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Sony Xperia Z5 $647.1 / Compact $548.1 / Premium 4K $760.5, iPhone 6S 16GB $863.1 +More @QD eBay

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Sony Xperia Z5 $647.1 / Compact $548.1 / Premium 4K $760.5, iPhone 6S 16GB $863.1 +More @QD eBay
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lyl on 10/02/2016 - 09:12 ebay.com.au (1485 clicks)
Last edited 10/02/2016 - 09:54
CRUSHONYOU

Had a browse of QD last night and found some deals, absolute bargain on the Xperias.

Sony Xperia Z5 E6653 32GB 23MP 5.2-Inch 4G LTE Factory Unlocked $647.1. Only White, Pink and Gold at that price - Green and black are $665.1

Sony Xperia Z5 Compact E5823 23MP 4.6-Inch 4G LTE Factory Unlocked $548.1

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium E6853 Factory Unlocked $760.5

Apple iPhone 6S 16GB 4G LTE Factory unlocked SLIVER $863.1

Samsung Galaxy S6 SM-G9208 Factory Unlocked (LTE Single SIM | 32GB | GOLD) $575.1

Original eBay 10% off sitewide offer deal post

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closed Comments

  • snvl on 10/02/2016 - 09:24
    +1

    any one have used the z5 compact and nexus 5x?

    • somebargainhunter77 on 10/02/2016 - 09:49
      +13

      Z5 Compact user here. Short summary: Don't buy it.

      Without a doubt this is the worst smartphone I've ever used (Used Z3 - Z3 Compact and now using Z5 Compact)

      • The phone heats up like crazy over nothing. Say I'm listening to music using Sony Music app, if I launch Facebook, Chrome or some other app, it starts to heat up and the phone gets very laggy so I'd either have to close the app or just suck it up and deal with the lag.
      • In comparison to Z3 Compact, the battery life is mediocre. Awesome battery life was the main reason why I bought the phone, but Sony failed to deliver
      • Apps will take forever to launch. Good luck opening the camera app in less than 3 seconds.
      • Phone will restart randomly. I think it is due to the phone getting too hot all of a sudden but it happens even when the phone's screen is off and not in use. It happens at least once a week.

      I'm currently waiting for the Marshmallow update hoping that that'll fix most of the issues mentioned above (doubt it). Sony promised to release it in January and still nothing. Just avoid any phones with Snapdragon 810, possibly the worst processor of all time. Wait for Galaxy S7, which is set to be announced in 2 weeks time :)

      • linkii on 10/02/2016 - 10:06

        You can blame the snapdragon 810 for that. And people still believe the 810 is better than the previous gen 801…. Biggest con ever.

        • giventofly on 10/02/2016 - 11:38
          +1

          What about the 810 v2.1?

          I have a 6P and haven't had a single issue with overheating, lag.

        • linkii on 10/02/2016 - 11:42
          +2

          @rorymeister: Most phones out with 810 uses v2.1. 6P doesn't lag probably because of bloat free android. So even when it's throttled its still smooth. From what I read online it does get warm pretty easily and does get throttled.

        • giventofly on 10/02/2016 - 15:22

          @ko0l:

          Fair enough, I don't really do CPU intensive tasks.

        • Diji1 on 10/02/2016 - 22:36

          Uh no Android does this with all chipsets along with somehow slowing down faster than Windows XP over time (quite a feat considering it's supposed to Linux lel).

          Your experience will vary amongst manufacturers.

      • snvl on 10/02/2016 - 10:25
        +1

        S7 for $550 is not going to happen this year. Thanks for the feedback, ill stay away.

        • linkii on 11/02/2016 - 14:26

          I got a s6 64gb for $580 back in August last year in one of those eBay sales. So anything is possible.

      • pumpkinspice on 10/02/2016 - 10:25
        +1

        My mrs has the Z5 Compact.
        After the initial OS update when she first got it, the battery was draining like crazy, like totes cray cray.
        The internet said to factory reset the phone… we both expected that to do nothing, but it fixed the issue and she hasn't complained about it since. That was a month ago or so.

        Have you given that a try?
        It might just be that she doesn't use it very intensely, and as such not notice the poor battery life.

