Related
For those of you with the device, at 299 now I think it's a great deal as I can't justify the 500-600 on a xoom, etc. With a custom rom on this baby, is it pretty smooth? What about internet surfing, is it smooth? Just wondering because my friend has a nook for example with CM7, and browsing the web isn't the greatest...but doable I guess.
Is this tablet pretty stable and relatively fast when clicking, launching, playing games, etc? I'm just trying to justify its purchase or waiting for like the HTC Flyer. Of course I'm sure that will be in the 500$ range as well...
As far as basic functionality (web browsing, gaming, etc) the tablet is great. You have a lot of choice regarding customization and hacking, the gTablet is probably one of the better tablets for experimentation and tinkering.
The biggest negatives is the screen, if you already have an iPad or IPS screen-type tablet the screen will probably be difficult to get over. If you can ignore the screen then you will have a difficult time finding a more capable tablet for $285.
Wait for an ASUS....$400 with IPS and Honeycomb
hows the view angle though on the viewsonic? Could lets say my wife and I watch a movie if held in the center of both of us?
chugger93 said:
hows the view angle though on the viewsonic? Could lets say my wife and I watch a movie if held in the center of both of us?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but neither of you will have a great picture.
My wife can "shoulder surf" when laying next to me, but some things she can't make out (pictures, etc).
Thanks.
Also it has mini HDMI out or whatever right? Can you output it to your television and watch a movie (mkv for example) from this device to your TV?
Does the web browser have decent pinch to zoom, as in, it's smooth and not choppy?
chugger93 said:
Also it has mini HDMI out or whatever right? Can you output it to your television and watch a movie (mkv for example) from this device to your TV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People are reporting that MKV runs choppily. I haven't tested MKV, but XviD works great, if you can bear the quality.
As for the cable, this thing uses a weird connection that is hard to find. Most vendors (read, in China) are selling a cable for $40, and a dock for around $50. If you're looking to connect this to a TV, look forward to tacking on an extra $50 for its asking price.
I Am Marino said:
Does the web browser have decent pinch to zoom, as in, it's smooth and not choppy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using Dolphin Browser HD, and I can comfortably say that it is almost as good as using a desktop browser, in terms of performance (Flash, web browsing, downloading files, etc.)
Agreed with the previous poster. I also use Dolphin HD, running on Vegan, and the browser is great. Pinch zoom is smooth and fast.
I've been lusting for an iPad for a while, but have never been able to justify the expense of a decent sized one (I refuse to get anything < 16GB). I was hoping that once the iPad2 was released that there would be more of the G1 version available (either as refurbs or used on ebay), but haven't found much luck finding one I was willing to pull the trigger on.
I've got an iPhone 3G (jailbroken, of course...) and tons of apps that i've downloaded, so I was familiar with the processes necessary to "root" an iOS device.
I must say that having little to no experience with Android (phones or otherwise) before getting this little beauty, I'm quite impressed. A coworker has the Xoom and aside from a slight size difference and the aforementioned screen visibility issues, my gtab holds it's own against his Xoom. Plus I have $300 more in my pocket then he does at the moment...
I'm running TnT Lite 4.40 on mine right now and it's as fast as I need it to be.
If you do get one, I recommend upgrading the ROM as the stock one is pretty crippled. DolphinHD is gorgeous and I'm a BIG fan on using Aldiko to read ebooks. I had previously been using Stanza on my iPhone and it's a world of a difference on this thing....
For some the screen is a deal breaker. If you've used another tab/reader with a better screen, then it may be for you also. I don't mind it so much as I haven't had much of a need for it be viewable at any extreme angle and it's kinda like a built in privacy filter so that nosy nellie's can't see what I'm doing on it unless i want them to.
The wife and daughter LOVE Angry Birds on it and I usually have to wrestle it away from one of them in order to use it.
With a little bit of elbow grease and willingness to experiment, this is a great tablet for the price...
I just straight up went to youtube and launched a Starcraft 2 replay from Husky - played full screen in what (I could swear) 720p - I could see every tiny detail - very, very high res stuff.
Everything's so freaking snappy, just tap - BOOM - it plays.
So, first impressions:
FAST!
Light weight - even my wife said it's very light (and she thinks iPad is way too heavy)
Feels very solid - rubbery back is very pleasant and feels luxurious
Screen is very bright at max setting
Auto-rotate is very fast, I think even more reactive than on my SGS2, even when playing full-screen 720p youtube vid
Screen needs a protector on it - I don't think it's gorilla glass, and by itself it's somewhat hard to move finger on it (it kinda sticks a little). Protector will fix that
Speakers - good quality and loud enough for me
B&N's UI is actually very pleasant - it's very clean, appealing to the eyes.
Can't get to any Android stuff through settings - it's all locked down =)
WiFi works great, good reception
Browser is very fast, I bet you anything it'll be much snappier than Fire's Silk browser
Looks like you can't easily sideload APKs. You can browse to them, but NK doesn't recognize the file.
