I consider this phablet as a very good option. This afternoon I was in the store and I was amazed about the size and design.
But I have two questions:
Can you tell me your user experience with the Xperia Z Ultra? You can tell me any bug present on the phablet too.
How I can replace the battery in damage situations? I am worried, the XZU has integrated battery, I have a device like this an device like this and it's life was of 6 months. And when I tried to find another battery, I only take this device to the trash, :crying: I don't find anything.
Are this type of phablets a good option? What life time it have?
Thanks in advance and good night.
Don Luciano said:
I consider this phablet as a very good option. This afternoon I was in the store and I was amazed about the size and design.
But I have two questions:
Can you tell me your user experience with the Xperia Z Ultra? You can tell me any bug present on the phablet too.
How I can replace the battery in damage situations? I am worried, the XZU has integrated battery, I have a device like this an device like this and it's life was of 6 months. And when I tried to find another battery, I only take this device to the trash, :crying: I don't find anything.
Are this type of phablets a good option? What life time it have?
Thanks in advance and good night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are batteries on the internet so it shouldn't be too much of a problem to change.
The biggest bug is that on stock ROM most (if not all apps) run in phone mode. The other is the, at best, average camera.
blueether said:
There are batteries on the internet so it shouldn't be too much of a problem to change.
The biggest bug is that on stock ROM most (if not all apps) run in phone mode. The other is the, at best, average camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bug? the rom is configured to run in phone mode
Yeah, that's not a bug. That's the way Sony made it
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
ok, over-sight then rather than bug
easily fixable with Xposed Framework - App Settings.
I absolutely love my XZU, by far the best phone I ever had. The one thing that is below average is the camera, but that might get better with future updates.
3mL said:
easily fixable with Xposed Framework - App Settings.
I absolutely love my XZU, by far the best phone I ever had. The one thing that is below average is the camera, but that might get better with future updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know that, and have it installed, but why should I have to root my phone just to do something that should be available to a near tablet?
blueether said:
Yes I know that, and have it installed, but why should I have to root my phone just to do something that should be available to a near tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought a phone not a tablet, no?
Root is easy, and should almost be something of a necessity on this device.
blueether said:
Yes I know that, and have it installed, but why should I have to root my phone just to do something that should be available to a near tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because Sony is defining the Ultra as a phone and not a tablet. The app "Pocket" though, defines it as a tablet and that's why we have the tablet UI. It's the same thing with "TV Show Favs" and "IMDb" too.
LordManhattan said:
That's because Sony is defining the Ultra as a phone and not a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it's not about Sony and how they think it should be marketed, it should be all about the user and how they use the product. Sony would have known that the device will be used more as a tablet than a phone for a lot of users, would it have been so difficult to ad a toggle in display settings to switch between phone/phablet/tablet modes?
Next I'll want a toggle to swap between pocket size and tablet size - changing the physical form factor...
blueether said:
But it's not about Sony and how they think it should be marketed, it should be all about the user and how they use the product. Sony would have known that the device will be used more as a tablet than a phone for a lot of users, would it have been so difficult to ad a toggle in display settings to switch between phone/phablet/tablet modes?
Next I'll want a toggle to swap between pocket size and tablet size - changing the physical form factor...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think sony took reasonable decision here. Because a tablet layout would be too horrendous for a portrait layout. Everything will be too narrow. It is clearly only for a landscape layout (which suits tablet z more appropriately) but yeah a tablet layout on landscape is still a possibility. But i think Android doesn't support such layout witch just by the rotation?
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Related
I was browsing around and I came in front of this, bascially its a LED flash solution for phones and tables, looks promising when you think about the lack of a flash for the sony z ultra, even though they say its a great night time camera.
What do you guys think? would this be worth it??
iblazr - The LED Flash for Smartphones and Tablets
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iblazr/iblazr-the-led-flash-for-smartphones-and-tablets
If I need great dark shots, I would buy a Sony DSC-WX300 and connect it through WiFi and Sony PlayMemories to my Ultra. It is a small, compact camera that is easy to carry. With the PlayMemories app, it can be remote controlled by the Ultra - i.e. the Ultra is used as a viewfinder and shutter. That way, the camera can be put down in a stand or on something for a steady night shot while it is remote controlled.
I have considered this solution and think it is great.
