Database Develop

[Q] Z3C Camera... a dealbreaker?

I am in the market for a new phone. I use an old Samsung S3 now. The Z3Compact seems perfect, but my only concern is the camera. I use my phone as my main camera, but general consensus seems to be that it is not as good as the camera on the S5 of iPhone6. I like to shoot directly in HDR mode, but that seems to be a problem on the Z3. Without rooting, could I install the Google Camera apk and if so, would the Z3C be able to use the HDR mode from the Google Camera app?
Or should I change my plans and go for the S5?

The Google camera app on the Play Store installs fine. I'll post some comparison shots later this morning.
My sister has an S3 and we were taking comparison photos in her kitchen yesterday - obviously the z3c is a significant step up in quality from the S3, though I realize that's not really your question.

Thanks! And it is no problem to use the HDR setting in the Google Camera app? On my Nexus 7 the HDR is greyed-out in the Google Camera App, it will nog show up on every device i read in the Google Q&A

Google camera app permits HDR on the z3c.
Sony camera app also has HDR toggle in manual mode, but is grayed out if resolution is set higher than 8mp.
I know of several reviews claiming that Sony's Superior Auto mode isn't HDR, but since that mode captures at 8mp I'm wondering if it doesn't use it's internal HDR algorithm in auto mode, despite what I've seen the reviewers claim. I can't really tell the difference between Superior Auto and Manual 8mp HDR photos taken with the Sony camera app.
---------- Post added at 12:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:08 PM ----------
Ok, here are some comparison pictures of the Z3C's camera, using both the Sony Camera App, and the Google Camera App from the Play store.
I have uploaded the pictures to an imgur album, and added descriptions for the six photos. Just for clarity's sake, I should mention I am not really into photography that much, and my skills are probably not up to par for composing or technique, so take that into account.
There are six pictures (they're labeled appropriately in the album, but I'm reproducing them here so people can decide if they're interested before viewing them, since the images are large):
1) Sony App, Superior Auto setting (8mp), No Flash
2) Sony App, Superior Auto setting (8mp), Flash
3) Sony App, Manual Setting at 20mp, No Flash
4) Sony App, Manual Setting at 20mp, Flash
5) Google App, HDR setting at 20mp, No Flash
6) Google App, HDR setting at 20mp, Flash
Here is the link to the imgur album:
http://imgur.com/a/KjL4D#0
Hope this is helpful.

I just did a quick Google cam vs stock cam test myself. The stock cam in auto mode definitely takes pics that are a little on the cold side. In manual mode though, it was more accurate. The google cam seemed more or less the same. I'm sticking with the stock Sony cam.

DrPanz said:
I am in the market for a new phone. I use an old Samsung S3 now. The Z3Compact seems perfect, but my only concern is the camera. I use my phone as my main camera, but general consensus seems to be that it is not as good as the camera on the S5 of iPhone6. I like to shoot directly in HDR mode, but that seems to be a problem on the Z3. Without rooting, could I install the Google Camera apk and if so, would the Z3C be able to use the HDR mode from the Google Camera app?
Or should I change my plans and go for the S5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People shouldn't act as if the camera is bad, it's not bad at all. Just in some situations it under performs against iOS and the S5 for example, but in other situations it' better.
Check out the topic I made for people with doubts, you can see samples there:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/themes-apps/post-pictures-xperia-z3-compact-t2889119

Thank you. Not quite made up my mind yet. I read a lot of horrorstories on broken glass... maybe the S5 proves out to be a more secure option. Good camera, waterresistant and plastic - which in my S1 and S3 has survived a lot of drops.

I think it comes down to how important the form factor and potential battery life advantages are over other stuff.
There are choices with slightly better cameras and certainly ones less vulnerable to accidental damage.
For me, coming off Nexus 5 and Note 3, I am really prioritizing battery longevity, pocket friendliness and better one-handed comfort and use. So far I'm pleased but it's still early days so the jury's still out for me.
Be sure you can live with TouchWiz and other Samsung bloat (bugs with erroneous Knox warnings on the AT&T Note 3 model nearly drove me crazy). It really ruined my Note 3 experience for me and is what drove me to the Nexus 5, which in turn was somewhat spoiled by awful battery life despite rooting and aggressively optimizing (to the point of limiting usefulness) power consumption. Never got more than 8-10 realistic hours on the 5 no matter what I tried.

Form factor is great. As is battery life. That's one side. Other side is the camera, and how it stands up to a drop from the pocket. That last bit worries me.

Well I haven't had the Sony long enough to try and convince you the advantages outweigh the drawbacks - I may drop mine and destroy it this afternoon!
But I'm not sure any unprotected high end smartphone stands all that good a chance of surviving any particular dropping incident, and adding a protective case to a smaller device still nets you a slightly larger small device that is still a a lot smaller profile than a bigger device with a protective case. Just my. 02 worth.

It's not only dropping, but also spontanious cracks when carrying the Z3C in te front pocket. of your jeans. Been reading a lot of reports on that the last days.

Most of those reports are duplicates. Only a few confirmed cases.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

As far as I'm concerned, every other phone has more so-called "dealbreakers" than the Z3C. This phone has so many plusses that outweigh any possible negatives that people need to imagine faults and come up with ridiculous issues not to get it, and that's their loss.

In this German test of the Z3C the back panel cracked spontaniously:
http://www.areamobile.de/handys/4275-sony-xperia-z3-compact/testbericht
Sony states it was an isolated incident. Yeah...

