Okay so I'm in a situation where I soon need to get rid of my old sh**ty Xperia Active.
My first smart phone was a Xperia X10i (Which I contributed almost all stock firmwares for, here on XDA), followed by a Nokia 800 (WP7), then a Huawei Ascend P1 which I unfortunately lost and had to go back to a backup phone which is the Xperia Active.
Now I've been looking around for a replacement and the Z1C is really attractive with the awesome design language Sony has set for their Xperia line. But I wanted to get the opinions from flashers and devs here on XDA, mainly because I usually don't stick with stock firmware for long.
So I've done some searching and found some "contenders" for my next phone.
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Oppo Find 7a
Sony Xperia M2
OnePlus One (When available)
Google Nexus 5
I know there is loads of custom firmwares for the Nexus line of devices, and the Oppo and OnePlus devices has CyanogenMod support.
So my only "Uncertainty" is the Xperia devices.
Now I know FXP is covering a lot of Xperias but I want to know if there is other major ROM supports for the Z1C and M2 and if the release cycle is on time with CM or not too far after that.
And how stable the builds are in general with the latest official builds of Android (4.4.3 and 4.4.4).
In general how have you had it with your Z1C?
Is it easy to root?
What recoveries is available?
Is there many reports on defects/faults on the device?
How well is the developer community for this particular device?
Is Sony releasing kernel source for the device?
I appreciate all the input you can give me and hopefully I'll get a little bit back into the Xperia hacking.
arkedk said:
So I've done some searching and found some "contenders" for my next phone.
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Oppo Find 7a
Sony Xperia M2
OnePlus One (When available)
Google Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, why is Z1C on the list but not the Z2? I ask because I noticed that besides the Z1C (and the M2 which is just a cheaper (and larger) Z1C pretty much) all the other phones are 5" or larger. The main reason I personally picked the 4.3" Z1C is that it has flagship specs in a small package, that and that Sony are traditionally quite developer friendly. Is it an economical choice or are you just not sure on the size?
Rekoil said:
I'm curious, why is Z1C on the list but not the Z2? I ask because I noticed that besides the Z1C (and the M2 which is just a cheaper (and larger) Z1C pretty much) all the other phones are 5" or larger. The main reason I personally picked the 4.3" Z1C is that it has flagship specs in a small package, that and that Sony are traditionally quite developer friendly. Is it an economical choice or are you just not sure on the size?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly because of pricing. These devices cost from 270 to 400 euro here, and the Z2 is significantly more expensive because it's the newest flagship coming in at around 670 euro, and I wont spent that on a phone since I'm buying without contract as I'm perfectly happy with my carrier and don't want to be locked down for 6 months at a new carrier.
arkedk said:
Mostly because of pricing. These devices cost roughly the same here, and the Z2 is significantly more expensive because it's the newest flagship.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it has nothing to do with size? Because compared to other Snapdragon 800 phones, that (and waterproofing) is what the Z1C has going for it. It has a lower resolution display which means less work for the GPU, and thus better battery life and a more fluid UI.
If it's solely the price and you don't mind a larger phone then I'd probably go with a One PlusOne, but I would suggest you go and have a play with a Z1C before making a decision. See if you like the size.
Rekoil said:
So it has nothing to do with size? Because compared to other Snapdragon 800 phones, that (and waterproofing) is what the Z1C has going for it. It has a lower resolution display which means less work for the GPU, and thus better battery life and a more fluid UI.
If it's solely the price and you don't mind a larger phone then I'd probably go with a One PlusOne, but I would suggest you go and have a play with a Z1C before making a decision. See if you like the size.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's not all down to price. I want a phone that has a good dev community around it, so it's possible to try new kernels, tweaked stock firmwares and custom firmwares like CM, Paranoid and other major custom ROM's. I know that Nexus has this, but the design of that phone is boring and the camera is "bleeh". So the Z1C looked like a good device with great specs, small form factor and a great camera.
arkedk said:
Well it's not all down to price. I want a phone that has a good dev community around it, so it's possible to try new kernels, tweaked stock firmwares and custom firmwares like CM, Paranoid and other major custom ROM's. I know that Nexus has this, but the design of that phone is boring and the camera is "bleeh". So the Z1C looked like a good device with great specs, small form factor and a great camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well camera is a bit iffy, but other than that CM runs smooth as hell on the Z1C, that's really all I care about hehe.
Trying to be helpful here (my comments in italics):
In general how have you had it with your Z1C?
I used to be LG O2X owner, and compared to my old phone Z1C even running with stock rom is fast, stable and smooth.
Is it easy to root?
Very easy. All you need to do is download a file and follow the OP here. And I can confirm that it works with the latest kitkat/4.4.4.
What recoveries is available?
TWRP, PhilZ and CWM are available. You can get them here..
Is there many reports on defects/faults on the device?
Some users report flashbleed problem with the camera (fortunately I don't have that problem).
How well is the developer community for this particular device?
I'd say quite good, judging from the number of custom ROM and kernel available for Z1C in the XDA.
Is Sony releasing kernel source for the device?
I think so, check here..
komedol said:
Is Sony releasing kernel source for the device?
I think so, check here..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
arkedk said:
Is Sony releasing kernel source for the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony recently uploaded all their copyleft kernels to GitHub, below link is for current Z1C tree.
https://github.com/sonyxperiadev/kernel-copyleft/tree/14.3.A.0.xxx
Rekoil said:
Well camera is a bit iffy, but other than that CM runs smooth as hell on the Z1C, that's really all I care about hehe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm that's quite a big point in why I want the Z1C. The great pictures that can be taken on stock doesn't work properly on cm. Are they porting stock camera drivers and app into future FXP releases or count on getting the issues fixed?
