Hi,
I'd like to know the real life consequences of unlocking the bootloader.
It says here: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/
Certain functions in your device might cease to work,
and:
Certain content on your device may also be inaccessible due to the removal of DRM security keys and the secure user data partition while unlocking the boot loade
Does anyone know what will cease to work without the DRM keys? PSN Store? Throw.
I can't find anthing except this vague fomula "certain functions" , they could state exactly what will stop working.
These are Sony specific things needed for Sony related apps. If you have a non sony tablet and have been happy with it you won't miss them. I think it disables some audio and vidoe enhancements too that I would probably turn off anyway! The only major issue would be if it stopped being able to use the play station controllers or psn related things. There have been people who have rooted and I'll post in the rooting thread and ask them to check.
Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk
I think the DRM keys would be an important risk to understand. They are typically required for much online content nowadays and if you lose them, it may not work with many movie type sites that utilize them.
SANGER_A2 said:
These are Sony specific things needed for Sony related apps. If you have a non sony tablet and have been happy with it you won't miss them. I think it disables some audio and vidoe enhancements too that I would probably turn off anyway! The only major issue would be if it stopped being able to use the play station controllers or psn related things. There have been people who have rooted and I'll post in the rooting thread and ask them to check.
Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer but I already rooted the Tablet last Sunday.
I guess I lost the DRM keys but I bet I won't miss them
Everythings look like it's still working. Anything I use in any case.
Like I said in another thread, The PS3 controller still work and even thing I read would stop working)
I had'nt even heard about this TA partition before rooting but all I can say is so long.....
...And good riddance , I hate DRM anyway.
So, I'm aware that unlocking the bootloader without backing up TA partition will potentially do the following :
1. Void warranty
2. Disable X-reality engine.
3. Affect camera quality? ( disputed as nobody has noticed this)
So for myself as a flashaholic, is it worth it?
1. - I'm used to this on every device I've owned. So no biggie.
2. Had anyone tested this yet? And so what? In the settings is states it's used for photos and movies. So possibly only within the photos and movies apps? Plus it's such a great screen anyway, is it even needed. And on previous devices I've seen the older bravia engine ported anyway, so it's just a software thing.
3. Looks unlikely to be true.
Anything I've missed?
furrypotato said:
So, I'm aware that unlocking the bootloader without backing up TA partition will potentially do the following :
1. Void warranty
2. Disable X-reality engine.
3. Affect camera quality? ( disputed as nobody has noticed this)
So for myself as a flashaholic, is it worth it?
1. - I'm used to this on every device I've owned. So no biggie.
2. Had anyone tested this yet? And so what? In the settings is states it's used for photos and movies. So possibly only within the photos and movies apps? Plus it's such a great screen anyway, is it even needed. And on previous devices I've seen the older bravia engine ported anyway, so it's just a software thing.
3. Looks unlikely to be true.
Anything I've missed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the features for download music info
Some says that X-Reality still works even in unlocked bootloader,except Album.
Well, I think you summed it up pretty well right there.
For me the question is - do I need to unlock the bootloader right now? If you can wait I'm sure someone will come up with a way to back up the TA partition and save those all important DRM keys. Not that we care about those keys so much, but it would be nice to have the option to restore if needed
I am a flashoholic too, but I'm going to wait and see if there is an other way around. My only root apps are backup apps so it's no big deal. If no exploit have been released after say 4-6 months then I will just flash non the less (well if my BL is unlockable that is).
Ben Ling said:
And the features for download music info
Some says that X-Reality still works even in unlocked bootloader,except Album.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I use Play Music All Access anyway so not bothered.
I like to tinker and get things setup just as I like it. So getting Root and therefore Xposed etc would be great. For example, I like to change DPI to fit as much as I can on that lovely screen. Everything seems just way too big as it is
Well, I have a holiday now so I guess I can wait a couple of weeks.....
losing X-Reality is a big lost for me. the screen is not comparable to superamoled+
only X-Reality can help to please my eyes when looking on pics or watching fullhd movies.
All x-reality seems to do is boost the colours, I ended up turning it off as it was making images I copied to the phone look strange & washed out, example a pic of my GF had a blue halo like blur on it with it on, turn it off & the pic looked normal.
