Samsung Galaxy Fold boat sunk by Huawei Mate X - Samsung Galaxy Fold Guides, News, & Discussion

Looks like Huawei out did Samsung in a bif way.

The display of Huawei Mate X doesn't seem to be as solid as Samsung's. The Fold's hinge mechanism seems superior too.
Mate X totally win in terms of size, thinness and functionality of the unfolded screen. But it fold outwards though, the thought of screen resting on the surface the whole time just doesn't seem promising.

Both have problems, the fold is too thick, my opinion is the outer screen looks cheap and doesn't cover the full length, whiles it does give protection to the inner screen, the mate X, out screen is easier to break or get scratched, better design and thin.
Either way, those who purchase it are lab rat, testing it for Samsung and Huawei for future released, i'd rather just purchase a top of the range smartphone and a tablet, two separate units.

gpmg762 said:
Looks like Huawei out did Samsung in a bif way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually like Samsung's design more. I like the one hand functionality of the front display. They could have increase it to 5.3inch but 4.6 will do for me. Also the infold design protects that inner display more.
Huawei design is more of a tablet. Samsung is a bit of both worlds phone and tablet.

May the Fold be with You
https://twitter.com/lordvader/status/1102861901229375489

I've been debating which is the better phone for the past month, and I've decided that for me it's the Galaxy Fold.
The Huawei has been designed upside down for starters. With a flexible plastic display on the outside, having the fold on the left and the "lump" on the right is terrible. surely you'd want to minimise anything touching the display more than needed? And when it's unfolded, surely as most people are right handed that lump should be held in your left hand so that you can navigate more easily with your right hand? And the fact that you can't use it for video calling in tablet mode is a bit bad.
I've seen others question whether you can take selfies on the Fold using the rear camera while it's unfolded using the smaller display, so we'll have to wait and see for that one, but I'm fairly sure it's just a software issue if it's not available at launch. And whilst I don't like notches or big bezels much, as a hybrid device I think it's something that I could deal with.
It's pretty likely I'm going to get the Fold at this point and keep the Note 9 for those times when I need a smaller phone. The only things I need to work out is what kind of cradle to get for it to use in a car, and what kind of compact keyboard/stand option to go for to use it with OneNote as I'll likely start using it a lot more and not take the Surface Go out and about as much.
When I travel I take my phone, a Kindle, and the Surface Go. This could potentially reduce that all down to a single device, so it would be a great travel companion for me.

I wonder if there is a useable keyboard on the outside screen or you need to open it to type. That outside screen is only 3 icons wide.
Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

larsdennert said:
I wonder if there is a useable keyboard on the outside screen or you need to open it to type. That outside screen is only 3 icons wide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably a similar size to an iPhone 4 display, and for years everyone was happily using displays of that size.

I like about this Phone : Huawei Mate X
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndwAZVTBnuE

i like Huawei more but hardware and software is bad.
plus you can't unlock bootloader on Huawei anymore (new ones). So basically you getting a phone with foldable lags.

Samsung recalls Galaxy Fold review samples, postpones launch after slew of issues
https://www.rt.com/business/457315-samsung-postpones-galaxy-fold-launch/
Well, that's the end of the fold. Let's wait for the fold FE.

gpmg762 said:
Looks like Huawei out did Samsung in a bif way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you think having a fragile plastic display on the outside of the phone where it can be scratched, nicked, and dinged constantly is going to be practical and durable? The Mate X is going to be a disaster in its own right with many but different issues than the Fold. And at a price $600 higher. Huawei execs have said they've rejected Samsung's approach to go the way they did. We'll see who laughs last because both phones are vaporware until they are in consumer's hands without major issues.
In terms of which is more practical, an "innie" or an "outie," considering the display is plastic and somewhat fragile I'd go with the former like Samsung did. The outie is more logical from a usability and design perspective but the innie leaves the screen far more protected. Does anyone here not think that the thin plastic display on either phone is fragile and the biggest challenge to design around? Until bendable glass is a thing foldable phones are going to be variations of compromise with durability being the weakest link.

It's interesting to me that the Huawei is possible and the largest hope I have that the Sammy may hold up better than expected. You have to figure Huawei believes they can get the vast majority to the end of the warranty period or it wouldn't be coming to market. How they are expecting this to survive with a relatively soft external wrap-around screen is beyond me. I'm rooting for them though, I'm going to be pretty happy if they both turn out to work. It's genuinely exciting; so much past the usual (lately) meh phone upgrade where you have a 1/2 larger screen, a couple extra pixels, etc.

BarryH_GEG said:
So you think having a fragile plastic display on the outside of the phone where it can be scratched, nicked, and dinged constantly is going to be practical and durable? The Mate X is going to be a disaster in its own right with many but different issues than the Fold. And at a price $600 higher. Huawei execs have said they've rejected Samsung's approach to go the way they did. We'll see who laughs last because both phones are vaporware until they are in consumer's hands without major issues.
In terms of which is more practical, an "innie" or an "outie," considering the display is plastic and somewhat fragile I'd go with the former like Samsung did. The outie is more logical from a usability and design perspective but the innie leaves the screen far more protected. Does anyone here not think that the thin plastic display on either phone is fragile and the biggest challenge to design around? Until bendable glass is a thing foldable phones are going to be variations of compromise with durability being the weakest link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We'll know the quality of Mate X's screen when reviewers get their hands on the sample in June.
Don't know who will have the last laugh but the first definitely goes to the Fold.
It doesn't matter whether the screen face in or out when plastic screen is used, durability will be low. The Fold will fare better if you use it completely as a folded phone.
You may not remember but mobile used plastic screen before glass screen became the standard. Plastic screen for foldable phone is a phase. Like you mentioned, screen durability issues will probably be solved in the future with bendable glass.
Take screen durability out of the equation, who has the better design? I'll let you decide yourself.
I'll wait for reports from reviewers in June.

LENOVO

Someone should change the title of this thread to "Huawei Mate X boat sunk by U.S. Government." A $2,600 phone without an ecosystem doesn't sound very appealing.

