• out of stock

Sony Xperia Z3 8" Compact 16GB Tablet $279 + Free Noise Cancelling Headphones @ Sony Online Store

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What a deal I've been able to help negotiate for OzBargain. Sony has scored one final shipment of Z3 Compact Tablets at this crazy price. Not only is the price better than it's been before, you now get a free set of Noise Cancelling Headphones valued at $79 thrown in! Strictly while stock lasts. Backorders will not be fulfilled. One per order/customer only. Enjoy :)

Info on the free headphones here…

Email from Sony re out-of-stock headphones (11:50am Oct 18): If headphones go into backorder, we’ll fulfil 1:1 with tablets purchased. We have another 200 headphones landing soon. If anything, there may be a little delay but all customers will get the headphones.

Email from Sony re claims of refurbished units (1:16pm Oct 24): None of these products are upgraded or refurbished. Double stickering is part of the normal process and is due to our factory final inspection with random QA checks after production completion (this involves attaching security seal, then over attaching one more security seal for random QA checked units). If needed, software upgrades, insertion of leaflet/warranty card is done at the warehouse for which a re-seal is also required (however not in this case). Due to the volume of units, we would expect a few to be QA checked.

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closed Comments

        • @callum9999: Which features did you prefer in 7.0? Serious question, I'm a big fan of Android but I was led to believe that this update wasn't about new features but rather about improving what we already have. I honestly haven't seen much difference.

        • +1

          @PainToad: Considering that I use my tablet for movies and light browsing on my regular trusted sites I don't see much need for the monthly security updates. I also use anti virus on my tablet.

        • @Where's_That_Cake: Splitscreen, better power management and better security for starters. Plus whatever is coming in 7.1 etc

        • @Where's_That_Cake: Why on Earth would you buy a premium device just for video and light browsing - things bargain bucket tablets would do with ease?

        • @callum9999: The native split screen is nice, I just wish it was enabled on more apps. Samsung seems to have some it better in the note years ago.
          I use it for my needs because they're the only reasons I need it. I played Kotor on it once, oh I also forgot comics, I use it for comics. I bought it for the form factor though. There wasn't anything like it on the market at that size and weight.

        • @Where's_That_Cake: There must be similar ones but either way, obviously it's purely up to you which tablet to buy. The reason I bring it up is you're using a premium tablet for basic usage (like those who buy iPhones just for call and text!) so it's no wonder you can't see why it matters or saw any performance improvements.

        • @callum9999: I recalled a 7 feature I liked and user btw. Double tap the pizza box button to go to previous app. That I like. Going back to why I have a premium tablet - who doesn't want a snappy and ergonomic device? I can't think of another tablet from 2 years back that was at that price range and has the features. Nothing else was even near it for me. Now my phone is a different beast, I use it for internet banking, taking credit card payments for my business, Facebook shit etc. I have a need for security for that. Not sure how much security has been improved recently though since the big Android security problem a while back.

        • +2

          @Where's_That_Cake:

          though since the big Android security problem a while back.

          Every month Google publishes exploits discovered and fixes them in ASOP and Nexus OTA.

          If your device isn't running the latest monthly security update, your devices is vulnerable to all exploits published since. It's as simple as that. Up to you, how important that is.

        • @Where's_That_Cake: My point was tablets half the price are just as snappy if all you're doing is light browsing and watching videos. As I said, if you're happy with it then great - you just aren't using it anywhere near its potential which is why improvements will be largely lost on you!

        • @callum9999: I find the 2013 N7 is getting long in the tooth already, doesn't seem half as snappy as my Z2. Not so sure there are many $200 full sized tablets that could do the job.

        • @Where's_That_Cake: Then you need to reset it.

          It's common knowledge that such tablets do exist and have done for years and years. My first tablet was under $200 something like 6 years ago and could pay videos and browse with no lag.

        • @callum9999: Oh so nothing, just common knowledge? Ok, gotta go waste time elsewhere now, ciao. But Cheers for enlightening me with your cart common knowledge lol.

