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[Q] Which device is better. Moto G LTE or Xperia M2?

Hi! New here...
Well, I know this is "common", but, I have a dilemma about what device choice: Moto G - LTE version or Xperia M2 (not dual or aqua, just M2).
About all specs, I know it. Also I checked reviews between those two devices, but still I'm confused about what device choice.
Could you please help me out to choice? In two specific ways, camera and audio system. 'Cause, the rest of this is the same, processor, gpu, screen size is kinda different but I have no worry on this. The things are getting me worried is the camera and the audio system.
I will thank you all of you for the replies and personals opinions.
Regards!

I would take Moto G because of android updates and clean AOSP. Also Xperia M2 is very sensitive about scratches on it's back. Once I got my M2 I installed special protective layer on it.

lozohcum said:
I would take Moto G because of android updates and clean AOSP. Also Xperia M2 is very sensitive about scratches on it's back. Once I got my M2 I installed special protective layer on it.
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Thanks for the reply.
I thought about the confirmed updates for Moto G (Android KK 4.4.4 and Android L), and the scratches, thing I read here before, but, about the technician specs, how does it work the camera? Is so ugly as the reviews says? Or, can it be acceptable? The audio is better than average or still round with the average devices?
Thanks again.

I use KK firmware and camera in my opinion is just good. It's not ugly or crapy.
Depends also on your requirements. It's not Nikon camera though

You should also take into account how well you can hold them, as well as battery time. Personally, the Moto G doesn't sit well in my hand at all. The M2 on the other hand, does. Battery time, M2 seems to be winning, probably because of the lower screen resolution.
As for audio system, according to GSMArena, the Moto G has less noise on the output. I don't notice the noise on my M2 with one pair of headphones, but it's quite audible with some in-ears.
The camera on the 4.3 firmware is bad, 4.4 fixes that. See for yourself.. M2 Aqua is just M2 with KK and water protection, so you can use it to compare 4.3 and 4.4 camera.
One more thing you might want to take into account is that the Moto G is more popular, so the dev scene is much bigger/more active.
I'm rather disappointed about that when it comes to the M2.

lozohcum said:
I use KK firmware and camera in my opinion is just good. It's not ugly or crapy.
Depends also on your requirements. It's not Nikon camera though
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Click to collapse
I have a Canon Réflex Camera, so I don't need an excelent camera, but, either way, the camera is one of the important things when you choose one smartphone or another one.
Crim Soukyuu said:
You should also take into account how well you can hold them, as well as battery time. Personally, the Moto G doesn't sit well in my hand at all. The M2 on the other hand, does. Battery time, M2 seems to be winning, probably because of the lower screen resolution.
As for audio system, according to GSMArena, the Moto G has less noise on the output. I don't notice the noise on my M2 with one pair of headphones, but it's quite audible with some in-ears.
The camera on the 4.3 firmware is bad, 4.4 fixes that. -The URL locked by forum-. M2 Aqua is just M2 with KK and water protection, so you can use it to compare 4.3 and 4.4 camera.
One more thing you might want to take into account is that the Moto G is more popular, so the dev scene is much bigger/more active.
I'm rather disappointed about that when it comes to the M2.
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Click to collapse
I checked now the difference between Moto G and Xperia M2 (4.4.2 KitKat Firmware), and, the difference is not too much (looking at Xperia M2 Aqua, which, as you say, is theorically the same as Xperia M2 with KK), so, the last thing is the Headphones and their noises. I'm still kinda worried about it.
But until now, I'm thinking about buy the Xperia M2.
Any comments or opinions? I will thank to you.
Regards!

