New owner looking for advice - Xperia Z3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi to all you Z3 owners! After looking at all the smartphones my carrier (Rogers) has to offer (Galaxy S6, LG G3, etc.) I've decided to upgrade from my old Galaxy S2 (Skyrocket) and purchase a Sony XPERIA Z3.
Today is Fri and it'll be at my door Mon afternoon and I can barely contain my excitement!
*I'd just like to ask everyone how satisfied you are with the Z3? What are the Pros and Cons of the device? Do you have any ROM recommendations you can share?
Thx for any input you guys can give! [emoji3]

Hi and welcome fellow owner!
I certainly do understand your excitement since I had my own z3 for just 3 days now.
I come from a not distant past, the LG G2, and I have to admit, the xperia feels amazingly better in use. Just 100% fun all the time.
I too considered the G3, but recently I found myself needing more of a solid device rather than a specs monster.
Still hesitant to submerge it in the water :S
If you're into rooting I'd recommend you do it right away, I flashed the lollipop update first and now I'm stuck feeling tied to all the personalisation I had made.
Cheers.

I too came from the S2 and I am more then happy, its a beautifull phone to hold and its great in sunlight. Music sounds awsome with the right pair of earphones or headphones. Snappy and smooth all the time. Battery life is excellent. I myself have taken some very nice pics, some astonishingly perfect, some not so perfect I need to play with the camera settings a bit more, outdoors on a bright day it takes great pics. I just updated to lollipop today. Im living in ireland but flashed the central europe generic. Im loving the phone even more now. I would like any tech experts to tell me what the real difference is between a Central Europe generic firmware and a UK generic firmware. As my phone is working perfect on the Central Europe firmware, same reception and everything. I got this insured so I have decided not to bother buying a cover because is such a nice phone why ruin it with a cover. All in all its a 5 star from me so far. Enjoy

I took this pic today. My dog with a sock in his mouth on the grass. To me this picture looks flawless

Try washing and using underwater camera shots you'll see how useful waterproof features btw dont forget to seal all the flaps
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app

Thanks so much for all the replies so far! I can hardly contain my excitement about this phone! I even signed up with UPS SMS notifications even though I'll definitely be here on Mon...peering out of my window hours before it arrives lol. [emoji85]
@TanmayTzara - Re. the comment about rooting before upgrading to Lollipop:
I will most definitely be rooting this device but should I do it before the OTA Lollipop update?
@meteor999 - That pic of the Golden Retriever with the sock IS perfect! Wow u had the S2 before as well?! I'm actually typing right now on my old S2 and I'm eagerly looking forward to re-purposing this little guy as an XBMC device connected to my HDTV in my "man cave" downstairs! I have to know....was going from the S2 to the Z3 like going from a Horse n' Cart to an Aston Martin? [emoji33]

Hello mates. I recently went from a Samsung Galaxy S2 (Hercules) to the Sony Xperia Z3 (T-Mobile) model, D6616. The bootloader is locked ? I will not be able to root it. Yes, that's right. I don't know about the Rogers version. But for us Yanks who are with T-Mobile, we are SOL. Enjoy the phone. I love mine the way it is. I am running 4.4.4 KitKat and am hesitant to update to LP. I have read all sorts of disappointibg anecdotes on Google + about battery life not being anywhere near as good as this phone is with KitKat. Just this morning I got 25 hours before having to recharge. The most I've gotten is 36 hours. Amazing. Sounds and pictures are terrific. I like the user interface with KitKat on this phone. I sure do miss flashing roms, though. Please get a case or two. Amazon has plenty of them. This phone is slippery. Good luck.

