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[Q] Tell me about your experience with the Honami phone (Xperia Z1)

Hi guys, I´m making a hard search for two phones: one to use in my house and another one to the street. I like too much the Xperia Z1 :good:, but there are some questions I have:
In the case of the bootloader, at the moment, the camera stop it´s funcionality, to prevent this, I may take a backup from TA partition, but some others say at the moment to restore the TA, the bootloader relocks again. Is that true? How I get the phone unlocked and the camera working? Is it possible?
The second question: I heard about overheating issues in this Android smartphone. How do I fix them? It happens in every phones, or may vary in the use? There are the same problems who were present in the Xperia Z?
And the more important: What are the pros and cons with a integrated battery? Do you got a good use with it? (you can tell me your use with another Sony phones too) No need to replace with frequency? Is it better than the removable battery?
As you know, the high-end smartphones are too expensive to buy without consider some points.
How is your experience with the sound in the speaker? It is loud, low or normal? (I´m an owner of a Live Walkman)
Can you tell me another bugs this phone have? The Sony phones are still good like the Sony Ericsson ones? (remember, the Sony Ericsson phones were symbol of quality)
And the last one: Can you give me the exact screen size? (in mm) I want to know who big it is (I sized the phone previously and I consider it´s big, I use to be with 3 inch phones)
Thanks in advance, and sorry for my poor English. :silly: Have a nice day.

Don Luciano said:
Hi guys, I´m making a hard search for two phones: one to use in my house and another one to the street. I like too much the Xperia Z1 :good:, but there are some questions I have:
In the case of the bootloader, at the moment, the camera stop it´s funcionality, to prevent this, I may take a backup from TA partition, but some others say at the moment to restore the TA, the bootloader relocks again. Is that true? How I get the phone unlocked and the camera working? Is it possible?
The second question: I heard about overheating issues in this Android smartphone. How do I fix them? It happens in every phones, or may vary in the use? There are the same problems who were present in the Xperia Z?
And the more important: What are the pros and cons with a integrated battery? Do you got a good use with it? (you can tell me your use with another Sony phones too) No need to replace with frequency? Is it better than the removable battery?
As you know, the high-end smartphones are too expensive to buy without consider some points.
How is your experience with the sound in the speaker? It is loud, low or normal? (I´m an owner of a Live Walkman)
Can you tell me another bugs this phone have? The Sony phones are still good like the Sony Ericsson ones? (remember, the Sony Ericsson phones were symbol of quality)
And the last one: Can you give me the exact screen size? (in mm) I want to know who big it is (I sized the phone previously and I consider it´s big, I use to be with 3 inch phones)
Thanks in advance, and sorry for my poor English. :silly: Have a nice day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1)At the moment it is NOT possible to get the bootloader unlocked with a working camera. You can however get back on stock firmware and restore TA partition to get your camera back.
2) Every phone heats up. Overheating is a little bit exaggerated....
3) Integrated battery is a must with a waterproof phone. This protects your electronics. Nowadays people exchange their phones every 2-3 years and that time is a lot shorter than your battery life. I would not worry about that at all. If you need an extra battery just buy a portable charger.
4) The speaker is not the greatest as there are waterproofing membranes that cover it. It is not as bad as some make it though. It is just an average speaker.
5)There are numerous people suffering from random reboots and that is a bug that Sony is yet to fix. I get about 1-2 a day unfortunately
6)The phone's screen is 5 inch 12.7cm but the bezel is quite big. It is bigger than Galaxy S4 or any other 5" smartphone. 144 x 74 x 8.5 mm

Pull the trigger on this one?

Hi all. I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and I'm thinking about buying the Xperia Z3 Compact. Everything about the phone seems great, but with Sony's bi-annual update cycle, I'm not sure what to do. Is it worth it to wait another 3 or so months for a yet unannounced Z4 compact? Or pull the trigger on this?
Thank you.

I don't think z4 will have great improvements.. I have a z3 compact and its great..

