Database Users

Is Z3+ worth the MONEY?

Hi guys (especially to z3+ users)! I would like to buy a Z series Xperia phone. So far (aside from the Z5), Z3+ is the only Z series that has a 5MP front camera (front cam is one of my criteria in choosing a phone). My other options are M5 and Z2 (but Z2's front camera is only 2MP..) I am also concerned with its overheating issue..is that really true or just a black propaganda? Is this phone worth the money?
By the way, if you will rate your satisfaction of Z3+ from 1 (LOWEST) to 10 (HIGHEST), what will be your score?
Thank you in advance for your opinions!

I suggest you wait until 5'1.1 update shows up. Because now most of us facing poor battery life and heat issue.
You know what, I compare my z3+ with my Z1
Most of the time Z1 open apps faster, despite it's three generations older.
---------- Post added at 07:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------
My z3+ does really have heat issue, and when it gets hot device run slower and start to lag.

I don't have heat problems and it runs smooth from the last update z3+. Yes it gets warm not hot. It's normal if it gets warm a little bit. So far i am satisfied.
ME
---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:21 PM ----------
When u buy the phone or if you do it don't put anything in it. Update it first then do a factory reset and then put your app.
ME

Thank you for your opinions & tips! They're helpful I guess I'll just wait until November or December before I buy Z3+. By then, I hope the price will be less expensive. Z5 seems to be really awesome but I guess its price will be way out of my budget. Haha.

One word answer = Yes

By the way, if you will rate your satisfaction of Z3+ from 1 (LOWEST) to 10 (HIGHEST), what will be your score?

mark_q07 said:
By the way, if you will rate your satisfaction of Z3+ from 1 (LOWEST) to 10 (HIGHEST), what will be your score?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.75/5
0.25 for not having 5.1.1

If you have one of those devices which doesn't overheat so the answer would be yes. In the other hand, It's an expensive brick or toaster. My Z1 was a much better device even 2 years later. The battery last nothing, overheats a LOT (after updating to the latest version is working better but still) and the performance drops significantly. I'm about to returning it because I don't want to wait until Sony decides to give us a proper solution and I can barely use it (I tried all the possible software fixes). The problem is that I don't like other device (maybe Oneplus Two but it's too difficult to get).

illetyus said:
4.75/5
0.25 for not having 5.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry. Z3+ is a Z series Xperia. Sooner or later, it will get a software update. This phone is even included in the upcoming Marshmallow update

DryKillLogic said:
If you have one of those devices which doesn't overheat so the answer would be yes. In the other hand, It's an expensive brick or toaster. My Z1 was a much better device even 2 years later. The battery last nothing, overheats a LOT (after updating to the latest version is working better but still) and the performance drops significantly. I'm about to returning it because I don't want to wait until Sony decides to give us a proper solution and I can barely use it (I tried all the possible software fixes). The problem is that I don't like other device (maybe Oneplus Two but it's too difficult to get).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"When u buy the phone or if you do it don't put anything in it. Update it first then do a factory reset and then put your app. " - trumastanr1
Did you already do what "trumastanr1" suggested?

mark_q07 said:
"When u buy the phone or if you do it don't put anything in it. Update it first then do a factory reset and then put your app. " - trumastanr1
Did you already do what "trumastanr1" suggested?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for all users works, before last update two factory resets give a usable (not ideal) Z3+, after last update, three repairs and two factory resets give an almost-non-usable device that gets so hot so easily.....
Much of this variation is due to usage difference, so also depends in what is yours....
In general I think my z3c has (a lot) better performance, but I also think some software updates will solve all major issues, still I have to say I'm a little disappointed with this phone...
Sent from my E6533 using XDA Free mobile app

QBerto said:
Not for all users works, before last update two factory resets give a usable (not ideal) Z3+, after last update, three repairs and two factory resets give an almost-non-usable device that gets so hot so easily.....
Much of this variation is due to usage difference, so also depends in what is yours....
In general I think my z3c has (a lot) better performance, but I also think some software updates will solve all major issues, still I have to say I'm a little disappointed with this phone...
Sent from my E6533 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. I hope the future updates will solve its major issues.

Alright you know what caused mine to overheat even after update an app. Took it away now it's fixed.
ME
---------- Post added at 11:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:14 PM ----------
Hope for the new update
ME

Haven't noted much issues with overheating, but I've only played a bit of games here and there on it. Still waiting for a rooted firmware before I make it my daily driver.

I think it is. It's a great phone with one big flaw everyone keeps talking about, and that will probably be fixed at some point.

serrin85 said:
Haven't noted much issues with overheating, but I've only played a bit of games here and there on it. Still waiting for a rooted firmware before I make it my daily driver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone does not need root It's performance is as good as rooted ones.

Uhhm at this point Im really disappointed with this device peformance..It gets really hot even tho after 251 update android 5.0.2...It really sucks If I would compare Z3 and Z3+. My Z3 is way faster..my z3+ are so damn slow...but the design of z3+ is so much better... This is my judge for now..I really hope that a new update is coming and some custom roms will hit online soon. Maybe I will skip this device and buy a Z5...lets see if the update will change my mind

illetyus said:
The phone does not need root It's performance is as good as rooted ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if you've noticed but the process of unlocking the bootloader in order to root the phone removes the DRM keys and diminishes camera performance, amongst other things.
This has nothing to do with performance and everything to do with restoring app backups as helium doesn't work properly on the z3+.
So unless you can suggest a way to do that (as well as installing cerberus on the system partition, uninstalling sony bloatware, spoofing mac addresses for fun and profi etc) then I would make the argument that rooting is required, well at least for me anyway.
Yes I am aware of the pre-rooted kernel by devires, but I'm waiting for dl12345's publicly released solution before taking the plunge.