DrPanz said:
I am in the market for a new phone. I use an old Samsung S3 now. The Z3Compact seems perfect, but my only concern is the camera. I use my phone as my main camera, but general consensus seems to be that it is not as good as the camera on the S5 of iPhone6. I like to shoot directly in HDR mode, but that seems to be a problem on the Z3. Without rooting, could I install the Google Camera apk and if so, would the Z3C be able to use the HDR mode from the Google Camera app?
Or should I change my plans and go for the S5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you like to take nature photos, and if you are planning to watch the photos on something larger than the phone display, the Z3/compact is a bad choice. In this post is a comparison with the galaxy note 3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55980596&postcount=127
Now, this is viewing the pixels 1:1, which probably most people won't bother with. But even when scaling down this particular photo to about 2MP, the compression artifacts can still be noticed, and the GN3 photo is the better one! And it definitely proves that in certain cases, like photos with much detail, there are much better cameras out there.
But in other cases the Z3 camera produces beautiful images (if you don't look too closely), and it is great for low light photos. But for anything with trees or grass - definitely no!

radicans said:
If you like to take nature photos, and if you are planning to watch the photos on something larger than the phone display, the Z3/compact is a bad choice. In this post is a comparison with the galaxy note 3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55980596&postcount=127
Now, this is viewing the pixels 1:1, which probably most people won't bother with. But even when scaling down this particular photo to about 2MP, the compression artifacts can still be noticed, and the GN3 photo is the better one! And it definitely proves that in certain cases, like photos with much detail, there are much better cameras out there.
But in other cases the Z3 camera produces beautiful images (if you don't look too closely), and it is great for low light photos. But for anything with trees or grass - definitely no!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. the camera performance issues, the fact that HDR is a bit of a hustle to reach, and the reports of cracking displays have made me nervous enough to put my plans for buying the Z3C on hold, and maybe buy the S5. Not as pretty as the Z3C, but it may prove out to be a safe choice for now.

DrPanz said:
Thanks. the camera performance issues, the fact that HDR is a bit of a hustle to reach, and the reports of cracking displays have made me nervous enough to put my plans for buying the Z3C on hold, and maybe buy the S5. Not as pretty as the Z3C, but it may prove out to be a safe choice for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HDR is easy, you just have to set it to 8MP or less, then HDR switch becomes available. And with the Z3 there is no point whatsoever to shoot in anything larger than 8MP anyway!
But yeah, if I would have known about the camera compression/oversharpening issues I would have settled for another phone. And speaking of compression, the funny thing is that in the comparison photos i posted, the file size of the inferior Z3 photo is about twice as large over the galaxy note photo!! Nice one Sony..

What would have been the smartphone you would have chosen in stead?

Well, there are not many options, if you want to keep pocketability, form factor and dedicated camera button.
I have some nice results with Pro Capture, but compared to stock camera app with a little touch of post processing (Snapseed e.g.), the camera is capable of some nice shots. But it's nothing THAT special really.
Still, beats my Nexus5 in terms of focus speed, which is kinda important for me, so...
But, YMMV.

DrPanz said:
What would have been the smartphone you would have chosen in stead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I really want the "small" form factor of Z3c, but without compromises. So that leaves most phones out I guess. Samsung galaxy alpha would have been nice, if it wasn't for the battery time and the big price tag. Probably would have waited with the purchase another 6 months or so, and see what the market looked like at that point.
I know I have ranted lots on the camera, but all things considered, it's still a great phone!

iPhone X portrait mode depth of field algorithm vs Note 8 - why aren't they similar?

Note8 + iPhoneX both have dual rear cameras however in some portrait photos especially your hair, ears etc is blurred out incorrectly. iPhone X seems to do this job a lot better despite having similar hardware specs.
Is this something a software could fix/enhance?

everybodylovesfebs said:
Note8 + iPhoneX both have dual rear cameras however in some portrait photos especially your hair, ears etc is blurred out incorrectly. iPhone X seems to do this job a lot better despite having similar hardware specs.
Is this something a software could fix/enhance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. two TOTALLY different devices
2. I've made some "portrait"-pic's: no problems at all

Ah okay, yes agreed that Note is a phablet and other a phone. However I'd assume that in the camera department at least they would both perform similar.
Particularly, portrait modes where Note 8 blurs out lot more than your face where IPhone X does the same lot more accurately.

They are both phones, the ill-term "phablet" is no longer valid, as it was only referring to big screen sized phones in the days of the first Note, now all flagship phones are even bigger than the first galaxy note, the differences that henklbr refers to, are mainly how both OEM design, build and manage their devices

Found the reason. IPhone uses Kinect like 3D imaging for its algorithm. Samsung uses 2D which unfortunately isn't anywhere as accurate as the iPhone for pleasing bike and portrait photos.
Hopefully the next iteration will have something as good or better.

everybodylovesfebs said:
Found the reason. IPhone uses Kinect like 3D imaging for its algorithm. Samsung uses 2D which unfortunately isn't anywhere as accurate as the iPhone for pleasing bike and portrait photos.
Hopefully the next iteration will have something as good or better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 3D imaging is only for front camera when used to unlock the phone. So no that's not the reason. Its software.