        • -1

          @Where's_That_Cake: I hardly see how I can show you prices from two years ago… Though I can only apologise - if I had known someone pointing out your lack of tablet knowledge would have made you such a jerk I never would have bothered you in the first place…

      • It also seems as though you might have trouble getting support from Sony if you get your waterproof* tablet anywhere near water :-(

  • Bit the bullet and finally bought one because I've abandoned all hope on a new 7" Google tablet.

  • +4

    Free shipping if you make an account on the website rather than guest checkout

    • Damn. Wish I read your helpful post before buying :(

      • It's literally written at the top of Sony's page.

        • Yes, that's correct. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

    • Thanks TA

    • RREeeeeeeEeeeEeeeee..
      Banging my head on the table, cant sleep in peace tonight over $9

  • Nice work TA, keep it up! :)

  • Still looking for a decent case for the Z3 Compact Tablet if anyone can recommend…
    TIA

    • +2

      I bought one of these tablets a year ago, and had MAJOR troubles finding a decent case. The official Sony case was sold out everywhere globally (unless you wanted to pay over $100 or were willing to ship to somewhere other than Australia).

      I ended up with an FYY brand case. Pretty good. Multiple viewing angles. Magnetic cover so it wakes/sleeps when opening/closing. Couldn't find any dark colours at the time. Ended up with a 'gold' (ie. beige). However, I can't find it on Amazon US anymore. Here's a UK link, but they don't ship here. :(

      DO NOT buy the MOKO branded case! The corners crack after a while. Read the Amazon comments that say the same. I luckily got a refund on mine.

      Good luck!

      Also, this tablet has a magnetic charger, which is really handy so you don't have have to fiddle with/break the USB cover. Problem is, you need to buy an adapter. Not cheap for a decent one. Got one from here, and happy with it.

      • Thanks for your reply sounds annoying that they discontinued the official case while there are more tablets in circulation.

        I like Sony products but they are one of the most frustrating companies ever.

    • It is for many - it was discussed from the second comment onward ;-)

  • Sony claims the tablet is;

    • Waterproof* and dust tight

    It’s interesting that Sony have placed an asterisk (*) after “waterproof”
    Can anyone find the corresponding text?

    As per my previous warning, take a snapshot of the Sony page that claims the tablet is waterproof, and maybe you shouldn't have high expectations about them actually honouring it ;-)

    • +1

      See the previous deal. It's splash proof at most.

      EDIT: Oh you were the person how posted the other comment.

      • Yep, there seem to be quite a lot of people who have been burnt getting their Sony "waterproof" products wet.

        And some of them seem to have been ruined just from a splash :-(

    • I took my Z2 to great barrier reef. Was not waterproof.

  • dont forget cash rewards 2.40%

  • Is there anything of $21 to add so some people can claim TRS?
    Is this Backpack too expensive?

    • +1

      I'm pretty sure that is the backpack they were giving away free earlier on in the year, but they obviously didn't sell enough action cameras, and are now trying to make some money selling the "freebie".
      I'm pretty sure it's the one I saw, and I reckon it's not worth $99…

      I have seen similar Samsonite bags, even at places like "Peter's of Kensington", which is not particularly cheap, for prices in the range $49-$69.

    • add a screen protector for $29 or a cover case for $59

      • They're nut-tily overpriced, theres tempred one for $10 in ebay. Wont reccomend
        after abit of google,ebay,amazon-fu WUHA! ,

        I reckon the PS4 wireless controller(Blue Colour have the highest value in ebay) as the safest choice for resale value will reccomend / Microphone vocal black (What am I doing with my life?). Will reccomend those as its not overpriced and have resale value

        I reckon most people will find this useful as TRS can be applied. The winter summer christmas is coming and mostly people will travel overseas during christmas so yeah.

  • Is the lack of update really a deal breaker, surely you can just load the latest cm on it

    • +2

      Sony's bootloaders (at least for the phones) are encrypted. Unlocking the bootloaders to flash custom ROMs will wipe the DRM keys necessary for the proprietary image processing Sony applies to captured images. There could be methods to unlock the tablet bootloader without wiping the DRM keys, but I'm not sure.

      I have a Z3 Compact phone and have been following this for quite some time. I am assuming the phones and tablets are mostly similar (apart from the size obviously), but I'm not 100% certain.

      • +2

        I believe you are correct, but if it's only the image processing which is affected I wouldn't worry, the photos this thing takes are average at best.