danishdish said:
Hello mates. I recently went from a Samsung Galaxy S2 (Hercules) to the Sony Xperia Z3 (T-Mobile) model, D6616. The bootloader is locked ? I will not be able to root it. Yes, that's right. I don't know about the Rogers version. But for us Yanks who are with T-Mobile, we are SOL. Enjoy the phone. I love mine the way it is. I am running 4.4.4 KitKat and am hesitant to update to LP. I have read all sorts of disappointibg anecdotes on Google + about battery life not being anywhere near as good as this phone is with KitKat. Just this morning I got 25 hours before having to recharge. The most I've gotten is 36 hours. Amazing. Sounds and pictures are terrific. I like the user interface with KitKat on this phone. I sure do miss flashing roms, though. Please get a case or two. Amazon has plenty of them. This phone is slippery. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for your input about Lollipop and battery life. Also about the case as I wasn't sure on that one.
My curiosity is piqued now...
1) What type of cases and accessories do you guys have or suggest?
2) Does anyone have the cool "smart cover" case with the little window and if so, how is it?
3) Are there any Rogers users here and will I have any issues rooting and/or flashing ROMs?
4) What ROM do you guys recommend? [emoji41] [emoji517][emoji782]

Hi guys, I'm also interested in getting the Z3 (for my girlfriend), but I'm a little bit reluctant because there seems to be many serious issues about this phone.....
I've done a lot of research already and from what I've read so far, the most common issue is pink blotch on the photos. People say that it seems to an issue with the camera hardware. I've also seen some reviews about the 4K recording overheating the camera, which is pretty disappointing considering Sony phones are known for their decent cameras...
The only good thing I've seen in common is to do with the battery life, apparently it averages 8~10 hours. Is that true?
What about Wifi? Sony phones are known to have crappy wifi since the Z1.

chaoscreater said:
Hi guys, I'm also interested in getting the Z3 (for my girlfriend), but I'm a little bit reluctant because there seems to be many serious issues about this phone.....
I've done a lot of research already and from what I've read so far, the most common issue is pink blotch on the photos. People say that it seems to an issue with the camera hardware. I've also seen some reviews about the 4K recording overheating the camera, which is pretty disappointing considering Sony phones are known for their decent cameras...
The only good thing I've seen in common is to do with the battery life, apparently it averages 8~10 hours. Is that true?
What about Wifi? Sony phones are known to have crappy wifi since the Z1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had my new Z3 for 14 days now and taken tons of pictures and I've had no issues with pink areas in photos at all. I read some ppl got a bad batch of camera hardware. One thing to do is test the camera straight away and if there's issues, bring it (or ship it) straight back for a replacement.
Camera: It doesn't take spectacular pics, but they're quite nice and the low light pics are excellent. I can't speak to the 4k video, however when you change to this mode it warns you there's a possibility of the phone getting too hot. (see below screenshot)
Battery life: 8-10hrs? Try 36 - The battery life is completely insane on this phone. I can get through 1 1/2 days of regular use before needing to plug in and charge.
WiFi: I have a large home with a fully finished basement. My "man cave" is down there and I get a great signal with no issues. Range is only average though, nothing spectacular.
Cases: If you get her the phone, the best case for it that I've found is the Ringke FUSION. I went through 2 other cases (Tudia, Sony Scr24 Style Cover) before discovering this. I purchased the "smoke black" version and I love it.

Related

Your opinions after buying it.

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

Is the Z3 worth it?

