yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] E90 Commie:
I made a mockup of the Z3 Tablet Compact yesterday and I was able to carry it in the right pockets (cargo pants but also my shirt pocket where my Ultra resides). Considering how much I read and how many documents I have on my Ultra today, I consider the size adequate.

I am therefore very interested in the Z3 Tablet Compact - the only drawback seems to be only 16 GB for the SGP621 LTE model versus 32 GB for the WiFi version. I hope there will be a 32 GB LTE in the future, the SGP621 is my preferred choice in order to replace the Ultra. Carrier branded versions are out of the question so it will be unlocked. I am quite sure import will be necessary (as usual) considering that it is up for preorder in the UK et al while there's no word on US availability. The prognosis is not good considering with happened with the Z2 Tablet LTE, "Crippled By Verizon".

So I am ready to use either At GSM or Negri Electronics for the SGP621. The more I check white papers etc, the more convinced I am with it as the Ultra successor and it also verifies my guesses about tablet marketing. It makes more sense to sell it as a tablet and include a dialer rather than trying to label it as a "smartphone" considering all complaints about camera and size of the Ultra (because it was compared to smartphones rather than tablets).

The paper mockup I made indicates that the size is still very moderate considering the screen size. It is pretty much close to a Nexus 7 and just a few mm wider than the Ultra with CP12 battery cover attached.

One thing I hope they will release is a keyboard cover like the cancelled one for the Xperia Z2 Tablet. It would be a great accessory and something I would go for right away.

The prices seems to be attractive as well, the Z3 Tablet Compact seems to be around HALF of what the Ultra was sold for one year ago. It will be the first time I have been able to upgrade to a less expensive device than the forerunner, which is a great little bonus.

The only things that could change my plans is if there will be 7 inch devices running either Google vanilla or CM from other manufacturers but no such rumors are out yet when I checked.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
The tablet is not a successor to Z ultra. Let me put it this way, would you buy the tablet if sony Released Z3 Ultra? Why not demand the phablet? Sony is unbelievably dumb. I just can't see a reason for discontinuing the z ultra line.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] E90 Commie:
If they release a Z3 Ultra with 6.5-7 inch display, I would be all over it. Unfortunately, the only rumors are about a 6.14 inch "Z3X" and it just doesn't cut it for me despite hardware improvements. The smaller screen is a deal breaker and negates the tablet replacement part. My Ultra is mostly a tablet replacement for reading, Internet browsing, multimedia and games. All of which benefits from a screen almost Nexus 7 size; going down to 6.14 inch means less efficient use for those things.

Because of this, the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is a possible replacement for my Ultra:

1. Integrated dialer and calling will therefore work great with the SBH52 or a new accessory like that.

2. Bigger screen which improve the usability for what I do with the device.

3. More powerful hardware including 3 GB RAM.

4. Despite slightly larger size, I have reached the conclusion that I can carry it similarly to the Ultra with CP12.

5. Increased battery size and longer life.

6. Attractive price.

Those factors, especially the integrated dialer make me consider it a decent replacement. Since my QX10 takes care of the camera department, I am not enticed to jump on a Z3 Ultra if that is the main star of the show.

Another question is the purchase price. It is probable that a Z3 Ultra would be a couple of hundred $$s more than the Z3 Tablet Compact but still offering more or less the same hardware together with a 6.14 inch(?) screen and a better camera. The "Z3" name indicates that such a device would be based on the Z3 and Snapdragon 810 is therefore highly improbable, especially if they release it this year.

If there would be more reliable rumors (today it seems to be fan renderings circulating about the Z3X) about a "Z4 Ultra" with a 6.5-7 inch screen and Snapdragon 810 paired with 64 GB internal storage + microSDXC and 3-4 GB RAM and so forth, I would be very interested.

As it stands today, it seems like the 6.5 inch category is more or less empty. Either the competitors are offering lower-end phablets like the 7 inch Galaxy Mega or are more or less the same as the Ultra (ZTE Nubia X6). The new Huawei Ascend Mate 7 seems to be a 6 incher and so forth.

