Related
I'm on Voda in the UK and not due an upgrade until late July, but they have offered me an early upgrade at a low cost (for boring reasons.) I've recently read that Sony may release an updated Xperia Z with a better battery in a couple of months and I'm wondering whether to bite the bullet and upgrade now or to struggle on for a couple more months and await a new model (or get the current phone for less overall cost.)
I would welcome some advice, please - thanks!
There will always be a newer and better phone around the corner
bigbamboo5 said:
I'm on Voda in the UK and not due an upgrade until late July, but they have offered me an early upgrade at a low cost (for boring reasons.) I've recently read that Sony may release an updated Xperia Z with a better battery in a couple of months and I'm wondering whether to bite the bullet and upgrade now or to struggle on for a couple more months and await a new model (or get the current phone for less overall cost.)
I would welcome some advice, please - thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you should wait, buy the next Sony called Sony Xperia XR. When that phone is out make another topic like this to ask if you should buy that phone or wait for the next new phone....
So when will it ever end?
Dsteppa said:
Yes, you should wait, buy the next Sony called Sony Xperia XR. When that phone is out make another topic like this to ask if you should buy that phone or wait for the next new phone....
So when will it ever end?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I accept that there will always be another new phone around the corner. The reason I asked about this particularly is that there are reports of the same phone being beefed up slightly (with regard to battery and processor) and I was hoping someone would have news on that, as they seem like the only two areas of slight weakness to the Xperia Z. I thought it a reasonable question, but clearly you don't agree...
bigbamboo5 said:
there are reports of the same phone being beefed up slightly (with regard to battery and processor) [...] as they seem like the only two areas of slight weakness to the Xperia Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2300mAh battery and a quadcore 1.5GHz (1.9 if you overclock) CPU is not enough? I highly doubt you would make use of any more CPU power if provided and as to the battery claim - I wouldn't expect anything much better in that aspect is gonna appear anytime soon since batteries aren't advancing technologically as fast as mobile CPUs. Smartphones are vety limitted in this case. Deal with it . Also bigger battery = thicker phone.
Hello guys.
I'm a long time reader but a new member.
Almost two months ago, my HTC One V was stolen by pickpockets in a crowded Mumbai train.
Since then, I was looking to buy a new phone. Soon, phones like Xperia M and L caught my eye. While I was browsing to phones, I saw Xperia SP, and the bang for the buck it gave, made me decide that this might be the phone I might buy.
Now, as I was looking and going through stuff, I came to know a lot of the cons of the phone, while pros outnumber the cons, the cons were quite important in this case. I've gone through a lots of threads and have known a lot, but some questions remain. Hence, I'm asking some questions in order to solve my queries and give a better view about it. Wish to get proper replies.
1. What version is the Indian variant. C5302, C5303 or C5306.
2. Lots of people say it's heavy. How do you feel about it.
3. GSM Arena wasn't happy with the loudspeaker, does it ring loudly? I see all the phones having a speaker in the back, causing it to ring very quietly.
4. Now an important one. On my HTC One V, I had an option to move apps to SD card. As I was browsing, through the forums, I came to know that it's not possible anymore without rooting. And rooting is something I do not prefer as of now (I had huge plans for One V, but unfortunetely, it was stolen before I decided to root it after the warranty was over).
On One V, I was having loop boot problem after moving the files to the SD card, however, that's not an issue here. Thing is, on One V, I had used AppMgr III (App 2 SD) to move my apps to SD card.
So now is my question. Will App 2 SD work without rooting? Has anyone tried using it without rooting? The Apps 2 SD page mentions this:
Move apps function may not work on your device as manufacture removes the function of moving apps to SD from Android system (not support: S4, S DUOS, Note2, Tab 2, L5-L9, OneX, 7-10" tablet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this apply to Xperia devices too?
This is very much a concerning thing to me, as 5.8 GB isn't a lot if one likes gaming.
5. Has the lack of sufficient space, just 5.8 GB, ever caused concerns for you?
6. Again, important one. How bad is the WiFi? I live in a 1BHK house in a suburb. While I mostly use WiFi (and internet for that matter) near my router and PC situated in the hall, my One V never did well for reaching the bedroom, something I was expecting SP to do well until I came to know about the problem.
Same situation here, I do not prefer to root my phone. Can the WiFi be fixed in any other way? Different channel / mode?