There is no official word about a z4 compact

Go for it man! I doubt you'll ever be half satisfied with this. I've had this since December and i'm only loving it more and more
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app

Z4 Compact? Z2 Compact has never been released, IMVHO the next compact phone will be Z5C

Dsteppa said:
There is no official word about a z4 compact
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I know. Just trying to think ahead, but at the rate technology is moving, there's no way to keep up. Thank you very much all. I'll make the purchase. Like I said, I've only seen great things about this device.

Bzow said:
Yeah, I know. Just trying to think ahead, but at the rate technology is moving, there's no way to keep up. Thank you very much all. I'll make the purchase. Like I said, I've only seen great things about this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference between the Z1 and Z3 compact are pretty minimal tbh

Dsteppa said:
There is no official word about a z4 compact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea so far there're only rumors and i'm quite happy with the Z3 compact. i think you should go for the Z3 compact if you really like it.
Dsteppa said:
The difference between the Z1 and Z3 compact are pretty minimal tbh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have owned both of the devices. my old Z1 compact was stolen 4 months ago (damn the thief). so i've been using the Z3 compact for 4 months.
honestly the performance does have some difference. you can clearly feel the Z3 compact is more smooth. but if you are not super sensitive then both devices are good.
another thing is the Z1 compact has the metal frame around. it feels much sturdy and real. while Z3 compact has it changed to plastic. it still looks good. but feels a bit differently. however, the Z3 compact has the glass back cover. even though it doesn't feel much difference comparing to the Z1 compact... i can't tell the back cover of Z1 compact is actually plastic.
so all in all.. from Z1c to Z3c it's for sure a progress. but not too much.

vikingsail said:
yea so far there're only rumors and i'm quite happy with the Z3 compact. i think you should go for the Z3 compact if you really like it.
i have owned both of the devices. my old Z1 compact was stolen 4 months ago (damn the thief). so i've been using the Z3 compact for 4 months.
honestly the performance does have some difference. you can clearly feel the Z3 compact is more smooth. but if you are not super sensitive then both devices are good.
another thing is the Z1 compact has the metal frame around. it feels much sturdy and real. while Z3 compact has it changed to plastic. it still looks good. but feels a bit differently. however, the Z3 compact has the glass back cover. even though it doesn't feel much difference comparing to the Z1 compact... i can't tell the back cover of Z1 compact is actually plastic.
so all in all.. from Z1c to Z3c it's for sure a progress. but not too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The display is MUCH better on z3c. My brother has a z1c and the colours on z3c are far better
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app

Furthermore there are different return policies in different countries. Means you can return it in a certain period of time if you dont like it depending on your country and your retail selling policy.
The phone may not shine in every area but it definitely has its strong sides as regards battery, raw power, size , the ability to withstand water and the easy upgradeable storage space with a micro sd. The dedicated camera button i also find a nice addition.
Downsides are the reported awful customer service (also dependant on your reseller, so read the return policies carefully) , the non replaceable battery and the somehow fragile feeling this phone gives. But this can be solved with a case or the choice of a good protection plan. The camera is as good as expected, not outstanding but not terribly bad either. If i want to shoot good photos I would not use a smartphone anyway. Also if you are a heavy multimedia consumer you might want to check out bigger phones. At last the inbuilt flashlight is pretty weak. So if you want to use your phone as a flashlight you might want to look another way also .
The Iphone 5s is really the only contester worth comparing it to, but i would choose android over ios always. If you dont care about this and need the same one handed usability (this ofc also depends on your hand size )then the 5s might be worth a look.
Now with root available with locked BL i would always recommend this phone no matter what. When it runs it runs fast, reliable and efficient and will get you through a day of heavy or 3 days of light/moderate usage. Which is the main and most important point for me.
I own the phone for 4 months now and never ran into a problem which could not be solved. I would not buy a different one.

