Hi all,
I need your input between buying Z Ultra now and waiting for the Note 4. Please let me know your thoughts.
As background, I recently cracked the screen of my Note 2 and am in search of a new phablet. Although I loved my Note 2, I am not biased towards any brand and am open minded to Sony.
Anyway, now that rumor has it that Note 4 will likely be available by October, I am interested and want to wait to see what it has to offer. On the other hand, Xperia Z Ultra is a nice phone with big screen but it seems to be lacking some of the features that Samsung has to take advantage of the big screen like split screen. Also, the Z Ultra also lacks the integrated S Pen (use occasionally) and dedicated apps. However, I do realize that it is a very capable phone and the price makes it good value.
Please keep in mind that whatever I end up purchasing, I plan to use it for at least 2 years or more. I do have a spare phone to bridge me between now until the Note 4's release later this year (i.e. not rushed/pressured to buy now).
Thanks guys and please give me your 2 cents.
Well if you are happy with the size of the Note 2 screen, I would probably just stay with Note 4 then.
In my case, I was very disappointed with Note 3 not being at least 6" so I skipped it and went to Ultra instead. Now I dont think I can go any lower...certainly not 5.7" as Note 4 is supposed to be .
Ultra does have small updates which are similar to the multi app thing for Note.
Thanks for the feedback! Do you find that carrying the phone outside is a challenge due to its bulk? I get to play with one recently and while I enjoyed using it as a tablet indoor, I found it hard to carry it around outside. It barely fits into my front jeans' pocket (not tight jeans) and I ended up holding it in my hand. Did the size bother you and how do you carry it outside?
Also, do you find the screen looks washed out? In the Gmail app, the white background makes the screen looks really washed out... compared to the screen of my Note 2. Perhaps this is personal preference.
diegoultra said:
Thanks for the feedback! Do you find that carrying the phone outside is a challenge due to its bulk? I get to play with one recently and while I enjoyed using it as a tablet indoor, I found it hard to carry it around outside. It barely fits into my front jeans' pocket (not tight jeans) and I ended up holding it in my hand. Did the size bother you and how do you carry it outside?
Also, do you find the screen looks washed out? In the Gmail app, the white background makes the screen looks really washed out... compared to the screen of my Note 2. Perhaps this is personal preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently just bought my Xperia Z Ultra after a year with my Xperia Z...
I got mine fom ebay for £210.. fantastic value i think for a device with such a big HD screen, and a quad 2.2 cpu..
Much better for me i think.. i was kinda torn between ultra and z2.. but i'd have to spend £550..
Size doesn't really bother me but you need to think about your lifestyle..
I have lockers at work so i can safely keep my phone in there.. otherwise it'[d be abit annoying keeping it in my trouser pockets
I only really wear jeans on a night out.. so i wouldn't take my phone there anyway.. I have a backup small phone to save numbers and stuff..
I would recommend the Ultra rather than a Note 4.
It is worth to mention that the Note runs 480 DPI phone mode as standard and suffers from problems when you try to change to 240 DPI phablet mode - this is on a stock TouchWiz ROM.
The Ultra runs 320 DPI as standard and is easy to change to 240 DPI phablet. The reason I mention this is because a large screen device is better in phablet/tablet mode rather than phone mode. I am talking about things such as dual pane view in Gmail, Google Play and desktop style tabs in Chrome or AOSP Browser and so on.
In order to get the most out of the Ultra, including proper optimization for the large screen, my recommendation is as follows:
1. GPe ROM or CM11 based ROMs.
2. Change to 240 DPI.
Note: The latest Sony 4.4.x ROMs suffers from broken notifications when the DPI is changed to 240. This is because of their customized integrated notification/quick settings screen. Because of this, the GPe or CM11 route is way better for large screen optimization since those ROMs change into phablet mode without "complaining".
3. Install Xposed Framework and the App Settings module.
4. Install Xposed MultiWindow - it gives multi window similar to the Note series. Pair this with the MultiWindow Sidebar app.
5. Install Nova Launcher or other launcher that supports phablet mode well.
If you want Sony apps: No problems. Album, Movies, Walkman, Sketch and so forth works great on the GPe ROM. There is even Sony Xperia launchers available. Those apps works great under 240 DPI too.
I had a Note 1 and II before the Ultra and I can only see that this Sony with above mentioned customizations blows the Note series out of the water. Vanilla Android (GPe) in 240 DPI with Xposed Framework and a safe update path to Android L the way Google intended speaks volumes.
It is also worth to mention that the Sony Edition can be reflashed into GPe through the ported GPe ROM. It can't be 100% converted to GPe yet because of different partition schemes but the only practical consequence of it is the fact that Google OTAs doesn't work. For upgrades, the whole ROM must be reflashed.
The ROM selection for Sony Edition is bigger, making it a better choice.
After trying the Note 3 a couple of times, there's only one area where I can see it as being better: the camera.
Ultra has a weak camera but it can be fixed through the DSC-QX/QX100.
From my point of view, the only thing I miss on the Ultra as it is today is 64 GB internal storage beside the microSD card. Otherwise, it offers a very compelling total solution for my needs.
The only devices that can compete properly is one with similar screen size (or up to 7 inch) that runs either Google vanilla or spiced up vanilla, i.e. CM or similar paired with even more powerful hardware. Today, no such competitor exists. If the Ultra wouldn't be there, I would get the Oppo Find 7 though - it is closest.
I don't consider devices from manufacturers that bloat Android heavily (such as HTC, LG and Samsung) together with severely fragmented hardware with different CPU/GPU depending on market causing incompatibility with ROMs for other versions etc to be viable options.
I can only see two devices today that are partly in Ultra territory: Huawei Ascend Mate and Oppo N1. Both of them offers large screens but smaller than the Ultra - but they suffer from weaker hardware (Snapdragon 400 or 600 vs 800).
The Ultra is in a class of its own and I think the closest we can come to an alternative will be either a "Z2 Tablet Mini" 7 inch (considering rumors that Sony aren't releasing a true Ultra successor" or an Oppo N2, i.e. a successor to the Oppo N1.
I am quite sure that Sony will release a device in the same category as the Ultra. A Z2 Tablet Mini LTE would tick the box even if they market it as a tablet rather than smartphone. I don't think they will leave the 7 inch segment open but the next device won't be labelled an "Ultra successor" but a "smaller version of the Z2 Tablet".
The best option is to get the bargained priced Ultra and then simply wait for other phablets between 6.5-7 inch. I would also add that I don't think Snapdragon 805 is worth it (the upgrade) from the 800. The next big thing is the 810/815 and AFAIK, they will start ship them in Q4 2014. It is therefore probable that the first devices with them will be released during Q4 or Q1 (Mobile World Congress 2015). The Q3 collection will mostly consist of 805 based products and I don't think the step to them are worth it - Snapdragon 800 is that good already.
Personally, I have decided to wait for Snapdragon 810/815 before considering an Ultra replacement.
E90 Commie said:
I would recommend the Ultra rather than a Note 4.
It is worth to mention that the Note runs 480 DPI phone mode as standard and suffers from problems when you try to change to 240 DPI phablet mode - this is on a stock TouchWiz ROM.
The Ultra runs 320 DPI as standard and is easy to change to 240 DPI phablet. The reason I mention this is because a large screen device is better in phablet/tablet mode rather than phone mode. I am talking about things such as dual pane view in Gmail, Google Play and desktop style tabs in Chrome or AOSP Browser and so on.
In order to get the most out of the Ultra, including proper optimization for the large screen, my recommendation is as follows:
1. GPe ROM or CM11 based ROMs.
2. Change to 240 DPI.
Note: The latest Sony 4.4.x ROMs suffers from broken notifications when the DPI is changed to 240. This is because of their customized integrated notification/quick settings screen. Because of this, the GPe or CM11 route is way better for large screen optimization since those ROMs change into phablet mode without "complaining".
