What are /r/SonyXperia's favorite Products & Services?

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You need to install Sony headphones connect app.

Launch app, connect to headphones, choose 'hi quality audio preffered.

Had the same problem, installed Notification Blocker, blocked "Headset is plugged in." under "Managing calls" (Unsure to actual app, have norwegian text, so "Behandle anrop") - no more problem.

I like the Stamina mode reminder, though, so haven't blocked that (that's not completely useless, unless always on), but should be able to block that as well.

> And unlike previous Xperia Premium phones, the 4K output is always on, and not just when compatible content is visualized.

Uh, wasn't it confirmed this not to be the case?

> 12MP (1/2.6"), f/1.6, 26mm lens, dual-pixel PDAF, OIS

I was going to criticize them for downgrading their camera (which they did, and it shows in good light)... But I guess like this way at least they could fit OIS in the same space.

Hopefully now that they have a camera module "just like anybody else", not understanding their particularities will bring up good results?

Put aside that I'm always torn on whether HDR videos or 4K@60 and 720p@240 are more important.

p.s. odd they didn't mention in the description that sony *finally* wired the damn HDMI pins to the usb-c connector

If you do not have ADB installed, follow the instructions to install it. (https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/amp/)

Next, you need to get the package name of the app you want to uninstall. Install aplin(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nagopy.android.aplin&hl=en_US&gl=US), search for 'docomo', then press the share button in the top right corner and tap 'App name/Package name'. Then send it to your computer and copy the package name of the app you want to uninstall.

You can force delete the app by running this command.

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 [packagename]

In [packagename], paste the package name you have just copied. (e.g. adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.for.example)

That's still wrong. The pixel arrangement is different, yes, but it's still TRUE native 4K. There are still 3840 pixels × 2160 lines of pixel on the screen.

"Hypotheses aside, the 2,160 x 3,840 pixels display of the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is very much real."

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z5_premium_4k_display_under_our_microscope-blog-13887.php

Which is far more reputable than your random article.

i guess I'm the designated XZ1 responder here. hehe

so start with this comparison chart (toward bottom) https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8804&idPhone2=8593

that is the xz1 vs xzp in battery life.

I've owned my xz1 for 2-3 weeks, and its been a great device in almost all aspects. The battery life is impressive. I haven't been able to kill mine in a day yet. Average SOT seems to hover around 7-7.5 hours. Its my first new phone in years, but I'm glad they've progressed beyond the "nightly charging" routine that i used to follow religiously with all other devices (sometimes multiple times a day) not now, even when i leave the house with 50% i dont have any stress that it wont last. it's great!

if i really had to complain about it, (all really minor) here are some things:

• No double tap to wake.

• sony should fix whatever the issue is with the fingerprint scanners in US. i dont use it, but more folks may be dependent on that feature.

• While video recording seems great (the 960fps is cool, but barely lasts a second) the photo quality is only ok. worse in low light.

• reliance on 3rd party apps for night reading / bluelight / etc changes (need twilight)

• the phone is slippery. but a decent case with rounded corners has immensely helped. - a non issue now.

all in all i would definitely buy again, though im a bit jelly of the xz1c's battery life which would seem to eclipse the xz1 at the cost of low screen resolution and/or ppi.

Could you please please please share the results from Camera2 Info and Filmic Evaluator? It's been frustrating to see all these "camera reviews" but none of them bother to mention to complete capabilities of the cameras or what we can expect from 3rd party app support.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hvt.camera2test

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hvt.camera2test

>Battery life not as good as expected. I only get about three hours of screen time (even on a fresh install), which is about what I got with my Nexus 5.

I don't understand how this is possible without there being something wrong with the device. I can get around 5-6 hours SOT even with heavy use and easily 7+ with my normal use.

>I also hate the small apps bar at the bottom of the Task Switcher UI.

That's possible to remove through ADB and it does not need root/unlocking. Disclaimer: I have never done it myself but I don't think it should bee too difficult.

>Super annoying USB flap.

Getting a magnetic charging dock helps but I understand if not everyone wants to use extra money just to charge the phone more conveniently. Newer Xperia devices, like M4, Z4 and Z4 Tablet, will have an open waterproof USB port but that doesn't exactly help the Z3.

>Tap-to-Wake, but no tap-to-sleep? Really?

I have it, sort of. I use Nova Launcher Prime and use the double tap gesture to activate Screen Off and Lock. It's a bit of work to set up but works as it should.