Related

Concerns buying Xperia Z

Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice, polite post.
I would like to help you BUTTTTTT. I also live in Europe, Southern Europe and I have yet to even set eyes on the Sony xperia Z Ultra. I do own the xperia z mobile also the xperia Z tablet.
I have also owned the note and just found it too big for my daily usage. The Ultra is going to be massive. I mean massive. Like you I want one BUT am thinking very hard before I purchase. You see next month there are going to be numerous new devices introduced including some from Samsung, the note 111.
I am unsure about only one area of the Ultra and that is the size. Just how pocket friendly is this going to be? I used to get annoyed with my note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into by groin. I ended up only carrying it. Sold it within less than a year of ownership.
I have zero reservations regarding the quality of the Ultra. Sony are a top brand with many years of consumer product research and after sales etc.
I am not going to take the jump to the Ultra until I see what's coming next month. New mobiles from Sony, HTC, Samsung and LG to name a few are going to be released. I don't think any of them will have the same massive screen but that is fine for me. 5.5 or 6" would be the max for me, I think?
Its a dilemma. The Ultra introduced into the EC will be LTE 4G so no worries there. More than that I cannot say?
Kindest regards.
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's my impression based on my 8-hours experience with the ZU:
Build quality
Just put a screen protector on top of the shatterproof film. Many reports it won't interfere with the screen sensitivity. I myself haven't got my hand on a screen protector, so I just use the plastic cover with various logo that is on the lcd when you first open the box.. no touch issue :laugh:
Water resistance
The screen reacts like cr*p. Few drops, running water, partially submerged, then the phone will feel all touchy. Random touches. Submerged entirely, there's seem to be no random input anymore but it won't respond any touch. This is a limitation of current capacitive touchscreen technology, I think. Take it out and wipe it dry, good as new.
Loudspeaker
Not too loud, but enough for me. As a ringtone, it maybe not loud enough in a noisy environment. Not sure since haven't tried many scenario
Size
BIG. Width-wise, yes it sits nicely in my (not baggy, but not skinny)jeans pocket. But tall-wise.. well this is where ZU comes sho... no, long. It's almost too long for my taste. When I use jeans with deeper pockets, I can sit down without having my hip speared by the ZU, but smaller pockets, yes, I can feel it, and a bit annoyed. Walking is no problem. Lucky me most of my jeans fall into the deeper-pocket-category
Availability
Can't help you there :silly:
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, both sides are glass (DragonTrail i believe), which is "scratch proof" like Gorilla Glass, but that doesn't mean it's shatterproof. Glass is glass after all, and if you drop it on the ground, it'll most certainly shatter. The only thing the shatter protectors do is to keep the screen in one piece once it shatters.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll react like any other capacitive screen; not that gracefully. It'll do its thing and you won't have any control, but it'll survive and that's the most important thing.
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like the Ultra shares the same problem like its little brother - the Xperia Z. Audio levels are pretty low compared to other devices, but there's a reason for that. They are both waterproof and there's a membrane on the speaker so water doesn't penetrate the speaker and destroys the device.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckily (i can't believe i'm saying this) winter is coming, and i'll wear a jacket most of the time when i'm outside, so i hope it won't be a huge problem (which i doubt).
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm from Norway and i haven't even touched the Ultra yet, so it'll be interesting once i get the chance to play with it. I have no idea about who, what or where you can get the Ultra in the Netherlands (once it's released), but my bet is to check your typical big carriers since they are the first ones to receive new devices.
Also, your English is very good, so no excuses are necessary, and your post is excellent. It's quite refreshing to read a good post and not the typical "when can buy ultra store cheap help help" (yes, that's a totaly normal post around here)
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with the above.
Build Quality I find to be very good.
Water resistance as mentioned above. Drops of water set off the screen so it will go mad. When fully submerged the screen will not accept touch input. Need to set volume buttons to take pic. Otherwise good clear pics/video.
Loudspeaker - not the greatest, its works. I use bluetooth external speakers.
Size - yes a bit of an issue. It'll fit in your jean pocket but you'll be climbing stairs like you have a wooden leg. I found a money belt that it fits into for carrying on my person. Otherwise it sits on a desk.
You missed battery! - the battery life so far is very good considering the size of the screen.
If I were you I'd wait for the Honami release which is due soon. It has 20MP camera with flash for starters.
All Dutchmen speak/write GOOD english.
Hello,
Also concerning about buying it, might jump on it next week. I had a 3G version in my hands and in term of build it is really good, it is big but like I bring a N7 everywhere I feel it even more comfortable to use than a 7" tab.
The only thing that worry me is all the different models, as I actually live in Vietnam and soon go back to French I go for the C6833 that is the LTE version that will be available in Europe and normally is sold as international version. That's worry me for the upcoming customs ROMs, this is often a mess with the baseband. Because the launcher is interesting, but it is hard to believe that now a day we still have launcher with limited scroll.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your post is so well written (and you have nothing to apologise about! Better written than most native English speakers, I kid you not.) I felt inclined to respond with my 2 cents.
I have had it for over 3 weeks now
Build quality
Nothing to complain about. In fact better than most manufacturers out there. Nice choice of materials, designed and put together well.
With regard to the screen and the shatterproof film which comes on top of it from the factory, leave it on. Removing it will mean removing the Sony Logo, and also your warranty.
Honestly, it is barely noticeable. In fact, I think most average users are not aware that there is a sheet there. As the name suggests, it is a sheet that prevents glass from flying everywhere WHEN and IF it shatters. It is for safety reason above everything else. It is not there to protect your screen.
So leave it on, and put a 3rd party protector immediately after purchase, and it will be as good as new every time you replace it.
It is up to you if you want to spend a fortune on these protectors. My experience tells me whatever the brand, they do scratch, and need replacing once in a while. Mine is a dollar, and it will last me for up to half a year. Then I will buy another and replace it. Good as new again.
If you are thinking that having a sheet on top of a sheet will hinder performance, rest assured. NO, it won't.
Water resistance and Speakers
Nothing to add, comments above reflect my opinions too
Size
To answer your question specifically, yes, it really is passport x 1.5.
Unless you wear those super-skinny-jeans, it should fit regular jeans no problem.
I am 5'7, wear loose fitting jeans. Levi's. I have about 5 different models, but they all fit without poking their heads out.
It fits. But is it comfortable? As someone said in previous comment, going up and down stairs feels funny a bit. Walking is no problem.
Since it feels well built, it gives no impression of fragility. But sometimes I remind myself not to put it in my back pocket for 2 reason.
Firstly, if I forget about it and sit down, I'd hate to think what would happen.
Secondly, for back pockets, it will poke out. It must be inviting for pick-pocketers.
Ryland Johnson said:
Very nice, polite post.
