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Hi people of XDA, I think I'm going to buy this phone tomorrow, and I want to hear your impressions after use.
I've used it in a local dealer, but I'm afraid of that glass breaking, I've read so much about it... and I've seen people have been careful with it, and it still breaks... What about gaming performance and heat? Have you played intensive games where the phone was very hot? Has anything happened to glass?
So are there any cons that you know? I'm stunned by phone's look. Ex Arc owner hiihihi
I'm really happy with my phone! The battery is amazing and it handles games like a champ. No heating problems or cracked glass, but I'm using a case so don't know if it would be the same without it.
My only complaint would be low audio output with headphones because I like my music loud.
My only complaint is theres still no built in call blocker and unlike my note 4 theres no caller name readout, so you know whos calling you.
Yes the phone could be louder in headphones but atleast It is a improvement on previous Z series and even the Xperia S & T.
The DSEE HX really helps with loudness, as does using the MDR-NC31EMs or my Beats Mixrs.
Happy but there is a small part of me that wishes i went with the compact version! Dont get me wrong, I much prefer the larger screen and its obviously better if watching videos / youtube or even just web browsing. However its a tad awkward to use one handed when on the move outdoors because of its size where as the compact felt much better in hand and felt alot less likely to drop/slip from my grip (when i tested it out in store)
I expected a little more from the camera especially when it comes to detail but none the less its a good camera. Battery life is excellent to so all in all iam happy
Oh and for the person that mentioned 'call blocker' . Theres an option to send a choosen number to voicemail which is pretty similar to blocking the number i think. Also if you use the textra app you can now block incoming sms
If you like installing custom ROM's, i'd avoid Sony. That said, my thoughts;
The phone is very fast, and has a super bright screen, although it's much too blue. Speakers are loud but inconsistent. Camera is good but not amazing.
Compared to my previous phone, M8, i'd say this is faster with much better battery life, but speakers, camera and screen, as well as the puny LED flash which is useless make this phone a little disappointing.
Disclaimer : I am very very picky, so while this phone isn't of the quality of the M8, the glass won't break on it's own, and you won't regret it unless you've had an M8 lol.
Playdough96 said:
I'm really happy with my phone! The battery is amazing and it handles games like a champ. No heating problems or cracked glass, but I'm using a case so don't know if it would be the same without it.
My only complaint would be low audio output with headphones because I like my music loud.
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Do you mind if I ask you what case you are using? Thanks.
Hustlervanz said:
Do you mind if I ask you what case you are using? Thanks.
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http://www.krusellcases.com/uk/p_krusell_product.aspx?i=265580
Bought this one from a store here in Sweden the first day i got my phone. There were no other ones and it looked good and sturdy. Good price too.
Another minor flaw thats a little annoying for me also is that iam finding auto brightness to be crap! The display is too bright in dark settings and to dim in bright settings unless i manually adjust!
I've had it for one week, and I'm very satisfied. I changed from a Z and everything is much better, lighter, brighter screen (I can see it under direct sunlight), usable in wet conditions.
The only bad thing I can say about it is that I can't root it without unlocking the bootloader, at least for now (I like to remove all the Google and Sony bloatware).
I've had my 6603 model for two days. Maybe the honeymoon is still going, but I really love this phone. I did manage to scratch the rear glass already. No cases in USA yet and Amazon backorders them into November after you buy one that shows " in stock". After the past year with Nexus 5, and looking at how the Nexus 6 is whale sized the Xperia Z3 was the only semi stock device I could find that met my needs/wants. I'm thrilled with it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
NFC not working
The phone is great! apart from the NFC only working sporadically.
It only works if i push on the back where the NFC makes contact. It used to work fine for the first week so not sure why the NFC module isnt making contact to the main board.
Anybody else having this issue?
I bought my first Sony smart phone and its Z3 last week. Till now its working great and i have seen no issues just one when using 3G or LTE signals get dropped. Same issue is coming in nexus 5 too. Other than this its very very fine smart phone. Look and feel is good Battery time is awesome and most importantly there in no lag. I switched from galaxy S4 so i am feeling this difference a lot.
I have the phone for a week or 2-3 now and still happy verry with it. Biggest downside is no root and the camera could be a bit better... Coming from a Z1 (and Lumia 930 in between) just about everything is an improvement, screen, build, speed, the whole package. Just hope development will set off soon for the Z3 (again, root mainly).
The phone does get hot when playing games (even candycrush) but that's just what phones do. No issues with glass so far here *knocks on wood*.
I've had this phone since September 26th. I came from an iPhone 5 (i know, I been missing out) and i'm kinda amazed!
There are a few things though:
1. As mentioned by someone before, i'm having issues while it's switching between 3- and 4G. And additionally while it's switching from WiFi to 3/4G. There are spots possibly up to ~15 seconds without any connection.
2. I'm using a cover, but the back got scratches inside the cover, by miniature particles, so I'm guessing it's not too scratch resistant.
3.First I set it up following the set up instructions, and setting everything up with syncs and whatnot. I wasn't too impressed by the battery life when I had it like that, so I did a factory reset and set it up a bit more cautiously, switched stamina mode on and boom, easily the best battery life I ever had!
