Headphone jack voltage and stereo speakers volume - Are these major flaws ?

[sound10]

Hi everyone, I am thinking of buying this phone as an upgrade to my Z3, however I keep reading on the web that the XZ Premium has a very low headphone jack voltage, which does not give enough volume on a range of headphones.

Secondly I keep reading that the stereo speakers don't go very loud either. Both these issues if true are putting me off buying this phone. I just would like to ask owners of this phone if the above is true or not?

Secondly, is there any information on the web whereby I can compare the specs of my Z3 with the XZ Premium to see the differences in headphone jack voltages and speaker volumes. Thanks

[NunoSEN2]

Hello @slv815;

I have a XZ Premium and a Z5 wich I use with Sony headphones MDR-NC750 and ZX610AP and can not say I note much volume diference between both, same goes for the speakers.

I have had also a Z3 in the past and don´t remember the volume of the speakers or headphones beeing louder also.

[sound10]

Hi NunoSEN2, thanks for your reply. Having read through quite a few different forum posts with regards to low volume issues on both the phone speakers and also the headphone output, I am now totally put off from buying this phone. From what I understood, Sony made the headphone jack voltage low to help preserve battery. With regards to the low volume of the speakers I have no idea what Sony were thinking. Another forum post from another member has said that the Z3 has 2 - 3 times the volume levels of the XZ Premium. Why could Sony not just put in a bigger battery and make the phone speakers reasonably loud is anyone's guess. I just hope Sony have sorted out these issues with their 2018 models.

[NunoSEN2]

 @slv815;

I think your best bet before taking any decision is just go to some shop where the XZ Premium is in exposition and try it out, or even ask to someone who already own it to hear it out.

Be aware that are many complaints in the forum regarding low volume that later are found out to be result of not taking out the screen protector that came with the phone or not using the proper headphones.

Do as I say, try it out first. Me personally I have not grate complaints regarding the sound volume, it is not very loud, yes, but we are talking about a cellular phone.

[sound10]

Hi NunoSEN2, thanks for your reply and help. Will definitely try one out in the shop and see what I think. Will test both phone volume and volume from the stereo speakers.

With regards to the screen protector, my Z3 came with a screen protector factory fitted also. My Z3 also has stereo speakers and where the speakers are, there are holes cut in the screen protector for them. I don't really understand why the XZ Premium is and should be any different. The factory fitted screen protector on the XZ Premium again should have 2 cut outs for the speakers. Just to add it would be great if a Sony Xperia staff member could feed this back to Sony.

[NunoSEN2]

@slv815;

Just to let you know that the screen protector that came in the XZ Premium

is a full piece of plastic that covers also the speaker holes (just checked in mine). 

[azzido]

I think the stereo speakers loudness is on a good level after update in XZ Premium. The problem is the lower speaker is still weaker than top one, this issue was also included in previous Xperia models and so far was not solved. 

When it comes to headphone jack I think its volume is acceptable but not very high. The reason for that might be the health care to prevent hearing damage and not battery life only. We are exposed to loud music and noises very often and many people did not notice they already hear worse than years before. Therefore they may preassume the headphone jack underpowered.

I recommend to use original Sony headphones with noise cancelling to eliminate external noises to help focus on the music.  

[sound10]

Hi everyone, once again thanks for all your replies and help. Looks like the XZ Premium could possibly be my next phone as Sony have made such a mess of the XZ2 imho.

Firstly they have got rid of the headphone jack. Which person in Sony's Mobile division actually thought this would be a good idea?  Instead now you get a dongle if you want to use wired headphones and that will simply cause audio degradation.

Secondly Sony have decided to follow other phone manufacturer's and use an 18:9 screen rather than 16:9. Sony should be innovators and leaders and not just follow others. Major fail for me is the XZ2/XZ2 Compact. Just to add everyone on the Web is talking about this. Sony management please take notice.

With regards to the current XZ Premium is it not possible for Sony to modify the internal hardware so that the speaker volume and headphone voltage can be improved?  Thanks