Database Users

Switching from Note 2 to Xperia Z

Hi There,
Just received an Xperia Z 16gb white as a gift. I currently have the Note 2, no complaints. What would be the pros and cons of switching to the XZ?
I use my note a lot as a web browser, media player, etc. so I like the big screen. and I carry an extra battery so I don't have to worry about power, etc.
I like the 13mp camera on the XZ. What else am I gaining with the XZ if I switch?
Any comments and opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks

Use search button. There is already thread about pros and cons. No need to make next same thread.
Wysłane z mojego C6603 za pomocą Tapatalk 4

snoopycr said:
Hi There,
Just received an Xperia Z 16gb white as a gift. I currently have the Note 2, no complaints. What would be the pros and cons of switching to the XZ?
I use my note a lot as a web browser, media player, etc. so I like the big screen. and I carry an extra battery so I don't have to worry about power, etc.
I like the 13mp camera on the XZ. What else am I gaining with the XZ if I switch?
Any comments and opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe a slight upgrade. (CPU and Camera)
but, Xperia Z is slightly smaller screen too, and you can't replace the battery.

As long as the battery isn't an issue for you (note 2 has a waaay better battery than Z) then i think it's just pros for the Z. Maybe slightly smaller screen, nit as vivid as note 2 if you like that, personal taste Z looks better
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

Dont do it.
Sent from my pimped up lte enabled GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

snoopycr said:
Hi There,
Just received an Xperia Z 16gb white as a gift. I currently have the Note 2, no complaints. What would be the pros and cons of switching to the XZ?
I use my note a lot as a web browser, media player, etc. so I like the big screen. and I carry an extra battery so I don't have to worry about power, etc.
I like the 13mp camera on the XZ. What else am I gaining with the XZ if I switch?
Any comments and opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should tell us
Sent from my Stealth Black HTC One using Tapatalk 2

Hey,
I just made the switch last week.
So far, cons:
Sucky battery life
small screen makes typing more difficult
screen with default screen protection isn't as smooth as GNII glass: makes typing with flow more difficult
gets hot while playing games and charging (weird since the GNII has a 2A charger, but is much cooler)
back glass makes me nervous about putting it on rough surfaces (solved if you buy a case)
the volume buttons are hard to reach on lower right side
you need to press the power button to turn the screen on --> annoying, since the button is on the sides. On the GNII you could just press the Home button and voila
speaker positioning is on lower right corner of the device, quite easy to cover with palm
ergonomics: it's weird how it's difficult for me to operate this device with one hand. It's like i'm having the same problems with the GNII, but on a much smaller screen
Pros:
It's water resistant
it's smaller
it looks better
it's faster
the screen resolution is incredible, 1080p on a 5 incher is damn nice: i can cram more readable words in this screen than with the GNII's screen
takes beautiful pictures, also more mature software for the camera in my opinion. HDR is a bit dodgy though, samsung still wins for that. ( Couldn't get proper HDR pictures in "classic HDR situations")
Haven't changed service provider, but I find that my XZ's network performance is better than my GNII. (Vodafone AU)
Better sound output? this is just what I feel, haven't read any reviews about this, but IMO the sound output on the sony is much better --> EQ is also much more solid
weak flash, BUT the glass covering it is grained --> softer light (nice touch, sony)
Already on 4.2.2 on the XZ. I could root my note but ... meh
I like the position of the micro usb port. this way when i listen to music while charging i don't have a cable protruding from the top AND bottom of the device like the GNII
Just my thoughts

Great review. Exactly what I was looking for.
What did you do about the battery situation?
Is it horrible removing the flap every time to charge the xz?
So you think the HD screen on the xz is far superior to the bigger screen on the note 2. Things like watching HD trailers, Netflix, movies etc.
Would you switch back to the note 2 if you could?
I'm thinking of switching because of 4.2 and the water proof capabilities
Thanks
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

snoopycr said:
Great review. Exactly what I was looking for.
What did you do about the battery situation?
Is it horrible removing the flap every time to charge the xz?
So you think the HD screen on the xz is far superior to the bigger screen on the note 2. Things like watching HD trailers, Netflix, movies etc.
Would you switch back to the note 2 if you could?
I'm thinking of switching because of 4.2 and the water proof capabilities
Thanks
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better you wait for XperiaZ Ultra, if you would mind the 6.44" screen,,,
Sent from Sony Xperia Z c6602 "Luna Z"