        • somebargainhunter77 on 10/02/2016 - 10:55

          Hi,

          Yes I've factory reset the phone twice and it's still doing the same thing. I'll give it a go again once I upgrade to Marshmallow.

        • Make it so on 10/02/2016 - 15:23

          I have a Z1, and the first update to 5.1.1 caused ridiculous battery drain, to the point where the phone would not even charge to 100% overnight. Factory reset did nothing to improve it, and I was ready to ditch the phone. I used the Sony "Emma" tool to revert to 4.4, which solved it but gave me stability issues. Recently flashed it to the latest 5.1.1 ROM (the last 3 ROM's are all 5.1.1), and now it seems okay (stable, fast and good battery life). Problem is, the use of the Emma flash tool requires the bootloader to be unlocked, which will prevent you from receiving future OTA updates.

          I am less than impressed with the stability of Sony ROM's in general. I have had issues literally minutes out-of-the-box. The hardware is fantastic, but what is the point if you cannot use it reliably.

        • Diji1 on 10/02/2016 - 22:38

          I suppose you people are aware that this is normal behaviour when you first turn on Android.

          Provided you don't do something like factory reset it (sp it begins all over again lel) it will quickly settle down but it can take many hours where you will notice high battery usage.

      • oscargamer on 10/02/2016 - 10:34
        +2

        Z5C user here also

        had Z1C before that

        don't have any issues with Z5C

        like it

      • Da dpG on 10/02/2016 - 11:15
        +1

        Cheers buddy, was literally considering buying the Z5

        • PVA on 10/02/2016 - 22:33

          I have one,fantastic phone. (had a z before that)

      • duodeta on 10/02/2016 - 11:50
        +3

        so thats the problem of snapdragon 810?

        can u put the device under the water for cooling down?

        • somebargainhunter77 on 10/02/2016 - 15:26

          I have actually put it in my freezer to cool it down several times because it got really hot and I didn't want the phone to explode on my hands or something haha.

        • Diji1 on 10/02/2016 - 22:39

          @fisa2001: Um … the phone has a thermal cut off, you cannot destroy it by overheating (if you don't disable the thermal cutoff) …

      • neonlight on 10/02/2016 - 12:00

        And what about Z5 Premium? I guess it has the problem where the glass cracks as well

        • Diji1 on 10/02/2016 - 22:44

          It would be Sony staying true to form and not fioxing an issue that has plagued Sony Mobile devices since at least the Xperia Z1.

          I have resolved to never buy a Sony Mobile device again after owning a Sony Xperia Z Ultra because SOny kept putting out devices with the same issue - devices that crack too easily - up until at least the Xperia M and I haven't seen any newsflashes about them suddenly deciding to release devices with widely known flaws.

          I can only pray for your sake that the phantom touch issue has been resolved. It wasn't on the Xperia M approximately 5 years after the Xperia Z1 was released with the same issue but this is what really ruined the Z Ultra for me. Unforgiveable that it wasnt fixed after so long.

      • eug on 10/02/2016 - 12:32

        I have a Z5 Compact and find it quite annoying. The biggest frustration is the lag when switching between apps - I think it has to do with the 2GB of RAM combined with a probably-unoptimised OS. My dad's Z5 Premium is much quicker than my Z5C.

        I find battery life excellent. I can end the day with 40-50%. My S6 would probably be 20-305.

        I've only seen the phone restart by itself two times in the past month.

      • thereisriceandcurry on 10/02/2016 - 13:38
        +1

        Hey buddy you might want to look into your issues more, because the general consensus of users online and reviewers is different to what you have mentioned. People generally think its a decently quick phone with better than average battery life, that only gets hot with 4k video. It seems like thats not the case for your phone, might be something wrong with it?

        • somebargainhunter77 on 10/02/2016 - 15:24
          +1

          Hey mate,

          I thought it was just me but I've found various posts on the Sony forum, xda and Sony Xperia sub reddit etc regarding the battery drain, apps taking ages to launch (specifically the camera app) and random restarts (Currently at work and I can't remember the exact links sorry).

          Maybe it is just me having all sorts of bad issues, but I still do believe that phones with Snapdragon 810 should be avoided at all costs.