E90 Commie said:
If I need great dark shots, I would buy a Sony DSC-WX300 and connect it through WiFi and Sony PlayMemories to my Ultra. It is a small, compact camera that is easy to carry. With the PlayMemories app, it can be remote controlled by the Ultra - i.e. the Ultra is used as a viewfinder and shutter. That way, the camera can be put down in a stand or on something for a steady night shot while it is remote controlled.
I have considered this solution and think it is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im looking at it from a point view of carrying a small key chain attached flashlight that doubles as a flash for the Z Ultra when we need it, Would make things a lot easier.
I read about the iblazr a little while ago. Looks very promising. I only truly need/use flash for a flashlight, but I think i might just look for an app to make the screen completely white lol. If that fails, then I guess a simple plugin like iblazr. But for now I'm still waiting on more exposure for this phone before I decide to even buy it.
BInspirinG said:
I read about the iblazr a little while ago. Looks very promising. I only truly need/use flash for a flashlight, but I think i might just look for an app to make the screen completely white lol. If that fails, then I guess a simple plugin like iblazr. But for now I'm still waiting on more exposure for this phone before I decide to even buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do the same here never use my flash as a flash but as a flashlight lol might have to get one.
BLOWNCO said:
I do the same here never use my flash as a flash but as a flashlight lol might have to get one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, are you AND Jamie thinking about getting the ZU?? That would be insanely awesome! For sure this community would benefit from both your contributions to development (just like with the OG Note).
BInspirinG said:
Dang, are you AND Jamie thinking about getting the ZU?? That would be insanely awesome! For sure this community would benefit from both your contributions to development (just like with the OG Note).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if i can come up with the money i will be i want the LTE model so ill have to wait since its on back order from negri so when it becomes available ill hopefully have my pennies saved. but yes if i get you can count on PACman!
That iblazr is pretty awesome, I'm not a fan of attachments, but if it works THAT much better than built in flash, I can go with that. Thanks for letting us know!
Does with work with any camera app though or do you have to use their specific ones?
Kinda bad if you can't use the default sony camera with the iblazr...
Can anyone confirm?
What about?
http://iblazr.com/
That will be my solution too
liqn7 said:
Does with work with any camera app though or do you have to use their specific ones?
Kinda bad if you can't use the default sony camera with the iblazr...
Can anyone confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have to scroll down to see all the compatible Apps for now.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iblazr/iblazr-the-led-flash-for-smartphones-and-tablets
http://m.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-sirius-android-4-4-kitkat-337202/
Check it out. We might even be getting some of these features
Sent from my C6833 using xda app-developers app
I like the 4k recording option as well as 120fps.
Is this leak for z ultra?
Sent from my C6802 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
atrix2 said:
Is this leak for z ultra?
Sent from my C6802 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This leak is for new upcoming sony phone may be Z2.
Although we may get that feature I dont think we will
Sent from my C6833 using xda app-developers app
I think some feature on da list need new hardware to work !!!
JackHanAnLG said:
Although we may get that feature I dont think we will
Sent from my C6833 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's run through the list.
4K Video Recording: Needs a physical component to match, so no.
TimeShift Video: Also requires something physical.
Glove Mode: I suppose this means that it'll work with gloves or something? I've never had a problem with the Z Ultra responding to me with gloves on
Smart Backlight Control: This we could get, and it would be interesting. Probably a battery drain.
Double Tap to Wake: I'm curious how they do this; My guess is that they don't turn the touch screen off even when the screen is off... which we could emulate, but that's a battery drain too.
Built-in Answering Machine: Yeah, we could get that. I'm not entirely sure why one would want that, but we could get it.
Launcher Choice: We can easily get this.
Audio Accessories Functionality: This seriously just sounds like they're going to update their Smart Connect app to handle this stuff.
USB DAC: Definately needs a hardware component.
Notification Dropdown Customization: Wait, we can't do that yet?
Default SMS App: Again, we couldn't do that before? We totally SHOULD get that.
Printing: Should be getting that.
What's New: It's an app and looks like their replacement of Google Now... If they do it right, could work. We'll probably get it.
White Icons/Transparent Nav Bar: I could have sworn the thing already did this, but regardless, that's probably comming in the 4.4 update.
Close All Apps: That'll be added for sure.
The things to be most excited about propbably all require some hardware component, while the things that are expected with the 4.4 update will come easily.
Shadow of Chaos said:
Let's run through the list.
4K Video Recording: Needs a physical component to match, so no.
TimeShift Video: Also requires something physical.
