Xperia Z3 or Moto X (2014 2nd generation)? - Xperia Z3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I hope this is appropriate to ask here. I am receiving my new Z3 today (exchanged due to camera defect) and I am debating whether to sell it and buy a Motorola X (2014) instead. Part of this is because after owning the Z3 and seeing too many issues with the camera (defective camera, water-colored camera quality, pink spots on specific background) and bad QA (screen leak), this keeps me on the edge about continuing to own this premium phone. I absolutely love everything else about the phone, the build quality, screen, etc.
Then I looked at the Moto X (2014) and noticed it had similar specs, minus some other features. It is definitely a little cheaper. The big thing is I do not want to go above 5.2" screen at the moment--it is already too big for my pockets. I don't know much about the new Moto X and its problems, but the Z3 makes me feel uneasy about the purchase. One of the big thing for me is the phone camera and quality (MP is not too important). Before selling the Z3, I want to know what you think. Thanks in advance.

My first Z3 had screen leak but new one is perfect. Both are great devices. The Z3 has far greater batter life and AMOLED is prone to burn in for heavy users and eats through battery on web pages though.

abhinav.tella said:
My first Z3 had screen leak but new one is perfect. Both are great devices. The Z3 has far greater batter life and AMOLED is prone to burn in for heavy users and eats through battery on web pages though.
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Click to collapse
Greatly appreciate your input. :good:

Xperia Z3 got stereo speakers but Moto X don't.
Sent from my D6653 using XDA Free mobile app

I was having the same debate but picked the Z3, even though some ave camera issues all I hear is the Moto X 2014 camera is a very sub par camera, as well as having a super small battery that some say barely gets them though the day. I think the Z3 is a much better device overall.

In this scenario. The Z3 is the Mercedes and the Moto X is the Honda lol. Meaning the X is not a bad device but the Z3 is just way more luxurious.

Had a quick look at the Moto-X while at my local Costco. Not digging the design and build quality at all. The Z3 really feels like a premium device next to the X.
While I'm sure the Moto is a great handset overall, one really needs to question the decision to include a low-capacity battery and exclude a SD card slot.
Sony truly is the miniaturization experts. I have a Sony A7 camera and it still boggles my mind how they've been able to cram a full-frame sensor into such a small camera body. Likewise, only Sony can figure out how to cram a 3100mah battery, SD card slot, 20mp camera, and stereo speakers into a phone with similar overall dimensions to other flagship phones that lack all of the aforementioned.

If you do buy the X, buy it directly from Moto, they offer one time screen replacement just like HTC.

Got the Z3 today. Shot this with the HTC One M7 (with the purple haze issue). Notice the USB flap has a larger gap on the left than on the right. Nothing I can do to adjust that. That's Sony's quality assurance for you. :/

Related

[Q] Sony Xperia Z3 over Moto X? which one do you prefer?

I like stock android and moto features but it looks like the z3 is better when it comes to specs. which one do you prefer?
The X looks just as good looks wise but the Z3 has a better Camera, Stereo Speakers and Battery Life is night and day (Favoring Z3).
I was debating on the two at one point as well. The software interface is no big deal because I change it using Nova Launcher anyways. I'm also favoring the Z3 because:
- It has a sexy glass and slim design
- 2-day battery life (for me)
- Camera (which I have high hopes for improvements soon)
I was debating too... Then i found out Moto X has no SD card support. Deal breaker for me despite that sweet AMOLED screen.
Downside of AMOLED at least for power users who keep phones for 2yr contract period is screen burn. Also AMOLED uses more power than LCDs when viewing web pages due to white backgrounds.
The Z3 is in another league where kings like the M8 and the iPhone 6 reside. That's just design and feel. Thinner profile too.
The Z3 has better battery, brighter screen, better camera, waterproof, arguably better audio, better memory with 3gb RAM, expandable memory up to 128GB. The list can go on.
The moto only has faster software updates on its side. Amoled display for contrast, saturated colours and better viewing angles and a better buying price.
The Z3 still outclasses the Moto, and I have their moto 360! Now that moto outclasses the entire competition, including sony's watch and apple's toy.
I would definitely choose the Sony Z3 over the Moto X. There are alot of interesting stuff in the Sony. In case you want faster updates only, choose the Motorola. But going for the Z3 you'll never regret.

Better then HTC One M8?

