LOOK & FEEL
Just beautiful. Yes, the Xperia Z is edgy, but I can not confirm definitively that it cuts into the hand or whatever other reviewers say. It is not quite as good in the hand as the S3, but that does not fall especially if you do not directly umsteigt from S3 ... The display is different: This is not a Super AMOLED, and it shows , The colors do not shine so strong for the Xperia Z seems more natural. From the side considers itself specifies a gray haze over the display, which is not so important, because I always look mostly from the front and straight at the screen. So you can not see well from any position of everything, but it is people on the train, sitting beside a, difficult to follow along but his private messages, etc..
DELIVERY
I do not know if it's standard, but in the packaging of my smartphone were still 2 NFC chip, a display sheet for front and rear, Sony headphones and matching docking station to charge at. Such a delivery I had with anyone yet another phone! Sure, the station will cost commercially only a maximum of 15 and can no longer, as the phone (fixed!) Charge, but a nice touch is all. The protectors are a nice touch.
SOFTWARE
Android 4.2 is preinstalled, the update to 4.3 will be downloaded and installed directly after the start and with wireless connection down. An update to 4.4 will come in May. Here, the Z is so soon to-date. Even with Android 4.3 (and probably thanks to 2GB of RAM), the Z runs extremely smooth. So far, I do not micro-stuttering are noticed in contrast to S3. A contrast to the Z1 Compact with more processor power, I do not notice. Everything runs smoothly, I am very satisfied.
OPERATION
The Xperia Z is a classic Android, here I do not have great probably explain something. From S3 Coming there are a few things that you have to get used to. There are, for example, be implemented no S Beam to quickly share files, the same thing can be over the NFC Xperia Z but also with Android Beam. The notification bar with shortcuts can be better configure the S3, even when Z However, there is the option to adjust them as desired. As a file manager File Commander is installed, the very intuitive, clear and easy to work and I feel as an improvement to their own files when S3.
MULTIMEDIA
The camera sometimes varies between good and evil. Part (in light) succeed better photos than the S3, part worse with much noise. I had hoped also from experience with the Cybershot models more, but for snapshots the Cam is to use all good along with its wealth of functions. And more to do with such a camera but anyway, do you? Videos are a success, also fits the tone.
The Walkman (music player) has always been Sony's strength. Even when Z I am thrilled by the sound and the setting possibilities. For S3 I bought Poweramp times because my default player was not enough. Here it's different: The Walkman player is really super successful and fun. Sony Unlimited services I do not use, neither music nor video. Very nice by the way is also the possibility to deposit as a widget framework with all the images. I had missed something the S3.
A theme is still the speaker, the feeling some reviewers as too low. I give them right, but only as long as is not activated in the settings xLOUD. After that, the volume of the speaker is in fact significantly raised. No, he does not provide perfect sound and controls quickly. But listening to loud music in the bathroom to take a shower is so very possible. Or videos taken with a loud sound. Only when telephoning the speaker is unfortunately quite low.
PHONE
Can call the Z of course. I understand my other side well, me also. No negative characteristics.
OTHER BUSINESS (battery, memory)
-No, The Xperia Z has no replaceable battery. That's for me, but no knock-out criterion, because I do not know when I ever changed the battery pack in such models. The term is in order: Even when used with Walkman or Audible app over an hour, mobile data and WiFi in change (on / off), a bit Runtastic and GPS, a few SMS and two phone calls to get through the day , The S3 has since made some already rather tired. In addition, there is still the STAMINA mode and battery already which also can make a difference here.
- Memory (microSD) is expandable, my 32 GB card from Sandisk is running without any problems. And the best part: I can take the card if necessary just get stuck in my microSD card reader and connect it via USB to the computer. Is faster than the connection via USB cable directly to the phone.
- In contrast to the Galaxy S3, there is no home button, because I had to get used.
- The note app is good and easy to use. Notes can be sent simply as a screenshot or a text message.
- The Z is water and dust resistant. I have not tried it yet and there was no reason to buy, it's still worth mentioning.
- A bit annoying: Whenever Mobile data enabled the Z is an indication that it may cause cost. No need for a devaluation, but not quite happy.
- Smart Apps at Z are nice, but: The dictation of the S3 is a lot better and more clearly distinguished on.
CONCLUSION
I am very pleased with the transition from S3 to the Xperia Z. The working speed is probably due to the larger memory much faster, even if the processor on the paper only slightly faster clocked. A few comfortable Apps and Quick Sets from the TouchWhiz surface I miss actually. But most of all the "features" (Smart Stay, Vibrate Missed call / SMS, ...) are the S3 nice, but not essential.
Of course, it depends on the price, but I think the Xperia Z for a course of approximately 250 (if you get it) for the better purchase than a 50 cheaper Galaxy S3. Unlike Samsung's smartphone it has not yet come to me with the Xperia Z in the sense ml try another launcher. For me, the transition was definitely worth it.