Very happy I got NT instead of that wimpy little Kindle Fire.. (still adore my eInk kindle though).
Awesome news!!! Keep the info coming
I picked up my 2 hours ago also, here is few first impression i have.
Pro:
- 720p Youtube and Amazon HD video play smoothly, but 1080p on youtube is about 5-10fps
- Screen have warmer color then the Nook Color I have, in comparison NC screen have a slight bluish tint to it.
- Nook Tablet software version 1.4
- Screen is 1 piece glass instead of 2 piece like NC, i agree with DarkDvr, the screen will need a screen protector. 1 piece glass front is slightly better looking then the 2 piece setup on the NC.
- Speaker is louder then the stock NC, but not as loud as NC with the Nook Tweak settings. However good enough for majority of flash videos I tried.
Con:
- I believe the NT is running Froyo 2.2, not a big deal though.
- Flash player version is 10.3, which by itself it not a problem. HOWEVER I notice severe flickering in most of the video i played on youtube and amazon videos. I want to see if anyone else notice this problem with their NT, it might be that i got a defective NT, but when i play the intro NT video, I don't see any flickering. It might be flash player related.
So far I am a little bit underwhelm with the NT, I was hoping for smooth 1080p playback (like my SGS2 with a similar dual core Cortext-A9 processor). Also with the flash video flicker issue, i really having doubts of if i want to keep the NT or not, especially since i already have my NC.
gordon1hd1 said:
- 720p Youtube and Amazon HD video play smoothly, but 1080p on youtube is about 5-10fps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, cause you're playing 1080p in a browser, and that is a feat only SGS2 can pull off. Try playing an actual 1080p video file in a video player. NK specs (including the back of the NK packaging) shows that it can handle 1080p video. Just not in a browser.
gordon1hd1 said:
- I believe the NT is running Froyo 2.2, not a big deal though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No-no, it's 2.3 GB. Been confirmed many times.
gordon1hd1 said:
HOWEVER I notice very server flickering in most of the video i played on youtube and amazon videos.[/B]
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Click to collapse
I never watched amazon videos, but I tried several different videos on youtube in 720p, and there was no flickering at all. I didn't see any issues, it was full fps, fast and screen orientation changed very fast.
[/QUOTE]
gordon1hd1 said:
So far I am a little bit underwhelm with the NT, I was hoping for smooth 1080p playback (like my SGS2 with a similar dual core Cortext-A9 processor).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SGS2 has Exynos monster CPU in it, at least most of them do. NK won't be able to match this SOC's CPU/GPU prowess. But official claims are that it's able to play 1080p video. As I've said above, just not in a browser.
gordon1hd1 said:
Also with the flash video flicker issue, i really having doubts of if i want to keep the NT or not, especially since i already have my NC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call tech support, it seems it's your unit..
DarkDvr can you do me a favor? Can you watch this clip from 60 minute Walter Isaacson interview in full screen. and pay especially attention to when it was showing Isaacson speaking, to a static background. On my NT i can clearly see banding and flickering, most video i tried does this, but i think this video is the easiest to make out the flickering and banding issues.
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/23/the-full-walter-isaacsonsteve-jobs-interview-from-60-minutes/
Also if you don't mind Korean girl bands here is another video that show very noticeable flickering right in the intro, especially in 720p resolution
http://youtu.be/5n4V3lGEyG4
If you don't see it then it really might be my unit, and time to trade it in for a different NT unit.
SGS2 has Exynos monster CPU in it, at least most of them do. NK won't be able to match this SOC's CPU/GPU prowess. But official claims are that it's able to play 1080p video. As I've said above, just not in a browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I guess I am spoiled by my SGS2's Exynos processor, but man i had high hopes for the OMAP4's flash video streaming capability.
Also as far as 2.2 vs 2.3, it is nice to have 2.3, hopefully that mean we can upgrade to flash player 11.1 really soon.
I'll check it out at home (no wifi at work and terrible reception).
I'll edit this post with my results.
Edit: Ok, i checked out both videos - watching first one was more painfull the the korean girls. On the first one I had tiny, barely noticable flicker, but I bet anything its cause of the format that video is in, probably NK's hardware is forced to do lots of work during playback.
No flicker at all on korean music video - plays better than on commercials!
Guys, don't worry
When we will have root, everything will be smooooooooooooth
Swishhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
So I got the Nexus 10 (sold iPad 3 to get it) and I am impressed with it. The screen is amazing, I have good battery life, and excellent performance.
However, streaming Netflix is not as crisp, the lack of tablet optimized apps is annoying, and reading is kind of awkward. I don't like landscape reading and portrait mode is too tall.
It seems like the huge resolution is ahead of it's time and I am sure it's just a matter of waiting for apps to catch up.
These are a few things that have been bothering me lately with this tablet.
Anyone else have these thoughts or know how to get passed the early adoption period? I am debating whether or not to sell it and get the Nexus 7. Seems like a reasonable (more universal) screen resolution with plenty of power. Also, seems like a good size for reading and web surfing.
