Database Info

Z3 or Z3+?

Hello everyone!
I have been using the Z1 for the almost past two years, but it's time to change my phone, and I was considering the Z3+, but reading all the time about its overheating made me a little more than weary about this.
I am also still considering the LG G4, since my wife owns one and can tell from experience that the G4 is a beautiful phone, very snappy too, and doesn't skip a beat. Not to tell you about the camera, which is by far the best I've used so far on a phone until now.
But I must say that the LG skin on top of Android isn't a selling point for me, although I would install Nova Launcher right from the start. So, after some consideration, I also started thinking about getting the Z3, since I love Sony phones and their premium feel.
Right now, what would you guys think? Z3 or the ill-fated Z3+? I must mention that I wouldn't be crazy about using filming in 4K, which I understand is one of the reasons for overheating (although Snapdragon 810 itself is the culprit here).
Thoughts, suggestions, your own experiences with those phones, I am all ears

I use Z3. And it's a great phone..
But..
Low volume in calls is killing me
I used to use Samsung and iPhone phones and I must say Samsung had the best reception and call quality of them all.
I read that Z3 is much louder on KitKat 4.4.4.? I got my phone with 5.0.2 out of the box and yesterday updated to 5.1 but the low volume probably hasn't been addressed yet. If you don't care about it Z3 is a great phone.

shutterstill said:
I use Z3. And it's a great phone..
But..
Low volume in calls is killing me
I used to use Samsung and iPhone phones and I must say Samsung had the best reception and call quality of them all.
I read that Z3 is much louder on KitKat 4.4.4.? I got my phone with 5.0.2 out of the box and yesterday updated to 5.1 but the low volume probably hasn't been addressed yet. If you don't care about it Z3 is a great phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say "low volume", do you mean you cannot be heard or cannot hear the other end of the line well enough? Or both? How do you find 5.1 so far? The 5.0.2 on my Z1 is very bad in terms of battery life. How's the Z3 so far?

I can be heard no problem but voice coming from my side is low.
For example if car passes me on the street I can't hear person on the other hand.
I have clean ears and brand new phone
I had no problems whatsoever with Note 4. I walk the same road with my daughter everyday and usually talking on the phone with my wife, that's why I know because I ask her more often to repeat what she said when a car passes by. That was not the case before...

Well in the past 2 months I've switched three phones. I had HTC one m8 since Christmas sold it cause with work(workshop joinery)the speakers get dusty so tried the Samsung s5 good phone terrible battery, sound and reception from my carrier. I buy all my phones unlocked as well and all carriers where the same. Below par of the one m8. Then I switched check ed to the z3(first one) my first z3 the top speaker stopped working so got a new model. First one was kitkat second one was lollipop and didn't notice a difference between in call volume was grand but then again I'm use to not hearing people with work. But however I rooted and flashed the zip with the sound mod and it is way better than normal.
You may say I don't want to root but out off all the three phones the Sony is the easiest to root. It is so simple it's not even funny. And you are not even voiding warranty unlike the HTC and Samsung which trip knox and unlock bootloaders.
But I have been rooting android since 2.0 so it's nothing new to me

So far, people seem to favor the Z3. Keep it coming, gents!

Huawei p8 u carnt go wrong

vimto25 said:
Huawei p8 u carnt go wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea, but I am trying to decide between Z3 and Z3+ here.

snwman said:
Well in the past 2 months I've switched three phones. I had HTC one m8 since Christmas sold it cause with work(workshop joinery)the speakers get dusty so tried the Samsung s5 good phone terrible battery, sound and reception from my carrier. I buy all my phones unlocked as well and all carriers where the same. Below par of the one m8. Then I switched check ed to the z3(first one) my first z3 the top speaker stopped working so got a new model. First one was kitkat second one was lollipop and didn't notice a difference between in call volume was grand but then again I'm use to not hearing people with work. But however I rooted and flashed the zip with the sound mod and it is way better than normal.
You may say I don't want to root but out off all the three phones the Sony is the easiest to root. It is so simple it's not even funny. And you are not even voiding warranty unlike the HTC and Samsung which trip knox and unlock bootloaders.
But I have been rooting android since 2.0 so it's nothing new to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big thanks for your comment!
There is a hope for me [emoji2]
Would you be able to tell us a bit more which root tool did you use and which version of sound mod. I would love to be happy with my z3 like you are.
Cheers