I've written a reply for you, but i can't post external links because I have less than 10 posts lol... so i'm posting **** first
---------- Post added at 08:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------
snoopycr said:
Great review. Exactly what I was looking for.
What did you do about the battery situation?
Is it horrible removing the flap every time to charge the xz?
So you think the HD screen on the xz is far superior to the bigger screen on the note 2. Things like watching HD trailers, Netflix, movies etc.
Would you switch back to the note 2 if you could?
I'm thinking of switching because of 4.2 and the water proof capabilities
Thanks
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I haven't done anything with the battery so far. I don't want to root it just yet, haven't read up much about how to unroot it and keep warranty. It came with 4.1.2 branded from Telstra (a carrier in Australia), and I flashed a Nordic stock ROM on it, to get 4.2.2. I can keep my warranty this way and get the fastest updates from Sony.
In my opinion the battery has gotten a little bit better, despite people arguing about this on XDA. Some say it's gotten worse. So, I'd let it sink for a few weeks and wait for some of the pro reviewers to come with real benchmarks.
The flaps aren't as bad as some would say. It does get annoying, but I don't mind doing that to keep it waterproof. It's a bit like having a bulky case on any other phone and needing to remove the casing before you charge. Not too bad IMO.
The screen is FAR superior in terms of resolution, I am enjoying THAT aspect of it. BUT. Contrast is so much worse compared to the GNII (remember that the GNII is on AMOLED, so the blacks are "perfect" blacks), and it gives this sort of greyishness to the XZ that you never saw on the GNII. On the other hands, colors are much more vivid and "real", probably due the TFT LCD screen and BRAVIA engine. Viewing angles are worse, as mentioned on many reviews, but I take that as an advantage, I don't like people peeking into my phone
On the other hand, apps don't seem to support this 1080p resolution properly. The sony stock apps are doing okay, but all the google apps could use some optimisation:
Gmail on XZ
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Gmail on GNII
Google+ on XZ
Google+ on GNII
Settings in XZ
Settings in GNII
Notice how in the settings page, both devices show 9 Items in one "page", but how on Google+ and Gmail, the XZ shows less items. I imagine it's a difficult fix on Google plus, due to the cards UI, but there's definitely room for improvement in Gmail.
Play Books on XZ
Play Books on GNII
These were set at the smallest font on both devices in which I felt like the text was still "sharp" I.E if I set the font any smaller on both devices the words would have been fuzzy (of course you can't tell on these images on your computer because your computer has a set resolution which can't match these devices) . Notice how the XZ can offer more "words" per page than the GNII. If anybody wants to compare this is Infinite Jest by D F Wallace. On the XZ the Font size was at 63% using Google Play Books, and on the GNII it was at 75. I even went with the safe option of 63% on the XZ. It could have gone to 50% and still be sharp, but let's not push it
I still have my GNII so I still have the option of going back. I haven't made my decision
Cheers

Know this is only preference and will be diff for anybody so dont take as a insult but for me it would be the sony hands down because i cant stomache touch wiz the only way ive ever been able to use samsung phones is to root,i have a s4 and im selling it for the experia z but before rooting i couldnt use as a daily driver because the ui and lag wich was both fixed by rooting but a high end phone with specs like that should be smooth out of the box like my htc one is, now i cant speak on sony yet because its not in the states for 10 more days

Thanks for your insight. I was going to sell the Xperia z. I'm going to put up both for sale, and keep the phone that didn't get sold first.
I can carry an extra battery supply if the phone runs out. Not as convenient as a spare battery.
Actually I got the Xperia z and Xperia tablet z combo as a gift. So I'm kinda excited to use both.
Was going to sell both as I don't need a tablet
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

Not sure how I feel about the Sony interface. But I like using nova launcher. Does that take care of any lags in the Xperia z?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

snoopycr said:
Great review. Exactly what I was looking for.
What did you do about the battery situation?
Is it horrible removing the flap every time to charge the xz?
So you think the HD screen on the xz is far superior to the bigger screen on the note 2. Things like watching HD trailers, Netflix, movies etc.
Would you switch back to the note 2 if you could?
I'm thinking of switching because of 4.2 and the water proof capabilities
Thanks
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not horrible removing the flap. I try not to even close it all the time so it doesn't get used to much because I can't imagine it will keep the same water tightness when it gets open up all the time. But I use the dock station to charge so meaning I don't barely use the flap in the first place. And to listen to music I use a Bluetooth Stereo headset. I try to avoid open those flaps as less as possible.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

flexnerwinterstein said:
I've written a reply for you, but i can't post external links because I have less than 10 posts lol... so i'm posting **** first
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have your Z rooted, you can go and edit the build.prop to have the lcd density changed.
You could end up with more actual working space like this:

DrKrFfXx said:
If you have your Z rooted, you can go and edit the build.prop to have the lcd density changed.
You could end up with more actual working space like this:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just don't do this using LCD Density Modder. I ended up in a boot loop just now and don't have a computer that can flash the device until after getting home from work... it's 9am >.<

snoopycr said:
Thanks for your insight. I was going to sell the Xperia z. I'm going to put up both for sale, and keep the phone that didn't get sold first.
I can carry an extra battery supply if the phone runs out. Not as convenient as a spare battery.
Actually I got the Xperia z and Xperia tablet z combo as a gift. So I'm kinda excited to use both.
Was going to sell both as I don't need a tablet
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is something like a spare battery, in form of a case. Just have to Google it. It is apparently even more powerful than the on-board stock battery!
The battery isn't bad on the Z, but it's never a bad idea carrying some backup with you:thumbup:
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

Rekoil said:
Just don't do this using LCD Density Modder. I ended up in a boot loop just now and don't have a computer that can flash the device until after getting home from work... it's 9am >.<
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, sorry to hear that. I think the app you used doesn't set the right permissons.
Next time use an app called build.prop Editor.

DrKrFfXx said:
Oh, sorry to hear that. I think the app you used doesn't set the right permissons.
Next time use an app called build.prop Editor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I knew about that one beforehand. Just didn't remember that I don't have a recovery installed at the moment, otherwise I'd have been able to fix from that. Don't have admin rights on the computers at work and unfortunately didn't bring my laptop today so I have to go phoneless for a little while hehe.