  • Would this be one of the best tablets I can get at this price?

    • I'd say so if you're okay with the size and not updating to the latest and greatest android OS. IMO there hasn't been much development in tablets for the past few years.

    • Most definitely. Unless getting the Android N update is a must for you.

  • What do people uses these tablets for?

    • +1

      pooping

      • Can you imagine a VR Carboard for this Tablet?

    • +1

      Watching prawn (on the discovery channel of course)

  • Will PS4 remote play work on this tablet. Has anyone tried it?

    • Yep. Works well, providing your connection speeds are good enough. Pairs with a DualShock 4 controller fairly easily.

  • -2

    So many Sony apps on this tablet which slow down the whole system. Other than than this is a good tablet with 3GB ram.

  • +1

    Having owned one of these for a bit over a year I can say I'm quite happy with how it's held up. The way storage is handled between internal and SD card is kinda annoying as apps are split across the two. The screen is quite nice for what I believe is a TN panel. Speakers are average. I think it's best uses are classic videogame emulation with a dualshock 4 controller and watching TV/movies.

    • Personally, I think the screen is fantastic - I don't think you'll get a better screen at this price.

      Btw, it's compatible with the digital TV receiver from last month's HN deal.

  • TA, I like how you put the Deal on the Sony Cashrewards Page as well

    • +3

      Of course. I actually did it before I posted on OzBargain :)

      • Should be the other way around

      • Thanks TA cashrewards sale tracked Sale value: AUD 358.00 *Expected cashback: AUD 8.59… errr what?? this is great wish everybody gave cashback on freestuff:)

  • Bought one, thanks OP +Rep

  • +1

    I bought a Sony Walkman from a previous deal, that was apparently sold with headphones… no headphones arrived and I have had Sony customer 'support' stall for 2 months so far… soon to lodge a case with consumer affairs if Sony don't reply again.

    Changed my mind on Sony products and customer care

    • I don't think it was that clear that it came with the headphones and so I went to the online chat with Sony Support and they have confirm with me that it does not come with a headphone. I thought it was too good to be true as the headphone is about $150 in value.

      • The z3 or the previous deal isn't clear about the headphones??

        • Sorry, previous Sony deal, not this one.

      • and they are 65/black 70/white 2 weeks ago

      • The point is the way Sony deal with customer queries. They ignore them in my case.

  • +6

    The noise canceling in those headphones is crap. And they're not worth $79.

    I bought them years ago for less than half that price.

    The audio is ok but the NC is basically nonexistent. Don't make this the primary reason you go for the tablet.

    • +2

      after a quick bit of research, came to exactly the same conclusion. surprised that this has so many upvotes tbh.

      • Yeah, even though the price is low for this tablet, I don't see much to write home about. It's still a lot for a 2 year old 8" Android tablet. Xiaomi Mi Pads 1/2 with 64GB have been seen for around this price and I'd rather have one of those. Some Samsung Tab S and S2 have been found for not much more than this months ago, and they have OLED screens with higher res displays.

  • TA! purchased:)

  • Great tablet. No issues at all except that 16GB storage. You can not move apps to the SD card. It just does not work.

    • More importantly, can you read videos from external storage? I don't think all my apps would take up that much space on internal but videos would

      • +1

        Videos on SD no issues. Spotify offline on SD no issues.

        • Great thanks mate! Just purchased

        • +2

          @montorola:

          Awesome. Screen and speed are superb. No lag at all. Had mine for 6 months or so. $294 without headphones. :-(

          I went with a TPU silicon case and glass screen protector. Like a huge phone but well protected.

  • +1

    Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, these are not what I would call "headphones"

  • Is the original post a joke that I'm not getting? Tightarse organised the deal? Assuming so.

    • What did the tablet say when he saw the free headphones?

  • Think about the designs! There is no 8 inch tablet that is as good looking as Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. The Ipad Mini 4 is beautiful but wayyy too expensive. I was considering Huawei and Samsung, but they have really annoying home button design. BTW, I bought it also!

  • How does this tablet compares with Xiaomi mi pad 2?
    My own research points to mi pad 2 being better and cheaper…

    • +1

      Has 4:3 ratio, so it's actually a tablet, not like this giant phone (imo).