shutterstill said:
Big thanks for your comment!
There is a hope for me [emoji2]
Would you be able to tell us a bit more which root tool did you use and which version of sound mod. I would love to be happy with my z3 like you are.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries should of even said but couldnt remember i had the z3 compact before the htc one m8 but i found the screen to small but was an brilliant phone otherwise. To root its actually easy here is the thread i followed its on the general section same as the thread you started root z3 . The tool you will only have issues with is flashtool takes a bit to get use to and takes a while to load up but just follow all the guides and it will work. Just click into youtube and there will be few guys who show you how to do it as well.
But the low volume seems to specific to some phones the same as the top speaker goes on some of the z3 as well. Like the z3 compact front facing speakers where not as good as the z3 i found. Was a downfall i thought i had to face coming off the htc one m8 but im not disappointed i find them very good.
Even if you root the phone the low volume might not get sorted. But its easy to unroot again if needed

snwman said:
No worries should of even said but couldnt remember i had the z3 compact before the htc one m8 but i found the screen to small but was an brilliant phone otherwise. To root its actually easy here is the thread i followed its on the general section same as the thread you started root z3 . The tool you will only have issues with is flashtool takes a bit to get use to and takes a while to load up but just follow all the guides and it will work. Just click into youtube and there will be few guys who show you how to do it as well.
But the low volume seems to specific to some phones the same as the top speaker goes on some of the z3 as well. Like the z3 compact front facing speakers where not as good as the z3 i found. Was a downfall i thought i had to face coming off the htc one m8 but im not disappointed i find them very good.
Even if you root the phone the low volume might not get sorted. But its easy to unroot again if needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the directions.
And you wrote in the first comment:
"But however I rooted and flashed the zip with the sound mod and it is way better than normal. "
What was that mod?

shutterstill said:
Thanks for the directions.
And you wrote in the first comment:
"But however I rooted and flashed the zip with the sound mod and it is way better than normal. "
What was that mod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here sound mod there is another one in z3 android development thread

I'd choose the Z3 just for the magnetic charging port. I can't believe they no longer have it.
Sent from my D6616 using XDA Free mobile app

vimto25 said:
Huawei p8 u carnt go wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried and tested P8 near my loved Z3. It's a great smartphone, better than others
I thinked Sony was the only one to get the best hardware/software/camera combo but I have to admit P8 is similar..a very good product..:good:
Z3 or Z3+? I think z3 is the best choice, better price/performance..so you could get your next smatphone before, saving your money for a closer future
Z3 has root, better advanced firmware, better battery...
only manual camera controls support is missing

I think changes between Z3 and Z3+ is not huge. If me I will pick Z3, mainly because cheaper, larger battery, louder speaker compare with Z3+. Snapdragon 801 probably still can provide a smooth experience in 2 years time. If you don't mind paid more, is better for you to wait for Sony next flagship. Rumors say it will launch in September this year.

shilent said:
I'd choose the Z3 just for the magnetic charging port. I can't believe they no longer have it.
Sent from my D6616 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer the z3+ which I still believe should of been the z3 design, the magnetic port is only held by tape which has broken alot apparently on amazon reviews

Well, I think I will get the Z3 then; I really don't want a phone bogged down by the heat.
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

shutterstill said:
Thanks for the directions.
And you wrote in the first comment:
"But however I rooted and flashed the zip with the sound mod and it is way better than normal. "
What was that mod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the zip made by pricey2009. Flash the v 6.0 mod. It will fix the internal ear speaker. I have a similar problem as yours. Unable to ear the other side properly.

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

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

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

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

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

Z5 or wait for a Z6?

Hi.
Just wondering if it is worth getting a Z5 now or since I can wait, just wait for the Z6? Are there even any rumors about it yet?

so far I haven´t heard anything about Z6 yet. if you can wait, then wait for Z6, otherwise, go for Z5, i got mine last friday, and already, i really like this device, eventhough in the past i was not fan of sony´s design ( I like more SE design)

I have a Z3 tablet and really love the design and feel of it. It's super thin with great quality and feels solid. I'm hoping the phone will feel the same.

I bought Z5 because my old device was dead. I would wait for Z6 if I had time. IMO, Snapdragon 820 will do much better than S810 especially for heat problem.

Please wait, because WMC on 21st will bring many goodies.
It's better to wait than to regret later.
Rest all upto you. ?
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk

I'll give you my honest honest advice, not being biased or a fanboy
You should save your money for better device with great support, and huge xda devs
buying a Sony phone is just a waste of money, i'll never again buy a Xperia phone.

