I'm debating to move to the Z2 and I would very much appreciate any feedback from Z2 owners who have experience with the Note 3.
I am looking at the sound quality of the noise reduction in the headphones and the camera, which are two of the primary draws for me.
How does the sound and camera and overall speed compare in real world use?
donalgodon said:
I'm debating to move to the Z2 and I would very much appreciate any feedback from Z2 owners who have experience with the Note 3.
I am looking at the sound quality of the noise reduction in the headphones and the camera, which are two of the primary draws for me.
How does the sound and camera and overall speed compare in real world use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Former Note 3 user here! In a nutshell, the Z2 is better.
Read my full honest review here - https://www.dropbox.com/s/mpxhmrbqc7dy6nk/Xperia Z2 FULL Review.txt
stanley08 said:
Former Note 3 user here! In a nutshell, the Z2 is better.
Read my full honest review here - https://www.dropbox.com/s/mpxhmrbqc7dy6nk/Xperia Z2 FULL Review.txt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response.
Does the 20.7 MP superior auto hack reduce the quality of the shots over the standard 8MP size superior auto mode?
Those gaps you mentioned in the review have me worried. I would have thought Sony would have that worked out by now, after the Z1 had the same problems.
How can anyone trust the water resistance like this?
stanley08 said:
Former Note 3 user here! In a nutshell, the Z2 is better.
Read my full honest review here - https://www.dropbox.com/s/mpxhmrbqc7dy6nk/Xperia Z2 FULL Review.txt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be picking this phone up tommorow, have you noticed any serious over-heating or 4K camera recording issues? i.e phone random rebooting while recording video?
I was a former note 3 user and moved on to Z2.
A lot better software stability. More premium design and better handling regarding the smaller size compared to note 3. Unique amongst all samsung users. Waterproof mania and I've been using phones under water since xperia z. People informing they used it even with gaps and it's safe. Any pen stylus can be used and there is one made for sony (sony stylus es22). Camera is outstanding. 4k download is fun. Noise reduction is real. No need for opening flaps as magnetic charging does the job. Sound quality is really good inspite of the waterproof design. Only missing the IR blaster.
Overall u will never regret the switch!
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
sevoflurane said:
I was a former note 3 user and moved on to Z2.
A lot better software stability. More premium design and better handling regarding the smaller size compared to note 3. Unique amongst all samsung users. Waterproof mania and I've been using phones under water since xperia z. People informing they used it even with gaps and it's safe. Any pen stylus can be used and there is one made for sony (sony stylus es22). Camera is outstanding. 4k download is fun. Noise reduction is real. No need for opening flaps as magnetic charging does the job. Sound quality is really good inspite of the waterproof design. Only missing the IR blaster.
Overall u will never regret the switch!
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea I have both devices at the moment I will play around with both to see what I like most. but I think I will take the sony z2 over the note 3. The screen on the z2 is a lot better then the note 3 the colours are much better. The note 3 is a good phone but the z2 wins on a few more things then the note. As for the gaps tho on the z2 it is true you do get them I had to go through 3 of them before I got one with out gaps. But im very happy with it. And it is still waterproof even with gaps. But when paying 900 for a phone I do not expect there to be gaps between the frame and screen. Some people will be fine with it and some will not. But I can honestly say out of all the other phones I have had they have never had gaps between the frame and screen
donalgodon said:
TThose gaps you mentioned in the review have me worried. I would have thought Sony would have that worked out by now, after the Z1 had the same problems.
How can anyone trust the water resistance like this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of people with gaps of different sizes (including me) have taken the bullet and tested the waterproofing of the phone and we have all concluded that no gap has ever compromised the waterproofing. I've yet to see a report of someone saying the gap compromises the waterproofing of the phone. This is probably due to the construction of the phone as the plastic injection molding goes deeper into the phone and then sandwhiched by the glass.
christoph_2013 said:
I will be picking this phone up tommorow, have you noticed any serious over-heating or 4K camera recording issues? i.e phone random rebooting while recording video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally have experienced over-heating only when recording 4k video for longer than 7 minutes. I think for most, if not all, of the over-heating cases the camera app just shuts off. I don't think anybody's phone ever rebooted due to over-heating from recording 4k.
christoph_2013 said:
I will be picking this phone up tommorow, have you noticed any serious over-heating or 4K camera recording issues? i.e phone random rebooting while recording video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not tried 4K recording, because i know i don't need it. But TBH, i never use my Video recorder really. Lol.
sevoflurane said:
I was a former note 3 user and moved on to Z2.
A lot better software stability. More premium design and better handling regarding the smaller size compared to note 3. Unique amongst all samsung users. Waterproof mania and I've been using phones under water since xperia z. People informing they used it even with gaps and it's safe. Any pen stylus can be used and there is one made for sony (sony stylus es22). Camera is outstanding. 4k download is fun. Noise reduction is real. No need for opening flaps as magnetic charging does the job. Sound quality is really good inspite of the waterproof design. Only missing the IR blaster.
Overall u will never regret the switch!
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well said. IR blaster would have been nice. But oh well!
donalgodon said:
Thanks for the response.
Does the 20.7 MP superior auto hack reduce the quality of the shots over the standard 8MP size superior auto mode?
Those gaps you mentioned in the review have me worried. I would have thought Sony would have that worked out by now, after the Z1 had the same problems.
How can anyone trust the water resistance like this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't tested this mod excessively but i believe it would be noisy. Will tell u when i test. And AFAIK, water resistance is ok even with gaps.
donalgodon said:
I'm debating to move to the Z2 and I would very much appreciate any feedback from Z2 owners who have experience with the Note 3.
I am looking at the sound quality of the noise reduction in the headphones and the camera, which are two of the primary draws for me.
How does the sound and camera and overall speed compare in real world use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a former Note 3 user - Also reviews would differ depending on the Note 3 variant used.
I have used N9005 LTE and I wont say switch is great. Handset is having lots of issues as discussed by users worldwide. Software crashes which is a common problem and thats the reason Sony till date has real poor reviews for the same. Phone is surely bulky and heavy compared to Note 3. Battery life is pretty much equivalent so no dramas there. Note 3 never heats (N9005 only) even with an hour of game play - Z2 surely does with 5 min camera usage too. Sound Output of Note 3 is way louder compared to Z2. Camera Z2 has a real good one No doubts about that. Build Quality also is pretty superb.
Sent from my D6502 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
donalgodon said:
I'm debating to move to the Z2 and I would very much appreciate any feedback from Z2 owners who have experience with the Note 3.
I am looking at the sound quality of the noise reduction in the headphones and the camera, which are two of the primary draws for me.
How does the sound and camera and overall speed compare in real world use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I owned the Note 3. Bitterly disappointed with it despite its being a very able mobile. It just didn't work for me. In terms of camera, cant help not my area of expertise. Now sound reproduction is another matter.
In terms of portable sound reproduction Sony started the ball rolling with their Walkmans decades ago. The quality of sound reproduction on most Sony mobile devices is above average to top quality IF one uses dedicated head phones. Here we go..........Headphones or speakers can only reproduce what the amplifier amplifies so the source and amplification are vital. Sony is a leading manufacturer in this area in terms of mobile sourcing and amplification, they have many years of experience and have more or less pioneered portable sound. To this end what we have in the Xperia range is very good amplification and when used with a hi-fidelity headphone those phones are able to take full advantage of the excellent source.
The Xperia Z2 comes with the Sony MDR-NC31EM noise cancelling head phones I am listening to them as I type this and yes they are more accomplished than the stock headphones bundled in most mobiles, better by far BUT..........There are far better still. I am not keen on ear bud type head phones. I prefer an over the ear 'open back' headphone like the Sennheiser PX-100-11. They simply amaze every time I use them and have become a reference point in reviewing other headphones despite their meagre price of around 40.00€ :good:
.
In terms of the ear bud type the Sennheiser CX-300-11 make the Sony ear buds sound amateur. Now if you can afford say 80.00€ the AKG K452 are designed for Android devices and are based on the award winning 450 and 451's They are also portable and come with their own carry case, they are closed back and not ear buds. The AKG can reproduce frequencies between 11-29500Hz, that's from very low base to very high treble! In comparison the Sony MDR's only manage 20-20000Hz meaning they cannot produce the full spectrum of sound frequencies the Z2 is capable off. I am generally not a fan of Sony headphones.
