Coming from a Galaxy Note 3 - Sony Xperia Z Ultra

I've just exchanged the Galaxy Note 3 N9005 for the Xperia Z Ultra. Plus I've received a Power Cover for it. I couldn't be any happier, I got quite lucky the guy only wanted to exchange the phones. I don't really care about the camera being less great and without flash as I didn't even use it that much on my Note 3.
The screen on the Xperia Z is absolutely GORGEOUS. The phone really is big and I'm sure I'll get used to it pretty soon. So basically, I'm very happy that I've exchanged my Note 3 for this gorgeous bad boy.
Also guys, if you want a nicer lockscreen, download "LG Optimus Lockscreen" from the Google Play store and disable ads via Ad blocking application, which you can also get on the Google Play Store. This baby got even nicer with that lockscreen. :victory:

markslo112 said:
I'm very happy that I've exchanged my Note 3 for this gorgeous bad boy.
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Gorgeous Bad Boy it is!!
Note 3 is a tad bit better performer with 3 GB RAM. But XZU is much better looking and futuristic.

manigma said:
Gorgeous Bad Boy it is!!
Note 3 is a tad bit better performer with 3 GB RAM. But XZU is much better looking and futuristic.
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It does have 3GB ram, but that did not stop me from the need to exchange to Z Ultra. The design is also alot better than the Note 3. I like the more "glassy" look the XZU has, the Note 3 had a plastic feel to it. Even the "leather" back had a plastic feel. The only thing I don't like that much on the XZU is the fact that all the fingerprints are visible, but that's not going to bother me also.

Note 3 might have more RAM but ZU's performance in gaming is actually better thanks to some good optimisation
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Jesus you should have exchanged with me, I am selling my Z Ultra with CP12.

Sadman Khan said:
Note 3 might have more RAM but ZU's performance in gaming is actually better thanks to some good optimisation
Sent from my C6802 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Indeed and less RAM needed by the system itself too.

i do miss Samsung's camera though... Sony should work on optimizing that too....

The sensor put on ZU is just not that good. It's basically just an additional feature and it's not supposed to have a camera. Flash is absent remember? But yes, Sony should improve camera software to tackle the smudges in the photos
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Related

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.
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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
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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.
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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...
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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
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Agree.....
corrado85 said:
although they did a good job of providing 3GB.. i guess they got more crap to add running in backgrounds
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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:
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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.
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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...
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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
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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.
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Who's thinking of switching to a note 3?