7. Does the WiFi fixes available here actually fix your WiFi? After using the fixes available, is it comparable to other phones' / laptops' reception? What do you think, it's software problem or hardware problem?
8. Do you expect Sony to fix the WiFI problem in in future?
9. People who have rooted then flashed their phones to latest Android should not having any WiFi problems right?
10. I remember some version of iPhone having grip of death for WiFi. Do you guys think SP's bad WiFi reception is due to this?
11. Now the camera. I've seen enough photos / graphs to say that Xperia SP probably has the worst smartphone camera I've seen. Comparing it to my HTC One V, One V was like godsent camera phone. So what to you guys think, is the camera something that is acceptable or just total deal breaker?
I personally do not have any use for the camera. However, my sister is a big camera selfie lover. While I see that the camera takes some beautiful vivid pictures outside, my use the camera would be mostly indoors.
From what I can understand is that the camera is over-compressing the images? I've seen photos very in-depth and have concluded that, one, SP pictures lack details, two, have lots of noise.
Those who wanna compare it on GSM Arena, don't use to ISO chart, see the camera on the color poster: gsmarena.com/piccmp.php3?idType=3&idPhone1=5364&idPhone2=5363&idPhone3=5375.
Compare it something like HTC One V and see the difference of quality of images.
While I've photoshopped and removed noise from the pictures I've found from the internet, from Xperia SP, I don't know if it's worth it, so I'm confused.
12. I've read some users saying that they tried 3rd party camera apps like ProCapture and they immediately saw that Xperia SP started taking great pictures. Can you say the same for yourself? Has anyone tried doing such?
13. Have people who have rooted / flashed SP to latest Android see any improvements in the camera?
14. What do you think. Is Xperia SP's crappy camera about hardware quality of the camera or the software?
15. Do you, being realist here, expect Sony to fix the camera with an update?
16. Now about rooting. Will rooting void the warranty? I read somewhere that if you do not unlock the bootloader, you do not void the warranty. Is it possible to just root the phone without unlocking the bootloader without flash it?
17. Noob question. Do you receive updates if you have rooted the phone? If yes, lets say, I made changes to the WiFi file, and then I updated the phone, will the root stay? If not, will the changes made to the file stay?
18. Now about the CPU. I know the phones are moving very faster these days. However, I'm making a big investment if I buy Xperia SP. So SP being so powerful of a phone it is, do you expect it to stay good to play generally powerful games for lets say, next 4 years? I'm not a person who likes changing his phone every year or two, nor do I have money to do that.
19. Some people are reporting screen touch issues when charging or when putting on desk. It is said to be fixed, is it true?
20. I compared the phone to Galaxy S3 and found that S3 had more contrast ratio when playing videos, however, Xperia SP seemed more bright, what to you guys think?
21. How is the front camera? I don't care about the resolution, but clear enough for video calling?
22. Any other problems / things anyone feels worth mentioning?
That's pretty much it for the phone, however, I have more questions.
23. I'm willing to squeeze out more money for a better phone like Xperia ZR, Galaxy S3 and such. However, they have their own problems. Like, S3 is nowhere to be compared with Xperia SP as SP's graphics is top-end.
As for ZR. I have two problems with it, one small, one big. The small one being people calling it's loudspeaker muffed and the big one being it not being Gorilla Glass. To understand what I'm concerned about it, see this: youtube.com/watch?v=4GzYnDnZDRg and this: youtube.com/watch?v=Q2qdwsFd-Qw. It shows that ZR screen is neither tough / shatter-proof nor, thanks to the sheet, scratch proof. And removing the sheet means warranty void. I've seen that even Xperia Z has the same thing, which makes me think how people manage with this?
24. What alternative phones to SP price range (Rs. 20500 to 22500 here - $330 to $360) or Galaxy S3 / ZR price range (Rs. 26500 here - $425) do you guys recommend?
25. Is the phone worth it? Will you recommend it to me?
Anyway, sorry for huge post. As so many days of sadness for the loss of my HTC One V, I'm asking this, so please bear with me. All these questions have been churning in my mind from almost month and a half now.
Any help with the questions will be greatly appreciated.