I need a replacement phone right now and I struggle between those two. I gernarly prefer HTC becouse of the design, sense, and the community support. How ever Z3 is around the price,6 month newer and has higher specs. Help me to make a decision please!
Z3 has 3gb of ram. Wuyh lollipop coming that eats a lotof ram, yoy will really need that quantity ti be futur proof. Htc m8 has only 2.
Plus z3 has vetter camera 20.3 MP unlike the 4 MP camera if HTC. The inly main advantage if thehtc is its design. But personelly I don't find the z3 any less beautifu.
Last but notleast, the epic battery of the z3 3100 mah.
Richard_10 said:
Z3 has 3gb of ram. Wuyh lollipop coming that eats a lotof ram, yoy will really need that quantity ti be futur proof. Htc m8 has only 2.
Plus z3 has vetter camera 20.3 MP unlike the 4 MP camera if HTC. The inly main advantage if thehtc is its design. But personelly I don't find the z3 any less beautifu.
Last but notleast, the epic battery of the z3 3100 mah.
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Click to collapse
But what about this loosing DRM crap that Sony annoys you with? And also I am concerned about updates since Sony pushes out 2 phones a year I am worried they will forget about it soon. M8 has a google play edition so their is at least always that.
Actually because Sony only produces a smaller amount of products they are better and quicker to release with the only exception being GPEs, all being equal I would take the Z3 over the M8 hands down as with lollipops new raw format for images the DRM keys for Sony's special camera won't really matter.
One last thing and my only gripe with the Z3 is the button placement is awkward (physical buttons) they are low and geared towards one hand use but it took me a long while to adjust... Go hold one to see what I'm talking about.
switch from the m8 2 months ago and havent looked back. the z3 is a better phone in many aspects, its faster, has a much superior camera, bigger screen, it lays flat on the table, its easy to grip and doesnt slide from your hand...
I do wish it had an IR blaster and was easier to root but still I am willing to live with this. The speakers are not as good as the m8 but still really good, especially being waterproof. The Z3 is also about the same size as the m8 in terms of width and height but is much thinnery and doesnt have the awkward curve at the back and slippery surface.
Don't worry about updates for the z3. it will likely be the same next year as it is this year.
- Directly from Sony
"We’ll be making Sony Mobile’s Android “L” upgrade available for the entire premium Z series*: including Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1S, Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3v, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Sony Z Ultra Google Play edition devices will be first up – we’ll be back with more details on that soon.
We’ll start the upgrade at beginning of 2015 for the core Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z2 series – continuing thereafter for all remaining devices above."
If you like Sense, you may need to get used to Sony's take on Android. In the interest of full disclosure, I've owned 3 Sonys (T, Z1 Compact and now a Z3), and I love their UI. Anyway, my daughter had an HTC M7, which died recently so she got my Z1c... but that is the second bad experience I've had with HTC.
Stamina mode with Sony is as good as it gets for saving the battery.
For the build quality, you might find them similar. I always find Sony's to be very good.
For the Camera (DRM issue), there is a thread in here where someone tested the low light quality (I guess that's what most the fuss is about) and said there was hardly a difference. I can't speak to the change in quality myself.
Personally, if camera is not a big deal I think The M8 is better.
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Having owned both I have to say that both are excellent phones.
I am very hesitant to put either of the phones over other one. First when I changed from M8 I just hated how Z3 UI looked, too big icons etc. I am now used to this and I find that especially battery is much better on Z3 and this really important.
I hope that more manufacturers start to pay attention to the battery life over how the phones perform. Nexus 6 is a good example. I couldn't care less how much they score on the benchmark tests if the battery is dead by afternoon.
First up, I admit that I don't own the M* but I have tried it in the hand borrowed from a friend. It lacked the 'love at first sight' effect for me.
The Z3 is a much better looking device, more symmetry, more balanced, flat on a surface, razor thin with a brilliant battery to tow. It really is the only device that can make iOS users turn their heads. Also, if you are a brand conscious guy/gal then Sony commands a kind of respect only bested or matched by Apple. The thing is waterproof as well. Has more RAM for better multitasking, brighter display with cool enhancements in gallery and video like x reality boosting. The display can go darker too for reading at night. The camera will show more detail, better for zooming in, cropping, throwing to a large high res display and for a more overall positive accumulated effect. The hardware button is a great addition esp for underwater shots and quick firing the camera from sleep. The low light capability is currently next to none amongst flagships (near dark scenarios). The only gripe I have with the cam is that HTC and iPhones snap images faster, making the user experience more effortless. Magnetic charging is just a bonus. Did I say the battery is really good? Finally, the M9 may debut so getting an M8 may lose novelty sooner than a Z3. Although the Z4 may or may not be round the corner too.
TLDR? The Z3 hands down. No competition.
subhani said:
First up, I admit that I don't own the M* but I have tried it in the hand borrowed from a friend. It lacked the 'love at first sight' effect for me.
The Z3 is a much better looking device, more symmetry, more balanced, flat on a surface, razor thin with a brilliant battery to tow. It really is the only device that can make iOS users turn their heads. Also, if you are a brand conscious guy/gal then Sony commands a kind of respect only bested or matched by Apple. The thing is waterproof as well. Has more RAM for better multitasking, brighter display with cool enhancements in gallery and video like x reality boosting. The display can go darker too for reading at night. The camera will show more detail, better for zooming in, cropping, throwing to a large high res display and for a more overall positive accumulated effect. The hardware button is a great addition esp for underwater shots and quick firing the camera from sleep. The low light capability is currently next to none amongst flagships (near dark scenarios). The only gripe I have with the cam is that HTC and iPhones snap images faster, making the user experience more effortless. Magnetic charging is just a bonus. Did I say the battery is really good? Finally, the M9 may debut so getting an M8 may lose novelty sooner than a Z3. Although the Z4 may or may not be round the corner too.
TLDR? The Z3 hands down. No competition.
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I should point out that M8 was released before Z2 even came out. I know it because I had pre-ordered Z2 originally but since I couldn't wait I went and bought M8 from the shop.
So M8 novelty has already been much longer there than it was with Z2.
I also disagree about the design. Z3 is gorgeous, but M8 is even more beautiful.
CandyAndy said:
I should point out that M8 was released before Z2 even came out. I know it because I had pre-ordered Z2 originally but since I couldn't wait I went and bought M8 from the shop.
So M8 novelty has already been much longer there than it was with Z2.
I also disagree about the design. Z3 is gorgeous, but M8 is even more beautiful.
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Click to collapse
M8 announcement: 25/3/14
Z2 announcement: 24/2/14
So your point is?
Let's be honest here. You like the M8, buy the M8. You like Sony, get the Sony. Pointless to argue.
lee480 said:
M8 announcement: 25/3/14
Z2 announcement: 24/2/14
So your point is?
Let's be honest here. You like the M8, buy the M8. You like Sony, get the Sony. Pointless to argue.
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I thought that Nokia already taught you that announcement and availability are two different things. M8 was able to purchase in April, Z2 came in May.
CandyAndy said:
I thought that Nokia already taught you that announcement and availability are two different things. M8 was able to purchase in April, Z2 came in May.
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You expect the availability date for your country to blanket worldwide? Fat hope, ranger rick.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
lee480 said:
You expect the availability date for your country to blanket worldwide? Fat hope, ranger rick.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, and you except that I don't know how to shop online? Slim chance buzz lightyear