I would like to help you BUTTTTTT. I also live in Europe, Southern Europe and I have yet to even set eyes on the Sony xperia Z Ultra. I do own the xperia z mobile also the xperia Z tablet.
I have also owned the note and just found it too big for my daily usage. The Ultra is going to be massive. I mean massive. Like you I want one BUT am thinking very hard before I purchase. You see next month there are going to be numerous new devices introduced including some from Samsung, the note 111.
I am unsure about only one area of the Ultra and that is the size. Just how pocket friendly is this going to be? I used to get annoyed with my note as every time I sat in the car the phone would dig into by groin. I ended up only carrying it. Sold it within less than a year of ownership.
I have zero reservations regarding the quality of the Ultra. Sony are a top brand with many years of consumer product research and after sales etc.
I am not going to take the jump to the Ultra until I see what's coming next month. New mobiles from Sony, HTC, Samsung and LG to name a few are going to be released. I don't think any of them will have the same massive screen but that is fine for me. 5.5 or 6" would be the max for me, I think?
Its a dilemma. The Ultra introduced into the EC will be LTE 4G so no worries there. More than that I cannot say?
Kindest regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love South Europe. It's my holiday destination of choice. I love how spontaneous and happy in general the people are there. The big cities are so alive, a day and at night, and at the country side the people are just so nice. Maybe it has something to do with not raining every other day .
But I guess we’re in the same boat about how this phone compares to the competition. I guess that means that it’s a great time to buy a new phone though.
unk_damnation said:
Here's my impression based on my 8-hours experience with the ZU:
Build quality
Just put a screen protector on top of the shatterproof film. Many reports it won't interfere with the screen sensitivity. I myself haven't got my hand on a screen protector, so I just use the plastic cover with various logo that is on the lcd when you first open the box.. no touch issue :laugh:
Water resistance
The screen reacts like cr*p. Few drops, running water, partially submerged, then the phone will feel all touchy. Random touches. Submerged entirely, there's seem to be no random input anymore but it won't respond any touch. This is a limitation of current capacitive touchscreen technology, I think. Take it out and wipe it dry, good as new.
Loudspeaker
Not too loud, but enough for me. As a ringtone, it maybe not loud enough in a noisy environment. Not sure since haven't tried many scenario
Size
BIG. Width-wise, yes it sits nicely in my (not baggy, but not skinny)jeans pocket. But tall-wise.. well this is where ZU comes sho... no, long. It's almost too long for my taste. When I use jeans with deeper pockets, I can sit down without having my hip speared by the ZU, but smaller pockets, yes, I can feel it, and a bit annoyed. Walking is no problem. Lucky me most of my jeans fall into the deeper-pocket-category
Availability
Can't help you there :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess a stick-on screen protector will indeed the best solution. If it does not interfere with the touch response, we will have the best of both worlds: a “shatterproof” film, and no permanent scratches.
Wiping the screen, but without damage is still a pro. It’s a shame I can’t carelessly use it in the shower or at the pool, but at least there won’t be any damage. I have had phones getting damaged by normal rain. It would be a great feeling, to know that it will still function afterwards.
LordManhattan said:
Well, both sides are glass (DragonTrail i believe), which is "scratch proof" like Gorilla Glass, but that doesn't mean it's shatterproof. Glass is glass after all, and if you drop it on the ground, it'll most certainly shatter. The only thing the shatter protectors do is to keep the screen in one piece once it shatters.
It'll react like any other capacitive screen; not that gracefully. It'll do its thing and you won't have any control, but it'll survive and that's the most important thing.
It looks like the Ultra shares the same problem like its little brother - the Xperia Z. Audio levels are pretty low compared to other devices, but there's a reason for that. They are both waterproof and there's a membrane on the speaker so water doesn't penetrate the speaker and destroys the device.
Luckily (i can't believe i'm saying this) winter is coming, and i'll wear a jacket most of the time when i'm outside, so i hope it won't be a huge problem (which i doubt).
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm from Norway and i haven't even touched the Ultra yet, so it'll be interesting once i get the chance to play with it. I have no idea about who, what or where you can get the Ultra in the Netherlands (once it's released), but my bet is to check your typical big carriers since they are the first ones to receive new devices.
Also, your English is very good, so no excuses are necessary, and your post is excellent. It's quite refreshing to read a good post and not the typical "when can buy ultra store cheap help help" (yes, that's a totaly normal post around here)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny how there are so many Europeans on here, I didn’t see that one coming…
You’re so right about it surviving being the most important thing. It’s just so incredibly nice that Sony actually realizes that these phones are used in the real world. With accidents, and indeed rain. I certainly hope that Samsung and HTC can also start caring about real world durability.
Funny though, how us XDA people change our clothing for our devices. Most people do it the other way around .
But sticking to the big carriers is a great idea. I have to get a new 4G new plan anyways, and at least I am sure that I dealing with a reputable party.
stevefwt said:
I agree with the above.
Build Quality I find to be very good.
Water resistance as mentioned above. Drops of water set off the screen so it will go mad. When fully submerged the screen will not accept touch input. Need to set volume buttons to take pic. Otherwise good clear pics/video.
Loudspeaker - not the greatest, its works. I use bluetooth external speakers.
Size - yes a bit of an issue. It'll fit in your jean pocket but you'll be climbing stairs like you have a wooden leg. I found a money belt that it fits into for carrying on my person. Otherwise it sits on a desk.
You missed battery! - the battery life so far is very good considering the size of the screen.
If I were you I'd wait for the Honami release which is due soon. It has 20MP camera with flash for starters.
All Dutchmen speak/write GOOD english.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery life is a good point. I am -- as I think we all are in here -- a smartphone junkie. The battery on my Note 2 -- a phone famed for its large battery -- doesn’t last till bedtime. So, while I am pretty sure the Ultra Z won’t last me a full day, at least it is not a phone with subpar battery life.
The honami does sound like a great device, but it’s not for me. I feel as if the screen on my Note 2 is too small, so that would be a major downside to the Honami. It is an enormous shame though that the Honami camera isn’t available on the Ultra Z.
bASKOU said:
Hello,
Also concerning about buying it, might jump on it next week. I had a 3G version in my hands and in term of build it is really good, it is big but like I bring a N7 everywhere I feel it even more comfortable to use than a 7" tab.
The only thing that worry me is all the different models, as I actually live in Vietnam and soon go back to French I go for the C6833 that is the LTE version that will be available in Europe and normally is sold as international version. That's worry me for the upcoming customs ROMs, this is often a mess with the baseband. Because the launcher is interesting, but it is hard to believe that now a day we still have launcher with limited scroll.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrying around a Nexus 7 2013 was indeed my plan before the Xperia Z Ultra got released. If the Honami or Note 2 turn out to be killer devices, I will buy them and a small tablet.
