Z3+ / Z4 to Z5.. is it wortth the jump - Xperia Z5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I currently own an unbranded Z3+ and Ive seen a Z5 (BNIB) in my local trade-in store.. if I was to purchase the Z5.. ide have to pay an extra £130 after my Z3+ trade in price...
When I buy a phone, I mainly go for Camera and Audio, however, I have read about the camera issues troubling some Z5s, mainly the misty colours on the left side of the 16:9.
Are these issues confined to a certain region or are they worldwide, Also how is the Audio, any cleaner or richer,,
Is the Z5 worth the money ill have to pay to upgrade..
Thanks.

Related

Available through SonyStore like Z3C?

Is the Z3 going to be available through the official SonyStore like the Z3 Compact? Any rumors or articles? I previously bought it on ebay but I'd like a factory warranty.
Mity85 said:
Is the Z3 going to be available through the official SonyStore like the Z3 Compact? Any rumors or articles? I previously bought it on ebay but I'd like a factory warranty.
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I got no rumors or articles to back this up: no. Sonys latest flagship phone will not be sold in the Sony store, it will exclusively be sold on ebay.
I went to T-Mobile Store today and I was told T-Mobile will carry the Z3 Compact. I found that to be a bit odd because the Z3C made it to the SonyStore, thereby indicating a lack of exclusivity in Sony & T-Mobile's agreement.
Also, I called the SonyStore in Manhattan and a sales rep told me they may be getting the Z3 unlocked but it hasn't been made official yet. But you have to be careful when hearing things from sales people. From my experience with buying computers and cars, I generally know more about the product than the sales people.
Mity85 said:
I went to T-Mobile Store today and I was told T-Mobile will carry the Z3 Compact. I found that to be a bit odd because the Z3C made it to the SonyStore, thereby indicating a lack of exclusivity in Sony & T-Mobile's agreement.
Also, I called the SonyStore in Manhattan and a sales rep told me they may be getting the Z3 unlocked but it hasn't been made official yet. But you have to be careful when hearing things from sales people. From my experience with buying computers and cars, I generally know more about the product than the sales people.
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Click to collapse
Better to get from TMO (14 day exchange period) or whichever carrier you are on, they replaced mine without hassle 3 times due to various defects. If you buy from Sony store, you will have to deal with long waits for warranty repairs and maybe end up with a refurbished one just like any manufacturer would do, just for small defects.
I need D6603 due to the various LTE bands. My goal is to get my next device to last me 3-4 years by having NFC, expandable storage so I can download offline Nokia Here maps, and lots of LTE bands to use in both Europe and the US. I hate carrier branded phones for this exact reason - every carrier wants to keep you on their network by restricting hardware.
Given all the issues with the camera and bending, I'm also considering the Note 4. The only problem is the price!
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_4-6434.php
Z3 is not a bad device, just wait for the new batches. All manufacturers at one time or another have had launch production QC issues. Better yet wait till Feb/Mar, the Z4 will release and is a much bigger upgrade than the Z3.
I was thinking the same thing - wait for the Z4 to come out after MWC and then buy the Z3 because the QC issues would be worked out and I could get it for cheaper. However, I came across this article stating that the Z4 is going to be a 5.5" QHD phablet. This means the new Z4 can be considered a different segment like the iPhone 6 and 6+. So, QC issues worked out, yes. Cheaper, no.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/new-prod...peria-z4-uk-release-date-price-specs-rumours/
I actually bought the D6603 on ebay and then returned it due to the camera issues. The water coloring effect was unacceptable to me. Waiting would be a good strategy to see if Lollipop can provide the fix.
Mity85 said:
I went to T-Mobile Store today and I was told T-Mobile will carry the Z3 Compact. I found that to be a bit odd because the Z3C made it to the SonyStore, thereby indicating a lack of exclusivity in Sony & T-Mobile's agreement.
Also, I called the SonyStore in Manhattan and a sales rep told me they may be getting the Z3 unlocked but it hasn't been made official yet. But you have to be careful when hearing things from sales people. From my experience with buying computers and cars, I generally know more about the product than the sales people.
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Click to collapse
Take this with a grain of salt.. My sister works in the Sony building in Manhattan and she was told by rep in the store that rumor is 11/11 for the z3
Sent from my Nexus 5
jdiddy_ub said:
Take this with a grain of salt.. My sister works in the Sony building in Manhattan and she was told by rep in the store that rumor is 11/11 for the z3
Sent from my Nexus 5
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Click to collapse
It popped up in the SonyStore last night but the MSRP is $680. If you can't register as a student/don't apply for a Sony credit card, it's better to go through an authorized retailer.
http://store.sony.com/xperia-z3-lte...d-Phones?vva_ColorCode=FFFFFF&_t=pfm=category
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1091325-REG/sony_1289_4869_xperia_z3_lte_phone.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1087073-REG/sony_1290_0538_xperia_z3_compact_cell.html
Mity85 said:
It popped up in the SonyStore last night but the MSRP is $680. If you can't register as a student/don't apply for a Sony credit card, it's better to go through an authorized retailer.
http://store.sony.com/xperia-z3-lte...d-Phones?vva_ColorCode=FFFFFF&_t=pfm=category
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1091325-REG/sony_1289_4869_xperia_z3_lte_phone.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1087073-REG/sony_1290_0538_xperia_z3_compact_cell.html
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hmm interesting...maybe there is some validity to the in store rumor after all...
that $50 mark up sucks though..and its sad that outside retailers can sell it at a cheaper price than the manufacturer.
i wonder when the shipping date for this is going to be pushed back to..haha...the shipping system for the z3c is a complete mess right now, ive seen my order status change 3 times since yesterday

