Sony Experia Z1 opinions

Atticus Jung

Im thinking this going to be a great phone, and with the free lens attachment its going to be a great camera too. I'm usually wrong so just wondering if anyone has an opinion on how good it actually is.

new_maniac

It's a great looking smartphone with great specs, and if you can get one of those wireless lenses free, it could make a pretty awesome camera too. The only thing is that you'd need to make sure you could justify the camera side of it because that seems to be the main draw, i don't use cameras very much so it wouldn't be for me

Atticus Jung

Cheers, i think the camera is what is pushing it ahead of the HTC one on my shopping list. The build quality probably wont compare to the HTC but the camera will be amazing for a smart phone.

new_maniac

I wouldn't be so sure about the build quality, the Z1 is designed to go anywhere (waterproof, shockproof ect), i think it'll be comparable in build to the HTC One, if not better

ED E

If I can get one bootloader unlocked in 6 months I might. But not with Sony firmware.

new_maniac

ED E wrote: »

If I can get one bootloader unlocked in 6 months I might. But not with Sony firmware.

Is their firmware bad?

GorillaRising

Atticus Jung wrote: »

I'm usually wrong .

That's the spirit! :pac:

nedd

I have never used a Sony so I can't really say but I have heard that their firmware is a little clunky and you can't unlock the bootloader to install custom roms.

new_maniac

nedd wrote: »

I have never used a Sony so I can't really say but I have heard that their firmware is a little clunky and you can't unlock the bootloader to install custom roms.

That's a little annoying, it like they're trying to 'Apple' the Android OS :rolleyes:

ED E

new_maniac wrote: »

Is their firmware bad?

Nearly every release has some super frustrating bug. And is 3 months late. Just annoying as hell.

thebman

nedd wrote: »

I have never used a Sony so I can't really say but I have heard that their firmware is a little clunky and you can't unlock the bootloader to install custom roms.

You can unlock the bootloader on some models.

Carrier bought ones usually lock the bootloaders for some reason.
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com

I've never noticed a major bug that I can remember on a Sony phone either.

I've had several going back to pre-android.

120_Minutes

I'm using a Z and never had problems, that said i have no interest in bootloaders/custom roms as i think sonys firmware is the least intrusive of all the branded firmwares.

byte

120_Minutes wrote: »

I'm using a Z and never had problems, that said i have no interest in bootloaders/custom roms as i think sonys firmware is the least intrusive of all the branded firmwares.

I echo that sentiment - no noticeable issues with my Z, it's a great phone IMO. I'd expect the Z1 to be better.

Hellrazer

Is it worth taking a 24 month contract out on.
Just been offered one on an upgrade.

I like my Sonys.Have a T at the minute that's been trouble free and a decent phone but would like a larger screen.

thebman

Hellrazer wrote: »

Is it worth taking a 24 month contract out on.
Just been offered one on an upgrade.

I like my Sonys.Have a T at the minute that's been trouble free and a decent phone but would like a larger screen.

If your ok with the size of the thing, id say go for it.

Loving my Z after upgrading from the S but I think the Z1 screen would be too big for me.

Nice camera on it I'd say.

batistuta9

same size are they not?

god's toy

Three are giving QX lens with the phone. Don't know if they all doing the same...but wife just rang to ask "is that good?" "should I upgrade? "I said yes! (me wants to play with the Lens!.)

JacksonHeightsOwn

i just watched the review video on the Android Central website and the reviewer guy was saying in the two days they had the phone it crashed one day, and they found another bug within the software of it.

I think ill get the Note 3 instead.

GobBass

I look at it this way.

The Xperia T, the precursor flagship model to the Z and released exactly this time last year , is now about €200-€250 or thereabouts on Adverts (bit more on Amazon but how and ever). The thought of the Z being this price next year is certainly inviting.

If compared to the Z1 with its kickass camera capabilities and the added spice of the interchangeable lenses, it may be more difficult for the price to go down as fast which would turn me towards waiting for the Z to come down further.

god's toy

Wife picked up hers today. snappy as a mofo!

Inquitus

I just ordered one of these off Voda today, picked it over the Note 3, mainly on account of the free QX10 lens that comes with it in their online offer.

Both cracking phones, don't think there is much in it. I had a Note 2 and the size didn't bother me, in fact I liked it, on the flipside I am a keen cyclist and the waterproof aspect of the Z1 is something I reall appreciate in my current Xperia Z.

Impatience was also a factor, one I can get today, t'other not for a few weeks!

BenEadir

When will vodafone have the N3 in stock?

Also, given the snazzy back place on the N3 and new bezel all the way round the perimeter of the phone is there a need for a cover to protect against falls?

I used to be a big fan of screen savers and phone covers but I ditched the screen saver for my N2 as it was just clouding the screen and the gorilla glass seems to have done a great job over the last 12 months. a quick wipe and it's 100% clean and crystal clear again.

Ben

Panthro

Anyone come across a good value contract with the Z1?
Cheapest I could see was with Emobile.
To buy it on prepay was pretty costly.

