Worth the $100 difference for the Z5 Premium? - Xperia Z5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Is it worth it to fork out the extra $100 for the Z5P? I already own the Z5 , but it's going to be swapped out, so if i wanted to change phones, this is my only time really without having to sell it , is it worth $100 for the Z5P or do you think I won't really notice the 4K screen / other tweaks? Thoughts?

My opinion is yes based on 4K and screen size. I do not like big phones so I stuck with Z5. Extras are worth $100 if you don't mind a bigger device.

4K screen but screen is only rendered in 1080p most of the time:
https://youtu.be/kEMmKu4tYWI?t=54
So you're basically paying $100 for a bigger screen. If that's worth $100 only you can answer.
EDIT: Thanks Phazonclash. There's isn't an extra gig of RAM over the Z5...

tutchthesky7 said:
Is it worth it to fork out the extra $100 for the Z5P? I already own the Z5 , but it's going to be swapped out, so if i wanted to change phones, this is my only time really without having to sell it , is it worth $100 for the Z5P or do you think I won't really notice the 4K screen / other tweaks? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried both, currently with the normal Z5, for me the Z5P is not worth the extra price premium. I think the green color Z5 is very elegant compared to the Z5P colors and the frosted back prevents most of the finger prints and it doesnt get oily.
Another thing that bothered me with the Z5P is that it is too long, if it was slightly wider it would be much better for me. Furthermore the display on the Z5 is brighter while the Z5P looks dull in daylight (of course the Z5P in 4k mode pictures looks amazing if you are indoors).
At the end of the day it would be better if you could find a store that has both of them on display and check them out for yourself. But for my personal opinion I prefer the normal Z5 in green

The bigger screen is an annoyance more than an advantage for me, and I don't record or have 4K content yet so the 4K display isn't a necessity for me either.
Coming from bigger phones (5.5" OnePlus One and 5.7" Note 3), I'm very happy with my 5.2" Z5. I think it's the sweet spot size wise, I don't regret my choice
---------- Post added at 09:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:10 AM ----------
ricodredd said:
4K screen but screen is only rendered in 1080p most of the time:
https://youtu.be/kEMmKu4tYWI?t=54
So you're basically paying $100 for a bigger screen plus an extra gig of RAM. If that's worth $100 only you can answer.
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Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the Z5 and Z5 Premium both have 3GB of RAM (and 2GB for the Compact)

Phazonclash said:
I'm pretty sure the Z5 and Z5 Premium both have 3GB of RAM (and 2GB for the Compact)
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Click to collapse
Oops, must've gotten mixed up with another phone. Yes, 3GB RAM for both Z5 and Z5 Premium.

Any notes on the bigger battery? I get the 4k screen needs more to power, but if it's running in 1080P mode 90% of the time, is the extra battery life actually have an advantage? Or will it still have roughly the same battery life?
Also , as of right now, I'm sticking to the Z5, I did a hands on comparison in store yesterday........ I don't MIND the 5.5' screen although 5.2 is ALOTTTTT better for me... But honestly the deal breaker was that $0.20 looking fingerprint magnet glass they used on the back of the Z5P.... The whole world needs to stop making $800 + items look like they were manufactured at Crayola...