Buy Z3 or wait?

I'm thinking about buying Xperia Z3. I live in USA and have AT&T, so I think I would need the D6603 model to work on AT&T's LTE.
Now, I'm thinking should I buy it from Sony themselves? They are currently selling it for $630. Or should I just wait till February for the Xperia Z4? I've been reading lots of problem with quality assurance and it's making me scared to buy the Z3.
StrikeZero said:
I'm thinking about buying Xperia Z3. I live in USA and have AT&T, so I think I would need the D6603 model to work on AT&T's LTE.
Now, I'm thinking should I buy it from Sony themselves? They are currently selling it for $630. Or should I just wait till February for the Xperia Z4? I've been reading lots of problem with quality assurance and it's making me scared to buy the Z3.
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Click to collapse
The way I see it, I've yet to come across a phone that is 100% on build quality. Maybe it's happened, but I haven't been apart of it. If you wait for the Z4, chances are you could have the same issues. If you are gonna wait that long, you could always check back and see if the Z3 is 1. Cheaper when the Z4 comes out and 2. Build quality in later batches have been better.
Personally I have no issues with my D6603 on Bell.
I am one of those unlucky customers. On my third one now (it is currently being shipped to me). First one had a defective camera. Second one had a bad QA with the micro USB flap--one side of the flap has a bigger gap when closed fully.
StrikeZero said:
I'm thinking about buying Xperia Z3. I live in USA and have AT&T, so I think I would need the D6603 model to work on AT&T's LTE.
Now, I'm thinking should I buy it from Sony themselves? They are currently selling it for $630. Or should I just wait till February for the Xperia Z4? I've been reading lots of problem with quality assurance and it's making me scared to buy the Z3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait till Z4 its a much bigger upgrade. Z2->Z3 is comparatively minor. I got the Z3 because I just joined T-Mobile so I had to buy a phone, otherwise would have waited for the Z4.
You can still get the Z3 its a good device just check it in the Sony store itself for any defects, and exchange if there is an issue. I think the D6606 should be good, it was the D6616 that had a lot of issues as TMO got dumped a bad batch, I exchanged 3 on my 4th here lol. Then again TMO is also getting a lot of iPhone returns due to defects, according to reps. This happens with every company, there will be a few bad batches here and there, especially when a device is newly released.
Happy people don't complain/or say how great their device is on forums, they are too busy enjoying, that's why forums are skewed towards those with issues so be aware of that.
Sup, I was planning to ask this here as well until I found this thread already made. I'm considering switching from an iPhone 5, to the Z3 now that it's officially out for pre-order in the US. I already own a Z2 Tablet myself and so far it's been pretty fantastic. I've actually grown to really prefer android over iOS, which is one of the reasons for switching. (That and my iPhone has been having nonstop issues ever since iOS 8, and the iPhone 6 was kinda... lame this year IMHO.)
Anyway, as someone coming from an iPhone 5, should I wait for the Z4? Or get the Z3 now as it's a fairly large jump anyways? I can actually get a 10% discount from it's current price too (via student discount 630USD -> 566USD)
I read that the Z4 might be announced in February-March, but judging from the previous releases, it might be actually released near May-June? (7-8 Months)
I'm aware of some of the issues with the Z3, but as abhinav.tella stated, occasionally devices usually have some bad batches at the start.
Moe Moe said:
Sup, I was planning to ask this here as well until I found this thread already made. I'm considering switching from an iPhone 5, to the Z3 now that it's officially out for pre-order in the US. I already own a Z2 Tablet myself and so far it's been pretty fantastic. I've actually grown to really prefer android over iOS, which is one of the reasons for switching. (That and my iPhone has been having nonstop issues ever since iOS 8, and the iPhone 6 was kinda... lame this year IMHO.)
