Hi,
I've been combing the Z3 & Z2 threads because I am looking for an upgrade to my Moto X 2013 (Which BTW, I love... super signal, great SoT of 6.5 hrs, great GPS, splashproof with no flaps) because I get about 2~3% of battery drain per hour with the phone just sitting on the side of my desk doing nothing.
So after looking at the GSM Arena Battery list, the Z3 looks to have the looks and the battery, so it was my main candidate, except for all the faults I keep reading about.
Here they are in no specific order:
1- Random battery drains
2- Sudden shattered glass syndrome
3- WiFi connections issues
4- Not so waterproof manufacturing issues
I am a bit scared to invest the kind of money this phone will require, so I have tried to look for alternatives that may meet the great specs of the Z3. Phones like the Z2 which doesn't seem to have so many issues as the Z3 (and let's not talk about the Z3c or the Z3a with the VGA front camera), the Galaxy S5 (I really don't want to, really), the soon to be released M4 Aqua, or the Honor 6.
Any feedback is appreciated, because right now, the Z3 for me is like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde... some people vouch the phone is a tank and others claim the phone is possesed to fail. I don't want to play lottery when buying a phone, I just want a good phone with great battery.
I take complaints about phones here seriously, but try to not let it cloud my view too much. You're honestly on a site of 1% ers... the 1% of people who really get into mobile devices and modding, flashing etc... I have the Z3 6603 and I absolutely love it. I've not tested it for water proofing, but I don't have any issues with the phone bending in my pocket, poor battery etc... I do have some issues with Bluetooth, but it's not a Sony thing, it's an android thing.
I have owned a lot of phones, among those three Sony's, and really I can't say anything else compares quality wise.
There's no guarantee, this is technology and it can be applied to everything else you buy, and its all luck. Ignore the stupid negative threads, as mentioned they only make up a small percentage of the overall. That said, I would wait till z3 neo is announced then get the z3/2 as those prices will drop
I have been using the Z3 (Tmobile) for about a month. Love the phone. Go for it. I have not experienced explosions and glass shrapnel or electrocution. You won't regret it.
I would say any problem can happen with any phone.
If you have a shattered back what happened to me once you are doomed by Sony as they don't repair it for you. But I have doubts others are more cooperative on that point so that's a general risk with glass.
Aside of that the Xperia is a really nice piece of design and hard- as well as software and yet the only (former) top model with dust and waterproof certification. You won't miss anything major.
As for the question of Z2 or Z3 it's rather a question if you need to spend an extra amount of money just to get the newest model on paper. By performance there's not a notable difference in daily use (and I have both next to me).
A sale just made things more difficult
So, both phones are on sale now, one from a big company so support should be better and includes for 60 Euro a 1 year damage warranty which should cover any sudden glass damage issue. The second from some small store... So the prices:
Z2 - 438 Euro with the extra damage protection for 1 year.
Z3 - 425 Euro with just regular warranty and a LOT of reported sudden glass damage issue.
It is a hard choice. Considering the glass issue, I am leaning towards the Z2 (which did have the glass issue, but seems to be a lot less these days).
The price for the Z3 is good, the additional warranty for the Z2 comes about 80 Euros... if really needed.
Related
Hello XDA developers!
I'm posting this because perhaps it can help someone else.
In August 2014 I bought a beautiful shiny Sony Xperia Z, free from factory which means I paid full price and it was great!
(but everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked, it was a joke ).
But, after a little over a day and a half, the screen broke alone in the front pocket of my pants (I confess something tight but had put my cracked Huawei with no problems), it really is not a problem: I had a Huawei with screen without pieces working perfectly fine! The problem is that about 100% of the touch stopped working, making the phone an expensive paperweight.
I could not even take a picture! Everything for what I was use it was for timing a pendulum in my physics class. The most expensive clock that anyone could buy!
Of course, the warranty was conspicuously absent!
Since then I have had to exist with this phone and Genymotion because in college have a smart phone is a necessity (at least where I study).
But now I have the opportunity to purchase a high-end phone and the first thing that came to my mind as a camera flash was Sony (I quote in Spanish: "El ser humano es el único animal, tan animal, que tropieza dos veces con la misma piedra.") Because I'm a Linux / Android developer and Sony launches AOSP kernels and release the source code even before launching the device itself (as with the Z2) leaves to me a good taste in the mouth, especially after being a proud owner of an Xperia Tipo (best smartphone in my life!). The "slow development" is no problem for me, because I am developer for 5 years (although recently I deleted my Gmail account and opened another for personal reasons, thats explains why I'm junior again).
