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Hi,
I bought this Sony Tablet S last weekend with the idea that I would try it and return it. I also bought a Motorola Xoom with the same intentions. I wasn't really able to try the Tablet S because everytime I picked up the device in the store the anti-theft alarm would sound. The salesperson reluctantly admitted I could take it back if I didn't like it, I usually don't this kind of thing as I prefer to wait and buy online cheaper.
Anyways it's been a week. My heart was set on getting an Xoom, I like Motorola but the screen quality... I don't want one even though I found two used for $300 with accessories.
So on to the Tablet S... I kept going back and forth on it. My biggest gripe is that this will be worth $200 in a year and it may even be completely out of date as Tablets mature.
The things I like about it:
- Durable! I plan on having this in my bedroom, I can fall asleep with it in the bed and I highly doubt I'd break it. Same for carrying it around the house, it doesn't need any kind of case.
- The Shape. It is decent to hold and it really does work well at a table. The angle makes viewing and typing a lot better.
- It's a Sony. I like Sony, I just hope they actually support this device unlike that piece of junk Sony Dash I foolishly bought last year.
- The remote feature. It's not near as advanced as I would like but the software is "Version 1.0". I'm hoping it progresses and becomes more advanced with "activities". I don't mind the layout at all, I think the buttons look good. The one thing I find is that it could be faster in switching between devices.
- The screen. I like that it's 9.4" as this gives you more pixels per inch than a 10.1" display resulting in a sharper image. The viewing angles are good, but I have to admit.. I do wish Sony put an even better quality screen in. I don't think I would want to read a book on this device. By the way the 9.4" screen is easier to reach with your fingers but it's less appealing to the eyes, that extra 1/2" does make a difference in screen "real estate".
- I like the charge system. I don't have a dock yet, it's ordered but I like the fact it just drops in and easily lifts out. I could see all the other tablets docks requiring more effort to align and slide in/out of their respective docks.
- The Sony tweaks to the Android OS. I like them, I just hope it's not a drawback... waiting for Sony each time a new version is available.
- The Sony games. I don't game much anymore but it's a welcome addition for me.
- The HD Remote. Man, I wish I waited six more months before buying my XBR-LX900. This years models seem to have a better integration with this tablet.
- I like the fact that it's user serviceable. The battery can be changed and a 3G/4G card can be inserted.
What I don't like:
- The screen. Another 1/2" would be more visually appealing. The colors could pop more and I wish it was better on the eyes for reading. One day I suppose, for now I'll be keeping my Sony eReader.
- It's looks. At times I like the way it looks, at other times... I think it looks / feels cheap. But mind you, it's very durable the way it is. I wouldn't hesitate to allow a child to play with it.
- The price. Way over-priced for what it is! I suppose all tablets are though, but at least Motorola has style. I like the looks and feel of the Motorola build much better.
- Weight... it is a touch heavy even though this is suppose to be one of the lighter tablets. Just imagine in five years the tablets we will have?
- The charge cord. If you don't use a dock (which should come with it!!!) that charge cord is going to break.
- And again lastly.. this isn't really a knock on Sony but I honestly feel it's too early to spend this kind of money on this types of hardware. Tablets are in their infancy, none of them are worth what we are paying for them. Honestly I think most tablets really should be priced at $199 or $299 for what they are. $499 is just.... too much money for what it is.
Anyways for me, I've decided to keep the Tablet S even though I know I will regret it in six months. I need a new alarm clock, I'd like to be able to convienantly check things from my bedroom and I would like to experiment with Android... so here I am.
I see the Tablet S as having a long life with me for it's simple durability. I don't have to baby it, it'll serve well for what it is. A portable household browser / email device. I don't think of this Tablet as something you would take out with you. For that I will mostly likely get a second or third generation Motorola.
I am also a proud owner of the Sony Tablet. This review is very well said.. can't disagree.. you should post this review in sites like Amazon.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
dberladyn said:
So on to the Tablet S... I kept going back and forth on it. My biggest gripe is that this will be worth $200 in a year and it may even be completely out of date as Tablets mature.
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Click to collapse
This unfortunately is always the case with tech, once the Kal-El (quad core Tegras) come out you'll see price drops on the dual core ones. Doesnt mean your tablet is going to become useless though just you wont be state of the art anymore
- The screen. I like that it's 9.4" as this gives you more pixels per inch than a 10.1" display resulting in a sharper image. The viewing angles are good, but I have to admit.. I do wish Sony put an even better quality screen in. I don't think I would want to read a book on this device. By the way the 9.4" screen is easier to reach with your fingers but it's less appealing to the eyes, that extra 1/2" does make a difference in screen "real estate".
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Really? I absolutely love reading on my S tab, the display is sharp and clear.
- The screen. Another 1/2" would be more visually appealing. The colors could pop more and I wish it was better on the eyes for reading. One day I suppose, for now I'll be keeping my Sony eReader.
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I agree on this, wish the colors did pop a bit more something in between S tablet and Galaxy would have been nice. And yeah the thing I hate most is the charging connector, everytime I plug it in I feel like its going to break. Guess Ill have to buy a dock as well.
Yeah I agree, it's totally overpriced, the cost of the case is ridiculous too... but, that's Sony for ya.
I also have a wifi Xoom and think it's a piece of junk compared to the S, and most other HC tablets out there. It's laggy and the screen is so washed out and bland. The Sony S flips through screens so smoothly, gives a nice tablet experience.
Damn... my country still haven't release Sony Tablet S... ARGHH!!!.... my don't they just do global release...
Yeah Sony product is expensive but GOODD!!!
tbh go save your money or spend it on something worth the money like the Jetstream or the Ipad2.
Tablet S just does not compare. In every single way my jetstream was better, so I ended up returning the TS.
Maedhros said:
tbh go save your money or spend it on something worth the money like the Jetstream or the Ipad2.
Tablet S just does not compare. In every single way my jetstream was better, so I ended up returning the TS.
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Click to collapse
Dude. Enough with the jetsream already! Its all you talk about. No offense. But go get a jetstream, and post in their forums.
Sent from the most "Epic" phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app
Maedhros said:
tbh go save your money or spend it on something worth the money like the Jetstream or the Ipad2.
Tablet S just does not compare. In every single way my jetstream was better, so I ended up returning the TS.
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Click to collapse
The Jetstream blows.
I know I'm posting this in the AT&T Note forums, so the responses might be a bit biased, but here goes anyways. I was very interested in the Note from the first time I heard about it. Today I finally got around to going to an AT&T store and comparing a few phones. I was very impressed by the Note's screen, but I found it to be just slightly too big. It almost seemed like it would be perfect if it were 5.0 inches, not 5.3. Anyways, I was also very impressed by two other phones: the LG Nitro HD and the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket. I've compiled a list of pros, cons, and prices, focusing directly on comparisons between the three phones. Pros are "+" and cons are "-".
Samsung Galaxy Note ($299)
+ Dat screen! Beautiful large Super Amoled display
+ Great battery life
+ Good development support
- Slightly awkward to type with
- Pen not as accurate as I hoped (perhaps problem with it being a worn out display unit)
- Phone was just too big for my hands.
Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket ($199)
+ Much nicer screen than expected, I was worried the low resolution would be a negative but it was hard to tell to my naked eye
+ Great development support
- Slightly too small
- HD Version coming soon
LG Nitro HD ($99)
+ Very nice sharp, colorful 720P IPS screen
+ $200 cheaper than the Galaxy Note
- Slightly too small
- Poor battery life
- Poor development
I dismissed the HTC One XL because it lacked a removable battery and SD card slot, but I might reconsider it because it seems like it would fit the screen size I'm looking for. I've just been waiting for so long before I was eligible for an upgrade, and the waiting is getting annoying. Is the Samsung Galaxy Note worth the extra cost and getting over the awkwardness? I was convinced I would fall in love with it when I finally got to use it, but that wasn't really the case, so I'm a bit hesitant. Let me know what you think.
Put it this way I paid 650 full price, so I'd say yes lol. Deff worth the extra "upgrade" price compared to those others you listed.
I had the skyrocket, it was a great device, but still prefer the galaxy note. So yes its worth the extra money. The battery life is longer, the screen is just goregous, you can definately notice the difference in screen quality from the 2 especially after using the skyrocket for a few months. My s-pen is accurate as long as i dont have it leaned too far sideways. also got use to the screen size in a day or 2, i can actually 1 hand text with ics keyboard
Wait for the HTC one x if you can. Sounds like that screen size will fit you perfect
I got the note and I m waiting got the one x
Personally, price for me wasn't even a thought. Not that I'm rolling in money... actually the note broke the bank for me. But this is something I use all day every single day. With something like that I don't consider price. It's more a matter of which phone you will enjoy the most and which will be most useful to you.
I am torn as well. I owned the skyrocker prior...the nitro is on sale for 49.99 and you can get the skyrocket refurbs for that price.. .hell the vivid refurb is a penny.
I have a ton of obligations i could put the money towards if I take the note back
I really like it but is it worth it....decissions decissions
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA App
100 bucks extra over the lifetime of the phone comes to $4.16 a month. But for me, it was worth 100 just to play with it in the last month. Love this phone!
jpeg42 said:
100 bucks extra over the lifetime of the phone comes to $4.16 a month. But for me, it was worth 100 just to play with it in the last month. Love this phone!
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I thought I was slow to upgrade. Don't remember the last phone I kept active for two years. Lol.
Disclaimer: This is not advice. It is just something that fell from between my ears.
Thats the other thing i keep telling myself....i have more upgrades coming up lol
biglittlegato said:
I thought I was slow to upgrade. Don't remember the last phone I kept active for two years. Lol.
Disclaimer: This is not advice. It is just something that fell from between my ears.
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Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA App
One word yes!
Sent from the TermiNOTEr! ;-)
Similar to what JPEG is alluding to, the answer to "Is $100 worth it?" is heavily dependent on how you evaluate the situation. I use my phone so frequently and for so many things that $100 is well worth the increased productivity and avoided frustration. Those other phones may be cheaper up front but the cost of the frustration and decreased satisfaction from a cheaper phone every time you use it for the next two years is far larger than the $100 you pay. This is a top shelf phone with a top shelf price.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Is the Samsung Galaxy Note worth the extra price?
Absolutely to me
Is it worth it.....Hell yeah..... Besides all the great functions other memebers have listed, the ease of quickly pulling up the S note app has gotten me 2 really sexy ladies numbers....LOL.... I love this phone
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA Premium App
I got the phone for $150, but I think it'd definitely be worth full price as well. The screen is amazing and you adjust to the large size in just a few days.
tdude51 said:
Samsung Galaxy Note ($299)
+ Dat screen! Beautiful large Super Amoled display
+ Great battery life
+ Good development support
- Slightly awkward to type with
- Pen not as accurate as I hoped (perhaps problem with it being a worn out display unit)
- Phone was just too big for my hands.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Note worth the extra cost and getting over the awkwardness? I was convinced I would fall in love with it when I finally got to use it, but that wasn't really the case, so I'm a bit hesitant. Let me know what you think.
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I don't work for AT&T - and your money is your money so I can't tell you how to spend it. But I can address your cons from my perspective.
I agree that it seems slightly awkward to type with... or it did. I tried a bunch of keyboards and settled on Smart Keyboard Pro. I'm now just as fast on the Note as I was in the iPhone 4S. Spend a little time and you'll find the right fit for you and the screen (which may not be the same keyboard you used to use).
Pen accuracy - it'll improve as you adjust to the device. My first couple days with the phone I thought the pen was a gimmick. Now I've come to find it's a great tool and I take a ton of notes with it.
In the store the phone felt stupid big to me. And like you I felt it was just too big for my hand size. Reality is (and many here will tell you) - you adjust to the size and it takes on an almost normal feel. I think your hands are accustomed to the size of your current phone and so anything larger feels, well larger and out of place. Sure no matter what (unless you have Shaq hands) the far side of the screen is going to take an adjustment to reach, but the act of holding and interacting with the device will normalize in a short period of time. For me it was about a week and it stopped feeling awkward. Now after about 2 and half other phones just feel (and look) foolishly tiny.
The short period of time (even if it was an hour or two) in the store with the phone is (for me) - not enough to really get used to the Note or determine how you're going to feel about it. Its a fabulous device that's worth getting to know. Take the 30 days and if you don't like it pay the restocking fee. But I know for me - there's very little chance mine's going back to AT&T to get put back on the shelf.
Now, for one other recommendation: If you get the white - get a case or order the black back from Samsung fulfillment. The white back is slick as snot. I put the black one on and the grip is excellent.
netsyd said:
I don't work for AT&T - and your money is your money so I can't tell you how to spend it. But I can address your cons from my perspective.
I agree that it seems slightly awkward to type with... or it did. I tried a bunch of keyboards and settled on Smart Keyboard Pro. I'm now just as fast on the Note as I was in the iPhone 4S. Spend a little time and you'll find the right fit for you and the screen (which may not be the same keyboard you used to use).
Pen accuracy - it'll improve as you adjust to the device. My first couple days with the phone I thought the pen was a gimmick. Now I've come to find it's a great tool and I take a ton of notes with it.
In the store the phone felt stupid big to me. And like you I felt it was just too big for my hand size. Reality is (and many here will tell you) - you adjust to the size and it takes on an almost normal feel. I think your hands are accustomed to the size of your current phone and so anything larger feels, well larger and out of place. Sure no matter what (unless you have Shaq hands) the far side of the screen is going to take an adjustment to reach, but the act of holding and interacting with the device will normalize in a short period of time. For me it was about a week and it stopped feeling awkward. Now after about 2 and half other phones just feel (and look) foolishly tiny.
The short period of time (even if it was an hour or two) in the store with the phone is (for me) - not enough to really get used to the Note or determine how you're going to feel about it. Its a fabulous device that's worth getting to know. Take the 30 days and if you don't like it pay the restocking fee. But I know for me - there's very little chance mine's going back to AT&T to get put back on the shelf.
