Confused-Should I buy the Moto Z? - Moto Z Questions & Answers

Hi All,
I was using a S7 Edge from the time it was released. Sold if off after pre-booking Note 7.
Long story short, I am looking to buy a new phone.
Where I stand now: I am currently using a Moto X Style, however it lags a bit in games like Mortal Kombat X. Hence the urge to upgrade.
Options: 1. Moto Z + Hassleblad mod + JBL Speaker mod (Moto Z Force is not available in India)
2. Samsung S7 Edge
I am confused as to which phone to buy. The S7 Edge checks all the boxes except that it doesnt support dual sim and MicroSD at the same time and it has a measly 32GB inbuilt.
The Moto Z doesnt have the above issue.
My biggest question regarding the Moto Z is its camera and the Hassleblad mod. From whatever reviews I have read, the mod is a disaster when it comes to image quality (except when zoomed).
What I use the phone for: Mainly for gaming, GPS, Music, Camera, Surfing.
It would be great if you folks can help me decide.

I'd say go for the Z Force. Bigger battery, better camera. Shatter shield too which helps alot. Ive been using it for the past month and i havnt been disappointed in the performance of the phone. Im aware z force is not available where you are but it wasn't available for me either as im in London. Had it shipped over and I sure havn't regretted it.

I have Moto Z unlocked version in the US and I like it, but for me the low light camera on the S7 edge is better for me and takes and focus a lot quicker, takes pics much faster, the battery in the S7 edge is bigger, unless you get the Moto Mod for the Z, the S7 edge is 3600 and the standard is 2600 for the Z unless you use the moto mod to add to it. me personally I`m probably going back to the S7 edge in few days. I had the Note 7 in the blue coral color and loved it, and that blue coral just came out here in the USA, so I think I will be making trip Back to Best Buy to return my Z for the S7 Edge Blue coral.

I had all the Notes family and the S7E.
I wanted to give Moto a try, the unlock version.. love the Mods. As far as the support( XDA family) it's kinda of weak.
Don't go to the Moto forum, they are all sheep. The Moto Z is a good placement holder until Samsung or Others bring out their 2017 models, in 3 to 4 months.

Thanks for the response folks.
Is anyone using the Hassleblad mod? If yes, is it worth it?
I go on road trips very frequently and need a mobile with a good cam. This would just be a temporary phone till Sammy's next flagship comes out.
If I can get hold of the Coral Blue S7 Edge, I will it eyes closed. I just love the color.

shuvadeep said:
Hi All,
I was using a S7 Edge from the time it was released. Sold if off after pre-booking Note 7.
Long story short, I am looking to buy a new phone.
...
I am confused as to which phone to buy.
...
It would be great if you folks can help me decide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your question you ask if it's better for your needs to buy a Samsung S7 Edge or a Moto Z...
You have already received some answers and made your consideration too...
In my opinion they don't have a lot of sense... I'll try to explain (to you and to other interested...) why.
S7 & Moto Z are for sure two of the best phone in the whole market. I don't think there is a single task ("doable" with a smartphone...) that can't be done with them.
Moto Z have the plus of modularity which, beneath still a bit "embrional" an S7 will never have. But let this apart.
The core of the discussion is that S7 and Moto Z are the two (top...) opposite in their projectual philosophy.
Where Samsung decided to provide an "fitfully already to use phone" with a lot of UI extensions, apps, gadgets as so on, BUT (quite) hard to modify and with a lot of possible issues in this, Motorola made the opposite choice: a (really!) quite "Vanilla" Android with no apps added BUT very easy to modify and with an enormous level of possibilities on this, with a great compatibility granted by a quite stock OS. To explain how many a Moto Z is "basic" out of the box, it's shutdown menu include only the... "shutdown" option and a lot of custom ROM come with more apps installed than on Moto Z (it's provided with quite a minimal Gapps....).
So, this is the real point to evaluate in chosing: what type of user are you?
If you are the type of user not interested in rooting/Xposed modules and so on, stick with S7 that is able to provide a quite good experience "out of the box"... if, at the contrary, you are the type of user (like me...) that consider an Android with no root an unuseful piece of hardware, Moto Z is your choice: it's level of "easyness" in customizing it is one of the best ever seen on a stock product in years... a real "ready for geeks" product with infinite possibilities.
Between this two products, let me add a third contendant (a bit more oriented to Moto Z than S7 anyway...): OnePlus 3T is for sure an object to give it a look before decide what to buy...

Can someone please shed some light on the Hassleblad mod?
Is it really worth it?

