Z ultra questions help please!! - Sony Xperia Z Ultra

I am seriously considering this phone. I saw it in the Sony store today and fell in love with it. The size is awesome and is something that I can definitely appreciate. I have a couple of questions however. 1st being, which model do I need to buy to work with att 4G lte? 2nd, what are your thoughts on the device compared to the galaxy note 3 which is what I am currently using. Finally is color which should I choose? I like the black but I feel like the white will hide surface scratches better.
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sal1311 said:
I am seriously considering this phone. I saw it in the Sony store today and fell in love with it. The size is awesome and is something that I can definitely appreciate. I have a couple of questions however. 1st being, which model do I need to buy to work with att 4G lte? 2nd, what are your thoughts on the device compared to the galaxy note 3 which is what I am currently using. Finally is color which should I choose? I like the black but I feel like the white will hide surface scratches better.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2504927) it's the C6806 you need for ATT LTE.
I chose the Z Ultra over the Note 3 as I'd had the Note 1 for a couple of years and wanted something a bit different, as with most people I went with the Z Ultra as I wanted the bigger screen. I think the Note 3 is a better all round device as it's a bit smaller and lighter plus it has a decent camera but if you like the large screen then the Z Ultra is clearly the way to go. I suspect most people here will tell you to go for the Z Ultra and most in the Samsung forum would say stick with the Note 3, it's really what you prefer. I am disappointed with the Z Ultra's camera and I miss the removable battery but on balance having had the Z Ultra for a month or so now I don't regret choosing it over the Samsung. The huge screen is just fantastic for so many things and I find myself using it a lot more than I expected.
Colour is also a personal choice, I looked at both the white and the black but thought the black looked better although it does show finger prints and scratches more.
John

Hi sal1311,
As John has mentioned, the C6806 is the best for US LTE coverage as it supports bands 4 and 17 (AT&T and T-Mobile) while C6833 supports band 4 (T-Mobile).
Also as mentioned, it depends on what your preference is. This phone is huge no matter which phone are coming from (unless you are coming from a Galaxy Mega or HTC's phablet) but I personally like the size. I wanted something that can combine the usefulness of the tablet but with a "phone-like" form factor. I came from a Galaxy Note 2 and 10.1 combo and I personally love the "DPI" settings on the UI, especially in Chrome and in emails. I found myself doing much more emails on my Z Ultra than I ever did on the Note 2 and 10.1 combined. Gaming is awesome and watching Netflix and videos are great as well. Plus, I've always liked Sony's UI in general as it is clean and simple. Samsung's is too cartoon-y though I cannot say about the Galaxy Note 3 as I have not played with one.
The only two downsides from my experiences are the battery life and the camera. Battery life can be short depending on what you do and the camera is not very good and does not have flash.
My suggestion would be to try it out at a Sony store (if you have one close by) or purchase it from a retailer that has no restocking fee and try it out. When I played with it at the store then went back to my Galaxy Note 2, I felt my Note 2 was tiny!
I went for black though I may change it for purple. Black is becoming too boring for me and the color white on phones reminds me of iPhone too much (my wife, sister, and mom have white iPhones). My VAIO Z is Indigo blue (basically purple inside) and I kind of like it though I'm guessing the Z Ultra's purple is going to stand out more.
Hope this helps.

Related

Formers S3 owners...

Just curious to see how former S3 owners are enjoying their Note 2. I'm on the fence right now, the size is not a big deal as I feel I can adapt to it pretty quickly. The bigger screen size and multi view options really interest me. What were the big drivers for you to jump from the S3 to the Note 2? How would you compare the experiences?
TIA
I had the s3 and I'd say it would be like comparing a wrx to the st or z06 to the zr1i. Both are awesome but one is just a little bit better. Bigger, faster, and just overall more awesomer lol. I like playing with the stylus, split screen, bigger screen plus I'm a phone whore so I'm always trading.
sshams95 said:
Just curious to see how former S3 owners are enjoying their Note 2. I'm on the fence right now, the size is not a big deal as I feel I can adapt to it pretty quickly. The bigger screen size and multi view options really interest me. What were the big drivers for you to jump from the S3 to the Note 2? How would you compare the experiences?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me and the wife traded our GS3s for Note 2s... Love them
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
F'n love it! Battery is incredible (I'd say close to double the screen-on time). Multi window is really cool too, and with root you can get ALL apps loaded in it, where as with stock there were only like 6 apps available in multi window, which made it useless.
I'm actually liking the spen too (writing this post with it). Along with that, I also suggest the flygrip, it makes using this massive phone with one hand not only possible, but convenient and comfortable. It doubles as a kick stand too, which I like to do 180 portrait mode, and it sits firm where you can use the spen and hit menus/home button without it falling over. I actually used it on the S3 until I got my note, and I love it! I switched from T-Mobile to Verizon, so my network is 10 times better now as well.
The S3 is great, and if T Mobile lets me off the hook from my cancellation I'm still going to keep it for an mp3 player etc...but IMO this Note 2 blows it away with just the battery alone...which is crazy because the screen is way bigger AND way brighter. I couldn't even see my s3 if it was a halfway sunny day.
So yeah, you could say I'm a fan
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
sshams95 said:
Just curious to see how former S3 owners are enjoying their Note 2. I'm on the fence right now, the size is not a big deal as I feel I can adapt to it pretty quickly. The bigger screen size and multi view options really interest me. What were the big drivers for you to jump from the S3 to the Note 2? How would you compare the experiences?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bigger screen. Faster. Better battery. S pen. Just awesome zero regrets taking my s3 back. Plus I had the "blue" one but the longer I had it the more it looked purple. If size is not a concern, get off the fence and get this bad boy.
Sent from my SCH-I605
I agree with everyone else, it doesnt seem like much of a step up but i assure you it most definitely is, and was well worth the wait!
sent from my Note 2
Thanks for the feedback everyone, the battery life factor is something I forgot about it. Looks like I'm jumping the fence!