The note 2 gout sold first. Do I'm keeping the xz. Should be interesting.
When I power off the xz, it makes a weird noise like some mechanism is shutting down. Is that normal?
Thanks for your review again. Sure help my decision process
Sent from my C6602 using xda app-developers app

Moto X Pros/Cons IMO

Moto X Cons/Pros IMO
Hi, this can be a base for new Moto X users coming from other smartphones.
Pros
1. Moto X has one of the smoothest and fastest Android experience you'll have with any smartphone today.
If you're coming from a non-nexus smartphone, you'll definitely feel that. Everything just works in Moto X. It's the smartphone with the nearest experience of an iPhone in terms of speed and smoothness.
2. Moto X feels great in hand. It has the perfect size for a smartphone.
3. Screen size is perfect, you can reach every corner without a hassle.
Although some users might feel the difference coming from a bigger screen, you'll definately get used to it in no time.
4. Good materials, it feels like you're holding a really well made product. Not just plastic stuff.
5. Twist to fast access to camera is great.
I'm still getting used to it, but accessing the camera without even touching the screen is very handy. I thought it would be too much of a hassle to do that movement every time, but it turns out you get used to it very fast, and that's pretty easy.
6. Touchless Control.
Although it's almost useless here in Brazil, I'll include that because is it's really useful for the main languages that it includes. I still use it to showoff though. :victory:
7. The speaker is one of the best I've listened so far.
It's one of the loudest, its quality is pretty good. Basses are good too.
8. Battery life is superb.
It lasts for your entire day and even a little bit more. Compared to my last phone, a S3, I can really feel the difference.
9. Battery charges really fast.
Within 2 hours or so, my Moto X charges from 0% to 100% with stock wall charger. Considering its battery time, it's an amazingly fast charge: 2 hours charge for a 24h+ usage. My S3 used to charge in 5h+
10. Fast updates.
This is not something that will certainly happen, but it seems Motorola is committed to bring us Android OS updates and improvements updates really quickly. Although it has not been released for my Moto X here in Brazil yet, it's been released for the Moto X faster than the Nexus devices. Let's hope they keep it like that for some years, and not just because it's the momentum smartphone.
11. Active Notifications.
The best thing invented after the wheel, don't have to say anything about this.
Cons
1. Onscreen buttons takes too much space.
Although Moto X screen size is perfect, its virtual buttons takes a lot of that space, and you might feel a big hit when coming from a 4.8/5" phone that has its entire dedicated screen.
2. Camera is terrible.
Coming from a S3, I definitely felt a big hit here. Camera takes a big time to shoot photos; it takes too long to focus; it takes pics with different tonality every time, it's even hard to shoot 2 similar photos from 2 different angles. Below is an example of that.
Camera software is not the best aswell. We don't have night mode, quality/px choice, effects, and so on.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Those 2 pics are not edited and were shot with the Moto X camera in practically the same moment.
3. Touchless Control doesn't work everywhere.
For example in Brazil, not all the commands are available and it's just useful to call for someone and check weather predictions. Despite using it to call for someone, we don't get audio feedback for any of the commands.
4. Too thin for 2 hands usage?
That's a real real personal thought, but although Moto X has the perfect size for a one-hand feel, I'm really having a hard time typing in the keyboard and I wouldn't blame if it was a little wider. The phone is thinner than the S3, that I used to rest both hands and type, and wider than a smartphone that we can rest one hand and use the other sidewards.
But I'm really sure it's something I'll get used to within some time.
5. No sdcard slot.
I'm yet to see if this will be really a down vote to me on Moto X, but at least in my old S3, I had to use a 16gb sdcard to store some extra musics and pics. The default 16gb was not sufficient.
Well, that's it. It's a really great phone and it was for sure a great improvement coming from a S3. I do miss S3's camera and physical buttons, but despite that and the listed above, there's nothing else I can blame this phone for.
Feel free to add your own opinions, cons and pros.

I plan on getting this phone ?
Did you update your phone already? I've heard it does improve the camera picture quality drastically!
Sent from my Nexus 7

Royalfox said:
I plan on getting this phone ?
Did you update your phone already? I've heard it does improve the camera picture quality drastically!
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm using the lastest Jelly Bean OTA update and the lastest camera update from the Play Store.

I've added 1 item to the con and 1 to the pros that I forgot to mention.

Royalfox said:
I plan on getting this phone ?
Did you update your phone already? I've heard it does improve the camera picture quality drastically!
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used a demo at the store (one had kitkat and one didn't), and the kitkat one was SO much better. I think this camera really competes with the other flagships now.
dicarli said:
Yes, I'm using the lastest Jelly Bean OTA update and the lastest camera update from the Play Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He means Kitkat i think.

@op great pros and cons list.
My pros:
- active display
- great feel in hand
- touchless control is really impressive (even works when the phone is in your pocket and you have headphones plugged in)
- battery life
- speaker
- performance
- call quality
- twist to launcher the camera
Cons:
- display is way too over saturated
- phone is heavier than I thought
- The camera is probably the worst I have used from all the other flagship phones this year, it really is a joke.
- locked boot loader.
This phone does the phone functionalities extremely well though I must say.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Please explain how are you cooking those hot dogs. They look delicious.
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app

barondebxl said:
@op great pros and cons list.
My pros:
- active display
- great feel in hand
- touchless control is really impressive (even works when the phone is in your pocket and you have headphones plugged in)
- battery life
- speaker
- performance
- call quality
- twist to launcher the camera
Cons:
- display is way too over saturated
- phone is heavier than I thought
- The camera is probably the worst I have used from all the other flagship phones this year, it really is a joke.
- locked boot loader.
This phone does the phone functionalities extremely well though I must say.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if the S3 boot loader is locked aswell, but we had a lot more hacks, mods and roms to use/test on the S3 than o the Moto X.
EVOSerb said:
Please explain how are you cooking those hot dogs. They look delicious.
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was my GF actually. I shall ask to her how she cooked that