Leaving that aside, is the Xperia Z3 a good choice?
I'm thinking in spend a lot of money (around 2 minimum wage in my country) in a good device but it does not convince me at all, maybe due my trauma with Xperia Z.
As a proud owner of an Xperia Tipo, Sony is amazing, as a defrauded and (fooled?, cheated?) holder of an Xperia Z, Sony sucks.
I post this because maybe someone will feel helped and like me maybe some one indecisive can feel safer to opt in or to run quickly away from Sony.
If the risk is greater than the gain, as the Xperia Z, what are our options? Personally, I look for a device that does not baulk with things like Custom Kernels (as KNOX or locked Bootloaders). Samsung: I'm supposed to own my phone!, right?
Thanks for reading, I hope this is helpful and if it is not, at least I hope it will help someone (even me).
I think of a OnePlus One, I do not care to be brought from China XD. (I've tried to win an invite bu no one love the "inncoent" humor)
Edit: If you think on this, the M8 is a good alternative! In comparison, the "desventage" of the M8 is the waterproof. I can't find any other.
Edit: This was my last phone (this phone is my current phone):
Cracked but fully working Huawey Y320 Arround $60
1. My dog ran and pulled the USB making the phone kiss the ground.
2. Then, I accidentally droped on the College.
3. I was angry cuz it reboot and smashed against the table.
4. Was woking perfectly good till the LCD cracked because I sat on phone.
Z3 is simply amazing but I'd suggest you wait for another 3-4 weeks. The first batch of Z3s are full of manufacturing defects. I had mine for 2 weeks and the black bezel around the screen is damaged. I went to the service center and they asked me to wait another month so that a new batch of phones will be available. Also the camera quality is average. Sony screwed up again in the Superior Auto mode. Manual shots come OK unless there is no bright light around. Speakers are also a bit dull, although I don't use them much. A friend of mine has OnePlus One and it's seriously a flagship killer. But compared to the Z3, OnePlus one looks dull in your hands. Z3 kinda nailed it in design department. So wait, and even if you buy it, just check it in the store itself for any defects. Also don't forget those service tests. Hope it helps.
NoTengoBattery said:
Hello XDA developers!
I post this because maybe someone will feel helped and like me maybe some one indecisive can feel safer to opt in or to run quickly away from Sony.
If the risk is greater than the gain, as the Xperia Z, what are our options? Personally, I look for a device that does not baulk with things like Custom Kernels (as KNOX or locked Bootloaders). Samsung: I'm supposed to own my phone!, right?
Thanks for reading, I hope this is helpful and if it is not, at least I hope it will help someone (even me).
I think of a OnePlus One, I do not care to be brought from China XD.
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Knowing that you are a developer, I would definitely say that you should go for xperia Z3 - for personal (rather Z3 community's) interests. Go for z3 dual D6633, and you know why
santoshcoolhere said:
Z3 is simply amazing but I'd suggest you wait for another 3-4 weeks. The first batch of Z3s are full of manufacturing defects. I had mine for 2 weeks and the black bezel around the screen is damaged. I went to the service center and they asked me to wait another month so that a new batch of phones will be available. Also the camera quality is average. Sony screwed up again in the Superior Auto mode. Manual shots come OK unless there is no bright light around. Speakers are also a bit dull, although I don't use them much. A friend of mine has OnePlus One and it's seriously a flagship killer. But compared to the Z3, OnePlus one looks dull in your hands. Z3 kinda nailed it in design department. So wait, and even if you buy it, just check it in the store itself for any defects. Also don't forget those service tests. Hope it helps.
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Click to collapse
Yeah! maybe buy it right now is not smart enough and, no, sadly there is no such thing like Sony Centre here. Are one, but they can't do anything (they won't replace the phone never!), I mean, I bring them my Xperia Z and they just acused me of abuse. I really can't realize how the best support brand (in my opinion) can made defective devices!
You don't know how many I've suffer because the Z, I give you a breef detail: As I buy the phone in the half of month, I've eating only eggs by 15+ days because I had no enoguh money to buy descent food! So, my trauma is justificated and I'm scared. Ahhh Sony, There are nothing bad for you, but for us the things are turning black. And the sacrifice does not had any value: I never opend the cammera app, I never setted a password, I never changed the wallpaper, I never enjoyed anything the next day I needed Blackboard in the phone but, of curse, I had no phone.