It is so much better! I still have my S3 so I can swap the SIM card and use whichever I chose, but I don't thing I will be using S3 very often. I may just use S3 like an iPod on Wi-Fi
Jump in! I truly loved my sg3... for 30 days I had it..lol. Note 2 came out on day 29 and I dropped by best buy just to see the "Beast" before my return date was up. Took one look and held it.. and that was it. Sg3 was awesome. Fast. Smooth and powerful. Note 2 is just a whole different world. Has completely changed my mobile computing/productivity. Had Droid X and tbolt (sigh) before sg3 so I was shockingly happy with it. But the Note 2 is literally unreal. Good luck and have fun!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Better battery life, brighter screen, 3g radio and signal is much improved(no data drops), gps locks faster, quad core...nuff said!
Wife and I bought s3 from craigslist and had them for 3 weeks then I got an upgrade from a friend of mine who purchased the note 2 . I love the gs3 on verizon but the note 2 is just like others have said, better battery and slightly faster. The gs3 is still a beast and ive recommended most of my friends and family to get the gs3. My wife is slightly jealous so I will probably end up giving her mine for a bit while I sell her gs3 to buy another note 2 full price.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
For me it was almost solely the s pen. I do alot of photo editing and stuff like that. Oh and the titanium gray is just plain sexy
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justin94 said:
For me it was almost solely the s pen. I do alot of photo editing and stuff like that. Oh and the titanium gray is just plain sexy
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me it was when Mugen made a 6400mah battery for it. That's more power than my galaxy tab 7.7 which is only 5100mah. I like to read books on my tablet which is painful on my small rezound. I just have to figure on which color, I know crazy. I prefer black to grey, but white is selling for a higher price on ebay( now that's crazy).
juanaraya92679 said:
Wife and I bought s3 from craigslist and had them for 3 weeks then I got an upgrade from a friend of mine who purchased the note 2 . I love the gs3 on verizon but the note 2 is just like others have said, better battery and slightly faster. The gs3 is still a beast and ive recommended most of my friends and family to get the gs3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, what it a mint condition G3 going for on craigs list right now??
I have two mint condition G3's with extra batteries, extra backs and cases (including hyperion extended batts etc) that I want to sell but I'm not sure what they're worth??
I just sold mine last Friday on CL for $350. Probably could have got more but wanted a quick sale. Put it up Thursday evening after getting my N2 , gone Friday.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
jmorton10 said:
I'm curious, what it a mint condition G3 going for on craigs list right now??
I have two mint condition G3's with extra batteries, extra backs and cases (including hyperion extended batts etc) that I want to sell but I'm not sure what they're worth??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shouldnt have a problem getting 400 a piece.
yepp..had the s3..love this phone.
Sold s3 on ebay for 400 an that was the buy it now price they are selling good if you took care of it I may have a dna up for sale soon extra Christmas money
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Its been a rather busy year for me on the phone front. I started the year off with a Thunderbolt, followed up by a Rezound, and then purchased Galaxy S3 in July.
Suffice to say the S3 was the best of the lot. When I got the S3, I thought I had found the promise of Android. Finally the OS had been optimized and I felt confident that I would keep the S3 for at least a year. Then came the Note 2, and a window of opportunity. I had an upgrade that I HAD to use before January (dont ask) and so I sold my S3 on Gazelle for almost 300 and put the order in.
I wont lie, initially and still it feels a little awkward handling the Note 2. Its big, its a lot bigger than the S3. The S3's ergonomics were spot on and like most any well designed phone you tend to forget your holding something. You just use the interface..the body goes away in the interaction. But with the Note 2 I haven't gotten there yet, I am still very aware that I'm working to grasp a device and the interface comes a second later.
There is a slight disconnect because you have to physically accommodate the phone ya know?
That being said there are a number of features in the Note 2 that go a very very long way to making you forgive (and maybe forget) its girth. The screen is just awesome, its the big screen jumbo man TV of the smartphone world. How can you hate that!? If you have any love for tech your drawn to it like moth to a flame. Its stunning. Watching YouTube in bed is like having my 58inch plasma on my chest...MWAHAAH!..I dunno..there's something about that. I dig it.
Also compared to the S3, its faster, the antenna seems to be better, and that has that fancy pen. Outside of that, there isn't much that makes this a giant leap from the S3. For me its really just about the screen and maybe the possibility of having a more capable hacked and overclocked quad core monster after I root it, but that is still a ways off.
Imo its just a bigger s3....I really don't get the big deal of multi view. I have no regrets though. I love it.

Galaxy Note 3 , will you buy it?

I'm patiently waiting for the c6806 but now that the galaxy note 3 is being announced and will be out early October , i might just jump ship and buy the note .Waiting for the LTE version is just painfully slow!
Build quality & the display is too small.
In the end the hardware pro's (ram, slightly higher clocking, cam) of the SGN3 are not compensating this for my requirements, as the performance of the XZU is still astonishing and i'm using my phone only for snapshots.
But your case is exactly showing the becalming situation Samsung has - people love to buy it anyway.
i almost bought the c6802 and live with the 3g connection but im pretty sure i'll be banging my head if the LTE version comes out,blaming myself that i should have waited .
LTE to me is the now technology and 3G is just not acceptable in my vocabulary .
jacktherapper00 said:
Build quality & the display is too small.
In the end the hardware pro's (ram, slightly higher clocking, cam) of the SGN3 are not compensating this for my requirements, as the performance of the XZU is still astonishing and i'm using my phone only for snapshots.
But your case is exactly showing the becalming situation Samsung has - people love to buy it anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% agree with you in every aspects. I even if was waiting for the LTE version would never go for a Note 3. Those phone only can be compared on the performances. Size and build quality are really different.
Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk 4
Absolutely not.
I've seen the conferences yesterday, and both Sony and Samsung haven't entertained me.
I mean, Sony has great products but tends to lay them out without any heart at all.
