Heavily considering device. - Xperia Z5 Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi everyone, I'm looking to buy a new phone as my last phone had it's IMEI wiped to 0 (and there is no current way to fix it).
I came across the Z5 compact at a price of around $300 AUD, what I consider a great deal considering the specs of this device.
My question is that I doubt sony provide any updates for this phone anymore and I just want to know anything I should know before using the device and eventually flashing custom roms after warranty ends.
Thanks in advance!
EDIT: Decided to opt for a normal Z5 due to the extra ram and screen resolution, got it shipping now.

Related

looking to buy a xperia z ultra

Hi all, as a picky customer ive been following the z ultra forum as of a week now, i still havent ordered the phone yet but its the prime contender for me as the system specs are similar to the ones on my now broken LG G2 (r.i.p) it seems like a optimal replacement (and a bargain at the price it carries!!)
i have to say that ive never really had a sony handset before so im not that familiar with th UI, its perks and of course its bugs..
just needed you guys to put the final nail in the coffin on the deal for me as i find that its always best to get some info from "professional" users rather than "over the counter".
soooooo...
could you please tell me some of your praises for this device?? is the sony UI as restrictive as ive heard it to be? is the battery really that good?? decent accessories that you feel are worth getting??
cheers in advance!!!
zubeedubs said:
Hi all, as a picky customer ive been following the z ultra forum as of a week now, i still havent ordered the phone yet but its the prime contender for me as the system specs are similar to the ones on my now broken LG G2 (r.i.p) it seems like a optimal replacement (and a bargain at the price it carries!!)
i have to say that ive never really had a sony handset before so im not that familiar with th UI, its perks and of course its bugs..
just needed you guys to put the final nail in the coffin on the deal for me as i find that its always best to get some info from "professional" users rather than "over the counter".
soooooo...
could you please tell me some of your praises for this device?? is the sony UI as restrictive as ive heard it to be? is the battery really that good?? decent accessories that you feel are worth getting??
cheers in advance!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the GPE version of the Z Ultra which I believe should be cheaper than the international version and runs stock Android.
However if you prefer to have the Sony suites of software then by all means go for the international version.
For the international version, you can flash a port of the GPE rom but you can't flash a port of stock rom onto a GPE set.
Sent from my C6833_GPe using Tapatalk
If you want to run different ROMs - get the international version. The GPe 4.4.4 and Lollipop is already ported so they are available.
The problem with the GPe is that it uses a different partition scheme making it unable to use ROMs for the rest of the crowd (C6802/6806-nonGPe/6833). I would therefore recommend a C6806 or C6833 depending on what bands (LTE) you want and need.
Because of the superior selection of ROMs including GPe, I would simply go for a C6833 unless you are absolutely sure that everything else than the GPe ROM is of no interest.
With the "Sony Edition" (C6833 et al) you have great options: Sony ROMs, GPe or AOSP/CM based ones in different flavors. I think this selection is reason enough to go for the Xperia rather than the GPe.
Leechoonhwee said:
Get the GPE version of the Z Ultra which I believe should be cheaper than the international version and runs stock Android.
However if you prefer to have the Sony suites of software then by all means go for the international version.
For the international version, you can flash a port of the GPE rom but you can't flash a port of stock rom onto a GPE set.
Sent from my C6833_GPe using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
As they are in Italy I would not recommend the c6806 in either the Sony version or the GPe, get the c6833 (international). Sony's UI is very 'stock' android with very little bloat and packaged apps. As for battery life, expect 4 to 8 hours of screen on time depending on what you are doing. My GPe version on Lollipop has 5 days uptime, ~20% battery used and it says 13 days remaining on standby with the wifi on - no real use this week as I'm using my other phone.
thanks to all of you for your input.. its really apreciated!!!i think i'll go for the international variant as it seems i have a bit more to play with modding wise... now all i need to do is reach payday and order it!!!
zubeedubs said:
thanks to all of you for your input.. its really apreciated!!!i think i'll go for the international variant as it seems i have a bit more to play with modding wise... now all i need to do is reach payday and order it!!!
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Click to collapse
Just looking at your sig, I think we could be the same boat.
I had 4 years all with HTC phones ( HD2, Ruby, One) and I recently made a first move to Sony phone, this Z Ultra C6833 and have no regret, even one bit. I personally think Sony phone has great battery, very responsive touchscreen, premium quality hardware built etc...which on par with HTC at least, or better.
Sony brand is somehow underestimated on smartphone markets. I didn't think about buying one, until I had one in my hands to try, and I was sold in 3 minutes. With the heavy dropped price on this Z Ultra these days, it's a steal, you'll be more than happy.
cafefun said:
Sony brand is somehow underestimated on smartphone markets.
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In Australasia, Asia and western Europe Sony has very good market penetration. Other than work phones I know more people that have an Xperia than have an ifone here in NZ
Here in italy its not as highly regarded as samsung or LG neither is HTC but i look at specs affidability and price over the usual consumer jargon.. im sure ill be pleased with this device!!!
