Hi
My first post here and wondered if any of you would have a neat answer for me.
I am considering getting a Z3 Compact, and have been reading about it and it seems there may have been some issues with Android updates affecting thing slike battery life, etc. I know it can be taken as far as MARSHMALLOW, but some people say it is better to stay at LOLLIPOP, and I have found still other owners saying that they have flashed their phones back to KITKAT, and that this is the best match for the phone.
I am wondering if there is a best answer for what is the best version of Android to be using with this phone?
Thanks!
Robert
It's a very difficult question since it depends on what you mean what best is since the term is very subjective. IIf battery life is all you care about then I heard Kitkat is the best because they crippled the Stamina mode in later versions. But that means you will have a hopelessly outdated software when it comes to security updates, which I would think is more important than battery life. But if you want to software thats up to date then you cant be using stock ROM but which means you have to unlock the bootloader which leads to degradation in camera quality. So there are lots of factors to consider.
BrotherZero said:
It's a very difficult question since it depends on what you mean what best is since the term is very subjective. IIf battery life is all you care about then I heard Kitkat is the best because they crippled the Stamina mode in later versions. But that means you will have a hopelessly outdated software when it comes to security updates, which I would think is more important than battery life. But if you want to software thats up to date then you cant be using stock ROM but which means you have to unlock the bootloader which leads to degradation in camera quality. So there are lots of factors to consider.
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Click to collapse
Thanks BrotherZero
That's useful to hear. My preference would be to have the most recent OS available, which looks like MARSHMALLOW (I don't want to change bootloader and good camera is important)
My concern was just that battery life would be really poor with that. If it's still good I have no issue.
Worry has arisen because I had one for a couple of days that I sent back because the battery was draining very quickly indeed, and I am trying to work out if it is an OS issue before buying again (I really liked the phone)
If its just "not quite as good battery life on Marshmallow, but still very decent" then that's fine.
Thanks
R
rdpxi said:
Thanks BrotherZero
That's useful to hear. My preference would be to have the most recent OS available, which looks like MARSHMALLOW (I don't want to change bootloader and good camera is important)
My concern was just that battery life would be really poor with that. If it's still good I have no issue.
Worry has arisen because I had one for a couple of days that I sent back because the battery was draining very quickly indeed, and I am trying to work out if it is an OS issue before buying again (I really liked the phone)
If its just "not quite as good battery life on Marshmallow, but still very decent" then that's fine.
Thanks
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have flashed Kitkat, but I never used it for an extensive period (my phone was delivered with LP). I heard from numerous sources that battery life was exceptional on Kitkat, but it was really good on LP too for mer, so It wasn't like I needed better batterylife and add that Kitkat looked really outdated. With Marshmallow I thought I could slightly worse batterylife, but it wasnt a huge degradation either. So I think you will be fine on that.
About the camera, I don't know how good the quality is now on either LIneage OS or OmniROM (these are the ROMs I'm looking to flash my Z3c with now, they have the most up to date software right now and are also open source, Jaguar looks very interesting too, but the dev just dropped the project a month or so ago) but i felt the camera wasn't that good to begin with on Z3c any way. My LG phones (G2 and G4) always blew it out of the water and I don't think I ever seen a sony phone with a really good camera (which is weird since they make the sensor for everybody else). That's why I dont have any qualms abuot unlocking bootloader anymore.
BrotherZero said:
I have flashed Kitkat, but I never used it for an extensive period (my phone was delivered with LP). I heard from numerous sources that battery life was exceptional on Kitkat, but it was really good on LP too for mer, so It wasn't like I needed better batterylife and add that Kitkat looked really outdated. With Marshmallow I thought I could slightly worse batterylife, but it wasnt a huge degradation either. So I think you will be fine on that.
About the camera, I don't know how good the quality is now on either LIneage OS or OmniROM (these are the ROMs I'm looking to flash my Z3c with now, they have the most up to date software right now and are also open source, Jaguar looks very interesting too, but the dev just dropped the project a month or so ago) but i felt the camera wasn't that good to begin with on Z3c any way. My LG phones (G2 and G4) always blew it out of the water and I don't think I ever seen a sony phone with a really good camera (which is weird since they make the sensor for everybody else). That's why I dont have any qualms abuot unlocking bootloader anymore.
