Database Users

[Poll] How's your Xperia Z1's back holding up?

Good afternoon fellow XDAers!
Here's a poll question for you: how is the back of your Xperia Z1 holding up?
The question is especially for those of you who haven't used a case.
I've received my Z1 just yesterday, and today I already noticed a hairline crack of about 4.5 centimeters high. I have no idea what could've caused this as I have only put my phone down very carefully. Considering this is just day two of carrying the device, and since I'm not planning on getting a case for it (I like my phones how I like my women - ifyouknowwhatImean ; ), I'm really wondering how the back holds up for people who have carried the device without a case for a couple of months. The only thing I don't like about its back, is the fact that the factory screen protector seems to scratch too easily. I'm not afraid of breaking it, but I'm not taking this protector off either.
So please, share your results, show some pictures if possible, tell me about your experience with handling the Z1's back.
I tried taking a picture of it with my Xperia S but that failed. I may try using my D5100 if you're interested in my Z1's back.

problem i have is that back panel is sticking out slightly in the corner where camera is at.
basically i am having this problem:
http://www.xperiablog.net/2013/08/0...ose-back-panels-water-resistance-compromised/
i dont have warranty so i sent my phone to a random shop and they applied some glue to that corner which resolved the problem
but now it seems the problem is coming back again (panel getting unglued again)

Furma said:
problem i have is that back panel is sticking out slightly in the corner where camera is at.
basically i am having this problem:
http://www.xperiablog.net/2013/08/0...ose-back-panels-water-resistance-compromised/
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Click to collapse
B-buttt... I thought that was only an issue with Xperia Z devices, not with the Z1?
Darn, I really hope I'm not affected by that. I already got a yellow display from that 'lottery' it seems...
EDIT: also, doesn't every electronic device come with a 2-year factory warranty? That's what I've heard.

Nillkin tempered glass screen protector saved my device.
I have frame (rubber) case but I'm not using it because I don't like the look of device in it.
However, the other day I bought new Nillkin SP and when I peeled old SP I saw device is perfectly saved.
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Used to use a thin case but took it off. The phone looks too good to have it covered. I bought the Skinomi full body skin protector and it's pretty good. I don't feel scared about handling my phone a bit roughly since it's pretty much wrapped in a plastic sheet.

I bought two front screen protectors, since both the front and back side of the Z1 have the same shape i just made a cutout for the camera and pasted it in the back
So damn hard to find a back protector here
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk

Haven't had any problems with the back yet, touch wood, but the front collected scratches so easily. I bought some Z1 membrane screen protectors and took the front Sony one off to replace with one of the new ones and to my pleasant surprise it has actually made the touch sensitivity a lot more responsive! I've left the back Sony one on and just covered it with a membrane one.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00GII5BN4
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium HD app

negrobembon said:
I bought two front screen protectors, since both the front and back side of the Z1 have the same shape i just made a cutout for the camera and pasted it in the back
So damn hard to find a back protector here
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I bought Nillkin tempered glass and was disappointed when I saw only front protector is real tampered glass and the back was just a plain protector.
It would be great to have same for back too.
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Destroyed, just it.... A LOT of scratches and i cant find a good case for it, theres just the official one but is very expensive....

Pretty much pristine condition, metal-slim bumper w/ nilkin glass screen protector on the front and skinomi on the back. My only issue is that the skinomi protector gets really icky real fast, like slimy, due to the moisture of my hands.

No scratches front or back, no case, no screen protectors, and i've dropped it twice
Great phone.

No case, no cracks on the back, just those original things that are on the phone
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

Some scratches, lucky I got a screen protector.
Frickin' awesome C6903 Xperia Z1

you guys do know the phone comes with a screen protector front and back from the factory right?
Mine is scratched up to, but its just the screen protector, you can just remove it and replace it.
I haven't dont this for the back yet but i did do this for the front, only loss is that i dont have the sony logo on the front anymore but i dotn really care about that.

anheuer said:
you guys do know the phone comes with a screen protector front and back from the factory right?
Mine is scratched up to, but its just the screen protector, you can just remove it and replace it.
I haven't dont this for the back yet but i did do this for the front, only loss is that i dont have the sony logo on the front anymore but i dotn really care about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why it scratches so easily. It's just a screen protector.
Exactly why I made this poll, I was wondering how bad it could get.