[Q] Deciding between buying z3 or lg g3.

Hi!
Deciding between buying a sony z3 the lg g3. According to my research the z3`s hardware seems to be a better fit for me but I get a little worried when i look at this xda forum section that the developer support seems pretty small. I like to flash new custom roms with new features so this feels kind of important to me.
Is sony not developer friendly? Or why is there not more custom roms in this forum.
Is z3 hard to root?
Is there any other problems with the phone from a rom developers point of view?
Thanks!
This subject has been discussed many times, so I doubt that you will get many answers. Here's my 2 cents:
Z3 is a newer device, therefore less development
When you unlock the bootloader you also lose some functionality (eg the DRM keys)
Less people will probably buy the Z3, because it will have a shorter life cycle
Sony is less popular amongst developers
But we just got official CM12 announcement, so I'm guessing that this will kickstart everything!
I had the same dilemma when I switched from Sprint last September. I had an LG G2 which I loved, but the G3 seemed like a downgrade and I preferred the G2s more uniform look. The G3 has much worse battery than the G2 thanks to the QHD screen which is also worse in terms of contrast ratio and brightness. Audio quality and camera are is it's only shining points.
Coming to the Z3, it feels more like the spiritual successor to the G2 than the G3 is. The Z3 probably has the best if not one of the best battery life. The Z3 also has dual stereo speakers fairly close to the M8 (M8 is better) in terms of quality. The camera is also great, just have to switch to "manual" as "auto" is very inconsistent. The hardware camera button is also useful. Performance wise I see no stutters or lags anywhere and the UI is fairly close to stock in appearance.
Only downside of the Z3 is quality control, I exchanged mine 3 times on my 4th now, due to cosmetic defects. T-Mobile replaced the device immediately in the first 14 days so I was ok with the hassle. Then again most people got a good unit on the first buy, so I am more of a minority. Then again even the G3 has had such issues like cracks on the housing near the aux mic.
Basically get the Z3, you won't regret it.
Sony more of quality product in general, I have hear a lot of people having issues with hardware with the LG, not saying Sony doesn't just LG is much more talked about. The rest of your answers are mentioned in the posts above
Z3 of course..
Before Z3, I used a G3 but couldn't stand the problems like overheating issues, laggy ui.
G3 also doesn't seem to be able to handle Multitasking as well as Z3 does. But it maybe because I bought a G3 with just 2GB of RAM.
So, in my opinion, Z3 is a better performer and gives you a significantly better battery life.
And since the official CM nightlies are now available for Z3, the development ofcustom roms is not much of a problem now...
Of course, G3 also has advantages over Z3, such as, bigger screen, front camera with wider angle, and some gimmicky software features.
My girlfriend just switched to a G3 from an S5 when she switched carriers. She says she likes it more than the S5...
I like it too, I really like the small bezels and how big the screen is compared to the phone. Although, the rear facing speaker is a draw back...
The laser auto focus works fast, and I wasn't able to get an "out-of-focus" shot on it. I think the Z3's camera is still better overall, detail-wise.
The 1440p screen is amazing, not that you can tell a difference pixel-wise... It just looks like a piece of actual paper.
The buttons on the back are tricky to get used to, but I found myself getting used to it quite quickly. Since I naturally rest my pointer finger on the power button, which might be difficult for people with smaller hands/enormous hands.
Someone also tested it in a sink of water, underwater for 2 hours and it still worked... Better than my last Z3 :crying:
I like both, I would go into a store and use both to see which one you prefer. I still prefer the Z3 for my needs.

Getting a new phone.

Hello guys.
I'm using a Nexus 4 now and after about two years it's starting to get broken.
I tought about getting a new phone but I have few requirments, hope you guys can help me with it.
1 (and the most important). smaller form factor than the Nexus 4's has.
2. Good battery life.
3. A well supported phone ( Roms, Guides, etc.).
I can get along with 720P and not having a 810SD xP...
I almost don't play games on the phone and the S4 Pro of the N4 is more than enough for me.
Thanks in advance!
Wassupdog said:
Hello guys.
I'm using a Nexus 4 now and after about two years it's starting to get broken.
I tought about getting a new phone but I have few requirments, hope you guys can help me with it.
1 (and the most important). smaller form factor than the Nexus 4's has.
2. Good battery life.
