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Hello
I have been interested in an Ultra Z since the first day it's launched but never ended up having one due to a main reason. With a huge screen on the device it is every graphic designer's dream to be able to draw naturally like paper and pencil. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as the Galaxy Note series.
Now that I have gotten myself a Galaxy Note Pro, my quest in searching for a device that allows natural handwriting and drawing is over. Yet the Ultra Z remains a attractive device and the price has dropped significantly. I think the lack of purchase has causes the price drop faster than many other flagship phones from last year. Nevertheless with just AUD350 the phone has become even more attractive.
I am just wondering if you Ultra Z users think if it is a sane decision to buy a phone that is a year old now? Are there now better alternatives out there with a similar screen size? Also has Sony mentioned if the phone is reaching its end of life soon (including Google Play Edition)?
Sent from my SM-P905 using Tapatalk
I'm thinking the same as yourself, as it is becoming more affordable here in the US as well.
Seen it as inexpensive as $250, either new or gently used.
Only negative is no LED for flash, which means no light for emergency use.
I'm looking for an inexpensive LTE mobile phone, this MIGHT BE IT.
Another negative; no removable battery.
Sent from my C2104 using XDA Free mobile app
If you have no real use for a camera, then yes this phone is still a beast.
frothe3 said:
which means no light for emergency use.
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”screen flashlight ” in the Google play store works pretty well on our Z ultra.
I've had mine for about a year now, and it's still a very powerful device. You won't have any issues with running apps and games. Keep in mind that we also have the Google Play Edition of the Ultra, and it will receive Android L fairly quickly after release, and we'll be able to port it to our model.
Screen is still very good, battery life is (still) good, camera is not great, and performance is top notch. It was worth it to me when I paid $1000 for it a year ago, and it's definitely worth it now.
Check out the reviews and stuff on YouTube or something if you're still not sure.
I was afraid at first i thought it will be too big. But now i can imagine myself having smaller Screen even samsung Note seems small now, Too small.
As it has been said, if don't care for the Camera much Z Ultra is the Best.
raundown said:
Hello
I have been interested in an Ultra Z since the first day it's launched but never ended up having one due to a main reason. With a huge screen on the device it is every graphic designer's dream to be able to draw naturally like paper and pencil. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as Galaxy Note series.
Now that I have gotten myself a Galaxy Note Pro, my quest in searching for a device that allows natural handwriting and drawing is now over. Yet the Ultra Z remains a attractive device and the price has dropped significantly. I think the lack of purchase has causes it to price drop faster than many other flagship phones from last year. Nevertheless with AUD350 the phone has just become even more attractive.
I am just wondering if you Ultra Z users think if it is a sane decision to buy a phone that is a year old now? Are there now better alternatives out there with a similar screen size? Also has Sony mentioned if the phone is reaching its end of life soon (including Google Play Edition)?
Sent from my SM-P905 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Depends on how you look at it. If performance is the metric, you won't be disappointed. if you use camera extensively, well look elsewhere. and the last one, the battery life. It's quite good but if you compare with devices nowadays, there are better alternative. I'd say wait for the Z3X (if ever) in about a month. If it doesn't come up, then i can imagine the Z Ultra will be cheaper along the way.
Thank you all for your inputs!
I personally do not use mobile cameras for artistic purposes. I already have a Dslr so the camera is only for note-taking or public transport schedule. I think I just want a phone that is slightly faster than my HTC M7. It's true that there are better performers out there since this is a year old phone but any faster CPU than a Z Ultra has little to do with my uses.
Also there isn't a mobile phone at the moment that is as massive as this. I love the idea that I could read books with it in my bed. The Galaxy Note Pro is too heavy to hold in the hand for a long period of time.
The only bummer is the speaker. I have been spoiled by the M7's speakers for a year plus, very little devices top its superb sound quality. It will be the only downgrade for me should I go for this phone.