3. Install Xposed Framework and the App Settings module.
4. Install Xposed MultiWindow - it gives multi window similar to the Note series. Pair this with the MultiWindow Sidebar app.
5. Install Nova Launcher or other launcher that supports phablet mode well.
If you want Sony apps: No problems. Album, Movies, Walkman, Sketch and so forth works great on the GPe ROM. There is even Sony Xperia launchers available. Those apps works great under 240 DPI too.
I had a Note 1 and II before the Ultra and I can only see that this Sony with above mentioned customizations blows the Note series out of the water. Vanilla Android (GPe) in 240 DPI with Xposed Framework and a safe update path to Android L the way Google intended speaks volumes.
It is also worth to mention that the Sony Edition can be reflashed into GPe through the ported GPe ROM. It can't be 100% converted to GPe yet because of different partition schemes but the only practical consequence of it is the fact that Google OTAs doesn't work. For upgrades, the whole ROM must be reflashed.
The ROM selection for Sony Edition is bigger, making it a better choice.
After trying the Note 3 a couple of times, there's only one area where I can see it as being better: the camera.
Ultra has a weak camera but it can be fixed through the DSC-QX/QX100.
From my point of view, the only thing I miss on the Ultra as it is today is 64 GB internal storage beside the microSD card. Otherwise, it offers a very compelling total solution for my needs.
The only devices that can compete properly is one with similar screen size (or up to 7 inch) that runs either Google vanilla or spiced up vanilla, i.e. CM or similar paired with even more powerful hardware. Today, no such competitor exists. If the Ultra wouldn't be there, I would get the Oppo Find 7 though - it is closest.
I don't consider devices from manufacturers that bloat Android heavily (such as HTC, LG and Samsung) together with severely fragmented hardware with different CPU/GPU depending on market causing incompatibility with ROMs for other versions etc to be viable options.
I can only see two devices today that are partly in Ultra territory: Huawei Ascend Mate and Oppo N1. Both of them offers large screens but smaller than the Ultra - but they suffer from weaker hardware (Snapdragon 400 or 600 vs 800).
The Ultra is in a class of its own and I think the closest we can come to an alternative will be either a "Z2 Tablet Mini" 7 inch (considering rumors that Sony aren't releasing a true Ultra successor" or an Oppo N2, i.e. a successor to the Oppo N1.
I am quite sure that Sony will release a device in the same category as the Ultra. A Z2 Tablet Mini LTE would tick the box even if they market it as a tablet rather than smartphone. I don't think they will leave the 7 inch segment open but the next device won't be labelled an "Ultra successor" but a "smaller version of the Z2 Tablet".
The best option is to get the bargained priced Ultra and then simply wait for other phablets between 6.5-7 inch. I would also add that I don't think Snapdragon 805 is worth it (the upgrade) from the 800. The next big thing is the 810/815 and AFAIK, they will start ship them in Q4 2014. It is therefore probable that the first devices with them will be released during Q4 or Q1 (Mobile World Congress 2015). The Q3 collection will mostly consist of 805 based products and I don't think the step to them are worth it - Snapdragon 800 is that good already.
Personally, I have decided to wait for Snapdragon 810/815 before considering an Ultra replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my Ultra for a few days and i've tried GPe.. however the benchmarks are much lower than stock.. and that put me off hugely..
And don't forget that the Ultra's brother, the Ultra GPe will receive Android "L" very quickly after release this fall, meaning we'll also get it very quickly by porting it (which is easy). The Ultra is also incredible cheap now, and you're still getting a Snapdragon 800, so it's still a beast and totally worth it. I've had mine since its release and i simply love it.
(I also came from the Galaxy Note btw).
---------- Post added at 07:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 PM ----------
hudsonhicks said:
I've had my Ultra for a few days and i've tried GPe.. however the benchmarks are much lower than stock.. and that put me off hugely..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the GPe ROMs, especially the KitKat versions are scoring pretty low, and it's the same thing on the Nexus models. Note that this only applies to ANTUTU. Try the other GPU benchmarks, and you'll quickly learn that there aren't really that big of a difference between the stock and GPe ROM. The 4.4.3 GPe ROM is also A LOT smoother and quicker than the stock KitKat ROM. Enable ART and it's even smoother. No hickups AT ALL.
Recommended, 10/10.
LordManhattan said:
And don't forget that the Ultra's brother, the Ultra GPe will receive Android "L" very quickly after release this fall, meaning we'll also get it very quickly by porting it (which is easy). The Ultra is also incredible cheap now, and you're still getting a Snapdragon 800, so it's still a beast and totally worth it. I've had mine since its release and i simply love it.
(I also came from the Galaxy Note btw).
---------- Post added at 07:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 PM ----------
Yeah, the GPe ROMs, especially the KitKat versions are scoring pretty low, and it's the same thing on the Nexus models. Note that this only applies to ANTUTU. Try the other GPU benchmarks, and you'll quickly learn that there aren't really that big of a difference between the stock and GPe ROM. The 4.4.3 GPe ROM is also A LOT smoother and quicker than the stock KitKat ROM. Enable ART and it's even smoother. No hickups AT ALL.
Recommended, 10/10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you run at the moment? What launcher, rom and kernel please
The GPe ROM is really, really smooth and offers very reliable memory management too. Despite some benchmarks being lower, it offers very high real world performance.
The only thing stopping me from ART is Xposed - I will enable it right away when this mod is compatible.
I think the only competing ROMs to the GPe one is the other AOSP/CM based things out there. Sony's own stock ROM was removed from my list when I noticed that 240 DPI breaks the notification bar completely.
hudsonhicks said:
What do you run at the moment? What launcher, rom and kernel please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running the 4.4.3 GPe ROM with stock kernel and ART enabled, so no Xposed. I'm using the Epic Launcher which is GEL but with a lot of features. I've also slimmed it all down by removing a lot of "garbage" that I don't use, but I'm pretty much running stock GPe. It's totally worth it.
LordManhattan said:
I'm running the 4.4.3 GPe ROM with stock kernel and ART enabled, so no Xposed. I'm using the Epic Launcher which is GEL but with a lot of features. I've also slimmed it all down by removing a lot of "garbage" that I don't use, but I'm pretty much running stock GPe. It's totally worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You not bothered by dt2w? i like to preserve my power button
Thank you all very much for your inputs! The device is great when I use it at home as a tablet when in the end it was just too big for me to carry around outside. I don't know what to get but I probably will wait for the Note 4 to see what it has to offer.
I had the Note 2 as well and found it an ugly looking toy after using the beast we call Z Ultra. The ZU is a work of art compared to the Note line, even the 3. I'm 6'2", never issues with storing the ZU in my pants/jeans. Even with Nillkin flip cover. Take the plunge, as this is the best phone ever made so far. Period.
diegoultra said:
Thank you all very much for your inputs! The device is great when I use it at home as a tablet when in the end it was just too big for me to carry around outside. I don't know what to get but I probably will wait for the Note 4 to see what it has to offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will consider if note 4 if its totally different design than this...or they implemented the youm display tech on it...
Knox is one thing to back out for but if towelroot can bypass it so maybe that something to look out for...
But one thing on me, i just can't deal a phone that smaller than 6" after i used the ultra...its like any phone smaller than this even z2 it's look like a toy...
And i dont like Samsung setting menu or icon...its just ugly and cartoonish...sony ui and menu is more mature looking from my perspective...
It just my point of view, hope samsung users dont take it personally..
Sent from my XL39h using Tapatalk
Isn't the Ultra 2 just around the corner?
After having the ultra i can honestly say il probably never get a note again as long as they keep making ultra's
The Ultra 2 ( if it comes out ) should hopefully be alot better.
