Please, Z3 faithful owners, can I have your opinions? Am I crazy to be looking at buying a Z3 at this late stage? Is the battery still good on latest Android? Some reviews talk of screens that break all buy themselves - is this a real risk? Should I care that Sony may stop making mobiles?
Why Z3? Well Z3+ seems to have worse battery. Z5 costs 50% more and not sure I need it.
I'm buying in UK SIM free. It's for business use: email, web, documents. Battery life is important, and I prefer no software bloat. Won't play games or watch movies (maybe a quick how-to on YouTube, that's it). Occasional camera, prefer idiot-proof. I'd like to keep using the phone for 3-4 years.
I do plan to root, with some hope of claiming under guarantee in case of hardware failure. I've done my best to scan these forums but please bear in mind I am totally new to Sony phones and there is a lot of info. It looks good so far - any gotchas I should know about? I see there are Marshmallow ROMs - are these safe/recommended for general use? And available for root locked bootloader? I didn't find a Xposed thread - does it work OK?
Many thanks.
I was in the same dilemma two months ago and i went for the z3. z3+ not worth it and z5 is more expensive and i'm not quite sure it's worth it. We have a z5 here at the office and i compared it with my z3. On the latest firmware both of them, it's true that z5 was a little snappier but not by much, tho when under heavy stress it will heat up...
Battery is very good for me. I usually use my phone 2 hours per day, on screen time and listen to music some 3 hours. Data always on and some bad reception where i work... I get home at 7 pm with ~50%. I say that's awsome. The camera is identical to z5, i don't see any difference. If there is, it's probably so small you won't even see it, at least not on the level that I expect mobile phone cameras to be.
Root is available, as well as xposed fwk. Everything works ok on the latest 5.1.1. MM ROMs are only for unlockedBL for now but we are soon expecting oficial MM. Anyway those MM based on CM are worse on battery and not working fully.
Any other info needed?
Yeah I have the same dilemma, but I consider between xperia z3 and nexus 5x. Do you know something about Sony plans about android N for xperia 3? What do you think will it get next android? Cause nexus 5x for sure. Thx.
I recently "downgraded" from an Xperia Z5 to a Z3 and I don't regret my decision one little bit.
More ROMs to choose from, root easily achievable by first flashing 4.4.4 and then flashing a pre-rooted .ftf.
Battery life is like night and day. I was ending the day on my Z5 with 5-10% battery. With my Z3 and a custom ROM, I'm ending the day with upwards of 50%.
Also, the Z3, to me, feels more premium and better built than the Z5.
If you can find one for £200 or thereabouts, grab it. It's a bargain.
Get one. But don't do what I did, I bought a unit from a guy who got a "new" replacement from his insurance company, the screen ripples when I touch it and I have pressure marks (the screen is genuine, however). The phone isn't waterproof either. Do you reckon I could send it to Sony and get it repaired? Maybe Sony repaired it.
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Related
Now asking that question here is not the right place to ask since.. Well.. Most people already purchased the device. It is however, the best place to ask about the Z3 since, well.. Most people purchased the device.
At this point i started out on Android with the HTC desire z, then the original Galaxy Note, LG G1, and have now paid off my Galaxy Note 2. Looking for a new phone I found that my needs is somewhat fulfilled with the Z3, although it is hard to tell, without actually owning and using the device as my daily usage.
I was thinking off continuing along the Samsung Note series with the 4, but the screen is to big, and I am honestly a bit tired of having a hard time reaching the far side of my phone. Battery is my main concern actually. I got rid of the LG G1,due to not being able to accept the uptime ratio and I see the the Z3 contains a 3100 mAh battery like my Note 2, and that Sony promises 2 days on 1 charge, but to be honest I don't really believe in such a promise. Hell, I could squeeze 5 days our my battery if I really tried, but the thing is that I actually use my phone.
So is it a decent battery that actually delivers in the Z3?
Also. The camera. That has really got me going as I use my camera a lot, and must admit that lenses and cameras is done really well by Sony.
But is the camera really noticeable better than say a 13 MP camera?
And last but not least. I flash custom Roms. Not as much as I used to, but I would choose a custom bleeding edge Rom over some stock firmware waiting for updates with 3 GB bloatware.
