Pre-ordered Premium and tried demo unit at the store - Xperia Z5 General

I just preordered gold Z5 Premium in Thailand. They currently have a promotion going on here. If you preorder Premium at Sony Store by Nov 8 (I think), you will get its Sony case and screen protector. I was told I can come and pick up mine on Nov 26.
They had a demo unit with a beta firmware at the store. I played around with it a bit, especially with its camera. Even with buggy beta firmware, camera worked great. I shot a few pictures one hand under less than ideal lighting condition in the store. I zoomed in and looked at each pictures closely. The results were really good. I don't understand how some people managed to get such bad photos in their comparisons. They must have taken pictures in very very unfair ways. ......unless if there are some differences in Z5/Z5c and Z5 Premium camera unit. Possible but I don't really know, I'm just speculating. I still haven't touched Z5/Z5c so I can't say anything about how its camera really is.
Anyway, just don't blindly trust posted not very proper comparisons done by some strangers that we have never heard of. We don't even know how exactly they shot each picture. I'm not pro, just a hobbyist plays around with big boy's toys like D4 & D810. I do know a thing or two about photo. Always try it yourself.
Btw, I'm upgrading from aging Z1 that survived 2 harsh drops and 1 throw. This will be one hell of an upgrade

I also upgraded from the Z1, tbh it's like using the same phone + random heating. I hope your Premium makes a bigger difference.

Related

Adam LCD version review/Quick thoughts

Here is a quick rundown on the LCD quality. I am busy so it may be a few days before I can post more.
The LCD is better than the G-tablet's screen. The Adam does not give me a headache like the gtab did. The viewing angles are still shallow, and in portrait mode you must still tilt the screen to one side. Its perfectly usable, it may not be up there with more costly tablets, but for the price, it is one of the better screens.
Build quality seems pretty solid. Unfortunately, I think the rush to get these things built is causing some issues. I had a lot of dust under the touch screen. So much that it was distracting. I had to take apart the device to get it out... and it wasn't easy. It is a major pain in the ***. That doesn't include the pain to get it apart in the first place. My advice, don't... just don't. After a lot of work, frustration, and two cans of air I did manage to get most of the dust out though.
The software is a little buggy. Nothing major, just random lag, odd behavior, and usability issues that popped up here and there. More annoying than anything. The touchscreen does not want to behave sometimes, and that is the most annoying bit. I put a custom ROM on it, one that is not stock based, and it works much better. Everything is smooth and well behaved.
All this waiting and anticipation, and in the end, I'm over the tablet thing. Nothing on the Adam, its a perfectly capable and fine tablet. It is a modders dream, much like the gtab was, but with official company devs willing to get active in the rooting community. (as evident from one of the custom ROMs created by a Notion Ink dev)
I will continue using it for the weekend, but I may end up selling it. I think I will be better served by a new laptop. One that is a bit more portable than this 17 inch behemoth I have now. I still have my GF's Archos 70 to mess around with in the mean time.
In conclusion, good hardware, passable screen, software needs refined a bit more, and lots of potential.
please do. I am looking forward to seeing how the cheap version performs.
Marine6680 said:
Anyone know of a review of the LCD version? Have any of those even shipped? Well if not, I should get mine next week, and I will post a review myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. I am interested in the LCD version too.
damn i thought this was a review of the LCD model like i'm getting. it seems everyone has gotten the qi
Very curious about the lcd, as it seems pqi has disappointed thus far.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
well considering that all the pixel qi models were gone first in ordering. Id bet that next to no one in the first batch of deliveries got an lcd model. or maybe the lcd just doesnt have problems like the pixel qi and the owner are to busy playing with their awsome tablet. My lcd wifi model ships the 31st. cant wait
i should get an invite for next preorder and i'd buy an lcd because i use it only at home so doesn't worth to take a qi version...really hope that someone will review this model before i have to place my order.
I read a new review by a e-reader site say that the PQI screen isn't bad at all, it just has its strengths and weaknesses.
I will post a quick review and try to get a video as well. I have a point and shoot, but the video from it is not the greatest quality. I do not think my SLR has video.
finally somone got LCD version....
here's the review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slehy7p2evg
I got my LCD version yesterday and can do a review if you guys still want one. It is sweet
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
@gbishop Please post a review of the LCD version. You seem to be the only one thats had the LCD version deliverd. Im going to order one, but im not sure which screen version i want.
Kas206 said:
@gbishop Please post a review of the LCD version. You seem to be the only one thats had the LCD version deliverd. Im going to order one, but im not sure which screen version i want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote up a quick one on the site I write for. My brothers came in yesterday. The LCD is great, viewing angles could be a little better but the screen is clear and quite vibrant.
Link to writeup
Thanks a lot for the review. I'm glad the LCD can display colors better than the Pixel Qi Variant. Could you make a video comparing the screen to a Laptop/Desktop screen or your Vibrant?
Hello
I read on notionaddicts forum, that LCD screen is very clear in sunlight.
What is your experience using it outside ? Could you make some photos or videos using it outdoors in sunny day?
Yup still waiting on mine.
Got mine in today. Will update later.
man, I really cant wait, for mine to arrive....please get those reviews out, as many vids and pics as possible please
I just received mine yesterday. Pixel Qi variant. It works well for its intended purpose, but I would probably choose the lcd if I had to do it all over again. I think. I'll miss the color saturation more than I will take it outside. I did have it in the sun today, and it was quite readable.
Sent from my Adam using XDA App.
Still using it, but still may sell it. Anyone interested, let me know, I would sell it at cost.
I have received my Adam LCD 3g version, we are slowly becoming friends. The LCD viewing angle isn't the greatest and seems to be worse in low light conditions. Of course in direct sunlight it's near impossible to see, but with some shade outside it's OK.
Colours are good and it looks nice, I have one green pixel that is always on, I guess that is acceptable, although with modern LCD's it is a bit unusual to have a dead/always on pixel.
Sent from my Adam using XDA App