blueether said:
In Australasia, Asia and western Europe Sony has very good market penetration. Other than work phones I know more people that have an Xperia than have an ifone here in NZ
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Click to collapse
I agree that Sony is still a big name of the game, what I mean was Sony deserves more than that. It could be one of top 3 players. Here in Canada Sony doesn't seem to do much comparing to other brands name. I wished I'd knew how good Sony phones was sooner. It's great to know that Sony phones are doing well in other countries.
I dont know if there is amazon in italy, but I bought mine for €260.- on amazon.
The alternative was the LG G2 for €300.-
If you really like to use big phones, go for it. I actually wanted a big phone and really like sony Z line design of phones, not to mention the extremely appealing price. Snapdragon 800 and a huge phone for €260? It was a no brainer for me.
Not to mention the advantage of having a GPe Version, portable lolipop roms. Just in case you miss it, this phone has an IPS display, unlike the Z and Z1 of sony.
There are complaints though, so for those, you can find enough information. Personally, I am very satisfied.
just as an update i ordered the C6833 variant just now at 239 euro (im still rubbing my hands like monty burns!!) thanks to all for your input!!!
i'll look forward to sharing the z ultra sub section with you guys!!
i enjoyed the xperia z ultra for the three months i had it.
it broke not too long ago.
i will see that the camera is horrid, and that i a now on a iphone 6 plus space gray 128gb and i do not think ill be looking back.
looking fwd to future ultra releases.
time will tell.
asadkhanduhh said:
i enjoyed the xperia z ultra for the three months i had it.
it broke not too long ago.
i will see that the camera is horrid, and that i a now on a iphone 6 plus space gray 128gb and i do not think ill be looking back.
looking fwd to future ultra releases.
time will tell.
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Click to collapse
I don't think I would be able to enjoy an iPhone 6 Plus in comparison with my 240 DPI phablet mode Ultra with MultiWindow and floating apps.
Edit: It seems like Sony start to list the Ultra as being "discontinued" so I think every interested buyer should pull the trigger soon. It gives me an indication that they finally stopped the production and that the stock isn't going to be replenished anymore.
E90 Commie said:
I don't think I would be able to enjoy an iPhone 6 Plus in comparison with my 240 DPI phablet mode Ultra with MultiWindow and floating apps.
Edit: It seems like Sony start to list the Ultra as being "discontinued" so I think every interested buyer should pull the trigger soon. It gives me an indication that they finally stopped the production and that the stock isn't going to be replenished anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And getting ready for Z4 Ultra production. Yay!
Sent from my C6833_GPe using Tapatalk
I haven't seen it for sale here in the US lately, as it was on sale here for Christmas ? .
Sent from my C6806 using XDA Free mobile app
Expansys USA had the 6833 for $285 a couple of days ago.
Need Advice
Flaco05 said:
Expansys USA had the 6833 for $285 a couple of days ago.
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I have Nexus 5 as a primary one and looking at Ultra Z as my secondary phone in Inda we have a great deal which makes the phone at around 300 dollars
I want the existing users who have used it to suggest whether its worth buying or not
A definite buy
samir_a said:
I have Nexus 5 as a primary one and looking at Ultra Z as my secondary phone in Inda we have a great deal which makes the phone at around 300 dollars
I want the existing users who have used it to suggest whether its worth buying or not
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Click to collapse
I have recently purchased Z Ultra after having a lot of comparison with other devices and I have no regret that I have bought this device. The price was a major factor.
The screen size is something It would take time for to adjust with(First time using a phone with such a form factor, all previous devices were around 4.5 inches)
The phone is butter smooth and no lag at all. Battery lasts around 2-2.5 days with moderate usage(Have stamina mode ON for the full time).
I will surely recommend to get a ZU.
Just got mine
As a long time android user, recent windows phone user, I am glad I got this device. Was on winphone with tether to nexus 7, and figured I would stop messing around and start carrying a tablet (phablet) with the phone. I have always wanted a Sony device but couldnt justify the price. With an unlocked device at around $300 I figured it was a no lose situation.
I love it. The screen is magnificent. And there really isnt too much bloatware from Sony. Such great build quality so far, Ive been using it for about 3 weeks. (early Christmas present to myself)
I would say go for it.
Its great to be back to Android full time, I like MS, I really liked Nokia...but it just didnt do it for me.
Thanks so that should be my next device, I have been waiting for a pass for One Plus, actualy was the very first one to get it when it was launched in India but didnt have the money to buy it now I tired waiting endlessly for it and have decided to go for ZU
JackD3ath said:
As a long time android user, recent windows phone user, I am glad I got this device. Was on winphone with tether to nexus 7, and figured I would stop messing around and start carrying a tablet (phablet) with the phone. I have always wanted a Sony device but couldnt justify the price. With an unlocked device at around $300 I figured it was a no lose situation.
I love it. The screen is magnificent. And there really isnt too much bloatware from Sony. Such great build quality so far, Ive been using it for about 3 weeks. (early Christmas present to myself)
I would say go for it.
Its great to be back to Android full time, I like MS, I really liked Nokia...but it just didnt do it for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Deciding between which Android phones is very difficult!