I've now had X-reality switched off for a few days and am happy without it. The Z2 screen is great as it is and X-reality was just distorting photos, over saturating bright colours.
Once I get home from holiday I'll be unlocking and rooting for sure.
monx® said:
losing X-Reality is a big lost for me. the screen is not comparable to superamoled+
only X-Reality can help to please my eyes when looking on pics or watching fullhd movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thats your taste then, cause z2 has really natural colors, while superamoled is unrealistic and oversaturated. Same thing with xreality turned on
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk 2
Hello everyone,
First of all;
I am from Turkey (where the taxes are biggest on the whole planet when it comes to electronics, thus making it the most expensive country) and right now I am working in Saudi Arabia (where there are no taxes at all). So, a good smart phone costs as half as in Turkey.
This is why I decided to buy mom and dad some new smartphones and than got confused. My original plan was to buy a new mid-range phone to my father (like Moto G 2013, mom is already getting and iPhone as she is used to them) but then I was advised to give Nexus 4 to him and get a new Xperia Z2 with a smart bracelet (the one without a screen). Estetically this seems like an upgrade as I have always admired and wanted a Sony device however being a Nexus owner has some benefits too.
So my questions are (I have tried to search as much as I could before I wrote them here);
1) In the Nexus world no matter what you do with your phone you can always revert back to stock and lock the bootloader again without leaving a mark thus letting you claim your warranty. I guess that is not the case with Sony phones as the "DRM keys are being lost", is it correct? Once my bootloader is unocked there is no going back (no way to backup and restore those keys or something)?
2) I am an AOSP and simplicty lover. My phone is mostly stock right now only with new Adreno drivers and Grenify. When I want to use custom ROMs I almost always go for the Paranoid Android and never regret it. This is how I would love want to use Xperia Z2 too. Simple, AOSP (os AOSPA) and up to date. But every AOSP based Custom ROM topic I have read seems like they have a problem with something. Is there any stable and "all working without adding much" AOSP ROMs? Or is there any reason for not being any? I used to use a Galaxy Note II and due to the closed sources somethings were never working as they should have. (seing official Paranoid team withdraw from the Z2 on their topic makes me fear)
3) Nexus family gains a new member every year but Xperia family gains one in every 6 months. Does this couse Xperia phones be abandoned from being supported easily (This will be my first Sony device)? I am not expecting a Nexus-like community as they are always the most crowded but at least some continuing popularity would be great (I think to answer this question of mine I should have followed the previous Xperia Zx phones)
4) What are the most common problems of this device? Which things should I pay attention to before and after I buy the device.
5) What are your advices about everything that I should have but missed to ask here?
6) Thank you very much for reading.
_delice_doluca_ said:
Hello everyone,
First of all;
I am from Turkey (where the taxes are biggest on the whole planet when it comes to electronics, thus making it the most expensive country) and right now I am working in Saudi Arabia (where there are no taxes at all). So, a good smart phone costs as half as in Turkey.
This is why I decided to buy mom and dad some new smartphones and than got confused. My original plan was to buy a new mid-range phone to my father (like Moto G 2013, mom is already getting and iPhone as she is used to them) but then I was advised to give Nexus 4 to him and get a new Xperia Z2 with a smart bracelet (the one without a screen). Estetically this seems like an upgrade as I have always admired and wanted a Sony device however being a Nexus owner has some benefits too.
So my questions are (I have tried to search as much as I could before I wrote them here);
1) In the Nexus world no matter what you do with your phone you can always revert back to stock and lock the bootloader again without leaving a mark thus letting you claim your warranty. I guess that is not the case with Sony phones as the "DRM keys are being lost", is it correct? Once my bootloader is unocked there is no going back (no way to backup and restore those keys or something)?
