I have read pretty much every post in this forum over the past few days, and have finally pulled the trigger on an Xperia Z ultra in black. MY HTC One was promptly sold on eBay to help fund the purchase. Really looking forward to getting it (especially as I have borrowed a friends iPhone 4s to use while I wait - such a tiny screen). Ordered it from Hong Kong from an eBay seller, really hoping I don't get hit with a massive import tax charge (I'm in the UK). I guess only time will tell. Will post my thoughts once it arrives. Hopefully my only concern re the purchase will be dispelled (will it fit in my trouser pocket).
Wellcome to the club, you won't regret it, just out of interest what the name of the company you ordered it from, wondering if it's the same as the one I used.
Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk 4
Hello, bought it from here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380693324719?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
So hoping I wont get stung with massive import charges as Im already struggling to justify the purchase of the phone to the wife. Although my recently bought iPad mini might soften the blow if I give it to her.
mcteague said:
Wellcome to the club, you won't regret it, just out of interest what the name of the company you ordered it from, wondering if it's the same as the one I used.
Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JamDonot said:
Hello, bought it from here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380693324719?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
So hoping I wont get stung with massive import charges as Im already struggling to justify the purchase of the phone to the wife. Although my recently bought iPad mini might soften the blow if I give it to her.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks sound to me, got good feedback, give the Mrs the Ipad definately, heres a link for screen protectors if you want, theres loads of screen to scratch. The only cases apart from TPU gel ones are in Hong Kong or China etc.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SAMRICK-Tra...UTF8&qid=1376464090&sr=1-258&keywords=SAMRICK
You've probably got it sorted but theses are good with protection layers each side.
JamDonot said:
I have read pretty much every post in this forum over the past few days, and have finally pulled the trigger on an Xperia Z ultra in black. MY HTC One was promptly sold on eBay to help fund the purchase. Really looking forward to getting it (especially as I have borrowed a friends iPhone 4s to use while I wait - such a tiny screen). Ordered it from Hong Kong from an eBay seller, really hoping I don't get hit with a massive import tax charge (I'm in the UK). I guess only time will tell. Will post my thoughts once it arrives. Hopefully my only concern re the purchase will be dispelled (will it fit in my trouser pocket).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am close to doing the same and funnily enough I also have a HTC One but just waiting to see how much the LTE version costs and then will see if I can really justify it.
Cheers for all the help with the links guys, much appreciated. I really liked my HTC One, but I used the official hard case, and it scraped the phone. I am very anal about my tech, and loose interest if it gets marked at all.
Going to have a look at the screen protectors now, dont want the screen getting damaged.
daleski75 said:
I am close to doing the same and funnily enough I also have a HTC One but just waiting to see how much the LTE version costs and then will see if I can really justify it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JamDonot said:
Hello, bought it from here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380693324719?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
So hoping I wont get stung with massive import charges as Im already struggling to justify the purchase of the phone to the wife. Although my recently bought iPad mini might soften the blow if I give it to her.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know how you get on with the charges mate, Id be very interested to find out.
I actually emailed the same company yesterday to see if they could mark the value down for customs purposes I've not had a reply though.
An update. The seller above agree to mark the price at 1/3rd of the value and mark as a gift to cut down on import charges. I still haven't bought it yet. Im trying to hold out for the C6833 LTE model.
JamDonot said:
I have read pretty much every post in this forum over the past few days, and have finally pulled the trigger on an Xperia Z ultra in black. MY HTC One was promptly sold on eBay to help fund the purchase. Really looking forward to getting it (especially as I have borrowed a friends iPhone 4s to use while I wait - such a tiny screen). Ordered it from Hong Kong from an eBay seller, really hoping I don't get hit with a massive import tax charge (I'm in the UK). I guess only time will tell. Will post my thoughts once it arrives. Hopefully my only concern re the purchase will be dispelled (will it fit in my trouser pocket).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh... you are going to love it!!! I wish i could see your face when you unbox it and see the size for the first time haha.
I love mine and could not be happier with it! Be sure to post your impressions when you get the beast
ScottishSwan said:
Oh... you are going to love it!!! I wish i could see your face when you unbox it and see the size for the first time haha.
I love mine and could not be happier with it! Be sure to post your impressions when you get the beast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Xperia Z Ultra arrived this morning, two day shipping from Hong Kong to the UK, and no import charges, very happy teddy.
When the package arrived the box wasn't overly large, so was thinking the phone isn't that large, I opened the box, and boy its large, impressively so.
I work in computer forensics so am fairly techy, as are the guys I work with, but I initially I got a barrage of Dom Jolly Jokes. For those that don't know, he is a UK comedian: http://cdn2.business2community.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/dom-joly-phone.jpg
Anyway, back to the phone, and I have only had it for about two hours, so they are fairly initial impression. The phone is simply stunning, yes its large, yes Im going to probably going to struggle to get it to fit into some of my trouser pockets, yes I might look like an idiot taking a call until I buy a SBH52, but you know what, I don't care. The quality of the phone is simply stunning, screen has to be seen to be believed. Now I have had pretty much every flagship Android phone, even dabbled with an iPhone 5 for a bit, have a Retina iPad and a, typing this on a Mac Thunderbolt monitor, so I have seen many high quality screens; the Xperia Z Ultra screen, in my opinion surpasses them all. The level of detail has to be seen to be believed,and when holding it watching the Smurfs 2 trailer that came with the phone, the phone actually shudders when the volume is turned up, simply awesome, its like a built in sub woofer.
I updated the software to the latest version as soon as I switched it on, and the phone has been super quick, no lags, nothing at all.
The phone has a nice weight to it, not too heavy, but heavy enough to know that you are holding a quality piece of tech. I have had no issue with sim card installation (there is a little guide on the plastic on the back of the phone), and the cover pressed closed firmly. So far I have had no issues with screen tearing, or black screen as others have reported (I bought the black one).
I feel like I am starting to ramble a little, so I will stop here. Suffice to say that if you are on the fence, and are worried about the size like me, don't be, buy it, every other phone is now looking a little small.
I will try to answer any questions if anyone has any. Oh, and these are just my thoughts and opinions, I am not saying that they are right, and if you have a differing opinion, you are not wrong, these are simply my thoughts.
JamDonot said:
My Xperia Z Ultra arrived this morning, two day shipping from Hong Kong to the UK, and no import charges, very happy teddy.
When the package arrived the box wasn't overly large, so was thinking the phone isn't that large, I opened the box, and boy its large, impressively so.
I work in computer forensics so am fairly techy, as are the guys I work with, but I initially I got a barrage of Dom Jolly Jokes. For those that don't know, he is a UK comedian: http://cdn2.business2community.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/dom-joly-phone.jpg
Anyway, back to the phone, and I have only had it for about two hours, so they are fairly initial impression. The phone is simply stunning, yes its large, yes Im going to probably going to struggle to get it to fit into some of my trouser pockets, yes I might look like an idiot taking a call until I buy a SBH52, but you know what, I don't care. The quality of the phone is simply stunning, screen has to be seen to be believed. Now I have had pretty much every flagship Android phone, even dabbled with an iPhone 5 for a bit, have a Retina iPad and a, typing this on a Mac Thunderbolt monitor, so I have seen many high quality screens; the Xperia Z Ultra screen, in my opinion surpasses them all. The level of detail has to be seen to be believed,and when holding it watching the Smurfs 2 trailer that came with the phone, the phone actually shudders when the volume is turned up, simply awesome, its like a built in sub woofer.
I updated the software to the latest version as soon as I switched it on, and the phone has been super quick, no lags, nothing at all.
The phone has a nice weight to it, not too heavy, but heavy enough to know that you are holding a quality piece of tech. I have had no issue with sim card installation (there is a little guide on the plastic on the back of the phone), and the cover pressed closed firmly. So far I have had no issues with screen tearing, or black screen as others have reported (I bought the black one).
I feel like I am starting to ramble a little, so I will stop here. Suffice to say that if you are on the fence, and are worried about the size like me, don't be, buy it, every other phone is now looking a little small.
I will try to answer any questions if anyone has any. Oh, and these are just my thoughts and opinions, I am not saying that they are right, and if you have a differing opinion, you are not wrong, these are simply my thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting your detailed first impressions. Couldn't agree with you more. I love my Ultra!
Like I said in my first impressions too, its the best screen I've seen on any mobile device. Period. Can't believe pocket now said it was 'mediocre'.... If this screen is mediocre then call me blind.
But yeah, it's funny... After I unboxed mine.. I thought the phone looked bigger than the box it arrived in haha. Optical illusion
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z Ultra
What colour would you recommend getting? I'm torn between black and white.
Black - looks sleek and smooth and discrete. Concerned about fingerprints though
White - draws more attention probably, cant see finger prints but am worried about the white framing of the display at the front distracting from the screen.
Thoughts? Help me choose!
liqn7 said:
What colour would you recommend getting? I'm torn between black and white.
Black - looks sleek and smooth and discrete. Concerned about fingerprints though
White - draws more attention probably, cant see finger prints but am worried about the white framing of the display at the front distracting from the screen.