Over all I'm loving the phone though, reading the news in the shower every morning, no worries about whipping it out in the rain, watching tv-series on the metro in wonderful quality, without noticeable battery drops. No crashes yet, the ps4 remote play to come. The list is long!
I guess what I'm saying is that having had an iPhone since my HTC desire was pensioned I secretly missed android all along, and what a great device this is for a comeback ?
Great phone.. Coming from an LG G2, I miss the thin bezels.
Also miss development for it.
No regrets. Z1 - Z2 - Z3
hi, as the title says, im currently looking for a new phone, but im still confused, which one is better, the sony Xperia Z3 or the HTC one M8. Maybe you guys can give your opinions here and help me decide which one is better
thanks
azirr said:
hi, as the title says, im currently looking for a new phone, but im still confused, which one is better, the sony Xperia Z3 or the HTC one M8. Maybe you guys can give your opinions here and help me decide which one is better
thanks
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Before this gets locked, i'd say, I preferred my M8. Speakers, build quality, camera and screen. Z3 is waterproof though, and a nice shape.
azirr said:
hi, as the title says, im currently looking for a new phone, but im still confused, which one is better, the sony Xperia Z3 or the HTC one M8. Maybe you guys can give your opinions here and help me decide which one is better
thanks
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Click to collapse
I've used the m8 for about 3 months and the Z3 for maybe 3 weeks now and while they are close I'd have to say the Z3 is the better phone in many areas. The camera is no contest, the phone is just as snappy and the UI is great. The m8 has better speakers but the Z3 for most purposes is just as good. The battery life is much better on the Z3 and in my opinion the screen is a lot nicer and that extra real estate though not that much on paper is certainly noticeable. I love the camera shutter button and don't miss the IR from the m8 since I have no problem reaching for the remote control one foot away from me. The sound is louder through headphones on the m8 which is my only gripe really. Both feel very premium, I wouldn't rate one over the other, they're just two different types of premium (metal vs glass). The glass feels great, though the m8 is more comfortable to hold, but when the phones are past a certain threshold for size I think comfort in hand is all relatively the same anyways, aka I have no problems handling this phone and didn't think the m8 was significantly better other than mild comfort from the curve. That's about it, if I had to recommend to any friends I would hands down tell them they're getting better bang for the buck with the Z3 especially after the ps4 screen share update arrives. If you have any other comparison questions just ask away!
Jonathan-H said:
Before this gets locked, i'd say, I preferred my M8. Speakers, build quality, camera and screen. Z3 is waterproof though, and a nice shape.
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oh sorry, i just found out the device suggestion thread. thanks for your suggestion btw!
ladelfm said:
I've used the m8 for about 3 months and the Z3 for maybe 3 weeks now and while they are close I'd have to say the Z3 is the better phone in many areas. The camera is no contest, the phone is just as snappy and the UI is great. The m8 has better speakers but the Z3 for most purposes is just as good. The battery life is much better on the Z3 and in my opinion the screen is a lot nicer and that extra real estate though not that much on paper is certainly noticeable. I love the camera shutter button and don't miss the IR from the m8 since I have no problem reaching for the remote control one foot away from me. The sound is louder through headphones on the m8 which is my only gripe really. Both feel very premium, I wouldn't rate one over the other, they're just two different types of premium (metal vs glass). The glass feels great, though the m8 is more comfortable to hold, but when the phones are past a certain threshold for size I think comfort in hand is all relatively the same anyways, aka I have no problems handling this phone and didn't think the m8 was significantly better other than mild comfort from the curve. That's about it, if I had to recommend to any friends I would hands down tell them they're getting better bang for the buck with the Z3 especially after the ps4 screen share update arrives. If you have any other comparison questions just ask away!
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thank you for your very informative suggestion, im more leaning to z3 now after reading your sugestion! do you know what earphone around below 50$ that suits with the z3? since the bundled earphone is just sucks from what i heard.
While I don't own a m8 my cousin does but I do own a Z3 for a week now and apart from the louder/bassier stereo speakers (Z3 is still good enough) and the louder audio in headphones on the m8 (again Z3 is still good enough especially when using DSEE HX and the noise cancelling headphones and also has better Equalizer presets).
The Z3 is the better phone imo especially for camera/video, battery life, screen, look/feel/design is subjective but I much prefer the Z3 in this department and it is waterproof too and that has come handy in the last week alone.
I'd agree on getting the Z3 (although this is the Sony thread). Both are well built and have quality screens, but I prefer the larger battery and camera over the M8's. Although the speakers could be better, I believe there was a mod called DSEE HX that amplifies the speakers on the Z3. Overall, it relies on what your needs are. They both look good so you wouldn't lose either way. As this is based on opinions, I'd go for the Z3 because it is the newer model and its design is so sleek. Sense is pretty, but I'm all about Sony's stock look and feel. If those don't really matter to you, I guess you would decide whether or not you take more pictures or listen to more music.