About the basebands, it is indeed a very serious problem. I am already concerned about how big the development community for this phone will be, but this makes it even worse. I thought Samsung was a mess. It would be a major plus for a device to carry all LTE frequencies including LTE-A in addition to HSPDA+. When travelling that’d be great, and custom roms wouldn’t have to be baseband specific.
jewelkobayashi said:
Since your post is so well written (and you have nothing to apologise about! Better written than most native English speakers, I kid you not.) I felt inclined to respond with my 2 cents.
I have had it for over 3 weeks now
Build quality
Nothing to complain about. In fact better than most manufacturers out there. Nice choice of materials, designed and put together well.
With regard to the screen and the shatterproof film which comes on top of it from the factory, leave it on. Removing it will mean removing the Sony Logo, and also your warranty.
Honestly, it is barely noticeable. In fact, I think most average users are not aware that there is a sheet there. As the name suggests, it is a sheet that prevents glass from flying everywhere WHEN and IF it shatters. It is for safety reason above everything else. It is not there to protect your screen.
So leave it on, and put a 3rd party protector immediately after purchase, and it will be as good as new every time you replace it.
It is up to you if you want to spend a fortune on these protectors. My experience tells me whatever the brand, they do scratch, and need replacing once in a while. Mine is a dollar, and it will last me for up to half a year. Then I will buy another and replace it. Good as new again.
If you are thinking that having a sheet on top of a sheet will hinder performance, rest assured. NO, it won't.
Water resistance and Speakers
Nothing to add, comments above reflect my opinions too
Size
To answer your question specifically, yes, it really is passport x 1.5.
Unless you wear those super-skinny-jeans, it should fit regular jeans no problem.
I am 5'7, wear loose fitting jeans. Levi's. I have about 5 different models, but they all fit without poking their heads out.
It fits. But is it comfortable? As someone said in previous comment, going up and down stairs feels funny a bit. Walking is no problem.
Since it feels well built, it gives no impression of fragility. But sometimes I remind myself not to put it in my back pocket for 2 reason.
Firstly, if I forget about it and sit down, I'd hate to think what would happen.
Secondly, for back pockets, it will poke out. It must be inviting for pick-pocketers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a good point about the warranty being voided by removing the shatterproof film. I will try a cheap screen protector first. I was under the impression that they were quite bad, but if they are just as good it’s a nice way to save money.
A passport x1.5 would be a great size though. A definite upgrade from the Note 2, but still manageable. I am the same height, and also wear Levi’s so I guess I will be all right.
which model for at&t lte
Road Trip said:
Dear XDA community,
This is my first post here, so I would like to start off by thanking all of the hard working, and amazingly talented, developers whom have improved many of my android devices; adding something new and fresh, and making it feel like a new device time after time.
After having an unfortunate accident with my Galaxy Note 2 – two unfortunate accidents actually, first I smashed the screen, and then I dropped it on the back cover, warping the whole device, forcing up the whole plastic frame, and making it unable to charge – quite a critical function, isn’t it – I am looking for a new phone to buy. Now rather than later.
When I saw the Xperia Z Ultra though, I fell in love. I love the design, I love the physical size, I love the slimness and I love the performance.
There are some things I am concerned about though. I would love any of you guys advice on this.
Build quality
I am seeing mixed opinions about the build quality of the Xperia Z Ultra, and the recent Xperia phones in general. On the one hand Sony itself is touting that the screen is extremely strong, which seems to be the case judging by the drop tests on YouTube. Then again there seem to be many threads on the lack of durability, and how the screen can suddenly crack.
I am also wondering how you guys solve the problem with the shatterproof film. On the one hand, it is a great idea, but on the other hand I would not want my phone to be full of scratches. Can one simply apply one of those tempered glass screen protectors over the screen for ultimate protection? Considering I am quite a clunse – this Note 2 is the first phone I have ever owned that surpassed 6 months of survival – I am quite possibly going to need all the protection I can get.
Water resistance
How does the touchscreen react to water? I have always used my smartphones under the shower. Ever since the capacitive touchscreens, they freak out when a certain amount of water hits the screen. The screen will zoom in and out, the keyboard will give all sorters of weird suggestions, or it will just stop working entirely. According to most sources the phone uses a regular capacitive display.
But does it fare any better when wet? Furthermore are there any screen protectors that you can use while regularly getting the phone wet?
Loudspeaker
Well, how loud can it go? I am currently using the note 2 which has pretty reasonable speaker. I use it while watching movies and listening to music in the shower, but I also enjoy the benefits of a properly loud ringtone.
Size
I am afraid to go this route again, but can this guy comfortably fit in one’s pocket? As far as the internet goes, once again, opinions are divided. Most of my jeans can comfortably fit, length wise, 1,5 passports. Does this mean, as I am theorizing, that the Ultra Z will fit too?
Availability
I am from the Netherlands, a small country in Europe you probably won’t know – or would for its legal drugs and prostitution + drinking age and epic parties, and I would love to buy this phone as soon as possible, since I currently do not have a functional phone. Sadly it will only become available on the 13th of September, and I am not even sure this is going to be the 4G LTE version.
Does anybody have any tips where I can buy this phone on a contract? Sadly paying full price on it isn’t an option at the moment. All my savings have, disappeared on many – and quite diverse – spending’s.
I appreciate your help and tips! I secretly hope I am going to be convinced to buy this amazing phone. Also sorry for my bad English – it is not my native language, and also my apologies for this rather long post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone confirm that the international C6806 can b used for North American AT&T LTE bands. dont want to pre-order wrong model
ddiddy22 said:
Can someone confirm that the international C6806 can b used for North American AT&T LTE bands. dont want to pre-order wrong model
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of everything I read, the C6806 is good for North America and work on AT&T but don't have wifi call. After the international version is the c6833 that go europe LTE bands too.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 08:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:07 AM ----------
Road Trip said:
Carrying around a Nexus 7 2013 was indeed my plan before the Xperia Z Ultra got released. If the Honami or Note 2 turn out to be killer devices, I will buy them and a small tablet.
About the basebands, it is indeed a very serious problem. I am already concerned about how big the development community for this phone will be, but this makes it even worse. I thought Samsung was a mess. It would be a major plus for a device to carry all LTE frequencies including LTE-A in addition to HSPDA+. When travelling that’d be great, and custom roms wouldn’t have to be baseband specific.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I to wonder how large the community will be. Baseband troubles was a mess on the HTC sensation between 4G 3G and AT&T models. Now it is fine, thanks to the work of the devs.
Right, but they always feel the need to limit bands on the phone. Way to win more money. Why make simple (for the customers) with low margin when we can make complex (for the customers) with high margin?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Those Big Top and Bottom Bezels, Let Me Clear Something Up