Glove Mode: I suppose this means that it'll work with gloves or something? I've never had a problem with the Z Ultra responding to me with gloves on
Smart Backlight Control: This we could get, and it would be interesting. Probably a battery drain.
Double Tap to Wake: I'm curious how they do this; My guess is that they don't turn the touch screen off even when the screen is off... which we could emulate, but that's a battery drain too.
Built-in Answering Machine: Yeah, we could get that. I'm not entirely sure why one would want that, but we could get it.
Launcher Choice: We can easily get this.
Audio Accessories Functionality: This seriously just sounds like they're going to update their Smart Connect app to handle this stuff.
USB DAC: Definately needs a hardware component.
Notification Dropdown Customization: Wait, we can't do that yet?
Default SMS App: Again, we couldn't do that before? We totally SHOULD get that.
Printing: Should be getting that.
What's New: It's an app and looks like their replacement of Google Now... If they do it right, could work. We'll probably get it.
White Icons/Transparent Nav Bar: I could have sworn the thing already did this, but regardless, that's probably comming in the 4.4 update.
Close All Apps: That'll be added for sure.
The things to be most excited about propbably all require some hardware component, while the things that are expected with the 4.4 update will come easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glove Mode: Yes, this is so we can use it with gloves on, but the Ultra doesn't have issues with (thin) gloves, so meh..
Smart Backlight Control: This is a software feature, so we could easily get it.
Double Tap to Wake: It'll work on the Ultra, but i'm not sure how it works.
Notification Dropdown Customization: We'll get the Quick Toggles like in AOSP (but skinned), so that's probably what they mean.
Default SMS App: Yes, we can do this today, but KitKat introduced its own API to handle this, so it's officially a native feature, which isn't the case on older firmwares. It's a stock 4.4 feature, and that's pretty much it.
Printing: This is also a stock 4.4 feature, so we'll get it.
What's New: 100% software, so we'll probably get it. This is bloat in my eyes though, so i'll remove it.
White Icons/Transparent Nav Bar: 4.4 introduced transparent statusbar and navbar, so it's required to have white statusbar icons so the statusbar icons doesn't clash with the rest of the UI. It's a requirement from Google.
LordManhattan said:
Glove Mode: Yes, this is so we can use it with gloves on, but the Ultra doesn't have issues with (thin) gloves, so meh..
Smart Backlight Control: This is a software feature, so we could easily get it.
Double Tap to Wake: It'll work on the Ultra, but i'm not sure how it works.
Notification Dropdown Customization: We'll get the Quick Toggles like in AOSP (but skinned), so that's probably what they mean.
Default SMS App: Yes, we can do this today, but KitKat introduced its own API to handle this, so it's officially a native feature, which isn't the case on older firmwares. It's a stock 4.4 feature, and that's pretty much it.
Printing: This is also a stock 4.4 feature, so we'll get it.
What's New: 100% software, so we'll probably get it. This is bloat in my eyes though, so i'll remove it.
White Icons/Transparent Nav Bar: 4.4 introduced transparent statusbar and navbar, so it's required to have white statusbar icons so the statusbar icons doesn't clash with the rest of the UI. It's a requirement from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in other words, no real news...
blueether said:
in other words, no real news...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, we could say that
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
LordManhattan said:
Yeah, we could say that
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or we could wait for actual release before making wrong conclusion
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
krabappel2548 said:
Or we could wait for actual release before making wrong conclusion
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neeh, it's not like we don't know what 4.4 introduces, so it's fairly accurate to say that it won't bring anything "new" to the table
What I already know is that I'll remove quite a lot of unnecessary features that I'm not going to use. That I can tell you
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
I've heard a lot of people complaining that Sony is going the "Samsung way", adding more and more layers to an up-until-now almost-vanilla stock Sony rom.
I don't think that at all. Almost everyone of those updates adds something new that could be useful but most likely will not choke the processor or use the whole 2GB of Ram memory.
The most useful feature I see is the knock on one, because it actually is a pain in the arse to get to that micro button, especially with a cover/bumper on.
Adjustable white balance could be good, but I don't personally need it. I don't care about gloves, nor I care about the smart backlight: never used on Sammy, will never use it on Sony.
Answering machine? No way, I hate those things.
We will for sure get printing options (not that I print the that much from my phone), audio accessories functionality (depending on how they'll develop them, this could be useful) notification dropdown customization (I have mixed feelings about this, but I could get used to the AOSP notification system) what's new (more like who cares) white icons and transparent status bar (although now everything is customizable through themes) and close all apps (a thing you can get right now, even if you're not rooted or unlocked. See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49517494, install, reboot, get the "close all" button. It is a Sony app after all.).