Please do accept that the type of sound you enjoy will not be the same as others. There are numerous brands of head phone and you are bound to find one that you enjoy. Main point is here the Samsung you mention on headphones produced a very decent sound BUT the Sony does produce a greater band width and more open stage to the music. As for the speakers or speaker on the phones themselves, neither are worth even listening to, having written that the Sony again leaves the Sammy dead in the water.
I hope I have been of some small help to you?
Best wishes, Ryland
Well I went the other way, in that I bought a Z2 and gave it up for a Note 3. I will echo what everyone else is saying, the Z2 makes a mockery of the Note's sound, especially with those bundles headphones. Nothing I do to the Note will bring the audio close to the Z2's, I'd be very interested to hear from a Note user that managed to make good on the Note's audio.
The Z2's screen is better but I wouldn't say to a degree that I wouldn't let it impact on the decision to pick it up. We're talking about a significantly smaller screen with that damn navigation bar in place of the buttons. The camera on the Z2 is where it really shines for me. Photos and videos are simply phenomenal. If this matters to you then it's a no-brainer seriously.
It really depends if you're like me and stuck in your ways. I use the Note for work and constantly using the S-Pen for drawing layouts and switching to calculator, I also like my physical buttons. It didn't take me long to switch back for those reasons but I really struggled with the decision to give the Z2 to my girlfriend due to the quality of the audio and video/photo capture. The Z2 is a solid handset it just depends what you want to use it for I guess.
Karnax_ said:
Well I went the other way, in that I bought a Z2 and gave it up for a Note 3. I will echo what everyone else is saying, the Z2 makes a mockery of the Note's sound, especially with those bundles headphones. Nothing I do to the Note will bring the audio close to the Z2's, I'd be very interested to hear from a Note user that managed to make good on the Note's audio.
The Z2's screen is better but I wouldn't say to a degree that I wouldn't let it impact on the decision to pick it up. We're talking about a significantly smaller screen with that damn navigation bar in place of the buttons. The camera on the Z2 is where it really shines for me. Photos and videos are simply phenomenal. If this matters to you then it's a no-brainer seriously.
It really depends if you're like me and stuck in your ways. I use the Note for work and constantly using the S-Pen for drawing layouts and switching to calculator, I also like my physical buttons. It didn't take me long to switch back for those reasons but I really struggled with the decision to give the Z2 to my girlfriend due to the quality of the audio and video/photo capture. The Z2 is a solid handset it just depends what you want to use it for I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. It depends on ones prioritise and what one does with the mobile.
I was disappointed with the Note 3. My own fault, I made a pre sale purchase and was the first customer in this country to own one. What horrified me about the Note 3 was the plastic leather back with plastic stitching then the plastic chrome sides. No way could I live with the feel of that mobile despite its many other qualities.
Music is important to me and the Samsung on this occasion was awful. The original cost was 1100€ for the Sammy and the Gear watch. With that sort of outlay I expected better materials and construction than the Sammy offered.
If you need the S-pen the Sammy Note is THE phone to own. In that respect its rather unique.
I think when we purchase something we are going to use and hold every day we need to feel pride of ownership and with those plastics made to look like other materials no way could I stomach it. Maybe if the Note 4 is made from decent high end materials I would take another look at the Samsung range BUT as music is important to me it sort of rules out the present Samsung range.
Its great to have all this choice though :highfive: .
Ryland
Ryland Johnson said:
I owned the Note 3. Bitterly disappointed with it despite its being a very able mobile. It just didn't work for me. In terms of camera, cant help not my area of expertise. Now sound reproduction is another matter.
In terms of portable sound reproduction Sony started the ball rolling with their Walkmans decades ago. The quality of sound reproduction on most Sony mobile devices is above average to top quality IF one uses dedicated head phones. Here we go..........Headphones or speakers can only reproduce what the amplifier amplifies so the source and amplification are vital. Sony is a leading manufacturer in this area in terms of mobile sourcing and amplification, they have many years of experience and have more or less pioneered portable sound. To this end what we have in the Xperia range is very good amplification and when used with a hi-fidelity headphone those phones are able to take full advantage of the excellent source.
The Xperia Z2 comes with the Sony MDR-NC31EM noise cancelling head phones I am listening to them as I type this and yes they are more accomplished than the stock headphones bundled in most mobiles, better by far BUT..........There are far better still. I am not keen on ear bud type head phones. I prefer an over the ear 'open back' headphone like the Sennheiser PX-100-11. They simply amaze every time I use them and have become a reference point in reviewing other headphones despite their meagre price of around 40.00€ :good:
.
In terms of the ear bud type the Sennheiser CX-300-11 make the Sony ear buds sound amateur. Now if you can afford say 80.00€ the AKG K452 are designed for Android devices and are based on the award winning 450 and 451's They are also portable and come with their own carry case, they are closed back and not ear buds. The AKG can reproduce frequencies between 11-29500Hz, that's from very low base to very high treble! In comparison the Sony MDR's only manage 20-20000Hz meaning they cannot produce the full spectrum of sound frequencies the Z2 is capable off. I am generally not a fan of Sony headphones.
Please do accept that the type of sound you enjoy will not be the same as others. There are numerous brands of head phone and you are bound to find one that you enjoy. Main point is here the Samsung you mention on headphones produced a very decent sound BUT the Sony does produce a greater band width and more open stage to the music. As for the speakers or speaker on the phones themselves, neither are worth even listening to, having written that the Sony again leaves the Sammy dead in the water.
I hope I have been of some small help to you?
Best wishes, Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very helpful indeed. My question is this: Sennheiser CX-300-11 does not allow the noise cancelling features built into the device to function, but how do they compare in terms of noise reduction/isolation on their own?
The others are out of my price range at the moment, but the Sennheiser CX-300-11 might get me by.
donalgodon said:
Very helpful indeed. My question is this: Sennheiser CX-300-11 does not allow the noise cancelling features built into the device to function, but how do they compare in terms of noise reduction/isolation on their own?
The others are out of my price range at the moment, but the Sennheiser CX-300-11 might get me by.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me put is this way. When my dear to my heart wife starts to tell me off..............I just pop those in and its bliss.
They come with several sizes of rubber ear bud. When they are in the ear you cannot hear a word outside.
Noise cancelling is not always a good thing. This means the source of the music is not pure. The less distortion your music has the more natural the sound. Processing the sound, as in noise cancelation, is not something I would consider its much like the use of graphic equalisers they just made a mess of the original sound. Sony produce a very good source so I would not want it processed.
The Sennheiser is a very respectable head phone and through me many of my friends and family now own them. I fail to see how one could go wrong with an ear bud that price? I think you will be rather surprised. :highfive:
Let me know what you decide to do.
Ryland
Ryland Johnson said:
Let me put is this way. When my dear to my heart wife starts to tell me off..............I just pop those in and its bliss.
They come with several sizes of rubber ear bud. When they are in the ear you cannot hear a word outside.
Noise cancelling is not always a good thing. This means the source of the music is not pure. The less distortion your music has the more natural the sound. Processing the sound, as in noise cancelation, is not something I would consider its much like the use of graphic equalisers they just made a mess of the original sound. Sony produce a very good source so I would not want it processed.
The Sennheiser is a very respectable head phone and through me many of my friends and family now own them. I fail to see how one could go wrong with an ear bud that price? I think you will be rather surprised. :highfive:
Let me know what you decide to do.
Ryland
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'll go for the Sennheiser CX-300-11 because it seems like a great option for me. I would prefer buds for portability. I wasn't aware of the model, but I do know and trust the brand.
How sensitive are they? I mean, can they be driven properly by the Note 3's sound hardware for the meantime while I decide what device (if any) to replace it with?
I'm torn between the LG G3, G Pro 2, or the OnePlus One, but the latter is not available without invite, and the former are rather expensive Korean imports at the moment.
I went from the Note 3 to the HTC One M8 (for a few days) to the Xperia Z2 and couldn't be happier. I feel it's a huge upgrade for me, notably not having to deal with TouchWiz. Sony's Android UI is far nicer in my opinion. Battery life seems to be better than my Note 3 as well.
I came from the Note 2, but have used my friends' Note 3's extensively. Phone is really nice, the build quality, responsiveness, battery life, and stability are all nice. I did have a problem with my GPS in that it couldn't find my location once but restarting the phone fixed it. However, I will point out that the Note 2 and 3 are better for two handed texting, and the Z2 is great for 1 handed swyping. The speaker phone, because of the water proofing, is quieter and not as clear on the note 2, but has comparable quality to the note 3 speaker (although note 3 is louder). Z2 does get points for front facing speakers though, but flipping the note 2 face down while on speaker gave both parties better results.