Thoughts? Help me choose!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went for black, I normally go for white in phones, but I personally think that as its such a big device the all blacks makes it all the sleeker. I have to e honest though, I nearly got it in white, but also felt that the white would appear larger. Probably a silly notion, but hey. Phone totally rocks.
Are the fingerprints on the black as bad as they make out on the video reviews and hands ons?
liqn7 said:
What colour would you recommend getting? I'm torn between black and white.
Black - looks sleek and smooth and discrete. Concerned about fingerprints though
White - draws more attention probably, cant see finger prints but am worried about the white framing of the display at the front distracting from the screen.
Thoughts? Help me choose!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the black one is a fingerprint magnet but mainly on the back. The front display seems to be more resistant to oil etc.
I bought the white one because I liked the silver framing and I thought it gave the device a more defined look
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Thanks for the reply
Love your videos by the way
What happens with warranty issues since its brought from abroad?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
liqn7 said:
What colour would you recommend getting? I'm torn between black and white.
Black - looks sleek and smooth and discrete. Concerned about fingerprints though
White - draws more attention probably, cant see finger prints but am worried about the white framing of the display at the front distracting from the screen.
Thoughts? Help me choose!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll go with the black. I like white phones, but they have to be 100% white (including the front), or else i think it looks a little off. The black is classy and minimalistic, while the zebra version is more stylish i guess (depending on who you ask).
LordManhattan said:
I'll go with the black. I like white phones, but they have to be 100% white (including the front), or else i think it looks a little off. The black is classy and minimalistic, while the zebra version is more stylish i guess (depending on who you ask).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
liqn7 said:
Thanks for the reply
Love your videos by the way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much
Using the White Z Ultra reminds me of a Macbook Pro a little. Big screen with black glass and the silver trim around the edges. Very classy.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Related
Just looking for some opinions here. I currently have a Samsung Focus which was my first true smartphone. I've used a bunch though including the S2 and the iPhone 4s. I honestly think windows is the best OS out of the 3. But the 2nd gen of windows phones don't have much to offer above the focus, so I don't see it being worth it to grab a new windows phone. Also the weak marketplace is a killer especially when my friends are constantly usings apps like ptt and various *** 'with friends' games.
But I had every intention on probably sticking with a new Windows phone until I heard of this phone. Just because it offers something regular phones don't.
Advice? I'd also like opinions on the size. Not how it feels in your hand, I could care less. But how it fits in pockets, the weight... whether or not you can carry it around like you could carry your old phone.
How's the music integration? Zune wasn't fantastic but I quite liked it. I use my phone every day as my mp3 player at the gym. Does it function well? And back to the last question on size... could I fit it in a pair of gym shorts? (not cardio)
How much better is browsing on it? Do you find yourself using the internet much on it, or still always using a laptop if you have it? I thought I'd be using it all the time with my focus, but with the 3.7" screen i never do unless I'm not around a computer.
And are there any integrated bonuses that this phone has that the SII or other similar smartphones don't have? (aside from the notes app).
Thanks a lot guys. I don't expect you to answer everything but just looking for as much advice as I can get.
Its a big phone, if you gonna wear it with gym shorts, depending on the activity it could slip out of you pockets. Phone is super light, easy to fit in pockets unless you wearing skinny's. Besides the s pen options, internet looks great on it, i use it often.
Music is like any other android, but i use power amp which i recommend. As far as advantages....SIZE...the screen is just bliss and typing on it is just great for big or little fingers. Hope this helps.
I went from a Samsung Captivate to a Focus and now the Note. Honestly you might be dissapointed with the Note. Not because the phone is bad but the Windows Phone 7.5 is just soo smooth. When I used the Focus that phone never crashed, battery life is awesome and everything it did it did well.
The only knock on Windows was the lack of app support. I really missed the apps and games that I had on Android that is why I went back. In the end I might go with Galaxy S2 or Skyrocket. The only reason I will leave the Note is that it is difficult to work the phone with one hand.
If you get passed that and the size the phone is great.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
blazablaz said:
Its a big phone, if you gonna wear it with gym shorts, depending on the activity it could slip out of you pockets. Phone is super light, easy to fit in pockets unless you wearing skinny's. Besides the s pen options, internet looks great on it, i use it often.
Music is like any other android, but i use power amp which i recommend. As far as advantages....SIZE...the screen is just bliss and typing on it is just great for big or little fingers. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'd use it for weight lifting only, so I won't be running around or anything. I weighed my focus and its over 5 ounces and supposedly the Note is about 6. So as long as it physically will fit in my pocket I think it should be ok.
What do you mean by 'aside from the pen options internet looks great'? Or were those two statements unrelated.
jev3gs said:
I went from a Samsung Captivate to a Focus and now the Note. Honestly you might be dissapointed with the Note. Not because the phone is bad but the Windows Phone 7.5 is just soo smooth. When I used the Focus that phone never crashed, battery life is awesome and everything it did it did well.
The only knock on Windows was the lack of app support. I really missed the apps and games that I had on Android that is why I went back. In the end I might go with Galaxy S2 or Skyrocket. The only reason I will leave the Note is that it is difficult to work the phone with one hand.
If you get passed that and the size the phone is great.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely noticed the lack of 'smoothness' when messing around with the Galaxy 2 compared to my windows phone... and this is one reason I believe windows is superior... or at least has the potential to be. But there are so few things I actually do with my focus aside from text and listen to music. Screen is too small to browse, no apps to mess with. I also love customization and miss that factor with windows, so that might be fun to have an android.
Also I'm not a traveler or on the go user, so using with one hand shouldn't be an issue.
Can you guys fit the phone in all 4 jean pockets? Or only front, only back?
Think I'd get odd looks if I got a 4 point chest harness and secured it right in the center of my body? or is it not that big..
Really? You come to a Note forum and ask if you should get a Note. What is your expectation? Think we will all tell you NOT to get it?
Hell YES! Even without ICS on this phone it crushes everything. Pending you know how to mess with it a bit with a root/overclock/rom yada yada yada. Ive already gotten into 5 convos with people about it since ive gotten it last week. And all 5 after getting it in their hand said they want one .
kimtyson said:
Really? You come to a Note forum and ask if you should get a Note. What is your expectation? Think we will all tell you NOT to get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
notice how others gave useful info and answered some of my questions
i'm not necessarily looking for you guys to decide for me but i had a few key questions and also was wondering if there are any main points i'd be missing leaving windows, or strong points i'd be gaining going to the note.
also i watched a video where the guy was using the stylus for writing and his finger for everything else. i'd imagine you can use the stylus to click on anything you could with your finger, right?
My opinion, the primary reason to move to the Note from the Focus is simply if you want the larger form and access to more apps. As you know, the Windows OS is very efficient and functional, aimed at getting the job done with some flair but not having to constantly fiddle with the the UserInterface. It is quicker and if you like it, I'd stick with it.
My college son has owned the Samsung Focus for over a year now and he really likes it...so do I. In fact on my prior Samsung 4'5" Infuse I often used the "launcher 7" app on my 'droid to simulate a windows phone. I'm playing with it now on my Note.
I can't carry my Note like my prior phones. But that is ok with me. I do put carry it in my front left/rear pockets but when I get it the car it comes out and sits in my car. But that's ok.
Gym shorts? it would probably fit but I certainly wouldn't exercise with it...although you could job/run with it using one of those armbands.
Browsing? I use the browser all the time, it's great. Rarely use my laptop.
The pen is cool...and I use it often to take notes, draw ideas, etc. However, I think an update is needed (and supposedly coming) to help smooth out the interface.
kimtyson said:
Really? You come to a Note forum and ask if you should get a Note. What is your expectation? Think we will all tell you NOT to get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
This is the best phone ever and Android is the best OS, period.
Opinions on size? Nothing but good, here's the highlights to spare you some time:
I have beg hands, fits me perfectly. Wife has tiny baby hands, she can hardly hold it.
You feel a little weird holding it to your head the first day or so, after that you dont notice.
Splitscreen...oh yea, one of my favorites. Go to landscape and some of your comms go split screen. Email is way easier when you have the lest on left and preview panel on right. Same for you text message screen. Theis is a great way to skim through.
Usability - The white model is a little slick on the back, can cause to slip out of your hand. Solution is a case that most use, but if your like me and like the naked look most of the time then the easy solution is full body skin. I applied a "armor Suit" which is a wet application. This typically leave a grippier almost rubber like feeling left. Awesome for the back, I can lay mine on my flat hand and almost stand it straight up and down before it slides. Some don't like the feeling on the screen but I don't mind it at all and actually prefer it now.
Pocketability- Easy, very easy actually. It's a very flat phone so I carry in back or front pocket with no problem at all. Folks that may have problems would be women who typically have smaller pockets on jeans and slacks and guys who wear skinny nut huggers.
