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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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.
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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?
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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!
Hi, I am the proud owner of the Z mobile also the z tablet. I do ponder though if even I as a complete technophile would find use for the Ultra?
I used to own the Samsung galaxy S111 also the Note. I was very pleased with the S3 but soon sold the Note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into my groin! Its most appealing strength was its large size yet the large size was also its most challenging aspect to live with.
I am used to just picking up my mobile and putting it in my pocket and living an average sort of life. To that end I just cant see how I would live with the Ultra. lets face it, its truly massive and does come very close to the 7" tablet range?
Worries are. Flex. This is so thin it just has to flex and being so thin that glass on BOTH sides must be paper thin? I have not read yet of screen breakages on the Ultra but ponder how this is going to enjoy life in a pocket? All that screen real estate it does sort of ask for trouble? Buying some sort of cover would make the device even larger.
I am not worried about being seen holding this to my ear as I already have the SBH52 on order so would be able to use that as the phone device when paired with the Ultra. My main concern is where the heck to keep it while on the move and just how strong are those sheets of glass?
What are your thoughts? I want one but an hedging my bets on this so far.
Many thanks and kind regards.
If you were annoyed by a note inside your pocket, you'll be mad with zu inside your pocket.
Zu is reallythin, but no flex at all. Hard, rock solid structure.
How hard is the glass? I don't know since I haven't cracked it yet.
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Ryland Johnson said:
Hi, I am the proud owner of the Z mobile also the z tablet. I do ponder though if even I as a complete technophile would find use for the Ultra?
I used to own the Samsung galaxy S111 also the Note. I was very pleased with the S3 but soon sold the Note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into my groin! Its most appealing strength was its large size yet the large size was also its most challenging aspect to live with.
I am used to just picking up my mobile and putting it in my pocket and living an average sort of life. To that end I just cant see how I would live with the Ultra. lets face it, its truly massive and does come very close to the 7" tablet range?
Worries are. Flex. This is so thin it just has to flex and being so thin that glass on BOTH sides must be paper thin? I have not read yet of screen breakages on the Ultra but ponder how this is going to enjoy life in a pocket? All that screen real estate it does sort of ask for trouble? Buying some sort of cover would make the device even larger.
I am not worried about being seen holding this to my ear as I already have the SBH52 on order so would be able to use that as the phone device when paired with the Ultra. My main concern is where the heck to keep it while on the move and just how strong are those sheets of glass?
What are your thoughts? I want one but an hedging my bets on this so far.
Many thanks and kind regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will also add that my Z Ultra is rock solid. One of the most sturdy pieces of tech I have owned. Despite it being a thin, it is built like a tank it feels.
As for size, it would probably drive you mad. This is not simply a phone one puts in there pocket and lives an average life with
Sent from my C6802 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The body of the phone has an aluminum frame. So, those thin sheets of glass are mounted on a metal skeleton. Don't worry about flexing.
I feel compelled to point out that though the sides are aluminum, the skeleton itself (which is invisible from outside, of course) is glass-fiber polyamide, which is basically a reinforced nylon, and it is very strong. It's even used in cars to replace parts previously made of metal. Very impressive engineering in the 2013 Xperias, if you ask me.
I've noticed a bit of flex.. I wouldn't sit on it with it in my back pocket..
Many thanks to all those who kindly replied. If I may ask though? How do you carry the Ultra around with you? Common sense says back pockets are out due to sitting on it or even worse, being stolen. Front pockets would need to be very large indeed.
I ALWAYS use a screen protector and purchase a case for my mobile devices. The case is going to add even more size to the Ultra. My SXZ just goes with me in my front pockets without any concerns at all. I do understand this is not the same size phone though.:fingers-crossed:
I am puzzled. I want the Ultra, I don't want the new Note 3, not because the Note 3 is a poor device its just the looks, aesthetics again. Samsung, to me, look and feel cheap even though they are brilliant devices. The new Sony range look and feel like a device at this price should.
I am also very concerned that being this thin the strength in the Ultra, will in no small part, come from the glass itself regardless of the sandwich interior materials?
BTW Aluminium at that grade and thickness is used on the Ultra to make it look premium, as another poster mentioned the body is made from a hybrid mixture of carbonates. Again though with the tiny dimensions we are debating here even that fact may not be sufficient to ensure overall strength? I really don't know and its could be a very expensive learning curve
Its a dilemma for me?
Again, many thanks.
Well, if you REALLY want the Ultra, but you also want extremely good battery life, then look no further. I present to you - a 15000 mAh external battery
It's actually not that stupid. You told us that you need battery when you're out flying and stuff, but you're seated when you fly, so why not just plug this beast of a thing into the Ultra when the battery drops? And when you're done with it, put in back in your bag It's only $50 on Amazon (original price is $140)
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Ryland Johnson said:
Many thanks to all those who kindly replied. If I may ask though? How do you carry the Ultra around with you? Common sense says back pockets are out due to sitting on it or even worse, being stolen. Front pockets would need to be very large indeed.
