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.
Related
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!!
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!
After a lot of research, I almost decided to buy the Z3 Tab Compact so a natural thing to do is to check out Xda.
I'm astonished that "there's no love" if you will. Other devices get many many pages of threads and the Z3 Tab has 10 developments (and 2 are rule stickies!) Even the Samsung devices with the "knox" crap got plenty of love.
Just wondering why?
Nothing in my research suggests the Z3 Tab is such a horrible device that nobody wants to do anything with.
Maybe it's good as it is without extra development ?
At least for me.
Gesendet von meinem SGP611 mit Tapatalk
Its not a very popular device, but make no mistake, it's a great tablet. Especially with lollipop it's an awesome experience.
Yes it does seem to be lacking in the popularity stakes. Love mine tho again I did with most the device I buy like z ultra and n900, odd devices to some but irreplaceable to me.
Sent from my SGP612 using XDA Free mobile app
I just got one, having owned both the Samsung Galaxy S Tab 8.4 and Dell Venue 8 7840.
Other than through Secondipity (where I bought my 32GB Z3 Tab for $330 last week), it's the most expensive Android tablet on the market. The plastic back looks plastic. The screen is smaller on a body equally sized as the two tablets I owned previously and is only 1080p. It has a complicated root process (and took over a month to do without disabling necessary DRM) which discourages all but the committed from rooting and customization. There are not many custom cases for it (I miss the roocase origami from my samsungs). The LTE version's phone capability means t-mobile US users can't get free data for life.
That's all the bad. Here's the good:
It's waterproof... so you can read a book in the bath tub.
The back of the tablet isn't slippery
It's the lightest tablet of it's screen size.
It is the second thinnest Android tablet.
It is a rare android tablet that offers 32GB + microSD option
The screen is as good as LCDs gets (LCDs are better for bright colors and AMOLED better for darks)
The speakers are placed well and produce good sound.
The battery life is the best of any 2014 tablet.
Sony updated it to Android 5.0 before Samsung and Dell... also their updating process means it will be updated at the same time as flagships.
The official case looks good and works fine.
Out of the box, sony gives sound and display customizations (and audio/picture apps) that others copy.
Snapdragon 801 means compatibility as it was the 2014 universal processor.
Hi
I'm thinking about buying this phone, but... with some special details. and I wanted your opinion.
I'm not really looking for a phone, I'm looking to replace my nexus 7 GSM (2012) tablet.
It cannot be something bigger than the N7 (in physical dimensions), it must have 3g connectivity and it has to be an upgrade (better specs).
These requests pretty much clean all the tablets, as only the 7'' and (some) 8'' are small enough and only very few have 3g or 4g.
So I thought of a phablet, and the Z ultra appeared on the search.
I know the screen is smaller, but I don't expect that difference to be a problem. I'll try to find other big phones in a store to compare.
I have a Z1 compact as a phone, and from the looks of it, the Z ultra is exactly the same, only with a bigger screen and battery.
This means the same rom support (cyanogenmod), the same performance (I'm very happy with the Z1 compact on that) and bigger battery and screen for movies and games.
So, am I right, do you think this is a good choice for me?
you can go with the xperia z3 compact tablet as well, that tablet has a sim card slot.
Currently I use it as LTE tablet and it works fine.
ivrsn_des said:
you can go with the xperia z3 compact tablet as well, that tablet has a sim card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't even know it existed...
It's bigger (yet not too big), faster, has more battery, full CM support... It's also more expensive, but maybe it's worth it.
Thanks! I'll really consider it.
Just to let you know, my ZU hasn't served me that well as a tablet, because 1) the touch panel mis-registers under multi-touch situations, 2) the speaker produces constant buzzing sound and 3) battery life is mediocre for real.
I have a TabPRO 8.4 WiFi, but this thing also has 3G and LTE variants. It might be a bit too big to your taste, but aside from the looks, this tablet is the best I've had my hands on.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Just to let you know, my ZU hasn't served me that well as a tablet, because 1) the touch panel mis-registers under multi-touch situations, 2) the speaker produces constant buzzing sound and 3) battery life is mediocre for real.