3. A well supported phone ( Roms, Guides, etc.).
I can get along with 720P and not having a 810SD xP...
I almost don't play games on the phone and the S4 Pro of the N4 is more than enough for me.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto X 2013 or Sony Xperia Z1/Z3 compact. The Moto X has a 4.7" screen like the Nexus 4, but is smaller and lighter. In specs it appears thicker, but that's because the back is curved, and the phone is extremely comfortable to hold and use. Battery life is average, which makes it better than the Nexus 4, which is piss-poor. Some ROMSs are available, but lots of people stick with rooted stock, as it's very fast and minimal, but with some cool features. As for the Sonys, the Z3 Compact is the king of small Androids. Great specs, dual front speakers, very small, and almost absurdly good battery life. The Z1C isn't as nice, but is still a very good phone, and cheaper. Development is somewhat weak for the Sonys though, but at least they're rootable. There's the Galaxy Alpha as well, which is nice and small and thin, but I can't speak for development.
I'd go with the Moto X if you want something cheaper, or the Z3 Compact if you can afford to spend that much.
Planterz said:
Moto X 2013 or Sony Xperia Z1/Z3 compact. The Moto X has a 4.7" screen like the Nexus 4, but is smaller and lighter. In specs it appears thicker, but that's because the back is curved, and the phone is extremely comfortable to hold and use. Battery life is average, which makes it better than the Nexus 4, which is piss-poor. Some ROMSs are available, but lots of people stick with rooted stock, as it's very fast and minimal, but with some cool features. As for the Sonys, the Z3 Compact is the king of small Androids. Great specs, dual front speakers, very small, and almost absurdly good battery life. The Z1C isn't as nice, but is still a very good phone, and cheaper. Development is somewhat weak for the Sonys though, but at least they're rootable. There's the Galaxy Alpha as well, which is nice and small and thin, but I can't speak for development.
I'd go with the Moto X if you want something cheaper, or the Z3 Compact if you can afford to spend that much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much.
I thought about the Z3 Compact but I don't like Sony's phone and they seems to be "Bricky"..
And I don't like Samsung too.
I think I'd go with the Moto X.
Thanks .
Wassupdog said:
Thank you very much.
I thought about the Z3 Compact but I don't like Sony's phone and they seems to be "Bricky"..
And I don't like Samsung too.
I think I'd go with the Moto X.
Thanks .
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Click to collapse
There was a seller on eBay that had the 32gb Verizon branded (but compatible on all GSM networks) Developer Edition for only $200, but he upped the price to $300 just a few days ago. Right before I got my tax refund(s). Another seller has them for $250.
You can improve the battery life on the Moto X by turning off the "active" and "always listening" features. Also, since it's an AMOLED display, use a dark background and any dark themes available.
The Moto X is a seriously great phone. Too much attention is focused on specs, and not enough on simple usability and ergonomics, and the Moto X 2013 is possibly the nicest Android phone to hold, use, and carry in the pocket. I want one so badly, but I just can't justify buying one, since my own Nexus 4 is still going strong.
Planterz said:
There was a seller on eBay that had the 32gb Verizon branded (but compatible on all GSM networks) Developer Edition for only $200, but he upped the price to $300 just a few days ago. Right before I got my tax refund(s). Another seller has them for $250.
You can improve the battery life on the Moto X by turning off the "active" and "always listening" features. Also, since it's an AMOLED display, use a dark background and any dark themes available.
The Moto X is a seriously great phone. Too much attention is focused on specs, and not enough on simple usability and ergonomics, and the Moto X 2013 is possibly the nicest Android phone to hold, use, and carry in the pocket. I want one so badly, but I just can't justify buying one, since my own Nexus 4 is still going strong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will look up for this thanks!
And you're right, I think that the OS feel of the phone is more important than 8-core or 4-core processor.
Wassupdog said:
I will look up for this thanks!
And you're right, I think that the OS feel of the phone is more important than 8-core or 4-core processor.
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Click to collapse
I don't think I've seen a single complaint about the performance of the Moto X 2013. It's certainly not impressive on paper, but whatever they did with their "X8" processor definitely works. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Could this be the new X???