On the other end, Samsung has no innovation at all, but from their point of view it seems they're presenting the Holy Grail to the public year after year.
I have an S3, which is a great device, but on the right and on the bottom the "metal" bezel cut itself for no reason at all. It is 1 year old. And I paid FULL PRICE for this. And by full I mean that it costed me almost as much as a 6833.
I don't want Samsung to fill me with bs telling me the SPen is excellent, that the battery is interchangeable, that this, that that. I already know all that.
And i don't give a damn anymore.
ZU is progression, SW2 too, hell even the SBH52 impressed me more than the N3.
I'm gonna get on board with Sony, and whenever I'll see a guy with his Note 3 I'll say "Hey man, nice phone, I hope you're happy with what you got", not feeling envious, not feeling sorry for not buying it.
Because in the end, what YOU feel with your phone matters, not that extra 0.1ghz or that 1gb of ram.
Let's face it, about 1 out of 1000 Note3 or S4 users will root or even use their device to the fullest. The rest of them will simply feel happy that they can update their Facebook status saying 'I have a Note 3! Sweet! ", until they're not happy again when their friends buy something more powerful/stylish/popular.
I prefer being a 1 percenter, with a device that makes me smile, than being a 99 one, with the regret that I could have bought something more.
But hey, that's just my 2 cents.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
If you love development.. Samsung is really awful.. Sony is another level man
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
androidindian said:
If you love development.. Samsung is really awful.. Sony is another level man
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 face on that medal you know...
On one face, Samsung hasn't always been keen with developers, not releasing sources and all, BUT thousands of people buy those, and as a result a lot of developers choose the device they develop on based on popularity, and on the fact that developing there would be more of a challenge.
On the other face, Sony has always been open with the developer community, but their popularity has started to grow big not that long ago, so we might have on the ZU the same level of devs there are on the Z.
As a matter of fact, some of them already started (just take a look on the Android development section), and that is even before the LTE version launched.
Let's wait for UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Spain etc. all have this device on their shelves, I have big expectations.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
well, after viewing the Note 3 "coming out" party yesterday, I decided I am not interested in it...
I had a note 1, and a Note 2, which was a major upgrade to the note 1.
Fantastic phone, and I was hoping the Note 3 would be a major "upgrade" as well; but, the only upgrades, CPU speed, 3 gigs of Ram, and 13 MP camera isnt going to make the experience on the Note 3 that much better than the note 2.
I've been watching the Xperia Z Ultra since it came out, and, it looks like a fantastic phone; I am a big guy, so the size doesnt scare me, but I am waiting to see which US carriers will be carrying it.
I have owned at least 50 cell phones in my life, but mysteriously, NONE of them have been Sony phones, but I think this will change in the next 30 days.
It doesnt seem like there is alot of development on this phone yet, but, since many note 2 owners feel similiar to me, I am certain that there will be a large groupl that will move to this phone, once some US carriers are announced.
The quality of this phone seems fantastic; not sure if no flash for the camera will affect picture quality, and, hopefully, easy root/bootloader unlocking is just around the corner, since the sound from that tiny speaker appears to be lousy as well, but nothing that ViperMod or a different kernel wont fix!
The main problem SGN2 had and SGN3 as per first hands on, pics and vids also seems to have is, that - even if it is already to small for me as an Note 2 user - they're not making proper use of the screen size with view to UI on stock ROM.
In the end the Note 2 was and is just a sized up Galaxy.
And 2nd market (custom roms) is not a criterion on this topic for me, because if i have to customize the the product from day 1 to meet my needs, then there's something wrong and i'll better wait for the right deal.
wase4711 said:
well, after viewing the Note 3 "coming out" party yesterday, I decided I am not interested in it...
I had a note 1, and a Note 2, which was a major upgrade to the note 1.
Fantastic phone, and I was hoping the Note 3 would be a major "upgrade" as well; but, the only upgrades, CPU speed, 3 gigs of Ram, and 13 MP camera isnt going to make the experience on the Note 3 that much better than the note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another user on another forum posted that maybe a real change will be seen when all S3s end their contract.
That's true for the S4 (they sold a lot less than what they were expecting), I was expecting it and I didn't fall for that.
That's true for the N3 too, as is a specced up S4 with SPen functions.
It will sell regardless of all this thoughts, but I could bet 1 out of 5 previous N2 owners will buy this N3, and the other 4 will scout around for a better choice or wait for the N4.
That's what I was planning to do skipping the iPhone 4 for the 5 (having the 3G), but Samsung stunned me with the S3 and I jumped ship.
I waited for a big change from the S3 to the S4, but I was ready to wait for the N3 this time.
Sony stunned me since they presented the ZU, I fell in love and that's it.
The only thing that would make me love even more this device would be having a stock-Google Play Edition.
That would be AWESOME.
Last but not least for the fact that we won't need implementation for the SPen, because the screen accept pens and pencils on its own...
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
My friend and i were avid samsung users. We both had NOTE 1 then i sold it bought htc one x then sold it again and he too sold note and we both bought Note 2. Note 2 was a great device but design was my only grudge against it. Then in april i bought sony xperia z and now have htc one. And i swore that i wont fall in samsung bad design good performance trap. Currently trying to sell HTC ONE and i will buy Z ULTRA. and my friend too will buy z ultra no more shameSuck for us we had it enough
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
nope
dont like amoled, never preffered samsung as a name brand, and i am happy with ZU
although they did a good job of providing 3GB.. i guess they got more crap to add running in backgrounds
corrado85 said:
nope
dont like amoled, never preffered samsung as a name brand, and i am happy with ZU
although they did a good job of providing 3GB.. i guess they got more crap to add running in backgrounds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree.....
corrado85 said:
although they did a good job of providing 3GB.. i guess they got more crap to add running in backgrounds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This
My friend's S4 has no more than 250 free Mb all time...