Related

[Q] Should I buy Z2 or Z3

hey guys!
well, as the topic says should i go for Z2 or Z3, I mean is there big difference ?
Thanks
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6144&idPhone2=6539
gregbradley said:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6144&idPhone2=6539
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Click to collapse
I've seen that comparison and I didn't find any big difference so I'm asking the experts here
From what I read the z3 has a brighter screen with better viewing angles, better battery life, smaller form factor and a slightly better chipset with the 801 versus 800.. With that said I'm patiently waiting for the T Mobile version to come out
Z2 is using Snapdragon 801, not 800.
Sent from my ST26i using XDA Free mobile app
shook187 said:
From what I read the z3 has a brighter screen with better viewing angles, better battery life, smaller form factor and a slightly better chipset with the 801 versus 800.. With that said I'm patiently waiting for the T Mobile version to come out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z3 has the same screen as Z2
I'm in the same boat as the OP here. Hope someone posts a comparison between the z2 and z3 with real world usage.
Well,
Z2 is cheaper
Z2 has more development (rootable, etc)
Z3 has brigher screen
Z3 should have a (marginally better) camera
Z3 is ergonomically better (personal though, but rounder, more compact)
Z3 has better battery life
Z3 is not rootable without unlocking (which results in issues on its own) yet, but should be in time
All in all, Z3>Z2 but only if you have an issue with spending more money I'd say go for the Z2... In specs they are almost the same with a slight edge to the Z3
dagrim1 said:
Well,
Z2 is cheaper
Z2 has more development (rootable, etc)
Z3 has brigher screen
Z3 should have a (marginally better) camera
Z3 is ergonomically better (personal though, but rounder, more compact)
Z3 has better battery life
Z3 is not rootable without unlocking (which results in issues on its own) yet, but should be in time
All in all, Z3>Z2 but only if you have an issue with spending more money I'd say go for the Z2... In specs they are almost the same with a slight edge to the Z3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the infos
I have no problem in sending more money but it seems there is only small difference to pay an addition $200 :silly:
abdjeh said:
Thanks for the infos
I have no problem in sending more money but it seems there is only small difference to pay an addition $200 :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe, well... that's personal of course. In that case, go with the Z2... Excellent phone
For me (had a Z1) the Z3 was an actual worthwhile upgrade while the Z2 wasn't. You know you pay top prices when you buy new models, either wait a bit and go for the Z3 when the price went down a bit or go for the Z2 now. It is indeed very similar.
dagrim1 said:
Hehe, well... that's personal of course. In that case, go with the Z2... Excellent phone
For me (had a Z1) the Z3 was an actual worthwhile upgrade while the Z2 wasn't. You know you pay top prices when you buy new models, either wait a bit and go for the Z3 when the price went down a bit or go for the Z2 now. It is indeed very similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
battery life and build quality are two main factors i got hte z3 over z2. Plus i got a decent deal transferring my number to t-mobile here in Poland. Yesterday i spent a good days worth of internet browsing, watching vids online emails, calls and other stuff and at the end of the day still have 45% left.
I had this conversation with my friend about this, as he's thinking about the z2 or z3 and there isn't much different. They must of tweaked with the hardware or processor as battery life is great.
abdjeh said:
hey guys!
well, as the topic says should i go for Z2 or Z3, I mean is there big difference ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Went from a Z2 to Z3. Wife still has Z2 so I can compare side-by-side.
Battery life: Z2 was already pretty good; doesn't seem to be that much of a big difference
Display: Z3 seems a bit brighter on maximum
Processor: Z2 and Z3 are both snappy; I can't say I notice a huge difference.
Z3: Did have some black screen crash happen to me a few times. Seems to have been bluetooth related as it happened when I was trying to pair some devices.
By biggest issue I have is that the Z3 camera doesn't seem as good as the Z2 in less than bright light. Colours seem washed out or perhaps the a bit overexposed. Not as sharp or contrasty as Z2. It's almost like there is some lens flare to the z3. Also Z3's white balance seems not as good. This has been my biggest disappointment but I'm hopeful that this is software not hardware. Maybe it's because the higher ISO in low light is doing weird things.
I'll see if I can put a picture up with z3 and z3 side by side.
Regards,
Ken
abdjeh said:
hey guys!
well, as the topic says should i go for Z2 or Z3, I mean is there big difference ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat. I was all set to upgrade from my Galaxy S3 to the Z3 today. When I got down to the store turns out my wireless provider has changed the pricing on the Z2. The Z3 (16GB) is $180 on a two year contract. The Z2 is now $0 on a two year contract. Not sure that the Z3 is worth $180 over the Z2.
Now I'm not sure what to do.
zendmaster said:
I'm in the same boat. I was all set to upgrade from my Galaxy S3 to the Z3 today. When I got down to the store turns out my wireless provider has changed the pricing on the Z2. The Z3 (16GB) is $180 on a two year contract. The Z2 is now $0 on a two year contract. Not sure that the Z3 is worth $180 over the Z2.
Now I'm not sure what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Z3 is a minor improvement: Thinner, much brighter max brightness, little better battery life, slightly better speakers. Is it worth $180 thats up to you. The Z3 on TMO is 32GB which carrier are you on?
I'm in Canada with Sasktel.
Go for the Z2 I guess $180 savings is a lot, especially since they are fairly close overall.

Should I upgrade my Z5 Premium to XZ?