Anyway, as someone coming from an iPhone 5, should I wait for the Z4? Or get the Z3 now as it's a fairly large jump anyways? I can actually get a 10% discount from it's current price too (via student discount 630USD -> 566USD)
I read that the Z4 might be announced in February-March, but judging from the previous releases, it might be actually released near May-June? (7-8 Months)
I'm aware of some of the issues with the Z3, but as abhinav.tella stated, occasionally devices usually have some bad batches at the start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can check for defects at TMO/Sony store itself so don't worry about buying the phone, its good. However if you can wait get the Z4, even if you get the Z3 you can't go wrong but as I said the Z4 will be a bigger jump.
I would get it on contract or with insurance. This phone isn't built like a premium flagship, and looks good until the wear starts creeping in. Mine is perfect, but the cotton corners (or whatever they're made of) are starting to look a little iffy lol.
There's a number of things on the Z3 that mean it's worth waiting for a Z4 as well but you'll find those issues all over the forum.
Can't say you won't experience the same issues on a Z4 though.
Buy now, upgrade later. Enjoy what you can get today, you aren't promised a Z4 or Z5 or whatever MAY be next.
I don't know that there is a single phone without fault. I just purchased mine yesterday and so far, we are getting to know each other just fine.
I was really waiting for the Nexus 6 until the rumors of the 6" screen were true. I was guttee and thus began my quest for a different device. I have a Nexus 4, I got my sister the Nexus 5 last year and having to break ties with nexus was not easy
It really depends what you are after. Most phones today are similar it is a matter of what your personal needs are.
I was debating between the Moto X 2nd ed (not avail in stores, online only) and the Z3. I live in London and had the opportunity to play with a phone at a Sony stand inside one of our malls out here. Absolutely loved it. I travel a lot and so having a 20 MP camera with all of the amazing features was a no brainer.

Help me decide between LG G3 or Sony Xperia Z3

In need of help with phone choice (LG G3 or Sony Xperia Z3)
Both phones are really great to begin with, same process and such, the 32gb version of the G3 has 3gb of RAM like the Z3 does (but with only 16gb on the Z3), both can be considered great upgrades from my current Samsung Galaxy S3. I strongly prefer the Z3 over the G3 (it feels more like an actual premium phone in hand, the waterproofing and FM radio are also nice things to have). The G3's screen feels a bit too big for me (I've held and tested out both phones briefly), whereas the Z3's screen feels closer to just right.
My dilemma here is the price difference I would be facing. I'm planning on getting a silver plan with Virgin Mobile, regardless of the phone I choose. If I go with the G3, it'll only be $280 plus tax for the phone on a 2-year contract. Unfortunately, Virgin doesn't sell the Z3, only Bell does (grrrr). This means I would have to buy the phone outright from Bell to use with Virgin (not going to go with a Bell plan), which would be $700 plus tax for the phone.
For 2.5x the price, I can get a phone that feels much more solid and usable in hand, but the cheaper alternative is also very viable and powerful itself. Would it be worthwhile to spend so much more for the Z3 my case? :x
My two cents... I have a G3 and my brother owns a Z3, yeah, sure that has a more solid feeling when compared... but I would go again for my G3, expecially considering the difference in price, only partly justified by the less cheap materials...
Money aside, why else would you go for the G3 over the Z3? Just wondering because it sounds like the price isn't the sole factor (obviously) affecting your decision.