Im kind of stuck (again) on which Android phone to get.
I watched MWC to see if anything was gonna be released that catches my eye and at my price range but (AFAIK) nothing.
My price range is maxed at 400 euros. The less the better. Also, I need a phone that has XDA development almost nonstop. I want to be able to modify the ROM whenever I want. If it doesnt have microSD, at LEAST 32GB. If it does, I guess I can squeeze by with 16GB. Besides that.....I dont really think I have much other needs.
My choices are:
OnePlus One - I was really going for this phone on Tuesday but just the horrible stories I keep hearing about customer support really push me back. Recently, I heard the story of someone waiting about 17 days since he started the issue to when they finally returned the phone to him. 17 complete days. The phone is cheap, powerful, and all that but if you have a problem...
Nexus 5 - Before the OnePlus One, I was in love with this phone. Awesome all arounder which can still hold its weight. I love that laziness factor of leaving my phone on the table and just charging it wirelessly. The 2GBs are standard with midrange phones but people tend to complain about its battery life. Im not sure if it is that bad or not. Plus, I am having trouble finding stock (I found a 32GB black for about 359.99 € which isnt bad all things considered)
I dont know which to get or if there are other options to look at. I almost desperate! If someone could help me out
Alternatives Ive been told as well are the LG G3 (€427.20) and the Sony Xperia Z2 (€359.00).
Z2 looks nice G3 too expensive for what I get.
Anything about these two over the others?

Sony Xperia Z Ultra $259.99!