1- I don't know, It could be the 5303 or 5302
2-Yes, its heavier than the Z and ZL at 155 grams
3-Ring volume its OK, better than my previous phone (Xperia pro)
4-No. You cant move apps to the external microSD without root.
5-The internal storage its just for apps, the external for media. Its enough but could be better
6-I've never had problems with the Wi-Fi the last 5-6 months with my SP
7-They are just placeboes
8-I dont think so
9-????????????
10-Could be the metal used on the frame, If thats the reason the Z1 may have similar problems
11-Mediocre photo camera, my old pro (neo,ray and arc similar) took better pictures. Video recording is OK. You may want to use another camera app
12-Even Instagram's camera takes better pictures
13-I haven't seen any improvements
14-Could be both
15-May or may not be fixed when 4.3 arrives
16-In many countries, rooting voids the warranty...but just keep a copy of the STOCK, ORIGINAL firmware and flash it before taking it to a service shop. Bootloader unlock may void the warranty, Its better to ask before doing it because it cannot be undone. Dont worry about flashing, on a Sony phone its very easy
17-Yes, you may receive updates but you will lose the root access. Sometimes Update Service refuses to update if the phone is rooted, sometimes not. After unlockin the bootloader you cant use official sony tools, just flashtool.
18.I'm sorry to hear that...I made a huge investment on my SP too, but electronics, specifically smartphones are not designed or built to last. They are disposable. Right now its a good phone...but next year will be obsolete.
19-I had that issue. I dont know if there is a fix for that, but I tried disabling the glove mode and it seems to stop the touch issues
20-Screen isn't that great, cant compare to LED screens
21-Z and ZL have better front cameras. The one in the SP is still as bad as the one you will find on a 2011 phone
22-Phone overheats, that makes some people feel uncomfortable, up to 47 degrres celcius when playin real racing 3. No big deal for me
23-??????
24-I live in Mexico.
25-Yes, it will be a good phone for the next 12-18 months. After that time you will have to buy a new one.
As cachanilla86 answer almost everything.
for Q9. No - most of the sp suffers from wifi problems. whether rooted or not...
for Q23 Check S4 or xperia Z ultra...
1. Don’t know either
2. Yes its heavy, a manly phone
3. The loudspeaker is fine, may not be the loudest on earth but it’s fine.
4. Apps to SD is a contentious issue – the official line is that Google don’t like external SD cards and from Jelly Bean onwards it was no longer part of any Android builds. It’s the same with hardware navigation buttons, Google would prefer them to be on the screen soft keys. However manufacturers can do what they want – Samsung does what it likes and still uses hardware buttons and has tweaked their builds to allow app to sd. Sony haven’t had hardware nav buttons for some time now and perhaps their love for DRM makes them sympathetic to the idea of stopping users from moving apps around.
Anyway, it doesn’t work without rooting, hell it doesn’t work in the normal sense when you ARE rooted – hopefully a nice CM build will come along and resolve the situation for us.
5. Yes and no – it would be nice to install loads of games without a care, but I only really play one ‘big’ game at a time. Rooting can help too because you can move the data portions of big games to an external sd card with folder mount.
6. Range is excellent for me, the authentication process can take ages though, I had the same problem with my 2011 xperia – when the phone is trying to connect to the router signal strength seems to drop and I think you get into a loop of the phone thinking the wifi is too weak to connect to and it swaps to data, the signal goes up again and you try to connect but the same thing happens again. With my 2011 device most custom kernels, especially ones that were cm10 based, connection was instant – this is almost certainly a software issue.
There is talk that the most modern routers don’t have as many issues.
7. The fix that works best for me is the one that changes the level at which the phone decides the wifi reception is so bad it has to swap to data – the range is and has always been great for me, better than other devices in my house.
8. There have been 3 build versions of the phone so far – I’ve always had to apply the tweak. Don’t think Sony regard it as a problem.
9. There are no custom roms out there that provide the latest version of android, they are all based on 4.1.2. There should be a 4.2 build from FreeXperia at some point and a 4.3 build from some independent developers, but there is no ETA for either of these builds. This is not to say that the developers of existing custom roms haven’t tweaked wifi so it works better.
10. As I said, I’m certain it’s a software issue.
11. The camera’s auto mode is pretty poor in conditions which are less than optimum – you can take a nice photo if you mess with settings BUT in my opinion this is missing the point. If I want to mess with settings I’ll use a proper camera, I just want to take quick snaps with my phone in situations where I didn’t necessarily think I’d need to bring a camera. For the SP (and other Sony phones) the camera doesn’t support this type of spontaneous photography very well.
