Xperia Play on Verizon - what to expect

[eldroid2783]

I'm currently at the end of my contract on the OG Motorola Droid and am looking to go with the Xperia Play for the game pad. My question is what is the current state of the Play on VZW? I've seen some issues with facebook and the general fact that Verizon crippled some Playstation software, but do these problems still exist?


On my Droid, for the most part, I like how Facebook functions. What would I lose in functionality if I were to move up to the Play? Also, does Netflix work?

Another question has to do with the available app memory. One of the biggest handicaps on the OG Droid was the 512MB installable memory for apps. I've found that if the phone gets down to < 50MB memory left, that my performance gets really sluggish. Does the Play have the same issue, or does the faster processor make up for the biggest weakness of the Moto Droid. Also, does the PlayStation stuff take up any space of the available 512MB, because if it does I probably won't upgrade and will wait it out to see if a second gamepad phone comes out.


Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[TheGuitarBoss]

I'm currently at the end of my contract on the OG Motorola Droid and am looking to go with the Xperia Play for the game pad. My question is what is the current state of the Play on VZW? I've seen some issues with facebook and the general fact that Verizon crippled some Playstation software, but do these problems still exist?


On my Droid, for the most part, I like how Facebook functions. What would I lose in functionality if I were to move up to the Play? Also, does Netflix work?

Another question has to do with the available app memory. One of the biggest handicaps on the OG Droid was the 512MB installable memory for apps. I've found that if the phone gets down to &lt; 50MB memory left, that my performance gets really sluggish. Does the Play have the same issue, or does the faster processor make up for the biggest weakness of the Moto Droid. Also, does the PlayStation stuff take up any space of the available 512MB, because if it does I probably won't upgrade and will wait it out to see if a second gamepad phone comes out.


Thanks in advance for any info!

The memory, isn't a problem to me. I useally only have 70mb in the backround. Facebook, its a general android app by the functionally I believe you mean how you get notifications in the notification bar. This would be a great upgrade if your not interested in bigger c.p.u.'s. Netflix should work there's no reason it shouldn't. Also rember its 3g. I love this phone over the old droid x2. Just sayin.

 

[007shark]

I really like the Xperia Play, but I hate that Verizon crippled it with stock android Gingerbread. The other Xperia Plays on other carriers have so many more features including facebook integration. To get the facebook integration I think you are referring to you need a phone that has a manufacturer's custom UI, ie: Motorola Motoblur, HTC Sense, Sony Timescape.

FYI, there is a rooting method at xda to root the verizon play without unlocking the bootloader which then will allow you to use scripts like dalvik2cache which will give you more space for apps.

 

[eldroid2783]

Thanks guys, that info really helps. I'm actually ok with Facebook not being integrated into the UI, in fact I prefer it since so many people either play with my phone, plus the twitter like inane status updates I don't really have to see the moment they pop up, lol.

With Netflix being a Go, I'm much more likely to pick up the Play.

The installed app space still worries me as I hold back on adding more apps to my OG Droid, but rooting for more space might be the answer.

 

[TheGuitarBoss]

Thanks guys, that info really helps. I'm actually ok with Facebook not being integrated into the UI, in fact I prefer it since so many people either play with my phone, plus the twitter like inane status updates I don't really have to see the moment they pop up, lol.

With Netflix being a Go, I'm much more likely to pick up the Play.

The installed app space still worries me as I hold back on adding more apps to my OG Droid, but rooting for more space might be the answer.

I'm still not sure about netflix though.

 

[TheGuitarBoss]

Thanks guys, that info really helps. I'm actually ok with Facebook not being integrated into the UI, in fact I prefer it since so many people either play with my phone, plus the twitter like inane status updates I don't really have to see the moment they pop up, lol.

With Netflix being a Go, I'm much more likely to pick up the Play.

The installed app space still worries me as I hold back on adding more apps to my OG Droid, but rooting for more space might be the answer.

No problem. I'm not exactly sure about netflix like I said but it should work.

 

[netizenmt]

I run Netflix on mine and it runs smooth as silk over wifi. Can't say how it would be over 3G, but that's not something I would suggest doing anyway.

I have to say, I'm totally in love with my Play at the moment. It's what I always wanted a phone to be!

 

[eldroid2783]

I run Netflix on mine and it runs smooth as silk over wifi. Can't say how it would be over 3G, but that's not something I would suggest doing anyway.

I have to say, I'm totally in love with my Play at the moment. It's what I always wanted a phone to be!

Yeah, I actually run Netflix on my OG droid over verizon's 3G, mostly without a problem. I don't do it often, but as long as you have a good signal it runs pretty well.

 

[007shark]

I run Netflix over 3g without issues. I also run PlayOn over 3g to watch my movies off my hard-drive without any issues if I use medium video quality which is more than enough resolution for a 4" screen.