Now that there are a lot of reviews out for the 6P, I'm surprised by how many of them complain about the large top and bottom bezels on the 6P and even say it's like a step backwards in design. Some reviewers also seem to be confused and think the large bezels are necessary for the front facing speakers. And there are also quite a few comparisons with the iPhone, as if Apple is the only other company that can't figure out how to make smaller top and bottom bezels.
The reason the bezels are relatively large on the 6P (compared to the Nexus 6 or Nexus 5 or the LG G4) is because the phone is so thin and in addition has a larger battery. Once you shove a big battery (or any battery) in the middle of such a thin phone, the only place left for all of the rest of the electronics of the phone is at the top and bottom. So if you want thin then this is what you get, larger top and bottom bezels.
If anything Huawei should get credit for making a phone the exact same dimensions as the iPhone 6s Plus and getting a larger screen in it, with thinner side bezels, front facing speakers, a bigger camera sensor (okay I know there's the hump), and somewhat smaller top and bottom bezels.
In contrast, the reason the Nexus 6 or LG G4 has smaller top and bottom bezels is because they have that curved back that is much thicker at the center, so they've created extra space for the battery and electronics this way. (It would actually be interesting to know what the comparative volumes of all these phones are.) Or if you consider the Note 5 it is slightly thicker and has a smaller battery (although to be fair, Samsung is pretty good at keeping their phones compact--they're the only company I'm really willing to give special acknowledgement on this account).
Only Android Headlines (so far) seems to have understood in their review that the top and bottom bezels are a consequence of the thinness of the phone, although even they go on to complain about the bezels anyway.
I'm surprised so many reviewers seem so ignorant about cell phone design. You've got to cram all that stuff in their somewhere. Either you're going to have a thicker phone, a curved back, a tall phone, something. If it was just a bad design on the 6P that would be one thing. But if it's a consequence of unavoidable decisions based on the size of current electronics, then it seems misplaced to complain about the bezels without saying they'd rather have a thicker phone or something like that.
Anyway, for others reading the reviews and wondering about the bezels (even for you iPhone owners), I hope this is helpful.
[Edit: Here's the iFixit teardown for the 6P: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nexus 6P Teardown/51660. It makes it easy to see how the battery takes up half of the space in the 6P and just how much has to be crammed into the remaining space at the top and bottom of the phone.]
Okay.
No excuse, thickness > big bezels, like ALWAYS.
Big bezles are a thing ill never support, i will avoid buying ANY phone no matter how good it is, its unacceptable.
Almost all the other phone that have stereo speaker have big bezels. iPhone, HTC one M9, Sony Z serie.
if you don't want big bezel, go buy a LG V10 with the speaker on the back
warplane95 said:
Almost all the other phone that have stereo speaker have big bezels. iPhone, HTC one M9, Sony Z serie.
if you don't want big bezel, go buy a LG V10 with the speaker on the back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iPhone doesn't have stereo speakers. It's just a pig.
I would gladly go back to having thick phones if it meant bigger battery and better placement of electronics, but I've always valued function over fashion
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Soo, having a thin bezel is function, not fashion???
heleos said:
I would gladly go back to having thick phones if it meant bigger battery and better placement of electronics, but I've always valued function over fashion
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting case to argue, case being the word. For some, a thick phone, that is also cased, would lose its function. Phone manufacturers know a lot of consumers use cases (a study from late 2013 showed 75% and growing). With thinner phones, phones with cases aren't as bulky as phones of the past without cases. Making them easier to hold. One could say a lot of 5.5"+ phones are unwieldy for many as is. If they were thicker, then cased, they'd be completely out of the question for small hands. So extending the phone vertically becomes the answer and they're running on the limits of pocket depth for many.
You could say, "well those consumers should buy smaller phones". Not many manufacturers are making small phones with flagship specs, so a balance must be struck. And when these small phones are made, the average person has unrealistic expectations. Expecting the phone to perform as well as larger phones. Which leads to tons of complaints from illogical consumers.
I remember when my Galaxy S1 was HUGE compare to the iPhone haha.
warplane95 said:
Soo, having a thin bezel is function, not fashion???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the placement of electronics and larger battery add to thickness of the phone and smaller bezels, then yes, I think smaller bezels in that case would be a result of function
mosincredible said:
Interesting case to argue, case being the word. For some, a thick phone, that is also cased, would lose its function. Phone manufacturers know a lot of consumers use cases (a study from late 2013 showed 75% and growing). With thinner phones, phones with cases aren't as bulky as phones of the past without cases. Making them easier to hold. One could say a lot of 5.5"+ phones are unwieldy for many as is. If they were thicker, then cased, they'd be completely out of the question for small hands. So extending the phone vertically becomes the answer and they're running on the limits of pocket depth for many.
You could say, "well those consumers should buy smaller phones". Not many manufacturers are making small phones with flagship specs, so a balance must be struck. And when these small phones are made, the average person has unrealistic expectations. Expecting the phone to perform as well as larger phones. Which leads to tons of complaints from illogical consumers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree, Google isn't even making a small phone with flagship specs. However, how many people actually need their 6p to be 7.3mm? Would they notice if it was 8mm?
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
heleos said:
Agree, Google isn't even making a small phone with flagship specs. However, how many people actually need their 6p to be 7.3mm? Would they notice if it was 8mm?
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the application of the extra mm. In a rounded form (Moto), it's not as bad but makes the phone wobble on desks. In a flat form, the extra .7mm is felt because it extends all the way across the back and causes you to have to hold your hand wider. With this phone, the engineers spanned the black bar on top all the way across specifically to stop the wobble so I'm sure they wouldn't have been fond of a round back. The many tradeoffs of engineering vs. what consumers want vs. what consumers think they want.
mosincredible said:
Depends on the application of the extra mm. In a rounded form (Moto), it's not as bad but makes the phone wobble on desks. In a flat form, the extra .7mm is felt because it extends all the way across the back and causes you to have to hold your hand wider. With this phone, the engineers spanned the black bar on top all the way across specifically to stop the wobble so I'm sure they wouldn't have been fond of a round back. The many tradeoffs of engineering vs. what consumers want vs. what consumers think they want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely would not have been fond of a round back. Maybe I'm just biased because I have larger hands, so I have less of a problem
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
in the hand and for all practical uses, the rounded back of the entire X lineup is superior to most. for lazy application of swiping the phone while on the desk, its a big PITA. my X stays face down when leave it lying around because its the flattest point. however that means i have to constantly flip it over.
i'm ready for a flat phone.
with screen to body ration of 74% on the N6P I don't think the bezels an issue
dazed1 said:
No excuse, thickness > big bezels, like ALWAYS.
Big bezles are a thing ill never support, i will avoid buying ANY phone no matter how good it is, its unacceptable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
**** yes! If the G2 nailed that 2 years ago there is absolutely no excuse! I've promised myself to not settle for anything larger than G2-level bezels.
And when was the last time you heard anyone wishing for thinner phones?? This crap-trend needs to die already.
blame the iphone crowd uninformed masses. when OEMs/marketing groups do surveys, they poll popular opinion and come back with "X". people don't miss what they don't understand, so if OEMs can make/save a few pennies per device, they've moved the needle which means management is happy.
it will always take an "unknown" to challenge the status-quo for OEMs to reconsider their path.
Never have I seen so many mountains made of molehills as here on XDA.
its a forum. welcome to the intrawebz. come for the pie, stay for the punch.
I had no idea people were so passionate about bezels. I have never noticed this in my life.
Definitely not a deal breaker with all the 6P badboy features!

