Sony Xperia Z1 officially announced
- Thread starter Sutton Dagger
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So you want them cheat on the review units?
No, I mean send them a unit that doesn't have the pre production screen.
shinshoryuken
Member
CNET UK not all that impressed with the camera, although I've never really rated them for wholly reliable tech reviews http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-z1-review-50012187/2/#camera
but they are impressed by the screen
Should I be concerned about what they said about the battery life? Was thinking of either picking up the Note 3 or the Xperia Z1. Still leaning towards the Z1 (Such a sweet-lookin' phone) but I'm somewhat disappointed that it says the S4 lasted longer. hmmmm. Will wait for other reviews.
I wonder if thats because Sony clocked the CPU t to 2.2 rather than 1.9.
I'm getting texts every couple of days from EE telling me they havn't forgotten about me and that they'll let me know when the phone is being delivered. I know that, that's why its a pre order. Muggles.
Also didn't realise that with EE you get BT WiFi and Virgin WiFi on the underground.
Yeah I'd wait on a few other reviews first. Battery life reports can vary a lot from site to site at times.
cheers guys. Everyone I know have a Note 2 and it's a great phone but I'm looking for something elegant looking that packs a punch specs-wise. Z1 seems to be it. Don't really care much about the camera but I want to play decent games on it and not have the device wrapped around my face when I make/receive calls when I'm at work events.
I still have my Note 1 and I am pretty happy with it. I don't even need to replace it I just want to have a change of scenary. The only issue I have with the Note 1 is I can't reach the left side of the keyboard when I am walking and posting (on GAF of course). The Note form factor is a good design compromise. I have so many floating popup widgets on it and its so easy to use on a large screen.
I'm interested in this after being somewhat let down by the new iPhones. I have a 4 and honestly I am happy with iOS but the price tag (unlocked) is hard to justify.
I dislike the cheap looking Samsung phones and this looks classy as hell and powerful. Are people satisfied with these Sony phones or should I stick to more established brands?
I dislike the cheap looking Samsung phones and this looks classy as hell and powerful. Are people satisfied with these Sony phones or should I stick to more established brands?
longdi
Banned
H_Prestige
Banned
I'm in the exact same situation and I'm going to get the Sony since it's the only Android that matches the iphone's premium look and feel. Although I'll most likely get the Z since it should be way cheaper once the Z1 is out.
Well considering the fact that I was mentally prepared to buy the 5S this seems quite affordable in comparison. It looks sturdy and impressive and honestly i'm curious about the large screen. I think I might love it and become an iPhone hater or think it's a bit too much, but I need to try to find out and I won't if I get the 5S.
I do wonder about the battery though.
roflwaffles
Member
Projected to hit USA T-Mobile in January.
Played with it yesterday:
-Feels better in the hand than the Z although IMO the body style of the Z is more aesthetically pleasing.
-Camera is excellent and although some of the features are gimmicky, they're alot of fun to play with (especially the AR effects).
-Info-eye only worked once out of 10 times I tried it.
-Slightly longer and thicker than the Z but nothing too noticeable.
-Screen looks better, viewing angles are improved but still not up to par with other brand flagships (still fine when using it as a GPS in your car)
-Didn't have enough time with it to properly make a conclusion about the battery life.
Overall, I'm very impressed. Just disappointed that it's going to take another 3-4 months to get here.
Played with it yesterday:
-Feels better in the hand than the Z although IMO the body style of the Z is more aesthetically pleasing.
-Camera is excellent and although some of the features are gimmicky, they're alot of fun to play with (especially the AR effects).
-Info-eye only worked once out of 10 times I tried it.
-Slightly longer and thicker than the Z but nothing too noticeable.
-Screen looks better, viewing angles are improved but still not up to par with other brand flagships (still fine when using it as a GPS in your car)
-Didn't have enough time with it to properly make a conclusion about the battery life.
Overall, I'm very impressed. Just disappointed that it's going to take another 3-4 months to get here.
What January and T mobile only?! How about AT&T? Any chance of it coming in October?
that settles it(
Is this a big issue? Genuinely curious.
I'm trying to figure this out too. Maybe if I'm lying in bed and reading/watching something from my phone in a particular angle? I dunno.
Well there is a display out there that has better viewing angles and this is a new expensive device that is yet to be released.
I think you can be disappointed in something. It certainly doesn't look as bad as the Xperia Z and there are plenty of people that were fine with that.
The guy in the above video comparison says he might even prefer the Z1 display head-on. It's all about trade-offs but I think I would have chosen a HTC One display based on the limited information we have.
I think you can be disappointed in something. It certainly doesn't look as bad as the Xperia Z and there are plenty of people that were fine with that.
