Hey guys,
I am with Rogers, and will be buying my phone cash for the full price. Because of this I am really trying to figure out what phone would be best to purchase because I don't want to make an $800 mistake.
I have had 2 Android phones in the past, an Xperia x10 and a Samsung Captivate.
I am basically torn between the Xperia Arc, and the Nexus S. I am also considering by a long shot the White iphone 4, though I am absolutely bored to tears with iOS and am not really interested...I guess call it the fall back device if I can't make up my mind between the Arc and Nexus S.
Anyways, if you guys have any opinions on either I would really like some help. I have been trying to figure it out, watching hours and hours of reviews and reading written reviews. But no one talks about the things I would like to know like how much bigger the screen is on the Arc compared to the Nexus S for example, or is it hard to lock the Arc with its little power button? Anyways any help is very much welcome.
I should also note I am not planning to root the phone and am keeping everything stock.
gunstar3035 said:
I should also note I am not planning to root the phone and am keeping everything stock.
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Click to collapse
Dude are you serious??! The Arc blows the nexus S all the way.
The Arc looks 100% more stylish and better looking, thinner, bigger screen and fits better in your pocket.
The Arc's camera is mind blowing, the screen is gorgeous leave aside how much fast and smooth the phone really functions & operates.
The majority of Arc users are happy and satisfied. This is no X10, this phones is miles ahead. So, if you loved your X10, then I'm warning you that you may be obsessed with the Arc
There is a reason behind choosing the Arc to be the #1 for 2011 :
http://www.xperiablog.net/2011/04/25/techradar-crowns-xperia-arc-best-mobile-in-world-today/
Hope this helps a little
I've owned a lot of phones (not the Captivate though) and I find the Arc the pick of the lot (althugh the original HTC Desire comes close).
Overall, even though the screen is 4.2", the phone is extremely compact. It is a bit taller than the Nexus S, but due to it's thinness feels the same size as the Nexus S. The physical buttons are a major advantage (IMHO) and there's no issues with the small power button. The screen is pretty good (probably not as good as the AMOLEDs) and tends to look a bit washed out when viewing from certain angles, but it is not an issue for me. Also, SE's UI is quite minimalistic and actually enhances the Android experience.
Why don't you pick up an Arc and play with it? You have 15 days (and 30 mins of talktime) to try it? If you don't like it, you can return it and pick up the Captivate.
Thanks guys so much for the input.
I think the thing I am worrying about with the Arc is the lack of a front facing camera, but I am loving the screen size and rear camera.
With the nexus S I like the thought of pure and quick updates, but the lack of 720p recording and build quality is concerning me...
Oh and lets just forget I mentioned iphone 4, I dont want another iphone ever again : /
gunstar3035 said:
Thanks guys so much for the input.
I think the thing I am worrying about with the Arc is the lack of a front facing camera, but I am loving the screen size and rear camera.
With the nexus S I like the thought of pure and quick updates, but the lack of 720p recording and build quality is concerning me...
Oh and lets just forget I mentioned iphone 4, I dont want another iphone ever again : /
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The moment you hold the Arc in your hands, you'll totally forget about the front facing camera! The phone is really that good, just go and play with it for a while and you'll understand where I'm coming from.
The nexus S has a terrible camera, no external storage, fugly+ugly looks and my main concern is that in case you need support with the phone it won't be easy to get access to it like in case you get the iphone or the Arc.
Thinking too much will just drive you nuts! I've been there trust me. If I were you, I would eliminate the Nexus S and go straight for the Arc! Unless you still have some love for the iphone
Ur call pal! But one thing I know for sure, I still haven't ran across one Arc owner that did regret his purchase.
Take a look at some of the pics that I took with the Xperia Neo, and I can assure you that the Arc is in the same level since I own both of them now :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1059189
Basharca said:
There is a reason behind choosing the Arc to be the #1 for 2011 :
http://www.xperiablog.net/2011/04/25/techradar-crowns-xperia-arc-best-mobile-in-world-today/
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Click to collapse
You might want to look again.
It was number one for about a week, not number one for 2011
I used a Nexus S for a few weeks prior to getting my Arc.
No question, Arc all the way.
Basharca said:
The moment you hold the Arc in your hands, you'll totally forget about the front facing camera! The phone is really that good, just go and play with it for a while and you'll understand where I'm coming from.
The nexus S has a terrible camera, no external storage, fugly+ugly looks and my main concern is that in case you need support with the phone it won't be easy to get access to it like in case you get the iphone or the Arc.
Thinking too much will just drive you nuts! I've been there trust me. If I were you, I would eliminate the Nexus S and go straight for the Arc! Unless you still have some love for the iphone
Ur call pal! But one thing I know for sure, I still haven't ran across one Arc owner that did regret his purchase.
Take a look at some of the pics that I took with the Xperia Neo, and I can assure you that the Arc is in the same level since I own both of them now :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1059189
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Click to collapse
Thanks man, I will check out the pics too. I am honestly leaning towards the Arc right now. It looks like it is everything the x10 should have been, and even more.
3 questions about the Arc: How is texting/Screen sensitivity? and How do you find locking the device? Does the UI feel zippy?
Thanks again guys, your the best!
gunstar3035 said:
I am basically torn between the Xperia Arc, and the Nexus S.
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Click to collapse
Get Nexus S IF
1. it's design appeals to you more than Arc.
2. if you don't care about LED Notification.
3. Camera and HD video quality are not of higher importance.
4. screen brightness in day light doesn't have to be great.
5. having the latest greatest official update from Google is important.
6. front facing camera is a must. Also remember the Android 2.3.4 update has GoogleTalk that supports video chat.
For me, what I would want but will miss on my Arc is item 6.
gunstar3035 said:
Thanks man, I will check out the pics too. I am honestly leaning towards the Arc right now. It looks like it is everything the x10 should have been, and even more.
3 questions about the Arc: How is texting/Screen sensitivity? and How do you find locking the device? Does the UI feel zippy?
Thanks again guys, your the best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't lean towards the Arc, you should go and buy it right away
Texting/screen sensitivity is perfect! I can claim confidently that Sony aced it this time. I know they had it in them but they were acting like douche bags before hehe, but this time they did a great job.
The UI is not zippy! Sorry, it's super duper zippy
The only things that lags a little is timescape and also when loading the pics from the new widget that sony created. However, I only noticed this when I switch the phone off and restart it again.
Other than that it works flawlessly, this may be the fastest android phone you could get, I seriously mean it.
And ya no need to root it to install some lagfix if you know what I mean hehe
Get the Arc. I've owned several Nexus S and it's fine, but not exceptional. The Arc is a head turner and it does everything well. I like the wall to wall screen with no borders. I write about these things, so I use them all, and of all the Android phones, the one I would take for myself as my personal phone is the Arc.
I would say definitely that the arc is miles ahead of the nexus S.
The only conceivable reason to buy the nexus over the arc is if you absolutely have to have the latest version of android ASAP. Apart from that the nexus is a deeply, deeply average phone.
There are a couple of phones out there that i can see some people choosing over the arc (though personally i'd still go with the arc) but the nexus aint one of them.