Rekoil said:
Well camera is a bit iffy, but other than that CM runs smooth as hell on the Z1C, that's really all I care about hehe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do photos have a lower quality or do some things simply don't work?
mugoftee said:
Do photos have a lower quality or do some things simply don't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Photos seem to have more noise as far as I could tell when I tested a FXP build. And currently it's not possible to have 4k and 120FPS recording on a CM based rom or at least nobody successfully tested it.
mugoftee said:
Do photos have a lower quality or do some things simply don't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About the same quality wise in my opinion, but camera starts really slow, and you lose a lot of features and post-processing that Sonys camera app does.
People mentioned that the BIONZ image processor only works with stock roms, don't know if that's true.
Related
Hi guys i've been exploring these two devices and their forums. The fact is that this friday i'm getting a new phone but i don't really know which one of these is right for me, i mean in specs they are pretty much the same.
Physically i like a little bit more the XT because of the bigger screen, the nav bar instrad of the Not so nice notification led bar on the XS, also the XT Has the possiblity of adding an micro sd card. The downside i see about the XT is the Thermal throttling and the dimming screen when playing or else, but don' really know if this also happens on the XS. The camera quality of both devices are good, some claim XT is better but XS is really close.
The development section on the XT Is really young, i mean there are not many roms nor kernels etc. So this is a point for the XS which development is a little more advanced and explored.
So those are my thoughts anyways i want you guys to help me decide by telling me which pne would you buy and why?
Pd. Also recommend a rom for the device you'd pick.
In my case for the XS i think i'd go pac rom or cm9
For the XT Any stock rom deodexed and optimized and then cusromize it at my taste
Thanks in advance :fingers-crossed:
Vaizen said:
Hi guys i've been exploring these two devices and their forums. The fact is that this friday i'm getting a new phone but i don't really know which one of these is right for me, i mean in specs they are pretty much the same.
Physically i like a little bit more the XT because of the bigger screen, the nav bar instrad of the Not so nice notification led bar on the XS, also the XT Has the possiblity of adding an micro sd card. The downside i see about the XT is the Thermal throttling and the dimming screen when playing or else, but don' really know if this also happens on the XS. The camera quality of both devices are good, some claim XT is better but XS is really close.
The development section on the XT Is really young, i mean there are not many roms nor kernels etc. So this is a point for the XS which development is a little more advanced and explored.
So those are my thoughts anyways i want you guys to help me decide by telling me which pne would you buy and why?
Pd. Also recommend a rom for the device you'd pick.
In my case for the XS i think i'd go pac rom or cm9
For the XT Any stock rom deodexed and optimized and then cusromize it at my taste
Thanks in advance :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xperia T is great. I actually have Xperia S. I was wondering if I should upgrade, and decided to stay with S
to get the quadcore Xperia which should be out next year.
Xperia T is slightly faster and has improved interface elements over previous Xperias, but the difference is not massive.
So if the price doesn't count, get the newer. If the price counts you can safely take S which is still a great phone.
doministry said:
Xperia T is great. I actually have Xperia S. I was wondering if I should upgrade, and decided to stay with S
to get the quadcore Xperia which should be out next year.
Xperia T is slightly faster and has improved interface elements over previous Xperias, but the difference is not massive.
So if the price doesn't count, get the newer. If the price counts you can safely take S which is still a great phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with you. Xperia S is a good device! I'm going to buy in the future the new quad core device from Sony ,so decided to stay with my XS for now.
davidbar93 said:
Agree with you. Xperia S is a good device! I'm going to buy in the future the new quad core device from Sony ,so decided to stay with my XS for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to compare both so it's true for sure.
If you're at least concerned about the price, pick the Xperia S, definitely.
If you're rich or really just don't care about money, get the Xperia T.
The Xperia T does everything just a little better, but there's no major change.
I'm loving my Xperia S. Anything I'd wish it had, the Xperia T doesn't have either.
Get the Xperia V.
It has the new Qualcomm S4 Snapdragon processor which offers a substantial performance boost over the S3 processor in the Xperia S. It is also more energy-efficient.
Xperia T.is.good phone (a little bit better than XS), but look at this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32121456
Hello,
I'm considering a new phone and have been looking at the Xperia S/SL. I like the feel of the devices and the design. I think having a physical camera button is great! If you have an S/SL, what do you like most about it? What do you like the least? Seems other than 2 additional colors and a bump in CPU speed, the SL is the same as the S. Is that so? Most everything I've seen in terms of customization (new ROMs, etc) talk about the S and not the SL. Can I safely assume that the S and SL are synonymous with regards to rooting, ROMs, etc.?
Thanks,
cesman
Well I must say the XS is awesome, i mena the camera is great (except some autofocus issues, however you can get another app for that) the screen is gorgeous, flaws ... must I say non removeable battery, lacking micro sd port (however 32 gb I think It's fair enough)
I should go for the S if you want to unlock your bootloader
You can flash a custom kernel to have 1.7GHz like SL, no other main difference between S and SL.
The camera is good, and the device runs smooth with some tweaks for custom looks it's the same as other devices, you can always customize Android
Non removable battery and no micro-sd slot doesn't bother me, there is a key reset combo and I don't need more then 32GB
Battery life isn't superb, but also not really bad, you can easily get one day or more. Unless you are a very heavy user or have a lot of apps that sync data
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
just like my phone have lots of apps that need sync , and thats why i bought smartphone , so it can sync automatically and not to do it manually.
