S5 z2 or M8

finbaar · 10-04-2014, 15:34

Quote:

The review units of the Z2 started going out at the beginning of this week. The GS5 a week or two ago, along with the new Gear watches. The HTC M8s were given out on the launch day.

If DS has had a Z2 for 'ages', it will be a pre-release model, which have been circulating since shortly before MWC. In fact, even now, the Z2 has the same buggy firmware that is being fixed right now. I updated my Z1 last night and it no longer runs red hot when the media server gets stuck, which is a fault that is being reported on the Z2 where it's already been released (Singapore, Taiwan etc).

That doesn't mean you can't still do the usual tests even on a non-final version, as the key components like the display and speakers aren't going to change. It would be important to mention it though.

But, despite the issues with the Z2, having used all of them (but not final devices suitable for review) I would still be more likely to go with the Sony for my own personal phone. But, I should point out that I have a Z1 and the Z before it!

My concern for the Z2 is that details are slowly emerging for the Z3, destined for IFA, that will be a much more significant advance. Given a lot of people may not get the Z2 until May (mid-May in some cases), that doesn't leave very long until the Snapdragon 805 model will be announced. If that then comes out almost immediately, like the Z1, there could be many people wishing they'd waited.

^^^This. Sony seem to be releasing a new flagship every 6 months. I suppose they were so far behind though maybe they need to itterate quickly to catch up. It looks like they may well have done this with the Z2. The 805 will be a significant upgrade over the 800, unlike the 801.

jonmorris · 10-04-2014, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by finbaar

^^^This. Sony seem to be releasing a new flagship every 6 months. I suppose they were so far behind though maybe they need to itterate quickly to catch up. It looks like they may well have done this with the Z2. The 805 will be a significant upgrade over the 800, unlike the 801.

It's mad. Let's imagine for that most people getting a Z2 will get it around the middle or end of May, as retailers getting them from the 14th April onwards will have limited stock, mainly for those who pre-ordered.

Sony, Amazon, Clove and the others are all saying sometime in May and won't be drawn on an exact date.

So, end of May.

And IFA at the end of August/start of September. Last year, the phone went on sale around the middle of September (from memory, I might need to check).

So that could mean the next flagship is out just four months later.

Now, Sony may well delay the release now, but then it starts to impact on the MWC release.

The simple solution is obvious; just 1 flagship per year (like Apple, HTC and Samsung) and then to fill the year with the Compact, Ultra and Tablet models based on the same design/hardware - and the low-mid range products we probably don't care about (but the Xperia M2 is a really nice phone, looking much like the Z).

I can only hope that Sony is already fully aware of the stupidity of the six month cycle, which annoys retailers, stops anyone in their right mind stocking all of the accessories, as well as making it expensive to come up with new accessories, new ad campaigns and so on, and is working to try and get into some sort of manageable cycle from now on.

HunterSkipworth · 10-04-2014, 17:44

Nope Z2 is final build. Yup to NDAs..although I'm not under one for the Z2 so a review is going up tomorrow.

With the camera, what do you want to know? Basically, the HTC and SGS5 are rapid when it comes to taking shots, I'm talking iPhone 5S levels of speed. The HTC is also a bit easier to use..

But the Sony has better dynamic range, a more intelligent auto mode that works out exposure better and has a much more in depth manual mode that allows you to get more from the camera.

To me, the M8's snapper is more about doing just that..snapping pics. It's very much a smartphone camera, for quick off the cuff shots. The Sony is more a 'stand still and think about it' but the end result is more rewarding.

Make sense?

MrSuper · 10-04-2014, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

My concern for the Z2 is that details are slowly emerging for the Z3, destined for IFA, that will be a much more significant advance.

What other details have you heard about the Z3 apart from using the new 805 chipset?

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterSkipworth

Nope Z2 is final build. Yup to NDAs..although I'm not under one for the Z2 so a review is going up tomorrow.