Seeing as how XZ is the new 2016 flagship. Is it worth upgrading? Specs wise, it isn't really worth. Just better front facing camera, rear camera and a better processor from what I saw unless I missed something. But design wise, I really like it. Supposedly some of the 2017 Xperia leaks I've seen sport the exact design from the XZ. Should I upgrade or wait out until the end of the year for their high end device?
I have Z5 regular and I have same speculations.The camera is better cause has full manual mode,but picture quality?I am afraid that isnt much better than Z5.
It left only chipset,design and maybe longer battery hold.
I am not smart what to do...
lythanhlong said:
Seeing as how XZ is the new 2016 flagship. Is it worth upgrading? Specs wise, it isn't really worth. Just better front facing camera, rear camera and a better processor from what I saw unless I missed something. But design wise, I really like it. Supposedly some of the 2017 Xperia leaks I've seen sport the exact design from the XZ. Should I upgrade or wait out until the end of the year for their high end device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer old design cuz it's more scratch resist than new material. I think u should stay tuned with news, see what if the 2017 devices could be more or not then decide, it's just a month ahead. BTW, XZ price is still not down in VN Store yet.
As nougat takes up approximately 50% of the XZ's memory which can't be rooted without unlocking the bootloader, I'd suggesting holding back for three months to see what is released generally. Developer support and third party accessory support are limited for this model, and you'll have difficulty finding a decent case or tempered glass that bonds fully to the curved edge. Double tap to wake remains an issue, and charging is weak and actually depletes if you're using the phone at the same time, as a wireless hotspot for example. It's a stunning phone, but there are issues......
not point tbh, they are just too similar.
Need help
I love Sony !
But since Xperia z5 and didn't see Sony do any big hit now with XZ I loved it but afraid buying it and get disappointed!
Since Z5 went to s7 edge but didn't like it so I went to iPhone 6S plus and didn't like it now I'm with Moto Z but not satisfied!
Thought of HTC 10
But for once Wana believe XZ is worth buying !!!
Any help plz !!
fgar82 said:
Need help
I love Sony !
But since Xperia z5 and didn't see Sony do any big hit now with XZ I loved it but afraid buying it and get disappointed!
Since Z5 went to s7 edge but didn't like it so I went to iPhone 6S plus and didn't like it now I'm with Moto Z but not satisfied!
Thought of HTC 10
But for once Wana believe XZ is worth buying !!!
Any help plz !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What make you disappointed in Z5 and why you didn't satisfy with Moto Z?
Make it clear why so others can help to tell in your place.
The Xperia XZ is a good smartphone, most important thing is the stable & close to stock Android Sony UI, with fast OS updates.
I have used so many smartphones, but Sony is really one of the best.
angelanh said:
What make you disappointed in Z5 and why you didn't satisfy with Moto Z?
Make it clear why so others can help to tell in your place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well had black z5 and left it in my back pocket and when I went to my car forgot about it and when I sat I heard a crack and when I noticed it was the phone took it it was all broken with little bent in the middle !! Bought then white one and left it on the table and when I got a call it moved till felt down and broke down !
So bought z5 premium with the thought of Netflix 4k and youtube 4k but nothing screen brightness under sun was bad and camera wasn't all what I expected !!!
So went to Samsung s7 and hate all the junk and so many options that mostly u never use it and from time to time it get some slow done for a sec !
The only thing I loved about it the camera was great !
So went to moto z and only thing hate it after buying it putting it side by side with iPhone HTC and Samsung it was ugly and looks like a 200$ phone , I know there is no perfect phone I love Sony phones so think buying the Xz but reviews didnt help camera sucks as they say it's not perfect in anything screen still FHD like Sony is Stuck in time !!! It looks like Z5 with a better design and new processor . So what I was wondering is it really worth buying it
lythanhlong said:
Seeing as how XZ is the new 2016 flagship. Is it worth upgrading? Specs wise, it isn't really worth. Just better front facing camera, rear camera and a better processor from what I saw unless I missed something. But design wise, I really like it. Supposedly some of the 2017 Xperia leaks I've seen sport the exact design from the XZ. Should I upgrade or wait out until the end of the year for their high end device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xz is really better than z5 premium.Better speed,battery life,screen quality, camera quality (not only for manual comands ,quaity is also really better on auto. Every shoots are fantastic and night shoots are on different planet compared to z5 series...really fantastic). Z5 premium have updates i think only with nougat 7.0 and 7.1.1. Xz also android 8 and 9 i think. In the end of the year z5 premium probably leave the official support and there you should buy the new xperia z5 premium is a fantastic phone. Xz is really better. But at end 2017 Sony announce his powerful flagship. and it will be a really better phone than xz
Don't know if I can add a YouTube link
But this is what bother me every review I see is negative I don't know if the phone is that bad or the reviews just want to make it show bad !
Here in Brasil it's not on shelves yet only sold online so there is no way to test it yet ! And it's not cheep at all it's around 1050$
So I need a light from ppl here in the XDA
Thanks for all support
Sony is about to announce new phones at MWC on February 27...I'd wait.
edit: Not to say the XZ isn't great, I love mine. Just saying though, new phones in a month. Might be worth waiting to see what they announce.
fgar82 said:
Don't know if I can add a YouTube link
But this is what bother me every review I see is negative I don't know if the phone is that bad or the reviews just want to make it show bad !
Here in Brasil it's not on shelves yet only sold online so there is no way to test it yet ! And it's not cheep at all it's around 1050$
So I need a light from ppl here in the XDA
Thanks for all support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the XZ, it is good phone with best quality screen under direct sun, yes the Samsung S7 edge camera is much better, but in the end it is a smartphone not a camera & with playing with manual mode you can get better result from XZ.
before the XZ I used the HTC 10 which it does have QHD screen !
but if you compare the HTC 10 QHD screen with the FHD Xperia XZ screen in normal indoor light or under direct sun the winner will be for sure the Xperia XZ.
XZ screen is so bright and clear indoor and under direct sun even with polarized sun glasses where you will suffer with other smartphones, but with the XZ it is really a hero.
