New Phone: Moto X (2014) or Xperia Z3?

[jidery]

I am buying a phone and I decided on one of these two phones.



Moto X: Advantages: offers me fast android updates, cheaper than the Z3 unlocked, wood backs which will look nice, a solid brand.
Disadvantages: Have to buy in full with tmobile (pure edition), small battery.



Z3: Advantages: Bigger battery, better camera, water proof, tmobile wifi calling
Disadvantages: more expensive, slower updates



What do you think? My biggest concern with the X is the battery life, while the Z3 would be price and updates, but opinions?

 

[ronitbajaj]

I prefer Sony Xperia Z3, it's come with some cool features like - quality camera, wifi calling, Android OS, v4.4.4 (KitKat), 20.7 MP Primary camera, 3 GB RAM.

 

[Bateluer]

I am buying a phone and I decided on one of these two phones.



Moto X: Advantages: offers me fast android updates, cheaper than the Z3 unlocked, wood backs which will look nice, a solid brand.
Disadvantages: Have to buy in full with tmobile (pure edition), small battery.



Z3: Advantages: Bigger battery, better camera, water proof, tmobile wifi calling
Disadvantages: more expensive, slower updates



What do you think? My biggest concern with the X is the battery life, while the Z3 would be price and updates, but opinions?

Welcome to my world. And pretty much the exact same bullet points I've written down too. And honestly, right now, I don't know.

 

[Demo24]

Similar problem, although I'd prefer the z3 compact. However, I've yet to see anything on when the z3 would be available here, so since I'm in desperate need of something going to order a motox tomorrow if possible. Only mildly concerned about battery, the first one did OK and this one ranks better in general. I figure if its that big of a deal there will probably be replacement battery's (I think its removable ?).

 

[Bateluer]

I figure if its that big of a deal there will probably be replacement battery's (I think its removable ?).

AFAIK, the batteries in the X 2014, Z3, and Z3 Compact are all internal and not user replaceable.

 

[dlock13]

I'm going with the Moto X just because I had last year's and I loved it. This year's looks to be an overall upgrade, and it'll be worth it.

Plus, Moto is amazing at updating their phones. I don't know how Sony's track record is, so I can't really say the same for them.

 

[shimpster]

I currently have the '13 moto x, however, after reviewing the Z3 it certainly looks tempting

 

[you2]

I'm not sure I would go with the Z3; but the battery in the moto X is too small. The problem for myself is that when a phone has a weak signal it puts a strain on the battery searching for a new signal and the moto just won't cut it for myself.

 

[soulcougher73]

I'd get the X, but im bias as i love my original X. With the 4.4.4 update my battery life went off the charts in a good way. Battery was mediocre at best for me before 4.4.4. Hopefully Android L will make it even better.

 

[vi edit]

I'm not sure I would go with the Z3; but the battery in the moto X is too small. The problem for myself is that when a phone has a weak signal it puts a strain on the battery searching for a new signal and the moto just won't cut it for myself.

That I can understand. My office is horrible for reception. If left to itself my '13 X can be down to 50% by 10:00AM just sitting on my desk. (I get in at 7:15). Not cool.

My Galaxy note II could go the whole day and be at that level. Upshot is that my MotoX could actually pull a signal and I could get SMS messages out while the Note was dead in the water. The radio is stronger in the Moto.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I am honestly scared the Moto X was a lunar eclipse type device. I mean, it was the perfect storm. Google owned Moto and wanted to show Android OEMs "how to do it." Google obviously gave the Moto X team early access to updates (no other way to explain how the Verizon update, which must be approved by Verizon, came out before some of the Nexus updates) and access to Google's plans for the future (more contextual data). And honestly a lot of Google ideas (such as American-based customization) with the Moto X failed so we don't know how much of that "concept" they scrapped.

The Moto before Google frankly sucked, so I want to wait until this new Moto puts out a device or two before buying-in or recommending their devices.

 

[SpongeBob]

I think the turbo charger mitigates the smallish battery to some degree, but i still wish the battery were bigger. It would be a no-brainer for me if so. Big batteries in still relatively thin devices have been what's kept me on the droid maxx line the last few years.

 

[jidery]

I'm getting the Moto X guys, final decision was I want L close to release and I think the reviews show that battery life isn't a big problem.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

I'm getting the Moto X guys, final decision was I want L close to release and I think the reviews show that battery life isn't a big problem.

And L will rapidly improve battery life for all phones, the Moto X included.

Good review here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2643...ship-phone-worthy-of-a-motorola-comeback.html

 

[ibex333]

Moto X gives a $50 discount to students and faculty right now. So instead of $500 you pay $450!

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

They also are doing a trade in estimate. They offered me $170 for a iphone 5 before the 6 was announced. The estimate/quote was emailed to me by Motorola themselves. That may be more than Verizon is willing to give!

 

[jidery]

Moto X gives a $50 discount to students and faculty right now. So instead of $500 you pay $450!

And it's for the 32gb right?

 

[desura]

No experience with the Sony Phones....

I have a last - gen Moto X. It is a good phone, but the battery life is atrocious, and the low storage means that I don't really use it as much as it deserves to be used.

Compared with all of the other phone manufacturers out there, the only ones IMO worth bothering with are Apple, Nokia, and Motorola.

 

[Sid59]

if the Z3 gets quality updates, i'll probably get it through TMO. Currently on Nexus5.
I'm ready for a more higher end phone with battery and camera. But who knows what the Nexus6 offers.

The following would stop be from Z3: Fast OS Updates and no wireless charging. Nominal upgrade from N5?
I've grown to love wireless charging at work and home on my N4, N5 and N7.

Things that would help me get the Z3: wifi calling (though GV/Hangout VOIP is now available), camera, battery life. N6 is awesome.
N7 and eventual N9 will still get fast updates.

Decisions ... there's always TMO Jump ...

 

[paperwastage]

There should be a z3 official case with wireless charging built in.. Look for it?

 

[ponyo]

I haven't followed AOSP recently but Sony was a big contributor to the Android Open Source Project. Supposedly, Sony contributed more to the AOSP than any other Android manufacturer.

I wish Sony offered wireless charging without the contact pins. That's about the only thing I can nitpick with Xperia phones and tablets.

I think people will be disappointed with the new Moto X (2014) battery life. 1080p is step up in battery drain from 720p. I think 1080p requires ~3000 mah battery to have great battery life. Even Apple went with ~3000 mah for the 1080p iPhone 6+.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Honestly I am really excited to see the Nexus this year. I think because of other movements in the market and incremental progress we will FINALLY have a Nexus phone with a big enough battery, a great camera, and enough onboard storage.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Honestly I am really excited to see the Nexus this year. I think because of other movements in the market and incremental progress we will FINALLY have a Nexus phone with a big enough battery, a great camera, and enough onboard storage.

I don't know. Maybe 5.9" will give them more real estate to work with but I'm beginning to think a big barrier to a big battery on the Nexus phones is the wireless charging coil. You can feel how there' definitely an extra mm of space or so on the Nexus 5 or more. Its not well packed either.

If a wireless charging back on the S4 adds like 2mm, it makes sense the battery was compromised to make room for wireless charging.

As for camera, really? I don't know. Moto hasn't exactly been a leader in cameras either. And even though LG and Samsung did well, Google's always neutered the Nexus camera.

 

[EvilYoda]

Does the fact that it's an AMOLED display affect battery life in any significant way?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Does the fact that it's an AMOLED display affect battery life in any significant way?

Should be a positive effect?