An opinion from who had both. Also I already have newer ones Xperia like Z1 and ZQ; a model made from Z1 to Brazil. The M2 at the first moment seems a compact Z2, like the design, the place where buttons are. Weight is good for the size, also it is thin. I think Sony could do a 5inch screen cause there are too much bars arounding the lcd or if they cut, made more a compact device, like they did with ZQ, made it perfect and confortable. The LCD quality is ok, nothing really to be glad like others Xperia but for a mid from Sony i expected more ppi, it has almost less 100 compared to Moto G. Also the glass i didnt like, keeps too easy dust and fingers prints and it isnt too easy to clean. Camera resolution is awful, i wont comment about the VGA cause dont worth it, so i couldn believe that Sony done that, even that old mobiles like Xperia ARC, X10, they have a much better cam. Really dont understand why Sony made such a dummbie phone. The CPU is good, felt some laggys, nothing really bad but for a quad should make better operations. Volume sound is poor, even with headset, like the equalizer and the multiple options but unfortunatly these couldnt make sounds better. Finally battery isnt nothing especial, mine is with almost 18hours of good usage before a make a new charge cycle. Anyway, my opinions are based that already have the Moto G, a trully competitor and that made really good impressions.

I must really say, anyone claiming the volume is poor should visit a hearing specialist. I keep hearing those claims and to be honest the only thing that comes to mind is that people claiming that are half-deaf.

xpc21 said:
An opinion from who had both. Also I already have newer ones Xperia like Z1 and ZQ; a model made from Z1 to Brazil. The M2 at the first moment seems a compact Z2, like the design, the place where buttons are. Weight is good for the size, also it is thin. I think Sony could do a 5inch screen cause there are too much bars arounding the lcd or if they cut, made more a compact device, like they did with ZQ, made it perfect and confortable. The LCD quality is ok, nothing really to be glad like others Xperia but for a mid from Sony i expected more ppi, it has almost less 100 compared to Moto G. Also the glass i didnt like, keeps too easy dust and fingers prints and it isnt too easy to clean. Camera resolution is awful, i wont comment about the VGA cause dont worth it, so i couldn believe that Sony done that, even that old mobiles like Xperia ARC, X10, they have a much better cam. Really dont understand why Sony made such a dummbie phone. The CPU is good, felt some laggys, nothing really bad but for a quad should make better operations. Volume sound is poor, even with headset, like the equalizer and the multiple options but unfortunatly these couldnt make sounds better. Finally battery isnt nothing especial, mine is with almost 18hours of good usage before a make a new charge cycle. Anyway, my opinions are based that already have the Moto G, a trully competitor and that made really good impressions.
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Crim Soukyuu said:
I must really say, anyone claiming the volume is poor should visit a hearing specialist. I keep hearing those claims and to be honest the only thing that comes to mind is that people claiming that are half-deaf.
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Thanks the two of you, in first place, for you replies and opinions.
Moto G still is better positioned than the Xperia M2 when it comes to sound system and everything related about that. And just one says that the sound is relatively poor. I don't think that Xperia M2 has that bad sound as you say (Personally talking), but, your opinions helps me to choice better. I'm still thinking about buy the Xperia, just because looks better for me (And testing the camera, thanks to the user that put here the url, by the way), and also I can hold it better than Moto G (I held it before, so).
Anyways, more opinions, it'll be better.
Thanks for everything :3
See ya ~
Edit: Could anyone confirm that the screen is so bad? As the user says, the dust is holding in the screen and also the fingerprints gets marked on it. So, is this totally true? Thanks.

xLobito said:
Could anyone confirm that the screen is so bad? As the user says, the dust is holding in the screen and also the fingerprints gets marked on it. So, is this totally true? Thanks.
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I can't really say as I have put a screen protector on it the moment I got it. Same for the back side, btw. The back is not glass, or if it's glass, it's not scratch resistant and scratches easily.
The pixel density is more than enough, however. It's just that people chase after big numbers, so they keep increasing the resolution (and with it, the power drain) with each iteration. Nexus 7 2013 was getting praises for its 1280x800 7" screen back then, and the M2's screen has about the same pixel density.

