yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xperia Z3 General] Jfree3000:
If there's branding it will be on the back, unlike Verizon who brands their phones like there's no tomorrow.
[Xperia Z3 General] Ulver:
This is true

Sent from my MI 4W
[Xperia Z3 General] paulcbetts:
I'm using an international Z3 on T-Mobile (the Dual-SIM version) - works as expected, though no WiFi Calling.
[Xperia Z3 General] nstong:
Is that hardware limitation though? Any way to get an unlocked z3 that has tmobile wifi calling?
[Xperia Z3 General] Jfree3000:
Nope only t-mobile phones are capable of this.
[Xperia Z3 General] dany20mh:
This is the press picture for T-Mobile

http://www.static.xperiablog.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/T-Mobile-Xperia-Z3_1-640x433.jpg

Also if you search the web, there is a video of unboxing for Z3 T-Mobile and it shows everything of it.
[Xperia Z3 General] jonshipman:
It is a software restriction, but ever since the BB Curve 8330 people have been trying to port it to non-Tmobile phones. As far as I know, none have been successful. It relies on heavy modifications to the telephony stack.
[Xperia Z3 General] paperWastage:
if the stars align and a USA T-mobile Z3 ROM can be flashed onto a regular Z3 without problems, maybe

(Nexus 5 has the same modem firmware between USA and Int'l model... so if all Z3 models share the same modem firmware... probably not going to happen)
[Xperia Z3 General] jonshipman:
Probably not going to happen, THOUGH, T-mobile's implementation is being adopted into the standard... sooooo maybe¿ That's how WIFI calling is coming to the iPhone in 2015 on ATT. And I think Verizon is in on the mix. E.g. if Android L or M supports this wifi calling it will eventually be carried over the the Z line. But that's a but if/maybe/assumptions being made.

If WIFI calling is vital - then buy the carrier version. But in my experience, if you have internet fast enough for VOiP, you're likely in a T-Mobile coverage area anyway. If you're underground, you have Hangouts which Google just rolled voice into for Free.
[Xperia Z3 General] Raeglatem:
So to verify, you're using the D6633? Any benefit to it being dual sim? Is it missing any bands for functionality with TMo? Also, where did you get it from?

Don't mean to bug you with all the questions, just want to make sure I'm getting the best version of the Z3 possible (don't like the info that the carrier branded version is missing lots of bands).
[Xperia Z3 General] mattlgroff:
There is a huge advantage of going with the T-Mobile version when it comes to radio. AWS HSPA+ and Band 12 (700 Mhz A Block) LTE.

AWS HSPA+ support is necessary for areas without 4G LTE so you're not stuck at 2G speeds.

Band 12 LTE support is going to be critical in the coming years, as its going to be T-Mobile's savior when it comes to covering large areas and getting inside of hard-to-reach locations such as office buildings.
[Xperia Z3 General] Raeglatem:
Yeah I was just reading about Band 12 and didn't realize that all the other models don't support. that sweet 700Mhz spectrum should cover huge areas and penetrate buildings well. Really excited for the possibilities with that one.

Didn't realize the lack of AWS HSPA+ support as well.

Looks like I will stick to the Tmobile variant then and just keep my fingers crossed on colors lol.
[Xperia Z3 General] se1000:
The D6603 supports AWS (1700) HSPA

The biggest things you lose with the international (D6603) on T-mobile is:

- WiFi calling

- Band 12 LTE

- 16GB vs 32GB System memory

- possibly VoLTE (not 100% sure)
[Xperia Z3 General] mariussilverwolf:
Tech Spec differences aside, do we have word yet on if the T-Mo version will have the plastic body ala the Z1s? The press images look like all the ports and covers stay the same between the D6603 and the D6616, and the White Paper doesn't seem to indicate a difference, but I feel like one can never tell with T-Mo these days ...
[Xperia Z3 General] GoyoNeuff:
So far, only black... Maybe later more colors?

True. Out of those, the only one that I put weight on is the Band 12 LTE since it is supposed to reach within buildings and the like. Really do not care for the rest. And, I will add, the fact that the updates from Android might take longer for the T-Mobile branded Z3 than the regular non-carrier version. I really hope that Sony sells a US non-carrier here like they did with the Z2.

Cheers.
[Xperia Z3 General] Raeglatem:
Yeah, the fact that it would be Tmobile branded is what has me worried with updates. Finger crossed on an official one direct from Sony.
[Xperia Z3 General] viking2.0:
Isnt the Band 12 (700mhz) on tmobile the same as band 17 on at&t. if so then D6603 does have support for it.