G2 or Xperia Z1?

I currently have HTC One and I'm debating whether I should get the G2 or Xperia Z1.
I was leaning towards the G2 because of thick bezels on the Z1 but this review kind of made me think more:
http://www.androidauthority.com/xperia-z1-vs-lg-g2-quick-look-266308/
I know Z1 is not available yet in the US and probably will take some time but since I'm not eligible to upgrade, I don't mind buying int unlocked from somewhere... What you guys think? Would like to hear your thoughts
Update:
I found a better comparison video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0cnAxIxICU
mehdi_s82 said:
I currently have HTC One and I'm debating whether I should get the G2 or Xperia Z1.
I was leaning towards the G2 because of thick bezels on the Z1 but this review kind of made me think more:
http://www.androidauthority.com/xperia-z1-vs-lg-g2-quick-look-266308/
I know Z1 is not available yet in the US and probably will take some time but since I'm not eligible to upgrade, I don't mind buying int unlocked from somewhere... What you guys think? Would like to hear your thoughts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z1 is a larger and heavier device with a smaller screen. Its material feels better to the touch, but the G2 is more ergonomic to hold. Buttons on the back is either a plus or minus depending on how you use it. I havent seen a really good comparison in cameras yet, mostly just a few shots and they leave out something so its mostly a tie, also neither handsets have finished firmware, however the Z1 has a camera button if thats important to you.
The only real benefit I see to Z1 is Micro-sd card slot and IP67, but that of course comes at the price of size, weight and price.
And I solved the first problem with this: http://www.meenova.com/
Anyways, its up to what you like. Go touch and compare them at a store or read a lot of reviews on both, dont blindly go by one places thoughts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJs3lES8Bcc&feature=share&list=UUsW36751Gy-
I'm in the same exact boat. HTC One and lgog right now. I'm torn because i love the lgog community and if some of the devs move to the g2 it'll definitely be worth it, on the other hand I've never owned a sony device so don't know how development is with them in general. I like the z1 for waterproofing and build quality, my major qualms with g2 are build quality and those back buttons.. but with the z1 the screen could be horrendous and the bezels are huge. also, don't know when at&ts getting the z1. and I've heard that the latter's led notification isn't too bright which is a huge disappointment I have with my one. thinking once I can hold both phones in my hands side by side I might be able to finally make a decision
ryancnap said:
I'm in the same exact boat. HTC One and lgog right now. I'm torn because i love the lgog community and if some of the devs move to the g2 it'll definitely be worth it, on the other hand I've never owned a sony device so don't know how development is with them in general. I like the z1 for waterproofing and build quality, my major qualms with g2 are build quality and those back buttons.. but with the z1 the screen could be horrendous and the bezels are huge. also, don't know when at&ts getting the z1. and I've heard that the latter's led notification isn't too bright which is a huge disappointment I have with my one. thinking once I can hold both phones in my hands side by side I might be able to finally make a decision
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where I'm getting to as well. Waiting a few weeks to hear more about Z1 US release dates so I can compare them side by side. From photos and videos, Z1 build quality is very descent so we won't miss our One. But stupid bezel! One of the reasons that I'm bored with my One is thick bezels.
chrondroid said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJs3lES8Bcc&feature=share&list=UUsW36751Gy-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. It's a detailed review of G2 but wish we find similar review for the Z1. For now I found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0cnAxIxICU
I really like Z1 back design. It is sleek
dont know how LG phone is but I currently own the XZ, the worst premium smart phone. its beautiful but thats where it end. the thing over heat, the screen is horrible with viewing angles, the screen is not oliophobic. if you like to flash stuff there isnt may DEV for the phone. The best thing i like about the phone is its water resistant, if that is not a thing you care about then i would advise not to get Sony phones.
G1_enthusiast said:
dont know how LG phone is but I currently own the XZ, the worst premium smart phone. its beautiful but thats where it end. the thing over heat, the screen is horrible with viewing angles, the screen is not oliophobic. if you like to flash stuff there isnt may DEV for the phone. The best thing i like about the phone is its water resistant, if that is not a thing you care about then i would advise not to get Sony phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks! The problem with lack of dev for Sony devices is they are not widely available on US carriers. I'm hoping Sony get it right this time and release it on multiple carriers like what LG is doing. Re. viewing angles, Z1 is the same I guess it shows in the video I posted in previous post. But this is not a big deal for me. Non-oleophobic screen can suck but in the comparison video I posted the LG shows more smudge and fingerprints on display than the Sony. Maybe they fixed it?