Related

[Q] Xperia Z Ultra or Note 4?

So I am waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 next week Spt 3, and released specs and everything look good, but what turns me off from the phone is the rather small display. I mean 5.7inch is stupid I think, they could have at least made it a 6" as I was hoping for.
The Xperia Z Ultra has a 6.4" display and the specs are still good, only came out last year. I am a very lite user, I don't play games or use many Apps, just mainly for phone and texting.
What do you guys think, I can get it for $370 CAD no tax or shipping from U.S via eBay brand new unlocked, is it a good phone? Or am I making a mistake not getting the Note 4 and going for a slightly older phone?
I would really appreciate any feedback you can provide, thanks!
Torguy said:
So I am waiting for the Galaxy Note 4 next week Spt 3, and released specs and everything look good, but what turns me off from the phone is the rather small display. I mean 5.7inch is stupid I think, they could have at least made it a 6" as I was hoping for.
The Xperia Z Ultra has a 6.4" display and the specs are still good, only came out last year. I am a very lite user, I don't play games or use many Apps, just mainly for phone and texting.
What do you guys think, I can get it for $370 CAD no tax or shipping from U.S via eBay brand new unlocked, is it a good phone? Or am I making a mistake not getting the Note 4 and going for a slightly older phone?
I would really appreciate any feedback you can provide, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would go with the Ultra (only as the wife has a S4 and I hate it). As you say the specs are still good, and Sony's software is fast with not too much bloat. Also note that it is easy to root and flash custom ROMs to - although some people seem to have real trouble
Z Ultra from me, the best value for money smartphone now:good:
I've owned the Note II and perhaps less relevant the Galaxy Nexus, but I can say the Z Ultra, after being quite wary regarding Sony, is the best smart phone I have owned. It's big and beautiful and has an understated, yet classy look. It's super thin and shines on both the hard- and software side. Samsung is a step down, with its ugly and tacky plastics, let alone the horrible Touchwiz. The ZU is still a beast with the SD 800 cpu and destroys everything on its path. Take the plunge, you won't regret, possibly for years to come, if you wanted to.
Signed: an ex-Samsung believer
I'm using a note 3 now and am planning to shift to an xperia z ultra because I'm looking for stock android. For conversion to gpe and back, which model version should I buy? Lte or non lte?
How is the speaker quality of the device? All the reviews indicate it as soft. Is battery life better on the gpe?
No camera flash for z ultra was a deal breaker.
xManMythLegend said:
No camera flash for z ultra was a deal breaker.
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Click to collapse
I dont see it as a dealbreaker. Sure i cant look at some pipes in the dark, which i had to do quite few times past 6 months, but as a device its quite ok without the flash. Mayby its also, cause i see camera as least important functionality in a phone, but let that be another discussion.
As for the general question, I think Note 4 will be preferred choice, I love my Ultra, seriously best phone in the market at the very moment imo. But thats the thing, Note 4 is generation up and thats a big thing. Another aspect that really speaks for samsung is that they actually put some thought - why do we go for such a big screen on this bloody thing, which i feel is lacking on Ultra.
I was between note and Ultra when note 3 launched, but the overall feel and my emotion was better on Sony, tho note came close with its trough thought phablet feel.
joulukas said:
I dont see it as a dealbreaker. Sure i cant look at some pipes in the dark, which i had to do quite few times past 6 months, but as a device its quite ok without the flash. Mayby its also, cause i see camera as least important functionality in a phone, but let that be another discussion.
As for the general question, I think Note 4 will be preferred choice, I love my Ultra, seriously best phone in the market at the very moment imo. But thats the thing, Note 4 is generation up and thats a big thing. Another aspect that really speaks for samsung is that they actually put some thought - why do we go for such a big screen on this bloody thing, which i feel is lacking on Ultra.
I was between note and Ultra when note 3 launched, but the overall feel and my emotion was better on Sony, tho note came close with its trough thought phablet feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the Z ultra provided any Spen functionality OR a camera flash I would have gotten it. To me that was two points. But everyone has different needs I can easily see why Zultra was a superb choice.
I would consider the new Z3 Tablet Compact if the size is deemed acceptable. Even if I had the Note I and II, I would not another device in that series mostly because of all restrictions Samsung has put up such as efuse, limitations on "right" and "wrong" flashing of stock ROM (i.e. efuse goes off if you downgrade through Odin etc not to mention custom ROMs), unstandardized hardware (different CPU/GPU depending on market), carrier branding (unlocked devices not available unless importing), region lock and so forth. TouchWiz is also a complete dealbreaker in those L times.
The S-Pen is a great concept, though but is so linked to TouchWiz that most of the features are lost if a AOSP/CM is flashed. Because of all those items on the list, I avoid their devices as a plague. It doesn't matter what features they include in their TW ROMs since I consider TW just horrible.
I consider the Ultra to be a great device still and in most cases preferable over Samsung products but it has been in the market for one year now. On the other hand: it is still unsurpassed as a complete package when it comes to screen size and so forth.
It is also worth to mention that the Note series use 480 DPI phone mode so arguments like "it use the big screen better" is not valid. The Ultra runs 240 DPI phablet mode well with the GPE ROM and multi window etc is easily fixed through Xposed Framework.
I dare to say that the Ultra + 240 DPI + GPE ROM + Xposed Framework blows the competition out of the water software wise. The only competitors with a similar experience is the Nexus line or OnePlus One with CM11S.
My personal planning for the future is:
1. Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
2. 7 inch AOSP/CM phablets from other manufacturers
Since number 2 is very uncertain considering the lack of rumors about such devices, I am leaning heavily toward the alternative 1 since I made a mockup and deemed it acceptable from a carrying point of view.
If the Tablet Z3 Compact is considered too big, I don't see any better options than the Ultra at the moment. It still rules unsurpassed when it comes to large-screen tablet replacements.
Whatever you do, just stay the hell away from Samsung. Between the fugly TouchWiz, bloated software, KNOX warranty void, slow updates, I promise to myself I will never ever buy another Samsung device. Sure, flashing CM11 would fix all that problems, but you might as well just buy a Nexus 5 at that point as all the special features that make a Note device a Note device are gone.
Also, Samsung Note devices are not very mod/hack-friendly due to their proprietary S-Pen and digitizer driver, as well as numerous in-house parts that we just can't get the drivers for. A year later and we still can't get the NFC working correctly on the Note 3.
The Day Samsung Makes Note 4 with a 6.4 Inch HD Screen
The only day I will think of buying a Note 4 is when it is able to have the form Factor of a Z Ultra... No Phone with this config comes with this Form factor... Just love it!!