Dermighty

Panthro wrote: »

Anyone come across a good value contract with the Z1?
Cheapest I could see was with Emobile.
To buy it on prepay was pretty costly.

I got a 24 month eMobile contract under their Eircom landline soecial offer.

Each Eircom landline can have 5 eMobile contracts assigned to it, so if you known anyone with, or have one yourself, then you can avail of it. One of the 5 contracts is charged €24/month for the first 6 months after that it's 39 a month for 10,000 texts, 45,000 minutes and 5Gb data. They also have 4G activated (granted in certain areas).

The Xperia Z1 costs €69 on this contract, i traded in a HTC One X and got 100 trade in value so the phone cost me -€31 euro, so they gave me a Nokia portable USB charger (supposedly holds 3 full charges in it).

Overall I'm very happy, the phone is cool and the contract is great value. Quite disappoint that Meteor didn't bother their arse offering me anything, it's only too bad that eMobile and Meteor have the same parent company, because I would have liked to take my business from Meteor.

Gatling

Picked one up for the missus last week on meteor
49 pm 3 year contract unlimited calls and texts 4gb data (miserable imo) and 4G ,
Awesome phone and specs thought I was the bee knees with my nexus 7 ,
Has anyone got the lens or found a decent case yet ,
Otterbox isnt doing one according to there Fb

darragh o meara

Gatling wrote: »

Picked one up for the missus last week on meteor
49 pm 3 year contract unlimited calls and texts 4gb data (miserable imo) and 4G ,
Awesome phone and specs thought I was the bee knees with my nexus 7 ,
Has anyone got the lens or found a decent case yet ,
Otterbox isnt doing one according to there Fb

They have 3 year contracts now ?? fook.

I'm due an upgrade in 2 weeks and have being courting android devices for the past 2 months, HTC one and S4. Contemplating one of these if I can get the camera with it. Was looking at getting a note 3 but they feel.just a bit too big for my liking.

Gatling

darragh o meara wrote: »

They have 3 year contracts now ?? fook.

Yes they do and I'll have to wait for the Z3 in 2016 :-(

Xers

Any Xperia Z1 owner who wouldnt mind checking this for me please ... from dialer *#*#7378423#*#* (to know carrier bought z1's bootloader status).. vodafone preferably.... and Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. just post status there Yes or No for bootloader... Thanx a lot....

Inquitus

Xers wrote: »

Any Xperia Z1 owner who wouldnt mind checking this for me please ... from dialer *#*#7378423#*#* (to know carrier bought z1's bootloader status).. vodafone preferably.... and Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. just post status there Yes or No for bootloader... Thanx a lot....

Vodafone Bill Pay Z1
Bootlocker unlock allowed:

No

Chris Dolmeth

3 years is cray-cray.

Inquitus

Phones a good bit of kit, screen is an improvement on the Xperia Z, the ergonomics are much better, the fact the edges are rounded to a degree makes it sit in the hand much better.

The Soc is superfast, very, very responsive. The new waterproof headphone socket that doesn't require the unpicking of a latch is a nice change too. Not really taken any pics yet, so no comment on the camera.

Battery life seems excellent, 10 hours of medium plus usage today as I am still messing alot due to the shiney factor and it has 65% left still. I really like the Aesthetics, its right up there with the HTC One fighting for the crown of nicest looking Android device ever crafted. No bugs yet bar a reboot when I was using Sony Music Ultimate, but the app is an epic piece of crap so I'll blame that, has caused grief on every device I ever installed it on, I keep forgetting to cancel my sub after the 6 months free I got.

No comment on the Sony skin I immediately added Nova Launcher!

god's toy

Inquitus wrote: »

Vodafone Bill Pay Z1
Bootlocker unlock allowed:

No

Unlocked bootloader on my wife's Z1 (on three network)

Bean hearing Sony warned about messing around the bootloader, said the camera will stop working or something along those lines


Edit: link here:
http://androidcommunity.com/sony-xperia-z1-unlocked-bootloader-camera-issue-confirmed-20130919/

Gatling

OSI wrote: »

Meteor - Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes



What? I got the same tarriff at the same price for 2 years on Meteor. How'd did you end up with a 3 year one!!

Pretty interesting question I think ,
Have to pop back into the shop tomorrow and ask

gingernut79

Just got an email from cpw €49 pm for the Z1 free handset on meteor. Nice deal... Is the Z even free on any of the similar network tariffs?

theroomisonfire

How long is the contract for and do you get 4G on this tariff with Meteor? Also, do you get the camera attachment?

gingernut79

theroomisonfire wrote: »

How long is the contract for and do you get 4G on this tariff with Meteor? Also, do you get the camera attachment?

2 years, 4G included. Free bits, case and a juice pack, but no camera

Xers

Inquitus wrote: »

Vodafone Bill Pay Z1
Bootlocker unlock allowed:

No

as always they wont allow you to unlock... so no to vodafone z1....