Reviews

Here's a light review of the phone from Clove:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbFeUoVyT9Q&feature=youtu.be
Preorders up today as well.
Unboxing vid. Looks like they went with a nicer packaging this time.
VS. an iPhone 6 vid
VS. the Z5 Compact vid
i have bought yesterday the white x compact. unfortunately its a bit larger than the z3c. well im a bit disappointed but not because of the sd 650. the performance is quite good. its definately responsive and quick for a compact. but the bezel on the bottom is bigger than at the top. looks like a design fail. vibration motor is veeery strange imo. at start you dont feel him when typing but the faster you type the more the motor is vibrating. this behavior is very hard to accept. maybe for some people a minor thing but for me when i got used to my z3c this not ok. the whole left side beside the display has a gap between display and frame. on the right side there is no gap. dust and dirt wil again find a nice place there. this was the reason why i have replaced my white z3c with a black one after the motherboard was dead on the white one. it seems sony has not learned from their mistakes. fingerprint button has also gaps and looks like a bit deplaced but works very well. on the back side there you have gaps on top and bottom. i really do not understand sony. this phone costs 450€ and it seems they have no QA before packaging. camerawise i can see some improvements. focus is much faster than z3c. but the camera quality nowhere comparable to a galaxy s7. its ok but not that i would say wow. front cam is better than z3c. no softskin blur effect more but when it gets dark the front cam is not very good. generally i was expecting more from sonys camera system.
the best thing at this phone is the display. the black values and color reproduction is very good. looks like amoled but is probably a very good ips. but i think its displaying to much red. adjusting whitebalance helps. generally much better than z3c. due to the 2D glass curves it seems that display is almost printed regardless the 720p.
but there is also somehting that is causing me headache with the display. it seems that due to the curved glas the letter "P" is sometimes not very responsive. especially if you are trying to hit the letter from the right side throught the curved area of the display. from top no prob but from the side its sometimes not reacting. tested with google keyboard.
loudspeakers are a bit louder probably due to the lack of water resistance. they sound better.
the phone goes back as i have got massively used to have root. i'm still on kitkat with root and xposed and several changes through xposed. loosing all this to a non perfect phone makes no sense for 450€.
the biggest problem is that there are no smartphones at 4,6inch with good quality anymore. i was even thinking about iphone but no thanks. i dont want to be a slave of itunes and pay more than 750€ for a phone. SE is too small. z5c is overheating, bulky & too rectangle. A3 2016 is 4,7inch and therefor longer. could be ok. BUT it has no fuc*** notification LED. major fail by samsung as this is inacceptable in 2016. but generally the build quality by samsung has raised. the galaxy s7 in a size of 4,6inch would be perfect. im remembering the times with my galaxy s1. fantastic phone and it was undestroyable. well if you have any questions you can ask me until i have still the phone. currently im thinking of testing an s7. but i hate to to do strange things with my thumb just to be able to reach the back button on the bottom of the phone. the s4 mini was perfect size.
So you are returning the phone?
I will give this phone a try but your build quality comments concern me. I should have it this week, so I'm hoping I get a good one. Does the plastic, glossy shell feel as cheap as it looks?
True, it's sad that these phones are the only game in the 4.6" size. I kinda don't consider the 4.6" iPhone in this size class because its just as big as a 5" screen phone because of the home button. I'm hoping Samsung comes out with an S7 mini which I would get in a heartbeat.
uchosen said:
So you are returning the phone?
I will give this phone a try but your build quality comments concern me. I should have it this week, so I'm hoping I get a good one. Does the plastic, glossy shell feel as cheap as it looks?
True, it's sad that these phones are the only game in the 4.6" size. I kinda don't consider the 4.6" iPhone in this size class because its just as big as a 5" screen phone because of the home button. I'm hoping Samsung comes out with an S7 mini which I would get in a heartbeat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try it. the plastic glossy shell is not the problem. its nice to look at, looks a bit like ceramic and not so slippery as i thought but the build quality is again not the best. i hate the unsymetric gaps between frame. they just cant place the display equally into the frame. on the black (which is not true black, its more dark blue) you wont see them so much as on the white one.
i was hoping for a s7mini but it seems that samsung has changed the mini series into the A3 line which is really sad unfortunately in the stores theres always the anti thief thing on the back which prevents to get true feeling of the normal S7. i need to test if a S7 would somehow be operational with one hand for me. but i dont think so. :/
the display of my z3c is peeling of on the top left edge which was the reason iw as looking for a different phone. i need to repair this. sony would need to much time for this.
x10isrooted said:
..vibration motor is veeery strange imo. at start you dont feel him when typing but the faster you type the more the motor is vibrating. this behavior is very hard to accept...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i didn't realize that with swift key. but you are right. if you set to system vibration you have that issue. but me, i am using swift key where you can set you individual vibration duration and that works like a charm.
x10isrooted said:
the whole left side beside the display has a gap between display and frame. on the right side there is no gap...
fingerprint button has also gaps and looks like a bit deplaced...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on my xxc the gaps are all the same size and nothing is deplaced.
x10isrooted said:
..but there is also somehting that is causing me headache with the display. it seems that due to the curved glas the letter "P" is sometimes not very responsive. especially if you are trying to hit the letter from the right side throught the curved area of the display. from top no prob but from the side its sometimes not reacting. tested with google keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can't confirm that too.
the 'p' works just fine. (swift key)
x10isrooted said:
the phone goes back as i have got massively used to have root. i'm still on kitkat with root and xposed and several changes through xposed. loosing all this to a non perfect phone makes no sense for 450€.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope, root is just a question of time. i hope very soon. can't wait for it to make all my customisations i am used to.
i found a way posted here but its written so weird. i dont know if its reliable.
http://www.sadroid.com/root-sony-xperia-x-compact-5-minutes/
the individual vibration is the same. the often and quicker you are pressing a button the more the motor of the vibrator gets crazy. sound like a bee on Speed.
You must try to press the letter p probably from the right side. a bit through the curved glass. the galaxy s7 and z3 compact touchscreen is much more responsive and sensitive. for me it was often not reacting when i was not thinking to touch more precisely in the middle of the letter P. maybe a defect on my device but i think the whole touchscreen production will be affected by this. i have tested the Xperia X and it has the same behavior. i will have to test another device in store if this is the case there as well.
this website is untrusted. dont download anything from that. you will get a virus. nothing else. when a root is availbale someone will for sure post it here first. but i doubt that it will be soon. x compact has not the best specs. all the famous and talented devs have other phones currently. xxz0o was the person that developed a root for z3c after half a year i think.
ok. now i found the issue with the vibration. your duration seems to be set pretty long. i set it to 35ms and that works absolutely fine. but if you set it to f.e. 60ms you have that issue. but why would you like to have it that long?
i mean its obvious that it can be a prob. if your next press is in the range of the 60ms there is no other way for the phone to vibrate permanently. are other phones adjusting the vibration if you press faster than the setted duration?
but i am a slow writer. maybe i will never understand that problem. i just found that issue while pressing complete randomly on the keyboard. i could never write that fast.
jeah, as i thaught. the page is very weird. i would also only try a root from a page i know pretty good.
ohh. half a year? thats sad. but hope never dies.
i like the phone. maybe there are some others
x10isrooted said:
try it. the plastic glossy shell is not the problem. its nice to look at, looks a bit like ceramic and not so slippery as i thought but the build quality is again not the best. i hate the unsymetric gaps between frame. they just cant place the display equally into the frame. on the black (which is not true black, its more dark blue) you wont see them so much as on the white one.
i was hoping for a s7mini but it seems that samsung has changed the mini series into the A3 line which is really sad unfortunately in the stores theres always the anti thief thing on the back which prevents to get true feeling of the normal S7. i need to test if a S7 would somehow be operational with one hand for me. but i dont think so. :/
the display of my z3c is peeling of on the top left edge which was the reason iw as looking for a different phone. i need to repair this. sony would need to much time for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S7 mini would be perfect, but it will never be created. The S7 is about the same size as the iPhone 6, so if any of your friends have one, just try using it and you'll quickly realize how much harder it is to reach the top of the phone with your thumb. I'm sticking with my Z3C for another year to see if anyone (not just Sony) releases a 4.5-4.7" flagship device. The XC just doesn't meet my expectations for an "upgrade".
Phone Arena review:
http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Sony-Xperia-X-Compact-Review_id4256
The AndroidCentral Review is up, one note the lack of a fingerprint scanner is US only, the rest of the world has the fingerprint scanner available!
http://m.androidcentral.com/sony-xperia-x-compact
All of these first reviews to be released seem to be very shallow in depth. They don't go into any real analysis of the phone and use very general statements to describe the user experience. In fact, these read more like unboxings than actual reviews. There's a lot of talk about what the phone looks like, the specs it comes with, and way too much of it sounds like they're reading a press release. If I was in the market for a new device. I'd wait another month for real reviews to be released.
Android Authority review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uullDQFq5W0
I sure do not have those build quality issues. gaps?! display is dead flush, heck everything is. I am very impressed with the build quality, very sturdy. I do not have trouble with coming in from the right and typing 'p' either, but if you display is not flush it would probably influence it. I am more than sure you were unlucky and got a bad apple (heh). as for the key vibration issue; if you type faster than the vibration delay is set, you are of cause going to have it vibrate all the time while typing, odd btw that you guys was set to 60ms mine was set to 25ms as default.
Hey everyone, just wanted some feedback regarding an issue I began having this week with my X Compact.
Issue: The phone is not as responsive during the unlocking process as it once was. I used to simply swipe to unlock and the phone would immediately unlock with a simple swiping motion. Now, the phone requires a harder swipe before it unlocks.
Any ideas?