Not according to the internet.
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/255771-apple-iphone-x-truedepth-camera-works
http://bgr.com/2017/10/02/iphone-vs-android-camera-truedepth-face-id/

What does it really matter.. Ultimately, it's (a camera, any camera), is just a tool.. I've seen terrible (and I mean terrible, terrible) shots with the X, and I've taken some bad ones with my 8 in the learning process. Ultimately, it's up to the user to learn what the camera can and cannot do, and it's shortcomings.
I(and I'm sure many others)don't know why there is always someone "iPhone can do this".. Ok.. and, so what... Go buy an iPhone and see all that it cannot do, that the note can. And then, go post in an isheep (which the op sounds like) forum and see how many sensible responses you get..
We deal with notes.. Not iPhones here.. Who cares what that overpriced and over hyped single task piece of yesterday's hardware can or can't do(which can't, is a massive lot!).. I'll take my note on the worst day and night over that ugly screen and lack of multitasking on that ijunk..
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

the only thing these two phones have in common is that they both have cameras

WaxysDargle said:
the only thing these two phones have in common is that they both have cameras
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that both can do voice calls and text messaging :laugh:

rodrigofd said:
And that both can do voice calls and text messaging :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is debatable! lol

everybodylovesfebs said:
Not according to the internet.
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/255771-apple-iphone-x-truedepth-camera-works
http://bgr.com/2017/10/02/iphone-vs-android-camera-truedepth-face-id/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of those articles are referring to the front facing camera, not the rear cameras.

Geez I'm not an i sheep I've owned s2,3 4 5, s7e, s8 and now note 8. My close friend is however an apple fanboy and likes to compare both and up until the iPhone x I always had the upper hand in most things.
I spent hours trying to find a camera that takes portrait photos(both front and rear) with bit more accuracy when it comes to blurred background.
The 3D imaging is apparently only for the front camera which explains why the front self portraits are a lot better on the iPhone X where as the rear camera portraits are a lot closer in good lighting.
In dim lighting such as a restaurant, the Note 8 selective focus, live focus doesn't fire up due to "no contrast detected.." error.
I'm pretty happy with the Note and use proper mirrorless cameras (a6500 + 18-105 and Samsung NX500+45/1.8) for photography needs however thought I could ask the question here and see if I'm doing something wrong or get some constructive advice on ways to improve the portrait modes. Thanks

Well, yes, your reason is valid, but, in the end, it is always a matter of balance, even the mere fact of using a cell phone to take pictures ultimately reflects this, if taking pictures is the most important factor, a camera is the choice, but you have to pay a price, as I said, it is all about balance, Samsung tried to adress it with the galaxy cameras, but they abandoned it

Question S21 Ultra or Pixel 6 Pro

I'm debating for weeks now on which phone to upgrade my small Pixel 2. I love its camera but battery life sucks, even after replacing the battery.
I am able to buy a new Samsung S21 Ultra for 720 euros or try to import the new Pixel 6 Pro for 900 euros.
Which one would you choose and why?
Cheers

Personally I'd stick with the s21 ultra. If the pixel was a massive jump I might of swapped over but it's not great, battery is a bit rubbish. It's just ok...I think the s21 wins in more ways. Id like stock android though for sure

I would stay with the S21, other than stock android and a few software tricks it beats the Pixel 6 Pro hands down.

S21 Ultra any day...
Or the Pixel 6 if you are not into photography and don't need the extra 4x optical zoom of the Pro

Badelhas said:
I'm debating for weeks now on which phone to upgrade my small Pixel 2. I love its camera but battery life sucks, even after replacing the battery.
I am able to buy a new Samsung S21 Ultra for 720 euros or try to import the new Pixel 6 Pro for 900 euros.
Which one would you choose and why?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S21 Ultra (snapdragon) with Gcam. Best of both worlds for me.

tfn said:
S21 Ultra any day...
Or the Pixel 6 if you are not into photography and don't need the extra 4x optical zoom of the Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm into photography. Love the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom that that I won on a giveaway 2 years ago and gave to my wife (features that she doesn't use, tbh).
But I've read that the S21 Ultra is terrible taking pictures for moving stuff because of the shutter lag. Is this true?
Where I live I can't get the snapdragon version, unfortunately.
Thank you all for your opinions.

I had the Pixel 3 XL then Pixel 4 XL because Google kept showing off great features that were eventually only released in the U.S. Call screening, call waiting, even certain features of Google Photos. They are doing that same bull**** about the Pixel 6 chip is needed for the eraser feature, yet the feature has been proven to work on older Pixels. They excel in camera/photos and new features but fail to deliver a whole package when it comes to phones. And they are the best in class for bait and switch tactics with their phones. As I mentioned, I got the Pixel 2 for call screening, and then they dropped the bombshell coming soon outside the U.S. The same with the Pixel 4, it's coming soon so I stayed with them. Now nearly 4 years later the feature has arrived, I gave up waiting.

lywyn said:
I had the Pixel 3 XL then Pixel 4 XL because Google kept showing off great features that were eventually only released in the U.S. Call screening, call waiting, even certain features of Google Photos. They are doing that same bull**** about the Pixel 6 chip is needed for the eraser feature, yet the feature has been proven to work on older Pixels. They excel in camera/photos and new features but fail to deliver a whole package when it comes to phones. And they are the best in class for bait and switch tactics with their phones. As I mentioned, I got the Pixel 2 for call screening, and then they dropped the bombshell coming soon outside the U.S. The same with the Pixel 4, it's coming soon so I stayed with them. Now nearly 4 years later the feature has arrived, I gave up waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, your right, most of the smart features they announced don't even work in Portugal, where I live. Some of them can work in the future but who knows. Which phone do you own now? Are you thinking about switching? If you were me: Samsung S21 Ultra for 720 euros or Pixel 6 Pro for 900 euros?
Cheers