Now asking that question here is not the right place to ask since.. Well.. Most people already purchased the device. It is however, the best place to ask about the Z3 since, well.. Most people purchased the device.
At this point i started out on Android with the HTC desire z, then the original Galaxy Note, LG G1, and have now paid off my Galaxy Note 2. Looking for a new phone I found that my needs is somewhat fulfilled with the Z3, although it is hard to tell, without actually owning and using the device as my daily usage.
I was thinking off continuing along the Samsung Note series with the 4, but the screen is to big, and I am honestly a bit tired of having a hard time reaching the far side of my phone. Battery is my main concern actually. I got rid of the LG G1,due to not being able to accept the uptime ratio and I see the the Z3 contains a 3100 mAh battery like my Note 2, and that Sony promises 2 days on 1 charge, but to be honest I don't really believe in such a promise. Hell, I could squeeze 5 days our my battery if I really tried, but the thing is that I actually use my phone.
So is it a decent battery that actually delivers in the Z3?
Also. The camera. That has really got me going as I use my camera a lot, and must admit that lenses and cameras is done really well by Sony.
But is the camera really noticeable better than say a 13 MP camera?
And last but not least. I flash custom Roms. Not as much as I used to, but I would choose a custom bleeding edge Rom over some stock firmware waiting for updates with 3 GB bloatware.
I heard something about locked bootloaders and Sony on general not being a good choice if you want to flash anything, and yet I saw something a few weeks ago where Sony released official video guides on unlocking your Xperia phone.
So which is it?
Has the Z3 been pried open to gain root access and flash custom roms?
Thanks
70 views and no response at this point.
should i take that as a no.
Ok I'll bite.
You'll get anywhere from 6-10hrs of screen on time on a Z3. Factors will be how many apps you use and what types of apps those are, obviously something like a processor and graphics intensive game will chew up the battery far quicker than the gmail app. With realistic, moderate use 3-4 SOT per day, you really can get 2 days battery life.
Some people love the camera and some people hate it. It's a bit slower to respond and in the Auto mode it will spit out a down sampled 8MP file FYI. If a little thought is put into taking a pic, it can produce some excellent results.
ROM support is pretty bad right now, but then again Sony's UI is pretty light
Hope this helps.
I would say it's worth it... and I get mine tomorrow. Honestly, I've had my share of devices, but I keep going back to Sony.
1) The UI is nice, pretty light (as mentioned by se1000) and it does mostly what I want. Nova usually winds up on the device at some point if I want the AOSP look.
2) Sony is good with warranty repairs etc... I know from experience from getting work done on my Xperia T years ago. Took some time as I bought it from the UK and used it in the states, but they didn't balk at repairs and I sent the thing in unlocked and rooted.
3) Build quality feels better to me than any other device I've handled. I am coming from an LG G3
4) They are community friendly. Sure, they may not RUSH to put out Lolli, but they are head and shoulders above others (I've mentioned Oppo... I used to have a find5). They also have, basically, Sony XDA reps as I see them, and I think they work with the FXP team on stuff?
5) Small updates are frequent. Not KK to Lolli, but updates in the same build. I think there have been 5 or
6 on the Z1c I had... you know they're paying attention.
Now, you'll find a decent amount of posts expressing issues with the device. Hell, you'll find the same for any device. The way I see it, usually people make noise when something isn't working, and rarely when things are all hunky dory. Therefore, you will always have a disproportionate level of experiences, in favor of those with issues. I am not going to say the issues are excusable, or that they don't exist, but I tend to think that generally most devices are better than their XDA threads might indicate.
Just my .02
I would also say: yes, it is worth it.
I come from a Galaxy S5 and I don't miss it at all.
I own the Z3 only for a week now, but normaly after 2 or 3 days I'm "not so much in love" anymore with the device but I am still in love with the Z3.
I tested much devices like the One M8, the LG G2, the LG G3, the Z2, the N5, the S5 and finally the Z3.
All in all it is the best device in my eyes. Its design is great, it's very comfortable to use (also in one hand), it's fast and the battery life is insane.
I only have to charge it every 2 days and I get a SOT of 7h +.

[Q] Think I want a Z3V, you guys diggin yours?

