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Introduction:
The Galaxy S II came out last year in October on AT&T and was quickly followed by its successor: the Galaxy S II Skyrocket. Running for $99 new and $9.99 refurbished, should you get this or hold off until a newer phone with better specs comes out? Read this review to find out!
Hardware:
The Galaxy S II is composed of hard plastic, but despite that it still feels surprisingly sturdy. The power button is on the right and the volume rocker is on the left. There is a microUSB charging port on the bottom and a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack on the top in the center. Take off the battery cover and you’ll see a 1650 milliamp hour battery that doesn’t excel yet doesn’t fail either. On the front there is a 4.3 inch touchscreen display with four capacitive buttons on the bottom of the screen, still leaving enough space to let you type without hitting home or back by accident. Also on the front there is a two megapixel camera for video chatting. On the back there’s an 8 megapixel camera with flash and the words “Galaxy S II” engraved below that. The GSII has a 1.2 ghz Exynos processor and 1 gigabyte of RAM. The screen uses Super Amoled Plus technology.
Software:
The Galaxy S II ships with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but will be upgradable to ICS at an unknown time… both have/will have the Touchwiz overlay and apps.
Speed and Smoothness:
The GSII might be one of the speediest phones I’ve had the pleasure to lay my hands on. Going from homescreen to homescreen is very smooth with little or no lag. Resource hungry games and apps run like a charm on it and multitasking is a breeze… I have absolutely no qualms with this part of it.
Battery Life:
With every phone there is a problem, and that problem for me would be battery life. Although it’s not the worst I’ve seen (my LG Optimus Slider does much worse), it’s not the best either. Even despite that I can get through a solid day on the stock ROM.
The Two Cameras:
Both cameras are spectacular in their own ways… the front facing camera is two megapixels (much better spec wise than the front facing camera of other phones) and the rear camera takes gorgeous pics. It certainly won’t replace your point and shoot camera, but it’s fine for a Facebook profile pic or a quick snap.
In Conclusion:
I love my Galaxy S II. Although I would recommend waiting for the HTC One X, the Galaxy S II is a great phone for if you’re on a $100 or less budget (on contract of course). I am very pleased with it and I honestly think that my two years with it will be worthwhile.
Good essay, estabien.
Me? I'm no writer so I would just do the introduction as "I bought the SGS2 in Jan" and jump right to the conclusion "I love it".
I let others fill in the body.
Thanks for the review but you are a little late on that lol. Just about everyone here already knows this information. For those who dont and need information to help on their decision, reviews from last year are all over the internet. E for effort
Sent from my Galaxy SII using Tapatalk
I know haha.
Perhaps I should ask for this to be locked/deleted lol.
I am pretty sure the sgs2 i777 was released October 2, 2011 and I ordered mine on October 6, 2011..
HTH,
Charlie
ty for correcting me.
i forgot lol.
Yes, the gs2 was released on Sunday, October 2nd 2011. I picked mine up that morning at 9:45 am at best buy. What a joyous day that was.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
I wouldn't call the Skyrocket it's "successor".. Maybe "hunk of dog crap with an inferior processor and an LTE radio stuffed in it", but definitely not "successor"
Thanks for the review, I am in need of a somewhat cheap replacement phone, and this seems to fit the bill
Yep, I love everything about this, and the only thing that slightly bothers me is the battery life. It lasts more than the whole day when I'm using it as a phone (you know, going to classes, checking for messages, scrolling reddit once in a while). But the battery drains pretty quickly when I start playing games or netflix and ****. I really love this though.
Used is only 10$??? Damn. I paid 150 for new late october.
Skv012a said:
Used is only 10$??? Damn. I paid 150 for new late october.
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Yeah.
When I bought it a few weeks ago (upgrading my contract) it was $99 new and $10 refurbished.
