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Hi all. This is like a mini review about Neo V MT11i. Before I bought it I could not find much info. I know, it is almost the same as Neo, but still there are some issues, so maybe this review will help someone to decide, especially if you are planning an upgrade after a Nokia N7x/N8x series phone.
I wanted to buy Neo MT15i when it came out because it seemed to have a good price/functionality ratio but I hesitated a bit, the price still seemed a bit too high for me.
So when Neo V came to our country (Latvia), I waited till Christmas and then bought it with a 2 year contract. Before buying I explored other options but Neo V seemed to be the best value for the money and also I really wanted to get Android 4 soon, and I found out that SonyEricsson is really good at this lately (after their failure with X10)
I also knew that Neo V may have an unexpected restart problems but my operator has been pretty good with warranties, so I trust that all will be OK, unless I do something crazy with my phone.
At first some background about me and my habits. Previously I have had SE k750i, I guess, it is a legendary phone in some way. After that I got Nokia N79, also was (and still is) pretty good.
I have a vision defect since birth, so I really appreciate when phone software manufacturers put some means to increase font size. But I also am a programmer, so I can do some tweaking if needed. On my N79 I used a software called FontRouter, it helped a bit.
I know that currently Android has no ways to increase font size globally, but ICS promise to provide that, so one more reason for me to eagerly wait for ICS.
My phone usage scenarios (most used go first):
- listen to FM radio/music player a lot while walking or going home by bus;
- reading e-books (used mobipocket on N79);
- phone calls and SMS (yeah, only 3rd position);
- shooting photos, if there is something interesting happening around;
- watching movies (I had to recompress them to watch with DivX player on N79);
- taking pictures of text (when too lazy to write something down);
- using phone camera as a "zoom device": if I am at some timetable and cannot read it, I just take a picture of it and then zoom in my phone so I can read it;
- shooting videos when in a party with friends or family; we enjoy to watch those movies later; really convenient if there is no real video camera at hand;
- occasionally surfing Internet (only Wi-Fi; mobile Internet is pretty expensive in Latvia).
So, those are main points which I'll use to evaluate if Neo V was a good choice comparing to my N79.
I live 30km from a city, so the FM coverage is not great here. It was nice to see that Neo V was receiving the signal much better than N79, less noise and more signal stability while I was jogging.
But the handsfree system of Neo is not as good as N79. N79 has play/stop buttons and a volume rocker built in the headphone wire, Neo has just one button to control radio and player.
Reading and watching movies is much better on a bigger screen. The only thing that was irritating - auto brightness. It may be unnoticeable when watching movies or picture, but is annoying when reading a text on a white background. Oh, SE, fix it soon, please.
The screen size is good for me, the phone is not much bigger than N79, so I had no problems to get used to it.
I had no chance to test it in a direct sunlight yet. N79 was pretty good at this, it has some mirroring layer, so the image just loses colors but remains readable.
Phone calls - no problems yet. Seems not as loud as N79 though. But N79 has two stereo speakers, so it would not be honest to compare it to any phone out there.
SMS - not as good as I expected. Pretty small white text on a bubble with a pretty bright background, while there is lots of free space above. Hard to read. Hope ICS or SE will fix it.
Wi-Fi works fine (with ASUS WL500GP router in g mode). I had no opportunity to compare if the reception range is the same as with N79 but I will test it soon.
Build quality - N79 feels better, it has some metal parts. I wish Neo V at least had some spare back covers, preferably, rubberized. But I am a gentle phone user, N79 looks just like new after 2 years active use. So I hope my new Neo V will be with me at least for the next 2 years.
Battery life - ok for Android, almost 2 days with little use.
Now the most questionable part. I have read many complaints about not-so-good-as-expected quality of Xperia cameras, so I was prepared, especially because I chose the 5Mp version. Also my N79 has 5Mp, so I could compare.
Here are my subjective impressions about Neo V compared to N79.
I did not tweak any settings much, just left pretty much as is to see how both devices compare when used "out of the box".
I tested indoors, because this is usually where more camera problems can be discovered.
Video recording - no doubts, Neo V is a winner.
Photos:
- more noise
- less details, a bit too much blurring
- sometimes there are weird artifacts like shifted pixels and some patches of blurring (see attached pictures)
There are still some positive moments about Neo V camera compared to N79:
- more consistent colors between shots (N79 had more problems to keep the same white balance or something like that)
- more contrast
- less artifacts around sharp edges (maybe because it has blurred the edges too much? )
Now some questions.
My operator does not use any branding on the phones, just locks the phone to his GSM network. After the contract ends, I can request an unlock procedure. At least so it has been till now.
I hope, the fact that I have a network-locked phone does not mean that I will need to wait for ICS much longer? And also is this phone in any major way different from an unlocked one? After my contract ends and I unlock it, will it be like the same as a normal Neo V phone, which was never locked to any network at all?
And look at two pictures from Neo V. The first one:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk308/progmars/DSC_0009.jpg
Zoom closely to N79 box at the right bottom where it says 4GB. Notice there is a block right in the middle of the 4GB text with some pixel shifting to the left.
Now look at the other picture with some text:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk308/progmars/DSC_0012.jpg
It is a pretty weak shot, I made a much better with the next attempt using a "Text document" mode. But this shot demonstrates some weird blocky blurring. It seems like the jpeg compressor is processing not the entire picture but only parts of it, so there are some detailed areas with visible letters and some blurred areas.
Are these both problems just a result of a bad compression or there is something more serious going on?
Anyway, for now the phone seems good. I hope ICS update will bring something new to it and fix some issues (especially camera issues and font size adjustments).
midix said:
Now some questions.
My operator does not use any branding on the phones, just locks the phone to his GSM network. After the contract ends, I can request an unlock procedure. At least so it has been till now.
I hope, the fact that I have a network-locked phone does not mean that I will need to wait for ICS much longer? And also is this phone in any major way different from an unlocked one? After my contract ends and I unlock it, will it be like the same as a normal Neo V phone, which was never locked to any network at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will most-likely have to wait a bit longer to get the upgrade.
As for the unlocking it has to be done via a special method which costs 15 bucks (SETool2) but after that (and flashing stock ROM if your operator provides special ROM) your phone will be like an unbranded one.
midix said:
And look at two pictures from Neo V. The first one:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk308/progmars/DSC_0009.jpg
Zoom closely to N79 box at the right bottom where it says 4GB. Notice there is a block right in the middle of the 4GB text with some pixel shifting to the left.