RCJ89 said:
While I don't own a m8 my cousin does but I do own a Z3 for a week now and apart from the louder/bassier stereo speakers (Z3 is still good enough) and the louder audio in headphones on the m8 (again Z3 is still good enough especially when using DSEE HX and the noise cancelling headphones and also has better Equalizer presets).
The Z3 is the better phone imo especially for camera/video, battery life, screen, look/feel/design is subjective but I much prefer the Z3 in this department and it is waterproof too and that has come handy in the last week alone.
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Richie5767 said:
I'd agree on getting the Z3 (although this is the Sony thread). Both are well built and have quality screens, but I prefer the larger battery and camera over the M8's. Although the speakers could be better, I believe there was a mod called DSEE HX that amplifies the speakers on the Z3. Overall, it relies on what your needs are. They both look good so you wouldn't lose either way. As this is based on opinions, I'd go for the Z3 because it is the newer model and its design is so sleek. Sense is pretty, but I'm all about Sony's stock look and feel. If those don't really matter to you, I guess you would decide whether or not you take more pictures or listen to more music.
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thanks for your opinion guys! i think i have made up my decision now
What did you decide? I'm trying to decide if the z3 camera and battery life are enough of an improvement from my m8 to switch. I generally love the m8, but I HATE the camera. All my pictures are washed out with tons of glare from any light source.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
I just trade up my Htc m8 for the sony Z3 by using my T-mobile jump program.. I am really luving this phone man ?.I love how you really have alot of options..my biggest worry is dropping the phone and breaking the glass front or back...i really do not like covers on my phone..i think it take the beauty out of them..beside i pay
the extra $10 a month issuance ?
Sent from my Sony xperia Z3 using XDA Free mobile app
This thread had helped me make my decision to grab a Z3 today. I was on the fence in using Jump! to switch from my M8. I'll be going to T-Mo during lunch. Thanks to everyone for the input here.
I had an m8, I switched it for the z3 and I did everything I could to get it back again. Android development for z3 hasn't even begin, speaker quality is bad, the ui feels outdated and less responsive, camera besides x reality treatment in viewing is slow and inconsistent, the price is too high. Get an m8 which is superior in almost every aspect (m8's camera is mediocre too) or a z2 which is much cheaper and offers almost the same.
morfini said:
I had an m8, I switched it for the z3 and I did everything I could to get it back again. Android development for z3 hasn't even begin, speaker quality is bad, the ui feels outdated and less responsive, camera besides x reality treatment in viewing is slow and inconsistent, the price is too high. Get an m8 which is superior in almost every aspect (m8's camera is mediocre too) or a z2 which is much cheaper and offers almost the same.
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You don't think the camera is much better? It seems like it wouldn't take much to beat the m8 there.
I wish I could try it out and get my m8 back if I didn't like it. Tmobile doesn't allow that though.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Had M8 and now have Z3. Both are great phones. Camera isn't that bad on the M8. Especially if you just use it for social media.
Things I miss on the M8 are the IR Blaster and Blinkfeed.
Things I don't miss on the M8 are the power button on the top of the phone and the inability to swipe or double tap screen to unlock while sitting on a flat surface. You have to move the phone or it has to be in your hand on the M8. Z3 does not require that. Also, the curved back makes it rock if you wanna use the phone on a hard surface.
They both feel very comfortably to hold. Although the M8 was a bit slippery when it was brand new. Both have great speakers, and screen. Build quality is equal to me but the Z3 is a bit lighter so the M8 has little more of a solid feel in your hand.
Oh, and one of the most important thing. The battery life is a lot better on the Z3. After the first charge, I got over 6.5 hours of screen time. I expect it to get better after a few more charges. Most I could get out of the M8 was barely 5 hours.
There are tips in m8' s topic which make its camera decent even for printing photos.. It can even get better than z3's in some aspects in my opininion. Z3 has indeed better battery life, and x reality engine can make colours pop out from the screen, if you like such an effect. That's it for me, everything else is better on m8. And keep in mind that z2 is now much cheaper.
Erckul said:
This thread had helped me make my decision to grab a Z3 today. I was on the fence in using Jump! to switch from my M8. I'll be going to T-Mo during lunch. Thanks to everyone for the input here.
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If you go to buy, ask to test the device first, they will open the packaging for it.
Look for the following:
-Frame being bent outward or toward LCD <- Mine had that
-Light bleed between frame and LCD <- Mine had that
-Pink spots in camera <- Mine had that (barely noticeable but diffuse)
-Pressure test to ensure, water tightness
-Test speakers as some are getting major stereo mismatch in loudness.
I unfortunately, could not test, and since I preordered, I cannot exchange in store had to mail mine back.
Info
azirr said:
hi, as the title says, im currently looking for a new phone, but im still confused, which one is better, the sony Xperia Z3 or the HTC one M8. Maybe you guys can give your opinions here and help me decide which one is better
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you ask about Z3 in z3 forum it means more will vote for z3
1 important thing i can say about Xperia devices is durability
beside this there is more ram and awesome camera and better design
:good:
definitely z3 for me. the last time i had a htc one m7, it died on me after just barely after a year. i was also having a lot of software issues with it. purple tint, battery depleting fast and auto shut down. that was my last htc phone.
z3 got my attention with the battery life.
thanks for all of your opinions guys!! helped me alot. im going for the z3 but its not available yet in my country, so i have to wait for a couple more weeks to have it
I have both a Z3 D6603 and a HTC M8 Developer Edition. I really like the UI on the Sony a lot. Its a tough choice. The Copper color Z3 is awesome and a nice change from the gold devices by all the rest.
