Is the Z3 a worthy Purchase - Xperia Z3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all
Im thinking of buying a Z3, mainly for media reasons (youTube, NetFlix, Photos, Music and a few games).. Great speakers & a good camera. I have owned both the M8 & M9, but both lack a good, even decent camera by todays standards. plus here in UK, I can pick a Z3 up for about £320.
I do own a Lumia 1520 and a Canon SX700, which means good cameras already, but as a candid photographer I am hoping to carry round something for quick snaps in my pocket, without the phablet mass of the 1520 and bulk of my canon.
Ive watched a few YouTube videos, but all seem to point towards the Z3 camera not being good at all, so the question I want to ask is:
- With the software updates the Z3 has had so far, do you find the Audio and Camera good and enjoyable to use.
- Does the Z3 suffer from the Z2 "quiet notification sound" bug.
- How does the Z2 measure up to the Z3, is it a worthy purchase.
Thanks all

Related

[Q] Camera performance - stabilization

Hello folks
I've got some questions regarding camera. As far I know it is overhyped already, however I'd like to give it a chance.
I made contact with staff of OPO and one of them said there is NO stabilization (any type - no optical, no digital), the second guy told me there is stabilization.
It seems devs don't know what they are doing there so I wanna ask you, some of you have phone and can help me out in decision - either OPO or LG G3 or Sony Xperia Z2.
Is there video stabilization? So far I've seen videos - they shake much, my old Galaxy S II produces this like movies and this is 3 years old device!
For how long 4K recording lasts? On most phones there is limitation - either time or size. Example LG G3 there is limit of 5 minutes, Xperia Z2 turns off because of heating (but undervolting helps to make video longer). Galaxy S5 has limitation of 4-5 minutes. How is OPO?
I've seen night shots not too spectacular and blurry...
SO far most impressed I am with Z2 camera, especially stabilization. It is digital one but is really great. There are some cons, loss of details in this camera but can be somehow corrected.
But price..... OPO 300 EUR, Z2 500 EUR.
Cheers!

Better then HTC One M8?

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

XZ owners do you recommend getting this phone now ?