I heard something about locked bootloaders and Sony on general not being a good choice if you want to flash anything, and yet I saw something a few weeks ago where Sony released official video guides on unlocking your Xperia phone.
So which is it?
Has the Z3 been pried open to gain root access and flash custom roms?
Thanks
70 views and no response at this point.
should i take that as a no.
Ok I'll bite.
You'll get anywhere from 6-10hrs of screen on time on a Z3. Factors will be how many apps you use and what types of apps those are, obviously something like a processor and graphics intensive game will chew up the battery far quicker than the gmail app. With realistic, moderate use 3-4 SOT per day, you really can get 2 days battery life.
Some people love the camera and some people hate it. It's a bit slower to respond and in the Auto mode it will spit out a down sampled 8MP file FYI. If a little thought is put into taking a pic, it can produce some excellent results.
ROM support is pretty bad right now, but then again Sony's UI is pretty light
Hope this helps.
I would say it's worth it... and I get mine tomorrow. Honestly, I've had my share of devices, but I keep going back to Sony.
1) The UI is nice, pretty light (as mentioned by se1000) and it does mostly what I want. Nova usually winds up on the device at some point if I want the AOSP look.
2) Sony is good with warranty repairs etc... I know from experience from getting work done on my Xperia T years ago. Took some time as I bought it from the UK and used it in the states, but they didn't balk at repairs and I sent the thing in unlocked and rooted.
3) Build quality feels better to me than any other device I've handled. I am coming from an LG G3
4) They are community friendly. Sure, they may not RUSH to put out Lolli, but they are head and shoulders above others (I've mentioned Oppo... I used to have a find5). They also have, basically, Sony XDA reps as I see them, and I think they work with the FXP team on stuff?
5) Small updates are frequent. Not KK to Lolli, but updates in the same build. I think there have been 5 or
6 on the Z1c I had... you know they're paying attention.
Now, you'll find a decent amount of posts expressing issues with the device. Hell, you'll find the same for any device. The way I see it, usually people make noise when something isn't working, and rarely when things are all hunky dory. Therefore, you will always have a disproportionate level of experiences, in favor of those with issues. I am not going to say the issues are excusable, or that they don't exist, but I tend to think that generally most devices are better than their XDA threads might indicate.
Just my .02
I would also say: yes, it is worth it.
I come from a Galaxy S5 and I don't miss it at all.
I own the Z3 only for a week now, but normaly after 2 or 3 days I'm "not so much in love" anymore with the device but I am still in love with the Z3.
I tested much devices like the One M8, the LG G2, the LG G3, the Z2, the N5, the S5 and finally the Z3.
All in all it is the best device in my eyes. Its design is great, it's very comfortable to use (also in one hand), it's fast and the battery life is insane.
I only have to charge it every 2 days and I get a SOT of 7h +.
Hi to all you Z3 owners! After looking at all the smartphones my carrier (Rogers) has to offer (Galaxy S6, LG G3, etc.) I've decided to upgrade from my old Galaxy S2 (Skyrocket) and purchase a Sony XPERIA Z3.
Today is Fri and it'll be at my door Mon afternoon and I can barely contain my excitement!
*I'd just like to ask everyone how satisfied you are with the Z3? What are the Pros and Cons of the device? Do you have any ROM recommendations you can share?
Thx for any input you guys can give! [emoji3]
Hi and welcome fellow owner!
I certainly do understand your excitement since I had my own z3 for just 3 days now.
I come from a not distant past, the LG G2, and I have to admit, the xperia feels amazingly better in use. Just 100% fun all the time.
I too considered the G3, but recently I found myself needing more of a solid device rather than a specs monster.
Still hesitant to submerge it in the water :S
If you're into rooting I'd recommend you do it right away, I flashed the lollipop update first and now I'm stuck feeling tied to all the personalisation I had made.
Cheers.