Is an Ultra Z still applicable in 2014?

Hello
I have been interested in an Ultra Z since the first day it's launched but never ended up having one due to a main reason. With a huge screen on the device it is every graphic designer's dream to be able to draw naturally like paper and pencil. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as the Galaxy Note series.
Now that I have gotten myself a Galaxy Note Pro, my quest in searching for a device that allows natural handwriting and drawing is over. Yet the Ultra Z remains a attractive device and the price has dropped significantly. I think the lack of purchase has causes the price drop faster than many other flagship phones from last year. Nevertheless with just AUD350 the phone has become even more attractive.
I am just wondering if you Ultra Z users think if it is a sane decision to buy a phone that is a year old now? Are there now better alternatives out there with a similar screen size? Also has Sony mentioned if the phone is reaching its end of life soon (including Google Play Edition)?
Sent from my SM-P905 using Tapatalk
I'm thinking the same as yourself, as it is becoming more affordable here in the US as well.
Seen it as inexpensive as $250, either new or gently used.
Only negative is no LED for flash, which means no light for emergency use.
I'm looking for an inexpensive LTE mobile phone, this MIGHT BE IT.
Another negative; no removable battery.
Sent from my C2104 using XDA Free mobile app
If you have no real use for a camera, then yes this phone is still a beast.
frothe3 said:
which means no light for emergency use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
”screen flashlight ” in the Google play store works pretty well on our Z ultra.
I've had mine for about a year now, and it's still a very powerful device. You won't have any issues with running apps and games. Keep in mind that we also have the Google Play Edition of the Ultra, and it will receive Android L fairly quickly after release, and we'll be able to port it to our model.
Screen is still very good, battery life is (still) good, camera is not great, and performance is top notch. It was worth it to me when I paid $1000 for it a year ago, and it's definitely worth it now.
Check out the reviews and stuff on YouTube or something if you're still not sure.
I was afraid at first i thought it will be too big. But now i can imagine myself having smaller Screen even samsung Note seems small now, Too small.
As it has been said, if don't care for the Camera much Z Ultra is the Best.
raundown said:
Hello
I have been interested in an Ultra Z since the first day it's launched but never ended up having one due to a main reason. With a huge screen on the device it is every graphic designer's dream to be able to draw naturally like paper and pencil. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as Galaxy Note series.
Now that I have gotten myself a Galaxy Note Pro, my quest in searching for a device that allows natural handwriting and drawing is now over. Yet the Ultra Z remains a attractive device and the price has dropped significantly. I think the lack of purchase has causes it to price drop faster than many other flagship phones from last year. Nevertheless with AUD350 the phone has just become even more attractive.
I am just wondering if you Ultra Z users think if it is a sane decision to buy a phone that is a year old now? Are there now better alternatives out there with a similar screen size? Also has Sony mentioned if the phone is reaching its end of life soon (including Google Play Edition)?
Sent from my SM-P905 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how you look at it. If performance is the metric, you won't be disappointed. if you use camera extensively, well look elsewhere. and the last one, the battery life. It's quite good but if you compare with devices nowadays, there are better alternative. I'd say wait for the Z3X (if ever) in about a month. If it doesn't come up, then i can imagine the Z Ultra will be cheaper along the way.
Thank you all for your inputs!
I personally do not use mobile cameras for artistic purposes. I already have a Dslr so the camera is only for note-taking or public transport schedule. I think I just want a phone that is slightly faster than my HTC M7. It's true that there are better performers out there since this is a year old phone but any faster CPU than a Z Ultra has little to do with my uses.
Also there isn't a mobile phone at the moment that is as massive as this. I love the idea that I could read books with it in my bed. The Galaxy Note Pro is too heavy to hold in the hand for a long period of time.
The only bummer is the speaker. I have been spoiled by the M7's speakers for a year plus, very little devices top its superb sound quality. It will be the only downgrade for me should I go for this phone.
H. E. Pennypacker said:
Keep in mind that we also have the Google Play Edition of the Ultra, and it will receive Android L fairly quickly after release, and we'll be able to port it to our model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not so sure that the GPe version will receive Android L before the Xperia version would.