However the total crap camera and no LED kinda hold back the original from being the best device ever all around.
E90 Commie said:
I would recommend the Ultra rather than a Note 4.
It is worth to mention that the Note runs 480 DPI phone mode as standard and suffers from problems when you try to change to 240 DPI phablet mode - this is on a stock TouchWiz ROM.
The Ultra runs 320 DPI as standard and is easy to change to 240 DPI phablet. The reason I mention this is because a large screen device is better in phablet/tablet mode rather than phone mode. I am talking about things such as dual pane view in Gmail, Google Play and desktop style tabs in Chrome or AOSP Browser and so on.
In order to get the most out of the Ultra, including proper optimization for the large screen, my recommendation is as follows:
1. GPe ROM or CM11 based ROMs.
2. Change to 240 DPI.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question, I will be getting GPE version of Z Ultra, when you say change to 240 DPI are you referring to changing it using the Xposed framework perapp settings?
thanks
Frankly speak go with note 3. Sony don't age as well as Samsung. I regretted not going note 3. Sony was nice 1year but it's aging and support is.meh
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Free mobile app
300$ now... in 6 months 200$, ultra is the most cheaper
zchen said:
Question, I will be getting GPE version of Z Ultra, when you say change to 240 DPI are you referring to changing it using the Xposed framework perapp settings?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I change to 240 DPI through build.prop and then use the App Settings Exposed module to switch apps to tablet mode.
Regarding buying a Note 3 - I don't see any reason. I have used it a couple of times and the combination of TouchWiz, bloat, efuse and Knox make it a horrible experience compared to a Z Ultra with GPe ROM and Xposed etc. It is also worth to.mention that the Note 3 uses 480 DPI phone mode and that Samsung apps has a tendency to crash under 240 DPI.
Another thing is that the best Note 3 features such as multiwindow works great on the Ultra through Xposed.
I would never consider a Note 3 as an option even if I had both the Note I and II.
Related
Ok, I'm up to purchase a new tablet and I am divided between Z2 and Tab S.
I'm a happy owner of a Z1 tablet and I am wondering if Z2 is a better option than Tab S.
A far as I can tell Z2 has the edge on the chipset side but Tab S has a better screen, so my question for you is this: Wich tablet would you advise me to purchase?
One last detail: I love to read and browse the Web.
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Here in this forum you'll hear: "Z2 Tablet, of course", in the Tab S forum you'll hear: "Tab S, of course". You have to try and decide yourself.
Fast, easy to root, light in software, better build quality = Z2
Not as easy to root, getting slower by time caused by bloatware, build quality debatable, far better screen = Tab S
Just my opinion. I bought the Z2 because of Knox and Bloatware but I'm missing the dual window feature that Samsung has.
I dislike the Sony UI, but I hate Samsung's Tablet UI. It is even worse than their phone UI.
When I bought my tablet, this was the main difference I recognized in the store.
Regarding the display, I wanted to have 1200p instead of 1600p. Huge resolutions don't add value, I could hardly see a difference between the Sony and the Samsung.
Of course when you look closely, you see some difference, but during day to day usage it doesn't make a difference. Just check it out for yourself, your mileage could vary.
But I explicitly searched for a 10 inch Tablet with Snapdragon 801 and a 1200p display, because higher resolutions destroy 3d-performance while not looking really better, and at the same time consume more power.
So I got what I wanted with the Z2. But you have your own needs, so you could come to a different conclusion. Android offers so much choice that everybody should be able to find his best-suited device. :good:
My main concern was exactly screen quality but seems that overall build quality tends to Z2 all the way...
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Pick up a Samsung galaxy s at the store.... Immediately you can tell the build difference in comparison to the z2. Galaxy s is flimsy and creaks... (I've looked at over 10 from different stores, so no its not an abnormality)... My Z2 is rock solid....now the resolution, software, and hardware? Hands down the z2 is better. But thats my opinion when analyzing the facts.
Sent from my SGP511 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
kbroh said:
But thats my opinion when analyzing the facts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Er???
Either it's a fact that these things are better on the Z2, or it's "your opinion", i.e. somehow you like them better, without factual evidence.
Your sentence doesn't make any sense, sorry.
hasenbein1966 said:
Er???
Either it's a fact that these things are better on the Z2, or it's "your opinion", i.e. somehow you like them better, without factual evidence.
Your sentence doesn't make any sense, sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should look again at what I stated before making an incoherent statement. To "analyze" facts between two devices is comparing them and "interpreting" the differences through the process of human understanding. Thus a subjective nature is prevalent.
Meaning you can analyze something, and base your subjective opinion off the facts that you have used.
If you are looking for a split comparison of the two devices, its impossible to fully do when each device has separate features. However, basing hardware and build, you can base the material build, board, and benchmarks in a factual comparison, then analyze that information to base your synopsis.
One lant question, Tablet Z2 is absolutely better than Z1 in hardware all the way, but an upgrade from Z1 to Z2 is advisable? will I notice, on a day to day basis, a great improvement or not?
Just add a annoying bug on touch screen on Z2.
I'm on version 17.1.1.A.0.402 with SGP511 and scroll with tablet is awful. It replace touch scroll for touch "click".
Touch issue on Z2 tablet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbtc96YE6O8
Cheers,
AllanJacques said:
One lant question, Tablet Z2 is absolutely better than Z1 in hardware all the way, but an upgrade from Z1 to Z2 is advisable? will I notice, on a day to day basis, a great improvement or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I upgraded from the Tablet Z1 to the Z2 Tablet. The differences are not huge. It was more the idea of having the newest and greatest (as a birthday present for myself) than anything else.
Specific aspects of the Z2 that I really enjoy more than on the Z1 are
1. The screen is noticeably better, particularly from off angles
2. There's no longer a flap over the headphone jack
3. I prefer the wireless charging set up on the Z2. You don't need a stand in order to wirelessly charge.
I was also happy to make the change for a reason particular to me: my old Z1 had only 16GB - I had not realized when I bought it that you CANNOT install apps on an external microsd. So when I got the Z2 I made sure to get the 32GB version.
DaddyWhale said:
I upgraded from the Tablet Z1 to the Z2 Tablet. The differences are not huge. It was more the idea of having the newest and greatest (as a birthday present for myself) than anything else.
Specific aspects of the Z2 that I really enjoy more than on the Z1 are
1. The screen is noticeably better, particularly from off angles
2. There's no longer a flap over the headphone jack
3. I prefer the wireless charging set up on the Z2. You don't need a stand in order to wirelessly charge.
I was also happy to make the change for a reason particular to me: my old Z1 had only 16GB - I had not realized when I bought it that you CANNOT install apps on an external microsd. So when I got the Z2 I made sure to get the 32GB version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you define what you mean by wireless charging please? Do you mean you can use a magnetic lead like this on it? Or is there a feature I'm not aware of?
SANGER_A2 said:
Can you define what you mean by wireless charging please? Do you mean you can use a magnetic lead like this on it? Or is there a feature I'm not aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I mean. On the Tablet Z1 the wireless connections where on the two sides of the tablet when held in landscaper.
chentz78 said:
Just add a annoying bug on touch screen on Z2.
I'm on version 17.1.1.A.0.402 with SGP511 and scroll with tablet is awful. It replace touch scroll for touch "click".
Touch issue on Z2 tablet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbtc96YE6O8
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply install the newest firmware (... .314). If not yet available in your country, take one of the FTFs available here. (I took the Russian one, works flawlessly.)
Then the touch bug will be gone.
Kit Kat drove me to the higher memory option
AllanJacques said:
Ok, I'm up to purchase a new tablet and I am divided between Z2 and Tab S.
I'm a happy owner of a Z1 tablet and I am wondering if Z2 is a better option than Tab S.
