Xperia Z Ultra: Impressions

[@EricaGriffin]

Haha I will talk more about specs in the review but ram is still standard 2GB.

[@EricaGriffin]

Triluminos display works with converting some of the blue light from the blue LED back light into pure red and green wave lengths by means of the quantum dot film beneath the display. These pure wavelengths help to enhance the gamut. Or widen it. The more pure the red blue and green wavelengths emitted, the wider the gamut. X-REALITY will just be processing.

[@EricaGriffin]

Yes. It's th Its same camera with some upgrades. Like the next model up with some manual settings I needed.

[@EricaGriffin]

The brava engine was disabled. And measurements confirmed the black level issue, not just a black image. But I agree, it can be a value set above black... Possibly a mistake or compensation. I am looking into it. But again, bravia was disabled. Must be something else.

[@EricaGriffin]

The quantum dot film converts some blue light to green and red. I wouldn't call it a filter. These wave lengths pass through the red green and blue filters. They are supposed to create more pure red blues and greens, which is what y enhances the gamut. Wide gamut is not a problem. Our eyes can see far more than sRGB gamut anyway. The problem is processing and oversaturation.

[@EricaGriffin]

I do that think you understand how this works. Also I did measurements with bravia on and off with the same results.

[@EricaGriffin]

I'm also discovering that Sony exaggerated the Triluminos. It's not like their TVs who have a truly wide gamut, particularly in green. It's a tad wider than sRGB color space, but not by much. What makes the colors pop is the processing and yes I have all measurements to prove it. Now if later on they turn out to be using a wide gamut but are emulating down to near sRGB I will of course update my findings. But for now... Triluminos is kinda a marketing ploy.

[@EricaGriffin]

Seems like a good idea I will see what I can capture.

[@roxas13kh]

There's a level of realism to your videos that I really appreciate, Erica. I've found that, with a lot of other reviewers, their tone gets more synthetic and their review points seem too standardized, to the extent of feeling biased; and I don't feel that way about your videos (reviews, impressions, or otherwise). So, THANKS for the good stuff :)

[@EricaGriffin]

It's a ride video mic. I can actually use it with this camera even though I have had it for ages.

[@EricaGriffin]

I'm well aware of this and am making a video all about how it works. The display is edge lit it seems and it bleeds. It's blue LED but it converts to RGB... Should not be so blue after quantum dots. But again side lit bleeds. Viewing angles are actually quite important. I set my device up. If it is propped at an angle... Hello washed out appearance. It's like expecting to have people be right in front of a TV. This is a device with a big screen so it applies here too!

[@EricaGriffin]

Good for you! You are a lucky one. I love how people assume there is not a problem because they haven't seen it. That's 3 year old cognition. I'm telling you what is happening to the masses.

[@maxmavrick7]

Your reviews are very unique, it's in depth and very technical. I like it as always.

[@91722854]

z ultra is currently a famous phone not as in the specs and the design but how it worths people's attention coz it's at such low price yet still pack s800 and 2 gb ram and is much better than getting new mid range phones as they are about the same price which is awesome.

[@birnesuppengrun5644]

it's all due to the s800 not supporting gta san andreas, and the phone having a bad camera and speakers. but i still like it.

[@91722854]

dont play gta san on phone anyway

[@waynelim8396]

i can actually play san andreas on it

[@immanuelmartin9202]

get iphone 5s its much more compact offers ios and a great camera

[@waynelim8396]

sorry u must be blind to say the camera is the best it's one of the worst camera I ever used on a phone especially in low light.Even my old s2 beats it

[@911Truther69]

I just recently discovered (and subsequently subscribed to) your videos! I absolutely love your videos! They are so insightful and have a very 'fresh' element to them (probably due to your looks, voice and personality.) keep doing what you do, exactly the way you do them! 

[@EricaGriffin]

Refer to the S4 Vs HTC One hour long comparison. I need to figure out what I have time for.

[@EricaGriffin]

I made one already. Did you see it? HTC One Vs S4. Talked a half hour about the HTC One. I made several other videos about the One... More than most reviewers already. I went to France and I got behind. What I said in the HTC Vs S4 review still applies. What more could you want to know? Anything in specific? Or are people annoyed that it simply didn't get its own review. Which is silly.