Now look at the other picture with some text:
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk308/progmars/DSC_0012.jpg
It is a pretty weak shot, I made a much better with the next attempt using a "Text document" mode. But this shot demonstrates some weird blocky blurring. It seems like the jpeg compressor is processing not the entire picture but only parts of it, so there are some detailed areas with visible letters and some blurred areas.
Are these both problems just a result of a bad compression or there is something more serious going on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this.
I know that currently Android has no ways to increase font size globally, but ICS promise to provide that, so one more reason for me to eagerly wait for ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can edit the dpi setting in the build.prop file which is located at ROOT/system/build.prop.txt or download an app for it like this. Lower values make the font larger. But changing the settings will likely misalign some texts. Here's a demonstration of the effect:
The only thing that was irritating - auto brightness. It may be unnoticeable when watching movies or picture, but is annoying when reading a text on a white background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this app. Another advantage is that your screen can be set much brighter than on stock settings.
Both apps I mentioned are ROOT only.
Thanks for those links.
I found in some other threads that now it is possible to root Neo V without unlocking the bootloader, so I guess, I can root and try those two apps without a risk of losing warranty.
Hello,
I'm currently an owner of an S3 . I've been wanting to upgrade for some time now and I just can't decide what to buy.
I love the M8, but the camera is so awful that I am just not ready to pay a flagship-phone price for a phone like that. (my old s3 beats m8's camera (!!) )
I loved the G3 too , but reading in the GSMaren's review how bad its battery is (aside from 3G talk time , it really isn't that different than my ancient S3 in terms of its battery life which is just ridiculous! )
The Z2 has a boring and an outdated UI which is just a shame for a 2014 phone.
But , its battery ,camera, overall performance are superb. At least compared to its rivals. (Though it seems that the screen is rather dim and dark compared to the S5 and M8).
But my main concern , is that Video shooting and overheating issue.
I don't need to record videos in 4K. But as far as I understand the the overheating issue occurs even when shooting an 1080p video, and that's a problem.
Does 1080p shooting cause the overheating and camera app shut down for everyone?
If you really think the UI is "boring and outdated" (really?!) it is easily remedied with any launcher of your choice..
Regarding the overheating issue, I have been recording 12 minute 4K videos (it shut down by itself) and 30 minute 1080p videos (I stopped recording, I could have gone longer the phone was warm but not hot at that point) without any issues.
That being said, based on what everyone on here has been saying my experience is not the same as most.
At the end of the day mate, it's a mobile phone. You don't have much to lose picking this over one of the other flagships.
Have you seen the phone in person and used it? I read a lot of reviews complaining about the brightness but when I got it I was quite surprised I could use it in daylight with no issues. As for the UI you can alway use a launcher or themer to change the look of the phone, as for the 4K video recording it seems to be an issue across all companies I think it's probably being an issue of the hardware not being at that level yet. I am hoping that there will be a software fix for the overheating issues. I'm not sure if you are in the US but there are sellers who are Amazon verified once in a while that will let you do no hassle returns if you dont like it. I was really impressed with the phone but ended up returning it because it was a bit too big for my tastes but I am planning on buying it again when the prices go down. Good Luck!
jawang26 said:
Have you seen the phone in person and used it? I read a lot of reviews complaining about the brightness but when I got it I was quite surprised I could use it in daylight with no issues. As for the UI you can alway use a launcher or themer to change the look of the phone, as for the 4K video recording it seems to be an issue across all companies I think it's probably being an issue of the hardware not being at that level yet. I am hoping that there will be a software fix for the overheating issues. I'm not sure if you are in the US but there are sellers who are Amazon verified once in a while that will let you do no hassle returns if you dont like it. I was really impressed with the phone but ended up returning it because it was a bit too big for my tastes but I am planning on buying it again when the prices go down. Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing for sure when the price reduces the phone will NOT reduce in size
Ryland
Somnium1 said:
The Z2 has a boring and an outdated UI which is just a shame for a 2014 phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have to disagree with you here. The Z2 has a beautiful elegant UI IMO, one of the best Android "skins" aside from stock Android on the flagship devices. I've owned the One M8, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 3, and this is my favorite device by far.
I had...well,still have a z2 (its in for repair, after three days of light use the back panel cracked).
I did want to like it, but a few things missing from it that I missed from previously having Samsungs. Yes the ui is cleaner,closer to stock android but the the features of Touchwiz for me, make android better.
Like the swipe left to call/right to text.... Vibrate when there is an unread text, scheduled text messages, block numbers etc.
Ok, apps can be installed to mimic most of these but arnt as fluid as the built in features of Touchwiz.
Also had issues with the volume of notifications and screen brightness in the sun.
Great looking phone tbh, but have a play properly with a demo unit before committing.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (how ironic is that eh)
Somnium1 said:
Does 1080p shooting cause the overheating and camera app shut down for everyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the ambient temperature where you will be shooting ?
---------- Post added at 05:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:52 AM ----------
ProdigalFather said:
Regarding the overheating issue, I have been recording 12 minute 4K videos (it shut down by itself) and 30 minute 1080p videos (I stopped recording, I could have gone longer the phone was warm but not hot at that point) without any issues.
That being said, based on what everyone on here has been saying my experience is not the same as most.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't from what i can see and i'm trying to figure it out.
Go on then. Tell us what was the ambient temperature when you recorded those vids ? particularly that half hour long 1080p one.
Ryland Johnson said:
One thing for sure when the price reduces the phone will NOT reduce in size
Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know, I got a Z1 Compact as primary would like a Z2 eventually for those times I want a bigger screen
jawang26 said:
Yeah I know, I got a Z1 Compact as primary would like a Z2 eventually for those times I want a bigger screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the Z2 tablet.
irishrally said:
Get the Z2 tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha I have an iPad already (don't judge!) like having a different eco system...We'll see hopefully I can hold out of the Z3 or Sony releases something similar in the 4.7 - 5 range.
As of now the Z2 is the best phone I've used compared to the S5 and the HTC One M8 but everyone has different preferences and tastes
I wrote a FULL REVIEW of the Xperia Z2 here - http://bit.ly/1kPjBJP
Read it and i'm pretty sure you will make up your mind easier.
One Twelve said:
What is the ambient temperature where you will be shooting ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ambient temp is around 30-40C (Sometimes more). Summers are hot here.
And I still can't understand.. the overheating issue occurs in 1080p videos too?? Or just for some..?
If it's only with 4K I can live with that, but 1080p... sucks.