H. E. Pennypacker said:
Keep in mind that we also have the Google Play Edition of the Ultra, and it will receive Android L fairly quickly after release, and we'll be able to port it to our model.
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I'm not so sure that the GPe version will receive Android L before the Xperia version would.
Visa Declined said:
I'm not so sure that the GPe version will receive Android L before the Xperia version would.
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Is this legit? How long does a flagship Xperia unit has before it reaches EOL?
18 months supposedly. The Z Ultra should receive L, but the Z3 and Z2 should get it first. I would guess at least a few months or more after L is released.
Visa Declined said:
I'm not so sure that the GPe version will receive Android L before the Xperia version would.
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I am pretty sure that the GPe will get L quickly since one of the key reasons for the program is almost Nexus updates. Google will push the L to Sony soon after official release.
All GPe devices should have L shortly after the Nexus series and I haven't seen any indication to the contrary.
It is also important to remember that Ultra GPe is vanilla Android with just the EQ added (Sony ClearAudio) and otherwise identical to a Nexus.
raundown said:
Is this legit? How long does a flagship Xperia unit has before it reaches EOL?
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E90 Commie said:
I am pretty sure that the GPe will get L quickly since one of the key reasons for the program is almost Nexus updates. Google will push the L to Sony soon after official release.
All GPe devices should have L shortly after the Nexus series and I haven't seen any indication to the contrary.
It is also important to remember that Ultra GPe is vanilla Android with just the EQ added (Sony ClearAudio) and otherwise identical to a Nexus.
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Since the Ultra's release, Sony has already pushed out a few prompt updates for it. I personally do not think this device is any type of priority for them. We will be damn lucky to get another update imo, and after we do, I wouldnt expect any more.
If it was Google handling the updates, things might be different, but this is a two generation old Sony device, not a Nexus. It is very close to EOL.
Visa Declined said:
Since the Ultra's release, Sony has already pushed out a few prompt updates for it. I personally do not think this device is any type of priority for them. We will be damn lucky to get another update imo, and after we do, I wouldnt expect any more.
If it was Google handling the updates, things might be different, but this is a two generation old Sony device, not a Nexus. It is very close to EOL.
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That'd suck if it's not getting L. HTC has confirmed even the M7 which was released before Ultra will get L
However Ultra hasn't been selling as well as they'd like they have probably even given up on releasing a successor.
raundown said:
That'd suck if it's not getting L. HTC has confirmed even the M7 which was released before Ultra will get L
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Im sure it will get L, but I personally don't think we should expect more.
Recently, got a Z Ultra (from a Mega 6.3). Don't regret it for the most part. Screen isn't the brightest in direct sunlight (not that the mega was that much better), Camera quality isn't as good as my mega imo, sound is lower (that my mega) I'm assuming because of the waterproofing, and kinda a fingerprint magnet. Other than that no complaints.
raundown said:
Is this legit? How long does a flagship Xperia unit has before it reaches EOL?
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Click to collapse
Normally 18 months?. I would think the GPe will get L before the Sony ZU. it was months before we got 4.4, although we did get 4.4.4 very fast
Just bought a second hand for AU$300. This shady guy sold me one with overheat issue. The phone isn't even very hot but it just freezes on me and stuck in boot loop.
BOOT LOOPS, My Favorite Breakfast Cereal!
The reason may well be because of the fact the BEAST is having one of America's favorite breakfast cereals...Boot Loops! After several minutes of this heat is generated in the upper left corner around the camera area. Liken it to running around a track numerous times - it takes a toll on it/you physically.
I've read it on one of the threads several times over the months just after the XZU became available as a GPe. Many new users were trying to root, flash ROM's, and fix the partitions since they're different on the GPe's and their devices suffered the boot loops too.
Download Flashtool, run a TA Backup and then flash a stock .ftf if that's what your looking to do. Providing this device is not HOT. Why would one sell a BEAST of a device with a bad case of the boot loops to begin with? Better yet why on earth would you buy one in that condition? All kinds of flags would've/should've been raised - didn't you even question how it got that way or why it was in that state to begin with?