    • +1

      where did you read that? This article (http://www.androidauthority.com/xiaomi-mipad-2-review-673459…) doesn't have great things to say about the Xiaomi Mipad 2

    • +1

      I had high hopes for mi pad 2, in terms of hardware its simply beautiful in terms of design. The software is just wayyyy too buggy making it unusable.

  • Looks like the headphones are gone now. I am pretty sure I saw it on the cart yesterday ,but not this morning. Hmm… a good excuse to keep my money.

    • Can not see the headphones in cart either but product page still states bonus headphones, I wonder if I should order anyway and deal with customer service if headphones don't turn up in the delivery?

      • +1

        Please read the updated description in the OP.

        • Thanks OP, would anyone be able to clarify that if this tablet is upgradable Android 6.0?

        • @Malapinar1:

          Latest official is 6.0.1. Runs well.

  • purchased! hopefully they will fix saving apps to external storage issue in future!

    • purchased!

      So where's the +1?

      hopefully they will fix saving apps to external storage issue in future!

      Doubtful.

  • +3

    hey guys
    I ordered on and have not have much luck. Lots of problems with this device!!!

    Two top issues for me which cannot get any answers from Sony Australia

    1. 5GHZ wifi is totally unstable.
      When the Z3 detects a second and similar 5GHZ wifi router it seems to stop wifi scanning (of all those similarly configured routers). e.g. if there are two 5GHZ AC routers in range it will stop seeing both routers in the scan process once it firsts sees them. If your lucky it will connect to one but if it then disconnects it cannot see either. If you have registered with a 2.4Ghz router it will fall back there though, single router setup seems ok many not too reliable still. This is on android 6.0.1 which the Z3 automatically updates to. Raised with Sony Australia but its just like dealing with monkey's. The dude I am dealing with Cameron has no idea, cannot even provide instructions on diagnosing if its firmware or hardware. done the usual software repair, forget of network settings, even tried the old lollipop dhcp client hidden in the develop options. No better.

    2. SD Card speeds are so SLLLLOOOWWW
      I've put several high speed microSDs in mine and all cap out at a measly 17-18Mbps read speed and write is slower. e.g. that's even with a 90Mbs read / 60MBs write sandisk extreme.

    Note, my Z1 on the setup have neither of these issues. SD memory controller can handle about 44MBs read/write even on this OLD model, and wifi on all bands is rock solid.

    Note sure if the Z3 is just a piece of garbage or if this is some kind of firmware issue with 6.0.1 or hardware is flawed, but Sony Australia is totally USELESS.

    Wish I could return it for a refund.

    Be keen to see if anyone can get better SD speeds??? (if you want to using A1 SD Bench, note your OS version, and be careful to run it without background processes or in safe mode)

  • Anyone know when these badboys will be sent out?

    • +1

      I bought one yesterday and got a shipment notification this afternoon. Says it should be delivered tomorrow!!

      • +2

        Ordered one on 13/10 when they were more expensive and not heard anything :|

        Sony Aus Customer service sucks.

        I've messaged them to say I want to cancel my order. Changed my mind. I'm sure they won't bother responding and will just send anyway.

  • i don't need this. oops.

  • Wish there was something on the overpriced Z4, I want to replace my Z2 tablet that I've waited in vain for Marshmallow but can't see myself losing the 2 inches on screen size of the Z3.

  • +1

    Bought one! Now to find a use for it…

  • :O 20 hours from ordering to arriving. A++ Sony

    Worth noting that the headphones noise canceling feature depends on phone support and will not simply work on any 3.5mm device.

    • Ordered 6 days ago and nothing.. totally random.

  • So while we're all waiting for our tablets, do any of you guys know of any good wireless keyboard and mouse you can pair up with this device?

    My intention is to also use the tablet overseas on holidays, but if I have to look at emails or documents from work then it'd be good to have a keyboard/mouse around instead of using the touchscreen all the time.

    • +1

      Could try logitech keys-to-go keyboard if that's still selling. It's water-resistant, quite rugged and battery life lasts for months.

  • Does the tablet come in white?

    • This deal is for black only.

  • Got mine today :)

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