Using the Neutron music app, (disgusting UI, but the BEST in sound quality) I found that the note 2 has better sound quality. There is a slight background noise, but that is diminished with moderate volume. Through hi-fi headphones, the note 2 has a better lows, the bass hits harder, with no bleed into the mid or high range. The Z2 has a bit of a bright but overall balanced sound. If you are a basshead then the note 2 is more preferable/fun to listen to but the Z2 is cleaner.
As for the UI, Sony has done a great job with keeping everything simple and clean. It's fast, responsive, and I have had no problems with lagging or hang ups. However, Samsung gives you more customization and even though it feels bloated some times, it lets me do what I need quickly and easily. Like changing the vibration intensity, blocking calls with acceptations, changing brightness in the notification area w/o going to the second tab, tapping the brightness icon, and then changing it. Stock Sony is limited, like stock Android.
Notification light under the speaker is sweet, I just wish it could be a little brighter/customizable. Screen is smaller and easier to reach across, but is lightly mitigated by the bezel size and ergonomics. The blacks are REALLY good for an IPS screen, and I don't notice much of a difference from the true blacks on the AMOLED screen, the colors are accurate yet still vibrant, which is great. The one thing lacking on the Sony screen is the viewing angles, which are OK and the screen is kinda reflective, but I can still see if I max the brightness under the brightest day.
Related
Guys post your opinions on the audio quality of the device and if possible also a comparison with your previous phones.
Thanks.
Already quite heavily discussed...
Disappointed. Don't like the headset at all. got replacement and it's fine and waiting for the smart headset to come out.well hopefully it'll be the best, I love listen to music and this time I'm really disappointed with Sony for sure. (Sad Face)
Why disappointed? Everyone knows that standard headsets are bad.
Use your own, be happy.
chesterr said:
Disappointed. Don't like the headset at all. got replacement and it's fine and waiting for the smart headset to come out.well hopefully it'll be the best, I love listen to music and this time I'm really disappointed with Sony for sure. (Sad Face)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you expand a little - what exactly are you unhappy about? When you say you 'don't like the headset' - is it the sound quality or the ergonomics/comfort that you don't like? what aspects exactly are bad?
When we assess the audio performance of a phone, there are several separate aspects:
1. Audio output signal quality, i.e. the analog signal coming out of the phone jack. I would argue that this is superb, as can be witnessed by connecting it directly to a quality Hi-Fi system or high-performance headphones.
Has anyone noticed anything different in this respect - like distortion, noise or other defects? I haven't.
2. The audio quality in the main use of the device: as a telephone (unless we have forgotten that it can also make calls). Taken for granted most of the time, this audio quality was disappointing in my previous X10 - but on the X-S is significantly better. Call audio quality (including volume) is on par with the best phones I've used.
3. The sound quality when listening to music 'over the air', i.e. form the phone's built-in speaker. There are limitations how much loudness and/or bass you can extract form a tiny speaker in a tiny box - I hope nobody expects it to sound like a 500 Watt stereo system On speaker, the X-S is on par with the following models found around my household: Xperia X10, SE C905, SE C902, Nokia 5800. Differences are minor and, at this compromise level, not worth analysing. Subjectively, on built-in speaker the X-S sounds to me slightly but certainly better than the X10.
4. Audio quality via the standard headset provided in the pack. NOT (!) any extra /additional headphones - those are subject to your taste (and investment), see (1) above.
The kit headset is a hands-free unit optimised for making calls and not for music consumption. Yes, they certainly can play music (and many models do it decently, depending on the listener's audio culture and expectations) - but they absolutely must not be assessed and criticised as a musical device, they simply are not that.
Anyone who has the ears to hear the difference and values audio quality normally buys dedicated musical headphones. (Or already has them - as technology in them evolves slower than phones and they need less frequent 'updates'. I keep them over the life of 2-3 phones).
When we rely on the headset provided in the box, we voluntarily agree with the limitations - that those are a compromise, designed for making calls and also designed to minimise the cost of the bundle.
- - -
I'd like to think that we all agree with the above logic. Please feel free to prove me wrong (with facts) on any aspect of it. In this light, I would like to hear:
- What aspects of the audio is @chesterr (and others) unhappy about?
- If Sony disappoints, who else doesn't? What are you comparing the X-S with? What is your example of the ideal mobile audio experience (straight out of the box)?
Anyone could recommend a headset at, at max 50 dollars, for listening to music that works on it. Cable at least 1 meter and has to be in-ear.
Sent from Xperia X10 Mini Pro using CM9 by paul-xxx
Since my kplisch x10i won't work with the Sony @) I have gone back to my trusty denon ach 360's
Very nice warm sound in my opinion even though they are considered an older model.
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/accessories/earphones/301807/denon_ahc360_review.html
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Using Soundmagic E10s with mine and have to say I'm impressed - easily on a par with my iPhone 4s for audio quality - sounds pretty neutral to me and more than adequate for a phone imho.
maistora said:
Can you expand a little - what exactly are you unhappy about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow man you're promoting Sony or something I thought that I was doing that..
well It's Sony dude they should've done more better than this, I don't blame it but I don't like the headset.Okay If you're telling me to be happy with what I get for the price that I paid for, Okay then.
BTW I'm waiting for their new Smart Headset. and Hopefully it'll be better and yes the call quality is to the maximum comparing to the other devices and they've done a pretty good job with the equaliser and with the xLoud.But I feel like I'm not getting enough Bass. Anyways I hope Smart Headset will be out soon to get
Included earbuds are always crap. If earbuds cost less than €50/$75 they are crap by definition. I've heard the audio output quality of the Xperia S is brilliant and amongst the best of all phones ever made.
chesterr said:
they've done a pretty good job with the equaliser and with the xLoud.But I feel like I'm not getting enough Bass. Anyways I hope Smart Headset will be out soon to get
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bass is very dependent on the headphones. I just tried on a pair of Sony MDR-EX81 and the bass is thumpin!
Tip: If you really wanna splurge, try the Sony balanced armature series...
I'm really impressed with the audio quality on the xs. I came from a Samsung Galaxy s2 which is a truly awful mp3 player.
The only criticism I can find with the Sony is that the highs and percussion are often more pronounced than vocals, but having said that the highs are very detailed and defined, and a pleasure to listen to!
This is the best performing phone for audio I have owned. That includes the Iphone 3gs...
Hi!
Could anyone compare the sound coming from the backside speaker to the Iphone 4 speaker output (music without headset).
Cause coming from the X10i and comparing to Iphone of my wife, x10i has a miserable sound (small tweeter behind speakerhole at the left side), Iphone4 has a much richer base when playing back music without headset.
Reading that SXS is "on par" with my X10i in that aspect is really not what i hoped to hear ....
Greetings,
Bax
Baxxx said:
Hi!
Reading that SXS is "on par" with my X10i in that aspect is really not what i hoped to hear ....
Greetings,
Bax
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
When I compare the built in speaker of my XPS with my old x10 mini pro, the x10 mini pro has a better sound, but with stock hearphones I think XPS is better.
chesterr said:
Wow man you're promoting Sony or something...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm not promoting Sony. Unlike Appleheads, I am not a blind fan - every time I am buying a new device I research all products in the market, from all brands and makers. I have a (rather complex) set of comparison criteria and carefully score all available options. The fact that my last few phones happened to be Sony (Ericsson) is not brand loyalty, they just scored top marks according to my criteria. As a rationally-minded (stupid engineer) I can only compare facts and measurable parameters. 'Cool' factor, fashion trends and media hype are not among my criteria - otherwise I always gave Apple a chance in my shortlists.
Talking of audio, I cannot completely ignore the fact that among all phone makers Sony is the only one that has been making audio equipment for more than half a century, including high-quality HiFi systems and components. That includes a (very) deep vault of patents, but more important - a wealth of experience and expertise that no other phone maker has, and no 'think different' genius can easily replace.
Talking about cameras (sorry about straying off-topic for a moment) - apart from Samsung no other phone maker has any experience in making 'normal' cameras, and even they started much later and excel at the cheaper end. Sony have been making (photo) cameras longer and long before that they were making professional TV cameras used by every major broadcaster in the world. That counts for some (deep) understanding of electronic imaging that no one else has. In fact, Apple respect this and have chosen not to reinvent the steam engine, but have built a Sony camera in their phone. There can hardly be a higher recognition.
- - -
No 'Sony-heads' and blind fans here, just noticing objective facts and using my head, not my 'heart' (or other body parts).