Thanks.
UPDATE: Thanks for all of the feedback.
After writing this post, I found some awesome review videos from YouTuber "oode". After watching those, I spent some time tweaking and getting my n10 set up. It helped me realize what a rad tablet we have in the n10.
I still have a few annoyances to figure out with movies (best player to use and rip settings), HD Netflix streaming, and better battery life tips. I am sure more Googling and XDA searching will help answer these.
Before you sell it and get a Nexus 7, see if anyone you know has one and try it out. It would suck for you to sell the 10, get a 7 and find out you regret it. This is my second 10 inch tab, and at first it can see overwhelming, especially with the 10's resolution, but just keep playing with it. It will grow on you. Before long you will have no issues reading in portrait mode. For me its like reading a hard cover book without the weight and thickness. I hope you grow to like, and as for apps, I dealt with that with my last tablet.....not to many tablet optimized apps, and now I am seeing it again. Not a deal breaker for me. I would rather have apps playing catch up then my tablet be out dated in a month. Just my opinions.
Don't get a Nexus 7. The screen isn't very good and screen lift.
I just got mine today and well i can say i am really impressed with it , and i love it. I know there are not many apps optimized for the tab but yeah its not that bad for me. Also My netflix streaming is awesome, whats happening to yours ?
If you feel the screen is too big try using a 15 inch laptop for a while which will put the Nexus 10 inch screen with it's higher screen resolution in/to perspecive.
I have not touched my laptop since getting the Nexus 10 which was not the case with my Galaxy tab 7.7 inch screen which I have sold.
I find, just like my laptop, that I don't need any apps for using the Web and there are plenty of stand alone apps for navigation, music, office, games etc.
I hold the Nexus 10 in landscape like a laptop for viewing videos and web sites with a lot of full width detail so that I don't need to zoom, otherwise I use portrait.
Think twice before selling the Nexus 10 for it is the only tablet which gives a high definition Netbook performance in an even more portable format.
Try the Ocean browser too for it makes Web browsing on the Nexus 10 very fast and it supports Flash too.
I feel the same way OP. I had a nexus 7 and I loved it. Netflix and video media on the nexus 10 is a turn down. The screen is amazing but I sold my nexus 7 for a better media viewing experiece. The watching of media or movies isn't good at all on the Nexus 10.
I'm also debating of keeping or returning.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda premium
leyvatron said:
I feel the same way OP. I had a nexus 7 and I loved it. Netflix and video media on the nexus 10 is a turn down. The screen is amazing but I sold my nexus 7 to watch media and read. The watching of media or movies isn't good at all.
I'm also debating of keeping or returning.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the problem with Netflix. Seriously. Plays fine and looks as good as it can considering Netflix streams at 720p at best.
Don't see the issue with any other media either. There are issues with codecs but that's a problem with the Nexus7 as well, just comes with the AOSP territory.
Croak said:
I don't see the problem with Netflix. Seriously. Plays fine and looks as good as it can considering Netflix streams at 720p at best.
Don't see the issue with any other media either. There are issues with codecs but that's a problem with the Nexus7 as well, just comes with the AOSP territory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here i cant find the problem with netflix, mine looks great. As good as it gets i can say.
Netflix video and audio don't match on my tablet. Also, Frames skips after a while.
Is my tablet defective??
Can you guys try a few movies and let me know.
Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium
I feel the same way OP. I'm on my second one after returning the first for light bleed, go figure this ones worse. I like the size it just doesn't have the performance I was expecting. Yeah its got a huge rez, but my N4 feels 10x more fluid than the N10. Even just basic stuff like swiping to another screen feels better on the N4. IMO the android experience is just a lot better on the N4, which I find myself using even when I have the N10 sitting next to me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I did a factory restore a few hours ago wanting to return the Nexus, I reinstalled Netflix right now and it is running good. That's strange. I'm also not getting any WiFi drops like I was getting before. I'm going to keep an eye on this.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium
have u any chance checked mark force gpu rendering before
Tomatoes8 said:
Don't get a Nexus 7. The screen isn't very good and screen lift.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get tired typing so much information about your conclusion? And you must be very well placed in the tech community to pass judgement on a device that SOLD, not shipped, sold, one million units last month alone. Screen lift? Seriously? that is so last month's news.
But thanks for your 8 word review of the N7.
Apples to Apples the N10 is the better hardware platform. No question. It has both a front and rear facing camera. Has a display that might rival the retina display on the iPad, etc.
Get the N7 if you want a tab that will fit in a jacket or back pocket, can be held in one hand and can be bought for under $300. It really comes down to size, and your intended use. The N7 is not for bragging rights. It's for having a pure Google device in the same price you can get a Kindle or Nook for.
I'm here to read about how the new 10's see what problems they might be having, etc. But I am VERY happy with my N7 and take it everywhere with me. When I get the N10 I'll be keeping the N7.