For the price you really can't go wrong, you get a stunning 300+ PPI 720p HD screen, a 12mp Camera and a decent dual core.
It's got a gorgeous UI but since it's an android you're probably going to be skinning it anyways. It feels weighty and it's sturdy, it doesn't feel cheap at all and you feel like you're holding a sturdy phone. Build quality is good, I've dropped it countless times and it's still yet to break for me.
You can unlock the bootloader officially which is good and it really isn't all that hard to root the device and install roms on it.
The downsides I'd say is the non-removable battery which for is a concern and a problem considering the battery isn't all the impressive, It lasts me from 8am in the morning to about 3-4am with low/moderate usage.
32gb for most people should be more than enough.
Again, for the price it's an amazing phone; it ain't the best phone though obviously but if you wanted a good phone you'd be looking at your Galaxy S3s or waiting for the Xperia Z
mikejaxer said:
Again, for the price it's an amazing phone; it ain't the best phone though obviously but if you wanted a good phone you'd be looking at your Galaxy S3s or waiting for the Xperia Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting choice of adjectives as some would consider "amazing" better than "good". I held the Z in my hand at CES and didn't care for the feel. The ZL has a much better hand feel. If anything, that is the phone I'd wait for... As long as I can get it unlocked. I'm more attached to the Xperia line than the Galaxy... Although it is nice that Galaxy has official CM releases up to the current M1.
krabappel2548 said:
I should go for the S if you want to unlock your bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean that the SL's bootloader can't be unlocked?
I'm planning to buy a XS/XSL too, and i can get the SL for a lower price
javitogomezzzz said:
Does this mean that the SL's bootloader can't be unlocked?
I'm planning to buy a XS/XSL too, and i can get the SL for a lower price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've search on here and no one has come right out and said they have unlocked the XSL's bootloader. Sony's own site doesn't show it as a supported model. Where can you get it for less?!
cesman said:
I've search on here and no one has come right out and said they have unlocked the XSL's bootloader. Sony's own site doesn't show it as a supported model. Where can you get it for less?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IPMART Malaysia
javitogomezzzz said:
Does this mean that the SL's bootloader can't be unlocked?
I'm planning to buy a XS/XSL too, and i can get the SL for a lower price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can also be unlocked but I thought the S would be cheaper then the SL
Just buy the cheapest one, XS roms also work on SL and vice versa
any body make a custom rom for Xperia SL (Real SL)
becuase all of custom rom are Xperia S
I guess all Roms for Xperia s will be compatible with the sl. Not sure though.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
krabappel2548 said:
It can also be unlocked but I thought the S would be cheaper then the SL
Just buy the cheapest one, XS roms also work on SL and vice versa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kernels are compatible too, right? I really don't matter if i end up turning the SL into an S, because, as i said before, i can get the SL for a lower price
If for some reason i would like to go back to the stock rom, could i use one of the "stock roms for xperia s thread" that is at the development section or i would have to get the stock official rom for SL?
javitogomezzzz said:
Kernels are compatible too, right? I really don't matter if i end up turning the SL into an S, because, as i said before, i can get the SL for a lower price
If for some reason i would like to go back to the stock rom, could i use one of the "stock roms for xperia s thread" that is at the development section or i would have to get the stock official rom for SL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll be better to get an S!! because its tries and tested and u have a lot of ppl to hold u back!! SL is just picking up!
The S is exactly the same as the SL just the SL is overclocked from the factory. I have a SL, shoulda just bought the S and saved some money.
Is something wrong with the device
i want to know is there something wrong with the hardware or anything i really want to buy it but m confused.
Been a long time apple user ..since the original iphone in 2007. had every version of it. Got bored of ios and switched to Galaxy s3 last year and been quite happy so far. Last week i traded the S3 for Sony Xperia ZL..and man..i love this hardware and the version of android..
The sony launcher is by far the best one i've seen compared to the touchwiz and others..I used to have so many launchers and widgets on my S3 whereas i have no launchers and widgets on ZL.. The built in has all the features i need,,
Got the iphone 5S for the wife..but the display on ZL is quite something..camera is great. Battery life is reasonable (compared to my old S3) and the standard android customization is very handy..
Don't think i'll ever go back to ios or other android devices for a while.
I like the Xperia ZL. But this phone has many problems. First it lost the signal. It has some lag. And now overheat. Tomorrow who know? I can affirm that I would like other phone.
Enviado desde mi C6502
melquisedec said:
I like the Xperia ZL. But this phone has many problems. First it lost the signal. It has some lag. And now overheat. Tomorrow who know? I can affirm that I would like other phone.
Enviado desde mi C6502
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well not all ZL have problems. mine works perfect, for me its the best phone made by SONY, small big screen, nice hardware, cool camera etc.
just w8ting for the 4.3.
i had HTC One, iphone 5, S3, and the ZL its like perfect.
BTW I dont like custom roms so im full stuck on 4.2.2 ,67 , as far as i know most of the people that face does issues are using roms...and i keep sayin Custom roms SUCK, just stick with official and dont screw your phone.:good:
danieldp1990 said:
well not all ZL have problems. mine works perfect, for me its the best phone made by SONY, small big screen, nice hardware, cool camera etc.
just w8ting for the 4.3.
i had HTC One, iphone 5, S3, and the ZL its like perfect.
BTW I dont like custom roms so im full stuck on 4.2.2 ,67 , as far as i know most of the people that face does issues are using roms...and i keep sayin Custom roms SUCK, just stick with official and dont screw your phone.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on a custom ROM and I'm having exactly 0 issues from the phone itself. Some people just have bad luck.