Gatling

gingernut79 wrote: »

2 years, 4G included. Free bits, case and a juice pack, but no camera

In some cases its a 3 year contract

Inquitus

I got one:

Positives:

Versus my Xperia Z
- Better Screen
- Better shape, angular edges as opposed to hard right angles means it sits really well in the hand
- Waterproof headphone socket no longer has latch as per Xperia Z

General
- Battery Life, massive 3000Mah battery which really lasts and lasts
- Snapdragon 800 Soc
- Aesthetically pleasing, right up there with the HTC One in terms of best Android design
- Build Quality is top notch
- Waterproof, means alot to me as a cyclist


Negatives:

None yet

Atticus Jung

Just got mine and im delighted. +1 to all the other reviews for build quality, screen and camera. No cons as of yet. Can anyone recommend a decent case or are ye going commando?

Dermighty

Inquitus wrote: »

I got one:

Positives:

Versus my Xperia Z
- Better Screen
- Better shape, angular edges as opposed to hard right angles means it sits really well in the hand
- Waterproof headphone socket no longer has latch as per Xperia Z

General
- Battery Life, massive 3000Mah battery which really lasts and lasts
- Snapdragon 800 Soc
- Aesthetically pleasing, right up there with the HTC One in terms of best Android design
- Build Quality is top notch
- Waterproof, means alot to me as a cyclist


Negatives:

None yet

I'd agree with all of the above, except:

Negatives:
- Speaker sound quality is below that of HTC phones


I bought mine on Thursday and I'm still finding new features that I didn't know it has, I'd always overlook Sony Phones in the past but I'm entirely impressed with this one.

€39/month, unlimited calls and texts, 5Gb data, 4G, 24 months, eMobile.

Dermighty

Atticus Jung wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a decent case or are ye going commando?

All the cases I saw were fairly flimsy, lots of flip style cases but nothing that seems like it would benefit the phone.

darragh o meara

Does anyone know where I can get the camera free if I buy it on prepay. I'm in vodafone BTW.

god's toy

darragh o meara wrote: »

Does anyone know where I can get the camera free if I buy it on prepay. I'm in vodafone BTW.

Try three, I'm hearing of people going in a week after the offer and still getting it. Don't know if they do it for prepay...

Xers

darragh o meara wrote: »

Does anyone know where I can get the camera free if I buy it on prepay. I'm in vodafone BTW.

http://www.vodafone.ie/offers/sony-xperia-z1-free-lens

Xers

Atticus Jung wrote: »

Just got mine and im delighted. +1 to all the other reviews for build quality, screen and camera. No cons as of yet. Can anyone recommend a decent case or are ye going commando?

this one nice... i had a hard case for Xperia S from them... this one looks ok... good reviews for Nilkkin - affordable ... buy from their ebay..

http://www.nillkin.com/english/proshow.asp?mid=2&sid=0&tid=0&cid=1&scid=13&id=3606&page=1

Agent Smyth

Went into e mobile today to buy a Z1 on bill pay
They didn't have any in stock but rang to get one sent to the shop
when the sales guy was finished on the phone he advised me not to get the Z1 as his manager said that there is problems with them and e mobile are getting a lot of them returned.
Anybody else hear of problems with the Z1

god's toy

Agent Smyth wrote: »

Went into e mobile today to buy a Z1 on bill pay
They didn't have any in stock but rang to get one sent to the shop
when the sales guy was finished on the phone he advised me not to get the Z1 as his manager said that there is problems with them and e mobile are getting a lot of them returned.
Anybody else hear of problems with the Z1

Wife's is fine, only hick up was a few icons going missing on the desktop but that's about it. She has it a few weeks now and loves it.

Chris Dolmeth

god's toy wrote: »

... only hick up was a few icons....

lol, never saw it spelled that way before.

Agent Smyth

I was thinking that but I had told him that I was considering a 5s from apple (when they become available) or the Z1.
he didn't try to sell me any other Phone but advised me that according to his boss (who he had just called) that the Z1s were giving trouble.
The issues were with the screen and Reception quality and that his boss in the other store had several returned to him including one from his wife.

so I gather that nobody else has had any real issues with the Z1 and would recommend them as an alternative to the 5s

matzen

I've had it for about 11 days now and it took a while to get used to the inferior viewing angles on the screen. Saw on xda that loads of people have issued with a yellow tint and/or black parts not showing correctly. I haven't seen any of that on my unit. I've had Samsung devices for the past two years so it does take some time to get used to a screen that isn't S-LED. What is great about the screen is the outdoor visibility. Even at brightness set to 50 the screen is clearly visible, something which was not possible on the Samsung devices.

Out of the box the sound quality is not as good as on Samsung phones. But that has been remedied by adding a sound module to the xposed installer app.

Can't really give an opinion on the camera. The shots seem to be fine - for a phone camera, that is.

All in all a great phone. I'd recommend rooting it for three reasons:
1. It's really easy to root using the kingoapp tool.
2. Allows you to use apps such as Titanium Back, AutomateIt, Foldersync, Foldermount, xposed installer, etc.
3. Rooting does not void that warranty.