Is there any lag with the OS? What's the screen like when watching iPlayer/YouTube vids? Is sound quality better or on par with One (M8)? Is it heavy in the hand and when it's in your front jeans pocket? Have you done a drop test?

HunterSkipworth · 10-04-2014, 18:44

Lag with OS - Yes if you leave the sony live wallpaper on..but turn it off and it goes straight away.

Screen is much much much better than the Z1. Not as vibrant as the SGS5 but colour and motion are handled better.

Not heavy, but it's a big phone and there is too much bezel above and below the display.

Drop test...it's not mine!

dundeederryboy · 22-04-2014, 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterSkipworth

Lag with OS - Yes if you leave the sony live wallpaper on..but turn it off and it goes straight away.

Screen is much much much better than the Z1. Not as vibrant as the SGS5 but colour and motion are handled better.

Not heavy, but it's a big phone and there is too much bezel above and below the display.

Drop test...it's not mine!

How does it work outside? Thats the only thing worrying me about the phone apparently screen quality isn't good in the sun

alanwarwic · 22-04-2014, 13:16

Whilst the S4 was always the vibrant phone a biased comment menmtions the " superior experience in direct sunlight and other challenging conditions of the new Galaxy S5 screen.

http://m.blog.laptopmag.com/galaxy-s5-beats-iphone-5s

Though bear in mind, I think the cheap screen on the iPhone 5s lost over 20% brightness compared to its predecessor the iPhone 5.

dundeederryboy · 23-04-2014, 08:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

Whilst the S4 was always the vibrant phone a biased comment menmtions the " superior experience in direct sunlight and other challenging conditions of the new Galaxy S5 screen.

http://m.blog.laptopmag.com/galaxy-s5-beats-iphone-5s

Though bear in mind, I think the cheap screen on the iPhone 5s lost over 20% brightness compared to its predecessor the iPhone 5.

Was thinking more of the z2, reviews aint too great about it

10-04-2014, 15:34	#51
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris The review units of the Z2 started going out at the beginning of this week. The GS5 a week or two ago, along with the new Gear watches. The HTC M8s were given out on the launch day. If DS has had a Z2 for 'ages', it will be a pre-release model, which have been circulating since shortly before MWC. In fact, even now, the Z2 has the same buggy firmware that is being fixed right now. I updated my Z1 last night and it no longer runs red hot when the media server gets stuck, which is a fault that is being reported on the Z2 where it's already been released (Singapore, Taiwan etc). That doesn't mean you can't still do the usual tests even on a non-final version, as the key components like the display and speakers aren't going to change. It would be important to mention it though. But, despite the issues with the Z2, having used all of them (but not final devices suitable for review) I would still be more likely to go with the Sony for my own personal phone. But, I should point out that I have a Z1 and the Z before it! My concern for the Z2 is that details are slowly emerging for the Z3, destined for IFA, that will be a much more significant advance. Given a lot of people may not get the Z2 until May (mid-May in some cases), that doesn't leave very long until the Snapdragon 805 model will be announced. If that then comes out almost immediately, like the Z1, there could be many people wishing they'd waited. ^^^This. Sony seem to be releasing a new flagship every 6 months. I suppose they were so far behind though maybe they need to itterate quickly to catch up. It looks like they may well have done this with the Z2. The 805 will be a significant upgrade over the 800, unlike the 801.

10-04-2014, 17:44	#53
HunterSkipworth Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 5	Z2 age Nope Z2 is final build. Yup to NDAs..although I'm not under one for the Z2 so a review is going up tomorrow. With the camera, what do you want to know? Basically, the HTC and SGS5 are rapid when it comes to taking shots, I'm talking iPhone 5S levels of speed. The HTC is also a bit easier to use.. But the Sony has better dynamic range, a more intelligent auto mode that works out exposure better and has a much more in depth manual mode that allows you to get more from the camera. To me, the M8's snapper is more about doing just that..snapping pics. It's very much a smartphone camera, for quick off the cuff shots. The Sony is more a 'stand still and think about it' but the end result is more rewarding. Make sense?