A far as I can tell Z2 has the edge on the chipset side but Tab S has a better screen, so my question for you is this: Wich tablet would you advise me to purchase?
One last detail: I love to read and browse the Web.
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I looked into this quite deeply before going for the Z2. The Samsung S screen is excellent. But SD card woes under Android Kit Kat convinced me that I needed a 32 Gbyte tablet. There seem to be only 16 Gbyte Galaxy S' in Europe, so I went for the 32 Gbyte Z2.
Also, I have other Sony gear: camera NEX-6, TV....; the build quality of the Sony is higher; and the Samsung has a reputation for being loaded with bloatware and having a poor UI. Some reviews of the Samsung also mentioned that it stuttered under high processor loads.
Hope that helps.
The "SD card woes" under Kitkat are very easily resolvable (and thus not really "woes"):
1. Root
2. Install app "SDFix" from Playstore and run once (can be uninstalled after that). Done!
Then your SD card will work totally normal with full read-write access.
hasenbein1966 said:
The "SD card woes" under Kitkat are very easily resolvable (and thus not really "woes"):
1. Root
2. Install app "SDFix" from Playstore and run once (can be uninstalled after that). Done!
Then your SD card will work totally normal with full read-write access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes,thanks for that, I was just explaining the reasons dor my choice I suppose. And...
a) being a bit of a newbie and b) being otherwise very happy with my tablet, I don't feel the need to root just yet. But it's good to know the SDFix works with the Z2 tablet. Signs are that Sony might be bringing out a fix too. Rolling out on their cheaper smartphones now, I hear.
I wanted to have Tab S, but the speaker is terrible.
Moreover, Z2 has white balance control on the screen so you can adjust to your favor (I prefer clean/cool white).
I had the same question as you, and the Tab S was the only tablet available.
Having a Z2 device, I really wanted the tablet since the phone is awesome. I didn't want to wait for shipment from Sony's website, and I have regretted it every day of owning the Tab S.
It is sluggish, choppy, and video that plays smooth on my Z2, the exact same thing is choppy on my Tab S. Because of the stupid chipset dev is non existent on the 10.5, and does not look like it will ever pick up, especially since the Note 4 will have the Snapdragon chipset.
I am probably going to sell it, take a little hit, and buy the Z2.
How about the speaker on Z2 compared with Tab S?
I tested Tab S and the speaker is much lower than my Note 10.1 classic. I want to buy Z2 Tablet, but I worry about the speakers (assuming everything is nearly the same as Tab S).
----edit----
Finally I had an opportunity to try both and found speaker on z2 is much better than Tab S (the latter one is very weak and badly compressed). In addition, z2 feels much solid than Tab S.
So I am waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 next week Spt 3, and released specs and everything look good, but what turns me off from the phone is the rather small display. I mean 5.7inch is stupid I think, they could have at least made it a 6" as I was hoping for.
The Xperia Z Ultra has a 6.4" display and the specs are still good, only came out last year. I am a very lite user, I don't play games or use many Apps, just mainly for phone and texting.
What do you guys think, I can get it for $370 CAD no tax or shipping from U.S via eBay brand new unlocked, is it a good phone? Or am I making a mistake not getting the Note 4 and going for a slightly older phone?
I would really appreciate any feedback you can provide, thanks!
Torguy said:
So I am waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 next week Spt 3, and released specs and everything look good, but what turns me off from the phone is the rather small display. I mean 5.7inch is stupid I think, they could have at least made it a 6" as I was hoping for.
The Xperia Z Ultra has a 6.4" display and the specs are still good, only came out last year. I am a very lite user, I don't play games or use many Apps, just mainly for phone and texting.
What do you guys think, I can get it for $370 CAD no tax or shipping from U.S via eBay brand new unlocked, is it a good phone? Or am I making a mistake not getting the Note 4 and going for a slightly older phone?
I would really appreciate any feedback you can provide, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would go with the Ultra (only as the wife has a S4 and I hate it). As you say the specs are still good, and Sony's software is fast with not too much bloat. Also note that it is easy to root and flash custom ROMs to - although some people seem to have real trouble
Z Ultra from me, the best value for money smartphone now:good:
I've owned the Note II and perhaps less relevant the Galaxy Nexus, but I can say the Z Ultra, after being quite wary regarding Sony, is the best smart phone I have owned. It's big and beautiful and has an understated, yet classy look. It's super thin and shines on both the hard- and software side. Samsung is a step down, with its ugly and tacky plastics, let alone the horrible Touchwiz. The ZU is still a beast with the SD 800 cpu and destroys everything on its path. Take the plunge, you won't regret, possibly for years to come, if you wanted to.
Signed: an ex-Samsung believer
I'm using a note 3 now and am planning to shift to an xperia z ultra because I'm looking for stock android. For conversion to gpe and back, which model version should I buy? Lte or non lte?
How is the speaker quality of the device? All the reviews indicate it as soft. Is battery life better on the gpe?
No camera flash for z ultra was a deal breaker.
xManMythLegend said:
No camera flash for z ultra was a deal breaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont see it as a dealbreaker. Sure i cant look at some pipes in the dark, which i had to do quite few times past 6 months, but as a device its quite ok without the flash. Mayby its also, cause i see camera as least important functionality in a phone, but let that be another discussion.
As for the general question, I think Note 4 will be preferred choice, I love my Ultra, seriously best phone in the market at the very moment imo. But thats the thing, Note 4 is generation up and thats a big thing. Another aspect that really speaks for samsung is that they actually put some thought - why do we go for such a big screen on this bloody thing, which i feel is lacking on Ultra.
I was between note and Ultra when note 3 launched, but the overall feel and my emotion was better on Sony, tho note came close with its trough thought phablet feel.
joulukas said:
I dont see it as a dealbreaker. Sure i cant look at some pipes in the dark, which i had to do quite few times past 6 months, but as a device its quite ok without the flash. Mayby its also, cause i see camera as least important functionality in a phone, but let that be another discussion.
As for the general question, I think Note 4 will be preferred choice, I love my Ultra, seriously best phone in the market at the very moment imo. But thats the thing, Note 4 is generation up and thats a big thing. Another aspect that really speaks for samsung is that they actually put some thought - why do we go for such a big screen on this bloody thing, which i feel is lacking on Ultra.
I was between note and Ultra when note 3 launched, but the overall feel and my emotion was better on Sony, tho note came close with its trough thought phablet feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the Z ultra provided any Spen functionality OR a camera flash I would have gotten it. To me that was two points. But everyone has different needs I can easily see why Zultra was a superb choice.
I would consider the new Z3 Tablet Compact if the size is deemed acceptable. Even if I had the Note I and II, I would not another device in that series mostly because of all restrictions Samsung has put up such as efuse, limitations on "right" and "wrong" flashing of stock ROM (i.e. efuse goes off if you downgrade through Odin etc not to mention custom ROMs), unstandardized hardware (different CPU/GPU depending on market), carrier branding (unlocked devices not available unless importing), region lock and so forth. TouchWiz is also a complete dealbreaker in those L times.
The S-Pen is a great concept, though but is so linked to TouchWiz that most of the features are lost if a AOSP/CM is flashed. Because of all those items on the list, I avoid their devices as a plague. It doesn't matter what features they include in their TW ROMs since I consider TW just horrible.
I consider the Ultra to be a great device still and in most cases preferable over Samsung products but it has been in the market for one year now. On the other hand: it is still unsurpassed as a complete package when it comes to screen size and so forth.
It is also worth to mention that the Note series use 480 DPI phone mode so arguments like "it use the big screen better" is not valid. The Ultra runs 240 DPI phablet mode well with the GPE ROM and multi window etc is easily fixed through Xposed Framework.
I dare to say that the Ultra + 240 DPI + GPE ROM + Xposed Framework blows the competition out of the water software wise. The only competitors with a similar experience is the Nexus line or OnePlus One with CM11S.