Been waiting for the S6 to come out and now that it's been released not happy about several things and think I'm going to pass. The Z3V seems to have everything I'm looking for, waterproof and good reception being high on the list.
My needs:
Good call quality and reception
Water proof
Good battery
Good camera
SD card slot
Durable
From everything I've been reading it looks like the Z3V has got this covered. Not sure I like the glass back but it'll live in a case anyways, which I'm finding out there is not much choice there. Btw I'm coming off a Razr Maxx HD, I ruled out the Turbo fairly quick lol. Thanks!
My Z3v has blown away every expectation I've had on any phone I have owned. Battery life, radio reception, OS stability, no lag, seriously the smoothest running device I've ever used, camera, SD Storage, 3gb RAM, waterproofing and Wireless Qi charging, stereo front facing speakers, and LED notification. Everything works as intended and expected. I've had mine since launch and 4-5 months later I'm actually more enthused about it than I was the first day. Without question if my phone met its demise today, I'd turn around and get it again without hesitation. It's hard to think about switching to another device when the one you have has performed flawlessly with no hiccups.
The only thing it doesn't have currently but supposedly is planned to is simultaneous data and voice. It is a slight disappointment, but not critical for me.
Yup I agree with PChain
Everything needed to be said, pchain has said it. I won't likely ever get another branded phone since there's nothing too new or attention worthy about them. I'm very disappointed how the S6 turned out to be as the Z3v is already everything as it is but incredibly better.
The glass back isn't too much of a concern since it is Sony's tempered glass. Look up any youtube video of Sony's Drop test, they're nearly indestructible. It's worth it man, get this phone and you won't have to wait as long for the update for simultaneous voice and data.
Well I'm sold, thanks for the replies! Should've just got it in January when my contract was up but I was hoping for great things from the S6 and thought I'd wait it out, but like many I'm disappointed in the direction they went.
Awsome, but none of these phones are particularly "durable"...
The hardware guts, performance and elegant form of this phone blow me away. No question, hands down, this is more pocket computer than I ever imagined. In the Verizon store it's absolutely the best bang for the buck.
I'm a bit OCD, so if it gets dropped and marred, or scratched, or dented, or cracked I'll completely freak out and cry like a baby! It's not a particularly durable design, but it's really well put together. No weird seems, misalignments, etc. Because I work in landscaping and construction, I've swapped my unused Xoom tablet line with an old handset that I'll bring to work instead of the Xperia so I won't have to feel like I'm performing an act of surgery every time I take a call (cleaning hands off, etc).
I think this phone in a top notch case is super hard to beat for most applications.
IMO - the Z3v is the best bang for your buck. I was first intrigued by Sony Xperia when the Z2 was @ Verizon a few years ago. I'm glad that the Z3v was available when my Razr Maxx bit the dust last Fall, though not initially.
I first went "Cheap" with a LG G Vista, but it shutdown a few times. I swapped it for the Moto X 2014. While the Moto X is a fine phone, it got hot to the touch and the battery isn't the greatest. Luckily - the Z3v came out during my 2 week trial and the third time was the charm!
It has never shutdown, the battery life is pretty good, and the MHL and mirror link functions work via my Smart TV! The same cannot be said on the former phones mentioned.
Go for it!
Based on your post, stan smith, i think this is the ideal phone for you. Thats awesome to hear youre making the move. Just picked the Z3v up a few days ago and I'm blown away. I like to believe im an educated consumer and did a lot of digging on all the latest VZ offerings. My expectations for this phone were sky high and they are being surpassed! i'm running nova launcher and the phone is by far the snappiest device ive ever had. Tap to wake is phenomenal. Having moved here from an HTC ONE M7, my primary concerns were pixel density (M7: 468ppi - Z3v: 424ppi) and screen brightness (M7: 460nits - Z3v: 407nits) but these are no longer a concern. Expectations exceeded.
Really excited about this phone! I will admit I'm concerned about the size, haven't even seen one in person yet. I did some comparisons at phonearena and it looks really tall, like .66" taller than my current razr maxx hd. Going to hit Verizon maybe tonight if not tomorrow and check it out, probably bring it home if I think I can manage the size of it. :good:
I love my phone. I came from a Galaxy S5 and I think this phone is so much better in many ways. I particularly like the solid feel and build of this over the S5. Don't know how it would compare to the S6.
Like someone posted, the only bummer about this phone is the lack of simultaneous voice and data. That is very disappointing in this day and age on a high end phone. But I can live with it and perhaps they will fix that with an update in the future.
vplaza96 said:
I love my phone. I came from a Galaxy S5 and I think this phone is so much better in many ways. I particularly like the solid feel and build of this over the S5. Don't know how it would compare to the S6.
Like someone posted, the only bummer about this phone is the lack of simultaneous voice and data. That is very disappointing in this day and age on a high end phone. But I can live with it and perhaps they will fix that with an update in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Idk how solid the S6 would be, but compared to this, it definitely can't withstand water anymore. lol
The lollipop update that will include everything is reaching upon us soon. Sony confirms they're in final phases of testing to work out the bugs. We will all soon get simultaneous voice and data (again, depending from whatever phone we came from before).