        • eug on 10/02/2016 - 18:47
          +1

          @fisa2001: I've had lag issues too. I'm going to try a reset and see if that helps.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 14:15

        It's also slower and lags compared to a Galaxy S6.

        Comparing to a Galaxy S6 (running on a beta version of Marshmallow, but still running smooth, unlike the Z5):

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS6LvpO-SIk

        Edit: I'm talking about the Z5, not the Z5C.

      • wombok2 on 10/02/2016 - 15:29

        fisa2001, Do you happen to have Grey stock(imported)? You might want try and get a warranty claim on it as it sounds faulty to me. Even though grey stock is much cheaper, I'm starting to believe they're actually refurbished units(especially if the original seal is NOT in tact) My Z5C is fine and I got mine from Telstra.

        FYI here are my experiences from different retailers.

        *ogan
        Xperia C3 - faulty on arrival, not sealed(No GPS signal)
        Xperia Z3 - faulty on arrival, not sealed(Speaker hissing randomly)

        Telstra
        Xperia Z1 - perfect
        Xperiz Z5C - perfect

        I personally think if your phone doesn't come sealed, I won't be surprised if its actually a refurbished unit from HK. It's annoying to know you've got a dud AFTER putting your screen protector on…

    • doublezero1 on 10/02/2016 - 13:26
      +2

      Got Z5C from the 15% ebay deal in December. From QD as well. Pretty quick delivery and they have local store if you need to return it for any issues (which I haven't done but handy to know for grey import). The model was a revision 2 (side of box tells you) and only got hot when I first switched it on. After the initial update and uninstall of stuff I didn't want, everything has been fine and battery last 3-4 days. Ticked the boxes of what I was after - microsd (got from one of the many ozbargain deals), fingerprint scanner, pretty recent Android OS with update to come, not 5".

      Got this from ebay as well - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Sony-Xperia-Z5-Compact-Premium-Ca….
      Happy with this as the protector is pretty decent and case while plain offers some peace of mind.

    • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 14:44

      A very satisfied Z5 Compact user here. It's the best phone I've ever had and I've been using Android flagships since since the original Samsung Galaxy S was first released 5 and a half years ago. This is my first Sony (non-Ericsson) phone too and I suspect it won't be the last.

      Yes, it does get warm occasionally but not often enough to be bothersome.

      By the way, $548 is an incredible price - I got mine from the QD deal for $607 a few months ago and couldn't resist. With this deal, you are basically getting a current flagship phone for a mid-range price. Regarding the 2GB RAM, it doesn't need any more than that to support a 720p screen, which is perfect for its 4.6" size and does great things for the battery - it literally last for days with moderate use.

      In short, if you want a phone with a manageable size screen, the best phone camera, best headphone audio quality including hi-res (the speakers aren't too shabby but who cares about phone speaker sound), then there aren't really any alternatives at any price range. You can always get an iPhone 6S if that's your preference but you'd be paying a whooping ~65% extra for a phone with twice the internal storage and no external storage option!

      Not to mention that it's the first phone that lets you uninstall every blotware app it comes with (there weren't many). I didn't expect that at all.

    • noshopping on 10/02/2016 - 19:20

      Bought the Z5 Compact along with a Sony wireless LDAC headphone (around $400). Apparently hi-res sound was suppose to make it amazing, however I've found virtually no difference in music quality of the Z5 Compact vs the iPhone 5 when playing hi-res music. It gets a little warm, but not hot.

      • iridiumstem on 10/02/2016 - 19:34

        Eh, more than often, changing the device does little to nothing, since most devices nowadays are not that bad. iOS devices have been fairly decent as a music player. Also, I always was skeptical about hi-res being distinguishable by human ears, especially on the smartphone level.

        That said, I didn't think iPhone 5 could decode 24bit/96khz or something above that. I do remember reading iPhone 6 not being able to decode hi res audio.

        http://mashable.com/2014/09/26/iphone-6-hd-audio/#aM45XlLR0u…

        Though, doesn't Sony provide those effects that some people really love? ClearBass was it?

      • gooseberry on 10/02/2016 - 19:34

        What file format were you listening to on them with?