I too came from the S2 and I am more then happy, its a beautifull phone to hold and its great in sunlight. Music sounds awsome with the right pair of earphones or headphones. Snappy and smooth all the time. Battery life is excellent. I myself have taken some very nice pics, some astonishingly perfect, some not so perfect I need to play with the camera settings a bit more, outdoors on a bright day it takes great pics. I just updated to lollipop today. Im living in ireland but flashed the central europe generic. Im loving the phone even more now. I would like any tech experts to tell me what the real difference is between a Central Europe generic firmware and a UK generic firmware. As my phone is working perfect on the Central Europe firmware, same reception and everything. I got this insured so I have decided not to bother buying a cover because is such a nice phone why ruin it with a cover. All in all its a 5 star from me so far. Enjoy
I took this pic today. My dog with a sock in his mouth on the grass. To me this picture looks flawless
Try washing and using underwater camera shots you'll see how useful waterproof features btw dont forget to seal all the flaps
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks so much for all the replies so far! I can hardly contain my excitement about this phone! I even signed up with UPS SMS notifications even though I'll definitely be here on Mon...peering out of my window hours before it arrives lol. [emoji85]
@TanmayTzara - Re. the comment about rooting before upgrading to Lollipop:
I will most definitely be rooting this device but should I do it before the OTA Lollipop update?
@meteor999 - That pic of the Golden Retriever with the sock IS perfect! Wow u had the S2 before as well?! I'm actually typing right now on my old S2 and I'm eagerly looking forward to re-purposing this little guy as an XBMC device connected to my HDTV in my "man cave" downstairs! I have to know....was going from the S2 to the Z3 like going from a Horse n' Cart to an Aston Martin? [emoji33]
Hello mates. I recently went from a Samsung Galaxy S2 (Hercules) to the Sony Xperia Z3 (T-Mobile) model, D6616. The bootloader is locked ? I will not be able to root it. Yes, that's right. I don't know about the Rogers version. But for us Yanks who are with T-Mobile, we are SOL. Enjoy the phone. I love mine the way it is. I am running 4.4.4 KitKat and am hesitant to update to LP. I have read all sorts of disappointibg anecdotes on Google + about battery life not being anywhere near as good as this phone is with KitKat. Just this morning I got 25 hours before having to recharge. The most I've gotten is 36 hours. Amazing. Sounds and pictures are terrific. I like the user interface with KitKat on this phone. I sure do miss flashing roms, though. Please get a case or two. Amazon has plenty of them. This phone is slippery. Good luck.
danishdish said:
Hello mates. I recently went from a Samsung Galaxy S2 (Hercules) to the Sony Xperia Z3 (T-Mobile) model, D6616. The bootloader is locked ? I will not be able to root it. Yes, that's right. I don't know about the Rogers version. But for us Yanks who are with T-Mobile, we are SOL. Enjoy the phone. I love mine the way it is. I am running 4.4.4 KitKat and am hesitant to update to LP. I have read all sorts of disappointibg anecdotes on Google + about battery life not being anywhere near as good as this phone is with KitKat. Just this morning I got 25 hours before having to recharge. The most I've gotten is 36 hours. Amazing. Sounds and pictures are terrific. I like the user interface with KitKat on this phone. I sure do miss flashing roms, though. Please get a case or two. Amazon has plenty of them. This phone is slippery. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for your input about Lollipop and battery life. Also about the case as I wasn't sure on that one.
My curiosity is piqued now...
1) What type of cases and accessories do you guys have or suggest?
2) Does anyone have the cool "smart cover" case with the little window and if so, how is it?
3) Are there any Rogers users here and will I have any issues rooting and/or flashing ROMs?
4) What ROM do you guys recommend? [emoji41] [emoji517][emoji782]
Hi guys, I'm also interested in getting the Z3 (for my girlfriend), but I'm a little bit reluctant because there seems to be many serious issues about this phone.....
I've done a lot of research already and from what I've read so far, the most common issue is pink blotch on the photos. People say that it seems to an issue with the camera hardware. I've also seen some reviews about the 4K recording overheating the camera, which is pretty disappointing considering Sony phones are known for their decent cameras...
The only good thing I've seen in common is to do with the battery life, apparently it averages 8~10 hours. Is that true?
What about Wifi? Sony phones are known to have crappy wifi since the Z1.
chaoscreater said:
Hi guys, I'm also interested in getting the Z3 (for my girlfriend), but I'm a little bit reluctant because there seems to be many serious issues about this phone.....
I've done a lot of research already and from what I've read so far, the most common issue is pink blotch on the photos. People say that it seems to an issue with the camera hardware. I've also seen some reviews about the 4K recording overheating the camera, which is pretty disappointing considering Sony phones are known for their decent cameras...