Visa Declined said:
I'm not so sure that the GPe version will receive Android L before the Xperia version would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this legit? How long does a flagship Xperia unit has before it reaches EOL?
18 months supposedly. The Z Ultra should receive L, but the Z3 and Z2 should get it first. I would guess at least a few months or more after L is released.
Visa Declined said:
I'm not so sure that the GPe version will receive Android L before the Xperia version would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty sure that the GPe will get L quickly since one of the key reasons for the program is almost Nexus updates. Google will push the L to Sony soon after official release.
All GPe devices should have L shortly after the Nexus series and I haven't seen any indication to the contrary.
It is also important to remember that Ultra GPe is vanilla Android with just the EQ added (Sony ClearAudio) and otherwise identical to a Nexus.
raundown said:
Is this legit? How long does a flagship Xperia unit has before it reaches EOL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
E90 Commie said:
I am pretty sure that the GPe will get L quickly since one of the key reasons for the program is almost Nexus updates. Google will push the L to Sony soon after official release.
All GPe devices should have L shortly after the Nexus series and I haven't seen any indication to the contrary.
It is also important to remember that Ultra GPe is vanilla Android with just the EQ added (Sony ClearAudio) and otherwise identical to a Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the Ultra's release, Sony has already pushed out a few prompt updates for it. I personally do not think this device is any type of priority for them. We will be damn lucky to get another update imo, and after we do, I wouldnt expect any more.
If it was Google handling the updates, things might be different, but this is a two generation old Sony device, not a Nexus. It is very close to EOL.
Visa Declined said:
Since the Ultra's release, Sony has already pushed out a few prompt updates for it. I personally do not think this device is any type of priority for them. We will be damn lucky to get another update imo, and after we do, I wouldnt expect any more.
If it was Google handling the updates, things might be different, but this is a two generation old Sony device, not a Nexus. It is very close to EOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That'd suck if it's not getting L. HTC has confirmed even the M7 which was released before Ultra will get L
However Ultra hasn't been selling as well as they'd like they have probably even given up on releasing a successor.
raundown said:
That'd suck if it's not getting L. HTC has confirmed even the M7 which was released before Ultra will get L
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure it will get L, but I personally don't think we should expect more.
Recently, got a Z Ultra (from a Mega 6.3). Don't regret it for the most part. Screen isn't the brightest in direct sunlight (not that the mega was that much better), Camera quality isn't as good as my mega imo, sound is lower (that my mega) I'm assuming because of the waterproofing, and kinda a fingerprint magnet. Other than that no complaints.
raundown said:
Is this legit? How long does a flagship Xperia unit has before it reaches EOL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally 18 months?. I would think the GPe will get L before the Sony ZU. it was months before we got 4.4, although we did get 4.4.4 very fast
Just bought a second hand for AU$300. This shady guy sold me one with overheat issue. The phone isn't even very hot but it just freezes on me and stuck in boot loop.
BOOT LOOPS, My Favorite Breakfast Cereal!
The reason may well be because of the fact the BEAST is having one of America's favorite breakfast cereals...Boot Loops! After several minutes of this heat is generated in the upper left corner around the camera area. Liken it to running around a track numerous times - it takes a toll on it/you physically.
I've read it on one of the threads several times over the months just after the XZU became available as a GPe. Many new users were trying to root, flash ROM's, and fix the partitions since they're different on the GPe's and their devices suffered the boot loops too.
Download Flashtool, run a TA Backup and then flash a stock .ftf if that's what your looking to do. Providing this device is not HOT. Why would one sell a BEAST of a device with a bad case of the boot loops to begin with? Better yet why on earth would you buy one in that condition? All kinds of flags would've/should've been raised - didn't you even question how it got that way or why it was in that state to begin with?
They have these bad boys are selling for $314.99 at http://www.expansys-usa.com/sony-xperia-z-ultra-c6833-unlocked-lte-16gb-black-251963/ in the United States. Expansys sells internationally direct from the comfort of your own safe and legal hideout. THAT would've been a more prudent thing to do AND you would've gotten a warranty on top of it!
Just sayin'