At the Mall on Friday and ran into the Ghost Armour kiosk so I decided to have them apply a screen protector for their $25. Had micro bubbles for a day but by Sunday all traces of bubles are gone and you can't tell there is any screen protector on the phone. I also have a slim hard case that covers the back which should be arriving today so I should be good to go with protection.
http://www.wirelessground.com/puregear-sony-xperia-z1s-hard-shell-case-black.html
The screen does scuff up very easily so be careful until you get some sort of protection on it. Also screen response is just as good with the additional protector on it.

I had a light scratch on the back of my Z1. I put on an Armor Suit protector on it and the scratch no longer appears. As well, the Armor Suit heals itself from scratches... it just looks great now. I'm also caseless.
JF

Scratchs, SCRATCHES EVERYWHERE! lol
But they are not noticeable unless you're TRYING to looking for them. If they where a screen at the back I would INSTANTLY remove the ASF.
Sent from my Xperia Z1 using xda app-developers app

I have had this phone nearly 2 weeks now and it is still in brand new condition... Not even a single scratch anywhere. Lol
Tho with most phones the colour starts to fade or wear on the side of the phone, however the Z1's case not a problem.
ALTHOUGH... they say its dust resistant? Ive seen more dust accumulate on the front and back than ive seen on the a glass table that never gets used ?

mobzw995 said:
I have had this phone nearly 2 weeks now and it is still in brand new condition... Not even a single scratch anywhere. Lol
Tho with most phones the colour starts to fade or wear on the side of the phone, however the Z1's case not a problem.
ALTHOUGH... they say its dust resistant? Ive seen more dust accumulate on the front and back than ive seen on the a glass table that never gets used ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dust resistance means that dust won't get inside the device (possibly heating the device). It doesn't magically repel dust off the front :silly:

Oily Screen

Anyone else noticing that the Z3C is super hard to clean? The screen seems resistive to cotton cloths more than previous phones I've used. Know of a better way to extract all the oil from the screen?
Sent from my D5803

BLAZEDv3 said:
Anyone else noticing that the Z3C is super hard to clean? The screen seems resistive to cotton cloths more than previous phones I've used. Know of a better way to extract all the oil from the screen?
Sent from my D5803
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use a screen protector. Best way

Dsteppa said:
Use a screen protector. Best way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a screen protector doesn't help remove oil off the screen, it only helps prohibit it.
Sent from my D5803

I found this to be very annoying with my z1 compact, so when I got my z3 compact from clove I thought I would give Crystalusion a go.
I can't be happier with this decision. It goes on easy, I put it on and left it overnight, didn't touch the phone until 12 hrs later.
The phone feels insane, like the smoothest surface I have ever felt! Finger prints and oil are reduced by what I would say to be 90% and what little marks do remain, they come off with just a quick and light wipe over.
I have now ordered 3 double packs to coat all the phone screens that my family own and save the remainder for future applications on my z3 compact.
One cloth of crystalusion is good to cover the front and back of the z3 compact, plus the screen of a tablet or another 2 phone screens.
3 weeks so far and also no micro scratches that plagued my z1 compact.

Woza72 said:
I found this to be very annoying with my z1 compact, so when I got my z3 compact from clove I thought I would give Crystalusion a go.
I can't be happier with this decision. It goes on easy, I put it on and left it overnight, didn't touch the phone until 12 hrs later.
The phone feels insane, like the smoothest surface I have ever felt! Finger prints and oil are reduced by what I would say to be 90% and what little marks do remain, they come off with just a quick and light wipe over.
I have now ordered 3 double packs to coat all the phone screens that my family own and save the remainder for future applications on my z3 compact.
One cloth of crystalusion is good to cover the front and back of the z3 compact, plus the screen of a tablet or another 2 phone screens.
3 weeks so far and also no micro scratches that plagued my z1 compact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to hear from you if the phone is more slippery then before you applied the Crystalusion? The Z3 is slippery as it is and i would not want to make it even more slippery.