any one can try that, I felt disappointed from using HTC 10 SPECIALLY UNDER DIRECT SUN with polarized sun glasses, so I decided to get Sony Xperia XZ.
all in all XZ is a good smartphone with good battery life & screen quality, plus the most cool thing I like it about the XZ is the Qnovo charging thing where the battery can learn from your daily charging timing, so this Qnovo thing will stop over charging battery if for example you charge your smartphone over night.
If you are a Sony guy get the XZ, it is such a cool smartphone.
fgar82 said:
Well had black z5 and left it in my back pocket and when I went to my car forgot about it and when I sat I heard a crack and when I noticed it was the phone took it it was all broken with little bent in the middle !! Bought then white one and left it on the table and when I got a call it moved till felt down and broke down !
So bought z5 premium with the thought of Netflix 4k and youtube 4k but nothing screen brightness under sun was bad and camera wasn't all what I expected !!!
So went to Samsung s7 and hate all the junk and so many options that mostly u never use it and from time to time it get some slow done for a sec !
The only thing I loved about it the camera was great !
So went to moto z and only thing hate it after buying it putting it side by side with iPhone HTC and Samsung it was ugly and looks like a 200$ phone , I know there is no perfect phone I love Sony phones so think buying the Xz but reviews didnt help camera sucks as they say it's not perfect in anything screen still FHD like Sony is Stuck in time !!! It looks like Z5 with a better design and new processor . So what I was wondering is it really worth buying it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, i didn't try Z5 Premium but did use Z1 and tried Z3 of my friend. By stats, Z5 Pre and XZ are just the same. By design, the new material is nice, beautiful, mostly symmetry, more than Z5 Pre, even few time i confused then hold it upside down. But It did not bring the good feeling and high grade feeling (both by viewing and holding) like Z lines, also less scratch resistant. Also in review, its back is easy to be destroy by hard metal.
For gaming, and perhaps clip playing too if you hold XZ, the border is not much rounded, make it feed bad for your hand's palm after playing game for a long time. Battery is not so good, fixed much by Nougat update, but still. The reduced resolution didn't make it better, but I don't like larger resolution either, my I cant' see much differences.
For broken and bend problems, I didn't drop my XZ so i can't tell, but my old Z1 drop many times without any problems, just scratch appear in every corner after times. Then how could your old phone became broken so easily?
At all, I'm a little reget that I should try Z5 Pre before buying XZ, that's it.
---------- Post added at 03:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------
angelanh said:
So far, i didn't try Z5 Premium but did use Z1 and tried Z3 of my friend. By stats, Z5 Pre and XZ are just the same. By design, the new material is nice, beautiful, mostly symmetry, more than Z5 Pre, even few time i confused then hold it upside down. But It did not bring the good feeling and high grade feeling (both by viewing and holding) like Z lines, also less scratch resistant. Also in review, its back is easy to be destroy by hard metal.
For gaming, and perhaps clip playing too if you hold XZ, the border is not much rounded, make it feed bad for your hand's palm after playing game for a long time. Battery is not so good, fixed much by Nougat update, but still. The reduced resolution didn't make it better, but I don't like larger resolution either, my I cant' see much differences.
For broken and bend problems, I didn't drop my XZ so i can't tell, but my old Z1 drop many times without any problems, just scratch appear in every corner after times. Then how could your old phone became broken so easily?
At all, I'm a little reget that I should try Z5 Pre before buying XZ, that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, I must tell that I hate Moto Z or any phone with camera Bulging, so ugly for me when it's not summetry. Save the thin of other's palace to be thinner but not the camera area :silly:.
one-option said:
I have the XZ, it is good phone with best quality screen under direct sun, yes the Samsung S7 edge camera is much better, but in the end it is a smartphone not a camera & with playing with manual mode you can get better result from XZ.
before the XZ I used the HTC 10 which it does have QHD screen !
but if you compare the HTC 10 QHD screen with the FHD Xperia XZ screen in normal indoor light or under direct sun the winner will be for sure the Xperia XZ.
XZ screen is so bright and clear indoor and under direct sun even with polarized sun glasses where you will suffer with other smartphones, but with the XZ it is really a hero.
any one can try that, I felt disappointed from using HTC 10 SPECIALLY UNDER DIRECT SUN with polarized sun glasses, so I decided to get Sony Xperia XZ.
all in all XZ is a good smartphone with good battery life & screen quality, plus the most cool thing I like it about the XZ is the Qnovo charging thing where the battery can learn from your daily charging timing, so this Qnovo thing will stop over charging battery if for example you charge your smartphone over night.
If you are a Sony guy get the XZ, it is such a cool smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S7 better camera automatic than xz? I don't think so...look this comparison https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=anhLR3pzMFR2OVI1bnhkOFJWMUwtX2Z5S2R6M2ZB .
And i try so much s7 camera.On his screen ,fantastic photos wow! On other screens...duh... His amoled false the real photo quality of this phone. I think other phones do better, not only xz.
fgar82 said:
Need help
I love Sony !
But since Xperia z5 and didn't see Sony do any big hit now with XZ I loved it but afraid buying it and get disappointed!
Since Z5 went to s7 edge but didn't like it so I went to iPhone 6S plus and didn't like it now I'm with Moto Z but not satisfied!
Thought of HTC 10
But for once Wana believe XZ is worth buying !!!
Any help plz !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stay on sony buddy.. Just sony
I stepped over from Z5 to XZ and sure its worth, XZ is better then Z5 in speed, battery and sure takin photos
Verstuurd vanaf mijn F8331 met Tapatalk
Well bought the Xz black and and......
I can say I'm amazed and loving the phone better than Z5 premium lighter looks slim while I was afraid cos looking at the picture it seemed thick!
Glad I'm back to Sony and I really hope they amaze us over the year!
Bought blue for my sis and even my brother with S7 edge was impressed with the phone.
fgar82 said:
Well bought the Xz black and and......
I can say I'm amazed and loving the phone better than Z5 premium lighter looks slim while I was afraid cos looking at the picture it seemed thick!
Glad I'm back to Sony and I really hope they amaze us over the year!
Bought blue for my sis and even my brother with S7 edge was impressed with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give me ur gmail