The Nexus S is a Galaxy S running 2.3. That makes it a very good phone. It has a great display and it beats the Arc in most speed tests. My personal preference is still the Arc. I think that the Nexus S is a good choice regardless of the enthusiasm for the Arc in this thread. The Nexus S is pure Android and there's not a lot wrong with that. The Arc is sexy and it does everything well. Both phones work for me.
If I had to choose between the Xperia Arc and the Nexus S (or any 2 phones in general for that matter), what I'd do is go to a store and compare the devices side-by-side.
Three things where the Nexus S is better than the Xperia Arc are:
better viewing angles on the display
1GB apps storage on Nexus S vs. ~320-350MB on Xperia Arc
Nexus S has hardware Search button; Xperia Arc doesn't
NFC [this may become really big really soon]
Front-facing camera
The Xperia Arc advantages over Nexus S:
much better camera [8.2MP vs. 5MP]
HDMI port
720p video recording
slightly higher screen resolution [854×480 vs. 800×480]
possibility for PlayStation-certification because internals are very similar to Xperia Play [not sure though]
Having said that, I own both devices. Regarding apps storage, I am using ~270MB on both, and that is growing very very slowly, so it is not a concern for me [yet!].
Related
This is not a thread to bash or degrade the X10 at all in any way. I really like my X10 it's a great phone, I enjoy using it. Problem is my wife does as well.
So I gave her the phone because she need a good camera and something to watch movies etc with while on vacation.
So now I'm back with my rooted/hacked Magic which I like but not so much after using the X10. I was going to just buy another but wanted to be sure first, so to my question.
Anyone that has tried a different phone and moved to a X10 or has dropped the X10 for a different phone, whats the closest competitor or upgrade?
It has to be usable on Rogers 3g and can't be an Iphone, I will never own an apple product so that shouldn't be a debate.
Thanks for any feedback just want some options, maybe I already have the best one out there.
I would buy it again, I've even turned down an offer to trade mine in for a Desire. Only way I'd switch would be if there was a bigger Snapdragon version of the Legend available.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
X10 all the way
I would buy it again too. I just love the design, the camera, Mediascape and the screen. However I would be really tempted between the X10 and Galaxy S. The Galaxy S has an even better screen then our X10. However the Galaxy sucks design wise, I mean, it's just like an iFart 3G(S), even the menu looks the same. The Galaxy S feels a lot faster though. It just flies through all the different menus and screens.
So if you like me love the design, camera and Mediascape of the X10 , then buy it again. Otherwise I would take a good look at the Galaxy S.
X10 it is a wonderful phone, but this delay about android 2.1 and froyo annoys me...
I was looking through the specs on the Galaxy-S. Actually thought it would be a pretty nice phone till I actually saw it. And the fact it has a AMOLED screen, they seem blurry to me and way over saturated.
How does the Nexus compare, can't seem to see anything else that compares to the X10.
I will only exchange my X10 for a Droid X or dell Streak.
Droid X becuase it has similar specs (camera and bigger screen) and good firmware support. Dell Streak for the screen size and possibly 2.2 very soon.
But love my X10 for its camera, screen, Mediascape, Dialler, TrackID and lack of firmware update. You just cant beat that.
proatiku said:
I will only exchange my X10 for a Droid X or dell Streak.
Droid X becuase it has similar specs (camera and bigger screen) and good firmware support. Dell Streak for the screen size and possibly 2.2 very soon.
But love my X10 for its camera, screen, Mediascape, Dialler, TrackID and lack of firmware update. You just cant beat that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks yes that was the other one I was thinking about just couldn't remember. The Droid X looks very nice, not big on the hardware keyboard but the rest of the specs look wicked and the looks itself I don't mind king of industrial. But I don't see that they have one for Rogers 3G bands (same as AT&T) It would be right on the top of my list if they have one that will work Rogers. Streak it very nice but getting into tablet size IMO.
I would buy it again.
I can overlook the 2.1 delay and no 2.2 in the near future.
I'm enjoying my first taste of Android.
The media capabilities are nice, video & audio are clear and smooth.
The processor is extremely quick.
I like the large screen.
I don't need a hardware keyboard.
It is less practical than winmo, but more entertainment oriented.
The camera is excellent.
I think you should wait a couple weeks and see what happens with flashing CM6 on the X10, if things go well then I'd go for another one for sure, otherwise choose something else.
Having said that, if you can't wait an additional few months lol, buy the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S Captivate...geeze mouthful or HTC Desire (which Telus will have in stock real soon and I think will work on Rogers 3G??) still imho one of, if not THE best phones on the market. And come October/November there will be even more great choices on the market...patience is a virtue
augie7107 said:
I would buy it again.
I can overlook the 2.1 delay and no 2.2 in the near future.
I'm enjoying my first taste of Android.
The media capabilities are nice, video & audio are clear and smooth.
The processor is extremely quick.
I like the large screen.
I don't need a hardware keyboard.
It is less practical than winmo, but more entertainment oriented.
The camera is excellent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly the same sentiments as me. I just wanted an android phone and my carrier only offered X10 at a discounted rate. But I am extremely pleased. Plus it makes my blackberry friends jealous since they try to talk crap about my phone to make themselves feel better.
I would yes, as it's a beautiful piece of equipment, and will happily sit out the wait for 2.1, and who knows, maybe sometime later the devs on here will get 2.2 on it.
4 months ago... yes
today no... i would wait for September or even Christmas.
Yes.....after de-applefying myself from my old Iphone, i love this new bit of Kit. Sure ths OS isnt current and the battery is a little needy. But the hardware/software relationship is great and the device its self is fantastic.
I love my X10
Rooted already, tethering done, since root my batter goes x2 time , great thanks to xda people.
Screen is so great.
Well a lot of things, maybe the Froyo not support is the only thing I miss here, but I'm patient about it
As far as I'm concerned its the best android phone out there, I've tried the nexus one, milestone and the HTC legend and the x10 was the best when it came to reception and battery life. I just wish it came with 2.1 at the very least. I'm on my 3rd x10 btw, I keep going back to it
Thanks for all the opinions guys. Yeah I'm a fan since I bought it that's why it's hard to figure if I want another one or try out the latest and greatest.
Not new to Android I've had a Magic since the day they came to Canada I love to OS no selling me on that. Battery is a none issue I charge every night regardless, had to do it with my Magic as well. (heavy user)
So far I think the only one that looks to be able to grab my attention from the X10 would be the Droid X if I can find one that uses Rogers 3G bands.
tuxStyle said:
4 months ago... yes
today no... i would wait for September or even Christmas.
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I can't seem to find anything up and coming that would make me wait. Any info on what you think would be worth the wait. I'm not in a huge hurry, but now that I've used the X10 it's hard to use the little Magic again.
I just did as I moved from T-mobile to AT&T. Had X10i in white for a long while now and then purchase X10a in Black. I didn't like the Black X10 as much as the white one. So, purchased a White X10a. Yesterday, I went to AT&T store and played with Samsung Captivate and have to tell you I like my X10a even more. SE came up with a design that can't be beaten for a long while. I wonder how much better can SE do with their X10 upgrade.