Thank you for your answer.
NoTengoBattery said:
...is the Xperia Z3 a good choice?
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You didn't give much away in terms of what you want to do with it. It's a great phone, but if you want a cheaper, larger phone perhaps you could consider the Nexus 6. Also, there's the Z2, S5 and other phones which have been out for a while and are cheaper.
That's not to say I regret getting the Z3; it's the best phone I've ever had, and 4g is amusingly fast, but it's expensive (I got a discount through my employer otherwise I'd probably not have bothered).
poldie said:
You didn't give much away in terms of what you want to do with it. It's a great phone, but if you want a cheaper, larger phone perhaps you could consider the Nexus 6. Also, there's the Z2, S5 and other phones which have been out for a while and are cheaper.
That's not to say I regret getting the Z3; it's the best phone I've ever had, and 4g is amusingly fast, but it's expensive (I got a discount through my employer otherwise I'd probably not have bothered).
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Yeah! I'ts not about money, cuz the money it's a vanal stuff. I'm afraid about if my inversion, my money will have any value. As I owned a Xperia Z by 1.5+ days, my inversion had no value. If my Z3 crack again, you know, god bye money!
So, the S5 looks fine, the screen cracks but still working!
Thank you for your answer.
As much as I like the Z3, and getting mine replaced due to severe light bleed on right side of frame and slight indent of frame towards LCD near power button. Others have a pink spot issue in camera (Mine has it but very hard to notice), Phonearena even has an article on it. Now reports of fractured back glass are coming in like the Z1.
Better wait for a new batch like someone mentioned.
If you need one right now immediately, the M8 is better as in US HTC offers free one time screen replacement in first 6 months.
santoshcoolhere said:
Z3 is simply amazing but I'd suggest you wait for another 3-4 weeks. The first batch of Z3s are full of manufacturing defects. I had mine for 2 weeks and the black bezel around the screen is damaged. I went to the service center and they asked me to wait another month so that a new batch of phones will be available. Also the camera quality is average. Sony screwed up again in the Superior Auto mode. Manual shots come OK unless there is no bright light around. Speakers are also a bit dull, although I don't use them much. A friend of mine has OnePlus One and it's seriously a flagship killer. But compared to the Z3, OnePlus one looks dull in your hands. Z3 kinda nailed it in design department. So wait, and even if you buy it, just check it in the store itself for any defects. Also don't forget those service tests. Hope it helps.
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Click to collapse
So is it guaranteed that they will make new batches in 3-4 weeks? Wouldn't they still sell the old batch as they phase in the new? I want one but how long would it take for a new batch? I just want to know how long to wait. Any help is appreciated.
To be honest its hard to say.
I would say avoid it. There's no ROM's for it, and probably won't be until well after the Z4 is released if at all, and they won't be of the level of M8 ROMS. The screen, camera, speakers and design aren't as good as other alternatives, and if you managed to break a Z in your pocket which is a miracle, then this will probably do the same.
I'd get an S5 or an M8, the M8 is probably better for custome ROMS, is better made, has a better screem, speakers and in my book a better camera too, but is not waterproof.
Jonathan-H said:
I would say avoid it. There's no ROM's for it, and probably won't be until well after the Z4 is released if at all, and they won't be of the level of M8 ROMS. The screen, camera, speakers and design aren't as good as other alternatives, and if you managed to break a Z in your pocket which is a miracle, then this will probably do the same.
I'd get an S5 or an M8, the M8 is probably better for custome ROMS, is better made, has a better screem, speakers and in my book a better camera too, but is not waterproof.
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Maybe you are right. It's time to look in other way. The M8 sounds like a great idea. It's sad the stuff about the glass. If the glass were better and the screen worked this phone could be perfect. However, I'm gonna see how the things are changing in the time.
Dont forget the free HTC Advantage Program (USA only), Free cracked glass replacement, in first 6 months and +100GB Google Drive storage for 2 years.
abhinav.tella said:
Dont forget the free HTC Advantage Program (USA only), Free cracked glass replacement, in first 6 months and +100GB Google Drive storage for 2 years.
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Seeing in YouTube looks like M8 camera sucks! How true is this?
I hate it. I'm thinking of getting the z3 because I hate the camera so much. Other than the camera, it's an amazing phone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
devarshi said:
I hate it. I'm thinking of getting the z3 because I hate the camera so much. Other than the camera, it's an amazing phone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
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Don't worry that's what put me off too. I made my dad get it because he is more accident prone and it is one of the best if not the best in drop tests.