Everyday use - Every app seems easier to use. Games are a blast since you have more room to use virtual sticks without covering most of the screen up (some awesome games on sale right now for $0.50)
Accessories - Suprisingly alot for as new as it is. Lots of metal back plates (got a green one on the way), leather cases, holsters, things of this nature. It helps that the international version has been out a little longer and there are accessories such as the dock that work perfectly fine with out AT&T version. Plus generic slips and pouches made for the Dell Streak 5 often fit our device, sometimes with very slight alterations. Generic batteries, docks, and chargers are out too. Most of these accessories are cheap. I bought a silicon cover, full film protector, 3 batteries, charger, and metal back cover, all for under $40 off amazon from several vendors and thats with shipping.
Development - It's quite slow at the moment, but it almost always is. We're all waiting for ICS (Ice Cream Sandwhich) wich some say is coming soon and others say its not. The phone functions fin with Gingerbread, it's just most of us Android addicts demand the newest OS by any means possible. It'll pick up, it always does.
hope this helped some!
---------- Post added at 09:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 AM ----------
PS the S-Pen will make you a master at "Draw Something" game.
Draw something was what initially gave me the idea for the phone Then I started looking into it and now I'm really thinking I'm going to get it. I definitely have to go into my local store first and try it out and put it in my pockets, etc. Hopefully I can get a deal too.
I actually hope ICS doesn't come out for a little while. I like change and being able to mess around with new updates. So since this will be my first droid it'll leave me plenty of time to mess around with it, then when ICS comes it'll feel like a whole new phone once again.
And with some android devices, can't you actually load windows 7.5 on it?
I throw iron all the time wearing basketball shorts aka Gym shorts or sweatpants using my note. I will time to time use my old ipod touch that has a cracked screen being i can toss it around without worry.
But i can easily use my Note without problem in my shorts while working out. I also am a goalie for a mens ice league and have it in my pocket while i dress.
As far as carrying it around normally. Its cold by me currently so i always am wearing one of my bubble zip up vests with a zip pocket i put it in.
I also have a bad habbit of actually holding my phone in my hand wherever i go like to the store etc, etc. So i have a bad habbit of putting it down and not grabbing it and walking away . Luckily i have my GF with me most of the time to "Re-trace" my steps or ask "Do you have your phone" lol. But ive put it in my Nike swishy pants before without a problem.
Some/most people mostly those who don't actually have the phone or have even held one make it out to be like its a foot long and 3"s thick lol. Out of 5 people that i have let hold the phone. Normal sized people not Giants lol. The first words out of their mouth are either wow is so nice or wow is so light and thin.
Its even getting to the point with me the phone is starting to look normal sized!!! 5.8" screen on the Galaxy Note 2? HAaha. there is a tiny bit of room to expand the screen and not the actual device itself it seems. Like for example a good 1/4" or so if they got rid of that ugly ugly AT&T stamp on the top!
Awesome man, that's great info.
A question on the physical glass for the screen.. how is it? I'm not a fan of screen protectors. My focus had what I think they called gorilla glass. It's two years old and theres maybe one minuscule mark on it. Will the note hold up like that or will it need a protector with long term use (long term s pen use as well)?
According to everything I've read - it has gorilla glass. But it's not nearly as good for being anti-scratch as say an iPhone 4s from what I've seen. I've had mine less than a week and have tiny scratches all over the screen. I had my iPhone 4 for a year and had barely anything noticeable.
I set it down (face down - stupid I know) on my desk at work once. Scratched the heck out of it. It's a smooth desk surface so I'm not sure WTF happened. Other than that just into an otherwise empty pocket.
So either I have one with a faulty display - or a screen protector should be considered a pre-purchase item.
Ok. I'll just get one and have them put it on in store. think the main reason i hate them is i always F them up.
SGP GLAS-T
cgibsong002 said:
Awesome man, that's great info.
A question on the physical glass for the screen.. how is it? I'm not a fan of screen protectors. My focus had what I think they called gorilla glass. It's two years old and theres maybe one minuscule mark on it. Will the note hold up like that or will it need a protector with long term use (long term s pen use as well)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
netsyd said:
According to everything I've read - it has gorilla glass. But it's not nearly as good for being anti-scratch as say an iPhone 4s from what I've seen. I've had mine less than a week and have tiny scratches all over the screen. I had my iPhone 4 for a year and had barely anything noticeable.
I set it down (face down - stupid I know) on my desk at work once. Scratched the heck out of it. It's a smooth desk surface so I'm not sure WTF happened. Other than that just into an otherwise empty pocket.
So either I have one with a faulty display - or a screen protector should be considered a pre-purchase item.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cgibsong002 said:
Ok. I'll just get one and have them put it on in store. think the main reason i hate them is i always F them up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get an SGP GLAS-T screen protector they work better than anything out there. I had a SGP oliophobic film and after a week it was all scratched up from the S-pen I went an complained and they returned my money and told me about pre-order for Glas-t and it is the best screen protector ever. It is crystal clear, hard surface ( so s-pen works well with no scratching), I get alot less face oil and finger prints than other protectors (don't know why but stays cleaner) and it self installed just made sure screen was clean and droped it on by accident and it came out with no bubbles it is th most expensive protector I got but well worth it.http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...0PTkDw&usg=AFQjCNEQuEHZN7W18XKdkXZchjZgmdngXg
Just an FYI on the SGP GLAS-t -- they sell them through their Ebay store with free shipping. They also sell through Amazon - so if you have Prime you get free shipping there too. It was over $40 to buy through their site - $35 from Ebay.
JGuinan007 said:
Get an SGP GLAS-T screen protector they work better than anything out there. I had a SGP oliophobic film and after a week it was all scratched up from the S-pen I went an complained and they returned my money and told me about pre-order for Glas-t and it is the best screen protector ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine in yesterday. I was definitely a little pessimistic about how good a glass protector would be not to mention very concerned about the one chance to get it right install. Happy to say that the install was super simple (I have a couple tiny bubbles but nothing worth crying about) and so far it's excellent for writing on the screen.
We'll see how it lasts over time - but my initial impressions are very good!
My contract is already up,and I have some questions about the note. For those of you using the note for a while. Is the note's size an issue or is it totally worth having even though the note is a very big phone? Screen quality how is it? Is it a fast phone? If you didn't have the note, would you buy it again? Call quality? I'm thinking about buying one tomorrow, and I wanted your input on the phone. Feel free to add any info that could be useful about the phone. Thanks guy's.
lildoggs said:
My contract is already up,and I have some questions about the note. For those of you using the note for a while. Is the note's size an issue or is it totally worth having even though the note is a very big phone? Screen quality how is it? Is it a fast phone? If you didn't have the note, would you buy it again? Call quality? I'm thinking about buying one tomorrow, and I wanted your input on the phone. Feel free to add any info that could be useful about the phone. Thanks guy's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The size is really overblown on a lot of web reviews. It is comfortable to hold, fits into all of my pants pockets just fine, is really awesome when browsing the web, and the size allows for the larger battery.
I have had the Note for a month now and do no ever see myself returning to a smaller screen.
The resolution is beautiful, but there are some issues with gradients and dark scenes in movies so be sure to walk into a store when buying it so that you can run some tests on the phone they are going to sell you. There is a thread here about black clipping with a lot of great tests to try out. Some Notes are worse than others.
I love the call quality on the Note. The only downfall is that you really have to lower the volume while in a call unless you don't mind folks around you hearing it. The ear speaker is very loud.
As far as speed goes...that really depends on your phone. I have seen posts where people are experiencing lag even though I haven't personally experienced any of it.
I started off with the white Note, but returned it due to the soft keys having bad light bleeding at night. They can be turned off, but it bugged me so now I have the black/blue one.
Also, try out the stylus. I didn't realize it until I exchanged my Note, but the stylus on the first one was really laggy and unresponsive. I thought it just sucked until I got the second Note. It should be snappy and precise.
I am now running DAGr8's ICS rom and have turned the DPI down to 240. It really enhanced the phone by making the resolution smaller which in turn gives you more space for widgets, icons, etc.
lildoggs said:
My contract is already up,and I have some questions about the note. For those of you using the note for a while. Is the note's size an issue or is it totally worth having even though the note is a very big phone? Screen quality how is it? Is it a fast phone? If you didn't have the note, would you buy it again? Call quality? I'm thinking about buying one tomorrow, and I wanted your input on the phone. Feel free to add any info that could be useful about the phone. Thanks guy's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. The Note is large, yes, but very easy to hold and get used to due to how thin it is. Screen quality is unmatched by anything out there in my opinion. The combination of Gorilla Glass, Super AMOLED, and 720p resolution are really awesome. Some people say they have lag, but I have not had or used a faster Android device. Also, if you are in an LTE area, you get that awesome speed too. If I didn't have it, I would still be drooling over it. I got lucky and got it for half off, but if I hadn't, I would still be waiting a couple months until summer to buy it, which I definitely would again. Call quality is also great, and speakerphone is also loud and clear.