Azdian said:
I'll give you my honest honest advice, not being biased or a fanboy
You should save your money for better device with great support, and huge xda devs
buying a Sony phone is just a waste of money, i'll never again buy a Xperia phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you say so? I have recently bought second hand xperia z3 and I love it. I am glad that I finally got rid of my crappy samsung. Also, compared to nexus'es, it is a much better device. Would be nice to hear your opinion though.

To be honest, in a perfect world, I would prefer a Sony Nexus phone. I love Sony's phone designs and would prefer stock Android, but as I can disable most of what is included on the phone I'm just fine with that.

aidaz said:
Why do you say so? I have recently bought second hand xperia z3 and I love it. I am glad that I finally got rid of my crappy samsung. Also, compared to nexus'es, it is a much better device. Would be nice to hear your opinion though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like he's speaking with concern to community developer support, of which Sony devices have relatively little because they're so unpopular compared to other brands like Nexus, Samsung, LG, OPO, etc.
It really depends on what phone you have now. If you've got something that doesn't make you shout curses, then I also suggest waiting for the Z6 or for other brands in general. There're a lot of devices to be announced in the coming months. I'm just waiting for a decent device with a large battery, SD slot, and unlockable bootloader to drop so I can ditch the Z5. I really hope that device is the Z6, but if it's something else, then so be it. The Z5 is not a terrible phone, but I don't think it's worth its retail price—especially in comparison to the Z2 and Z3, which perform just as well or better, and can be bought for much less.

Is always better to wait, but in this case is a +plus because the z5 is a fail

Or if you wait long enough you could get the Z8

The Z5 is a very disappointing phone that comes with an awfully bad firmware. In all honesty, stay away from that phone.
And the support is non-existent too. Sony is amateurish at best in that department. Get something more popular and better, you won't regret.
As a matter of fact I sold my Z5 after 4 months. It sucked

Phazonclash said:
The Z5 is a very disappointing phone that comes with an awfully bad firmware. In all honesty, stay away from that phone.
And the support is non-existent too. Sony is amateurish at best in that department. Get something more popular and better, you won't regret.
As a matter of fact I sold my Z5 after 4 months. It sucked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very happy with the stock rom on here compared to the other devices I've owned, Samsung, lg and htc.
Obviously rooting and debloating is still necessary as with all android devices.
Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

My Z5 is much better than my old Z1.
I have none of the problems the people on this forum claims to have.
Lots of people complains about the battery, but my battery is just fine.
I have a feeling most of the people here have unrealistic expectations on their phone and are pissed at Sony because there's no solution to root without unlocking the bootloader, but the current firmware is just fine.
tl:dr IF you really want a new phone now, go for the Z5 because you won't be disappointed (unless you also have unrealistic expectations).
Otherwise, wait for the WMC 2016 and see if Sony announces Z6
Skickat från min SM-N910F via Tapatalk

Phazonclash said:
The Z5 is a very disappointing phone that comes with an awfully bad firmware. In all honesty, stay away from that phone.
And the support is non-existent too. Sony is amateurish at best in that department. Get something more popular and better, you won't regret.
As a matter of fact I sold my Z5 after 4 months. It sucked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oi, you said you wouldn't still be on here complaining:
"Take care, see you soon... the good thing is you won't have to "hear" me complain again "

Feb 2016 - Z3 still worth buying, root friendly?

Please, Z3 faithful owners, can I have your opinions? Am I crazy to be looking at buying a Z3 at this late stage? Is the battery still good on latest Android? Some reviews talk of screens that break all buy themselves - is this a real risk? Should I care that Sony may stop making mobiles?
Why Z3? Well Z3+ seems to have worse battery. Z5 costs 50% more and not sure I need it.
I'm buying in UK SIM free. It's for business use: email, web, documents. Battery life is important, and I prefer no software bloat. Won't play games or watch movies (maybe a quick how-to on YouTube, that's it). Occasional camera, prefer idiot-proof. I'd like to keep using the phone for 3-4 years.
I do plan to root, with some hope of claiming under guarantee in case of hardware failure. I've done my best to scan these forums but please bear in mind I am totally new to Sony phones and there is a lot of info. It looks good so far - any gotchas I should know about? I see there are Marshmallow ROMs - are these safe/recommended for general use? And available for root locked bootloader? I didn't find a Xposed thread - does it work OK?
Many thanks.