Hi
I'm aware there is already a similar thread but I wanted some answers more specific to my needs and to current prices. I recently had my uninsured S5 stolen and I'm stuck in a contract so I need to buy a mid-range phone which is going to last me another 16 months or so without feeling too outdated. I want a smaller handset as I was getting sick of the larger phones. My budget stretches to about £270 for which both the S5 mini and the Z1 compact are currently priced. Unfortunately I can't stretch to the z3 compact price. I want to know which phone has the better camera, as this is one of the main selling points for me. I know that neither will match up to the s5 camera. On paper the z1 compact has the best camera, but I've seen a few posts saying it is actually disappointing and often freezes. The S5 minis camera seems to get fairly positive reviews despite being only 8MP. I'm no pro photographer so will I even be able to tell the difference?!
I don't care about the samsungs gimmicks (heart rate sensor, fingerprint scanner etc.) and also don't mind touchwhiz too much. I do like the fact it has a removable battery as I often carry a spare, but maybe the sony battery is miles better anyway?
I'm also wary about changing to Sony. I've had Samsungs for years and they've never broken, apart from when I dropped them. Samsung quickly replaced them for me free of charge after some persuasion it wasn't my fault! I've seen a lot of posts questioning the z1 compacts reliability, and a few more claiming sony aren't too good at dealing with replacements etc. Also slightly wary about the glass back cracking? Though I admit the Sony looks better.
I've never rooted or flashed custom ROMs or anything so I'm probably in the wrong forum (sorry!) but this seems to be the most active phone forum I could find. I'm not completely opposed to rooting etc if it would be really beneficial, though again, I'm wary!
Should point out that I don't game much on mobile, I just like a smooth, reliable experience for browsing internet, watching youtube, using facebook, whatsapp, reddit etc, and a good reliable camera.
So basically, do I play it safe and stick with Samsung, better screen, decent camera, pics may even look better on the better screen, though the phone may be slightly slower? Or do I go for the z1 despite my reliability concerns?! Is rooting going to change the decision between the two??
Thanks, and sorry for the long post! Appreciate your answers, if I get any!
The Z1 Compact is by far the superior device.
Thanks for the reply. On paper it looks the better phone, but is it reliable? Hows sonys customer service? And is the camera better than the s5 minis?
Yeah but I've seen a lot of posts about a sudden unexplained death of the Z1C so that makes me hesitant
It´s fine. Some people doesn't know how to take care of a phone while in other situations things explodes at random. But to the point, i have the Z2 and it's a really good phone. I actually like the Sony UI and their experience. So there isn't a reason to not choose the Z1 compact, if the specs are superior compared to S5 Mini.
There are 3 threads already established that are devoted to discussions about devices, please read, and if necessary, repost your question in one of these threads: The what should I buy thread or the The Device Suggestion Thread or the The Device Comparison Thread.
There are also several other discussion threads that you probably should review to help you. They are What phone do you wish you had? or
The Worst Android Device That You've Ever Had & Why or even this place that talks about The best phone you ever owned.
Will have to close this.
With the phone now out for some time, I wanted to see what the overall atmosphere for the phone was.
How does everyone like the phone? Specifically the US T-Mobile variant (D6616). I'm reading nothing but complaints about battery not lasting as long as it should/used to, WiFi issues, issues running LTE and so on. Are these the outliers or are they the common case?
With rumors of the Z4 growing (and all other competition as well), I've been wanting to upgrade from my Nexus 5 (with HORRIBLE battery life) for some time now. I've had my eye on the Z3 because of its purported insanely long battery, great display, great audio, great camera. Again, is this all really the case?
Also, with a hopeful Lollipop build releasing from Sony direct, I just wanted to verify that a user could technically flash the image directly to the phone and only risk losing T-Mobile's WiFi calling ability?
Wait for the Z4, because the Z1/2/3 use almost the same chipset. The Snapdragon 810 in the Z4 is a full generation newer with lower power consumption, much faster and has a 2x2 WiFi antenna.
Also support will probably be better as Sony will go to a one year release cycle unlike before where they had a new device every ~6 months.
As for my experience, it's pretty good I get 7-9Hrs of screen time in a 24-30 Hr period, without power saving options. I even have autosync and location services on. The battery life is just amazing. The UI is pretty smooth almost as quick as HTC Sense UI. Also not much bloat when you compare with Samsung.