2) I am an AOSP and simplicty lover. My phone is mostly stock right now only with new Adreno drivers and Grenify. When I want to use custom ROMs I almost always go for the Paranoid Android and never regret it. This is how I would love want to use Xperia Z2 too. Simple, AOSP (os AOSPA) and up to date. But every AOSP based Custom ROM topic I have read seems like they have a problem with something. Is there any stable and "all working without adding much" AOSP ROMs? Or is there any reason for not being any? I used to use a Galaxy Note II and due to the closed sources somethings were never working as they should have. (seing official Paranoid team withdraw from the Z2 on their topic makes me fear)
3) Nexus family gains a new member every year but Xperia family gains one in every 6 months. Does this couse Xperia phones be abandoned from being supported easily (This will be my first Sony device)? I am not expecting a Nexus-like community as they are always the most crowded but at least some continuing popularity would be great (I think to answer this question of mine I should have followed the previous Xperia Zx phones)
4) What are the most common problems of this device? Which things should I pay attention to before and after I buy the device.
5) What are your advices about everything that I should have but missed to ask here?
6) Thank you very much for reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. you can backup your TA where your drm keys are kept, you can restore them later, you can also completely reset your device to a factory state and once done you can restore your TA safely
2. the device has just come out so non-stock custom roms will have small problems here and there, either stay with stock or use cm11 official which is literely aosp somewhat
3. xperia is changing to 1 year plan, the xperia Z2 has support for 24 months and lets not mention sony is giving android 5.0 to all xperia Z flagships
4.my most common problem is overheating. i use the phone under extreme load but ive never found a device that doesnt under my use
5.advice,
flashtool is can be used to restore a factory including relocking your bootloader
you can use the same tool that you used to backup your TA to restore it too
6. your welcome
7. if i missed something just reply with your question
Envious_Data said:
1. you can backup your TA where your drm keys are kept, you can restore them later, you can also completely reset your device to a factory state and once done you can restore your TA safely
2. the device has just come out so non-stock custom roms will have small problems here and there, either stay with stock or use cm11 official which is literely aosp somewhat
3. xperia is changing to 1 year plan, the xperia Z2 has support for 24 months and lets not mention sony is giving android 5.0 to all xperia Z flagships
4.my most common problem is overheating. i use the phone under extreme load but ive never found a device that doesnt under my use
5.advice,
flashtool is can be used to restore a factory including relocking your bootloader
you can use the same tool that you used to backup your TA to restore it too
6. your welcome
7. if i missed something just reply with your question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick answer tells a lot about this side of the town thank you.
one more question; is CM stable for daily use? I mean, all the necessary parts are published by Sony and developers got control on everything without needing workarounds? I remember Note 2 never being stable on the camera and mic side and also draining battery..
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
_delice_doluca_ said:
Quick answer tells a lot about this side of the town thank you.
one more question; is CM stable for daily use? I mean, all the necessary parts are published by Sony and developers got control on everything without needing workarounds? I remember Note 2 never being stable on the camera and mic side and also draining battery..
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
official CM11 is stable enough, ive had no problems at all, infact im using it now
there are no problems at all exept a small delay when opening the camera, its a second or two
developers usualy make work arounds for things, the camera was one but it works fine now on official CM11
I bought it, thanks again
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Hello everyone. New Z2 owner here, long history with android though! I tried searching around but found a little bit of information before posting. I have a D6503, build number 17.1.2.A.0.214 (ATT USA) and i cant seem to figure out what broke my playstation app. When i first opened the phone yesterday everything worked well, this morning i unlocked bootloader (didnt back up my TA keys im such an idiot) and that was successful. Really wish i did more research on backing up my DRM keys, first sony phone and lesson learned.
I didn't flash a rom, nor do i have root and still giving me an error when trying to sign in over and over. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling, even factory flashed a tf file like it just came out the box. What could be wrong? I know once you unlock bootloader you lose DRM keys, but did unlocked break my playstation app? Any helped would be appreciated.
Error code: 0X82E01003
Anyone?
Error code: 0X82E01003
i have xperia z2 and i have also unlocked bootloader my DRM keys lost forever,
im having exactly the same issue, justthatmy app was working 4 weeks ago with no problems, and by that time my bootloader was already open so maybe its not an error related to the DRM keys, still i dont know why doesnt allow me to sign in on my Z2
does anyone solved it?
ado000178 said:
i have xperia z2 and i have also unlocked bootloader my DRM keys lost forever,
im having exactly the same issue, justthatmy app was working 4 weeks ago with no problems, and by that time my bootloader was already open so maybe its not an error related to the DRM keys, still i dont know why doesnt allow me to sign in on my Z2
does anyone solved it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same thing happen to me
and error C-80F80A01 on remote play
Same errors here, ive tried asking if its related to drm but didnt get a response, uninstalling updates for playstation app from the play store will make it work, not getting anywhere with remote play tho, i think drm keys may have been added with new version because i dont see many people complaining that its not working, the few who have complained have unlocked bootloaders and Z3 forums have remote play confirmed broke if bootloader unlocked.