The only good thing I've seen in common is to do with the battery life, apparently it averages 8~10 hours. Is that true?
What about Wifi? Sony phones are known to have crappy wifi since the Z1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had my new Z3 for 14 days now and taken tons of pictures and I've had no issues with pink areas in photos at all. I read some ppl got a bad batch of camera hardware. One thing to do is test the camera straight away and if there's issues, bring it (or ship it) straight back for a replacement.
Camera: It doesn't take spectacular pics, but they're quite nice and the low light pics are excellent. I can't speak to the 4k video, however when you change to this mode it warns you there's a possibility of the phone getting too hot. (see below screenshot)
Battery life: 8-10hrs? Try 36 - The battery life is completely insane on this phone. I can get through 1 1/2 days of regular use before needing to plug in and charge.
WiFi: I have a large home with a fully finished basement. My "man cave" is down there and I get a great signal with no issues. Range is only average though, nothing spectacular.
Cases: If you get her the phone, the best case for it that I've found is the Ringke FUSION. I went through 2 other cases (Tudia, Sony Scr24 Style Cover) before discovering this. I purchased the "smoke black" version and I love it.
Hi,
I've been combing the Z3 & Z2 threads because I am looking for an upgrade to my Moto X 2013 (Which BTW, I love... super signal, great SoT of 6.5 hrs, great GPS, splashproof with no flaps) because I get about 2~3% of battery drain per hour with the phone just sitting on the side of my desk doing nothing.
So after looking at the GSM Arena Battery list, the Z3 looks to have the looks and the battery, so it was my main candidate, except for all the faults I keep reading about.
Here they are in no specific order:
1- Random battery drains
2- Sudden shattered glass syndrome
3- WiFi connections issues
4- Not so waterproof manufacturing issues
I am a bit scared to invest the kind of money this phone will require, so I have tried to look for alternatives that may meet the great specs of the Z3. Phones like the Z2 which doesn't seem to have so many issues as the Z3 (and let's not talk about the Z3c or the Z3a with the VGA front camera), the Galaxy S5 (I really don't want to, really), the soon to be released M4 Aqua, or the Honor 6.
Any feedback is appreciated, because right now, the Z3 for me is like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde... some people vouch the phone is a tank and others claim the phone is possesed to fail. I don't want to play lottery when buying a phone, I just want a good phone with great battery.
I take complaints about phones here seriously, but try to not let it cloud my view too much. You're honestly on a site of 1% ers... the 1% of people who really get into mobile devices and modding, flashing etc... I have the Z3 6603 and I absolutely love it. I've not tested it for water proofing, but I don't have any issues with the phone bending in my pocket, poor battery etc... I do have some issues with Bluetooth, but it's not a Sony thing, it's an android thing.
I have owned a lot of phones, among those three Sony's, and really I can't say anything else compares quality wise.
There's no guarantee, this is technology and it can be applied to everything else you buy, and its all luck. Ignore the stupid negative threads, as mentioned they only make up a small percentage of the overall. That said, I would wait till z3 neo is announced then get the z3/2 as those prices will drop
I have been using the Z3 (Tmobile) for about a month. Love the phone. Go for it. I have not experienced explosions and glass shrapnel or electrocution. You won't regret it.
I would say any problem can happen with any phone.
If you have a shattered back what happened to me once you are doomed by Sony as they don't repair it for you. But I have doubts others are more cooperative on that point so that's a general risk with glass.
Aside of that the Xperia is a really nice piece of design and hard- as well as software and yet the only (former) top model with dust and waterproof certification. You won't miss anything major.
As for the question of Z2 or Z3 it's rather a question if you need to spend an extra amount of money just to get the newest model on paper. By performance there's not a notable difference in daily use (and I have both next to me).
A sale just made things more difficult
So, both phones are on sale now, one from a big company so support should be better and includes for 60 Euro a 1 year damage warranty which should cover any sudden glass damage issue. The second from some small store... So the prices:
Z2 - 438 Euro with the extra damage protection for 1 year.
Z3 - 425 Euro with just regular warranty and a LOT of reported sudden glass damage issue.
It is a hard choice. Considering the glass issue, I am leaning towards the Z2 (which did have the glass issue, but seems to be a lot less these days).
The price for the Z3 is good, the additional warranty for the Z2 comes about 80 Euros... if really needed.
