yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Note 3:

"The biggest improvement, however, is brightness. The Note 3 can achieve up to 400 nits of brightness in most conditions, on par with the best LCDs out there. Moreover, outdoors, the Note 3 can deliver a whopping 660 nits of brightness, 40 percent more than the Galaxy S4 and around 10 percent more than the iPhone 5s. The screen is less reflective, which helps outdoor visibility as well."

Z Ultra:

"The display is also sufficiently luminant, at 445 nits peak brightness measured, and with good antireflectance coating, plus the OptiContrast tech that bonds the cover glass to the LCD panel underneath delivers a more direct way for the backlight to go through. This further increases brightness, contrast and outdoor visibility in general, which is on par with the best mobile displays out there, like those on the HTC One or the iPhone 5."

You are really exaggerating. Also, the battery is actually very good. I don't know if you've checked the battery thread, but people are getting good times. My personal record is 8 hours of screen time. How is THAT bad? "And the battery is only about 75% as efficient when compared to the Note 3". Oh? You don't say. Is the Note's battery bigger than the Ultra's? Yes. Will it last longer than a smaller battery? Yes. How is this surprising to you?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dannejanne:
I don't really need better battery life than this. I get two full days with my normal usage. It can last me three days at times. I had the Note 2 but certainly don't want a Note 3 after that. Strongly dislike Samsung software and bloat.

The only thing I would wish for is a better camera (sensor).

Last battery cycle stats (around 50% brightness):

Sent from my Sony Z Ultra
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] shook187:
I also get 5+ hours of screen time on the regular basis. I'm definitely not complaining about battery life on this device.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hpka:
By no means am I implying that the Z Ultra (original) is an inferior device, but I am one of the ones on the fence hoping an update will come that adds some of the more requested things:

Flash on the camera

Update to the camera (but even then, I could bend on this one.. .e.g. same camera with a flash would be ok)

User replaceable battery (even if it's a fairly involved process, e.g. unscrewing the case or similar... provided it's a Sony sanctioned user replaceable part
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
1. Will probably happen

2. Will happen

3. Will not happen. Ever. It would've been a PR disaster for Sony when 1 million clowns brick their devices :p Don't ever forget how stupid people are.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hpka:
With regard to point 3 (replaceable batteries or non replaceable ones) - in short, I'm not keen to attach a lifespan to my device because I can't replace the battery... once the stock one has gone past it's usable life, it essentially takes the device with it.

Out of interest, has anyone replaced a battery on the current Z Ultra and both they and the phone lived to tell the tale?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] E90 Commie:
I would guess that Sony will wait until the Snapdragon 805 is available rather than follow the Z2 route, i.e. make a small update to the 801 version.

The most probable solution for the "Z2 Ultra" will be something like:

Snapdragon 805 at 2.6-2.8 GHz

3 GB RAM

32 GB internal storage (I hope for a 64 GB version as well)

20.7 MP G-Lens camera, i.e. the same as the Z2 with 4K video recording and flash

MHL 3.0 with 4K video out (same as the Z2)

Slightly larger screen, 6.6 inches

Same total size as the present model

Integrated stylus (considering that the Power Cover CP12 has one)

Improved stylus precision

Even if it would be possible to deliver everything now, beside that the CPU would be a Snapdragon 801, I think it is better to wait for the 805. Even if the size is bigger, I would guess that Sony want to avoid internal competition with the Z2 - i.e. they want to have that model as their flagship for a while before they release the Z2 Ultra. Even if it is possible to argue that they target different user groups, I still guess that they want the Z2 and Z2 Ultra to sell "separated" - i.e. without eating on each other.

The Google Play edition of the Ultra is another factor that can explain a delay: namely that Google and Sony agreed not to replace the product within X months in order to maximize the sales since that model would be unsaleable if Z2 Ultra is released while the GPE version is still on offer.