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Click to collapse
Thanks again
What I am hearing is that if I buy one, I can upgrade it to MMallow and all will be fine, which is kind of what I was hoping to hear.
I've spent three years with an S4 Mini, so I think the camera will be a huge step up whatever I do to it!!
R
After the last marshmallow update the battery life seems the same if not better with lollipop also the Phone is faster. Just Do a full repair to be sure after updating it to the last Version from sonys tool.
I would unlock the bootloader and install new LineageOS,I am running it and it is amazing,camera is rock solid and performance is amazing
rdpxi said:
Thanks again
What I am hearing is that if I buy one, I can upgrade it to MMallow and all will be fine, which is kind of what I was hoping to hear.
I've spent three years with an S4 Mini, so I think the camera will be a huge step up whatever I do to it!!
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S4 mini's camera is really cool ( had that phone before my z3 compact too! )
For months, I've been using the 4.4 version for my Z3 Compact, cause I sipmly find the camera tons better than Marshmallow! ( Haven't tried Lollipop, I bought the phone with Marshmallow installed! )
On Marshmallow , while you're on the viewfinder, the touch to focus function doesn't work for me! ( I have to tap on the screen to choose where I want to focus, and then use the camera dedicated button, so that the camera starts focusing, while on Kitkat, I just tap , and it focuses immidiately)
Auto focus while video recording is horrible as well, while on Kitkat the autofocus is really fast.
I even found playing GTA San Andreas smoother at 4.4.
What I want to say is that staying at old versions isn't always bad. Sometimes old is gold.
Thanks to all of you responding.
Couple of things:
1 . what do you mean by "do a full repair" after updating?
2. how difficult is doing something like fiddling wth bootloader and installing Lineage? (I probably wouldn't go that far TBH)
On the second question, and also because you're concerned about the camera, if you unlock the bootloader the phone wipes DRM keys that are needed for integration with various functionns. The camera quality will be greatly reduced, audio effects will be reduced, and some other stuff that I was never concerned with and thus don't know what they are. You can backup the DRM keys and restore them after relocking the bootloader for use on a stock ROM, which is a process you'de need to search and find out how to do and isn't too complicated at the moment, however running anything that isn't stock, Lineage, Jaguar, Cyanogenmod, etc, requires an unlocked bootloader and camera quality is going to suffer on these ROMs. Also, if you don't back up the DRM keys properly and unlock the bootloader, you're screwed when it comes to getting them back; they will be deleted forever.
As for fiddling with the bootloader and installing a ROM goes, you need to go to a Sony webpage to unlock it. This voids your warranty. You then use fastboot to install a custom recovery, TWRP usually, and flash the ROM. You can relock it using a tool called Flashtool, which is found in the Z3 compact section somewhere, but you can't use a custom ROM while the bootloader is locked nor use the full features that are included with the stock ROM and will have reduced camera quality and a sligtly distorted image; relocking the bootloader is for the purpose of using Flashtool to put a stock ROM back and restore the (hopefully backed up) DRM keys.
Keep in mind that there are stock ROMs that have been modified to have a locked bootloader, root, implement TWRP where it isn't detected by the phone (so DRM keys still work), xposed can be flashed, etc, etc.
All of this would be a little daunting for someone swithing to the phone right now because the frustrations and progress have been incremental and there isn't a really clear thread I know of that lays it all out, like Backup DRM keys like this, Unlock the Bootloader like this, Install TWRP like this, Download Flashtool here, Relock the bootloader like this, Install a Stock ROM like this, Restore DRM keys like this, Install a rooted stock ROM like this, etc. That said, if you've been on the forum for any length of time it should go okay, the main concern is backing up your DRM keys and once that is done the only concern is, like any other phone, bricking it. If you don't need root and want a good camera, then the question is if you're content with Marshmallow and the fact that there aren't any future updates, or more acurately, you can have root on Marshmallow and a good camera (the current method on the latest stock Marshmallow is the easiest its ever been to get root), but there aren't any future updates.
Hi PantsDownJedi, could you pls share the link to the safest method to get root on Marshmallow, leaving the locked bootloader untouched? Thanks!