The only features we definitely won't have will be 4K recording and timeshift video, but anyone with a Ultra most likely won't care about camera features in the first place.
P. S. The knock on feature can be enabled in several devices with a specific kernel, so the battery drain isn't that much, and by the way, the S800 processor is the same used by LG G2.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
fastest83 said:
P. S. The knock on feature can be enabled in several devices with a specific kernel, so the battery drain isn't that much, and by the way, the S800 processor is the same used by LG G2.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes, the S800 has a low power mode like the Moto X, so it won't actually use a lot of power in standby. Totally forgot about that
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
LordManhattan said:
Ah yes, the S800 has a low power mode like the Moto X, so it won't actually use a lot of power in standby. Totally forgot about that
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love it because I'm always right.
If Sony does its homework and brings 4.4 in February/March, I won't give up and remain stock.
If not, GPe, here I come...
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
doesn't our chipset support 4k? so the update could be software related
velvetmxo said:
doesn't our chipset support 4k? so the update could be software related
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does, actually.
Problem is the camera isn't capable of 4K recording.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
fastest83 said:
It does, actually.
Problem is the camera isn't capable of 4K recording.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's right our award winning camera. :silly:
velvetmxo said:
that's right our award winning camera. :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rumor has James Cameron bought 50 Ultras to film his next colossal.
True story.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
fastest83 said:
Rumor has James Cameron bought 50 Ultras to film his next colossal.
True story.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, here's the first leaked shot from Avatar 2 filmed with the Ultra.
Hi everyone, I'm considering picking up this bad boy - however I have a few questions that I couldn't find answers to when casually perusing this forum.
1. I intend to use this as a tablet/secondary device - does this phone give annoying nag notifications or even remove key features like the addressbook if you use it w/o a sim? My old Xperia SL did this and I want to make sure this won't hinder usage as a tablet.
2. Are either the Sony or GPE editions of the Z Ultra completely bug free? My old Xperia SL developed quite a few bugs after a few updates which was annoying.
Just FYI, I'm considering either the Z Ultra or an 8in Windows 8 tablet like the Asus Note 8. I currently have an iPad Mini, but the wife has been using my iPad more and more instead of her (bulkier) Acer A500. I figure the Asus Note 8 or the Xperia Z Ultra are good devices that are different enough from the iPad to still be fun. Anyone that owns a small Windows 8 tablet and the Xperia Z Ultra please do list some pros/cons of either device.
1. I have no idea since I, and pretty much all the other ones around here use it as a phone, but I can't see why you can't just kick it permanently into Airplane Mode? That should shut it up (in theory)?
2.Pretty much yes. The few bugs that it does have aren't any serious ones. If you can choose which version to get, then get the Xperia version and not the GPe one. You'll have far more choices regarding ROM flashing and stuff like that down the road. You can flash the GPe build on the Xperia model, but you can't flash the Xperia ROM on the GPe model (yet), so keep that in mind. You're at XDA after all, so i'm guessing that you do want to fiddle with it down the road.
1. In the old firmware it did bug you and shutdown, I didn't look too hard at an solution, just flashed a custom ROM.
(snip)
sonus said:
2. Are either the Sony or GPE editions of the Z Ultra completely bug free? My old Xperia SL developed quite a few bugs after a few updates which was annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There ain't no such thing as 'bug free' software.
rayhighness said:
(snip)
There ain't no such thing as 'bug free' software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.
There are issues with this phone
No flash so camera sucks.
screen does not turn off reliably during phone call. It is still a phone, a big one though and after a while of direct calls, you feel the heat.
Phone call volumes are bad.very bad.
screen is very reflective. badly need an antiglare.
I rarely use the write on screen feature, so it gives me lots of unwanted touches.
sim tray is extremely flimsy; silly design. Easy to break, loose.
and then some more.
I sometimes use it without sim and it doesnt cause issues. Just reboots when you remove/add a sim.
All said, this is still a very good phone. considering that i have used a Nexus 4 for quite a while, its better in features.
and great for reading/browsing if you can bear the glare.
macexplorer said:
Exactly.
There are issues with this phone
No flash so camera sucks.
screen does not turn off reliably during phone call. It is still a phone, a big one though and after a while of direct calls, you feel the heat.