To everyone in this forum (you must already have Sony phones, since you are here?) - and on topic: Enjoy the Sony sound, it's objectively better than others!
Sony actually include the package with livesound in malaysia .
The best bounded earphone i ever have inside phone box for the phone i brought .
Having moved from an iPhone 4 to the Xperia S I would say that the audio quality is ok but nothing special.
Listening through decent headphones (Klipsh Image X10s) the Xperia produces a good sound but I don't think it is as good as the iPhone. It is perfectly serviceable but the iPhone does a lot better in my view, especially with lossless files where you can really hear the difference on the iPhone and on the Xperia it is marginal at best compared to 320Kbps mp3.
I've no complaints about the Xperia and it beats the iPhone in most other respects but I think audio quality is an area where it could be improved.
I guess it comes down to the quality of the DACs used within it. Sony's audio experience may help but it cannot compensate for lower quality audio circuitry at the end of the day.
The output is also noticably louder on the iPhone and the Xperia may struggle to drive some headphones at a decent volume level. Its ok with mine but I find I am using 85% volume on the Xperia to get the same sound level as my iPhone running at around 70%.
Great phone though.
The sound quailty of the phones speaker is good.
The bundled headphones are poor.
The sound output via analogue is okay but not great.
The call quality is very good.
I moved from iphone 4 to xperia arc to samsung s2 to samsung note to xperia s.
Xperia arc's noise level is too high and both samsung s2 and note sounded too soft.
If lack of low frequency is not a concern to you, iphone obvious has a more open and detailed mid-range frequency reproduction (e.g. vocal voices). However, I still prefer XS for the more balanced sound.
output volume from XS is too low... hope it will be fixed by firmware upgrade.
anyway, XS is the best music player among all mobile phones i've ever had.
btw, I am using Shure 425 earphone and 840 headphone.
I don't think xs has good quality of sound indeed, I heard that there is a deficit for android or Qualcomm chips dealing with 48k (or 44.1k sound ). I am not sure about it but the default music player does improve music quality a lot.
Sent from my LT26i
Having paid a lot of money for a high end device this Sony has some very annoying issues I would of thought Sony could have resolved before sale or after a quick update! Which I'm still waiting for 2 weeks later.....
Auto backlight does not adjust
Adaptive light and optimised backlight does not work. It does not dim or brighten with changing light conditions.
It's more than annoying having to adjust the brightness yourself.
If one or the other is selected or not selected and you restart your device it will get stuck in a loop and not turn back on.
The speakers both suck. Volume quality is terrible on calls and quality of music produced from speaker is even worse!
But the headset quality and volume is outstanding I give them that.
The camera sucks too...
Spending the sort of money and expecting high standards it knocks my confidence in Sony as a maker of phones. And angers me even more they have not fiXed these things yet with updates. Don't they care or don't they have a clue how to fix them?
My other issue is the the phantom/random clicking...
I can get by the other issues but this random clicking may eventually cause me to return it...
qazzi76 said:
My other issue is the the phantom/random clicking...
I can get by the other issues but this random clicking may eventually cause me to return it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony sucks goatballs if they not can fix ghost clicking sometime my phone has it own Life
sell your device and buy HTC One max.
Found a video of the random clicking I'm also experiencing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBD49ogR8c0
qazzi76 said:
My other issue is the the phantom/random clicking...
I can get by the other issues but this random clicking may eventually cause me to return it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM10.2 is the solution to almost all of these problems... or wait for a sony update..
- sound quality. You can't expect a waterproof speak/mic to be as loud and receptive as other devices. There is a waterproof membrane covering these, so of course they wont be as good as non water proof devices.
- camera. But surely you knew 8mp camera wasn't going to be as good as a 13mp camera.. or even the Z1 21mp camera... I find the 8Mp camera adequate... of course would rather have a better camera, but not at the expense of a fatter device...
like @avetny said... If you wanted a different device then sell and move on
Speaker does not suck. It's very clear. Not that loud, but it's waterproof. How many other phone speakers can make that claim? And anyway, this is only my personal opinion, but you've purchased a high-end device--just bite the bullet and get a great quality headset to go with it. A good Bluetooth headset will sound better than any phone speakers anyway, as well as allow you to make hands-free calls, something that suddenly becomes very important with the Z Ultra. IMO, the phone's speaker is only for notification sounds, and maybe occasionally sharing a video or song with a friend.
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using xda app-developers app
AntiLazarus said:
Speaker does not suck. It's very clear. Not that loud, but it's waterproof. How many other phone speakers can make that claim? And anyway, this is only my personal opinion, but you've purchased a high-end device--just bite the bullet and get a great quality headset to go with it. A good Bluetooth headset will sound better than any phone speakers anyway, as well as allow you to make hands-free calls, something that suddenly becomes very important with the Z Ultra. IMO, the phone's speaker is only for notification sounds, and maybe occasionally sharing a video or song with a friend.
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
couldn't agree more
AntiLazarus said:
Speaker does not suck. It's very clear. Not that loud, but it's waterproof. How many other phone speakers can make that claim? And anyway, this is only my personal opinion, but you've purchased a high-end device--just bite the bullet and get a great quality headset to go with it. A good Bluetooth headset will sound better than any phone speakers anyway, as well as allow you to make hands-free calls, something that suddenly becomes very important with the Z Ultra. IMO, the phone's speaker is only for notification sounds, and maybe occasionally sharing a video or song with a friend.
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea. i didnt expect the speaker to be any good except for small stuff or quick videos. i actually picked up the SBH20 for pretty cheap from a sony hook up while im waiting for the SBH52 to be released here in the USA. for the price, it works like charm.
This is really weird all you say, me I only have a problem with the adapt and optimized.
The camera is the best I had on a phone so far, just need to not use automatic mode and use my head. And since .532 system files update, noise on low luminosity and the jpeg artifact has been grandly improved. But I believe that all reviews about the phone told photo quality was poor in auto mode so I am surprise you can be disappointed by that.
Ghost clicking? Only got it with wet or dirty hands. But I don't remember ever used a phone with wet hands before this one, certainly because I could damaged them.
But I have the feeling since the beginning I see you on this forum, you don't even own a XZU and just made a compilation of problems some people posted on the forum.
Envoyé depuis mon C6802 avec xda premium 4
In future OP I'd suggest you read/watch some reviews of the products you intend to buy as you would then be a lot better educated on what to expect from your devices.
bASKOU said:
This is really weird all you say, me I only have a problem with the adapt and optimized.
The camera is the best I had on a phone so far, just need to not use automatic mode and use my head. And since .532 system files update, noise on low luminosity and the jpeg artifact has been grandly improved. But I believe that all reviews about the phone told photo quality was poor in auto mode so I am surprise you can be disappointed by that.
Ghost clicking? Only got it with wet or dirty hands. But I don't remember ever used a phone with wet hands before this one, certainly because I could damaged them.
But I have the feeling since the beginning I see you on this forum, you don't even own a XZU and just made a compilation of problems some people posted on the forum.
Envoyé depuis mon C6802 avec xda premium 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently bought an app called "Camera CV-5" on the Play store after a member here (forget who) recommended it, and I have to say, I'm quite impressed with the pictures it takes, even on full auto mode. Especially for a device with a "bad camera." Sony makes good sensors.
AntiLazarus said:
I recently bought an app called "Camera CV-5" on the Play store after a member here (forget who) recommended it, and I have to say, I'm quite impressed with the pictures it takes, even on full auto mode. Especially for a device with a "bad camera." Sony makes good sensors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the sensor is really good. Just a shame Sony mess up with the auto mode of the stock camera and the ISO management. Can get good result in manual (from 100 to 400 ISO cause at 800 and more the result is not good) and when in low light can use scene HDR backlight mode. Not really want to pay for a camera app.
Envoyé depuis mon C6802 avec xda premium 4
AntiLazarus said:
I recently bought an app called "Camera CV-5" on the Play store after a member here (forget who) recommended it, and I have to say, I'm quite impressed with the pictures it takes, even on full auto mode. Especially for a device with a "bad camera." Sony makes good sensors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is camara CV-5 or FV-5?
And how do you configurated it?
The ghost clicking happens to me if I'm using the phone while it's connected to the PC via USB. It's not a problem specific to ZU 'cause it also happened on my Note II if connected to a PC. Sometimes, sweat and water on the screen are also the cause.
natispain said:
Is camara CV-5 or FV-5?
And how do you configurated it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoops, you're right, it's FV-5. I don't know much about camera settings, so I basically just put it in auto mode, I just choose the output type as high-quality JPEG.
numbnutsuk said:
Auto backlight does not adjust
Adaptive light and optimised backlight does not work. It does not dim or brighten with changing light conditions.