Now for the other things I highly commend the Note for. The SPen is awesome. You may think it's gimmicky, but you would be wrong. It's great for jotting down quick notes while on a call. Great for making funny captions on pictures before you send them. Great for navigating the phone. Great for Swyping with the tablet Swype beta. Great for taking screenshots. Also, we now have ICS, which brings some new and exciting features, my favorite being face unlock. I really can't recommend this phone enough. People may say, wait for the gs3 or one x, but I don't see the attraction. We already have ICS, and those other phones are small compared to the Note, and won't have the SPen. You may think the size is too big, but you get used to it really easy, and my nope had now ruined any smaller of a device. Also, battery life is the best I've experienced on any Android, besides the RAZR MAXX, but who wants a Moto phone anyways?
Really, the only way I would upgrade to another phone is when the Note 2 comes out. I don't have a single complaint, and this screen is killer.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
To answer your questions.
Is the note's size an issue or is it totally worth having even though the note is a very big phone?
I came from a Streak, I'm a BIG guy and the phone sits well in my hands. My gf has freakishly small hands and she says it's too big for her hands, but loves the fact that she can put it into her purse and can easily find it. It does look silly holding up to your head and talking though.
Screen quality how is it?
Personally I think the screen quality is great for a 5.3" device. A lot of people are complaining about black crush (there's a good thread on it) and while it's there, personally it isn't enough to bug me, I've watched low res videos for a long time and it just doesn't bug me anymore.
Is it a fast phone?
A lot of people are complaining about lag on their phones and yes I can see it there from time to time but I run 2 RSS feed readers, 5 email accounts, 2 weather widgets, and quite a few other things. The device is speedy, I can play games like shadowgun without the hint of lag, when i tell the phone to do something it might think about it for an 1/16 of a second then away it goes. So is the phone fast? I say yes it is.
If you didn't have the note, would you buy it again?
In a heartbeat
Call quality?
I love it, it's clear and easy to hear people, except my gf, she has the original droid and that thing has a TERRIBLE mic and speaker. a lot of our fights have been caused by her phone . Again it does look silly when you hold it to your head, but I've never been one to shy away from looking silly.
In short, depending on what you want to do/replace with the phone I'd say buy it. I use mine to manage 100 servers and RDPing into them while on the move which it does a great job on. I can read docs on the go and pull up webpages to prove people wrong and they can read them without having to hold my phone.
Lastly, if you're in one of those great states that charge you tax on the full price of the phone (in this case 700 smackers), look for a Sam's Club. I bought my phone on release day from them for 260 and with tax it was under 300.
Thanks for posting these questions. I have my upgrade available later this month and I am strongly considering the Note.
What I want to know is, as far as anyone can tell, is there a color or build location that seems to have fewer problems overall? I have seen a few places that people seem to think the white ones are less laggy. There was some speculation that the China Notes have less black crush. I'm pretty color neutral on these. I just want to be able to look at the box and get a sense that the one they give me has a better chance of being issue free.
How in the hell would the color of the plastic around the phone affect performance? :what:
That's like painting flames on your car to make it go faster.
Black crush is fixed in ics
studacris said:
How in the hell would the color of the plastic around the phone affect performance? :what:
That's like painting flames on your car to make it go faster.
Black crush is fixed in ics
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, Black Crush is not fixed in ICS, they just lowered the point of full black so it would appear better. The dropoff is still severe, but it is less noticeable. I don't own the device but I have been following these things very closely.
Second, I did not come up with the color thing. It is based off what I was reading. In this case it is not at all like painting flames and expecting something to go faster. They very well might come off different assembly lines with different QA and different physical runs of parts. I know its a longshot, but that is why I am asking if anyone can verify. I realize it is more likely that the Chinese vs. Korean Notes may exhibit some differences. Again, I am asking in the Q&A section to be sure.
knight4led said:
First, Black Crush is not fixed in ICS, they just lowered the point of full black so it would appear better. The dropoff is still severe, but it is less noticeable. I don't own the device but I have been following these things very closely.
Second, I did not come up with the color thing. It is based off what I was reading. In this case it is not at all like painting flames and expecting something to go faster. They very well might come off different assembly lines with different QA and different physical runs of parts. I know its a longshot, but that is why I am asking if anyone can verify. I realize it is more likely that the Chinese vs. Korean Notes may exhibit some differences. Again, I am asking in the Q&A section to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've read the only issue that seems different between the white and black is the micro crack that people have in the white ones. It seems spread wide on who has a good one and who has a bad one. So to be fair I can understand where studacris is coming from on the color. As for the black crush, I can't say either way as I'm running completely stock non-rooted, but I'd imagine that if it's hardware related then no it wouldn't be fixed with ICS, if it's software related, other phones would be experiencing the same issue. Lastly I guess a good question would be who bought their phone where and if it's running poorly or not to see if there's a correlation with the batches.
Hey guy's thank-you for posting your opinions and thoughts about this phone. If you have anything else to post please do so and I'll be here checking out this thread as the day rolls on.
I had a Streak for over a year, and I wouldn't have replaced it with a device with a smaller screen. Think about what you do/want to do with your mobile device. If you mostly use it for talking on, than maybe the Note is not for you. But if you do a lot of email, Web surfing, navigation, playing games, etc. than after you've used a Note for a week you'll never want to use a smaller device again, and you'll wonder how you ever did before
I have a white one and my phone rarely shows any lag, and my quadrant scores ate just as high as anybody's...not that wouldn't means much, but people seem to obsess over it. There isn't any difference between the two except that micro crack thing, although I'm sure that could also be a problem with the black version. I say that, because a similar crack would be nearly impossible to see in black plastic. When I had my old iPhone 3g, I exchanged it multiple times due to the problem that they had with cracking around all of the ports, and it was really only visible with the white ones. I looked at multiple black ones that friends had, and they all had the cracks, but you basically had to look at them with a magnifying glass in the right light to see the cracks. Therefore, I think it may be the same case with the Note.
Really, I can't recommend this phone enough. I dare a manufacturer to try and top it, because that would be a hell of a feat in my eyes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
I've done hours of research on multiple forums. Most of the issues seem to center around gaps around the screen and dead pixels. I want to believe that the reason I am seeing that almost nobody has a greatly built phone, without any problems, is because everyone is posting and complaining in the "build quality issue" threads.
I bought the S4 on launch day and loved it. Albeit the squeaky/creeking back of the phone, and the "cheap" feel. However, I did break the screen and will be getting a full refund from squaretade (lovely company, wasn't expecting that.)
I had the HTC One X before my S4 and absolutely loved it. I'd really love to pick up a 64gb Black One instead of going back to the S4, but with all of these complaints I'm not sure if I should. I'm pretty certain that I could inspect the phone in the AT&T or Best Buy store before purchasing it, but I don't want to come off as a **** and make them open five phones to find one that is perfect. I will be purchasing it off contract, at around $700, so I cant seem to justify buying one if it isn't perfect. I'm quite OCD and I just wouldn't be okay with that.
So my question is this: Does anyone actually have a perfect One? And if so, what color-size-and purchase date?
Thank you for your time
im about to be on my fifth HTC One and havent gotten a "perfect" one yet .... im pretty aware of how to put the device through a detailed test to check out its battery, screen for dead pixels, speaker sound issues, gaps, vibrate motor, camera lens failure and rattling, squeaks and creaks on the device dude to flex, scratches. the quality control on the HTC One is pretty despicable ... so upset I traded away my Apple iPhone 5
I think mind is about as perfect as they come. Silver 32gb and I got it a few weeks ago
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
By as perfect as the come, what is wrong?
I think I can fall into this catagory...ive had my phone since 5/1 and ive tried my best to find some of these issues that ive read about....
The lines are just perfect...no gaps and no meet points are uneven. Ive also used the dead pixel finder apps and nothing there either...from any viewing angle.
I believe most of the issues ive read about tend to lean towards the international models...but ive seen them on this forum also. At the end of the day "most" units are probably near perfect...but there will always be a few that aren't.
Purchased: 5/1/2013
Silver
32GB
I cannot find any flaws in mine. Bought a couple of weeks ago at the AT&T store straight - first phone out of the box. No gaps, no dead pixels. 32gb black edition. Loving it!
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Not a single complaint
I have the silver 64G version and I've had none of the issues about which people have been complaining. No dead pixels, no fast-draining battery (I only have to charge every other overnight and I can get three full days with Power Saver enabled, unless I watch a TV show or movie, Navigate for a while, or have the screen on for an extended period for any other reason), no backlight bleeding through any screen "gaps", no camera issues, no lagginess, etc.. Everything works, looks, and fits exactly right. It's the first of four Android phones I've owned that I don't feel I have to root or overclock, and it works perfectly with stock everything.
I see that there are some people with some legitimate issues with various aspects of their Ones, and I understand their frustrations. A dead pixel is a dead pixel and there's no getting around that. But I also see a number of very vocal people who seem to be looking for problems where there are none. If you* see a slightly brighter shade of backlight at the very top of the screen where the glass meets the aluminum when you hold your phone at an extreme angle and squeeze the sides really hard, that's not a manufacturing defect -- that's you doing your job as an RM for some competitor, being a nitpicking primadona, or just a troll.