I ALWAYS use a screen protector and purchase a case for my mobile devices. The case is going to add even more size to the Ultra. My SXZ just goes with me in my front pockets without any concerns at all. I do understand this is not the same size phone though.:fingers-crossed:
I am puzzled. I want the Ultra, I don't want the new Note 3, not because the Note 3 is a poor device its just the looks, aesthetics again. Samsung, to me, look and feel cheap even though they are brilliant devices. The new Sony range look and feel like a device at this price should.
I am also very concerned that being this thin the strength in the Ultra, will in no small part, come from the glass itself regardless of the sandwich interior materials?
BTW Aluminium at that grade and thickness is used on the Ultra to make it look premium, as another poster mentioned the body is made from a hybrid mixture of carbonates. Again though with the tiny dimensions we are debating here even that fact may not be sufficient to ensure overall strength? I really don't know and its could be a very expensive learning curve
Its a dilemma for me?
Again, many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last time I put my phone in back pocket was ages ago. An old siemens, monochrome, shockproof. So I sat on it and duh the lcd broke. Do remember that lcd panels back in those days has a large gap with the outer screen. So don't put your phone in back pocket, no matter how thick they are.
Back on track, I carry my zu in my front pocket with a flip case. Fits because it's thin, but the length of the phone needs deep pocket indeed.
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Hi,
Spent hours and hours researching the Ultra and the Note 3. Though I truly love the design of the Z range Not even I can find an excuse for purchasing what is in effect a tablet with a phone? I like my Z phone and the Z 10.1 tablet. for me though the Ultra is just that tad OTT regarding size for an every day user friendly mobile phone.
I am rather shocked and surprised to write that I have the Samsung galaxy Note 3 on order complete in a package with that awful gear watch. I write awful gear watch BUT I have not even set eyes on one yet. From what I have seen of it on Youtube it looks bloomin awful and may well end up gathering dust in a draw? Package deal though and a very good price.
Reasons I went with the Note 3 and not the ultra. Size, The specification of the Note does appear to leave the Ultra wanting in fact the only two positives I managed to write on the numerous lists I wrote where the Ultra has a bigger screen and is water and dust resistant. IN all other areas the Note, on paper, leaves the Ultra behind. I am shocked by this but compare both specifications side by side and the Ultra is basically a tablet spec with a phone.
Just like to thank you again for your input and say I am still very proud to own the Sony Xperia Z tablet and have found my time with the Xperia Z phone a great experience. Cant really believe I am returning the Samsung path, I hatted all that plastic. At least with the Note there are going to be a myriad of changeable back plates and some of them made by third party brands will be in metal.
I think the thing that made the choice was the phone. The Ultra doesn't even come with a flash and the picture capabilities are very poor according to reports. The Note comes with Android 4.3 out of the box, has 3GB RAM and 32GB memory not to mention the pen functions, and myriad of other built in technology such as Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture, even a larger battery! Add to that the Note has 4k video and an IR port.......The Ultra does appear rather dull? I would still have bought the Ultra though had it not been so near a 7" tablet. Pleased I shall be using a new device but sad its not a Sony.
Kindest regards.
While I do hope you enjoy your Note 3 and hope you don't experience buyer's remorse, I have to disagree about the Note 3's spec advantage re: the Z Ultra. The only advantages it has are an additional GB of RAM and and extra 16 GB storage. I do concede that these are advantages, and have no interest in trying to spin the facts to argue against you, but let's be honest: 2 GB of RAM is PLENTY for Android at this point in time. I run a custom ROM on my Nexus 4 that shows the RAM bar in the recent apps screen and I routinely have 15+ apps open at once, usually with 200 MB or more of RAM left. So, an extra gigabyte of RAM is better, but when you still have headroom with 2 GB of RAM, it's not a difference you're going to feel. Like, at all. So this is an advantage in terms of future-proofing but will not result in any better performance at this point in time.
The extra 16 GB of storage is nice as well, but in my opinion, this would not have been a decisive advantage even a year or two ago, let alone now that cloud storage has evolved so much. I am not one of these people who advocates storing everything in the cloud (at least not yet), and do appreciate lots of local storage, but since the Xperia ZU has 16 + 64 GB, the question of storage is one of second or third-tier importance. I guess if I were an economist, I would say that the Note 3 does have an advantage in terms of RAM and storage, but given the amount of RAM and storage the ZU already has, the marginal utility of more is very low. It's just not really going to result in a significantly better experience. The Z Ultra, however, has very tangible advantages over the Note 3, including a much larger display, total waterproofing up to 1.5 meters + dust resistance, thinner, and it's much better-looking and probably better-built.
This is all my opinion, of course, and YMMV. But subjectively, today was my first day out in the real world with the Z Ultra (I took it with me to university) and OH MAN, it was awesome. It slides right in my pocket, no problem, and once I lit up that huge, beautiful display (between classes, of course!), I just smiled and knew that I'd made the right choice buying this phone.
Ryland Johnson said:
Hi,
Spent hours and hours researching the Ultra and the Note 3. Though I truly love the design of the Z range Not even I can find an excuse for purchasing what is in effect a tablet with a phone? I like my Z phone and the Z 10.1 tablet. for me though the Ultra is just that tad OTT regarding size for an every day user friendly mobile phone.