They have these bad boys are selling for $314.99 at http://www.expansys-usa.com/sony-xperia-z-ultra-c6833-unlocked-lte-16gb-black-251963/ in the United States. Expansys sells internationally direct from the comfort of your own safe and legal hideout. THAT would've been a more prudent thing to do AND you would've gotten a warranty on top of it!
Just sayin'
I have a Motorola Moto X Pure and standard storage is starting to become a common issue for me, have to keep removing cache from Facebook, Google Play Music, Chrome in order to update apps at times. So I am getting ready to buy a new phone.
My last phones have been:
Moto X Style (Pure) 3rd Gen
Moto X Pure 2nd Gen
LG G4
Moto X 1st Gen
My Moto X lasts me all day at work without any issues and the Moto X series of phones has been the phone that stopped me from running custom roms. Literally only run Root and XPosed now for a few things.
I have been eyeing the new LG V20 and even comparing it to the G5 since the G5 has dropped in price and been out for a bit.
As far as the Pixel phones go I may get one, the issue is that google is not doing much to support SD cards anymore, and the Moto Z series is very nice and could still be a contender.
FYI I am on T-Mobile
You are asking this question on the G5 forum, the majority of persons will encourage you to get a G5 , and I'm one of them .
PS: The V20 is like a G5 with a better audio quality and a bigger screen .
If you're picky, it's not the right phone. The bottom chin creeks when you bend it up or down as it does wobble a little. The screen has issues, such as light bleed.
Aside from this, it's super fast and camera is great.
Considering buying one of these. They're fairly cheap second hand in perfect condition. And hardware seems decent enough. Right now i have a z3c which i've like a lot. But i thought i'd try just a slightly bigger phone. 4.8" would be perfect, but that's not really an option. But i'm concerned about development, if this phone is going to have a decent user base for development.
I do see that there's already a kernel available so you can root and all that without loosing drm features. So that's cool.
Same question here - how are you owners feeling after having it for a year? Would you keep it or go with something like a Nexus 5X or similar?
I have two months with my Xperia X already, and no regrets. Phone is performing really good, I only wish the fingerprint scanner was more accurate or in a different position, but besides that I'm really happy with the phone. Also, we're getting Android Nougat in november, that's gonna be a big improvement to what's good already.
Google Pixel phone is a total disappointment for me in terms of price, and I don't see other cool yet cheap options, so I won't switch to another phone this year. Also, Xperia XZ is not precisely my taste, so I think I'll stick with my X until Sony releases new models, like april or may of 2017 or second generation, probably in september.
I only wish cyanogenmod could be developed for the Xperia X. The stock ROM is great but I also like Cyanogenmod ROMs a lot.
Feanux said:
Same question here - how are you owners feeling after having it for a year? Would you keep it or go with something like a Nexus 5X or similar?
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This phone has just been out for 5 months ._.
This phone does not deliver top-notch raw performance, but what it brings is a very enjoyable experience. Regular apps load in a flash (even more responsive than a Death Note 7), animations are fast and smooth at the same time. Thumbs up to Sony for having made such a fast MM rom.
Generally i will not change phones in less than 3 years. However if there is something that forces me to change my phone, i will still go for an XZ or something similar.
I will review this phone like the way i reviewed Shadow Warrior 2: "It's a good one, but buy it on a sale".
I was waiting for new 5" Nexus, but it's way overpriced, like X performance and XZ. I don't care about waterproofing, as any phone looses it sooner or later anyway. I'm glad that Sony put back the usb hole to normal place and it's still usb micro - no need to change all my cables. Battery is good and everything works well. Also waiting for Cyanogenmod, as even X have less bloatware, than Xperia series had before, it's still too much for me. The fingerprint location is perfect, I can't imagine how I should use the phone otherwise (a lot phones have power button in one and fingerprint in a second place).
