Ordered new Xperia Z1S through T-Mobile

Some additional random notes:

1) I found I could bring the screen brightness up to acceptable levels while using auto brightness by moving the slider all the way to the right...it's got one of those nifty adjustable auto brightness features.

2) battery life appears good so far. Used it all day in NYC, no problems.

3) I'm not thrilled with the sound quality. it's ok for android, but not great compared to windows phone and iOS. I compared the same track using the Z1s,an HTC DNA, an iPhone 5, and a Lumia 928. Out of the box, the Z1s sound is very tinny and flat. turning on crystal audio helps a bit, and fiddling with the equalizer definitely improved things to be a little better than the DNA (which is clear but has too much bass...thanks beats audio!). Both iPhone and Windows Phone had a much fuller sound. Not a deal breaker but if you're an audiophile you may want to try things out yourself.

4) Flash photography is really excellent. Sony has really nailed the white balance...well exposed indoor pictures, no yellowing in the backgrounds, no overexposed faces in the foreground. Very impressive, and a nice change from my Lumia 928, which despite the xenon flash takes craptastic flash pictures. Pictures in low light with no flash are also good, but here the noise reduction is too aggressive, making the photo look airbrushed compared to the 928 and iPhone.

5) Call quality is good, even over wifi calling. Miles and miles ahead of my old HTC One S. Reception appears good for TMO, the usual caveats about indoors apply. To TMO's credit, I did drive while on the phone from midtown to suburban NJ through the Lincoln tunnel without dropping the call. Almost lost it at the turnpike toll booth but TMO must have some very good software on the back end to keep the call going through a rough patch.

6) Small stuff: Total lint magnet. phone is constantly covered in cat fur. the usb cover is less fiddly than I expected. Not usually a fan but seems to be a good compromise here.

7) Bloatware: yes there is a lot of sony software here. However, it seems quite good, and a nice addition to the phone. More along the lines of the Nokia exclusives for Lumias. the TMO software is out in full force but what are you going to do...
 
I know it is close to note 3 in size but the note is so much bigger display, so the note is not easily a one handed experience. But with the smaller display size us the z1s a one handed experience? And are the photos at a angle with display at max brightness?

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Just got mine yesterday. I was a little hesitant not knowing how the community is with the Sony ecosystem, but I went ahead and took the plunge. Battery I thought battery life would be a little better but on the same note I've been on it non-stop.

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk
 
Just got mine yesterday. I was a little hesitant not knowing how the community is with the Sony ecosystem, but I went ahead and took the plunge. Battery I thought battery life would be a little better but on the same note I've been on it non-stop.

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk

Did you enable Stamina Mode in the settings? That let's you hand-pick what apps can continue to operate while the screen is off and every other app will be inactive. I did that and my battery life looked like it was going to be phenomenal. I wish every phone had this option.
 
Did you enable Stamina Mode in the settings? That let's you hand-pick what apps can continue to operate while the screen is off and every other app will be inactive. I did that and my battery life looked like it was going to be phenomenal. I wish every phone had this option.

I just enabled it, let's see how it does

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk
 
How are guys liking it..I got to play with one tonight at T-Mobile...But have to wait until I he 22nd to pick it up..They were nice enough to bring it out for me to play.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
 
Anyone figured out how to claim the 6 free movies we are supposed to get? All I can find is the $100 PS4 rebate.

Also, if anyone else is concerned with constantly opening the battery door to charge, the do make a magnetic charger, just look for the cord on amazon. Search Z1 magnetic cable and it should come up. My understanding is it will fit. Should have mine in a few days.

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk
 
So far it's my favorite android device, which is saying a lot. Very premium feel and performance. Great battery. Sony take on Android feels more grown up than touch wiz, less geeky than stock Android.

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk
 
Anyone figured out how to claim the 6 free movies we are supposed to get? All I can find is the $100 PS4 rebate.

Also, if anyone else is concerned with constantly opening the battery door to charge, the do make a magnetic charger, just look for the cord on amazon. Search Z1 magnetic cable and it should come up. My understanding is it will fit. Should have mine in a few days.

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk

I'm on the same boat about the movies. I also thought we were suppose to get some free games too or am I wrong?

On a side note, did anyone buy any cases? I bought this one along with the Z1S and it's not good. The paint is already coming off the case and it's only been on my desk, and pocket. It hasn't been dropped or abused.

Sony Xperia Z1S Body Glove Elite Stand Case - Blue | T-Mobile
 
I'm on the same boat about the movies. I also thought we were suppose to get some free games too or am I wrong?

On a side note, did anyone buy any cases? I bought this one along with the Z1S and it's not good. The paint is already coming off the case and it's only been on my desk, and pocket. It hasn't been dropped or abused.

Sony Xperia Z1S Body Glove Elite Stand Case - Blue | T-Mobile

I haven't bought it yet, but when the local store has it I am going to pick up the Tech 21 case. It is a high quality TPU, very nice.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
 
Thanks for the pix. I like the first two. Anyone have their opion???

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Last edited:
Sorry I mean Tech 21;-)

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I picked up the second one today. It fits good but adds width and height for the impact protection. I might return it BC it blocks the magnetic charging port. I am pleased with the case but I want to charge via the magnetic charger so I am not potentially damaging the waterproofing on the normal charger port.

I also saw the orange/clear one. It is hideous, and this is coming from someone who loves orange. It is big and is loose.

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk
 
Quick update on battery life. Been on the phone or listening to music much of the day. Off the charger at 6:30 am. Now 3:15 PM at 65%.
te7yqeze.jpg


Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk
 
I picked up the second one today. It fits good but adds width and height for the impact protection. I might return it BC it blocks the magnetic charging port. I am pleased with the case but I want to charge via the magnetic charger so I am not potentially damaging the waterproofing on the normal charger port.

I also saw the orange/clear one. It is hideous, and this is coming from someone who loves orange. It is big and is loose.

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk

Damn I also wanted to use magnetic charger. I saw one on amazon for about 18 bucks. I don't mind the bulk..I will be making a new leather case to wear on my hip with it in it.

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I see skinomi will have skins and screen protectors available for it in February

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