Am begging for an update that fix heat problem, if this is fixed I can say is totally worth.

In terms of satisfaction, for me it's 9/10 -- for things it can do for me that off-set the negative PR.
Mainly it loses a point because the native camera app cannot record video 'forever' - the native camera app shuts itself off saying the phone is too hot after about half an hour. However using Google Camera app for video I can record 1080P video basically forever.
But it justifies points with me for the following from the top of my head-
+ Stereo sound recorded with video (coming from iPhone this is MAJOR for me)
+ microSD expandable to 128GB
+ internal SSD is 32GB which is much better starting point
+ OTG capability
+ Waterproof* with capless USB port
+ No buttons on the front (no really, I love this)
+ Call quality sounds better than my old iPhone 6 Plus
+ Decent camera for stills and video
+ Sony take audio seriously, also nice to find a mild dynamic compression option for music
+ Battery stamina modes are useful compared to anything on iOS 8 (I guess same exists on iOS 9 now)
+ If I get a notification on my phone without dismissing it but catch up on my computer - the notification dismisses itself on the phone (unlike iOS where it would never sync like that)
+ 3GB RAM, FWIW this doesn't impress me but hey
+ 64bit so in theory should have some longevity (famous last words)
+ Cheaper eco-system than iOS, no more £17.99 sync cables (I swear my kids chew them or something)
+ Really easy to record the screen (which presumably could also record phone calls - interesting), can also record the screen whilst engaging the selfie camera PiP
Currently on 5.0.2, I do think update to 5.1.1 (or M) will make this phone even better based on how 5.1.1 performs on my Z2 (which was second-hand refurb gateway to my Z3+)
The Z3+ does get warm when it's working hard (Star Wars Uprising) but in general use I don't notice any thermal issues even if they do exist.

[Readme]For those who face stutters, lags, etc...

- deleted

Thanks for the explanation, it makes sense. But The simple consumer question is: should I pay quite a significant amount of money for a top of the line phone that lags and stutters, despite my love for Xperia, and risking contempt from other phone users who have older but smoother models, with just some hope that some tuning might come in the future?
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app

tudork said:
Thanks for the explanation, it makes sense. But The simple consumer question is: should I pay quite a significant amount of money for a top of the line phone that lags and stutters, despite my love for Xperia, and risking contempt from other phone users who have older but smoother models, with just some hope that some tuning might come in the future?
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an important question.
First of all its not that there are stutters everywhere, the overall performance is still good.
As the phone just got released, and every freshly released phone has some kind of software issues, i'd suggest to wait for some firmware updates.
I have already seen there is an update scheduled for the Z5 series, which may be coming soon.
Approx. when marshmallow comes to the Z5 series, things are going to get better.
Overall the Z5C is an excellent phone otherwise.

I saw a video of the Z5 compact which showed that it's performance was much worse than the z3 compact. I'm looking to get the Z5 myself but if that also performance issues then I doubt I'll buy it.
One thing I learnt from having the LG G3 is that it's not wise to buy a product with issues hoping that they MAY be fixed with software updates.
If Sony cared so much then it wouldn't have been released with sluggish performance. Hopefully your right and this can be fixed, as the Z5 was seeming perfect to me but I'm not too confident.

jamespat93 said:
I saw a video of the Z5 compact which showed that it's performance was much worse than the z3 compact. I'm looking to get the Z5 myself but if that also performance issues then I doubt I'll buy it.
One thing I learnt from having the LG G3 is that it's not wise to buy a product with issues hoping that they MAY be fixed with software updates.
If Sony cared so much then it wouldn't have been released with sluggish performance. Hopefully your right and this can be fixed, as the Z5 was seeming perfect to me but I'm not too confident.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seem the vid too, its nowhere near as bad as it seems there.
In some parts its faster, but sometimes (very rare) there are some small lag spikes.

Mine's been like butter (so far).
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

No problems here either - at least as fast/smooth as my Z3c (which would also have the odd stutter).
If I can get two average days battery life, I can accept 99% smoothness.

milesg said:
No problems here either - at least as fast/smooth as my Z3c (which would also have the odd stutter).
If I can get two average days battery life, I can accept 99% smoothness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is, you don't have to make sacrafices.
100% smoothness and the same battery-life is possible with ease.
It is the same with my Z Ultra, i modified Sony's system-scripts and now my Ultra is smoother with unaffected battery-life.
This phone is awesome so it deserves some more fine-tuning.

Surely the experience depends what people are running on their phones?
For example, my Z3 compact never had an stuttering or lag with the stock Xperia launcher, but using the Google Now launcher I would get the odd stutter maybe once a day. People not running the Google Now launcher would never experience any issue.
I can only say that in my case, the Z5 compact is as smooth and fluid as the Z3 using the same apps on a daily basis.

milesg said:
Surely the experience depends what people are running on their phones?
For example, my Z3 compact never had an stuttering or lag with the stock Xperia launcher, but using the Google Now launcher I would get the odd stutter maybe once a day. People not running the Google Now launcher would never experience any issue.
I can only say that in my case, the Z5 compact is as smooth and fluid as the Z3 using the same apps on a daily basis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deleted.