Edit: Apparently they are not the same. the Band Class 17 standard allows LTE operations in only the Lower 700 MHz B and C blocks using a specific signaling protocol that would filter out all other frequencies. Although Band Class 17 operates on two of the three blocks common to Band Class 12, Band Class 17 devices use "more narrow filters," which have the effect of permitting a smaller range of frequencies to "pass through" the filter. In addition, Band Class 12 and Band Class 17 signaling protocols are not compatible
[Xperia Z3 General] se1000:
I think they'll sell the D6603 as an unlocked version in the US, it has all the bands for both T-Mobile (except Band 12) and AT&T.

For me, WiFi calling will be a nice to have, I've had it before and it's certainly gotten me out of a few pinches. The partnership with GoGo to allow free in-flight text messages through the feature also adds value to me. Not a deal maker or breaker, but nice to have.

Personally, I think minor Android releases are getting less and less important. I mean, can you point out off the top of your head one thing 4.4.4 brings you that 4.4.2 is missing? Of course Android L will be a huge step forward, especially with the introduction of ART, but it can be said that maybe some of us will hold off on jumping right into the release due to things like incompatibility with apps such as xposed as well. Just my take on it.
[Xperia Z3 General] GoyoNeuff:
Good points...

In fact, one reason I kind of like the Z3 is that Sony does not modify as much the interface as others. Not completely stock like my wife's Nexus 5, but close enough. We will see... I am anxiously waiting for this week event !
[Xperia Z3 General] paperWastage:
AT&T uses band 17

T-mobile uses the portion of band 12 that doesn't overlap with band 17.

eventually, AT&T says that you can use a band 12 device on their band 17 network since band 17 is a subset of 12.
[Xperia Z3 General] TokedUp:
Some website is claiming the Z3 will release for TMo on the 9th. The same day Sony has the event in NYC. Could be wrong or could be great news!
[Xperia Z3 General] jayr04:
If true that gives me no time to sell my M8 :laugh:
[Xperia Z3 General] vtracer20:
I got the z3 after changing one of my numbers over to t-mobile. Pretty happy with coming from a LG G. Battery life is great.
[Xperia Z3 General] jonshipman:
Obviously didnt come to fruition, the best we can hope is same day release with VZW on the 23rd.
[Xperia Z3 General] jayr04:
Since there's still no official date for T-Mob, I'm guessing Verizon has a 30 day exclusivity for this device. Similar to how the M8 was.

Or, it could be that they want to continue to be loyal to Samsung and not give the Z3 too much attention until the Note 4 is released.
[Xperia Z3 General] se1000:
Personally, I don't think that's going to be the case. To me it seems the exclusivity with Verizon is for the Z3v specifically, not the Z3 in general. I'm guessing we'll see the D6616 on T-mobile soon.
[Xperia Z3 General] DOHCtor:
You guys think the the bootloader will not allow unlocking just like the Xperia Z on T-Mobile?
[Xperia Z3 General] paperWastage:
for the Z3v, i'd say 150% chance that the bootloader cannot be unlocked

t-mobile version, who knows?
[Xperia Z3 General] jonshipman:
The Z1s was not unlockable. There's no reason for the Z3 to be unlockable looking at their track record.
[Xperia Z3 General] TomAshCoMash:
O have Z3 from Polish T-mobile edition and bootloader is unlocked.

Wysłane z mojego D6603 przy użyciu Tapatalka
[Xperia Z3 General] jonshipman:
We're talking about T-Mobile USA
[Xperia Z3 General] Ak-:
Xperia Z3 T-mobile release date

I am currently using One M8, and am a Jump customer on T-mobile, one of the original Jump customers that still receive 2 new phones a year... which is cool for me because I like to try out new things. In any case, I'm loving front facing speakers, and I'm looking forward to the Z3 coming out. I have been sweating my buddy about the release date, I cannot tell you his level of employ, and I will not confirm or deny that he may or may not work for T-mobile, and may or may not be running buddies with someone very high up in the company... that all being said, this person has told me that I can finally expect the Z3 to come out on the 23rd. I can confirm that I have already taken that day and the following day off of work to fiddle... Start your Count downs!
[Xperia Z3 General] id3alistic:
I'm also an original Jump member so I can jump every 6 months.... however I can't jump until December. :(

Maybe they'll give me an excepton... lol

Anyways, T-mobile confirmed, preorders start on Oct 15 on their site..... and the phone will be sold in stores on the 29th. It is $630 and will be monthly payments of $26.24. Right around the area I was hoping it would be. Can't wait.
[Xperia Z3 General] jonshipman:
Oct 15th online for T-Mobile and Oct 29th in stores.