Phone call volumes are bad.very bad.
screen is very reflective. badly need an antiglare.
I rarely use the write on screen feature, so it gives me lots of unwanted touches.
sim tray is extremely flimsy; silly design. Easy to break, loose.
and then some more.
I sometimes use it without sim and it doesnt cause issues. Just reboots when you remove/add a sim.
All said, this is still a very good phone. considering that i have used a Nexus 4 for quite a while, its better in features.
and great for reading/browsing if you can bear the glare.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks it sounds a lot like most of the bugs/issues are related to its phone features. As for the camera, no tablet has a flash as far as I know. All in all, it looks like this would make a great mini tablet and spare phone if I ever need one.
Post your thoughts on how this latest version of Android will make the Z Ultra a better device (or worse) ......................
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2470422,00.asp?mailingID=AC913D3C61FEB18EA49B78DC15CCA2EC?mailing_id=1051491
.............................................................................................................................
TravisBean said:
Post your thoughts on how this latest version of Android will make the Z Ultra a better device (or worse) ......................
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2470422,00.asp?mailingID=AC913D3C61FEB18EA49B78DC15CCA2EC?mailing_id=1051491
.............................................................................................................................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about run better, but it will be Sexy as f#ck on my white ultra.
Nexus 6 has a 6 inch screen, and they also released the 9 inch tablet, so i hope they've adapted some new or old elements to the bigger screen sizes. Also, Material Design should be responsive, as in it'll resize properly to a device's screen size like a modern responsive website (like Droid-Life and The Verge).
Also, a video previewing the new Nexus tablet hit the web today, and it looks like Google will update the launcher soon. White floating app drawer (like a folder).
Edit: Mentioned video of the tablet.
I just hope they improved the interface.
As it is now, the z ultra still has the interface of a device with a smaller screen size and all the parameters adjusted accordingly ( swipe sensitivity and related). This doesn't work well.
It's too small for a tablet and too big for one-handed operation... but so far there are only two general modes of operation in android: "phone" and "tablet".
Optimally, the z ultra (and related devices, in size) would use an appropriately adjusted UI, something not exactly like "phone" neither exactly "tablet"... sadly, i doubt there will be any development in that direction.
interesting tidbit: the z ultra processor scores higher 7z benchmark score than an amd k II neo processor...
tsiros said:
I just hope they improved the interface.
As it is now, the z ultra still has the interface of a device with a smaller screen size and all the parameters adjusted accordingly ( swipe sensitivity and related). This doesn't work well.
It's too small for a tablet and too big for one-handed operation... but so far there are only two general modes of operation in android: "phone" and "tablet".
Optimally, the z ultra (and related devices, in size) would use an appropriately adjusted UI, something not exactly like "phone" neither exactly "tablet"... sadly, i doubt there will be any development in that direction.
interesting tidbit: the z ultra processor scores higher 7z benchmark score than an amd k II neo processor...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the Nexus 6 has a 6 inch screen, we can already tell how Lollipop will look and behave on the Ultra. We'll have to wait and see if Sony changes anything. I'm guessing the GPe version will run at 400 DPI like today's 4.4.4, while the official build will run at 320 DPI, making UI elements a little smaller.
I don't care though, since it's easily changeable with a tiny build.prop edit.
I'm interested in seeing how the Flashlight quick settings button will function on the Z Ultra, since it doesn't have an LED flash. Hopefully Google will be smart about it and have it work like the Flashlight quick settings tile in PA and CM (Turn screen white and maximize brightness).
ApertureAndroid said:
I'm interested in seeing how the Flashlight quick settings button will function on the Z Ultra, since it doesn't have an LED flash. Hopefully Google will be smart about it and have it work like the Flashlight quick settings tile in PA and CM (Turn screen white and maximize brightness).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony will add X-Reality and their DSP to the GPe build (like they did with the current build), and i'm guessing that they'll also remove unnecessary features, like the flashlight toggle, but we'll see when the time comes.
Hopefully they switch to 320 dpi instead of that crappy 400 dpi in the current GPe ROM.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z Ultra
I am more interested in wifi calling because I have T-Mobile.
tsiros said:
I just hope they improved the interface.
As it is now, the z ultra still has the interface of a device with a smaller screen size and all the parameters adjusted accordingly ( swipe sensitivity and related). This doesn't work well.
It's too small for a tablet and too big for one-handed operation... but so far there are only two general modes of operation in android: "phone" and "tablet".