Hey guys, received my Z5 compact last week, as an upgrade from my Z1 compact.
For the moment I'm finding the phone very slow and often downright unresponsive.
I'm sure it can be solved with z firmware update, but it is really disappointing after the great experience I had with the Z1c.
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

You that got problems, are your units white? They seem to have a lot more problems.

Nope, black here.
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

I think white batch has a problem with unresponsive screen but we all suffer from stuttering and slowdowns. I had a white brick and swapped it for a black without the problem.
Skickat från min E5823 via Tapatalk

For the first few days it seemed slow and laggy - received an OTA update today and it's improved a lot. Was worried at first now can't fault it. On EE in the UK. Build number 32.0.A.5.29.

ewans said:
For the first few days it seemed slow and laggy - received an OTA update today and it's improved a lot. Was worried at first now can't fault it. On EE in the UK. Build number 32.0.A.5.29.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now this is a carrier only update. Let's see if they bring it to non-carrier versions as well.

I've got big problems with my Z5C, it's really unresponsive and slow like 90% of the time I use it. I also had Z1C before and I didn't experience that.
Hopefully some update will come soon cause it's driving me crazy!

e2zippo said:
I've got big problems with my Z5C, it's really unresponsive and slow like 90% of the time I use it. I also had Z1C before and I didn't experience that.
Hopefully some update will come soon cause it's driving me crazy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose you have one of those white z5c that have such an issue, a software update should resolve it on the months coming. On my black z5c, there aren't any problems like that.

I have absolutely no problems either... I've got the black one too.

My Z5 was also slow and stuttering(e.g when playing Spotify music from cache and during camera app). what i did was replace my SD card for a faster one
Sandisk Ultra 64GB (class 10) => Samsung Evo 64GB (UHS 1)
benchmarks show roughly twice the speed. it makes me curious what an UHS3 card will do

I'm returning my Z5C - here's why

I am so disappointed this phone didn't deliver what I expected. I absolutely loved it from the moment I received it, but it just won't work out. I am returning it today and going back to my Z3. The reasons are:
Snapdragon 810
Yep, that's it. This otherwise amazing phone was ruined by the SD810. I use my phones as my main camera, which has to work properly under tough situations. Nearly every phone I've had before was able to handle extreme conditions well; the Z5C wasn't. I take lots of pictures and videos, often north of 300 plus about an hour of 1080p videos per day. My Z1C withstood hot tropical summers and delivered every time under these conditions.
I was out last weekend and ready to test the camera on my new toy. I used Waze for about 20 minutes, starting from "idle." The phone got warm really fast. Then I got to the destination, thought I could record some 60fps 1080p videos, and was able to record about 10 minutes, then I got the famous message saying that the temperature was rising and the camera app would shut down soon to cool down the phone. It was uncomfortably hot. Mind you, the weather was fairly cool at 60°F. The battery was also going downhill real fast. I decided to turn the phone off and head out to another location. When I got there, I turned the phone back on (it cooled down quickly), and started recording some more videos. By now I was afraid to record anything longer than 5 minutes because I thought the phone would overheat and leave me hanging without a camera. I didn't get to that point, but missed lots of opportunities because of the overheating threat.
In less demanding situations, my phone got warm and uncomfortable to hold as well. From idle, my phone gets warm by simply surfing the internet for 5-10 minutes. It can be on Wifi or LTE, max/min brightness, it will warm up regardless. It doesn't get hot like when taking pictures, but come on. How can it get warm after 5-10 minutes of surfing the internet? That's really bad. The default state of the phone is running warm. Imagine if I go outside during summer and take 2 or 3 pictures. The phone is gonna melt in my hand. I can't rely on it. That's very unfortunate, because this phone is the absolutely best thing I've ever had the privilege of owning. Everything else is perfect. Size, battery life, screen, storage, fingerprint reader, waterproofing, open USB port... I'm gonna have to sit down and patiently wait for the next Compact to come out. What a shame.

Some people complain about the heat but others don't... Hopefully my phone doesn't have the misaligned lens issue, the back crack issue and the overheating issue. My Z1 compact is totally wrecked, worst comes to worst I'll just wait for the Z6 compact.

theprince1991 said:
Some people complain about the heat but others don't... Hopefully my phone doesn't have the misaligned lens issue, the back crack issue and the overheating issue. My Z1 compact is totally wrecked, worst comes to worst I'll just wait for the Z6 compact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here.. hoping the device I ordered is free of issues.. I finally found a deal on amazon for $460..fingers crossed!