It's weird that no serious mobile reviews mention that.(Engadget,GSMarena,etc.)
One Twelve said:
It isn't from what i can see and i'm trying to figure it out.
Go on then. Tell us what was the ambient temperature when you recorded those vids ? particularly that half hour long 1080p one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Around 11-13C for both.
Any Middle east user out there? How is the heat problem with z2 as ambient is around 45+ C
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
I'm reading answers here and it's very annoying to see some of them...
Most of us choose one brand and stick to it, why?
Just because we found something on that brand that cannot be found on others.
To compare touchwiz and Sony UI is... Hmm...let's say odd..
Why to compare?
I like Sony UI and I'm using Xperia devices, for years.
I don't like touchwiz so I don't use it.
Sony UI isn't outdated, dev brought UI on XS and older devices back in 2012/2013 but it wasn't meant to be for those devices.
Sony UI (new UI) was built for Honami, for Z1 and that's not old guys...
I thought I won't buy Z2, I own Z1 and Z2 now and I can't tell which one is Z2 from distance...so, yeah, there's not much new when you look device while it's off.
But...
When you take Z2 in your hands, when you feel it, when you see that fantastic IPS screen - you'll see the difference.
While I'm talking about screen I'll say just a few things about heating, not overheating.
If you watch 4K video or shoot one, play heavy games - it'll be hot, quite hot but there'll be no apps crashing or device freezing - that's the difference between heating and overheating.
That's perfectly normal and I'm sure next update will reduce that a bit...
Also, screen is a bit dark and you'll have trouble to watch video outside on bright sun.
You won't see problems in menus and other apps but video is hard to watch...
That's minus, at least for me...
But that's something next firmware releases could fix without any problems.
Even custom kernels could fix something like that...
If you can wait, wait for next Xperia device, it'll be better, that's for sure.
But comparing this device with Z/ZL/ZR/Z1 I can say this is not just a better device, Z2 is something new from Sony...
Believe me, I'm using Z1 at the same time and comparing them all the time - Z2 is really, really something else...
Is it better then competitions flagships?
For me it is but if you like Sony and their ideas it'll be best for you as well...
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 11:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:55 AM ----------
Somnium1 said:
Ambient temp is around 30-40C (Sometimes more). Summers are hot here.
And I still can't understand.. the overheating issue occurs in 1080p videos too?? Or just for some..?
If it's only with 4K I can live with that, but 1080p... sucks.
It's weird that no serious mobile reviews mention that.(Engadget,GSMarena,etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for a new update and we'll confirm if that heating is fixed.
55 has that problem and I think next one has it to (I think it's 402 or 420, I'm not sure) so next firmware update could fix that problem.
Wait for that and you'll know...
BTW, I just tried to shoot 1080 / 60fps video.
I recorded 3.20mins and played it, so it's almost 7 mins of 1080p videos and no heating at all.
Device is just a bit warmer (top back) but that's nothing.
It's not hot at all....
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
I have the M8 and Z2. The screen on the Z2 is brighter than my M8.
Sent from my C6806_GPe using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
jawang26 said:
Yeah I know, I got a Z1 Compact as primary would like a Z2 eventually for those times I want a bigger screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A suggestion. If you have the Z1 compact as your mobile phone and desire on times a larger viewing area I would skip the Z2 and go for the Xperia Z Ultra. Prices are incredibly low now and its one hell of a viewing experience. I own the Ultra and Z2 and think the Ultra is certainly better quality in terms of materials used and construction methods. Nothing wrong with the Z2 but I was some what surprised when I received it last week. I used to own the Xperia Z and that was, despite many negative comments, a very good phone. I am unsure if the jump in size from the compact to the Z2 would be worth the financial outlay. Now the Ultra has a far greater viewing area and its less than half the price of the new Z2.
Again, just some food for thought. Your choice will be right for you I am sure of that. Good luck with what ever you purchase.
Ryland
Why I like the Xperia Z2 over other competitors (Galaxy S5, One M8, G3). Below are just my personal opinion and observations. I have used my Z2 for 3 weeks now. This is my first noob review so please bear with me.
Camera
I was disappointed when I first heard that Sony limited its Superior Auto mode to 8MP only, I admit Im one of the people who believes more megapixel the better, but I was wrong. Even at 8MP, Z2 captures amazing shots, HDR is not as great as Galaxy S5s HDR shots, but as a whole camera, its better. Color accuracy is near perfect as I have compared through reviews. 4K video, although it heats up the phone quickly, I dont often use them. 1080p video recording is great, with a choice of 30fps or 60fps, sound is loud. Shots are fast and focus is 90% hit. Dont mind about HTC One M8's "Ultrapixel", they shoot awful shots.
Battery
3200mah Z2 vs 3200mah G3? G3 with QHD screen undoubtly will eat up more battery that Z2's FHD screen. Galaxy S5's 2800mAh and HTC One 2600 will normally never last longer than Z2. Rocking the phone for 24 hrs is a piece of cake. Dont forget Sony's Stamina mode that saves up a significant amount of juice.
Screen display
Although many people have been complaining about Z2's screen a bit dim. In my opinion its not too dim or too bright that I have to squint to see what im looking at. In my observation, Z2's brightness bursts from 75% and above. Previous flagships use TFT LCD and that was a big deal breaker for me. I could have got the Z1 if the screen was IPS. Texts and icons are sharper and brighter. Images are more vivid and accurate. Coming from Galaxy S4, I am used to those AMOLED displays, downside is that its not as sharp as IPS LCD, plus X-Reality does the job well done to movies and pictures (sharper and more vivid). As for HTC One M8, screen is comparable to IPS, but gives a bluish tint as I have read. Imagine yellows with blueish/colder colors.
Stereo Speakers/Sound
HTC is undoubtly the champ. But we are pinning Z2's dual front facing stereo speakers at 2nd, ahead of Galaxy S5 or G3 with one speaker. Sound is a bit soft/low even at 50%. You wont even notice a significant change from 1%-50% volume. Volume bursts from 50% and above. Thats just my opinion. Theres a little bit of trick with Z2's speakers to sound great or at least better. Watching movies or listening to music in landscape greatly improves the audio experience. Its probably because sound is distributed well to your left and right ear.
Noise-cancelling headphones
Its my first ever high-end earphones ever had. I was amazed how it cancels out 98% of background noise. And its 0 outside noise when im playing music. I couldnt even hear my friend shout at me. Bass is good, im not a boomboom person but I think its better than my GS4 generic headphones, or my Sony MDR ZX100. Definitely a steal.