http://www.androidcentral.com/sony-xperia-z3-sale-t-mobile-online-oct-15-and-stores-oct-29
[Xperia Z3 General] jayr04:
I'm guessing I can head to a T-Mob store in the evening after work and they'll still have some left
[Xperia Z3 General] oryan_dunn:
Did you read the dates? Pre-orders start the 15th, release on the 29th.
[Xperia Z3 General] jayr04:
Yes I did. Rather just walk in the store on release day.
[Xperia Z3 General] oryan_dunn:
Ah, I see. Yeah, I doubt there will be iPhone style lines for the Z3 (but there should be).
[Xperia Z3 General] shook187:
I guess I won't be needing my tent
[Xperia Z3 General] Ulver:
It would be cool to see both the Z3 and the Nexus 6 on the 15th! That will be a tough decision.

Sent from my Xiaomi Mi4
[Xperia Z3 General] Triavius:
Just picked up a G3 over the weekend on contract when my old phone crapped out. Of course, now that that happens the Z3 gets a release date, which is unfortunately 4 days after the 14 day return period ends. Wonder if there's anything I can do.
[Xperia Z3 General] id3alistic:
With t-mobile? You could probably return it and pay the restocking fee? Though I'm not sure how it works with a contract.

I was going to say you should have waited, but yeah your phone crapped out and there was no way to tell if Z3 would release this month, or in December or not.
[Xperia Z3 General] lvlonkey:
Based on what I've read on this forum, I can flash stock sony firmwares without unlocking the bootloader. I am wondering if I would be able to do the same with the Tmobile version? I would like to remove the Tmobile version of the rom and just replace with a stock sony one. Also, I will really miss tethering if it will not be available on the tmobile z3. Is there some other method of tethering that doesn't require root/different rom? Thank you.
[Xperia Z3 General] mariussilverwolf:
In my experience with T-Mobile, tethering is now checked on the back-end against the account to confirm tethering is allowed. When I had a rooted Galaxy S II in Jan/Feb, this check was performed regardless of which ROM and/or tethering app I was using. If that remains the case, both USB and WiFi tethering inherent within Android should still work regardless of the base ROM you use.
[Xperia Z3 General] jayr04:
See if you can exchange it and sell it as brand new ;)
[Xperia Z3 General] Jfree3000:
Might as well see what the nexus has to offer with that release date. I don't care for Apple but damn at least they don't keep you waiting.
[Xperia Z3 General] pside15:
You are correct about tethering on T-Mobile for the most part. Sometimes there are workarounds though. For example there is a mod for the G3 that makes it where tethering pulls from your regular data instead of your tethering data pool and you don't have to have a tethering option on your plan. Not sure if T-Mobile monitors it closely or not. Plenty of people, myself included, use it regularly.

I'm really considering jumping to the Z3 when it comes out. Has there been any confirmation on the bootloader status of the T-Mobile version out of the box? I know the other models are locked but the T-Mobile LG G3 was unlocked while every other model wasn't. I know there's the unlock tool, but I was hoping if it was unlocked out of the box it wouldn't have the camera issue. I could be, and probably am completely wrong in my thinking.
[Xperia Z3 General] se1000:
I know what you're saying but it may be best to get things really clear about the bootloader. ALL Sony bootloaders are locked from the factory. Some can be unlocked using the Sony unlock tool, and some cannot. Once you unlock the bootloader, regardless of if you use the Sony unlock method, your DRM keys are lost. If a root method is available that does not rely on first unlocking the bootloader, you can backup the TA partition, which preserves your DRM keys so you can restore them later. Once restored, you are back to having a locked bootloader.

When people refer to a "locked bootloader" they are really saying "bootloader that cannot be unlocked"
[Xperia Z3 General] pside15:
Thanks for the reply and the info. I knew about the unlock tool and DRM issue. I've never owned a Sony device and wasn't aware they are all locked from the factory. I was just holding out hope that it would be like the G3 on T-Mobile, and being unlocked out of the box wouldn't affect the DRM keys. Yeah, I know that logically that wouldn't make sense at all but I was still hoping.