android_fury said:
I am so disappointed this phone didn't deliver what I expected. I absolutely loved it from the moment I received it, but it just won't work out. I am returning it today and going back to my Z3. The reasons are:
Snapdragon 810
Yep, that's it. This otherwise amazing phone was ruined by the SD810. I use my phones as my main camera, which has to work properly under tough situations. Nearly every phone I've had before was able to handle extreme conditions well; the Z5C wasn't. I take lots of pictures and videos, often north of 300 plus about an hour of 1080p videos per day. My Z1C withstood hot tropical summers and delivered every time under these conditions.
I was out last weekend and ready to test the camera on my new toy. I used Waze for about 20 minutes, starting from "idle." The phone got warm really fast. Then I got to the destination, thought I could record some 60fps 1080p videos, and was able to record about 10 minutes, then I got the famous message saying that the temperature was rising and the camera app would shut down soon to cool down the phone. It was uncomfortably hot. Mind you, the weather was fairly cool at 60°F. The battery was also going downhill real fast. I decided to turn the phone off and head out to another location. When I got there, I turned the phone back on (it cooled down quickly), and started recording some more videos. By now I was afraid to record anything longer than 5 minutes because I thought the phone would overheat and leave me hanging without a camera. I didn't get to that point, but missed lots of opportunities because of the overheating threat.
In less demanding situations, my phone got warm and uncomfortable to hold as well. From idle, my phone gets warm by simply surfing the internet for 5-10 minutes. It can be on Wifi or LTE, max/min brightness, it will warm up regardless. It doesn't get hot like when taking pictures, but come on. How can it get warm after 5-10 minutes of surfing the internet? That's really bad. The default state of the phone is running warm. Imagine if I go outside during summer and take 2 or 3 pictures. The phone is gonna melt in my hand. I can't rely on it. That's very unfortunate, because this phone is the absolutely best thing I've ever had the privilege of owning. Everything else is perfect. Size, battery life, screen, storage, fingerprint reader, waterproofing, open USB port... I'm gonna have to sit down and patiently wait for the next Compact to come out. What a shame.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can just tick the " Don't show this again" on the temperature rising warning aaaaand it wouldn't appear unless it just closes the app down :|

yubeie said:
same here.. hoping the device I ordered is free of issues.. I finally found a deal on amazon for $460..fingers crossed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My one doesn't heat up or anything but I do have a bit of lens blur... I'm not sure if it's worth the hassle returning though

android_fury said:
I am so disappointed this phone didn't deliver what I expected. I absolutely loved it from the moment I received it, but it just won't work out. I am returning it today and going back to my Z3. The reasons are:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just turn off any video stabilization as it generates most of the heat and you are good to live with Z5c now but yes it would still a bit uncomfortable to hold. Shame on SD810.

TheEndHK said:
Just turn off any video stabilization as it generates most of the heat and you are good to live with Z5c now but yes it would still a bit uncomfortable to hold. Shame on SD810.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a restriction. I want to use it to its full potential. Even crappy Samsung phones have OIS nowadays. I shouldn't have to turn stuff off just so the phone works normally. Damn it, this sucks. I loved the phone so much, like I hadn't in a long time. This stupid SD820 had better be the best processor ever created. I'll be first in line to get the next Compact.

android_fury said:
That's a restriction. I want to use it to its full potential. Even crappy Samsung phones have OIS nowadays. I shouldn't have to turn stuff off just so the phone works normally. Damn it, this sucks. I loved the phone so much, like I hadn't in a long time. This stupid SD820 had better be the best processor ever created. I'll be first in line to get the next Compact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like my old Z1c got much better heat control, just like you but the focus on that camera is so painful, always hit and miss, too slow. If the next compact got OIS, I'll probably get one too.

The Snapdragon never poses an issue for me but I live in Britain where the weather barely ever gets really, really hot.
I will also be first to get the next Z Compact, just because I love my Z5 Compact so much. No other small phone offers this many premium specifications. For this reason I have become a Sony fan since Google decided to go big for the Nexus 6P.
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

supercakefish said:
The Snapdragon never poses an issue for me but I live in Britain where the weather barely ever gets really, really hot.
I will also be first to get the next Z Compact, just because I love my Z5 Compact so much. No other small phone offers this many premium specifications. For this reason I have become a Sony fan since Google decided to go big for the Nexus 6P.
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hong Kong is extremely hot, expected to see many Z5 users to do IPX67 water cooling in toilet during summer here.

Hm...It's interesting.
First i thought that it's a real problem in my phone too, cause when i played Real Racing 3 after 10 minutes of playing the phone got warm and the battery go fast. Then today i read your report about camera and i started to worry. I quickly tried out my and after taking 10:24 minutes of 4K video the phone got hot but not extremely, in my impressions it was trully acceptable and i got no warnings about temperature (just the information at the start of recording).
i have an idea about getting warm when recording... when i start the recording i got a notif. about saving data to internal storage or if i have a high speed SD i can use it too. So i thinking is it possible that when you have inserted a low speed SD card in, the SD810 needs to work harder and this is the point why its warming up faster???? is it a possible way of it??? (i have Kingston MicroSD 64GB Class 10 UHS-I)

Midleo said:
i have an idea about getting warm when recording... when i start the recording i got a notif. about saving data to internal storage or if i have a high speed SD i can use it too. So i thinking is it possible that when you have inserted a low speed SD card in, the SD810 needs to work harder and this is the point why its warming up faster???? is it a possible way of it??? (i have Kingston MicroSD 64GB Class 10 UHS-I)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only used the internal storage for the camera. It still overheated. That sucks.

android_fury said:
I only used the internal storage for the camera. It still overheated. That sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm...Strange... Today i tested again my phone with gaming... Its getting hot but acceptable... I think you should get the phone back to the market or service center!