Is the G6 the end of "notchless" flagships?

The news is that the leading manufacturers including LG are moving to notched screens.
I think the G6 screen is perfect as is. IMHO the notch is stupid and will be a passing gimmick
Let's hear people's opinions
jshames said:
The news is that the leading manufacturers including LG are moving to notched screens.
I think the G6 screen is perfect as is. IMHO the notch is stupid and will be a passing gimmick
Let's hear people's opinions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good thing that I won't buy a new smartphone for another ~2 years so I will miss this "trend".
The seeming motivation for the notch is being able to have an edge to edge screen. Firstly, that in itself is just a gimmick, a style like high heels. Screens are big enough and devices are small enough for people. Who care about an extra 3mm of screen? Second, the notch ruins the screen. For all intents and purposes, the "wings" on the side of the notch are useless except for icons. If you view anything else full screen you either need a black band to keep the rectangular image, or some of the image gets blocked by the notch.
What blockhead thought of this???
And that's not even touching the subject of why a sane person would pay Apple 1200 dollars for a cellphone, which they're replace with the next gimmick in 2 years. But that's not the subject here...
I don't mind the notch myself, probably because I don't use my phone for much full-screen stuff. I do prefer the small one of the Essential though.
I am sure manufacturers are working hard on ways to maximize screen-to-body ratio (which is a real consumer desire even though not everyone cares about it) without needing notches and in a few years they will be as common as physical keyboards (and I also think, despite the current outcry, that wired headphone jacks will soon seem quaint and not too long after that, so will wired charging).
In the meantime, while I'm sure there will be many notch-free designs, there will also be many notched ones and general consumers will buy them as long as they come from Samsung and Apple or look like they do.
Personally I could completely live without a front-facing camera, which would reduce the notch problem a lot, but I think that one is around forever.
Just a gimmick to copy the iphone. I absolutely hated the huge bezels on my Nexus 6P but the bezels on my G6 don't bother me at all.
Gimmicks. Gimmicks all around.
Hopefully this G6 lasts me until the notch trend dies off.
small bezels are the way to go imho. It depends on what we use our devices for, but as long as a lot of media has certain standard formats, it makes sense that our screens have that format too..
To my eyes balance and symmetry are important for good visual design. Notches destroy that completely.. It might look ok with a UI that is specifically designed around those notches. But as soon as you watch something on youtube it becomes awkward, same goes for 18:9 aspect ratio btw.
What really astonishes me though, is the fact that android manufacturers now start to copy that FLAW of the essential phone/iphone X. It's totally obvious that Apple wanted to make a all-screen phone and they FAILED. They had to compromise and settled for an awkward solution with the notch. Nobody buys the iphone X because of the notch... You accept and live with it because the rest is great. Nobody will look at the Huawei P20 or LG G7 and say: "wow that notch. I need that." (same goes for headphone jack btw)
I bought the a G6 a few weeks ago because my 2 year old Huawei P9 broke and i got a good deal. The G6 is already a year old but design wise it's still one of the best phones out there imho. Everything else has become really awkward with notches, rounded edges, missing features, bad materials... It's a mess. I just hope people will vote with their wallet - it's the only way the companies will realize that what they're trying to sell is not what people want.
Maybe there's hope https://www.xda-developers.com/lg-v35-6-inch-oled-display-without-display-notch/
cory733 said:
Just a gimmick to copy the iphone. I absolutely hated the huge bezels on my Nexus 6P but the bezels on my G6 don't bother me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually don't mind bezels, at least not on the top and bottom, and I think the Nexus 6p is still a beautiful phone today. Anyone else agree?

Ergonomics (in-hand feel)