Expansys.com is now selling the Sony Xperia Z Ultra C6833 in Black & White for $259.99 while the Purple is priced at $274.99, respectively. These BEASTS may be approaching 2 years of market life but they're still relevant today as they were when they were first released.
That 6.4" screen powered by a Qualcomm 800 IS still worth buying as a daily driver, backup, or extremely portable tablet. Sony is showing is still committed to this device by updating to Android M - a fact well known by all. It also demonstrates Sony believes this BEAST is still a relevant. Earlier today Sony sent out email notifications that 14.5.A.0283 is rolling out and an update is available on PC Companion.
Hell I bought myself another daily driver with an Expansys 2 year warranty that covers EVERYTHING INCLUDING ACCIDENTS for $24.99.
This is a great buy until a similar device comes along, it handles 5.0.2 buttery smooth and am sure well enjoy the same user experience when Android M is released in a couple of months.
Thought I'd share the information with my fellow BEASTY BOYS & GIRLS!
I would second you on that. Mine is two years old in three months. And it still functions like the ...no. Wait. The Z ultra was not a race car at the release. It had many bugs. Many bugs related to the new Qualcomm S800 series.
Leme put it this way.
I would now compare this phone to the philosophy NASA has been going by. The hard- and software they use is often old but stable. My point is that large parts of the code has aged and been refined so there's not many bugs at this age and stage.
TODAY the z ultra is very stable and fast. I think the software wasn't ready when it was released. So I would reather buy this today. Then when I first got it.
I have to say. This is the first phone I had that is absolutely perfect.
Off topic:
NASA has been changing software lately so I can't tell exacly what they are using. Many units switched to scientific distro
Need + Use = $259.99 Sony Xperia Z Ultra
I have to wholeheartedly agree with all the bugs! And YES, I totally agree about buying it now as to when it was first released - but then again we wouldn't have had this GORGEOUS 6.4" Tri-Luminous display. I bought this for the form and function, can't say it's been perfect but as of June 15,2015 when I decided to order another XZU, then I'd say it's pretty damn close to a perfect device.
So much so that everything I've seen to date hasn't even sparked interest to even consider bailing on my XZU. Sometimes it can be a little awkward sizewise, sure, but generally this truly is a piece of art with it's 6.5 mm aluminum frame and its top notch omnibalance design. That's not taking it's performance and feature set into account.
I mean sure I'd love an 820 & 4GB's of onboard memory, maybe even 32GB'S RAM, but I'm able to add a 128GB miniSDXC Card, root my device, and have the support of devs like you. A new device would take time to establish decent developer support. For me it's about what it's already available and how much of a device I'm going to actually need and use for "X" amount of time.
For $259.99 methinks is a great buy when I add need + use for any device, but when you make it an Xperia Z Ultra - 'nuff said...you simply can't beat that kind of deal anywhere. That is until it gets even cheaper than it already is!
Purple is GONE!
Seems Expansys has run out of the Purple Sony Xperia Z Ultra's! They also you to list the amount the had on hand for the Black and White models but now it's a simple "in stock now" down from the regularly appearing 40.
Now is the time to grab one of the bad boys even if it's just for a nostalgic reason. Plus remember they're offering a 24 month warranty for $24.99!
This is what Expansys is saying about their 2 year warranty -
"Keep your devices safe and secure by purchasing the EXPANSYS Service Plan. Expand your coverage from 6 months to 18 months, and protect your device from mechanical and electrical failures. For a minimum investment, you can ensure the safety and security of your purchase for an additional 12 months. For complete terms and conditions of Expansys warranty services, please click here.
Notes:
*Extended Warranty must be purchased with device, and cannot be added once item has shipped.
*Extended Warranty cannot be refunded once item has shipped
*Extended Warranty cannot be applied to b-stock, refurbished, or open-box items"
Really at this price you cannot go wrong - I bought my first BEAST for $629.00.
Here's the link should anyone want to grab another one of our favorite devices - http://www.expansys-usa.com/sony-xperia-z-ultra-c6833-unlocked-lte-16gb-white-251964/
ZU is selling in India at around Rs. 17000/- (~$260). I bought my second ZU two months ago after I broke screen on first one. Everyone said buy another phone but ZU is the greatest phone ever. I just love its display size. Now with new phone I got free Magnetic charger which is awesome and I don't need to open USB port.
I can emulate play Playstaion 1 and PSP games on it with graphics looking better than actual consoles. I feel so powerful with this device in my hand.
I have got screen replaced on old one (grey market for Rs. 5000/-) and gave to my wife with this cool back cover. :highfive:
I love the back cover, where did you purchase it?
Sent from my C2104 using XDA Free mobile app
frothe3 said:
I love the back cover, where did you purchase it?
Sent from my C2104 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon
http://www.amazon.in/Premium-Design-Cover-Xperia-Ultra/dp/B00UL1GFIO/
Price today in India Rs. 13990/- (US$ 220)
http://www.flipkart.com/sony-xperia-z-ultra/p/itme7ydyvmsb37x7?q=Sony+Xperia+Z+Ultra