To me, an 8-12 month life cycle for the Ultra is better than releasing a new model every 6 months like with the Xperia Z, Z1 and Z2. I think it is better to let the Ultra series skip the middle (the Z2 step in this case) and instead offer bigger improvements for each new device on the same way as the Z2 Tablet is a huge step forward from the Tablet Z.

Edit: Regarding the battery. I consider the present solution with 3000 mAh internal and 3000 mAh via the Power Cover CP12 to be an excellent solution. Even if it would be great with say 3500-4000 mAh internal (like the Huawei Ascend Mate), I think a battery cover is an adequate extension of the life - especially today when people usually crave for thin devices.

I think the Snapdragon 805 will bring battery life improvements and the same goes for improved displays.

Another thing I look forward to is the Z2 LTE radio since it seems to be the first one that works fully on both sides of the Atlantic. I have avoided LTE because of the lack of true multiband compatibility with both US and European networks but it seems like they finally nailed it on the Z2 D6503. I guess that the Z2 Ultra will get the same radio.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
True, but i've read about a lot of people swapping the batteries on their Xperia Z's and so on, and it's not hard to pop open the Ultra. You can also buy a new battery for the Ultra on Ebay/Amazon and swap it yourself. It's not that hard actually, and i imagine our warranty being long dead when the battery goes to ****s, so we have nothing to lose.

---------- Post added at 12:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 AM ----------

Everything on that list looks good and realistic, except for the integrated stylus. That won't happen unless Sony implements Wacom support, which will most certainly not happen. There's no point in having an integrated stylus when you can use which ever pen or screw you find around you.

Another thing the Ultra won't have is an anti-shatter film. The reason why all Sony phones up till now have had it is because it's required by Japanese law (fact). This has apparently changed now since the Z2 is the first Sony device (that i'm aware of) that doesn't have an anti-shatter film, so i imagine - and hope, that they'll stick with this.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Yep doesn't look too hard, and you can also buy a new glue seal to keep it waterproof
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hansip87:
Man you need to chill.. If i can read from my XZU Ultra just fine outside, and you can't read your S4, then okay i got my info from my screen and unfortunately you can't. But you can't say to me that my words are BS because if you say that, then i can say the same for you i.e Your S4 being brighter is BS. Or maybe you don't know how turn on auto brightness? Pity.

And nobody said that it doesn't really need update. They've just said, in user perspective, some aspect can't be upgraded anymore (i.e. Size) but everybody can agree that flash addition will be nice? So I'm not sure what's the matter with you.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] AWFRONT:
As much as I love to have a better camera on the XZU 2, I hope they will not reduce the screen size. I am so used to it now. In fact all they have to do is;

-Make Internal Memory at least 32GB or even 64GB Option-Apps are getting bigger and you cannot move them easily like the old days

-20.7Mpx camera like the Z2 WITH Flash off course

-Reduce Bezel size but keep the Display size at 6.4" or maybe even 6.5" -Big is Better[Galaxy Note 1 was a big phone now everyone thinks it is normal-so bring it on Sony]

-More advanced interface options such as effects, interactive themes etc...

-Integrated Stylus NOT Just Support for any pens, objects.

Also, as much as I want to see these features, I really think SONY should not do what they did with Z1 and Z2 and devalue product pricing so quickly. Full 1 Year timeframe for a release is the least we should be given. i want my phoen to be worth something when it is renewed after 1 Yr at least.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] martin132014:
Battery is great and many have disagree on your comment about it...compare to s4 and any small current phone, ultra can last longer than that...and compare to note 3 that have larger battery but you say its not as efficient, its understandable right..larger-longer...

I live in Asia and the sun here is brighter than in US..I've use it when the sun is shine, no problem to see that bad as your claim...and was using auto brightness...

See here, ultra is a great phone how is that its heavilly outshine...people just think its too big only but if they use other note 3 or z ultra and make them use for a period of time...many will chose the ultra...

