Okay, so I have finally successfully updated my phone from kitkat to lollipop. Honestly, the new OS gave my phone a brand new feeling. I love how colorful Lollipop is and how the notif bar color changes or blends in the app. I have only played with my phone for a few hours, here are my quick first impressions-slash-review.


Camera:
The first thing I really tested is the camera. All the Xperia Z1 lollipop reviews that I read online complains about how slow the camera is, or that light effect on the final photo. I noticed that the camera is now better in low light compared when in kitkat. One annoying thing though is that the flash is always set to auto during quick launch. I am not a fan of the LED flash, before the update, it is always set to off everytime I use quick launch.

Sample pics:

photo in good light condiion

with flash

photo in low light note that the blade was moving

Messaging:

left: kitkat messaging right: lollipop messaging

I can't complain much. I like how the default messaging app looks much like the FB messenger. The Xperia keyboard seems revamped, but I cannot confirm, as I am using Google's Pinyin keyboard.

Phone dialler:

left: kitkat dialler right: lollipop dialler

The dialler is fully revamped. The photos will speak for itself. ☺

Performance:

Perhaps I should try this one of these days

The battery does drain faster than the usual (even on Stamina mode). The OS update brings Ultra Stamina mode on my phone, which extends my battery up to 8 days. Ultra Stamina mode is highly suggested only on those people who would be away for several days, perhaps those who are going to areas with little or no electricity. The phone is slow as well. Just unlocking the phone takes about 3 to 5 seconds.

Overall, the upgrade is good. I'm still getting used with the notif tiles and the quick settings UI. To be honest, I am a bit disappointed as Sony did not personalize the UI that much, compared to what they used to do, but at least my phone is still looking like Sony. No bugs so far, and I'm crossing my fingers not to see any bug later.

More pics:

left: kitkat's notification tray right: lollipop's notification tiles

left: kitkat's quick settings right: lollipop's quick settings

This is how the date and time option is like when queueing a post on tumblr

To those looking for the shortcut to silent the phone, simply push volume up or down, this will appear.

EDIT: 2015.05.22

I found a new feature that is built in with lollipop: screen recording! Simply long press the power button, then you'd see options to switch the phone off, restart, take screenshot, or screen record. This feature will be most useful when watching a drama or recording a program via live stream!

New features: restart and record screen

Also, hidden is a mini game inspired by Flappy Bird. Watch the video how to activate and play.




I must say, this is more difficult than Flappy Bird itself!

I can't wait for more surprises!


EDIT: 2015.05.27

Ultra Stamina Mode

I tried the Ultra Stamina Mode today when my phone has only 7% left. Ultra Stamina promised 21 hours of usage, I suppose, as there's a different quote for standby. Yep, that's the only screen seen on Ultra Stamina, very basic. It's a relief that the camera is still accessible, which means Ultra Stamina can best be used when hiking or travelling out of the country. There is just no way of switching wifi or mobile data on, so those lovely pics can wait to be shared online later. The multitask doesn't work too.

After 3 hours of texting, my phone started begging me to juice it up. The battery went down to 1%. I can't wait for it to drain completely, I cannot have a dead phone. It didn't take half of the promised 21 hours, but 3 hours isn't bad either!

How to deactivate Ultra Stamina

Plugging the phone on the wall doesn't automatically deactivate Ultra Stamina. To deactivate, simply tap that ultra stamina notif tile. It will only deactivate when the battery is 5% and up.


I will be editing this post from time to time whenever there are more updates ☺