Optimally, the z ultra (and related devices, in size) would use an appropriately adjusted UI, something not exactly like "phone" neither exactly "tablet"... sadly, i doubt there will be any development in that direction.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont want to silence your opinions but what you wrote was completely subjective.
tsiros said:
I just hope they improved the interface.
As it is now, the z ultra still has the interface of a device with a smaller screen size and all the parameters adjusted accordingly ( swipe sensitivity and related). This doesn't work well.
It's too small for a tablet and too big for one-handed operation... but so far there are only two general modes of operation in android: "phone" and "tablet".
Optimally, the z ultra (and related devices, in size) would use an appropriately adjusted UI, something not exactly like "phone" neither exactly "tablet"... sadly, i doubt there will be any development in that direction.
interesting tidbit: the z ultra processor scores higher 7z benchmark score than an amd k II neo processor...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I bought the Xperia Z Ultra over the GPE. I read an excellent comparison and the author stated that he usually chooses the GPE version of a device over the non-GPE, but in the case of the ultra he preferred the non-gpe for the reason stated in this post. The vanilla ui does not take advantage of the large screen .
jaj324 said:
This is why I bought the Xperia Z Ultra over the GPE. I read an excellent comparison and the author stated that he usually chooses the GPE version of a device over the non-GPE, but in the case of the ultra he preferred the non-gpe for the reason stated in this post. The vanilla ui does not take advantage of the large screen .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's also the same reason I got a non gpe device. Wouldn't it be the same or better when we flash a gpe rom and change to 240 dpi?
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Leechoonhwee said:
That's also the same reason I got a non gpe device. Wouldn't it be the same or better when we flash a gpe rom and change to 240 dpi?
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
320 DPI. The GPe version runs at 400, while the regular one runs at 320. Yes, you can simply change thr DPI to 320 or whatever you'd like.
I don't know anything about DPI, i do know that the Sony UI is scaled to use the larger screen more efficiently.
jaj324 said:
I don't know anything about DPI, i do know that the Sony UI is scaled to use the larger screen more efficiently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's right, but it can easily be done on the GPe version too.
H. E. Pennypacker said:
Yes, that's right, but it can easily be done on the GPe version too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say "easy" do you mean by rooting and installing a custom ROM?
jaj324 said:
When you say "easy" do you mean by rooting and installing a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By rooting and either setting it manually by editing build prop, or with an app.
Yeah, that's not what most people would call easy. Easy is just buying the Xperia model with all the Sony bells and whistles. I disabled what i don't use and enjoy the rest. Did you know that the Xperia model actually outperformed the gpe model in performance benchmarks? Vanilla is more of a drag than the sony skin.
jaj324 said:
Yeah, that's not what most people would call easy. Easy is just buying the Xperia model with all the Sony bells and whistles. I disabled what i don't use and enjoy the rest. Did you know that the Xperia model actually outperformed the gpe model in performance benchmarks? Vanilla is more of a drag than the sony skin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is easy and it literally takes 30 seconds once rooted. It is easy, but i take from your reply that it isn't the solution you're looking for, which is a different matter. If you want everything that Sony brings to the table, then the most logical thing would be to buy the Xperia model and not the GPe. Simple as that.
Regarding benchmarks, we have really no idea what's going on. The Ultra is not the only device that's reporting low numbers on KitKat (that's running AOSP, i.e stock Android), but i guess it all boils down to optimized drivers etc. You should not care about benchmarks. The GPe ROM actually runs better (smoother) than the stock Sony ROM even when it scores lower on Antutu. It actually scores the same or higher than the Sony version in other benchmarks (GPU benchmarks etc.)
TL;DR: Just buy the regular Ultra.
My biggest concern with 5.0 is achieving root. There are a few apps that are must-haves for me that require it (arliberator for my car stereo is the #1). I'm not sure we'll get root soon or at all with 5.0. .. and that makes me a sad panda.
So, if I get the Xperia model, NOT the Goole Stock Android version, can I still flash the Stock firmware? Or does it have some limitations in terms of hardware?
PS: In my current situation, I am considering to get one. I was thinking about the LG G Flex, but the 720 screen is a no-no. I would much rather have a Xperia than LG. I had the Nexus 4 once upon a time, and never developed a taste for LG's (rather cheap) hardware.
Thanks.
X0LARIUM said:
So, if I get the Xperia model, NOT the Goole Stock Android version, can I still flash the Stock firmware? Or does it have some limitations in terms of hardware?