I am rather shocked and surprised to write that I have the Samsung galaxy Note 3 on order complete in a package with that awful gear watch. I write awful gear watch BUT I have not even set eyes on one yet. From what I have seen of it on Youtube it looks bloomin awful and may well end up gathering dust in a draw? Package deal though and a very good price.
Reasons I went with the Note 3 and not the ultra. Size, The specification of the Note does appear to leave the Ultra wanting in fact the only two positives I managed to write on the numerous lists I wrote where the Ultra has a bigger screen and is water and dust resistant. IN all other areas the Note, on paper, leaves the Ultra behind. I am shocked by this but compare both specifications side by side and the Ultra is basically a tablet spec with a phone.
Just like to thank you again for your input and say I am still very proud to own the Sony Xperia Z tablet and have found my time with the Xperia Z phone a great experience. Cant really believe I am returning the Samsung path, I hatted all that plastic. At least with the Note there are going to be a myriad of changeable back plates and some of them made by third party brands will be in metal.
I think the thing that made the choice was the phone. The Ultra doesn't even come with a flash and the picture capabilities are very poor according to reports. The Note comes with Android 4.3 out of the box, has 3GB RAM and 32GB memory not to mention the pen functions, and myriad of other built in technology such as Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture, even a larger battery! Add to that the Note has 4k video and an IR port.......The Ultra does appear rather dull? I would still have bought the Ultra though had it not been so near a 7" tablet. Pleased I shall be using a new device but sad its not a Sony.
Kindest regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to Samsung's world...
I am a current Samsung Galaxy Note 1 owner and I'm happy to say that it has served me well.. I was happy with it.. I would agree to you that Note3 is better on paper.. specswise... a dash of flash here...a sprinkle of RAM there.. a spoon of 32gb memory there.. and add 4k recording on top..
To be honest, I was disappointed with Samsung's market strategy.. I bought the Note not just for practicality and purpose but also for bragging rights.. "big screen! muwaha!" And then a few months later, they released the Mega.. then the S4... With even bigger screens..
I'm like "wtf Samsung? I thought the Note was your phablet line??" And then the Note became just some other big phone and not Samsung's star of the show.. At least with Sony, they released another star of the show without stepping over the ZU.. take note of the Z1.. We have the Z1 but it specialized on another field (photography). They did not release *and hopefully WILL NOT release* another phablet which is not from the Ultra family and would end up stepping over the ZU..
Simply with this, I am moving to Sony.. For sure by Q1 of 2014, you guys will see a Samsung Mega 2, Galaxy S5 etc... etc.. which will leave the Note in the backstage yet again...
"Sent from my refrigerator"
awesome device..
Ryland Johnson said:
Hi, I am the proud owner of the Z mobile also the z tablet. I do ponder though if even I as a complete technophile would find use for the Ultra?
I used to own the Samsung galaxy S111 also the Note. I was very pleased with the S3 but soon sold the Note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into my groin! Its most appealing strength was its large size yet the large size was also its most challenging aspect to live with.
I am used to just picking up my mobile and putting it in my pocket and living an average sort of life. To that end I just cant see how I would live with the Ultra. lets face it, its truly massive and does come very close to the 7" tablet range?
Worries are. Flex. This is so thin it just has to flex and being so thin that glass on BOTH sides must be paper thin? I have not read yet of screen breakages on the Ultra but ponder how this is going to enjoy life in a pocket? All that screen real estate it does sort of ask for trouble? Buying some sort of cover would make the device even larger.
I am not worried about being seen holding this to my ear as I already have the SBH52 on order so would be able to use that as the phone device when paired with the Ultra. My main concern is where the heck to keep it while on the move and just how strong are those sheets of glass?
What are your thoughts? I want one but an hedging my bets on this so far.
Many thanks and kind regards.