Im not bummed out, this tab is 100x better than the ipad
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 11:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:21 AM ----------
abhele said:
have u any chance checked mark force gpu rendering before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats wrong with checking that?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
ezas said:
Did you get tired typing so much information about your conclusion? And you must be very well placed in the tech community to pass judgement on a device that SOLD, not shipped, sold, one million units last month alone. Screen lift? Seriously? that is so last month's news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, my own anecdotal Nexus 7 experience is that I account for FIVE of the devices. 4 16gb units and 1 32gb. Every single one of them had a major defect, including my current 32gb.
First one had a bad USB connector as well as major light bleed, but never had time to develop the screen lift issue because it was on the way back to Asus in a matter of hours.
Second one had astoundingly bad light bleed in 8 places, once again sent back before the screen had time to lift.
Third one had modest light bleed, but creaked, and within a week the screen lifted an epic amount. I was worried I might slice my hand.
The fourth also had bad light bleed, came shipped with a broken tab on the back cover so there was always a gap on the left side, and (wait for it) the screen was doing an epic lift. Still waiting on its replacement to come back from Asus.
And my final and current model is an October production 32gb that seemed pretty good at first, almost no light bleed and the least washed-out looking display of the bunch. And within two days the screen was lifting.
Now, I only purchased 2, my first 16gb and my current 32gb, both at retail stores. I should also note that it cost me $80 so far in RMA shipping.
I like the form factor for some things, mostly books and surfing on the throne. I'm satisfied with the performance, and not unhappy with the purchase price. It does what it does pretty well. But it's built like a 80's Hyundai.
Love the N10, playing full encoded BD 720p movies with no problems. Haven't tested the 1080p BD encodes yet.
Netflix runs great, Slingplayer runs good.
My N7 goes everywhere with me. It has no issues and was a first run batch.. light bleed? who knows, i dont put mine in a pure black enviorment with max brightness just to find a problem. IMO once it's reported a few times, some poeple go out of thier way to find fault.
I agree the N10 gonna take some time to get used to to read on. But playing games on is fun....
Both great products and excellant build IMO
impulse101 said:
Whats wrong with checking that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It either increases performance or causes stuff to break (well, I guess it could also do both ). It's worth checking out if you haven't though.
As for being bummed out; meh, I sold my Nexus 7 for a Nexus 10 because of the specs. A15 ARM processor, Mali-T604 GPU, 2560x1600 resolution, that just destroyed the Nexus 7's specs. It seems the Nexus 10 can run hot enough after a long enough period of load to throttle the CPU frequency lower, which is a slight concern. Nexus 4 also does this, but I'm not entirely sure if such a thing occurs on the Nexus 7 or not.
My main interest in getting a Nexus 10 was gaming. However, when playing DEAD TRIGGER and SHADOWGUN: DeadZone, I feel that the N10's size is a bit... too much. Getting a controller should easily solve this little problem though
But in any case, the Nexus 10 also has HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, 5GHz WiFi support, LED light notification, better front-facing camera, and front-facing speakers. Nexus 7 doesn't have any of that (unless something changed with the newer models).
No issues with Netflix for newer videos, older stuff doesn't look great on anything. Videos I'm streaming from PC look awesome and I just use a Nook touch for my reading, need eink for that. Yea some apps don't look as great as they could, but nothing as bad as an iPhone app on the iPad.
I think a lot of my thoughts and feelings stem from just coming from an iPad with thousands of tablet optimized apps, down to less than 100 on the n10. When it comes down to it, I use my tablet primarily for reading, web browsing, videos (YouTube, Netflix and Movies), taking notes, and very light gaming. I don't use that many apps on my tablet. However, I have a lot of apps on my gNexus since it has an internet connection 24/7. The only reason I use my laptop is when I want to do some real PC gaming.
After writing this post, I found some awesome review videos from YouTuber "oode". After watching those, I spent some time tweaking and getting my n10 set up. It helped me realize what a rad tablet we have in the n10.
I still have a few annoyances to figure out with movies (best player to use and rip settings), HD Netflix streaming, and better battery life tips. I am sure more Googling and XDA searching will help answer these.
Thanks for all of the feedback!
wryun said:
UPDATE: Thanks for all of the feedback.
After writing this post, I found some awesome review videos from YouTuber "oode". After watching those, I spent some time tweaking and getting my n10 set up. It helped me realize what a rad tablet we have in the n10.
I still have a few annoyances to figure out with movies (best player to use and rip settings), HD Netflix streaming, and better battery life tips. I am sure more Googling and XDA searching will help answer these.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oode's reviews are the main reason why I bought my Nexus 10! After seeing his enthusiasm for the tablet I was sold. Google need to cut that dude a cheque.
I own the US 5.0 but Me personally its how it can basically play any video format I throw at it.
Just wanted to know some of you all.
Hope I learn something new about mines
Sent from my MB886 using xda app-developers app
It is not an iPod and it works way better at emulating video games than apple.