Considering buying, anything one should know beforehand ?

Considering buying one of these. They're fairly cheap second hand in perfect condition. And hardware seems decent enough. Right now i have a z3c which i've like a lot. But i thought i'd try just a slightly bigger phone. 4.8" would be perfect, but that's not really an option. But i'm concerned about development, if this phone is going to have a decent user base for development.
I do see that there's already a kernel available so you can root and all that without loosing drm features. So that's cool.
Same question here - how are you owners feeling after having it for a year? Would you keep it or go with something like a Nexus 5X or similar?
I have two months with my Xperia X already, and no regrets. Phone is performing really good, I only wish the fingerprint scanner was more accurate or in a different position, but besides that I'm really happy with the phone. Also, we're getting Android Nougat in november, that's gonna be a big improvement to what's good already.
Google Pixel phone is a total disappointment for me in terms of price, and I don't see other cool yet cheap options, so I won't switch to another phone this year. Also, Xperia XZ is not precisely my taste, so I think I'll stick with my X until Sony releases new models, like april or may of 2017 or second generation, probably in september.
I only wish cyanogenmod could be developed for the Xperia X. The stock ROM is great but I also like Cyanogenmod ROMs a lot.
Feanux said:
Same question here - how are you owners feeling after having it for a year? Would you keep it or go with something like a Nexus 5X or similar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This phone has just been out for 5 months ._.
This phone does not deliver top-notch raw performance, but what it brings is a very enjoyable experience. Regular apps load in a flash (even more responsive than a Death Note 7), animations are fast and smooth at the same time. Thumbs up to Sony for having made such a fast MM rom.
Generally i will not change phones in less than 3 years. However if there is something that forces me to change my phone, i will still go for an XZ or something similar.
I will review this phone like the way i reviewed Shadow Warrior 2: "It's a good one, but buy it on a sale".
I was waiting for new 5" Nexus, but it's way overpriced, like X performance and XZ. I don't care about waterproofing, as any phone looses it sooner or later anyway. I'm glad that Sony put back the usb hole to normal place and it's still usb micro - no need to change all my cables. Battery is good and everything works well. Also waiting for Cyanogenmod, as even X have less bloatware, than Xperia series had before, it's still too much for me. The fingerprint location is perfect, I can't imagine how I should use the phone otherwise (a lot phones have power button in one and fingerprint in a second place).
I'll add to what others have said above.
Have had the phone for two months and love it as well. I tend to use my phones mostly for social media (fb, snapchat, instagram, etc.), productivity (google drive, google keep, etc.) and music (podcasts and deezer/spotify). The battery lasts me one and a half day on regular use, which is great. It's fast responsive and the interface is the closest I can get to vanilla android. I think that it really delivers for the price.
Other than that: the phone has a really nice look (I really like the glass face), the speakers are nice, and the camera performs well (although I'm disappointed it doesn't shoot RAW).
What I'm hoping for is that the dev community for it gets bigger or that CM releases a rom for it (was running CM on my previous phone - a GS3). But at least we're getting Nougat very soon, so I'm hopeful.
can anyone see any light through their finger print sensor cuz i see a little white glance of display light through the lock key
Used to be the Z3c user.
If you're pleased with Z3c, you will be happy using X. The X will delivers:
-Much faster performance
-Much faster and better camera
-Better build quality (I prefer metal back than glass black)
-Better design - thinner and not too many holes, flaps, and ports on the body
-Slightly worse battery life (It's really hard to match the Z3c in longevity)
El Brillantinas said:
I have two months with my Xperia X already, and no regrets. Phone is performing really good, I only wish the fingerprint scanner was more accurate or in a different position, but besides that I'm really happy with the phone. Also, we're getting Android Nougat in november, that's gonna be a big improvement to what's good already.
Google Pixel phone is a total disappointment for me in terms of price, and I don't see other cool yet cheap options, so I won't switch to another phone this year. Also, Xperia XZ is not precisely my taste, so I think I'll stick with my X until Sony releases new models, like april or may of 2017 or second generation, probably in september.
I only wish cyanogenmod could be developed for the Xperia X. The stock ROM is great but I also like Cyanogenmod ROMs a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone tell me about the fingerprint sensor being used in the US? I'm about to purchase the Xperia X tonight and I simply don't know whether to buy the international model here in the US or by the US model and flash the phone to enable the fingerprint sensor. Any help would be so greatly appreciated. By the way how do you all like the X? I was about to but the X Performance but I watched YouTube videos between the two and speed tests and the X came out on top and had better battery life. Am I doing the right thing by buying the X over the X performance? Thanks again.
The X Performance has a better camera and a faster processor.
The hardware for the XX is the same, except for the single sim / dual sim models. If you want fingerprint unlock you must flash an unbranded rom for e.g. the UK or Germany with Flashtool.
M1chiel said:
The X Performance has a better camera and a faster processor.
The hardware for the XX is the same, except for the single sim / dual sim models. If you want fingerprint unlock you must flash an unbranded rom for e.g. the UK or Germany with Flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind posting a link to where I can find that flsdhtool for the fingerprint sensor? So I definitely need to buy the US version and not the international version? Thanks for your help!
More about Flashtool here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920746
It includes a module called XperiFirm that allows you to flash many different firmwares.