12. Haven’t heard of procapture, thanks for the tip
13. See my previous comments – the only builds available for the SP are 4.1.2 based.
14. Hope it’s the software – I’m no expert, but people talk about too much processing/compression.
15. I had a 2011 xperia with 8MP and the camera on the SP is not significantly better – I don’t think Sony believe that it’s a problem.
16. Unless the apps/mods/roms you install after root cause hardware damage, you can always just flash a stock rom – so warranty should be unaffected. Of course if you are unable to flash a stock rom because of hardware damage…
17. You do receive updates if you’re rooted. Historically if you updated OTA you kept root, via the PC meant you lost it.
18. The smart phone market is moving so fast that I doubt any phone out today will be able to play the most demanding games from 4 years time without any trouble. The latest iphone has 64 bit architecture and this will soon follow for android. Similarly, I imagine that graphics chips are upgraded once or twice a year – so you might be as many as 8 cycles behind what is considered top of the range. The SP is a midrange phone, with some flag ship properties.
19. There are still some touch issues in my opinion, though this is improving build to build.
20. Don’t know about the S3 – the XP screen is fine though, not mind blowing, but in no sense bad or embarrassing.
21. Fine for video calling, perfect in fact. OK for selfies if close up. Do not use for anything else – as mentioned it would only be an average FC for a 2011 device.
22. Not really you’ve been very thorough
That's pretty much it for the phone, however, I have more questions.
23. Don’t think the S3 is better, the S4 mini is better in my opinion ONLY if you can live with a smaller screen. If you can stretch to the ZR do it.
My last xperia didn’t have gorilla glass – I used screen protectors and after 18 months of use I sold it to a recycling company for the maximum stated value (so they regarded it's condition as perfect). Any phone with a large screen is more vulnerable to being broken than one with a small screen. Most days on the underground and on buses I see people with busted screens - usually S3s, S4s and iphones - but I guess this is because they are the most common phones.
24. The choice for me was this or the S4 mini – I prefer Sony phones though and the bigger screen was the deal breaker. You could wait for the new Nexus, maybe a month to go? This was my plan, but my network provider offered me an early upgrade to move to 4G and I couldn’t say no.
25. The phone is definitely worth it – I’m not mad on photography and am rooted, so can get around the storage issue. After that it has most of the really important flag ship stuff, the things that you need, rather than eye scrolling or the ability to take it swimming, and the user experience is great.
Thanks for the answers guys.
After this, I'm more unsure about SP.
Now, I'm considering ZR or ZL, as both are priced similar here.
DKT27 said:
Thanks for the answers guys.
After this, I'm more unsure about SP.
Now, I'm considering ZR or ZL, as both are priced similar here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unsure too as well now lol.
Might have to look for alternatives to SP with better camera for same price.
King p1n said:
Unsure too as well now lol.
Might have to look for alternatives to SP with better camera for same price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If camera is a priority, then Xperia M has a good camera. However, you may not find any phone with such a powerful processor and graphics card, 720p screen and other features at this price.
I read all the questions wont be answering all, but I'll suggest you to go with XPERIA ZR (Don't go for ZR if you gona be using some mods or different ROM's as ZR is a low legacy device and many don't own it so there are no good devs for ZR) or ZL or either Nexus 4 also about rooting you can root any phone it doesn't voids warranty and also removing the scratch-proof sheet on ZR can be removed it doesn't voids warranty.
RuchRha said:
I read all the questions wont be answering all, but I'll suggest you to go with XPERIA ZR (Don't go for ZR if you gona be using some mods or different ROM's as ZR is a low legacy device and many don't own it so there are no good devs for ZR) or ZL or either Nexus 4 also about rooting you can root any phone it doesn't voids warranty and also removing the scratch-proof sheet on ZR can be removed it doesn't voids warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer.
I might not use any mods or ROMs as of now.
ZR and ZL seem to be priced same here. So I'm leaning towards ZL.
As for Nexus 4, it's good but no microSD card support and ZL seems better.
Thanks again for the rooting issue. However, I read that rooting requires one to change ROMs or something? I'm very much a noob in this so no idea.