Here's a review by Cnet UK, pretty disappointing, but yeah.... http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-z1-review-50012187/
I'd choose the G2 anyday, that screen,camera, and battery life is hard to pass up.
akong702 said:
Here's a review by Cnet UK, pretty disappointing, but yeah.... http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-z1-review-50012187/
I'd choose the G2 anyday, that screen,camera, and battery life is hard to pass up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw the cnet review today but I cannot believe that the Z1 can disappoint on camera. I read multiple articles today that it is the best camera phone available. But battery life we need a better test from anandtech or gsmarena
mehdi_s82 said:
I saw the cnet review today but I cannot believe that the Z1 can disappoint on camera. I read multiple articles today that it is the best camera phone available. But battery life we need a better test from anandtech or gsmarena
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'd wait for an Anandtech review before making final judgement. To me though, G2 is a lot sexier cause of the bezels, and form factor.
mehdi_s82 said:
I saw the cnet review today but I cannot believe that the Z1 can disappoint on camera. I read multiple articles today that it is the best camera phone available. But battery life we need a better test from anandtech or gsmarena
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol what half ass reviews told you that the camera on the Xperia Z1 was the best one available? A lot of dumb people can't judge and go by blind faith looking at the specs. Ooooh 20MP and 1/2.3" sensor it must be better!
I made this fun post. It's on the Sony forum so I'm sure there are some nasty things below the first post. There are links to flickr photosets showcasing photos from the Z1 and G2.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45511174#post45511174
The camera on the Z1 really sucks ass. The G2 is like the S4 camera, but with OIS and less sharpening.
You want to talk about water-resistance? The other touted Z1 feature?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXPbq-PuqC8
This is the Z Ultra, which has similar water-resistant specs. The best you can hope for is that you can talk on the phone in the rain, or spill a little ice water on it at a restaurant. You can't take it to the pool, to the beach, or literally do anything else with it because it will void warranty and the sealing isn't up to snuff. The touchscreen will completely screw up when exposed to water. Even sweaty fingers will screw it up.
Water-proofing is a compromise. You have to fiddle with flaps for most of your ports. And worst of all, it screws up the sound quality of the speaker and the sound quality of the microphone. There's a water repellent membrane that keeps water out. It also keeps sound out (or in) as well. There's a review somewhere (I forgot where) that has a clip of the speaker quality. It's as bad as my $15 flip phone I use for backup. For you HTC One owners with BoomSound, it will make you cry. You can also tell from sample Z1 videos the audio capture is more muffled than other phones.
Some people think the Xperia Z line's aesthetic is classy. I think it looks like ass IMO. It looks archaic with its blocky designs and the fingerprints dominate all the phones no matter where you go. The Z1 is no different, and looks even worse with a bigger bezel and chunky metal frame. I thought they were suppose to be going for sleekness? That frame is like a growth of some sort.
And because of this aesthetic that has glass on the back and front, There is a SCREEN PROTECTOR on both sides, just like the Z Ultra and Z, to keep shards from flying if it ever gets dropped. Do you like the feel of a screen protector? I find them slimy and icky to touch and they completely ruin the look of the screen. Now you have one of those things on the BACK as well. It's like holding onto a bar of soap, that holds on to every single fingerprint like a tattoo.
And if it hasn't already been made abundantly clear, Sony makes ass for screens and the Z1 is no different. It also looks like ass. Poor viewing angles, black levels, gaudy and completely wrong colors and contrast caused by terrible image processing. I mentioned this before somewhere, that it looks like a really really bad first gen AMOLED display, with the bad viewing angles and blacks of a terrible LCD. The worst of both worlds. To add insult to injury, there is that SCREEN PROTECTOR mentioned above that gives it that trapped in an aquarium look that loves to reflect light. Everyone else is trying to reduce the gap between the screen and the surface, with laminated panels and super thin Gorilla Glass, to increase clarity and brightness, reduce reflection, and give it that printed on floating on top look. Sony wants to buck the trend. They love the submerged under water look. I hope you love it to if you plan on getting the Z1.
The G2 can be had for $585 on some carriers and will undoubtedly get cheaper. The Z1 is a "premium" device. Sony won't stop mentioning that. It also comes with a "premium" price. Over $700. And who knows when it will arrive on a US carrier? The Z took months to get to T-mobile, and they were the only ones carrying it. It's also still priced like its a bigshot flagship.
In a nutshell, don't buy the Z1.
Troll much? We get it, you don't like Sony.
katamari201 said:
Lol what half ass reviews told you that the camera on the Xperia Z1 was the best one available? A lot of dumb people can't judge and go by blind faith looking at the specs. Ooooh 20MP and 1/2.3" sensor it must be better!
I made this fun post. It's on the Sony forum so I'm sure there are some nasty things below the first post. There are links to flickr photosets showcasing photos from the Z1 and G2.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45511174#post45511174
The camera on the Z1 really sucks ass. The G2 is like the S4 camera, but with OIS and less sharpening.
You want to talk about water-resistance? The other touted Z1 feature?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXPbq-PuqC8
This is the Z Ultra, which has similar water-resistant specs. The best you can hope for is that you can talk on the phone in the rain, or spill a little ice water on it at a restaurant. You can't take it to the pool, to the beach, or literally do anything else with it because it will void warranty and the sealing isn't up to snuff. The touchscreen will completely screw up when exposed to water. Even sweaty fingers will screw it up.
Water-proofing is a compromise. You have to fiddle with flaps for most of your ports. And worst of all, it screws up the sound quality of the speaker and the sound quality of the microphone. There's a water repellent membrane that keeps water out. It also keeps sound out (or in) as well. There's a review somewhere (I forgot where) that has a clip of the speaker quality. It's as bad as my $15 flip phone I use for backup. For you HTC One owners with BoomSound, it will make you cry. You can also tell from sample Z1 videos the audio capture is more muffled than other phones.
Some people think the Xperia Z line's aesthetic is classy. I think it looks like ass IMO. It looks archaic with its blocky designs and the fingerprints dominate all the phones no matter where you go. The Z1 is no different, and looks even worse with a bigger bezel and chunky metal frame. I thought they were suppose to be going for sleekness? That frame is like a growth of some sort.
And because of this aesthetic that has glass on the back and front, There is a SCREEN PROTECTOR on both sides, just like the Z Ultra and Z, to keep shards from flying if it ever gets dropped. Do you like the feel of a screen protector? I find them slimy and icky to touch and they completely ruin the look of the screen. Now you have one of those things on the BACK as well. It's like holding onto a bar of soap, that holds on to every single fingerprint like a tattoo.
And if it hasn't already been made abundantly clear, Sony makes ass for screens and the Z1 is no different. It also looks like ass. Poor viewing angles, black levels, gaudy and completely wrong colors and contrast caused by terrible image processing. I mentioned this before somewhere, that it looks like a really really bad first gen AMOLED display, with the bad viewing angles and blacks of a terrible LCD. The worst of both worlds. To add insult to injury, there is that SCREEN PROTECTOR mentioned above that gives it that trapped in an aquarium look that loves to reflect light. Everyone else is trying to reduce the gap between the screen and the surface, with laminated panels and super thin Gorilla Glass, to increase clarity and brightness, reduce reflection, and give it that printed on floating on top look. Sony wants to buck the trend. They love the submerged under water look. I hope you love it to if you plan on getting the Z1.
The G2 can be had for $585 on some carriers and will undoubtedly get cheaper. The Z1 is a "premium" device. Sony won't stop mentioning that. It also comes with a "premium" price. Over $700. And who knows when it will arrive on a US carrier? The Z took months to get to T-mobile, and they were the only ones carrying it. It's also still priced like its a bigshot flagship.
In a nutshell, don't buy the Z1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you and I agree about some of the points. I have not seen Z1 yet but I don't think it is as bad as you pictured it. Here's the article that explains why Z1 camera is the best
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Here...leading-cameraphone-according-to-Sony_id47242
Also I went to Verizon store and put my Htc One screen next to G2 both at 100% brightness and loaded the same image on screen, the One has much better white levels and crisper text.
T-Mobile just launched the XZ in July. I wouldn't expect US carriers to have this phone until January, and I'll be damned if I'm paying 1k dollars for a phone. Should have my G2 tomorrow, can't wait.
Too be honest I was really excited to hear about the xperia z1. I knew it'd come down to the lg g2 or xperia z1 for me but after seeing several camera pics of the xperia z1 I'm definitely not impressed. I agree with the reviewer from cnet. The camera isn't bad but it definitely isn't impressive. Plus the phone is pricey. The only reason i would have picked the xperia z1 over the lg g2 was for the camera but no way...LG G2 for me. IMO the LG G2 camera is better and if you don't agree, the xperia z1's camera definitely isn't too far ahead. Also here's some camera shots from both phones http://www.androidpit.com/camera-test-sony-xperia-z1-lg-g2-and-cyber-shot-qx10
I was hoping the screen/camera would improve but now I'm hearing that these are the final results which is tilting me toward the g2.. only reasons I wanted the z1 were water proofing, lack of plastic and lack of back buttons
Sent from my One using xda app-developers app
Neither of them....