I think Xperia devices have much better sound quality than other smartphones. I use Koss Porta Pro for music and the sound it very good.

xLobito said:
Edit: Could anyone confirm that the screen is so bad? As the user says, the dust is holding in the screen and also the fingerprints gets marked on it. So, is this totally true? Thanks.
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Yep the screen always looks like the side window of your car after your toddler sat there for 30 minutes while eating a chocolate cookie.
There are however screen foils that have a coating which makes removing those smudges very easy. Look for one with 4H, so they it doesn't spoil so easily.

Crim Soukyuu said:
I must really say, anyone claiming the volume is poor should visit a hearing specialist. I keep hearing those claims and to be honest the only thing that comes to mind is that people claiming that are half-deaf.
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And i must really say that i still very impressed with people who comes here and dont respect opinions, people who doesnt even have a history here. Imagine what condition u r now cemetery caretaker.
aff

So, if I state my opinion, I'm not respecting yours? Is your opinion worth more just because you have more posts and thanks? I don't think so.

Guys! Please don't start a fight here. Everyone is helping me out to choice a better device. So, any opinion that you put right here is appreciated.
I don't have interest in disrepect your opinions or even "insult" it.
After reading all the comments, the screen is a trouble, but, solutionable by a protector on the screen. Personally I dislike those things, but, if it's recommended. I will do it.
I will take this phone, 'cause you don't claim too much, just one comment which I took note. Also, the difference between those devices (in my country, at prices, is null, though I have to pay much for Moto G LTE than Xperia M2).
Thanks again to everyone who commented in this topic, maybe if I have another question after I have the phone in my hands.
I don't discard any other comment. A little opinion may help much more.
Regards and don't fight.
PD: Different opinions makes this better to know the troubles and features of this two devices.

I'm not planning to fight, good to hear you decided to go with the M2. Seeing as Sony has released the sources for KK, maybe the development will pick up as well.
Ah, one more thing, there is no dust under my display after 3 months of pocket carrying. Might be a defective phone if that person has dust under theirs.

If you don't want dust getting under the glass, always put your M2 with speaker down, so the jack input is always on top.

lozohcum said:
If you don't want dust getting under the glass, always put your M2 with speaker down, so the jack input is always on top.
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Click to collapse
Or buy a Xperia M2 Aqua

Garcia98 said:
Or buy a Xperia M2 Aqua
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Too late. Already bought M2 LTE. And Aqua is not availabe in my country.

lozohcum said:
Too late. Already bought M2 LTE. And Aqua is not availabe in my country.
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I was saying that for OP, BTW, Aqua has not been released yet

LG G3 TO Z3 anyone done this?

Has anyone done this? if so are you happy with the move or do you regret it?

If you want FM radio it makes sense, otherwise they are similar devices, I'd stick with the g3

zamarax said:
If you want FM radio it makes sense, otherwise they are similar devices, I'd stick with the g3
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Haha u get fm radio on lg g3. did u make the move?

Ahh ****, stupid North America, they disable stuff for no logical reason
http://forums.androidcentral.com/lg-g3/412975-wheres-fm-radio.html
I checked the G3 at my local provider and it had no FM so I went with the z3, don't get me wrong its a beautiful phone I just hate when providers do this bull****

Yes, I have.
A bit of back story. I sold my Nexus 5 in anticipation of 6. 6 ended up being disappointing for me. So, as I couldn't bear abysmal battery of Nexus 4 I was using in the meantime I decided to get an interim device till I get snapdragon 810 device in May/June which I will then keep for as long as it can keep up with my demands.
Got LG G3. Loved it. BUT. I found screen a bit too wide to use comfortably with one hand. Same for Z3 to a lesser extend. My thumb started aching from reaching back button. I just installed app called Pie Control. Battery life was good enough for me. Standby beats Z3, screen on is better on Z3. Very good camera, not as capable as Z3, but OIS is very handy. Screens are comparable. G3 is a bit washed out but OK, Z3 is fairly colour accurate but white balance is off and is hard to get right but still ok.
I returned G3 because of sw stuttering. Z3 still has it now and again, but a lot less. Coming from Nexus 5 it was a pain in G3 but bearable in Z3. A lot of people don't even notice lag in G3, it's all about your perception.
All in all, while not perfect, I'd say Z3 is one of the best phones on the market and I'm happy with it. With that phone, even when the model I want to change it for comes out, I won't have to rush and will wait for a good deal, as Z3 will still keep me happy.
TL;DR. Is it an upgrade? No. Is it better? Yes.
To answer your question better I need to ask you a question: what is it in G3 that makes you consider a change?