I have been thinking if I should take a serious look at the note 3. Any one here thinking of it as well?
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Nope I will be staying with the mega as I just like the screen size and it still performs well for a dual core CPU and the GPU also performs pretty good and could not be happier with this mega.
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Nope I'm good... Mega is doing its job
2SHAYNE
Have both. Sheer screen size is biggest plus for Mega. It actually is a quite capable smartphone and an even better media consumption device.
For what I do, the note 3 can't be beat though. It has capabilities that mega lacks (spen). Fantastic screen (though size wasn't quite what I wanted). And is just a performance beast. (Though who out there will really utilize all that brawn).
Unless you need some functions that the note provides and the Mega lacks, I personally feel that you would not gain anything by changing. And, might be a little let down going to a smaller screen.
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starmaster10 said:
Nope I will be staying with the mega as I just like the screen size and it still performs well for a dual core CPU and the GPU also performs pretty good and could not be happier with this mega.
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Click to collapse
I have to agree, I'm happy with the Mega. Also I just got the Mega, and have to make a little sense and not switch so fast haha!
Additionally I've been checking out the forums for Note 3, and for now, don't look like the development is much more exciting, and I would really miss the big screen.
I guess it comes down a lot to functionality, because if you feel the S-Pen is a useful thing, then Note is best that's for sure. As Mad383Max said also, the power you get with the Note 3 (or any phone of that kind, like the ZUltra) is for now quite underused, so don't fall into it just for marketing words!
Plus the mega screen will have brighter whites then the anoled screen that the note 3 has..and the mega has great daytime viewing due to it's bright screen which is not the case with a anoled screen..maybe better viewing angles with a anoled screen..but the screen in the mega is not bad at angles either..but what ever makes people happy in what choice of phone they do decide on is great..but I am very attached to the mega.
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starmaster10 said:
Plus the mega screen will have brighter whites then the anoled screen that the note 3 has..and the mega has great daytime viewing due to it's bright screen which is not the case with a anoled screen..maybe better viewing angles with a anoled screen..but the screen in the mega is not bad at angles either..but what ever makes people happy in what choice of phone they do decide on is great..but I am very attached to the mega.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the note 3s daylight viewing is quite good, as good or better than the mega's. I wouldn't have thought it was but my wife pointed it out to me one day when we were outside with both phones.
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Mad383Max said:
Actually, the note 3s daylight viewing is quite good, as good or better than the mega's. I wouldn't have thought it was but my wife pointed it out to me one day when we were outside with both phones.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
Oh okay then samsung must have improved it on the note 3 which is good. :good:
i upgraded to note 3 which i sold and kept the Mega and i have a s4..........TW on the Mega is very bad and looks magnified rather than resized. i know trust me as i saw it soon as i turned it on for the first time. the screen is quite good on the Mega but mine sticks alot especially when using keyboard. i suffer frequent hangups with TW and I am aiding a friend to see if can make 4.3 a reality using the OmniRom route........... This device would absolutely fly with AOSP/CM based rom on it.
I am getting another note 3 but not sure if i will switch..............Mega is back in box till i decide as s4 is no slouch but i miss the bigger screen.
For those who has both note 3 and Mega, can you post a pic of batteries?
I was aimed at S3 and waited for it fom beginning of the year. In the mean time I 'stumbled' on Mega and now do not want another ..
Unless the mega gets AOSP like slimbean, I will be switching as soon as AOSP gets developed for the note 3. I'm mainly using my note 2 at the moment but missing the large screen of the mega.
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mingkee said:
For those who has both note 3 and Mega, can you post a pic of batteries?
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Click to collapse
This was taken with a Nexus 7. Hope it is clear enough.
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n1tro said:
Unless the mega gets AOSP like slimbean, I will be switching as soon as AOSP gets developed for the note 3. I'm mainly using my note 2 at the moment but missing the large screen of the mega.
Sent from my SGH-I317 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But then, Note with AOSP isn't worth it's price, no?
I mean all the features that make it good disapear then, and it is basically a small Mega, without the benefits.
Maybe better to be patient with the Mega
No offence to touchwiz lovers but the "features" Samsung has developed are utter garbage and for novelty at best. Examples...
1. Floating cursor aka airview....whats the point? The touchscreen on the phone is meant to be touched!
2. S-apps....slow and can be replaced by various other apps in Google play
3. Multi window....Halo on AOSP is way better.
4. Big retarded icons like users are coke bottle glass wearing 80year olds by default and no way to change it unless you use a different launcher which renders the unique Samsung gimmicks useless.....this drives me nuts the most.
These are just a few gripes of how a hardware company that spends so much on R&D can get it so wrong on the software side. Samsung had the head of Cyanogenmod at their disposal for 2 years and swandered good talent.
This is why despite the awesome hardware Samsung makes, I wont buy it till I can get AOSP onto it. I'm thinking of getting the Ultra Z as a stop gap since Paranoid Android has been developed for it. Ultra Z = Fast specs, large screen, custom rom, waterproof.....why not?
kipue said:
But then, Note with AOSP isn't worth it's price, no?
I mean all the features that make it good disapear then, and it is basically a small Mega, without the benefits.