* of course, "you" is not you specifically, OP, but the generic "somebody"
xsaqzw said:
I've done hours of research on multiple forums. Most of the issues seem to center around gaps around the screen and dead pixels. I want to believe that the reason I am seeing that almost nobody has a greatly built phone, without any problems, is because everyone is posting and complaining in the "build quality issue" threads.
I bought the S4 on launch day and loved it. Albeit the squeaky/creeking back of the phone, and the "cheap" feel. However, I did break the screen and will be getting a full refund from squaretade (lovely company, wasn't expecting that.)
I had the HTC One X before my S4 and absolutely loved it. I'd really love to pick up a 64gb Black One instead of going back to the S4, but with all of these complaints I'm not sure if I should. I'm pretty certain that I could inspect the phone in the AT&T or Best Buy store before purchasing it, but I don't want to come off as a **** and make them open five phones to find one that is perfect. I will be purchasing it off contract, at around $700, so I cant seem to justify buying one if it isn't perfect. I'm quite OCD and I just wouldn't be okay with that.
So my question is this: Does anyone actually have a perfect One? And if so, what color-size-and purchase date?
Thank you for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, i have one.Silver 32gb
Got it on release day, no gaps, glass is flush, no dead pixels, and my boss has the phone too, black 32 gb, he bought his after playing with mine, hes on Tmo.His black is perfect also
Nothing is wrong but some people might nitpick. I've noticed nothing
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Mine was purchased straight from HTC and its great. It's just as good as my wife's iPhone or my friends GS4. I don't see any issues with it at all.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Thank you for all of the positive feedback everyone!!! I'm still going to make sure the at&t rep will let me take a good look over it, but I think I've made my decision.
Side note:; Are there any de-sense roms yet? Not that I don't like sense.. I loved it on my One X
xsaqzw said:
Thank you for all of the positive feedback everyone!!! I'm still going to make sure the at&t rep will let me take a good look over it, but I think I've made my decision.
Side note:; Are there any de-sense roms yet? Not that I don't like sense.. I loved it on my One X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is your friend. Or since you're already on XDA you might as well check out the Original Android development section.
Oh, and same goes for me. My One appears to be FINE to me. No dead pixels, no body issues, etc. I recently cracked the LCD so I sent it in to HTC for repair and hopefully they don't mess anything up to take away from that 'perfection'.
I have some very small issues with mine if I was nitpicking, like the slightest of unevenness between the screen/speaker grills. Also a small gap in the top left corner (extremely small). But don't affect usage in any way and I can only tell if I closely examine. My previous one had dead pixels which annoyed me - so I exchanged it. But nothing worth exchanging here, IMO.
badams1 said:
I think I can fall into this catagory...ive had my phone since 5/1 and ive tried my best to find some of these issues that ive read about....
The lines are just perfect...no gaps and no meet points are uneven. Ive also used the dead pixel finder apps and nothing there either...from any viewing angle.
I believe most of the issues ive read about tend to lean towards the international models...but ive seen them on this forum also. At the end of the day "most" units are probably near perfect...but there will always be a few that aren't.
Purchased: 5/1/2013
Silver
32GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you and have a 32gb silver with zero issues. My g/f has a 64GB silver with no issues either.
No issues here
No dead pixels, battery lasts the day or more depending on usage, no fit issues that I can see, no random reboots or anything. Really like the device. :good:
Cosmetically, my phone is flawless no gaps lifts or anything. Screen is perfect no dead/stuck pixels and couldn't be happier with it. I know some have knocked the durability of the one but I've been caseless for 2 weeks and not even a single grain of chipping on the black finish.
I have a perfect one
I'm not that happy with the build quality on mine as I expected more from "ZeroGap and Unibody". I come from Galaxy Note N7000, and I was really expecting Apple quality.
Mine is not that bad as some photo's of others complaining, but my upper speaker grill is lower than the screen, so when I swipe from the top, I can feel the sharp edge of the screen. The bottom speaker grill is on the same level as the screen so no bumps there.
Next, there's a thin black plastic that wraps around the screen. On the left upper corner, this black plastic is partially stuck inside and partially sticking out more than the other sides. It was annoying me until I wrapped around a case that covers them. I had a Nokia 920 which also has this kind of black thin plastic, and the N920 had a perfect black strip around the screen. Nokia can do it, why can't HTC do it?
Going to the camera (major deciding factor for me), sometimes the photo looks really blurry on 1/3 of the left and right (landscape mode) while it's perfectly sharp in the center. This is because optical image stabilization over-reacts and blurs the image. This doesn't happen all the time, but it happens enough times that it bothers me. Also when taking pictures of the blue sky and look on a computer, the pixels are garbage and artificial looking. Low light pictures and macro pictures are pretty good.
I have a 32GB silver AT&T HTC One, and Android Revolution HD 10.2.
Mine is perfect, but then again I don't go looking for reasons to complain...
Went to Costco with my GF, we looked at 3 HTC ones and chose the best of the 3.
Ours don't have gaps, glass is pretty flush and no dead pixels. I think we got lucky.
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice, polite post.
I would like to help you BUTTTTTT. I also live in Europe, Southern Europe and I have yet to even set eyes on the Sony xperia Z Ultra. I do own the xperia z mobile also the xperia Z tablet.
I have also owned the note and just found it too big for my daily usage. The Ultra is going to be massive. I mean massive. Like you I want one BUT am thinking very hard before I purchase. You see next month there are going to be numerous new devices introduced including some from Samsung, the note 111.
I am unsure about only one area of the Ultra and that is the size. Just how pocket friendly is this going to be? I used to get annoyed with my note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into by groin. I ended up only carrying it. Sold it within less than a year of ownership.
I have zero reservations regarding the quality of the Ultra. Sony are a top brand with many years of consumer product research and after sales etc.
I am not going to take the jump to the Ultra until I see what's coming next month. New mobiles from Sony, HTC, Samsung and LG to name a few are going to be released. I don't think any of them will have the same massive screen but that is fine for me. 5.5 or 6" would be the max for me, I think?
Its a dilemma. The Ultra introduced into the EC will be LTE 4G so no worries there. More than that I cannot say?
Kindest regards.
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's my impression based on my 8-hours experience with the ZU:
Build quality
Just put a screen protector on top of the shatterproof film. Many reports it won't interfere with the screen sensitivity. I myself haven't got my hand on a screen protector, so I just use the plastic cover with various logo that is on the lcd when you first open the box.. no touch issue :laugh:
Water resistance
The screen reacts like cr*p. Few drops, running water, partially submerged, then the phone will feel all touchy. Random touches. Submerged entirely, there's seem to be no random input anymore but it won't respond any touch. This is a limitation of current capacitive touchscreen technology, I think. Take it out and wipe it dry, good as new.
Loudspeaker
Not too loud, but enough for me. As a ringtone, it maybe not loud enough in a noisy environment. Not sure since haven't tried many scenario
Size
BIG. Width-wise, yes it sits nicely in my (not baggy, but not skinny)jeans pocket. But tall-wise.. well this is where ZU comes sho... no, long. It's almost too long for my taste. When I use jeans with deeper pockets, I can sit down without having my hip speared by the ZU, but smaller pockets, yes, I can feel it, and a bit annoyed. Walking is no problem. Lucky me most of my jeans fall into the deeper-pocket-category
Availability
Can't help you there :silly:
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, both sides are glass (DragonTrail i believe), which is "scratch proof" like Gorilla Glass, but that doesn't mean it's shatterproof. Glass is glass after all, and if you drop it on the ground, it'll most certainly shatter. The only thing the shatter protectors do is to keep the screen in one piece once it shatters.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll react like any other capacitive screen; not that gracefully. It'll do its thing and you won't have any control, but it'll survive and that's the most important thing.
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like the Ultra shares the same problem like its little brother - the Xperia Z. Audio levels are pretty low compared to other devices, but there's a reason for that. They are both waterproof and there's a membrane on the speaker so water doesn't penetrate the speaker and destroys the device.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckily (i can't believe i'm saying this) winter is coming, and i'll wear a jacket most of the time when i'm outside, so i hope it won't be a huge problem (which i doubt).
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm from Norway and i haven't even touched the Ultra yet, so it'll be interesting once i get the chance to play with it. I have no idea about who, what or where you can get the Ultra in the Netherlands (once it's released), but my bet is to check your typical big carriers since they are the first ones to receive new devices.
Also, your English is very good, so no excuses are necessary, and your post is excellent. It's quite refreshing to read a good post and not the typical "when can buy ultra store cheap help help" (yes, that's a totaly normal post around here)
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with the above.
Build Quality I find to be very good.
Water resistance as mentioned above. Drops of water set off the screen so it will go mad. When fully submerged the screen will not accept touch input. Need to set volume buttons to take pic. Otherwise good clear pics/video.
Loudspeaker - not the greatest, its works. I use bluetooth external speakers.
Size - yes a bit of an issue. It'll fit in your jean pocket but you'll be climbing stairs like you have a wooden leg. I found a money belt that it fits into for carrying on my person. Otherwise it sits on a desk.