Some things they can do to make X10 upgrade even more sexy:
1. Little sleeker or keep same size but fit in bigger and better battery.
2. Sony Ericsson logo on top or Xperia logo at bottom to act like Notification light (battery drainer?)
3. 4 buttons
4. A Glossy Premium Carbon metal body (like Z series Vaio) for the front side.
absolutely i never buy sonyericsson device one more time!
i have just not really happy with T68 (some years ago..) and p900i.
i try SE X10 for the top class hw feature, but i have to admit that this "phone" is not very usefull for me.
battery life is a huge problem.
the touchscreen some time is not responding fine.
the sound quality and volume level is not sufficient (i have Nokia N95-1, is tremendous louder compared to x10 !!) , that's absolutely NOT acceptable from a brand wich contain the word "sony" on his brandname.
plus, the lag of the official software development on this phone.
if this is the top-class device from SE, it must deserve a top-class development , i think
sorry for too many words, but i'm really disappointed with this phone.
I Would yes,
I love the phone , i love the design , x10 feels like a classy phone with very elegant design.
I am very satisfied with the latest updates , my battery life holds more than enough.
And i love the freaking screen !!!
I cant wait to run 2.1
Cheers
So the GS2 has been getting fantastic reviews and the specs are just monstorous! It pretty much kills anything on the market right now, how do you feel about this? Will the Arc be outdated quicky? These phones move WAY to fast for me...its not even funny...you buy a phone and theres already one that makes you feel inferior...
solidkevin said:
So the GS2 has been getting fantastic reviews and the specs are just monstorous! It pretty much kills anything on the market right now, how do you feel about this? Will the Arc be outdated quicky? These phones move WAY to fast for me...its not even funny...you buy a phone and theres already one that makes you feel inferior...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I think the GS2 has better technical specs than the SE, I think the overall design of the Arc is much more unique than that of the GS2. I also find that the Sammys tend to be more plasticy (if that is a word). Additionally, I don't think apps (and the OS) have been optimized for the dual core processor in the GS2.
What the GS2 has going for it, is a front facing camera (which should have in the Arc too) and an unlocked bootloader! Those two might tempt me to pick up a GS2 to play around with.
You should have waited for S2 instead of buying Arc What specifications S2 was going to have, was published on every mobile site since S2 was announced
I do think always to buy things per my own need not to what is the highest. I did care for design and decent performance. ARC was and is the solution for me. Does S2 devalue my arc? no! This is not a good example but I will try
You are driving an Audi RS4 and then Nissan GTR comes out with a performance car, do I care? no because I love my RS4 very much(BTW I don't have a RS4)
Nimche said:
I do think always to buy things per my own need not to what is the highest. I did care for design and decent performance. ARC was and is the solution for me. Does S2 devalue my arc? no! This is not a good example but I will try
You are driving an Audi RS4 and then Nissan GTR comes out with a performance car, do I care? no because I love my RS4 very much(BTW I don't have a RS4)
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Click to collapse
+1 well said..
SGS II is also ~150 USD more expensive than the Arc.
With the rapid growth of GPU and CPU for mobile, IMHO, spending your every pennies to get the top line of these hardwares every couple months is not worth it. It will get depreciated very quickly. And all the values left would be:
1. design and built quality
2. battery life
3. functionalities
Arc's beautiful design and 8MP camera + exmor r, however, will stay on top of the line for quite a while
(1) The Galaxy S2 is Fugly
(2) "Samsung" and "quality" are two words that wont be used in the same sentence.
I don't think the Arc is in anyway now going to be forgotten about.
I was initially going to wait on the S2, but it was going to cost me about £150 on the plan I'm on, where as the Arc was free. Not really bothered about the dual core CPU as it runs more than fast enough as it is. Front facing camera I don't care about as I'm never going to use it (don't think many iphone users do either as it only works on wifi). The feel and quality of the S2 is way way way below that of the Arc too.
So still well happy with my choice.
Dazza
solidkevin said:
So the GS2 has been getting fantastic reviews and the specs are just monstorous! It pretty much kills anything on the market right now, how do you feel about this? Will the Arc be outdated quicky? These phones move WAY to fast for me...its not even funny...you buy a phone and theres already one that makes you feel inferior...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just purchase Arc from Japan knowing it's long been outdated. Even several months old Atrix's has killer specs compared to Arc. I still went for Arc mainly because of it's styling.
I want to wait for GS2 but the styling doesn't appeal to me and not having LED notification kind of killed my desire for it.
With Android handsets, by the time the phone you desire hits the market, there is another killer one coming in a month. It's hard to keep waiting. But, I will move to GS2 if it looks better outside than it is in pictures. But, I doubt Samsung can make anything as attractive as SE phones . Just the SAMSUNG logo kills it for me
mtechfan said:
(2) "Samsung" and "quality" are two words that wont be used in the same sentence.
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Click to collapse
Could not agree more!!! Well said!
LOL I agree, it has monster specs but it is FUGLY! Arc and IP4 are MUCH better looking..
SGS2 is definately amazing phone specs wise. There's no denying that. I was going to get SGS2, but got Arc instead. I just wanted to get rid of my iPhone.
Arc looks amazing, works very well and is fast. SGS2 is faster and has better screen, but Arc actually does everything I need currently. I think Arc is enough for me the next 2 years. There will always be new stuff coming, but there is no real need to change every 6 months.
SGS2 will probably be the king until SGS3. But it doesn't make my Arc bad. Actually my Arc is excellent
A phone with better specs than the Arc has been released, so what?
It was bound to happen at some point.
What I really don't like about the galaxy phones is how they look and feel like previous versions of the iPhone. Seriously, the tipping point for getting the arc over the other phones is its unique style. Do you trade off specs and performance for style? Not really. But I don't see the need to pay extra when I can get something that I want and that pretty much caters to what I need.
If you want to be future-proof, get the SGS2 - it might be the HTC Desire of dual-cores with its potential long life. Give it a couple months more and a few more dual-core phones will come out. Will you be wanting every new phone with better specs?
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
mtechfan said:
(1) The Galaxy S2 is Fugly
(2) "Samsung" and "quality" are two words that wont be used in the same sentence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on that
I think you guys are stuck with arc. And couldn't afford sgs2 so why bashing it? And quality on sgs2 is way better than arc. Only thing arc has is camera and Hdmi 2.3 and slim other than that same as x10. I don't see how and why people bought the arc
the_slasher said:
+1 on that
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Click to collapse
I could afford to be choosy when opting for a phone I liked the arc so got the arc you can to through life upgrading everything tvs pcs cars houses phones but there is always something bigger and better round the corner so just enjoy what you have
Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk
well, i was on the fence between both phones but ended up with the arc, its just an awesome phone, super fast, even in the browser, which i was surprised.
the x10 was trash, but now that sony is giving it 2.3 it makes use of all of its hardware. so its actually a pretty good phone now. the arc of course is way better.
dual-core wouldnt really be as future proof as people are making it out to be....unless ofcourse your idea of future proof is about 6ish months long till the next big thing comes out....and didnt nvidia already map out quad-cores? which means the wait for 2.5+ would be needed since 2.4 will take advantage of the dual-cores.
coming from an atrix, the only real noticable difference in speed comes when you open certain apps, and even then...the difference is by about...1, maybe 2 seconds? so until android can utilize dual-cores, a single core phone done right is fantastic.
*personal preference here*i love sony's screen for movies and pics vs Samoled. cant comment on Samoled plus but the over-saturation and fake colours on the galaxy S phones drove me nuts :/
so those are some of my reasons for getting the arc over the Gs2.
the_slasher said:
+1 on that
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Click to collapse
+1 on this.. lol..!!