Please, no "that's what she said" jokes. Rate this thread to express how you think the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 feels in-hand. A higher rating indicates that it's comfortable to hold for long periods of time, even in one hand. Resist the urge to say "TWSS" just now. Seriously.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Extra weight over my old Note 4 and J700T1 makes it feel more solid. With cases off, Note 9 is more slippery than my Note 4 or J700T1. Note 9 feels fancier because of smooth back but would never dream of using it without a case.
It feels almost the same as my Note 8. Slightly wider, slightly shorter, slightly heavier than the N8, but so little difference it's tough to notice. Unless you have one in both hands at the same time, really hard to tell the difference.
I still like the Note 7 for in hand feel overall. I think that phone hit the sweet spot for size/weight and height to width ratio. Alas, our N7's are no more (well, some may have a stray around yet), but that was my favorite phone ever for in hand feel (and my favorite phone ever overall honestly I think).
teegunn said:
It feels almost the same as my Note 8. Slightly wider, slightly shorter, slightly heavier than the N8, but so little difference it's tough to notice. Unless you have one in both hands at the same time, really hard to tell the difference.
I still like the Note 7 for in hand feel overall. I think that phone hit the sweet spot for size/weight and height to width ratio. Alas, our N7's are no more (well, some may have a stray around yet), but that was my favorite phone ever for in hand feel (and my favorite phone ever overall honestly I think).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So funny, I actually still have 2 Note 7's that for some reason Verizon never wanted. I walked in, called and begged for them to take them, but they never did.
That being said, I think you're right about the feel of the 7. It was a perfect device in the hand. But, boy does the performance stink. Turned it on and compared it to my 9 and it is a slug, even with nothing on it. So strange how I don't recall it being so slow when I got it 2 years ago.
Having come from an S7, this unit, while esthetically pleasing, is definitely not a one-handed experience like the S7.
The feel of the Note isn't as comfortable as the S7, the thinner bezels and sharper corners makes holding this device a little more worrisome. Especially when you don't have a case to protect your investment.
While the home button isn't in a position that's ideal, at least it's not right by the camera lens.
The S-Pen is great! It's a nice piece of engineering.
The addition of the Bixby button is a brainfart that needs to disappear, as I have NO use for Bixby at all. Samsung is trying too hard to be Apple. Screw Apple, stop following and start leading Sammy.
Just my 2 Canadian cents.
M.
I think Samsung nailed a home run with this phone. It's not even a comparison with any iPhone, much less a fair fight.
One of the biggest things people don't mention is the input latency with fingers and the s-pen. Better than the 3 iPhones I've had. S-pen latency is great. I still have not seen a number but it is quick.
Mike022465 said:
Having come from an S7, this unit, while esthetically pleasing, is definitely not a one-handed experience like the S7.
The feel of the Note isn't as comfortable as the S7, the thinner bezels and sharper corners makes holding this device a little more worrisome. Especially when you don't have a case to protect your investment.
While the home button isn't in a position that's ideal, at least it's not right by the camera lens.
The S-Pen is great! It's a nice piece of engineering.
The addition of the Bixby button is a brainfart that needs to disappear, as I have NO use for Bixby at all. Samsung is trying too hard to be Apple. Screw Apple, stop following and start leading Sammy.
Just my 2 Canadian cents.
M.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree..
Until I remapped that painful button it was giving me the ****s..
It would almost drive a person to root the phone and put on one of the ROMs that turns it into something useful.
Overall I am coming off the Hauwai P9 that I was pretty comfortable with for 10 months.. it did everything I needed and I didn't feel like I needed to root it.
The note 9 is feeling good..I have big hands so don't have a problem with it in one hand.. so between 2 thumb typing and a finger and a thumb (2 hands).. I can get a good typing speed up.
Still not sure on the case and screen saver I will settle on.. have got a few going at the moment and playing between them..
The heavy duty one makes the phone a bit big.. but still feels fine and don't get the feeling that I have to be too dainty with it..
The carbon fibre cover I am using now feels a bit like the phone is going to slip out of my hands.. today I was concerned while I was shopping and pulled it out..
I use gnotes for shopping lists thus will have it out a few times with one hand on the trolley and one hand ticking off items..it's at that time I am feeling that I would not want to drop this or it's going to make for a bad day..
But in saying that.. I use a tablet holder in bed for YouTube/gaming or reading..and finding the using it as a back rest while I flick through threads and type them this takes that too heavy feel out of it..
I would say this is a big as I would want with a phone..
I wish one day Samsung would banage the curved edges.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
I wish one day Samsung would banage the curved edges.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they are a pain in the ass. It cause me problems instantly when I bough mine yesterday. Had it in the holder in my car and the sun shine on the phone and the edge reflected the bright sunlight and blinded my eyes. It also catches smudges all the time when just holding the phone. It reflects light when looking at the screen taking away screen estate. There´s nothing good with edge at all! Only problems.
dannejanne said:
Yes they are a pain in the ass. It cause me problems instantly when I bough mine yesterday. Had it in the holder in my car and the sun shine on the phone and the edge reflected the bright sunlight and blinded my eyes. It also catches smudges all the time when just holding the phone. It reflects light when looking at the screen taking away screen estate. There´s nothing good with edge at all! Only problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sooner the current fashion ceases better. Personally, I envisage another S or Note line without the" show off " edges.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
Sooner the current fashion ceases better. Personally, I envisage another S or Note line without the" show off " edges.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess edges are less pronounced on this Note than S series ? or may be just got used to it.
Reflection on the side is an issue on curved screen.
Paninno12 said:
I guess edges are less pronounced on this Note than S series ? or may be just got used to it.
Reflection on the side is an issue on curved screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Especially the last paragraph.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Well used to have the iPhone X and to be honest I do have small hands so the note 9 feels a bit big on my hand, but also with time I'm having a blast with it, I wish the the fingerprint scanner be a little bit lower.
The back scratches easily, is a fingerprint magnet and is slippier than a penguin on ice.
I prefer Oneplus's sand back or rubber. These high gloss high slip phones are the dumbest thing to ever be invented. The slip off sofas, smash. Slip out of your hand, smash. Yuk.
Hi there! Did I read you correctly ...
"Until I remapped that painful button..."
This sounds like you have successfully done that!
If so, please share how you did it!
Thx a lot in advance,
Yours truly
dgcruzing said:
Agree..
Until I remapped that painful button it was giving me the ****s..
It would almost drive a person to root the phone and put on one of the ROMs that turns it into something useful.
Overall I am coming off the Hauwai P9 that I was pretty comfortable with for 10 months.. it did everything I needed and I didn't feel like I needed to root it.
The note 9 is feeling good..I have big hands so don't have a problem with it in one hand.. so between 2 thumb typing and a finger and a thumb (2 hands).. I can get a good typing speed up.
Still not sure on the case and screen saver I will settle on.. have got a few going at the moment and playing between them..
The heavy duty one makes the phone a bit big.. but still feels fine and don't get the feeling that I have to be too dainty with it..
The carbon fibre cover I am using now feels a bit like the phone is going to slip out of my hands.. today I was concerned while I was shopping and pulled it out..
I use gnotes for shopping lists thus will have it out a few times with one hand on the trolley and one hand ticking off items..it's at that time I am feeling that I would not want to drop this or it's going to make for a bad day..
But in saying that.. I use a tablet holder in bed for YouTube/gaming or reading..and finding the using it as a back rest while I flick through threads and type them this takes that too heavy feel out of it..
I would say this is a big as I would want with a phone..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is not as confortable as the S series but pretty good
Would anyone care to comment on overall durability? Obviously if you drop it without a case on it is going to smash to pieces. Those who have dropped the phone on a hard surface with a case on, how did it fare?
bandario said:
Would anyone care to comment on overall durability? Obviously if you drop it without a case on it is going to smash to pieces. Those who have dropped the phone on a hard surface with a case on, how did it fare?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got 2 drops of about 1 meter high. No cracks, no damage luckily I'm using a cheap silicon case with whitesone dome on screen.
Phone feels solid but you know....glass is fragile.
Paninno12 said:
Got 2 drops of about 1 meter high. No cracks, no damage luckily I'm using a cheap silicon case with whitesone dome on screen.
Phone feels solid but you know....glass is fragile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I was actually just about to purchase but did not realise the entire back is glass!! Pretty big deal for me, I'm coming from the Galaxy Active series. Obviously I'd put a sturdy case on it but not sure if this is the one for me, I'd be absolutely devastated if I smashed the back. Goodbye waterproof.
Stylus
The Note 9 feels great... but the stylus "clicker" hurts my hand when using. I have to wrap tape around it. The edges are sharp.

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