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..
Sent from my D6653 using XDA Free mobile app
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.
Sent from my D6653
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
I'm mostly interested in good battery life, little to no lag, a good camer and a decent/good screen (not that interested in 4K).
All in all, it sounds like the Z5 is a very good choice.
What do you guys think?
Xperia Z5 hasn't been too good of an experience for me. It gets pretty warm even during light web browsing, battery life isn't up to par for me, and the display and the camera is definitely worse (in most areas) than the Galaxy S6. I'd say keep your Galaxy S6.
All the inverse for me...
Xz5 is a killer.
Better manufacture quality
More true color display and photo
Plus PSN synchro
Sent from my E6653 using XDA Free mobile app
1-1 .
The thing that gets to me with the S6 is the battery, and also the app lag after a while... :/ That's why I am thinking of moving on really.
Not got either but are you interested in waiting for the 820 phones in a few months?
I've had a lot of phones and this z5 is right up there as an oem phone (not rooted) Its the best I've had little things like battery percentage, clear all apps button, battery management tools all Inc I've mixed feelings because battery life isn't as good as my nexus was, but last day or so I've tinkered with stamina mode with the battery and that's made a big difference to me about 3 hrs 30 min screen on time yesterday and 30% left going to bed that's Bluetooth and wifi on all day it's not bad.. If you have a playstation the remote play is pretty awesome too, i've noticed playing some games it's gets a bit hot but not for long, if your a flashaholic with custom roms though you'll be a tad frustrated at the mo
Sent from my Sony Z5 ooossshhhh
King p1n said:
Not got either but are you interested in waiting for the 820 phones in a few months?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or that you are right.
Thing is, I am still within my Amazon return period and with less than 100 pounds more I could get the Z5 over the S6.
Question is, is it worth it?
The other thing to keep in mind is when you come to forums like this you usually only see posts about people with problems so it never paints a good picture the same can be said of any device, is it worth £100 more than your s6 not sure but defo worth considering
Sent from my Sony Z5 ooossshhhh
I'm doing just this. I have an AT&T S6, and I'm less then impressed with the battery life and the RAM management. I ordered the Z5 from expansys-usa.com hoping it works better for my needs (had a nexus 6 but it was a bit to big and my brother wanted it for Christmas.
I always liked the software on my Z Ultra, was way to big though.
I'm just waiting on it to get in now (few weeks di to the song to my location).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
evak2979 said:
Or that you are right.
Thing is, I am still within my Amazon return period and with less than 100 pounds more I could get the Z5 over the S6.
Question is, is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess thats the beauty of Amazon, you could (Although tedious)
Return S6.
Buy Z5 and see If you like it If not return and rebuy S6?
I dunno lol.
Im tossing up between the Z5 and S6.
I don't think i can wait till next year, as I have a first gen Moto G
I can get the S6 for cheaper, Im not sure the Z5 is worth more with its hot 810.
Decisions will be made by the end of the month otherwise its going to be a tough few months surviving with lackluster Moto G
I've gone from the S6 to the Z5 and couldn't be happier.
Couldn't wait to get rid of the S6 and touchwiz, Christ I don't know what Samsung are thinking with that buggy battery sucking mess.
I (somehow) just downgraded from S6 to Z5, cause really cannot stand the S6 poor batt life.
I'm happy with Z5 camera speed, batt life but i really miss Samsung SideSync
Jumped from sammie i9205
used s6 and z5 or a week.
Winner - Z5
why? i like the design and battery.
You will read alot about problems with z5 but...
well i was samsung fan for many years.
Always was like" bleah wthell" when i was looking at xperia menu buttons.
- it turns out its not a waste of space -
its rly well designed and the buttons desaphere when they should and pop up back when they are needed. 3rd week - used it for games, browsing, google drive and office things, movies.
Its easier to hold z5 in 2 hands w/o pressing anything accidently. The space between screen and edge of phone is perfect for thumbs and the cam button - dmn i love it.
I always rooted / used roms for sammie phones. in Z5 - i unlocked it but than... well i stopped.
Yee yee u loose low light cam quality a little bit. i rly dont notice it. yea it piss me off that i lost some things from system ( even if i dont use them ).
Fingerprint scan is in a dmn good place. Took few days before i got used to new buttons locations.
