Just weeks after T-Mobile seemingly stopped selling the Sony Xperia Z3 in the US – only six months after they started selling the exclusive device – it is receiving its Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update in Canada. Sony Xperia of Canada tweeted today that the Lollipop update for the Xperia Z3 series, which includes the Z3 Compact and Z3 Tablet, are now available. They mention Rogers, Bell, MTS, TELUS and WIND, but no SaskTel as of yet. The popular Lollipop update was already available for the unlocked version that Sony sold, but now the popular carrier devices will also receive their Lollipop. It is quite an improvement over the KitKat build that originally shipped on the device.
The Sony Xperia Z3 is a terrific smartphone, but just another example of Sony’s inability to distribute them to the masses. Better known in Canada, Sony just cannot seem to get their act together when it comes to the US and other parts of the world that would appreciate and pay for a high-end device like the Xperia Z3. In a surprise move, T-Mobile has now started reselling the Sony Xperia Z3 for a new full retail price of $499.92, which is much cheaper than the original price of $630…whether it is in anticipation of getting the new Xperia Z4 or simply a way to purge inventory, we have no idea. The Xperia Z4 has been announced, but so far, there are no plans to ship it outside of Japan. It is very similar to the Xperia Z3 except for the new Qualcomm 64-bit Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor replacing the 32-bit Snapdragon 801 quad-core, a slightly thinner body and smaller battery and small cosmetic changes.
The Sony Xperia Z3 comes with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD Display with a FHD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 424 pixels-per-inch (PPI). The 32-bit Snapdragon 801 clocked at 2.5GHz provides processing power and an Adreno 330 GPU powers the graphics. It is backed up with 3GB of RAM and either 16GB or 32GB of built-in storage but does allow for expansion of 128GB with a microSD card slot. It has a great 20.7MP main camera (no OIS) and a 2.2MP front-facing camera (FFC). It also has dual front-facing stereo speakers for great sound. The Xperia boosts IP68 certification making it dust and waterproof. The entire phone is powered by a 3100mAh battery that can get you through close to two days usage and when you need a charge, it also sports Quick Charge 2.0.