Recent Newegg.com Order

I just wanted to share my experience with anyone who's on the fence with a last minute newegg.com order.
I ordered from them on 12/31/2013 and just received my tablet today. After their $50 instant discount and $20-off promo code (that expires tonight btw), I shelled out $279.99. I've been able to spend a few hours with it and my initial thoughts are very positive. I did receive an open box and annoyingly, there were some dust particles on the device, but that's where my annoyance ends. Aside from the unit being very slick and quick, I'm not having the issues that others have mentioned.
The white are fairly white - I even compared against my Macbook Pro w/ Retina Display. Its obviously not as white, but its not bad at all. I can see how some would complain about brightness for outside use, but I find it to be very pleasing. 100% is bright enough to hurt my eyes in a room lit with a 60 watt bulb. I find that 80% is great for me in most places in the house. I usually keep my Macbook Pro w/ Retina Display ~90% for comfortable, indoors use. I do not have any light bleeding or lighting inconsistencies anywhere on the screen that I can notice (I tested this with a variety of backgrounds). Overall, I am very pleased with design, especially after reading about the concerns that others had.
Just got mine tonight also (same deal$) couldn't be happier. The only thing that sucked was the shipping delay from there end of the year inventory. I got white, box wasn't sealed and no screen scratches.
Sent from my LG-V500 using Tapatalk
brewer15650 said:
Just got mine tonight also (same deal$) couldn't be happier. The only thing that sucked was the shipping delay from there end of the year inventory. I got white, box wasn't sealed and no screen scratches.
Sent from my LG-V500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will let you guys know mine comes in tomorrow.
TC here. Wanted to update 1 thing. Before my purchase, I heard that the camera was not that great. This did not bother me as I have a DSLR for taking HQ pics, but I'd like to note that the camera is... stunningly bad - Very grainy and inconsistent light capture. Like, on par with the quality of my first smart phone's camera 3 generations (5-6 years) ago. I was trying to take pics of some things for my Ebay store and ended up just using my Samsung S3 phone which takes way better pictures, and that's saying a lot. Like I mentioned, it doesn't really bother me at all, but if a camera is a selling point for you, you might want to consider the Galaxy Note 8 or something else.