I use 3M microfibre cloth (High performance cloth) and a little diluted dish washing liquid (10:1 mix of water to dish washing liquid).
The key is to spray a little on one corner of the cloth, wipe the screen with the wet portion, then follow through with a dry side of the cloth to clean up.
Same formulation and parts I use for cameras lens and general LCD cleaning.

I findone very easy to clean, easier than my iPhone, however much more slippy also

@ OP I find it strange. I am much happier with this screen compared to my XC1. The anti shatter film on that really irritated me and am much happier without it. I find this one stays clean by itself the whole time.
I find a lot of threads here unnecessarily negative about this phone. Best I have ever owned.

erousr said:
I would love to hear from you if the phone is more slippery then before you applied the Crystalusion? The Z3 is slippery as it is and i would not want to make it even more slippery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that it feels more sleek, clean, stealth and sexy.
Slippery with phones is just a figment of people's imagination!
Phones are designed to be grasped on the outer edge, drawing the inner edge into the palm. The edges of the z3 are rubber with (compared to the screen) a very slight texture, you'll only do the phone (and any phone) if you're just careless!
Around the home I keep my z3 compact naked, it's just too awesome not to.
When I go out, there is greater risk in being out in a harsher environment so I slip on my clear Ringke fusion case so I can place my phone on the desk at work, the dashboard of the car etc but am rest assured that I have the extra protection for the numerous times and ways that I use the phone when I'm out.
By the way, my wife just got an iPhone 6, which I was considering however I am super glad I got the z3 compact. It's nicer and better in every way.
The best phone I've ever seen or used! Any issues that plagued the z1 contact are gone and improved in every way ☺

Thanks for the replies, I'll have to take a look into some of these solutions.
Sent from my D5803

Completely Naked?

Is anyone using this phone completely naked? No case, no screen protector, no back protection? I asked this another way a little earlier; only one response. Very curious. I'm looking at the Z5 Compact and the Samsung S6 Edge. I prefer the specs and size of the Z5, but I know 2 people who use their Edge without any protection. After several months, they still look good.
All opinions appreciated.
Thanks.

Not very old but I use mine with a tempered glass screen protector that you'd never know was there anyhow... Phone doesn't have a mark or look worn

Any protection on the back?

Nothing on the back, it's not glass like the Z3 Compact...

x2srj said:
Nothing on the back, it's not glass like the Z3 Compact...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it is glass at the back, it's just frosted.

I have screen protectors both sides. Usually backside gets more hits

I just put a tempered glass screen protector on mine and am debating getting a $3 aluminum bumper from eBay until the Devilcase is released. I like the look of the phone naked and have had it that way for a few weeks, but I already have a few tiny nicks on the poly carbonate ridge along the backside. They're hardly noticeable, but the phone hasn't taken any hard drops. I'm thinking the PC won't hold up long term without getting damaged.

I've been using the phone without case since one day.
I'm just worried about the camera glass. I'd put a ring a bumpon or something to lift up that area a bit.
Sent from my E5823

Doesn't feel like the glass backing of the zc compact to me, it doesn't slide off the sofa either

Completely naked here. I am worried of dropping the phone, cause its damn slippery...
By the power of Sony Xperia Z5 Compact

i never used any kind of protection for any phone i owned.
why should i make it ugly to save it from getting ugly by time?

x2srj said:
Doesn't feel like the glass backing of the zc compact to me, it doesn't slide off the sofa either
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does not change the fact that it still is glass at the back.
If you do not believe us google some reviews.

I have a red carbon skin on the back, makes it a little bit less slippery

Psykhe said:
Does not change the fact that it still is glass at the back.
If you do not believe us google some reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying I disbelieve you am I? Just saying it doesn't feel like it does on a Z3

It's kind of matt glass. Very good for me, no visible finger prints

Running mine naked but have only had it for a day. It's the smallest phone I've used in awhile and I've almost dropped it a bunch of times. I have a tpu case coming today to help with the grip.
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

Completely naked. Have a little scratch on the back, looks like a discolouration. I will get tempered glass for both sides if I can find it in a store where they can also attach them for me.
Sent from my E5823 using XDA Free mobile app

I use a Glass screen protector on the front that where 2 bucks on ebay and on the back i have a plastic protector that i bought from ebay also, pieces where 99 cent and i rock a clear case and a black s case and i bought these rubber plugs for the earphone jack and charge port so it wont collect dust also 2 bucks for 100 pieces.

