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Xperia Z1 Compact
- Thread starter dba415
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This is a bit OT. I recently bought the Xperia Tablet Z and am very impressed with it, so I thought I might one day buy the Z1 Compact. That is until I found out the entire range of Xperia does not support streaming HD video playback
I found this out when playing Netflix. It was immediately apparent to me that it's nowhere near as sharp as other devices I have, including another 8" 720p tablet, never mind the rMini and another full HD tablet I have. I thought it was just a Netflix thing, and then I find that even Google Play Videos will not stream HD playback, more shockingly even Sony's own video services will not stream HD contents to Xperia devices
Is this an example of Android fragmentation, or just the stupidity of Sony, I don't know. Fortunately I am still within the return period of the Tablet Z as this is totally a deal breaker for me, though this is most unfortunate as I really like this tablet. And I'm no longer interested in the Z1 compact.
I get that this is a legitimate issue on a FHD tablet.
But do you really also consider it an issue on a 4.3" phone?
My little cousin has this phone and finally had a really good play around it with it.
Gotta say it's FANTASTIC. Silky smooth, excellent build quality and the camera is incredible - much better pics than my S4. It's got a really iPhone feel to it (that's a compliment).
Really liked it, although I'd still love a 4.7" screen size Xperia Z option.
Gotta say it's FANTASTIC. Silky smooth, excellent build quality and the camera is incredible - much better pics than my S4. It's got a really iPhone feel to it (that's a compliment).
Really liked it, although I'd still love a 4.7" screen size Xperia Z option.
This is the one device out now that's tempting me. I wouldn't ditch my iPhone of for it but would have no problem giving it a 'sibling'.
I very nearly imported one from Clove for £350 shipped and it included the charging dock. If it was compatible with AT&T LTE bands I would've done it.
Finally saw it yesterday at the Xperia store here in the mall I frequent every day since my condo is connected to it. There was one in yellow and the other white. The back isn't glass but plastic and still attracts fingerprints. But I gotta say, I really like the size. Best phone for that compact size that features a Snapdragon 800.
I really wish Sony can actually start marketing in US. Ditch carrier exclusivity. Over the last few months, I see alot more Filipinos (gadget crazy population) carry around Xperia phones. Yes, Samsung and Apple are still more popular but it seems Sony is QUIETLY making a comeback. Samsung and Apple now are what Sony was like before. Popular with consumer electronics like Samsung now but with a style that Apple idolized.
US needs another Android player. Not just Samsung or LG. Motorola and HTC are just hanging around. I feel Samsung misrepresents Android. Sony keeps it close to stock Android and builds it with better style. We need another Android OEM with a bit more style. HTC can build them but they don't have the clout or resources like Sony has. We need Sony, Nokia, Xiaomi, Huawei, Asus, Acer, ZTE, and many others to compete in more markets. It seems like a duopoly in the US. All companies can start out small in the beginning. What was Samsung or Apple to consumers 15 years ago?
But the Sony I once knew will never really recapture their glory days. That is nostalgia talking to me. But it would be nice to see another competitor tired of Apple or Samsung already.
I really wish Sony can actually start marketing in US. Ditch carrier exclusivity. Over the last few months, I see alot more Filipinos (gadget crazy population) carry around Xperia phones. Yes, Samsung and Apple are still more popular but it seems Sony is QUIETLY making a comeback. Samsung and Apple now are what Sony was like before. Popular with consumer electronics like Samsung now but with a style that Apple idolized.
US needs another Android player. Not just Samsung or LG. Motorola and HTC are just hanging around. I feel Samsung misrepresents Android. Sony keeps it close to stock Android and builds it with better style. We need another Android OEM with a bit more style. HTC can build them but they don't have the clout or resources like Sony has. We need Sony, Nokia, Xiaomi, Huawei, Asus, Acer, ZTE, and many others to compete in more markets. It seems like a duopoly in the US. All companies can start out small in the beginning. What was Samsung or Apple to consumers 15 years ago?
But the Sony I once knew will never really recapture their glory days. That is nostalgia talking to me. But it would be nice to see another competitor tired of Apple or Samsung already.
This is the one device out now that's tempting me. I wouldn't ditch my iPhone of for it but would have no problem giving it a 'sibling'.
I very nearly imported one from Clove for £350 shipped and it included the charging dock. If it was compatible with AT&T LTE bands I would've done it.
The only thing I'd say is that since Sony are now seemingly committed to a 6 month refresh cycle, then the Z2 Compact will probably be forthcoming in the next couple of months.
But the phone is awesome! Keeping my eyes out for any good deals.
Considering the Z1 Compact is using a Snapdragon 800, it's display is closer in quality to the Z2 vs. the Z1 in performance, it only recently came out and it just started receiving KitKat updates, I don't expect to see a Z2 Compact any time soon. It's certainly not the flagship the Z2 is and those lighter sales number probably won't warrant a refreshed version so soon. What exactly would they update?
One way I wish it did mirror the Z2 was having the screen protectors removed.
Just got one of these for my daughter (her 4s was pretty much worn out and she chose the Z1 compact over a 5s). Having spent some time setting it up, I am very impressed with it: fast, well built, quality feel and very compact.
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It might not be the flagship but in the UK they are marketing the HELL out of the Compact. Way way more than they've done with any of their other Xperias.
Tbh who knows with Sony right now. They release the Z2 in the next few weeks, but they'll do a Z3 in Sept/Oct according to them.
Good point. Here in the States, there isn't a whisper about Sony since they haven't announced any plans to formally bring either the Z1 Compact or Z2 to a US carrier. And yeah, Sony doesn't seem to have any set routine when it comes to releasing phones.
Huh? They are not even SELLING the Compact in the States??
Damn, didn't realise that. That's crazy.
Nope. And they only sold the Z1 as a custom model called the Z1S at a single carrier, T Mobile, about 4 months after the release of the Z1. Hence why I'd have had to import the international model of the Z1 Compact (and thus no LTE on AT&T
).
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Nope. And they only sold the Z1 as a custom model called the Z1S at a single carrier, T Mobile, about 4 months after the release OS of the Z1. Hence why I'd have had to import the international model of the Z1 Compact (and thus no LTE on AT&T
tis a shame. Sony is a smartphone dark horse imo. They have potential to rise quickly with the right moves. They seem to largely ignore the US
Perhaps things will change (for the better) once they've sold their Vaio PC line. Presumably increased attention to their smartphones & tablets.