Now, for one other recommendation: If you get the white - get a case or order the black back from Samsung fulfillment. The white back is slick as snot. I put the black one on and the grip is excellent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice! I'm glad to know that it just takes a little bit of getting used to. I'm very excited about this device, I was just surprised once I finally got my hands on it. I don't really have much to lose with the 30 day return window so I think I'm going to go for it. The development seems to be getting better every day, and I love tweaking my devices and getting the most out of them. I also am in big need of a new device for watching movies, listening to music and playing games (mostly on emulators). I think I will really enjoy doing that with the Note.
I was struggling with the same problem as the OP, just wasn't sure which to go with. I ended up deciding, mostly because I'm signing a 3 year contract, that I would go with the device with the best hardware, being the Note. I was worried about the size possibly making it awkward, but what I've found after owning it for just about a month now is that It's actually perfect.. My hands aren't small, but they're not huge either, and I can use it one handed for 90% of what I use it for, but I love tilting it on it's side and typing with two hands. I owned an HTC Touch Diamond prior to this, it has a stylus as well, and I found I'd always use the stylus for some of the smaller icons, well on the Note I hardly ever have to use the Stylus, just use it for editing photos really. The stylus is hardly noticable, if you use it great, if not then hey it's just an extra.
I think you'll get used to the size very quickly, and once you do, you'll have a super hard time going back to any other phone. I still have my Diamond Touch, use it as an alarm clock hah, and I get SO frustrated trying to manage it's tiny screen, and I remember when I first got it thinking it was perfectly sized haha... Oh how times change.
Imo phones like the Note are the future. I have a samsung laptop as well, 17" beast that I carry around a lot, and they make an awesome pair. It's kind of funny too, as they're both Samsung units, the stock back piece for the Note matches the edges of my laptop. Very esthetic combo. (RF711 laptop if anyone cares. )
( Also I type roughly 100wpm on a regular keyboard, so texting on phones has always been super tedious for me. When I tilt the Note on it's side and use the larger keyboard I can type faster then I ever have on a phone before. It's actually amazing I love it hah. )
I think the note has ruined me!!!! I've been using it for 7 days short of a month now and I have to say I loooooove it!!
I was skeptical of leaving IOS for android. I've played with android b4 setting up my GF's rooted nook color as a tablet
and its really buggy at times, I kept thinking to myself hmmm if the phones are this buggy then I'm gunna hate it!!!
But I took the plunge and haven't looked back since its very smooth and very few bugs. the size was giant to me
at first, but It has really become normal to me now. I pick up my old 3gs and I'm feel like its a tiny little toy!!!! LOL
So I say yes it is worth the price!!! I'm a photographer and I love showing off my photos on this phone!!!
I dont have a note so I cant speak on that front, but I can tell you the LG Nitro is what I would NOT go with. Played around on it a handful of times and every time it was slow and somewhat unresponsive.
If HTC one x is going to be unavailable for your network then go for Note. I moved 4s to nexus galaxy to Note and must say would not swap this device for any othrr device. Of course when One X is available that's a different story.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Hi, I am the proud owner of the Z mobile also the z tablet. I do ponder though if even I as a complete technophile would find use for the Ultra?
I used to own the Samsung galaxy S111 also the Note. I was very pleased with the S3 but soon sold the Note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into my groin! Its most appealing strength was its large size yet the large size was also its most challenging aspect to live with.
I am used to just picking up my mobile and putting it in my pocket and living an average sort of life. To that end I just cant see how I would live with the Ultra. lets face it, its truly massive and does come very close to the 7" tablet range?
Worries are. Flex. This is so thin it just has to flex and being so thin that glass on BOTH sides must be paper thin? I have not read yet of screen breakages on the Ultra but ponder how this is going to enjoy life in a pocket? All that screen real estate it does sort of ask for trouble? Buying some sort of cover would make the device even larger.
I am not worried about being seen holding this to my ear as I already have the SBH52 on order so would be able to use that as the phone device when paired with the Ultra. My main concern is where the heck to keep it while on the move and just how strong are those sheets of glass?
What are your thoughts? I want one but an hedging my bets on this so far.
Many thanks and kind regards.
If you were annoyed by a note inside your pocket, you'll be mad with zu inside your pocket.
Zu is reallythin, but no flex at all. Hard, rock solid structure.
How hard is the glass? I don't know since I haven't cracked it yet.
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Ryland Johnson said:
Hi, I am the proud owner of the Z mobile also the z tablet. I do ponder though if even I as a complete technophile would find use for the Ultra?
I used to own the Samsung galaxy S111 also the Note. I was very pleased with the S3 but soon sold the Note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into my groin! Its most appealing strength was its large size yet the large size was also its most challenging aspect to live with.
I am used to just picking up my mobile and putting it in my pocket and living an average sort of life. To that end I just cant see how I would live with the Ultra. lets face it, its truly massive and does come very close to the 7" tablet range?
Worries are. Flex. This is so thin it just has to flex and being so thin that glass on BOTH sides must be paper thin? I have not read yet of screen breakages on the Ultra but ponder how this is going to enjoy life in a pocket? All that screen real estate it does sort of ask for trouble? Buying some sort of cover would make the device even larger.
I am not worried about being seen holding this to my ear as I already have the SBH52 on order so would be able to use that as the phone device when paired with the Ultra. My main concern is where the heck to keep it while on the move and just how strong are those sheets of glass?
What are your thoughts? I want one but an hedging my bets on this so far.
Many thanks and kind regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will also add that my Z Ultra is rock solid. One of the most sturdy pieces of tech I have owned. Despite it being a thin, it is built like a tank it feels.
As for size, it would probably drive you mad. This is not simply a phone one puts in there pocket and lives an average life with
Sent from my C6802 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The body of the phone has an aluminum frame. So, those thin sheets of glass are mounted on a metal skeleton. Don't worry about flexing.
I feel compelled to point out that though the sides are aluminum, the skeleton itself (which is invisible from outside, of course) is glass-fiber polyamide, which is basically a reinforced nylon, and it is very strong. It's even used in cars to replace parts previously made of metal. Very impressive engineering in the 2013 Xperias, if you ask me.
I've noticed a bit of flex.. I wouldn't sit on it with it in my back pocket..
Many thanks to all those who kindly replied. If I may ask though? How do you carry the Ultra around with you? Common sense says back pockets are out due to sitting on it or even worse, being stolen. Front pockets would need to be very large indeed.
I ALWAYS use a screen protector and purchase a case for my mobile devices. The case is going to add even more size to the Ultra. My SXZ just goes with me in my front pockets without any concerns at all. I do understand this is not the same size phone though.:fingers-crossed:
I am puzzled. I want the Ultra, I don't want the new Note 3, not because the Note 3 is a poor device its just the looks, aesthetics again. Samsung, to me, look and feel cheap even though they are brilliant devices. The new Sony range look and feel like a device at this price should.
I am also very concerned that being this thin the strength in the Ultra, will in no small part, come from the glass itself regardless of the sandwich interior materials?
