Today we have shown you how does Android Lollipop look like on the Sony Xperia Z3. The truth is that it looks pretty good and everything indicates that the adaptation of this development to the user interface is very good. But surely you will have the doubt if this update improves the overall performance of the device, right? Well, we get you out of your doubts thanks to a video.
The truth is that it is always expected that with the arrival of a new version of the operating system in a mobile terminal, its operation will be far better, also adding additional options such as services and functionalities. And, in the case of Lollipop, this is the case in the vast majority of the models in which it is installed. And we already announced that the Sony Xperia Z3 is no exception.
Clear progress, but not decisive
If we stick to what is pure and hard performance, which is what it measures AnTuTu, benchmark that we have used to know to what extent the Sony Xperia Z3 improves with Android 5.0.2, it must be said that it is a clear step forward with respect to what was achieved with KitKat, but it is not an "explosion" in what refers to punctuation.
We say this because the one obtained, as you can see in the video that we give below, is from 42.461, for the 41.271 reached with Android 4.4. Therefore, there is improvement, but it is not decisive when all kinds of applications, such as three-dimensional games, work much faster.
Watch the video:
The truth is that you experience a better use of the hardware, which confirms that you get more out of your processor Snapdragon 801 to 2,5 GHz and the 3 GB of RAM, but it is no less true than the new Samsung Galaxy S6 It far exceeds it -something normal since it is a new generation-, but it does not beat models such as the Meizu MX4, Galaxy Note 4 or the OnePlus One.
In addition to AnTuTu, tests such as Quadrant (~20.8K), 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited (~18K) o GeekBench placing the Z3 at the top of its class. With Lollipop, the engine ART compiles apps in advance, which results in faster openings, better memory management and a greater sense of fluidity in multitasking, even though the jump in synthetic numbers is contained.
What changes with Lollipop on the Xperia Z3
- Material Design: Cleaner interface, smooth animations, and consistency across all Google apps and systems.
- Advanced notifications: control from the lock screen, do not disturb mode customizable and priorities per app.
- Project Volta: New APIs and statistics for save battery, which fit with Stamina to squeeze out autonomy.
- ART and 64-bit support on the system: although the Z3 is 32-bit, it benefits from better performance and lower lag.
- Camera2 API: Deeper camera access (ISO, exposure time, RAW) for compatible apps and better manual controls.
Real-life testing and user experience
In demanding games like Asphalt or shooters with advanced effects, the frame rate remains stable. Lollipop helps distribute loads better, and the Adreno 330 GPU proves to be reliable in 1080pIn everyday use, app switching and scrolling through long lists are more consistent and less stuttery.
The Z3 also stands out for its IPS display with high brightness (around 600 nits), technology Triluminos and X-Reality for color and clarity, and front speakers that, without being the most powerful, offer good audio for content and gaming. Outdoors, the increase in visibility is noticeable compared to previous generations.
In autonomy, the tandem Stamina + Project Volta achieves one of the best performances in its class: Stamina mode cuts syncs when you turn off the screen and allows you to create exceptions, while Volta optimizes background loadsWith intensive use, making it through the day is the norm; with moderate use, it's feasible to easily make it through the day and get close to two.
In camera, the sensor 20.7 SM with a wide-angle lens and BIONZ processor, it maintains a high level in good light. Lollipop adds the Camera2 API so that third-party apps can squeeze out fine adjustments. In very dark conditions, the software tends to soften and noise may appear; enable HDR or lowering the resolution to 8 MP sometimes compensates.
The fact is that there is a performance improvement in the Sony Xperia Z3 with Android Lollipop, that is evident, but the most important thing that the update achieves in my opinion is the arrival of Material Design, so its visual appearance is much better, and the arrival of new possibilities such as the use of Project Volta, which, added to the well-developed autonomy of this phone, can be an explosive cocktail.
Tips to optimize performance and battery life on Lollipop
- Check out stamina: Activate the mode and add the messaging apps you need to run in the background to the allowed list.
- Update all the appsMany are recompiled for ART and load faster; clear the cache of those that fail after updating.
- Adjusts animations in Developer Options (0.5x) for a faster interface response.
- Deactivate X-Reality when editing photos if you're looking for maximum color fidelity, and turn it on for video and streaming.
- Control synchronizations and location in Quick Settings; use the system's “Battery Saver” when traveling long distances.
Beyond a boost in benchmarks, Lollipop reinforces the Z3's feeling of lightness and strengthens its pillars: system fluidity, screen visibility, competitive autonomy and an ecosystem of features (like Sony's camera modes and light customization) that keep it very relevant; with a few simple tweaks, the leap is noticeable in how everything moves, not just in the final figure.