I do like the extra battery, more ram, and x-reality on the Z3, however; I can convert my m8 to a GPE and get Android L much quicker than we will get it on the Z3. By the time the Z3 gets Android L, then HTC will launch it as well (both promise within 90 days of release) and I can throw that on my m8.
I am more concerned with the lack of development on the Z3 and Sony's DRM Bootloader crap. I know the device was just released but so has a boat load of other devices and which ones with ultimately get the Dev Love ?
Hi guys,
I am in much need of feedback...
Currently, I have the OnePlus One, and am liking it very much.
The endless customizations options and very good build quality especially.
However, I would like a change, and the smaller size of the Z3 is what I am after.
Anyone here came from OnePlus ??
Thanks in advance.
D.
I came from the OnePlus only because mine had gremlins :'( i prefer the Z3 though, better camera + camera modes, better battery life, only downside is no developers for it + no root with LB
I don't have an OnePlus One but I have compared my Z3 to a couple of my friend's. Let me tell you that it feels completely different. The Z3 fits in the hand a lot nicer than the OnePlus One. Also, there is no comparison between the aesthetics. If you are looking for a smaller size and prefer the stock feel of Sony's UI, then I would consider this phone. The battery is amazing on the Z3, but I've heard the same about the OnePlus One from my friends and through some reviews.
A couple disadvantages would be that the phone cannot be rooted and there aren't many developers because of this (without losing bootloader). Some say that their phone is not waterproof, but I have had no issues so that may be something you want to get checked out. There is also the glass back which is very slippery. Most of my drops have been through my phone sliding off tables if they are slanted just because of how smooth the glass back is. I'd definitely recommend a case or tempered glass for your phone if you do purchase.
What you get in the overall package is design, a beautiful screen, nicer camera, and slightly better battery (depends on usage). Although it is pricey, the phone is solid and worth it imo. I have dropped mine on four occasions with tempered glass on both sides and my phone did not dent or shatter (only my tempered glass did).
If there is no reason for you to switch, I would just keep the OnePlus One because phones are expensive X_X. Otherwise, there are other alternatives to a Z3 if you just want a smaller phone. For other options, I would recommend the Nexus 5 or HTC One M8. Only reason to go for a Z3 is if you prefer its design over the competitors. I do get a lot of comments about my phone's beauty and similarity to an iphone.:laugh:
I know this is long, but I hope it helps. Best of luck in your search!
I came from a OnePlus. But i kept it judt in case.
Overall tge Z3 is a great device. But there are a few things that you may want to consider when getting it, as i have learnt now.
1. No Root (Without comprimise) - This is number one for me. Coming from a line of nexus devices i was so suprised to see how difficult it would be to get this on the Z3 without comprimise. I unfortunately didnt do my research before hand.
2. Low dev support - Well compared to the One Plus and nexus 5 anyway which also suprised me. I thought considering the amount of support Sony gives the community this might be different, but alas.
3. Internal Memory - This is my biggest one. I personally thought i could get away with just 16gb and for the most part i am. But the difference is i have to consider it alot more than i did with the one plus one. I have a 64gb OnePlus and also a 64gb memory card in my Xperia which stores all of my music, but things like apps and such do not install on the memory card. So you just have to watch your internal memory more carefully.
4. The phone is slippery as hell - My advice would be to get a thin case and a tempered glass screen protector because this phone is very slippery. On flat surfaces it's a scare, especially when listening to music with a bit of bass, it has a mind of it's own.
But other than the three issues i have highlighted, as has been said before the phone is awesome. Screen, battery life, camera all top the OnePlus in My opinion. You won't be loosing out. But just consider the above and more to help yourself make an informative decision.
Hope this is helpful.
ryanraven said:
I came from the OnePlus only because mine had gremlins :'( i prefer the Z3 though, better camera + camera modes, better battery life, only downside is no developers for it + no root with LB
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Agreed! In my opinion the Z3 is way better than the OPO but for sw mood and root. I love AOSP and CM, but Sony customisation is very very stable and consistent.