Badelhas said:
Yeah, your right, most of the smart features they announced don't even work in Portugal, where I live. Some of them can work in the future but who knows. Which phone do you own now? Are you thinking about switching? If you were me: Samsung S21 Ultra for 720 euros or Pixel 6 Pro for 900 euros?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the S21 Ultra. Switched after getting sold a lie by Google too often. Even the photos "free pixel" storage was removed for older Pixels. Classic a bit and switches as per Google One is now a must-have for Pixel owners.
Now they are selling a 30W fast charger with claims the Pixel 6 supports it, but again lies and false claims.
Pixel 6 devices don’t really charge at 30W speeds
One of the selling points that Google is pushing about its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is that it has fast-charging capabilities. While they don’t actually include a fast charger when you buy the…
androidcommunity.com

lywyn said:
I have the S21 Ultra. Switched after getting sold a lie by Google too often. Even the photos "free pixel" storage was removed for older Pixels. Classic a bit and switches as per Google One is now a must-have for Pixel owners.
Now they are selling a 30W fast charger with claims the Pixel 6 supports it, but again lies and false claims.
Pixel 6 devices don’t really charge at 30W speeds
One of the selling points that Google is pushing about its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is that it has fast-charging capabilities. While they don’t actually include a fast charger when you buy the…
androidcommunity.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know. And they claim that the fingerprint reader is slow for security reasons. lol.
So you are happy with your S21 Ultra? What were the downsides and upsides from switching from stock android from your old Pixel?
Cheers

Badelhas said:
I know. And they claim that the fingerprint reader is slow for security reasons. lol.
So you are happy with your S21 Ultra? What were the downsides and upsides from switching from stock android from your old Pixel?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They integrate more with Google, supporting Google Messages, Photos, Discovery, etc. But the are still niggles that I've had to get used to. The biggest annoyance is Samsung making screenshots part of the photos/camera storage folder so they are included in Google Photos backups. I am moving off Google services bit by bit due to them just cancelling things or removing free from things. You can use Android gestures for navigation so the switch was easier than I thought it would be. Everything Samsung say the phone can do it does and that is better than Google ever claimed.

arknailed7754 said:
Personally I'd stick with the s21 ultra. If the pixel was a massive jump I might of swapped over but it's not great, battery is a bit rubbish. It's just ok...I think the s21 wins in more ways. Id like stock android though for su
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Badelhas said:
I know. And they claim that the fingerprint reader is slow for security reasons. lol.
So you are happy with your S21 Ultra? What were the downsides and upsides from switching from stock android from your old Pixel?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not understand this question, it's basically lacking any base knowledge of how Android works?
"What were the downsides and upsides from switching from stock android from your old Pixel?"
Load or remove what you use or do not use, it's no different. The only thing is Samsung makes some cool APPS, that you can use if you like. Just like you can go with third party APPS from the Galaxy Store or Play Store. Running plan-jane Android is no longer some great thing. Wake UP!

I think many stock android comments go back to the day that touchwiz and other variants were awful.
That being said development wise you get a lot more than on the s21. Updates for longer also.
As I said though this alone isn't enough to rock a pixel

arknailed7754 said:
I think many stock android comments go back to the day that touchwiz and other variants were awful.
That being said development wise you get a lot more than on the s21. Updates for longer also.
As I said though this alone isn't enough to rock a pixel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe that's why I didn't get the question, I was thinking stock, and now you bring up launchers. All good, hey can't we just download and use google's launcher now anyway, on any Android? For me, thinking stock smooth, is just no longer a thing, it was, a while back, because of bloat and slow down, but today, there really is no such things, all these upper end phones are smooth as butter. BTW, I do switch and use Nova Launcher always.

S21 Ultra Pros:
- Feels more premium. Pixel 6 Pro and the iPhone 13 sound plasticy or hollow when tapped. The s21 ultra absorbs the touch. It's something you have to feel, but it's definitely noticeable.
- 10x Zoom. Wow. This is the only way the camera wins, but it's nice.
- Screen. I had a P6P and the screen is noticeably brighter, and adjusts to the lighting so much faster on the S21 Ultra. I can't believe how long it was taking the P6P to adjust.
- Way less Jank and is faster. The P6P had issues hanging when scrolling in apps. Nothing like this on the S21U
- FP Sensor. The fingerprint sensor is much faster on the S21U
- Heat. My S21U running games doesn't get noticeably hot, the P6P does.
- Battery life. My battery on my S21U has been better overall, but I don't know if that's due to only having the pixel for a little over a week.
Pixel 6 Pro Pros:
- Camera. Camera wins in every way besides the 10x. Samsung over smooths faces or something. It's ridiculous how good the hardware is and how bad the processing is on the S21U
- AOD. The always on display turns off in your pocket. No idea why Samsung took this option away.
Other Notes:
- I've heard the haptics are better on P6P, but I think both are great.
- I've also heard that the P6P has an older modem, but I did not notice any slower loading while on cellular in my testing.
- The charging time is reported to be better on the P6P, but in my testing they were similar.
I went back to the S21U. I just didn't think there were any upgrades that made it worth choosing the Pixel over the S21U as the S21U is better in almost every way.