People just dont know about it cause sony keep it silent about it unlike sonys with the z1 or z2...cause people still choose normal sized phone...i, is the only one who own the ultra in my work place and its not small company...many people work there...and i see about maybe 5 poeple own the note and many own a samsung phone...but whatever i put out and hold it in the crown, people start looking and start asking bout it...some even say want to sell his s4 to buy the ultra...the note became a normal phone and ultra still a unique phone...so who is outshine here...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dannejanne:
Yeah this phone gets reactions like no other. Every day. Last week at the store I heard two kids behind me going "woooow... that screen must have been 5-6 inches!". I smiled to myself. Not many knows about it. I bet they would give me their iPhone for it...

People are so short sighted. If they don't have an iPhone they have a Samsung and think Samsung equals Android or the other way around.

Sent from my Sony Z Ultra
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Yup, I'm still getting reactions, and the latest one was earlier today. I got the typical "OMFG, what is that?" and then "Is...is this something that's purchasable over the counter or is it a special order?".

Hilarious and adorable! I'm not rich enough to make special orders, like "Hey, Sony. I need a 6.4" incher. Get on it, thanks".
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] tommo123:
my only options for phones really are the note series and this.

what i want though is a phone around the same size but with smaller bezels - especially at the top and bottom.

a higher res screen. 1080p end of this year is mid range, not high end and the ppi on this screen is quite low

battery. this has a smaller battery than my note 2 which is an inch smaller and had much better battery life with no attempts made to save battery (this is on any firmware i've tried)

thicker. the phone is too thin IMO. pad it out a bit with the above and give me a 5000mah battery

white balance/contrast/colour controls

stereo speakers

LED for flash (and torch).

unlocked bootloader from the get go.

better camera, and 4k video recording. bigger sensor - this phone has the space - for better quality low light photos

built in stylus - has the room

compared to the comment above i find the phone very bright compared to a note 2 (which was good) but is hard to read in sunlight.

high end phone should have 32GB minimum with support for 128GB mSD cards

a battery i can change would be nice but not necessary with a charging case.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Johnnynho:
7" phone

I am a fan of big screen and using Z Ultra over 5 months and loving it.

Wanting bigger Z Ultra 2 and found this 7" phone.

I think this is the smallest and thinest 7" phone I ever seen and bezel are also very thin like iPad mini.

Specs are not that good as price is also cheap.

Wish it released from other bigger brand and I am sure to go for it.

How you all think?

P.S: forgot to mention it's name. Mediapad x1. http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mediapad_x1-6129.php
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] martin132014:
I would not like a phone with 7 incher...that's tablet category...and that huawei is a tablet by the way, not a phone...it's thin but tad to hard to hold in 1 hand because its big...if a size is nearly same as ultra but bigger screen, that's ok by me:)....
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
For me the ZU 2 should be some thing like this:

32 Gig internal (or 64, but will put the price up even more)

maybe 3 gig ram

snapdragon 805 clocked @ 2.5 - 2.7

Better camera, if they can get the Z1/Z2 camera down to fit all then some thing like that, that should give 4k video and 120fps?

Flash (seems every body wants one)

Stereo speakers (dont know why they aren't there now?)

Better blacks ie a better screen

Same form factor

Bigger screen, so push up to 6.5 or 6.6 if it will fit in

oh, and stereo speekers
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Johnnynho:
Yes, that huawei is a 7" tablet with Phone capability. I also like it's 16:10 screen ratio and prefer Z Ultra 2 to be 16:10 instead of 16:9. And, the width 4.09" can go in any Pant's pocket I think.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] shaolin95:
Huh? Did you even read all my post before commenting?

Just because you need a super bright screen does not mean is "obscenely behind" (hyperbole much?!) and at least read before quoting someone. :rolleyes:
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Leechoonhwee:
Ironically, that's what they are trying to market right now. A 7" inch phone instead of 7" tablet. :cyclops:
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dimex:
Whatever your smoking, it must be some powerful stuff; pass it along. It is pretty well agreed upon that the speaker sucks. It does, period. If you recall, Sony marketed the device as "big entertainment." Ya, the screen is big and beautiful, but having to plug in head phones or BT to an external speaker just to enjoy a movie takes away from the entertainment experience big time. It's like you buying a luxury car that looks fantastic with a phenomenal interior, but has a ****ty suspension.