Unless there is reliable rumors about decent 6.5-7 inch phablets coming soon including prototype pictures that are clearly NOT fan renderings, I will move in on the Z3 Tablet Compact. It would also enable easier purchases in the future if I can include 8-inchers on my radar.;)

As it is now, it is the only potential Ultra replacement out there. There's no viable competitors out there at the moment and moving to a smaller screen is just not an option as I see it. 7 inch is the sweetspot in my opinion.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Poor sales?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] E90 Commie:
I would be happy to buy a Z3 or rather Z4 Ultra with:

Snapdragon 810

3-4 GB RAM

32-64 GB internal disk + microSDXC

Android L

13 MP camera with flash

6.5-7 inch screen

LTE support for both EU and US, VoLTE

GPE or a CM edition available

QHD screen 2048 x 1536

What I don't consider interesting is to get a device with a smaller screen than the 6.44 inch Ultra.

Edit: By marketing a device as a "tablet" - there will be much more acceptance for the size and camera. The main issue with the Ultra was the "smartphone" marketing, which then made people complain about the camera and the size since they compared it to other smartphones - it didn't bother me since I consider it a tablet with dialer rather than a phone type device.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] adfurgerson:
http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS25077914
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
Well first gen 6.44 phablet was doomed to poor sales. I wonder how well the first gen Note did?

Well carrying around an 8 inch tablet, a bluetooth handset and QX Series Camera... Good luck with that. You are demanding a tablet afterall. What I demand is a phone with big screen. There is a difference. I dont see any downside in a 6.2 inch screen which comfortably fits into my pocket. And the marketing issue, imho Sony did not market the Z ultra very well. No led, Bad camera, poor Stylus sensitivity, Bad speakers. What did.they expect? A miracle? By the way I am a Z Ultra User since it was available in my country.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Camera - not that bad if you know how to use a manual camera

No flash - ok it could have used one, I would only have used it as a torch though

6.4 vs 6.2 - I like the 6.4, and would like any future ZxU to be about the same, maybe same overall size and bump the screen to around 7"?

Poor speakers - should have been stereo speakers, it is a media device after all

Stylus - a pencil ans woked wonderful for me

What I would like for the next ZU:

13+ meg camera, maybe the curved 2/3rds format one

Stay close to the 6.8mm thickness (maybe 7.5mm if we could cram in another 50% battery)

Stereo speekers

snapdragon 810 and 3+gig ram

32 or 63 gig internal and SD card
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
I agree. But the pencil input is not very accurate. A wacom digitizer or such would be welcome. I would not be sold to 13 mp camera. I am waiting for a camera at least on par with Z1 (with better software). Z ultra has a huge potential. I really dont understand Sony, really. Snapdragon 810 with 4 gigs of ram and Android L. Super stamina, 2K screen. I would preorder it right now if it were announced.

---------- Post added at 05:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:24 AM ----------

Oh, and one more thing. Some solution to the fingerprints. That really grinds my gears.

So Here goes nothing,

~6.5-6.8 inches in the same chassis.

QHd screen with better outdoor visibility.

Better Stylus input accuracy.

22 mp camera or the new curved sensor. Better low light capability.

~3400 Mah battery.

Anti fingerprint back shell. Like in tablet Z2 maybe.

Front facing stereo speakers 2 round speakers at the top and 2 at the bottom (like in 4K Bravia X9 tvs)

Camera shutter button that also works with the QX Series.

More cases.

More software tweaks for the stylus.

Finally a more silverish frame.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] E90 Commie:
I agree about those specs and the screen size. 6.5-7 inches is what can be considered optimum for a "phablet" today, especially considering how much more compact the Z Ultra is compared to a Nexus 7 despite 6.44 inch screen.

In fact, they could simply keep the size similar to the N7 (which is identical to a Z Ultra with CP12) and then bump up the screen size as much as possible by reducing the bezels. It would be a killer device.

---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 AM ----------

The first Note sold around 11 million if I remember my numbers correct and that exceeded the expectations of Samsung, which was the main driver behind the continuation of the line. Initially, they expected it to be a niche device.

Getting the Z3 Tablet Compact as an Ultra replacement is my plan as it stands today since there are no credible rumors about upcoming successors or alternatives with 6.5-7 inch screens. For reading documents and magazines in PDF format, every inch counts and getting a smaller screen is a noticeable degradation, especially if it is from 6.44 to 6.14-6.2 and therefore a drawback from a tablet replacement point of view.