It's more than annoying having to adjust the brightness yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry and never mind if it is irrelevant, but I also used to think that the auto adapt was not working.
But under usual circumstances, it is very hard to detect. At least for me, this was the case anyway.
Under settings > brightness I have the slider bar set to just a notch above dimmest, in order to increase battery life.
I found out 2 ways that it is indeed functioning.
I was under a counter at a bar the other day where there was very bright LED spotlight. When I walked away while browsing into the unlit area, I saw the screen dim. In over a month's use, this is the first time I noticed this active screen brightness adjustment (due to this extreme circumstance)
I happened to look in GSAM battery monitor and under screen, where all my power consumption was normally in ''DARK'' category, I found some usage under DIM and MEDIUM as well.
Thinking about it, in over a months use, not once did I find it difficult to see the screen because of the Dimness. But unlike my other previous phones, I never saw an exaggerated adjustment to lighting conditions. So it has been doing its job adequately, and in retrospect, effectively to make the screen lit 'just' bright enough....
I actually find the camera quality to be OK and am pretty impressed with the superior auto mode. I'm coming from using a HTC One X which has a pretty good camera too and I don't have much of an issue with the Z Ultra's camera. Sure it doesn't have a flash but flash generally makes your photos look **** anyway - I rarely used flash on my One X if I could avoid it.
my biggest issue now is the sucking balls camera
compared it to my same 8M iphone4s and galaxynote ,, i was aghast at how horrible it is that at first i even doubted it was a defective one,,,
anyone, just try to shoot a book page and compare it to anyother 8M phone,, it REALLY SUCKS
KonW said:
my biggest issue now is the sucking balls camera
compared it to my same 8M iphone4s and galaxynote ,, i was aghast at how horrible it is that at first i even doubted it was a defective one,,,
anyone, just try to shoot a book page and compare it to anyother 8M phone,, it REALLY SUCKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with the stock sony camera app yep it sucks, but with another app the camera is pretty much as good as the iphone 4s I had back in the days
My main needs are:
1. Excellent GPS - Samsungs are universally crap and TomTom/Sygic/CoPilot always had me jumping around roads, forgetting where it was/which way the car was pointing when stuck in a jam etc. I just use TomTom now on my iPhone and whilst I hate iPhones their GPS/GLONASS implementation is excellent. Anyone used TomTom on a Z2? How did it fare? Both in dense urban situations and on highways and both on clear and cloudy days.
2. Loudspeaker - I do like to listen to radio in the shower and whilst I have no intention of ever taking a phone in there with me a good loudspeaker is a must. I heard the Z1 and possibly the Z2 had crappy loudspeakers due to waterproofing. Is this true? I'm not after a ghettoblaster but a good speaker is fairly important.
3. Camera - The iPhone 4S has a good camera. It opens quickly, HDR mode can cope with a moving toddler (my son rarely is still enough for other phones to cope with) and the camera can cope with shots where there is a window in there without just whiteing out the window area (l don't know the technical name for it but it's when the camera doesn't cope with light and darker areas well such as with the HTC One M8).
These are my main criteria and I'd like to know if the Z2 will meet my needs. It will be a big purchase for me and I can't afford to spend and lose money on a phone which doesn't do these functions well.
Everything else on the Z2 looks absolutely fantastic, just like the M8 and a Note 3 I had recently did except the M8 camera was truly awful (what were they thinking with that ultrapixel nonsense) and the Note 3 was terrible at GPS (five years on since the original Samsung Galaxy and the GPS was still like using a phone from 2005 when some phones didn't have true GPS).
I'd really value some honest opinions guys and gals!
Joe
joebongo said:
My main needs are:
1. Excellent GPS - Samsungs are universally crap and TomTom/Sygic/CoPilot always had me jumping around roads, forgetting where it was/which way the car was pointing when stuck in a jam etc. I just use TomTom now on my iPhone and whilst I hate iPhones their GPS/GLONASS implementation is excellent. Anyone used TomTom on a Z2? How did it fare? Both in dense urban situations and on highways and both on clear and cloudy days.
2. Loudspeaker - I do like to listen to radio in the shower and whilst I have no intention of ever taking a phone in there with me a good loudspeaker is a must. I heard the Z1 and possibly the Z2 had crappy loudspeakers due to waterproofing. Is this true? I'm not after a ghettoblaster but a good speaker is fairly important.
3. Camera - The iPhone 4S has a good camera. It opens quickly, HDR mode can cope with a moving toddler (my son rarely is still enough for other phones to cope with) and the camera can cope with shots where there is a window in there without just whiteing out the window area (l don't know the technical name for it but it's when the camera doesn't cope with light and darker areas well such as with the HTC One M8).
These are my main criteria and I'd like to know if the Z2 will meet my needs. It will be a big purchase for me and I can't afford to spend and lose money on a phone which doesn't do these functions well.
Everything else on the Z2 looks absolutely fantastic, just like the M8 and a Note 3 I had recently did except the M8 camera was truly awful (what were they thinking with that ultrapixel nonsense) and the Note 3 was terrible at GPS (five years on since the original Samsung Galaxy and the GPS was still like using a phone from 2005 when some phones didn't have true GPS).
I'd really value some honest opinions guys and gals!
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Sorry dont really have much use for gps n only got phone this morning so untested
2. Right then, while i wouldnt say the speakers are crap they aren't the loudest, they do sound good tho.... im no audiophile but to me they sounded clear they just didnt go loud enough (altho i wouldnt rule out some form of volume increase app coming along for rooted users at some point) I havent tested the noise cancelling headphones yet but have heard they are very good. On a side note i received a free sont srs btx300 speaker, if you can get one thrown in then its well worth it. Maybe worth noting that altho the low volume may be caused by waterproofing you could keep it closer in the shower so it may not seem that quiet
3. dont know about hdr, ive yet to look at all the camera settings... but there is something called time burst while will 60 shots in 2 seconds, not tested it but read about it, apparently it starts shooting when you open it and it saves the 30 pics from 1 second before pressing shutter and 30 from 1 second after, you then pick the best one(s), should be perfect for capturing a toddler
I have to say I'm pretty disappointed by the speakers, thought they would be a lot louder.
The noise cancelling headphones are brilliant though, very clear, and good amount of bass.
A first I did think the speakers were pretty awful in comparison to the M8 however, once I enabled xLOUD from the Sound Enhancement settings it became very comparable!
As for the photos, I regularly take photos of skateboarding and the Timeshift Burst feature on the Sony phones is brilliant for moving shots. Like the other guy said, it constantly buffers the first 30 images while the app is open and then takes another 30 after you press the shutter, you'll always get a handful of great shots at the perfect moment!
As for GPS, I don't drive, but my phone is used as the sat nav whenever I'm in a friends car. I've only ever used Google Maps but I have to say it works flawlessly. Always accurate and very easy to use.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The speakers are just fine. Only the m8 beats it for loudness and quality. It's louder than the m7 which was all the rage last year so can't see what the problem is. The speakers on the z2 get the job done and pretty well too especially while watching videos and gaming.
As for the camera, it's to put it simply, only bettered perhaps by the lumia 1020. It takes the most amazing 8mp shots with so much detail it's hard to accept they're actually 8mp snaps. Colour reproduction is frightfully accurate with excellent dynamic range. Crank up the resolution and things noticeably degrade in quality in every respect mostly focusing. The shots are still to notch but just not as good as the truly incredible 8mp snaps.
Never had any problems with gps on any Sony device but the z2's seems better than that on the z. The weather app picks up my location exactly while that on the z was more general.
Sent from my D6503 using xda app-developers app
joebongo said:
My main needs are:
1. Excellent GPS - Samsungs are universally crap and TomTom/Sygic/CoPilot always had me jumping around roads, forgetting where it was/which way the car was pointing when stuck in a jam etc. I just use TomTom now on my iPhone and whilst I hate iPhones their GPS/GLONASS implementation is excellent. Anyone used TomTom on a Z2? How did it fare? Both in dense urban situations and on highways and both on clear and cloudy days.
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since when do samsungs's GPS's suck?!
All the notes, S s, and even some of the budget phones I handled NAILED GPS co-ordinates/Google maps etc!
I travel..off-road too...and heavily rely on GPS.
How have you arrived at such a conclusion or your just a hater?
In regards to Sammy gps, I had galaxy s 1 2 & 3, and found the gps took a long time to lock on to satellites but when they did they were very accurate.