I am waiting the update 4.3. Preying God mine fixed.
Enviado desde mi C6502
TheTofu said:
I'm on a custom ROM and I'm having exactly 0 issues from the phone itself. Some people just have bad luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well good to hear that, but almost all problems that people have they all uses custom roms.
danieldp1990 said:
well not all ZL have problems. mine works perfect, for me its the best phone made by SONY, small big screen, nice hardware, cool camera etc.
just w8ting for the 4.3.
i had HTC One, iphone 5, S3, and the ZL its like perfect.
BTW I dont like custom roms so im full stuck on 4.2.2 ,67 , as far as i know most of the people that face does issues are using roms...and i keep sayin Custom roms SUCK, just stick with official and dont screw your phone.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm using a custom ROM and I do not face any issues as well so you are wrong when you say that!
Sent from my C6503 using xda app-developers app
einfachgaer said:
Well I'm using a custom ROM and I do not face any issues as well so you are wrong when you say that!
Sent from my C6503 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well what I say is what I read on the web.
danieldp1990 said:
well not all ZL have problems. mine works perfect, for me its the best phone made by SONY, small big screen, nice hardware, cool camera etc.
just w8ting for the 4.3.
i had HTC One, iphone 5, S3, and the ZL its like perfect.
BTW I dont like custom roms so im full stuck on 4.2.2 ,67 , as far as i know most of the people that face does issues are using roms...and i keep sayin Custom roms SUCK, just stick with official and dont screw your phone.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree - i love the stock rom as well. I'm with bell in canada. My android version says 4.2.2 build number is 10.3.A.0.423
No updates according to update centre..is the latest .67 udpate not available to bell customers?
Generalities tend to be tough to back up.
As to your question about an upgrade - you should be able to install the "stock" generic 67 rom for your phone via flashtool, and have it work properly on Bell as what's important are the radio frequencies the phone supports. (and you "should" be able to flash it without wiping your data...
On latest Stock rom and 0 problems with this wonderful device. It's high end and a pleasure to use it.
Sent from my Xperia ZL
scifan said:
Generalities tend to be tough to back up.
As to your question about an upgrade - you should be able to install the "stock" generic 67 rom for your phone via flashtool, and have it work properly on Bell as what's important are the radio frequencies the phone supports. (and you "should" be able to flash it without wiping your data...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do i flash? I haven't done this before..Why isn't the latest build not available via OTA?
vhl71 said:
How do i flash? I haven't done this before..Why isn't the latest build not available via OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea why it wouldn't be available via OTA.
As far as how to flash... search under the development forum for the ZL for Flashtool. There's also a thread that shows all of the different "rom" versions... I'd look there as well...
I am also super lucky with my ZL. Latest stock firmware and it is my first Android phone, where I don't feel the need for having root access...
I am debating whether i should return my SP and get a ZL. Normally I don't like five inch phones but the ZL is so compact that it wouldn't bother me. I am having a hell of a time deciding. Good thing I have till the end of January. What do you guys think?
mrsatan said:
I am debating whether i should return my SP and get a ZL. Normally I don't like five inch phones but the ZL is so compact that it wouldn't bother me. I am having a hell of a time deciding. Good thing I have till the end of January. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do it. The SP is a nice phone, but the ZL is leagues better in every way. You wont believe how small it really is until you hold it.
Even though my beloved C6503 is away receiving RMA Support.
Leading me to purchase a C5303 as back-up in the meantime.
I can still thoroughly recommend the ZL over the SP.
If you watch a lot of videos, browse the internet heavily, likewise use messaging heavily, then you'll love the extra real estate, and increased sharpness, that comes with the 5", Full HD, ultra compact ZL.
Not to mention the ZL's noticeable increase in both performance, and internal storage.
The advantage of 5" 1080p over 4.6" 720p may read like hype.
But as you'll find out for yourself, once you've tried it you won't go back.
Especially in such compact form, with higher grade, build quality you'd expect in Sony's early 2013 top tier, that is found in the ZL.
Plus you still get a large, but more stylised notification light.
The only cons I find with the ZL is it does generate a lot of heat when worked hard.
More than the SP.
But then that's understandable considering what's under their respective hoods (Z runs hotter still being front/rear glass?!)
So I wouldn't recommend using a case with it.
The other con is the ZL is not as efficient as SP.
This is reflected in their respective Endurance Test ratings at GSM Arena, and sums up nicely my experience with them both.
Finally, I would only recommend buying a used ZL with at least a six month warranty, or preferably brand new with a twelve month warranty.
As I am not alone in my ZL suffering from SOD/Sleep Of Death late last year.
Other than that I eagerly await the return of my C6503 from RMA Support later this month.
To which I'll be gifting my C5303 to my Mum (Love you Mum!)
Look forward to your impression of ZL over the SP should you make the leap.
Sent from my C5303 using xda app-developers app
themanspirit said:
Even though my beloved C6503 is away receiving RMA Support.
Leading me to purchase a C5303 as back-up in the meantime.
I can still thoroughly recommend the ZL over the SP.
If you watch a lot of videos, browse the internet heavily, likewise use messaging heavily, then you'll love the extra real estate, and increased sharpness, that comes with the 5", Full HD, ultra compact ZL.
Not to mention the ZL's noticeable increase in both performance, and internal storage.
The advantage of 5" 1080p over 4.6" 720p may read like hype.
But as you'll find out for yourself, once you've tried it you won't go back.
Especially in such compact form, with higher grade, build quality you'd expect in Sony's early 2013 top tier, that is found in the ZL.
Plus you still get a large, but more stylised notification light.