My review after a week

I don't bother doing reviews normally, but have now just posted this over on the Carphone Warehouse product page since they hassled me via email to do one (may not show up for a couple of days though).
Anyway, thought I'd cross-post it here in case anyone finds it interesting. Cheers.
For a couple of years now, since the big Android manufacturers decided we all wanted big 4.7+ inch slabs as premium phones, the "minority" of us who were calling out for a high-end device that can be operated one-handed were ignored. Until now...
Sony say with the Z1 Compact they have "invented our own market segment", but really it is re-inventing the market segment that existed 24 months ago. Either way, somebody finally listened and we now have a device that is a good size to hold in addition to being around the fastest and most capable on the market.
In short, Sony took the larger Z1 and shrunk it down to a 4.3" screen, reducing only the screen resolution (to 720p, which is higher PPI than the human eye can discern) and the battery capacity (but not the battery life, as the smaller screen draws less power). You can easily get a day and a half out of this device even with 4 or so hours screen on time. As a bonus, they also upgraded the screen to a lovely IPS display with better viewing angles than the Z1.
This phone feels very premium in the hand and in operation, and being my first Sony device I am stunned by its elegance every time I pick the thing up. Having used it in the rain a few times this week already I'm also wondering what I ever did without a waterproof phone before! Why do all manufacturers not do this? It would save a lot of phones that seem to get dropped in toilets (seriously, how do people manage this?!), and also the futile wastage of rice afterwards.
Software-wise, it comes with Android 4.3 but 4.4 should be out for it in a month or so. I would say Sony are probably among the best for not annoying you with over-the-top customisation of Android or bloatware so I don't immediately feel the need to root it and start tinkering. This is a very good thing. They do use their own apps for phone, SMS, etc etc of course but they all tend to do their job nicely without getting in your way.
--------
Now that I've done the glowing sale pitch - and I do mean every word of it as it is a fantastic phone - I do need to point out some flaws that are quite frankly unforgivable in my opinion:
(*) Poor software backing up the magnificent camera. The "Superior Auto" mode is very ironically named as it completely ruins especially low-light photos by cranking the ISO up far too high and then trying to correct the noise in a very ham-fisted way. The solution until Sony (hopefully) fix it in an update is to use Manual mode instead.
(*) Flash bleeding into the camera. While this doesn't happen for me so much, others have noticed the flash reflecting in the back cover it is supposed to shine through and hitting the edge of the camera lens, making some dark pictures have a coloured fog effect. It is less marked in Manual mode again.
(*) Why, oh why Sony, do you still insist on putting a scratch-prone "anti-shatter film" over the top of perfectly good scratch resistant glass?!? Customers have been complaining about this since at least the Xperia Z but they are being very pig-headed about it. I have no idea why they decide they need to be the only manufacturer to put it on top of the glass instead of the underside of it like everybody else does. It can be removed but then you risk the screen warranty if you do so. Still, I will probably remove the ASF from mine at some point as glass feels more premium to me and I HATE scratches.
--------
But don't let the negative points I have made dissuade you from this phone as they absolutely do not outweigh the positives by a long shot. I would give 5-stars to all categories except reliability due to the camera and scratch-prone ASF.
This is a magnificent technological achievement Sony have pulled off meaning I have a device that I am very proud to own and show off to big slab owners and iPhone users alike!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice review
Sent from a mobile Gadget...
Great review mate
Plus 1 from me on all that was said.
ASF?
Great review man!
But since you hate scratches, much like I do, could you take a closer look at the back panel? There's no ASF, at least on my Z1c. And there's a potentially huge scandal evolving in forums about back panel being actually made of polycarbonate, not glass. Sony claims glass on both panels, but people say back panel gets scratched just by looking at it hard enough
I have my phone for 2 days and already got 2 deep scratches on the back. I haven't been able to scratch my iPhone 4s so badly in 2 years of use...
Well, if true then that would be another negative point definitely. Especially since they seem to have gone out of their way to hide it and appear happy for everyone to assume glass on the back.
Sent from my Xperia Z1 PerfectSize, I mean "Compact"
withoutwings said:
Well, if true then that would be another negative point definitely. Especially since they seem to have gone out of their way to hide it and appear happy for everyone to assume glass on the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "if" any more, the original whitepaper has been amended in the meantime - albeit without changing the version number.
original Sony whitepaper said:
Both the front and back are made of durable tempered glass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
revised Sony whitepaper said:
The front side of the phone is made of durable tempered glass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how long the original version will remain on Sony's servers so I downloaded a copy just in case - looks as if someone tries to erase all traces of what I would call a false adverstising campaign....
yea i really hope they fix the camera software up a bit. for some reason some of my photos are coming out yellow-ish. this only happens inside when the lights are on. it can be fixed by editing the photo in pixlr express by dragging the hue bar to the left a bit, but its a bit of effort to be doing that for multiple photos. the photos seem very noisy/grainy as well.
i really wasnt expecting any of this since all the reviews about the camera were saying its the best on android atm. although plenty of sites mentioned it didnt do that well in low light, but some photos are coming out noisy even in shots that i would consider low light. seems to me that almost anything inside is out of the question.
anyway, its a really great phone apart from that. i probably shouldnt have checked the camera first because it put me off a bit!
EDIT: another thing that is frustrating me but probably isnt a problem for everybody is sony's naming convention for photos. instead of having a counter (or just adding the date and time like every other phone) it looks up the number of the last photo taken, dsc_005 for example, and then calls the next photo dsc_006. i would be ok with that but i have foldersync set up to move any photo that is taken or edited to the DCIM folder (so photos from snapseed, pixlr, different camera apps etc all end up in one single folder) but this set up doesnt work with sony's photos since the folder it saves to will empty each time. it keeps naming the photo dsc_001 and then foldersync keeps overwriting the same photo.
people have been asking them to change this for years now but it seems they want to be different. its just strange coming from a camera company like sony?
aaanyway, apart from those 3 things. great phone lol