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Hi Mr Ryland..This is DR Sudeep here..i did find some of our tastes being in common and thought of sharing some of them ..i m a proud owner of the z ,z tablet as you do and the new awesome z ultra..infact i really enjoyed some of your comments and debate with one of those reviewers of the website i dont remember about the xperia z and think exactly the way and hold opinions exactly the way you do..funny many things in common..infact before i bought the z ultra i exactly had the same things and queries in mind as you do now and now being the proud owner of z ultra ..thought of sharing some things..as your reservations stand here u are spot on in many of ur fears i guess if u wanna leap to ultra as i did feel the same way when i first laid my hands on this awesome device..its huge for sure ..make no mistake about that..but its own of those devices u really forgive even being such huge coz the design is so freakingly awesome the device is so thin yet feels so sturdy and strong with that alluminium framed finish ..not once did i feel that i was holding a glass sandwiched phone coz it feels so strong in hand no creaking noise what so ever ..its huge yet its pocketable..and did i mention the awesome water resistance..its in a league of very few masterpieces in the world that try to balance opposite things and yet do it with a plomb and authority..what i mean is ..its huge but pocketable and pleasant to hold in hand the screen which is out of this world can be the reason alone to buy this jewel and carry this burden in pocket infact i no more feel it a burden in pocket ..i sttarted enjoying the glares and the attention i was getting in public places,,,touch response is frealkingly silky smooth ..i have never seen a faster device in my life than this..i thot z was fierce fast bfre i got this in hand and boy it flies it literally flies yet to notice a single hang or stutter..i will end up by saying this...all your reservations are true ...but it is one of those few devices out there which you will be joyful and proud of and will be willing to compromise for all the great things it does and its a guarantee,,,hope ieven though i sounded a little fan boy i was helpful to you and i can afford doing that holding this awesome device,,..regards..please come up with any queries or opinions of yours as i would be glad if im being helpful to you in anyway..thanks..cheers mate
deepu4puppy said:
Hi Mr Ryland..This is DR Sudeep here..i did find some of our tastes being in common and thought of sharing some of them ..i m a proud owner of the z ,z tablet as you do and the new awesome z ultra..infact i really enjoyed some of your comments and debate with one of those reviewers of the website i dont remember about the xperia z and think exactly the way and hold opinions exactly the way you do..funny many things in common..infact before i bought the z ultra i exactly had the same things and queries in mind as you do now and now being the proud owner of z ultra ..thought of sharing some things..as your reservations stand here u are spot on in many of ur fears i guess if u wanna leap to ultra as i did feel the same way when i first laid my hands on this awesome device..its huge for sure ..make no mistake about that..but its own of those devices u really forgive even being such huge coz the design is so freakingly awesome the device is so thin yet feels so sturdy and strong with that alluminium framed finish ..not once did i feel that i was holding a glass sandwiched phone coz it feels so strong in hand no creaking noise what so ever ..its huge yet its pocketable..and did i mention the awesome water resistance..its in a league of very few masterpieces in the world that try to balance opposite things and yet do it with a plomb and authority..what i mean is ..its huge but pocketable and pleasant to hold in hand the screen which is out of this world can be the reason alone to buy this jewel and carry this burden in pocket infact i no more feel it a burden in pocket ..i sttarted enjoying the glares and the attention i was getting in public places,,,touch response is frealkingly silky smooth ..i have never seen a faster device in my life than this..i thot z was fierce fast bfre i got this in hand and boy it flies it literally flies yet to notice a single hang or stutter..i will end up by saying this...all your reservations are true ...but it is one of those few devices out there which you will be joyful and proud of and will be willing to compromise for all the great things it does and its a guarantee,,,hope ieven though i sounded a little fan boy i was helpful to you and i can afford doing that holding this awesome device,,..regards..please come up with any queries or opinions of yours as i would be glad if im being helpful to you in anyway..thanks..cheers mate
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Click to collapse
Hi Mr Sudeep, Thanks for the reply.
Yes I have been banned from "Trusted reviews" as I clearly upset the editor who was and still is anti Sony. I have zero idea how that sight can be called 'Trusted reviews', they are any thing but 'trusted'. The best the editor could do when I defended the Xperia Z against his puerile (and technically incorrect) attacks on the device was to accuse me of "Working for Sony". Odd that I do no such thing and came from owning HTC and Samsung and am again going to purchase Samsung with the note 3 rather than the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. If I had not been banned by him I would delight in informing him that its rather odd for a supposed Sony employer to purchase Samsung! A 'professional reviewer' must be objective and let the customer decide. The editor of Trusted reviews is anything but professional and certainly not objective thus cannot be trusted.
Regarding brands. I purchase what fits my needs and uses at the time of purchase. I have owned Apple, HTC, Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Siemens, Motorola, Ericson, Philips and my first mobile going back to 1988 was an NEC the size of a house brick with a full size hand set and separate battery pack. If I had to carry a fan boy label it would have been for Nokia until they went Windows! They are still, in my opinion, the best maker of MOBILE PHONES. The signal strength they pull has been second to non
I have every confidence the Ultra is a superb piece of kit. To be honest if they keep dropping in price I may well buy one of those to. At present though and being a technophile I want to try the Note 3 with the Gear watch. Again at present I find the spec sheet of the Note more in line with what I want. One of my big concerns regarding mobiles that one cannot replace the battery oneself is what exactly do we do when the battery goes bump with our Xperia Z mobiles? I do not know the cost of a replacement battery via Sony but it is not going to be the same as the purchase price of a battery bought for a phone with a customer removable battery at about 15-20.00€
I understand to enjoy the freedom of the Sony range with regard to water resistance the body has to be sealed and accept that, non the less there will come a day when a heavy bill will come to replace that battery.
THE big problem for me is the size of the Ultra. its screen size is both its strongest point also its weakest. It is so near a tablet it is not really as portable as a lesser size 'mobile' phone. I love the design of the Sony range plus that quality feel...Samsung...well there Samsung and though produce some brilliant kit they have never felt a premium brand and cannot until they stop with the plastics. I mean the Note 3 with that awful attempt to make the back look like leather, even plastic false stitching, dear Lord where on earth did they come up with that and why?
I will say this, if the Note 3 didn't come with the massive selection of replacement covers made by Samsung and other brands, I would not have bought the Note 3. Don't set me of about the Note 3's plastic 'metal' sides. who do they think they are kidding?