thacounty said:
S21 Ultra Pros:
- Feels more premium. Pixel 6 Pro and the iPhone 13 sound plasticy or hollow when tapped. The s21 ultra absorbs the touch. It's something you have to feel, but it's definitely noticeable.
- 10x Zoom. Wow. This is the only way the camera wins, but it's nice.
- Screen. I had a P6P and the screen is noticeably brighter, and adjusts to the lighting so much faster on the S21 Ultra. I can't believe how long it was taking the P6P to adjust.
- Way less Jank and is faster. The P6P had issues hanging when scrolling in apps. Nothing like this on the S21U
- FP Sensor. The fingerprint sensor is much faster on the S21U
- Heat. My S21U running games doesn't get noticeably hot, the P6P does.
- Battery life. My battery on my S21U has been better overall, but I don't know if that's due to only having the pixel for a little over a week.
Pixel 6 Pro Pros:
- Camera. Camera wins in every way besides the 10x. Samsung over smooths faces or something. It's ridiculous how good the hardware is and how bad the processing is on the S21U
- AOD. The always on display turns off in your pocket. No idea why Samsung took this option away.
Other Notes:
- I've heard the haptics are better on P6P, but I think both are great.
- I've also heard that the P6P has an older modem, but I did not notice any slower loading while on cellular in my testing.
- The charging time is reported to be better on the P6P, but in my testing they were similar.
I went back to the S21U. I just didn't think there were any upgrades that made it worth choosing the Pixel over the S21U as the S21U is better in almost every way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comparison and tour inputs. I are almost decided to go with the S21 Ultra. I love the point and shoot great pictures that I get on my Pixel 2 but I guess the S21 Ultra photos are good as well, from the reviews I´ve seen...
Cheers

arknailed7754 said:
Personally I'd stick with the s21 ultra. If the pixel was a massive jump I might of swapped over but it's not great, battery is a bit rubbish. It's just ok...I think the s21 wins in more ways. Id like stock android though for sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm.This is false. I own both devices. The battery appeared rubbish first couple of days. Due to Google's amazing adaptive battery, I'm getting around 10:16 min-ishscreen on time. That Tensor AI is the real deal. I continually become more more impressed as I noticed the device getting better and learning.
The smart features in the pixel 6 pro alone makes it worth it. I typed this entire message by voice, without touching the keyboard at all. The AI automatically inserted all the punctuation and deep learned the grammar checking all on it's own.
I think people underestimate how good pixels improve over time with Google magic.
The other smart features are incredibly convenient, intuitive and without getting too hyperbolic, amazing. Live translate allows you to literally translate anything anytime, anywhere with your keyboard or microphone. Being able to see hold times when you call ridiculous companies like insurance companies is downright cool. I recently got into a car accident and been having to call Geico repeatedly. One hour hold times. I'm able to see when those hold times. As soon as i preemptively see the call volume subside throughout the day, this allows me to make the perfectly timed pinpointed call. Call screening is amazing too. Telemarketers and Scam callers get tea bagged. Not even to mention live caption...
The smoothness and raw ui usage speed is slightly better than my s21 ultra.
The six pro screen is the clearest most beautiful screen I've ever seen on a smartphone. All videos and anything other than websites actually look like beautiful web pages with perfect clarity.
Additionally, The six Pro has just been released. Like literally just released. It's had only one day one update. As amazing as the 6 pro is, it'll even get dramatically better than it is now -- in the next couple months, with those updates. People forget how crappy the s21 Ultra or the 9 Pro software was on day one.
Don't get me wrong. I adore my s21 ultra. But my carefully calibrated and monitored opinion is the Pixel 6 Pro is better.
Now, if we're talking the s22 Ultra compared to the pixel 6 Pro, now we have legitimate conversation.

S21 ultra. the pixel 6 pro is hyperthetic

Burt Squirtz said:
Hmmmm.This is false. I own both devices. The battery appeared rubbish first couple of days. Due to Google's amazing adaptive battery, I'm getting around 10:16 min-ishscreen on time. That Tensor AI is the real deal. I continually become more more impressed as I noticed the device getting better and learning.
The smart features in the pixel 6 pro alone makes it worth it. I typed this entire message by voice, without touching the keyboard at all. The AI automatically inserted all the punctuation and deep learned the grammar checking all on it's own.
I think people underestimate how good pixels improve over time with Google magic.
The other smart features are incredibly convenient, intuitive and without getting too hyperbolic, amazing. Live translate allows you to literally translate anything anytime, anywhere with your keyboard or microphone. Being able to see hold times when you call ridiculous companies like insurance companies is downright cool. I recently got into a car accident and been having to call Geico repeatedly. One hour hold times. I'm able to see when those hold times. As soon as i preemptively see the call volume subside throughout the day, this allows me to make the perfectly timed pinpointed call. Call screening is amazing too. Telemarketers and Scam callers get tea bagged. Not even to mention live caption...
The smoothness and raw ui usage speed is slightly better than my s21 ultra.
The six pro screen is the clearest most beautiful screen I've ever seen on a smartphone. All videos and anything other than websites actually look like beautiful web pages with perfect clarity.
Additionally, The six Pro has just been released. Like literally just released. It's had only one day one update. As amazing as the 6 pro is, it'll even get dramatically better than it is now -- in the next couple months, with those updates. People forget how crappy the s21 Ultra or the 9 Pro software was on day one.
Don't get me wrong. I adore my s21 ultra. But my carefully calibrated and monitored opinion is the Pixel 6 Pro is better.
Now, if we're talking the s22 Ultra compared to the pixel 6 Pro, now we have legitimate conversation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but I live in Portugal. Besides the fact that I have to import it from France or Germany none of those smart features you mentioned work in my language/country. Samsung doesn't make it those distinctions and their hardware is supported and sold all over the world.