You missed battery! - the battery life so far is very good considering the size of the screen.
If I were you I'd wait for the Honami release which is due soon. It has 20MP camera with flash for starters.
All Dutchmen speak/write GOOD english.
Hello,
Also concerning about buying it, might jump on it next week. I had a 3G version in my hands and in term of build it is really good, it is big but like I bring a N7 everywhere I feel it even more comfortable to use than a 7" tab.
The only thing that worry me is all the different models, as I actually live in Vietnam and soon go back to French I go for the C6833 that is the LTE version that will be available in Europe and normally is sold as international version. That's worry me for the upcoming customs ROMs, this is often a mess with the baseband. Because the launcher is interesting, but it is hard to believe that now a day we still have launcher with limited scroll.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your post is so well written (and you have nothing to apologise about! Better written than most native English speakers, I kid you not.) I felt inclined to respond with my 2 cents.
I have had it for over 3 weeks now
Build quality
Nothing to complain about. In fact better than most manufacturers out there. Nice choice of materials, designed and put together well.
With regard to the screen and the shatterproof film which comes on top of it from the factory, leave it on. Removing it will mean removing the Sony Logo, and also your warranty.
Honestly, it is barely noticeable. In fact, I think most average users are not aware that there is a sheet there. As the name suggests, it is a sheet that prevents glass from flying everywhere WHEN and IF it shatters. It is for safety reason above everything else. It is not there to protect your screen.
So leave it on, and put a 3rd party protector immediately after purchase, and it will be as good as new every time you replace it.
It is up to you if you want to spend a fortune on these protectors. My experience tells me whatever the brand, they do scratch, and need replacing once in a while. Mine is a dollar, and it will last me for up to half a year. Then I will buy another and replace it. Good as new again.
If you are thinking that having a sheet on top of a sheet will hinder performance, rest assured. NO, it won't.
Water resistance and Speakers
Nothing to add, comments above reflect my opinions too
Size
To answer your question specifically, yes, it really is passport x 1.5.
Unless you wear those super-skinny-jeans, it should fit regular jeans no problem.
I am 5'7, wear loose fitting jeans. Levi's. I have about 5 different models, but they all fit without poking their heads out.
It fits. But is it comfortable? As someone said in previous comment, going up and down stairs feels funny a bit. Walking is no problem.
Since it feels well built, it gives no impression of fragility. But sometimes I remind myself not to put it in my back pocket for 2 reason.
Firstly, if I forget about it and sit down, I'd hate to think what would happen.
Secondly, for back pockets, it will poke out. It must be inviting for pick-pocketers.
Ryland Johnson said:
Very nice, polite post.
I would like to help you BUTTTTTT. I also live in Europe, Southern Europe and I have yet to even set eyes on the Sony xperia Z Ultra. I do own the xperia z mobile also the xperia Z tablet.
I have also owned the note and just found it too big for my daily usage. The Ultra is going to be massive. I mean massive. Like you I want one BUT am thinking very hard before I purchase. You see next month there are going to be numerous new devices introduced including some from Samsung, the note 111.
I am unsure about only one area of the Ultra and that is the size. Just how pocket friendly is this going to be? I used to get annoyed with my note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into by groin. I ended up only carrying it. Sold it within less than a year of ownership.
I have zero reservations regarding the quality of the Ultra. Sony are a top brand with many years of consumer product research and after sales etc.
I am not going to take the jump to the Ultra until I see what's coming next month. New mobiles from Sony, HTC, Samsung and LG to name a few are going to be released. I don't think any of them will have the same massive screen but that is fine for me. 5.5 or 6" would be the max for me, I think?
Its a dilemma. The Ultra introduced into the EC will be LTE 4G so no worries there. More than that I cannot say?
Kindest regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love South Europe. It's my holiday destination of choice. I love how spontaneous and happy in general the people are there. The big cities are so alive, a day and at night, and at the country side the people are just so nice. Maybe it has something to do with not raining every other day .
But I guess we’re in the same boat about how this phone compares to the competition. I guess that means that it’s a great time to buy a new phone though.
unk_damnation said:
Here's my impression based on my 8-hours experience with the ZU:
Build quality
Just put a screen protector on top of the shatterproof film. Many reports it won't interfere with the screen sensitivity. I myself haven't got my hand on a screen protector, so I just use the plastic cover with various logo that is on the lcd when you first open the box.. no touch issue :laugh:
Water resistance
The screen reacts like cr*p. Few drops, running water, partially submerged, then the phone will feel all touchy. Random touches. Submerged entirely, there's seem to be no random input anymore but it won't respond any touch. This is a limitation of current capacitive touchscreen technology, I think. Take it out and wipe it dry, good as new.
Loudspeaker
Not too loud, but enough for me. As a ringtone, it maybe not loud enough in a noisy environment. Not sure since haven't tried many scenario
Size
BIG. Width-wise, yes it sits nicely in my (not baggy, but not skinny)jeans pocket. But tall-wise.. well this is where ZU comes sho... no, long. It's almost too long for my taste. When I use jeans with deeper pockets, I can sit down without having my hip speared by the ZU, but smaller pockets, yes, I can feel it, and a bit annoyed. Walking is no problem. Lucky me most of my jeans fall into the deeper-pocket-category
Availability
Can't help you there :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess a stick-on screen protector will indeed the best solution. If it does not interfere with the touch response, we will have the best of both worlds: a “shatterproof” film, and no permanent scratches.
Wiping the screen, but without damage is still a pro. It’s a shame I can’t carelessly use it in the shower or at the pool, but at least there won’t be any damage. I have had phones getting damaged by normal rain. It would be a great feeling, to know that it will still function afterwards.
LordManhattan said:
Well, both sides are glass (DragonTrail i believe), which is "scratch proof" like Gorilla Glass, but that doesn't mean it's shatterproof. Glass is glass after all, and if you drop it on the ground, it'll most certainly shatter. The only thing the shatter protectors do is to keep the screen in one piece once it shatters.
It'll react like any other capacitive screen; not that gracefully. It'll do its thing and you won't have any control, but it'll survive and that's the most important thing.
It looks like the Ultra shares the same problem like its little brother - the Xperia Z. Audio levels are pretty low compared to other devices, but there's a reason for that. They are both waterproof and there's a membrane on the speaker so water doesn't penetrate the speaker and destroys the device.
Luckily (i can't believe i'm saying this) winter is coming, and i'll wear a jacket most of the time when i'm outside, so i hope it won't be a huge problem (which i doubt).
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm from Norway and i haven't even touched the Ultra yet, so it'll be interesting once i get the chance to play with it. I have no idea about who, what or where you can get the Ultra in the Netherlands (once it's released), but my bet is to check your typical big carriers since they are the first ones to receive new devices.
Also, your English is very good, so no excuses are necessary, and your post is excellent. It's quite refreshing to read a good post and not the typical "when can buy ultra store cheap help help" (yes, that's a totaly normal post around here)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny how there are so many Europeans on here, I didn’t see that one coming…
You’re so right about it surviving being the most important thing. It’s just so incredibly nice that Sony actually realizes that these phones are used in the real world. With accidents, and indeed rain. I certainly hope that Samsung and HTC can also start caring about real world durability.
Funny though, how us XDA people change our clothing for our devices. Most people do it the other way around .
But sticking to the big carriers is a great idea. I have to get a new 4G new plan anyways, and at least I am sure that I dealing with a reputable party.
stevefwt said:
I agree with the above.
Build Quality I find to be very good.
Water resistance as mentioned above. Drops of water set off the screen so it will go mad. When fully submerged the screen will not accept touch input. Need to set volume buttons to take pic. Otherwise good clear pics/video.
Loudspeaker - not the greatest, its works. I use bluetooth external speakers.
Size - yes a bit of an issue. It'll fit in your jean pocket but you'll be climbing stairs like you have a wooden leg. I found a money belt that it fits into for carrying on my person. Otherwise it sits on a desk.
You missed battery! - the battery life so far is very good considering the size of the screen.
If I were you I'd wait for the Honami release which is due soon. It has 20MP camera with flash for starters.
All Dutchmen speak/write GOOD english.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery life is a good point. I am -- as I think we all are in here -- a smartphone junkie. The battery on my Note 2 -- a phone famed for its large battery -- doesn’t last till bedtime. So, while I am pretty sure the Ultra Z won’t last me a full day, at least it is not a phone with subpar battery life.
The honami does sound like a great device, but it’s not for me. I feel as if the screen on my Note 2 is too small, so that would be a major downside to the Honami. It is an enormous shame though that the Honami camera isn’t available on the Ultra Z.
bASKOU said:
Hello,
Also concerning about buying it, might jump on it next week. I had a 3G version in my hands and in term of build it is really good, it is big but like I bring a N7 everywhere I feel it even more comfortable to use than a 7" tab.