[@EricaGriffin]

Yes it is!!! I'm getting so excited!

[@EricaGriffin]

While looking at the spec sheet they all have it. The C6802 has it. Look harder. I strongly doubt yours doesn't have it. Sony I using it as a laminate where other companies will put the laminate under the glass. So unless you have a different glass supplier I doubt what you are telling me. I know some of the boxes are different though. If it doesn't truly have it, which model is it?

[@EricaGriffin]

I'm working on it!!!!

[@ianstuart666]

Out of all the reviews that I had watched & being totally unsatisfied due to their absolute unfair points & brand buyers, your presentation is the BEST among all of that Marketing Gigs & Gags around. From your actions & words that I got to see & hear, I really got to feel your true honesty around towards a gadget rather than others love to cover up the particular brand that are popular & they like it too. Keep up your good work as for me; nothing is truly perfect in this world. Just be genuine enough to impress everyone with sincerity from your heart… Thank you!

[@jagthesoldier17]

This Z ultra is awesome! Had it for 3 days now and it still amaze me for having such a good screen.

[@Skaarn_]

Hands down best budget phone ever I'm getting this next year in February for my birthday it may have been released in 2013 but it is still a beast of a phone running alongside some of this years flagship phones. The only downside really is the camera. 8 megapixels is 4K so that's fine, but no flash or light the get photo's at night.

[@willkemler321]

Cant wait to see your tech review on this devise, and the release of the note 3, and your review on that before i make a decision.

[@christopherramirez3432]

Such a fast phone. You can still buy refurbished ones to these days. Still fast. Im planning on getting one. This one still kicks ass today, and way better than huawei ascend mate 7

[@nehreenahmed3741]

I have been using this for sometime now....trust me it is amazing and oh hell the battery life. It never died out on me even with 1% battery life. Charging time is fab. Only problem is the most flash but I mostly abuse my front cam though. Size is a matter for the men...Too huge to carry around. I've read some reviews :screens cracked due to pressure. I love it I don't think I'll ever trade it not even for a diamond encrusted phone. Just baby it a little!

[@MyIceman12345]

Because of you I will be getting this awesome phone :) thanks x

[@nehreenahmed3741]

MyIceman12345 my pleasure... Enjoy this beautiful piece of art!!

[@terminalfrost3645]

i have the z1, i find the battery crap on that one it doesn't that that long really. do you know if you can get other batterys for the z1 which are better?

[@notpublic8519]

Marteen Lake the battery on the z1 lasts for days, what do you use your device for? Calls to mars?

[@nathantv8257]

Amazing phone, I have huge hands so would love that screen size!

[@EricaGriffin]

No. That creates too many uncontrollable factors. If I do something like that it will be to test a certain function of the phone or to ask for public opinion but I will never film a review in public.

[@EricaGriffin]

The S4 has a better black level. It's the first one I have seen with the pixels actually off for black. Other phones have had the pixels leaking light ever so slightly. It's well known. There is nothing wrong with it. Samsung has just gotten better.

[@5538962396]

It is, as you said, the best thing in the market. I own one and I am righting to you from it. Completely in love with this. To every one, buy it!

[@Fuzz.A]

play with it at local store...surprisingly, it feels good in hands...it is huge yet so light in weight and thin

[@RobbieSwan]

Great video!! I also love my Z Ultra. So glad to see a company finally release a phone this size. For me, the Note 2 feels more like a bigger phone, the Z Ultra feels like a smaller tablet.

[@oogoomy]

Wanted to comment - the light bleeding may be due to the fact that the screen is much brighter than necessary for a pitch dark room. haven't used other manufacturers, but do others with LCD panels not have this "problem"? My Xperia S does the same thing, but decreasing brightness solves the issue and blacks stay black. The benefit of a much brighter screen is better visibility in direct sunlight. I'd say that's more important than viewing a dark movie with brightness that can be turned down

[@bobc.4135]

Got this phone a few months ago absolutely loving it! And for the price pt its definitly worth to get it:)

[@nbates66]

nicely detailed as usual, though i'm wondering, it looks like there's possibly a slight risk of bending the phone a bit much (crack?) if you were to store it in a hip pocket?