The only cons I find with the ZL is it does generate a lot of heat when worked hard.
More than the SP.
But then that's understandable considering what's under their respective hoods (Z runs hotter still being front/rear glass?!)
So I wouldn't recommend using a case with it.
The other con is the ZL is not as efficient as SP.
This is reflected in their respective Endurance Test ratings at GSM Arena, and sums up nicely my experience with them both.
Finally, I would only recommend buying a used ZL with at least a six month warranty, or preferably brand new with a twelve month warranty.
As I am not alone in my ZL suffering from SOD/Sleep Of Death late last year.
Other than that I eagerly await the return of my C6503 from RMA Support later this month.
To which I'll be gifting my C5303 to my Mum (Love you Mum!)
Look forward to your impression of ZL over the SP should you make the leap.
Sent from my C5303 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the ZL for about a week now and I am pretty impressed with it. The size of the phone considering the screen size is amazing. It is a solid feeling phone and the red one I bought looks great. The battery life isn't too great compared to SP but that is to be expected. I downclocked it a bit so it does better and doesnt get as hot. The screen is miles better than the SP and the extra internal memory is nice. I did like the fact that the SP didn't have the stupid shatterproof sheet on it and it was advertised as gorilla glass. I also wish the IR blaster was on the top so I could hold it like a remote. I would have taken having the charging pins instead of the IR blaster. Still it is a good phone and probably the best designed five inch phone ever. I would have waited and gotten the Z1 compact but it's just too small for me now. 4.6 is perfect but 5 inch is great if the size is that of the ZL.
The vibration on the ZL is really weird compared to the SP. Its very strong, not sure if that is bad or good. The camera is soooo much better though.
Glad to read you are enjoying ZL.
Having sent mine in for RMA Support last month.
And since, been using first C6603, followed by now C5303.
Its highlighted to me just how superior the ZL is to these two more popular and widely available models.
IMHO Sony made a major mistake not to release the ZL in the same markets globally as Z.
As for the ZL's very strong vibration.
Yes, it is far stronger than both Z and SP.
That's been my experience too.
I don't doubt you are also enjoying the ZL's far superior outdoor visibility too.
As the Z, and the SP, displays are really mediocre by comparison when used outdoors in daylight.
I sure do miss ZL's superior loudspeaker performance too.
Particularly when using Navigation incar, or hearing it ring when you are in noisy environments.
So looking forward to the return of my ZL.
And seeing if Sony will release a true successor to the compact, limited market release, ZL.
Sent from my C5303 using xda app-developers app
Hey guys,
Have been longing to upgrade my smartphone gear, current using Live Walkman(2012), and I am petty much acquainted with Sony's devices now. My main criteria is to have low profile screen, ie. 4.5 Inch and lower so had my eyes locked on Z1 Compact, but after seeing few reviews on the tube and checking the troubleshooting section of the forum, I am kinda confused.
I do not wish to wait for newer compacts because that wont just end there and I do not change phones frequently as well, so I expect to use for 2years. So would like to know if there's an alternative to Z1C or just go for it.
PS: Would like to know from the owners of Z1C, does the volume boost really have the impact on the external speaker sound? I do not listen to music on speakers or something but I do want to get alerted, If I'm in "noisy" situation or similar.
Thanks
probably wait for z2 compact or get z2 if there's no z2 compact coming..
z2 is alot better than z1 or z1 compact.. since it fixes alot interms of hardware imperfections and brought some good features as well
@kurikapooh: SpiritBreak3r clearly stated that he doesn't want to wait for newer models and it should not be bigger than 4,5". Did you even read the post?
@SpiritBreak3r: Maybe I can help since I am currently in the same situation. For days I have been looking for compact normal-sized phones. I have/had the following in my selection: Sony Xperia Z1 compact, Moto G, HTC One Mini, HTC One Mini 2, LG G2 Mini. I am 98% percent sure that I will get the Z1 compact. What is important to me: good camera, good battery, small size. In short this is why the other phones were dropped:
HTC One Mini has a really bad camera, and at most average battery
HTC One Mini 2 is too big and has a bad battery (half of use time of the Xperia), also is more expensive than xperia and slower.
LG G2 mini is much slower than xperia and has worse resolution (I think there was something else, but I can't remember right now)
Moto G is too big and the camera is too bad for my requirements.
They also have som advantages over the xperia like for example the HTC minis have very good speakers and have good build quality. The LG G2 is very cheap and has a good camera. The Moto G is very cheap and still good (except the camera).
In the end Xperia has OK speakers, good camera (the flash problem can be fixed), its the smallest phone of them all, its very fast, the battery is good, its waterproof which is a nice gimmick. Also I really want to have slo-mo recording in 120fps which imho needs a good CPU, so again one point for the xperia.
This might be helpful to you: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1_compact-review-1037p3.php
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/si...torola-Moto-G/phones/8283,8378,7702,8390,8208
mugoftee said:
LG G2 mini is much slower than xperia and has worse resolution (I think there was something else, but I can't remember right now)
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Click to collapse
Maybe stupid back-buttons?
And I really don't get why everyone says the Z2 is so much better than the Z1, all it has over the Z1 series is (arguably much) better speakers, better screen (but not over the Compact, Z2 and Z1C are both IPS) and a faster CPU. But hardware-wise it ends there. Certainly not something worth waiting for if you're after the Compact version of the Z2. I personally find the Z1 series more comfortable to hold than the Z2 series as well.
@SpiritBreak3r I am running CyanogenMod and the speaker is pretty loud, but I know for a fact that it goes way louder on stock Sony ROMs if you use the audio boost features. What is it you are confused about?