It is also worth to mention that the SBH52 were designed with the Ultra in mind - another aspect is my use of CP12 which reduces the size difference to the Tablet Compact quite a bit.

Since the Z3 Tablet Compact LTE has a dialer, it is functionally a replacement with bigger screen. It does the same things as the Ultra. Right now, I don't see any viable 7 inch options - the Nexus 7 is the main star but is a step backward hardware wise and lacks microSD slot. Samsung is out of the question because of several reasons and most phablets at this time is capped at 6 inches with the Ultra still the only alternative with the big screen and we are now at the third day of IFA.

I am not looking for a "tablet" per se - my ideal device is a 6.5-7 inch highend phablet but I have deemed the Z3 Tablet Compact to be fully acceptable to carry around considering the complete lack of viable options.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
Well as I said. Good luck with that. I am not using my ultra with the CP12 and I do not use my SBH52 everytime. I like how sleek ultra looks so having a 8" tablet up to my ear does not appeal to me. Z3 compact camera seems lame on sheet so I will need the QX series as I need now. There is nothing superior to Z ultra. I mean I do not need Z3 Tablet Compact since my ultra is on par with it. I wont mind a 6.2 inch screen but my priority would be 6.8 or such in the same chassis. Since we have a forum for Z ultra here and its up-to-date I feel it has sold around 10 mil. (consider the ratio not numbers) I am angry at Sony actually. Nothing exceptionally good about Z3 Tablet Compact. But I do believe they will release a Z3/Z4 ultra.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hansip87:
the only thing that makes Z3 Tablet Compact not going to replace Z Ultra is the pocket-ability. Other than that it's the same or better for the purpose.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] shaolin95:
Well the camera is Poor..manual or not. I am an avid photography fan and shoot with a Sony NEX-6 and almost exclusively with Canon FD lenses with a Lens Turbo 2 so manual settings are what I love but that camera is just lame...no way around that. Heck, even my old fuji 2650 camera gives it a run for its money and is just 2MP. Then again, I dont care for a phone camera anyway, just give me a flash to use as Torch and I will be happy :D

I agree with most of your points about the update specs though. One thing I would love is a more Note like approach with a way to keep a dedicated spen with the phone for better accuracy but is not a deal killer for me if not.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
poor yes, as poor as some of the reviews - no

If I'm out and about where I'll need a camera I'll take my waterproof Nikon or the (now both getting very old) Nikon D40x or D50 so seldom have used the camera, but I want a god damn torch.

If they went to the 2/3 rds curved sensor it would br interesting
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] shaolin95:
Agreed and yes...I loved having the torch option on my Home button for my Note 2 before :D

Yes indeed, those 2/3rd curves sensors sound promising for sure!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Torguy:
WAIT, so does the Z3 Compact have to have Bluetooth headsets in order to use it as a phone, or does it have a mic and speaker like a regular phone you can bring to your face and talk?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] gkm8123:
There is a solution for the flash, that call iblitz!!! You can used for every smartphone
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Pirate_Freder:
A friend of mine said he recently saw an ad on his PS4 for a new Ultra. I mentioned the Z3X and he said it was specifically an Ultra. Has anyone here seen this?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
Is he sure about it? If its right, looking forward to the new z ultra.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Pirate_Freder:
Yep, I asked him if it was actually the z3x or the t2 ultra and he said it was specifically about the next ultra. Can't guarantee anything but its good to hear on top of phone store management saying its coming. Frankly this whole z3x smaller screen thing doesn't appeal to me because I'm on a 7" phone right now.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] speculatrix:
I am not sure whether I'd need to upgrade to a Z Ultra 2, though I probably would anyway as mine is the HSPA model without LTE.

The only time my XZU lags is when some badly behaved website causes the browser to eat all the RAM, or a badly behaved app, and these would probably kill any device.

The XZU1 is right at the limit of pocketability for me, which makes it perfect.When I had a note 2 I loved the pen but felt I could handle bigger, but a tablet would be too much. Once you've gone two handed you want the biggest?