Running terrapin bumper on mine. Phone is just too damn slippery not too
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

I've only owned two smart phones in my life. The very first one, I got a silicone case and a SGP (plastic) screen protector. I've scratched the screen protector maybe twice, not sure if it would have scratched glass. I owned it for 2 years
For my second phone, I saw some videos about how silicon cases and bumpers don't really protect against drops because of how thin they are. I decided I didn't need the case but still got the protector since it has no affect on clarity, feel, thickness. I've had it for three years. Scratched the screen protector three times. I don't know how it happened but I did get a tiny crack in the bezel. Since it's black its barely noticeable.
I've dropped my phone plenty of times. Usually not from far, like 2-3ft onto carpet.
I just ordered the Z5 Compact. I decided to try the tempered glass protector. And I also ordered the Orzly Fusion bumper case. I figure the hard back might actually protect something. I figure the slippery body and sharp corners make it more susceptible to damage. Also, I'm paying full price for this phone so I'm more inclined to protect it.
I read about people that use their phones naked all the time. Maybe it really isn't needed but I don't want to take the chance with my own phone.
One other alternative I can think of is to buy insurance for your phone. Something with a low deductible.

Should I use a the Edge without a screen protector?

I really have troubles finding a good screen protector for the device since Im not living in 1st world countries. Chinese ones have the curved parts peeled off after 1 or 2 days.
I'm ordering armorsuit films on Amazon and it takes a month to deliver, should I put away the device and wait for the protectors delivery before using it?

Yes imo use one keeps resell value high
Send From My Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Via - XDA HD Premium

No.
Drive it like you stole it.

I kind of gave up on searching for screen protectors too. I now use the phone without a screen protector, with just a back case (the official plastic one).

nobnut said:
No.
Drive it like you stole it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed this is the way I'm rolling at the mo

I like it raw.

jayr04 said:
I like it raw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ODB!

marcgear said:
Indeed this is the way I'm rolling at the mo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jayr04 said:
I like it raw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using it for 3 days without protection, then I got the spigen crystal and it's awful. Fingerprint magnet. Like a condom I want to take off. I just might too
Sent from my Blackberry Bold

Brava27 said:
Been using it for 3 days without protection, then I got the spigen crystal and it's awful. Fingerprint magnet. Like a condom I want to take off. I just might too
Sent from my Blackberry Bold
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I go the spigen one too, and it doesn't stick to the edges at all. However I did get an email from them that they will be sending me another one as they are aware of the problem.

Zer0_ said:
I go the spigen one too, and it doesn't stick to the edges at all. However I did get an email from them that they will be sending me another one as they are aware of the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had very bad experience with magnetic films (like Spigen one) on curved screens (s6 edge), the sides dont stick at all. The Armorsuit protectors work better since it is sillicon-like films (soft) with an abrasive layer to make sure it sticks, it has self healing to.

3mk arc 3d try.
Wysłane z mojego SM-G935F przy użyciu Tapatalka

nudawa said:
I had very bad experience with magnetic films (like Spigen one) on curved screens (s6 edge), the sides dont stick at all. The Armorsuit protectors work better since it is sillicon-like films (soft) with an abrasive layer to make sure it sticks, it has self healing to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, I'll look into it.
How does the self healing mechanism work?

It heals minor scatches, go to their website for more info armorsuit.com

Not a fan of screen protectors on curved screens. Had a 920 back in the day (granted screen protector tech has come a long way) but i tried for a few weeks and then took it off.
Dont use them on any phone now, really all it does is stop scratches (which dont happen frequently with new gorilla glass).
If you want drop protection get a good case.