      • elektron on 11/02/2016 - 14:19

        @Oversimplified

        I have the same combination of the Z5 Compact and the MDR-1ABT headphone and it does sound amazing. In fact, I have compared the previous model of this headphone - the excellent MDR-1ABT MK2 (which supports AptX but not LDAC) vs the 1ABT on the same DSD recording and could clearly hear the difference in fidelity, although it was more pronounced on some instruments more than others.

        Having said that, there are so many factors that impact the sound quality. Specifically:

        • the resolution of the material - LDAC won't make 320 kbps / 256 AAC sound better
        • the quality of the master of the recording - if it's highly compressed you won't hear the difference even in hi-res
        • the type of music - generally speaking, you're unlikely to hear the difference on modern pop recordings and will have better luck with jazz or classical (there are exceptions to this of course)
        • your ears - the differences can be very subtle indeed, depending on the material, and some people are able to discern them better than others.

        If you're interested in understanding this in a bit more detail you can take a look at this Wall Street Journal article:
        http://www.wsj.com/articles/hi-res-audio-hijinx-why-only-som…

        Remember, LDAC doesn't make the music sound better - it just removes the bandwidth limitations of bluetooth and makes it sound almost as good as if you're listening to wired headphones. So if you can't hear the difference between non-LDAC bluetooth playback (e.g. on iPhone) vs wired playback, then LDAC won't make any difference.

        By the way, the iPhone doesn't support hi-res audio at the moment (but will in the future).

  • stephendt on 10/02/2016 - 09:26
    +11

    I just find it staggering that a new 16GB iPhone fetches so much more than their better-specced Android equivalents. 16GB phones should be made illegal at that price point.

    • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 09:49
      +1
      • lack of easily removable battery
      • lack of MicroSD
        …are the bigger sore points for me. Fixed storage & fixed battery is primitive greed. But then again I think paying more than 200 for a phone is excessive, and these are well above that.
      • payton on 10/02/2016 - 11:53
        -4

        Is a screen rotation lock button patented by Apple ?
        That's one thing sorely missing from my Android phones. My Note rotates like crazy, Samsung phones' screen rotation sensors are frankly, shite.

        Guess I may have to root the phone to gain a software method of locking my phone's screen rotation.

        • d3ft on 10/02/2016 - 12:19
          +12

          You're joking right? Screen rotation is an option in the settings of every Android phone I've ever owned… admittedly I haven't owned a Note, but Samsung usually goes mental on features so surely they would have it.

        • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 12:19

          No kidding?
          I've never used Samsung. I've used Sony, Lenovo & Asus. I always felt Samsung, like Apple, were overhyped (and overpriced). A bit like Sony, I guess. Never had screen rotation problems that I can speak of. All have been lockable. All have been 'normal' to me.

        • eug on 10/02/2016 - 12:36

          @cheepwun: I've used many different brands and depending on the generation, sometimes Samsung is the best, sometimes they're pretty average. Right now the camera in their S6/Note 5 easily beats others if you look at both responsiveness and image quality together.

          Samsung phones definitely have screen rotation lock buttons. It's in the slide-down menu.

          Fixed storage is inexcusable, but I think that's being addressed with the S7.
          Fixed battery I can understand - you can't have a removable battery if you want the phone to be that slim and solid.

        • payton on 10/02/2016 - 12:49

          @d3ft:
          I'm talking about a physical rotation lock slider on the side of the phone. I had that on my iPad.
          The screen lock option we get on Note 3 from the "Pull Down" control screen behaves more like 'allow landscape view when you turn your phone'.

          There is no way to permanently lock the screen on Landscape with the default O/S without extra app/root. You can set it to be permanently on Portrait, but not permanently on landscape.
          I'd be watching youtube on landscape and it'd just unwantedly switch back to Portrait when I move a bit and it takes several seconds rejigging the phone to bring it back to landscape. Or I'd be typing in landscape, then the sensor decided whoosh it should realign to Portrait on its own. Annoying.

        • aim54x on 10/02/2016 - 13:07

          I remember having the screen rotation lock (software) on my Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S. I have also seen it on the SII, SIII and Note 3.

          I thought it was a standard android feature. All of my android devices have the feature, not that I use it very often.