I'll add to what others have said above.
Have had the phone for two months and love it as well. I tend to use my phones mostly for social media (fb, snapchat, instagram, etc.), productivity (google drive, google keep, etc.) and music (podcasts and deezer/spotify). The battery lasts me one and a half day on regular use, which is great. It's fast responsive and the interface is the closest I can get to vanilla android. I think that it really delivers for the price.
Other than that: the phone has a really nice look (I really like the glass face), the speakers are nice, and the camera performs well (although I'm disappointed it doesn't shoot RAW).
What I'm hoping for is that the dev community for it gets bigger or that CM releases a rom for it (was running CM on my previous phone - a GS3). But at least we're getting Nougat very soon, so I'm hopeful.
can anyone see any light through their finger print sensor cuz i see a little white glance of display light through the lock key
Used to be the Z3c user.
If you're pleased with Z3c, you will be happy using X. The X will delivers:
-Much faster performance
-Much faster and better camera
-Better build quality (I prefer metal back than glass black)
-Better design - thinner and not too many holes, flaps, and ports on the body
-Slightly worse battery life (It's really hard to match the Z3c in longevity)
El Brillantinas said:
I have two months with my Xperia X already, and no regrets. Phone is performing really good, I only wish the fingerprint scanner was more accurate or in a different position, but besides that I'm really happy with the phone. Also, we're getting Android Nougat in november, that's gonna be a big improvement to what's good already.
Google Pixel phone is a total disappointment for me in terms of price, and I don't see other cool yet cheap options, so I won't switch to another phone this year. Also, Xperia XZ is not precisely my taste, so I think I'll stick with my X until Sony releases new models, like april or may of 2017 or second generation, probably in september.
I only wish cyanogenmod could be developed for the Xperia X. The stock ROM is great but I also like Cyanogenmod ROMs a lot.
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Can anyone tell me about the fingerprint sensor being used in the US? I'm about to purchase the Xperia X tonight and I simply don't know whether to buy the international model here in the US or by the US model and flash the phone to enable the fingerprint sensor. Any help would be so greatly appreciated. By the way how do you all like the X? I was about to but the X Performance but I watched YouTube videos between the two and speed tests and the X came out on top and had better battery life. Am I doing the right thing by buying the X over the X performance? Thanks again.
The X Performance has a better camera and a faster processor.
The hardware for the XX is the same, except for the single sim / dual sim models. If you want fingerprint unlock you must flash an unbranded rom for e.g. the UK or Germany with Flashtool.
M1chiel said:
The X Performance has a better camera and a faster processor.
The hardware for the XX is the same, except for the single sim / dual sim models. If you want fingerprint unlock you must flash an unbranded rom for e.g. the UK or Germany with Flashtool.
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Do you mind posting a link to where I can find that flsdhtool for the fingerprint sensor? So I definitely need to buy the US version and not the international version? Thanks for your help!
More about Flashtool here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920746
It includes a module called XperiFirm that allows you to flash many different firmwares.
Hi All,
I was using a S7 Edge from the time it was released. Sold if off after pre-booking Note 7.
Long story short, I am looking to buy a new phone.
Where I stand now: I am currently using a Moto X Style, however it lags a bit in games like Mortal Kombat X. Hence the urge to upgrade.
Options: 1. Moto Z + Hassleblad mod + JBL Speaker mod (Moto Z Force is not available in India)
2. Samsung S7 Edge
I am confused as to which phone to buy. The S7 Edge checks all the boxes except that it doesnt support dual sim and MicroSD at the same time and it has a measly 32GB inbuilt.
The Moto Z doesnt have the above issue.
My biggest question regarding the Moto Z is its camera and the Hassleblad mod. From whatever reviews I have read, the mod is a disaster when it comes to image quality (except when zoomed).
What I use the phone for: Mainly for gaming, GPS, Music, Camera, Surfing.