BTW Aluminium at that grade and thickness is used on the Ultra to make it look premium, as another poster mentioned the body is made from a hybrid mixture of carbonates. Again though with the tiny dimensions we are debating here even that fact may not be sufficient to ensure overall strength? I really don't know and its could be a very expensive learning curve
Its a dilemma for me?
Again, many thanks.
Well, if you REALLY want the Ultra, but you also want extremely good battery life, then look no further. I present to you - a 15000 mAh external battery
It's actually not that stupid. You told us that you need battery when you're out flying and stuff, but you're seated when you fly, so why not just plug this beast of a thing into the Ultra when the battery drops? And when you're done with it, put in back in your bag It's only $50 on Amazon (original price is $140)
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Ryland Johnson said:
Many thanks to all those who kindly replied. If I may ask though? How do you carry the Ultra around with you? Common sense says back pockets are out due to sitting on it or even worse, being stolen. Front pockets would need to be very large indeed.
I ALWAYS use a screen protector and purchase a case for my mobile devices. The case is going to add even more size to the Ultra. My SXZ just goes with me in my front pockets without any concerns at all. I do understand this is not the same size phone though.:fingers-crossed:
I am puzzled. I want the Ultra, I don't want the new Note 3, not because the Note 3 is a poor device its just the looks, aesthetics again. Samsung, to me, look and feel cheap even though they are brilliant devices. The new Sony range look and feel like a device at this price should.
I am also very concerned that being this thin the strength in the Ultra, will in no small part, come from the glass itself regardless of the sandwich interior materials?
BTW Aluminium at that grade and thickness is used on the Ultra to make it look premium, as another poster mentioned the body is made from a hybrid mixture of carbonates. Again though with the tiny dimensions we are debating here even that fact may not be sufficient to ensure overall strength? I really don't know and its could be a very expensive learning curve
Its a dilemma for me?
Again, many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last time I put my phone in back pocket was ages ago. An old siemens, monochrome, shockproof. So I sat on it and duh the lcd broke. Do remember that lcd panels back in those days has a large gap with the outer screen. So don't put your phone in back pocket, no matter how thick they are.
Back on track, I carry my zu in my front pocket with a flip case. Fits because it's thin, but the length of the phone needs deep pocket indeed.
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Hi,
Spent hours and hours researching the Ultra and the Note 3. Though I truly love the design of the Z range Not even I can find an excuse for purchasing what is in effect a tablet with a phone? I like my Z phone and the Z 10.1 tablet. for me though the Ultra is just that tad OTT regarding size for an every day user friendly mobile phone.
I am rather shocked and surprised to write that I have the Samsung galaxy Note 3 on order complete in a package with that awful gear watch. I write awful gear watch BUT I have not even set eyes on one yet. From what I have seen of it on Youtube it looks bloomin awful and may well end up gathering dust in a draw? Package deal though and a very good price.
Reasons I went with the Note 3 and not the ultra. Size, The specification of the Note does appear to leave the Ultra wanting in fact the only two positives I managed to write on the numerous lists I wrote where the Ultra has a bigger screen and is water and dust resistant. IN all other areas the Note, on paper, leaves the Ultra behind. I am shocked by this but compare both specifications side by side and the Ultra is basically a tablet spec with a phone.
Just like to thank you again for your input and say I am still very proud to own the Sony Xperia Z tablet and have found my time with the Xperia Z phone a great experience. Cant really believe I am returning the Samsung path, I hatted all that plastic. At least with the Note there are going to be a myriad of changeable back plates and some of them made by third party brands will be in metal.
I think the thing that made the choice was the phone. The Ultra doesn't even come with a flash and the picture capabilities are very poor according to reports. The Note comes with Android 4.3 out of the box, has 3GB RAM and 32GB memory not to mention the pen functions, and myriad of other built in technology such as Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture, even a larger battery! Add to that the Note has 4k video and an IR port.......The Ultra does appear rather dull? I would still have bought the Ultra though had it not been so near a 7" tablet. Pleased I shall be using a new device but sad its not a Sony.
Kindest regards.
While I do hope you enjoy your Note 3 and hope you don't experience buyer's remorse, I have to disagree about the Note 3's spec advantage re: the Z Ultra. The only advantages it has are an additional GB of RAM and and extra 16 GB storage. I do concede that these are advantages, and have no interest in trying to spin the facts to argue against you, but let's be honest: 2 GB of RAM is PLENTY for Android at this point in time. I run a custom ROM on my Nexus 4 that shows the RAM bar in the recent apps screen and I routinely have 15+ apps open at once, usually with 200 MB or more of RAM left. So, an extra gigabyte of RAM is better, but when you still have headroom with 2 GB of RAM, it's not a difference you're going to feel. Like, at all. So this is an advantage in terms of future-proofing but will not result in any better performance at this point in time.
The extra 16 GB of storage is nice as well, but in my opinion, this would not have been a decisive advantage even a year or two ago, let alone now that cloud storage has evolved so much. I am not one of these people who advocates storing everything in the cloud (at least not yet), and do appreciate lots of local storage, but since the Xperia ZU has 16 + 64 GB, the question of storage is one of second or third-tier importance. I guess if I were an economist, I would say that the Note 3 does have an advantage in terms of RAM and storage, but given the amount of RAM and storage the ZU already has, the marginal utility of more is very low. It's just not really going to result in a significantly better experience. The Z Ultra, however, has very tangible advantages over the Note 3, including a much larger display, total waterproofing up to 1.5 meters + dust resistance, thinner, and it's much better-looking and probably better-built.
This is all my opinion, of course, and YMMV. But subjectively, today was my first day out in the real world with the Z Ultra (I took it with me to university) and OH MAN, it was awesome. It slides right in my pocket, no problem, and once I lit up that huge, beautiful display (between classes, of course!), I just smiled and knew that I'd made the right choice buying this phone.
Ryland Johnson said:
Hi,
Spent hours and hours researching the Ultra and the Note 3. Though I truly love the design of the Z range Not even I can find an excuse for purchasing what is in effect a tablet with a phone? I like my Z phone and the Z 10.1 tablet. for me though the Ultra is just that tad OTT regarding size for an every day user friendly mobile phone.
I am rather shocked and surprised to write that I have the Samsung galaxy Note 3 on order complete in a package with that awful gear watch. I write awful gear watch BUT I have not even set eyes on one yet. From what I have seen of it on Youtube it looks bloomin awful and may well end up gathering dust in a draw? Package deal though and a very good price.
Reasons I went with the Note 3 and not the ultra. Size, The specification of the Note does appear to leave the Ultra wanting in fact the only two positives I managed to write on the numerous lists I wrote where the Ultra has a bigger screen and is water and dust resistant. IN all other areas the Note, on paper, leaves the Ultra behind. I am shocked by this but compare both specifications side by side and the Ultra is basically a tablet spec with a phone.
Just like to thank you again for your input and say I am still very proud to own the Sony Xperia Z tablet and have found my time with the Xperia Z phone a great experience. Cant really believe I am returning the Samsung path, I hatted all that plastic. At least with the Note there are going to be a myriad of changeable back plates and some of them made by third party brands will be in metal.