I moved from a G3 too.
Z3 is much faster than the G3. G3 had occasional stutters, but Z3 is smooth.
Plus the audio quality is a bonus.
I do miss the knock code and tap-to-lock feature of the G3 though

undercover said:
Yes, I have.
A bit of back story. I sold my Nexus 5 in anticipation of 6. 6 ended up being disappointing for me. So, as I couldn't bear abysmal battery of Nexus 4 I was using in the meantime I decided to get an interim device till I get snapdragon 810 device in May/June which I will then keep for as long as it can keep up with my demands.
Got LG G3. Loved it. BUT. I found screen a bit too wide to use comfortably with one hand. Same for Z3 to a lesser extend. My thumb started aching from reaching back button. I just installed app called Pie Control. Battery life was good enough for me. Standby beats Z3, screen on is better on Z3. Very good camera, not as capable as Z3, but OIS is very handy. Screens are comparable. G3 is a bit washed out but OK, Z3 is fairly colour accurate but white balance is off and is hard to get right but still ok.
I returned G3 because of sw stuttering. Z3 still has it now and again, but a lot less. Coming from Nexus 5 it was a pain in G3 but bearable in Z3. A lot of people don't even notice lag in G3, it's all about your perception.
All in all, while not perfect, I'd say Z3 is one of the best phones on the market and I'm happy with it. With that phone, even when the model I want to change it for comes out, I won't have to rush and will wait for a good deal, as Z3 will still keep me happy.
TL;DR. Is it an upgrade? No. Is it better? Yes.
To answer your question better I need to ask you a question: what is it in G3 that makes you consider a change?
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x017in said:
I moved from a G3 too.
Z3 is much faster than the G3. G3 had occasional stutters, but Z3 is smooth.
Plus the audio quality is a bonus.
I do miss the knock code and tap-to-lock feature of the G3 though
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Click to collapse
HI thank you for your answers.
to answer your question i don t know why i want to change haha.
i got rid of the lag on the g3 by rooting and putting a custom rom on it,
the g3 has fantastic battery life for me as well.
Just heard a lot of good things about the z3 and am tempted to give it a try, but the root factor is a big doubt for me. i might leave it a few weeks until root is avalable on the z3.
i also like sonys ui i think i could live with the sony ui and not have to flash a aosp rom, as long as it has root it would be perfect.

x017in said:
I moved from a G3 too.
Z3 is much faster than the G3. G3 had occasional stutters, but Z3 is smooth.
Plus the audio quality is a bonus.
I do miss the knock code and tap-to-lock feature of the G3 though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
has the z3 got double tap to wake?

vinnyutd6899 said:
has the z3 got double tap to wake?
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yes it does, but as was previously mentioned, there's no tap to unlock and tap to sleep

vinnyutd6899 said:
HI thank you for your answers.
to answer your question i don t know why i want to change haha.
i got rid of the lag on the g3 by rooting and putting a custom rom on it,
the g3 has fantastic battery life for me as well.
Just heard a lot of good things about the z3 and am tempted to give it a try, but the root factor is a big doubt for me. i might leave it a few weeks until root is avalable on the z3.
i also like sonys ui i think i could live with the sony ui and not have to flash a aosp rom, as long as it has root it would be perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd keep G3 then.

vinnyutd6899 said:
HI thank you for your answers.
to answer your question i don t know why i want to change haha.
i got rid of the lag on the g3 by rooting and putting a custom rom on it,
the g3 has fantastic battery life for me as well.
Just heard a lot of good things about the z3 and am tempted to give it a try, but the root factor is a big doubt for me. i might leave it a few weeks until root is avalable on the z3.
i also like sonys ui i think i could live with the sony ui and not have to flash a aosp rom, as long as it has root it would be perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put a custom ROM on a newly purchased G3 yesterday, and it's an alright device, but I too am looking to switch.
I can tell you (I own a Z1 Compact as well) that if you think the G3 has a good battery, wait til you get your hands on a Sony. FWIW, my G3 battery experience has been just okay. I can drop close to 20% on the G3 browsing the internet for an hour. The screen is nice... but not worth it IMHO.