So there are solutions to at least some of your problems with it.

So they praised its camera, but when i checked the samples especially the portraits, there's noise everywhere and Sony's traditional NR which turns some edges to look like oil painting

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I'm not sure if GSMArena knows how to look at sample images, they just look really bad especially this one

​

https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_1-review-1941p5.php#image110

The 2c has an HD screen requiring much more proccessing power than previous years 720, along with a much thirstier processor. I own a 1c and it's the best phone I've ever owned for battery, regularly getting three days between charges.

But don't take my word for it GSMarena battery tests are pretty comprehensive and treat all phones in a standard format, look at the difference for yourself

I have a blue Xperia 5 ii as well. I don't trust myself to never drop , and I've dropped it once so far. I'm using a clear TPU case, no issue with it so far..

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08J3VDPPR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_DNFDPW3BGZQTW7FGQAYR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

But yeah probably it'll go yellow sooner or later, but it's not too expensive to replace it.

Oh yes I'd like to know this too !
To test this, juste install and run this app and post the result screen :
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.airbeat.device.inspector

Do you remember hearing about the iphone 4 antenna issue? The XZ1 seems to have the opposite problem - the GPS antenna performance appears marginal until you have some fingers, or the base of your hand, along the left side of the phone.

Someone here on reddit suggested "squeezing" on it around the SIM slot some time back, but I've been doing some experimenting over the past month and it's not the squeezing that does it, it's simply having skin contact on the left edge which increases the antenna strength.

To prove it, you can use the https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chartcross.gpstest (GPStest) app to monitor how the GPS unit is doing locking to satellites. If you aren't holding it, sometimes it will lock, but other times it'll just sit there unable to obtain lock on enough satellites. When that happens, I hold the phone for a little bit and locks every time.

On rare occasions, it'll lock to a bunch, but then go into a weird bug mode where it alternates between no-lock and locked. In that case, simply toggle GPS off, then back on.

I've had decent success once it's locked onto a good number of satellites (more than 10), you can let go of the phone and it'll usually stay locked.

Mine Z5C didn't get to the point you described, but I too felt degradation in performance. So I installed OS monitor (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eolwral.osmonitor&hl=en) and started uninstalling unnecessary apps that were using cpu/memory the most. Maybe that could help to identify what's responsible for the overheating and eating up your phone's resources.

They shifted focus, discontinued services that wasn't making money, and as of 1 April 2021, mobile division fully merged with Electronics team. In short, a less cluttered OS experience by going nearly stock Android.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weawow

Here's the PlayStore Link if it shows up as compatible on your Xperia.

But if it doesn't here's APKMirror's Link

I consider myself a fairly heavy user, and I have not been able to kill the phone in one day. videos, remoteplay, reddit, yadda yadda.

I've had mine for a few weeks and average about 7+ hours of SOT.

To me, the device's battery is sufficiently capable of demanding tasks, and i am charging every 2 - 2.5 days (which is a new, great experience for me.)

The xz1c should get an hour or three more of SOT too.. so if battery life is your primary objective, that one should fair slightly better.

I can't relate this phone to other makers though, as I haven't demoed any of them (V30, oneplus 5, etc.)

gsmarena lists it as 82hours of endurance.

whereas they list the V30 at 87hours, the S8 at 84 hours, and the oneplus 5 at 83hours. so the xz1 IS slightly lower there in whatever benchmark they use. however! the xz1c is rated at 102hours.. so that one should be a beast.

You can turn your xperia phone into emulation and gaming powerhouse. Just buy USB C to HDMI cable and hook up to big monitor or TV. Use second screen app to set output to 16:9 ratio to get full screen over HDMI. Then grab a Bluetooth PS4 or Xbox controller.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.secondscreen.free&hl=en_US

It's one of the Xperia feature that often overlooked. You can;t do the same on Google Pixel devices and Xiaomi phone coz they lack the usb-c hdmi output feature.

Here is a solution to the screen brightness issue:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=es.richardsolano.filter

Also note that this has a Night light which is useful for XZ1 users, and the minimum brightness can be reduced even further in the app's settings.

There's probably something similar out there for speakers.

Taken with Open Camera in HDR mode using the Camera2 API. Noise reduction and edge enhancements completely disabled. And of course, for comparison, here's the same using all auto settings and the Sony camera. Sorry about the reflections, I'm supposed to be working :D

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EDIT: Yup, no EXIF. That's because the original was saved as PNG (which, yes, you can do that), I was playing with "external" noise reduction on some other pictures but there's none of it applied here.