Doesn't look like double cores have any real advantage right now, something really better for the user. Unless you're counting any second after app launching.
It's definitely the future but I wouldn't pee in my pants because of that right now.
SGSII is probably awesome. However has inferior design, inferior UI (for me of course) plus the fear of quality. And Samsung software doesn't seem polished ever. SGSI had issues AFAIK and just look at their WP7 problems story.
I had an Xperia S for a week. And I hated it. So I got my arc S back and I couldn't be happier.
If you're ever tempted by an Xperia S - don't do it. It's just not good enough.
Why?it is faster,and screen is much better.
Sent from my LT15i using xda app-developers app
I tried xperia s and find it heavier, worse picture quality, worse design and i missed the physical buttons. So i stick with arc S, still my fovorite so far.
I felt the build quality was poorer than the arc. Wasn't as big a step forward as is claimed, tbh.
isnt the dual core do nothing for it??
I was all for getting one, until I had one in the hand, two big for my liking. I really want my next Phone to be Sony, but if they continue the trend of creating bricks like most manufactures seem to be doing these days then I'll stick with my S.E and I might just upgrade to the Arc S.
I don't want a mini tablet as a Phone.
Wait for the GX guys, it's true Arc successor.
I'm waiting for SX to replace my Ray
I think 4-4,3 inch is the limit for the smartphone. Everything above is... tablet. Arc S is good enough for me.
I think the bigger a phone the better, I thought the xperia s looked good in the pictures but when held it irl it feels fat and the bezel looks really thick (big turnoff). But I'd still go for performance over design.
Sent from my Arc S with JJ's ROM installed + stock kernel.
What I didn't like:
Soft buttons are terrible - often takes 2 or 3 taps for then to work. Very frustrating.
Terrible battery life on the latest ICS F/W.
Heavy and uncomfortable to hold for long.
Bravia engine doesn't work on latest ICS F/W.
Power Saver app completely useless.
Sony UK refusing to repair screen tint issues if you've unlocked the bootloader.
Occasional hang when using the Quick Launch camera button.
Fonts too small for me - and using Large option only works in some apps and is ignored by Timescape, etc.
The flap on the USB port won't last long.
Stupid menu design for the launcher.
Widget picker takes 5 seconds to appear.
This phone looks great on paper but feels half-finished to me. I can see why the reviews were so lacklustre now.
So I'm back using my arc S which I will keep until I've saved up for a Galaxy Nexus. Sony have done a poor job of ICS and I they no longer have my trust. Why can't they produce a couple of excellent devices instead of releasing mediocre phones every few months? The mind boggles.
I did like the new Walkman app though - by far the best music player I've used on Android.
I find it ridiculous when people say " the bigger the phone, the better." Perhaps ego issues to compensate for something else ? Lol
Seriously, it is silly to put a tablet sized phone next to your eat. Just don't, please, for the love of god.
Sent from my LT18i using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the review guys as my x10 is up for upgrade in 2-3 months time and was naturally thinking of this, I am a se fanboy.
Not 100% sure what to do as I have arc already.
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium
zolaisugly said:
Not 100% sure what to do as I have arc already.
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Click to collapse
I'd hang fire, I've got 8 months left on my contract so I've got plenty of time to see what Sony can come up with in the future. I was going to sell my Arc the other week and get a Ray as I was wanting something smaller but after some thought decided to stick with the Arc in the end. There's nothing that I really like when I look at line up on GSMArena, maybe the Arco S but I'd have to hold it before deciding.
rec71 said:
What I didn't like:
....
.
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Click to collapse
Soft buttons ARE terrible, even calendar launcher(lower left corner) interrupts with user interaction.
a mid range / mid end device doing a very nice job. even hdmi output is surprisingly smooth.
well, fairly spoken I had no expectations with ics, even sony's official website claims that, I never understood that, why some people got confused with "improved" performance and "speedy" UI, they both are different things.
I disagree.
For its price... Arc/Arc S was a loot when it was launched.
I now own both an Arc and an Xperia S. No doubt arc is the best designed fone any manufacturer ever made, but it is way too short on horsepower. Even on gingerbread, the contacts app lags if you cross over 500 contacts. So does the messaging app.
Arc users keep dwindling and shifting around custom ROMS trying to find the perfect one. And we all know after a few days of use and installing chunk loads of apps, the fone just struggles to keep up as a BASIC PHONE (it runs applications well though).
Arc is indeed a great fashion statement but as a basic phone, even my dads ZTE Blade delivers better.
Xperia S is thicker but works like a charm! Wish it's speaker was as loud as arc though
romiltherock said:
I disagree.
For its price... Arc/Arc S was a loot when it was launched.
I now own both an Arc and an Xperia S. No doubt arc is the best designed fone any manufacturer ever made, but it is way too short on horsepower. Even on gingerbread, the contacts app lags if you cross over 500 contacts. So does the messaging app.
Arc users keep dwindling and shifting around custom ROMS trying to find the perfect one. And we all know after a few days of use and installing chunk loads of apps, the fone just struggles to keep up as a BASIC PHONE (it runs applications well though).
Arc is indeed a great fashion statement but as a basic phone, even my dads ZTE Blade delivers better.
Xperia S is thicker but works like a charm! Wish it's speaker was as loud as arc though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% true. When I first booted JJHybrid 3.2 it was a rocket comparing to stock ICS. Now with few apps instaled (<30), everything lags, even keyboard, which should be one of the main things in phone. Looks like, arc S in my last Sony phone.....from now on I am 85% sure, my next phone will be Galaxy Nexus.
Sent from my LT18i using Tapatalk 2
rec71 said:
I did like the new Walkman app though - by far the best music player I've used on Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You haven't used Poweramp with the ICS skin, have you?
Traviizter said:
You haven't used Poweramp with the ICS skin, have you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't looked at PowerAmp for about 6 months. I didn't like it much though but will take another look.
It's much better than any other music app I've found.
Sent from my Xperia Pro
Traviizter said:
It's much better than any other music app I've found.
how about mort player?
remember most android users are free bee :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...because I just bought a white Xperia arc S on eBay as I miss my old one so much.
The question is whether I'll keep my new Nexus 4 or not as if I'm completely honest I'm not that happy with it. The camera is rubbish, I have serious WiFi issues ... but my biggest concern is the glass back - I dropped my old arc S about half a dozen times and it suffered no damage whatsoever but if I drop my N4 it's going to smash. Yes, I could get a case for it but it's already huge - too big really. I bought the official bumper but my headphones won't fit when it's on and it makes it almost impossible to use one-handed.
I must be mad right? But I think this rush to larger screens on high-end phones is a mistake. Nearly all the rumoured high-end 2013 Android devices are going to have a 5" 1080p screen which is just too big. I was tempted to try the Acer S500 but Acer have a terrible reputation for crappy hardware and poor support. I saw a mint condition arc S on eBay last night and just couldn't resist it.
Maybe I'll keep both and use the arc S for messing with ROMs, etc.
And do know something else that bugs me - people in this arc forum are generally helpful and polite, treating "noobs" with respect. Over in the N4 forum it is completely different - God help you if you ask something they deem a "stupid" question as they'll rip you to pieces. Very sad.