Census - got one, had one, want one?

There don't appear to be many of these devices around, and I am curious to try and find out how many.
I love the hardware. If it was just about the specs, I'd have bought one already!
But I'm undecided.
If the bootloader was unlockable, with custom recoveries and custom ROMs, I'd have bought one. However, with Asus not cooperating, and I think too few devices around, I am not sure this will achieve the critical mass to get the attention it deserves.
Sadly, the lack of international availability, and, well, Asus being Asus, means that if this was an experiment to judge the demand for super-sized phablets, then I think it failed. I don't think we'll see another from Asus.
I have one, and will be keeping it for now. However it is not my daily driver, and until AT&T fixes their HSPA+ network in my area, or root becomes available so I can unlock bands, this device will stay just a play around device.
Hi,
I have one since about 2 months and I love its big screen, reviews said that there was no lag, no freezes etc... False, the proc is not that good and I'm really desapointed but that's not why I will change.
I'll change because I cannot accept that an android phone cannot have root or unlockable bootloader, for me it's not an android...
If I wanted an extremly locked phone, I'd choose an iPhone... lol
Oh and... still no Nougat update for other versions than ZF3 5.2 and 5.5 (Stopped because euh... well, because what in fact?)
So, for a 750€ smartphone...
Asus? Never again.
wow, only six people bought one? and one of those is going to sell it. doesn't look too good.
edit: updated the count
Yea I have it and im using it on T-Mobile which is OK with hspa+ but the bootloader unlock not coming out is killing my joy with the phone. Awesome device but I find myself using my OnePlus 3t more because of Asus stupid choices with the bootloader.
Have one & will keep it. The only really irritating thing so far is having both speakers on one side, when you keep the phone in landscape mode; but I'm getting used to tolerate it and can use the headphones anyway.
ptae2000e said:
Have one & will keep it. The only really irritating thing so far is having both speakers on one side, when you keep the phone in landscape mode; but I'm getting used to tolerate it and can use the headphones anyway.
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Click to collapse
the iphone7 has a dummy speaker, one set of grilles are just blind holes!
so I guess even having genuine dual speakers is a win, but yes, would have been better to have them top and bottom, or even on the long edge.
the availability of an official boot loader unlock tool has swung me back to considering this phone again.
I have had my Z3Ultra for a number of months now after I purchased it to replace my nice but also annoying Huawei P8 Max. I totally love this phone. Can't complain with the exception of the lack of Root, which as I write this message, the developer community is working on bringing it to our device. Apart from this, I am looking to keep it until a new device is released with much better spec but at least the same size possibly even a 7.9" (YES it can be as like the Huawei P8 Max, this phone has a lot of wasted space and overall size can still be kept to current size- check Xiaomi Mi Mix) with ultra thin bezels and curved display, stylus pen, keyboard attachment, better cpu, 128GB or 256GB ROM, 6GB+ RAM, dual sim + independent sd slot and finally quad speakers (top, bottom, left, right side with similar quality to the ones already on it (they are awesome, I mean it). Anyway, enough dreaming from me, lets hope someone from Asus is reading my expectations of the next version.
I have one and will keep it, i am coming from a sony z ultra that I've been using for almost 2 years and sony z3 tablet compact 4g 3 months before that and a sony z1 before that, i have only had the asus zenfone 3 ultra for 1 week but have wanted this device since may last year, i bought this for £420 from eglobal and only bought this because my cousin wanted a better device than the Samsung s4 but he wanted to buy the sony z5 because he knew i enjoyed my sony devices but never asked why i didn't have a updated version like the z2 or z3, i sent him the information about the zenfone 3 series and the asus launch videos, he finally bought the deluxe 820 version after 3 months from the same seller but wanted this as soon as i showed these devices to him, i also bought my dad a sony z2 for work and recently upgraded his device to the asus zenfone 3 5.2 inch version. My cousin now wants the ultra version and im going to also buy his deluxe version to use for work. This is the best decision ive made but would buy a xiaomi mi max for less than 200 if i don't get the deluxe from him and stay with my ultra device too. I drive for work and have always had large screen devices for 3-4 years. Lets see what asus has to offer other than the AR version as this is only a small version or normal size lol. I've been recently looking around for root and unlocking bootloader and will wait for asus to release this to all.
Xiaomi Mi Mix? specs? quat speakers?
AWFRONT said:
I have had my Z3Ultra for a number of months now after I purchased it to replace my nice but also annoying Huawei P8 Max. I totally love this phone. Can't complain with the exception of the lack of Root, which as I write this message, the developer community is working on bringing it to our device. Apart from this, I am looking to keep it until a new device is released with much better spec but at least the same size possibly even a 7.9" (YES it can be as like the Huawei P8 Max, this phone has a lot of wasted space and overall size can still be kept to current size- check Xiaomi Mi Mix) with ultra thin bezels and curved display, stylus pen, keyboard attachment, better cpu, 128GB or 256GB ROM, 6GB+ RAM, dual sim + independent sd slot and finally quad speakers (top, bottom, left, right side with similar quality to the ones already on it (they are awesome, I mean it). Anyway, enough dreaming from me, lets hope someone from Asus is reading my expectations of the next version.
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Where did you get this Xiaomi Mi Mix specs? quad speakers? stylus pen? curved display? keyboard attachment? sd slot? Man, what are you smocking, cause I want some!!!
berbecaru said:
Where did you get this Xiaomi Mi Mix specs? quad speakers? stylus pen? curved display? keyboard attachment? sd slot? Man, what are you smocking, cause I want some!!!
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It is nice to dream and imagine good things in life and the spec posted (as stated in my original post) is what I want to see in an ideal device of this size. Oh No. I am definitely not smoking anything. Just dreaming the possibility of a perfect phablet (A mix between ZF3U, Samsung Galaxy S7/S8 type edge display and mi mix type bezelless front with the extras as cherry on top).
BTW. As I discovered very recently ASUS Customer Service for the ZenFone series is rubbish to say the least but more like non-existent. God help us when we need care for our precious ZF3U.
AWFRONT said:
It is nice to dream and imagine good things in life and the spec posted (as stated in my original post) is what I want to see in an ideal device of this size. Oh No. I am definitely not smoking anything. Just dreaming the possibility of a perfect phablet (A mix between ZF3U, Samsung Galaxy S7/S8 type edge display and mi mix type bezelless front with the extras as cherry on top).
BTW. As I discovered very recently ASUS Customer Service for the ZenFone series is rubbish to say the least but more like non-existent. God help us when we need care for our precious ZF3U.
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You are wright buddy, this is what I want too but no body makes it. :laugh::laugh:
My wife had 1. She dropped it face first on a concrete with flip cover that came with the phone. The screen still shattered. The flip cover is coming covering the screen but still didn't protect it from the impact. I guess that's the gamble when you have a very large screen.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk
Love it so far
speculatrix said:
wow, only six people bought one? and one of those is going to sell it. doesn't look too good.
edit: updated the count
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I have one and love it, despite the stuff that is installed there out of the box. Its fast, bright and really useful. One thing that slightly upsets me - need to reboot it every second day to keep at the top of its abilities.
Overall - I'd never hesitate to recommend it.:good:
I had one, then gave it to my daughter while i used other smaller screen phone... Then i realize i got hooked on big screen, so i bought another one for me
speculatrix said:
wow, only six people bought one? and one of those is going to sell it. doesn't look too good.
edit: updated the count
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Mainly, you CAN'T assume that just because folks don't report stuff here on XDA, that no one has it. Next, many users are Chinese, or from Taiwan. They won't necessarily speak English. Third, since the LTE bands are NOT available in the U.S.A., that kills more of the market. Lastly, the going rate is around $500 USD, if someone here DID want to buy one. Ours is black screen bricked right now, so we're trying to get help with the (WW) international version unbricking.
I should have been more clear, what I was interested in was how many XDA forum members have bought this, so as to gauge the level of interest and likelihood of hackers and developers doing interesting things with it. I don't know enough about custom Asus ROMS in this respect to actually do the work, but would have been willing to help test rooting and custom recoveries, only I ended up buying an LG V20 because it had all the features I wanted and the AZf3U didn't, and also my concerns about Asus's upgrade longevity set in.
hillg001 said:
Mainly, you CAN'T assume that just because folks don't report stuff here on XDA, that no one has it. Next, many users are Chinese, or from Taiwan. They won't necessarily speak English. Third, since the LTE bands are NOT available in the U.S.A., that kills more of the market. Lastly, the going rate is around $500 USD, if someone here DID want to buy one. Ours is black screen bricked right now, so we're trying to get help with the (WW) international version unbricking.
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I was planning to get zf3 ultra but with almost no rom support, I might get the mi max 2 instead.
I don't think the mi mix is a good idea since it has a fragile ceramic body. I prefer metal body...
*Edit: I gave away my mi max (helium ver) and back to using my 5 years old coolpad 9976a

