After 24 hours with the Z3v, I would say that overall I am happy with this phone.
I will start off with the 2 things that I don't like but won't stop me from using this as my DD for a while...I cannot change the system font which surprises me as I thought this was more a feature built into the Android OS a few desserts ago and not necessarily manufacture driven. But for the life of me, I cannot find a way to change it - I really hope I am just overlooking it
. The only other thing is the placement of the USB charging port - but again, a non-factor as I do have the wireless charger on the way.
As for what I like about the device...and these are in no particular order.
You can set the screen to be awaken by tapping just like the "knock knock" feature of the recent LG devices. This is pretty cool, although it is just as easy to use the power button which is located in the middle of the right side.
I like the pull down notification and quick settings area of the phone. In the quick settings area, you can arrange the number of settings that are visible - there is no scrolling menu here like we see with most devices, they are just all listed out on their own tab. With the quick setting toggles, a long press does not take you right into that particular settings area - you have to actually tap that popup box to take you there. For example, if I long press on Bluetooth, it gives me a popup that says...."settings" which I then have to tap and then I am in BT system settings.
Sony has included it's own set of "small apps" - these are accessible thru the recents key and gives you several built in apps for multi-tasking windows that overlay on your screen. There is a browser, calendar, quick screenshot, chrome bookmarks, etc. You can turn certain widgets into "small apps" and also download others from the Play Store.
As an Xperia device, you have access to themes that can change certain aspects of the phones - on screen soft keys, notification bar, colors to the over system UI, etc. There are several located in Play Store by searching "xperia theme" as well as several that are already installed on the device. I have found that the ones in the Play Store are more detailed and seem to change more on the phone.
The camera has sooo many options and seem to take some really great pictures - although, I never seem to have a problem with the camera on any device I have.
You can determine what status bar icons you want displayed or not displayed which is nice. I generally don't like the clock as it seems to take up so much of the notification bar - on past devices, I relied on root and xPosed to remove it.
I used the stock launcher for a bit after getting the device and while I could probably get used to it as I think it had several neat features - I moved onto Nova like I normally do
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I won't comment too much on battery life - it does not seem to be on par with G3 but then again, it has been one day. I think after one week, I will have a good idea where it will be. I usually always have access to a charger - so unless it drains in a few hours, battery life won't affect me much.
The phone feels good in hand and although as big as my G3, it is comfortable to use one handed. It is fast, snappy and has no stutter in moving from one task to another. The screen is beautiful and does well outside (I have the "adapt to lighting conditions" option checked).
I definitely think this phone is worth checking out and look forward to hearing what others who have picked up the phone think
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