The only thing that worry me is all the different models, as I actually live in Vietnam and soon go back to French I go for the C6833 that is the LTE version that will be available in Europe and normally is sold as international version. That's worry me for the upcoming customs ROMs, this is often a mess with the baseband. Because the launcher is interesting, but it is hard to believe that now a day we still have launcher with limited scroll.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrying around a Nexus 7 2013 was indeed my plan before the Xperia Z Ultra got released. If the Honami or Note 2 turn out to be killer devices, I will buy them and a small tablet.
About the basebands, it is indeed a very serious problem. I am already concerned about how big the development community for this phone will be, but this makes it even worse. I thought Samsung was a mess. It would be a major plus for a device to carry all LTE frequencies including LTE-A in addition to HSPDA+. When travelling that’d be great, and custom roms wouldn’t have to be baseband specific.
jewelkobayashi said:
Since your post is so well written (and you have nothing to apologise about! Better written than most native English speakers, I kid you not.) I felt inclined to respond with my 2 cents.
I have had it for over 3 weeks now
Build quality
Nothing to complain about. In fact better than most manufacturers out there. Nice choice of materials, designed and put together well.
With regard to the screen and the shatterproof film which comes on top of it from the factory, leave it on. Removing it will mean removing the Sony Logo, and also your warranty.
Honestly, it is barely noticeable. In fact, I think most average users are not aware that there is a sheet there. As the name suggests, it is a sheet that prevents glass from flying everywhere WHEN and IF it shatters. It is for safety reason above everything else. It is not there to protect your screen.
So leave it on, and put a 3rd party protector immediately after purchase, and it will be as good as new every time you replace it.
It is up to you if you want to spend a fortune on these protectors. My experience tells me whatever the brand, they do scratch, and need replacing once in a while. Mine is a dollar, and it will last me for up to half a year. Then I will buy another and replace it. Good as new again.
If you are thinking that having a sheet on top of a sheet will hinder performance, rest assured. NO, it won't.
Water resistance and Speakers
Nothing to add, comments above reflect my opinions too
Size
To answer your question specifically, yes, it really is passport x 1.5.
Unless you wear those super-skinny-jeans, it should fit regular jeans no problem.
I am 5'7, wear loose fitting jeans. Levi's. I have about 5 different models, but they all fit without poking their heads out.
It fits. But is it comfortable? As someone said in previous comment, going up and down stairs feels funny a bit. Walking is no problem.
Since it feels well built, it gives no impression of fragility. But sometimes I remind myself not to put it in my back pocket for 2 reason.
Firstly, if I forget about it and sit down, I'd hate to think what would happen.
Secondly, for back pockets, it will poke out. It must be inviting for pick-pocketers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a good point about the warranty being voided by removing the shatterproof film. I will try a cheap screen protector first. I was under the impression that they were quite bad, but if they are just as good it’s a nice way to save money.
A passport x1.5 would be a great size though. A definite upgrade from the Note 2, but still manageable. I am the same height, and also wear Levi’s so I guess I will be all right.
which model for at&t lte
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone confirm that the international C6806 can b used for North American AT&T LTE bands. dont want to pre-order wrong model
ddiddy22 said:
Can someone confirm that the international C6806 can b used for North American AT&T LTE bands. dont want to pre-order wrong model
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of everything I read, the C6806 is good for North America and work on AT&T but don't have wifi call. After the international version is the c6833 that go europe LTE bands too.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 08:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:07 AM ----------
Road Trip said:
Carrying around a Nexus 7 2013 was indeed my plan before the Xperia Z Ultra got released. If the Honami or Note 2 turn out to be killer devices, I will buy them and a small tablet.
About the basebands, it is indeed a very serious problem. I am already concerned about how big the development community for this phone will be, but this makes it even worse. I thought Samsung was a mess. It would be a major plus for a device to carry all LTE frequencies including LTE-A in addition to HSPDA+. When travelling that’d be great, and custom roms wouldn’t have to be baseband specific.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I to wonder how large the community will be. Baseband troubles was a mess on the HTC sensation between 4G 3G and AT&T models. Now it is fine, thanks to the work of the devs.
Right, but they always feel the need to limit bands on the phone. Way to win more money. Why make simple (for the customers) with low margin when we can make complex (for the customers) with high margin?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Just, within the hour, received my Ultra. I have not yet even turned it on! I have it charging. I use at present the SGNote 3 and the difference in quality is immediate. I owned the original Xperia Z and the quality of that was simply superb, why I bought the Note 3 I have no idea however.
So pleased to again just hold a device that feels so well made and worth its value in terms of cost also being a flagship of that group. When I hold the Note 3 now...........The Note 3 is a superb phablet but simply lacks that feel of being a flag ship device. I am so pleased to hold the Ultra and experience that feeling of class. Of purchasing something worthy of my cash and its title.
I will post again latter when I have charged the Ultra and turned it on. I am praying I have made the right choice in changing over and the Sony will perform well without the software bugs I have with my Note 3?
Kind regards to one and all.
Ryland
Ryland Johnson said:
Just, within the hour, received my Ultra. I have not yet even turned it on! I have it charging. I use at present the SGNote 3 and the difference in quality is immediate. I owned the original Xperia Z and the quality of that was simply superb, why I bought the Note 3 I have no idea however.
So pleased to again just hold a device that feels so well made and worth its value in terms of cost also being a flagship of that group. When I hold the Note 3 now...........The Note 3 is a superb phablet but simply lacks that feel of being a flag ship device. I am so pleased to hold the Ultra and experience that feeling of class. Of purchasing something worthy of my cash and its title.
I will post again latter when I have charged the Ultra and turned it on. I am praying I have made the right choice in changing over and the Sony will perform well without the software bugs I have with my Note 3?
Kind regards to one and all.
Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from a note 2 and never going back to samsung. It does everything that samsung does but better and the quality of the Zu is just amazing. I feel my money was well spent. Instead of buying a big piece of plastic.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium HD app
cameljockey1 said:
I came from a note 2 and never going back to samsung. It does everything that samsung does but better and the quality of the Zu is just amazing. I feel my money was well spent. Instead of buying a big piece of plastic.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can fully understand your sentiments.
My major gripe with Samsung is the materials used in the construction. The Note 3 is one of the most expensive phones on the market. In terms of Android I think it may well be THE most expensive? If other brands like HTC, Apple and Sony can produce top spec phones AND be constructed from quality materials, why cant Samsung. My Note 3 has plastic leather back with plastic pretend stitching along with plastic chrome sides etc? I am amazed Samsung didn't use cling film for the screen! Its a missed opportunity as the Note 3 when bug free works very well indeed.
Presentation has an awful lot to do with how we feel about what we own. For top price models I think it only reasonable to expect top quality materials and finish. Still, Samsung's loss and Sony's gain.
It is also very reassuring to own a device that is NOT region locked and to that end I am able to use it all over the globe unlike the Note 3 that I can only use within Europe! Don't set me off on that one.
Just waiting for them to charge then I can play..............I just have to start to act my age! Scrub that what an awful concept...yuk..
Ryland
Ex Note 2 user here too. I really was never bother by the plastic to be honest although holding the naked Ultra just feels amazing! Note 4 would have to be more than amazing for me to go back. Besides, knowing samsung they will add .18" again to its size to make it just short of 5.9 so it will take a few more generations to get to the Ultra size lol
shaolin95 said:
Ex Note 2 user here too. I really was never bother by the plastic to be honest although holding the naked Ultra just feels amazing! Note 4 would have to be more than amazing for me to go back. Besides, knowing samsung they will add .18" again to its size to make it just short of 5.9 so it will take a few more generations to get to the Ultra size lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the Note 1 the day of release only to sell it some months later because I could not live with its pocket unfriendly size. I recall writing in my Amazon review that a phone that size will never sell in any numbers.....Talk about dropping a brick! The Note series has sold in the millions.
The quality of the Note 1 was far far better than my Note 3. I didn't purchase the Note 2 but understand the general build of the Note 2 was also superior to the Note 3? Enough of the past and the plastics.
I am very pleased with the quality of the screen and the speed of this appears to me just a smooth and fast as my note 3. I think the 3GB of RAM on the Note is needed to run the UI. The Sony is more vanilla in UI and I prefer that.
The colour scheme on the Sony is also beautiful. I prefer the Sony screen to the Samsung though this is choice, both screens are simply superb.
No sooner I turned the Sony on that it updated to 4.3 OS and I then spent some time downloading my apps etc.
This IS one beast of a phablet. I have zero idea how I am going to live with the size but I am going to make ever effort! The SBH52 will help so I don't have to keep taking the Ultra out of pockets. I had to laugh this afternoon as I cant find a single pair of trousers that this beastie will fit into.
I like the SBH52 even though it came without a charger and no instructions at all. Soon found what I wanted on the Sony site.
Early days to write much more. One tiny thing I have noticed is that Sony have made the icons smaller on the screen? I was surprised at that. I would have preferred larger icons.
I hope it proves reliable. I have it housed in a very nice real leather flip case holder. Holder has one small snag in that no space is cut out for the charging mini USB port so I have to remove the Ultra from the case in order to charge it or down load things to my PC. I will see if I can cut out a small space myself tomorrow.