I have a TabPRO 8.4 WiFi, but this thing also has 3G and LTE variants. It might be a bit too big to your taste, but aside from the looks, this tablet is the best I've had my hands on.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surprisingly, it's not too big (but it's close to).
Here the biggest problem is the price, the LTE variant is a lot more expensive than the Z ultra or the Z3 tablet compact already mentioned here.
Anyway, thanks for the opinion, the battery life was a concern for me, and it seems it is a problem.
Actually, after that last suggestion I re-checked the prices... and both the tablets presented are much more expensive than the Z ultra...
Even with the spec difference and the possible battery problem, it's still the one I think I'll choose.
paulo_andre said:
Surprisingly, it's not too big (but it's close to).
Here the biggest problem is the price, the LTE variant is a lot more expensive than the Z ultra or the Z3 tablet compact already mentioned here.
Anyway, thanks for the opinion, the battery life was a concern for me, and it seems it is a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, TabPRO 8.4 retails for about the same price as Z3TC here. Also, most of my devices are bought second-hand, and in the cases of ZU and TabPRO, they cost me ~$125 and ~$190 respectively, while Z3TC can go up to $250+ (yes, used - absurdly pricey).
To me the extra price made quite a difference - aside from the looks, TabPRO gives me a much more comfortable tablet experience and fits snugly in my small carry bag.
There are indeed very few devices in the price range of ZU that can match its specs and screen, and for that it is a unicorn I don't actually want to let go of... But the small problems mentioned in the last post proved more than annoying for me. YMMV, as always.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
You should compare Z Ultra with 7" LTE tablet like Nexus 7 or Asus ME572CL.
CPU is far superior.
Nexus 7 does not support memory card (ZU can take 128GB)
ME572CL has locked (not unlockable) bootloader
Don't forget Z Ultra can be used as phone when needed.
Xperia Z Ultra is great in terms of build quality and speed.
But if you are looking into alternatives, if you just want tablet (not phone) you may look at Asus or Lenovo line of products.
Also, you may look at Motorola Nexus 6. Now that new Nexus phones are announced previous Nexus prices are dropping. It is a great phone, large screen, and with the Android 6.0 it works better than before (according to several user feedbacks).
Good Luck!
xda-amg said:
Xperia Z Ultra is great in terms of build quality and speed.
But if you are looking into alternatives, if you just want tablet (not phone) you may look at Asus or Lenovo line of products.
Also, you may look at Motorola Nexus 6. Now that new Nexus phones are announced previous Nexus prices are dropping. It is a great phone, large screen, and with the Android 6.0 it works better than before (according to several user feedbacks).
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be aware the Intel X3 based tablet is NOT rootable, and the performance is poor (only 7000 Quadrant).
Hello,
I bought my Z5 Compact in december 2015 to replace my broken Z3C and I quickly realized numberous flaws that I will list here. But first, I'm gonna talk about the good things.
It's a really well build phone. Nothing to say there, it's nearly perfect and way better than the Z3C which was already pretty good (but way too fragile). The design is beautiful, probably one of the nicest in stores.
The camera autofocus is also very good and the depth of field is nice. It must be a very good sensor.
Some apps are really well done, like the launcher, Music, Gallery or TrackID.
Now let's talk about the bad things.
1) The camera. The app is really slow to launch, it's also slow to take a picture, and it's not everytime the same amount of time. Sometimes it takes 2 seconds, sometimes 5 seconds, you can't trust it.
Most of the pictures are very blurry on the sides and it's just not on par with other flagships. It's also very noisy, incredibly bad for something that's supposed to be as good as the Galaxy S6 camera. Even my Moto E takes better pictures sometimes.
Also, after i take 2-3 pictures it makes the phone lag for a few seconds which is really frustrating when you paid $500 for this thing.
2) The performance. Most of the time it's pretty acceptable, but if I compare it with the Z3C it's just not as smooth and responsive. It's faster, but not as smooth.
There are sometimes little lags, little latencies, it's still OK but not as good and I would say it should be way better if I look at the specs.
Sometimes, usually when I opened snapchat or the camera, it lags like hell to the point where it's unusable. And it happens really often, not even always when the phone is hot so this is not a S810 issue.