          NOTE: just read your later reply….physical lock button…I don't recall seeing one on these on any of the android devices I have owned/used

        • d3ft on 10/02/2016 - 14:27

          @payton: Right that makes more sense and does sound annoying. A quick search of the play store shows up a heap of apps which claim to be able to achieve this though and none of them mention requiring root.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 14:37
          +2

          @payton:

          Mate most phones don't have physical rotation lock sliders…

          … They also don't have physical sliders for brightness, volume.

        • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 14:55

          @cheepwun:

          Agree on the Samsung (although I loved my original Galaxy S), but how is Sony overpriced? If you're referring to the Z5 Premium, it's in a league of its own with the only 4k screen on the market but actually sells for about the same price as the S6 Edge.

        • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 15:32

          @elektron:
          Haven't been following Sony closely in recent times & generally am not interested in the top-endish phones. I just find most "popular names" overpriced in general. I look at the $200 phones (and under). Often better specs to be had elsewhere for the same money.

        • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 15:42
          +1

          @cheepwun:
          Last year, when I needed a new phone I tried following the same school of thought after years of exclusively using flagships. I ended up buying two phones (a higher-end budget one, and a lower-end midrange one) within the space of a couple of months. I really wanted to love both but couldn't live with either of them in the end and ended up getting the Sony Z5 Compact late last year. I'm now happy again.

        • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 15:59

          @elektron:
          Refined tastes! I come from the ghetto so I am satisfied very easily with more pedestrian devices. Both with computers & phones I am happy at the lower-end. It reaches a certain point where it's massive extra cash for minimal extra functionality.

        • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 16:13

          @cheepwun:
          Actually, it has nothing to do with me having refined tastes or being a snob. And, like you, I'm a big believer in the point of diminishing returns.

          If you must know, my budget phone was the $99 ZTE 4G Fit, which I initially really liked and even thought it was awesome for the price, but then was annoyed by its audio skipping with bluetooth headphones (I don't use wired headphones). What really killed it for me was the 1GB limit for apps on the 8GB internal storage. If it hadn't taken them 6 months to release the fix for this (which essentially required flushing it and installing new firmware - not for the faint-hearted) I probably would have still been using this phone.

          So I got the 2nd Gen Moto G for $200 (with a $50 eBay voucher), which was still the current model at the time. It was actually slower than then the ZTE and the camera took a few good seconds to start. After only a few months the lag got so bad, I started missing phone calls! This is when I had to admit to myself that my cheap phone experiement was a failure (having waisted $300) and jumped on the Z5C deal.

        • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 20:56

          @elektron:
          You should try some other cheap phones. Admittedly I would have given up if I had those issues too. Can't comment much about bluetooth issues since I am still wired for audio but I'm pretty much satsified in nearly all areas (I often wonder what would make me want a new phone or tablet). The biggest 'recent' feature I have found useful is USB-on-the-go (just to back-up data and free space on the go without the computer).

          My current tablet (and phone) don't implement USB OTG properly (I need to use a USB cable with a separate power connector, and then get some software to initiate USB-on-the-go, which is fiddly and not as nice as native support…).

          I have recently discovered USB ethernet adapters in conjunction with tablets, which I would find useful sometimes too. Lots of things I have yet to make sense of. Can't get my current gear to support it. Not simply, anyway. Still trying to suss things out. This might me buy something with 'native' support too. But aside from these things…I have no desire for much more.

          Phone aesthetics…I'm a fan of plastic. A big fan of it.

        • PVA on 10/02/2016 - 22:35

          i thought the lock is standard on any android, all ones I have used have had it (software). samsung, LG and sony.
          looking at my sony, if i am in portrait and i choose lock it locks in portrait, if I am in landscape and I choose rotation lock it locks in landscape (even the lock logo says portrait and landscape on rotation lock)
          (you mentioned software lock needing root access)

      • Michael15286 on 10/02/2016 - 13:26

        I believe fixed batteries in phones are less to do with greed and more to do with design. Generally to make the phone thinner and not have to worry about having access panels and such. But still there's the finite life span of a non user replaceable battery.

        • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 13:56

          I believe fixed batteries in phones are less to do with greed and more to do with design

          Design might come into it on some level (Apple likes 'minimalist' at the expense of practicality, and they are not the only ones), but it's hard to argue with this:

          https://www.apple.com/au/support/iphone/repair/battery-power…
          $119 Apple battery replacement costs (out of warranty)

          $10 - $18 Lenovo original various batteries (delivered!)
          http://www.banggood.com/search/lenovo-battery.html

          Frankly, I'd rather be putting that difference towards another phone.

          Plus when there are problems with batteries, more downtime. Apple (or whoever) can't just send you another one.
          http://www.news.com.au/technology/apple-will-not-fix-all-iph…

          Plus I've seen so many removable back covers that look and feel fine, so I look with disgust at companies that don't make them easily removable (& they all do fixed batteries with some models in their range). It's the same deal with fixed storage. Compare fixed storage phone sizes and prices with the equivalent in MicroSD. Nice margins for them. And they don't buy in ones and twos like us: they buy thousands / millions.

        • Michael15286 on 10/02/2016 - 14:12
          +1

          @cheepwun: I agree with everything you've said, and there is no excuse for the lack of micro sd, apart from greed. I personally use a G4 which has both things I wanted.

          But phone manufacturers went and are going through a period where they want to shave every millimeter from the phone often at the expense of features. It's the main reason why most phones have small battery capacities.

        • Make it so on 10/02/2016 - 15:28

          May also have to do with phone manufacturers not wanting to deal with problems resulting from low-quality 3rd-party batteries…..

        • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 15:34

          May also have to do with phone manufacturers not wanting to deal with problems resulting from low-quality 3rd-party batteries…..

          Since probably 99.99% of people don't buy a second battery within warranty, I'd say this is unlikely to be a problem for them. Out-of-warranty they'd charge just like they normally do for their service. Apple itself has had problems with their very own batteries (as have most manufacturers at some point), which makes the case for removables even more relevant.

        • eug on 10/02/2016 - 18:45

          @cheepwun:

          Plus I've seen so many removable back covers that look and feel fine,

          Which phones are they? How slim are those phones?
          Look and feel is subjective. Would the S6/S6E/Note 5 look and feel the way they do if they had to put a removable back?

        • cheepwun on 11/02/2016 - 09:49

          Look and feel is subjective

          Yes it is, so no point arguing about it. I love plastic backs that come off easily. They are found in many phones. I have never found any modern phone too thick, so thinness is not a selling point to me. I have always found it funny how much attention is put on having a thin phone. I don't even think about it. They are all thinner than I'd like.

          I also don't go for so-called 'premium materials', which are meaningless to me. I love plastic externals.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 10:11
      +1

      iPhones are also more fashion/desirible objects, hence why they can get away with charging more.

    • Gavman on 10/02/2016 - 10:21
      +2

      U pay for the assurance that you will have access to updated version of iOS for a good few years. Android phones don't stack up when it comes to software upgrades. Some android phones u are stuck on same android version and an update never comes out without having to flash the phone and do some update hack job. Ppl forget with iPhone ur not just buying a device.

      • homersyd on 10/02/2016 - 11:12
        +1

        U also pay for the huge marketing budgets that Apple has which Android phones generally lacks.
        I still remember when I got the early Android phones (original galaxy S), Samsung didnt even advertise about their phone which crapped all over the iphone at the time. But because Samsung didnt spend as much money as apple did on marketing, they werent very well known at the time. It was only really known within the gadget/geeky communities.

        • jjsnacks on 10/02/2016 - 14:47

          They didn't advertise in Australia but they did overseas, I remember going to KL and seeing multiple huge billboards of the galaxy s

      • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 11:42
        +1

        U pay for the assurance that you will have access to updated version of iOS for a good few years.

        Updates are so overrated it's not funny. I find them totally unnecessary, no matter the brand.

        At best they are a mixed bag. In general, they just slow older hardware down and encourage you to upgrade. In general, they get more invasive too (if there is any privacy left, that is).

        Personally, I do not want an update of any kind UNLESS there is a problem with the phone.

        • Gavman on 10/02/2016 - 11:57

          Each to their own. Everyone has the right to justify what they spend their money on and what they consider value. I've found updating phone software can help with security threats and related issues, things we don't think about but can ultimately leave us vulnerable. No piece of software no matter who develops it is ever perfect. There are always flaws found later and its the software vendors job to find and fix these quickly. The price ones pay for this service is in the form of 'software assurance premium' tagged on to the price of the phone when you buy it. Apple, whilst demanding more money for their devices yet are very good at this and release updates quickly. I'm happy to pay a little more of an iPhone knowing this is what I'm getting and not just for the warranty period but for a good 4-5 years. Personally, I just don't think Android developers are as good with this.

