How big a screen downgrade is the Z3C from the Nexus 5?

[smileman]

Really like the idea of the Z3C and the regular Z3 seems just a bit too big in my hand. (I was able to hold both the Z3 and Z3C but they were dummy device so I couldn't try out the screen).

My only hold-up on the Z3C is the screen size and resolution. I don't play games or watch much video, so that's not a concern. However, I do a lot of reading, sometimes very small font sizes (eg, reading Techmeme.com on full site). So resolution and screen real estate are helpful.
I'm coming from a Nexus 5 and I'm wondering two things:

a) how much worse is the resolution for the Z3C in real day use for reading as compared to the Nexus 5?

b) what about giving up screen real estate? It seems psychologically a lot easier to go bigger than go smaller, or is this something I would likely quickly get over with the Z3C.

The other option is to just suck it up and get the full Z3, but that costs more and like I said is a bigger phone than ideally I'd like to have.

 

[Issemann]

I share your concerns as I am currently using the HTC One m7 as my daily driver. I would love to go a little smaller to regain my one-handed operations for my bus rides to and from work. But I would hate to give up the beautiful resolution of my m7.

Unfortunately, your questions are a little difficult to answer. If you have very good eyesight myself, then you may notice the subtle differences especially when it comes to fonts. Every review I've seen so far (and I've seen a lot!) seem to indicate that the user is happy with with the Z3C's display. Personally, I am waiting for Sony's press conference on Oct 9th. With any luck, T-Mobile will have a display unit in store on the same day so I can judge for myself.

 

[smileman]

If you have very good eyesight myself, then you may notice the subtle differences especially when it comes to fonts.

I'm pretty particular. Some reviewers said that going from the screen on the Nexus 4 to 5 wasn't a big deal, but for me it was a huge difference. I'm worried that going from the Nexus 5 back to 720p on Z3C would be roughly equivalent to going back to the Nexus 4, which I would not want to do.

At this point leaning more for the full sized Z3...in copper.

 

[lindseybp]

I'm pretty particular. Some reviewers said that going from the screen on the Nexus 4 to 5 wasn't a big deal, but for me it was a huge difference. I'm worried that going from the Nexus 5 back to 720p on Z3C would be roughly equivalent to going back to the Nexus 4, which I would not want to do.

At this point leaning more for the full sized Z3...in copper.

Based on your nexus experience I think you should go with the regular z3. Just my opinion.

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[anon(464338)]

Yeah I just go ahead and tell people to go get the best screens if this is important. This phone doesn't have the best screen. But it's overkill for 1080p on a 4.7" screen so they say.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[lcohen999]

Former N5 current Z3c user here. I have zero regrets about moving to this phone. Screen is great, phone is fast.. For me, battery life isn't a ton better than my N5 for whatever reason but I am an extremely heavy (business) user. Just do it already!

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[CheddarBo]

I share your concerns as I am currently using the HTC One m7 as my daily driver. I would love to go a little smaller to regain my one-handed operations for my bus rides to and from work. But I would hate to give up the beautiful resolution of my m7.

Unfortunately, your questions are a little difficult to answer. If you have very good eyesight myself, then you may notice the subtle differences especially when it comes to fonts. Every review I've seen so far (and I've seen a lot!) seem to indicate that the user is happy with with the Z3C's display. Personally, I am waiting for Sony's press conference on Oct 9th. With any luck, T-Mobile will have a display unit in store on the same day so I can judge for myself.

I had the HTC One M7 GPE and now have the Z3 compact. I don't notice the difference all that much, and I think I prefer the slightly slimmer feel of Z3C and so the difference in screen size feels negligible.

 

[shlk7]

Do you find a noticeable difference in speed and fluidity going to z3c from the m7?
I currently use the m7 and it's been a very pleasant experience so far and the screen is gorgeous!
Please share your experience, both positive and negative for your transition as I'm very much interested in getting the z3c.
Thanks!

 

[chadmd23]

z3c has a ppi of 319. The human eye can't tell the difference past 300 ppi. (that's why apple calls them retina displays)

 

[maxburn]

On paper the screen seems a close comparison to what apple chose for the iPhone 6 which was good enough for them. I'm hoping for at least a similar color accuracy to the N5, AMOLED color accuracy bothers me. But I haven't seen a LTE A S5 or note 4 with their better screens yet.

Kind of excited to get a decent size phone that still nails the features.

 

[CheddarBo]

Do you find a noticeable difference in speed and fluidity going to z3c from the m7?
I currently use the m7 and it's been a very pleasant experience so far and the screen is gorgeous!
Please share your experience, both positive and negative for your transition as I'm very much interested in getting the z3c.
Thanks!

So, I've had a little more time with the phone and I've picked up on a few things.
Screen Pro: It does look very sharp, with crisp colors and you'd have to really strain to pick out individual pixels, it looks good
Screen Con: The colors 'wash out' when looking at the phone on an angle. For instance, if it's on my desk off to the side and I double tap the screen to check the time, the colors look washed out.

Battery Pro: Still excellent battery life
Battery Con: Had to buy the charging dock, opening the flap is SUPER annoying

General Performance Pros: Very very fluid and speedy phone, and I don't mind Sony's modest UI changes. I do think it is a decent improvement from the M7 in terms of real world 'feel' and performance.
General Performance Cons: None yet.

 

[smileman]

I took the plunge and ordered a Z3 Compact. Having spent a week with it now I'm happy to report that I don't miss my Nexus 5 screen at all. Sony did a great job here. I thought reading text in particular, which I do a lot of, would be a worse experience on the Compact but that hasn't proven to be the case.

Overall, also very happy with the Z3 Compact.