Alright guys XZ it is thanks for everyone responded to me and shared his opinion/experience
For know please let me know if there are any known/common issues that maybe some units has to avoid especially since I am probably getting a "used XZ" :good:
For example I remember for Z5 many units had blurry left side in picture taken by rear camera, also screen bleeding, dead pixels ect..
I'm Z5 user looking to upgrade
Do you guys recommend this phone now considering other competitors
Ofc I'm a sony fan I like their desing, audio/display features, waterproofing ect..
But I'm concerned about the camera I've seen few camera comparisons especially this one it seems that Sony is still struggling with low light and still use same old pictures post processing without forget the weird dimensions distortions
Other alternatives I'm considering that I can get for about same XZ price tag in order
- Google Pixel (camera is DSLR level in my opinion/also better specs - not sure about the mic/audio issues though)
- LG G6 (better camera/specs)
- Galaxy S7
- Oneplus 3T(better specs)
Also another factor let's not forget that the XZs and XZP were already out, also XZ1 recently so at the best cases sony will still support XZ for next year/year and half
Also please let know if there are other things I'm might not be aware of that I should know
korom42 said:
I'm Z5 user looking to upgrade
Do you guys recommend this phone now considering other competitors
Ofc I'm a sony fan I like their desing, audio/display features, waterproofing ect..
But I'm concerned about the camera I've seen few camera comparisons especially this one it seems that Sony is still struggling with low light and still use same old pictures post processing without forget the weird dimensions distortions
Other alternatives I'm considering that I can get for about same XZ price tag in order
- Google Pixel (camera is DSLR level in my opinion/also better specs - not sure about the mic/audio issues though)
- LG G6 (better camera/specs)
- Galaxy S7
- Oneplus 3T(better specs)
Also another factor let's not forget that the XZs and XZP were already out, also XZ1 recently so at the best cases sony will still support XZ for next year/year and half
Also please let know if there are other things I'm might not be aware of that I should know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about google pixel ,but the camera of xz i notice by myself is superior by the others. Lg g6 have worst camera than g5, in more moments is worst than midrange. But on wide angle cameras panoramas is good. Of course on wideangle distortion can became in some situation very visible (the distortion on sonyies are for wideangle lens but there are not that visible). But xz destroys g6 on camera...day and night photos. Galaxy s7 produces false photos. The photos on his amoled screen seems great but on reality have more defect. Too filters applied. Yellow and reddish photos .. For example a summer photo of a lake , became autumn photo of lake,thanks to samsung filters. On night photos is easy to shoot with this device but with some burned dettails. Xz on day destroys s7, on night depends . Xz produces more dettailed photos than s7. But s7 have ois and some photos on night are easier to shoot. One plus 3t have a mid range camera ....is a phone studied for modding expecially. Talking about xz i think is the most stable phone in my opinion ...probably op3t is on similar level. I reccomand xz expecially for stability and less problems. I have some friends with s7 and g6 and they have a lot of problems . For alternative to xz i reccomand op3t if you find one. Is the one with less problems like xz. Xz use great the snapdragon 820. 821 is the same processor with only better energy use. But sony,thanks to his great optimizzation, make tha 820 less battery drainer, like 821. Every month Sony release security patches there, before of most OEM. Device have very good performance and very good battery. Signal is great there, one of better phones to have best signal (i think better than your alternatieves). Modding is good there but not one of best(but it seems grow). Ram seems doesn't have any problems .Phone is rock stable and very fluid . Sony optimizzation is the best in my opinion. It doesn't have raw ...but post processing is very natural. Raw seems enable only on aosp roms. If you doesn't worry about modding, give a look on xzs. More ram,loops ui, xzp and xz1 camera with all great new features. But no modding. If you want, give me all questions about xz. I'm very happy with my xz.
Hi,
Also consider screen size.. the XZ is rather small compare to G6, OP3t.
Then it's also Amoled vs LCD but maybe more personal?
The only thing I'm not really happy with mine is battery life, was used to more for a Sony phone, you have to tinker around to get something acceptable. Also would have prefer an Amoled screen since I read a lot so once again better for battery
Personally I would pass on the G6, XDA thread seems empty and LG support bad..
Pixel camera would be the best I guess, but you loose waterproofing.
Then it's Sony over Samsung for me for the "media" experience, sound, ldac bT etc
Also camera is actually really good. Auto is OK+ but manual gives really good shot when you know what you do.
Sony need manual settings to take good pic in low light. XZ have the best display in the market now. Super bright red and clear white. Other colors are naturals and clear. Its no juicy like Amoled or washed like other TFTs. I had G5 with screen burn problem. It have too many phones G5 and V10 with this problem. I dont know for G6 but look at it. Pixel have no IP 68 and its no interesting for me.
One Plus - no thanks. So so tricky warranty service.
S7 is stupid. I feel it in hand like a soap. And Samy dont cover under warranty water damages. I have frend in official Samy service here in Bulgaria and he told me that IP 68 nevermind. Its nothing for Samy. Just commercials.
For me thats a 100% not recommended, looking at the alternatives you posted above; go for the pixel without hesitation. I've used both, the XZ is inferior in almost every aspect except for waterproofing.
Dont get me started on overheating and battery issues, i just came back from a hot area where the phone was almost unusable just because i was standing in the sun for a little bit; once the phone temperature hits 42, forget about being productive anymore, for me this disadvantage is bigger than all the advantages above (even if it had the best camera, screen, speakers etc...) since i cant actually use the phone.
Just get the forest blue XZ, and forget the others.
I running stock on mine, unmodified, September security patch and battery life is very excellent, no overheating.
And I have to agree Sony optimisation is exceptional, I run my phone once for 20 straight days without reboot or slow down, the phone was still smooth.
korom42 said:
Alright guys XZ it is thanks for everyone responded to me and shared his opinion/experience
For know please let me know if there are any known/common issues that maybe some units has to avoid especially since I am probably getting a "used XZ" :good:
For example I remember for Z5 many units had blurry left side in picture taken by rear camera, also screen bleeding, dead pixels ect..
I'm Z5 user looking to upgrade
Do you guys recommend this phone now considering other competitors
Ofc I'm a sony fan I like their desing, audio/display features, waterproofing ect..
But I'm concerned about the camera I've seen few camera comparisons especially this one it seems that Sony is still struggling with low light and still use same old pictures post processing without forget the weird dimensions distortions
Other alternatives I'm considering that I can get for about same XZ price tag in order
- Google Pixel (camera is DSLR level in my opinion/also better specs - not sure about the mic/audio issues though)
- LG G6 (better camera/specs)
- Galaxy S7
- Oneplus 3T(better specs)
Also another factor let's not forget that the XZs and XZP were already out, also XZ1 recently so at the best cases sony will still support XZ for next year/year and half
Also please let know if there are other things I'm might not be aware of that I should know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF you're not chasing for glamour and high end phones these days..e.g. pixel phones, Lg g6, etc.. then XZ still worth to buy. ...Otherwise if you're looking forward for OnePlus, i suggest go for OP 5 instead of OP 3T. Imho
*OnePlus, Pixel phones=Dev enthusiasts+Custom ROMs friendly