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
How is the Z2's volume when the phone is in your pocket? Just asking cause I work in a loud environment, also, how does the antenna perform when in a building ( like in the middle of a warehouse or basement of shopping centre or department store)? Thanks for the info guys :good:
Pre- ordered on 8/3 and still waiting lol....
The samsungs I've had (the first galaxy and a note 3) were terrible with gps and had me in fields or parallel roads and generally were unusable. Maybe I just had two duff units but looking on the web there were also many people having gps accuracy issues for driving on both models.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
cyneverdie said:
Since when do samsungs's GPS's suck?!
All the notes, S s, and even some of the budget phones I handled NAILED GPS co-ordinates/Google maps etc!
I travel..off-road too...and heavily rely on GPS.
How have you arrived at such a conclusion or your just a hater?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of my friends got his Note 3 a couple months ago (he's a long time iPhone user) and we were headed out to meet someone. We were using the GPS on his Note, and for some reason the damned thing was off by a 1-2 intersections! I whipped out my Xperia Z Ultra, and it was spot on for our location.
Dunno what was going on with his Note 3, but damn it sucked. He mentioned that he had run into similar problems with it in the past, so it wasn't a one-off thing either.
vivftp said:
One of my friends got his Note 3 a couple months ago (he's a long time iPhone user) and we were headed out to meet someone. We were using the GPS on his Note, and for some reason the damned thing was off by a 1-2 intersections! I whipped out my Xperia Z Ultra, and it was spot on for our location.
Dunno what was going on with his Note 3, but damn it sucked. He mentioned that he had run into similar problems with it in the past, so it wasn't a one-off thing either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm...never heard that before. The Note 3 rocks!
I assure you that his phone has some serious issues....it should be pin sharp accuracy.
Dying for a Z ultra 2 btw....
With a damn flash/torch!
Does the videos get recorded in mono or stereo? What's the fps while recording in 720p?
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
joebongo said:
The samsungs I've had (the first galaxy and a note 3) were terrible with gps and had me in fields or parallel roads and generally were unusable. Maybe I just had two duff units but looking on the web there were also many people having gps accuracy issues for driving on both models.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember that map apps use an algorithm where it assumes you are continuing on the road it's telling you to go on, assuming that any deviation between the position from the GPS and the real location is due to drift. So it might not be as bad as you think.
I've also had regular problems with my note 3 gps. So sketchy and unreliable. Anyway here's hoping the z2's is better. Hope this thing hurries up and releases in the states!
Hello there,
After much inquiry, I've become undecided about this phone. I have been looking for a 4.7-5in phone with a good and snappy camera, battery, USA bands, and micro sd support, and the z5 compact seems to fit the bill. However, I keep reading problems about this device mainly concerning its software and camera. I really like the device given all it has to offer but I'm just not inclined to dish out $500+ on a device that has a problematic camera i.e. blurred edges caused by software or hardware, no warranty (here in the USA), over-heating, sony ui, etc. I currently have an LG G4 which absolutely meets my needs but like I said, I'm looking for a smaller phone for traveling and one hand handling.
So my question for those who own the Z5c, is it really THAT bad and will the firmware update fix the purported problems of this device? I'm concerned about the blurry edges being a hardware issue and perhaps Sony is just covering their tracks by saying that an "update" will fix that problem. If you have updated your device, could you post a sample of the fixed camera or at least let us know here?
Really appreciate your time and input!
Coming from the z1 compact and z3 compact, although I loved those phones I did find the camera sub par, and the external speaker volume too low and muffled, the front and back screens were finger print magnets and easily scratched.
But I love the compact series and put my hope and money back into the z5-compact.
Had mine for 2 weeks now (Arctic white) and I love the new design, the no finger print frosted rear glass and the front screen also just doesn't seem to attract finger prints either!, improved and much louder external speakers, the camera has improved dramatically. I have none of the reported issues of blurred edges, slow camera opening etc it's all good. Oh and the fingerprint scanner is awesome!
I love this phone to death it's perfect in my eyes. It will be hard to part with this when it comes time to upgrade to the z6 compact ☺
Woza72 said:
Coming from the z1 compact and z3 compact, although I loved those phones I did find the camera sub par, and the external speaker volume too low and muffled, the front and back screens were finger print magnets and easily scratched.
But I love the compact series and put my hope and money back into the z5-compact.
Had mine for 2 weeks now (Arctic white) and I love the new design, the no finger print frosted rear glass and the front screen also just doesn't seem to attract finger prints either!, improved and much louder external speakers, the camera has improved dramatically. I have none of the reported issues of blurred edges, slow camera opening etc it's all good. Oh and the fingerprint scanner is awesome!
I love this phone to death it's perfect in my eyes. It will be hard to part with this when it comes time to upgrade to the z6 compact ☺
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the software seem good and fast? No stutters or lag?
Thanks
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Notchr302 said:
Does the software seem good and fast? No stutters or lag?
Thanks
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were stutters and lags, but since the last update they all are gone.
Drakorcarnis0 said:
There were stutters and lags, but since the last update they all are gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm so confused because some say there is still lag after the update. Ugh lol
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
I am one of those who would say that the lags are gone after the update. And whatever that guy said, I agree wholeheartedly. This phone is a beast. I also come from a Z3 Compact and I am loving the Z5c. Especially the camera
It was a little stuttery straight out of the box but I downloaded Sony PC companion (just googled it) and then downloaded the latest firmware 32.0.A.6.152 (it took a couple of hours, which by all reports is normal) then updated my phone.
Happy to report it is buttery smooth with no stutters or lags all super fast.
Interesting to see that the pre installed photo analyzer app (Sony) which was reportedly causing some lag, had disappeared in the latest firmware.
I hope this has helped you with your decision.
Cheers
Do you still have the blurry edges or has it been fixed?
moist_line said:
Do you still have the blurry edges or has it been fixed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
99% sure it's good. You be the judge. Just a quick picture, tried to place items on every edge/corner.
I'm sitting at the park, it's dusk and a little cloudy. No flash, superior auto, 8mp.
I've had the Z5C for a week now and I can't comment too much on certain details because this is my very first Android phone - I am coming straight from a Nokia 808. The phone is compact, slick-looking, seems incredibly fast to me and I am liking the Android experience as a whole, although a few things Symbian had were simpler and more elegant (changing phone profiles, searching for contacts under phone, for instance).
The one issue I have, and that is a big one and it is so big of an issue that I registered today on XDA to ask for help, is the extremely poor photo/camera quality. I cannot understand what is going on here. This is a $600 2015 brand new release phone. Something must be wrong either with the software or hardware on my phone, which sucks since I purchased it for US operation (no warranty). I do not know how to express in words how disappointed I am with the camera. Let's just say that my 2012 Nokia 808 takes photos comparable to my SLR system. I was expecting at least equivalent photo quality from a modern/newer phone.
OldSkewler said:
I've had the Z5C for a week now and I can't comment too much on certain details because this is my very first Android phone - I am coming straight from a Nokia 808. The phone is compact, slick-looking, seems incredibly fast to me and I am liking the Android experience as a whole, although a few things Symbian had were simpler and more elegant (changing phone profiles, searching for contacts under phone, for instance).
The one issue I have, and that is a big one and it is so big of an issue that I registered today on XDA to ask for help, is the extremely poor photo/camera quality. I cannot understand what is going on here. This is a $600 2015 brand new release phone. Something must be wrong either with the software or hardware on my phone, which sucks since I purchased it for US operation (no warranty). I do not know how to express in words how disappointed I am with the camera. Let's just say that my 2012 Nokia 808 takes photos comparable to my SLR system. I was expecting at least equivalent photo quality from a modern/newer phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are your thoughts on the quick photo I posted? All standard settings in quite average light? Do you see any of the issues you are experiencing on your phone?
Woza72 said:
What are your thoughts on the quick photo I posted? All standard settings in quite average light? Do you see any of the issues you are experiencing on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the resolution posted, I dont see any issues. What I see on my photos is some sort of sharpening which causes details to be lost when zooming in. And believe me, I am not even remotely pixel-peeking, just basic cropping for creative purposes.
I'll try to post some sample photos to illustrate what I am facing here.