I'm still considering it though. The waterproof aspect is very appealing since I have 2 little ones that love pretty much anything to do with water. Decisions, decisions.
[Xperia Z3 General] se1000:
Even with a locked bootloader, even if it can't be unlocked, it is still possible to have root access (once devs find a vuln to exploit). You won't be able to take a nandroid but pretty much everything else is available. Honestly, I know exactly when the last time I took a nandroid was, but I don't think I've ever chosen to actually restore from one. Maybe once. You get my point.
[Xperia Z3 General] mariussilverwolf:
I have the Z1s. Being able to hand my phone to my 5 month old daughter as a teether and know she won't kill it is awesome. Being able to film my 8 and 9 doing acrobatic tricks in the pool from underneath them is even more awesome. The waterproof aspect is, to me, one of the top 3 selling points of the Z line. I can bring my phone into the shower and play music. I don't have to worry about getting caught in a rainstorm. I can answer calls while washing the dishes. It seems like a niche concept, until the worry about wet and humid environments is removed. I never really how many little changes I had to make to my daily routine just to ensure my phone stayed dry. Then again, I live in Florida. It's always humid.
[Xperia Z3 General] pside15:
Yeah, it's the honestly the main reason I'm considering it. If the Nexus 6 doesn't wow me I'm probably going to JUMP to the Z3 on release day. Even if I'm not happy with it I have another JUMP coming in Jan. I love being on the original JUMP and not the new one.

And yeah, I live in Georgia so I'm all to familiar with constant humidity as well.
[Xperia Z3 General] id3alistic:
Yep... I love the Z line. Aside from waterproof, dedicated camera button, beautiful design, the lanyard hole is a big plus for me. I HATE using a case on my phones so being able to attach a lanyard is great because then I don't have to worry about dropping the phone. I'm using those DEFF carbon finger rings.
[Xperia Z3 General] Jfree3000:
Nexus 6, pass. No color options for the z3 is a bummer on t-mobile. Looks like my note 3 will be sticking around for a while, of well.
[Xperia Z3 General] Harry Wild:
6603 vs. 6616?

I am planning on buying the Z3 6603 in Silver Green Unlocked.

I am a T-Mobile customer and just did not want to get another locked phone.

Just wanted to know that I not making a big mistake. So I concluded that other then the Band LTE 12(go through buildings) and the Wi_Fi calling are there any advantage to buying the black 6616. Is there others? that I don't know about?
[Xperia Z3 General] id3alistic:
I believe it would just be internal storage. Tmobile version has 32gb.
[Xperia Z3 General] Harry Wild:
Thank for the reply id3alistic. I going to get the color that is available and is the lowest price in the 6603 or possible a Z3 Compact. I will decide after handling the 6616 at a T-mobile store.
[Xperia Z3 General] s33squar3d:
Does anyone know when Tmobile is expected to have models on display in store? I would love to get my hands on one before buying. I feel like the Z3 is perfect for me, but I just want to make sure its not too big (or i guess too small too). Probably going to spring for the unlocked 6603 so I can get it in copper. Would love wifi calling and the extra internal space but that copper color is just gorgeous
[Xperia Z3 General] mariussilverwolf:
Since the street date is October 29, probably won't be able to get hands on in a TMo store before then.
[Xperia Z3 General] abhinav.tella:
Past:

I always hated Sony since the era of the Walkman/Cybershot series phones etc in the early to late 2000's when they were popular in India, not one of my friend's phones lasted a year without hardware issues (Joystick was most commmon). Always thought the Vaio was overated as well.

Present:

My last phone was the awesome LG G2 on Sprint, ruined by Sprint's ****ty triband and eCFSB network issues, however now it looks like Sony has come a long way in terms of long term reliability with the Z series and the Z3 just looks beautiful and the battery life and reviews are amazing I had a hard time choosing between the M8 and this, but the Z3's cam and battery life won me over. This will be my first Sony phone.

Preorders:

According to a TMO rep all preorders show as backorder even if in stock. Some people recieved Note 4s over a week before launch according to a TMO rep, so he said same will probably happen with the Z3.
[Xperia Z3 General] ShermCraig:
Picked mine up 2 days ago, and wow

Never owned a Sony phone but now I "have a Sony for my Owny" (older folks will get this line)! I must say - I am in love :highfive: with one caveat - that being a locked bootloader. Pretty disappointed in that however I was happy to read a page or 2 back that I will likely still be able to root which is really all I care about. That said, the bloatware on the D6616 is minimal, so aside from liking to try out new ROM's and removing ads, I guess I can live with that one "caveat".