Rekoil said:
I am running CyanogenMod
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Click to collapse
Are you using a snapshot or did I miss a stable release? Also does cyanogenmod offer the software stabilization during video recording of the original ROM?
I just went ahead and purchased the Z1 compact today. Loving this phone already, but I was quite used to cynogenmod's features, like "Right top corner swipe brings the quick settings". Only disappointing were the speaker.
I got by default 4.4.2/.757 Build, so planning to root it right away and unlock the bootloader so I get the speaker's boosted up. Did anyone get the boost working on the .757 build?
mugoftee said:
Are you using a snapshot or did I miss a stable release? Also does cyanogenmod offer the software stabilization during video recording of the original ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CyanogenMod doesn't do stable releases, 10.1 was the last, the closest you'll come these days is the M-snapshots. I am running nightlies though. Don't know about the stabilisation.
Rekoil said:
CyanogenMod doesn't do stable releases, 10.1 was the last, the closest you'll come these days is the M-snapshots. I am running nightlies though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I didn't know there were no stable releases anymore. Is everything working?
Rekoil said:
Don't know about the stabilisation.
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Click to collapse
Could you make a video on the phone and check if the image is shaking or not. You can see the difference in these videos:
with software stabilization on Xperia Z1 compact
without stabilization filmed on a Nexus 5.
mugoftee said:
OK, I didn't know there were no stable releases anymore. Is everything working?
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Click to collapse
Issues with WiFi-tethering, camera starts pretty slow, besides those I have no complaints.
SpiritBreak3r said:
I got by default 4.4.2/.757 Build, so planning to root it right away and unlock the bootloader so I get the speaker's boosted up. Did anyone get the boost working on the .757 build?
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I rooted and unlocked the bootloader and flashed the volume boost zip for the compact located on the list here. It really gives the sound a good boost so it's well recommended.
Does anyone experience a glitch when you're listening to the music and you make a call, and when it resumes the, Sound seems to be in "Mono" stream?
I tried poweramp and Walkman app, and face this issue and it is quite disturbing having the music switch to mono output.
Hello guys,
I want to switch from Honor 8 to Xperia XZ2 Compact, but I fear from a serious issue: the lack of custom ROM support. I haven't seen any ROMs specifically developed for the XZ2 Compact in the development thread yet, but there are always AOSP, Lineage OS, Resurrection Remix or Carbon ROM GSIs on the rescue, but I'm not sure if everything works fine. Can I install them as my daily driver OS or just stick with the factory Sony ROM to avoid issues with the OS?
ThePS4Gamer said:
Hello guys,
I want to switch from Honor 8 to Xperia XZ2 Compact, but I fear from a serious issue: the lack of custom ROM support. I haven't seen any ROMs specifically developed for the XZ2 Compact in the development thread yet, but there are always AOSP, Lineage OS, Resurrection Remix or Carbon ROM GSIs on the rescue, but I'm not sure if everything works fine. Can I install them as my daily driver OS or just stick with the factory Sony ROM to avoid issues with the OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
atm you can only stay with stock, no roms for this phone yet because to root you need to unlock the bl and lose camera functionality. i used to be a flashaolic, but i like stock Sony fw and can stay with it, only miss root.. if you want custom roms and root, get another phone. or wait until someone will develop a drm fix for this phone
Maybe me
I'm contemplating getting one of these phones. It's a bit pricy compared to the low end devices I usually work on, lacks a headphone jack, and the camera DRM is a bit annoying. However, it's the only good small device on the market. Traditionally I've been a Motorola guy, but modern Motorola phones are just too huge for me.
Here's an offer: I will buy an XZ2 Compact and bring official LineageOS to the device if the community donates a total of $300 to me as an expression of interest and support.
squid2 said:
I'm contemplating getting one of these phones. It's a bit pricy compared to the low end devices I usually work on, lacks a headphone jack, and the camera DRM is a bit annoying. However, it's the only good small device on the market. Traditionally I've been a Motorola guy, but modern Motorola phones are just too huge for me.
Here's an offer: I will buy an XZ2 Compact and bring official LineageOS to the device if the community donates a total of $300 to me as an expression of interest and support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that offer!
Without wanting to be disrespectful, but how do we know, that you really buy the device after we donate (if there are only lets say $200 at all)?
I mean, i have no problem to donate $20 (and i donated for Insert Coin Rom more than once), but usually the developers at least already had the device and were working on the rom.
And we doesn't even have a recovery...
squid2 said:
I'm contemplating getting one of these phones. It's a bit pricy compared to the low end devices I usually work on, lacks a headphone jack, and the camera DRM is a bit annoying. However, it's the only good small device on the market. Traditionally I've been a Motorola guy, but modern Motorola phones are just too huge for me.
Here's an offer: I will buy an XZ2 Compact and bring official LineageOS to the device if the community donates a total of $300 to me as an expression of interest and support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same reason why i bought this phone, is the only good one available in the market not huge like all others, can't stand them. i could donate no problem, let's see how many could be interested.. you assure you can give us some custom ROMs without lacking good working camera?
I understand your concern @old.splatterhand. I mainly just wanted to gauge how many people are seriously interested, and I’m not really in great need of the money.
Here’s another offer that’s better for everyone involved: I will buy the phone and put in a best effort to bring charter-compliant (fully functional) LineageOS and recovery if 25 or more people pledge to donate something (any amount) once I meet the goal. You don’t have to specify an actual amount - just say you’d donate.