Which would you choose, s9 plus or Oneplus 6?

I can get both for around the same price range, and I actually like the notch, so that does not bother me. If I do go ahead and buy the s9 plus it will be the US variant meaning no custom ROMs or nothing while the oneplus 6 will definitely have all of that and more. But the s9 plus will probably have a better camera as it does every year. What do you guys think? In a dilemma of sorts right now....
note 9 incoming
You're going to get skewed results by posting this in the S9+ forum...
I have had the last few OnePlus devices and decided to move back to the S9+. The build quality is a huge reason but also on the S9 I find I can just leave it alone and use it and be happy, with the OnePlus there were always stupid little inconsistencies that led me to messing with different ROMs and kernels trying to fix it, the camera was absolutely trash on all of them so far, not just hardware but software too. I felt like I was fighting against both the 3 and 5 rather than just enjoying the experience like I am the S9.
+1Bump
Anyone else?
I was prepared to get the OP6 until I saw a few design changes. The first was going from metal to glass. I much prefer metal as it's sturdier.
The real deciding factor was the notch, however. I hate this notch fad. Petty? Maybe, but it's an ugly distraction of a design feature to me. So it was the S9+ for me. So far I'm quite happy with it.
LG G7 or LG V40.
LG for life.
i had a oneplus 3t and a oneplus 5. both of them were underdeveloped and had bugs similar to what you would see with a custom ROM. i like the fact that oneplus lets you unlock and root without consequence, but i need a good stock ROM to default to, and a little OIS wouldn't hurt. OOS is buggy as hell and it exemplifies the oneplus name. when they say they are adding new features i pucker a bit. when sammy says they added new features, i get all squirmy with glee.
i actually don't like samsung a lot, but they do have the best product out there.
I'd say the Oneplus 6, but rumors say it will include the same camera/sensor as the 5T. If you value mobile photography at all, the S9 is the (far) better option.
To be brutally honest here if you can get a Oneplus phone for around the same price as a Galaxy s phone of the same year. That Onplus is Wayyyyy overpriced and therefore not worth it. The only way for the Onplus to compete with a premium tier phone is with a considerable mark down. At least 200$ less or else it`s not worth it.
Right now on craigslist, I can buy a sealed s9 plus for 600 and s9 for 500
They teasers were commenting on the camera being better, don't think they will use the same sensor.
If you get the Exynos version you'd also be getting the faster CPU

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