HTC One (M9) Build Quality/Hardware - your findings

Since the M9 is starting to become available on several markets, it could be interesting to compare the quality of the different batches re: screen, finish, temperature, camera...
I have two different M8 and it's almost like they are two different phones. One has a vibrant screen with perfect white balance, the other has a washed out yellowish display, the one with the yellow display has louder loudspeakers (same ROM), and the camera protection film is smudged whereas the other one is like new.
Please post your report with the first 6 digits/letters of the serial number to identify the batch. Like HT42WW
Looking forward to the first feedback
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Can you post pictures of the phones side by side?
I do not have my M8 anymore as I returned it to get my M9.
Using my M9 with manual +2 brightness makes it very pleasant to use.
HT53CY is my build
Silver/gold
Orange ROM. 15, France
Great build quality, no defects
Screen not very bright in auto, great in manual
Camera very good, front cam overexposed
Sent from my HTC One M9 using XDA Free mobile app
from my experience with htc, they have two or three factories. I forget which one was preferred manufacturer but the lcd is definitely different between some. This started with the mytouch 4g I believe, it was also seen in a few others such as the amaze and sensation. not sure if there are any others but I wouldn't be surprised.
Teo032 said:
from my experience with htc, they have two or three factories. I forget which one was preferred manufacturer but the lcd is definitely different between some. This started with the mytouch 4g I believe, it was also seen in a few others such as the amaze and sensation. not sure if there are any others but I wouldn't be surprised.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I remember that thread. I also found that the Sensation had two screen manufacturers and started a thread about it in that section.. I think with the My touch 4g it was Sharp and Sony and you wanted the Sony screen. The sharp looked like crap. With the Sensation it was Sharp and AIO or something like that and with that one you wanted the sharp panel (although some preferred the AIO panel)
Mine is UK version, Carphone warehouse. Gold on Silver. The screen is very good, not leaning to red/yellow or green, best white balance i've seen so far on a non iphone.
There are slight gaps around where the new lip is, which i'm sure destroys the IPX3 rating and will be a dust magnet, although up to now, no dust has gone anywhere lol.
Speakers are brilliant! Better than M8.
I got my silver/gold AT&T version yesterday and so far no problems. Solid build quality. No dead pixels, screen is great. No problems that I can see really. Serial starts with FA53DY
Jonathan-H said:
Mine is UK version, Carphone warehouse. Gold on Silver. The screen is very good, not leaning to red/yellow or green, best white balance i've seen so far on a non iphone.
There are slight gaps around where the new lip is, which i'm sure destroys the IPX3 rating and will be a dust magnet, although up to now, no dust has gone anywhere lol.
Speakers are brilliant! Better than M8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please give us the first 6 characters of the serial number, in order to figure out the factory batch? Thanks!
Please excuse my post here, as I don't have the device yet, I just wanted to post my findings.
Sadly, I think build issues remain in the M9 as well. On close-up shots in some video reviews I watched you can see them. Take a look here for example. On 2:17 you can see the right part of the screen protruding a bit from the front metal panel and in the next close up, around 2:22, you can see there are (multiple?) gaps on the left side of the screen between the screen bezel and the frame. What is really weird is that, in the second example, it's not a single straight gap, but multiple gaps, extremely weird for a metal design.
I know I'm probably nitpicking and many of you would dismiss those issues even if they were on a massive scale, but I won't. Never mind my OCD (this can be tamed ) but I really hoped HTC would crush such issues after dealing with them on both the M7 and the M8.
Let's hope those are isolated (or even better, illusions caused by the angle of the video) and will be (or are already) fixed in retail models. It's the first time I'm planning to upgrade from my M7 (all of the four models I had had some kind of build quality issue) and I would hate it if I had to play hide and seek with Arvato again.