I'm using my Z5 Compact (white) for PS4 remote gaming and Moonlight remote PC gaming along with quite a lot of 4K recording. The SD810 really shows its muscle there, super low latency with it. . 4K videos top out at around 40 minutes before closing. Honestly couldn't be happier. It never gets excessively hot.
Really seems like luck of the draw on the heat side. I had a faulty unit before this one that leaked water through the headphone jack which couldn't record 4K for more than 10 mins before heating too much shutting down. It also heated a lot during average use. Maybe some are getting more thermal paste love during construction. I dunno.

dave-ro-mex said:
I'm using my Z5 Compact (white) for PS4 remote gaming and Moonlight remote PC gaming along with quite a lot of 4K recording. The SD810 really shows its muscle there, super low latency with it. . 4K videos top out at around 40 minutes before closing. Honestly couldn't be happier. It never gets excessively hot.
Really seems like luck of the draw on the heat side. I had a faulty unit before this one that leaked water through the headphone jack which couldn't record 4K for more than 10 mins before heating too much shutting down. It also heated a lot during average use. Maybe some are getting more thermal paste love during construction. I dunno.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for a premium device.. honestly the kind of issues being reported is unacceptable.. i am still taking my chances.. but just one chance n hoping it clicks! .. I remember spending close to 1700 dollars on vaio s laptop ..... awesome looks.. horrible performance...immediately returned it.

I was really interested in buying a Z5c. but after this thread I'm thinking about buying Z3c, and I can have CyanogenMod on it.

SelfAwareDroid said:
I was really interested in buying a Z5c. but after this thread I'm thinking about buying Z3c, and I can have CyanogenMod on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a regular Z3 and tried recording 1080p 60fps videos with the original ROM. It overheated almost as fast as the Z5C, although it never gets as hot as the Z5C during regular use (no gaming). What I mean by overheating is that the ROM closed the camera app and didn't let me use it again until the phone cooled down.
About CyanogenMod on the Z3, be aware that the camera has a fisheye problem that hasn't been and probably will never be fixed. All your pictures will be horribly distorted, especially at short distances.

Thanks for the information, why there is this much problem with these devices!
I'm very into having small android devices, and I think these two are my only options.
I so much wanted to experience cyanogen, but camera problem! Doesn't cyanogen update reqularly?

SelfAwareDroid said:
Thanks for the information, why there is this much problem with these devices!
I'm very into having small android devices, and I think these two are my only options.
I so much wanted to experience cyanogen, but camera problem! Doesn't cyanogen update reqularly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For cyanogen, you would have to unlock bootloader, which will lead to a drop in camera quality, loss of x reality, super vivid mode, and other features. Plus there's the fisheye bug on Z3c on CM. Soooo you might no want to go for cyanogen. Sony's UI looks plenty stock like so I don't think there's any need to be honest.

Sadman Khan said:
For cyanogen, you would have to unlock bootloader, which will lead to a drop in camera quality, loss of x reality, super vivid mode, and other features. Plus there's the fisheye bug on Z3c on CM. Soooo you might no want to go for cyanogen. Sony's UI looks plenty stock like so I don't think there's any need to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there's a point when you start leaning toward the stock roms and don't see enough benefits in AOSP. I'm using the phone without root and a locked bootloader.
*I returned my Z5C, but ended up grabbing another one. What an amazing phone.

Z5C vs XC

Hello, friends.
I'm a user of a Z3C (had a Z1C before that). Now that Nougat isn't available anymore for our phone, I was wondering if I should buy a Z5C or a XC.
I'm not a stock user. I use a lot of mods and custom stuff on my phone. Stock isn't for me. I know that Z5C is more powerful and more affordable that a XC, but it only has one more year of support.
Would you recommend upgrading (at all)? And if yes, which of the models
I was thinking about waiting for the new Nexus phone...but damn, that price! Also took into consideration a Nexus 5X or a Samsung S7...I don't want a big phone, nor to sell my kidneys for a phone.

Man I was in the same situation as you deciding between Z5c and Xc. I had a Nextbit Robin for around 3 months. Worse decision ever. Don't get me wrong the Robin is nice, looks great and high specs but the poorly optimised software from Nextbit is just awful. Huge problems with audio playback (3.5mm).
So I was looking for a new Android device. The two models that got my attention was Z5c and Xc. Having already used the Xc from family member I liked it. It did everything the Nextbit Robin did but BETTER! Audio playback is the biggest feature for me. Works perfectly. However I decided to go for the Xperia Z5 Compact due to being waterproof, better specs. Also something to note with Xc is that the back will get scratched easily due to the material finish which is cheap plastic and very glossy. No matter even if you are the most careful person looking after your gadgets.
Here in the UK I got ordered the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact Yellow for £179. Black out of stock and the retailer don't stock White variant. So being a guy this will be my first yellow phone LOL. Hope women out in public see my new flashy phone and get attracted to me LOL but if gay men do then I need to run LOL
My Z5c arrives tomorrow (06/10/2016). I can post my feedback tomorrow if you want. Also I ain't fussed about updates eg Android N, L etc LOL. Within a year or so there probably be Z6c or something along the lines.

I'd appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

doriandiaconu said:
I'd appreciate the feedback. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any games you'd like me to try out?