Sent from my YP-G1 using xda app-developers app
I like how the screen is very resistant to scratching. I've had my Intl 5.0 for 13 months and the screen is as good as when I got it. My nexus 4 and 7 are very prone to scratches in comparison.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
I absolutely agree man.
Sent from my MB886 using xda app-developers app
My favorite thing is big screen,low price(bought it year ago for 150 euros) ,overclocking (use it on 1.56 ghz which is 56% more then stock),that it has sd card slot so not worring about space (like on my nexus 7 every time when i want some new game i spend hour thinking what could i delete) and that it dont have a sim card so battery last long and dont have to worry will someone call me in the middle of listening of song.
Why i dont like is that there is no fully functional GB or JB and 99% there will never be.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Supermaster34 said:
I like how the screen is very resistant to scratching. I've had my Intl 5.0 for 13 months and the screen is as good as when I got it. My nexus 4 and 7 are very prone to scratches in comparison.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although, the back part of the gp5 is scratch prone. I guess this proves gorilla glass doesn't do a thing against scratches?
The size! It's not the fastest media player out there, but it works. My 4th generation iPod touch is much faster but i sold it for the galaxy player 5.0.
very long standby life even on 1.2 GHz OC. Great screen size for movies, you can watch it even when you are lying down (try watching for an hour lying down with your nexus 7 ). Screen still good/big enough for reading
Big screen, great battery life, a lot of storage (sd card), Android (can modify almost everything), very nice GPU (imho it can run everything, but it can do much more if the CPU were better) and price (€140, 4 months ago).
After an overclock of ~50% (1.5GHz) I got much more power, especially from GPU (Games).
CPU and 512MB shared RAM are the mainly lack, but overall is a great device.
Please, can someone confirm that the screen of this device is immune from scratches? It is something like plastic and i can't believe it is; so i've put an ODIOUS screen protector to prevent them. Do you use some other cover, like "socks" or similar?
Thank you
The battery quality is superb, and the functionality as a tablet makes watching videos and playing games very enjoyable. Also, the speakers are nice and clear. Never gotten a scratch the screen glass or the back of the tablet, just some smudges.
I would recommend this to anybody if they are looking for a small tablet. :good:
NATO556 said:
It is not an iPod and it works way better at emulating video games than apple.
Sent from my YP-G1 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to say the same, it is not a $300 iPod with limited functionality.
My favorite thing is the expandable storage followed close second by Bluetooth music streaming.
The only thing that could make the streaming better is if the metadata were also streamed, if only for those moments when I get a string of songs that start off at low volume.
Others things I like would be customizable interface and good battery life.
cool cool cool any uses any good cases for this thing??
I like the big screen for watching videos,the expandable storage for music, and the screen is really scratch resistant.
Also it helped me realize how amazing Android is and its functionality.
Of course the bid screen. I use it for my gaming needs. Also this is the first and only Android device I have to date so there's the sentimental side of things (Don't worry guys, The reason I bought this is because I hate Apple!). Hoping to get one of the Nexus devices soon.
The screen size is definitely my favorite feature. Back in the dark days when I ran on an iPod touch, I had to hold the thing sideways to be able to type comfortably. the 5.0 is almost as wide as the iPod is tall, so I can comfortably type in portrait mode on it. The screen is also great for watching movies, and, while the density isn't great, people still immediately notice and admire that feature when they see me using it. Almost every day at school, I have someone with an iPhone walk up behind me and hold it up next to my Galaxy Player and make some sort of comment on how they wish they had mine instead (I'm sure that if they saw the specs or realized that it isn't even a phone, they'd change their mind)
I also love the expandable storage and the fact that I can be overclocked to 1.5GHz and still get really good battery life.
The main feature for me is the ability to play media (Video / Audio) without the need for third-party applications, codecs, etc.. It supports almost all formats natively.
The sound quality is unmatched with SOUND ALIVE (this feature only in Froyo).
Battery life is excellent.
Big screen and surprisingly good quality.My vision is spared when I'm on the internet or reading an ebook.
It's Android.
Good battery, good sound, plays all my music and videos out of the box, 4.2" screen and all for £70.
servalan said:
It's Android.
Good battery, good sound, plays all my music and videos out of the box, 4.2" screen and all for £70.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
£70!!!!!! I got my 5.0 for £150 (13 months ago) and I thought that was a good price. How did you manage to get such a cracking deal?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Supermaster34 said:
£70!!!!!! I got my 5.0 for £150 (13 months ago) and I thought that was a good price. How did you manage to get such a cracking deal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon black friday deal.
The sheer size of this beast! Its not the highest end hardware but its my first android and i love it!
Sent From my USA Galaxy Player 5.0
Hello,
I'm currently an owner of an S3 . I've been wanting to upgrade for some time now and I just can't decide what to buy.