Beautifully made. Very impressed. Too scared to use without a case, however .
akpe said:
Please excuse my post here, as I don't have the device yet, I just wanted to post my findings.
Sadly, I think build issues remain in the M9 as well. On close-up shots in some video reviews I watched you can see them. Take a look here for example. On 2:17 you can see the right part of the screen protruding a bit from the front metal panel and in the next close up, around 2:22, you can see there are (multiple?) gaps on the left side of the screen between the screen bezel and the frame. What is really weird is that, in the second example, it's not a single straight gap, but multiple gaps, extremely weird for a metal design.
I know I'm probably nitpicking and many of you would dismiss those issues even if they were on a massive scale, but I won't. Never mind my OCD (this can be tamed ) but I really hoped HTC would crush such issues after dealing with them on both the M7 and the M8.
Let's hope those are isolated (or even better, illusions caused by the angle of the video) and will be (or are already) fixed in retail models. It's the first time I'm planning to upgrade from my M7 (all of the four models I had had some kind of build quality issue) and I would hate it if I had to play hide and seek with Arvato again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
get it exchanged, the units i tried had the glass completely level with the front plate, it's part of it's beauty, the news are reporting shortage and delayed delivery for the USA, so let's this hope this will not pressure the amazing QC
I have a grey M8 at home right now. Will update this post later tonight when I get you the serial number and pictures
My HTC M9 is from the HTC Champions launch event which happened in Atlanta this week for retail employees.
M9 serial: FA53FY
M8 serial: *will post later today
Overall the M9 feels a lot better than the M8 in terms of build and feel in the hand. If I place the M9 on four fingers and tilt my hand forward or backward the phone doesn't slip off unless my hand is almost vertical. The M8 would slip out of my hand after like a rotation of 10-15 degrees lol
The M9 is a little slimmer and that I don't like. Coming from a OnePlus one and large phones regularly, the M9 feels too small. Overall I'm happy because I put a case on it and it brings the size back a little to me. Bought a Nexus 6 last night anyways haha.
Mine is perfect. SN FA53K.....
My M8 was FA as well. Also perfect.
Just had a scan for any of the noted imperfections & unless only visible under microscope all is sweet & dandy with mine
Unlocked Gunmetal Grey M9 from HTC.com. Everything is perfect with mine. Couldn't be happier with it. Now I just need a good case lol.
Awesome feedback. Feel free to post your serial number (first 6 digits) even if your phone is perfect. It's good to know the good batches as well!
avara said:
Awesome feedback. Feel free to post your serial number (first 6 digits) even if your phone is perfect. It's good to know the good batches as well!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Developer Edition - FA53HY - Perfect condition - Screen is Excellent / not yellow or pink at all more a very light gray than anything
My lower volume button is pushed in slightly at at the top end, looks a bit wonky but still works as it should, ill update with serial and photos soon - Adam
Adam182 said:
My lower volume button is pushed in slightly at at the top end, looks a bit wonky but still works as it should, ill update with serial and photos soon - Adam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My volume down is the same mate, I put it down as a design feature as it functions as it should
Duncan1982 said:
My volume down is the same mate, I put it down as a design feature as it functions as it should
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine doesn't appear to have this. It was one of the first things I checked since I noticed this in some videos too. Kind of surprised, really. The volume down button does however protrude slightly less in its entirety compared to the volume up one.
After going over everything very carefully it seems I have only two minor issues:
IR blaster cover is a tiny bit misaligned on the right side
On the lower left-hand and upper right-hand corners of the screen the polycarbonate has a small dent you can only see in a certain light
Very satisfied in general, it seems very solid. I do worry however that there might get dust in-between the face and aluminium unibody parts.

Categories

Resources