It is possible to get double tap to sleep if you are rooted and have Xposed installed....

IMHO it worth to change, the camera is better and battery life too. The problem until now is custom room and root against to G3 have all of customization.

vinnyutd6899 said:
Has anyone done this? if so are you happy with the move or do you regret it?
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Click to collapse
I have moved from G3 too.
I liked the 4K display, the laser autofocus, and this is all, nothing else.
The G3 even with ART, is full laggy, this SOC not suitable, or not well compatible ( not the best word) with 4k pixel amount. LAGGY.
and.... THE SLOW MOTION. : If u take a slow mo video, with LG G3, you can only play back on your device !!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF u put the output file to PC, or anything, IT WILL be not be viewed as u desire, It will play it with 120fps, WHILE on Z3 , u can edit, or save WITH the desired 1/2, 1/4,1/8 for further playing. And the Z3, keeps the 120 fps file for further editing.
Stereo speakers on Z3....
Water and Dust handling...
what else do u need?
ohh yeah. the andoid 5.0 : only 3 country in the world got the update. Why? Not well optimized yet.

To anyone whos thinking about moving from G3 To Z3, I don't see the point, G3 And Z3 Have fairly similar specs, both offering a good experience; I'd say to stick with the G3. No point buying a Z3, Plus Z4's Around the corner

If you install a custom launcher (Nova for me) and use Screen Off and Lock, you can double-tap to sleep, with no root required. Perhaps there is an easier way.
I went from the G2 to a Z3, but I still found this thread interesting.

Manach said:
If you install a custom launcher (Nova for me) and use Screen Off and Lock, you can double-tap to sleep, with no root required. Perhaps there is an easier way.
I went from the G2 to a Z3, but I still found this thread interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
" you can double-tap to sleep"
this function is in the STOCK ROM TOO

I use this to sleep!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spada.nowgesturetweaks&hl=es

Hussain_Salam said:
To anyone whos thinking about moving from G3 To Z3, I don't see the point, G3 And Z3 Have fairly similar specs, both offering a good experience; I'd say to stick with the G3. No point buying a Z3, Plus Z4's Around the corner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's always SOMETHING around the corner. I stopped worrying about that.
I would also say that, personally, I prefer Sony's UI to LG's, and the build quality of the Sony just feels so much better. Battery, I expect based on my experiences, can't help but be way ahead of the G3.
I've ordered a Copper Z3 (6603) to be used on the Tmo network state-side and couldn't be more excited. Should be here by Wednesday.

charlatan01 said:
There's always SOMETHING around the corner. I stopped worrying about that.
I would also say that, personally, I prefer Sony's UI to LG's, and the build quality of the Sony just feels so much better. Battery, I expect based on my experiences, can't help but be way ahead of the G3.
I've ordered a Copper Z3 (6603) to be used on the Tmo network state-side and couldn't be more excited. Should be here by Wednesday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll Agree with you there, However I'm not getting alot of battery time if i'm honest maybe bout 5 hours of Screen on time?

Getting Z3 or go for the older Z2 is the question?

Thinking about getting my hands on either the Z3 or the older, bigger brother Z2..
Any suggetions?

Go for Z3.

You would get much better battery life with the Z3

Go for the Z3, better screen and battery life.