Concerning the image naming convention, have you tried using the DSC Auto Rename app from Google Play Store yet? It might fix that issue for you, but I haven’t tested it personally.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ro.ciubex.dscautorename&hl=en

> If anyone knows how to remove the NFC icon (it's not an option here), I'd love to hear it.

Yep, so Sony are just being difficult here. Personally, I installed this excellent app (requires a quick adb command to enable it) and have been able to remove the NFC status icon, as well as a bunch of helpful tweaks. Also lets you add an Immersive Mode quick settings tile which is very handy.

I personally enjoy these clean and minimalistic themes. I also used this one for quite a while.

Settings > Lock screen & security > Automatically lock > select a longer duration. My X Performance allows 30 minutes before it locks. You can also change the screen timeout to something longer (30 minutes for me again), meaning you can talk for an hour without touching your phone before it locks and hangs up.

Or you could get something like Caffeine which is essentially a wake-lock which you can set for specific apps. But make sure you're charging your phone or you'll end up with a dead battery.

Also I hate to be pedantic, but FaceTime is what Apple calls their video chat service. It's not available on non-apple devices. I knew what you meant and most would. But it's the Kleenex/Facial Tissue and Velcro/Hook and loop fastener debate...

either way, I hope that helps.

TL;DR Change the screen timeout longer, and the lock on sleep longer, will give you up to an hour of hands free conversation. Apps exist to keep the phone from going to sleep as well

So I know a lot of you consider this app "bloat". However I do like it. It is mostly Sony promotions and easy competitions with cool prizes. The competitions are easy to enter, it just involves answering a (usually really easy question). However according to the Play Store there are 10 million other people who have download Xperia Lounge, so you can try entering the contests for fun but don't count on winning...

So anyway, up until now on Xperia Lounge I only saw hopeless competitions which I'll never win... But now with this update and the "Gold" promotion I see... more contests but also free Xperia themes (that usually cost several bucks)!

TL;DR Thanks to this update I now really get free stuff from Xperia Lounge such as themes. Hopefully we'll get even cooler apps for free in the future!

I kinda know both devs of XZ1c and XA2, and they are pretty lovely (in fact, XA2 is also getting the vanilla linux treatment)

And you can see the reminder differences here. On amazon.de, xz1c starts from as low as 300€. It's your call if that's worth water-proofness, some band and the 2017 camera.

You could also just get NotifyClean which will allow you control over all of your notifications, including detailed control over which types of notifications from individual apps are hidden.

Coming from OnePlus and Huawei, no scrollshot has been a bit of an annoyance as I also use them often. Until Android 12 arrives with native scrollshot support, try an app...not as convenient as built in support, but better than nothing. I use this one:

Screen Master https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pro.capture.screenshot

You need to download the Sony Headphones connect app. In that there is an option to set up 3D listening. This only works with a limited number of Sony headphones. I have a pair of wh-1000xm3, I strated doing it, but it's a bit of a faff, taking pictures of your ears.

I think you access 3D listening through the Sony app, not direct from Tidal.

One way is to install power menu control, so you can add an adaptive brightness toggle button from the power menu (long pressing power button)

This one from Amazon has been perfect for me. Dropped multiple times and phone and case still look pristine. Using with this screen protector.

Yes, but I will argue that your phone's internal storage is MUCH more reliable than any external SD card (not considering physical destruction here). I've had plenty of Micro SD cards fail throughout the years - I've never once had an internal memory of any phone fail on me.

You can automatically move the images using Tasker BTW, just set a periodic task that moves the files from local storage to the micro SD card, it'll do it in the background when the phone's in your pocket and you wouldn't have to worry about it at all. Tasker is a paid app, I know, but it's worth it IMO, fairly complex though, certainly not for everyone (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.taskerm).

I use Fluid Navigation Gestures on my XZ1 - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fb.fluid

Its great; I now have the use of the full screen, I've configured it so that it's like the Xiaomi gestures, and they are like second nature to me.

Only small issue is that in some scenarios the gestures don't work, like when opening the camera from the hardware button when the phone is locked.