Inviato dal mio D6603 utilizzando Tapatalk
ryanraven said:
I came from the OnePlus only because mine had gremlins :'( i prefer the Z3 though, better camera + camera modes, better battery life, only downside is no developers for it + no root with LB
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Yeah, the no developers bit is what kills me, im really considering going back to the note with the jump I have available. The sound is amazing and the camera looks real good but its hard to go back to stock after being spoiled by xposed
Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy my LG G3. I cant help but to want the new HTC One M9. I was debating between the G3 and the M8 earlier during the year, but went with the G3 because of the better camera. The M9 camera should be up to par and the material they use are much better. What did you guys think of the phones released today? Im just curious and wanting to start a new conversation.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
The deal breaker for me is the HTC logo strip between the bottom speaker and screen. I know it's trivial, and first world problems, but it's so ugly and unnecessary. One selling point of the g3 was the small bezels and the maximum screen space efficiency. The m8 was a better device IMO... But the g3 was a close second with slightly better specs and a better screen
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
DigitalUnderground said:
The deal breaker for me is the HTC logo strip between the bottom speaker and screen. I know it's trivial, and first world problems, but it's so ugly and unnecessary. One selling point of the g3 was the small bezels and the maximum screen space efficiency. The m8 was a better device IMO... But the g3 was a close second with slightly better specs and a better screen
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
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I agree having the bigger screen and less bezels was a nice addition... At first I didn't think having a bigger screen was not going to make much a difference, but I am a little worried, now, about thinking of going back to a smaller screen... Unless the G4 comes up with something that completely wows me I think I'll get the m9... Everything I look at the pics or videos of the m9 I drool, like eye candy lol...
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
It is super sexy... That's for sure
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
I had the M8 at launch. But could not get use to the bezel to screen ratio. And the HTC bottom band feels so unnecessary.
I'm liking the look of the S6's internals, and it's good to see Samsung making a return to chart-topping specs (well, except the battery life) after the G3 stole the spotlight last year and Samsung released the utterly mediocre S5. Of course I'm bummed about the non-removable battery and lack of an SD card, but it's about time that they made a more premium-feeling device. My S4 is the first smartphone that I've owned that "broke", with the chrome trim coming off everywhere (ew, white plastic), and enough flex that my power button got jammed in.
The M9 looks absolutely awful, not cosmetically, but specwise. No 1440p, (another) lacklustre camera (though not as bad as the ultrapixel trash they were using before), and they don't have the uprated RAM from the S4. Pretty much the only thing this has over the S6 is battery life, as I'm really skeptical whether the DDR4 and 14nm Exynos in the S6 will be really as efficient as they allege. After getting used to the LG's phenomenal (albeit dim and power-wasteful) screen, there's no way I'm backtracking, especially since one year of development should have improved battery efficiency.
I'm eager to see what LG will churn out in the G4, since it seems like my hopes of an Xperia Z4 phone aren't going to be fulfilled.
TemporaryTester said:
I'm liking the look of the S6's internals, and it's good to see Samsung making a return to chart-topping specs (well, except the battery life) after the G3 stole the spotlight last year and Samsung released the utterly mediocre S5. Of course I'm bummed about the non-removable battery and lack of an SD card, but it's about time that they made a more premium-feeling device. My S4 is the first smartphone that I've owned that "broke", with the chrome trim coming off everywhere (ew, white plastic), and enough flex that my power button got jammed in.
The M9 looks absolutely awful, not cosmetically, but specwise. No 1440p, (another) lacklustre camera (though not as bad as the ultrapixel trash they were using before), and they don't have the uprated RAM from the S4. Pretty much the only thing this has over the S6 is battery life, as I'm really skeptical whether the DDR4 and 14nm Exynos in the S6 will be really as efficient as they allege. After getting used to the LG's phenomenal (albeit dim and power-wasteful) screen, there's no way I'm backtracking, especially since one year of development should have improved battery efficiency.
I'm eager to see what LG will churn out in the G4, since it seems like my hopes of an Xperia Z4 phone aren't going to be fulfilled.
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We would have to agree to disagree... As it is nice to see Samsung come out with something decent for better competition, I don't think know it's better than the m9... The QHD or full HD won't make a difference in a small 5" screen, but it will make a difference in battery life... The design of the s6 is lack luster from pics, and touch wiz is still 5 steps behind sense...
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app
cables2590 said:
We would have to agree to disagree... As it is nice to see Samsung come out with something decent for better competition, I don't think know it's better than the m9... The QHD or full HD won't make a difference in a small 5" screen, but it will make a difference in battery life... The design of the s6 is lack luster from pics, and touch wiz is still 5 steps behind sense... The ram was increased to 3GB... the octa core processor is a beast... I really hope the camera gets better with software
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app
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Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app
cables2590 said:
We would have to agree to disagree... As it is nice to see Samsung come out with something decent for better competition, I don't think know it's better than the m9... The QHD or full HD won't make a difference in a small 5" screen, but it will make a difference in battery life... The design of the s6 is lack luster from pics, and touch wiz is still 5 steps behind sense...
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Free mobile app
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Oh no, I fully agree with you on the battery life aspect. I'm just not interested in moving back to 1080 after the G3, and I'm likely upgrading to a phablet after this phone.
I think the S6 looks mediocre, but the Edge looks really nice. Based on my previous experience with TW, Sense, and the G3, I've found OEM skins to have become genuinely more palatable, so I'm not too concerned. Sense is a hell of a lot nicer, but regardless of skin, deleting the launcher (for Nova or GNow, depending on your inclination) removes 30-40% of the skin, and almost all of the lag, if any exists in the first place.