My personal planning for the future is:
1. Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
2. 7 inch AOSP/CM phablets from other manufacturers
Since number 2 is very uncertain considering the lack of rumors about such devices, I am leaning heavily toward the alternative 1 since I made a mockup and deemed it acceptable from a carrying point of view.
If the Tablet Z3 Compact is considered too big, I don't see any better options than the Ultra at the moment. It still rules unsurpassed when it comes to large-screen tablet replacements.
Whatever you do, just stay the hell away from Samsung. Between the fugly TouchWiz, bloated software, KNOX warranty void, slow updates, I promise to myself I will never ever buy another Samsung device. Sure, flashing CM11 would fix all that problems, but you might as well just buy a Nexus 5 at that point as all the special features that make a Note device a Note device are gone.
Also, Samsung Note devices are not very mod/hack-friendly due to their proprietary S-Pen and digitizer driver, as well as numerous in-house parts that we just can't get the drivers for. A year later and we still can't get the NFC working correctly on the Note 3.
The Day Samsung Makes Note 4 with a 6.4 Inch HD Screen
The only day I will think of buying a Note 4 is when it is able to have the form Factor of a Z Ultra... No Phone with this config comes with this Form factor... Just love it!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPqS_xJ7jnE
I can't believe this! It comes with a pre-installed Stock Android mode! How awesome is that!
I am quiet hesitant to buy this mobile at this point ...not sure whether custom roms will be made for this mobile
svvv said:
I am quiet hesitant to buy this mobile at this point ...not sure whether custom roms will be made for this mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know what you mean..k900 suffers from the same situation.
Root
Sorry to be offtopic, but Kingo ROOT is working for Lenovo VIBE Z2 Pro
majrul said:
Sorry to be offtopic, but Kingo ROOT is working for Lenovo VIBE Z2 Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Majrul. Do you have this phone? I'm considering buying it. Can you give a quick first impressions?
Thanks.
Review Z2 Pro vs. the Best Damn Devices
Lenovo Vibe Z2 Pro (Dual SIM)
One of the most un-imaginable 6 inch (Phablets) phones that one could buy is available at a price point of Rs. 32,999 which makes it one of the lowest costing QHD devices available in the market today. I have spent ample time ‘googling’ the device and looking for international reviews and quite disappointed to find none. The phone has been completely ignored which leads to either the question that this is a another Chinese import with some customization here and there, or that this has not been marketed enough and thus, comes as a surprise Diwali deal for all.
I have used pretty much every device you can think of from the ios Apple – iPhones (entire series), to the Android Samsung S (entire series), to the Notes (everything), Nexus (entire series) all the way to the Microsoft bred Nokia Lumia 1020 and 1500 and more. The Lenovo Vibe Z2 Pro would be the last of my options, except that this year I was fascinated by it’s specs and features. For a 6 inch phablet (Phone + Tablet) this seemed to have quite a lot of things on it’s positives. Right now, the top end Galaxy’s and iPhone are fighting each other with 13 MP to 16 MP Cameras, and HD Displays, whereas the Vibe Z2 Pro enters the arena silently with 16 MP Professional Camera (some compare it the Nokia 1020’s 41 MP PureView camera), which undoubtedly can not be true. However where the Z2 Pro shows dominance is with it’s 4K recording ability and QHD screens making it an interesting device at it’s price point. Also interesting enough it houses a secondary 5 MP camera compared to most devices fighting with 2 MP front face cameras. Designed to look “expensive” and slim, the device is supposed to be quick with a 2.5 Gz Snapdragon 801 Quad Core Processor, which even today doesn’t make me feel that fast with any device except the Nexus 5! Armed with 3 GB RAM, this baby should be as fast my computer – or so I would have imagined. Yet with so much bloat being installed by companies for OEM and Custom UI’s you generally don’t get more than 700 MB of free RAM. I would have personally liked having Android Stock UI, no bloat ware and at least 2 GB RAM all for myself ! Now that would be a real “Snap-Dragon” !
No expandable memory card was an instant turn off for me, and having 32 GB minus the whooping 6 GB OS used storage was a kick in my ass. Leaving me with hardly 24 GB of free storage after deducting other in built apps and files, and no memory card – I felt bloated already. There is OTG support, which means using custom cables you can connect your phone’s charging port to a USB cable (OTG) which will allow you to again connect mass storage drives such as pen drives, flash drives, etc. to your phone. I don’t like the idea because it makes things look messy.
What the Z2 Pro does though – is 6 GB includes an option to switch between the Android UI and it’s custom UI – this is a first in my book’s for a dual mode GUI option which allows people like me switch to Androids GUI. I would imagine that this move, should or would free me up to 1.8 to 2GB’s of RAM, but I need to really check to see if it works. I would personally have hoped to be able to delete the entire Lenovo custom UI and free me up another 2-3GB of space which would probably let me fit a good deal of my music collection and some books to read on my 6 inch…. (no pun intended)…. screen.
Now let me compare some top end devices with the Z2 Pro for you to give you an idea of what kind of a “dragon” this could be. The LG 3 – one of the only qHD phones available is priced similarly at Rs 32,999 has similar specs but a smaller 5.5 inch screen.The LG3 has 550 ppi density because of it’s half inch smaller frame, whereas the Z2 Pro has 490 ppi resolution, which for the extra half inch is noteworthy. Having said that, the Z2 Pro’s quality should be good enough since the human eye can not differentiate screens with higher than around 320 ppi. Where companies have begun new competition is brightness to confuse the user on higher ppi scales. So knowing the Z2 Pro supports 490 ppi for a 6 inch screen sounds wonderful. 3GB Ram sounds like a real treat, since companies like LG and Samsung install GUI and Application bloatware that eventually gives you around 500-600 MB of Free RAM. I personally hate slow phones and with all the things these companies put nowadays, the Samsung S5 was one of the fastest phones to exit my pockets permanently. Now where the Z2 Pro does suffer is – lack of stereo speakers like the Sony Z3 and lack of water proof or water resistant bodies. I would have loved knowing that the Z2 Pro with it’s supposedly professional camera could get into fresh water swimming pools for some fun photos. That’s not the case as the Z2 Pro can’t really do that.
However, it does have a professional camera mode which allows it do use custom camera (manual settings) and really take vivid photographs. Now on a positive note – the Sony Z3 costs Rs. 46,000 while the Z2 Pro as I repeatedly have mentioned is Rs. 32,999 (33,000) which is a Rs.13,000 savings immediately. Also on a side note – the Sony Z3 is a said to be breaking it’s screen fairly quickly, speakers damage when submerged into water is causing problems to Sony’s water proof claims too. When compared to an iPhone – the Z2 Pro runs a different operating system, but if you went straight to the tech specs – Z2 Pro has more RAM, a higher end camera and seems to be made more expensive than the iPhone – however this is yet to be seen as my new iPhone 6 Plus is yet to arrive.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 which is expected to launch this week, will be priced around Rs. 52,000 and has a PPI of 515 thanks to it’s super-amoled display. However if you look at the difference between 515 and 490 ppi – it doesnt seem a great deal. That’s where the Z2 Pro which – let me remind you is a 6 inch phablet might be better than the Note 4, which is a 5.7 phablet for a lower price! However, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 does include a pen, and has writing capabilities which almost no other phone has – which continues to make it unique. That being said, to keep this review fair – the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has a lower battery life than the Z2 Pro which interesting offers dual sim support, whereby one sim supports 3G/4G/LTE support – but quite surprisingly doesn’t support India’s Airtel LTE network. The second sim card sadly doesn’t support 3G and is good for only 2G networks. The Samsung Note 4 includes the new Snapdragon 805 chipset, which makes it the first device to run the new updated hardware. The new chipset mitigates issues of handling 4K recording as well as QHD screens. The Samsung Note 4 has a 16 MP camera (Front) and a 3.7 MP rear camera, whereas the Z2 Pro has a 16 MP font camera, with a mightier 5 MP rear camera.