Got it tonight!! Solid phone, love the look and feel. A little big but I can get used to it. Lol the guy at Verizon didn't know anything about it, said he never sold one and tried to talk me out of it. Once I schooled him on the features he was pretty impressed. Glad to join this very limited club and thanks for all the advice!
americandad said:
Got it tonight!! Solid phone, love the look and feel. A little big but I can get used to it. Lol the guy at Verizon didn't know anything about it, said he never sold one and tried to talk me out of it. Once I schooled him on the features he was pretty impressed. Glad to join this very limited club and thanks for all the advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yay, welcome aboard. I should school the employees more often too because I talk to the reps about account assessment and stuff, and they just have not much of a clue about my phone being there. This is what Apple and Samsung (as well as Motorola Droid) brainwashing does to corporate employees..
GigaSPX said:
Yay, welcome aboard. I should school the employees more often too because I talk to the reps about account assessment and stuff, and they just have not much of a clue about my phone being there. This is what Apple and Samsung (as well as Motorola Droid) brainwashing does to corporate employees..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup-Yup! Pretty sad when the consumer has to do the job of the salesman. but more sad that this illustrates just how easily the masses are brainwashed.
Good for you, AmericanDad. hope you enjoy it!
Coming from a rooted Droid DNA w/ a custom ROM, I'm not seeing any improvements, says the camera. If it wasn't for the ailing battery in my DNA, I would have kept it. Form factor is a bit of a downgrade and visually, it looks very reminiscent of the Droid Razr HD. Camera is definitely better, but the autofocus time takes away from it. A good phone, but nothing here to make me forget my DNA entirely.
sabinblitz said:
Coming from a rooted Droid DNA w/ a custom ROM, I'm not seeing any improvements, says the camera. If it wasn't for the ailing battery in my DNA, I would have kept it. Form factor is a bit of a downgrade and visually, it looks very reminiscent of the Droid Razr HD. Camera is definitely better, but the autofocus time takes away from it. A good phone, but nothing here to make me forget my DNA entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what exactly you're asking or what your point is but I assure you the Z3v has surpassed every expectation I've had in any device I've ever owned. Battery life will absolutely crush the DNA, radio reception is better than today's Moto offerings, there is zero lag, the camera is really good, it is water proof, has front facing stereo speakers, multicolor LED notification, Qi wireless charging etc. I've had the Z3v since launch and if my device met its fate today I'd immediately get another. Once you have a completely fast stable OS that performs flawlessly you don't want a different device. The Z3v is without a doubt is the most underrated unknown non-marketed devices on Verizon. Unless rooting is a necessity for you there is no reason to question if the z3v is worthy of being your next device. While the DNA is a good device in many ways, the Z3v is good in just about every way. The new Samsung S6,, S6 Edge, and HTC M9 aren't even close in tempting me away from this bulletproof device. I've never had a Sony device before and took a chance and it has been the best technology decision I've made in years. Just my two cents....
pchain said:
I'm not sure what exactly you're asking or what your point is but I assure you the Z3v has surpassed every expectation I've had in any device I've ever owned. Battery life will absolutely crush the DNA, radio reception is better than today's Moto offerings, there is zero lag, the camera is really good, it is water proof, has front facing stereo speakers, multicolor LED notification, Qi wireless charging etc. I've had the Z3v since launch and if my device met its fate today I'd immediately get another. Once you have a completely fast stable OS that performs flawlessly you don't want a different device. The Z3v is without a doubt is the most underrated unknown non-marketed devices on Verizon. Unless rooting is a necessity for you there is no reason to question if the z3v is worthy of being your next device. While the DNA is a good device in many ways, the Z3v is good in just about every way. The new Samsung S6,, S6 Edge, and HTC M9 aren't even close in tempting me away from this bulletproof device. I've never had a Sony device before and took a chance and it has been the best technology decision I've made in years. Just my two cents....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't say this any better. I really liked the underrated phone part of the post. That is so true. I came from a Nexus 5 on ATT. I am so impressed. My only gripe is I like stock Android. But the phone build quality and the countless other features make it awesome.
I've had mine for about a week now. Battery is amazing, I'm on my 4th day without a charge but I'm not a heavy user and it gets turned off at night. Wifi signal is incredible! My workshop is about 150' away from my house and I never got wifi there with my razr maxx hd, but the Z3v gets a strong signal. Real pleased with the call quality also. All in all happy with my choice.
To pile on with the radios, i've been in my current house for nearly five years. Previous phones were htc one m7 and a galaxy sIII prior to that. When making calls, i was forced to stand near the front of the house. living room/foyer/bedroom didn't matter. as long as i was near the front. Most likely due to some very large trees in the backyard. Just last night, i noticed i did not have to leave my den when taking a call. for the first time in this house, i could relax on a phone call. so very pleased with this device.
I've heard things like the notification LED are amazing, someone care to elaborate? Not sure what people mean and I've watched some review videos and they don't show it off or anything so I'm confused