This is better for you because you have no risk of losing money, and you maintain an incentive for me to complete the project. This is better for me because I would not feel compelled or guilty if I fail to meet my goal for unforeseen reasons (technical or personal), and I don't want to be in a situation where I feel morally obligated to do a lot of work for not much money.
@FcukBloat Regarding camera - hopefully Sony will sort that out soon, since the camera is supposed to continue working (without fancy noise reduction) when the bootloader is unlocked. If Sony fail to live up to their own standards, we’ll see. The first step would be to just build Sony's own AOSP, and since nobody has done that yet, we don't know if AOSP camera does or does not work.
to be honest i am enjoying my new non-flashaolic life with this phone, what i really miss is just root but keeping working camera, nevertheless i promise to donate if you'll bring some development for this phone that, even if not me, some other could enjoy. I've always donated for dev work i used with my phones so it won't be a problem at all to do that also in this case even if in the end i won't use your roms
you could maybe unify the quest for this section and regular xz2 also? this would bring more willing donators i think, and shouldn't be too much additional work for you?(i think to support regular xz2 also you'd just need to make two kernels with small differences from each other?)
squid2 said:
Here’s another offer that’s better for everyone involved: I will buy the phone and put in a best effort to bring charter-compliant (fully functional) LineageOS and recovery if 25 or more people pledge to donate something (any amount) once I meet the goal. You don’t have to specify an actual amount - just say you’d donate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a fair deal! So, count on me, i'm in and donate :good:
FcukBloat said:
to be honest i am enjoying my new non-flashaolic life with this phone, what i really miss is just root but keeping working camera, nevertheless i promise to donate if you'll bring some development for this phone that, even if not me, some other could enjoy. I've always donated for dev work i used with my phones so it won't be a problem at all to do that also in this case even if in the end i won't use your roms
you could maybe unify the quest for this section and regular xz2 also? this would bring more willing donators i think, and shouldn't be too much additional work for you?(i think to support regular xz2 also you'd just need to make two kernels with small differences from each other?)
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Click to collapse
I’d use the same kernel for both, and would probably use a commonized device tree structure (Sony already does that in their AOSP trees on GitHub). Thus, supporting the regular XZ2 shouldn’t be difficult, and it would certainly increase the number of people interested. I can’t justify buying a second high end phone myself, but I can make builds for users to test.
squid2 said:
Thus, supporting the regular XZ2 shouldn’t be difficult, and it would certainly increase the number of people interested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure thats true
I think i'll leave the 2 most interesting threads from xz2 here for people who are interested in:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...recovery-twrp-3-2-2-0-touch-recovery-t3821597
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz2/help/happen-unlock-bootloader-t3769726
for who is willing to help, why don't making a new thread about this "donators hunt" in this phone's discussion section, and then making another thread also in xz2's discussion section, linking to original one? there we could collect donators also for other xz2(c) devs like @MartinX3 @serajr etc
FcukBloat said:
for who is willing to help, why don't making a new thread about this "donators hunt" in this phone's discussion section, and then making another thread also in xz2's discussion section, linking to original one? there we could collect donators also for other xz2(c) devs like @MartinX3 @serajr etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a good idea. I’m personally debating between them XZ2 compact and the (upcoming) Pixel 3. Assuming rumours are correct and the Pixel 3 is similar in dimensions to the Pixel 2, the device wouldn’t be too huge, though still a bit larger than I’d prefer. However, the Pixel would have several benefits over the XZ2 compact: OLED display, better camera, no infuriating camera DRM, better developer support from the OEM, android verified boot (allows locking BL to your own keys), and a much larger community of developers and custom ROM users. For the Pixel 3, I could also just sit back and have others with more time and enthusiasm do all the development for me If the Pixel 3 (non-XL) is indeed reasonably sized, I’ll probably buy one of those when they come out.
With that said, if enough people pledge interest in me doing work on the XZ2 compact, I’d buy one too. If 25+ XZ2 compact users pledge support, I’ll buy an XZ2 compact and bring LineageOS to it, regardless of whether or not I buy a Pixel. If 40+ users of XZ2 and XZ2 compact combined pledge support, I’ll try to bring LineageOS to both. If someone else wants to help, I’d appreciate that too.
@FcukBloat @serajr @squid2 @old.splatterhand
I am also interessted in LineageOS for this device and making a donation. Could you mention me, when you start developing LineageOS?
There shouldn't be much difference between the XZ2 compact, XZ2 and XZ2 Premium expect the driver (vendor/oem) partition and maybe some parts of the kernel.
And the LineageOS Treble image and the Sony Xperia AOSP Project is very helpful, if you want to get a LineageOS maintainer.
After the bootloader update for the XZ2 compact, XZ2 and XZ2 Premium, I will update my device files and compile TWRP again.
First for the XZ2 and if that works, for the XZ2 compact and XZ2 Premium, too.
They are very similiar. As example, the XZ2 and the XZ2 Compact sharing the same fstab file.
So there is a high chance, that the XZ2 Premium is similiar, too.
You can view the progress here!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...ecovery-twrp-3-2-2-0-touch-recovery-t3821597/
squid2 said:
That sounds like a good idea. I’m personally debating between them XZ2 compact and the (upcoming) Pixel 3. Assuming rumours are correct and the Pixel 3 is similar in dimensions to the Pixel 2, the device wouldn’t be too huge, though still a bit larger than I’d prefer. However, the Pixel would have several benefits over the XZ2 compact: OLED display, better camera, no infuriating camera DRM, better developer support from the OEM, android verified boot (allows locking BL to your own keys), and a much larger community of developers and custom ROM users. For the Pixel 3, I could also just sit back and have others with more time and enthusiasm do all the development for me If the Pixel 3 (non-XL) is indeed reasonably sized, I’ll probably buy one of those when they come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was evaluating pixel 3 also, it is 1cm taller than xz2c, so bigger but not that much (and still smaller than all other damned huge phones released nowadays) plus luckily it won't have that awful notch... so will see and if it will be really better than xz2c (not easy as this is a great phone!) I may get one and sell the sony.. from pixel 3 I like always on display, flat back, probably reduced weight, and yes as you say probable easy root wihout loosing (cam) performances... but I have to carefully check P3 battery life which I care a lot...