[@erlyneto]

I should really look silly asking about it but... I loved the photo of your demonstration (the houses over the hill in the dark), can you tell me how to find it out there? Thanks.

[@filipe9775]

Hey Erica. Compare the screen of this to the display of nexus 5 and you will notice, that the blacks on the nexus 5 are even brighter with even more light bleeding

[@naritcom]

Had mine since April 2014. It's a great phone. What would I change? Well I don't need the water-resistant seal so I would like a replaceable battery, other that everything else is cool. Someone asked about case well KRUSELL has some so just check locally or google on-line. Biggest question is would I buy again? YES if the price was right and its still available. I paid $399 Australian Dollars and iPhones and Samsungs were more than twice the price.

[@DefiantFrost]

Something that occurred to me Erica, is that when you were mentioning the light bleeding and the like. I'm guessing the panel is IPS, so are you sure it's not something like IPS glow? It's fairly common on monitors, so it could affect phones too theoretically.

[@dantistruct]

Taking off the shatter proof screen doesn't void warranty gladly. Sent my phone in for repairs and nope they said it's still under warranty :) Not sure if it's the same everywhere but Texas repair center says it's covered under warranty well this is from my XZ not XZU nice review there :) Keep up the good work~ :D

[@ziich1]

From my understanding The hspa+ version has the be2 while the trilluminous display is on the lte version

[@MiguelRPD]

Wait for Xperia Ultra Z2 + Better screen + Dual speakers The Z2's features will trickle down to the tablet version. Hopefully its smaller.

[@Wheelygonzales]

When will it be out?

[@MiguelRPD]

@evleaks is reporting a Z2 tablet for Verizon. No other info yet.

[@piyushpahilwani770]

Will it comes with fingerprint lock screen???

[@aurelian1]

The pocket test is priceless. And I thought the Huawei Ascend Mate I tried was big! Also, may I ask what camera you picked up?

[@Davidm17520]

547 subscribers to go !! Congratulations Erica !!:)

[@alex99xela]

When are you going to release the review of the HTC One, really looking forward for that review! :) Keep up the good work

[@jagthesoldier17]

Watching your video made me want the z ultra more!!! I think im gonna grab this beast first day of launch.. Waaaaahhhhhh!!!

[@tubesmithers]

Thanks for the review, found it very helpful. I've also been pretty interested in this phone. Out of interest, what do you do with all the phones you get for reviews? You have quite the collection!

[@smartphonedude]

One thing I give props to the z ultra are the specs because the size of the phone is insane.

[@EricaGriffin]

This is an issue that persists whether or not Bravia is on or off.

[@glossedghost]

The shatterproof sheet has been there for ages, on their other phones also. I didin't know it but a guy told me that there is one, so I decided to remove it and it was nice to be able to touch my screen, you should be able to remove it too although I don't recomment it, I removed mine after using it for a long to and when I was about to change my phone.

[@iCore3]

Great video Erica... Question: Would it be a good idea to put on a glass screen protector over the anti-shatter screen protector?

[@grandpriy]

Hi Erica, does the Sony Xperia Z tablet have the Sony label on the screen protector? I.e. So if you replace the screen protector you lose the Sony logo? I know this unrelated to the Z Ultra but connected regarding the Z range. many Thanks in advance and look forward to more detailed, pleasing on the eye and entertaining videos

[@Skyethur]

I think that's the problem of LED LCD it leaks all over the place because it needs to supply lights to the whole screen.

[@007TEchnoLOver]

hi erica, what case are you using on the Xperia Z Ultra? Thanks..

[@brandanbaird]

Loved your thoughts on this phone. Thought about reviewing the Galaxy Mega 6.3?

[@maximilianbartels168]

I´ve got an Xperia Z and i just love this phone! It´s much better then the galaxy s2 i used before! I love the industrial feeling of the glas and the camera just makes awesome photos at daylight. Sony rules!

[@oogoomy]

also was curious what you use to determine contrast ratio? just curious! please don't take my questions/comments as attacks of any sort to your review. i very much enjoyed the video and think you make a lot of great points.