I have gone with the Note though as regardless of what the previous poster has kindly written the spec sheet is far superior than the Ultra.
I cant say they are apples and oranges more like peaches and pears:laugh:
I do know one thing, providing you can find a way to carry the Ultra around with you it will be a magic piece of kit to own. Superbly made and designed. Its flaws though such as the camera and lack of flash etc just make it more like a very decent tablet. I want one!:crying:
Kind regards.
capitansid said:
Welcome to Samsung's world...
I am a current Samsung Galaxy Note 1 owner and I'm happy to say that it has served me well.. I was happy with it.. I would agree to you that Note3 is better on paper.. specswise... a dash of flash here...a sprinkle of RAM there.. a spoon of 32gb memory there.. and add 4k recording on top..
To be honest, I was disappointed with Samsung's market strategy.. I bought the Note not just for practicality and purpose but also for bragging rights.. "big screen! muwaha!" And then a few months later, they released the Mega.. then the S4... With even bigger screens..
I'm like "wtf Samsung? I thought the Note was your phablet line??" And then the Note became just some other big phone and not Samsung's star of the show.. At least with Sony, they released another star of the show without stepping over the ZU.. take note of the Z1.. We have the Z1 but it specialized on another field (photography). They did not release *and hopefully WILL NOT release* another phablet which is not from the Ultra family and would end up stepping over the ZU..
Simply with this, I am moving to Sony.. For sure by Q1 of 2014, you guys will see a Samsung Mega 2, Galaxy S5 etc... etc.. which will leave the Note in the backstage yet again...
"Sent from my refrigerator"
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Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the reply, I appreciate your thoughts and time.
If you log into GSMArena.com you can view side by side both the Ultra and the Note3 and the specs are more than a tad different. I must make it clear I am a great fan of these Xperia devices, I own two of them already and enjoy them both with zero regrets.
I must confess I am a little confused by your comment "To be honest, I was disappointed with Samsung's market strategy.. I bought the Note not just for practicality and purpose but also for bragging rights.. "big screen! muwaha!" And then a few months later, they released the Mega.. then the S4... With even bigger screens.. " To the best of my knowledge I purchased my Note 1 in 2011. The Galaxy S4 only came out this year same as the Mega? If I understand you correctly I don't think Samsung can be accused of introducing new models soon after their latest effort.
NOW, if I HAD to pick a fight it could be with Sony...Only bought my Z in April at launch yet less than six months latter the Zi is taking the crown with reviewers already saying the new Z1 is what the 'old' Z should have been
I support progress and am pleased this field of technology keeps pushing the boundaries. The one major criticism I have is that battery technology is lagging way behind to the point that tis new tech we are seeing today is more or less academic in many ways as the devices don't have the battery power to run said device for longer than a few hours in some cases.
I agree with you that a new Samsung Note 4 will soon appear but then so will the stunning new Ultra 2 with flash and 32-64Gb plus 4Gb RAM, maybe even a larger screen and thinner body etc. Its called progress and all brands thankfully work this way.
Regards.
Oh sorry forgot to say that I did not buy the Note the time it went out.. I bought the note last June 2012 wherein the Note 2 was due to be released..
I dont feel bad that the Note 2 went out a few months after I bought the Note 1. I just feel bad that they released an entirely different line of phablet which is the Galaxy Mega.. So what's the specialty of the Note now? Just the stylus? Not the big screen anymore? Samsung shouldve stuck with the idea wherein the Note is their only phablet product...
"Sent from my refrigerator"
I may have missed something, but I'm not sure the Mega series is going to be a continuing line of devices going forward. I think Samsung just uses their manufacturing advantages to spit out devices in every conceivable size and shape to see what people like and what they don't. Not many manufacturers have the capital to do this, but if you do, it's probably not a bad strategy.
AntiLazarus said:
I may have missed something, but I'm not sure the Mega series is going to be a continuing line of devices going forward. I think Samsung just uses their manufacturing advantages to spit out devices in every conceivable size and shape to see what people like and what they don't. Not many manufacturers have the capital to do this, but if you do, it's probably not a bad strategy.
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Click to collapse
I think the thing we technophiles need to accept and understand is exactly what you wrote. Not all customers are looking at the top of the market with the latest and newest devices. To that end the Mega, to me, is very odd BUT it is selling well to those who desire a large device without the latest technology.
Part of the deciding factors for me with the Ultra was its poor camera, zero flash, identity crisis, lol and for a device this size it should have had a much larger battery and 3Gb RAM not 2GB. I do love the Ultra, its massive and stylish with real character and quality but I cant justify purchasing the Ultra on looks alone. When we explore what this new Note 3 does it really is a technophiles dream on steroids! The other clincher for me was the awful looking, probably useless gear watch that is coming with my Note 3 for only 120.00€ Now that deal was just to good to pass.
If the Ultra continues to drop in price I may well in future months go completely bonkers and treat myself, pennies permitting. I am still happy with my Xperia Z phone and absolutely love the Xperia 10.1 tablet, that is the king of tablets at present for me, its choice and subjective of course.