Bought a new one a Sam's Club for 48.88 yesterday. I've been waiting for upgrade time since this thing hit the stores. Very Pleased! I did try to upgrade through ATT's website and get the refurb for $10. I received it and it wouldn't power on. Called CS and the overnighted another and it also was the same, it wouldn't power on. No battery graphic when off and plugged in. They were both doorstops. CS returned my upgrade eligibility and I went to Sam's. I had it rooted and flashed within an hour. I gave my Cappy to my 10 yr old son to use for games etc.
Very happy so far.
I know this is a Xperia Z Ultra forum, but with the Nexus 6 being around the corner, and heavily rumored to being a 5.9in phone I was wondering if anyone was going to make the switch? Since there isn't an announced true successor to the Ultra I find myself compelled to head back to the Nexus experience. I am a little bummed the phone isn't bigger, but I think I can do without half an inch of screen. What are everyone's thoughts on the Nexus 6?
Couldn't and WOULDN'T!
I was actually tempted to THINK about the possibility of making such a (IMHO) foolish thing too! But then I realized I could never give up my 6.44" screen! Sure it's going to be a killer device...faster, qHD, more memory, stock Android, the works. But I then realized this is all I'll ever need in a device anyway and it's as close to vanilla Android right out of the box.
So I actually ordered another XZU (not the GPe) from Expansys! They dropped the price again to a new record low of $314.99. I live in Indiana so I get it the next day for the fee of standard shipping and pay no tax. This puppy is STILL A BEAST and at $314.99 it'd be crazy to throw money at another device that'll be most likely obsolete in 2 to 3 weeks anyway. At the current rate manufacturers are releasing devices how can any device remain current more than a month???
When, if ever, they were to announce a true successor to this beast that's when I'd seriously think about upgrading. For right now...for the time being...this is still a perfect solution. People are snapping these up as fast as they get them in stock.
The kicker for me is my wife wants the older one! When the one I ordered gets here Wednesday afternoon I'll be rooting that bad boy by Wednesday night. I bought a lot of the Sony accessories anyway, so I'd most likely go with the closest thing to an XZU update as possible if and when that ever happens in the future.
Of course that's just my .02¢.
http://www.expansys-usa.com/sony-xperia-z-ultra-c6833-unlocked-lte-16gb-black-251963/
TheFamilyMan said:
I was actually tempted to THINK about the possibility of making such a (IMHO) foolish thing too! But then I realized I could never give up my 6.44" screen! Sure it's going to be a killer device...faster, qHD, more memory, stock Android, the works. But I then realized this is all I'll ever need in a device anyway and it's as close to vanilla Android right out of the box.
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well said........
I'm afraid that I'm in the opposite camp.
While I love my Ultra when I'm using it, the sheer size means that it's a pain when I'm carrying it around (whether it's in trousers or coat pocket). Even finding somewhere in my cars to put it is a challenge.
So I've just agreed to buy a Nexus 6 - picking it up this evening. I'll hold on to the Ultra until I'm sure that the N6 meets my needs, but I think that I'm willing to give up that small amount of screen real estate for the convenience of having a smaller phone to carry around.
I hate Apple products with a vengeance, and would never own one, but I will admit that they often get it right on ergonomics, and the iPhone 6 Plus (which is about the same size as the Nexus 6) seems to hit the sweet spot as far as the size/screen convenience/functionality balance goes.
Plus the Nexus has better speakers than the Ultra (I make most of my calls on speakerphone and the Ultra is pretty poor in this respect) and supports Qi charging, which is nice.
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.
I'm looking to move on from the Z3v in the near future. I'm curious what phones others have moved on to. I'm looking at the Moto G4 Plus possibly with 4GB RAM and 64 GB on board.
I'm trying to keep my budget to <$300. Any ideas?
tbtregenza said:
I'm looking to move on from the Z3v in the near future. I'm curious what phones others have moved on to. I'm looking at the Moto G4 Plus possibly with 4GB RAM and 64 GB on board.
I'm trying to keep my budget to <$300. Any ideas?