It would be great if you folks can help me decide.
I'd say go for the Z Force. Bigger battery, better camera. Shatter shield too which helps alot. Ive been using it for the past month and i havnt been disappointed in the performance of the phone. Im aware z force is not available where you are but it wasn't available for me either as im in London. Had it shipped over and I sure havn't regretted it.
I have Moto Z unlocked version in the US and I like it, but for me the low light camera on the S7 edge is better for me and takes and focus a lot quicker, takes pics much faster, the battery in the S7 edge is bigger, unless you get the Moto Mod for the Z, the S7 edge is 3600 and the standard is 2600 for the Z unless you use the moto mod to add to it. me personally I`m probably going back to the S7 edge in few days. I had the Note 7 in the blue coral color and loved it, and that blue coral just came out here in the USA, so I think I will be making trip Back to Best Buy to return my Z for the S7 Edge Blue coral.
I had all the Notes family and the S7E.
I wanted to give Moto a try, the unlock version.. love the Mods. As far as the support( XDA family) it's kinda of weak.
Don't go to the Moto forum, they are all sheep. The Moto Z is a good placement holder until Samsung or Others bring out their 2017 models, in 3 to 4 months.
Thanks for the response folks.
Is anyone using the Hassleblad mod? If yes, is it worth it?
I go on road trips very frequently and need a mobile with a good cam. This would just be a temporary phone till Sammy's next flagship comes out.
If I can get hold of the Coral Blue S7 Edge, I will it eyes closed. I just love the color.
shuvadeep said:
Hi All,
I was using a S7 Edge from the time it was released. Sold if off after pre-booking Note 7.
Long story short, I am looking to buy a new phone.
...
I am confused as to which phone to buy.
...
It would be great if you folks can help me decide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your question you ask if it's better for your needs to buy a Samsung S7 Edge or a Moto Z...
You have already received some answers and made your consideration too...
In my opinion they don't have a lot of sense... I'll try to explain (to you and to other interested...) why.
S7 & Moto Z are for sure two of the best phone in the whole market. I don't think there is a single task ("doable" with a smartphone...) that can't be done with them.
Moto Z have the plus of modularity which, beneath still a bit "embrional" an S7 will never have. But let this apart.
The core of the discussion is that S7 and Moto Z are the two (top...) opposite in their projectual philosophy.
Where Samsung decided to provide an "fitfully already to use phone" with a lot of UI extensions, apps, gadgets as so on, BUT (quite) hard to modify and with a lot of possible issues in this, Motorola made the opposite choice: a (really!) quite "Vanilla" Android with no apps added BUT very easy to modify and with an enormous level of possibilities on this, with a great compatibility granted by a quite stock OS. To explain how many a Moto Z is "basic" out of the box, it's shutdown menu include only the... "shutdown" option and a lot of custom ROM come with more apps installed than on Moto Z (it's provided with quite a minimal Gapps....).
So, this is the real point to evaluate in chosing: what type of user are you?
If you are the type of user not interested in rooting/Xposed modules and so on, stick with S7 that is able to provide a quite good experience "out of the box"... if, at the contrary, you are the type of user (like me...) that consider an Android with no root an unuseful piece of hardware, Moto Z is your choice: it's level of "easyness" in customizing it is one of the best ever seen on a stock product in years... a real "ready for geeks" product with infinite possibilities.
Between this two products, let me add a third contendant (a bit more oriented to Moto Z than S7 anyway...): OnePlus 3T is for sure an object to give it a look before decide what to buy...
Can someone please shed some light on the Hassleblad mod?
Is it really worth it?
My LG G4 is dying.
I need a Verizon based phone to work with the Verizon MVNO I contract air access from.
How does the MotoZ vzw version handle unlocked bootloader? Is it possible?
I'm real keen on custom rom usage, whats the best custom roms available for the moto Z?
Any cons I should be made aware of?
What type of sim card ? ie: nano....................