---------- Post added at 11:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:17 PM ----------
PantsDownJedi said:
On the second question, and also because you're concerned about the camera, if you unlock the bootloader the phone wipes DRM keys that are needed for integration with various functionns. The camera quality will be greatly reduced, audio effects will be reduced, and some other stuff that I was never concerned with and thus don't know what they are. You can backup the DRM keys and restore them after relocking the bootloader for use on a stock ROM, which is a process you'de need to search and find out how to do and isn't too complicated at the moment, however running anything that isn't stock, Lineage, Jaguar, Cyanogenmod, etc, requires an unlocked bootloader and camera quality is going to suffer on these ROMs. Also, if you don't back up the DRM keys properly and unlock the bootloader, you're screwed when it comes to getting them back; they will be deleted forever.
As for fiddling with the bootloader and installing a ROM goes, you need to go to a Sony webpage to unlock it. This voids your warranty. You then use fastboot to install a custom recovery, TWRP usually, and flash the ROM. You can relock it using a tool called Flashtool, which is found in the Z3 compact section somewhere, but you can't use a custom ROM while the bootloader is locked nor use the full features that are included with the stock ROM and will have reduced camera quality and a sligtly distorted image; relocking the bootloader is for the purpose of using Flashtool to put a stock ROM back and restore the (hopefully backed up) DRM keys.
Keep in mind that there are stock ROMs that have been modified to have a locked bootloader, root, implement TWRP where it isn't detected by the phone (so DRM keys still work), xposed can be flashed, etc, etc.
All of this would be a little daunting for someone swithing to the phone right now because the frustrations and progress have been incremental and there isn't a really clear thread I know of that lays it all out, like Backup DRM keys like this, Unlock the Bootloader like this, Install TWRP like this, Download Flashtool here, Relock the bootloader like this, Install a Stock ROM like this, Restore DRM keys like this, Install a rooted stock ROM like this, etc. That said, if you've been on the forum for any length of time it should go okay, the main concern is backing up your DRM keys and once that is done the only concern is, like any other phone, bricking it. If you don't need root and want a good camera, then the question is if you're content with Marshmallow and the fact that there aren't any future updates, or more acurately, you can have root on Marshmallow and a good camera (the current method on the latest stock Marshmallow is the easiest its ever been to get root), but there aren't any future updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi PantsDownJedi, could you pls share the link to the safest method to get root on Marshmallow, leaving the locked bootloader untouched? Thanks!
liviugi said:
Hi PantsDownJedi, could you pls share the link to the safest method to get root on Marshmallow, leaving the locked bootloader untouched? Thanks!
---------- Post added at 11:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:17 PM ----------
Hi PantsDownJedi, could you pls share the link to the safest method to get root on Marshmallow, leaving the locked bootloader untouched? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recovery & Root for MM .575 & .291 LB
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3418714
Gesendet von meinem D5803 mit Tapatalk
Related
Hello, iam a Xperia-Z (C6603) User for a week or two and am now looking forward to a
Nice and clean custom-Rom without any bloatware which I hate(ultimate music Sony select,sonysocialfoo and Facebook and alike)
and I guess cm11nightly would fulfill my needs, as i would also really love a smartphone without gapps.
FIrst I thought it would basically be a decision between the to be flashed ROM but now
I read about the bravia-engine getting lost forever which would really suck, is this still
State-of-the-art? Or is there an Option to get it back, as far as I know the BE is basically still there but licensed over a key like the mpeg2-codec on the raspberry-Pi isn't there a possibility to back it up and still be able to use it when you revert back to stock for example?
You're in charge now, what do you suggest me? Iam still on 4.2.2 and would like to get everything up-to-date soon. Btw. I would want a Rom that is of the same color as stock 4.2.2 so basically black, a white theme would be hard to look at in dark conditions even when turned down to lowest brightness.
So to sum it up: NO bloatware (must), NO gapps(nicetohave), black theme like 4.2.2(must), still BEngine(nicetohave)
Btw. How's the image-quality with custom-Roms? It shouldn't get worse than it is in 4.2.2 stock if possible!
Thanks! :good::highfive:
luluchambler said:
Hello, iam a Xperia-Z (C6603) User for a week or two and am now looking forward to a
Nice and clean custom-Rom without any bloatware which I hate(ultimate music Sony select,sonysocialfoo and Facebook and alike)
and I guess cm11nightly would fulfill my needs, as i would also really love a smartphone without gapps.