Despite Sony not coming through with JB, despite housing cracks, despite poor ICS performance, low memory, low storage space, I still think the arc S is a GREAT phone. The design is second-to-none, you can swap the battery, you can use an SD card, you can listen to FM radio, the screen is excellent and the camera compared to the N4 is in a different league. Plus I got myself a Nexus 7 back in the summer so my smartphone needs have changed somewhat - gaming for example is something I only do on the N7 now.
So there you have it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side!
Honesty can't get any better than this.
I'm feeling the same way about my arc S, believe me. I have a feeling that I will use it as long as possible, and even after I get another phone, I doubt, very much, that I will ever sell this one.
This beauty is not yet matched, and I doubt it will be matched any time soon.
You know, I have this friend of mine, not very tech educated, but he likes to spend money on new tech gadgets, because he can.
Up untill few days ago, he was having HTC Evo 3D, and he always played with my phone, telling that it's the most beautiful phone he ever saw. Now he bought iPhone 4S to "test it a little bit", and he still plays with my phone every time we go out on coffee. He is looking arc S from every angle like for dozens of times, and keeps repeating that it's the most beautiful phone ever designed.
He never opted to buy it because then it wouldn't be "status symbol" he is carying around, but it's enough for me to see with what desire he is looking at my phone.
And he is not the only one. My other friends, using other phones/brands, share the same opinion about arc S.
It is repeated for thousands of times already, that build quality could be better (and it could, indeed), but design is yet to be matched. And judging by actual trends in smartphone designs (Sony included), like creating lifeless boring plates, I doub't that any time soon we will see an original and sexy design like with Xperia arc/S.
And, congratulations on your new white arc S. :good:
mr_torture said:
Honesty can't get any better than this.
And, congratulations on your new white arc S. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
And if I had of posted something like this on the N4 forum it would already be full of insulting replies.
rec71 said:
...because I just bought a white Xperia arc S on eBay as I miss my old one so much.
Despite Sony not coming through with JB, despite housing cracks, despite poor ICS performance, low memory, low storage space, I still think the arc S is a GREAT phone. The design is second-to-none, you can swap the battery, you can use an SD card, you can listen to FM radio, the screen is excellent and the camera compared to the N4 is in a different league. Plus I got myself a Nexus 7 back in the summer so my smartphone needs have changed somewhat - gaming for example is something I only do on the N7 now for example.
So there you have it. The grass isn't always greener on the other side!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have my original arc, which is getting on for two years old now (housing replaced under warranty) and as like yourself was going to upgrade to the N4, but reading this had made me think twice about it. I also bought a nexus 7 back in July which covers most of my needs gaming, movies, skygo etc.
Cheers for posting your thoughts, it sounds like we have similar tastes in gadgets, so i think for now my arc shall suffice. Maybe a reduction in my line rental is the way to go.
rec71 said:
But I think this rush to larger screens on high-end phones is a mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I just don't get it, bigger Phones are a step backwards imo and everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon. I sold my Arc to buy a Ray because it does everything I required from my Arc but I just craved the compactness as the even the Arc was just a little too big in the pocket and it's like going from my old Nokia 3210 to an 8210. My actual upgrade isn't due until April but with Sony's current line up of Phones I'm struggling to decide what I might upgrade to as they're all just too big or too ugly for my liking.
Something between the Ray and the Arc (the two most beautiful devices I have ever owned) with the same kind of sleek design as both would be right up my street. The novelty factor of just how beautiful the Ray is hasn't worn off as I still do what mr tortures friend does and pick it up just to admire it lol.
From usability point, when holding with one hand and using it, going above 4.2 inch is nonsense.
I loaded mine with almost 2GB (a2sd on stock kernel with disabled zram) and still happily running.
Kind Regards, vr.
PS: Since this is your second come back, you have to stay at least entire next year?!
vr5411 said:
PS: Since this is your second come back, you have to stay at least entire next year?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! I promise. I'm actually going to try stock (rooted though) GB for a bit.
For those that don't know I used an Xperia S for a while earlier this year (wife kindly swapped for my arc S) and I bid this forum goodbye. And I hated it. My wife has it back now. The camera is good but those horrible soft buttons... what were Sony thinking? lol.
I have to say it again - the community around here is superb.
XperienceD said:
+1 I just don't get it, bigger Phones are a step backwards imo and everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon. I sold my Arc to buy a Ray because it does everything I required from my Arc but I just craved the compactness as the even the Arc was just a little too big in the pocket and it's like going from my old Nokia 3210 to an 8210. My actual upgrade isn't due until April but with Sony's current line up of Phones I'm struggling to decide what I might upgrade to as they're all just too big or too ugly for my liking.
Something between the Ray and the Arc (the two most beautiful devices I have ever owned) with the same kind of sleek design as both would be right up my street. The novelty factor of just how beautiful the Ray is hasn't worn off as I still do what mr tortures friend does and pick it up just to admire it lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony Xperia V perhaps?
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/phones/xperia-v/
The V isn't available in the UK
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Same here, i switch to a xperia ion recently but still find myself preferring my good old arc s. Hope the upcoming update can finally fix the bad lag on arc s wif ICS
Sent from my LT18i using xda app-developers app
Man Im loving my N4 but I still miss my gorgeous white arc s, I gave it to my gf so I can use it whenever I want, but the N4 rocks
I also think that the arc s is a great phone but the n4 is better no matter how much we love the arc s, I wish sony make the arc again with 4 cores and the exactly same desing maybe name it xperia arc X... It will be great
Enviado desde mi
usando Tapatalk 2
I too was thinking on getting N4 but for what? Do I really need a faster phone? (I'm on KXP JB and it flies) I don't even use it on full capacity so why getting a new phone? I love my Arc S and I'll keep it for at least another year!
Sent from my Xperia Arc using Tapatalk 2
It arrived this morning and as promised by the seller it is in MINT condition. Not a single blemish or scratch and the white case ... omg ... it is so much nicer than the midnight blue one I had before.
So happy.
Next step is to sell my N4 before I tell my wife. I hate selling on eBay so I need to check the XDA rules on selling I guess. I don't want to make any money so perhaps I should just post something over in the N4 forum and ask people to PM me? Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?
I think new XDA rules is not allowed to sell buddy they removed marketplace section aswell. But maybe if you do it privately with someone on here who has good reputation with many thanks itll be safe. Make sure you do PM
Anyone tried new 4.2.1 ROM feels so smooth. Not sure which is better that or beautiful ICS
Last week I went to a mobile store to sell my Arc S...But when he was ready to take it I just backed off..I couldnt sell it at all! It was really emotional situation. Hence I have decided to never my Arc S..Its the best phone ever...its like a girlfriend man...smart..sexy..kinda slow(lazy)..delicate..
Same here. Bought myself an HTC one x seeing as I've had this phone since last May, but I don't want to stop using my arc. It's pretty gubbed and has no sound and weak WiFi due to a couple of facia replacements going wrong, but I just can't put it in the drawer. My Mrs said I should recycle it but that would be sacrilege(in my eyes anyway), so now I'm tinkering with 2 phones. Possibly grounds for divorce...
sinkster said:
It's pretty gubbed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gubbed? Brilliant. I have a few mates up in your neck of the woods (Cumbernauld) but have never heard that one before!