The guy in the above video comparison says he might even prefer the Z1 display head-on. It's all about trade-offs but I think I would have chosen a HTC One display based on the limited information we have.
It was never an issue, people are just running out thing to compare on the spec sheet. OIS on a phone camera is pretty useless too.
Yeah... it's a shame. The Z1 was touted as been the best of the best...
and with exception of the screen, it's pretty much that. Even with the screen, it's a pretty hard to beat package at this point in time. Certainly, you don't have many other options if you're looking for a water and shock proof device with a great camera and phone built into it.
I have no idea how the viewing angles compare with my iPhone 4. I've never had a problem with it so as long as its comparable I don't mind. Performance and camera on this phone are probably more than enough for me, as I consider the 4S to be fast enough and to have a decent enough camera. The things that I'm concerned about are:
- Is Android shit? Serious question. Am I going to have crashes, bugs, patches, not the same variety of apps, less security etc
- Is the build quality good? This phone seems excellent and looks classy so I think this is covered. The Samsung phones feel and look like shit to me and the custom interface on them is ugly as hell.
- Is the battery life good? I won't go for anything less than what I have with the iPhone 4.
- Is it a better choice than the 5S? 630 pounds for the 5S just feels like too much...
I guess I should go and play with it at a store next week.
- Is Android shit? Serious question. Am I going to have crashes, bugs, patches, not the same variety of apps, less security etc
- Is the build quality good? This phone seems excellent and looks classy so I think this is covered. The Samsung phones feel and look like shit to me and the custom interface on them is ugly as hell.
- Is the battery life good? I won't go for anything less than what I have with the iPhone 4.
- Is it a better choice than the 5S? 630 pounds for the 5S just feels like too much...
I guess I should go and play with it at a store next week.
So you just want the phone act like an iPhone? Not sure if you are serious.
shinshoryuken
Member
The screen is a pretty big deal cause that what you will be looking at all the time. I want to upgrade my HTC One to a z1, but man ..the screen of the One is too top tier...
H_Prestige
Banned
Keep in mind that being in the dark also accentuates viewing angle problems.
I played with the Z in store and only noticed when I held the phone at an unnatural angle. Such a minor issue. But I've noticed making mountains out of mole hills is par for the course when it comes to reviewing Sony phones.
Well I haven't been following phones as intensely as some people here.
I have an iPhone 4 and I was very happy with it, I still am fairly happy with it to be honest. At the time it was definitely the top of its class and its a good device, but for the 5S it isn't nearly as clear cut and the 5C is honestly offensively expensive. I also think I would like a bigger screen as I read a lot on my phone.
It's an important investment both in terms of price and usage so I want to know what to expect. I have no real experience using Android phones for more than 2 minutes at a time. Sorry if it came off as some sort of attack.
vivftp
Member
GSM Arena has a pretty good preview:
http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1-review-983.php
Their tests confirm the screen is top notch with a 1513:1 contrast ratio and very good viewing angles.Their camera samples also seem pretty good, despite them being taken on cloudy days.
Also of interest from esato forums a user there has apparently confirmed the panel lottery and supposedly here are the various types of screens going into the Z1:
Dunno how true it is, but thought I'd share in case anyone wants to comment. I do wish zomg were around, but he's taking a break. This would seem to explain the wide variety of reports and pics/videos we're seeing showing varying results, if true that is. The screens showing poorer viewing angles would seem to be the ones using the Z/ZL screens, only they've likely added the triluminos layer to improve them a bit.
So anyways, couple the better screens going into Z1 with the already very good camera and the proper camera firmware coming out in about a month, and I'm super overjoyed by Z1 so far
Its low light performance is good enough that I don't actually miss the lack of a xenon flash as much as I thought I might. The only things I really do wish it had are an IR blaster and the stylus input tech from the Z Ultra.
BTW, here's a site with a lot of low light photos taken from the Z1
http://unleashthephones.com/2013/09/12/gallery-sony-xperia-z1-camera-samples-tiong-bahru-singapore/
http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1-review-983.php
Their tests confirm the screen is top notch with a 1513:1 contrast ratio and very good viewing angles.Their camera samples also seem pretty good, despite them being taken on cloudy days.
Also of interest from esato forums a user there has apparently confirmed the panel lottery and supposedly here are the various types of screens going into the Z1:
Dunno how true it is, but thought I'd share in case anyone wants to comment. I do wish zomg were around, but he's taking a break. This would seem to explain the wide variety of reports and pics/videos we're seeing showing varying results, if true that is. The screens showing poorer viewing angles would seem to be the ones using the Z/ZL screens, only they've likely added the triluminos layer to improve them a bit.