Badelhas said:
I'm debating for weeks now on which phone to upgrade my small Pixel 2. I love its camera but battery life sucks, even after replacing the battery.
I am able to buy a new Samsung S21 Ultra for 720 euros or try to import the new Pixel 6 Pro for 900 euros.
Which one would you choose and why?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought both of these because I couldn't make up my mind. It was a very hard choice but I plan to return the Pixel 6 Pro for a refund and keep the S21 Ultra.
The software on the Pixel seems buggier. There have been a few times while using the browser that it just straight locked up. Mostly while browsing XDA. Stock Android is also very meh to me.
After using both for only a week I've noticed the camera is only marginally better on the pixel if you aren't doing any zoom shots. If you're zooming at all, it's not that great. I took a bunch of photos with both phones and both consistently looked really good.
The pixel is easier to hold in the hand and I think it feels a little bit more premium than the S21 Ultra.
I think the S21 Ultra may be better for battery.
Odd that the price difference is like that. Here in the states, the S21 Ultra is like $300 more than the pixel 6 pro.

Question s9+ vs s21 ultra, normal images + pro

So, got my phone yesterday and wanted to test the camera out. The s21 ultra will cost me around 60USD per month so I want to be blown away when moving up from s9+. But, so far I have experienced a "meh" situation where of course, the image on the screen is good, the scrolling is fantastic with 120Hz and the stereo speakers are awesome. But the image quality when just firing up the camera app and not doing any setting is just "meh". I am not impressed so far. I took some photos in the house today. Mostly with normal settings auto but the one with the deers are with pro mode and the same settings. I checked all settings and alla iso(plus rest) parameters. Am I missing something? Or why am I not impressed going from s9+ to s21 ultra?
I have not tested 4k/60fps video yet but I am already thinking of returning the phone and waiting for a good second hand version. Uploading some pictures. Let me know if I should test in another way
Forgot to add that the left pictures are always s21 ultra

Started checking the tube for some comparison and I mean videos, the look really good. I think just perhaps shooting neutral and color correct will do a nice job

Return the Phone.
I u are not happy with it.

I am just wondering if it's me, the phone or something else that makes me feel that s9+ to 21 ultra is not a big leap. I am planning to use my gimbal with my phone to capture some nice b-roll movies but what I can see so far not much has happened to the images. I am afraid to use the new s21 to much as I am thinking of returning it but I really want it to be a good buy, but already after 1 day I am thinking of a return. Perhaps I was expecting VHS to bluray difference but cameras are already so good that it's hard to make giant leaps.

It's not a big leap in terms of camera. Personally I regret not returning it in time. Now I am stuck with it and the main problem for me is the weight. I bought it thinking I was going to use this for years but now I can't stand the thought of holding this brick for so long. Also, the photos are not a huge step forward. There are instances where I see more details but also more noise. I find them to be noisy and videos blotchy in low light. I mean, the truth is, it's not worth the money. Also, pay attention to the photos you are taking with it, because the S21 Ultra has the HDR processing on, no matter if you turn it off or not. So, if you see any difference between your S9+ and S21, it's actually the HDR. The biggest problem of them all is the fact that I cannot find a good alternative to it. All of the other flagships are basically the same thing, most of them don't even have the 10x optical zoom. Cameras just cannot be better than they are now as long as they have tiny sensors. So if you do return it, you might want to hold off upgrading for some time.

Randi03 said:
It's not a big leap in terms of camera. Personally I regret not returning it in time. Now I am stuck with it and the main problem for me is the weight. I bought it thinking I was going to use this for years but now I can't stand the thought of holding this brick for so long. Also, the photos are not a huge step forward. There are instances where I see more details but also more noise. I find them to be noisy and videos blotchy in low light. I mean, the truth is, it's not worth the money. Also, pay attention to the photos you are taking with it, because the S21 Ultra has the HDR processing on, no matter if you turn it off or not. So, if you see any difference between your S9+ and S21, it's actually the HDR. The biggest problem of them all is the fact that I cannot find a good alternative to it. All of the other flagships are basically the same thing, most of them don't even have the 10x optical zoom. Cameras just cannot be better than they are now as long as they have tiny sensors. So if you do return it, you might want to hold off upgrading for some time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this is exactly what I was afraid of. I want to create some nice b-roll movies and I have a good gimbal for my phone. It feels like with a stable camera and normal daylight, there will be no difference. It's only if I want to do alot of lowlight or wide angle shots. It's just not worth the 60USD/month when I have an ok phone. I will wait for the s22 and see if it has some new power. According to the new qualcom the nextgen chip will wonders....but that is what every generation of phone says also, but when it comes to daily use I have not seen big leaps.
Tomorrow I will return the phone and sorry for all you s21u lovers, this one wasn't for me.
Thanks again @Randi03 for giving an open and honest view of the phone from a daily user

Glad to be of help. I also hope the next generations will bring something new and worth upgrading to... For me personally I will do my best to test them before buying and ignore all the hype from the manufacturers and the reviews.