PS: In my current situation, I am considering to get one. I was thinking about the LG G Flex, but the 720 screen is a no-no. I would much rather have a Xperia than LG. I had the Nexus 4 once upon a time, and never developed a taste for LG's (rather cheap) hardware.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you got a non GPE Z Ultra you could flash ported GPE version but not the stock firmware. There's already ported version for version 4.4.4 kitkat and version 5 lollipop for the non gpe z ultra. Vice versa, the gpe version can't flash the non-gpe firmwares as it will permanently destroy your device due to different partitioning in both gpe and non gpe version of z ultra.
I did not like LG at first but i fell in love with the LG G3 korean version but with the price i would rather get z3
wtfhax said:
If you got a non GPE Z Ultra you could flash ported GPE version but not the stock firmware. There's already ported version for version 4.4.4 kitkat and version 5 lollipop for the non gpe z ultra. Vice versa, the gpe version can't flash the non-gpe firmwares as it will permanently destroy your device due to different partitioning in both gpe and non gpe version of z ultra.
I did not like LG at first but i fell in love with the LG G3 korean version but with the price i would rather get z3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. As I started off by saying, "in my current situation", I need a big device, with Movies+games+ Reading+ browsing capabilities that need to be top notch. Along with the hardware (inside as well as on the outside). And Z Ultra fits into all those categories well.
But, my concern was the OS. And since we had the same device out with a "gpe" which I assume is Google Play Edition, I thought flashing a GPE on an Xperia model would have been achieved.
But now that you are saying it will damage my device, I wonder what should I do?
Comments?
X0LARIUM said:
Thanks for your reply. As I started off by saying, "in my current situation", I need a big device, with Movies+games+ Reading+ browsing capabilities that need to be top notch. Along with the hardware (inside as well as on the outside). And Z Ultra fits into all those categories well.
But, my concern was the OS. And since we had the same device out with a "gpe" which I assume is Google Play Edition, I thought flashing a GPE on an Xperia model would have been achieved.
But now that you are saying it will damage my device, I wonder what should I do?
Comments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z ultra is too thin. I think oldies Nexus 7 is good, the price should be a lot of cheaper today. I wish myself not to get brand new device anymore. The Price of smartphone went down so much within 9 months since released. Better get 1 year old device with half Price....
x1123 said:
Z ultra is too thin. I think oldies Nexus 7 is good, the price should be a lot of cheaper today. I wish myself not to get brand new device anymore. The Price of smartphone went down so much within 9 months since released. Better get 1 year old device with half Price....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I have the old Nexus 7. Makes me want to tear my hear out every time I see it. It's one device I would never recommend to any Android first-timer. They would just never return.
Anyways, the fact that Z Ultra is thin is a plus for me.
X0LARIUM said:
Thanks for your reply. As I started off by saying, "in my current situation", I need a big device, with Movies+games+ Reading+ browsing capabilities that need to be top notch. Along with the hardware (inside as well as on the outside). And Z Ultra fits into all those categories well.
But, my concern was the OS. And since we had the same device out with a "gpe" which I assume is Google Play Edition, I thought flashing a GPE on an Xperia model would have been achieved.
But now that you are saying it will damage my device, I wonder what should I do?
Comments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't cross flash the firmwares between the Sony ZU and the GPe devices due to differing sizes of partitions. However there are fully functioning ports of the GPe ROMs, it does not convert the phone nor will it receive OTA updates.
adfurgerson said:
You can't cross flash the firmwares between the Sony ZU and the GPe devices due to differing sizes of partitions. However there are fully functioning ports of the GPe ROMs, it does not convert the phone nor will it receive OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh cool. SO I assume the ports are just as close to the GPe ROMs as possible?
X0LARIUM said:
Oh cool. SO I assume the ports are just as close to the GPe ROMs as possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used either one of these but they are both stable for daily use according to everything I have read.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414
X0LARIUM said:
Oh cool. SO I assume the ports are just as close to the GPe ROMs as possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As i've mentioned the ported version is exactly the same rom/firmware as GPE by google modified to fit the non gpe without breaking it. What i mean is you can't flash the official firmware provided directly from google without modification to the firmware hence the ported version.
wtfhax said:
As i've mentioned the ported version is exactly the same rom/firmware as GPE by google modified to fit the non gpe without breaking it. What i mean is you can't flash the official firmware provided directly from google without modification to the firmware hence the ported version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome man... You made my day.. Thanks a lot to everyone who replied...