3) The Marshmallow update. I really liked what they did with the Marshmallow beta on the Z3C so I was really excited to see what they would do on the Z5C. And I was again disappointed. Yeah, it fixed most of the performance issues, but it's still really not that good, and I hate the way they updated some apps.
Why the hell is the notification bar BLACK in the settings, in messages and in some other apps ? It's not Android 4.3 anymore, they really need to improve their UI.
4) The custom rom support. There is only one custom ROM and it still has a lot of issues, it's by far the worst phone I've ever had for that.
5) The battery life. It's not terrible, but it's really not that good, especially compared to the Z3C I expected way better results.
6) The way Sony handles the Z5 series. Marshmallow came so late, when the Z3 already had an incredibly good "beta" version for like 6 months. And now I learn that the Android N beta is available on the Z3 ?? What the hell, we also paid our phones ! I feel like they are giving up on this phone and they just say "f*ck you" to the stupid people who've had the weird idea to buy that thing.
I asked them on twitter and they said "it's for developpers" with a gif of a woman rolling her eyes. Well this is completely stupid, because first, I could be a dev, and second, it's not for devs at all, it's for people who want to try it and give feedback.
So you have my opinion, after all it's not the worst phone ever, most of it is really good but a lot of thing are bothering me.
I'm buying an iPhone SE next week after six years of Android and 16 Android Phones in these 6 years. So this must actually be pretty bad because I never felt the need to switch to iOS with any of the phones I owned, even the Moto E. It's also my use of a phone that's more adapted to iOS right now, but still this phone is one of the main reasons.
I hope my bad english didn't bother you and I hope this was somehow interesting to read.
Thank you
I agree...
Unfortunately I must agree with your opinion regarding Z5 Compact. Especially the part regarding the camera lags is very true. Also the AF system fails sometimes on the random basis.
On my Z5C I had already the camera broken (after two months of using the phone) and fixed via warranty claim together with the fingerprint sensor which was working when it liked to.
Now I can see that the phone has bent a little bit while carrying it in the pocket and this bending has led to the broken phone frame (in the fingerprint area where the frame has only two thin plastic straps around the sensor). The worst thing is that I can also see some dust inside the lens so it means that the whole body is not sealed any more probably due to that broken frame.
I have also some concerns regarding the Sony's software (Android 5.1.1.):
1) The gallery application is not customisable at all. For example you cannot change the sorting order or exclude / include some folders.
2) No call blacklist for automatic call rejection (this function is built in into my old Samsung S4 Mini)
3) Very limited customization of alarm schedules (automatic alarm offs etc., I can adjust something but not exactly what I want)
4) The calling screen is hard to distinguish from the phone number information screen. Sometimes I'm not sure if I'm actually calling somebody or just checking the contact info (there is only one small blinking symbol during the actual calling out).
5) No scheduled SMS option (again, this is present in my old Samsung S4 Mini)
6) Very week LED light (compared to S4 Mini)
7) The analog radio tuner is not sensitive enough for high quality stereo reception (compared to S4 Mini)
8) The built-in e-mail application (Microsfot Exchange client) has problems with displaying e-mails correctly => for example the title has big font and the e-mail body small tiny letters (again compared to S4 Mini e-mail app). It also does not show the contact pictures which are stored on the Microsoft Exchange server (=> pictures are visible in S4 Mini).
Overall I'm quite disappointed with that phone model. Luckily it's my business phone so I didn't have to pay for it.
I bought an iPhone SE and used it for about two weeks. I am back on my Z5C. I got tired of the restrictions in iOS that I take for granted in Android. I will keep the SE as a spare since no one else makes a good small phone.
I don't think you'll find many people here telling you that leaving the z5c is a bad decision lol but the iOS transition if you've never played with it will leave you far more frustrated. Simple tasks are cumbersome and customizability is slim. I have wanted the 5, 5s, 5c, 6, 6s, SE when they were all released but the iOS is a serious flaw. Android is faster in maneuvering through the OS and customizability is limitless so I've been settling for mid range phones for YEARS just to keep a one handed phone. I'd suggest maybe getting a iPod touch to play with to test the iOS waters before making the plunge.
gfarm said:
Unfortunately I must agree with your opinion regarding Z5 Compact. Especially the part regarding the camera lags is very true. Also the AF system fails sometimes on the random basis.