I am keen on seeing the RAM, Exynos, and design improvements on the S6 line. I remember my old Wolfson DAC powered SGS, and want to see how far the Exynos has come since then. Especially if the M9's 810 is as prone to heat as the G3's 801 (and the subsequent battery life and performance drops), I'm a tad wary. Though, I can't believe they removed SD card support, which legitimately annoys me.
My biggest issue with the M9 is that it looks exactly like the M8 (save for the Duo Camera eyesore), which looked worse than the M7 right before it; the way I see it, S6<M8<M9<M7<S6E. As someone who trialled and traded an M8 for my G3, that doesn't have me enthused. Also, reviews have allegedly been against the new camera setup, still panning it relative to its flagship competitors (though not as bad as the Ultrapixel Duo trash), especially for its lack of OIS. Its spec sheet also is perfectly mediocre for what it is, with the only real gain over our G3 being the 810 v. the 801.
TemporaryTester said:
Oh no, I fully agree with you on the battery life aspect. I'm just not interested in moving back to 1080 after the G3, and I'm likely upgrading to a phablet after this phone.
I think the S6 looks mediocre, but the Edge looks really nice. Based on my previous experience with TW, Sense, and the G3, I've found OEM skins to have become genuinely more palatable, so I'm not too concerned. Sense is a hell of a lot nicer, but regardless of skin, deleting the launcher (for Nova or GNow, depending on your inclination) removes 30-40% of the skin, and almost all of the lag, if any exists in the first place.
I am keen on seeing the RAM, Exynos, and design improvements on the S6 line. I remember my old Wolfson DAC powered SGS, and want to see how far the Exynos has come since then. Especially if the M9's 810 is as prone to heat as the G3's 801 (and the subsequent battery life and performance drops), I'm a tad wary. Though, I can't believe they removed SD card support, which legitimately annoys me.
My biggest issue with the M9 is that it looks exactly like the M8 (save for the Duo Camera eyesore), which looked worse than the M7 right before it; the way I see it, S6<M8<M9<M7<S6E. As someone who trialled and traded an M8 for my G3, that doesn't have me enthused. Also, reviews have allegedly been against the new camera setup, still panning it relative to its flagship competitors (though not as bad as the Ultrapixel Duo trash), especially for its lack of OIS. Its spec sheet also is perfectly mediocre for what it is, with the only real gain over our G3 being the 810 v. the 801.
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OK I see your point... The design is not for everyone... I am excited to see what LG has in store... My biggest problem is that I'm impatient... But even though the edge really intrigued me when I first seen it, then I read that the edge only shows time and notification... That was a disappointment to me because now I feel like all its going to do is drain the battery... They could have used that edge to be more practical... Idk I think I'm still going with the m9 bit I'm really trying to wait to see what LG has in store
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There is little gained by always chasing the latest and greatest "thing". Sure the new phones are arguably better than the G3, but is it really worth the cost? I really doubt it. Trading for a new phone every 6-12 months makes as much sense financially as trading in for a new car every 1-2 years....... Ride the G3 for at least one more cycle of flagship phone releases and then consider getting something new. Just my 2 cents....... :good:
DigitalUnderground said:
The deal breaker for me is the HTC logo strip between the bottom speaker and screen. I know it's trivial, and first world problems, but it's so ugly and unnecessary. One selling point of the g3 was the small bezels and the maximum screen space efficiency. The m8 was a better device IMO... But the g3 was a close second with slightly better specs and a better screen
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
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I was a big HTC fan, absolutely loved my One XL and even the Aria. Tried to like the M8 but could not get over the stupid logo strip. Not only are the aesthetics weird but it gets in the way of using the phone. Touching the logo strip generates the equivalent of soft button actions but the behavior is very inconsistent.
At the time I was told that the logo strip is there because they need the room to cover up some of the hardware that drives the speakers. Which brings me up to another objection - those damn speakers that make the phone much bigger and heavier than it needs to be. As far s I am concerned a phone needs to have just enough of a speaker to produce well audible beeps and buzzes. Anything more is pointless, that's what headphones are for.
Got the G3 because of the near non existent bezels. The power and volume buttons on the back are pure genius for a phone this size. The launcher is fugly but the first thing in do with any phone is put Nova on, so that does not matter. And once you root and get rid of crap there is hardly any lag. Battery life has proved to be decent despite the QHD screen.
Which brings me to my biggest complaint about the G3 - the QHD screen. 1080p would have been perfectly fine and the battery life would have improved. What a waste. Unfortunately I can't see the G4 coming with a lower res screen from a purely marketing point, and now that Samsung has gotten on the bandwagon HTC cannot be far behind. Pitty. Maybe a motto X is in my future.
I think it's got a cute camera, but all around it just... sucks. The battery is even worse than my Nexus 5, and the phone is just ugly, especially in the front, in my opinion.
Actually I like the design much better than the M9, not too worried about the battery, and it seems HTC has finally overcome it's greatest flaw in its camera.
Wish it has a dual SIM function (it's important in SE Asia and developing countries) and waterproof.
Otherwise, it's pretty nice.