[@keshav_g98]

do you think it's worth getting this phone today? (considering the price is very low around $370 unlocked for such specs)

[@S4h4r4s]

Yes get it. I've had it almost a year. It stands out obviously as a huge phone where people question it. Overall the interface runs smooth, I didn't have lag, stutter issues compared to Note 4 phone today where it's bloated in software etc. Battery last long for a good dat. Lightweight. Only cons is the camera quality with no light, no flash, and size. I dropped the phone a few times, nothing shattered but minor dents to the side. Didn't affect much thanks to the metal frame or so.

[@keshav_g98]

S4h4r4 thank you for your feedback, definitely getting one!

[@immanuelmartin9202]

yes

[@yashwanthpottabathini2648]

S4h4r4 and what about gaming experience??

[@EgarAstawiguna]

Those 2 wallpapers look so nice. Where do you get that?

[@AnnaVahtera]

I really wish a local operator would pick up this phone around here. I'm a huge fan of about 7" tablets/phablets/phones and I think I'd very, very much like to have this one. This sounds like the perfect product for me. I do love my 7.7 Tablet, but I think the form factor is a bit on the stupid side (why, OH WHY are the longer edges so broad?). This, however, looks like I could hold it on one hand only. Which is my preferred way.

[@arifhussain2683]

I really like the way u talk!! really nice to watch your reviews!

[@GamePhysics]

I cut out a cardboard thing with measurements close to the 2mm mark.. And honestly, it fits in my pocket weirdly enough.. And I'm not a huge guy...

[@thetruthis9]

thank you for putting the other phone on top of the z ultra...!!! i don't know why other reviewers don't do that...side by side size comparisons just don't give a true feel for me...

[@Jac70]

Cool, been waiting for this. Any chance you might have a look at the Xperia Z Tablet?

[@simplethings00]

i absolutely love your videos you are so knowledgeable and helpful, i was just extremely curious as to how you obtain all the phones you review and which phone is your own personal phone. thank you!

[@WithInfiniteJest]

The black off-angle issue reminds me of the off-angle IPS glow that I see in my Dell eIPS monitor.

[@Listentothebeat1000]

I am really happy at Sony's recent performance. I am sure they will go far

[@MaXimus666789]

What about the small Handset thingi you were talking about so you have some telephone usage.

[@NeutralGenericUser]

Maybe that black shift is due to the plastic screen protector? Have you tried taking it off? I'm curious.

[@mohammad6510]

thanx for the video, i'm planning to order one; any concerns over screen fragility????

[@nicolaend2072]

the icons, can be enlarge a litle ? in every video the icons on SONY Xperia seems so small ...

[@BABA-GOMI]

I've seen your hands on of the G Pro at some mobile congress months ago. Would you be giving us a full treatment video of the same now that the G2's gonna be out soon.

[@christopherbullock3215]

The "light bleed" you talk about in the video is called IPS glow.

[@REDIUS999]

is there a newer phablet like this one that you just discovered and liked ? i heard of a phone named vkworld t1 any thought about it ?

[@ui8977]

the blu studio 7.0

[@JackJarman]

Hi, Wierd question but how tall are you? becaise you make the phone look ginourmas and i accept its big but im 5ft 10" and the bigger you are the smaller the phone will look, wnat to see if it'd suit my pockets better etc, thanks

[@corrado94]

great review. i wish you shows the black levels of ALL phones in a dark room/closet for a clean-shot comparison. can you at least do it with HTC ONE and S4?

[@EricaGriffin]

Old nexus 7 lacks green like crazy! This exceeds sRGB color gamut while the old nexus 7 doesn't. So really there is no comparison.

[@edge8881]

U seem to love it but went on a rant about the black not being dark enough is that noticeable only when held at an odd angle and also since it so usefull as a tablet Bluetooth a huge part of this new tech I mean as much as a stylis could be used I think Bluetooth accessories will be what completes these tablets w a sim card ok so maybe so I'm not sure this was a question but maybe you can turn it into a question and answer it for me in the next video

[@BenjaminRodriguezReyes]

The sides of the phone are metal, actually. Also, i hope the upcoming Xperia Z1 has a better speaker. The speaker grille is MUCH bigger than either this one or the one in the original Z, so there's some chance it will actually sound better.