Design/Build Quality
Coming from GS4, im loving my premium Z2. The glass and metal finish it has over Samsung's plastic, and horrible GS5 design, GS3 was good though. M8s design is good too, but that camera and battery . G3 is a bit big for me, and the back buttons are something that needs to get used to. Although heavy (Z2), Im getting used to it. Im using Spigen Ultra Fit case for increased grip and protection. I believe its a must for cases because the sides of the Z2 is kinda slippery. And I dont wanna scratch the back glass, lol.
User Interface and features
I find Z2 a wee bit lacking of features, like Touchwiz S-Beam. Palm tap to mute, especially calls and alarm and Smart Stay. Nevermind smart scroll and Air view stuff, they are hardly useful. The Sony UI feels light, not much bloated than Samsung. And it doesnt lag!! Unlike Samsung. Generally speaking. The UI is simple and snappy, though personally I feel its getting old/outdated. Needs to freshen up the icons and apps. With the new Quick Settings tab under notification, its a big improvement from older android versions with only limited and un-editable quick settings
Conclusion:
Coming from Galaxy S4, I am not disappointed that I ditched GS4 for Xperia Z2. With the screen improved from TFT LCD to IPS LCD, with 2 front facing stereo speakers, with the much improved camera than the previous Z1, the premium noise cancelling earphones, a premium phone made with glass and aluminum, water-proof, and ofcourse the massive 3200mAh battery. You cant go wrong buying the Xperia Z2.
Upon writing this lousy review back from a fresh shower, I just dropped my Z2 (with case ofcourse, 2nd time) from shoulder height to the floor tiles, and survived. Not a single scratch or crack.
I came from the SIII and certainly don't regret it. My main concern was the size. Whilst I have got used to it, it definitely is not pocket sized. In fact, ignoring weight and thickness it is the same size as my first ever mobile, the Ericsson Hotline EH97! Ok, the screen is a bit larger
On the plus side, the biggest improvement is the battery. I always struggled to get one day out of the SIII but get a day and a half comfortably now.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Somnium1 said:
Ambient temp is around 30-40C (Sometimes more). Summers are hot here.
And I still can't understand.. the overheating issue occurs in 1080p videos too?? Or just for some..?
If it's only with 4K I can live with that, but 1080p... sucks.
It's weird that no serious mobile reviews mention that.(Engadget,GSMarena,etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long do you want to shoot 1080p ? Also if you don't use stabilisation then it will last longer. But this may not always be an option you want.
Not a problem for those that shoot at half the temperature.
The thread on undervolting looks promising. There apparently is a difference with .420, maybe they will lower it further in future updates.
---------- Post added at 04:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:00 AM ----------
funky0308 said:
While I'm talking about screen I'll say just a few things about heating, not overheating.
If you watch 4K video or shoot one, play heavy games - it'll be hot, quite hot but there'll be no apps crashing or device freezing - that's the difference between heating and overheating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a fair way to draw a distinction
People tend to use it in a relative way though, this other device does not get so hot so Z2 gets hotter than them therefore it overheats.
Hello there,
After much inquiry, I've become undecided about this phone. I have been looking for a 4.7-5in phone with a good and snappy camera, battery, USA bands, and micro sd support, and the z5 compact seems to fit the bill. However, I keep reading problems about this device mainly concerning its software and camera. I really like the device given all it has to offer but I'm just not inclined to dish out $500+ on a device that has a problematic camera i.e. blurred edges caused by software or hardware, no warranty (here in the USA), over-heating, sony ui, etc. I currently have an LG G4 which absolutely meets my needs but like I said, I'm looking for a smaller phone for traveling and one hand handling.
So my question for those who own the Z5c, is it really THAT bad and will the firmware update fix the purported problems of this device? I'm concerned about the blurry edges being a hardware issue and perhaps Sony is just covering their tracks by saying that an "update" will fix that problem. If you have updated your device, could you post a sample of the fixed camera or at least let us know here?
Really appreciate your time and input!
Coming from the z1 compact and z3 compact, although I loved those phones I did find the camera sub par, and the external speaker volume too low and muffled, the front and back screens were finger print magnets and easily scratched.
But I love the compact series and put my hope and money back into the z5-compact.
Had mine for 2 weeks now (Arctic white) and I love the new design, the no finger print frosted rear glass and the front screen also just doesn't seem to attract finger prints either!, improved and much louder external speakers, the camera has improved dramatically. I have none of the reported issues of blurred edges, slow camera opening etc it's all good. Oh and the fingerprint scanner is awesome!
I love this phone to death it's perfect in my eyes. It will be hard to part with this when it comes time to upgrade to the z6 compact ☺
Woza72 said:
Coming from the z1 compact and z3 compact, although I loved those phones I did find the camera sub par, and the external speaker volume too low and muffled, the front and back screens were finger print magnets and easily scratched.
But I love the compact series and put my hope and money back into the z5-compact.
Had mine for 2 weeks now (Arctic white) and I love the new design, the no finger print frosted rear glass and the front screen also just doesn't seem to attract finger prints either!, improved and much louder external speakers, the camera has improved dramatically. I have none of the reported issues of blurred edges, slow camera opening etc it's all good. Oh and the fingerprint scanner is awesome!
I love this phone to death it's perfect in my eyes. It will be hard to part with this when it comes time to upgrade to the z6 compact ☺
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the software seem good and fast? No stutters or lag?
Thanks
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Notchr302 said:
Does the software seem good and fast? No stutters or lag?
Thanks
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were stutters and lags, but since the last update they all are gone.
Drakorcarnis0 said:
There were stutters and lags, but since the last update they all are gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm so confused because some say there is still lag after the update. Ugh lol
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
I am one of those who would say that the lags are gone after the update. And whatever that guy said, I agree wholeheartedly. This phone is a beast. I also come from a Z3 Compact and I am loving the Z5c. Especially the camera
It was a little stuttery straight out of the box but I downloaded Sony PC companion (just googled it) and then downloaded the latest firmware 32.0.A.6.152 (it took a couple of hours, which by all reports is normal) then updated my phone.
Happy to report it is buttery smooth with no stutters or lags all super fast.
Interesting to see that the pre installed photo analyzer app (Sony) which was reportedly causing some lag, had disappeared in the latest firmware.
I hope this has helped you with your decision.
