Is the xperia z worth to buy in 2018?

[clonechill]

Hi proud users of the xperia z,

I needed a phone on my $200 tight budget and I found a new factory unlocked xperia z on amazon for $199.99.
So guys, do you recommend that I buy this?
1. I have a great necessity for custom ROMs and understood the device has very active development.
2. Does the device stutter or face any lag in any modern day versions of necessary daily life apps?
3. How's the overall reliability of the device? Any fails that come with the years?
Please guys leave an honest opinion.
Thanks and regards
(Hope its the right section, title did end with a "?" )

 

[Zerikwan]

Yes, this device has very active development.

If you a fan of Sony, you'll know that Xperia Z lack of many things, like unable to use the beautiful Loop live wallpaper from Xperia XZP port (due to 32 bit system and old SoC), DSEE-HX, magnetic charging, quick charge, fingerprint reader, etc.
But the positif side, this device has many customization you can apply, like installing unofficial LineageOS 15.1, RR v6.0.0, and some mod like Dolby Atmos-Viper-AM3D all together (Mod created by Ahrion and Zackptg5, compatible with LOS 14.1, tested by myself), systemless Xposed Nougat, and systemless substratum.

In the end, the things you need to consider:
- if all you need is just for light-medium usage like chatting, browsing, listening music, daily device for social media like twitter, facebook, instagram, etc... then this device just enough (you may find some lag with instagram stories, I mean when you make a story, not viewing other stories).
- if all your need including playing heavy games, or simply looking for a fast device, then go get something new.

 

[pjottrr]

hmm , i'd say buy a 2nd hand phone...

i did that 2.5 years ago with a z3 , it only costed me € 175 ( $ 200)
i guess that if you look at the correct places you can find the z5 , or maybe an x 2nd hand for around $ 200