You clean the memory, exit, return to manage the ram, it has even less memory left... :what:
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Leaving Samsung behind. Time to move on. I love my new z ultra.. build quality is awesome. Note 3 is great, but same old same old except for specs. Each their own.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Pretty much agree with most posts. I've had the Note & Note 2 (using HTC One now) & the Note 3 doesn't do it for me. I really hate Touchwiz. Everything about it annoys me so I've run custom roms on all my Samsung phones. I don't use the s pen at all either so it just sits there.
I like the direction Sony are heading. I would prefer a smaller bezel but I really like the waterproof design & the minimal additions to Android.
I really don't see why Samsung are the Android leaders...
Nuwidol said:
Pretty much agree with most posts. I've had the Note & Note 2 (using HTC One now) & the Note 3 doesn't do it for me. I really hate Touchwiz. Everything about it annoys me so I've run custom roms on all my Samsung phones. I don't use the s pen at all either so it just sits there.
I like the direction Sony are heading. I would prefer a smaller bezel but I really like the waterproof design & the minimal additions to Android.
I really don't see why Samsung are the Android leaders...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advertising, advertising, and advertising. Oh, I forgot about advertising.
They could sell a smart ring for your toe advertising it as the next companion for the summer for getting rid of fungus because it has a 5mpx camera that scans the pavement before you set your foot on it.
Everybody would simply love it.
Inviato dal mio Nexus 7 con Tapatalk 2
Nuwidol said:
Pretty much agree with most posts. I've had the Note & Note 2 (using HTC One now) & the Note 3 doesn't do it for me. I really hate Touchwiz. Everything about it annoys me so I've run custom roms on all my Samsung phones. I don't use the s pen at all either so it just sits there.
I like the direction Sony are heading. I would prefer a smaller bezel but I really like the waterproof design & the minimal additions to Android.
I really don't see why Samsung are the Android leaders...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually really like the bezels on my Ultra. Helps to hold when watching a movie etc
Sent from my C6802 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hell yes...
More portable format, better camera, camera flash, SD card, removable battery, stylus built in, pressure sensitive wacom touchscreen, better hardware and software.
Basically, N3 is everything the Z wants to be...
FinancialWar said:
Hell yes...
More portable format, better camera, camera flash, SD card, removable battery, stylus built in, pressure sensitive wacom touchscreen, better hardware and software.
Basically, N3 is everything the Z wants to be...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah... remind me again why you're browsing the Z Ultra forum...?
You see, you're everything Samsung wants.
Go for it my friend, you deserve it.
Samsung wants to be the next Apple. Good for money at first, but look at the iPhone crowd now... oh yeah, these is no crowd.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Z Ultra Life Expectancy

Ok, Damn it. This is really starting to become an expensive habit!
Do you plan on keeping your Xperia Z Ultra for a full 12 months?
I've been enjoying this phone, so far so good! Every year I tell myself "this time I'm gonna stick with this one for at least a year" . However it just doesn't seem to workout that way. 2 years with one device seems impossible now, so I'm targeting a full year! I think I'll replace this ZU with another Xperia device if the successor is regal!
Had my Note 1 for a full 3 years before upgrading to the Ultra. Briefly considered the Note 2, but was not interested, so took the Note 8 as a companion, and sold that in 3 months together with the Note 1 to fund for the Ultra, since the Note 3 was not screen-sized to my liking
Perhaps 2 years, seeing the missus is giving me the evil eye (the Note 1 was a gift from her!)
I had around 4 phones last 3 years. But I think i will keep the Ultra for at least 2 years. It is big enough, fast enough, has storage enough. There is nothing i want more. I use the samsung C pen at the side of the pool. It works perfect for me.
I kept my original HTC Evo 4G for a little over three years, and that was back during the period in which each new round of flagship phones had significantly better specs than the last. Now that hardware differentiation is slowing down, I don't think it will be any problem for me to keep the Z Ultra for a full two years. The only thing that might make it difficult for me would be a significantly improved Z Ultra 2.
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using xda app-developers app
This is the second device for me this year. Which is about average. I do reviews of products and then make a few videos about them, and then usually sell them after 3/4 months.
But as for the Ultra... I think I can see me using it until the next ultra comes out.. (or something equally as beautiful but with a better camera)
This device has been the best all round smartphone I've had, with a better camera it would have been perfect!! so... looking forward to the Ultra 2...
In the last three years I have had six devices..I think. I still use my One X as my alarm and toilet mp3 player while taking a dump. My plan for my Z Ultra is two years starting November 7th but I pretty much already know that I will buy a blackberry phone or a smaller device to use along with my ZU but not completely replacing it.
I used to buy new phones every 3 to 4 months, but iOS and Android changed that. I had my Note for two years, but that was only because I couldn't find a good replacement (the Note 2 wasn't a big enough upgrade), but the Ultra is, so I'll keep it at least for a year, and we'll see if anything interesting pops up after that.
Sent from my Z Ultra, using XDA Premium 4
SÜPERUSER said:
I still use my One X as my alarm and toilet mp3 player while taking a dump.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Superuser, you are an artist who paints with words.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
I've generally changed phones about every two to three weeks. Which.. Isn't a good thing I don't think lol I always either trade them or sell them and use that money to buy another. In this case though, I feel like I've finally hit a device that is unique enough that nothing else would be able to replace in quite the same way. The screen real estate on this isn't just like using a Note.. The Note really just feels like a blown-up phone, and I hate that. The UI on tablet/phones usually just stretches everything out instead of properly using the 1080p resolution, which is something that this phone's UI does well, even down to the soft keys. So, I'm hoping that I can keep this phone at least for half a year before moving on to the next phone.. Based on the fact that it is basically an excuse for me to be able to carry a tablet around and call it a "phone."
But yeah, my goal is six months.. lol but that would be nothing short of a miracle. As of now though I do want to sell this C6802 and buy myself a C6833 with some accidental insurance from Sony. Then keep that. But, for the time being, extremely happy with this.