Kind regards
Now hold on just a minute, lol. I don't agree with the notion that the ZU has a bad camera. I think one thing we techies are often guilty of, since we keep up with all the bleeding-edge developments in the industry, is assuming that a particular piece of technology or feature is more widespread and standard than it really is. The ZU 's camera, in my opinion, is fairly decent. Since smartphone cameras are the latest big hole everyone is rushing to plug, we assume that if it isn't 120 megapixels with oversampling, or using some kind of unique sensor technology, or some such thing, that it must "suck," but in reality it's a fairly good sensor when placed in proper context. I like to think of it as an "honest" smartphone camera, one that knows it is a smartphone camera and is happy with its role. Such cameras are meant for convenience, and not high-end imaging. Even Apple is "only" using 8 megapixels on their flagship.
As for RAM, no offense, but you're being totally unrealistic and unfair by saying that the ZU "should have" had 3 GB of RAM. Why? You can barely fill 2 right now. The Note 3 is the ONLY phone with 3 GB of RAM. If Samsung had released it with 2 GB, you wouldn't have written that part of your post. Saying that a device "should have" had more RAM than anything else on the market to be usable is just unfair. It's exactly like saying the Note 3 should have had a 64 bit CPU because the new iPhone has one. As I've already pointed out, that 3 GB will not improve your experience AT ALL. Plus, the battery is actually pretty good. In my opinion, the NOTE 3's screen is just too small, and Samsung's AMOLED displays are not up to the quality of Sony's Triluminos panels, but it wouldn't be fair for me to insinuate that the NOTE 3 is less advanced, even though it really does fall short from a certain point of view.
Sent from my C6833 using xda app-developers app
AntiLazarus said:
Now hold on just a minute, lol. I don't agree with the notion that the ZU has a bad camera. I think one thing we techies are often guilty of, since we keep up with all the bleeding-edge developments in the industry, is assuming that a particular piece of technology or feature is more widespread and standard than it really is. The ZU 's camera, in my opinion, is fairly decent. Since smartphone cameras are the latest big hole everyone is rushing to plug, we assume that if it isn't 120 megapixels with oversampling, or using some kind of unique sensor technology, or some such thing, that it must "suck," but in reality it's a fairly good sensor when placed in proper context. I like to think of it as an "honest" smartphone camera, one that knows it is a smartphone camera and is happy with its role. Such cameras are meant for convenience, and not high-end imaging. Even Apple is "only" using 8 megapixels on their flagship.
As for RAM, no offense, but you're being totally unrealistic and unfair by saying that the ZU "should have" had 3 GB of RAM. Why? You can barely fill 2 right now. The Note 3 is the ONLY phone with 3 GB of RAM. If Samsung had released it with 2 GB, you wouldn't have written that part of your post. Saying that a device "should have" had more RAM than anything else on the market to be usable is just unfair. It's exactly like saying the Note 3 should have had a 64 bit CPU because the new iPhone has one. As I've already pointed out, that 3 GB will not improve your experience AT ALL. Plus, the battery is actually pretty good. In my opinion, the NOTE 3's screen is just too small, and Samsung's AMOLED displays are not up to the quality of Sony's Triluminos panels, but it wouldn't be fair for me to insinuate that the NOTE 3 is less advanced, even though it really does fall short from a certain point of view.
Sent from my C6833 using xda app-developers app
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Hi, thanks for the reply. from the benchmark tests I have seen so far that 3Gb of RAM does add to the performance. The extra RAM is also needed, so I am told, to ensure the new Pen system works at optimum level? I am writing in the dark here as I have not yet received the Note 3.
ALL of what I write is second hand information taken from the web etc.
With regard to the camera. Can you explain why on earth Sony did not use a flash?
I changed from Samsung to Sony because of the screen and to be honest I like the screen on My Sony Xperia Z. I had the Samsung galaxy S3 and the screen on that distorted the colours. I do agree with several reports that the Z screen does look at tad washed out so we have the two extremes. Sony has soon rectified that with the introduction of the Z1.
I don't want to keep listing the advantages of the Note 3 over the Ultra as I truly love the Ultra. Did you know the Note 3 is the first mobile phone to make use of USB 3? Its incredible what Samsung have placed in the note 3.
Size. I have said it before and will say it again, this is choice. You say the note 3 screen is too small and I say the Ultra screen is too large. Thank heavens we have the choice.
I am now going to give you a real laugh. Way back in 2011 I was one of the first people in this country to own the Note 1. I sold it very quickly as it was just too big to be travel friendly. Here I am now 3 years later with the Note 3 on order? I have now come to accept large screen mobiles and no doubt in a few years there may be many mobiles the size of the Ultra? At 5.7" I don't think we can refer to the Note 3 as a small screen?
Lets see how sales go on both devices.
Oh, another point that's a shame is the value of my Sony Z just after 6 months of ownership. I cant give it away. Samsung appear to do better in the used market despite them being so common. I think a Sony body with Samsung technology would be a winner. We could call it a Sonsung!:laugh:
I hope I don't regret purchasing the Note 3. On paper it even makes your morning coffee. If only Samsung could be banned from using plastics! That 'plastic leather' back is hideous and will have to go!