I love the M8, but the camera is so awful that I am just not ready to pay a flagship-phone price for a phone like that. (my old s3 beats m8's camera (!!) )
I loved the G3 too , but reading in the GSMaren's review how bad its battery is (aside from 3G talk time , it really isn't that different than my ancient S3 in terms of its battery life which is just ridiculous! )
The Z2 has a boring and an outdated UI which is just a shame for a 2014 phone.
But , its battery ,camera, overall performance are superb. At least compared to its rivals. (Though it seems that the screen is rather dim and dark compared to the S5 and M8).
But my main concern , is that Video shooting and overheating issue.
I don't need to record videos in 4K. But as far as I understand the the overheating issue occurs even when shooting an 1080p video, and that's a problem.
Does 1080p shooting cause the overheating and camera app shut down for everyone?
If you really think the UI is "boring and outdated" (really?!) it is easily remedied with any launcher of your choice..
Regarding the overheating issue, I have been recording 12 minute 4K videos (it shut down by itself) and 30 minute 1080p videos (I stopped recording, I could have gone longer the phone was warm but not hot at that point) without any issues.
That being said, based on what everyone on here has been saying my experience is not the same as most.
At the end of the day mate, it's a mobile phone. You don't have much to lose picking this over one of the other flagships.
Have you seen the phone in person and used it? I read a lot of reviews complaining about the brightness but when I got it I was quite surprised I could use it in daylight with no issues. As for the UI you can alway use a launcher or themer to change the look of the phone, as for the 4K video recording it seems to be an issue across all companies I think it's probably being an issue of the hardware not being at that level yet. I am hoping that there will be a software fix for the overheating issues. I'm not sure if you are in the US but there are sellers who are Amazon verified once in a while that will let you do no hassle returns if you dont like it. I was really impressed with the phone but ended up returning it because it was a bit too big for my tastes but I am planning on buying it again when the prices go down. Good Luck!
jawang26 said:
Have you seen the phone in person and used it? I read a lot of reviews complaining about the brightness but when I got it I was quite surprised I could use it in daylight with no issues. As for the UI you can alway use a launcher or themer to change the look of the phone, as for the 4K video recording it seems to be an issue across all companies I think it's probably being an issue of the hardware not being at that level yet. I am hoping that there will be a software fix for the overheating issues. I'm not sure if you are in the US but there are sellers who are Amazon verified once in a while that will let you do no hassle returns if you dont like it. I was really impressed with the phone but ended up returning it because it was a bit too big for my tastes but I am planning on buying it again when the prices go down. Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing for sure when the price reduces the phone will NOT reduce in size
Ryland
Somnium1 said:
The Z2 has a boring and an outdated UI which is just a shame for a 2014 phone.
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Click to collapse
I would have to disagree with you here. The Z2 has a beautiful elegant UI IMO, one of the best Android "skins" aside from stock Android on the flagship devices. I've owned the One M8, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 3, and this is my favorite device by far.
I had...well,still have a z2 (its in for repair, after three days of light use the back panel cracked).
I did want to like it, but a few things missing from it that I missed from previously having Samsungs. Yes the ui is cleaner,closer to stock android but the the features of Touchwiz for me, make android better.
Like the swipe left to call/right to text.... Vibrate when there is an unread text, scheduled text messages, block numbers etc.
Ok, apps can be installed to mimic most of these but arnt as fluid as the built in features of Touchwiz.
Also had issues with the volume of notifications and screen brightness in the sun.
Great looking phone tbh, but have a play properly with a demo unit before committing.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (how ironic is that eh)
Somnium1 said:
Does 1080p shooting cause the overheating and camera app shut down for everyone?
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Click to collapse
What is the ambient temperature where you will be shooting ?
---------- Post added at 05:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:52 AM ----------
ProdigalFather said:
Regarding the overheating issue, I have been recording 12 minute 4K videos (it shut down by itself) and 30 minute 1080p videos (I stopped recording, I could have gone longer the phone was warm but not hot at that point) without any issues.
That being said, based on what everyone on here has been saying my experience is not the same as most.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't from what i can see and i'm trying to figure it out.
Go on then. Tell us what was the ambient temperature when you recorded those vids ? particularly that half hour long 1080p one.
Ryland Johnson said:
One thing for sure when the price reduces the phone will NOT reduce in size
Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know, I got a Z1 Compact as primary would like a Z2 eventually for those times I want a bigger screen
jawang26 said:
Yeah I know, I got a Z1 Compact as primary would like a Z2 eventually for those times I want a bigger screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the Z2 tablet.
irishrally said:
Get the Z2 tablet.
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Click to collapse
Haha I have an iPad already (don't judge!) like having a different eco system...We'll see hopefully I can hold out of the Z3 or Sony releases something similar in the 4.7 - 5 range.
As of now the Z2 is the best phone I've used compared to the S5 and the HTC One M8 but everyone has different preferences and tastes
I wrote a FULL REVIEW of the Xperia Z2 here - http://bit.ly/1kPjBJP
Read it and i'm pretty sure you will make up your mind easier.