Cheers
Do you still have the blurry edges or has it been fixed?
moist_line said:
Do you still have the blurry edges or has it been fixed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
99% sure it's good. You be the judge. Just a quick picture, tried to place items on every edge/corner.
I'm sitting at the park, it's dusk and a little cloudy. No flash, superior auto, 8mp.
I've had the Z5C for a week now and I can't comment too much on certain details because this is my very first Android phone - I am coming straight from a Nokia 808. The phone is compact, slick-looking, seems incredibly fast to me and I am liking the Android experience as a whole, although a few things Symbian had were simpler and more elegant (changing phone profiles, searching for contacts under phone, for instance).
The one issue I have, and that is a big one and it is so big of an issue that I registered today on XDA to ask for help, is the extremely poor photo/camera quality. I cannot understand what is going on here. This is a $600 2015 brand new release phone. Something must be wrong either with the software or hardware on my phone, which sucks since I purchased it for US operation (no warranty). I do not know how to express in words how disappointed I am with the camera. Let's just say that my 2012 Nokia 808 takes photos comparable to my SLR system. I was expecting at least equivalent photo quality from a modern/newer phone.
OldSkewler said:
I've had the Z5C for a week now and I can't comment too much on certain details because this is my very first Android phone - I am coming straight from a Nokia 808. The phone is compact, slick-looking, seems incredibly fast to me and I am liking the Android experience as a whole, although a few things Symbian had were simpler and more elegant (changing phone profiles, searching for contacts under phone, for instance).
The one issue I have, and that is a big one and it is so big of an issue that I registered today on XDA to ask for help, is the extremely poor photo/camera quality. I cannot understand what is going on here. This is a $600 2015 brand new release phone. Something must be wrong either with the software or hardware on my phone, which sucks since I purchased it for US operation (no warranty). I do not know how to express in words how disappointed I am with the camera. Let's just say that my 2012 Nokia 808 takes photos comparable to my SLR system. I was expecting at least equivalent photo quality from a modern/newer phone.
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Click to collapse
What are your thoughts on the quick photo I posted? All standard settings in quite average light? Do you see any of the issues you are experiencing on your phone?
Woza72 said:
What are your thoughts on the quick photo I posted? All standard settings in quite average light? Do you see any of the issues you are experiencing on your phone?
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Click to collapse
For the resolution posted, I dont see any issues. What I see on my photos is some sort of sharpening which causes details to be lost when zooming in. And believe me, I am not even remotely pixel-peeking, just basic cropping for creative purposes.
I'll try to post some sample photos to illustrate what I am facing here.
Cheers,
BB
OldSkewler said:
The one issue I have, and that is a big one and it is so big of an issue that I registered today on XDA to ask for help, is the extremely poor photo/camera quality. I cannot understand what is going on here. This is a $600 2015 brand new release phone. Something must be wrong either with the software or hardware on my phone, which sucks since I purchased it for US operation (no warranty). I do not know how to express in words how disappointed I am with the camera. Let's just say that my 2012 Nokia 808 takes photos comparable to my SLR system. I was expecting at least equivalent photo quality from a modern/newer phone.
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Click to collapse
If you haven't already, you might want to check the main Xperia Z5 subforum about this issue, specifically this thread where they talk about the camera, and the best settings for particular lighting. It could be you have a defective camera though, and if so, I feel for ya since I also imported my device.
Adrift98 said:
If you haven't already, you might want to check the main Xperia Z5 subforum about this issue, specifically this thread where they talk about the camera, and the best settings for particular lighting. It could be you have a defective camera though, and if so, I feel for ya since I also imported my device.
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Exactly how my photos look like! Thanks for linking me to this thread, even though what I learned from it is not exactly great news!
OldSkewler said:
Exactly how my photos look like! Thanks for linking me to this thread, even though what I learned from it is not exactly great news!
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Click to collapse
Same problem for me. It's a very expansive phone and you have to read pages of forums to understand how to make the most of it.
But still, the camera to me is a complete disaster. The app is cheap, very laggy, menus are terrible and the most improtant part, it takes poor photos.
Oversharpened and zooming in a tiny bit on a 23Mp pictures is just horrible.
The photo shared a few post back in the park is just awful too, sorry bro no offense, but it's not a defective camera it's just what is sold.
When you come from other brands, you are automatically disapointed.
P.S. videos are quite amazing though, especially in 60fps and the management of the edit app of videos is very good too.
I just switched to the nexus 5X, and there are no comparaison. Much much simpler, you don't need to test every little setting to take a good pic and zooming in is incredible, the best.
Yet I really loved the compact shape and overall build quality of the z5 device.
Comments non related to the camera is : the system is quite good as it is very similar to stock android but a little disappointed too by the performance.
I don't speak about lags and everything as it is quite fluid, but it just takes time to open or reload apps compared to my other devices.
I am still keeping the device to see if there will be improvement (there should be a major camera app update this month) but i don't believe in miracles, i don't think that will solve the pictures quality.
If you know how to use it (8mp at SA for darker scenarios, 23mp manual for bright daylight) it's been reviewed in a number of places as the best camera currently on the market. It's interesting to me how polarizing the camera is for people though. People either think it's the second coming, or the antichrist. I imagine that the improvements to the software promised with the Marshmallow update will go a long way to getting a lot of naysayers to give it a second look.
Adrift98 said:
If you know how to use it (8mp at SA for darker scenarios, 23mp manual for bright daylight) it's been reviewed in a number of places as the best camera currently on the market.
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Click to collapse
That is a very interesting perspective on the topic; so basically it boils down to misuse by users! And I suspect this is from someone that has never even tried the phone!
Let me propose the exact opposite, and I suspect a portion (if not majority) of people complaining about the imaging performance on these Z5 phones are actually far from amateur photographers and do understand what is achievable and should be expected in terms o quality. There is no way to slice this or put a twist on it, and I don't care about DXO ratings.
OldSkewler said:
That is a very interesting perspective on the topic; so basically it boils down to misuse by users! And I suspect this is from someone that has never even tried the phone!
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Click to collapse
No, it's certainly been by those who've tried the phone. By the looks of it you didn't get too far into that thread I previously recommended, but Timaustin2000 and a few others in that thread really turned the tone around with their investigations on the ability of the camera, and comparison shots. They've even had an influential effect on reviewers. So for instance, it wasn't till TimAustin pointed out to the reviewers at Android Authority that they were crippling the phone by using the 23mp in low light scenarios that they took into consideration the supersampling of the 8mp default settings. From there a number of other reviewers, bloggers, vloggers, and the like took a second look at the camera in the phone and tested appropriately with often very very positive results (many of these reviews and videos are also mentioned in that thread).