Maybe better to be patient with the Mega
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
n1tro said:
No offence to touchwiz lovers but the "features" Samsung has developed are utter garbage and for novelty at best. Examples...
1. Floating cursor aka airview....whats the point? The touchscreen on the phone is meant to be touched!
2. S-apps....slow and can be replaced by various other apps in Google play
3. Multi window....Halo on AOSP is way better.
4. Big retarded icons like users are coke bottle glass wearing 80year olds by default and no way to change it unless you use a different launcher which renders the unique Samsung gimmicks useless.....this drives me nuts the most.
These are just a few gripes of how a hardware company that spends so much on R&D can get it so wrong on the software side. Samsung had the head of Cyanogenmod at their disposal for 2 years and swandered good talent.
This is why despite the awesome hardware Samsung makes, I wont buy it till I can get AOSP onto it. I'm thinking of getting the Ultra Z as a stop gap since Paranoid Android has been developed for it. Ultra Z = Fast specs, large screen, custom rom, waterproof.....why not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, you are preaching to a believer!
My message to you was because Mega to Note 3, don't you keep Sammy crap?
Touchwiz is acceptable on the Mega, and I use exactly zero features that come with it, but that's not the "only" selling point of the Mega, but it is for the Note family (with its S-Pen), so what would be the point with AOSP on Samsung hardware in that case.
Another thing that we have to understand, is that grass is always greener elsewhere. I used to have Nexus 4 before the Mega, and I can tell you that forum messages saying : "Hey, tired of AOSP blue and black, need MIUI, need TouchWiz/HTC port, etc."
So yeah, I went to Sammy for the big screen and battery life, and now have to put up with it's software as well, I guess that's life ^^
(Oh, and if I could afford it, I would get Ultra Z as well, haha!)
My point was whichever Sammy device get AOSP first (I'm hoping Mega but it's not popular enough). I'm addicted to Samsung phones since the first Galaxy S thus hesitant getting the Ultra Z. Even though Samsung has treated it's loyal users bad, like a battered spouse, I keep coming back for more abuse, hoping one day to be treated better.
kipue said:
Hey, you are preaching to a believer!
My message to you was because Mega to Note 3, don't you keep Sammy crap?
Touchwiz is acceptable on the Mega, and I use exactly zero features that come with it, but that's not the "only" selling point of the Mega, but it is for the Note family (with its S-Pen), so what would be the point with AOSP on Samsung hardware in that case.
Another thing that we have to understand, is that grass is always greener elsewhere. I used to have Nexus 4 before the Mega, and I can tell you that forum messages saying : "Hey, tired of AOSP blue and black, need MIUI, need TouchWiz/HTC port, etc."
So yeah, I went to Sammy for the big screen and battery life, and now have to put up with it's software as well, I guess that's life ^^
(Oh, and if I could afford it, I would get Ultra Z as well, haha!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough
It reminds me of the Nokia golden days, when it was a little the same : weither you liked it or not, the best you could get for money vs quality was Nokia, and that's it...
Love/hate relashionship ^^
Can I pick your brains, please guys?
I am torn as to which to buy: Note or Mega.
I, like you love the Mega, have played around with many a live display model in the shops and am blown away by the screen.
I have poor sight and appreciate the huge keypad when using it as a phone and also the large keypad when texting. I know I don't have to use the KP to text, I could talk too, but I find the speech recognition makes too many errors.
My dilemma is mainly this: I have been frightened away from the standard 8 GB Mega as the OS takes up almost half of this. As apps are not getting any smaller and (without rooting) apps cannot be stored on the SD card, the advice by the professional reviewers is to buy the 16GB version.
However, nearly all of the 16GB versions I have seen on Amazon and ebay are not. For some odd reason, when I check with the seller, they mysteriously claim something like "oh, sorry, mate, that's an error". Even where the 16GB claim appears in the listing more than once....
More than a bit naughty...
It seems the genuine 16GB listings have a much higher price, around £440. That's a huge premium to pay, when Amazon are selling the 8GB version for £280.
So, for those of us who don't want to get into rooting the phone, is 8GB enough? Should I buy 16GB?
What do you advise?
Thanks in advance.
securespark said:
Can I pick your brains, please guys?
I am torn as to which to buy: Note or Mega.
I, like you love the Mega, have played around with many a live display model in the shops and am blown away by the screen.
I have poor sight and appreciate the huge keypad when using it as a phone and also the large keypad when texting. I know I don't have to use the KP to text, I could talk too, but I find the speech recognition makes too many errors.
My dilemma is mainly this: I have been frightened away from the standard 8 GB Mega as the OS takes up almost half of this. As apps are not getting any smaller and (without rooting) apps cannot be stored on the SD card, the advice by the professional reviewers is to buy the 16GB version.
However, nearly all of the 16GB versions I have seen on Amazon and ebay are not. For some odd reason, when I check with the seller, they mysteriously claim something like "oh, sorry, mate, that's an error". Even where the 16GB claim appears in the listing more than once....
More than a bit naughty...
It seems the genuine 16GB listings have a much higher price, around £440. That's a huge premium to pay, when Amazon are selling the 8GB version for £280.
So, for those of us who don't want to get into rooting the phone, is 8GB enough? Should I buy 16GB?
What do you advise?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say 8 Gb is enough if you get a memory card to go along with it (I have a 32 Gb).
According to my experience with my 16 Gb Nexus 4, that was really feeling small quickly. Right now my Mega's internal 16 Gb are far from full although I have been piling up the crap in there (and also using a light ROM).
So If the price of a 32 or even 64 Gb memory card should still play in your favor, I think 8Gb internal is usable