Having just upgraded from my Z3 Compact to a Z5 Compact, I must say, you will not be disappointed! It is noticeably faster and battery life has been better even. I'm using XPower 4 as my ROM, rooted, bootloader unlocked, DRM-fixed, thermal-patched, xposed, amplify, greenify, etc. Basically the exact same setup I had under SliMM 3.x on my Z3 Compact, all backed up with Titanium Backup and restored onto my Z5 Compact. Every xposed module works exactly as before, and overall I was back up and running in no time. I feel that the X Compact is a slightly less high-end device compared to the Z5 Compact, it lacks waterproof rating, fingerprint sensor (as long as you import your Z5c), and the really cool looking speaker design.

MiracleMiah said:
Any games you'd like me to try out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not much of a gamer. But I am a update freak

MiracleMiah said:
Here in the UK I got ordered the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact Yellow for £179.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get it for £179? Is this new or second hand?

pelago said:
Where did you get it for £179? Is this new or second hand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I received mine today and it's looks new!
https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/phones/so...47868-_-blank-_-blank#contractType=paymonthly
So far it's showing out of stock now but keep any eye on stock level then click Pay & Go option on right side of the page.

MiracleMiah said:
I received mine today and it's looks new!
https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/phones/so...47868-_-blank-_-blank#contractType=paymonthly
So far it's showing out of stock now but keep any eye on stock level then click Pay & Go option on right side of the page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I already bought one a couple of weeks ago, £289, from Giffgaff, in black, definitely brand new, but £179 (especially if it really is in new condition) is a bargain.

doriandiaconu said:
I'd appreciate the feedback. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right I got the device today. So far so good. Everything setup and updated to the latest version. The phone is amazing. Fast and smooth using the OS. Love the build quality and the camera, I'm in love with that. Been taking some photos of family and I love the quality and the amount of manual tweaking you can do.
I have played some games such as Spider-Man, Asphalt etc on it and I noticed after like 15 minutes the back get's slightly hot but nothing too extreme.
However one downside I noticed is the speakers volume is weird. If I play music (on max) it will be loud but after 1 second will go quiet. It's like some sort of auto audio kick in. I did some research and on Sony forums, staff member said after 45 minutes it should be fine. Some users state charge phone to 100%. So will try these method and see how it goes.
Any other Z5 Compact owners notice the issue with the speakers?
---------- Post added at 05:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:52 PM ----------
pelago said:
Well, I already bought one a couple of weeks ago, £289, from Giffgaff, in black, definitely brand new, but £179 (especially if it really is in new condition) is a bargain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes indeed what a bargain! Did you notice the speaker volume output level was low on first day?

MiracleMiah said:
Right I got the device today. So far so good. Everything setup and updated to the latest version. The phone is amazing. Fast and smooth using the OS. Love the build quality and the camera, I'm in love with that. Been taking some photos of family and I love the quality and the amount of manual tweaking you can do.
I have played some games such as Spider-Man, Asphalt etc on it and I noticed after like 15 minutes the back get's slightly hot but nothing too extreme.
However one downside I noticed is the speakers volume is weird. If I play music (on max) it will be loud but after 1 second will go quiet. It's like some sort of auto audio kick in. I did some research and on Sony forums, staff member said after 45 minutes it should be fine. Some users state charge phone to 100%. So will try these method and see how it goes.
Any other Z5 Compact owners notice the issue with the speakers?
---------- Post added at 05:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:52 PM ----------
Yes indeed what a bargain! Did you notice the speaker volume output level was low on first day?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
happen to me randomly sometime alot (usually when i play games top speakers become really quiet), i think its hardware bug. because i had it in all stock versions 5.1.1-6.0- 6.1
besides that and the heat and low RAM ( CSR 2 and Modern Combat 5: took all the 2GB RAM)phone has good battery great
GFX almost 200% faster, from XC

ATM, XC no backup TA so for any root user better to get Z5c plus it got waterproof. Z5c can be a very good phone but really need heavy modding and quite trouble, it's a phone that root is a must. Stock is completely useless.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/mod-smartemperaturex-best-balanced-s810-t3438890
Just make sure you guys flash the SmartTempX v1.61 thermal mod for gaming bcoz v1.7/1.8 got slow charge bug.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/development/rom-xpower-v1-0-aroma-debloat-custom-t3371100
Remember to install greenify to free up memory bcoz 2GB ram isn't enough for this device and debloat the rom by yourself. Suggested to flash XPower V3/V4 rom.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony-themes-apps/sonyz5-family-unlocked-xz-xc-camera-t3463148
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony-themes-apps/mod-cyberian-camera-t3267271/page203
Originally, I want to upgrade to XC for the camera since camera is the most important part to me. Stock Z5c cam is just way below my expectation but after used stock mod cam and photo quality been much improved, so the plan pushed back a bit now. Will stick with Z5c in this year, next year might get XC when price lower.