I had the use of an LG G Pad 8.3 for a week so I know I'd definitely find the Z3 compact too big to carry all time, though I wouldn't mind wearing an SBH80 all the time, something I've considered as an upgrade path.

With prices of the XZU at rock bottom, and no concrete evidence of an upgrade, I am tempted to buy a spare! Or rather, get the LTE variant and put this aside as a spare.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
Sir, you made my day. Thank you.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Adiyel:
Honestly, the talk of the curved sensor is what brought me here. I'm hoping the Z4 line will all have smaller, improved versions. As for the Z Ultra arguments, i don't think my opinion matters as i have a ZR and i am in love with what i see in the Z3C :p

On the other hand, the OnePlus (that i gave to my fiance), felt really good even at 5.5" I got used to it REALLY fast, but when i gave it up, i got just used to the 4.55" ZR even faster! So yeah guys, get what you like. And believe it, Sony will produce a new gen Ultra for you all sometime soon.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] rockky:
Sony's Ultra marketing experiment with a Phablet 1/2 way between the average smartphone size (5")and Tablet (8") failed in their eyes. (ie: didn't sell). Granted no led flash, and poor sound made it an unfair experiment).

Nonetheless, they've since made their marketing boundaries: "Phablets-Phones" are 6" and less. "Phablet-Tablets" are 8" and more, and they're not going in between.

I think they're putting call capability on the compact purely to appease Ultra owners.

Sadly, for me 8" is too big to use as I do the Ultra... (one handed much of the time by necessity).

---------- Post added at 11:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 AM ----------

I think it's complete BS that there's a TMobile Ultra2 in the works for October/November....for a simple reason, there's no WAY we'd not have heard ONE other mention of this at least from the leak specialists ...if not from Sony.

Why would they keep it a secret so close to release.

Not happening.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
Yeap I know. But I expect a Z3/Z4 Ultra at CES/MWC
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] diamantericos:
Yeah they better upgrade this phone its awesome just needs faster processor more power and they can also add dual speakers and a screen upgrade. But then of course the price will be jacked up since sony has vowed to make high end phone from now on.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] anathema_forever:
Yes I have fingers crossed that they upgrade this I am a little bit curious as to why this form factor isn't a bit more popular I kind of think it replaces the 7" tablet form factor pretty thoroughly for my use. If I cant pocket it then 7" seems a little weak for what I am giving up I would rather get like a 9-10" tablet. I am not gonna be transporting it easily anyway and honestly prefer the portability of a phone even in the house since apps dont seem like they offer much on a tablet compared to a phone. I am kind of computer generation as well so not so much phone oriented as computer oriented, rather have a computer that can make calls than a phone that can web browse. So I been looking around a lot for this type of thing much rather have 7" tablets die out than phablets since they seem like the more niche product to me. On the one hand you have a tablet thats barely better than a phone but you cant fit it in your pocket and on the other hand you have a pretty decent tablet experience you can fit in a pocket and make calls on with pretty good battery life due to the size. I am trying to figure out why the hell everybody likes 7" tablets not why some people like phablets myself lol.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
I too prefer 6.44 inch phablet rather than a 7 inch tablet. I really dont understand why people go for Z3 Tablet Compact if there is a decent phablet. Note to sony. Make 2K screen, stereo speakers put the 20 mp camera and make the back matte anti-fingerprint. If possible fingerprint sensor would be welcome. I would buy it the instant it hits the shelves.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] E90 Commie:
I think the optimum size for a "phone-phablet" is like a Nexus 7 in size; this would also enable a screen of up to 8 inches provided the bezels are reduced along the same lines as the Ultra. 6 inch screens could be provided in more compact devices and could cover the lower part of the market.

The reason I (for example) consider the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact to be a successor/replacement for the Ultra is:

1. Most phablets are stuck between 5.5-6 inch screens, the segment of 6.4-7 inch are mostly empty and Ultra is still the only true highend offer (Galaxy Mega is clearly inferior for example).

2. The Tablet Compact is more like the Ultra with dialer and everything than a traditional tablet (similar-size bezels around, therefore larger).

3. Sony take the lack of success for the Ultra as a sign that smaller devices are requested and that large ones should be marketed as "tablets". Hence the Z3 Tablet Compact rather than a Z3 Ultra. People complained about the camera because they compared it with smartphones. By selling the new device as a "tablet", the acceptance for the camera is higher...