Sent from my C6802 using Tapatalk
For me, I wish I can stay with my Z Ultra for at least 6 months. I changed phone regularly. The last phone that I've used more than 6 months is Note 2. Subsequently I used Nexus 4 for a month and Xperia Z for 2 months plus. I think Z Ultra is an all rounded device, the issue is just the so so camera. Not so interested on other popular flagships like Note 3 and G2 so I think I'll continue using Z Ultra for some while.
jeremy.chan said:
Had my Note 1 for a full 3 years before upgrading to the Ultra. Briefly considered the Note 2, but was not interested, so took the Note 8 as a companion, and sold that in 3 months together with the Note 1 to fund for the Ultra, since the Note 3 was not screen-sized to my liking
Perhaps 2 years, seeing the missus is giving me the evil eye (the Note 1 was a gift from her!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The note 1 was only released in 2011
I had my note since release (around two years) and it lasted well as the note 3 wasn't really much of an upgrade. I can't see the z ultra lasting as long though as it's not as well roinded a device particularly the poor camera, no flash led and the sealed in battery.
John
I've had my my Note 2 for just 7 mos, Nexus 4 for 6 mos, Nexus 7 for 4 mos. Sold all of 'em due to uncontrolled circumstances, but I'm planning to keep my XZU for as long as I can. I think I'm very much satisfied with it. But I'm also planning on getting a backup phone, Maybe a Z1 or just an SP. Definitely, not going back to Samsung.
jnocomski said:
Definitely, not going back to Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. I've used Samsung for most of my other smartphones, but this region locking and authentication chips for accessories is just a pure cash grab at the cost of convenience for the consumer.
This is something that we should never support and should let samsung know with our wallets.
I'm hoping to keep this until the next Ultra is about to come out and I'll sell this and get something else, maybe a Note 3 or some oddball "phablet" and then sell that to get the Ultra 2. I haven't kept a phone for longer than a year since I started getting smartphones, and recently it's been less than that.
I love this phone, but have to admit I'm interested by the Lumia 1520 as it's the first high end windows phone and I'd love to see what it's like...
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I'm interested in what Sony does with this phone. It hasn't sold well.
yet_twy88 said:
For me, I wish I can stay with my Z Ultra for at least 6 months. I changed phone regularly. The last phone that I've used more than 6 months is Note 2. Subsequently I used Nexus 4 for a month and Xperia Z for 2 months plus. I think Z Ultra is an all rounded device, the issue is just the so so camera. Not so interested on other popular flagships like Note 3 and G2 so I think I'll continue using Z Ultra for some while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I couldn't get into the plastic/plastic design. I really never liked the galaxy design after the SGS2. I like the more squared design of the GS4 & Note 3, but it Sony got this design perfect! They dropped the ball in a few areas, but this screen is so large I think it's the saving grace. I believe this will keep me content as 6.4 will probably be matched by few!
It's Difficult to downgrade on screen size, I'm sure all of us considered Z1 at some point. But after a 5.5" note, I couldn't imagine using a 5.0" Z1 including on-screen buttons.... Noooo Wayyy....
samsmalls said:
It's Difficult to downgrade on screen size, I'm sure all of us considered Z1 at some point. But after a 5.5" note, I couldn't imagine using a 5.0" Z1 including on-screen buttons.... Noooo Wayyy....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sums all my thoughts. Definitely not going to have a smaller screen like... ever.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk 2
fastest83 said:
This sums all my thoughts. Definitely not going to have a smaller screen like... ever.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here :highfive:
fastest83 said:
This sums all my thoughts. Definitely not going to have a smaller screen like... ever.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, though I'd like a smaller device to use as my main phone and carry both. I'm hoping for a Nexus 5 but if we can't afford it I'll get a used Nexus 4 to replace the one my wife is borrowing from me.

Some questions for ex Note 3 owners that moved to the Ultra

Hi all!
I have a Note 2 with ATT and will be moving to Tmobile soon and have been thinking about the Note 3 even though Samsung let me down with the lame .18" increase in size after the rumors of a 6" screen.
Now, my concerns about the Sony are...non replaceable batteries. I always have like 3 batteries extra for my phones. No real Spen like apps unless you guys have some already that are similar to the Spen stuff.
Also, I assume there is some multi window feature like on the Note, right?
Of course what I like about the Sony is the huge screen. I know is not the same type as the Note but I think it looks great on its own way so no big deal. I used to tame down the colors on my note 2 anyway.
It has 1GB less RAM but from what I have seen, it does not affect it that much in real life.
I would love to have some OCing kernel as I have always been a tweaker but I will check that later.
I saw Amazon selling them for $450 which is cheaper and even a used Note 3.
Anything I should be concerned about?
shaolin95 said:
Hi all!
I have a Note 2 with ATT and will be moving to Tmobile soon and have been thinking about the Note 3 even though Samsung let me down with the lame .18" increase in size after the rumors of a 6" screen.
Now, my concerns about the Sony are...non replaceable batteries. I always have like 3 batteries extra for my phones. No real Spen like apps unless you guys have some already that are similar to the Spen stuff.
Also, I assume there is some multi window feature like on the Note, right?
Of course what I like about the Sony is the huge screen. I know is not the same type as the Note but I think it looks great on its own way so no big deal. I used to tame down the colors on my note 2 anyway.
It has 1GB less RAM but from what I have seen, it does not affect it that much in real life.
I would love to have some OCing kernel as I have always been a tweaker but I will check that later.
I saw Amazon selling them for $450 which is cheaper and even a used Note 3.
Anything I should be concerned about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from the Note, and then S4.
When using my note i did use the sPen sometimes. (not very often)
Mostly for accurate points in sketching. But realistically not very often. The pencil feels better and is more accurate. Just make sure you have a screen protector. As it will scratch the glass.... (and stock Sony protector)
I never used additional batteries, so can't comment in that respect.
I find that the Ultra lasts as long as my S4 did. Considering the massive screen that's pretty good.
With 2Gb of RAM i find that great. I'm a heavy multitasker and have never experienced lag or slow down.
