Link for the pixel launcher

[DominionRoofs]

Here is a link to download the new pixel launcher. The original did not have Google Now integration but now it does. I have it running on my xz1 and it's smooth as butter. Having Android Oreo and this, not sure why I would need a pixel phone now

https://android.gadgethacks.com/how...search-bar-google-now-no-root-needed-0180554/

 

[Eggmundo]

How do you find the XZ1? Are the bezels as much of an issue in real life?

How's the screen given that it's an LCD? Is the HDR aspect noticeable throughout the UI or only through media?

 

[DominionRoofs]

How do you find the XZ1? Are the bezels as much of an issue in real life?

How's the screen given that it's an LCD? Is the HDR aspect noticeable throughout the UI or only through media?

I haven't tried Amazon prime video or Netflix in hdr but if you watch videos, it will be vivid without the need of a 4k display.
What are your concerns with the bezels? To me, the overall size and feel of the phone is what matters, with or without bezels. I was using a compact phone before this so I'm just getting use to a slightly bigger phone. Now though I can say that I'm enjoying the screen size. I think this might be the sweet spot for me. I will say that the build quality and thinness gives you a real feel of quality compared to all the glass phones being pumped out imo. Love the square design as well. Just feels premium or "executive" so to speak.
The screen has 3 saturation modes. I have it in the middle and the screen is bright and sharp.
I'll add that the plus with Sony phones is that they are very stockish. No cartoonish look like LG and no lag like Samsung. Negatives would be the Camara in low light. All depends on what you like but I would certainly try the phone out if you're interested. You can always return if it doesn't float your boat.

 

[Eggmundo]

I haven't tried Amazon prime video or Netflix in hdr but if you watch videos, it will be vivid without the need of a 4k display.
What are your concerns with the bezels? To me, the overall size and feel of the phone is what matters, with or without bezels. I was using a compact phone before this so I'm just getting use to a slightly bigger phone. Now though I can say that I'm enjoying the screen size. I think this might be the sweet spot for me. I will say that the build quality and thinness gives you a real feel of quality compared to all the glass phones being pumped out imo. Love the square design as well. Just feels premium or "executive" so to speak.
The screen has 3 saturation modes. I have it in the middle and the screen is bright and sharp.
I'll add that the plus with Sony phones is that they are very stockish. No cartoonish look like LG and no lag like Samsung. Negatives would be the Camara in low light. All depends on what you like but I would certainly try the phone out if you're interested. You can always return if it doesn't float your boat.

Thanks for the detailed reply!

I've always loved the look of Xperias, especially the minimalist backs with the camera lens in the top left. Bezels seem a bit too much for 2017 on the XZ1 but the overall package of the hardware, design and silky smooth Sony software, and the price compared with some of the others, definitely appeals to me.

Do you know how reliable Sony are with releasing security updates, specifically through a carrier?

I'm debating between this and the new Pixel XL.

 

[DominionRoofs]

My last security update is from August so that is a little concerning but I'm expecting another any day which would be ok. I can definitely let you know. I hear ya about the bezels.. It just doesn't bother my any. I feel like I'm holding a professional type phone with this solid aluminum build and like you said, the smaller Camara set up. I'd say if Camara quality is important, go pixel. If you think about it, the pixel XL still has slightly bigger bezels than lg and Samsung and everything is not 18by9 ready anyway so you'll still have black bars on many apps and videos.

 

[libra89]

My last security update is from August so that is a little concerning but I'm expecting another any day which would be ok. I can definitely let you know. I hear ya about the bezels.. It just doesn't bother my any. I feel like I'm holding a professional type phone with this solid aluminum build and like you said, the smaller Camara set up. I'd say if Camara quality is important, go pixel. If you think about it, the pixel XL still has slightly bigger bezels than lg and Samsung and everything is not 18by9 ready anyway so you'll still have black bars on many apps and videos.

Remember that the XZ1 just came out so I think this isn't too bad. I mean the security patch, that is.

Interesting that you mention the Pixel. I'm torn on that.

 

[DominionRoofs]

Remember that the XZ1 just came out so I think this isn't too bad. I mean the security patch, that is.

Interesting that you mention the Pixel. I'm torn on that.

I thought you were all content with he xz1C? . I hear ya though.. I still have my order out on a pixel 2 but the more I use this phone, the more I like it, especially set up exactly like the pixel. Again, Camaras are supposed to be steller. I think Im going to hang with the Sony and enjoy some reviews on THE Pixel. I can always pick one up later. Sounds funny but I'm actually liking the square design and feel most of all. I believe performance will be negligible between the 2.

 

[libra89]

I thought you were all content with he xz1C? ??????. I hear ya though.. I still have my order out on a pixel 2 but the more I use this phone, the more I like it, especially set up exactly like the pixel. Again, Camaras are supposed to be steller. I think Im going to hang with the Sony and enjoy some reviews on THE Pixel. I can always pick one up later. Sounds funny but I'm actually liking the square design and feel most of all. I believe performance will be negligible between the 2.

I agree about performance.

I am mostly content but I had the original Pixel before I got it and aside from the obvious size difference, the camera in low light has a noticeable difference between the two. I am debating if the difference is something I can live with. Sony has gotten much better with software processing though so it's not as bad as it was on last year's model.