FIrst I thought it would basically be a decision between the to be flashed ROM but now
I read about the bravia-engine getting lost forever which would really suck, is this still
State-of-the-art? Or is there an Option to get it back, as far as I know the BE is basically still there but licensed over a key like the mpeg2-codec on the raspberry-Pi isn't there a possibility to back it up and still be able to use it when you revert back to stock for example?
You're in charge now, what do you suggest me? Iam still on 4.2.2 and would like to get everything up-to-date soon. Btw. I would want a Rom that is of the same color as stock 4.2.2 so basically black, a white theme would be hard to look at in dark conditions even when turned down to lowest brightness.
So to sum it up: NO bloatware (must), NO gapps(nicetohave), black theme like 4.2.2(must), still BEngine(nicetohave)
Btw. How's the image-quality with custom-Roms? It shouldn't get worse than it is in 4.2.2 stock if possible!
Thanks! :good::highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend Cyanogen Mod to most people. Honestly I can't live without the features these days!
Regarding the consequences.. Well there aren't really any.. Kinda.. You may or may not lose your warranty based on how stingy Sony are feeling at the time. Most of the BRICK warnings are just to cover developers if someone does something wrong or if your phone just so happens to die of something completely unrelated while installing the rom.
I would recommend trawling this forum for at least and hour or two just reading the various guides; How to backup your phone, How to unlock the bootloader and, most importantly, how to backup your TA partition.
It's quite a pain free process. It's just better to be aware of what could go wrong, so you are prepared and can easily apply the fix before panicking and messing something up
Good luck and happy trawling!
You only have to learn these things once. Once your rooted, unlocked and running a custom rom updating is easier than sonys
Hi, thank you for your reply.
I just looked up what exactly the "TA-Partition" is and i guess the only thing that was worrying me (loosing Bravia) is not up-to-date anymore
So lets get started, i looked up what i need to backup the "TA-Partition" and if i understood everything its basically having a rooted Xperia-Z and a double-click on a .bat-file?
So i guess the best would to not upgrade any of the shown OTA-Updates by Sony, and root the 4.2.2-Stock ROM that is on the device right now?
As far as i know rooting 4.2.2 isn't really a problem right now, agreed?
So after sucessfully rooting the Sony Xperia-Z its just backing up the "TA-Par tition" with "TA-Backup"-Script?
After that, its unlocking the Boot-loader over the Sony-Website (IMEI, Name, Email....) so that they send you the Unlock-Code, after that you'll have to use fastboot to finally unlock it?
(If i check the Service Menu "Rooting Status": there is nothing behind it, but the bootloader-unlock allowed: says yes, so no problem right?)
After that you most likely are done for the moment, until you decide if it should be CM10.1Stable or CM11Nightly, rig
How's the status of CM11 right now, any known major bugs?
Thank you already for your help :good:
luluchambler said:
Hi, thank you for your reply.
I just looked up what exactly the "TA-Partition" is and i guess the only thing that was worrying me (loosing Bravia) is not up-to-date anymore
So lets get started, i looked up what i need to backup the "TA-Partition" and if i understood everything its basically having a rooted Xperia-Z and a double-click on a .bat-file?
So i guess the best would to not upgrade any of the shown OTA-Updates by Sony, and root the 4.2.2-Stock ROM that is on the device right now?
As far as i know rooting 4.2.2 isn't really a problem right now, agreed?
So after sucessfully rooting the Sony Xperia-Z its just backing up the "TA-Par tition" with "TA-Backup"-Script?
After that, its unlocking the Boot-loader over the Sony-Website (IMEI, Name, Email....) so that they send you the Unlock-Code, after that you'll have to use fastboot to finally unlock it?
(If i check the Service Menu "Rooting Status": there is nothing behind it, but the bootloader-unlock allowed: says yes, so no problem right?)
After that you most likely are done for the moment, until you decide if it should be CM10.1Stable or CM11Nightly, rig
How's the status of CM11 right now, any known major bugs?