I use fingerprint quick action https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ztc1997.fingerprint2sleep you can program it to bring the nonification panel down by taping it once or twice and many other things.

this app will allow you to change everything the looks the functions and with tasker you can create profiles https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.paphonb.systemuituner&hl=en / here is also the xda thead https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-custom-navigation-bar-customize-t3590967

and it doesnt need root in case you dont have root

Just to make you aware there are quite a few apps at the moment which are doing this, this r/android post has a decent list http://www.reddit.com/r/android/comments/4jle6o/_/

Also if you want a decent photo editor I recommend snapseed It's really good and is a Google app.

It's a bug which affects around 95% of android devices. More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stagefright_(bug)

To check if your tablet is affected, download https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zimperium.stagefrightdetector&hl=en to check if your device is vulnerable.

Would you mind using Manual Camera a bit, taking a few shots and sharing to see what the new lens & sensor can really do? It's a paid for app unfort but I can provide an apk if you're not willing to spend anything.

Last time that happened on my Z3, Facebook app was hogging the CPU, even when the screen was off. Force stopped it and things were fine. I used OS monitor to see what was going on.

Thanks.

I have found battery care in apkmirror so i thought it would be possible to extract the new version too. https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/sony-mobile-communications/battery-care/battery-care-1-2-8-a-7-8-release/

For widgets, try this and this. For camera, my old X still have scenes and the camera menu is unchanged from Z2 so I don't know the problem here.

Camera defaults to Superior Auto if launched from camera shutter button, open Camera manually if you want last selected mode.

> but if I want anything like a keeper I've got to delve in my bag and extract the Pixel or the iPhone...

And as usual, citation needed.. https://www.gsmarena.com/piccmp.php3?idType=4&idPhone1=8610&idPhone2=8858&idPhone3=9082

• The Pixel 3 is a overall improvement over the Pixel 2 (Screen, Speakers, Battery life). The biggest issue with the Pixel series is that they had horrendous quality control with the first and second generations. (Screens going out, speakers going out, USB ports not sould on right). Lots of issues that reminded me why you don't buy certain LG models/Etc etc. With the third generation, we don't know yet. Provided the QC issues are fixed, the Pixel series are worthwhile. If they aren't, it's not exactly worth the premium price tag. But it's never a good idea to buy at launch - Just to avoid some QC issues and let them iron some stuff out.

• For a brief technical rundown, https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=9232&idPhone2=9257 + in combination with some good reviews. Both phones are going to be a bit better in some aspects, in worse than others.

So for a honest answer to the consumer, you should wait a little bit. See how the Pixel 3 does, wait a bit on the XZ3. Then depending on how both devices stand up over the next three months, flip a coin and pick which one you'd like. Both will work for your needs - It's just a personal preference on software/Etc. Both phones will be great. So I'd say stick with your Pixel 2 until it hits end of life. It works, doesn't it? Then by the time you need to upgrade, you'll have the Pixel 3/XZ3 or even better options to choose from that point forward. Unless money is absolutely not a issue for you and you like new things to play with. You will be getting some of the Pixels software backported to your device in the coming months. Not all of it though, but at least something.

I've been with Sony since the ericsson days and it is incredibly hard to take them seriously now when they price their phone like that and other companies do so much better with the same price.

There is still an appeal to a Sony phone that others can't just replicate. The attention to detail, even just the icons, which I really notice. But a dual camera that is not that good? A snapdragon 630? A Nokia 7 Plus will get you a better camera, and an SD660. Still, you do you.

To edit your videos you can use something like DaVinci Resolve and export it to your preferred size. Or even better use Handbrake to transcode your video to something more size-friendly.

If you still have physical access to your Sony phone, FX can copy its APK so you can pass it onto other devices, like your Samsung. No root required.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.fx

There are better file management apps than FX, this is what I'm using to transplant the Xperia Japanese Keyboard from X1 to X1III. The latter doesn't have it preinstalled.

It might be that the power button has indeed gone. Obviously it's not the battery as it shows 99%. Unless you can get it started and install Waveup, then it's a paperweight. or try and find a replacement power button.

I discovered that if you have Nova installed and you choose 'black status bar', while having black theme enabled in phone settings, it disapears.

I purchased this case on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LHTLFL?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Seems OK to me considering I don't have my 1 III until late next month. For the price, it seems like a good value. Of course, I don't know what it's longevity will be like until I get to actually use it.