So..........So far all good. Wonderful quality of materials, very different from the Samsung experience. Both good phablets in their own way.
Will be nice to be able to use my phone again in the rain etc.
Regards,
Ryland
Ryland Johnson said:
I hope it proves reliable. I have it housed in a very nice real leather flip case holder. Holder has one small snag in that no space is cut out for the charging mini USB port so I have to remove the Ultra from the case in order to charge it or down load things to my PC. I will see if I can cut out a small space myself tomorrow.
So..........So far all good. Wonderful quality of materials, very different from the Samsung experience. Both good phablets in their own way.
Will be nice to be able to use my phone again in the rain etc.
Regards,
Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend leaving your case as is.
=Cut out a space for the mag-dock. It charges slightly faster and it wont wear the O-rings out from opening and closing them a couple times perday.. that way it will continue to protect agains dust and water.
hamdogg said:
I recommend leaving your case as is.
=Cut out a space for the mag-dock. It charges slightly faster and it wont wear the O-rings out from opening and closing them a couple times perday.. that way it will continue to protect agains dust and water.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the kind and informative reply. There are oddly enough already cut outs for the dock. I have not purchased a dock though as I have read here that the phone does not fit a dock while still in its case only without a case? This would mean every time I need to charge the Ultra I would need to remove it from its cover.
Second point I need to connect my Ultra to my PC to update my documents etc. Is there another way, wifi for eg, of doing this?
I notice that inside the covers of my past Xperia Z that inside the tiny flaps was a white membrane. This was there to show if water had passed the flap and void the warranty? There is no such white membrane inside the flaps on the Ultra. is this correct?
Thanks for your help and support, I appreciate it.
Regards,
Ryland
Ryland Johnson said:
Thank you for the kind and informative reply. There are oddly enough already cut outs for the dock. I have not purchased a dock though as I have read here that the phone does not fit a dock while still in its case only without a case? This would mean every time I need to charge the Ultra I would need to remove it from its cover.
Second point I need to connect my Ultra to my PC to update my documents etc. Is there another way, wifi for eg, of doing this?
I notice that inside the covers of my past Xperia Z that inside the tiny flaps was a white membrane. This was there to show if water had passed the flap and void the warranty? There is no such white membrane inside the flaps on the Ultra. is this correct?
Thanks for your help and support, I appreciate it.
Regards,
Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get a cable that connects through the mag -dock. Don't need the actual dock.
You can use wifi direct to connect, but that will depend on your computer's hardware. Loads of apps and software to do this through IP address if you need. The only reason I use my Usb is to update firmware using an Ftp and flash tool.
Ryland Johnson said:
Thank you for the kind and informative reply. There are oddly enough already cut outs for the dock. I have not purchased a dock though as I have read here that the phone does not fit a dock while still in its case only without a case? This would mean every time I need to charge the Ultra I would need to remove it from its cover.
Second point I need to connect my Ultra to my PC to update my documents etc. Is there another way, wifi for eg, of doing this?
I notice that inside the covers of my past Xperia Z that inside the tiny flaps was a white membrane. This was there to show if water had passed the flap and void the warranty? There is no such white membrane inside the flaps on the Ultra. is this correct?
Thanks for your help and support, I appreciate it.
Regards,
Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly recommend a dock. You will be so sick of opening the USB port every time you're going to charge it, and you'll also wear the rubber seals out (i guess). It's also nice to dock it on the nightstand at night and watch tv shows, like it's a tiny Sony TV.
You can transfer files wirelessly by using an app. AirDroid is very good, but that's more of a full fledged manager that you can transfer big files, delete files, send SMS' and even navigate through the filesystem with. I installed Pushbullet last week and it's an amazing little app. It's so easy to send links, photos, files etc. to and from a computer or even another device. I highly recommend it.
Welcome to the Z Ultra forms, @Ryland Johnson !
I remember you from the Z forum (was contemplating buying the Z)..
The Z Ultra is indeed big, but just use it for a month or so, every other phone will seem tiny then
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
warfareonly said:
Welcome to the Z Ultra forms, @Ryland Johnson !
I remember you from the Z forum (was contemplating buying the Z)..
The Z Ultra is indeed big, but just use it for a month or so, every other phone will seem tiny then
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed...
Especially compare it with ip4/4s...
ZU makes them looks like a lil boys phone...
hamdogg said:
You can get a cable that connects through the mag -dock. Don't need the actual dock.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you all for the kind information.
Hamdogg, may I ask you a little more about this cable you mention? Any links or other information would again be appreciated.
many thanks,
Ryland
ronald_loulan said:
Agreed...
Especially compare it with ip4/4s...
ZU makes them looks like a lil boys phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was considering the Apple iPhone 5S. I know I know, going over to the 'dark side' The points that prevented me where price, its double the cost of the Ultra, not able to use any sort of expandable memory, not water resistant plus possibly the OS and UI? I wanted to try the newer Apple to see if I liked it any more than I did my first Apple. I have to write that the Apple is a quality product with quality back up. The packaging alone always pleases me when I purchase something Apple. I am just not an Apple OS fan.
Sony are getting there again. I think, I don't know, that some large companies like Sony sat on their laurels for too long and just depended on customer loyalty. Not possible to do that for many years. Pleased to see that Sony are moving in the right direction BUT still have a tad way to go.
A classic example of this is the SBH52. I purchased this with the Ultra. No instructions nor wall charger in the box? Even the packaging is rather cheap and cheerful. Apple just don't do that. Even the boxes Apple products come in is quality cardboard !! This is not a joke, all aspects of marketing need to be spot on to improve or even hold onto ones market place.
Remember HTC? Hardly see a single sale in this country today yet only 5 years ago it was nearly all HTC.
Apple have made a science out of how they sell and their market research is second to non plus their customer satisfaction and relations are superb. Of course there will always be the exception to any rule.
I like what Sony are doing. As I wrote above I think in some areas they have a way to go, they appear to be a getting there though. IF Sony can maintain this trend I think Sony will again start to show profits and the devices they produce will again reach the heights they did in the past.
Now Pioneer have ceased making TV's Sony and Panasonic make some top quality sets. Samsung and LG outsell them all BUT for how long?
Samsung is starting to slip with things like region lock on their phones. I for one will not purchase another Samsung until they drop this absurd behaviour.
I had to factory reset my Ultra last night after spending 12 hours setting it up just as I wanted it. The screen froze and no matter what I did it would not unfreeze. After turning the device on and off several times I was able to get into the settings and reset to factory settings. For around 30 minutes I thought it was going to have to be returned! The programme that caused the problem was 'talk back'.
One point that has concerned me is after a complete factory reset I noticed today that the files I had downloaded from my PC into the memory of the Ultra where STILL THERE! This is bad news as had I returned the Ultra those files would have been open to access. I was under the illusion that a factory reset would reset the phone back to a virgin state. This is not at all the case?
Very early days though and some teething problems can some times occur.
Ryland
warfareonly said:
Welcome to the Z Ultra forms, @Ryland Johnson !
I remember you from the Z forum (was contemplating buying the Z)..
The Z Ultra is indeed big, but just use it for a month or so, every other phone will seem tiny then
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. What an experience that was! No matter how hard I tried to explain the difference between water proof and water resistant some fellow posters just could not accept that their poor Xperia Z's where unsuitable for deep sea diving. The way Sony market the Xperia Z was, in my opinion, very poor. In the manual Sony made it clear with large diagrams that the Z could not be used in sea water nor swimming pool water YET their own advert had the Z being used in a bloomin swimming pool!
I gave up on that subject and just laughed at some of the things people did with their poor phones. Did you see the clips of them being cooked in chocolate and soup etc....Phone had more artificial intelligence than some owners had brains. I am still totally baffled as to why one would take any phone into a shower? How does one wash? To what aim would one need a phone while in the shower? Never mind.
Ryland
Ryland Johnson said:
Thank you all for the kind information.
Hamdogg, may I ask you a little more about this cable you mention? Any links or other information would again be appreciated.
many thanks,
Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Charging-Cable-Xperia-Ultra/dp/B00FF9P1T6
hamdogg said:
http://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Charging-Cable-Xperia-Ultra/dp/B00FF9P1T6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know such a cable existed! Thanks so much for the heads up. I have just placed my order with Amazon.
Many thanks, :good:
Ryland
I came from many phones
last 2 are S4 LTE , Note 3 LTE
Note 3 LTE has better camera and better screen brightness & whiteness
including some interactive sensors
However is need ZU big screen !!!
next ..... may be Note 8.4 Pro (if it has) / Tab 8.4 Pro / Note 10.1 2014
(use with bluetooth headset)
Well folks after 4 days ownership and use I am so far a very happy bunny. Providing I understand I have purchased a phablet and not a tablet nor a mobile phone but the best of both worlds I am content. The SBH52 makes a very good companion device. We have long very hot summers here so where I am going to keep the table while walking about in shorts and T-shirt, I have no idea though? I do like a challenge.:good:
Ryland