Destroyedbeauty said:
Thinking about getting my hands on either the Z3 or the older, bigger brother Z2..
Any suggetions?
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i'd definitely recommend Z3 over Z2. i had Z1 and i was planning to get Z2 after selling it, then i got Z3 black and its just WOW IN ALL:good:

Nidhal AKA the king said:
i'd definitely recommend Z3 over Z2. i had Z1 and i was planning to get Z2 after selling it, then i got Z3 black and its just WOW IN ALL:good:
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How is the overall feeling and build quality for you guys on the Z3?
@all
I did lay an order request on a white Z3 yesterday. Hopefully it arrives sometime next week!

I think the Z3 recommendations are somewhat gratuitous, in that a newer model will always be a step forward with longer software support. I'm now going to be a complete hypocrite and tell you to buy the Z3, simply because it's brilliant (moreso as root access is available for those with locked bootloaders). Build quality is beautiful to look at, although waterproofing could be more consistent, at least by reference to the forums, and thermal cracks are an issue for some. Anyway, if you can afford it by the handset, some quality tempered glass (front and back) and a reasonable case. I have the copper version, and it's stunning.....

deepershades said:
I think the Z3 recommendations are somewhat gratuitous, in that a newer model will always be a step forward with longer software support. I'm now going to be a complete hypocrite and tell you to buy the Z3, simply because it's brilliant (moreso as root access is available for those with locked bootloaders). Build quality is beautiful to look at, although waterproofing could be more consistent, at least by reference to the forums, and thermal cracks are an issue for some. Anyway, if you can afford it by the handset, some quality tempered glass (front and back) and a reasonable case. I have the copper version, and it's stunning.....
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Thanks for the input!
I did order the Z3 yesterday as stated - the white version, white phones and blacks tablets FTW(!!!) - and I am really prepared for a killer device specs wise

Enjoy it, sure you won't regret it.

abhinav.tella said:
Enjoy it, sure you won't regret it.
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@all
Anyone of you guys that wants to see a specific and dedicated ROM / kernel settings, set-up & tuning thread in the Z3 general section, once I get my hands on my new beast? Check my similar topic in the Z1 General section if it does interest you, guys? =)

Or you could wait for z4 ?

Jiyeon90 said:
Or you could wait for z4 ?
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I will buy the Z4 a few months after release, if the price tag is good enough and worth it. And hey.. If it get kickass development support, both original Android dev and regular one..

Considering it's already Feb you are probably better of waiting for the Z4 as it's a much bigger upgrade than the previous two models.

one of the biggest draws of the Z3 is the battery life, and it's unclear whether the enhanced spec of the Z4 will improve on this or not - given the release date may well be later rather than sooner, we could be looking towards the autumn for a rooted Z4 with a locked bootloader (it took nearly four months to crack the Z3 in this aspect).....

I dont get it,how is Battery life on z3 any way better than that in z2?? I mean,z2 has 3200mah battery while z3 has 3100mah

The Z3 screen is more power efficient, though it can reach a max of 800+ nits, also they seemed to have made some other tweaks, that is why the Z3 has better battery life.

See you guys tomorrow, I hope - because I will get my Z3 then!

Destroyedbeauty said:
See you guys tomorrow, I hope - because I will get my Z3 then!
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first impressions?

Jiyeon90 said:
first impressions?
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I am impressed. And this is even on stock and untouched ROM / kernel. I am going to unlock the bootloader today and install a pre-rooted ZIP based on latest firmware and play around with some FauxClock settings / init.d scripts and see how far I can push this device battery & performance wise!
What is your impressions of the Z3?

Destroyedbeauty said:
I am impressed. And this is even on stock and untouched ROM / kernel. I am going to unlock the bootloader today and install a pre-rooted ZIP based on latest firmware and play around with some FauxClock settings / init.d scripts and see how far I can push this device battery & performance wise!
What is your impressions of the Z3?
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Click to collapse
Great to hear that, I haven't upgraded from the z2 as the differences are minimal but yeah I love the design and I don't need to flash another room as the sony UI with nova launcher and root is perfect for me [emoji4]

[Q] is getting the z3 now in the almost ending 2015 a good idea?