My s6 edge has some scratches after 3 days, though they're not deep but still leave minor distortions on screen which annoys me very much

I ordered the Ultimate shields and they work fine for me. Dificult to install tho
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Been going case free since my Note 3 and protector free since my note 4. My Note 4 did get a scratch on the screen but I just couldn't stand the tempered glass protectors' terrible fit on the Note 4 and 5 and the soft protectors felt like crap when using the stylus... I'm not fond of the glare so I've got a Matte Skinomi screen protector on the way for the screen and one of their front and back film kits to just apply to the back side (it wasn't available in matte, hence the two orders)... We'll see. If I do end up getting a case it'll only be on the phone when I'm working in the garage or doing working on finishing my basement.

nudawa said:
I had very bad experience with magnetic films (like Spigen one) on curved screens (s6 edge), the sides dont stick at all. The Armorsuit protectors work better since it is sillicon-like films (soft) with an abrasive layer to make sure it sticks, it has self healing to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All these wet-apply protectors like Armorsuit are just awful; hideous orange-peel look, awful touch response, miserable experience...
in my opinion

I have been using gadgetshieldz protectors for a while now. Very good protection in my opinion. Protects the curved edges both on the front as well as back. Ordered one for my edge 7 and mine is on the way now. I have been using their textured skins too on my OP2 and they are fantastic. Exactly the same as the Dbrand ones.

Have a skinomi front and back protector with a symmetry case. Applied perfect but the case is now picking the corner up ruining the protector. I think I'm going to just rock it without a protector

How weak is the back panel of yhe z5

We will have small accidents for sure and this issue the remaining gripe before buying this phone. Any thoughts or experiences?

lucifero13 said:
We will have small accidents for sure and this issue the remaining gripe before buying this phone. Any thoughts or experiences?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have glass extra foils both back and front and Sony Style cover, I take better care than with previous ones and no issues so far
Xperia Z5 E6653 w/ Tapatalk

Foils? Like screen protector?

lucifero13 said:
Foils? Like screen protector?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use tempered glass front and back protectors, from devilcase.
Together with the grey devilcase aluminum bumper which is rock-solid.
The tempered glass protectors won't scratch as fast as foils; i use them for almost a year now and no single scratch even when looking thru a magnifier.
The aluminum bumper will prevent bending in pocket when something heavy lands on my phone in my pocket.
They are quite expensive (for a case) but in my opinion definitely worth it.
Google it, devilcase
{edit} check here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=64403556
Sent from my E6653 using XDA-Developers mobile app

I used to use a slim cover however I soon took that off and now I don't use anything. I don't take much care and wow is the back glass scratch resistant. Im not careful when I put it down at all
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z5 using XDA Labs

I use Nillkin Scrub Case and back is fully protected in him.Om front I has only regular foils screen protector.
Sent via Xperia Z2

Did all your devices, with or without any cases, survive drops?

i have dropped my z5 a load of times by this point and i have yet to notice any damage on anywhere but the metal band around the edge of the device
also i use my phone without a case so i have to say the z5 is way more stronger than my z2

Mine fell 2 times on my hardwood floor from 1-1.5 m, not even a scratch. Then I bought and used this spigen hybrid case, never dropped since.

alrightie. I might get this phone over the XPerformance before the end of the month. Cheers!

lucifero13 said:
Foils? Like screen protector?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed.
Xperia Z5 E6653 w/ Tapatalk

I literally trow it to the floor (I'm stupid, not Intentional) from 1.5~ m with just a rubber case and a tempered glass and it's In perfect condition
Sent from my E6603 using XDA-Developers mobile app

lucifero13 said:
alrightie. I might get this phone over the XPerformance before the end of the month. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi fellow pinoy hehe
yeah get the z5, i have it for 3 months already and dropped it several times and thankfully no scratches or whatever. It looks so nice I sometimes just look at it and hold it for a whole minute haha
I use a case though, just in case (pun heavily intended hahaha)

I wish I had the same experiences everyone else here did. The day after I got my z5, my phone slid off a very very slightly tilted work surface (the back of the phone is extremely slippery) and it fell about 3 feet onto a linoleum flooring. The back is now all cracked. Found out afterwards that lots of people recommend tempered glass front and back for the z5. I have them on now haha

I think back panel is not that much weak the problem is camera lens side of back panel. it straches very easily as Sony used very poor material at this part

omerergun1123 said:
I think back panel is not that much weak the problem is camera lens side of back panel. it straches very easily as Sony used very poor material at this part
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indeed, it's stupid considering that plastic scratches that easily and is that vulnerable ( /me squinting at the LG V30 with its reinforced glass lens)