I think the thing that made the choice was the phone. The Ultra doesn't even come with a flash and the picture capabilities are very poor according to reports. The Note comes with Android 4.3 out of the box, has 3GB RAM and 32GB memory not to mention the pen functions, and myriad of other built in technology such as Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture, even a larger battery! Add to that the Note has 4k video and an IR port.......The Ultra does appear rather dull? I would still have bought the Ultra though had it not been so near a 7" tablet. Pleased I shall be using a new device but sad its not a Sony.
Kindest regards.
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Welcome to Samsung's world...
I am a current Samsung Galaxy Note 1 owner and I'm happy to say that it has served me well.. I was happy with it.. I would agree to you that Note3 is better on paper.. specswise... a dash of flash here...a sprinkle of RAM there.. a spoon of 32gb memory there.. and add 4k recording on top..
To be honest, I was disappointed with Samsung's market strategy.. I bought the Note not just for practicality and purpose but also for bragging rights.. "big screen! muwaha!" And then a few months later, they released the Mega.. then the S4... With even bigger screens..
I'm like "wtf Samsung? I thought the Note was your phablet line??" And then the Note became just some other big phone and not Samsung's star of the show.. At least with Sony, they released another star of the show without stepping over the ZU.. take note of the Z1.. We have the Z1 but it specialized on another field (photography). They did not release *and hopefully WILL NOT release* another phablet which is not from the Ultra family and would end up stepping over the ZU..
Simply with this, I am moving to Sony.. For sure by Q1 of 2014, you guys will see a Samsung Mega 2, Galaxy S5 etc... etc.. which will leave the Note in the backstage yet again...
"Sent from my refrigerator"
awesome device..
Ryland Johnson said:
Hi, I am the proud owner of the Z mobile also the z tablet. I do ponder though if even I as a complete technophile would find use for the Ultra?
I used to own the Samsung galaxy S111 also the Note. I was very pleased with the S3 but soon sold the Note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into my groin! Its most appealing strength was its large size yet the large size was also its most challenging aspect to live with.
I am used to just picking up my mobile and putting it in my pocket and living an average sort of life. To that end I just cant see how I would live with the Ultra. lets face it, its truly massive and does come very close to the 7" tablet range?
Worries are. Flex. This is so thin it just has to flex and being so thin that glass on BOTH sides must be paper thin? I have not read yet of screen breakages on the Ultra but ponder how this is going to enjoy life in a pocket? All that screen real estate it does sort of ask for trouble? Buying some sort of cover would make the device even larger.
I am not worried about being seen holding this to my ear as I already have the SBH52 on order so would be able to use that as the phone device when paired with the Ultra. My main concern is where the heck to keep it while on the move and just how strong are those sheets of glass?
What are your thoughts? I want one but an hedging my bets on this so far.
Many thanks and kind regards.
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Hi Mr Ryland..This is DR Sudeep here..i did find some of our tastes being in common and thought of sharing some of them ..i m a proud owner of the z ,z tablet as you do and the new awesome z ultra..infact i really enjoyed some of your comments and debate with one of those reviewers of the website i dont remember about the xperia z and think exactly the way and hold opinions exactly the way you do..funny many things in common..infact before i bought the z ultra i exactly had the same things and queries in mind as you do now and now being the proud owner of z ultra ..thought of sharing some things..as your reservations stand here u are spot on in many of ur fears i guess if u wanna leap to ultra as i did feel the same way when i first laid my hands on this awesome device..its huge for sure ..make no mistake about that..but its own of those devices u really forgive even being such huge coz the design is so freakingly awesome the device is so thin yet feels so sturdy and strong with that alluminium framed finish ..not once did i feel that i was holding a glass sandwiched phone coz it feels so strong in hand no creaking noise what so ever ..its huge yet its pocketable..and did i mention the awesome water resistance..its in a league of very few masterpieces in the world that try to balance opposite things and yet do it with a plomb and authority..what i mean is ..its huge but pocketable and pleasant to hold in hand the screen which is out of this world can be the reason alone to buy this jewel and carry this burden in pocket infact i no more feel it a burden in pocket ..i sttarted enjoying the glares and the attention i was getting in public places,,,touch response is frealkingly silky smooth ..i have never seen a faster device in my life than this..i thot z was fierce fast bfre i got this in hand and boy it flies it literally flies yet to notice a single hang or stutter..i will end up by saying this...all your reservations are true ...but it is one of those few devices out there which you will be joyful and proud of and will be willing to compromise for all the great things it does and its a guarantee,,,hope ieven though i sounded a little fan boy i was helpful to you and i can afford doing that holding this awesome device,,..regards..please come up with any queries or opinions of yours as i would be glad if im being helpful to you in anyway..thanks..cheers mate
deepu4puppy said:
Hi Mr Ryland..This is DR Sudeep here..i did find some of our tastes being in common and thought of sharing some of them ..i m a proud owner of the z ,z tablet as you do and the new awesome z ultra..infact i really enjoyed some of your comments and debate with one of those reviewers of the website i dont remember about the xperia z and think exactly the way and hold opinions exactly the way you do..funny many things in common..infact before i bought the z ultra i exactly had the same things and queries in mind as you do now and now being the proud owner of z ultra ..thought of sharing some things..as your reservations stand here u are spot on in many of ur fears i guess if u wanna leap to ultra as i did feel the same way when i first laid my hands on this awesome device..its huge for sure ..make no mistake about that..but its own of those devices u really forgive even being such huge coz the design is so freakingly awesome the device is so thin yet feels so sturdy and strong with that alluminium framed finish ..not once did i feel that i was holding a glass sandwiched phone coz it feels so strong in hand no creaking noise what so ever ..its huge yet its pocketable..and did i mention the awesome water resistance..its in a league of very few masterpieces in the world that try to balance opposite things and yet do it with a plomb and authority..what i mean is ..its huge but pocketable and pleasant to hold in hand the screen which is out of this world can be the reason alone to buy this jewel and carry this burden in pocket infact i no more feel it a burden in pocket ..i sttarted enjoying the glares and the attention i was getting in public places,,,touch response is frealkingly silky smooth ..i have never seen a faster device in my life than this..i thot z was fierce fast bfre i got this in hand and boy it flies it literally flies yet to notice a single hang or stutter..i will end up by saying this...all your reservations are true ...but it is one of those few devices out there which you will be joyful and proud of and will be willing to compromise for all the great things it does and its a guarantee,,,hope ieven though i sounded a little fan boy i was helpful to you and i can afford doing that holding this awesome device,,..regards..please come up with any queries or opinions of yours as i would be glad if im being helpful to you in anyway..thanks..cheers mate
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Hi Mr Sudeep, Thanks for the reply.