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I moved onto the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, but that was because of a BOGO deal last year.
Are you locked down to Verizon or do you have another carrier? If I were you being on Verizon, I'd take advantage of this offer today: https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/moto-z-play-droid/
The Moto Z is a truly modular phone that LG failed for its G5 to become. This is the Play version, but I'd rather much prefer the Force version as it has a bigger battery, better camera, and shatterproof screen tech. Either version comes with 32GBs, which isn't a problem to deal with when you can have expandable memory. It's not waterproof like the Z3v, but it's still splash resistant so I think streaming it in the sink won't do any harm if you want a quick clean. lol
GigaSPX said:
I moved onto the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, but that was because of a BOGO deal last year.
Are you locked down to Verizon or do you have another carrier? If I were you being on Verizon, I'd take advantage of this offer today: https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/moto-z-play-droid/
The Moto Z is a truly modular phone that LG failed for its G5 to become. This is the Play version, but I'd rather much prefer the Force version as it has a bigger battery, better camera, and shatterproof screen tech. Either version comes with 32GBs, which isn't a problem to deal with when you can have expandable memory. It's not waterproof like the Z3v, but it's still splash resistant so I think streaming it in the sink won't do any harm if you want a quick clean. lol
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Appreciate the response. I have an S7 for work which I really like, and I'm tracking the Edge on Swappa. I do like this phone. Unfortunately, I am locked to VZ, and that Moto Z Play Droid offer, which I was on the verge of ordering yesterday, is for new lines only...so regular price is $17/mo ($408 total) and that is just too rich for what I consider a "compromise" phone. I can get a mint condition S7 on Swappa for $330 or so, which is clearly superior.
tbtregenza said:
Appreciate the response. I have an S7 for work which I really like, and I'm tracking the Edge on Swappa. I do like this phone. Unfortunately, I am locked to VZ, and that Moto Z Play Droid offer, which I was on the verge of ordering yesterday, is for new lines only...so regular price is $17/mo ($408 total) and that is just too rich for what I consider a "compromise" phone. I can get a mint condition S7 on Swappa for $330 or so, which is clearly superior.
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Oh, it's always those fine print words that gets you. I forgot to even think that you have to get a new line to take advantage of the discounted price. If I read and knew about it, I wouldn't have recommended it to you.
For a mint condition S7, that's pretty good for $330. The flat version allows you better accessorizing like tempered glass and more variety of cases. Definitely make a go for it.
I tried out the LG G6 for a week. Then, I got on Ebay and I ordered a new, in box Z3v. Why? Because this phone cannot be beat. I'd move to AT&T and get a newer Xperia if it wasn't such a hassle or cost so much. After my screen kept registering a touch (after 3 years of working fine) I had to replace my original Z3v. I could keep the LG G6. It just wasn't $600 worth of improvement. In fact, the lack of the front facing stereo speakers was so annoying that that's what did it in for me. Maybe it was faster (I couldn't notice). Maybe it was on a newer Android version (There were a few neat improvements there.) Maybe it had a better camera (Again, after using Xposed to set my default auto to 20MP - I couldn't notice it.) Maybe it has better resolution (It must just be me but I couldn't see any improvement from full 1080 on the Z3v versus the LG G6. Maybe my eyes just can't see pixels any smaller than 1080).
So - to make a long story short- I walk into to Verizon to turn in my LG G6 before I couldn't and they were like "why?" And I was like because it's worse than what I replaced. I got what I had had on Ebay for $120 and I'm perfectly happy with it. They were like "What was it?" And I said a Sony Z3v and they were like "Yeah, you Sony people love your phones, don't you."
Yes, yes we do.
The front facing stereo speakers, flawless performance and still excellent battery life are hard to walk away from. Keeping it until another phone with stereo front facing speakers is available. Too bad people gave this phone such a bad rap an Verizon didn't support it. It was/is the perhaps the best phone Verizon possibly ever carried.
Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk
pchain said:
The front facing stereo speakers, flawless performance and still excellent battery life are hard to walk away from. Keeping it until another phone with stereo front facing speakers is available. Too bad people gave this phone such a bad rap an Verizon didn't support it. It was/is the perhaps the best phone Verizon possibly ever carried.
Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk
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I'm a bit surprised you haven't moved on yet. Battery life still holding up as great as what you had before?
GigaSPX said:
I'm a bit surprised you haven't moved on yet. Battery life still holding up as great as what you had before?
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Actually I'm surprised I haven't moved on yet too! The battery life is still good... I'm still getting about 5 hours screen on time. My phone is no longer waterproof however as a couple of the flap/covers are missing...lol. My options are a little limited on Verizon for a replacement... don't like Samsung curved edge devices and Moto mods are not my thing. G6 looks OK but my Z3v still works perfectly fine so I'm not sure I want to give up yet. Hoping the Pixel 2 or Note 8 will trip my trigger. What do you have now?
Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk
pchain said:
Actually I'm surprised I haven't moved on yet too! The battery life is still good... I'm still getting about 5 hours screen on time. My phone is no longer waterproof however as a couple of the flap/covers are missing...lol. My options are a little limited on Verizon for a replacement... don't like Samsung curved edge devices and Moto mods are not my thing. G6 looks OK but my Z3v still works perfectly fine so I'm not sure I want to give up yet. Hoping the Pixel 2 or Note 8 will trip my trigger. What do you have now?
Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk
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I have the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. The S8/S8+ curves are perfection because the S7 Edge's are way too curvey, but I guess I'll wait to upgrade later.
That's pretty great you still have 5 hours of SOT. I'm not getting anywhere near that unless I just watch movies on my S7 Edge because of how poorly optimized Samsung is with their software. I only find it problematic that the Z3v can't go into Marshmallow because the 801 chips are supposed to be able to do it. Doze mode is really helpful with that.
The Note 8 is a definite must with all its bells and whistles. The Pixel 2 is something I would have to see when they announce it because the Pixel 1's design language looks bland. The G6 seems like the reasonable upgrade from the Z3v, but the UI is different for my taste and you have to be weary of LG's bootloop issue.
I've moved on to the Note 8.
I have the S8+, but the edges and corners are too rounded. The extras, like the dual camera, more RAM and the Spen are great. I definitely love the form factor of the Note 8 over the S8+.
I am NOT a fan of the beveled edges! And the lack of stereo speakers is tough to take on such expensive models that are otherwise so feature rich.
Meanwhile, I am buying new batteries, adhesive gaskets and glass backs for both Z3Vs, which are in brand-new shape.
AddictedToGlass said:
I've moved on to the Note 8.
I have the S8+, but the edges and corners are too rounded. The extras, like the dual camera, more RAM and the Spen are great. I definitely love the form factor of the Note 8 over the S8+.
I am NOT a fan of the beveled edges! And the lack of stereo speakers is tough to take on such expensive models that are otherwise so feature rich.
Meanwhile, I am buying new batteries, adhesive gaskets and glass backs for both Z3Vs, which are in brand-new shape.
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Aha, I've moved onto the Note 8. Once on the Note, I don't think I could ever go back to another smartphone. The S Pen is a jewel and the form factor is definitely a step up above the S7 Edge I had before and the S8/S8+. Albeit it is quite a tall phone though.
My Z3V is just sitting on my desk, reverted to factory image and all. Why buy new parts in repairing it though?
The batteries have crapped out. To replace them is a nightmare that involves removing the glass back with a heat gun. On videos I've seen, the adhesive gasket is unsalvageable. And since the back is glass, I figure there is a good chance of breaking it.
The parts are cheap, and both of my Z3Vs are in perfect shape with their boxes.
I'm fondly recalling my z3v while I enjoy writing this post with the S pen on my Noto 8. Ressurection of the Z3V is really all about the stereo speakers!