One Twelve said:
What is the ambient temperature where you will be shooting ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ambient temp is around 30-40C (Sometimes more). Summers are hot here.
And I still can't understand.. the overheating issue occurs in 1080p videos too?? Or just for some..?
If it's only with 4K I can live with that, but 1080p... sucks.
It's weird that no serious mobile reviews mention that.(Engadget,GSMarena,etc.)
One Twelve said:
It isn't from what i can see and i'm trying to figure it out.
Go on then. Tell us what was the ambient temperature when you recorded those vids ? particularly that half hour long 1080p one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Around 11-13C for both.
Any Middle east user out there? How is the heat problem with z2 as ambient is around 45+ C
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
I'm reading answers here and it's very annoying to see some of them...
Most of us choose one brand and stick to it, why?
Just because we found something on that brand that cannot be found on others.
To compare touchwiz and Sony UI is... Hmm...let's say odd..
Why to compare?
I like Sony UI and I'm using Xperia devices, for years.
I don't like touchwiz so I don't use it.
Sony UI isn't outdated, dev brought UI on XS and older devices back in 2012/2013 but it wasn't meant to be for those devices.
Sony UI (new UI) was built for Honami, for Z1 and that's not old guys...
I thought I won't buy Z2, I own Z1 and Z2 now and I can't tell which one is Z2 from distance...so, yeah, there's not much new when you look device while it's off.
But...
When you take Z2 in your hands, when you feel it, when you see that fantastic IPS screen - you'll see the difference.
While I'm talking about screen I'll say just a few things about heating, not overheating.
If you watch 4K video or shoot one, play heavy games - it'll be hot, quite hot but there'll be no apps crashing or device freezing - that's the difference between heating and overheating.
That's perfectly normal and I'm sure next update will reduce that a bit...
Also, screen is a bit dark and you'll have trouble to watch video outside on bright sun.
You won't see problems in menus and other apps but video is hard to watch...
That's minus, at least for me...
But that's something next firmware releases could fix without any problems.
Even custom kernels could fix something like that...
If you can wait, wait for next Xperia device, it'll be better, that's for sure.
But comparing this device with Z/ZL/ZR/Z1 I can say this is not just a better device, Z2 is something new from Sony...
Believe me, I'm using Z1 at the same time and comparing them all the time - Z2 is really, really something else...
Is it better then competitions flagships?
For me it is but if you like Sony and their ideas it'll be best for you as well...
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 11:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:55 AM ----------
Somnium1 said:
Ambient temp is around 30-40C (Sometimes more). Summers are hot here.
And I still can't understand.. the overheating issue occurs in 1080p videos too?? Or just for some..?
If it's only with 4K I can live with that, but 1080p... sucks.
It's weird that no serious mobile reviews mention that.(Engadget,GSMarena,etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for a new update and we'll confirm if that heating is fixed.
55 has that problem and I think next one has it to (I think it's 402 or 420, I'm not sure) so next firmware update could fix that problem.
Wait for that and you'll know...
BTW, I just tried to shoot 1080 / 60fps video.
I recorded 3.20mins and played it, so it's almost 7 mins of 1080p videos and no heating at all.
Device is just a bit warmer (top back) but that's nothing.
It's not hot at all....
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
I have the M8 and Z2. The screen on the Z2 is brighter than my M8.
Sent from my C6806_GPe using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
jawang26 said:
Yeah I know, I got a Z1 Compact as primary would like a Z2 eventually for those times I want a bigger screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A suggestion. If you have the Z1 compact as your mobile phone and desire on times a larger viewing area I would skip the Z2 and go for the Xperia Z Ultra. Prices are incredibly low now and its one hell of a viewing experience. I own the Ultra and Z2 and think the Ultra is certainly better quality in terms of materials used and construction methods. Nothing wrong with the Z2 but I was some what surprised when I received it last week. I used to own the Xperia Z and that was, despite many negative comments, a very good phone. I am unsure if the jump in size from the compact to the Z2 would be worth the financial outlay. Now the Ultra has a far greater viewing area and its less than half the price of the new Z2.
Again, just some food for thought. Your choice will be right for you I am sure of that. Good luck with what ever you purchase.
Ryland
Why I like the Xperia Z2 over other competitors (Galaxy S5, One M8, G3). Below are just my personal opinion and observations. I have used my Z2 for 3 weeks now. This is my first noob review so please bear with me.
Camera
I was disappointed when I first heard that Sony limited its Superior Auto mode to 8MP only, I admit Im one of the people who believes more megapixel the better, but I was wrong. Even at 8MP, Z2 captures amazing shots, HDR is not as great as Galaxy S5s HDR shots, but as a whole camera, its better. Color accuracy is near perfect as I have compared through reviews. 4K video, although it heats up the phone quickly, I dont often use them. 1080p video recording is great, with a choice of 30fps or 60fps, sound is loud. Shots are fast and focus is 90% hit. Dont mind about HTC One M8's "Ultrapixel", they shoot awful shots.