Cellular signal is as good as my mother's iPhone 6 and dad's HTC M8. As for camera It's great, just leave it on "manual" as "Superior Auto" sucks. It's probably Sony's best camera module for phones. Remember that even Apple, LG, Samsung use Sony Exmor camera modules.
Only issue I had was cosmetic with gaps between frame and screen and light bleed from gaps. I exchanged mine 3 times for that. Currently happy with the one I have. It's not a big deal because T-Mobile exchanged my phone without any hassles.
There will always be a Z4 5 6 in development, ultimately you have to make the decision, if you want to wait it out no issues, but if your looking to upgrade now then z3 is the best choice among all the smartphones,the battery life is phenomenal and the real world performance is brilliant, I think it's one of the few android phones which can give the iPhone a run for the money in terms of performance and smoothness. The multitasking is hands down the best among android phones.I have never experienced a lag or crash till now. I have always been a Samsung user, have used the galaxy sl, s3 and 4,buying the Z3 was like taking a giant leap of faith and it paid off, theres no way in hell I'll ever go back to Samsung.
P.S Did I mention dipping the phone in a bucket of water a few times aswell? Yeah that too.
Sent from my D6653 using XDA Free mobile app
the Z4 will obviously happen, although it may be the last xperia flagship to hit the market, at least from sony alone - if they are looking to exit the business it's possible that the Z3 will be more fully supported in the long run, but who knows? the other point to bear in mind is how long it took to root the Z3 whilst retaining a locked bootloader - the Z4 may be more difficult again here..... having had the Z3 from launch it's now a known quantity, so you can ascertain fully what you're buying and what you can do with it, and whilst build qualities can be inconsistent just control the risk and buy from a no nonsense retailer with a clear returns policy ? for me it's a 9.5/10 and criminally underrated by the masses, but that at least lets you pick up something a bit different that may possibly be better than the existing competition, depending on who you speak to......
But seriously though tech wise the Z1/2/3 are very similar the Z4 is a big upgrade chipset wise.
Even if Z4 is the last Xperia from Sony, it could still continue under a new owner. Motorola for example still exists, though now under Lenovo. Nexus 6 support did not suddenly stop.
Please, Z3 faithful owners, can I have your opinions? Am I crazy to be looking at buying a Z3 at this late stage? Is the battery still good on latest Android? Some reviews talk of screens that break all buy themselves - is this a real risk? Should I care that Sony may stop making mobiles?
Why Z3? Well Z3+ seems to have worse battery. Z5 costs 50% more and not sure I need it.
I'm buying in UK SIM free. It's for business use: email, web, documents. Battery life is important, and I prefer no software bloat. Won't play games or watch movies (maybe a quick how-to on YouTube, that's it). Occasional camera, prefer idiot-proof. I'd like to keep using the phone for 3-4 years.
I do plan to root, with some hope of claiming under guarantee in case of hardware failure. I've done my best to scan these forums but please bear in mind I am totally new to Sony phones and there is a lot of info. It looks good so far - any gotchas I should know about? I see there are Marshmallow ROMs - are these safe/recommended for general use? And available for root locked bootloader? I didn't find a Xposed thread - does it work OK?
Many thanks.
I was in the same dilemma two months ago and i went for the z3. z3+ not worth it and z5 is more expensive and i'm not quite sure it's worth it. We have a z5 here at the office and i compared it with my z3. On the latest firmware both of them, it's true that z5 was a little snappier but not by much, tho when under heavy stress it will heat up...
Battery is very good for me. I usually use my phone 2 hours per day, on screen time and listen to music some 3 hours. Data always on and some bad reception where i work... I get home at 7 pm with ~50%. I say that's awsome. The camera is identical to z5, i don't see any difference. If there is, it's probably so small you won't even see it, at least not on the level that I expect mobile phone cameras to be.
Root is available, as well as xposed fwk. Everything works ok on the latest 5.1.1. MM ROMs are only for unlockedBL for now but we are soon expecting oficial MM. Anyway those MM based on CM are worse on battery and not working fully.
Any other info needed?
Yeah I have the same dilemma, but I consider between xperia z3 and nexus 5x. Do you know something about Sony plans about android N for xperia 3? What do you think will it get next android? Cause nexus 5x for sure. Thx.
I recently "downgraded" from an Xperia Z5 to a Z3 and I don't regret my decision one little bit.
