[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Ryland Johnson:
I hear you. Please accept it is not my intention to irritate you. I hope we can calmly continue to debate as we are in a very friendly cordial manner.

Cards on the table. Two weeks ago I wanted the Ultra and started my study on the net etc regarding all there is to know about this device, I find this half the fun of the purchase don't you?

I certainly accept without reservation that the Sony Xperia Z ultra is a magic device, hell I own its brother and sister, the Z Mobile and Z 10.1 tablet. I could easily become a sales person for Sony much more so than for Samsung!

May I make a request of you? Log into to...GSMArena.com.........and compare the specs side by side between the Ultra and the Note.

I have again just done this before making this post. From what I can visibly read the Ultra has a greater spec on two areas only vis, screen size and water-dust resistance. In all other aspects the Note 3......well please check the facts yourself . Opinions are opinion, we all have them. I think, regardless of brand loyalty, cannot write that the Ultra is a superior phablet to the Note 3. I may well be wrong and if that is the case I would be more than willing and happy to read what specs the Ultrs is superior?

The more I write on this the more I may sound anti Ultra and pro Note. If you only knew the torment I have in making the choice. I HATTED the plastic 'quality' of my S11, s3, nexus s and note 1. Jeez premium top end mobiles that look and feel like they are made in some knock of shop in some unknown far eastern country.

I have ordered the Note 3 fearing like hell its going to feel like junk. That plastic leather look is absolutely absurd. Who on earth do Samsung think they are kidding with that? Its a positive insult to customers. The gear watch. Don't et me off. How long will the wrist band last? Cant be replaced as its an integral part of the watch and talk about cumbersome and ugly it looks like some medical device or legal tag that perps wear to be monitored!

As you can read I am NOT a fan boy of any brand. Never have been and never will be. I buy what fits my needs at the time and even then get it wrong.

I am buying the Note 3 as apposed to the Ultra on several main points. The Ultra, even for me, is huge. No way in hell can I see me walking around with that in my trouser pocket! I planned on purchasing the SBH52 so I could use that as the phone and leave the Ultra where it was. Point is there WHERE can one put a tablet size phone? Short of buying a shoulder bag and risking being whistled at I have no idea?

I mention the lack of flash...Cards again on the table. I don't give a hoot1 I never use a phone camera so its a moot point for me. Thing is the principle though, why should we, the customer, purchase a phablet that does not have a flash? I understand from those who do use the camera the lack of flash is a real bind?

Battery life and that was what made the decision final for me. It is unpardonable that Sony make such a truly wonderful device with all the bells and whistles then place in the biggest screen phone to date a stupidly small battery. I understand why, to keep the thinness of the phone nice and slim BUT what good is it having all that power and screen estate if the darn think conks out have way through the day?

I want an ultra. I am greedy and a technophile. I need treatment for it! Not even I can justify the major benefits of the Ultra over its deadly flaws in catering for MY needs. Just wait until that battery goes pop and it needs replacement. The cost at a Sony dealer is going to bring water to a mermaids eyes. Same with my Xperia Z mobile and Z tablet..ouch!

Now, my luck. I will probably drop my Note 3 in the loo, something I have never done before. I have NEVER exposed any of my water resistant Sony devices to water either.

I do hope I have made the correct choice in phablet. On paper it appears so. In practice........

Kindest regards