Thank you already for your help :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using Cyanogenmod 11 nighties for months now, no obvious bugs
Some features aren't implemented yet and the occasional feature is broken.. Nothing really integral to the phone though
You've pretty much got the method down! Just ensure you use a root method for your sony firmware version (Android version). It should use some form of "Exploit" to avoid deleting the TA-Partition. Honestly I backed mine up and haven't ever wanted to restore it, the features are more of a gimmick than anything useful
Enjoy
A few more questions! (Iam sorry )
So as far as i can see, my smartphone is running "10.3.1.A.0.244" which is regarding to the post by DooMLord not exploitable.
I therefore have to flash the "10.3.A.0.423"-Kernel-Only so that the previously used exploit works again.
After that i'll have to restore the Kernel that was previously on the Smartphone therefore "10.3.1.A.0.244"
After that root should stay in intact, but what about the TA-Partion? Is it somehow affected by this?
Secound Question, is it crucial to have an micro-sdhc inserted to sucessfully flash CM11 onto the Xperia Z after backing up TA, or is it possible without?
And the Image-Quality (taking Pictures) should be kinda worse on CM11 than it is with Sony's Stock Firmware, is it possible to include(myself) the propritary firmware.blobs for the Camera as we do it with gapps, or will i have to live with the reduced image Quality?
Thanks!
I have been reading this forum as long as I have had my phone (over 2 years) and I have finally decided it's time to move past the concept rom.
I am unfortunately inexperienced w/ flashing roms on the z3 compact (I last loaded custom roms on my moto defy, but only flashed .sbf files on my razr m) and I just want to clear up a few questions.
I hope that 7.1 will make it to z3 compact in a stable rom eventually, so that is my end goal, but for now i am considering going with one of the stock roms out there (slimm, etc.) First question is about UL bootloader, drm and the camera. If I back up the DRM does that mean i can relock the bootloader, transfer the drm keys back to the phone and the camera will be useable? will i be able to use an aosp if i relock the bootlaoder after flashing the rom? It's unclear if custom roms need ul bootloader all the time or just for install.
Also, custom kernels need ul bootloader to run correct? i cannot load a custom kernel, and custom rom, and then re lock the bootloader?
I love this phone (will probably get a second just in case) and don't see anything out there to replace it. That's why I requesta bit of help from the xda community for this. If there is no xz compact in the works, i'd be happy w/ z3 compact for a while (assuming i can get newer roms plus a working camera)
Thank you
1. The Camera is usable regardless of whether or not you have DRM keys. However, certain features such as noise reduction during the night do not work without DRM keys.
2. "If I back up the DRM does that mean i can relock the bootloader, transfer the drm keys back to the phone and the camera will be useable?" - Yes.
3. You need unlocked bootloader for all AOSP ROMs since the kernel is different.
4. "I cannot load a custom kernel, and custom rom, and then re lock the bootloader?" - Nooo, your phone will just stop booting up. Unless you're fully stock don't bother relocking. There's a "DRM Restoration" patch for unlocked bootloaders anyway http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672
When you go back to stock, you'll probably feel how slow and bad it performs compared to Concept haha. I went right back after I flashed stock for a day.
Also, camera on AOSP ROMs have a fish eye effect for now.
Thanks. I wasn't sure if the DRM fix would fix the fisheye problem in AOSP Roms. I guess my best bet is to see what happens now that they've released the concept kernel source? Meaning I'll be on concept for a while longer.
Hopefully there will eventually be a 7.1 ROM stable with for use on my primary phone? I just don't want to lose camera functionality (since it's not that great to begin with)
The thing is people hope hope hope and never actually help with development, so it's a little slow.
Camera is limited to 15 fps for reasons which I think will stay that way and fish eye can be corrected by anyone who can be bothered. Also DRM fix doesn't matter in AOSP since AOSP doesn't use DRM stuff.
And so what if they released kernel source ? There's really not too much to do on it and I don't see any demand for a custom kernel so I haven't released mine here.
You're right. I wish had the know how to help out here. Also, I guess my ignorance is clear to you real devs out there, since I thought that having the kernel source might make it easier for the devs to work with the concept ROM
As you all know when friends know you like to tinker with phones they come to you always...