Yes I have been banned from "Trusted reviews" as I clearly upset the editor who was and still is anti Sony. I have zero idea how that sight can be called 'Trusted reviews', they are any thing but 'trusted'. The best the editor could do when I defended the Xperia Z against his puerile (and technically incorrect) attacks on the device was to accuse me of "Working for Sony". Odd that I do no such thing and came from owning HTC and Samsung and am again going to purchase Samsung with the note 3 rather than the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. If I had not been banned by him I would delight in informing him that its rather odd for a supposed Sony employer to purchase Samsung! A 'professional reviewer' must be objective and let the customer decide. The editor of Trusted reviews is anything but professional and certainly not objective thus cannot be trusted.
Regarding brands. I purchase what fits my needs and uses at the time of purchase. I have owned Apple, HTC, Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Siemens, Motorola, Ericson, Philips and my first mobile going back to 1988 was an NEC the size of a house brick with a full size hand set and separate battery pack. If I had to carry a fan boy label it would have been for Nokia until they went Windows! They are still, in my opinion, the best maker of MOBILE PHONES. The signal strength they pull has been second to non
I have every confidence the Ultra is a superb piece of kit. To be honest if they keep dropping in price I may well buy one of those to. At present though and being a technophile I want to try the Note 3 with the Gear watch. Again at present I find the spec sheet of the Note more in line with what I want. One of my big concerns regarding mobiles that one cannot replace the battery oneself is what exactly do we do when the battery goes bump with our Xperia Z mobiles? I do not know the cost of a replacement battery via Sony but it is not going to be the same as the purchase price of a battery bought for a phone with a customer removable battery at about 15-20.00€
I understand to enjoy the freedom of the Sony range with regard to water resistance the body has to be sealed and accept that, non the less there will come a day when a heavy bill will come to replace that battery.
THE big problem for me is the size of the Ultra. its screen size is both its strongest point also its weakest. It is so near a tablet it is not really as portable as a lesser size 'mobile' phone. I love the design of the Sony range plus that quality feel...Samsung...well there Samsung and though produce some brilliant kit they have never felt a premium brand and cannot until they stop with the plastics. I mean the Note 3 with that awful attempt to make the back look like leather, even plastic false stitching, dear Lord where on earth did they come up with that and why?
I will say this, if the Note 3 didn't come with the massive selection of replacement covers made by Samsung and other brands, I would not have bought the Note 3. Don't set me of about the Note 3's plastic 'metal' sides. who do they think they are kidding?
I have gone with the Note though as regardless of what the previous poster has kindly written the spec sheet is far superior than the Ultra.
I cant say they are apples and oranges more like peaches and pears:laugh:
I do know one thing, providing you can find a way to carry the Ultra around with you it will be a magic piece of kit to own. Superbly made and designed. Its flaws though such as the camera and lack of flash etc just make it more like a very decent tablet. I want one!:crying:
Kind regards.
capitansid said:
Welcome to Samsung's world...
I am a current Samsung Galaxy Note 1 owner and I'm happy to say that it has served me well.. I was happy with it.. I would agree to you that Note3 is better on paper.. specswise... a dash of flash here...a sprinkle of RAM there.. a spoon of 32gb memory there.. and add 4k recording on top..
To be honest, I was disappointed with Samsung's market strategy.. I bought the Note not just for practicality and purpose but also for bragging rights.. "big screen! muwaha!" And then a few months later, they released the Mega.. then the S4... With even bigger screens..
I'm like "wtf Samsung? I thought the Note was your phablet line??" And then the Note became just some other big phone and not Samsung's star of the show.. At least with Sony, they released another star of the show without stepping over the ZU.. take note of the Z1.. We have the Z1 but it specialized on another field (photography). They did not release *and hopefully WILL NOT release* another phablet which is not from the Ultra family and would end up stepping over the ZU..
Simply with this, I am moving to Sony.. For sure by Q1 of 2014, you guys will see a Samsung Mega 2, Galaxy S5 etc... etc.. which will leave the Note in the backstage yet again...
"Sent from my refrigerator"
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Hi, thanks for the reply, I appreciate your thoughts and time.
If you log into GSMArena.com you can view side by side both the Ultra and the Note3 and the specs are more than a tad different. I must make it clear I am a great fan of these Xperia devices, I own two of them already and enjoy them both with zero regrets.
I must confess I am a little confused by your comment "To be honest, I was disappointed with Samsung's market strategy.. I bought the Note not just for practicality and purpose but also for bragging rights.. "big screen! muwaha!" And then a few months later, they released the Mega.. then the S4... With even bigger screens.. " To the best of my knowledge I purchased my Note 1 in 2011. The Galaxy S4 only came out this year same as the Mega? If I understand you correctly I don't think Samsung can be accused of introducing new models soon after their latest effort.
NOW, if I HAD to pick a fight it could be with Sony...Only bought my Z in April at launch yet less than six months latter the Zi is taking the crown with reviewers already saying the new Z1 is what the 'old' Z should have been
I support progress and am pleased this field of technology keeps pushing the boundaries. The one major criticism I have is that battery technology is lagging way behind to the point that tis new tech we are seeing today is more or less academic in many ways as the devices don't have the battery power to run said device for longer than a few hours in some cases.
I agree with you that a new Samsung Note 4 will soon appear but then so will the stunning new Ultra 2 with flash and 32-64Gb plus 4Gb RAM, maybe even a larger screen and thinner body etc. Its called progress and all brands thankfully work this way.
Regards.
Oh sorry forgot to say that I did not buy the Note the time it went out.. I bought the note last June 2012 wherein the Note 2 was due to be released..
I dont feel bad that the Note 2 went out a few months after I bought the Note 1. I just feel bad that they released an entirely different line of phablet which is the Galaxy Mega.. So what's the specialty of the Note now? Just the stylus? Not the big screen anymore? Samsung shouldve stuck with the idea wherein the Note is their only phablet product...
"Sent from my refrigerator"
I may have missed something, but I'm not sure the Mega series is going to be a continuing line of devices going forward. I think Samsung just uses their manufacturing advantages to spit out devices in every conceivable size and shape to see what people like and what they don't. Not many manufacturers have the capital to do this, but if you do, it's probably not a bad strategy.
AntiLazarus said:
I may have missed something, but I'm not sure the Mega series is going to be a continuing line of devices going forward. I think Samsung just uses their manufacturing advantages to spit out devices in every conceivable size and shape to see what people like and what they don't. Not many manufacturers have the capital to do this, but if you do, it's probably not a bad strategy.
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I think the thing we technophiles need to accept and understand is exactly what you wrote. Not all customers are looking at the top of the market with the latest and newest devices. To that end the Mega, to me, is very odd BUT it is selling well to those who desire a large device without the latest technology.
Part of the deciding factors for me with the Ultra was its poor camera, zero flash, identity crisis, lol and for a device this size it should have had a much larger battery and 3Gb RAM not 2GB. I do love the Ultra, its massive and stylish with real character and quality but I cant justify purchasing the Ultra on looks alone. When we explore what this new Note 3 does it really is a technophiles dream on steroids! The other clincher for me was the awful looking, probably useless gear watch that is coming with my Note 3 for only 120.00€ Now that deal was just to good to pass.
If the Ultra continues to drop in price I may well in future months go completely bonkers and treat myself, pennies permitting. I am still happy with my Xperia Z phone and absolutely love the Xperia 10.1 tablet, that is the king of tablets at present for me, its choice and subjective of course.