More ROMs to choose from, root easily achievable by first flashing 4.4.4 and then flashing a pre-rooted .ftf.
Battery life is like night and day. I was ending the day on my Z5 with 5-10% battery. With my Z3 and a custom ROM, I'm ending the day with upwards of 50%.
Also, the Z3, to me, feels more premium and better built than the Z5.
If you can find one for £200 or thereabouts, grab it. It's a bargain.
Get one. But don't do what I did, I bought a unit from a guy who got a "new" replacement from his insurance company, the screen ripples when I touch it and I have pressure marks (the screen is genuine, however). The phone isn't waterproof either. Do you reckon I could send it to Sony and get it repaired? Maybe Sony repaired it.
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Hi all, just discovered the Essential Phone yesterday while getting ready to buy a Sony Xperia XZ2 compact. I like a sleek, small(er) phone and there are very few options that will work on Verizon's CDMA network.
I've been researching all I can on this phone and would likely buy one certified refurbished off Amazon. The price seems amazing!
I've been reading a bit about cellular quality (people losing signal) and other small issues. Of course you always hear about issues online but rarely do people post their pleasant experience with a product.
How popular are these phones? Did they sell well? Do you think there are many out there that have never had any issues or, are these a better 2nd phone next to a more reliable daily driver?
One thing I would like to do is use a new Samsung Galaxy Watch with my new phone. I've read Pie has had some issues playing nice with smart watches (Galaxy watches in particular?)
I also have read the Essential Phone is easily rootable which is fantastic. I've rooted phones in the past (it's been a while) and have no issue doing so again if it would help make this amazing phone more stable, reliable or work better with a smart watch.
SO - Should I (or would you) buy the Essential Phone again or should I skip to the Sony Xperia XZ2 compact? The major driver of my decision is reliability.
Thanks for any comments or recommendations. I'll keep reading up and researching.
I would most certainly buy another Essential. They are smooth, reliable, the custom rom community has grown exponentially recently, and the battery life is decent if you aren't heavy into mobile gaming. As a plus, it also gets updates as soon as (or in a couple cases, faster) than the Pixels. It's a good size and the screen quality is really great for the price. The signal reception issue can be a bit of a hassle, but I've managed to work with it. I won't be getting another phone until this one dies, or I have heaps of cash to get a Samsung Note whatever the new one is when I can buy it.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
I'd buy again, definitely. Just not for the original price. Try ordering yours in China, you can buy one for 100-130USD, but what you get is a lottery. i bought 3 pieces and 2 were perfect, one was a bit heavily used with scratches and poor battery.
Overall, phone is still great in 2019. I use it as daily driver since 13 months. XZ2 looks medieval compared to essential.
Cons:
- probably hard to resell
- impossible to replace battery, use it till it dies 1-2 years later and rip the phone
- a bit heavy, but it's thanks to great build materials
Almost everything is good for me. The camera could be better, but gcam helps with that. The biggest issue I have is the touchscreen being janky.
The best of the PH1 support and the construction of the terminal, I never had signal or screen problems, the camera is good (although in low light the pictures have a lot of noise). I always liked it from the moment it came out but as it was not positioned to score for many, the sale price was its most negative point. It became a viable option when its low price to $ 450, in that value had no competition. If a PH2 comes out, it will be my next cell phone, in terms of support, without counting Pixel, it is far the best support and customer service. After having flagships of Samsung and Lg, in Android there are 3 options Pixel, OnePlus and Essential.
I would definitely buy it again, but only if I could find a great deal for it (I won't pay a full price for ANY phone, period). Managed to get my PH1 for under US$150 (that's including a 360 camera and a DIY replacement for a shattered screen), and couldn't be happier with it. Everyone's usage pattern is different, so the opinions may vary, but for me it's by far the best phone I ever owned. Speaking of reliability, this phone has never let me down so far, it just works. Rooting of Android Pie is indeed easy with Magisk. I don't use TWRP, and keep this phone full stock (rooted).
I don't care for smartwatches, so can't comment on using them with the Essential, sorry.
I concur with other posters, would buy again. Came from OnePlus 5, intended this to be a backup phone as the OP USB port is janky. The PH1 is now my daily driver, really like the device. Use the Gcam for a better camera, easy to root. Screen is fantastic IMO too. Battery life gets me thru a day no problem, normal usage. Price is good...snagged one with the 360 cam for 180.