I am done with the Asian phone manufacturers, unfortunately I have had bad experience with HTC and now LG.
Paid flagship prices for crap, sorry to say. My most favored phone was a motorola flip phone, maybe I return to motorola.
ty
Motorola = Lenovo = Chinese [emoji6]
I've had the MotoZ after the LG G4. Only short time. Since one year on Galaxy S8 and happy. Maybe a LG V30 as alternative?
I cannot say anything about a Verizon phone since I have no clue if they "tainted" the Moto Z too, making it different from global variants.
As for simply being worth it:
If you are paying less than 450$, it's definitely worth it.
The phone is snappy, hysterically thin for a phone ( it's as thick as an iPhone when you put a bulky case on it, otherwise it's only 5.2mm thick ), has a good camera, a great display and you will love the UI if you're a fan of stock Android.
However, if you can pay more than 450$, consider something like a Oneplus 5.
Battery is AWFUL. The phone is mostly smooth but if you use it for prolonged periods, it heats up and then starts lagging due to throttling.
Camera is reasonable at most but the camera lens get scratched easily, so the image quality could degrade over time.
Mods are funny at some point but are extremely expensive and there are chaper alternatives that work on any device, not being necessary to have a Z phone to use them.
Fingerprint scanner works but it's not the fastest and misses sometimes, and it get's really annoying when you have to try 4 or 5 times to unlock it.
Motorola has abandoned this phone, which hasn't received a security update since December and god knows when it'll get Oreo, and even worse, god knows what sort of bugs Lenovo interns will give us when Oreo finally arrives.
Doesn't have a headphone jack.
My particular unit developed severe burn-in after only 7 months of usage, but every display is different, so your mileage may vary.
Phone is so thin that it's unconfortable to hold without a mod attatched or a case, which is a bummer because the phone is good looking without anything on it. Also slippery as hell.
There are not many developers for the Moto Z, so there isn't many custom roms available compared to Samsung or even Sony. There are some unofficial builds from big projects like Lineage but there are some bugs here and there.
So, take it with a grain of salt because this is my experience, but beware because I'm not the only one reporting those issues. Just check out Lenovo forums and see how many battery drain topics are there, which got even worse after the 7.1.1 update.
Forget those awesome flip phones Motorola once built, because that company is dead. Motorola is just a brand name now, everything is Lenovo. When you boot the Moto Z there is a big ass Lenovo logo so you don't forget it. If I were you, I would go for the OnePlus 5 . Your experience may be worse with Motorola.
The phone uses nano sim though.
Moto Z= bored device + screen burn + ugly battery life
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
One plus is an Asian brand too xD
Z2 Play or bust
spyknee said:
maybe I return to motorola.
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Don't. Battery life is awful, and Motorola does not support this device any more.
Mine got broken (bluetooth died), I sent it to Motorola for repair three months ago, and they refuse to fix or refund it, despite still being under warranty.
I see a lot of salty people here.
I've had my Moto Z since October 2017. I upgraded from Nexus 5x, which got bootloop. Is it worth it?
That depends on the price. I've got mine for 350$ and I'm pretty satisfied. The battery is similar to the one I've had in 5x (needs a recharge at the end of the day). However, with Incipio power pack it lasts a full day of heavy use.
No burn-ins whatsoever.
It was lagging a little bit at the beginning, but now its really snappy, miles better than my crap Nexus. I've played Vice City quite a lot and no major throttling issues happened to me (maybe some fps drops once a while, but it's not something drastic).
Motorola still supports this phone. Fast updates are long gone from the Google days, but they're still pretty average.
I really like this phone, but if I were you I would wait a little bit more for the Nokia 7 Plus. 2018 version looks amazing.
And stay away from any LG. They can't fix bootloop problems since G4. G6 and V30 are too young to judge if they're fine. They still may bootloop in the near future.
I forgot to add: Fingerprint sucks. Nexus 5x was better in that term.