Please do ask. Now just to find the one for my self that will cook like that LOL.
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app

Tottaly agree! Mostly in the voice commands, in Brasil is not useful like in the US
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

Thanks OP for sharing your experience. I'd just like to elaborate on the design.
I don't really quite know how to summarize my idea, but the emphasis on user experience is so great, it's borderline criminal, and it's easily the most understated feature of the Moto X. The texture of the back feels extremely wonderful to hold that doesn't feel like cheap plastic nor cold hard aluminium. The contours (?) of the phone is curved in such a way that feels absolutely comfortable - I wouldn't be surprised if Motorola took the palm/hand profiles of many people and designed the back with it. In conjunction with that, the buttons are positioned well enough to allow me to reach for them whenever I need it. And that dent on the back cover! My finger now gravitates to that point to get a solid grab on the phone. _Finally_ I have a phone that doesn't have to depend on aluminium for that premium feel, or worse still, give UX design a middle finger and design a pile of manure (*coughsamsungcough*) for use.
I was really pleasantly surprised to find out for myself how good the speaker was. It's loud, but distortion is hardly noticeable at maximum volume. (Coming from a Galaxy Nexus, I suppose I get a bit too excited. heh) The camera's been improving steadily, thankfully, but it could use more repairs. I would appreciate it very much if I could take photos faster - the idea of twist-to-camera is kinda wasted on a slow-responding camera like this.
I have friends using the Nexus 5 beside me, and in all honesty I don't feel like I'm missing out on much. Then again, I paid a bloody premium for the phone . But seriously speaking, no regrets. At all. If I had to make the decision all over again, I'd still shoot for the Moto X. Never mind that there's no support for LTE in Malaysia or Singapore (I alternate between these two countries most frequently), or that the SD card slot is missing. I have not been so contented with a purchase in a very, very long time.

For me the biggest thing missing is wireless charging inbuilt.. the port for charging is terrible.. tests my patience every time i try to plugin charger

sravanz said:
For me the biggest thing missing is wireless charging inbuilt.. the port for charging is terrible.. tests my patience every time i try to plugin charger
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Coming from the Galaxy Nexus, the plug doesn't seem to go in as firmly as the GNex did. I would have loved wireless charging, as well.

sravanz said:
For me the biggest thing missing is wireless charging inbuilt.. the port for charging is terrible.. tests my patience every time i try to plugin charger
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheKaz said:
I agree. Coming from the Galaxy Nexus, the plug doesn't seem to go in as firmly as the GNex did. I would have loved wireless charging, as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe a member is working on making it work on his in the accessories section.

What are the chances of a QI case being released? I would be all for that.
Cannot believe incipio decided to make a powermat charging case... WHO USES POWERMAT!?

My biggest and only real complaint about the Moto X is the camera. It does not feel like it matches up to even some 2011 phone cameras.

Nice Article.
I'm loving my Moto X 'Argentina Edition' (no root yet ).
On the 'Cons 4' section I swipe a lot, and never again hold my phoine with 2 hands
While driving I can text with the mic, not sure on portuguese, but spanish works great!

OK Google Now
is so much more sensitive in 4.4. I'm using the nexus 5 gel and my phone is constantly beeping and googling my last few words. Kinda strange

I'm still on 4.2.2 but I would have to say the camera, the smaller screen size, and the color saturation of the screen.
I bought a nexus 5 earlier this month and switch between the two phones all the time. {Google apps sync everything} and those would be my main complaints. Obviously the screen size is completely subjective, but I much prefer the n5 screen. I do like the battery life, but I usually have a charger at work and at home, and both phones seem to give me more than acceptable battery life.
The biggest complaint I have is the lack of accessories, cases and screen protectors for it.
I also would like our Canadian carriers to hurry up with the 4.4 updates.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

My brief first impressions

Got my device yesterday, played with it most of the day. Overall very impressed!
Build quality feels good, got around 7hrs screen on time out of the first charge with variety of browsing, music, app installing etc etc Screen is very good with punchy contrast (much better than my Nexus 4) Loud speaker is plenty loud enough (again, louder than Nexus 4 IMO), vibration is strong so no missed notifications when silent. Only made one call on it so far, quality seemed fine, and no complaints on the other end about not being able to hear me clearly. Performance is great as expected, no slow downs when browsing and such.
There are plenty of reviews on the camera over in the Z1 section, so without repeating what's already been said: avoid the "superior auto" mode and spend a few seconds configuring the manual mode for the shot you want to take, and you get some great results. The superior mode seems to suffer particularly badly in poor light as it drives the ISO up sky high and produces horrible grainy photos.
Only negative comment I have is the screen protection, or lack-thereof. The screen its self is "scratch resistant" but there is a cheapy plastic film on top which I grazed within minutes, I'm told this can't be replaced or removed without losing the warranty. Sony do include a screen protector of sort that you can apply on top of this in the box, unfortunately its one of the god-awful 10 for £2 type plastic things. I'd suggest buyers budget an extra £20 for a good quality film or tempered glass protector to go on top. This is for me the biggest disappointment with this phone; having had my Nexus 4 "naked" most of its life, and suffering no damage, I'm very frustrated that my new £450 phone has to be covered with a cheapy plastic sheet to protect the screen - not good.
Any questions fire away and I'll do my best to answer.