Kind regards
Now hold on just a minute, lol. I don't agree with the notion that the ZU has a bad camera. I think one thing we techies are often guilty of, since we keep up with all the bleeding-edge developments in the industry, is assuming that a particular piece of technology or feature is more widespread and standard than it really is. The ZU 's camera, in my opinion, is fairly decent. Since smartphone cameras are the latest big hole everyone is rushing to plug, we assume that if it isn't 120 megapixels with oversampling, or using some kind of unique sensor technology, or some such thing, that it must "suck," but in reality it's a fairly good sensor when placed in proper context. I like to think of it as an "honest" smartphone camera, one that knows it is a smartphone camera and is happy with its role. Such cameras are meant for convenience, and not high-end imaging. Even Apple is "only" using 8 megapixels on their flagship.
As for RAM, no offense, but you're being totally unrealistic and unfair by saying that the ZU "should have" had 3 GB of RAM. Why? You can barely fill 2 right now. The Note 3 is the ONLY phone with 3 GB of RAM. If Samsung had released it with 2 GB, you wouldn't have written that part of your post. Saying that a device "should have" had more RAM than anything else on the market to be usable is just unfair. It's exactly like saying the Note 3 should have had a 64 bit CPU because the new iPhone has one. As I've already pointed out, that 3 GB will not improve your experience AT ALL. Plus, the battery is actually pretty good. In my opinion, the NOTE 3's screen is just too small, and Samsung's AMOLED displays are not up to the quality of Sony's Triluminos panels, but it wouldn't be fair for me to insinuate that the NOTE 3 is less advanced, even though it really does fall short from a certain point of view.
Sent from my C6833 using xda app-developers app
AntiLazarus said:
Now hold on just a minute, lol. I don't agree with the notion that the ZU has a bad camera. I think one thing we techies are often guilty of, since we keep up with all the bleeding-edge developments in the industry, is assuming that a particular piece of technology or feature is more widespread and standard than it really is. The ZU 's camera, in my opinion, is fairly decent. Since smartphone cameras are the latest big hole everyone is rushing to plug, we assume that if it isn't 120 megapixels with oversampling, or using some kind of unique sensor technology, or some such thing, that it must "suck," but in reality it's a fairly good sensor when placed in proper context. I like to think of it as an "honest" smartphone camera, one that knows it is a smartphone camera and is happy with its role. Such cameras are meant for convenience, and not high-end imaging. Even Apple is "only" using 8 megapixels on their flagship.
As for RAM, no offense, but you're being totally unrealistic and unfair by saying that the ZU "should have" had 3 GB of RAM. Why? You can barely fill 2 right now. The Note 3 is the ONLY phone with 3 GB of RAM. If Samsung had released it with 2 GB, you wouldn't have written that part of your post. Saying that a device "should have" had more RAM than anything else on the market to be usable is just unfair. It's exactly like saying the Note 3 should have had a 64 bit CPU because the new iPhone has one. As I've already pointed out, that 3 GB will not improve your experience AT ALL. Plus, the battery is actually pretty good. In my opinion, the NOTE 3's screen is just too small, and Samsung's AMOLED displays are not up to the quality of Sony's Triluminos panels, but it wouldn't be fair for me to insinuate that the NOTE 3 is less advanced, even though it really does fall short from a certain point of view.
Sent from my C6833 using xda app-developers app
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Hi, thanks for the reply. from the benchmark tests I have seen so far that 3Gb of RAM does add to the performance. The extra RAM is also needed, so I am told, to ensure the new Pen system works at optimum level? I am writing in the dark here as I have not yet received the Note 3.
ALL of what I write is second hand information taken from the web etc.
With regard to the camera. Can you explain why on earth Sony did not use a flash?
I changed from Samsung to Sony because of the screen and to be honest I like the screen on My Sony Xperia Z. I had the Samsung galaxy S3 and the screen on that distorted the colours. I do agree with several reports that the Z screen does look at tad washed out so we have the two extremes. Sony has soon rectified that with the introduction of the Z1.
I don't want to keep listing the advantages of the Note 3 over the Ultra as I truly love the Ultra. Did you know the Note 3 is the first mobile phone to make use of USB 3? Its incredible what Samsung have placed in the note 3.
Size. I have said it before and will say it again, this is choice. You say the note 3 screen is too small and I say the Ultra screen is too large. Thank heavens we have the choice.
I am now going to give you a real laugh. Way back in 2011 I was one of the first people in this country to own the Note 1. I sold it very quickly as it was just too big to be travel friendly. Here I am now 3 years later with the Note 3 on order? I have now come to accept large screen mobiles and no doubt in a few years there may be many mobiles the size of the Ultra? At 5.7" I don't think we can refer to the Note 3 as a small screen?
Lets see how sales go on both devices.
Oh, another point that's a shame is the value of my Sony Z just after 6 months of ownership. I cant give it away. Samsung appear to do better in the used market despite them being so common. I think a Sony body with Samsung technology would be a winner. We could call it a Sonsung!:laugh:
I hope I don't regret purchasing the Note 3. On paper it even makes your morning coffee. If only Samsung could be banned from using plastics! That 'plastic leather' back is hideous and will have to go!
Thanks for the reply,
Kind regards.
Hi all.
When this device was launched it was my dream device, but that's more than a year ago. I've been running with the XZU for some time, and am seriously considering making the jump to the Z3TC. As far as I can tell, there's no stronger actor in the same segment in today's market when I consider manufacturer, software, guarantees etc - even the dev scene has some small manner of activity.
After seeing that there was no Z5 Ultra at IFA, I think I need to get this device - but I'd like to hear from users and others if there's any reason not to get it at this point (q3 2015)?
I'll be using this as my main driver, meaning also as a phone. I know the latest Huawei MediaPad can do some of what this tab can, and I'm hearing the nes Sammy tab can make phones too. But Sony's waterproofing and form factor has got me hooked, what say you xda?
Most used tablet I have ever owned. LTE did it for me. No more hunting Wifi.
And I agree about the form factor. Battery life rocks too.
I've been a phablet user since the Note. I moved to the Nexus 6 earlier this year and in August traded it for the Z3TC.
My main use is reading and watching videos. I don't take a lot of pictures or make/receive phone calls. With the N6 and other smartphones there was still too much scrolling around webpages. So it was the right time to make the jump to a small and light tablet which could be carried around all day without worrying about battery life.
I tried the Tab S 8.4 earlier in the year (before the lollipop release) and returned it. The Chrome browser was too laggy, I didn't try or want to use another browser. I was a bit worried about the performance coming from a Nexus 6 but so far have been amazed at how smooth everything is. I'll be holding on to mine for a long time.
I had a Z3 last year and I missed the magnetic charging connector, now I have it back on the tablet. I can use it in a dock beside the bed and at work and with magnetic adapters in the car.
The display isn't as good as the Tab S amoled display, noticeable when watching videos in a dark room. But it feels a lot better in the hand and I prefer the on screen buttons and placement of the speakers.