Battery
3200mah Z2 vs 3200mah G3? G3 with QHD screen undoubtly will eat up more battery that Z2's FHD screen. Galaxy S5's 2800mAh and HTC One 2600 will normally never last longer than Z2. Rocking the phone for 24 hrs is a piece of cake. Dont forget Sony's Stamina mode that saves up a significant amount of juice.
Screen display
Although many people have been complaining about Z2's screen a bit dim. In my opinion its not too dim or too bright that I have to squint to see what im looking at. In my observation, Z2's brightness bursts from 75% and above. Previous flagships use TFT LCD and that was a big deal breaker for me. I could have got the Z1 if the screen was IPS. Texts and icons are sharper and brighter. Images are more vivid and accurate. Coming from Galaxy S4, I am used to those AMOLED displays, downside is that its not as sharp as IPS LCD, plus X-Reality does the job well done to movies and pictures (sharper and more vivid). As for HTC One M8, screen is comparable to IPS, but gives a bluish tint as I have read. Imagine yellows with blueish/colder colors.
Stereo Speakers/Sound
HTC is undoubtly the champ. But we are pinning Z2's dual front facing stereo speakers at 2nd, ahead of Galaxy S5 or G3 with one speaker. Sound is a bit soft/low even at 50%. You wont even notice a significant change from 1%-50% volume. Volume bursts from 50% and above. Thats just my opinion. Theres a little bit of trick with Z2's speakers to sound great or at least better. Watching movies or listening to music in landscape greatly improves the audio experience. Its probably because sound is distributed well to your left and right ear.
Noise-cancelling headphones
Its my first ever high-end earphones ever had. I was amazed how it cancels out 98% of background noise. And its 0 outside noise when im playing music. I couldnt even hear my friend shout at me. Bass is good, im not a boomboom person but I think its better than my GS4 generic headphones, or my Sony MDR ZX100. Definitely a steal.
Design/Build Quality
Coming from GS4, im loving my premium Z2. The glass and metal finish it has over Samsung's plastic, and horrible GS5 design, GS3 was good though. M8s design is good too, but that camera and battery . G3 is a bit big for me, and the back buttons are something that needs to get used to. Although heavy (Z2), Im getting used to it. Im using Spigen Ultra Fit case for increased grip and protection. I believe its a must for cases because the sides of the Z2 is kinda slippery. And I dont wanna scratch the back glass, lol.
User Interface and features
I find Z2 a wee bit lacking of features, like Touchwiz S-Beam. Palm tap to mute, especially calls and alarm and Smart Stay. Nevermind smart scroll and Air view stuff, they are hardly useful. The Sony UI feels light, not much bloated than Samsung. And it doesnt lag!! Unlike Samsung. Generally speaking. The UI is simple and snappy, though personally I feel its getting old/outdated. Needs to freshen up the icons and apps. With the new Quick Settings tab under notification, its a big improvement from older android versions with only limited and un-editable quick settings
Conclusion:
Coming from Galaxy S4, I am not disappointed that I ditched GS4 for Xperia Z2. With the screen improved from TFT LCD to IPS LCD, with 2 front facing stereo speakers, with the much improved camera than the previous Z1, the premium noise cancelling earphones, a premium phone made with glass and aluminum, water-proof, and ofcourse the massive 3200mAh battery. You cant go wrong buying the Xperia Z2.
Upon writing this lousy review back from a fresh shower, I just dropped my Z2 (with case ofcourse, 2nd time) from shoulder height to the floor tiles, and survived. Not a single scratch or crack.
I came from the SIII and certainly don't regret it. My main concern was the size. Whilst I have got used to it, it definitely is not pocket sized. In fact, ignoring weight and thickness it is the same size as my first ever mobile, the Ericsson Hotline EH97! Ok, the screen is a bit larger
On the plus side, the biggest improvement is the battery. I always struggled to get one day out of the SIII but get a day and a half comfortably now.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Somnium1 said:
Ambient temp is around 30-40C (Sometimes more). Summers are hot here.
And I still can't understand.. the overheating issue occurs in 1080p videos too?? Or just for some..?
If it's only with 4K I can live with that, but 1080p... sucks.
It's weird that no serious mobile reviews mention that.(Engadget,GSMarena,etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long do you want to shoot 1080p ? Also if you don't use stabilisation then it will last longer. But this may not always be an option you want.
Not a problem for those that shoot at half the temperature.
The thread on undervolting looks promising. There apparently is a difference with .420, maybe they will lower it further in future updates.
---------- Post added at 04:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:00 AM ----------
funky0308 said:
While I'm talking about screen I'll say just a few things about heating, not overheating.
If you watch 4K video or shoot one, play heavy games - it'll be hot, quite hot but there'll be no apps crashing or device freezing - that's the difference between heating and overheating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a fair way to draw a distinction
People tend to use it in a relative way though, this other device does not get so hot so Z2 gets hotter than them therefore it overheats.