Is it worth to change?

Hey,
I don't know if this is the right place to ask, but I'll give it a shot.
I'm wondering if it's worth to change my phone, I've been using the Xperia Z3 since 3 years and I'm thinking about moving into Z5.
Would it be a good move? what are the pros and cons?
Thanks in advance!
honest truth for me, i would love to go back to my Z3 only cause of the battery life. like for like use i would get a day and half with the Z3 and now i barely make it to a full day.
i would probably look at one of the newer Sony's at least that way support will be there for a little while longer as well.
Doesn't agree with you, I'm running SlimX Custom ROM With Xposed + Amplify, Doze, Greenify ect..
I managed to customize my energy consumption using kernel Auditor and my z5 is now fully adapted to my everyday task and usage, my battery is way more efficient than when I was running stock
Malerovi said:
Hey,
I don't know if this is the right place to ask, but I'll give it a shot.
I'm wondering if it's worth to change my phone, I've been using the Xperia Z3 since 3 years and I'm thinking about moving into Z5.
Would it be a good move? what are the pros and cons?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
z5 has added features like 4k screen and better battery but the device heats and shows battery drainage if its not rooted and you haven't customized it accordingly! also z5 screen brightness has been kept lower than z3 so during day time you may face visibility issues
i would suggest if you wana upgrade try considering XZs or upcoming XZP having better 4g connectivity with 4 inbuilt antennas and snadragon 835 process
YasuHamed said:
i would suggest if you wana upgrade try considering XZs or upcoming XZP having better 4g connectivity with 4 inbuilt antennas and snadragon 835 process
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your opinion.
By the way, what do you mean by XZs or XZP?
Malerovi said:
Thanks for your opinion.
By the way, what do you mean by XZs or XZP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the next generation of sony Xperia
Xperia XZs (released)
Xperia XZP (forthcoming)
At first I thought I decided wrong but now let say u use marshmallow, xposed grenify u won't regret it. I moved to stock nougat and it is great, just waiting for xposed
But I agree with colleagues here, take a look at XZ premium
The Xperia Z 5 Premium? the Dual sim one¿?
If that's it, it's around 450USD in my country, way cheap according to the normal Z5
Malerovi said:
The Xperia Z 5 Premium? the Dual sim one¿?
If that's it, it's around 450USD in my country, way cheap according to the normal Z5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Z5 premium, but XZ Premium it is not realeased yet.
And between Z5 comun and Z5 Premi(dual), which one would u recommend guys?? I can get the E6853 (single sim) y E6833 Dual SIM, any of these for 450USD, NEW.
Malerovi said:
And between Z5 comun and Z5 Premi(dual), which one would u recommend guys?? I can get the E6853 (single sim) y E6833 Dual SIM, any of these for 450USD, NEW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need two sims get dual sim, otherwise no need for dual sim.
But for that money you should get OnePlus 3T, which is 10 times better,
Malerovi said:
And between Z5 comun and Z5 Premi(dual), which one would u recommend guys?? I can get the E6853 (single sim) y E6833 Dual SIM, any of these for 450USD, NEW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z5P is bigger screen 4k support device and amazing 801dpi
but at the same time its a responsibility to carry this big device
on the other hand z5 is pretty hand with a bit smaller screen
if you have deskjob and you spend most of the time indoors then go for z5p
if your more outgoing/sport/ athelete type person! got for Z5
Thank you for answering, I'll have that in mind
As a previous Z2, currently Z5 Premium and also many Sony accessories owner, my humble advise is: don't buy Sony.
Not that they are bad phones in any way, however as a company, Sony can not catch up with the competition and doesn't listen to the customers.
A couple of examples:
1) DRM thing. If you happen to root your phone they say it is out of warranty and some "special" code which improves camera, screen and sound quality is lost, forever! Sure there are workarounds for these DRM keys but this doesn't chance the fact that Sony is not being developer friendly here. Also, remember the guy who sued Apple and won? The court has decided that "the software which was bought with the hardware, is fully belonged to the customer and the customer is free to customize it". So, Sony dictating us NOT to root or live without an important-ish code, which I pay for when buying the phone, is nothing but only being disrespectful to the customer.
