Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

[Bradtech519]

Been thinking of making the jump to Android. Was a 5 year user of Windows Mobile/Phone and then switched to the iphone 5s. Last Android experience was on a bad US Cellular handset called the samsung acclaim that lagged horribly and randomly would turn off. Was thinking of trying one of these for the battery life mainly. Also it's water/dust proof which is big for me since I fish often and you never know how wet you might get.

I'm happy with the iphone 5s in terms of how fast apps launch, and never having any lag/slow downs. Only reason I'd like to switch is to go from 4 to 4.6 sreen size, more customization(hate white theme of iOS) better battery life, water proof without using a case. Was thinking of buying one from the Sony Store, and the 2 year protection plan for glass cracks which the phone might be susceptible too. Anyone had any experiences with one of these or think now is the wrong time to upgrade? iPhone 6 appears to not have improved on battery life, and 6 plus isn't for me. Too big

 

[paperwastage]

the z3 compact is probably the only flagship compacted size phone (other than the 5S/6). Galaxy Alpha might be an alternative

Just some notes: You still need to open/close the rubber flaps to access the microUSB slot. It does have a magnetic charging port, but no Qi (yet?)

rumors are that the Z4 (and onwards) will have waterproof microUSB slots so that you don't have to worry about the flaps. However, it looks like the z4 compact will only come out in september

if you are near a Sony store/3rd party (eg B&H in nyc, Fry's in califronia), you can take a look at the phone in person first

 

[Excelsior]

I've had my Z3 Compact for a little over 3 months now. Thoughts:

Pros-
Size is perfect really (came from a Razr M)
Camera is pretty good
Battery life is really good
KitKat runs so well on this phone, super smooth, never a hiccup.
Lollipop should be out in the next month.
Waterproof
Magnetic charging (I use this exclusively)
Tap to wake (don't know if others offer this, but its nice)
Completely unlocked. I was on T-Mobile in the USA, no contract, and now I'm on LIME in Antigua, no-contract. Love that. Never again...
MicroSD slot. I put my 64GB card in to hold MP3s and other data.

Cons
Lack of case options, I went with the budget Cruzerlite skin and it does the job of protecting from short falls
Magnetic Charging. Yes, this is a pro and a con. Sony doesn't support it well enough so you're left with acquiring third party adapters. I've found one I like available on amazon. I never take off my skin now as I don't need to access the microUSB slot.
$500
It's replacement may come out later this year?

I got mine from B&H.

Also, I've never had an iPhone but I do use an iPad mini and a macbook pro. I personally like the customization Android offers and I've used it ever since I've had a smart phone. Some would say it doesn't make sense for me, but whatever.

I think this would make a great Android phone for you and would provide for at least 3-4 years of solid use.

 

[Strk]

the z3 compact is probably the only flagship compacted size phone (other than the 5S/6). Galaxy Alpha might be an alternative

Just some notes: You still need to open/close the rubber flaps to access the microUSB slot. It does have a magnetic charging port, but no Qi (yet?)

rumors are that the Z4 (and onwards) will have waterproof microUSB slots so that you don't have to worry about the flaps. However, it looks like the z4 compact will only come out in september

if you are near a Sony store/3rd party (eg B&H in nyc, Fry's in califronia), you can take a look at the phone in person first

I wouldn't be surprised if Sony moves to an annual launch schedule, but until we actually get any announcements, it's hard to say about a Z4, compact or regular.

 

[manly]

I wouldn't be surprised if Sony moves to an annual launch schedule, but until we actually get any announcements, it's hard to say about a Z4, compact or regular.

Sony already announced they're moving off the twice a year flagship release schedule as it was too aggressive and no other top manufacturer was doing it either.

I was very interested in the Z3C late last fall, but decided against for 2 reasons:
* Despite great optics, No camera OIS
* Still a lot of money for an ARMv7 SoC

For now, I'm happy with a "low-end" Moto G 2nd gen.