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.
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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

Thinking of buying

Hi guys I'm thinking of buying a Song Ultra Z and just wanted to get you guy's input if there are some downfalls that I don't know of/commonly known.
Im upgrading from a galaxy note one which has been a nightmare: calls breaking up, power button, overheating.
Also if you have any recomended accessories.
Much Thanks!
I came from a Note1 myself and have only one advice for you: Buy it blindly [emoji16]
Sent from my C6833_GPe using Tapatalk
I too, came from the Note and i'm still happy with it (bought mine last september). It's pretty big (but very thin) and the camera isn't the greatest, and that's about it really.
I came from a note also. Its really nice phone. Although battery is not that good compared to note2. Also it has no camera flash but im still okay with it
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
#Note3 all the way. Love mine. Not a big fan of the Sony phones.. That one in particular.. Read some poor reviews, guess it's a lot of opinions. Good luck
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Free mobile app
Came from note, note 2, played a lot with note 3 but at the end of the day still happy with my choice and that is zu (****ty camera)
Sent from my XL39h using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I've never been as happy with a device as I am with the ultra. And I had a lot of them. You need to like the size though.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Its great. I personally like the google edition software better but once I got used to the size it is awesome.
Sent from my C6833_GPe using xda premium
secfincorp said:
Its great. I personally like the google edition software better but once I got used to the size it is awesome.
Sent from my C6833_GPe using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy the Sony phone and run the ported GPe ROM on it !
Think of buying this phone as it is relatively cheap compared to other phones im my region.
Should I get this or the G2, the prices are the same...
I like this thing primarily for its size and display.
I just want one thing to know, can I flash cm11 android 4.4 here? I dont care about warranty. My current phone, lg optimus 4x never fell from my hand ever, so I am careful with my devices.
I would be going for a 5.5 inch phone but this thing is the cheapest larger than 5 inch phone.
shadowcore said:
Think of buying this phone as it is relatively cheap compared to other phones im my region.
Should I get this or the G2, the prices are the same...
I like this thing primarily for its size and display.
I just want one thing to know, can I flash cm11 android 4.4 here? I dont care about warranty. My current phone, lg optimus 4x never fell from my hand ever, so I am careful with my devices.
I would be going for a 5.5 inch phone but this thing is the cheapest larger than 5 inch phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, CM11, and others are available, so that's not an issue. You've probably seen the preview of Android "L" today, so just imagine that on 6.44 inches. It'll be sweet.
The G2 isn't a bad device though, but you can't compare those two since they are two different types of devices (phone vs phablet), but I can easily recommend the Ultra.
I've had every high end phone and this by far is the best if you can deal with no flash and mediocre camera performance. I never need a tablet this thing is actually my main computer. I torrent the hell out of it fixed the ext sd card write permission and download like crazy on unlimited data.
bak3donh1gh said:
Hi guys I'm thinking of buying a Song Ultra Z and just wanted to get you guy's input if there are some downfalls that I don't know of/commonly known.
Im upgrading from a galaxy note one which has been a nightmare: calls breaking up, power button, overheating.
Also if you have any recomended accessories.
Much Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also try save your device, but this needs root. Try LagFix (fstrim) from the Play Store ^^.

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