Thank for review. What about led notification? Can you share photo for it?
Sent from my MI 2S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

dtosun said:
Thank for review. What about led notification? Can you share photo for it?
Sent from my MI 2S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LED notification is nice and bright, I've set up "light flow lite" to customize the colours / blink rate etc and all is well. I've tried to take a quick photo here, but it doesn't really do it justice. (excuse the terrible screen protector fitting, I threw it on in a bit of a huff. Waiting on a better one to arrive)
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Side by side with Nexus 4
XDA home page vs Nexus 4. (Note nexus 4 is using SlimRom with custom colour profiles etc. Have its set quite cold ad my preference)

does it feel better in hand than nexus 4? it looks like nexus 4 is almost the same size as z1c... I thought z1c will be more of a compact phone.

progosu said:
does it feel better in hand than nexus 4? it looks like nexus 4 is almost the same size as z1c... I thought z1c will be more of a compact phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has to. It's much more narrow and the screen is definitely smaller.

Thank you for your insightful input! One thing so important to me is screen and software responsiveness and fluidity...and you're the perfect person to tell me how fluid it feels compared to the nexus 4 and I will be eagerly waiting your response!
---------- Post added at 04:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:04 PM ----------
how is the charging time? is it quick charge enabled?

Hi, can you also please put the z1 compact on the top of your nexus? It makes me easier to recognize the size difference

Answers to a few questions:
Charge time from almost flat seemed to be in the region of 2.5 hours, which is pretty good by my reckoning.
It feels a lot smaller than it looks. The reduction in width makes the most difference, and after 2 days using the Z1c the Nexus 4 feels chunky to me now. I don't have my Nexus to hand for size comparison photo now I'm afraid, but laying the Xperia over the top of the Nexus 4 allows you to see 2-3mm on all 4 sides. Next to no difference in weight, through the Sony feels more dense/solid to me - Gives a premium feel.
The phone operation is very fluid and smooth, I went through numerous custom roms and kernels on the Nexus 4 to get the kind of smoothness that the xperia offers right out of the box. Launching the camera app is very quick: Maybe 2 seconds from sleep (via the shortcut button), and near instant from the menu shortcut. Shot-to-shot time is very impressive too - This is one thing where the N4 was always poor in my opinion.
I haven't missed the screen size at all, others may I guess, but personally I prefer being able to operate the whole screen comfortably with one hand!

Thanks great to know the xperia ui doesn't slow the experience

Headphone sound quality
Hi Guys,
Some more feedback on my experiences with the phone.
I'm noticing improved WiFi reception compared to my Nexus 4, My desk in the office is a bit of a black spot normally. My laptop frequently disconnects from the wireless, the Nexus hardly ever managed to connect, the Z1c seems to obtain a connection here and I'm streaming music over it without dropouts :victory:
On a related note, The sound quality through the headphones is very good too. I'm using Logitech Ultimate ears 200, previously had fauxsound on the Nexus 4 for improved volume, and whilst this did allow my N4 to go louder than the Z1c does, the sound quality is definitely better here, stereo separation in particular seems to be better.

Mine arrived in the mail this morning, and I'm impressed so far
Still setting it up mind, but it's the perfect size for my hands (pretty much the same size as an iPhone 5 with a case on)
In comparison with my current Android phone (HTC One X), although in physical size it's only a little smaller to look at, it feels much smaller in the hand, and more usable (no over-stretching of the thumb, reaching for the on button, etc...)
And as for the responsiveness, it's genuinely on par with the iPhone 5 too!
I'm glad I took the gamble to pre-order! :good:
(Just need to set-up the SmartWatch that came with it next...)

Any impression about the ringer volume? I've got a Z, and I had to use a mod (replaced the Fusion3 file) in order not to lose notifications and calls.

quite surprised to see they did not include headphones.. I guess they gotta sell some bluetooth headsets..
Initial impressions coming from an Samsung Galaxy S2 with kitkat.. I miss the settings button And don't understand why they could not put the buttons on the empty field below the screen instead of using the screen .. :\
Laying the Z1c on top of my sgs2 is pretty much same size.. although the Z1c is a little thicker than the SGS2

Pytte said:
quite surprised to see they did not include headphones.. I guess they gotta sell some bluetooth headsets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you care about audio quality, you'll already own decent headphones/iems and have absolutely zero use for any included iems which would stay wrapped up and un-used and be a waste of sony's dosh. much rather sony spent the money they will save by not bundling cheapo iems on a phones build quality etc

Mine from O2 came with earphones And surprisingly they are actually quite good but the rubber buds slide out the my ears.
Sent from my D5503 using xda app-developers app

alpha beta gaga said:
if you care about audio quality, you'll already own decent headphones/iems and have absolutely zero use for any included iems which would stay wrapped up and un-used and be a waste of sony's dosh. much rather sony spent the money they will save by not bundling cheapo iems on a phones build quality etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
i dont care about included audio piece.. got my own AKG k450, pretty good stuff

Would you guys recommend this over a Nexus 5?
Sent from my Nexus 4

Very important question for me!

tiru.adi13 said:
Would you guys recommend this over a Nexus 5?
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't own a Z1 compact (yet) but I had two Nexus 5 devices - both sent back to get a refund because Nexus 5 has some serious issues with its microphone. The audio recording is terrible during video footage and a lot of users complain about crappy quality during phonecalls (on the receiving end).
Here's a link: https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/nexus/0hvTK4eMVGk