Let me propose the exact opposite, and I suspect a portion (if not majority) of people complaining about the imaging performance on these Z5 phones are actually far from amateur photographers and do understand what is achievable and should be expected in terms o quality. There is no way to slice this or put a twist on it, and I don't care about DXO ratings.
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From the recent reviews that I've been reading and watching, that doesn't appear to be the case, but of course, you're free to come to your own conclusions.
Haven't had much experience with the Z5C camera yet, only had it for a week.
But one thing, it takes so long to open. This is my 1St Android phone, been an ios user for around 4.5 years & the iPhones were just easier to access their camera. Slide up, click camera & it opened. On the Z5C, you press & hold the camera button, feel it vibrate, let it go... & wait.
After a second or so, the screen goes black, then the camera opens, then the screen starts to set itself up.
Just tried then & it was around 4 seconds.
I love the phone so far, but it seems to really struggle with normal usage.
By normal usage, for me, I mean it lags. Playing YouTube videos, it lags, I'm in Oz & we have an online streaming movie/TV service called Stan.... It doesn't work on the Z5.
Switching between tasks can give the phone a heart attack. For example, I was playing Clash Of Clans & some one tried to call me, the box popped down, I clicked answer & nothing happened.
I clicked answer two or three more times, before clicking back to the home screen, the phone call went to message bank while my phone locked up, went black & I had to wait around 30 seconds for it to sort itself out.
Even typing this it lags every now & then.
8 Ball Pool is laggy... If messages pop while playing, it gets even worse.
I do love the phone, I am enjoying Android (I miss a few ios advantages), but I just wish that the phone didn't feel like it was made with enough Ram to run the OS & one app at a time.
Oh... The audio is quiet, it doesn't go as loud as my iPhone 4 did, with my Bose head set & it lacks the same bass, but does sound alright.
The included Sony ear plugs are uncomfortable, have no sound advantages, have annoying different length ear cords & no volume control.
No supplied quick charger.
The back of the phone tends to get quite hot.
Sid3wayz said:
Haven't had much experience with the Z5C camera yet, only had it for a week.
But one thing, it takes so long to open. This is my 1St Android phone, been an ios user for around 4.5 years & the iPhones were just easier to access their camera. Slide up, click camera & it opened. On the Z5C, you press & hold the camera button, feel it vibrate, let it go... & wait.
After a second or so, the screen goes black, then the camera opens, then the screen starts to set itself up.
Just tried then & it was around 4 seconds.
I love the phone so far, but it seems to really struggle with normal usage.
By normal usage, for me, I mean it lags. Playing YouTube videos, it lags, I'm in Oz & we have an online streaming movie/TV service called Stan.... It doesn't work on the Z5.
Switching between tasks can give the phone a heart attack. For example, I was playing Clash Of Clans & some one tried to call me, the box popped down, I clicked answer & nothing happened.
I clicked answer two or three more times, before clicking back to the home screen, the phone call went to message bank while my phone locked up, went black & I had to wait around 30 seconds for it to sort itself out.
Even typing this it lags every now & then.
8 Ball Pool is laggy... If messages pop while playing, it gets even worse.
I do love the phone, I am enjoying Android (I miss a few ios advantages), but I just wish that the phone didn't feel like it was made with enough Ram to run the OS & one app at a time.
Oh... The audio is quiet, it doesn't go as loud as my iPhone 4 did, with my Bose head set & it lacks the same bass, but does sound alright.
The included Sony ear plugs are uncomfortable, have no sound advantages, have annoying different length ear cords & no volume control.
No supplied quick charger.
The back of the phone tends to get quite hot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Previous iPhone only user here too. Have you updated to the latest firmware? My camera takes about 2 seconds to come up pressing the side button since the update. Further improvements are expected with the Marshmallow update.
Also, I have no lag since the latest firmware, but I'm also using the Nova Launcher which you can get for free in the Play Store (not sure if that makes any difference or not).
I also have a problem with the volume, especially from the front speakers. Thought having two speakers instead of one, as I did on my iPhone 2G, 3G, 4S. and 6S would make it louder, but it's not. Still, honestly, I don't find it much quieter than those devices either. the 6S was maybe a tick louder, but not by much. I still want more punch from the front speakers, and I'm hoping that's something I can fix by doing some sort of ROM tweak. If not, I suppose I can live with it, but its the biggest disappointment about the device for me, not because its so much quieter than my iPhone devices, but because it doesn't stand head and shoulders above them.
I don't know about you, but my Sony ear plugs are way way wayyyyy more comfortable than my iPhone headphones. In fact, they're the most comfortable in-ear headphones I've ever worn. The different length on the cords I don't really have much issue with, since I usually drape the longest cord behind my head to my right ear (which is how I'm assuming they're meant to be worn). I will admit that they seem slightly cheap-ish, and I was hoping that where the volume button was (which I DO have on my pair) also had a mic so I could answer in-coming calls, but overall, I think they're pretty okay. Again, they're much more comfortable than the headphones that came with my iPhones. As far as loudness in the headphones is concerned, they're loud enough, but I definitely wouldn't mind if they were louder. I'll probably end up getting some sort of thin amp/dac like the dragonfly or the Aqua to boost the volume. Shame I have to do that, but oh well.
Again, its interesting to me how varied people's reactions are to this device. I'm FAR more happier with this device than I am my previous iPhones. Its not perfect, but it hits so many of the checkboxes for me that its hard to complain.
Edit: Oh, also, I got a quick charger with my device, but I bought the Taiwan version, so maybe that accounts for the difference in headphones and charger.
Lastly, after the initial setup, and especially after the update, my phone doesn't get very hot. Maybe I'm not using the same intensive programs that you are, though. The phone gets a little warm with Candy Crush and Asphalt 8, but my iPhone 6S also got pretty hot just using the camera (which is something my mother noticed when I handed her the phone to see some pictures).
All right, at this point, I think the camera is really good after the updates. I am not an expert on pictures though so lets get a community review on it.
Please, take pictures with your Camera please and post them here. Get outside and inside pics, good light and especially low light pics.
Please include a description of the non-obvious environmental variables of the pictures so we have context of the results, especially for those who haven't bought one yet. I know we would all have loved to see this thread before we bought the phone so please contribute your efforts.
Rules for posting:
1. Try to take good pics. If your pics look nowhere near as good as the pics already posted, then ask for help before posting so you can represent the camera correctly.