On my Z5C I had already the camera broken (after two months of using the phone) and fixed via warranty claim together with the fingerprint sensor which was working when it liked to.
Now I can see that the phone has bent a little bit while carrying it in the pocket and this bending has led to the broken phone frame (in the fingerprint area where the frame has only two thin plastic straps around the sensor). The worst thing is that I can also see some dust inside the lens so it means that the whole body is not sealed any more probably due to that broken frame.
I have also some concerns regarding the Sony's software (Android 5.1.1.):
1) The gallery application is not customisable at all. For example you cannot change the sorting order or exclude / include some folders.
2) No call blacklist for automatic call rejection (this function is built in into my old Samsung S4 Mini)
3) Very limited customization of alarm schedules (automatic alarm offs etc., I can adjust something but not exactly what I want)
4) The calling screen is hard to distinguish from the phone number information screen. Sometimes I'm not sure if I'm actually calling somebody or just checking the contact info (there is only one small blinking symbol during the actual calling out).
5) No scheduled SMS option (again, this is present in my old Samsung S4 Mini)
6) Very week LED light (compared to S4 Mini)
7) The analog radio tuner is not sensitive enough for high quality stereo reception (compared to S4 Mini)
8) The built-in e-mail application (Microsfot Exchange client) has problems with displaying e-mails correctly => for example the title has big font and the e-mail body small tiny letters (again compared to S4 Mini e-mail app). It also does not show the contact pictures which are stored on the Microsoft Exchange server (=> pictures are visible in S4 Mini).
Overall I'm quite disappointed with that phone model. Luckily it's my business phone so I didn't have to pay for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm,
can be summed up with:
close to AOSP/stock-Android.
My decision to go with the Z5 was because it's more close to AOSP, well - guess what ?
I also got used to Samsung's "bloat" and customizability - so in certain parts is was a kind of shock to see to limitations of Sony's ROM,
but if you're getting the phone with the attitude of rooting and unlocking the bootloader anyway to install a custom ROM,
it's somewhat different
Not talking about you,
but it's kind of ridiculous:
people are complaining that Samsung's ROM is too bloated, too much features, overloaded,
then when they switch to a device with slim, minimal ROM - then complain, too
Seems like folks don't know what they really want after all
Solution:
Get a device which offers über-bloated ROM but also Option of AOSP,
then wait until the "perfect" ROM is out - or get your hands dirty and modify and optimize the ROM yourself :silly:
This is XDA after all
civicsr2cool said:
I don't think you'll find many people here telling you that leaving the z5c is a bad decision lol but the iOS transition if you've never played with it will leave you far more frustrated. Simple tasks are cumbersome and customizability is slim. I have wanted the 5, 5s, 5c, 6, 6s, SE when they were all released but the iOS is a serious flaw. Android is faster in maneuvering through the OS and customizability is limitless so I've been settling for mid range phones for YEARS just to keep a one handed phone. I'd suggest maybe getting a iPod touch to play with to test the iOS waters before making the plunge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I bought an iPod Touch 6 and used it for one week, now I have the SE and it's a real pleasure to use. I wouldn't have done that a year ago but now my use has changed and I don't really need android anymore. Actually there are really not so much that I miss from Android, it's really better for me (but of course it will depend on how you use your phone).
Otherwise the SE is faster, like REALLY faster, the camera is 100 times better and I prefer the form factor so I'm really happy for now :good:
flolaff said:
Yeah I bought an iPod Touch 6 and used it for one week, now I have the SE and it's a real pleasure to use. I wouldn't have done that a year ago but now my use has changed and I don't really need android anymore. Actually there are really not so much that I miss from Android, it's really better for me (but of course it will depend on how you use your phone).