What phone are you coming from?

Just curious what is everyone getting rid of to get this phone?
I went from a Nexus 4 to a Z3 Compact. I hadn't done my research and was kind of thrown off by how small the Z3 Compact was. On top of that, once we got to 5.0, it really didn't show any potential until the 5.1.1 update. Before that, it was sluggish, leaking memory like there was no tomorrow, and battery life wasn't good. 5.1.1 brought it back to what made it sound great in all those reviews, including the 2-day battery life. However, I still can't get over how tiny the screen is. Makes it extremely easy to use with one hand, but still.
Now, jumping to the Pure is going to be a huge transition screen size wise, and I'll try not to panic and just return the thing after a day. I didn't need a screen that big, I would be content with high 4's to low 5's, but the combo of an almost pure Android installation with nice add-ons, the great specs and price, and the promise of quick Android updates made this way too enticing not to try out. Living in California gives me a 30-day return period too, which is awesome. So, we'll see how this works out.
I currently have the LG G4. This is my 3rd phone this year after using the Note 4 and the Note Edge. I'm so bummed all these phones. The Notes have lagged so bad for me but the camera was great. I'm having the opposite issue with the G4. This camera has been terrible and won't focus.
A thread already exists, please use search next time before posting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-style/help/question-phone-switching-t3169241
Thread closed

Thinking of moving from my S6 to the Z5 - current users, do you think it's worth it?