There is currently an overclocked kernel for CM. And works great with Carbon ROM. by krabapple.
There will not be as many ROM's for the Ultra than for the Note 3. Thats just due to marketing and sammy sheep.
I've loved my change from Samsung, and unless sammy do something amazing like the Ultra, I can't see me going back.
Well I dont really mind much about having too many Roms, I usually stick to one or two anyway, specially with Note, I dont use anything but sammy ROMS to keep all the featuers intact.
thanks!
hamdogg said:
I came from the Note, and then S4.
I never used additional batteries, so can't comment in that respect.
I find that the Ultra lasts as long as my S4 did. Considering the massive screen that's pretty good.
With 2Gb of RAM i find that great. I'm a heavy multitasker and have never experienced lag or slow down.
There is currently an overclocked kernel for CM. And works great with Carbon ROM. by krabapple.
There will not be as many ROM's for the Ultra than for the Note 3. Thats just due to marketing and sammy sheep.
I've loved my change from Samsung, and unless sammy do something amazing like the Ultra, I can't see me going back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a note 3 for a week, not to long but to me it was enough to sell it.
The screen of the z ultra is eons better, its not pentile (every review said it was a non-issue, but to me it was noticeable), the colors are equaly saturated, but better, specialy whites, in the note 3 they where greenish and depresing. And the size is perfect for gaming, reading and sketching, i cannot put it in any pocket, but the same was true with the note..
The non repleaceable battery its an issue, the first day of use was better in this one, but nothing compares to having a spare battery for long journeys.
Taking notes on the z ultra was better than i expected, its not a replacement for a true wacom pen, but it gets the job done... I recomend papyrus, it has an unlimited canvas and it recognices the finger as a secondary input when using a pen, so you can write with a pen and pan with the finger, pretty usefull.
ZU stock rom doesnt have multiwindows, a shame really, but you can always try omnirom, its not as polished, but i feel like it will be better with time. If you want to let it stock it has the advantage of showing a lot of apps in tablet mode, or semi-tablet mode, the note 3 behaves like the note 2 in that regard.
For now the z ultra feels much snappier, if i where you i will not worry to much about that gigabyte extra,
Maybe my note unit was faulty, but i didn't have any warranty, and i tough it will be better to try the zu before buying another note, and im very happy with my desicion at the moment.
PD: Sorry about my english, if you have any question feel free to ask me, im on vacations
pustulio22 said:
I had a note 3 for a week, not to long but to me it was enough to sell it.
The screen of the z ultra is eons better, its not pentile (every review said it was a non-issue, but to me it was noticeable), the colors are equaly saturated, but better, specialy whites, in the note 3 they where greenish and depresing. And the size is perfect for gaming, reading and sketching, i cannot put it in any pocket, but the same was true with the note..
The non repleaceable battery its an issue, the first day of use was better in this one, but nothing compares to having a spare battery for long journeys.
Taking notes on the z ultra was better than i expected, its not a replacement for a true wacom pen, but it gets the job done... I recomend papyrus, it has an unlimited canvas and it recognices the finger as a secondary input when using a pen, so you can write with a pen and pan with the finger, pretty usefull.
ZU stock rom doesnt have multiwindows, a shame really, but you can always try omnirom, its not as polished, but i feel like it will be better with time. If you want to let it stock it has the advantage of showing a lot of apps in tablet mode, or semi-tablet mode, the note 3 behaves like the note 2 in that regard.
For now the z ultra feels much snappier, if i where you i will not worry to much about that gigabyte extra,
Maybe my note unit was faulty, but i didn't have any warranty, and i tough it will be better to try the zu before buying another note, and im very happy with my desicion at the moment.
PD: Sorry about my english, if you have any question feel free to ask me, im on vacations
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about multitasking need, but i'm fine with standard recent apps switcher on Android navbar on XZU. I like mini apps too, but they are not that natural for me so not very often that i have been using it. In Samsung devices a multitasking pane is required since they don't even migrate to On Screen button that Google recommends manufacturer to move into. Not that Samsung can't do recent app switcher (it's just a long click at home) but such delay to switch app will surely hinder people from using it, so that's why multitasking window is a must feature for Samsung devices. So no, i'm fine with how Sony follows Google and done with it.
To OP, yeah there is a Mini Apps to make you able to multitask, but as i said earlier, clicking recent app switcher from navbar is more than fine to compensate for that multitasking. About Battery, well i came from a RAZR Maxx so it's a little downgrade for me but it's not that bad, a full workday can be handled with it. Not having a removable battery is way of the future i think, so i have adapted into it. But because of that we need to learn to prolong battery life (which is good) by not draining it like crazy. It is best to combine it with Sony's powerbank which is a real slim device so i think no hassle to do a routine charging on the go.
pustulio22 said:
PD: Sorry about my english, if you have any question feel free to ask me, im on vacations
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You feedback was perfectly clear and detailed. I appreciate your input!
I think for me so far the small screen of Note 3..well, I mean really not even .2" bigger than Note 2 is what matters the most because for all the power the device has, I just feel that the real state is not enough to fully use it.
I held a Galaxy Mega and felt that was a perfect size for me so I am thinking that will translate to the Ultra Z as well. :good:
hansip87 said:
To OP, yeah there is a Mini Apps to make you able to multitask, but as i said earlier, clicking recent app switcher from navbar is more than fine to compensate for that multitasking. About Battery, well i came from a RAZR Maxx so it's a little downgrade for me but it's not that bad, a full workday can be handled with it. Not having a removable battery is way of the future i think, so i have adapted into it. But because of that we need to learn to prolong battery life (which is good) by not draining it like crazy. It is best to combine it with Sony's powerbank which is a real slim device so i think no hassle to do a routine charging on the go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation on the multi apps too. I think for the most part I use multis when watching a video and someone sends a message and I dont want to interrupt the video or when using GPS and want to also play some video to keep my passenger entertained for example.
Which of course that big screen will be even better at.