Cheers,
BB
OldSkewler said:
The one issue I have, and that is a big one and it is so big of an issue that I registered today on XDA to ask for help, is the extremely poor photo/camera quality. I cannot understand what is going on here. This is a $600 2015 brand new release phone. Something must be wrong either with the software or hardware on my phone, which sucks since I purchased it for US operation (no warranty). I do not know how to express in words how disappointed I am with the camera. Let's just say that my 2012 Nokia 808 takes photos comparable to my SLR system. I was expecting at least equivalent photo quality from a modern/newer phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't already, you might want to check the main Xperia Z5 subforum about this issue, specifically this thread where they talk about the camera, and the best settings for particular lighting. It could be you have a defective camera though, and if so, I feel for ya since I also imported my device.
Adrift98 said:
If you haven't already, you might want to check the main Xperia Z5 subforum about this issue, specifically this thread where they talk about the camera, and the best settings for particular lighting. It could be you have a defective camera though, and if so, I feel for ya since I also imported my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly how my photos look like! Thanks for linking me to this thread, even though what I learned from it is not exactly great news!
OldSkewler said:
Exactly how my photos look like! Thanks for linking me to this thread, even though what I learned from it is not exactly great news!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem for me. It's a very expansive phone and you have to read pages of forums to understand how to make the most of it.
But still, the camera to me is a complete disaster. The app is cheap, very laggy, menus are terrible and the most improtant part, it takes poor photos.
Oversharpened and zooming in a tiny bit on a 23Mp pictures is just horrible.
The photo shared a few post back in the park is just awful too, sorry bro no offense, but it's not a defective camera it's just what is sold.
When you come from other brands, you are automatically disapointed.
P.S. videos are quite amazing though, especially in 60fps and the management of the edit app of videos is very good too.
I just switched to the nexus 5X, and there are no comparaison. Much much simpler, you don't need to test every little setting to take a good pic and zooming in is incredible, the best.
Yet I really loved the compact shape and overall build quality of the z5 device.
Comments non related to the camera is : the system is quite good as it is very similar to stock android but a little disappointed too by the performance.
I don't speak about lags and everything as it is quite fluid, but it just takes time to open or reload apps compared to my other devices.
I am still keeping the device to see if there will be improvement (there should be a major camera app update this month) but i don't believe in miracles, i don't think that will solve the pictures quality.
If you know how to use it (8mp at SA for darker scenarios, 23mp manual for bright daylight) it's been reviewed in a number of places as the best camera currently on the market. It's interesting to me how polarizing the camera is for people though. People either think it's the second coming, or the antichrist. I imagine that the improvements to the software promised with the Marshmallow update will go a long way to getting a lot of naysayers to give it a second look.
Adrift98 said:
If you know how to use it (8mp at SA for darker scenarios, 23mp manual for bright daylight) it's been reviewed in a number of places as the best camera currently on the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a very interesting perspective on the topic; so basically it boils down to misuse by users! And I suspect this is from someone that has never even tried the phone!
Let me propose the exact opposite, and I suspect a portion (if not majority) of people complaining about the imaging performance on these Z5 phones are actually far from amateur photographers and do understand what is achievable and should be expected in terms o quality. There is no way to slice this or put a twist on it, and I don't care about DXO ratings.
OldSkewler said:
That is a very interesting perspective on the topic; so basically it boils down to misuse by users! And I suspect this is from someone that has never even tried the phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's certainly been by those who've tried the phone. By the looks of it you didn't get too far into that thread I previously recommended, but Timaustin2000 and a few others in that thread really turned the tone around with their investigations on the ability of the camera, and comparison shots. They've even had an influential effect on reviewers. So for instance, it wasn't till TimAustin pointed out to the reviewers at Android Authority that they were crippling the phone by using the 23mp in low light scenarios that they took into consideration the supersampling of the 8mp default settings. From there a number of other reviewers, bloggers, vloggers, and the like took a second look at the camera in the phone and tested appropriately with often very very positive results (many of these reviews and videos are also mentioned in that thread).
Let me propose the exact opposite, and I suspect a portion (if not majority) of people complaining about the imaging performance on these Z5 phones are actually far from amateur photographers and do understand what is achievable and should be expected in terms o quality. There is no way to slice this or put a twist on it, and I don't care about DXO ratings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the recent reviews that I've been reading and watching, that doesn't appear to be the case, but of course, you're free to come to your own conclusions.
Haven't had much experience with the Z5C camera yet, only had it for a week.
But one thing, it takes so long to open. This is my 1St Android phone, been an ios user for around 4.5 years & the iPhones were just easier to access their camera. Slide up, click camera & it opened. On the Z5C, you press & hold the camera button, feel it vibrate, let it go... & wait.
After a second or so, the screen goes black, then the camera opens, then the screen starts to set itself up.
Just tried then & it was around 4 seconds.
I love the phone so far, but it seems to really struggle with normal usage.
By normal usage, for me, I mean it lags. Playing YouTube videos, it lags, I'm in Oz & we have an online streaming movie/TV service called Stan.... It doesn't work on the Z5.
Switching between tasks can give the phone a heart attack. For example, I was playing Clash Of Clans & some one tried to call me, the box popped down, I clicked answer & nothing happened.
I clicked answer two or three more times, before clicking back to the home screen, the phone call went to message bank while my phone locked up, went black & I had to wait around 30 seconds for it to sort itself out.
Even typing this it lags every now & then.
8 Ball Pool is laggy... If messages pop while playing, it gets even worse.
I do love the phone, I am enjoying Android (I miss a few ios advantages), but I just wish that the phone didn't feel like it was made with enough Ram to run the OS & one app at a time.
Oh... The audio is quiet, it doesn't go as loud as my iPhone 4 did, with my Bose head set & it lacks the same bass, but does sound alright.
The included Sony ear plugs are uncomfortable, have no sound advantages, have annoying different length ear cords & no volume control.
No supplied quick charger.
The back of the phone tends to get quite hot.
Sid3wayz said:
Haven't had much experience with the Z5C camera yet, only had it for a week.
But one thing, it takes so long to open. This is my 1St Android phone, been an ios user for around 4.5 years & the iPhones were just easier to access their camera. Slide up, click camera & it opened. On the Z5C, you press & hold the camera button, feel it vibrate, let it go... & wait.
After a second or so, the screen goes black, then the camera opens, then the screen starts to set itself up.
Just tried then & it was around 4 seconds.
I love the phone so far, but it seems to really struggle with normal usage.
By normal usage, for me, I mean it lags. Playing YouTube videos, it lags, I'm in Oz & we have an online streaming movie/TV service called Stan.... It doesn't work on the Z5.
Switching between tasks can give the phone a heart attack. For example, I was playing Clash Of Clans & some one tried to call me, the box popped down, I clicked answer & nothing happened.
I clicked answer two or three more times, before clicking back to the home screen, the phone call went to message bank while my phone locked up, went black & I had to wait around 30 seconds for it to sort itself out.
Even typing this it lags every now & then.
8 Ball Pool is laggy... If messages pop while playing, it gets even worse.
I do love the phone, I am enjoying Android (I miss a few ios advantages), but I just wish that the phone didn't feel like it was made with enough Ram to run the OS & one app at a time.
Oh... The audio is quiet, it doesn't go as loud as my iPhone 4 did, with my Bose head set & it lacks the same bass, but does sound alright.
The included Sony ear plugs are uncomfortable, have no sound advantages, have annoying different length ear cords & no volume control.
No supplied quick charger.
The back of the phone tends to get quite hot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Previous iPhone only user here too. Have you updated to the latest firmware? My camera takes about 2 seconds to come up pressing the side button since the update. Further improvements are expected with the Marshmallow update.
Also, I have no lag since the latest firmware, but I'm also using the Nova Launcher which you can get for free in the Play Store (not sure if that makes any difference or not).
I also have a problem with the volume, especially from the front speakers. Thought having two speakers instead of one, as I did on my iPhone 2G, 3G, 4S. and 6S would make it louder, but it's not. Still, honestly, I don't find it much quieter than those devices either. the 6S was maybe a tick louder, but not by much. I still want more punch from the front speakers, and I'm hoping that's something I can fix by doing some sort of ROM tweak. If not, I suppose I can live with it, but its the biggest disappointment about the device for me, not because its so much quieter than my iPhone devices, but because it doesn't stand head and shoulders above them.
I don't know about you, but my Sony ear plugs are way way wayyyyy more comfortable than my iPhone headphones. In fact, they're the most comfortable in-ear headphones I've ever worn. The different length on the cords I don't really have much issue with, since I usually drape the longest cord behind my head to my right ear (which is how I'm assuming they're meant to be worn). I will admit that they seem slightly cheap-ish, and I was hoping that where the volume button was (which I DO have on my pair) also had a mic so I could answer in-coming calls, but overall, I think they're pretty okay. Again, they're much more comfortable than the headphones that came with my iPhones. As far as loudness in the headphones is concerned, they're loud enough, but I definitely wouldn't mind if they were louder. I'll probably end up getting some sort of thin amp/dac like the dragonfly or the Aqua to boost the volume. Shame I have to do that, but oh well.