10-04-2014, 15:48	#52
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by finbaar ^^^This. Sony seem to be releasing a new flagship every 6 months. I suppose they were so far behind though maybe they need to itterate quickly to catch up. It looks like they may well have done this with the Z2. The 805 will be a significant upgrade over the 800, unlike the 801. It's mad. Let's imagine for that most people getting a Z2 will get it around the middle or end of May, as retailers getting them from the 14th April onwards will have limited stock, mainly for those who pre-ordered. Sony, Amazon, Clove and the others are all saying sometime in May and won't be drawn on an exact date. So, end of May. And IFA at the end of August/start of September. Last year, the phone went on sale around the middle of September (from memory, I might need to check). So that could mean the next flagship is out just four months later. Now, Sony may well delay the release now, but then it starts to impact on the MWC release. The simple solution is obvious; just 1 flagship per year (like Apple, HTC and Samsung) and then to fill the year with the Compact, Ultra and Tablet models based on the same design/hardware - and the low-mid range products we probably don't care about (but the Xperia M2 is a really nice phone, looking much like the Z). I can only hope that Sony is already fully aware of the stupidity of the six month cycle, which annoys retailers, stops anyone in their right mind stocking all of the accessories, as well as making it expensive to come up with new accessories, new ad campaigns and so on, and is working to try and get into some sort of manageable cycle from now on.

10-04-2014, 18:17	#54
MrSuper Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Glasgow Posts: 9,323	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris My concern for the Z2 is that details are slowly emerging for the Z3, destined for IFA, that will be a much more significant advance. What other details have you heard about the Z3 apart from using the new 805 chipset? Quote: Originally Posted by HunterSkipworth Nope Z2 is final build. Yup to NDAs..although I'm not under one for the Z2 so a review is going up tomorrow. Is there any lag with the OS? What's the screen like when watching iPlayer/YouTube vids? Is sound quality better or on par with One (M8)? Is it heavy in the hand and when it's in your front jeans pocket? Have you done a drop test?

10-04-2014, 18:44	#55
HunterSkipworth Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 5	Lag with OS - Yes if you leave the sony live wallpaper on..but turn it off and it goes straight away. Screen is much much much better than the Z1. Not as vibrant as the SGS5 but colour and motion are handled better. Not heavy, but it's a big phone and there is too much bezel above and below the display. Drop test...it's not mine!

22-04-2014, 12:40	#56
dundeederryboy Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dundee Posts: 1,318	Quote: Originally Posted by HunterSkipworth Lag with OS - Yes if you leave the sony live wallpaper on..but turn it off and it goes straight away. Screen is much much much better than the Z1. Not as vibrant as the SGS5 but colour and motion are handled better. Not heavy, but it's a big phone and there is too much bezel above and below the display. Drop test...it's not mine! How does it work outside? Thats the only thing worrying me about the phone apparently screen quality isn't good in the sun

22-04-2014, 13:16	#57
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	Whilst the S4 was always the vibrant phone a biased comment menmtions the " superior experience in direct sunlight and other challenging conditions of the new Galaxy S5 screen. http://m.blog.laptopmag.com/galaxy-s5-beats-iphone-5s Though bear in mind, I think the cheap screen on the iPhone 5s lost over 20% brightness compared to its predecessor the iPhone 5.

23-04-2014, 08:27	#58
dundeederryboy Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dundee Posts: 1,318	Quote: Originally Posted by alanwarwic Whilst the S4 was always the vibrant phone a biased comment menmtions the " superior experience in direct sunlight and other challenging conditions of the new Galaxy S5 screen. http://m.blog.laptopmag.com/galaxy-s5-beats-iphone-5s Though bear in mind, I think the cheap screen on the iPhone 5s lost over 20% brightness compared to its predecessor the iPhone 5. Was thinking more of the z2, reviews aint too great about it

DS Forums

S5 z2 or M8