With my Note 2, I have to push brightness to the max some times when in the car holder. I hope the Ultra is better at that.
The sony powerbank sounds like a good alternative if not as practical but still I feel better knowing I got the spare power if needed. :good:
The screen on the Z Ultra is SO MUCH BETTER.
once you use it and look back to your note device you will not believe the different.
The Note screen looks like the Wii on an HD TV compared to a blueray movie being the Z
I am really wanting to buy it but now I just found out the C6802 I was going to get for $475 is only going to give me 3G.
I dont really care about LTE speeds but not sure what 3G will be like for ATT.
As long as I can do Netflix, youtube without issues waiting to load forever, I dont care about having super LTE speeds since its a bit pointless to me.
I chatted an ATT tech and he "promised" 3G is not super slow that he even watched youtube HD videos with it..I am so close to going for that C6802!
Regarding the screen, I used to have a Note and I liked its screen, but I used my friends S4 yesterday and my eyes started to bleed. Holy Saturation Batman!
I prefer LCDs now. They are much more natural and nice to look at.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
These Sony small apps there aren't that many and its not every app like note 3 I've not found a way to have split screen for video and other apps it's all just like a small stopwatch window small calculator nothing interesting. Tbf if I had the money I would have went for a note 3 as my second phone but then this phone is ALOT more premium then note 3 it does feel great it's just as someone did mention support of rooting roms recovery does seem quite small smaller then what I expected but I don't no if that's the handset or what.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
shaolin95 said:
I am really wanting to buy it but now I just found out the C6802 I was going to get for $475 is only going to give me 3G.
I dont really care about LTE speeds but not sure what 3G will be like for ATT.
As long as I can do Netflix, youtube without issues waiting to load forever, I dont care about having super LTE speeds since its a bit pointless to me.
I chatted an ATT tech and he "promised" 3G is not super slow that he even watched youtube HD videos with it..I am so close to going for that C6802!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm on att in NY and I came from note 2 and i don't miss LTE. so far i like watching netflix on the Ultra better the screen is my bread and butter.
my buddy has the note 3 and i was upset because of the lack of "true" improvements like new look, screen size like the mega.
like someone mentioned a few post back is that the Z isn't as popular compared to samsung with the roms, but i don't miss that.
i do notice some samsung guys are on some serious hate with the Z ultra. with the so called flaws of the ultra which justify the fact that the phone is water proof. i'd say go play with it at a Sony store, you won't be disappointed. i guarantee that if sammy made the ultra they would talk the phone up. sammy=apple in my eyes now
So if I wanted to have GPS and say, youtube playing, there is not really a way to split the view other than the small app or using like that supertube app maybe?
nathlynn22 said:
These Sony small apps there aren't that many and its not every app like note 3 I've not found a way to have split screen for video and other apps it's all just like a small stopwatch window small calculator nothing interesting. Tbf if I had the money I would have went for a note 3 as my second phone but then this phone is ALOT more premium then note 3 it does feel great it's just as someone did mention support of rooting roms recovery does seem quite small smaller then what I expected but I don't no if that's the handset or what.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget that you can make your own small apps by tapping the up arrow and the plus sign (check the attachment for an example)
shaolin95 said:
So if I wanted to have GPS and say, youtube playing, there is not really a way to split the view other than the small app or using like that supertube app maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, not out of the box at least. You'll have to flash Omni ROM if you want it today.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
No biggie flashing roms..I am addicted to that lol
shaolin95 said:
No biggie flashing roms..I am addicted to that lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, problem "solved"
And order placed!
Decided to go with the cheaper C6802 and use 3G...no issue for me since LTE is a waste that just gets me faster to over 5GB anyway
First no Samsung phone since my Captivate.
If Note 3 was 6" it would have been my choice but Samsung let others steal their thunder! Maybe Note 4...or Ultra Z 2 ...we will see when the time comes
Now time to get a case and read a lot for what I will need. It will be here Thursday!
shaolin95 said:
And order placed!
Decided to go with the cheaper C6802 and use 3G...no issue for me since LTE is a waste that just gets me faster to over 5GB anyway
First no Samsung phone since my Captivate.
If Note 3 was 6" it would have been my choice but Samsung let others steal their thunder! Maybe Note 4...or Ultra Z 2 ...we will see when the time comes
Now time to get a case and read a lot for what I will need. It will be here Thursday!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if you get the dock included? If you don't get one; get one. I can count the times i've opened a cover port (USB/SIM etc. port) on one hand, and it's so nice to not have to open one every time i have to charge it. It's also nice to have when i'm in bed and watching stuff on it while it's on my nightstand. Mini TV!
LordManhattan said:
Don't forget that you can make your own small apps by tapping the up arrow and the plus sign (check the attachment for an example)
Nope, not out of the box at least. You'll have to flash Omni ROM if you want it today.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did see that that you can use widgets and get more from play store but when.I tried looking for more on play store found nothing and also can't get like video and navigon up at the same time?
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
nathlynn22 said:
I did see that that you can use widgets and get more from play store but when.I tried looking for more on play store found nothing and also can't get like video and navigon up at the same time?
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, same here. It seems like there's a tiny error when it tries to search. I found them all by searching manually on the play store though. I don't know if there is a "mini video" small app out there yet since i haven't looked for it.
HEY! What's this?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ru426.android.small_app_mediaplayer
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk

[Q] Xperia Z Ultra or Note 4?

So I am waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 next week Spt 3, and released specs and everything look good, but what turns me off from the phone is the rather small display. I mean 5.7inch is stupid I think, they could have at least made it a 6" as I was hoping for.
The Xperia Z Ultra has a 6.4" display and the specs are still good, only came out last year. I am a very lite user, I don't play games or use many Apps, just mainly for phone and texting.
What do you guys think, I can get it for $370 CAD no tax or shipping from U.S via eBay brand new unlocked, is it a good phone? Or am I making a mistake not getting the Note 4 and going for a slightly older phone?
