.
Btw: Most of the time I'm using an app to switch off the phone (screen off and lock), swipe up from the on screen home button = screen off. If you don't wanna use those features: the power/lock button is placed perfectly for your thumb (right hand) or your index (left hand), whenever i grab the phone the button is right under my finger without me thinking about it.
-Now obviously in terms of actually using the phone to browse, read, game, do whatever the screen needs to be as big as possible while still being operable by one hand. But "handed" use means the furthest you will hold your phone away from your eyes is one arm length. Fully stretching your arm isn't really comfortable so let's say its a bit less than a full arm length. I personally am usually resting my arm on my belly while holding it, so thats not even half a meter (~20"). And I have to say with regular font settings the screen and more importantly the font sizes are almost too small. Coming from a 4.8" SGS3 i had to get used to the smaller fonts and screen, then I found the setting to increase font size and now it's not an issue anymore
-->I'm always able to rest comfortably when using it, without having to pull it in front of my face (iphone syndrom) to actually see anything... And that is the important factor for me. But I have to add: I also have a tablet. When I spend more than ~10min reading or writing stuff I usually switch to it. That was the main reason for me to get a "smaller" phone- no need for a phablet here. (4 Years ago people were laughing at my HUGE 4.3" DesireHD )
-In conclusion Sony did a really good job here IMHO. Comparison: The phone has a much bigger screen than the iphone 5S, but the size of the surface you need to operate is actually about the same because of very small bezels and intelligent button placement.
But it also really depends on what you want to do with it and on your hand size. For watching the occasional movie the Z3C would be definately too small for me. If you have really big hands I guess you could easily operate a 4.8-4.9" screen if the button placement doesnt get in the way. But for me the Z3C has that sweet spot in terms of size and great hardware... When I read the specs I instantly knew that was going to be my next phone.
Another little thing: The Z3C has exactly the same weight as the iphone 6, almost the same screen size but a 2600mAh battery compared to a 1810mAh in the iphone...