I'm mostly interested in good battery life, little to no lag, a good camer and a decent/good screen (not that interested in 4K).
All in all, it sounds like the Z5 is a very good choice.
What do you guys think?
Xperia Z5 hasn't been too good of an experience for me. It gets pretty warm even during light web browsing, battery life isn't up to par for me, and the display and the camera is definitely worse (in most areas) than the Galaxy S6. I'd say keep your Galaxy S6.
All the inverse for me...
Xz5 is a killer.
Better manufacture quality
More true color display and photo
Plus PSN synchro
Sent from my E6653 using XDA Free mobile app
1-1 .
The thing that gets to me with the S6 is the battery, and also the app lag after a while... :/ That's why I am thinking of moving on really.
Not got either but are you interested in waiting for the 820 phones in a few months?
I've had a lot of phones and this z5 is right up there as an oem phone (not rooted) Its the best I've had little things like battery percentage, clear all apps button, battery management tools all Inc I've mixed feelings because battery life isn't as good as my nexus was, but last day or so I've tinkered with stamina mode with the battery and that's made a big difference to me about 3 hrs 30 min screen on time yesterday and 30% left going to bed that's Bluetooth and wifi on all day it's not bad.. If you have a playstation the remote play is pretty awesome too, i've noticed playing some games it's gets a bit hot but not for long, if your a flashaholic with custom roms though you'll be a tad frustrated at the mo
Sent from my Sony Z5 ooossshhhh
King p1n said:
Not got either but are you interested in waiting for the 820 phones in a few months?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or that you are right.
Thing is, I am still within my Amazon return period and with less than 100 pounds more I could get the Z5 over the S6.
Question is, is it worth it?
The other thing to keep in mind is when you come to forums like this you usually only see posts about people with problems so it never paints a good picture the same can be said of any device, is it worth £100 more than your s6 not sure but defo worth considering
Sent from my Sony Z5 ooossshhhh
I'm doing just this. I have an AT&T S6, and I'm less then impressed with the battery life and the RAM management. I ordered the Z5 from expansys-usa.com hoping it works better for my needs (had a nexus 6 but it was a bit to big and my brother wanted it for Christmas.
I always liked the software on my Z Ultra, was way to big though.
I'm just waiting on it to get in now (few weeks di to the song to my location).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
evak2979 said:
Or that you are right.
Thing is, I am still within my Amazon return period and with less than 100 pounds more I could get the Z5 over the S6.
Question is, is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess thats the beauty of Amazon, you could (Although tedious)
Return S6.
Buy Z5 and see If you like it If not return and rebuy S6?
I dunno lol.
Im tossing up between the Z5 and S6.
I don't think i can wait till next year, as I have a first gen Moto G
I can get the S6 for cheaper, Im not sure the Z5 is worth more with its hot 810.
Decisions will be made by the end of the month otherwise its going to be a tough few months surviving with lackluster Moto G
I've gone from the S6 to the Z5 and couldn't be happier.
Couldn't wait to get rid of the S6 and touchwiz, Christ I don't know what Samsung are thinking with that buggy battery sucking mess.
I (somehow) just downgraded from S6 to Z5, cause really cannot stand the S6 poor batt life.
I'm happy with Z5 camera speed, batt life but i really miss Samsung SideSync
Jumped from sammie i9205
used s6 and z5 or a week.
Winner - Z5
why? i like the design and battery.
You will read alot about problems with z5 but...
well i was samsung fan for many years.
Always was like" bleah wthell" when i was looking at xperia menu buttons.
- it turns out its not a waste of space -
its rly well designed and the buttons desaphere when they should and pop up back when they are needed. 3rd week - used it for games, browsing, google drive and office things, movies.
Its easier to hold z5 in 2 hands w/o pressing anything accidently. The space between screen and edge of phone is perfect for thumbs and the cam button - dmn i love it.
I always rooted / used roms for sammie phones. in Z5 - i unlocked it but than... well i stopped.
Yee yee u loose low light cam quality a little bit. i rly dont notice it. yea it piss me off that i lost some things from system ( even if i dont use them ).
Fingerprint scan is in a dmn good place. Took few days before i got used to new buttons locations.