Thanks for the reply,
Kind regards.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Cracked my screen on my ultra yesterday. Dont know how it happened. Pulled it out of the pocket and found hairline cracks.
Had the Sony Z1 and same thing happened.
These Sony screens must be the worst quality in the high end business. What is extremely annoying is that the cracked screen makes the phone unreceptive to touch actions from your fingers. I was left stranded for a whole day with no communication.
Ive cracked my iphone screen previously but even with heavy cracks and iphone still works. A small hairline crack on a Sony however renders it useless. It is for this reason I am not going to buy another Sony phone.
I don't mind the fact it can crack but to crack randomly and not work at all after a crack is unacceptable. Looks like back to the Iphone or Note 4 for me.
Ukbondraider said:
Dont know how it happened. Pulled it out of the pocket and found hairline cracks.
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Click to collapse
Post a picture of it if you can, it's pretty easy to tell how the screen broke if you examine the cracks.
It really seems like this may be a production fault of a sizeable set of devices, while the rest are built better. I remember one person posting that Sony had acknowledged this to be a problem when a cracked phone was turned in for warranty repair and offered a free replacement. There's a bunch of articles about this. Seems to affect the Z2 as well, so I understand your decision. :/
I think it's such a shame - and I couldn't agree more.
I had the same thing happen to my Z2 while it was sitting on the bed, switched back to my Z Ultra now and I'm constantly worried about the same happening with that. It seems to be a common problem across all the z series phones which leads me to believe it's down to the crappy dragontrail glass they use, I wish they'd use gorilla glass. My one x screen went through hell, even had a coke can(340 grams!) fall square on the screen from an overhead shelf a meter and a half above and was fine (to my amazement).
I know people are going to say it's glass it can crack (well yes - no **** sherlock) but the Sony glass just cracks to easily, either that or their qc is awful. I have to admit I was a sceptic and assumed people were just being heavy handed until I experienced it first hand, and I baby all my devices.
It's a shame because I love the Sony devices but I don't want something I have to carry around in bubblewrap, hopefully the next gen Samsung/Htc phones are waterproof then I'll jump ship.
Thing is Sony know about the issue, watchdog UK covered it a year ago but whether they actually replace it under warranty is a complete lottery. I have insurance but it's still unnecessary hassle
Use an ultra thin case, solves potential cracks. It's all about the amount of pressure in the pocket. A device this thin and large is more prone to cracking, obviously. The Achilles heel is located at the power button... Babying this device is a must, requires attention and dedication
Thanks Buddy. I was about to buy a Sony Z Ultra, bcoz of its larger display. I am a rough user of phones. Even on some second hand sales sites, I found some ads selling cracked screen phones ( nobody buys such cracked screen phone but ie different issue). I shall settle for smaller screen phones. Bye.
Triflot said:
It really seems like this may be a production fault of a sizeable set of devices, while the rest are built better. I remember one person posting that Sony had acknowledged this to be a problem when a cracked phone was turned in for warranty repair and offered a free replacement. There's a bunch of articles about this. Seems to affect the Z2 as well, so I understand your decision. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have not had a single issue on screen cracking or anything of my Z1 and I had it for almost a year now.
I also cracked mine
I cracked mine by wearing swim trunks that were just too small for this phone and I sat down with it in the pocket and that was that. But i love it so I bought another. And I have just now finished turning my broken Z Ultra into a media center via XBMC, and an MHL adapter. Im thinking of making a short guide soon because while the phone is useless without functioning touch input, the guts are stil powerful, and its a shame to let that processing power go to waste. This a very low power consuming device when compared to htpcs.
Yeah, I will be moving on to the Nexus 6 because of this. I love my ultra, but I am already on my second phone because my 1st cracked in my pocket. Two of my buddies also had their's crack in their pockets too. We are big guys that wear baggy pants, so it wasn't like too much added stress. I will keep my ultra, but will turn to the nexus 6 as my daily driver. Honestly I don't think it is a matter of if the screen on this ultra will crack, but a matter of when.
I suggest iron brick and abuse it silly
Looks like Huawei out did Samsung in a bif way.
The display of Huawei Mate X doesn't seem to be as solid as Samsung's. The Fold's hinge mechanism seems superior too.
Mate X totally win in terms of size, thinness and functionality of the unfolded screen. But it fold outwards though, the thought of screen resting on the surface the whole time just doesn't seem promising.
Both have problems, the fold is too thick, my opinion is the outer screen looks cheap and doesn't cover the full length, whiles it does give protection to the inner screen, the mate X, out screen is easier to break or get scratched, better design and thin.
Either way, those who purchase it are lab rat, testing it for Samsung and Huawei for future released, i'd rather just purchase a top of the range smartphone and a tablet, two separate units.
gpmg762 said:
Looks like Huawei out did Samsung in a bif way.
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Click to collapse
I actually like Samsung's design more. I like the one hand functionality of the front display. They could have increase it to 5.3inch but 4.6 will do for me. Also the infold design protects that inner display more.