MiracleMiah said:
However one downside I noticed is the speakers volume is weird. If I play music (on max) it will be loud but after 1 second will go quiet. It's like some sort of auto audio kick in. I did some research and on Sony forums, staff member said after 45 minutes it should be fine. Some users state charge phone to 100%. So will try these method and see how it goes.
Any other Z5 Compact owners notice the issue with the speakers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did the same thing to me on day one. Next day it was okay. That was 6 months ago and so far so good

I'm a Z5C owner thinking of buying XC. Because I'm sick and tired of this phone.
The one and only option for obtaining Z5C is buying it in a store with a moneyback policy. Most of the phones have overheating and battery drain problems. If you are lucky to get a phone without these issues then you get an awesome smartphone. And if you get the same as others... well, there's moneyback for you.
These issues can't be fixed with any software tweaks, the best way to improve the situation is flashing 5.1 which makes the phone heat much less and allows it to last a day of minor usage which is a great improvement over charging twice a day with Marshmallow. No hope for improvements in Nougat.
I hate Sony for making potentially awesome phones and not paying attention to quality. Z5C could be perfect.

jufofu said:
These issues can't be fixed with any software tweaks, the best way to improve the situation is flashing 5.1 which makes the phone heat much less and allows it to last a day of minor usage which is a great improvement over charging twice a day with Marshmallow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally disagreed. Do you real root and try? I've got nightmare battery drain at idle with 5.1.1 stock .152/.200 and battery problem completely fixed with XPower rom. I don't think 5.1.1 heat much less too.

TheEndHK said:
Totally disagreed. Do you real root and try? I've got nightmare battery drain at idle with 5.1.1 stock .152/.200 and battery problem completely fixed with XPower rom. I don't think 5.1.1 heat much less too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I did. But all the tweaking just made it a little bit cooler, still as hot as my gf. Even after I severely limited the frequencies it became very slow but didn't stop overheating. 10-15 minutes in Chrome made it extremely hot and drained a few percent of battery charge.
After I downgraded it to 5.1.1 it doesn't even need tweaking anymore. Yes, the battery life still is mediocre at best, and it gets warm from usage, but it lasts twice longer and doesn't throttle down the CPU anymore.

jufofu said:
Of course I did. But all the tweaking just made it a little bit cooler, still as hot as my gf. Even after I severely limited the frequencies it became very slow but didn't stop overheating. 10-15 minutes in Chrome made it extremely hot and drained a few percent of battery charge.
After I downgraded it to 5.1.1 it doesn't even need tweaking anymore. Yes, the battery life still is mediocre at best, and it gets warm from usage, but it lasts twice longer and doesn't throttle down the CPU anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do u try water cool your gf?
It's weird the heat appeared same to me in both 5.1.1 and 6.0.1(.253 is more hot than .224) but Sony MM I believe got some memory leaks so 5.1.1 is real faster during in my experiences(bluetooth and wifi is also faster and more stable). But I can't fix the radio active bug in .152/.200 and just keep draining battery, XPower V3/V4 real fixed that.
Plus camera is more important to me, both photo/video much better in MM with mod cam.

TheEndHK said:
Do u try water cool your gf?
It's weird the heat appeared same to me in both 5.1.1 and 6.0.1(.253 is more hot than .224) but Sony MM I believe got some memory leaks so 5.1.1 is real faster during in my experiences(bluetooth and wifi is also faster and more stable). But I can't fix the radio active bug in .152/.200 and just keep draining battery, XPower V3/V4 real fixed that.
Plus camera is more important to me, both photo/video much better in MM with mod cam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I tried, didn't help, she's still hot. Will try again. And again.
I'm going to flash the latest MM firmware now and see if anything has changed. If it hasn't I'll flash LP back.
I have to reflash the phone anyway because I got into a bootloop on LP after a few days of using it.

Update;
Reporting back.. Totally love this phone. I'd say get this over the XC Compact. For me the Z5c better build quality and finish. It's been such a smooth experience. Making calls, texting, apps & games.
It put's shame on Nextbit Robin which I had (now sold).

MiracleMiah said:
Update;
Reporting back.. Totally love this phone. I'd say get this over the XC Compact. For me the Z5c better build quality and finish. It's been such a smooth experience. Making calls, texting, apps & games.
It put's shame on Nextbit Robin which I had (now sold).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What make you change your idea vote for Z5c now?
http://phandroid.com/2016/09/21/htc-bolt-photo/
Keep an eye on new mid range of HTC Bolt. Some suggested a smaller size and cheaper ver of HTC10, not sure 4.7" or 5" at this time if 4.7" can be a good replacement of Z5c and XC.

Thinking about downgrade from 7 to 6.0.1 or even 5.1.1

Every firmware update the phone become slower and more bugs , most of them didnt fix
also antutu benchmark was 80-90K when was new
now is 60-70K like z3 score :\

Superrman said:
Every firmware update the phone become slower and more bugs , most of them didnt fix
also antutu benchmark was 80-90K when was new
now is 60-70K like z3 score :\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No lags at all here.

My phone's performance is too low as well. I'm under stock rooted Nougat...
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

Stock Nougat 7.0 build 376, AndroPlus Kernel, rooted, debloated = 86999

Found solution
I found the problem to the low benchmarks. Its the heat of the phone.
- A cool phone can do 80000-85000
- ice cold phone in a glass of ice water can do 90500,
- hot phone does 55000
all my test where done on Android 7.0, stock rom, rooted, Androplus kernel.