Just to remind everyone – higher Mega Pixels are not important for personal photographs whereas the focus lens size is more important for detailed photographs. The MPs come into play only when you want to shoot large images (scenery from a bridge or a hill) or want to take photos for large banners or bill boards. There is no description mentioned around on the Lens of the Z2 Pro and I suspect the camera might be a bit substandard and so mentioning it was neglected. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 does indeed have a finger print sensor which the Z2 Pro does not have, but interestingly the finger print sensor has not really found any place or value on devices till date. Both devices include NFC and bluetooth. Finally, the Galaxy Note 4 does support expandable memory cards up to 128GB which would therefore allow a 32GB model to store up to 160 GB of data including it’s OS, GUI and other proprietary apps and data. I don’t know if the Note 4 is worth paying the extra Rs. 20,000 premium cost but then again the Note 4 is in a league of it’s own.
My opinion to this is, if you have a budget for a high quality premium device – I would recommend either of the two devices – Lenovo Z2 Pro or the upcoming Nexus 6. Since the Nexus 6 is still not available. I will try to make it easier for you – Lenovo Z2 Pro is a great choice till then.
Disclaimer: This review was written by me on my blog and since there are a few questions being asked, I thought I'd share it with you all.
Thanks for the review, rdosti.
I have a few questions I hope you can answer.
Have you rooted your phone? If yes, did you use the Kingo app?
Do the phone have any heat issues?
I heard that it can be difficult to install new apps because of the security app that comes preinstalled. Do you have the same experience?
I will receive my phone in a coupe of weeks. Can't wait!
Why would you root the phone? --- You get stock rom (android) included as an option. You need to enable it through Developer Options in Settings (and you can reboot the phone in Stock android GUI).
No over heating issues have been experienced.
No issues installing Apps. Not sure what Security App you are talking about. Are you referring to "Secure Zone" which is already available on most android smart devices which allows you to separate business and home apps and screens?
"In Vibe Z2 Pro, we have two zones: open zone and secure zone. Every app can be run in open zone while only trusted app will be run in secure zone to protect sensitive application & data for user. User can easily switch between open zone and secure zone by only "one click". In secure zone, it is safer, freer and easier." Reference: https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo...-is-coming-in-Lenovo-Vibe-Z2-Pro/td-p/1702177
Thanks: additional question
Thanks:
1. whether we can install & run apps from OTG devices
2. MHL support is not mentioned, is it a software option later can be tweaked
3. DUAL sim 3G/4G is it an software tweakable option
4. who is the winner among IUNI 3, K920 & 64 bit VIBE Z2
5. how is lenovo after sales support, i am ****** with micromax service with A210 [very poor service]
6. is there a promise for Android L or cyanogen mod!
is there a phone you suggest with dual GSM sim, removable battery, 2-3GB RAM, 13+ BSI, dual LED, future ready performer at least FHD 5inch
rdosti said:
Why would you root the phone? --- You get stock rom (android) included as an option. You need to enable it through Developer Options in Settings (and you can reboot the phone in Stock android GUI).
No over heating issues have been experienced.
No issues installing Apps. Not sure what Security App you are talking about. Are you referring to "Secure Zone" which is already available on most android smart devices which allows you to separate business and home apps and screens?
"In Vibe Z2 Pro, we have two zones: open zone and secure zone. Every app can be run in open zone while only trusted app will be run in secure zone to protect sensitive application & data for user. User can easily switch between open zone and secure zone by only "one click". In secure zone, it is safer, freer and easier." Reference: https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo...-is-coming-in-Lenovo-Vibe-Z2-Pro/td-p/1702177
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi will try to answer as many as I can.
- I am getting my OTG Flash Drive today so will be able to let you know by tomorrow.
- Micro USB to HDMI should work.
- Dual SIM (SIM Slot one is for 4g/3g/2gb & SIM Slot two is for 2G). By the way I am impressed that both SIMS go into a single tray which has been made so you can fit two sim cards. Excellent design. Sadly second slot is clearly marked for only 2G.
- Vibe Z2 Pro stands out in all my tests
- I have been lucky enough never to need it. I think support of all companies except Apple "suck". Apple's replacement system is unbeatable.
- Lenovo have said that their flagship will get updates - however I will take that with a pinch of salt since there is no guarantees on that.
One of the things I was depressed about was the Camera is not as great as I would have hoped or imagined. Though many reviewers have said it is great, I took photos this morning in day light as well as night time and minor zooming of the photos taken already, were quite grainy. In my opinion the camera is a let down.
I would suggest the Z2 Pro which is quite reasonably priced. The lack of marketing and brand ambassadors have allowed them to allow them to price themselves at a fairly competitive price. The only single sim competitor is the Nexus which is speculated to be announced tomorrow. There is no dual sim competitor worth comparing this device too at this price point.
Photoneutron said:
Thanks:
1. whether we can install & run apps from OTG devices
2. MHL support is not mentioned, is it a software option later can be tweaked
3. DUAL sim 3G/4G is it an software tweakable option
4. who is the winner among IUNI 3, K920 & 64 bit VIBE Z2
5. how is lenovo after sales support, i am ****** with micromax service with A210 [very poor service]
6. is there a promise for Android L or cyanogen mod!
is there a phone you suggest with dual GSM sim, removable battery, 2-3GB RAM, 13+ BSI, dual LED, future ready performer at least FHD 5inch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:58 AM ----------
By the way - Regarding the secure app - You can force stop and disable it. I did just that. There is an inbuilt antivirus which got the same treatment from me. Those memory hogging antivirus do nothing and waste valuable resources in my opinion. Force Stop - Disable is the way to go !
I also removed some apps and games I wasn't planning to use to free up some space on the phone.
I was able to easily get 1.5 GB Free RAM (out of 3 GB) which is one of the best performing devices I have seen. That allows me to load and run high end QHD videos as well as Games without worrying about RAM issues or lack of available RAM. 50% RAM free is like a God Send for people who really want to take it on for gaming!
I had around 24-25 GB of free internal storage immediately, which gives me quite a lot of space to fill up with things I need or want. OTG always remains a second option.
MY recommendation is load all your apps on the internal storage for faster "read" speeds, and put all your media on the OTG flash drives or any free space left on your internal storage.
I would not recommend apps being put on OTG for a very simple reason, you will find a lag or a every so tiny lag which reduces the fun of having such a beautiful device.
The Brightness makes the Nexus 5 look like crap!
Thanks a lot for your time & strouble.
I am in a dilemma whether to wait for MTK 6595 [vibe X2] or MTK 6795 phones? or to go for 64 bit Snapdragon?
Photoneutron said:
Thanks:
1. whether we can install & run apps from OTG devices
2. MHL support is not mentioned, is it a software option later can be tweaked
3. DUAL sim 3G/4G is it an software tweakable option
4. who is the winner among IUNI 3, K920 & 64 bit VIBE Z2
5. how is lenovo after sales support, i am ****** with micromax service with A210 [very poor service]
6. is there a promise for Android L or cyanogen mod!
is there a phone you suggest with dual GSM sim, removable battery, 2-3GB RAM, 13+ BSI, dual LED, future ready performer at least FHD 5inch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rdosti said:
By the way - Regarding the secure app - You can force stop and disable it. I did just that. There is an inbuilt antivirus which got the same treatment from me. Those memory hogging antivirus do nothing and waste valuable resources in my opinion. Force Stop - Disable is the way to go !
I also removed some apps and games I wasn't planning to use to free up some space on the phone.