I just bought mine a week ago. after 8 years of iPhone!!
It's a great size and really good looking!
If you plan to put a custom rom on it you should be careful! My camera does not focus with CM12.1/crDroid.
the sony software sucks but what can you do?.. hehe
It's still a great device and it is my only device now. It's not a real phone though but it works. Headset is recommended
Thanks for the answers, folks!
I dived in and bought myself one too. Have to upgrade my dataplan as soon as it arrives. I couldn't wait until march for the Z5 Ultra which is somewhere down the pipeline. A bit nervous about the rooting process but overall super excited.
I'm thinking about taking the plunge on this too. My second gen Nexus 7 is really starting to show it's age, but I love the seven inch form factor. What I don't understand is all the different variants of this device. I live in Asia, and probably won't get the 4G model, but do want root. My big question is I would like a travel case like my Nexae had...silicone with overleaf cover. It is my sofa device, so only leaves home when I travel. I hate those sloppy covers like everyone has on their iPads with a few cheap elastics in the corners...ugly, heavy, and just bad design. Does anyone do anything like this that for thiis for this device?
https://www.asus.com/Tablet-Accessory/Nexus_7_Travel_Cover
Hey guys, friendly, neighborhood, T-Mo Sony (Z3) enthusiast here. Congrats on the Lollipop!
So, the wife and I have been going back and forth over her wanting to leave for Verizon (because, she suffers from unreliable reliability?). Between my bias for Sony and T-mo's features (I listen to music all day at work w/o data restrictions), I'm reluctant to leave. (Note: the back has started to peel off so I'm on borrowed time with this Z anyway)
If I WERE to leave, I can't tell if Sony/Verizon relations have deteriorated after the Z4v debacle where they won't get the X, or if I should look at the Nexus 6P, the new LG, or the :shivers: S7 Edge (I've been avoiding Samsung, but that VR tho). I'm afraid of both, getting stuck with Verizon and without a new Sony phone for a while (or forever?).
A few days back, I'd told the Mrs. I could cheaply get a Z3v online but then read the complaints on these forums and backed up/out. You wouldn't believe the eye-roll I got when I said I might look at the Z again after the update, lol. So what do y'all say? Is it worth staying in the Sony ecosystem (I rarely use but enjoy the PS4 connectivity), should I look at other Verizon phones, or just stick with T-Mo and get the X later?
Thanks for reading.
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk
It really depends on what you're looking for. The Galaxy S7 is hailing great remarks because it's now very refined in its premium body, expandable storage and waterproofing returns. For the average consumer nowadays, they just want the latest and greatest tech.
It's impossible to really tell if Sony isn't going to release anymore phones Verizon. The chances are highly slim, but who knows what they have in store about the new X series. So you may grab this phone for cheap on eBay, but you're only going to get as far as you can in playing around and customizing to an extent until it gets a bootloader unlock. I don't know if you're interested in that, but that's it now for a phone that Verizon isn't going to do much more for it.
Be aware that the USB door has problems with seal tearing, and camera in camera/video mode will overheat in hotter ambient temperatures (sometimes for no reason) and shut down, other than that nice phone.
Like the rest, don't see the Z3v getting anything past Lollipop unless it gets an unlocked bootloader, although some articles say it will see Marshmallow.
Flaps aren't a issue with the z3v because you can just wirelessly charge. Limiting wear on them. And yes I think add of right now this phone will easily hold me over another year. I'll see about the X when it comes out.
Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk
I'm getting close to just pulling the trigger on the Z3v. I figure, its cheap enough that if something miraculous happens between Sony and Verizon, OR if Sony's next phones DON'T accommodate CDMA, it won't feel like such a financial hit if I move on, in either direction.
Now, I just have to find a good, clean, reliable version of this device. ...And possibly some way to cover that obnoxious "Verizon" logo up top.
TracerBullitt said:
I'm getting close to just pulling the trigger on the Z3v. I figure, its cheap enough that if something miraculous happens between Sony and Verizon, OR if Sony's next phones DON'T accommodate CDMA, it won't feel like such a financial hit if I move on, in either direction.
Now, I just have to find a good, clean, reliable version of this device. ...And possibly some way to cover that obnoxious "Verizon" logo up top.
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It's a great phone, nonetheless. For how undervalued this phone is priced at, it's a great buy for a compatible phone the largest network in the US and it's a flagship spec phone from 2014, not some midrange phone.
GigaSPX said:
It's a great phone, nonetheless. For how undervalued this phone is priced at, it's a great buy for a compatible phone the largest network in the US and it's a flagship spec phone from 2014, not some midrange phone.
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Yea, that's the message I'm getting here in the forums. My wife is dumbfounded at my love of Sony. But she'll be pleased when my Z3v comes in the mail, later today(!)...
The sacrifices I make, amirite?
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk
I have a cheap wireless charger ($10) from Amazon, so I never open the flap for charging. OBVIOUSLY, opening and closing the rubber flap every day is going to wear it out. Because it's . . .
-rubber.
I have a high end (as fast as Sandisk currently makes) 200GB micro SD in both of my z3vs. I have the rooted lollipop release from this site (with brighter led thanks to GigaSPX), which gives me a great variety of customization options (Xposed framework), VIPER4Android FX for INCREDIBLE sound customization, enabled the internal FM radio, updated camera (which I don't recommend yet until it's refined better), etc...
But no matter what, people seem to always want more. I liken that mentality to people camping out in cities at Apple stores awaiting the iPhone 5c. What a let-down THAT was. LOL!
This phone is an incredible device on it's own merit, in both capabilities and craftsmanship. Add just a few tweaks via root, and it serves as the penultimate "best bang for the buck" phone out there.
I got my first one on contract (line renewal) for just $99. It sat there, unloved, unattended, while people were surrounding the iPhone 6s like it was the second coming of Christ or something. I went home and did my research, and I went back the very next day and got it. I bought a second one off Amazon recently for over $300 (NIB) because to me, an average cost of $200 is still a bargain for the z3v (rooted w/ Lollipop, that is). Add 200GB to each one for an additional 100 bucks each, and still, for an average cost of $300, this phone is amazing.
Is the z3v still worth getting? IMO, Yes. Look at the hardware specs plus the camera. If you can pick one up for $250-300, add 200GB to it for $100 (Amazon), root it and upgrade to Lollipop, and pledge a few bucks to encourage complete unlock for custom ROM development, it's still a fantastic deal.
HIGHLY recommend a wireless charger to keep the flaps water tight.
A big downer is the lack of case choices out there. No argument there.
Yeah, I got one (refurbished) coming sometime today, along with the Incipio case, Sony's wireless portable charging pad, and an Illumisheild. I already have a 64gb micro SD, but maybe I'll look into a larger one. Its been a while since I've done any rooting or whatever on my own, so I might wait a bit. Seems like more than enough to hold me over 'til the next best thing from Sony drops. Its honestly a lateral move from my T-Mo Z3. I'm gaining wireless charging and I'll have yet to see if the T-mo treats (unlimited data, free music streaming, wifi router) will be missed.