Samsung S5 (Rooted) to Sony Z5 Premium

Background:

Before writing this review I decided that I would use the Sony Z5 for a while to get a really good feel for it to allow me to write a clear and concise review.

Samsung S5:
When I got this phone I was really happy with it, the size, functionality and hardware etc, also really liked the fact that it was waterproof and the ability to change the battery.
I did find it a bit slugish on the software side so I decided to root it (that and I hated the fact that every time I opened the charging port there are pop ups tell you to remember to shut it). Once rooted (easy to do, did a search online) the operating system I used sped up things nicely, and with the addition of a few apps like Greenify and Tasker made the phone really fast.
So if anyone is looking for a slightly older phone for their children or someone I would recommend the S5 (for now)

However as time went on I decided that it was time for a new phone

Sony Z5 Premium 

Before going for the Z5, I looked a good number of phones and didn't really find anything that I like and as I did own a Z3 Compact and loved it, although it was a little small (hence the reason to get the S5) I decided to give the Z5 premium a go.

The Review:

Style/Hardware. 

• The phone is nice in your hands, it has a solid feel.
• I my opinion it is a good size for your pocket, fits in jeans and jackets pockets perfectly. Although for running bands etc remember to try them out first.
• With the 3 GB RAM, Up to 32 GB flash memory and the 64-bit Octa-core processor, Quad-core 2.0 GHz+ Quad-core 1.5 GHz  is has more than enough power for any app that I have come across.
• You can add an external micro SD card as with all the Sony phones, which are cheap enough and can hold more than enough data for the average users.
• It has full 4G capability, Bluetooth 4.1 wireless technology, Wi-Fi MIMO etc.
• The sound quality is great, but you have to expect that from Sony. 
• Camera 23 MP Sony Exmor RS main camera and a 5 MP front camera Sony Exmor R both are great, the quality is amazing and can record in HD, which with the screen look amazing.
• There are a lot of other specs I could throw at you regarding the style and hardware etc but at the end of the day this is one of Sony's top end phones at the moment and internally it is up there with the best of them. If you do want to see the full spec here's the link http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/products/phones/xperia-z5-premium/specifications/

Screen. 

• The screen is 5.5'' 4K UHD (3840x2160), 806 PPI
• It looks great, pictures are clear and crisp. I don't think anyone could complain about it. It is the best screen that I have seen on any phone on the market today and that includes the new Samsung's and iPhones.

Apps and functions. 

• The fingerprint scanner on the side works great (a lot easier to use than the front fingerprint scanners found on say the iphone etc). 
• The waterproof feature is great too. Use it all the time from listening to music in the shower, having it in my pocket the beach, to just washing it when it is dirty. One things that is slightly annoying is, if you decided to have the double tap function to activate the phone, when water hits it, it does open it up. You don't have to have this function activated and if you don't it does solve the problem.
• The in built apps on the Sony are very subtle, they don't interfere with the function of the phone and unlike the Samsung, don't tell you to do things that you would do anyway.
• Not had a single problem with connecting to anything with either the bluetooth or the wi-fi.
• The apps are easy to navigate, and you can set up your interface in anyway that you want really.
• Sound quality of both the calls and music is again excellent. 

Speed. 

• Excellent - never had a problem not once, with any app. I would recommend cleaning it up every once and a while. Use something like Greenify or AVG or something similar.

Battery. 

• This is also very good.
• Sony say that it can last for 2 day, I really don't think this is the case. I would say that I am an average user of a phone and it will last for an entire day. But 2 I really don't think so.
• However saying that it is an achievement to have such a good battery life with such a top end phone with such a good screen.

Conclusion.

• I do really like the Sony Z5. 
• Yes it is a bit expensive at around £600, but for a top end phone the price is about average.
• It feel and looks top end, and will easily last you a couple of years, without you needing to get an upgrade.

• Overall the only question that matters is would I recommend this phone to a friend. The answer is unequivocally YES.