I had an iPhone 3G up until 11 months ago, decided I needed a new phone, I tend to keep phones for 3 years, so coming up to a year now, the only thing that annoys me is phones have changed quite a bit in specifications, And its easy to trick myself into needing a new phone. But I love my white Arc S, and it's capable of all day to day needs, I don't play many games because they do my head in with the touch screen, trying to make console-like games... Anyway. Running Xperia Ultimate HD 2.0.2 Rom, it's ICS based and really nice and fast, probably the best ICS Rom, and will keep the phone running smooth for ages.
Keep us updated with what you do with it. (basically use the forum
Sent from my LT18i using xda app-developers app
I just loaded it up with MP3s (via a 32GB microSD card) and wow, I'd forgotten how good the audio quality was ... really excellent. The N4 is pretty good too but the volume is weak and the arc packs a lot more bass. I just tried the same tracks on both phones with my semi-decent Sennheiser headphones and the arc definitely sounds better to my middle-aged ears.
I've flashed GB for a giggle. I don't think I'll last long though and I'll probably flash the upcoming 4.1.B.1.13 release as soon as it's available.
I still haven't told my wife. ha ha ha.
rec71 said:
I just loaded it up with MP3s (via a 32GB microSD card) and wow, I'd forgotten how good the audio quality was ... really excellent. The N4 is pretty good too but the volume is weak and the arc packs a lot more bass. I just tried the same tracks on both phones with my semi-decent Sennheiser headphones and the arc definitely sounds better to my middle-aged ears.
I've flashed GB for a giggle. I don't think I'll last long though and I'll probably flash the upcoming 4.1.B.1.13 release as soon as it's available.
I still haven't told my wife. ha ha ha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man this is a must-have mod for the Nexus 4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025486
Try it
I can't sell my arc s too, is like selling a son
*the arc s was silver, now is white
So after 6 months with the Z1 I left it for and S5. Well actually my girlfriend dropped her nexus 5 in the sink and it didn't make. After playing with all the new phones I settled on the the S5. So far I do really like it but I still hate touchwiz as much as I did on my Note 2. This time they really screwed up the settings menu and it's just so hard to look at.
The things I like about the S5
screen is much nicer
fits better in my hand and is more comfortable to hold
heart rate monitor lol joking useless to me
I like having my menu buttons built into the phone so there is less space used on the screen although 4.4 help sony in this regard
removable battery
wireless charging
I have an unlockable bootloader ( my fault for buying the Z1 from a carrier)
Thing I miss from the Z!
Metal and glass construction
I found the camera to be slightly better than the S5
Camera button
walkman app ( I really liked that app)
Sony's skin is much less intrusive
Performance comparison
To tell you the truth despite the S5 having a newer processor I found the Z1 to have a little less hiccups and I'm sure touchwiz is to blame here.
My recommendation for switching if your thinking about it. Unless you really find the Z1's screen that bad I would stick with the Z1. I am happy with my S5 and overall I do like a little more than my Z1 but really its new so I'm not sure if I'm still in the honeymoon phase.
Any questions feel free to ask
Glad you found a phone you can like more,,
And from my experience playing around with my cousin's S5, i found all the same things you dont like from S5...
Freaking weird setting menu, slightly worse camera (faster focus, yes -- slightly, but stuttering UI and slower shutter), UI hiccups, and the 'isthisthingevenworking' heart rate monitor
I do found the screen to be really gorgeous, but to my hands, both Z1 and S5 are comfy in my grip.. Probably because i have big hands
I also tried to remove the back cover and sure it reminds me of Xperia ZR, but with thinner and smaller rubber shields which worries me
ほなみー
---------- Post added at 06:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 AM ----------
Image samples...
Galaxy S5
http://imgur.com/7wLRWWG
Taken in 16mp 4:3
My Z1
http://imgur.com/1443mpB
Taken in 20mp 4:3
As you can see, S5 seems to have bigger focal length than Z1.. It shows from how much Z1 captures a bit more than S5 since those were taken from the same spot
ほなみー
zegun said:
Glad you found a phone you can like more,,
And from my experience playing around with my cousin's S5, i found all the same things you dont like from S5...
Freaking weird setting menu, slightly worse camera (faster focus, yes -- slightly, but stuttering UI and slower shutter), UI hiccups, and the 'isthisthingevenworking' heart rate monitor
I do found the screen to be really gorgeous, but to my hands, both Z1 and S5 are comfy in my grip.. Probably because i have big hands
I also tried to remove the back cover and sure it reminds me of Xperia ZR, but with thinner and smaller rubber shields which worries me
ほなみー
---------- Post added at 06:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 AM ----------
Image samples...
Galaxy S5
http://imgur.com/7wLRWWG
Taken in 16mp 4:3
My Z1
http://imgur.com/1443mpB
Taken in 20mp 4:3
As you can see, S5 seems to have bigger focal length than Z1.. It shows from how much Z1 captures a bit more than S5 since those were taken from the same spot
ほなみー
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so is it worth getting s5 ??
I would say no, unless you hate your screen on the z1 which I didn't find that bad
Sent from my SM-G900W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Bleh s5 should probably get play edition as soon as they figure out how to implement the heart rate monitor or the fingerprint scan, because look at the z ultra play edition, it has x reality in the settings lol
LaosPerson said:
Bleh s5 should probably get play edition as soon as they figure out how to implement the heart rate monitor or the fingerprint scan, because look at the z ultra play edition, it has x reality in the settings lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I could care less about either one of those features my GF is a nurse I'll get her to check my pulse lol, the fingerprint scanner has been flaky in my experience doesn't work good one handed which is useless to me. Only thing is the S5 has a knox on it and a counter so you trip it in you flash custom recovery rumor has it that voids your warranty but on the upside there will be a way more active development community for the S5.
bodson66 said:
Honestly I could care less about either one of those features my GF is a nurse I'll get her to check my pulse lol, the fingerprint scanner has been flaky in my experience doesn't work good one handed which is useless to me. Only thing is the S5 has a knox on it and a counter so you trip it in you flash custom recovery rumor has it that voids your warranty but on the upside there will be a way more active development community for the S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The note 3 looked kinda dead lol, but for tmobile might be completely different since the bootloader is unlocked, but knox still gets in the way
But interesting that the s5 should have more devolpment
LaosPerson said:
The note 3 looked kinda dead lol, but for tmobile might be completely different since the bootloader is unlocked, but knox still gets in the way
But interesting that the s5 should have more devolpment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I'm not sure about american carriers but I think only Verizon locks the bootloader not sure though, either way it seems like it is getting harder and harder to flash roms and do what you like with these new phones. I really wanted the oppo find 7 but it was on back order and needed a phone
bodson66 said:
So after 6 months with the Z1 I left it for and S5. Well actually my girlfriend dropped her nexus 5 in the sink and it didn't make. After playing with all the new phones I settled on the the S5. So far I do really like it but I still hate touchwiz as much as I did on my Note 2. This time they really screwed up the settings menu and it's just so hard to look at.
The things I like about the S5
screen is much nicer
fits better in my hand and is more comfortable to hold
heart rate monitor lol joking useless to me
I like having my menu buttons built into the phone so there is less space used on the screen although 4.4 help sony in this regard
removable battery
wireless charging
I have an unlockable bootloader ( my fault for buying the Z1 from a carrier)
Thing I miss from the Z!