Otherwise the SE is faster, like REALLY faster, the camera is 100 times better and I prefer the form factor so I'm really happy for now :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good news! The amount of accessories available for it are pretty cool. You can even buy iPhone 6 mini conversion housings for it. 4" are a bit too small for me however, 4.3" seems to be the sweet spot I'm always looking for. I'm a heavy root user and change the themes on my phone weekly so I'm not leaving Android anytime soon lol
sorry to disagree with you in certain things... well i have had 5 Xperia Z5 (the regular one) and since i'm into buying and selling Xperia phones, the Z5 compact and the Z5 Premium was the most impressive Sony phones... talking more about the Z5C because the Z5P didn't have for a long time to talk about it much... Z5 compact which i'm owning right now is very smooth and never lagged for me, the camera is great, front and back... the camera shot delay not really as you described it, it not as faster as the big Z5 but it's good! remember it's 2GB while the big is 3GB... most of the time i use the manual mode, and even with the auto... pictures are sharp, so i think you need to have steady hands or tripod.....
to summarize all about Z5C, it's a compact flagship that you won't find it's specs or capabilities in any other Mini from the other competitors....
....i know it's a user preference, but i'd be very honest to you to tell you switching from Z5C to iPhone SE is the dumbest decision i've ever heard about knowing that that iphone SE is a redesigned/redefined iPhone 5 or 5S....
i'm not biasing z5c because as i said, i didn't like the Z5 as much as i love the Z5C in everything, even though the Z5 is a bit more powerful with that extra ram, but the build quality in certain parts of the phone, Z5C has it better.
and i couldn't keep the Z5P because of the high price, so the half of it's price got me a Z5C which is more than fair and convenient for me.
now i have 2 Z5 compacts (im selling one for my friend).... the first i bought for $196 because i need to fix it's micro sd card slot, also with no accessories.. and the other for $276 without accessories but as brand new with no issues, and im keeping for me. also i noticed in Marshmallow both devices has the sound quality improved and more louder compared to 5.1.1 and they both equal in both speakers, with a dB meter test app.
don't be annoyed with my comment, and again it's a user preference but i wanted to share my experience with Z5c... so yours or mine aren't the reference for the Z5C but it could help others to have decisions before buying any phone.
thank you.
Funny why you swapped to iphone but not a other android device that might service your needs. But shame to see that many only know 2 brands of phones.
Nidhal AKA the king said:
sorry to disagree with you in certain things... well i have had 5 Xperia Z5 (the regular one) and since i'm into buying and selling Xperia phones, the Z5 compact and the Z5 Premium was the most impressive Sony phones... talking more about the Z5C because the Z5P didn't have for a long time to talk about it much... Z5 compact which i'm owning right now is very smooth and never lagged for me, the camera is great, front and back... the camera shot delay not really as you described it, it not as faster as the big Z5 but it's good! remember it's 2GB while the big is 3GB... most of the time i use the manual mode, and even with the auto... pictures are sharp, so i think you need to have steady hands or tripod.....
to summarize all about Z5C, it's a compact flagship that you won't find it's specs or capabilities in any other Mini from the other competitors....
....i know it's a user preference, but i'd be very honest to you to tell you switching from Z5C to iPhone SE is the dumbest decision i've ever heard about knowing that that iphone SE is a redesigned/redefined iPhone 5 or 5S....
i'm not biasing z5c because as i said, i didn't like the Z5 as much as i love the Z5C in everything, even though the Z5 is a bit more powerful with that extra ram, but the build quality in certain parts of the phone, Z5C has it better.
and i couldn't keep the Z5P because of the high price, so the half of it's price got me a Z5C which is more than fair and convenient for me.
now i have 2 Z5 compacts (im selling one for my friend).... the first i bought for $196 because i need to fix it's micro sd card slot, also with no accessories.. and the other for $276 without accessories but as brand new with no issues, and im keeping for me. also i noticed in Marshmallow both devices has the sound quality improved and more louder compared to 5.1.1 and they both equal in both speakers, with a dB meter test app.
don't be annoyed with my comment, and again it's a user preference but i wanted to share my experience with Z5c... so yours or mine aren't the reference for the Z5C but it could help others to have decisions before buying any phone.
thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, let's agree to disagree. The Z5C is the best compact android phone (I still think that iPhone SE is better, but i can't forgo the versatility of android.)