My friend wants me to root her c6930, only because of low internal memory and wants to integrate SD with internal so looking for 6.0 and newer Roms
Personally i think she should just go with a simple root and run apps to SD but someone else opened Thier mouth on this and now this is what she wants
So I dug through the threads a bit and find that it seems she will be suffering with camera problems if we go this route
Can anyone confirm this? Can I just root and then use apps2sd and all will stay the same otherwise for her (yes i realize phone will be wiped but everything is backed up)
Or are there some 6.x and newer Roms that will be fitting, again mostly just concerned with SD integration and not loosing features/quality, doesn't care much else
ROM recommendations?
Again, sorry for asking such simple stuff but I have done what research i have time for and she is going back out of state soon so wants a quick fix... Yeah for me
Thanks in advance!
None of the 6.0+ ROMs have a decent camera. I'd recommend sticking to stock LP or flashing a custom LP based ROM like Jaguar (which is better than stock in my opinion, but lacks the sony camera apps).
You don't have to wipe data to root. You can use KingRoot or one of those rooting methods that exploit the DirtyCow vulnerability, in case you want to retain warranty or refrain from unlocking the bootloader. Seems like rooted stock or custom LP is the way to go.
drakonizer said:
None of the 6.0+ ROMs have a decent camera. I'd recommend sticking to stock LP or flashing a custom LP based ROM like Jaguar (which is better than stock in my opinion, but lacks the sony camera apps).
You don't have to wipe data to root. You can use KingRoot or one of those rooting methods that exploit the DirtyCow vulnerability, in case you want to retain warranty or refrain from unlocking the bootloader. Seems like rooted stock or custom LP is the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!
I ran out of time and gave her the info and choice as i knew then, we went with unlocking bootloader and flashing 7.1.1 which had security patches up to march 5
Camera is pretty crap now but all other aspects are an improvement and she's happy...
If the camera issues eventually bug her too much I'll have her switch to jaguar and use dirty cow
Thanks again!
drakonizer said:
None of the 6.0+ ROMs have a decent camera. I'd recommend sticking to stock LP or flashing a custom LP based ROM like Jaguar (which is better than stock in my opinion, but lacks the sony camera apps).
You don't have to wipe data to root. You can use KingRoot or one of those rooting methods that exploit the DirtyCow vulnerability, in case you want to retain warranty or refrain from unlocking the bootloader. Seems like rooted stock or custom LP is the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So she is having issues with the nougat ROM we went with, I told her about your suggestion with jaguar and she just wants stock rom...
So we are going with stock rooted so at least she can use apps2sd and be happy (hopefully... And I really wish I wasn't volunteered to do this for her)
But... I'm having trouble finding the direct download of the 14.6.A.1.236 firmware/ROM direct from Sony, the few places i found links seem slightly fishy
Any chance you (or anyone else for that matter) have a good link to a FTF or .Zip either prerooted or pure stock? I'll keep digging a bit myself but links are mostly dead on XDA and the few other places I trust
Oh and this is for the c6903
Thanks!
Any solution for simple root for our phone?
belzedj said:
Any solution for simple root for our phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a way. sToRm//'s Sony Xperia XZ Premium TWRP + KERNEL + ROOT + DRM fix/restore is an app that works on our XZ1 compacts. But read the thread carefully before you decide if you want to continue. The app works, I have used it on my phone and everything works perfect, with root. But to get to the point where the app works perfectly is quite difficult. Reading the thread, lots of people have unlocked their phone, broken their camera and now can't get the fix to work.
Personally I wouldn't recomend it.
Edit: Take note that unlocking your phone (required to root) is one way and can NEVER BE UNDONE. You break your phone for forever, you then have to hope that the developer will support you through further firmware upgrades.
Kingroot or any apk?
belzedj said:
Kingroot or any apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingroot don't do the XZ series and if they did I still wouldn't recomend it. Some Kingroot users have reported that their IMEI number has been cloned.
No apks
No quick easy root
What about xperifix ? see also
Oups, next time I'll put my brain "on" before posting
Has anyone tried xperifix 2.2 / 2.3? Supposedly some XZ1 compact updates were made.
You mentioned "to the point where the app works perfectly is quite difficult", which issues did you have?
zisforzorro said:
Has anyone tried xperifix 2.2 / 2.3? Supposedly some XZ1 compact updates were made.
You mentioned "to the point where the app works perfectly is quite difficult", which issues did you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xperiafix 2.2 works and I used it to root my phone. But I'm now on out of date firmware (.75) as OTA stops as soon as you are rooted.