2) camera problem. As you probably noticed, Sony phones have the highest Megapixel cameras out there. We'll, that's just a gimmick. Every Sony phone's superior auto mode shoots at 8mp. Sony also suggests that we should use 8mp whether it's superior auto or - so called- manual shooting. As a camera manufacturer, Sony sells cameras to other companies and most of them flat out come with 16mp, without any advise for a lower resolution shooting. The reason to that is, if you compare a 23mp manual shot with an 8mp manual shot at mid or low light conditions, you'll notice that there is almost no difference. Only that, the 23mp shot is bigger in size and can be zoomed more, which gives you noting but a pastel noise. In addition to that, Sony never shares its true driver for camera, rendering 3rd party camera apps almost useless as they can only register 8mp wide screen and 3.15mp 4:3 shooting mode.
Sony will never admit the truth, but my educated guess is, the sensor has to share some resources while recording the light and colors, thus making it technically save it in 23mp but physically capable of intaking enough light and real life data only for a highest quality 8mp shot. This is why 23mp clear sky shot in the morning will be good quality but a low light shot will suffer and be even lower quality than 16mp cameras. At 8mp level, it is unrivaled though.
Again, that leaves us, customers in a fooled point. Technically Sony is not lying, but also not delivering what is expected. Nowadays, Sony's only advantage to a 12-13mp Pixel or iPhone 7+ is a wide angle FOV. nothing else.
3) screen thing. We, Z5 Premium owners have an 4K screen who runs at 1080p due to the heating and battery concerns. It only converts to true 4K with supported Sony apps. Rivals switched to the 1440p already. Full time 1440p. Japanese people try to understand market's demands so rookiely here, they simply think offering a potentially higher resolution screen will attract the customers. But again, this puts them into a lower moral position than even Apple's. Look at Oneplus, they do their best for a budget screen and make it 1080p, the premium rivals like Google and LG make theirs' 1440p and Android fully supports it. Sony is already a great screen manufacturer, why try gimmicks like that? I mean with their already present screen quality they could easily produce the best 1080p screen out there and market it "being the best of everything: screen quality, battery preserving, heat reducing, and with the clearest whites". Instead they make a 4K screen which only runs at 4K when selected few apps are used. The rest of the time it is 1080p.
Sony don't have a leading behavior in the market either. So it can not make it's rivals jealous and switch to 4K, in order to adapt Android world into 4K rapidly. They simply don't have that influence, actually I believe next Sony phone will be 4K+ resolution with 2:1 ratio..
4) development support problem. Developers actually love companies who are developer friendly. Sony is the only company who release an AOSP code for almost every phone they release, also all of their phones come with lockable bootloader. Yet, they lag when it comes to kernel, Rom, mod etc. support. Somehow developers won't prefer Sony phones. Hell, they even fight with unlockable and frustrating Samsungs and don't show love for Sony for some reason.
Well, I trust these guys. They are giving people, who use their free time to make things better and share it with us for freely, and also sit here and respond to our never ending problems. If they don't prefer Sony most if the time I say they know something.
So, long story short; I am holding a phone in my hands right now. It has a super screen, nice build quality and good sound for music. Also comes with good battery life, dual speakers etc. But I can't trust the company behind it for the future. I can't use 3rd party camera apps, I can't use the full quality of the screen, camera and sound with my desired ROM, I can't use it to its full performance without it slowing down due to heating easily... Also, there are totally visible touch modules in the best screen of the world!
I will enjoy this phone till it's old enough, but then I'll never buy a Sony product again, as Sony is the only Japanese in the world who lost my respect. It'll go right next to Samsung in my blacklist..