2. I took my pics in manual mode. In Low Light, they came out way better than in Auto mode. Play around and see what works best for you.
3. Make sure your phone is updated and make sure the camera app is fully updated as well. We know pictures werent great pre-updates, but now that the updates have come out, I personally think they look great.
Lets fix the bad rep this camera has gotten as I think it was prematurely judged. Or maybe I just need to go play with other cameras, as what I see as really good is really nowhere near good enough. Lets figure out which is the truth
Here are two photos I took. One is with all my lights on and the other is with all lights out, at night with only my TV on. I was very impressed as I feel it debunks all the criticism of the Camera's low light performance. I took both pics in manual mode
Ignore those photos and see these. XDA limits resolution. These stored in my Google photos are full res
One observation: I am assuming the one on the right is with lights out. It appears that it has a much better white balance result than the other one. It will be interesting to see what others post.
As few posts as are showing up on this forum, it seems the phone is not getting out there very much.
ewingr said:
One observation: I am assuming the one on the right is with lights out. It appears that it has a much better white balance result than the other one. It will be interesting to see what others post.
As few posts as are showing up on this forum, it seems the phone is not getting out there very much.
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Click to collapse
You are correct the one on the right is with the lights out. One possible reason for the hue difference is likely that my lights give off a yellow hue and my walls are also slightly yellow. Then my TV has a Full array LED backliggt which will give off pure white light. I mention this as both pics were taken with the same settings. Just a theory though, as I personally think the one on the right looks a little better and that is the only way I can explain it. Your guess is as good as mine though.
Blues-n-Blazin said:
You are correct the one on the right is with the lights out. One possible reason for the hue difference is likely that my lights give off a yellow hue and my walls are also slightly yellow. Then my TV has a Full array LED backliggt which will give off pure white light. I mention this as both pics were taken with the same settings. Just a theory though, as I personally think the one on the right looks a little better and that is the only way I can explain it. Your guess is as good as mine though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure that the warmer light from the lights, and yellow on the wall, is a definite contributor. The only way to correct colors in these situations is to have a custom white balance where you can use something white to have it calibrate to. No phone does that, that I'm aware of.
Here are some photos I took. XDA restricts file size so here is my Google Photos Album
https://goo.gl/photos/pv4NR2iReRkRL8Pu9
Blues-n-Blazin said:
Here are some photos I took. XDA restricts file size so here is my Google Photos Album
https://goo.gl/photos/pv4NR2iReRkRL8Pu9
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Click to collapse
@Blues-n-Blazin
That's the really good job.
Many thanks for this uploads.
Can someone give some more? I'm going to buy this phone next week do I do want know if camera is also perfect. I had Zenfone 2 it was awesome at it's time, now I can't wait to buy this but camera is important to me and I wish to real compare to s7 and g5.
---------- Post added at 07:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:43 AM ----------
[/COLOR @Blues-n-Blazing
Hour did you get those night interior pictures?
Was phone docked at stative or column? Was it auto night mode or your manual settings? It's ready good.
squo_85 said:
@Blues-n-Blazin
Hour did you get those night interior pictures?
Was phone docked at stative or column? Was it auto night mode or your manual settings? It's ready good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I held it in my hands and just held it still as it snapped the pic. It was in Manual Mode. Hold it still as when it detects low light, it extends the exposure time and then after the photo is taken, it will be a lot brighter than you anticipated. Alternatively, while in manual, you can hold the screen for a second the drag right and it will increase the exposure time. During the day it takes an instant photo and the exposure time is nonexistent, but to get great low light shots, it is necessary to increase the exposure time. The photos always come out better on my phone than the scene looked at night in real life. Let me know if that is at all confusing and I will try to explain better.
Ok I get it. Thanks. That convinced me to buy this device. Camera is ok enough to do it.
squo_85 said:
Ok I get it. Thanks. That convinced me to buy this device. Camera is ok enough to do it.
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Click to collapse
In my opinion, the camera is more than okay enough. There are so many camera modes, it is ridiculous. And the Camera stabilization is incredible when taking video is incredible. Just don't take low light photos in Auto Mode as it does nothing to correct it, but ironically in manual mode, the camera does automatically correct low light (unless you manually adjust the exposure time, then that setting will take pecedent).
I think the reviews that said low light photos were bad were either taken in auto mode or the updates fixed a whole lot before I got my phone. Either way, low light now is excellent. I have a feeling that they just didn't fully teat the camera as one review even stipulated that they didn't change any if the modes.
Does the camera support a 60fps recording? How its slow motion? Looks smooth or laggy?
squo_85 said:
Does the camera support a 60fps recording? How its slow motion? Looks smooth or laggy?
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Click to collapse
Full HD recording has 60fps. I don't think the 4K does as it doesn't say it. And I haven't used the slow no yet
@Blues-n-Blazin or someone any update about this slow motion or shots experience?
Can someone give some updates, I thing I gonna buy it tomorrow, but need some kite reference.
squo_85 said:
@Blues-n-Blazin or someone any update about this slow motion or shots experience?
Can someone give some updates, I thing I gonna buy it tomorrow, but need some kite reference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just took a slowmo of my TV while watching the walking dead, and it was pretty nice. Looks like what I hoped it would. As smooth as I would expect slow motion to be. OIS works really well as the picture was perfectly stabilized through the entire footage. I think OIS disables when I zoom in though because when I did, my phone was a little shaky. That is just a testament to how good it works when it is enabled though. I haven't tested it with real life slow motion yet but if it does really good recording motion of a TV show, the I imagine real life will be just as nice, if not better.
Just did another of me moving my hand and fingers really fast for 30 seconds and it was really smooth. I am impressed. It looks like a slow motion replay like you see in sports. I assure you, you will be very happy. I didn't even expect it to be that good.
I will try some hockey off the tv too
Blues-n-Blazin said:
I will try some hockey off the tv too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hockey looked really good too. It slowed the game down to a crawl and the motion was very smooth. I could not imagine it being any better
Slow motion is awesome thanks to 60hz camera recording, the rest is also fine including night mode
Wysłane z mojego ASUS_Z016D przy użyciu Tapatalka
A few hands-on reviews are out. The consensus is decidedly mediocre. Disappointingly so.
Some common themes: battery life not great, device runs hot, and surprising to me, the camera in basic auto mode is really not that great. Causing me to rethink my pre-order.
https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Sony-Xperia-1-III-Review_id5164
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Early...-heel-for-the-US-1-299-99-phone.549203.0.html
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/sony-xperia-1-iii-review-it-could-have-been-magnificent-phone/
Another review. More detailed, and equally underwhelming.