Screen wont leave u with " hey mr pixel i see u there!" bad taste.
other things like specs and tests etc - are all over the place so i skip thatXD
( sorry for my bad eng
I'm also at the same boat as you, I currently using s6 edge for abt 3 monts now and I just received my Z5 dual 2 days ago. Just fyi I also have LG G4 which I use for ard 5 months. So my opinion will be based ard those 3 devices.
Well, I like the way Z5 handles, it feels balanced and easy to use one-handed, which strangely enough even my smaller s6edge is harder to use as my palm sometimes accidentally tap on the edge screen, and also the capacitive keys, where I believe both problems will not exist on regular s6.
I have a photography hobby, I use full-frame Nikon DSLR, but as they say, the best camera is the one in your pocket, which is my smartphone 99% of the time and the only thing holding me back is the camera quality on z5, when u compare side-by-size, then u zoomed in on the photos u will really notice how bad the image processing on the Z5, too many artifacts and the edges of the object is like its over sharpened, the result is quite similar to G4 but worse. S6 is much much better camera overall, clean pictures with minimal noise and great sharpness.
The worse part is it tends to affect people photos quite badly, which I use my smartphone to take pictures of most of the time, taking those precious moments of my 3yo, even when standing still the details is loss on z5, on the other hand G4 gets most details with most noise but S6 gets almost as much details as G4 without all the noise.
One more thing worth mentioning is that the time when u hit the shutter button until it actually captures the photos is quite slow, even in bright sunlight, I'm not sure whats happening there but I might try a factory reset to see if that helps. S6 is almost instant, while G4 is as fast as s6 in good light but when its not that bright it the worst of the three, it could take a full 2 seconds just to capture the photos.
I read from xda and some other sites that sony is planning on releasing new camera software with new UI, that is my last hope tbh, if that fixes the issue I'm having then I will definetely keep my Z5 as my primary phone. It doesnt have to get s6-quality but at least not this bad.
I'm using Rev.3 unit (stated on the box), some ppl get Rev.4 already which I also dont know what has improved. I'm also using the latest software which is 5.1.1 build no 32.0.A.6.152 model no E6683 (dual sim)
Tbh I will choose Z5 over s6 any day, I like everything about the Z5 over my s6edge / LG G4, well almost everything, the only single thing that holding me back is the picture quality, as I love photography and this is a huge compromise for me if I would choose the Z5.
Hope that helps your decision.
Keep experiences coming! Threads useful for somebody deciding between the S6 and Z5 also.
If only the 810 didnt ruin this years phones.
And if only the S6 had good battery.
Hows one handed use with the Z5? From dummy models the S6 would seem more comfortable, due to Z5's height.
What's the difference in rev on these phones mines only 5days old and days rev 2 I feel cheated lol
Sent from my Sony Z5 ooossshhhh
got rev 2. Was similar to u - felt cheated. but... after i checked forums it turns out that rev 2 had less problems copmpared to 3-4 but imo - dont even look at rev.
Probably its as important for u as case color for antutu score.
i did the move from S6 to Z5 and overall im disappointed so far
the device heat to much
camera is slow and software on z5 is slower and less polished then s6
battery life is disappointing compared to Z3 and its almost on par with s6
i hope sony will fix all of the problems in the upcoming android 6 upgrade
Never owned a Samsung phone but have owned several Sony phones. Very happy with the Z5.
I am on the same boat. I am just thinking of to jump to the Z5 from s6.
But I had a z3+ and that was very underperforming, hot, laggy Snap 810.
And I am afraid of this hot 810 again. I know, the z5 have pipes to drive away the heat. But dunno.....
S6 camera is awesome, and I have never met a person who could say the z5 is better regarding the whole camera. And this is a shame .
Also I have to notice, the Z3's 6.0 concept sw is very good. BUT that would be nice if we could test it on z5. It could help us to make our best choice.
S6's fast charging is awesome too, and I love S6's health app. Booting speed is fastest in android era.
I am not sure about Sony. Will they keep their phone business, and if NO, will they stop SW upgrades ?
S6's big disappointment is the LAGGY interface, wrong multitasking becouse of bad ram management, battery life is terrible. But I have to notice, z3+ had ALL this wrong things too, and that was 810 SNAPPY too.

Categories

Resources