I'm considering in purchasing a xperia z3 D6603. I will be coming from the new 2015 moto x pure which I can't put my finger on it but something about the phone I don't like. I know the mot x pure is a brand new phone with brand new specs so why would i downgrade to an older device? I've always sparked interest in the Sony line of devices. The z5 is just way to expensive for me. I'm still in the 14 day return period for the moto x pure and thinking of returning it and ordering a xperia z3. Does the z3 already have 5.1.1 lollipop ota? And which varient of the z3 is the more supported version?. I'm from the u.s but looking in the android dev thread it looks like the D6603 is the more supported version.
Any thoughts and issues with the device?
Thanks in advance

I think you should
It's an awesome piece of device. I bought mine 6 months ago knowing that there will be newer flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge or the upcoming Sony Xperia Z5 and so on. Despite the newer flagships on the market, I still consider this unit at top notch. Sure it has no fingerprint sensor like the 2 that I mentioned, but nonetheless, it's a handsome piece of device. As for the OTA update, I'm not quite sure if it is available there in the US.. But I'm pretty sure with PC Companion, you can update yours easily. Not to mention that the upcoming Android Marshmallow or Android M for Sony will be released before the year ends. Just watch out for dead pixels; those are the common defects I read about on the internet.

I just bought my Z3 a few days ago... My G4 screen died and I decided to get an older device. Like you I had the same issue with the G4... Great device but there was just something about it I just cant get away with, i think it mightve been the clunky interface or the whole G4 package just seemed to much.. Im not sure.
However, Im happy with the Z3.. I also looked at the M9 as Im a bit of a Media lover, but for me the Camera on the M9 just hadnt improved enough to warrant the cash... Yes ok, the speakers on the M9 do give a richer fuller sound than the Z3, but the ones on the Z3 are not to be ignored. They can lack bass and mid-range, sounding a bit tinny at times, but for me it was... Great speakers, Awesome camera, great battery of the Z3 Or Amazing speakers, awful Camera and ok battery of the M9.. The Z3 won... plus I like alot of the Apps that come on the Z3, which save me having to download extra apps to waste more battery, such as:
A podcast App built strainght into the Walkman player
Google Newstand and Xperia lounge for news, music and a few interesting things.
Sony Video
A built-in FM Radio
and Love it oir Hate it... Sonys LifeLog.
The speakers are Loud but again can lack richness.
A great all round package... and even though its very square.. It looks quite cool as well and a nice dearture from all the Samsung sheep walking around.
Here in UK, we have LP 511, but just hope SONY survive with the Z5... Their mobile devision hangs in the balance here.
Z3 is a great device.. ide recommend it to anyone

I bought this phone 3 months ago, and it is an awesomely great looking phone with good specs... I except more from the camera, but the design is outstanding to me... You'll see what i mean when you have this phone, especially the copper colour. Multitasking is great, it is comfortable to hold, the speaker is awesome but sometimes it is a bit low, especially when watching on YouTube., it is fast, no stutter what so ever, except in lockscreen which is frequently stuttered (it is a new bug, haven't discovered this in 5.0.2), low light and outdoor camera is very good, it is very rigid to me, especially if you use tempered glass screen protector on both front and back, the battery is great,but the performance is a bit reduced since. 200 update and later..
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I'm about to buy that phone next week. Is it still a problem with camera after rooting? I don't know much about it, that's why I'm asking.

Definitely worth it. Esp the price is low now. I have Z3, my brother the S6 and he is thinking of switching to a Z3 too. Mainly bec of the battery, waterproofness, SD Card slot, front speakers and practically everything else except maybe the screen amd fingerprint scanner. If fingerscanner is a must i advised him to get tge Z5, but the price is still quite high.
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I bought the xperia z3 a few days ago and i have no regrets. The battery, sleek UI and design is what makes this phone amazing and the community on the Z3 forums on xda are one of my favourites so far

Feb 2016 - Z3 still worth buying, root friendly?

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.
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