I've been using this camera air duster for a couple of years now and use it a few times a day to blow the dust, lint etc off my phone. This one might not be available anymore but there's plenty of similar ones out there.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MOLFPH6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_W3HWJQHKVX5E3TZ609EA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Snapseed is good for jpeg, not so much for RAW files. You can download On1 Raw from Play Store or Lightroom Mobile CC. Both has auto mode, just load the raw and click auto to get the base adjustment. From there, edit the images according to your taste.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.on1.onmobile

Any USB PD charger that's at least 21w should work fine. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y427WT7 but now I just use my macbook charger as an all-in-one charger for my different usb-c stuff.

If you're interested in getting a "new" XZ3 and don't like the 21:9 aspect ratio of the newer Xperias, I highly recommend getting one. Here's my unboxing of mine so you can see for yourself: https://youtu.be/HNIXNMrESoU I bought mine here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H6THXJM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It was a ringke fusion case through Amazon. It's all right and works with the charging dock.

Xperia Z3 Compact Case - Ringke FUSION Case [Free HD Film/Dust&Drop Protection][SMOKE BLACK] Shock Absorption Bumper Premium Hard Case for Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (Not for Z3+ / Z3 / Z3 Dual / Z3v / Z3 Tablet) - Eco/DIY Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OI09JLY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Gpm8wbW73K9M0

I import mine from the UK, they come with a 2 year warranty, but I would need to send it to the UK for any warranty work.

Can buy the US version unlocked on Amazon as well that comes with the warranty, just need to make sure to buy the US version not the international. Obviously not the phone you are looking for, but just an example

Fingerprint being disabled won't be an issue since you're going to be throwing custom roms on there I assume you know how to flash the UK software

I'm still seeing them on Amazon.

If you're in a country that doesn't have Amazon let me know. I can order and ship to you.

I am a FIRM believer in compact phones and the more that people have these the stronger a signal we'll send to Sony. I will do everything in my power to make these phones sell.

Hopefully there will be an App similar to what was or is used in Samsung smartphones wrt Bixby:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.bxactions&hl=en_GB

I was able to achieve this on my XZ1c with this app : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=flar2.homebutton&hl=en

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Although I'm rooted, and I was only able to make the "double press" action work, still it did work when the phone was locked.

Are you able to collect logcat logs? It would give some hints about the problem if we could see the callstack of the crash.

This page might give you some information https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-take-logs-in-android/

Logcat Reader might be a good app for this purpose: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dp.logcatapp

I use this tool to override apps vibration behavior.Just create a new pattern of short vibration to avoid the engine going full speed.

I use a short 2x70 pattern personally.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wbouvy.vibrationcontrol&hl=fr

If you can be satisfied by Android with a desktop interface you can run Sentio or wait until Android Q is released, it is rumored to have this mode.

This is the one which functions as a "plug-in" to the stock Sony camera app.

There are other standalone apps, but quite a number of them are paid apps.

Ring and notification volume is the default action when no media is playing for me (x compact, 8.0). You could try remapping the volume rocker with something like Button Mapper, but I only see an option in it to toggle mute/vibrate/ring instead of directly adjusting ring volume.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koo.lightmanager

I use this application to customize the flash rate and color for different applications. If I remember correctly, the stock notification light flash rate had a three-second period, which felt irritatingly long. Now I use a two-second period - quite comfortable.

A lot of people, myself included, like to have different coloured apps than the default. I like black screens (with white writing) as I find white hard on my eyes in the evening. There’s a whole phone modding culture based on Subtratum theming.

All that is gone on Pie. Well, not gone, but not possible without root.

It's still working with ACR in 9 on my XZ Premium.

Hard to say if the quality has dropped but can still hear both ends of the call just fine.

Maybe later phones that release with 9 rather than get updated to it that'll be different, but for now it still seems to be working.

You might be right. I had installed [this](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pro.cam.tolan) app 2 days earlier, but had never experienced intrusive advertising on my phone before - so I associated the ads with the update. Now I removed it and the ads seem to have stopped.

P.S. I use this app to hide the system's navigation bar and have more available screen for certain apps: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.paphonb.systemuituner

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kimcy929.screenrecorder

my absolute favourite. free with no ads, and you an add a quick tile so that's always quick to start. you can also change resolution, framerate and bitrate.

Sadly with Sony's Android 7.1 update the option to not show the icon has gone from the system UI tuner.

The only way that I know of doing that is by downloading systemUI tuner from the play store and following the steps (you have to use adb fastboot on your PC). After giving the app those permissions from your PC, you can now turn the NFC icon off.

I don't know why Sony decided to kill this option though, maybe it was an oversight?