I just can't believe they are still plastering a fugly logo on the front taking up valuable screen real-estate. I'll never buy another HTC as long as they keep doing that. At the very least they got rid of the "hardware" buttons... except then they replaced it with a larger hardware button copying samsung and apple. The waste of space is just terrible. Nexus 6 has slightly more than half an inch in top/bottom bezeling combined while these things look like they are rocking 1.5 inches or more!
Not to mention it's looks like a sad copy attempt at newer samsung/iphone styles - hardly unique at all. I don't think the copy-cat ploy is going to work for the third guy doing it. I'd bet money that this is yet another flop.
http://www.xda-developers.com/the-a9-is-not-the-hero-htc-needs-nor-the-one-it-deserves/
Xenosis said:
I just can't believe they are still plastering a fugly logo on the front taking up valuable screen real-estate. I'll never buy another HTC as long as they keep doing that. At the very least they got rid of the "hardware" buttons... except then they replaced it with a larger hardware button copying samsung and apple. The waste of space is just terrible. Nexus 6 has slightly more than half an inch in top/bottom bezeling combined while these things look like they are rocking 1.5 inches or more!
Not to mention it's looks like a sad copy attempt at newer samsung/iphone styles - hardly unique at all. I don't think the copy-cat ploy is going to work for the third guy doing it. I'd bet money that this is yet another flop.
http://www.xda-developers.com/the-a9-is-not-the-hero-htc-needs-nor-the-one-it-deserves/
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I don't think the design is necessarily a bad thing. It may be emulating Apple, but it's still metal and it will appeal to quite a number of people, if not for the design then for the build quality alone. With that being said, the battery is most likely gonna drag the phone down, unless they can do what the Moto G is doing with their battery, which by the way is larger than the A9.
Also, I hope there are capacitative back and recent apps buttons to complement the physical home button. Otherwise, the home button kinda becomes redundant, even with a fingerprint scanner, because you have the full set of controls on the screen right above the home button.
Using HTC 8 years now but couldn't find new model for me. Like the design but inside phone is not what you expecting from phones these days.
Just to hang for time that HTC makes serious phone I switched to OnePlus 2.
HTC A9
Very bad design, I think they need to change thier concept designer and CEO then they try to find another inspiration like One M7 & 8 and I think they will not be able to do that until they think out of Apple hater Box
bennaye said:
I don't think the design is necessarily a bad thing. It may be emulating Apple, but it's still metal and it will appeal to quite a number of people, if not for the design then for the build quality alone. With that being said, the battery is most likely gonna drag the phone down, unless they can do what the Moto G is doing with their battery, which by the way is larger than the A9.
Also, I hope there are capacitive back and recent apps buttons to complement the physical home button. Otherwise, the home button kinda becomes redundant, even with a fingerprint scanner, because you have the full set of controls on the screen right above the home button.
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Bad? nah. Sad? I think so. Who needs more of the same thing? It's because they are failing that they decided to copy what they thought would be a safe bet. Personally I'm not even too bothered by the small battery as I pretty much always keep my phones around 50% and up as wherever I am there is usually a place to charge them. Fast charging will make that even more feasible. (Probably their logic)
In my opinion, the fingerprint scanner should be on the back of every phone, like many are already doing, not the front. Or even on the side makes more sense. It should be in a place that is easy to access with only one hand. The bottom of the front of the phone makes it so you have to support it with the other hand while swiping to do it comfortably.
My point is that any capacitive/hardware buttons that can be done in software are redundant and they are especially atrocious when taking up screen real estate. When done in software, the screen can be 1/3 inch to 1/2 inch larger.
When I got my One m7 way back, I thought it was awesome and compared to what was out there, it was. That is until other phones came out that were the same size but had smaller bezels, didn't waste space with a giant logo and capacitive buttons. A clear successor in design IMO.
Maybe it's just me but since everyone can do nice specs, a decision on a phone comes down to smaller things and for me, screen size/quality is one of the most important. The way the front of the phone looks is important, and how well utilized the space is is important. HTC has always done a horrible job utilizing space well so far as I've seen.
I hate it. The design is fine but why? Don't copy Apple just to get a few new users to switch. Stick with the M8 style design with some differences. Bezeless? The specs are not that great. They even removed boomsound wtf. (unless it is considered a mid range phone).
They need to spend some money and get ultra specs. They need a 4k screen, ultra boomsound speakers that are really loud with a pop out speaker like the old HTC Surround while keeping it a thin phone, Snapdragon 820 with 2 gh and 3-4 gigs of ram, a 25 ultra pixel rear camera with Nikon DLSR sensors to bring the ultimate in picture taking and making it the best camera phone ever even better than some stand alones, 6 ultra pixel front facing cam, 3500 MaH battery. Now if they did that, I'd buy that in a heart beat or are these features too unrealistic?
HTC needs to realize people care about what is written on the specs sheet next to the phone in a phone store. People see low numbers (even though the processor may optimize it to make the low numbers feel like higer for example battery MaH) they will go to another phone that has higher numbers on the specs sheet.
I just really hope they change their mind about their design philosophy to me its not a good change, but I applaud the hardware and the fact they have marshmellow running on it already
MsEvyLynch said:
I hate it. The design is fine but why? Don't copy Apple just to get a few new users to switch. Stick with the M8 style design with some differences. Bezeless? The specs are not that great. They even removed boomsound wtf. (unless it is considered a mid range phone).