Marshmallow smart phone with fairly long battery life

Hi guys,
I'm desperately looking for new phone as my ZTE Blade S6 battery dies within half day after full charge. I bet, except of usage of the phone, the overheating Wi-Fi caused the most damage while I played PoGo. Battery swap is an option but lack of marshmallow update and custom roms force me to consider more popular brands now. I'm using UK giffgaff and I may go for Desire 530 or Xperia XA with 6 months deal as they seems to be decent phones for the low price. But I'm still thinking about bigger battery capacity like Galaxy J5/A5 (2016) or even removable one with some LG device to benefit little more in long run. 5-5.2 screen is what I want to go for, marshmallow update is essential. Also let me know if you've got a clue about bootloader status for this phones (or any other worth my attention in UK stores). The UK O2 Xperia phones I've dealt with got non-unlockable bootloader. Z1 Compact, M4, M5 and E5 - they're all locked. I worry XA from giffgaff may be the same and it's just pain in the bottom to walk-around.
I don't mind to spend about £250 for new device or get up to 12 months monthly contract if you know some good deal. But cheaper decent mobile will do as I'm using it for internet browsing, texting and calling only. And may play PoGo occasionally until Systemless Xposed will pass SaftyNet
Thanks in advance for all your help and suggestions.

Still worth getting?

As title really, is this phone still good?
How is battery life (I know that will differ dependant on loads of factors), but in general, is it ok?
Any annoying quirks or issues with the latest updates?
My wife's Xperia Z is on its last legs and carphone warehouse are selling the S6 on O2 for £29.99 up front, £26.50 per month for 3Gb data and unlimited everything else. It's well within our budget so I think she wants to replace the Z with that. She only uses her phone for the camera to take pics of our daughter and selfies, Facebook, and internet browsing so she doesn't need latest and greatest and the S6 looks to fit the bill.
There's also the option of the S7 for the same upfront cost, but £32.00 p/m on vodafone but as she won't really have much use of the upgraded specs, we might save ourselves a bit of cash and go for the S6.
It's the 32gb version and I know on release, you were getting roughly 23gb of usable storage out the box, what can she expect now after all the system updates etc (EU Unbranded)?
El Presidente81 said:
As title really, is this phone still good?
How is battery life (I know that will differ dependant on loads of factors), but in general, is it ok?
Any annoying quirks or issues with the latest updates?
My wife's Xperia Z is on its last legs and carphone warehouse are selling the S6 on O2 for £29.99 up front, £26.50 per month for 3Gb data and unlimited everything else. It's well within our budget so I think she wants to replace the Z with that. She only uses her phone for the camera to take pics of our daughter and selfies, Facebook, and internet browsing so she doesn't need latest and greatest and the S6 looks to fit the bill.
There's also the option of the S7 for the same upfront cost, but £32.00 p/m on vodafone but as she won't really have much use of the upgraded specs, we might save ourselves a bit of cash and go for the S6.
It's the 32gb version and I know on release, you were getting roughly 23gb of usable storage out the box, what can she expect now after all the system updates etc (EU Unbranded)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tbh you're better off paying the extra 5.50 and getting the s7. That being said the s6 is still a decent phone, battery life could be better Tbh even with varied usage, but apart from that the rest of the phone is still good, camera is still one of the best, real time performance is very good. With the s7 you're getting expandable storage, longer update cycle, bigger battery too
Thanks!
I've just discovered I get a 20% discount corporate discount on EE contracts via my employer so some of their S7 contracts look pretty appealing now.

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