Went from Galaxy S3 to Z3 Compact. Couldn't have asked for anything better really

Well i took the plunge and bought the Orange Z3 compact, even after reading some of these threads on some of the faults. I have come from a HTC M8, and i must say, this Z3, is one of the best phones i have ever had, the size of the phone is perfect for me, i never liked big phones, they seemed a bit silly for me.
I am still on stock, i haven't rooted the Z3, but i did root all my previous phones, and in all honestly rooting this phone is the last thing on my mind, it is brilliant as it is, lighting fast, and there is more customization, than any previous phone i have had.
And NO i am not a Sony Fanboy, neither am i being paid by Sony, These are my thoughts, i am so glad i did buy this phone, only thing i miss is a decent weather widget.
So all in all , best thing to do is check the phone out for yourself, then only you can make your decision, never let any one make the decision for you.

Can only confirm the above posts - also coming from a S3. I can promise you - even if you don't root the Z3 right away you will not turn on your S3 anymore. The Z3 outperforms the S3 by a landslide and (in my opinion) even the current, bigger and more expensive "flagships" from other companies by some degree.
My only "mistake" was not looking here before buying it, it was an impulse buy mainly because of the form factor and pure specs (SD card a big one, too). Was a bit annoyed because of not being able to root, actually with the Z3 it was the longest time I spent with an unrooted device ever. But: the positives outweighed the negatives and in the end root is finally available, making this device even better than it is with stock firmware. I'm also happy the constant chase for "the best" custom ROM is finally over, can't imagine how I could ever bare the hassle I had with previous phones/tablets. Stock is just fine and the Z3 does what it is supposed to.
As for the other problems mentioned in these forums:
- front/back glass breaking sponteanously: I use a tempered glass screen protector for the display, nothing for the back. the phone sits in a no name TPU case, I only had to put some work to the slot for the magnetic charger. No cracks whatsoever (yet) - and I'm known to be a magnet for disaster...
- flash LED: compared to your S3 you will probably think: "hey, is this thing really on ??"
It really is weak, but then again - if you need a reliable light, get a Maglite with some batteries to spare. This is a phone. In most cases I use a simple app that simply turns the screen on white at full brightness, that's more than enough for my taste.
- being slippery/attracting dirt: yes. Especially the black one if you intend to use it without a case. It's my first phone that rests constantly in a case, otherwise I would be pushing my luck... I would try to get the white or red one if you can't stand smudges when using it without a case.
- speaker quality: well, look at the size... it ain't good, but not too bad either.
- camera: as mentioned before, not brilliant, but not crap too (even with unlocked BL). It's ok for snapshots mostly.
Biggest pros as mentioned: performance, battery life and (after rooting) full use of the SD card combined with small size and a all in all great display. Being "waterproof" is an added bonus - though I would never take it to the shower or otherwise test this - I just hope it survives the occasional heavy rainstorms I get caught in from time to time when out with the dogs.
I did not regret buying it without contract for the full price.
---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:34 PM ----------
Schumi 01 said:
i am so glad i did buy this phone, only thing i miss is a decent weather widget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, OT :
there are millions of weather apps/widgets out there, I always come back to:
- Arcus Weather
- Weather Timeline
- Weather Pro
Currently I'm using weather pro as this is (at least for me for my region of Germany) the most precise one and I got some play store credit for my chromecast so I gave it a try for a year of pro usage. Not disappointed so far !
The other two are pretty solid, too.

Howlbeck said:
Well, OT :
there are millions of weather apps/widgets out there, I always come back to:
- Arcus Weather
- Weather Timeline
- Weather Pro
Currently I'm using weather pro as this is (at least for me for my region of Germany) the most precise one and I got some play store credit for my chromecast so I gave it a try for a year of pro usage. Not disappointed so far !
The other two are pretty solid, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks will check them out. :good:

Rumors Z4C, it was from a reliable place. Don't remember now, but well see in MWC next month
4.7" screen
3GB ram
Sexier then Z3C, which is sexier then Z1C
Open USB and Jack, still IP68 rated
Qualcomm 810 cat. 9
Quad or Octa core, don't remember.
Sent from my Xperia Z3C using XDA Free mobile app

shafiq01 said:
3GB ram
Sexier then Z3C, which is sexier then Z1C
Open USB and Jack, still IP68 rated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that would be an improvement. 3 gigs ?
Never understood why the Z3c can be waterproof whilst relying on flaps when the jack is open... ?

shafiq01 said:
Rumors Z4C, it was from a reliable place. Don't remember now, but well see in MWC next month
4.7" screen
3GB ram
Sexier then Z3C, which is sexier then Z1C
Open USB and Jack, still IP68 rated
Qualcomm 810 cat. 9
Quad or Octa core, don't remember.
Sent from my Xperia Z3C using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I don't think there'll be a Z4C for quite a while as from what I've heard Sony is planning to change their release schedule, to one highend phone per year. Mainly because that is what certain customers want and that Sonys budget ain't that good right now. Developing a new phone costs a ton of money.
Also, please tell me what that source is as this sounds like fake and unjustified rumors.

Just dropped in for some Thread Cleaning.
Folks, if you don't like a post somebody else has made, and, feel it may violate XDA rules, then just "Report Post" instead of replying to it, and creating multiple posts back and forth that a Mod will have to come in and clean.
Simple enough?
Nothing else to see here.....

Sptz said:
Went from Galaxy S3 to Z3 Compact. Couldn't have asked for anything better really
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here [emoji106]
Sendt fra min D5803 med Tapatalk

GethPrime said:
To be honest, I don't think there'll be a Z4C for quite a while as from what I've heard Sony is planning to change their release schedule, to one highend phone per year. Mainly because that is what certain customers want and that Sonys budget ain't that good right now. Developing a new phone costs a ton of money.
Also, please tell me what that source is as this sounds like fake and unjustified rumors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If these rumors are true, then maybe they will launch their last compact model, before retiring.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2015/02/18/sonys-smartphone-surrender-abandoning-the-xperia/
Sent from my Xperia Z3C using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:16 PM ----------
shafiq01 said:
If these rumors are true, then maybe they will launch their last compact model, before retiring.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2015/02/18/sonys-smartphone-surrender-abandoning-the-xperia/
Sent from my Xperia Z3C using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the before mentioned rumor, I think it could be reliable, gsmarena.com usually hit spot on. Maybe its not true??
http://m.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z4_gets_certified_by_japanese_wireless_authority-news-10798.php
Sent from my Xperia Z3C using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] Would you still buy the Z3c today?

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!

Should I buy the Z3C today?

Hi everyone,
I'm using the xiaomi mi2 today and all in all happy. It got wet and screen is broken so I have to think of an alternative soon before it dies completely.
I came across the Z3c and was charmed by the similar size and great battery life.
I kind of disappointed it only have 2gb ram, okay camera, no ir.. But it's very good looking water resistant phone.
My limit is 5".
I thought maybe to wait for the z4c because of the 1080p screen, 3gb ram probably but kind of stressed by the fact it will host the problematic 810 snapdragon,which warms up AZ everyone in the Internet reports.
Should I buy it now or wait? Would you buy it today even that its almost one year out, and maybe there's better options today?
I'm also a bit amazed I can't root the phone without losing the already not so great camera quality.
How is the development community here? Is it planned to have 5.1? would you recommend CM and other roms as a good option or is it buggy and bad battery life?

I bought one today.
1080p is nice (I had Nexus 4 which is 720p and went to HTC M7 which is 1080p, it is no thaaaaaaaat difference)
2Gb of ram is enough
I don't think there are better options, and with SD810 things are getting "hotter".
You can root without loosing camera quality
5.1 is planned to arrive on July by sony.