        • cheepwun on 10/02/2016 - 12:07
          +1

          @Gavman:
          Yes, it's all down to what we value. Apple also has very good service in its stores. I see that appealing to a lot of people. Higher service levels = higher price.

        • Gavman on 10/02/2016 - 12:18
          +1

          @cheepwun: Correct, and for these reasons too, the phone will have a way greater resell value as well.

    • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 14:59

      16GB phones with no external storage should not be selling for more than $200.

  • starburstyellow on 10/02/2016 - 09:27
    +5

    Must.. Resist… Waiting.. For..Z6

    • XeKToReX on 10/02/2016 - 10:15

      ergh, I bet there won't be a 4K Z6 too! I don't want a Snapdragon 810 any more :(

    • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 14:29
      -1

      Soon.

      But wait 6 months more, and you'll get the z7.

      They come every 6 months.

      • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 15:07
        -1

        Don't hold your breath.

        First of all, they're back to a 12 months release cycle. The Z3+/Z4 had an 'experemental' release and wasn't available in most countries. Sony's mobile division has lost a billion dollars and can no longer sustain to release a flagship phone every 6 months. Even cash-rich Apple hasn't attempted it.

        Second, if you're after the Compact variant - they've never been on a 6 months release cycle.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 15:16
          -1

          Since when were they "back" on a 12 months cycle? They were always on a6 months cycle.

          Also they were always losing money.

        • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 15:30
          -1

          Do you know anyone in Australia with a Z3+/Z4?

        • gooseberry on 10/02/2016 - 19:33
          +1

          @inose:

          Z3 to Z5 was a 12 month cycle.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 19:35

          @gooseberry:

          They released the Z4… aka 'Z3+'.

        • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 20:10

          @inose:

          And yet you haven't answered my Q above

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 20:18

          @elektron:

          Oh you were talking to me? Why not tag me then?

          And what is the point of your question? It doesn't prove anything.

        • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 20:39

          @inose:

          You didn't tag me either when you responded to my post…the one you negged.

          What is the point of you saying that Sony are on a 6 month cycle when it's clearly no longer the case?

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 20:45

          @elektron:

          Lol… Mate mine is clearly a response to yours. It's indented… And its fine, since you responded to it.

          I didn't know the question was directed at me. Wasn't indented, wassnt tagged, could of have been for anyone… DIDNT SEEM RELEVANT.

          And your point is what I am disagree with. You have no sauce to back up your claim, that Sony is no longer on a 6 months cycle.

          Also regarding my question directed at you, what is the relevance? I still don't get why you would ask such a random question that proves nothing.

          Edit: I negged you cuz you negged me.

    • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 15:31

      You'll be waiting until late this year mate

  • umoddbro on 10/02/2016 - 09:30
    +5

    Lol the 16gb iPhone is more expensive than a phone like the z5 premium.. wow.

    • lyl on 10/02/2016 - 09:32
      +2

      just apple being apple

      • homersyd on 10/02/2016 - 11:14

        nar mtran0708's just comparing apples with oranges (or in this case - android) :P

    • Gavman on 10/02/2016 - 10:05

      with Apple you pay more because of the good 'software assurance' u get with iphones, ur not just getting a device.

      • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 15:24

        Yes, Apple Maps was a great example of 'software assurance'.

        It's not so much 'software assurance' but 'closed architecture'. A piece of hardware for which the software (especially the operating system) was specifically written will always be more stable and secure, at least in theory.

        But this is a somewhat flawed argument and is a bit like saying that Nokth Korea is more stable and secure than its southern sibling because it's a closed country. When a manufacturer starts telling me what I can and cannot do with the hardware that I paid hundreds of dollars for - that's where I draw the line.

        Besides, if you want a device that runs iOS you literally have a choice between an iPhone or an iPhone. With an open OS like Android you can chose between hundreds of devices of various shapes, sizes, specs, manufacturers and budgets.