Again, its interesting to me how varied people's reactions are to this device. I'm FAR more happier with this device than I am my previous iPhones. Its not perfect, but it hits so many of the checkboxes for me that its hard to complain.
Edit: Oh, also, I got a quick charger with my device, but I bought the Taiwan version, so maybe that accounts for the difference in headphones and charger.
Lastly, after the initial setup, and especially after the update, my phone doesn't get very hot. Maybe I'm not using the same intensive programs that you are, though. The phone gets a little warm with Candy Crush and Asphalt 8, but my iPhone 6S also got pretty hot just using the camera (which is something my mother noticed when I handed her the phone to see some pictures).
Hi,
I'm selling my Z5 Compact under MM. The decision was hard because I kinda love the fingerprint but...
The battery is a complete joke, it doesn't last a day compared to my old Z3C which is far more better in everything,
The device gets warm and hot all the time, in any application I go (I have no games and I mostly use Google apps and Telegram)
The back camera glass protector has some problem, see: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/help/dirty-camera-glass-protection-t3336230
I'm going to take back my good old Z3 Compact which is far more better.
And you ? Do you also share the same feelings about it ?
Before the MM update - yes, I felt the same. Since MM and the newest update mine has been great.
If it weren't for z3c side charging I would have never chosen the z5c. I'm holding onto mine for a bit longer until this HTC mini, s7 mini, and xiaomi mini release. Front facing speakers are keeping me from downgrading back to a mini Samsung for the time being.
And as far as battery life and heat issues I'm right on the same page. I've adapted to it for now by quick charging at lunch time to get me through the work day and clipping phone to me so I'm not burning myself in my pocket.
I am thinking about doing that too, but there are 2 things that keeping me from that, fingerprint sensor and camera! I don't know what to do, wait for S7 Mini,go for S7, wait for SONY to maybe fix issues of this phone or what else?
I think if only this phone had 3GBs of RAM we had no problem or even SONY used good old Snapdragon 801!
i had drain and heat problem until i shutoff 4G, now (3G.5HPSA) only dosnt need really need fast internet
now my phone is 40-90 hours average use , instand 12-30
i have 5.1.1 but maybe it will work also with 6, u can try
I am quite happy with the phones performance and battery life since MM, but I have now preordered the HTC10 and my neighbour is already waiting to buy the Z5C from me. If the HTC10 is as good as I beleive it is, I can overlook the fakt that I hate big phones in this case. Ive been a very happy HTC owner since the HD2 and lastly the M7. The Z5C is a great phone to me, but it will never be more than that. HTC usually managed to float my boat just that tiny bit better than the other brands
eivissa said:
I am quite happy with the phones performance and battery life since MM, but I have now preordered the HTC10 and my neighbour is already waiting to buy the Z5C from me. If the HTC10 is as good as I beleive it is, I can overlook the fakt that I hate big phones in this case. Ive been a very happy HTC owner since the HD2 and lastly the M7. The Z5C is a great phone to me, but it will never be more than that. HTC usually managed to float my boat just that tiny bit better than the other brands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to be a big HTC fan until they went to the one series. They are supposedly bring an h10 mini out with flagship specs this year. Hopefully they don't disappoint like the last two minis, I want to go HTC again.
eivissa said:
I am quite happy with the phones performance and battery life since MM, but I have now preordered the HTC10 and my neighbour is already waiting to buy the Z5C from me. If the HTC10 is as good as I beleive it is, I can overlook the fakt that I hate big phones in this case. Ive been a very happy HTC owner since the HD2 and lastly the M7. The Z5C is a great phone to me, but it will never be more than that. HTC usually managed to float my boat just that tiny bit better than the other brands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you know the HTC 10 has not stereo speakers anymore? only dual speakers one (lower) for bass and for top on high pitch
Z5C is kind the same thing BUT! still stereo , Z5C top speaker wave range of 150hz-22050KHz and bottom speaker is 500HZ-22050Khz (less bass)
Superrman said:
you know the HTC 10 has not stereo speakers anymore? only dual speakers one (lower) for bass and for top on high pitch
Z5C is kind the same thing BUT! still stereo , Z5C top speaker wave range of 150hz-22050KHz and bottom speaker is 500HZ-22050Khz (less bass)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, I dont care about that stuff. If I want to listen to music I get me a proper stereo and speakers or headphones. Any cellphone speaker sounds horrible.
What kind of personality disorders do people have these days to need a stabilized photosensor for selfies? Is a look in the mirror in the morning not good enough anymore? Million megapixels cellphone cameras still make crappy pictures in comparison to any 100€ camera Ive gotten my hands on.
Marketing makes us beleive that we need so many things in our cellphones, but in the end they usualy cant to one thing great.
I bought the Z5C because it was the only product available that offered highclass specs in a small phone. I dont like the design of it, the picture quality, speaker sound quality, sony customizations...you name it. Its a good phone for what it is. A phone. Snappy performance and 2 days on a charge make me a happy user.
The HTC10 is not compact, which I am not happy about, but it has a beautiful design and HTC Sense. Apparently it also has better sound quality if you connect good headphones to it and I like to listen to music with the best possible quality. This is an archievable goal in a phone btw...dslr picture quality isnt!
If someone builds a phone with the size of the Z5C (or even smaller), 1080p resolution, aluminium body/looks like the HTC One series, happily dumps the selfy camera and top-spec hardware, but little to no changes to stock android, then I buy that phone in a heartbeat.
The complete contrast for me is Samsung now. Make it huge, put useless features on it and customize it to the max. Full throttle marketing bull**** in my mind, but people seem to love it.
eivissa said:
Dude, I dont care about that stuff. If I want to listen to music I get me a proper stereo and speakers or headphones. Any cellphone speaker sounds horrible.
What kind of personality disorders do people have these days to need a stabilized photosensor for selfies? Is a look in the mirror in the morning not good enough anymore? Million megapixels cellphone cameras still make crappy pictures in comparison to any 100€ camera Ive gotten my hands on.
Marketing makes us beleive that we need so many things in our cellphones, but in the end they usualy cant to one thing great.
I bought the Z5C because it was the only product available that offered highclass specs in a small phone. I dont like the design of it, the picture quality, speaker sound quality, sony customizations...you name it. Its a good phone for what it is. A phone. Snappy performance and 2 days on a charge make me a happy user.
The HTC10 is not compact, which I am not happy about, but it has a beautiful design and HTC Sense. Apparently it also has better sound quality if you connect good headphones to it and I like to listen to music with the best possible quality. This is an archievable goal in a phone btw...dslr picture quality isnt!
If someone builds a phone with the size of the Z5C (or even smaller), 1080p resolution, aluminium body/looks like the HTC One series, happily dumps the selfy camera and top-spec hardware, but little to no changes to stock android, then I buy that phone in a heartbeat.
The complete contrast for me is Samsung now. Make it huge, put useless features on it and customize it to the max. Full throttle marketing bull**** in my mind, but people seem to love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup also one of the reason i bought this phone because its small, my previous phone was 3.5" sony with walkman WT19 , so even this one abit big for me, lol..
im mostly disappointed of
1.camera lens (plastic) can scartch easly and can ruin the shots
2.photos are noisy\blurry even with good light ,
3.phone heating fast, (even low end apps or, even 4G signal; if high end apps like asphalt 8 in 2mins its 50c\120F)
4.when phone get hotter it become slower ,
5.speakers are uneven and weak , loudspeaker awful, my previous phone was 4times louder didnt need it use of bluetooth in car, now i need...
6.didnt came with quickcharge QC adapter
7.didnt came with in-ear headphones
8.update the phone to MM make it worse battery and lags,camera*, didnt upgrade it yet*
still pretty fast phone with nice battery but not worth the price (mine cost about 800 US$ when i bought it)
My only problems with the phone are:
some hick-ups during normal operations
overheating
average camera
poor system customization options
Otherwise the phone is perfect. The battery is great, I've recently lasted two days (~10% when going to sleep on the 2nd day) with automatic brightness and 24h sync with mobile data, some sms and a few calls, I even played some Hearthstone on a bus. The battery seems to have problems on certain units.
Greets
EDIT:
Mine was 390 USD... gotta love Europe