Screen wont leave u with " hey mr pixel i see u there!" bad taste.
other things like specs and tests etc - are all over the place so i skip thatXD
( sorry for my bad eng
I'm also at the same boat as you, I currently using s6 edge for abt 3 monts now and I just received my Z5 dual 2 days ago. Just fyi I also have LG G4 which I use for ard 5 months. So my opinion will be based ard those 3 devices.
Well, I like the way Z5 handles, it feels balanced and easy to use one-handed, which strangely enough even my smaller s6edge is harder to use as my palm sometimes accidentally tap on the edge screen, and also the capacitive keys, where I believe both problems will not exist on regular s6.
I have a photography hobby, I use full-frame Nikon DSLR, but as they say, the best camera is the one in your pocket, which is my smartphone 99% of the time and the only thing holding me back is the camera quality on z5, when u compare side-by-size, then u zoomed in on the photos u will really notice how bad the image processing on the Z5, too many artifacts and the edges of the object is like its over sharpened, the result is quite similar to G4 but worse. S6 is much much better camera overall, clean pictures with minimal noise and great sharpness.
The worse part is it tends to affect people photos quite badly, which I use my smartphone to take pictures of most of the time, taking those precious moments of my 3yo, even when standing still the details is loss on z5, on the other hand G4 gets most details with most noise but S6 gets almost as much details as G4 without all the noise.
One more thing worth mentioning is that the time when u hit the shutter button until it actually captures the photos is quite slow, even in bright sunlight, I'm not sure whats happening there but I might try a factory reset to see if that helps. S6 is almost instant, while G4 is as fast as s6 in good light but when its not that bright it the worst of the three, it could take a full 2 seconds just to capture the photos.
I read from xda and some other sites that sony is planning on releasing new camera software with new UI, that is my last hope tbh, if that fixes the issue I'm having then I will definetely keep my Z5 as my primary phone. It doesnt have to get s6-quality but at least not this bad.
I'm using Rev.3 unit (stated on the box), some ppl get Rev.4 already which I also dont know what has improved. I'm also using the latest software which is 5.1.1 build no 32.0.A.6.152 model no E6683 (dual sim)
Tbh I will choose Z5 over s6 any day, I like everything about the Z5 over my s6edge / LG G4, well almost everything, the only single thing that holding me back is the picture quality, as I love photography and this is a huge compromise for me if I would choose the Z5.
Hope that helps your decision.
Keep experiences coming! Threads useful for somebody deciding between the S6 and Z5 also.
If only the 810 didnt ruin this years phones.
And if only the S6 had good battery.
Hows one handed use with the Z5? From dummy models the S6 would seem more comfortable, due to Z5's height.
What's the difference in rev on these phones mines only 5days old and days rev 2 I feel cheated lol
Sent from my Sony Z5 ooossshhhh
got rev 2. Was similar to u - felt cheated. but... after i checked forums it turns out that rev 2 had less problems copmpared to 3-4 but imo - dont even look at rev.
Probably its as important for u as case color for antutu score.
i did the move from S6 to Z5 and overall im disappointed so far
the device heat to much
camera is slow and software on z5 is slower and less polished then s6
battery life is disappointing compared to Z3 and its almost on par with s6
i hope sony will fix all of the problems in the upcoming android 6 upgrade
Never owned a Samsung phone but have owned several Sony phones. Very happy with the Z5.
I am on the same boat. I am just thinking of to jump to the Z5 from s6.
But I had a z3+ and that was very underperforming, hot, laggy Snap 810.
And I am afraid of this hot 810 again. I know, the z5 have pipes to drive away the heat. But dunno.....
S6 camera is awesome, and I have never met a person who could say the z5 is better regarding the whole camera. And this is a shame .
Also I have to notice, the Z3's 6.0 concept sw is very good. BUT that would be nice if we could test it on z5. It could help us to make our best choice.
S6's fast charging is awesome too, and I love S6's health app. Booting speed is fastest in android era.
I am not sure about Sony. Will they keep their phone business, and if NO, will they stop SW upgrades ?
S6's big disappointment is the LAGGY interface, wrong multitasking becouse of bad ram management, battery life is terrible. But I have to notice, z3+ had ALL this wrong things too, and that was 810 SNAPPY too.