However if this is the case then i cannot understand how people have it ported and running on non sony phones....... for the record i cant get the port working either
---------- Post added at 01:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:25 PM ----------
Im off to annoy sony on there live chat, will report back in the unlikely event i chat to a sony staff that knows what theyre on about lol
Well after a long chat with sony chat support, i didnt get a straight answer but it would appear that remote play is broken due to loss of drm keys, on that note anyone want to swap a bootloader unlocked z2 (with no ta backup) for an unlockable z2? lol
I'm locked bootloader, and had trouble, as soon as I deleted super su app, ps4 remote play worked again
Unlocked bootloader means Playstation services broken. Being punished for wanting to unlock my phone and customize it. Will never buy another sony phone. Bought this phone for remote play and I now can't use it.
so disappointed
kennypow3rs said:
Unlocked bootloader means Playstation services broken. Being punished for wanting to unlock my phone and customize it. Will never buy another sony phone. Bought this phone for remote play and I now can't use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As they said, now that we have the update we cant use rem play such a bull****, so i think its not sony fault bro its ours for not backing up that frickin TA stupid folder so were pretty much f####k up by our own actions, damm!! In so stupid!! Ok i give up... im selling this phone and gettin a new z2! Since price came down...i aint getting z3 cause desin its a downgrade to me with that stupid notification led... No thanks im getting brand new z2 with a ta folder intact!! Lesson learned!!!
ado000178 said:
As they said, now that we have the update we cant use rem play such a bull****, so i think its not sony fault bro its ours for not backing up that frickin TA stupid folder so were pretty much f####k up by our own actions, damm!! In so stupid!! Ok i give up... im selling this phone and gettin a new z2! Since price came down...i aint getting z3 cause desin its a downgrade to me with that stupid notification led... No thanks im getting brand new z2 with a ta folder intact!! Lesson learned!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait....... aint tried it yet, looking for deodexed 4.4.4, sure envious data posted one......... but give this a try first http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672
thanks bro
numskull said:
wait....... aint tried it yet, looking for deodexed 4.4.4, sure envious data posted one......... but give this a try first http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks dude i will
ado000178 said:
thanks dude i will
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, i have it installed now but hasnt made xreality work, so im doubtful but ya never know
numskull said:
No worries, i have it installed now but hasnt made xreality work, so im doubtful but ya never know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah im already looking to sell my phone to be honest. Bought it for remote play, that feature is probably lost for me forever. On the hunt for another good phone.
Had the Nexus 5, M8, M7, OnePlus One, Lg G3 all this year lol. Guess my hunt continues for the perfect device. This sony came really close but sony immediately lost my attention with the DRM keys bull.
kennypow3rs said:
yeah im already looking to sell my phone to be honest. Bought it for remote play, that feature is probably lost for me forever. On the hunt for another good phone.
Had the Nexus 5, M8, M7, OnePlus One, Lg G3 all this year lol. Guess my hunt continues for the perfect device. This sony came really close but sony immediately lost my attention with the DRM keys bull.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering the same to be honest, cant say i got this phone because of remote play (got it back in april) i was gonna get an xperia anyway, but went for the z2 mostly in case of any compatibility with my ps4, wasnt possible to root and backup when i unlocked, but the playstation app and all my other worked fine after unlocking, 6 months with a great phone then bam, cant use my usual playstation app or new remote play, wouldn't have unlocked if i knew that was gonna happen, worst part is, about 2 weeks after i unlocked someone discovered a way to root n backup first, grrrrrrrr
On the plus side, im not a devoloper or anything, but i tried loads of methods of getting some kind of temp root access to pull that TA file back then, that mod, while not making anything work, it has created a folder on my phone that i havent seen since may......
Im on the same page i was only putting up with the annoying low low notification bug because we were getting remote play etc.