What really disappoints me is that the older Z3 gets an Android N Developer Preview. I was like, what the heck! The older phone gets this privilege while the newer Z5 doesn't? It almost feels like Sony betrayed the Z5 users. But this is about the only Con of the Z5 though.
Sent from my E5803 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I've had my Z5c for about a week. My current daily driver is a Moto X 2013. I'm really liking the the Z5c, but I have to admit I'm having trouble letting go of the X - its just a pleasure to hold and use. If Motorola followed Apple's lead with the SE and packed an updated package into the Moto X body, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
I'll reserve comment on the Z5c and post in a more appropriate thread once I've spent more time with it. I'm not rooted yet (still on the fence) but once I threw some Nova Prime at it, I began to really enjoy my journey.
@flolaff
I totally agree with you. Add to your list Broken Adaptive Brightness. I'm planning to change the Z5C as soon as there a new Nexus.
Sent from my E5823
Nidhal AKA the king said:
sorry to disagree with you in certain things... well i have had 5 Xperia Z5 (the regular one) and since i'm into buying and selling Xperia phones, the Z5 compact and the Z5 Premium was the most impressive Sony phones... talking more about the Z5C because the Z5P didn't have for a long time to talk about it much... Z5 compact which i'm owning right now is very smooth and never lagged for me, the camera is great, front and back... the camera shot delay not really as you described it, it not as faster as the big Z5 but it's good! remember it's 2GB while the big is 3GB... most of the time i use the manual mode, and even with the auto... pictures are sharp, so i think you need to have steady hands or tripod.....
to summarize all about Z5C, it's a compact flagship that you won't find it's specs or capabilities in any other Mini from the other competitors....
....i know it's a user preference, but i'd be very honest to you to tell you switching from Z5C to iPhone SE is the dumbest decision i've ever heard about knowing that that iphone SE is a redesigned/redefined iPhone 5 or 5S....
i'm not biasing z5c because as i said, i didn't like the Z5 as much as i love the Z5C in everything, even though the Z5 is a bit more powerful with that extra ram, but the build quality in certain parts of the phone, Z5C has it better.
and i couldn't keep the Z5P because of the high price, so the half of it's price got me a Z5C which is more than fair and convenient for me.
now i have 2 Z5 compacts (im selling one for my friend).... the first i bought for $196 because i need to fix it's micro sd card slot, also with no accessories.. and the other for $276 without accessories but as brand new with no issues, and im keeping for me. also i noticed in Marshmallow both devices has the sound quality improved and more louder compared to 5.1.1 and they both equal in both speakers, with a dB meter test app.
don't be annoyed with my comment, and again it's a user preference but i wanted to share my experience with Z5c... so yours or mine aren't the reference for the Z5C but it could help others to have decisions before buying any phone.
thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, but I feel like I would've get a way better experience with a Galaxy S6, which just is way better in everything, or even a Nexus 5X or anything. Part of the problem is the S810 which really sucks (Z3c was way smoother), and the other part is the camera. It is "ok" but compared to the S6/S7/G4/G5/5X/6P/6S/SE or any other flagship camera, it sucks, really.
And no, the SE is not "a redesigned iPhone 5". It has the specs of the iPhone 6s with a 4 inch screen, which is exactly what I wanted, and everything about it is way better than the Z5 Compact (except maybe the speaker).
RiTCHiE007 said:
Funny why you swapped to iphone but not a other android device that might service your needs. But shame to see that many only know 2 brands of phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't "only know 2 brands of phones". As I said, in the last 6 years I've had phones from HTC, Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, Motorola and even some other brands that I forgot. I just feel like the only options right now for a really complete package are Samsung and Apple (maybe HTC but I don't really trust them anymore), and the S7 is too big for me, so I choosed the iPhone SE. It just seemed like the best option for me and so far I really like it.
Yep, I feel the same like you... Interestingly, I also used to have a z3c with the very good concept android 6.0 beta before a thief robbed it out of my hand... Well, I hoped the z5c would even be better.... But no, unfortunately, it's worse, even though the main hardware is better. The firmware is quite buggy and I absolutely agree that the battery life could be way better....
I am underimpressed with a few things about my Z5 compact, but I'll tell you why I will keep it: lanyard mount.