Im buying mine next month. Same Price of G3 but that 2k display made me run away lol
And love sony too

eranyanay said:
would you recommend CM and other roms as a good option or is it buggy and bad battery life?
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Click to collapse
I tried CM nightlies, performance and battery life is good. But battery life is better at stock rom because of power saving algorithms of sony.
Biggest down side is the camera in custom roms like CM. You should unlock bootloader to flash custom roms and this action removes DRM keys, resulting in bad camera quality. There is also the wide lens issue, images get distorted in camera apps other than stock sony camera app. I would like to use CM but as far as I know there is no fix for bad camera in Cm (or in other custom roms).
But the good thing is that you can restore drm keys if you have backed up drm keys with a tool in the forums, and return to rooted stock roms and regain the not-so-great-but-absolutely-better-than-cm image quality for camera.

Ok, zihinsiz say all good things, but if i can tell you something... Take care of you mi4, because with our z3c you will have no real benefits (ok, battery A LITTLE better, screen and resolution A LITTLE better) but nothing really really better that you can see as really different as your actually situation

zihinsiz, Thanks for the input. Is it possible to root without removing DRM keys (which actually means, without unlocking the bootlaoder?) , and then to have CM with the sony camera, which does all the PP and thus not losing image quality? beacuse if not, it actually means I should never exchange roms...not being able to remove embedded bloatware (which is done easily with root)
PeppeBove, I have the mi2 (bought it when it first got out, almost 3 years ago!), did you mistype and think I have the mi2, and claim there's no big difference comparing both, or did you misread and think I have the mi4?
I also have another question, Where can I find the differences between both Z3C models D5803, D5833? Which one is the "international" one?
And how is the speaker phone & speakers volume? Is it good enough?

eranyanay said:
zihinsiz, Thanks for the input. Is it possible to root without removing DRM keys (which actually means, without unlocking the bootlaoder?) , and then to have CM with the sony camera, which does all the PP and thus not losing image quality? beacuse if not, it actually means I should never exchange roms...not being able to remove embedded bloatware (which is done easily with root)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can have root without unlocking the bootloader and without losing drm related functions. So, you can debloat the stock rom, flash mods and use xposed framework without losing any function.
And trying cm or other roms is also possible after unlocking bootloader and returning to fully functional stock rom is possible with drm restore and bootloader relocking. Unfortunately Sony camera app only works in stock roms, that is the disadvantage I talked about. You should forget camera if you have a custom rom installed, that bad is the quality I think.

Camera quality is the only thing gets bad while bootloader is unlocked? and in any case, using any other camera app will get bad results?
gps and all other sensors behave OK no matter what?
Is it possible to get google dialer or some of the stock feeling of aosp/cm roms?
As a Z3C owners can you see any other competitor with better specs at this dimensions (< 13CM height) ?
Im already looking at the devilcase metal bumper...

eranyanay said:
Camera quality is the only thing gets bad while bootloader is unlocked? and in any case, using any other camera app will get bad results?
gps and all other sensors behave OK no matter what?
Is it possible to get google dialer or some of the stock feeling of aosp/cm roms?
As a Z3C owners can you see any other competitor with better specs at this dimensions (< 13CM height) ?
Im already looking at the devilcase metal bumper...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can look at the topic in my signature for example pictures. I think my pictures are at the last or 1 before last page.
I took the pictures with Camera FV-5 and an unlocked bootloader.
They really aren't bad in my opinion, you will probably only notice a difference with low light.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app

http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4928&idPhone2=6538. Thats a spec to spec comparison. I just got the z3 compact too and have had to switch over since my m7 decided to conveniently die on me without any warning sign. Overall I cant really tell the difference in the resolution partly because in day today applications it doesn't really matter. I suggest investing in a magnetic charger as well in order to maintain the water- resistance of the phone. The battery life is yet to be put through the paces but it's already shaping up to be much better than my heavily customized m7 was. Both my phones had 2 gigs of ram and I never saw myself using more than 1.5 gigs at the most. Overall I'd say it was worth the upgrade especially since I got my z3c for 300 AUD . Also the bluetooth low energy is handy if you use bluetooth headphones or if your car supports it. After the oneplus one, this is the second best phone in terms of price to specs to the fact that it is actually small enough to call a phone. My 2 cents would be not to wait since sony supports their devices for 18 months so you do get Android M and possibly the next iteration as well so really you've got all bases covered here

i wouldn't buy one today. it feels more sluggish than my wife's galaxy alpha, so i would go with an S6, even having the battery+screen size+water proofness penalty.