Now i have no reason to keep this device looking to get the G3
How did you find the G3 Kennypow3rs
numskull said:
Considering the same to be honest, cant say i got this phone because of remote play (got it back in april) i was gonna get an xperia anyway, but went for the z2 mostly in case of any compatibility with my ps4, wasnt possible to root and backup when i unlocked, but the playstation app and all my other worked fine after unlocking, 6 months with a great phone then bam, cant use my usual playstation app or new remote play, wouldn't have unlocked if i knew that was gonna happen, worst part is, about 2 weeks after i unlocked someone discovered a way to root n backup first, grrrrrrrr
On the plus side, im not a devoloper or anything, but i tried loads of methods of getting some kind of temp root access to pull that TA file back then, that mod, while not making anything work, it has created a folder on my phone that i havent seen since may......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony broke remote play on purpose, they just launched the Z3, thats one of the only features people would actually buy a sony phone to be honest. Sony knows this. If they allowed all over phones to access remote play then they'd never sell any phones. I get it, but it still sucks. Remote play is gone for now. No way unless a dev cooks up a way to make it work without DRM keys. Im sure, then even sony predicted that so they have ways of locking it out. In a nutshell they punished you for unlocking, you paid the price now buy a Z3 they said.
dude you just described my feeling....
numskull said:
Considering the same to be honest, cant say i got this phone because of remote play (got it back in april) i was gonna get an xperia anyway, but went for the z2 mostly in case of any compatibility with my ps4, wasnt possible to root and backup when i unlocked, but the playstation app and all my other worked fine after unlocking, 6 months with a great phone then bam, cant use my usual playstation app or new remote play, wouldn't have unlocked if i knew that was gonna happen, worst part is, about 2 weeks after i unlocked someone discovered a way to root n backup first, grrrrrrrr
On the plus side, im not a devoloper or anything, but i tried loads of methods of getting some kind of temp root access to pull that TA file back then, that mod, while not making anything work, it has created a folder on my phone that i havent seen since may......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeap! back then i just wanted the sound mod from olokos in my phone but have working both of my speakers in a call caused trouble to the person in the other side havin hard time listening my voice so i ended up uninstalling the mood and relocking with flashtool, result= TA forlder gone and all for nothing. sell it before it gets too DAmm cheap!
manemzjum said:
Im on the same page i was only putting up with the annoying low low notification bug because we were getting remote play etc.
Now i have no reason to keep this device looking to get the G3
How did you find the G3 Kennypow3rs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G3 was the perfect phone ive used to date minus the screen.If LG would have only included a 1080p screen instead of a QHD 2k screen, it would have been 10/10. The screen just drains too much battery and not needed yet in technology for phones. It really drains the battery so much. I would say pass on it. Also there is zero development to be honest. Get a Nexus 6 or something else. All those phones ive listed id say pass on and wait for something better.
kennypow3rs said:
Sony broke remote play on purpose, they just launched the Z3, thats one of the only features people would actually buy a sony phone to be honest. Sony knows this. If they allowed all over phones to access remote play then they'd never sell any phones. I get it, but it still sucks. Remote play is gone for now. No way unless a dev cooks up a way to make it work without DRM keys. Im sure, then even sony predicted that so they have ways of locking it out. In a nutshell they punished you for unlocking, you paid the price now buy a Z3 they said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only problem is, it is on other phones. The port of remote play runs on galaxy s4, note3 some htc devices, its unlocked and rooted sony devices its not working on
kennypow3rs said:
The G3 was the perfect phone ive used to date minus the screen.If LG would have only included a 1080p screen instead of a QHD 2k screen, it would have been 10/10. The screen just drains too much battery and not needed yet in technology for phones. It really drains the battery so much. I would say pass on it. Also there is zero development to be honest. Get a Nexus 6 or something else. All those phones ive listed id say pass on and wait for something better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really drawn to the G3 so given what you've described here if I just added an extended battery or just carried a spare sounds ideal
I must admit the Z2 has been quite impressive with battery life I can from note 3 which was/is a superb device I swapped to Z2 just for a change the numerous problems ha email just put me off
Notifications
The fact I can see the digitizer touch panel points on the screen
Now block psn app and remote play
In don't find the touch screen as responsive/accurate as other devices
Got someone looking for a straight trade for G3 so may take them up on it
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
There is no reason that the d6708 should be in the Z3 area of XDA, other than to be a marker of mislabeling. From what I've gathered, the Z3v has a chipset similar to the Z2, but with the camera and power of a Z3, which in theory sounds pretty nice since the added camera button really makes this phone great for photographers. When I purchased the phone, I loved it... Over time, however, I noticed that the overheating really took a toll on the experience. Then things stopped working. I've read where people completely lost function of their camera... I lost GPS. The locked bootloader means that the phone is stuck in the past. The community has been able to root the phone and even go so far as to load a custom recovery, but it stops there. There are no new ROMs... No updates after 5.1...this phone is already pretty much dead in the water because neither Sony, Verizon, nor any developer will take ownership to give life back to this phone with so much potential. XDA needs to move this phone to its own device thread... Hopefully someone will make the separation and put some development into this device.