The phone itself is gorgeous - in fact, I told my wife that it's almost as sexy as she is (yeah - I take my phone's pretty seriously :o )! I love its size - I had a OnePlus One which I was pretty happy with, but being an average size guy (that's being generous), I found it really difficult to use it with one hand. The Z3 has a slightly smaller screen size vs the OPO, but the overall build size is proportionally smaller as well, making it even more attractive size-wise. Of course, the other side of that coin is that the OPO has a non-slip back in the 64gb version which was really nice, however I see that wearing out over time. The Z3 is slippery meaning I will likely cover the beautiful beast with a case - but we'll see if I end up keeping a case on it. I've always been one to believe that if you have insurance and a beautiful device, covering that device with a case is counter-intuitive. I'm torn on the case thing - time will tell.

The phone is incredibly smooth and responsive, the speaker is pretty loud and sounds good, and the camera is arguably the best available on a phone. Not sure I like all the options the camera offers - many or pretty hokey - but the picture quality is just brilliant. Overall, this phone may last me more than a year which would beat my last two phones. You see, I have "NewPhone-itus" and it's a serious case!

If anyone has any questions - fire away and I will do my best to answer!
[Xperia Z3 General] Charkatak:
I still searching for VoLTE info on international models. Z3 compact does have it, at least white pages confirm it.
[Xperia Z3 General] abhinav.tella:
Hardware would support it even if it is not listed in the menu. If its not in the menu you may have to use a custom rom or build.prop edit maybe.
[Xperia Z3 General] se1000:
Yeah like I said, I'm not sure if VoLTE needs baseband customizations to work or if it's pretty standard across carriers and works across all LTE devices with VoLTE capabilities. I'm pretty sure the unlocked/unbranded Z3's can do VoLTE, but can they do VoLTE on T-Mobile is my question.
[Xperia Z3 General] Charkatak:
Did you purchase an unlocked Z3 6603 yet?

---------- Post added at 03:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:24 PM ----------

It seems that we need to find a person with an unlocked Z3 on T-Mobile :) I have messaged 4 users on YouTube, but haven't heard anything. Yesterday I almost bought Z3 6603, but can't make a move until I find out about VoLTE on T-Mobile. Will let you know if I get any confirmation.
[Xperia Z3 General] buda81:
I'm on T-mobile with the 6603, I have not notice any VoLTE at all. Since wifi calling is not installed on the unbranded z3, I don't think it's possible. I know the Z3 can make VoLTE, but with out the Tmobile bloatware, it will probably not work. I also do not so the toggle switch for VoLTE in the phone app.
[Xperia Z3 General] erasat:
I had a D6633 and now I have a D6603 on t-mobile, and to make it simpler, if you want VoLTE you must get the T-mobile version, d6616. I haven't read too much about it but as far as I can remember VoLTE will use band 12 and the Unlocked d6633 and d6603 have all the T-Mobile LTE bands except 12.

Getting a D6603 or the dual D6633 will work perfectly on T-Mobile but you won't get wifi calling (Proprietary app) and VoLTE because of the band. For the wifi calling you can always use Hangouts dialer, it works great. Advantage of getting the Unlocked version, you get the color you want, no bloatware, unlock bootloader and definitely a lot faster firmware updates.
[Xperia Z3 General] se1000:
ok LOTS of misinformation in this post.

- VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is the ability to make calls over the data LTE network.

- WiFi calling is not just an app, but is the ability to place calls that route to T-Mobile through any WiFi network

- Band 12 LTE is the 700mhz spectrum that T-Mobile bought from Verizon.

- You can make VoLTE calls without Band 12 compatibility (iPhone 6, S5, G3)

- WiFi calling has yet to be ported to anything but a T-Mobile branded device, the Nexus 4 did not have it.

- As far as I know, HD-Calling or AMR-WB also does not work on unlocked devices.
[Xperia Z3 General] erasat:
It wasn't my intentions as I just decided to give a summary, and like I said as far as I can remember... but you are right, VoLTE is not exclusively to band 12, but I wasn't sure if at least on T-Mobile, band 12 s required. As for Wifi calling I mentioned an app but I didn't think that could be interpreted as been so simple as to install the app.

But in a summary, just listen to this guy as he explained this a lot better than me obviously.

Thanks for clarifying.
[Xperia Z3 General] paperWastage:
well, HD calling on 3G works on Nexus 5, which is an unlock(able) device

I believe AT&T and T-mobile whitelists phones for HD Voice calling.... so maybe it's not that simple after all
[Xperia Z3 General] OCedHrt:
I wonder if it's possible to flash the T-Mobile firmware onto an unbranded Z3. With the Z1s this couldn't be done because the hardware was different. There was also a method to enable other radio bands, so it may also be possible to get the missing LTE band.
[Xperia Z3 General] inteltecra1700:
Does cross flashing work on the T-mobile version of the z3 or vice versa?