Have a look at Custom Navigation Bar. It requires a bit of setup with ADB on a computer, but it's able to do what you want without root.

Play Store Link

Wow, that's a really neat idea! I have a app for remapping hardware keys (no root), but it doesn't support forced orientation, it does however support shortcuts. Maybe could be hooked up to Automate?

Button Remapper: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.irishin.buttonsremapper

Nothing built in; I've used Light Flow and Light Manager in the past. Light Manager is a bit simpler and if you're looking to just tweak a few app's colors, I'd recommend starting with that. Light Flow gives you a lot more control at the cost of complexity.

Okay, let's try another way that might be easier for us both.

Install Terminal Emulator for Android. Open it up and run the following command:

pm hide com.sonymobile.playanywhere

... and then reboot your phone.

You're not going to be able to screw anything up that a factory reset won't fix, and this won't void your warranty or anything silly like that, but I still take no responsibility if this causes data loss, your house to burn down, or your dog to run away.

There's a really great Themes Catalog app for Xperia devices on the Play Store if you're into simple colour themes. Most of them are free, I believe.

Yes, only if you use a theme that set the default statusbar color to black. As far as I know I haven't seen a lollipop theme that's close to stock (buttons and all) with black status bar, but if you dont mind your phone having vanilla android nav buttons, I would recommend this theme.

And no, changing launchers doesn't help since the theme is system wide. You need to use a different theme, like I explained above.

Yes, but my Z5 auto-filled At&t's settings. Try disabling the built-in messenger and grabbing Google's Messenger from the Play store.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messaging

I'd say you switch to Google Keyboard and improve your typing experience entirely with their Material Light or Material Dark option for a sexy keyboard.

There is a wide variety depending on preference.

Nova Launcher is by far the most popular.

I use ExDialer am very happy with the look of the new default Material theme. But at least the UI during calls (which ExDialer can't replace) will be less ugly than it is now once we finally get Lollipop...

Because as he said most people do care about standby time as they have their phones in their pockets more than actually using them, I'd assume. They test video playback, browsing and calling and give you the numbers for each of them. Then all of that with standby in between and give you that number as well.

It's explained here: https://www.gsmarena.com/gsmarena_lab_tests-review-751p6.php

The only compact phone that has been unveiled is the 5-inch 'Xperia Ace', which was originally leaked as a potential XZ4 compact.

https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz4_compact_will_come_as_the_xperia_ace_exclusive_to_japan_-news-37064.php

Looks like it is a Japan only device, and fairly mid-range specs, rather than flagship equivalent compact. I like the design actually, looks like a compromise between the classic lines of the XZ1 compact and the roundedness of the XZ2 compact.

But I would prefer if Sony treated the compact phone as it's own class of device and not compromise the internal specs.

Right now it looks like the Xperia fans in Scandinavia got the best pre-order deal so far. Pre-orders come bundled with the best noise cancelling headphones, the WH-1000x M3! I have a pair and these things are really as magic and as hyped as everyone makes them out to be.

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https://www.gsmarena.com/xperia_1_goes_on_preorder_in_scandinavia_bundled_with_sony_wh1000xm3_headphones-news-37017.php

According to the benchmark values at the bottom of this GSMArena page, the performance should be a bit better than the XA2 so it should be pretty decent, although half the price of a $700 phone would probably be something I'd pass on (assuming he's selling it for $350). Amazon has the XZ1 for ~$270, I'd get that.

You don't mention what model it is, but nine years old! I don't want to ruin your idea of resurrecting that phone, but there won't be any way to update it by now. All the playstore versions only go back to KitKat and likewise most apps only go back one or two OS versions. Even if you did get WhatsApp installed, it would be so painfully slow and difficult to use. You're just lining up more pain for yourself if you persist.

You could look on APKmirror try and find the oldest version of browser/playstore available, download it onto an microsd card via a laptop or computer, put that in the phone and try and install it from there.

XDA forums is a fantastic phone resource site and if you can find your model on there, then there may be hope in pushing a custom rom or update to it.

Hmm it looks like "Google Services" with its 10% could be the main problem. There are a lot of explanations on why Google Services could drain your battery (Here's an article you could read on the matter of you're so inclined). It is likely due to location requests. A lot of apps ask for your location, you could disable the location-sharing on some apps if you want (for example Google Now). An easy solution that I found really extends battery is simply to leave location turned off most of the time when you don't need it (can easily be toggled in quick srttings).