Metal and glass construction
I found the camera to be slightly better than the S5
Camera button
walkman app ( I really liked that app)
Sony's skin is much less intrusive
Performance comparison
To tell you the truth despite the S5 having a newer processor I found the Z1 to have a little less hiccups and I'm sure touchwiz is to blame here.
My recommendation for switching if your thinking about it. Unless you really find the Z1's screen that bad I would stick with the Z1. I am happy with my S5 and overall I do like a little more than my Z1 but really its new so I'm not sure if I'm still in the honeymoon phase.
Any questions feel free to ask
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Traitor just kidding
I had the s4 and it was good but I hated the buttons... Really liked the fast settings in the statusbar though..
Does their screens still have the pink tint issue?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
HellRoot said:
Traitor just kidding
I had the s4 and it was good but I hated the buttons... Really liked the fast settings in the statusbar though..
Does their screens still have the pink tint issue?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All my friends have Samsung and they have alot more Problems then i have with Lags, UI Hiccups and more. For me Sony is the best, i had iPhone, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and alot of Phones but since my X10 i only had Sony becouse i hate the Samsung UI and i like Sonys UI alot more then AOSP. The good thing about Sony is the Quality of the Production and the simple but nice UI, good Camera and for me the Sony Phones look alot better then Samsung. I dropped my Xperia P alot and even once when it fall down the Stairs i thought it was completly broke becouse it was more then 2 meters but had not even damaged Display, 3 of my Friends dropped their S4 from not even 1 meter and Display is broke. Another reason is i dont like Mainstream Phones that everyone has like Samsung or iPhone haha
Wolfbreak said:
All my friends have Samsung and they have alot more Problems then i have with Lags, UI Hiccups and more. For me Sony is the best, i had iPhone, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and alot of Phones but since my X10 i only had Sony becouse i hate the Samsung UI and i like Sonys UI alot more then AOSP. The good thing about Sony is the Quality of the Production and the simple but nice UI, good Camera and for me the Sony Phones look alot better then Samsung. I dropped my Xperia P alot and even once when it fall down the Stairs i thought it was completly broke becouse it was more then 2 meters but had not even damaged Display, 3 of my Friends dropped their S4 from not even 1 meter and Display is broke. Another reason is i dont like Mainstream Phones that everyone has like Samsung or iPhone haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung's UI is very ugly Nova launcher helps a bit but it is heavy and is the main cause of lag for sure. As for build quality my Xperia ZL broke after a month (mic died) then replacement lasted 2 month before the usb port broke. My xperia Z after two months of use the back glue came undone from the heat the phone produced. My Z1 has been great no complaints. They all have issues but I had less problem with my samsung devices then I did Sony just my experience. No doubt the Sony looks nicer though, and I agree I first went from samsung to sony because I wanted something everyone didn't have.
Thanks for sharing your exp. with us mate.
To be honest i cant find more attractive than Z1 for now , performance wise i am happy with it and i am loving the camera specially with i hackers mod , one question how is the build quality generally ? because i owned Note2 and the build quality was terrible.
Cheers
Vatis
vatis24 said:
Thanks for sharing your exp. with us mate.
To be honest i cant find more attractive than Z1 for now , performance wise i am happy with it and i am loving the camera specially with i hackers mod , one question how is the build quality generally ? because i owned Note2 and the build quality was terrible.
Cheers
Vatis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The quality is the best Samsung has put together, everything feel tight ans I do like the textured back, but the Sony has more heft and I wish Samsung would have at least make the frame aluminum.
I the S4 and a tab 3 10.1, a combo that put me off Samsung for good
So i dont have a good opinion about the S5
Sent from my C6906 using Tapatalk
negrobembon said:
I the S4 and a tab 3 10.1, a combo that put me off Samsung for good
So i dont have a good opinion about the S5
Sent from my C6906 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung seems to be focusing on to many gimmicks rather than improving what people want most. I have yet to try a samsung tablet that I like. I work in I.T and we have never had great success with samsung tablets. As an android fan it hurt me to suggest Ipads for my company but they just worked better for what we needed. I have a Nexus 7 that I do really like. We do have a BYOD program at work and samsung's don't cause much problem but neither do most newer androids, but the fragmentation due to slow updates does cause us some headaches. Blackberries have been the worst since BB10 though.
best phone they did was the SG2 game changer.
Sticking to my z1 should last a few years and still be a good phone.
juDGEY2k10 said:
best phone they did was the SG2 game changer.
Sticking to my z1 should last a few years and still be a good phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that and the note 1 I had the galaxy s then s2 and then note 1, I wish they would pool together their resources and start making some deadly exynos chips again
Before owning a Z1 I had a Xperia X10 Mini Pro and a Galaxy S4. When I decided to upgrade my old X10 Mini Pro I started to search for the best device available in the moment, I had 3 options back then, which were Xperia Z, HTC One and Galaxy S4. After reading a lot, I decided to change from Sony to other device, and many people started to pressure me to get S4 because it was Samsung. In the end I got the S4, which was an amazing device indeed, very powerful and had an amazing screen.
Back in January, my S4 broke (apparently bootloader problem ) and Samsung refused to fix it (I never asked to do the repair free of charge, actually I said I'd pay, but they still didn't want to fix it)! So, I'm staying away from Samsung after this. And when you have such a powerful device you don't want to downgrade anymore, so I started to search for a great device that would be good for me. I was between Nexus 5 and Z1, personally I'm not a big fan of LG, and the point that I already had a 32GB Sdcard from my S4 made me go for Sony again, if I have to change a device it'll surely be Sony again lol.
Now to the true comparison between S4 and Z1 (I never used a S5 before, so I decided to share what's the experience of changing from Samsung to Sony). When it comes to processing power, Z1 simply destroys S4, true, it's not fair comparing a Snapdragon 800 to a 600, but not only the processor is faster, but the OS in Z1 was optimized, so it gives you a better experience, not only Xperia UI is faster, but is way better looking that Touchwiz, which looks too colorful and somewhat "childish" to me (just my personal opinion). It takes me to another point in UI, now comparing Sony, Apple and Samsung... If you look at Apple iOS 7 design, it's all colorful like Touchwiz, personally I'm not a big fan of those colorful "happy/childish" designs, sometime back if you asked me about iOS design (before 7), I'd say it is professional looking, while Touchwiz was focused more on a different aspect. Now, if you ask me the same thing, I'd say that Xperia is the one with professional looking, while the other two are fighting for a younger fanbase probably.
In terms of holding the device, I never had a problem with either, however, I feel using my Xperia with two hands more than I think I did with S4, not that it is a problem though, as most of times I'm using the cellphone with only one hand, but, being a person with 190cm I have very big hands, which probably helps in this. The thing is that Xperia feels more premium due to the glass back, it's also more comfortable to hold feeling it like this.
And talking about the exterior characteristics of the device, there's one thing that's really funny that happens. When I owned a S4, people would look at it and ask: "Is it a S4?", and only after I answered "yes", they'd say "OMG! That's so GREAT!!". Now with Z1, they don't even know the device, they look and say "OMG! It looks amazing!! What device is it?", I never thought the device aesthetics would do much, now I know how it changes the way others will look at your cellphone.