About the glass and the scatter proof sheet. One, I want to know whether the glass is actually tough enough to challenge Gorilla Glass or is even near it. I'm scared for the phone hitting the ground and the expensive screen breaking. As for the warranty, see this. The only reason to remove the sheet is, that it's cloth and scratch magnet, which can be fixed by by scratch guard I think.
DKT27 said:
Thanks for the answer.
I might not use any mods or ROMs as of now.
ZR and ZL seem to be priced same here. So I'm leaning towards ZL.
As for Nexus 4, it's good but no microSD card support and ZL seems better.
Thanks again for the rooting issue. However, I read that rooting requires one to change ROMs or something? I'm very much a noob in this so no idea.
About the glass and the scatter proof sheet. One, I want to know whether the glass is actually tough enough to challenge Gorilla Glass or is even near it. I'm scared for the phone hitting the ground and the expensive screen breaking. As for the warranty, see this. The only reason to remove the sheet is, that it's cloth and scratch magnet, which can be fixed by by scratch guard I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need any ROM's for rooting, there are many rooting toolkits by DooMLoRD which easily roots a device, and the shatter proof glass is pretty strong (I feel far better than gorilla), my phone has felt many time (XPERIA Z) and nothing happened except a few scratches on the body but nothing on screen or back and I also have removed the scratch proof sheet and I mostly do so with all my XPERIA's it does not voids warranty.
DKT27 said:
If camera is a priority, then Xperia M has a good camera. However, you may not find any phone with such a powerful processor and graphics card, 720p screen and other features at this price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on a 5mp now on Galaxy Nexus and its not too great either and i see the Xperia M has a 5 MP also.
Hate the way Sony skimped on the front cam to only VGA, especially If I finally getting involved in snapchatting and what not it wont be great
I've heard people throw the 8mp camera and software in the same sentence, Im guessing its not the software that causing bad quality images?
Sorry if there are already enough questions like this but this device launches in Canada on the 31st of October. I'm torn between this and the HTC One M8. Both are great devices, but this is the one that I want more due to it's size, battery, and camera. The phone I have right now has lasted me 2 years. I plan on having my next device last me 3-4 years, that's why I'm trying to buy one with the greatest battery life.
For the people who have this phone, do you think the phone would be able to last that long? I've seen many complaints about the phone from things such as the back glass cracking to a popping sound when pressing down on the screen. Is there a chance of the glass cracking in the winter time? Should I ignore those complaints and still buy this device when it launches or just go for the M8, even though it's a bigger phone than I want, because of its durable design? So basically, can people please tell me how their experience has been so far?
Also, would it be a better idea to buy it locally or have it shipped from Clove.uk?
Would you be able to answer the next question: When do you think you'll die?
Probably not.
So no one will be able to answer your question really.
In my opinion phones nowadays are made to last only 2 years or something, because technology moves so fast. There are many exceptions tho, I still see many people with their Samsung Galaxy S2 etc, because the phone can still do what they want and they really don't care about having the newest of the newest and the fastest of the fastest. I don't know what phone you have right now, but if you only have it for 2 years you would probably be able to use it for some more years without to many problems (unless you have hardware problems).
In every single Xperia forum (Since the Xperia Z) you'll see complaints about the glass, don't let them scare you away, complainers tend to come here faster then people without any complaints. Just use common sense and use a screen protector/case, the phone isn't made out of .... wait nvm. There is no indestructible material, so I don't know why people act as if their phones are. Of course there are also genuine people who really did nothing wrong with their phone, but we don't live in a perfect world, of course there will be manufacture errors.
Domestic vs International purchase... well... You might be off cheaper at sites like Clove, but when something is wrong with your device you might have to wait longer for your device to be returned to you.
You choose what's more important for you.
My old iPhone 5 never took a scratch to the front glass...it was a tank.
This phone already has a crack all along the back glass and extraordinarily...a scratch on the front glass. Must be made of weaker/ worse quality glass than the iphone 5....which I kept in my pocket with keys, threw around on tables, kept in backpacks with god knows what...and the screen never, ever scratched.
Good build and still going strong...the Z3 C....hmmmm...
blinky28 said:
My old iPhone 5 never took a scratch to the front glass...it was a tank.