Superrman said:
Every firmware update the phone become slower and more bugs , most of them didnt fix
also antutu benchmark was 80-90K when was new
now is 60-70K like z3 score :\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's good to see you and other old guys still around. I've been moved to HTC U11 6GB+128GB since last month and the camera is day and night different.
It's normal to see the phone become slower bcoz every new ver of android requires more memory and Z5c just got 2GB ram. Yup, when I was upgraded to 6.0.1, I found slower and some memory management problem and 5.1.1 is very smooth. However, the 6.0.1 fixed my battery idle draining problem and improved camera.
I've some good memories with Z5c and generally was happy with it but the relatively lower quality of FHD/4K video recording and over heating issues bugging me out. I'm a video lover.
The U11 camera is like 2~3 times better than Z5c I've to say. No heat issue, fast like hell(since the cpu no need to slow down due to over hot) and I've never to bother the memory problem bcoz I never spend up 6GB. It also got dual sim and 128GB storage.
The main problem is U11's size very big just same as Iphone 7 Plus. I know the XZ1 Compact is coming out soon with S835 and 4GB ram. I may give it a try but just spend all money on U11......

88216
Stock 7.1.1 with root and modded stock kernel.

TheEndHK said:
It's good to see you and other old guys still around. I've been moved to HTC U11 6GB+128GB since last month and the camera is day and night different.
It's normal to see the phone become slower bcoz every new ver of android requires more memory and Z5c just got 2GB ram. Yup, when I was upgraded to 6.0.1, I found slower and some memory management problem and 5.1.1 is very smooth. However, the 6.0.1 fixed my battery idle draining problem and improved camera.
I've some good memories with Z5c and generally was happy with it but the relatively lower quality of FHD/4K video recording and over heating issues bugging me out. I'm a video lover.
The U11 camera is like 2~3 times better than Z5c I've to say. No heat issue, fast like hell(since the cpu no need to slow down due to over hot) and I've never to bother the memory problem bcoz I never spend up 6GB. It also got dual sim and 128GB storage.
The main problem is U11's size very big just same as Iphone 7 Plus. I know the XZ1 Compact is coming out soon with S835 and 4GB ram. I may give it a try but just spend all money on U11......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sound good! congratz, htc stopped with stereo speakers, also with headphone jack, lately (abit down side for me) ,
but most likely it still be my next phone over sony (z5c is my last sony, beside bugs ,hardware problems, service is bad.. update takes 4ever)
b4 i bought z5c, i tought about HTC M9, but he hasn't got water proff\resisnt ,finger sensor, and was too big for me ,

Superrman said:
Sound good! congratz, htc stopped with stereo speakers, also with headphone jack, lately (abit down side for me) ,
but most likely it still be my next phone over sony (z5c is my last sony, beside bugs ,hardware problems, service is bad.. update takes 4ever)
b4 i bought z5c, i tought about HTC M9, but he hasn't got water proff\resisnt ,finger sensor, and was too big for me ,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U11 got no 3.5mm jack hole and the speaker isn't quite good this time and the size is big too. But other than that, it's all goods, including the price.
The U11 development on XDA is on-going, not very active atm bcoz many places are still out of stock worldwide but at least better than z5c.

I am also a long time suffering user of 7.1.1 on z5c, I want to downgrade to 6.something. Is there a tutorial out there?
I have searched for some time but have not found anything for z5c
Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

I just bought z5c, my z3c was sold. play game 10min my phone get hot like iron. My Rom status is Nougat 7.0. if I'm downgrade to MM , it possible to resolved heat problem?

So has anybody rolled back to Marshmallow and used any of the battery extending Xposed modules? I'm curious if the battery life is better with Xposed than just using Nougat.

Well I decided to take the plunge back to 6.0.1. First night I got lazy and decided not to plug in my phone. 0% battery loss the next day. I might just stay here.

Cerhio said:
Well I decided to take the plunge back to 6.0.1. First night I got lazy and decided not to plug in my phone. 0% battery loss the next day. I might just stay here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also thinking about downgrading. Can you confirm whether it's worth it or not?

MrAnonymous_ said:
I'm also thinking about downgrading. Can you confirm whether it's worth it or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The decision to downgrade is based on how you use your phone:
6.0.1: Insanely good battery life, bad multi-tasking. That's not to say that it isn't snappy within an app or when moving around the desktop. It's snappy as **** when using one app. It's also great being able to use Xposed but it does start to bog stuff down. I'd recommend this to people who are light users. I could get 25% battery loss a day with extremely light use. You'll have absolutely no problems doing the basics but multi-tasking is garbage.
7.1.1: ****ty battery life, good multi-tasking. Everything is smooth but not as smooth as the 6.0.1. It does multi-tasking pretty well but depending on what you do, you might run out of juice by the end of the day. Still, battery packs and USB ports are everywhere so maybe it isn't a bad thing.
Personally, I've had some problems with Facebook Groups notifications. I forgot that was an issue I had before with 6.0.1. Anyways, I don't get any Facebook Groups notifications which I use for a business. I'm going to unfortunately be going back to 7.1.1 later today.

I am sorry to reply to a year old thread, but I also want to downgrade. My Z5C is very slow on 7.1.1. I have already tried re-installing the OS (factory reset). Phone runs good right after reset.........but after installing the apps I use every day, phone becomes slow. This was NOT the case when it was running MM.
@Cerhio
How did you downgrade to MM?
I cannot find a MM ROM in XperiFirm anymore.