randomjoh said:
There is no reason that the d6708 should be in the Z3 area of XDA, other than to be a marker of mislabeling. From what I've gathered, the Z3v has a chipset similar to the Z2, but with the camera and power of a Z3, which in theory sounds pretty nice since the added camera button really makes this phone great for photographers. When I purchased the phone, I loved it... Over time, however, I noticed that the overheating really took a toll on the experience. Then things stopped working. I've read where people completely lost function of their camera... I lost GPS. The locked bootloader means that the phone is stuck in the past. The community has been able to root the phone and even go so far as to load a custom recovery, but it stops there. There are no new ROMs... No updates after 5.1...this phone is already pretty much dead in the water because neither Sony, Verizon, nor any developer will take ownership to give life back to this phone with so much potential. XDA needs to move this phone to its own device thread... Hopefully someone will make the separation and put some development into this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your frustration, but I disagree with your intentions of where the community should move to. When this phone hit the news about coming to Verizon, and once it did, it only remained as a few threads within the Z3 General forum. Owners of this phone and browsing customers of this phone would be entirely misguided by the threads of the actual Z3 when it happened. It was thanks to the people back then to help move the Z3v into its own subforum so a community could be formed in working directly with other people who has the Z3v. If you move it all back, it would be all for wasted efforts and the Z3v will just completely be buried without anyone to know its existence. The subforums should remain as is so it would help anyone else grab a still great phone.
Also, your gathered summary about the Z3v should be flipped. The phone has the chipset of the Z3, but everything else physically is a customized Z2 variant. The camera button is still nonetheless ultra useful as I do miss it on my Galaxy S7 Edge. The other issues I've had with my S7 Edge that I've never seen on the Z3v are lag issues, before and after root. I just rooted my S7 Edge and there are lots of bugs and kinks that had to be worked out, bu the Z3v never encountered such problems when it achieved root. Also, be glad you have custom recovery on the Z3v since custom recovery is not yet achieved for the Z3v. Just my 2 cents.
I have to say that I often come and check and see if there is any news about the z3v getting an update but it is starting to look more and more grimm. Which is sad because this is an amazing phone and verizon should of stuck with it. To bad for them I did fall in love with the sony phone line and since they don't really offer a sony phone anymore and att has moved into the area I have thought about changing over and buying a sony phone unlocked and hooking it up that way. Plus being a DirecTV customer I can get unlimited data for them. Now that is starting to look rather nice I must say. Thanks all.
Sony makes good phones, in fact in a recently released phone stats states the Sony line was the one that had the least restarts from crashing of any other phone.
If we didn't have the data package we have we would go to a GSM carrier and buy a newer Sony to use, great phones.
Sony has great build quality into their products, in my experience. My bro's S7 Edge had its LCD damaged (in a bulk case too) even though the phone looks perfectly fine without any cracks or water damage. I've dropped my Z3v dozens of time with the totally plain and simple case from Verizon, but no hardware damages done to it ever since.
My only contrast with both companies is that Samsung has excellent customer support by fixing his S7 Edge with no charge and completed the phone in a single day, being shipped back on its way anytime now. Sony requires all these paperwork and documents that doesn't even allow me to send my accessories to have them repaired, and I heard it takes weeks for them to do a repair too. Can't win them all, I guess.