Huawei design is more of a tablet. Samsung is a bit of both worlds phone and tablet.
May the Fold be with You
https://twitter.com/lordvader/status/1102861901229375489
I've been debating which is the better phone for the past month, and I've decided that for me it's the Galaxy Fold.
The Huawei has been designed upside down for starters. With a flexible plastic display on the outside, having the fold on the left and the "lump" on the right is terrible. surely you'd want to minimise anything touching the display more than needed? And when it's unfolded, surely as most people are right handed that lump should be held in your left hand so that you can navigate more easily with your right hand? And the fact that you can't use it for video calling in tablet mode is a bit bad.
I've seen others question whether you can take selfies on the Fold using the rear camera while it's unfolded using the smaller display, so we'll have to wait and see for that one, but I'm fairly sure it's just a software issue if it's not available at launch. And whilst I don't like notches or big bezels much, as a hybrid device I think it's something that I could deal with.
It's pretty likely I'm going to get the Fold at this point and keep the Note 9 for those times when I need a smaller phone. The only things I need to work out is what kind of cradle to get for it to use in a car, and what kind of compact keyboard/stand option to go for to use it with OneNote as I'll likely start using it a lot more and not take the Surface Go out and about as much.
When I travel I take my phone, a Kindle, and the Surface Go. This could potentially reduce that all down to a single device, so it would be a great travel companion for me.
I wonder if there is a useable keyboard on the outside screen or you need to open it to type. That outside screen is only 3 icons wide.
Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk
larsdennert said:
I wonder if there is a useable keyboard on the outside screen or you need to open it to type. That outside screen is only 3 icons wide.
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Click to collapse
It's probably a similar size to an iPhone 4 display, and for years everyone was happily using displays of that size.
I like about this Phone : Huawei Mate X
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndwAZVTBnuE
i like Huawei more but hardware and software is bad.
plus you can't unlock bootloader on Huawei anymore (new ones). So basically you getting a phone with foldable lags.
Samsung recalls Galaxy Fold review samples, postpones launch after slew of issues
https://www.rt.com/business/457315-samsung-postpones-galaxy-fold-launch/
Well, that's the end of the fold. Let's wait for the fold FE.
gpmg762 said:
Looks like Huawei out did Samsung in a bif way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you think having a fragile plastic display on the outside of the phone where it can be scratched, nicked, and dinged constantly is going to be practical and durable? The Mate X is going to be a disaster in its own right with many but different issues than the Fold. And at a price $600 higher. Huawei execs have said they've rejected Samsung's approach to go the way they did. We'll see who laughs last because both phones are vaporware until they are in consumer's hands without major issues.
In terms of which is more practical, an "innie" or an "outie," considering the display is plastic and somewhat fragile I'd go with the former like Samsung did. The outie is more logical from a usability and design perspective but the innie leaves the screen far more protected. Does anyone here not think that the thin plastic display on either phone is fragile and the biggest challenge to design around? Until bendable glass is a thing foldable phones are going to be variations of compromise with durability being the weakest link.
It's interesting to me that the Huawei is possible and the largest hope I have that the Sammy may hold up better than expected. You have to figure Huawei believes they can get the vast majority to the end of the warranty period or it wouldn't be coming to market. How they are expecting this to survive with a relatively soft external wrap-around screen is beyond me. I'm rooting for them though, I'm going to be pretty happy if they both turn out to work. It's genuinely exciting; so much past the usual (lately) meh phone upgrade where you have a 1/2 larger screen, a couple extra pixels, etc.
BarryH_GEG said:
So you think having a fragile plastic display on the outside of the phone where it can be scratched, nicked, and dinged constantly is going to be practical and durable? The Mate X is going to be a disaster in its own right with many but different issues than the Fold. And at a price $600 higher. Huawei execs have said they've rejected Samsung's approach to go the way they did. We'll see who laughs last because both phones are vaporware until they are in consumer's hands without major issues.
In terms of which is more practical, an "innie" or an "outie," considering the display is plastic and somewhat fragile I'd go with the former like Samsung did. The outie is more logical from a usability and design perspective but the innie leaves the screen far more protected. Does anyone here not think that the thin plastic display on either phone is fragile and the biggest challenge to design around? Until bendable glass is a thing foldable phones are going to be variations of compromise with durability being the weakest link.
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Click to collapse
We'll know the quality of Mate X's screen when reviewers get their hands on the sample in June.
Don't know who will have the last laugh but the first definitely goes to the Fold.
It doesn't matter whether the screen face in or out when plastic screen is used, durability will be low. The Fold will fare better if you use it completely as a folded phone.
You may not remember but mobile used plastic screen before glass screen became the standard. Plastic screen for foldable phone is a phase. Like you mentioned, screen durability issues will probably be solved in the future with bendable glass.
Take screen durability out of the equation, who has the better design? I'll let you decide yourself.
I'll wait for reports from reviewers in June.
LENOVO
Someone should change the title of this thread to "Huawei Mate X boat sunk by U.S. Government." A $2,600 phone without an ecosystem doesn't sound very appealing.