They need to spend some money and get ultra specs. They need a 4k screen, ultra boomsound speakers that are really loud with a pop out speaker like the old HTC Surround while keeping it a thin phone, Snapdragon 820 with 2 gh and 3-4 gigs of ram, a 25 ultra pixel rear camera with Nikon DLSR sensors to bring the ultimate in picture taking and making it the best camera phone ever even better than some stand alones, 6 ultra pixel front facing cam, 3500 MaH battery. Now if they did that, I'd buy that in a heart beat or are these features too unrealistic?
HTC needs to realize people care about what is written on the specs sheet next to the phone in a phone store. People see low numbers (even though the processor may optimize it to make the low numbers feel like higer for example battery MaH) they will go to another phone that has higher numbers on the specs sheet.
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I don't agree with you on this, HTC hasn't copied from Apple. But it is other way round.
This is the design that HTC has pioneered and continued to evolve. There is a reason why iPhones and Samsung devices now look like they do, because HTC has a superior design. They always seem to fall short when it comes to specs and marketing.
Xenosis said:
My point is that any capacitive/hardware buttons that can be done in software are redundant and they are especially atrocious when taking up screen real estate. When done in software, the screen can be 1/3 inch to 1/2 inch larger.
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My point was that since HTC already went with a physical home button at the front which doubles as a fingerprint scanner, they might as well include the other capacitive buttons. Having just one button on the front seems kinda pointless. But I do agree that the fingerprint sensor should be on the side or on the back.
MsEvyLynch said:
I hate it. The design is fine but why? Don't copy Apple just to get a few new users to switch. Stick with the M8 style design with some differences. Bezeless? The specs are not that great. They even removed boomsound wtf. (unless it is considered a mid range phone).
They need to spend some money and get ultra specs. They need a 4k screen, ultra boomsound speakers that are really loud with a pop out speaker like the old HTC Surround while keeping it a thin phone, Snapdragon 820 with 2 gh and 3-4 gigs of ram, a 25 ultra pixel rear camera with Nikon DLSR sensors to bring the ultimate in picture taking and making it the best camera phone ever even better than some stand alones, 6 ultra pixel front facing cam, 3500 MaH battery. Now if they did that, I'd buy that in a heart beat or are these features too unrealistic?
HTC needs to realize people care about what is written on the specs sheet next to the phone in a phone store. People see low numbers (even though the processor may optimize it to make the low numbers feel like higer for example battery MaH) they will go to another phone that has higher numbers on the specs sheet.
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Dude, first of all, anything that has to do with Nikon sucks. Second of all, complaining like that just makes you look bad.
herzig.grant said:
Dude, first of all, anything that has to do with Nikon sucks. Second of all, complaining like that just makes you look bad.
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I'm not complaining, I'm just stating what HTC needs to do to get back where they need to be. Going this route is just making it worse for them.
Honestly I think it is a dumb a** phone and it seems like HTC is in self destruct mode
MsEvyLynch said:
I'm not complaining, I'm just stating what HTC needs to do to get back where they need to be. Going this route is just making it worse for them.
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Yeah you have a point.
I've used HTC phones basically for almost every upgrade I had. I found their build and quality to always be top notch. What I liked about HTC is that you can almost always unlock the bootloader and go the custom rom route and the boomsound speakers. The One A9 ditched everything to try to get more people to like HTC. What I want is a HTC phone with top notch specs 5.1-5.5" screen, I could care less about finger print scanning but sure whynot, a nice shooter with OIS and a competitive price point and I think they should be able to get back. Sense skin on the HTC is what makes the experience unique.
nice especially the design though I'm not impressed with its built and other stuff. sticking with the N5 ndysf
Best thing about HTC these days is still Sense interface. Stock android, Samsung etc...OS/look/feel is garbage. I remember when I first got the Nexus, the one with the led trackball..years ago. I almost dumped that thing in 1 day until I found the ability to get an updated Rom with better apps/design and look/feel of the phone. HTC was a saving grace. Get rid of Blinkfeed, keep the clean/polished apps of Sense and interface...and put some real serious hardware in the phone.
Only good thing about this is going to be marshmellow/developers and the ability to have all carriers supported and unlocking out of the box in the US. Otherwise, from the forums, you can see how support of the M9 and later variants have decreased over the years.
Don't know. Maybe sell the M9 and try the A9...I don't do much with my phone, and the little I do, I really need a better polished interface that Apple/MS have done well for years versus the Android.
Shoot, been playing with Candy 5 on my M9 which is pretty close to Marshmellow and standard Android, what a piece of garbage interface/apps they still produce Google....pretty pathetic considering.
Unfortunately, I'm on Verizon for the next year...likely jump ship in 14 months and go back to something like ATT/Cricket and universal/GSM phones. Good thing my wife/kids have iPhones that will work on any network already. Just need to dump my VZW M9 and move on with my life...gheez. The mobile/cell phone business is really a joke with many manufacturers, such a cluster these days and so many options, most Android.