[Q] Samsung vs Xperia Z

atisha

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2008
184
9
18
Hi
I'm currently using Samsung S3. So far I am happy with Samsung S3 for its fast processor, GPS starts fast etc.. Just that it's giving me eye strain perhaps due to prolonged use in the past, now I can hardly surf long in it. I'm thinking of Note 2 for its bigger screen (but I am fearful it will not resolve the eye strain).
Was wondering if Xperia Z would give me less eye strain.. Of course, I don't mind a nicer more solid external look Xperia Z has to offer but seems a big sacrifice of letting go of the following Samsung galaxy's benefits:
1. I am using Wanam lite rom which is excellent with its toggle buttons (allowing wifi, GPS, torchlight etc to be switched on/off easily) and making S3 sleeker. Was wondering if there is any great rom developed for Xperia Z to reduce battery consumption, increases performance and functionality.
2. Read GPS is slacking on Xperia Z. Is this true? I need my GPS to start fast when driving.
S3 GPS starts fast..
3. S3 screen seem scratch resistant relative to Xperia Z..
4. Long battery hour
5. S3 does not heat up like Xperia Z

That said, I am looking for a more solid built smartphone. I have a sony mp3 which I accidentally placed in washing machine along with soiled bedsheets - it survived fine. I was truly impressed...
Anyone who can provide me some feedback on my queries would be deeply appreciated. Thanks!
 

Akiainavas

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2012
1,219
386
0
Basingstoke
XZ might resolve your eyestrain problem, it uses different display, with full RBG matrix and it's 440+ ppi with 1080p resolution.

As for the rest of your questions:

1. There are custom roms for XZ already, take a look in Development section.
2. Haven't noticed and problems with GPS, it starts reasonably fast, certainly as fast as my old Note 2 - and Note 2 used the same chip/software as S3 so I'd say no problem here.
3. XZ screen is as scratch resistant as S3, or even more thanks to Dragontail glass. The "problem" is Sony put an anti-shatter film over the glass, and it's the film that get's scracthed, not the screen/glass. Some decide to remove the film, some choose to put a screen protector over it - both ways works fine for me.
4. Battery life is decent - it's not great, but it's not worse than S3's in that matter.
5. They actually heat up almost the same.

If you're after good design and build quality - XZ is a phone for you as long as you can overlook it's minor flaws ( yes, it does have flaws, like every single phone ). Also, Sony's stock firmware is brilliant, it's the first Android phone I haven't rooted and installed CM on it - because frankly, there's no need to do that at the moment.
 

atisha

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2008
184
9
18
XZ might resolve your eyestrain problem, it uses different display, with full RBG matrix and it's 440+ ppi with 1080p resolution.

As for the rest of your questions:

1. There are custom roms for XZ already, take a look in Development section.
2. Haven't noticed and problems with GPS, it starts reasonably fast, certainly as fast as my old Note 2 - and Note 2 used the same chip/software as S3 so I'd say no problem here.
3. XZ screen is as scratch resistant as S3, or even more thanks to Dragontail glass. The "problem" is Sony put an anti-shatter film over the glass, and it's the film that get's scracthed, not the screen/glass. Some decide to remove the film, some choose to put a screen protector over it - both ways works fine for me.
4. Battery life is decent - it's not great, but it's not worse than S3's in that matter.
5. They actually heat up almost the same.

If you're after good design and build quality - XZ is a phone for you as long as you can overlook it's minor flaws ( yes, it does have flaws, like every single phone ). Also, Sony's stock firmware is brilliant, it's the first Android phone I haven't rooted and installed CM on it - because frankly, there's no need to do that at the moment.
Thanks! :good:
 
Sep 12, 2011
7
0
0
I've gone from a S3 to a Sony Z. There are some small things that I am getting used to but mostly enjoying the change.

Battery has been unbelievable in standby mode. Last night it dropped 1% in 7 hours after disabling most of the bloatware. I haven't started stamina mode even!

Took some time to go from S3s strong contrast screen but now much enjoy the XZs softer more realistic display.

I bought a Zagg back and front protector actually for grip. I don't wanna put a shell on it but with the glass face and back being quite slippery I thought it as a good compromise plus more protection.


Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
 

atisha

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2008
184
9
18
Hi all
Thanks for the helpful feedback. Today, I went to try out both Samsung Note II and Sony XperiaZ and Nexus4. Quite like Sony xperia, however it seems when viewing the same fast and furious trailer on all the phones, Sony Xperia Z fared particularly badly. Nexus 4 and Note II give sharp images but not Sony Xperia Z. I wonder why. It's HD youtube, this one which was tested on all three smartphones. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7zl_t48CMc Sony Xperia Z supposed to give good display, why is it so bad in this instance?