        As for security, I've never experienced an issue in the years of using Android phones and don't personally know anyone who has.

        'Software Assurance' does not replace 'Common Sense'.

        • Gavman on 10/02/2016 - 16:07

          Well obviously there's a balance. How open you allow software can attribute to greater vulnerability. That's why there are choices. You always have the option to go android if you don't like to be 'limited'. However there's also a trade off that if you get a cheaper android phone that the software not gona stack up later on and they cant be upgraded and there no support

        • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 16:59

          In my experience, most flagship Android phones get about 2 years worth of software upgrades, which is not an issue for most people as that happens to be the duration of a typical contract.

          For those on BYO contracts, if you're dying to get new software after two years, you can afford buy a new phone (e.g. the excellent Z5C) as its half the price of the equivalent iPhone. Of course, you always have the option of rooting it.

    • linkii on 10/02/2016 - 10:11
      +1

      Other than the smaller storage, I'd argue the 6s is the better phone. Look at the post by fisa2001 above for reasons why. Those things would apply to the z5 premium too as its pretty much the same specs.

      • Gavman on 10/02/2016 - 10:15
        -6

        Yep. the Z5 Sounds like a real piece of crap. Wouldn't touch one now. Avoid

  • bluedufflecoat on 10/02/2016 - 09:31

    does it come with a tax invoice for TRS claims?

    • snvl on 10/02/2016 - 09:36

      no

  • Asx10000 on 10/02/2016 - 09:36
    +3

    That's really good price for Z5!

  • 87percent on 10/02/2016 - 09:59
    +2

    i've had a z1/z2 and a z3, and after all the problems i've had with them, i would NEVER buy a sony phone without local warranty. While Fonebiz are extremely slow with their assessments, at least they do fix them

    • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2016 - 10:12
      +1

      Agree. Faulty waterseals/cracking screens/phantom touch…. You really need local warranty for all these issues that will occur.

      • elektron on 10/02/2016 - 15:52

        None of these issues on my Z5C after a few months.

        • PVA on 10/02/2016 - 22:43

          nor have had problems with the original Z (3 of them in our family)

    • somebargainhunter77 on 10/02/2016 - 10:58
      +3

      Fonebiz is terrible. When your Xperia Z series is not working anymore for some reason, they always blame it on "water damage" and charge you at least $100 to fix it. If you don't accept their quote, they'll either make you pay $60 for the inspection fee, or they'll "kindly" dispose it for you for free. Absolute dogs.

    • Cral42 on 10/02/2016 - 11:36
      +4

      Fonebiz are incompetent crooks.
      After attempting a repair on my tablet for just a broken usb port they tore 2 of the ribbon cables and claimed it was already like this.
      Impossible considering the display worked fine when it was sent in.
      They then wanted nearly $400 to fix the tablet and when I asked what was broken they just sent it back in pieces claiming I rejected the repair quote.

      I wouldn't buy a Sony device just in case a warranty was needed and it got sent to those thieves.

    • Michael15286 on 10/02/2016 - 13:32

      Fonebiz are the absolute worst to deal with. My Z1 phone glass cracked spontaniously and I sent it in. They refused to fix it under warranty and wanted $400 to fix it even though it definitely is a real issue.

      While I was contacting Sony they threw out my phone. Something similar happened with my Z1 tablet. They're the absolute worst, absolutely. They're the reason why in won't buy another Sony phone.

      • 87percent on 10/02/2016 - 14:48
        +2

        I've had my Z1 and my Z3 repaired by Fonebiz under warranty.

        1st time - phone developed the infamous "screen crack", fixed under warranty
        2nd time - phone was (pretty certain water damaged), but luckily for me, they lost the phone in their warehouse so they sent me a new one
        3rd time - Sony Z3 sim card stopped reading, fixed under warranty

        my only issue with them was they are extremely slow with their assessment. In fact, my most recent repair with them for my Z3, which i received the other day after they had it for nearly a month, they sent me a couple of tempered screen protectors AND a case

        • Michael15286 on 10/02/2016 - 16:02

          Damn, I wish I had half as good of an experience as you with them. I never got to see either my Z1 or Z1 tablet again.

          I guess ultimately YMMV

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