 

[Seven]

Wanted to get the Z3 compact for some time, but hard to justify the price. The 2014 Moto X can be had for a lot less and its a superb phone. Also the warranty is questionable, you most likely end up with a refurb or wait weeks for repair. That's not a good warranty for the price, even if the phone is good. I would definitely consider for $350.

 

[lopri]

The 2014 Moto X can be had for a lot less and its a superb phone.

I think you are lowballing the Z3 compact. Where do you get the Moto X "a lot cheaper" than the Z3 compact?

 

[Seven]

I think you are lowballing the Z3 compact. Where do you get the Moto X "a lot cheaper" than the Z3 compact?

Motorola offers promo codes, Sony doesn't do any sales as far as I know.

 

[lopri]

S801 is still very fast. My Z Ultra runs on S800 and it's 1080p, and it is buttery smooth. The Z3 Compact should be even better in longevity, with its 720p screen and more powerful SOC. The Z series' reputation on battery life is well deserved as many here can attest to it. And there are even more battery-saving options built-in with the stock ROM. GSMArena puts the Moto X's endurance rating (48h) lower than half that of the Z3 Comapct (101h).

http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6538&idPhone2=6649

 

[Bradtech519]

Battery life and it being waterproof is the main thing for me. I'd buy it from the Sony store online and get the 59.99 2 year warranty due to some people saying the glass is prone to crack on the front and back of the phone. I'd most likely sell my iphone 5s and the lifeproof nuud to make up for switching over. Looking at around $529 brand new with 2 year warranty for accidental damage. I keep a spare Lumia 900 around just in case.

S801 is still very fast. My Z Ultra runs on S800 and it's 1080p, and it is buttery smooth. The Z3 Compact should be even better in longevity, with its 720p screen and more powerful SOC. The Z series' reputation on battery life is well deserved as many here can attest to it. And there are even more battery-saving options built-in with the stock ROM. GSMArena puts the Moto X's endurance rating (48h) lower than half that of the Z3 Comapct (101h).

http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6538&idPhone2=6649

 

[shortylickens]

I love it.

Good battery life. Nice screen. More than powerful enough to run every app I like.
Waterproof, nice media tools. Only thing I miss is some of the better Note apps.

 

[Gooberlx2]

I keep reading the camera is underwhelming. Is it actually a poor camera sensor+lens, or is it Sony's post processing that sucks? If RAW is supported in Lollipop, that could greatly change things.

 

[paperwastage]

I keep reading the camera is underwhelming. Is it actually a poor camera sensor+lens, or is it Sony's post processing that sucks? If RAW is supported in Lollipop, that could greatly change things.

the Z1/2/3/compact line has been using the same IMX220 sensor for a while (The Z1/2 only offer up to 6400ISO, z3/compact offers 12800iso)

Apple uses Sony sensors too, but they get much better pictures because of better post processing chips/algorithms, and deeper control of the software/hardware stack

In lollipop, the RAW/Camera2 API is optional. Only the Nexus 5/6 have it implemented, S6/S6 edge is said to implement it as well...

I highly doubt that RAW/Camera2 API will be available for the z3 compact (since no other manufacturer has taken advantage of it)

 

[Excelsior]

Wanted to get the Z3 compact for some time, but hard to justify the price. The 2014 Moto X can be had for a lot less and its a superb phone. Also the warranty is questionable, you most likely end up with a refurb or wait weeks for repair. That's not a good warranty for the price, even if the phone is good. I would definitely consider for $350.

Apples and Oranges mate. Two different size categories to begin with.

 

[manly]

I keep reading the camera is underwhelming. Is it actually a poor camera sensor+lens, or is it Sony's post processing that sucks? If RAW is supported in Lollipop, that could greatly change things.

I forget if the review was by Engadget or The Verge, but the reviewer stated you have to have a very steady shooting hand because there's no OIS. Most reviews I've read otherwise praise the optics.