This phone already has a crack all along the back glass and extraordinarily...a scratch on the front glass. Must be made of weaker/ worse quality glass than the iphone 5....which I kept in my pocket with keys, threw around on tables, kept in backpacks with god knows what...and the screen never, ever scratched.
Good build and still going strong...the Z3 C....hmmmm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, but that's your own experience, I have witnessed like the opposite. In the end the only true comparison can be made when you look at stats.
I have seen many people with cracked iPhone screens. I have the Xperia Z and many people had cracked screens while to this day I don't have a scratch on my XZ.
AKA most of the time, these things are purely based on opinions.
Sent from my C6603
This phone better last be two years at least or I'll be very mad
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
I always treat my phones like they're made out of glass. Probably because of that shiny flat panel on the front.
If you are to assume that your phone will not suffer any physical damage for 2 years. Would you still want to use it after 1 year?
Multiple things can affect this. Let's say you've owned the phone for a year.
1.) You as a person may have changed during this year, and you may decide what you wanted last year from a phone.. No longer matches what you want this year.
2.) we are on the cusp of 64bit mobile computing. With lollipop coming this November.
What does this mean? App development will evolve and your 32bit android L Z3c may stagger running those apps
I think it's reasonable to assume that most people will be happy with their mobile purchase for a year. After that.. Especially with this jump to 64bit apps it's anyone's guess.
To illustrate, would you be happy with a 32bit iPhone today?
The key things that will limit longevity:
Battery - Performance of most LiPo batteries will start to decline after two years of daily charge cycles.
Android updates - Few OEMs are committed to supporting devices with updates beyond two years.
Port covers - If you use any of them routinely, they'll likely wear out in less than four years.
Glass front/back - Usage dependent
Obviously there are ways to mitigate each of these potential issues. A case, screen protector, and mag charger will help with the wear and tear stuff. For the battery, budget for a replacement in two years. For Android, it's too soon to tell what your options will be. However, even in the worst case scenario, living without updates for two years (assume Sony will continue to support updates for the first two) isn't as bad as it sounds. When Lollipop starts rolling out to Nexus devices next month, most apps will still support KitKat and Jellybean.
Now, whether it's a good strategy to buy a flagship phone and replace it in four years or buy a second-tier device (like a Moto G) for half the price and replace it in two is a more difficult question to answer.
Dsteppa said:
Hmm, but that's your own experience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, but that's your own experience
If you want to use your phone longer than 2 years (or, like me, you want to pass it on to your kids after your contract supplies you with a new phone after 2 years) than a phone wih removable battery is something to consider. My Samsungs (though butt-ugly compared to Sony) get a new battery after 2 years ( less than 20 buck) and are good to go for another 2 years.
DrPanz said:
If you want to use your phone longer than 2 years (or, like me, you want to pass it on to your kids after your contract supplies you with a new phone after 2 years) than a phone wih removable battery is something to consider. My Samsungs (though butt-ugly compared to Sony) get a new battery after 2 years ( less than 20 buck) and are good to go for another 2 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In terms of battery life yes, but when you look at pc's for example, they are getting more ram (because programs use more ram), more cores (because programs demand more). The same thing is happening in the phone world right now, looking at the transition from 32bit to 64bit phones.
My Z3 is still going.
DonnaZ3 said:
My Z3 is still going.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my z3 compact is going strong too, with lineageos 17.1 installed, although battery has definitely seen better days, can say the same for the port cover, the rubber around the cap has worn down and it won't close anymore so I pulled the cap off because I find it annoying, seeking replacement.
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)
Click to expand...
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!
Hello all,
I'm not very technical, but wanted some advice on my next phone purchase.
Currently have the S6 and hate it. Terrible battery life and miss front facing speakers from my HTC M7. I also want a smaller phone and water resistance is great if I can use my phone in the shower! So... decided on getting the compact.
From my research it sounds like the Z3c successor may not be too far away, but will probably sport a qualcomm 810 chip which I heard overheats and lose magnetic charging (I much prefer this to wireless charging). But a better screen, fingerprint scanner and newer design appeal to me too which I'm sure the Z5c will have.
Can you help me decide whether I should wait or just grab the Z3c now?