reg-sux said:
i wouldn't buy one today. it feels more sluggish than my wife's galaxy alpha, so i would go with an S6, even having the battery+screen size+water proofness penalty.
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Click to collapse
Unless you are running the exact same apps on each phone it's very hard to justify a sluggish statement. You can certainly have a rogue app bogging down your phone.
I'd buy the Z3c again as there really isn't anything else to compare it to in the sub 5" category. While I'd like the camera on the S6 I'm not sure I could deal with the decrease in battery life and the overall size..as well as TouchWiz.

I saw this on ebay which is really cheap, i don't know if its some deal or sale, do y'all think its worth it? Here is the link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-XZ3D58...858?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4e0b155a
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-XZ3D58...929?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item487f6513b9
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-XZ3D58...931?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item487f6513bb

The Z3c is a decent enough phone that feels snappy, is the perfect size and has amazing battery life, but it has its quirks . If I were in the market today I'd wait to see what the Galaxy S6 Mini brings to the table. I might even sell my Z3c if the S6 Mini packs as much performance as the regular S6.

uchechris said:
I saw this on ebay which is really cheap, i don't know if its some deal or sale, do y'all think its worth it? Here is the link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-XZ3D58...858?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4e0b155a
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-XZ3D58...929?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item487f6513b9
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-XZ3D58...931?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item487f6513bb
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Click to collapse
These are Seller refurbished, not factory refurbs either. I personally wouldn't chance it, but thats up to you. Also it states that there could be signs of use. I'd either buy new or keep an eye out on swappa.
I've been debating on getting a z3c myself but i might wait for z3+c possibly even s6 mini. Its a tough call.

The problem with Samsung is that their devices is always very "tall", because of the hardware buttons, plus no sdcard, no water proof...
maybe the camera will be a plus.
Im going to buy the Z3C. I made up my mind
Now I struggle where to buy it from.

eranyanay said:
The problem with Samsung is that their devices is always very "tall", because of the hardware buttons, plus no sdcard, no water proof...
maybe the camera will be a plus.
Im going to buy the Z3C. I made up my mind
Now I struggle where to buy it from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure where you are located but amazon and fleabay seem to have some of the best prices on new device.
I'm itching to buy one myself and kills me that there is no word on when to expect the z3+c. I think id rather have the new version but it will also come with a higher premium as well. My guess would be Sept release
Things that bother me most about the z3c are poor indoor shots, cap over charging port, and the docking pins on the side.

Don't hold your breath for a Z3c+ to be released. Mini/Compact phones are going the way of the Dodo Bird (sadly). Get the Z3C now or possibly even the Samsung Alpha. The Galaxy S6 mini could be awesome (minus touchwiz) or it could be crippled like the previous mini versions have been. If you can wait, do so, so you won't have any regrets. The price will only get lower.

I bought my 1st in November white color, Sold it to some1 last month and bought green one. Giving it to my wife next month and again buying new white one next month. Its the perfect phone.

INFRNL said:
Not sure where you are located but amazon and fleabay seem to have some of the best prices on new device.
I'm itching to buy one myself and kills me that there is no word on when to expect the z3+c. I think id rather have the new version but it will also come with a higher premium as well. My guess would be Sept release
Things that bother me most about the z3c are poor indoor shots, cap over charging port, and the docking pins on the side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here in Portugal most of stores aren't getting more Z3C.
I asked about 3 or 4 stores and they either say they don't have stock for some months or that the device was discontinued, that's why I bought it now.
Best prices here are around 256-370eur on unknow stores, but on orange (it's a store from expansys group) at 389eur (discount code deal10). On physical stores the best price I saw was 411 or 550eur with the sony smartwatch.
On international stores like dvdandorra you can get it at 339eur .