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

Xperia XZ2 compact

The new XZ2 compact was just announced at MWC. How is 5 inch screen now considered compact? The phone isn't that much bigger than Xz1 compact, but the reachability of corners on the screen is still going to be difficult.
I for one hate it. All the good things about the Xperia compact are gone. First of all, it's not a compact phone, just modest in size (almost like Samsung s8). And the awesome angular design is gone. That was unique nowadays - everybody makes rounded phones. I loved Sony's monolith design. And the fingerprint on power is also gone. Replaced by what everyone else has.
The only good thing is that it's as powerful as regular flagships, but then, it's almost as big as other flagships, so what's the point.
Today's very unfortunate. I hope my Xz1 compact does not die and keeps getting updates.
Agreed. And the worst rumor is that it won't have a headphone jack. That just sucks!
6mm taller, 1mm wider, rear fingerprint instead of side (best placement), no 3.5mm, 18:9 instead of 16:9, no thanks.
Best thing about the XZ2C is that now the XZ1C's price will probably drop
Was disappointed when i heard 5 inch for a "compact". I fear this will mark the end of the true Compact (sub 5 inch) phone.
Perhaps my XZ1C will be the last compact I own.
That's exactly what I'm thinking. And that would mean, the last Sony phone I'll purchase. Too bad, loved the battery life on these phones. My only hope now is that the pixel phone at the end of the year does not increase it's screen size and reduces bezel like pixel2xl, maybe then it'll be manageable.
Even if you cut all bezels from a 6" phone, it still remains with a 6" screen?
Anyway, it's funny how compact is now perfect for guys with normal hands.
NadavCE said:
Best thing about the XZ2C is that now the XZ1C's price will probably drop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much this. I already own an XZ1 Compact and if Sony continues on their current craptastic path I will buy another XZ1 Compact when my current one dies out.
If I wanted a 5" phone there are many other options out there that are well under the 700 dollar price point. And if I wanted a phone that looked like an HTC, I would buy an HTC.
Trivia: it was htc to "copy" sony (if really any). Look at "xperia P".
Also, I'm curios to know these [new] 5" phones. I'd sell my ass if they were any higher than the low mid-end.
i think a 5" screen can be considered a compact phone nowadays, with all these new *****ng big phones being released, also considering it has virtual buttons that steal screen space. 4.6" and virtual buttons is little too small for me.. still.. the best would have been same dimensions and design of the xz1 I agree, with just less bezels and 5" screen! (really don't care if it had to be 16:9..)
plus, same thickness as xz1, or if you increase it, put a bigger battery!
i too liked more lateral FPS, but being on the back (and always on, so don't need dt2w to wake phone) i can leave with it.
also missing jack is not a good thing, but again not a big deal for me, as long as they ship the phone with the dual adapter, while in the office can both charge phone and use wired headphones for calls (out of office, if i use headphones, i already use bt ones).
i hate those damned curved panels though, making it almost impossible to find good tempered glass that perfectly fit... but better than Samsung style edge screens at least....
still it is a flagship in pretty compact shell, a pure rarity today, so may get one, if camera is really improved (especially low light) also considering with the preorder offer i could get nice wireless headphones i could sell, so final purchasing price for the compact one could be around 400€... not bad for a just released flagship!
i just really miss old good fm radio... but find me a small flagship with it..
I'm also tempted by the pixel 2 (great camera, stock android, updates) but it is bigger and those useless huge bezels.. plus it would still be more expensive..
...and i don't rely too much in new pixels.. I'm pretty sure new smaller pixel, if it will come, will have same dimensions as current pixel 2, but with bigger screen (so even more difficult to reach angles with one hand mode usage) and probably with that awful notch..? no thank you!
I prefer all the life more thickness, rear FPS, missing jack rather than having that damned notch! shame on all those who are copying apple.. even that pure sh*t new design! my god..
btw.. only sure thing is that for us liking nice portable phones is just becoming a real nightmare finding a new phone to "upgrade" to..
...and sorry for the long post.. just needed to share my frustrations..
The saddest news of all with the 5 inch screen is that the Android compact is officially dead. I had to move to the iPhone when the SE came out to keep my compact flagship a reality because my xperia compact cameras sucked, I moved to the iphone 7 and 8 after, and now they are killing the sub 5 inch iPhone for all 6+ inch iPhones this year. iPhone 8 will be the last true compact flagship ever made most likely. COMPACT PHONES ARE OFFICIALLY DEAD.
kekistaneerefugee said:
The saddest news of all with the 5 inch screen is that the Android compact is officially dead. I had to move to the iPhone when the SE came out to keep my compact flagship a reality because my xperia compact cameras sucked, I moved to the iphone 7 and 8 after, and now they are killing the sub 5 inch iPhone for all 6+ inch iPhones this year. iPhone 8 will be the last true compact flagship ever made most likely. COMPACT PHONES ARE OFFICIALLY DEAD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you are saying the iphone 8 is the last true compact flagship, while the XZ2 is even smaller than the iphone 8?
it is just thicker, but I prefer a shorter phone rather than taller but thinner...
not to mention the iphone 8 is bigger but with smaller screen... lol if I think we all (me included) always blamed sony for their huge bezels (up to the xz1 series) and apple always made (and is still doing, see 8 plus) even bigger bezels... well if apple fans are happy..
btw, I pre-ordered the xz2c with the wireless headphones bundle offer... can't wait to try it out, hope the camera is really improved this time and can keep this new phone at least couple of years, really don't want to keep changing phone every year! :fingers-crossed:
I'm looking forward to it overall. 720p on previous Compacts is starting to feel a bit small and it's overall barely larger than previous Compacts despite being a 5" screen. I welcome the higher resolution, even if it does cost a bit more in battery life. Plus it now has 64GB onboard storage plus a MicroSD card slot. I should be able to fit whatever I want on it now. The missing headphone jack is rather disappointing, but not a total dealbreaker. So I'm planning to get one when it's available.
MechaBouncer said:
I'm looking forward to it overall. 720p on previous Compacts is starting to feel a bit small and it's overall barely larger than previous Compacts despite being a 5" screen. I welcome the higher resolution, even if it does cost a bit more in battery life. Plus it now has 64GB onboard storage plus a MicroSD card slot. I should be able to fit whatever I want on it now. The missing headphone jack is rather disappointing, but not a total dealbreaker. So I'm planning to get one when it's available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also looking forward to mine... pre-ordered from clove in the UK.
Go Sony
FcukBloat said:
so you are saying the iphone 8 is the last true compact flagship, while the XZ2 is even smaller than the iphone 8?
it is just thicker, but I prefer a shorter phone rather than taller but thinner...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xz2 compact isn't a flagship just because it has a flagship processor, the camera is again holding it back from being relevant just like every single xperia compact before it
If we could go back to the 4.3" screen and reduce the bezels we'd have a winning phone. But 5" is MASSIVE and the reduced bezels are not enough for me to pick it over a pixel/Galaxy/iPhone if I have to compromise this much on screen size and camera. Its not that much smaller at all.
kekistaneerefugee said:
Xz2 compact isn't a flagship just because it has a flagship processor, the camera is again holding it back from being relevant just like every single xperia compact before it
If we could go back to the 4.3" screen and reduce the bezels we'd have a winning phone. But 5" is MASSIVE and the reduced bezels are not enough for me to pick it over a pixel/Galaxy/iPhone if I have to compromise this much on screen size and camera. Its not that much smaller at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you didn't read enough reviews of the xz2c.. or we did read different things.. the all i read, say this time camera really improved a lot, and is on par with other flagships. i even saw better pictures taken with the xz2c compared to some of s8 or even s9 ones..
kekistaneerefugee said:
Xz2 compact isn't a flagship just because it has a flagship processor, the camera is again holding it back from being relevant just like every single xperia compact before it
If we could go back to the 4.3" screen and reduce the bezels we'd have a winning phone. But 5" is MASSIVE and the reduced bezels are not enough for me to pick it over a pixel/Galaxy/iPhone if I have to compromise this much on screen size and camera. Its not that much smaller at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This statement makes no sense at all. Your only choice is the iPhone SE then unless there are other small screen phones in secret out there
MechaBouncer said:
I'm looking forward to it overall. 720p on previous Compacts is starting to feel a bit small and it's overall barely larger than previous Compacts despite being a 5" screen. I welcome the higher resolution, even if it does cost a bit more in battery life. Plus it now has 64GB onboard storage plus a MicroSD card slot. I should be able to fit whatever I want on it now. The missing headphone jack is rather disappointing, but not a total dealbreaker. So I'm planning to get one when it's available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Screen improvement is what I was waiting for. I don't mind not having a headphone jack, and shipping with Oreo means it'll have Treble support for some additional flexibility. Glass back devices are ridiculous, so that's a plus, and there's no notch in the screen.
Sign me up!
I really also hate the new design - its not a Sony anymore. I would like to have a copmact one with a 4.6" screen and smaler bezels: so the phone shoudl be smaler not the screen bigger!
And pls fingerprint on the side...
Best thing Sony coudl do: a SE of the XZ1C with 64GB, and better Camera

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