First impressions too
To share my first impressions: I received mine yesterday, and I spent the afternoon playing setting up the phone .
The size and weight are about the same as my previous phone (a HTC sensation).it fits well in my hand and well in my pocket too.
The built seem of quality, the flap are easy enough to manoeuver (and allow to plug cable easily), and seems built to last. Overall it gives an impression of quality. I don’t have any issue with the plastic protection screen.
On the software side, everything run fast, and smooth. I have been really impressed by the 4G: it seems merely as fast as at home. All the connections are running well (no issue with gsm, wifi, Bluetooth, nfc). Phone calls are clear, and the micro works greatly according to the “test” I made.
The only drawbacks I found are linked with my experience on my previous phones, and are softwares linked (it might be possible to solve them, but I have search yet to do so): I found the keys of the keyboard to be a bit too small; The intelligent dialer is not as good as I wish (start to look in the phone number before looking at name); I am missing the HTC clock which was also indicating the weather.
If you have any question, feel free!
Franck

*Д Device specific reviews Д* Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3

Welcome to the home of the Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3
Device Reviews Thread​
In this thread please post the following:
Your personal reviews
Written reviews found online
Any and all
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videos can be posted in this thread (no need for 30 different YT threads)
:good:
Lets enjoy the input of others regarding their point of view.
Not all points of view may represent your thoughts, so please do not disrespect the views of others​

PhoneArena's video review:

My quick 2-cents on this device thus far....
Pros:
- Build quality is ecstatic for such a low price. Very sturdy and no creaks.
- The screen is absolutely gorgeous. I've been using a G2 and I've enjoyed it's IPS display, but I think this Idol 3's trumps it. It's brighter and colors seem to pop out more. Can't rave enough about the screen.
- The external speakers are absolutely loud and crisp. I honestly think it's really close to the quality the HTC M series have... If the M9's speakers are a 10/10, I'd have to give the Idol 3's an 8/10. They're that good.
- Speed wise, things seem fast. I don't game much on my phone, and if I do it's those simple mobile games, but everyday tasks will fare just fine on this device.
- Love the almost stock Android feel!
Cons:
- While I love the build quality, the back plate has a very cheap feel/look to it. Though it's not really a complaint since I expected it. Granted, I'm not really the type to care about build materials but I know it matters to a lot of people. As long as the phone is sturdy, I'm happy. (My dream would be if dbrand made skins for this phone)
- Not a fan of the Alcatel Launcher or it's icon pack. (Nova FTW)
- Camera is so-so. Seems to be on par with my G2's camera, which isn't bad by any means, just not the best.... but then again, for the $199 that I paid for it, how can this be a con... right?
- For the life of me I can't get the double tap to wake feature to work... Does anyone know if it's something I have to enable in settings? I've tried to look and can't find anything. Thanks
- Can't think of any other con at the moment... I'll edit this if I find more.
So far this device is an absolute steal at at $199! What have you guys thought so far?

Double tap to wake, go to settings and it's the first setting under "device" enable slider to double to wake.

Double Tap
I have Nova Launcher installed and double tap does not work. Double tap does however work on the stock Alcatel skin. In the Nova Launcher settings you have to pay for the premium to get the double tap feature.

Don_GT said:
I have Nova Launcher installed and double tap does not work. Double tap does however work on the stock Alcatel skin. In the Nova Launcher settings you have to pay for the premium to get the double tap feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got nova prime running with double tap to wake and sleep working. You could always pin a "screen off/sleep" app to your home and tap it to sleep.

redeyss said:
I've got nova prime running with double tap to wake and sleep working. You could always pin a "screen off/sleep" app to your home and tap it to sleep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you apply double tap to wake and sleep via Nova? I don't see it in the Gesture settings within the app.

mackster248 said:
How do you apply double tap to wake and sleep via Nova? I don't see it in the Gesture settings within the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you have the paid version, nova prime. Download "screen off and lock" app from play store first. After installed, nova settings, gestures, assign screen off app to double tap gesture. Alternately, just double tap empty portion of screen while running nova as home and you will be prompted to allow screen off app to assume that gesture. Let me know if you get it, good luck!

redeyss said:
Assuming you have the paid version, nova prime. Download "screen off and lock" app from play store first. After installed, nova settings, gestures, assign screen off app to double tap gesture. Alternately, just double tap empty portion of screen while running nova as home and you will be prompted to allow screen off app to assume that gesture. Let me know if you get it, good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect. Thanks man! Works great.