This or the new ?

Folks would you recommend this handset or wait for the Z5.
I'm not really bothered about the finger print scanner but just wondered what others thoughts were ? I know the Z3+ has some teething issues that are slowly been sorted...
Just don't like any other phone at the moment than the Z3+

You pretty much answered the question yourself. Fingerprint sensor aside, Z5 offers a new camera sensor (same size, more pixels yet smaller pitch, faster focus) with OIS. If you don't care about that either, save up & get Z3+! It has a great camera too. Going by Sony's update history, Z3+ will also get all the sw goodies. Z5 is also a bit bulkier with a slightly smaller battery. So now it's your call

Well if i have money then sure the Z5(/Premium) will be mine compared to Z3+. But if i don't, i'd better wait for price drop or just get the Z3 standard. It's still a hell of a phone.

You recon there'll be some stonking deals on the Z3+in the coming weeks now ? I assume it will get 5.1.1 and M with it having same hardware.

pss53 said:
You recon there'll be some stonking deals on the Z3+in the coming weeks now ? I assume it will get 5.1.1 and M with it having same hardware.
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Simple z5 better camera 5.1.1 battery finger print. Z3+ everything else is the same 3gb ram snapdragon 810 and z3+ will be optimized updated to. Faster Camera response 5.1.1 plus z3+ is thinner.
ME

Its a take and give situation:
Fingerprint vs Old power button(some like this aesthetic)
New camera vs the older camera with minor setbacks compared(like the focus and an upgraded sensor)
Bulkier vs smaller
Price vs Z3+ which surely will go down in price now(also if you dont want everything new a Z3 will be supercheap by next month)
Update-wise the support for both phones will almost hold through just as long since its so close to release to each other and they pretty much run the exact same HW apart from the camera and Fingerprint sensor
The choice is easy, if you would like a rebate on a super awesome and truly stunning device that is still super new go for the Z3+, however if you really need that new camera sensor(honestly Z3+ pictures looks stunning already) and if you value the fingerprint sensor that much go for the Z5

Cheers for the reply chaps, do any of you think that Android M will utilize the finger print scanner even more ? As when I think about things like Android pay that are coming I'd certainly love to use that (anything that saves me carrying the bank card)

pss53 said:
Cheers for the reply chaps, do any of you think that Android M will utilize the finger print scanner even more ? As when I think about things like Android pay that are coming I'd certainly love to use that (anything that saves me carrying the bank card)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most definitely but it will take time until shops and stuff starts taking Phones as a payment solution more than just at some fancy place

pss53 said:
Folks would you recommend this handset or wait for the Z5.
I'm not really bothered about the finger print scanner but just wondered what others thoughts were ? I know the Z3+ has some teething issues that are slowly been sorted...
Just don't like any other phone at the moment than the Z3+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think since the Z5 has something new, it's important to see if sony makes full use of the new hardest or not.
The IMX200 is used form Z1 to Z3+ and Z3+'s photo is far more better than Z1.
I think it will also take a long time to optimize the new sensor in Z5.
So why can't we wait?

I'm happy with my z3+, last update seemed to solve the heating, and android M is surely coming and resolve the battery. But it is beautiful phone, i chose copper, and it takes great pictures! Z5 doesn't have much over it, and it doesn't have OIS like someone earlier claimed iirc. I believe that z3+ will see a little price drop soon. I don't care about finger prints, i don't use any sort of screen lock but swipe.

I would love to have Z3, Z3+ & Z5 lol. No but seriously Battery life & speakers definately Z3 but I think everything else has been slightly updated on the Z3+. I would choose the Z5 over the rest though mainly because of Camera however I a still waiting to see what the loud speaker is like and also battery test and how loud they are in headphones. As the Z3 is low in headphones generally, the Z3+ is a bit better.
If the Z5 is too expensive then I would go with the Z3+