I was in the same dilemma two months ago and i went for the z3. z3+ not worth it and z5 is more expensive and i'm not quite sure it's worth it. We have a z5 here at the office and i compared it with my z3. On the latest firmware both of them, it's true that z5 was a little snappier but not by much, tho when under heavy stress it will heat up...
Battery is very good for me. I usually use my phone 2 hours per day, on screen time and listen to music some 3 hours. Data always on and some bad reception where i work... I get home at 7 pm with ~50%. I say that's awsome. The camera is identical to z5, i don't see any difference. If there is, it's probably so small you won't even see it, at least not on the level that I expect mobile phone cameras to be.
Root is available, as well as xposed fwk. Everything works ok on the latest 5.1.1. MM ROMs are only for unlockedBL for now but we are soon expecting oficial MM. Anyway those MM based on CM are worse on battery and not working fully.
Any other info needed?

Yeah I have the same dilemma, but I consider between xperia z3 and nexus 5x. Do you know something about Sony plans about android N for xperia 3? What do you think will it get next android? Cause nexus 5x for sure. Thx.

I recently "downgraded" from an Xperia Z5 to a Z3 and I don't regret my decision one little bit.
More ROMs to choose from, root easily achievable by first flashing 4.4.4 and then flashing a pre-rooted .ftf.
Battery life is like night and day. I was ending the day on my Z5 with 5-10% battery. With my Z3 and a custom ROM, I'm ending the day with upwards of 50%.
Also, the Z3, to me, feels more premium and better built than the Z5.
If you can find one for £200 or thereabouts, grab it. It's a bargain.

Get one. But don't do what I did, I bought a unit from a guy who got a "new" replacement from his insurance company, the screen ripples when I touch it and I have pressure marks (the screen is genuine, however). The phone isn't waterproof either. Do you reckon I could send it to Sony and get it repaired? Maybe Sony repaired it.
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

Is it worth upgrading?

Hi!
I currently own a Z2 and a Z5 compact(with shattered back). They are both starting to get laggy and very slow in general. I'm thinking about upgrading to the XZ, I can get it new for $462 or €434. Is it worth upgrading?
Please share your experiences and how it was like to switch to the XZ from previous Xperia models
Thanks!

Skanin said:
Hi!
I currently own a Z2 and a Z5 compact(with shattered back). They are both starting to get laggy and very slow in general. I'm thinking about upgrading to the XZ, I can get it new for $462 or €434. Is it worth upgrading?
Please share your experiences and how it was like to switch to the XZ from previous Xperia models
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's miles ahead both of those phones, but still a premium price. I'd wait for the XZs and XZ Premium to come out and then grab the XZ, I'm sure the prices will drop a lot, and there will still be new units to buy.
As for the two phones you own, do a hard reset and software repair via Xperia Companion, flash the latest available generic firmware from Flashtool and they'll be as good as new. As far as the broken back cover goes on the Z5c, it's really cheap and easy to repair. When you sort them out, sell them and it will be a nice addition to the budget for the new phone.
I gave my dad the M4 Aqua I had before and my mom is using the Z3, tbh they perform better than new, with latest firmwares, but you do have to keep an eye on the free memory and bloatware, there's no good reason why the phone should become sluggish over time if you keep the software and apps clean and updated. The Z3 my mom is using is still a beast of a phone, the Z5c should be even better, specially with Nougat on it.
EDIT: As far as user impressions go, you can read my post here and also the rest of the thread is very useful insight https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71159173&postcount=113

hi...i had xperia Z,Z2,Z5 all of them were good devices and now i own an XZ and i can tell its way faster and better phone then those 3 i had LOL of course it is ) i would also idvice u to wait for new xperias to come so the XZ will become cheaper to buy...or if u want the latest goodies from sony go for the XZs or premium...the only bad thing for me on this phone is the materials..its very prone to bending or twisting...not so solid cuz it uses more plastic then before.foe example i bought a new XZ and after 10 days of usage i suddenly noticed that the phone is twisted and i noticed that by puting the phone on the table and start using it and the phone started to wooble...lol i got so mad and i went to waranty and gues what they sad :its not covered... HAHA LOL nevermind its a good phone just take a good look before u buy it.

The big question remains----is the ringtone sound in the new XZ and XZ premium going to be loud like the Iphone or still the same low tone as all previous models..

i own xzs. and my friends own X Performance and XZ. i do not think there is difference between xz , xp and xzs in performance , where xz premium and xz1 is miles ahead it is super fast. only change in xzs from xz and xp is the superslowmo. i wish i too had super speedy 835 processor which i d not have or not going to get anyday sooner