So anyways, couple the better screens going into Z1 with the already very good camera and the proper camera firmware coming out in about a month, and I'm super overjoyed by Z1 so far
Its low light performance is good enough that I don't actually miss the lack of a xenon flash as much as I thought I might. The only things I really do wish it had are an IR blaster and the stylus input tech from the Z Ultra.BTW, here's a site with a lot of low light photos taken from the Z1
http://unleashthephones.com/2013/09/12/gallery-sony-xperia-z1-camera-samples-tiong-bahru-singapore/
It's not shit. It shouldn't be held to iOS standards.
I had iOS for 3 years. Switched to Android for 1 year. Switched back.
There are a lot of cool things that you can do on Android. But conversely, there are a lot of simple things that iOS does that you learn to appreciate once you make the switch, and full-on love when you come back.
iOS is more secure than Android. App situation is about the same, but there are still major apps that are flat out better on iOS.
Both are fairly stable.
Samsung phones are garbage in terms of feel.
Sony on the other hand, if it wasn't Android, I would be all over. Great build quality.
Only way to make an informed decision
longdi
Banned
GSM Arena has a pretty good preview:
http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1-review-983.php
Their tests confirm the screen is top notch with a 1513:1 contrast ratio and very good viewing angles.Their camera samples also seem pretty good, despite them being taken on cloudy days.
Also of interest from esato forums a user there has apparently confirmed the panel lottery and supposedly here are the various types of screens going into the Z1:
Dunno how true it is, but thought I'd share in case anyone wants to comment. I do wish zomg were around, but he's taking a break. This would seem to explain the wide variety of reports and pics/videos we're seeing showing varying results, if true that is. The screens showing poorer viewing angles would seem to be the ones using the Z/ZL screens, only they've likely added the triluminos layer to improve them a bit.
So anyways, couple the better screens going into Z1 with the already very good camera and the proper camera firmware coming out in about a month, and I'm super overjoyed by Z1 so far
BTW, here's a site with a lot of low light photos taken from the Z1
http://unleashthephones.com/2013/09/12/gallery-sony-xperia-z1-camera-samples-tiong-bahru-singapore/
I dont think JDI makes VA panel for Z/ZL. Those are IPS panels with 160 degrees viewing angles.
Specs of Z/ZL panels http://www.j-display.com/english/news/2012/20121004.html
But damn dat panel lottery, Sony should burn off those unused panel and keep the Z1 premium branding intact.
katsubento
Member
You and I think alike.
GSM Arena has a pretty good preview:
http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1-review-983.php
Their tests confirm the screen is top notch with a 1513:1 contrast ratio and very good viewing angles.Their camera samples also seem pretty good, despite them being taken on cloudy days.
Also of interest from esato forums a user there has apparently confirmed the panel lottery and supposedly here are the various types of screens going into the Z1:
Dunno how true it is, but thought I'd share in case anyone wants to comment. I do wish zomg were around, but he's taking a break. This would seem to explain the wide variety of reports and pics/videos we're seeing showing varying results, if true that is. The screens showing poorer viewing angles would seem to be the ones using the Z/ZL screens, only they've likely added the triluminos layer to improve them a bit.
So anyways, couple the better screens going into Z1 with the already very good camera and the proper camera firmware coming out in about a month, and I'm super overjoyed by Z1 so far
BTW, here's a site with a lot of low light photos taken from the Z1
http://unleashthephones.com/2013/09/12/gallery-sony-xperia-z1-camera-samples-tiong-bahru-singapore/
Heh, if i were you guys id wait for those leftovers to sold out.
shinshoryuken
Member
Agree, no way I'm paying $800 for a crappy screen .
You just have to wait. according to the same post these left over screens are just for prototyping earlier models. when the stock is over you will get best pannels.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwn8cgWpTnc
Xperia z1 vs note 3 screen full brightness.
Looks like post about different screen is really true.
Xperia z1 vs note 3 screen full brightness.
Looks like post about different screen is really true.
Sutton Dagger
Member
How would someone know the specific panel they get?
Panel lottery again. They never learn.
It's not like the Z stopped selling. Can't it be used for the Z or did they just overestimate the amount they needed
Wow wasn't expecting that.
I guess the true test will be when it goes on sale to see how much of the bad screens are out there.
I'm still happy with overall as a device though, pretty solid.
Thanks for the reply. Did you miss the screen size going back to iOS?
?
You mean an LCD display has a higher brightness level than OLED? That's pretty much a given though. I don't think many people complained about the brightness on Sony phones, it was always about the poor viewing angles. A shame, because it apparently has very good contrast ratio, brightness, white and black level.
wow the Z1 looks more vivid. Is there anyway to know which panel we get?
Edit: but damn I seriously really want that Z1 screen on the video.
There has to be a way
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