Thanks,
Jesus Eats Uranium
hi jesus. one thing to point out, some folk have been having issues with the magentic charger in that its been pulled out of its socket. sony were not repairing them under warranty either. I believe that this was mainly happening to folk with third party super strong mangetic chargers, but I personally wont even risk using the sony one as I do not trust the design. it it breaks you lose waterproofing or have to pay a decent chunk for repair.
as for the rest, well its its hypothetical but a bird in the hand and all that. plus price might be a factor. the z3c is without doubt the best phone I have ever used. as someone who values battery uber alles, its been a joy. plus with a very decent 5.1.1 update just out, there isnt much to not like.
DrEzkimo said:
hi jesus. one thing to point out, some folk have been having issues with the magentic charger in that its been pulled out of its socket. sony were not repairing them under warranty either. I believe that this was mainly happening to folk with third party super strong mangetic chargers, but I personally wont even risk using the sony one as I do not trust the design. it it breaks you lose waterproofing or have to pay a decent chunk for repair.
as for the rest, well its its hypothetical but a bird in the hand and all that. plus price might be a factor. the z3c is without doubt the best phone I have ever used. as someone who values battery uber alles, its been a joy. plus with a very decent 5.1.1 update just out, there isnt much to not like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain the bird thing?
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. something good now is better than the promise of something better later. you know what your dealing with etc.
DrEzkimo said:
hi jesus. one thing to point out, some folk have been having issues with the magentic charger in that its been pulled out of its socket. sony were not repairing them under warranty either. I believe that this was mainly happening to folk with third party super strong mangetic chargers, but I personally wont even risk using the sony one as I do not trust the design. it it breaks you lose waterproofing or have to pay a decent chunk for repair.
as for the rest, well its its hypothetical but a bird in the hand and all that. plus price might be a factor. the z3c is without doubt the best phone I have ever used. as someone who values battery uber alles, its been a joy. plus with a very decent 5.1.1 update just out, there isnt much to not like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heya, good points.
On the magnetic charger point -- I've been using Sony's Magnetic charging cable regularly (it's the only way I charge phone) for last ~7 months, no issues so far. Phone make is from Nov '14. So the issue you mentioned must be from early batches or I just got lucky!
Never mind....
PuffDaddy_d said:
At this point in the life-cycle of the Z3C, you're better off waiting for the successor to be released BEFORE making your decision. If you get the phone now, you'll be purchasing a phone that is nearly 2 years old, which is considered outdated in the mobile technology world. Do you realistically see yourself continuing to use a 2 year old device for 2 more years while watching all the new devices being released around you? If the Z5C doesn't have the features you want or the price is simply too high, then you should get a Z3C on the cheap and call it good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two years old? It was released in September 2014 >.>
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app
I'd say get a Z3 Compact and enjoy installing a pre-rooted 5.1.1 on it and immediately have the best, most-compact phone out there, running the most up to date Android. The phone, while less than a year old, is no slouch and still beats newer phones that have come out this year. It's battery life is fantastic and I don't think you'd regret it, especially if you can get one for a decent price. As they renamed the Z4 to be Z3+ in the US with no new compact model, it's not certain when the next compact model will come out, but I think that implies Sony is leaning on the Z3c for a while still.
Sadman Khan said:
Two years old? It was released in September 2014 >.>
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha - oops. I got WAY ahead of myself here. Good catch.
bofis said:
I'd say get a Z3 Compact and enjoy installing a pre-rooted 5.1.1 on it and immediately have the best, most-compact phone out there, running the most up to date Android. The phone, while less than a year old, is no slouch and still beats newer phones that have come out this year. It's battery life is fantastic and I don't think you'd regret it, especially if you can get one for a decent price. As they renamed the Z4 to be Z3+ in the US with no new compact model, it's not certain when the next compact model will come out, but I think that implies Sony is leaning on the Z3c for a while still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, your comment about installing a pre/rooted 5.1.1? Will that allow me to bypass the Exchange PIN that is required and does the root impact the camera quality which I heard as well? Thanks for help
Sadman Khan said:
Two years old? It was released in September 2014 >.>
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
maddie01 said:
Hi, your comment about installing a pre/rooted 5.1.1? Will that allow me to bypass the Exchange PIN that is required and does the root impact the camera quality which I heard as well? Thanks for help
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is now a method for rooting that will not require you to unlock your boot loader, which is what causes the camera quality to crap out. So no worries. Check the sticky in the general forum.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app