Secondly, this is 2014, a near flagship device with an 8 MP, terrible camera with no flash is unacceptable. I'm nowhere near a selfie-a-holic or picture taker, but I used the flash as a flashlight often on my previous Notes and appreciated the cameras for the special occasion where I just had to take a picture.

Finally, let me ask you, do you really need the waterproofing feature? It's pretty gimmicky in my opinion. I've never once been in a situation involving water where I thought, for example, "boy do I wish I could take my cell phone in this pool." The only benefit I can see to it is the ability to clean the device quickly. Other than that, while cool, it's pointless.

I would much prefer a removable battery. I often traveled somewhere for a few days, and it was nice to only pack 2 backup batteries. That way, when one died, I could get the phone back to 100% and be on my way in a matter of seconds, not tethered to a wall outlet for hours.

I'm sorry, but I'm vehemently against everything you said, and I think many others would be too. The changes wouldn't "make a completely different phone," it would improve upon an already great one that definitely has its shortcomings.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hansip87:
I'd say you are exaggerating things. Display is the 'suspension' and the sound is 'interior'. Yes it sucks but there are options to solve it, be it the sbh 50, 3.5mm handset or other. Unlike display that you can't solve by adding accessory(unless you have that big TV but then you probably already have the speaker setup) the audio part is easily improved.

Waterproof feature is gimmicky? Well then why does Samsung follow Sony steps? Plus when you have waterproofing, you can cool off the phone instantly and as we all know hot battery dies quicker, now the problem can be solved easily.

Ever heard of Powerbank? Pity if you haven't. That's the way to go with a sealed battery phone if you're on the road.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] martin132014:
If entertainment you want, then plug in a pair of earphone is the way to do it...majority of ordinary user will complain but we are here in xda...something can be done about it..and for me the speaker is loud enough to enjoy movies or music...but if your an extreme listener, you will use earphone or headphone to enjoy any sort of media doesn't matter what phone your using...if using it, you will hear any sound that you miss when using speaker...

Flagship with 8mp is ok by me as long as the pic quality is ok in naked eye...i have a zl, t, iphone 4 and z ultra...in night pic i admit its a let down because no flash to support it, but in daylight, any phone i mention here will produce nearly same result (in a good way)... And because ultra can take much faster, i prefer to use ultra rather than 13mp zl and t...but thats me...

About removable battery is common to samsung user to complain to others that don't use it...i think we all have pass that problem long ago...we all have alternative like powerbank...and considering the battery in ultra is great, sometimes i dont need to recharge until later i gone home...and that's me also...

About waterproofing...if that's a gimmick and why many manufacturer have gone that way...if you don't like it, maybe someone do...you never know..it's a nice plus thing to have...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] fastest83:
First of all, what I'm smoking, you can't afford. :P :D

But let's take on your points (although seems others agree with me):

1)Big entertainment: yes, they advertised the phone as an entertainment device too, but they mainly advertised it as a business device, often accompanied with the sbh52. Furthermore, I'm not watching a movie or listening to my music at full volume waiting at the doctor, on the metro or on the go while walking. I'm not a kid blasting music looking cool with my crew anymore.

I have freaking headphones that are worth more than the phone itself, for Christ sake.

And by the way, when I'm watching a movie, I'm at home with my flat screen TV and my home theater. ;)

Oh, your example sucks big time... it's more like I have bought a Ferrari 599 and they gave me no radio inside (which BTW really happens on some sport cars).

2) From D1, I haven't experienced a single moment when I could have desired a better camera. As pointed out by another user, in the day light this camera is enough to take the occasional pic, while in the dark... well, I'm not taking picture in the dark so often, but when I do, I have a camera with me (if it's a particular occasion, I most certainly have a camera as I'm prepared to take some photos).

I have never "lost a moment" because of this camera and hey, I have a 3 months old son.