XZ2 or save £150 and buy XZP

Im interested in getting an Xperia but wonder if the XZP is still a good device,, such as camera and stereo speakers.. i do know Sony still update the XZP with monthly updates, but for how long?..
My local store is selling both devices pre-owned but unwanted upgrades which mean both are BNIB, the XZP is £150 cheaper than the XZ2...
In terms of camera quality & audio, screen & battery life, Is the XZ2 worth that extra £150... or is the XZP still a great device in 2018
EDIT
In the end I went for the XZP. The XZ2 is a standard device and the XZP is still classed as a high end flagship, until XZ2P arrives.. even in 2018, 4k screen..etc... so, realised it was a bit of a no-brainer really
Its worth it, the XZ2 is a monster, just epic in all the ways, i have the XZ2 also and i trully love it.
Pandemic said:
Its worth it, the XZ2 is a monster, just epic in all the ways, i have the XZ2 also and i trully love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if I have a xzp is it worth to upgrade?
My only issue with the XZP is the camera in Auto mode can be terrible..... images are sometimes mushy, which messing with Manual settings all the time defeats the object of a "point and shoot" ... the XZ2 camera is superior in that respect... but I read somewhere (sorry I don't have the link) that the XZ2 has the same hardware as the XZP, except the XZ2 has new camera software and algorythms.
I would say madshark2009, no it isn't worth the money... no headphone jack, and Even with the improved "Auto Mode" camera software (still grainy in low light), and slightly louder speakers, it's still not that big of an improvement... I would wait for the XZ2Prem..
Give the XZ2 a try though... It is nice, just, IMO... not £600 - £700 nice
Op, are you intrested in s. H. Xzp?

Pixel 5 vs Xperia 1ii

I have an Xperia 1ii which I do really like, I've always enjoyed Sony phones and I really like the look and feel of it. The long display is great for me, the storage (plus option of an SD card) is good and the battery is OK.*
I am by no means an expert photographer but the camera on a phone is one of the main draws for me on a phone. Whilst I have been able to capture some nice shots on my Xperia, I have found the point and shoot camera to be very hit and miss and definitely lacking either under artificial light or at night. It certainly feels like a real stepdown from the camera on my old P20 Pro.
Given this, I am considering trading in my Xperia and switching to the Pixel 5, predominantly*for the camera and also taking advantage of the Bose preorder offer. From what I can see, the main downgrades would be a stepdown in processor, smaller screen and reduction in storage size (with no SD option). The latter could be a slight barrier as I am currently using 122GB of storage on my Xperia (I like to keep a fair chunk of music offline) so this would basically max out the Pixel.
Would the downgrade from Snapdragon 865 to 765 be very noticeable if I mainly use my phone for browsing the internet, listening to music and social media? I don't really use it to game or watch long videos.
It would be helpful to hear the views of any Xperia and/or Pixel owners or just any community experts who know a lot more than me!
I think it's unlikely you'll notice the 765g being slower for your use case.
Point and shoot will no doubt be better on the pixel. Xperia looks great if you can control the lighting and have a bit more time.
Storage is of course an absolute limit in the pixel
If you do not need root and don't care about Android development. Staying with the Sony is okay.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

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