I was able to easily get 1.5 GB Free RAM (out of 3 GB) which is one of the best performing devices I have seen. That allows me to load and run high end QHD videos as well as Games without worrying about RAM issues or lack of available RAM. 50% RAM free is like a God Send for people who really want to take it on for gaming!
I had around 24-25 GB of free internal storage immediately, which gives me quite a lot of space to fill up with things I need or want. OTG always remains a second option.
MY recommendation is load all your apps on the internal storage for faster "read" speeds, and put all your media on the OTG flash drives or any free space left on your internal storage.
I would not recommend apps being put on OTG for a very simple reason, you will find a lag or a every so tiny lag which reduces the fun of having such a beautiful device.
The Brightness makes the Nexus 5 look like crap!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your review man, Really appreciate it.
1.). I would like to know specifically in the Google UI Mode, is the sercurity app(I mean the Antivirus App and NOT the Secure Mode App) still installed and running ?
Is it possible to disable and force stop them? Because in whatever little videos i have seen on-line, most have the security app in the Notification drawer which is kinda annoying and
frustrating? Also i read somewhere that the Lenovo Antivirus App(Security App) is soo ingrained in the OS that it starts to mess around with whatsapp and other Apps when Disabled
or Force stopped and it re enables itself after sometime.
2.). Also how much ram usage in Google UI mode?
3.). Does the phone feel less bloated and snappier when in Google UI mode?
4.). Any particular features you feel are missing in the Google UI Mode that are there in the Vibe UI mode?
5.). Would you root the Phone to remove all the unnecessary apps like the Security app , Secure zone, SyncIT, ShareIT apps and all the other useless apps?
Sorry , Too many questions.
If this is any motivation Z2 Pro just released a stability update today of 60 MB.
K920_ROW_S133_141010
Gives you an idea that they are updating things.
To viruscmotu -
1. You can disable (force stop and disable) the app. I did that the moment I got my device.
2. Surprisingly and sadly, the free RAM is almost the same in both UI's which begs the question - WHY ? I actually began to like Lenovo's UI by the way - its kind of like the iPhone - everything's on the home screens + Widgets! I have already mentioned in previous posting's you get around 1.5 GB Free RAM.
3. Google UI mode feels only a very tiny bit (very cautious) faster. I think the Google UI mode has been tweaked by Lenovo since many minor but catchable things are not "true stock".
4. Yes, there is one feature which I think is extremely shocking not there in Google UI - The "OTA Update" feature. This has got me really disturbed about the device. I have to reboot back into Vibe UI to actually look for any new update (we got one last night ) which I would have missed had I stayed in the Google UI permanently.
5. Honestly, I don't see any reason to remove it since it doesn't take up too much space and you can easily disable it. It does not pop up or bother you ever again. Without root you can perform most of the disable actions and if you just want to be sure - you can download "Clean Master" - a free ware and very popular app to disable those preinstalled apps you wish to.
Regarding the question whether to wait for the X2 , etc... The snapdragon is a way better chipset in all reality that any others seen today. The Note 4 and Nexus 6 run on Snapdragon 805 (latest) , though the LG3 and this device run on 801 (which is in my opinion fairly great too).
I would personally not move to any device that is not snapdragon.
Stupid question?
Hello rdosti,
I've been reading this thread about Vibe Z2 Pro, as it looks to be my next phone (hopefully). I have it already pre-ordered, but I am still waiting, as it is not so easy to get on of those devices.
Perhaps this would be a stupid question, but I thought that as you have "stock" android version on the Vibe Z2 Pro, that for example update for Android 5.0 would be pretty straightforward. Can you confirm / decline / comment on that?
I have been using WinPhone for quite some time ,but I've got pretty bored with the lack of the applications in WP store, si I am looking to switch to Android. This Phone would suit me perfectly as it has everything that I need.
Only thing that keeps me hesitating is this Stock / Lenovo version of Android and prospect of new Android upgrades in the upcoming time.
Many thanks for the update &
My best regards
petfro
You have to wait till Lenovo offers an update for Lolipop (Android L). Its still a Lenovo ROM at the end of the day.
Only the Android One phones and Nexus devices are offered immediate upgrades to the new Android OS.
No other phone no matter what ROM its on gets an immediate upgrade. You need to wait patiently
O my god! I am so glad that i found this thread! Ive been in the fence whether to buy vibe z2 pro or mate 7. But after reading this, this made me choose the z2.pro.
Thanks rdosti for your review and answering the questions!
Just one question, rdosti. In the reviews i saw at youtube, i cant help but notice that the lenovo ui in the vibe z2 pro is not that snappy. Is that really the case?
....
Thank you for the answer rdosti.
So it means, taht it is nice that phone have stock android, but still Lenovo has to make upgrade for newer versions of OS.
For the price, they are asking for this device it is still worth to buy it, since Nexus 6 is much more expensive.
You personally thinks that software upgrade will be available for this device in the future? as I am not that familiar with Lenovo phones, I do have Lenovo laptop and I am more then happy with it.
I heard some rumours about overheating of the device on the internet, and also some complains about software buggs, like wallpapers disappearing, screen lock is not working, random factory resets and so on. Is this true? Any comments on that?
Sorry for being pesky and asking a lot of questions, but I was not able to find any review on the web (neither from my country - SVK nor international). Phone was introduced in my country just recently, I mean like 12 days ago.
Thank you &
Best regards.
While in the stock UI, Will the lenovo camera app be available? Or will it be the stock camera app with very basic functionality?
Sent from my HTC One max using XDA Free mobile app
Hello, I have this phone for more than a week. I can answer some of your questions.
hobitt14: The Vibe UI feels great, not bloated but with a lot of additional useful settings. I did NOT notice any lag or overheating.
sacthegreat: There is Lenovo camera app available in the stock UI.
The phone feels great. Love the thin bezels and metallic brushed-wave unibody design. It's really thin and the display is gorgeus. My previous phone was Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and I was deciding between VIBE Z2 Pro and Galaxy Note 4.
Hi!
I have currently nexus 7 (2012) tablet and I've been thinking of updating it with 10" tablet. One of the greatest tablets on paper is xperia z2 tablet but there are couple things that make me think about some other device (nexus 9 or some samsung tablets). That is custom software support.. I've been using cm for a long time on my devices and luckly z2 has official cm12 support. My concern is however how stable is the device tree of z2 and recovery support seems to be everything else but good. No TWRP, not even unofficial as far as I can see. Otherwise sony's tablet seems to be hardwarewise device and that's why I'm seriusly thinking of buying one. If someone could recommend/not recommend this tablet to me or give me any other information about the device I'd appreciate it a lot!
Regards,
rockknee
I have both Nexus 7's a Nexus 9 and a tablet Z2.
Paid about the same for N9 and tab Z2, about $400 new.
N9 is heavy and thick compared to Z2 tab, but may have more CPU power. I don't use them much except for app testing and light reading.
I much prefer the Z2 tab to the N9 due to lighter, thinner and FM radio.
Tab Z2 (and Sony in general) development is low.
But N9 is a relatively unpopular Nexus too...
As long as you're aware you're getting last generation cpu/graphics (which BTW snapdragon 801 is still plenty fast), its still a great tablet.
- Thin and light
- Great build
- Snappy
- Relatively clean / close-to-stock software build, the tweaks actually add value/functionality and improve on stock (quick settings toggles, stamina mode, mount windows shares etc.)
- SD card
- No complaints on the screen whatsoever. Sure its 'only' 1080p but I can't see the pixels so I don't care
- Software buttons means its actually usable when rotated in whatever orientation you use. I know some samsung owners who really regret their purchases because they like to use their tablets one way, and samsung has hard buttons the other way
As long as the price reflects the fact it came out a year ago, its still a good choice.
Yeah dev is dead but
- there's nothing wrong with stock at all. I've been flashing since Nexus One and I've had zero inclination to custom this.