Sony Xperia 1 III review
The Xperia 1 III launches with an asking price of $1300/€1300, and even if that includes a pair of noise-canceling headphones in most regions, the number...
www.gsmarena.com
count me in too on questioning my pre order. not sure what i'm going to do but leaning towards cancelling.
Last review I will post as they are all consistent:
My requirements are a headphone jack and micro SD storage. So I'm stuck as no other premium phone offers both. My only other option is a Moto G, I'm not inclined to move that far down the performance ladder.
The reviews got me thinking whether the Xperia 5 III may be a better choice. In principle, the screen should be less demanding on the same sized battery... Other downside is the lack of ToF sensor which I'm still not sure how much it downgrades the image quality of the otherwise same camera setup.
I mainly want this as my pocket camera. I find the cnet review as promising. He was impressed by the cameras, all of them. With any smartphone camera, imo you should only use the telephoto cameras outdoors in good light. He got some nice images with all 4 focal lengths of the camera. I'm now confident I can get some nice photos with the telephoto lenses, especially when using the pro camera app and choosing ISO and shutter speed. as far as the cnet review he disliked the price and the battery life. But he had a pre production unit and battery life is the last thing addressed usually with new software and devices. I'm kind of excited again.
elwuero said:
I mainly want this as my pocket camera. I find the cnet review as promising. He was impressed by the cameras, all of them. With any smartphone camera, imo you should only use the telephoto cameras outdoors in good light. He got some nice images with all 4 focal lengths of the camera. I'm now confident I can get some nice photos with the telephoto lenses, especially when using the pro camera app and choosing ISO and shutter speed. as far as the cnet review he disliked the price and the battery life. But he had a pre production unit and battery life is the last thing addressed usually with new software and devices. I'm kind of excited again.
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Click to collapse
I think all the reviews I read, including this most recent one from Android Authority, are critical of the camera in low light settings. Another issue for me as I like to get a photo or two at concerts.
Sony Xperia 1 III review: Elegant, exhilarating, expensive
Sony's flagship smartphone packs some of the best hardware around, but should you buy it? Find out in this Sony Xperia 1 III review.
www.androidauthority.com
gmfeld said:
I think all the reviews I read, including this most recent one from Android Authority, are critical of the camera in low light settings. Another issue for me as I like to get a photo or two at concerts.
Sony Xperia 1 III review: Elegant, exhilarating, expensive
Sony's flagship smartphone packs some of the best hardware around, but should you buy it? Find out in this Sony Xperia 1 III review.
www.androidauthority.com
they reject the phones night mode. Just go into the manual mode and do an exposure adjustment according to the histogram. Or just adjust the shutter speed and iso yourself and you should get a fantastic picture. Takes literally 7-8 seconds. And then you'll have the settings ready to go to take as many pictures as you want at the concert.
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I haven't cancelled my pre order (yet). i can live with only using the main camera in low light. at f1.7 the photos should be good and the reviews so far seem to support that.
from this review all i can say is as long as you know how to use the camera, all photos should look good. on my xperia 1 ii i would almost always shoot in program mode and would just keep the iso at 100 and occasionally raise it to 320. in this review he seems to be doing the same thing. love the histogram on screen, so helpful.
elwuero said:
from this review all i can say is as long as you know how to use the camera, all photos should look good. on my xperia 1 ii i would almost always shoot in program mode and would just keep the iso at 100 and occasionally raise it to 320. in this review he seems to be doing the same thing. love the histogram on screen, so helpful.
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I used a 1 Ii for quite some time and was able to get great pictures in program mode by just fiddling with the exposure compensation while looking at the histogram. Takes like 5 seconds and you've got a great picture. I guessing the 3 will take very similar pictures.
elwuero said:
count me in too on questioning my pre order. not sure what i'm going to do but leaning towards cancelling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always play with it for a few days and re-sell it for the same price as an "open box" product. It will certainly work if you live in the country where Sony doesn't sell phones officially and you have to import your device.
gmfeld said:
Last review I will post as they are all consistent:
My requirements are a headphone jack and micro SD storage. So I'm stuck as no other premium phone offers both. My only other option is a Moto G, I'm not inclined to move that far down the performance ladder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought LG V60 ThinQ for around $350 (4 times cheaper than Xperia!) for exactly the same reasons. Yes, it doesn't look as sexy as Xperia 1 III but it has plenty of power (more than I actually need), great battery life, best in business sound, not getting hot as hell etc.
It's all theory. To get any good night shot on Xperia 1 III you'll have to use stand and bluetooth shutter button. I used to had Xperia 1 II / 5 II and taking night photos with Xperia handheld was impossible. Don't think that Xperia 1 III is different.
chetly968 said:
I used a 1 Ii for quite some time and was able to get great pictures in program mode by just fiddling with the exposure compensation while looking at the histogram. Takes like 5 seconds and you've got a great picture. I guessing the 3 will take very similar pictures.
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Click to collapse
Too much effort for $1300 smartphone to my opinion.
Not a complete review but I found this video entertaining.
btw, I decided to not cancel my pre order. B&H says I will have 30 days to return. I expect it will be my main camera/phone for at least a year.
Waiting on my pre order to arrive soon.
I really like my 1II and look foresees to the III. The only other phone that gets me excited is the Pixel 6 (if it doesn't have a curved screen)
Can't ever go Chinese as I need updates decently on schedule. Samsung has dropped prices a bit but no sd card and the same cameras and worse screen...
Their ultra is too heavy for comfortable one hand usage
I bailed on the Experia and cancelled my order with B&H. Going to get the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. No headphone jack and no sd storage slot, but I couldn't get comfortable with the Experia reviews I was reading, particularly the camera.
I had the ultra also. Traded it in while it was still worth a lot. The weight and one handed use was not my favorite and its hard to get a glass screen protector that works with the ultrasonic finger print reader. It didn't have enough memory and with no sd card I was forced to stream music.
But it takes great pics.
gmfeld said:
I bailed on the Experia and cancelled my order with B&H. Going to get the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. No headphone jack and no sd storage slot, but I couldn't get comfortable with the Experia reviews I was reading, particularly the camera.
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Click to collapse
The same. Really kept my finger on pre-order button for a week but after numerous rather underwhelming camera performance reviews decided to buy nearly 3 times cheaper Galaxy S21.