So for me, I couldn't care less if they left the same sensor in the next Ultra.

Led? If it fits, it's welcomed, if it doesn't, I won't certainly cry over it.

3) Waterproofing pointless? I don't think so. I wash my phone every day, I take it out when it's raining with no worries at all, I use it near the pool or IN the pool or at pool side, I take it with me while I'm bathing (the last episode of Breaking Bad is awesome in the water :D).

I agree, all superfluous things, but aren't all then? Big screens, big processors, lots of ram, etc etc.

It's progress. It's technology. We're looking and going forward (and as already pointed out, other makers are going this way), not standing still.

And for the battery, there are plenty of solutions out there, and if you travel a lot, why not doing it with a travel charger? You can plug it in your car, on the plane, on the train... I get the plus of a removable battery, but it's not indispensable.

Is this answer enough?

Everything is improvable, I didn't say the contrary: I just said that, right now, I don't feel (and with me, lots of other owners) the need of an update.

It's better to come up with another ZU when all the competitors have come up with their devices, and present to the world another beast like it was last year: more powerful, bigger, thinner, better.

The WOW factor. Every reviewer I recall said all kind of things about the ZU, but the main one was that it was a beast, that it was the most elegant and refined device out there, and that it was the more powerful ever.

This. I want. Again.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] tommo123:
how do you people use the phone in the rain? mine detects the rain as finger presses and jump around like freakin crazy!

[MENTION=251476]fastest[/MENTION], i don't agree so much with you about the wow factor. the phone is big but battery life considering the juice the screen takes is quite poor relative (sony sacrificed battery for thinness IMO)
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Yesterday I had 4h of screen on time, using rdp/vnc mostly and still had just a smidge under 50% battery left, so I could have done near 8h with network activity - not too bad.

Yes rain will play havoc with the screen, but at least I can take my phone fishing and not have to worry too much
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] luvboox:
I've been pretty pleased with my ZU. The one thing that I thought I would have a problem with was the lack of a flash. To my surprise, I don't miss it at all. Phone flashes produce sucky pictures. If you are in a position to use a phone flash, you could just use it without a flash and it won't make it any less bad. I do, however, miss having a flash to use as a flashlight. That is seriously the only thing that I miss about not having a flash. I do hope for a better camera unit on the ZU2.

Another thing that surprised me is that I actually do value the waterproofing. I didn't think I would care much about it, but it's actually been pretty great to have a phone that I am not worried about getting a little wet. I spent the last few days with the missus in a nice hotel with a big hot tub, and I had no problems bringing my ZU in the tub to read. A non-waterprooof phone I wouldn't have dared.

The speaker is a little lame, but I see that as a consequence of being waterproof. If the ZU2 had stereo speakers that would be cool, though. Also they REALLY need to improve the quality of the earpiece speaker. When I am talking to other people they inevitably sound mushy and quiet. I don't like that at all- it's probably my biggest gripe about the phone.

Another gripe I have is that the oleophobic coating rubs right off the phone pretty quickly. I haven't had mine for too long, but it is easy to see where I have rubbed the oleophobic coating off, because fingerprints show up like crazy, and water spreads out in the worn-out spots rather than beading up. I would like for them to do something about that in the ZU2.

I have no problem with the battery. Sure, I'd love to see a 4000 mAH battery in the next ZU, even if they had to make it a little thicker (7.5mm for example), but either way it's not a big deal-breaker for me.

I also would not want to go any bigger than the current ZU in physical size. If they can fit a bigger screen in the same size, or maybe even give us a slightly smaller size with the same size screen, that's great. But if the physical dimensions get much bigger I'm afraid I would have to upgrade to a different phone.

All in all, I am quite happy with my ZU, and I think it beats all current phones on the market for my use case. If the ZU2 improves on a few things that I have mentioned then I will snap it up, no questions asked.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] tommo123:
i want a flash but don't agree with your 1st paragraph. there are situations (low light,movement) that flash makes it a workable picture vs a dark/blurry mess due to movement.