A number of users have stated the S9 is Galaxy's best camera. I'm pretty sure you're not operating the S21 camera at optimal settings. Everyone knows the Exynos SoC lags behind the Snapdragon for camera quality but those photos are awful. Somethings not right but I doubt it's just the camera or chipset on your device.

varcor said:
A number of users have stated the S9 is Galaxy's best camera. I'm pretty sure you're not operating the S21 camera at optimal settings. Everyone knows the Exynos SoC lags behind the Snapdragon for camera quality but those photos are awful. Somethings not right but I doubt it's just the camera or chipset on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The snapdragon version is better than the Exynos because it gives good performance in all aspects. The camera quality is best compared to the Exynos version.

varcor said:
A number of users have stated the S9 is Galaxy's best camera. I'm pretty sure you're not operating the S21 camera at optimal settings. Everyone knows the Exynos SoC lags behind the Snapdragon for camera quality but those photos are awful. Somethings not right but I doubt it's just the camera or chipset on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not set the camera to optimal settings. I wanted to try the s21ultra "out of the box". I tested some pictures on auto mode and when I switched to pro mode I made sure to at least use the same settings. Then of course we can discuss if the settings where optimal but this was not the point. 2 phones with same settings where one is a couple of generations behind should not have almost same quality pictures. And I cannot show you side-by-side the displays in preview mode but in some places I saw better preview of the image in the camera app on the s9+.
There is no doubt that the s21ultra is better, it is, but it's not 60USD/month better with my current phone
Well, I wanted to be wow-ed and really looke forward to the s21 ultra but yesterday I returned it. Waiting for the next generation but will really really check comparison videos before I decide anything

S22 is a note rather than an S

pixellegolas said:
I did not set the camera to optimal settings. I wanted to try the s21ultra "out of the box". I tested some pictures on auto mode and when I switched to pro mode I made sure to at least use the same settings. Then of course we can discuss if the settings where optimal but this was not the point. 2 phones with same settings where one is a couple of generations behind should not have almost same quality pictures. And I cannot show you side-by-side the displays in preview mode but in some places I saw better preview of the image in the camera app on the s9+.
There is no doubt that the s21ultra is better, it is, but it's not 60USD/month better with my current phone
Well, I wanted to be wow-ed and really looke forward to the s21 ultra but yesterday I returned it. Waiting for the next generation but will really really check comparison videos before I decide anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I'm afraid of. I'm currently on note 10+, love it but I want better camera, by that I mean better crop ability. Gcam makes things better but I still hope those mpx do the diffrence in crop ability

Question How's the 30 Ultra performing overall, now that it's been out for a month?

I'm looking for some "long-term" users that have the phone since release now.
Did the camera get better with updates? (especially the auto focus bug when shooting 4k60fps videos)
Or is motorola at least acknowledging these bugs?
I'm probably going for the 30 Ultra nonetheless, but still not 100% sure if I might get the Pixel 7 Pro.

Camera is not fixed yet and Motorola does not communicate with us. No idea if they are planning to fix it.
Other than that the phone is brilliant. I'd wait until december and see if they fix it, if not go for the Pixel.
Gonna swap phones and never return to Motorola if they dont fix it by the end of the year. Sadly.

I like it. My only problem and a important one. When inside a car peoples i talk with tell me they hear mew very bad. Cant tell why. Better quality on messenger or app calls. Terrible quality when having regular call insider a moving car.

memocatcher said:
I'm looking for some "long-term" users that have the phone since release now.
Did the camera get better with updates? (especially the auto focus bug when shooting 4k60fps videos)
Or is motorola at least acknowledging these bugs?
I'm probably going for the 30 Ultra nonetheless, but still not 100% sure if I might get the Pixel 7 Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using the phone (X30 Pro) for over a month now.
For the price I bought it (~USD630) and at 512gb storage, I would not complain.
- Excellent build quality
- Excellent display
- Powerful and very loud stereo speakers
- Vibration motors are top-notch
- Very smooth performance. No lags, stutters
Main camera - it has better image quality/color science than the Edge 30 Pro but autofocus is slower. It's not slow but Edge 30 Pro's very fast "all-pixel" auto focus is just on a different level. I'd say it focuses as fast (or slow) as the latest Galaxy S22 series.
Portrait Lens - no OIS means, it's difficult to use when you are holding your phone in one hand. To me, this is the weakest point. The saving grace is the f1.6 (probably this was intentional to compensate the lack of OIS hardware).
Ultrawide/macro - not a fan of this lens. I'm ok with it and will only use in daylight shots.
Video -- it's just fine. Also not into video recording and I can use Google photos to edit the video quality.
Front camera -- I think this is the strongest camera of the bunch. Very pleasing (little to no beautifying effects).
Motorola CN ROM -- Even if the Edge 30 Ultra is sold at the same price, I would still choose Moto's CN ROM.
Motorola Device Shield app has all the customizations I need on a phone.
Native app locker, background processing, native app clone, etc...

ijuanp03 said:
Been using the phone (X30 Pro) for over a month now.
For the price I bought it (~USD630) and at 512gb storage, I would not complain.
- Excellent build quality
- Excellent display
- Powerful and very loud stereo speakers
- Vibration motors are top-notch
- Very smooth performance. No lags, stutters
Main camera - it has better image quality/color science than the Edge 30 Pro but autofocus is slower. It's not slow but Edge 30 Pro's very fast "all-pixel" auto focus is just on a different level. I'd say it focuses as fast (or slow) as the latest Galaxy S22 series.
Portrait Lens - no OIS means, it's difficult to use when you are holding your phone in one hand. To me, this is the weakest point. The saving grace is the f1.6 (probably this was intentional to compensate the lack of OIS hardware).
Ultrawide/macro - not a fan of this lens. I'm ok with it and will only use in daylight shots.
Video -- it's just fine. Also not into video recording and I can use Google photos to edit the video quality.
Front camera -- I think this is the strongest camera of the bunch. Very pleasing (little to no beautifying effects).
Motorola CN ROM -- Even if the Edge 30 Ultra is sold at the same price, I would still choose Moto's CN ROM.
Motorola Device Shield app has all the customizations I need on a phone.
Native app locker, background processing, native app clone, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's honestly a shame that the CN Rom has so much more useful features than the Global one.
They removed double tap to lock and hide navbar pill in global rom which is really dumb imo. Makes me question if I'm better off rooting my 30 ultra to get those features through magisk/lsposed