I personally don't care about the display, I find this IPS very good and even better than some OLED panels I tried (S7) and also camera is great for me in this phone (even in low light) but yes probably because of the SW alghoritms in pixel 3 will be better...
squid2 said:
I understand your concern @old.splatterhand. I mainly just wanted to gauge how many people are seriously interested, and I’m not really in great need of the money.
Here’s another offer that’s better for everyone involved: I will buy the phone and put in a best effort to bring charter-compliant (fully functional) LineageOS and recovery if 25 or more people pledge to donate something (any amount) once I meet the goal. You don’t have to specify an actual amount - just say you’d donate.
This is better for you because you have no risk of losing money, and you maintain an incentive for me to complete the project. This is better for me because I would not feel compelled or guilty if I fail to meet my goal for unforeseen reasons (technical or personal), and I don't want to be in a situation where I feel morally obligated to do a lot of work for not much money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest you will never reach 25 people ready to donate.
The Sony community is used to get everything for free, they nearly never thanks and even less give donations.
Even if you build a few rom like lineage or carbon, the camera will always give bad results and low quality which is a deal breaker for many.
That's why I'm working only on stock rom and add all custom features and interesting commits from custom rom like lineage, resurrection remix, slim... I can have a fully working rom without any bugs without hundreds of new options.
Just my 2 cent but you shouldn't buy a Sony phone at all.
niaboc79 said:
To be honest you will never reach 25 people ready to donate.
The Sony community is used to get everything for free, they nearly never thanks and even less give donations.
Even if you build a few rom like lineage or carbon, the camera will always give bad results and low quality which is a deal breaker for many.
That's why I'm working only on stock rom and add all custom features and interesting commits from custom rom like lineage, resurrection remix, slim... I can have a fully working rom without any bugs without hundreds of new options.
Just my 2 cent but you shouldn't buy a Sony phone at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand you.
But I did choose the XZ2, because I get regular updates, Sony pay and support the AOSP development for their devices and the XZ2 has a high durability and is water proofed.
Like a high-speed outdoor smartphone.
Is the cam quality really as worse as you say, when you use the DRM fix, camera API 2 and a gcam port for your chipset?
niaboc79 said:
To be honest you will never reach 25 people ready to donate.
The Sony community is used to get everything for free, they nearly never thanks and even less give donations.
Even if you build a few rom like lineage or carbon, the camera will always give bad results and low quality which is a deal breaker for many.
That's why I'm working only on stock rom and add all custom features and interesting commits from custom rom like lineage, resurrection remix, slim... I can have a fully working rom without any bugs without hundreds of new options.
Just my 2 cent but you shouldn't buy a Sony phone at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you going to prepare a stock based rom also for xz2c maybe? I'd only need few features from custom ROMs :fingers-crossed:
MartinX3 said:
I understand you.
But I did choose the XZ2, because I get regular updates, Sony pay and support the AOSP development for their devices and the XZ2 has a high durability and is water proofed.
Like a high-speed outdoor smartphone.
Is the cam quality really as worse as you say, when you use the DRM fix, camera API 2 and a gcam port for your chipset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I choose the xz2 because I like it, that's all. For me it's a great device, great look and fast.
For me Sony doesn't really support developers, they allow a small amount of devs to share source of AOSP that's all, Sony doesn't share what's needed to build perfect AOSP. If the camera works since Oreo it's only because AOSP devs and some guys here on xda worked hard.
Also if they support developers why so much things linked to drm. Why so much issues when unlocking bootloader. They should allow us to unlock bootloader without loosing anything and like that we could come back to stock rom without issue or stupid message at boot.
I like Sony, all I buy is made by them. But the main developers, not the aosp one doesn't like us and are doing all they can to discourage us to go ahead in development. I can understand them, they loose also many things with years, all what they are allowed to do is build stock with 5 Sony options, they lost what made Sony's stock rom amazing, the difference, the innovation.
Finally, since the Xperia Z I've never seen a good camera on aosp or custom rom, neither than a fully functional phone, I mean fingerprint reader, battery charging, automatic brightness, camera, noise canceling, battery life.
Envoyé de mon H8266 en utilisant Tapatalk
FcukBloat said:
are you going to prepare a stock based rom also for xz2c maybe? I'd only need few features from custom ROMs :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As soon as a working recovery, drm fix on official Android P will be available, I will build my eXistenZ rom on XZ2 and XZ2 compact family [emoji6]
Envoyé de mon H8266 en utilisant Tapatalk
niaboc79 said:
As soon as a working recovery, drm fix on official Android P will be available, I will build my eXistenZ rom on XZ2 and XZ2 compact family [emoji6]
Envoyé de mon H8266 en utilisant Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the theory the DRM fix is finished.
But we need twrp to test it.
And to get a working twrp, Sony need to release the next bootloader update and to announce the XZ2 as part of the open source program.
And don't ask for an ETA.
They only know the words soon and ASAP. :silly:
But they added the tama akari apollo defconfigs and a kernel build script to the asop sources this week.
Maybe the release is now really soon.