A brand new phone, what to start with? :)

Just have gotten Aqua-m4 a fresh new phone, it has Android version 5.0 and many bloatware from Orange
Want to save warranty however as well want many tweaks possible with root only, Xpose modules, SD utilisation as internal storage etc
Please, instruct me how to manage the phone step by step taking into account recent development, appearing MM etc and how to avoid mistakes
Best advice I can give you is pretty simple: get rid of it and find a better phone.
Source: M4 Aqua owner for a year (me)
come to xperiasite.pl
However I need waterproof for medium budget, is there any better?
And, BTW explain what do you mean better phone: iPhone 7, Galaxy S6, they are too expensive as for JUST a phone, in my humble opinion
I wouldn't trust it as far as water resistance goes. It's supposed to be IP68 but it really doesn't hold up that well in water. And for a better phone, I think it's a good strategy to buy a flagship phone from 1/2 years ago instead of a brand new middle class one. That way you get a maybe slightly outdated, but still top of the line product.
@StoyanP, even if standard IP68 is just partially obeyed here it is still needed as other phones don't offer any protection at all, including older flagships.
Partial using the waterproof protection is a bottom line warranty to my view, it could be enforced with waterproof pouch case if there is a need swim with this phone:
http://www.androidauthority.com/best-waterproof-pouch-cases-smartphones-689477/
Applying such double protection is means of escaping from a wet trouble, nothing less would make us sure.
StoyanP said:
Best advice I can give you is pretty simple: get rid of it and find a better phone.
Source: M4 Aqua owner for a year (me)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree 100%
I like this phone, the more the longer play with it, it's waterproofness is very needed to me and it's specs is enough.
However the attitude of Sony corporation is what makes me pissed off, they apply the policy to spoil hardware potentials as much as possible with their softwares.
However that's why helping hands of you, my Friends, are very needed! You are the power to bring "have it all" from the piece of this hardware and this is the ART

Would you purchase a Z5c now ?

Hi ,would you get a Z5c now ? I intend to do so but my concern is security updates. Can we expect linage OS 14 to get security updates for a couple of years at least for this device ?
Thanks
I did break my Z5 Compact 3 weeks ago, so I started looking for replacement and when I could not find any in reasonable price range, so I just bought Z5 Compact again and I am very happy with it (just as I was before), but I wasn't really concerned with security, I mean pretty much every phone that does not have android Oreo will not have the latest security patches in couple of months...
I still use my Z3C as my primary phone but picked up a Z5C recently in hopes that there will be more support for it with the latest security patches.
I 'm pretty sure sony will not release updates anymore as it is a 2015 device... But I wonder how long we can expect updates in Lineage OS 14. By the way , does anyone know how long Nougat will be supported by google, independently of manufacturers ?
I bought my Z5 Compact 2 years ago because it was the smallest smartphone with a "great camera" available. For me 5'' smartphones are too big, at least back then when bezel-less phones weren't a thing.
Knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn't buy it. Don't get me wrong, the phone is great but the camera now leaves a lot to be desired. No API 2 support, no RAW support, no dual-lens thingies, low-light photos are kinda bad and you don't see any "magic" on the 23 Mbpx camera.
Since the camera is a really import aspect to me, that's why I'm saying I wouldn't buy it again. I am still using today because it still works perfectly fine and I don't feel like buying a new phone until everyone settles down on the constant "innovations".
This phone is super cheap now to be a backup phone. Buy I do notice z3 compact come with Oreo custom rom, z5 compact without oreo.
Why ?

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