I would really appreciate any feedback you can provide, thanks!
Torguy said:
So I am waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 next week Spt 3, and released specs and everything look good, but what turns me off from the phone is the rather small display. I mean 5.7inch is stupid I think, they could have at least made it a 6" as I was hoping for.
The Xperia Z Ultra has a 6.4" display and the specs are still good, only came out last year. I am a very lite user, I don't play games or use many Apps, just mainly for phone and texting.
What do you guys think, I can get it for $370 CAD no tax or shipping from U.S via eBay brand new unlocked, is it a good phone? Or am I making a mistake not getting the Note 4 and going for a slightly older phone?
I would really appreciate any feedback you can provide, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would go with the Ultra (only as the wife has a S4 and I hate it). As you say the specs are still good, and Sony's software is fast with not too much bloat. Also note that it is easy to root and flash custom ROMs to - although some people seem to have real trouble
Z Ultra from me, the best value for money smartphone now:good:
I've owned the Note II and perhaps less relevant the Galaxy Nexus, but I can say the Z Ultra, after being quite wary regarding Sony, is the best smart phone I have owned. It's big and beautiful and has an understated, yet classy look. It's super thin and shines on both the hard- and software side. Samsung is a step down, with its ugly and tacky plastics, let alone the horrible Touchwiz. The ZU is still a beast with the SD 800 cpu and destroys everything on its path. Take the plunge, you won't regret, possibly for years to come, if you wanted to.
Signed: an ex-Samsung believer
I'm using a note 3 now and am planning to shift to an xperia z ultra because I'm looking for stock android. For conversion to gpe and back, which model version should I buy? Lte or non lte?
How is the speaker quality of the device? All the reviews indicate it as soft. Is battery life better on the gpe?
No camera flash for z ultra was a deal breaker.
xManMythLegend said:
No camera flash for z ultra was a deal breaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see it as a dealbreaker. Sure i cant look at some pipes in the dark, which i had to do quite few times past 6 months, but as a device its quite ok without the flash. Mayby its also, cause i see camera as least important functionality in a phone, but let that be another discussion.
As for the general question, I think Note 4 will be preferred choice, I love my Ultra, seriously best phone in the market at the very moment imo. But thats the thing, Note 4 is generation up and thats a big thing. Another aspect that really speaks for samsung is that they actually put some thought - why do we go for such a big screen on this bloody thing, which i feel is lacking on Ultra.
I was between note and Ultra when note 3 launched, but the overall feel and my emotion was better on Sony, tho note came close with its trough thought phablet feel.
joulukas said:
I dont see it as a dealbreaker. Sure i cant look at some pipes in the dark, which i had to do quite few times past 6 months, but as a device its quite ok without the flash. Mayby its also, cause i see camera as least important functionality in a phone, but let that be another discussion.
As for the general question, I think Note 4 will be preferred choice, I love my Ultra, seriously best phone in the market at the very moment imo. But thats the thing, Note 4 is generation up and thats a big thing. Another aspect that really speaks for samsung is that they actually put some thought - why do we go for such a big screen on this bloody thing, which i feel is lacking on Ultra.
I was between note and Ultra when note 3 launched, but the overall feel and my emotion was better on Sony, tho note came close with its trough thought phablet feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the Z ultra provided any Spen functionality OR a camera flash I would have gotten it. To me that was two points. But everyone has different needs I can easily see why Zultra was a superb choice.
I would consider the new Z3 Tablet Compact if the size is deemed acceptable. Even if I had the Note I and II, I would not another device in that series mostly because of all restrictions Samsung has put up such as efuse, limitations on "right" and "wrong" flashing of stock ROM (i.e. efuse goes off if you downgrade through Odin etc not to mention custom ROMs), unstandardized hardware (different CPU/GPU depending on market), carrier branding (unlocked devices not available unless importing), region lock and so forth. TouchWiz is also a complete dealbreaker in those L times.
The S-Pen is a great concept, though but is so linked to TouchWiz that most of the features are lost if a AOSP/CM is flashed. Because of all those items on the list, I avoid their devices as a plague. It doesn't matter what features they include in their TW ROMs since I consider TW just horrible.
I consider the Ultra to be a great device still and in most cases preferable over Samsung products but it has been in the market for one year now. On the other hand: it is still unsurpassed as a complete package when it comes to screen size and so forth.
It is also worth to mention that the Note series use 480 DPI phone mode so arguments like "it use the big screen better" is not valid. The Ultra runs 240 DPI phablet mode well with the GPE ROM and multi window etc is easily fixed through Xposed Framework.
I dare to say that the Ultra + 240 DPI + GPE ROM + Xposed Framework blows the competition out of the water software wise. The only competitors with a similar experience is the Nexus line or OnePlus One with CM11S.
My personal planning for the future is:
1. Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
2. 7 inch AOSP/CM phablets from other manufacturers
Since number 2 is very uncertain considering the lack of rumors about such devices, I am leaning heavily toward the alternative 1 since I made a mockup and deemed it acceptable from a carrying point of view.
If the Tablet Z3 Compact is considered too big, I don't see any better options than the Ultra at the moment. It still rules unsurpassed when it comes to large-screen tablet replacements.
Whatever you do, just stay the hell away from Samsung. Between the fugly TouchWiz, bloated software, KNOX warranty void, slow updates, I promise to myself I will never ever buy another Samsung device. Sure, flashing CM11 would fix all that problems, but you might as well just buy a Nexus 5 at that point as all the special features that make a Note device a Note device are gone.
Also, Samsung Note devices are not very mod/hack-friendly due to their proprietary S-Pen and digitizer driver, as well as numerous in-house parts that we just can't get the drivers for. A year later and we still can't get the NFC working correctly on the Note 3.
The Day Samsung Makes Note 4 with a 6.4 Inch HD Screen
The only day I will think of buying a Note 4 is when it is able to have the form Factor of a Z Ultra... No Phone with this config comes with this Form factor... Just love it!!

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