BTW .. anything I need to be cautious about as a new user?
X0LARIUM said:
Awesome man... You made my day.. Thanks a lot to everyone who replied...
BTW .. anything I need to be cautious about as a new user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main thing I stress is the need to back up TA partition (which holds the DRM keys) after rooting, but BEFORE you unlock your bootloader.
Edit.... Should mention the 4.4.4 GPe port can be used with locked bootloader, not so for 5.0 port.
adfurgerson said:
The main thing I stress is the need to back up TA partition (which holds the DRM keys) after rooting, but BEFORE you unlock your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man but I meant in terms of the device ...any drawbacks..shortcomings ...?
X0LARIUM said:
Thanks man but I meant in terms of the device ...any drawbacks..shortcomings ...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Camera.is poor and lacks flash. I have never carried it in a pants pocket out of fear of cracking screen or back glass. I
broke the charge port flap but it was my fault for forgetting to close it before slipping it into holster/case for carrying it on my belt. If you get a third party magnetic charging cord be sure to attach it in the right direction.
X0LARIUM said:
Awesome man... You made my day.. Thanks a lot to everyone who replied...
BTW .. anything I need to be cautious about as a new user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing you need to be cautious about. If you want the gpe experience, the ported gpe ROMs work great, we have several android lollipop based ROMs as well. It is a very good device, and if you have any trouble for some reason, I'm sure someone will be eager to help you out here. Its a very friendly community. The only down side is the flash for the camera, there is none.
X0LARIUM said:
Thanks. I have the old Nexus 7. Makes me want to tear my hear out every time I see it. It's one device I would never recommend to any Android first-timer. They would just never return.
Anyways, the fact that Z Ultra is thin is a plus for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the thin were your wish. ZU is right choice. ZU is strong device with good waterproof feature. 5.0 gpe port rom work nicely on ZU. I put 4.4.4 on my ZU due to most banking apps Not work on L. For me "her" thiness is bit problem on holding it, made our palm tired to hold. 2nd all z series xperia will be better with dock ( magnetic charger ) otherwise we need to open charging port everytime to charge it will easily tearing the cover and loss the waterproofing. I used D48 dock magnetic charger for my ZU and Z3c.
x1123 said:
If the thin were your wish. ZU is right choice. ZU is strong device with good waterproof feature. 5.0 gpe port rom work nicely on ZU. I put 4.4.4 on my ZU due to most banking apps Not work on L. For me "her" thiness is bit problem on holding it, made our palm tired to hold. 2nd all z series xperia will be better with dock ( magnetic charger ) otherwise we need to open charging port everytime to charge it will easily tearing the cover and loss the waterproofing. I used D48 dock magnetic charger for my ZU and Z3c.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/sony-dk31...ging-dock-charger-stand-pod-cradle-6594643/i/
Would this one work?
Also, which other docking charging ports work in that case?
Thanks for the headsup BTW/...
X0LARIUM said:
http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/sony-dk31...ging-dock-charger-stand-pod-cradle-6594643/i/
Would this one work?
Also, which other docking charging ports work in that case?
Thanks for the headsup BTW/...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find it is hard to find a dock for Z Ultra. Z Ultra unable to fit in the Z1 dock, i've tried but maybe others have better luck. One more thing to be aware is if you ever gonna use magnetic charger please get a genuine sony magnetic charger. Reason being if you use it the opposite way, it will damage your device. With original sony magnetic charger it won't allow you to plug in if its the wrong way.
Hopefully there is no country variant i don't have to worry about. Some of the phones have a country variant (G Flex for example), where one version works better than another. Hopefully there is only one Z Ultra. I am in the UAE.
Had a Z Ultra, now a Z2 and it bugs me to get back to the Ultra.
Sony does have brazil country specific models and non-LTE variants for each of their device (or most of them)
What I know about the ZU variants is this:
LTE Model is C6833
Non-LTE is C6802
Hopefully I did not mess up the numbers here.
Saikyo_San said:
Had a Z Ultra, now a Z2 and it bugs me to get back to the Ultra.
Sony does have brazil country specific models and non-LTE variants for each of their device (or most of them)
What I know about the ZU variants is this:
LTE Model is C6833
Non-LTE is C6802
Hopefully I did not mess up the numbers here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how do they vary apart from the LTE bit? Hopefully everything else is the same....