In addition, it seems to me that you're not using Stamina mode. That's there one easy way to increase the battery life a little, without sacrifice (provided you remember to whitelist all the apps you need; e.g. messaging and alarm apps).

Finally, if all else fails you could always try a factory reset. Also a reminder that a simple restart can magically resolve problems (needless to say its way too often the first thing you should try).

Hope I helped!

If you care about 16:9, get the XA2 Ultra, it's what I have and I love it. The XA3 gen will all be skinny dick versions.

Judging by all the specs listed at gsmarena, the xz1 should last a little longer than the xzp with all things considered, has a slightly brighter screen and came with Oreo.

If battery life is the primary motivator, then the xz1 is better than the xzp, but pales compared to the xz1compact.

If you like glass back, then xzp is it.

i'm a happy xz1 owner for a year now, so i'd say the xz1 is a great device, but i doubt you'd "hate" the xzp.

Having said all that, you may be more interested in their newer lineup with more battery life. the xzp 2 has slightly better battery life than the xzp, but still not quite as good as xz1.

yadda yadda good luck!

oh here's the comparison i was looking at:

https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8804&idPhone2=8593&idPhone3=9166

Protip : Shoot normal photo using Photopro app using the tele lens it is bright sunlight. If lighting is poor use the main 24mm lens.

Then install this app (O2cam) and use the portrait mode feature to simulate depth of field. Good luck

https://apkpure.com/o2cam/com.meitu.oxygen

Yeah, I really don't understand why can't some people be civil on the internet. Maybe they need some form of validation, no? Anyway, you can check your warranty status in Support app under Device Info tab. Like this.

The only non-Sony thing they've introduced in XZ3 is the display with round corners. While I definitely don't like it I honestly don't see how it makes the phone indistinguishable from Samsung.

>Meanwhile as I look at the XA2 series, I still see they have that nice SONY design on them

But they don't. They have a design copied from Lumia and Xiaomi phones, they don't even look Sony.

Seriously, if Sony blatantly copies a design from Nokia and Xiaomi, no one bats an eye. If they make round display corners like Samsung and LG, everyone loses their minds.

In Taiwan they get a 6Gb ram version:

https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz3_has_6gb_of_ram_in_taiwan-news-33081.php

Why not elsewhere :(

Given your criteria, youre pretty much left with an XZ1/XZP as the top-tier choice. Its Sony's 2017 flagship and it should easily last you 2-3 years hardware/software-wise. The next generation, XZ2 has no headphone jack.

Do note that, camera-wise, Sony phones are not "great" especially in lowlight.

I use this

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-phone/google-phone-7-0-140861421-nonnexus-release/google-phone-7-0-140861421-nonnexus-android-apk-download/

Depends on your network. I get ~300-400 mbps on wifi, but when on mobile data, it tanks. Like around 25mbps. AFAIK fast.com runs off of netflix, and the carrier that my Fi is connected to (t-mobile), throttles netflix.

I have not felt slowness during my first month with the Xperia 5 III.

But you may use Support by Sony and check if there's something wrong with your apps or phone:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.support

On "Device Overview" you may check if there has been any app issues in the last 10 days or then "optimize" the phone to remove junk files or force close background apps.

I agree, it looks fake. I looked through all the Xperia phones gsmarena had listed and I didn't see any phones that had that camera, proximity sensor, and notification light configuration on the front, nor a phone with such a dual flash configuration on the back.

The power button on the side also looks weird. Sony used the circular power button until they went with the fingerprint sensor, and then the sensor power buttons were flush with the side of the phone.

The two standards themselves are not cross-compatible.

However, the XZ1 supports both as per this review: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_xz1-review-1656p2.php

> Our unit arrived with a basic Sony UCH20 charger, rated at . It really can't take advantage of the XZ1's Quick Charge 3.0 and USB power delivery support ...

QC v4.0 and PD are compatible though.

Do you have Android File Transfer installed? Could cause an issue.

If not, try using Android File Transfer to transfer your photos :) I personally just use Google Photos to automatically upload them, but for moving heavier files onto my phone I use that.

I've seen way worse "blur issues" but you def. have the left side blur.

I think this picture is taken normaly while the other one is taken upside down. You can clearly see some kind of "ghosting" effect in the first picture when you look at the leafes top left. In the second one they appear to be sharper but still are quite smudgy but alas it's the price you pay for that huge field of view.

I wouldn't return it... you probably won't get a better device than this one