So far I'll mirror mackster's review, spot on! Nice phone and quick with great screen. I crushed it while installing my apps but it didn't get hot, just a little warm, which impressed me.
I'm worried about the camera. I took about 8 shots and so far not so good. Let me play with it for a couple days and I'll get back to you. I too was using a G2 the last few weeks after selling my G3. G2 camera has ois and was pretty decent. Idol 3 reminds me of nexus 5 cam, decent but only under ideal light, which is what all the pre release reviews said. G2 seems to get a sharper image in good light.
This really looks, feels, and behaves like a $600 phone from late 2013/early 2014 IMHO. I paid $199 and I'm worried about scratching or dropping it, then have to remind myself it cost a third of a flagship phone and I'm going to use and abuse it without all the anxiety that comes with a huge price tag. Probably slap a glass screen protector on it and a skin if available but that's it!

redeyss said:
So far I'll mirror mackster's review, spot on! Nice phone and quick with great screen. I crushed it while installing my apps but it didn't get hot, just a little warm, which impressed me.
I'm worried about the camera. I took about 8 shots and so far not so good. Let me play with it for a couple days and I'll get back to you. I too was using a G2 the last few weeks after selling my G3. G2 camera has ois and was pretty decent. Idol 3 reminds me of nexus 5 cam, decent but only under ideal light, which is what all the pre release reviews said. G2 seems to get a sharper image in good light.
This really looks, feels, and behaves like a $600 phone from late 2013/early 2014 IMHO. I paid $199 and I'm worried about scratching or dropping it, then have to remind myself it cost a third of a flagship phone and I'm going to use and abuse it without all the anxiety that comes with a huge price tag. Probably slap a glass screen protector on it and a skin if available but that's it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! I planned on not using a case on this thing... but it's so damn thin that I may have to lol. It's just hard to hold due to how thin it is. I asked dbrand if they would make skins for this phone, and their reply was "maybe". So I'm holding out for dear hope that they are. Yeah, camera does seem a little bad. And you're right about the G2's camera in great lighting conditions, it really is well above average in that aspect.
As much as I love this phone (so far), Alcatel really blew it with the name lol. I hate the "idol" name and that font at the back of the phone. If dbrand makes skins for this, I'll be fully happy.

redeyss said:
So far I'll mirror mackster's review, spot on! Nice phone and quick with great screen. I crushed it while installing my apps but it didn't get hot, just a little warm, which impressed me. !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here as well.No major issues using apps. Installed and used phone for awhile didn't get hot at all. Only performance issue I saw was closing many recent apps from recent app screen. Screen is nice and very bright. Blindingly bright. The speakers a loud and sound good. Also the sound out of the audio jack is very loud too which I'm happy about. I tried to use the stock launcher but I missed some features from Nova so I had to install Nova Prime. That's not a knock against Alcatel tho. Today I'm happy with it. We'll have to play around with it for awhile.

Guys, I'm struggling with this camera! Just did a series of comparison photos with my G2, one M8, and the idol 3. Indoor shots of my son with overcast light coming in windows behind me. Colors washed out and details soft and muddy. M8 had best color reproduction and G2 had best detail and sharpness. I switched to Google camera and results improved noticeably but not dramatically, with truer color and crisper images. I tried with and without "eis" electronic image stabilization enabled and didn't seem to make a difference. This could be a deal breaker for me but I'll keep trying, please post your results.
PS, t. Stark perhaps a photo thread is in order.

can u try camera mx or some others from appstore? been using it for sometime.
the sensor itself shouldnt be that much of a difference since its the same widely used i guess.
Sent from my LG-D838 using XDA Free mobile app

gavolo said:
can u try camera mx or some others from appstore? been using it for sometime.
the sensor itself shouldnt be that much of a difference since its the same widely used i guess.
Sent from my LG-D838 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try camera MX but hope to hear from others so I know it is or isn't a defect in my particular phone. Yes its that bad....

redeyss said:
I will try camera MX but hope to hear from others so I know it is or isn't a defect in my particular phone. Yes its that bad....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you set it to 13 megapixels? I haven't done a comparison with my g2 yet. From the little pics I took. It seems okay.

guapinoy said:
Did you set it to 13 megapixels? I haven't done a comparison with my g2 yet. From the little pics I took. It seems okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep 13mp and played with settings. G2 has Xcam mod but still miles better. Will try and post pics later from PC.

Moved

my impressions after 2 days:
positives:
1. awesome battery life. i would guess 6+ hours screen time easy.
2. speakers are absolutely awesome.
3. the screen is very bright. wish we could reduce it (might give longer battery life to boot!).
4. no problems with wifi or other things like heat etc.
5. user experience is fast enough - better than nexus 4.
6. excellent build quality.
negatives:
1. camera (ok for the money)
2. need root desperately. to change DPI.
3. biggest negative - tmobile reception is like 10dB lower than nexus 4. at my work, where signal is poor, i used to get LTE with that phone, but now I can't. seriously thinking on returning this .
antutu 64bit score is 33000.

deepasadish said:
3. biggest negative - tmobile reception is like 10dB lower than nexus 4. at my work, where signal is poor, i used to get LTE with that phone, but now I can't. seriously thinking on returning this .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, I've noticed my reception has decreased significantly coming from my HTC One M7 and even the ZMAX is getting better LTE reception. I usually get full bars at home and work but i'm down to 2.
considering returning the phone also and trying out the zenfone 2 since i'm in an area where band 12 is being used by a public tv network and wont benefit me at all.

My Impression of Samsung Galaxy S8+ after a day use.