I don't see a market for traditional 7 inch tablets, it is time for them to become phablets. Another reason for Sony to avoid that exact size is the Nexus, most 7-inchers are compared to it; by going up to 8 inch, the product can be placed in a slightly different segment and the acceptance for a higher price point is simply better.

The enabler for change here is if the Nexus 7 isn't replaced by a new one. It seems like they are focused on the Nexus 9 now and it could open the market for 7-inchers.

As everything looks today, the Z3 Tablet Compact is a viable option until next year when I think more alternatives will arrive, i.e. 7 inch phablets as an alternative to "phone-phablets" around 5.5-6 inches.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] thekingisnaked:
7" ---> not pocketable. If not pocketable go for a bigger tablet, like an eight inch.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] E90 Commie:
I can carry the Ultra with CP12 in my pockets and that package has the same size as a Nexus 7.

The best solution for large devices is to introduce "companion phones" - i.e. the kind of BT phone with buttons that HTC introduced for the One Max. That way, the device can be put away and calls handled from the companion.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] adfurgerson:
If this had a the ability to dial rather than only letting you choose a number from the call log to call it would be perfect.

They are selling for around $80.00 USD.

http://userguide.sonymobile.com/ref...ndset-sbh52#!Sony-A7-Accessories---AccRI.html

http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/accessories/smart-bluetooth-handset-sbh52/
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] doctahjeph:
The lack of a true Ultra successor will lead me back to the Nexus line with the Nexus 6. I am willing to lose half an inch in screen size for better hardware and the Nexus experience. Plus Motorola is the only big manufacturer that I haven't owned yet.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] adfurgerson:
Alcatel is doing this with the Mega Pop phone.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] anathema_forever:
also pretty tempted by the nexus 6, native android, full rom support and a very competitive price usually with good hardware.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] adfurgerson:
If Google would only let us have SD cards.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] samsmalls:
That's all we want, that's all!!! Is this to much to ask?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] anathema_forever:
.... I forgot about that, I am glad you reminded that is pretty hard to look past.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Triflot:
New article here! Still sounds like a monster.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Imdking:
This is old news! Same "leak" that started this very thread! I guess you missed the title of the thread you are commenting on, didn't you?!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Triflot:
Oops, you're right. Don't know why several sites are posting this now. And no, I didn't.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] rjcdube:
The Note was not the first

So true! I saw a phablet once that was a larger galaxy S1 no extra features besides the screen. I was so shocked I thought it was a fake but it was the real deal. I am certain its sales were not so great but they came back strong and rebooted it as the Note range. The Z Ultra is a beast but by the time it was available in my country I decided to hold out for the successor this has taken so long... Xperia Z3X! Come to mama!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] speculatrix:
The Alcatel Hero 2 looks quite interesting, with companion devices like a watch and an e-ink tablet.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] adfurgerson:
There was a funding campaign for a Bluetooth e-ink screen a while back, it sounds like same thing. It is just a second screen with battery that displays content from phone.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] speculatrix:
I recall seeing the InkCase, a shell for your phone that included an e-ink display:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/378232716/inkcase-plus-e-ink-screen-for-android-phone

it's an interesting idea.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] vipfreak:
6.2? Meh...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] diamantericos:
I have to agree why these companies make big devices then make then smaller in the segual makes no sense
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Macrint:
New leak, Z3X is a no go, Z4 will be released with the same specs but a 5.5" screen.

I can't say I'm not disappointed by this, I had planned for a new phone in the beginning of next year but maybe it will have to wait. Note 1 still going strong :)

http://www.androidorigin.com/sony-xperia-z4-specs-leak-4gb-ram-z3x-exmor-exclusive/
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] rockky:
Ultra is the best device I ever had....because I was looking for a large (6"or bigger) screen, light, great hardware (Sony all the way), tablet-phone.

Ultra Gpe is just great...despite no flash.

Dissapointed Sony failed to market it, and dissapointed the Z3X is a no go.

Nexus 6 it likely will be. As good as it is, it'll seem like a big step back cause of the same-old form factor.