Another thing that I need to say is about the camera and screen. I'm not a professional photographer, actually I took just a few, so the amazing Z1 camera is just a bonus for me, but I think Xperia's camera beat easily Galaxy's camera, specially having a physical button! When changing from X10 Mini Pro to S4 I actually felt a little harder to took more focused pictures without a button . And the screen is hard to compare, both have an amazing screen, but I will give the point for S4 on this one, the viewing angles were way better, however you have a display over saturated in Galaxy, which can be a little annoying, that's why I loved Sony's display .
Also, like said by someone before me, I think Samsung has many useless apps, while Z1 had apps that I actually used or if I didn't use there were just a few anyway. At least, but not last, I like the exclusivity of being a Sony user, as everyone either has an iPhone or a Samsung .
Glad to know that OP liked his new acquisition . Personally Samsung is a no go for me anymore, hope you enjoy your device ^^.
~Lord
XxLordxX said:
Before owning a Z1 I had a Xperia X10 Mini Pro and a Galaxy S4. When I decided to upgrade my old X10 Mini Pro I started to search for the best device available in the moment, I had 3 options back then, which were Xperia Z, HTC One and Galaxy S4. After reading a lot, I decided to change from Sony to other device, and many people started to pressure me to get S4 because it was Samsung. In the end I got the S4, which was an amazing device indeed, very powerful and had an amazing screen.
Back in January, my S4 broke (apparently bootloader problem ) and Samsung refused to fix it (I never asked to do the repair free of charge, actually I said I'd pay, but they still didn't want to fix it)! So, I'm staying away from Samsung after this. And when you have such a powerful device you don't want to downgrade anymore, so I started to search for a great device that would be good for me. I was between Nexus 5 and Z1, personally I'm not a big fan of LG, and the point that I already had a 32GB Sdcard from my S4 made me go for Sony again, if I have to change a device it'll surely be Sony again lol.
Now to the true comparison between S4 and Z1 (I never used a S5 before, so I decided to share what's the experience of changing from Samsung to Sony). When it comes to processing power, Z1 simply destroys S4, true, it's not fair comparing a Snapdragon 800 to a 600, but not only the processor is faster, but the OS in Z1 was optimized, so it gives you a better experience, not only Xperia UI is faster, but is way better looking that Touchwiz, which looks too colorful and somewhat "childish" to me (just my personal opinion). It takes me to another point in UI, now comparing Sony, Apple and Samsung... If you look at Apple iOS 7 design, it's all colorful like Touchwiz, personally I'm not a big fan of those colorful "happy/childish" designs, sometime back if you asked me about iOS design (before 7), I'd say it is professional looking, while Touchwiz was focused more on a different aspect. Now, if you ask me the same thing, I'd say that Xperia is the one with professional looking, while the other two are fighting for a younger fanbase probably.
In terms of holding the device, I never had a problem with either, however, I feel using my Xperia with two hands more than I think I did with S4, not that it is a problem though, as most of times I'm using the cellphone with only one hand, but, being a person with 190cm I have very big hands, which probably helps in this. The thing is that Xperia feels more premium due to the glass back, it's also more comfortable to hold feeling it like this.
And talking about the exterior characteristics of the device, there's one thing that's really funny that happens. When I owned a S4, people would look at it and ask: "Is it a S4?", and only after I answered "yes", they'd say "OMG! That's so GREAT!!". Now with Z1, they don't even know the device, they look and say "OMG! It looks amazing!! What device is it?", I never thought the device aesthetics would do much, now I know how it changes the way others will look at your cellphone.
Another thing that I need to say is about the camera and screen. I'm not a professional photographer, actually I took just a few, so the amazing Z1 camera is just a bonus for me, but I think Xperia's camera beat easily Galaxy's camera, specially having a physical button! When changing from X10 Mini Pro to S4 I actually felt a little harder to took more focused pictures without a button . And the screen is hard to compare, both have an amazing screen, but I will give the point for S4 on this one, the viewing angles were way better, however you have a display over saturated in Galaxy, which can be a little annoying, that's why I loved Sony's display .
Also, like said by someone before me, I think Samsung has many useless apps, while Z1 had apps that I actually used or if I didn't use there were just a few anyway. At least, but not last, I like the exclusivity of being a Sony user, as everyone either has an iPhone or a Samsung .
Glad to know that OP liked his new acquisition . Personally Samsung is a no go for me anymore, hope you enjoy your device ^^.
~Lord
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Just to make clear I do like the S5 a lot but my main point to the thread was to give people an idea of what the next gen was like comparing it to the Z1. I agree with all your points I'm 6'4 so my hands are big and neither devices is that easy to use one handed. Although I do like how samsung puts the back button on the right. Despite sony having some odd hicups with software there skin is way better and way nicer to look at.
The main reason I made this thread was for people to ask some questions and mostly to tell people not get envious of the new phones. My gf has my Z1 now and I still miss it. Performance in benchmarks are better on the S5 but as the saying goes that means nothing. I turned off all the animation on my S5 so the UI would be more fluid and that says a lot about Samsungs UI. Basically the only things that really makes me feel like I improved on is the screen. I am photographer and both cameras are good for the small sensor size but the sony camera app is way better. I use mostly pentax K3 and K2IIs for most my shooting and just bough the Sony A7r and I can tell sony has been really pushing advancement in the full frame camera world. I too like you switched to sony because everyone had a samsung and I wanted something different, If the Z2 was availible here to buy I would have gotten that one
bodson66 said:
Just to make clear I do like the S5 a lot but my main point to the thread was to give people an idea of what the next gen was like comparing it to the Z1. I agree with all your points I'm 6'4 so my hands are big and neither devices is that easy to use one handed. Although I do like how samsung puts the back button on the right. Despite sony having some odd hicups with software there skin is way better and way nicer to look at.
The main reason I made this thread was for people to ask some questions and mostly to tell people not get envious of the new phones. My gf has my Z1 now and I still miss it. Performance in benchmarks are better on the S5 but as the saying goes that means nothing. I turned off all the animation on my S5 so the UI would be more fluid and that says a lot about Samsungs UI. Basically the only things that really makes me feel like I improved on is the screen. I am photographer and both cameras are good for the small sensor size but the sony camera app is way better. I use mostly pentax K3 and K2IIs for most my shooting and just bough the Sony A7r and I can tell sony has been really pushing advancement in the full frame camera world. I too like you switched to sony because everyone had a samsung and I wanted something different, If the Z2 was availible here to buy I would have gotten that one
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Hi,
I get what your thread was, sorry if I went off topic . I saw some people sharing their experiences with other Samsung devices and I felt inspired myself hehe. I didn't intend to rant at Samsung, S5 or anyone, just a personal opinion .
For Sony camera app I completely know what you mean! When I installed a custom ROM on my X10 Mini Pro I really felt the lack of the camera app hahaha! And now Z1 is great for me, reminds me of a Cybershot camera (you know, those small ones).
By the way, I ended up forgetting to ask a question . I saw some pics of S5 and it looked a little bulky, do you feel the difference in it? Also much do you think they've improved from the older devices build? Because personally I didn't like build quality of S4, specially after some time the back started to get scratched, but I did like how the bezels were small, which I think they didn't do in S5...
~Lord