My Impression of Samsung Galaxy S8+ after a day use.
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Design - Design is very subjective but I believe this time not much will ever said this phone is ugly. S8/S8+ is the most beauty touch screen phone ever release. 2nd place I give to LG G6. I just can't stop staring at it. Simple beauty, elegance & gorgeous.
Screen - No doubt it is the best screen I ever use in mobile. You just need to see yourself as word can't describe it. They is some users report have red tint issue, so it is advice proper check during purchase. How many unit got red tint issue I had no idea, as included 9 demo set I molest, I didn't seen any red tint issue in all 10 units from my eye.
Camera - The front and rear camera is very great and nothing much to complain about. Simply awesome. The rear camera for me is far better than iPhone 7 Plus.
System UI - The best ever release by Samsung, I must said I am more impress with this UI than vanilla stock, it is so clean and simple but still attractive.
UI Smoothness - Frank speak all the demo set I touch is not very smooth, even the unit I own also, lucky Samsung had release a new Home Launcher version update in Galaxy Apps Store. All Samsung own apps now is update at Galaxy Apps Store, it is wise don't disable this. After the update, now the UI smoothness is far better, it is not extremely smooth but at least it is in acceptable level now. I wonder why no review mentioned about this, the phone is very fast but the UI smoothness is not top notch.
Loud Speaker - It is ok for single speaker. I am a bit miss my loud speaker in iPhone 7 Plus now.
Sound Output - I find my Bose SoundSport sound nicer than pairing with iPhone 7 Plus. It sound much smoother.
Fingerprint - Whoever does this design and approval is brain broken! The placement at top right back beside the camera is very wrong.
Iris Scanner - I am actually disappointing with it, it is not working well and slow for user that wear glasses.
Battery Life - It is very awesome to me and the wireless fast charging also very fast jut it not stopping even full charge. Now I remember back actually wireless charging never ever knew to stop, it is like that since the first time appear in S6 Edge.
Bixby button - This extra button is really useless, the Bixby is not something everyone fancy about it. Very hope soon can have a proper way to change the button to something else without root. This Bixby is the most lagging apps in S8+, it is not smooth and take few second to fully load.
Game Launcher - I know this is nothing new as it is long there, Samsung doing this is very welcome, all games now in a proper place instead of everywhere in the app drawer.
What I miss from iPhone 7 Plus - the double tap at status bar to scroll to top. The extremely smooth UI where also only happen in iOS 10.3.1. The much better loud speaker.
What I hate in iOS but no longer issue after back to Android - Thanks god I no need to make the screen not sleep or app run in-front when downloading thing from the app. 2nd is they is no more apps that look ugly due to stretching due to the app not FHD support.
Sample Photos taken with Samsung Galaxy S8+

Nice review! Kudos

Great write-up!
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

galaxys said:
Nice review! Kudos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
howdyace said:
Great write-up!
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for liking.

Wireless charging does stop, just because it says 100% it really has a minor amount to go after that, maybe 3 minutes. Once it's done the light on the charger turns green
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

You could remap the Bixby button using the app bxactions. No root needed.

-Alan said:
You could remap the Bixby button using the app bxactions. No root needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

ingenious247 said:
Wireless charging does stop, just because it says 100% it really has a minor amount to go after that, maybe 3 minutes. Once it's done the light on the charger turns green
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not fully off even both (the phone and charger itself) light on as it is warmer and after my wake up already is 5 or 6 hours later.
-Alan said:
You could remap the Bixby button using the app bxactions. No root needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate much for this, trying out now.

Finally finish setup my S8+

I have the S7 and was waiting for the S8 to give the S7 to the wife and get the S8 for me but that fingerprint scanner is a major flaw. Something I can't understand to be possible at such high level.
For me the s8 would never leave the shelf and Samsung would had to take the phone off the market in order to correct that hedious monster mistake

Djuganight said:
I have the S7 and was waiting for the S8 to give the S7 to the wife and get the S8 for me but that fingerprint scanner is a major flaw. Something I can't understand to be possible at such high level.
For me the s8 would never leave the shelf and Samsung would had to take the phone off the market in order to correct that hedious monster mistake
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's on the back because they couldn't get the under glass fingerprint reader working in time.

So they should have place it underneath the camera and not sideways on a place that is almost impossible to reach for a regular person, unless you have alien hands.
It's just absurd

"UI Smoothness - Frank speak all the demo set I touch is not very smooth, even the unit I own also, lucky Samsung had release a new Home Launcher version update in Galaxy Apps Store. All Samsung own apps now is update at Galaxy Apps Store, it is wise don't disable this. After the update, now the UI smoothness is far better, it is not extremely smooth but at least it is in acceptable level now. I wonder why no review mentioned about this, the phone is very fast but the UI smoothness is not top notch."
This is the only thing make me annoying about Samsung phones. The UI smoothness is terrible (compare with the phones with the same specifications from other brands)
Thanks for your review BTW.
Sent from my LGM-G600K using Tapatalk

Andrewtst said:
Thanks for liking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, it's been a long time since I was in a Samsung forum, but I recognize this name because of that hand avatar.
Great review btw!

nicholaschum said:
Wow, it's been a long time since I was in a Samsung forum, but I recognize this name because of that hand avatar.
Great review btw!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha! I didn't change the avatar so far.

Djuganight said:
I have the S7 and was waiting for the S8 to give the S7 to the wife and get the S8 for me but that fingerprint scanner is a major flaw. Something I can't understand to be possible at such high level.
For me the s8 would never leave the shelf and Samsung would had to take the phone off the market in order to correct that hedious monster mistake
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have baby sized hands ?
I find it a total non issue, works well for me using either hand + lots of apps are gearing towards using it for password access as a choice.

Congratulations. I'm glad for you.

Andrewtst said:
[*]Fingerprint - Whoever does this design and approval is brain broken! The placement at top right back beside the camera is very wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This ! Man I love my phone but this is just absurd. After using one day my fingers actually hurt because of the weird unnatural position to use the FP scanner. I'm not sure what's wrong but Samsung but things like this make it hard for me to really love the brand.