memocatcher said:
It's honestly a shame that the CN Rom has so much more useful features than the Global one.
They removed double tap to lock and hide navbar pill in global rom which is really dumb imo. Makes me question if I'm better off rooting my 30 ultra to get those features through magisk/lsposed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just stay with your stock ROM. Rooting isn't just worth all the hassle you'll get after your phone's bootloader has been unlocked. Once unlocked, you can't relock it. I think the main reason is to discourage resellers as there is a huge difference in price of Moto CN vs Moto global phones.

Can the phone record video in 4K on ultrawide and tele?

Blescik said:
Can the phone record video in 4K on ultrawide and tele?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can. With 3rd party apps not with the current stock camera version.

Hey guys, just a quick question, I bought X30 but Netflix, Disney+ and HBO max don't seem to work at all, do you have any idea of what's happening? Vendor told me to go with a factory reset but tbh I don't think that would get that solved, thanks.

aquino.andres said:
Hey guys, just a quick question, I bought X30 but Netflix, Disney+ and HBO max don't seem to work at all, do you have any idea of what's happening? Vendor told me to go with a factory reset but tbh I don't think that would get that solved, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to your carrier access point name.... In that select apn protocol to IPv4....
It's a network carrier problem... It worked for me in past ... And hopefully for you too

amanujkumar said:
Go to your carrier access point name.... In that select apn protocol to IPv4....
It's a network carrier problem... It worked for me in past ... And hopefully for you too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey buddy! I don't know if you could be so kind and attach some screenshots, have been looking for IP protocol edit or something like that on carrier options, thanks!

aquino.andres said:
Hey buddy! I don't know if you could be so kind and attach some screenshots, have been looking for IP protocol edit or something like that on carrier options, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay... I am attaching screenshots... Hope it helps you out.

amanujkumar said:
Okay... I am attaching screenshots... Hope it helps you out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro! Already tried it out, selected that and rebooted but still same error message :c

I just recently became a proud owner of this phone, but the first thing I noticed right off the bat was that the buttons are not as clicky and tactile as I'm used to being, coming from the OnePlus 6 I can definitely say the button feels a bit stiff and quite mushy, I'm using it with the default silicone case. Is it just me?

I think it all comes down to personal preference since I like more mushy buttons, not a Big fan of clicky ones :c

aquino.andres said:
I think it all comes down to personal preference since I like more mushy buttons, not a Big fan of clicky ones :c
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it's not something to do with my specific unit I guess.

Nope, mine's mushy as well

Hello my dear friend: do you have any idea how to make the exposure last more than a minute in astrophotography with the Motorola edge 30 Ultra? Is there any option to increase the time or to be able to modify it, can you enable it?

ijuanp03 said:
Been using the phone (X30 Pro) for over a month now.
For the price I bought it (~USD630) and at 512gb storage, I would not complain.
- Excellent build quality
- Excellent display
- Powerful and very loud stereo speakers
- Vibration motors are top-notch
- Very smooth performance. No lags, stutters
Main camera - it has better image quality/color science than the Edge 30 Pro but autofocus is slower. It's not slow but Edge 30 Pro's very fast "all-pixel" auto focus is just on a different level. I'd say it focuses as fast (or slow) as the latest Galaxy S22 series.
Portrait Lens - no OIS means, it's difficult to use when you are holding your phone in one hand. To me, this is the weakest point. The saving grace is the f1.6 (probably this was intentional to compensate the lack of OIS hardware).
Ultrawide/macro - not a fan of this lens. I'm ok with it and will only use in daylight shots.
Video -- it's just fine. Also not into video recording and I can use Google photos to edit the video quality.
Front camera -- I think this is the strongest camera of the bunch. Very pleasing (little to no beautifying effects).
Motorola CN ROM -- Even if the Edge 30 Ultra is sold at the same price, I would still choose Moto's CN ROM.
Motorola Device Shield app has all the customizations I need on a phone.
Native app locker, background processing, native app clone, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you didn't sell the device (I hope so), you are using this device for almost 8 months now.
I am planning to buy the CN version (X30 Pro).
Can you take some time and share your long-term experience, please?
One thing I am worried about that, in some youtube reviews they say, the metal frame on the side is really sharp which makes it kinda uncomfortable to hold. Is it true? If yes, how much uncomfortable/annoying is it? Actually ,I want to use this phone without any case.

[email protected] said:
if you didn't sell the device (I hope so), you are using this device for almost 8 months now.
I am planning to buy the CN version (X30 Pro).
Can you take some time and share your long-term experience, please?
One thing I am worried about that, in some youtube reviews they say, the metal frame on the side is really sharp which makes it kinda uncomfortable to hold. Is it true? If yes, how much uncomfortable/annoying is it? Actually ,I want to use this phone without any case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right, a sharp frame is present. It didn't bother me much but not everyone might like it, it's pretty obvious...