Help Display quality difference between two Z's

[markthellama]

Hi all,

The other half and I both ordered Z's for launch and until today was super happy with my purchase. It's a great phone.

But, today I decided to compare the two Z's side-by-side, and was really surprised. In the photos I've attached, my phone is on the right, the other half's is on the left. Both are set to full brightness, same theme etc. When I compare my phone, it's not as vivid (especially blues and reds), the overall brightness is much weaker, and the contrast is poorer. It's especially noticeable on the display test and also when comparing icons like the Chrome one. Perhaps most telling is the final picture, where I set my Lumia 800's camera to incandescent mode. The Z on the left shows up with much more contrast and detail on the flower.

So I'm wondering if my display is faulty in some way, or sub-par to the other phone?

 

[Slug]

my phone is on the right, the other half's is on the left. [...] When I compare my phone, it's not as vivid (especially blues and reds), the overall brightness is much weaker, and the contrast is poorer.

From the examples I'd say contrast is actaully better on the rhs (your device). The lh display backlight appears to be 'warmer' too, with the rh screen showing truer whites.

Perhaps most telling is the final picture, where I set my Lumia 800's camera to incandescent mode. The Z on the left shows up with much more contrast and detail on the flower.

That would tie in with the above; incandescent light is a lower colour temp and so closer to that of the lh device, thus having less of an impact.

So I'm wondering if my display is faulty in some way, or sub-par to the other phone?

It's to hard to tell without a detailed side-by-side comparison under controlled conditions. My best advice is, if you're not happy, is to return it to the retailer and explain your concerns.

 

[NZtechfreak]

I also thought the right hand device looked better in those pics. As someone who photographs and videos phones a lot though I know from experience how difficult it can be to get shots that are truly representative of what you see in front of you with your own eyes. As above, if you're unhappy take it back.

 

[Hobashira]

I have found that even a slight difference in positioning two devices under the same light will affect the display brightness. The built-in ambient light sensor seems to react even to minute ambient light differences. I do not know whether this explains why you see differences in the overall screen brightness but it might.

 

[NZtechfreak]

There are two different panel manufacturers for the Xperia Z, Sharp and JDC. I don't think anyone is particularly clear about how much that makes the panels different and which is better, although it seems perhaps the Sharp is the better of the two. If you are Rooted you can find out which panel each screen has. You would think they are the same though, given (I assume) they were purchased from the same place?

 

[Andrewtst]

From your sample photos, right side is actually better, much accurate color, less yellowish.

I find vividness and brightness quite similar in both.

I prefer the right one (your device).