http://www.androidheadlines.com/2016/10/new-moto-handset-leaks-is-this-the-all-new-moto-x.html
Sure looks familiar.
New hope!
namartlu said:
New hope!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks an awful lot like the Style/Pure with slightly smaller bezel. Not getting any hopes up yet as this could simply be a pic overlay.
Please let it be a new Moto X! I was excited for the new Moto, but then the Moto Z was weak, no front facing speakers, and ugly finger print scanner on front, when it so obviously belongs on the back. I liked the ZTE Axon 7, but then it had the software issues and small, unmarked, unbacklit capacitive buttons. I was excited for the Pixel, but then it didnt have front facing speakers, has an uninspired deign with thick bezels and was priced absurdly expensively.
Is a stock android phone with front facing speakers too much to ask for? This phone looks great, even managed to shrink the already crazy thin bezels on the Moto X Pure. Look Moto, just give me the Moto X Pure again, with finger print scanner on back, Snapdragon 821, slightly better camera, and a decent battery life. I'll instantly buy it, even priced at $500.
That being said Motorola has already released a bunch of devices this year, and leak just looks like the Moto X pure with smaller bezels. I'd say it was fake if I had to guess. How would a new Moto X fit into their lineup? Would be a high end device? How would they market it differently than the Moto Z?
thekalby said:
Please let it be a new Moto X! I was excited for the new Moto, but then the Moto Z was weak, no front facing speakers, and ugly finger print scanner on front, when it so obviously belongs on the back. I liked the ZTE Axon 7, but then it had the software issues and small, unmarked, unbacklit capacitive buttons. I was excited for the Pixel, but then it didnt have front facing speakers, has an uninspired deign with thick bezels and was priced absurdly expensively.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with the above. I even ordered a OnePlus 3 on payg via O2 in UK. But then I had a good look at one in the shop and decided it was not an upgrade for the X Style. I cancelled the order. To be honest the X Style isn't all that bad and would consider a new model. So long as it had better battery life, a bright display like the current model and at least the 820.
Not convinced it's real but hope there is something in the pipeline. I'll happily stick with the current Moto x as nothing else really appeals at the moment.

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