- we're definitely getting official lollipop shortly
- BL unlock is officially available if you want CWM/TWRP anyway. (look harder in the dev forums... defo CWM/TWRP available)
so nothing to see here IMO
mikereidis said:
I have both Nexus 7's a Nexus 9 and a tablet Z2.
Paid about the same for N9 and tab Z2, about $400 new.
N9 is heavy and thick compared to Z2 tab, but may have more CPU power. I don't use them much except for app testing and light reading.
I much prefer the Z2 tab to the N9 due to lighter, thinner and FM radio.
Tab Z2 (and Sony in general) development is low.
But N9 is a relatively unpopular Nexus too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wintermute000 said:
As long as you're aware you're getting last generation cpu/graphics (which BTW snapdragon 801 is still plenty fast), its still a great tablet.
- Thin and light
- Great build
- Snappy
- Relatively clean / close-to-stock software build, the tweaks actually add value/functionality and improve on stock (quick settings toggles, stamina mode, mount windows shares etc.)
- SD card
- No complaints on the screen whatsoever. Sure its 'only' 1080p but I can't see the pixels so I don't care
- Software buttons means its actually usable when rotated in whatever orientation you use. I know some samsung owners who really regret their purchases because they like to use their tablets one way, and samsung has hard buttons the other way
As long as the price reflects the fact it came out a year ago, its still a good choice.
Yeah dev is dead but
- there's nothing wrong with stock at all. I've been flashing since Nexus One and I've had zero inclination to custom this.
- we're definitely getting official lollipop shortly
- BL unlock is officially available if you want CWM/TWRP anyway. (look harder in the dev forums... defo CWM/TWRP available)
so nothing to see here IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for these opinions and experiences guys! I really feel like xperia z2 might be better device for me due to it's larger screen compared to nexus 9 and the ratio is also much better for watching movies and so on. Now that I've been testing the device on couple stores I've noticed that the screen responsiveness is far from best. Could be also just problem on some z2 tablets and caused by people "giving hard time" for these test models at the stores.. Have you noticed touchscreen problems? I mean one device was absolutely ****ed up on one of the stores I visited, even scrolling thru homescreens was very painful and didn't leave very good impression at all.
Regards,
rockknee
none on mine, doesn't miss a beat.
There were people here talking re: bad touchscreen when it was first released, but I believe it got ironed out with later firmware / later batches
Running it with CM12 and i love my Z2 Castor Windy.
Z2 is now on the way! I found nice sale from one Finnish store, approximately 394$ price and 32gb model. I think it was a great deal, can't wait to get my hands on it! Thanks guys!
Considering buying one of these. They're fairly cheap second hand in perfect condition. And hardware seems decent enough. Right now i have a z3c which i've like a lot. But i thought i'd try just a slightly bigger phone. 4.8" would be perfect, but that's not really an option. But i'm concerned about development, if this phone is going to have a decent user base for development.
I do see that there's already a kernel available so you can root and all that without loosing drm features. So that's cool.
Same question here - how are you owners feeling after having it for a year? Would you keep it or go with something like a Nexus 5X or similar?
I have two months with my Xperia X already, and no regrets. Phone is performing really good, I only wish the fingerprint scanner was more accurate or in a different position, but besides that I'm really happy with the phone. Also, we're getting Android Nougat in november, that's gonna be a big improvement to what's good already.
Google Pixel phone is a total disappointment for me in terms of price, and I don't see other cool yet cheap options, so I won't switch to another phone this year. Also, Xperia XZ is not precisely my taste, so I think I'll stick with my X until Sony releases new models, like april or may of 2017 or second generation, probably in september.
I only wish cyanogenmod could be developed for the Xperia X. The stock ROM is great but I also like Cyanogenmod ROMs a lot.
Feanux said:
Same question here - how are you owners feeling after having it for a year? Would you keep it or go with something like a Nexus 5X or similar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This phone has just been out for 5 months ._.
This phone does not deliver top-notch raw performance, but what it brings is a very enjoyable experience. Regular apps load in a flash (even more responsive than a Death Note 7), animations are fast and smooth at the same time. Thumbs up to Sony for having made such a fast MM rom.
Generally i will not change phones in less than 3 years. However if there is something that forces me to change my phone, i will still go for an XZ or something similar.
I will review this phone like the way i reviewed Shadow Warrior 2: "It's a good one, but buy it on a sale".
I was waiting for new 5" Nexus, but it's way overpriced, like X performance and XZ. I don't care about waterproofing, as any phone looses it sooner or later anyway. I'm glad that Sony put back the usb hole to normal place and it's still usb micro - no need to change all my cables. Battery is good and everything works well. Also waiting for Cyanogenmod, as even X have less bloatware, than Xperia series had before, it's still too much for me. The fingerprint location is perfect, I can't imagine how I should use the phone otherwise (a lot phones have power button in one and fingerprint in a second place).
I'll add to what others have said above.
Have had the phone for two months and love it as well. I tend to use my phones mostly for social media (fb, snapchat, instagram, etc.), productivity (google drive, google keep, etc.) and music (podcasts and deezer/spotify). The battery lasts me one and a half day on regular use, which is great. It's fast responsive and the interface is the closest I can get to vanilla android. I think that it really delivers for the price.
Other than that: the phone has a really nice look (I really like the glass face), the speakers are nice, and the camera performs well (although I'm disappointed it doesn't shoot RAW).
What I'm hoping for is that the dev community for it gets bigger or that CM releases a rom for it (was running CM on my previous phone - a GS3). But at least we're getting Nougat very soon, so I'm hopeful.
can anyone see any light through their finger print sensor cuz i see a little white glance of display light through the lock key
Used to be the Z3c user.
If you're pleased with Z3c, you will be happy using X. The X will delivers:
-Much faster performance
-Much faster and better camera
-Better build quality (I prefer metal back than glass black)
-Better design - thinner and not too many holes, flaps, and ports on the body
-Slightly worse battery life (It's really hard to match the Z3c in longevity)
El Brillantinas said:
I have two months with my Xperia X already, and no regrets. Phone is performing really good, I only wish the fingerprint scanner was more accurate or in a different position, but besides that I'm really happy with the phone. Also, we're getting Android Nougat in november, that's gonna be a big improvement to what's good already.
Google Pixel phone is a total disappointment for me in terms of price, and I don't see other cool yet cheap options, so I won't switch to another phone this year. Also, Xperia XZ is not precisely my taste, so I think I'll stick with my X until Sony releases new models, like april or may of 2017 or second generation, probably in september.
I only wish cyanogenmod could be developed for the Xperia X. The stock ROM is great but I also like Cyanogenmod ROMs a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone tell me about the fingerprint sensor being used in the US? I'm about to purchase the Xperia X tonight and I simply don't know whether to buy the international model here in the US or by the US model and flash the phone to enable the fingerprint sensor. Any help would be so greatly appreciated. By the way how do you all like the X? I was about to but the X Performance but I watched YouTube videos between the two and speed tests and the X came out on top and had better battery life. Am I doing the right thing by buying the X over the X performance? Thanks again.
The X Performance has a better camera and a faster processor.
The hardware for the XX is the same, except for the single sim / dual sim models. If you want fingerprint unlock you must flash an unbranded rom for e.g. the UK or Germany with Flashtool.
M1chiel said:
The X Performance has a better camera and a faster processor.
The hardware for the XX is the same, except for the single sim / dual sim models. If you want fingerprint unlock you must flash an unbranded rom for e.g. the UK or Germany with Flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind posting a link to where I can find that flsdhtool for the fingerprint sensor? So I definitely need to buy the US version and not the international version? Thanks for your help!
More about Flashtool here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920746
It includes a module called XperiFirm that allows you to flash many different firmwares.