[@oogoomy]

Love the video! haha. I like the humor along with great information. makes for a fun and interesting video. Thanks!! look forward to a Z1 video

[@TheJamake1005]

Are we ever getting your Htc One review video?

[@DefiantFrost]

Okay yeah there's definite backlight bleed, should have watched a bit further. But the first example seems more like IPS glow to me because you only really see it at an angle.

[@JohnNathanShopper]

How's the DPI scaling? Small text makes my eyes hurt, and it's galling when big-screened phones force me to read small text because the system fonts are set to 100% dpi scaling. My old Droid X had that problem.

[@MBvolcom92]

I disagree with you there, I have two friends one which has the Galaxy Mega, the other has the Xperia Z Ultra. and they're both very happy with they're phones, i personally have a SG Note 2, and I'm very pleased with the size. Sure they might be a bit big for the "average" consumer but there is a market for this type of phone. And I enjoy the fact that theres a big variety in screen size that i as a consumer get to choose from.

[@atl7187]

Hi! Can you compare the size of the Z Ultra with the new Google Nexus 7 and let me know how much a difference they are? Thanks, love your vids btw!!!!!!!!!!

[@minorurei]

Simple good review. How about battery life in case of constantly using website and playback movie? pls review.

[@EricaGriffin]

Lol, some of my reviews are an hour long. If you have a shot attention span and want instant gratification I don't know how to help you. You realize the to fit all this information in it can't be done in 10 minutes?! I can totally do that but I will jeopardize the content and leave out too much. No, I won't make them shorter.

[@twinsplay1130]

is the ultra still worth getting, might get it to replace my iphone 5. just one issue i have is the battery life ????? any one that has the phone whats the battery life like ??? if you where using it for gaming and facebook and browsing internet ???

[@waynelim8396]

No problem on bettery life bro have been using for almost 7months now its really great compared to my s4 and my bros iphone 5

[@twinsplay1130]

thank you

[@S4h4r4s]

I own the phone and the battery life is great compared to even the latest flagship phone today. Drove 3 hours to the city listening to music from the Walkman and the battery did not go under 95% as far as I remember.

[@KWez256]

Hi Erica can you do a full review about the HTC one?

[@thalapathyize]

Hello.. Can you elaborate about Sony xperia z ultra's strong by a drop test??

[@ahmedblack8340]

thank you for your feedback on Xperia Z

[@johnmonk66]

Those are not plastic sides, it is metal. Expansys nows sells these for 336, full price

[@rex86uk]

It's down to £215.99 today!!!

[@lynadlaon8732]

halllooo...which better the XPERIA Z or the XPERIAZ1? in terms of the OS? also the multi-asking...tanx and gid bless...

[@fayerosenthal2399]

Hi,I luv ur reviews thank you! I've just bought the Xperia z ultra off ebay. The seller has been great-exc feedback & he told me he bought his z ultras from France & all new boxed etc....Like you I'm absolutely loving the colours for games,movies etc...and the screen size is superb!!! My only big disappointment is that,even on the brightest setting,it just doesn't look that bright for some reason??? Do you have any advice at all of what I could be doing wrong?....or is it just how the phone is?? Many thanks for any advice,much appreciated,Faye 😊

[@tommyvercetti9588]

Thank you for this awesome smartphone Xperia Z Ultra video :) Will continue I would like to see the stunning Sony smartphones from you and actually buy that as soon as the Xperia Z Ultra smartphone stores :)

[@dan110024]

What do you suggest? The phone sitting on the table by itself? That'd make for an interesting video...

[@johnorashleyfrazier1247]

DITO - I have 2 questions please I would like to know how netflix and movies look and sound on the device, I am waiting on the lte version model 6806 do you think it worth waiting for or should i get the hspa model available now , thanks for your great videos

[@DrHour101]

Im curious about how it fairs on different net works. Tmobile,Att and so on.....speedtest factual outcomes. Great vids, thank you.

[@Atonrules1791]

Nice review specially when it comes to hardware specs and contrast ratio of the phone. Hope you also make a review for sony xperia honami when it came out to the market. :)

[@AviationMore]

Can you make a review about Samsung Galaxy Express? I am very interested about your opinions about it. Thank you!