Also, I am sticking with .75 for the moment as it's the last build that Xposed works with and I have some Xposed modules that I am fond of.
The issues I had with the software were to do with getting the right drivers installed, particularly the USB drivers needed when you plug the phone in with TWRP running. Windows chooses the wrong drivers by default and you have to manually assign them or it’ll never work.
The software itself works, but ignore the progress meter built in. There are lots of posts on the Xperiafix thread of how to, so I’d say just read up first and you should be fine.
Xperiafix 2.3 is now the only option if you want up to date firmware on your phone, but it’s €20 and several users have had problems getting it to work, I’m sure the Dev will fix it soon.
So just be aware that if you buy into Xperiafix, you are dependent on the Dev for the rest of the life of your phone and forced to pay whatever he charges for the Xperiafix program
zisforzorro said:
Has anyone tried xperifix 2.2 / 2.3? Supposedly some XZ1 compact updates were made.
You mentioned "to the point where the app works perfectly is quite difficult", which issues did you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the 2.3 Update (https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...xperifix-47-1-12-145-aka-april-patch-t3777185 last entry).
I had some trouble with it, because I needed several tries and everytime I had to force close XperiFix.exe, adb.exe and fastboot.exe.
The Problem for me was, the downloaded Temp TWRP for XZ1C doesn't worked with the XperiFIX process.
If I used the downloaded temp TWRP it didn't happened nothing inside twrp.
So I had the installer from XperiFix 2.2 and extracted the Temp TWRP which I knew it would work.
I tried different ways to download the extracted TWRP into the XperiFIX.exe 2.3.
At first I got the MiniWeb HTTP Server, copied my TWRP Files into it and started the miniweb Server.
Then I Created the correct URL for me and I could download my twrp into XperiFix after I edited the devsettings.xpf file.
With my modified TWRP the installation of XperiFIX inside TWRP worked, and now I have the new magisk and XperiFIX working.
I uploaded my Files for you to get XperiFix working on XZ1C (G8441) .145 firmware.
Download it:
https://www115.zippyshare.com/v/Guov8WiU/file.html
Extract it into C:\XperIFix, Overwrite DATA/devsettings.xpf.
Start "C:\XperiFIX\miniweb\miniweb.exe"
Accept the Firewall Rule.
Start XperiFix.exe
Shutdown your Phone.
Plug in your PC and hold Volume UP to get into bootloader.
Set the Hook in XperIFIX and click on "Fix my Device".
And after 2 Minutes you have XperiFIX and magisk 16.3 working on your XZ1C (G8441) .145 FW.
At last close XperiFIx and miniweb.exe
Best regards.
Raz0Rfail
I tried Xperifix 2.4 and still have .NET error. I contacted the developer but so far no solution.
To root or not
Didgesteve said:
Xperiafix 2.2 works and I used it to root my phone. But I'm now on out of date firmware (.75) as OTA stops as soon as you are rooted.
Also, I am sticking with .75 for the moment as it's the last build that Xposed works with and I have some Xposed modules that I am fond of.
The issues I had with the software were to do with getting the right drivers installed, particularly the USB drivers needed when you plug the phone in with TWRP running. Windows chooses the wrong drivers by default and you have to manually assign them or it’ll never work.
The software itself works, but ignore the progress meter built in. There are lots of posts on the Xperiafix thread of how to, so I’d say just read up first and you should be fine.
Xperiafix 2.3 is now the only option if you want up to date firmware on your phone, but it’s €20 and several users have had problems getting it to work, I’m sure the Dev will fix it soon.
So just be aware that if you buy into Xperiafix, you are dependent on the Dev for the rest of the life of your phone and forced to pay whatever he charges for the Xperiafix program
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man,
I lost my phone last week and finally bought XZ1c. XDA is not allowed at work and i am having trouble doing research and going through the threads to understand what all to do. Since I am not getting time to do research but i want to be able to start using the phone for now, do you think it is easy/worth it to root? from what you wrote it seems difficult and not a good idea for now but our goals are same because i want it solely to be able to run xposed. I had been using moto phones for the last 7 years now, so i know how bootloaders/rooting/flashing etc works. But i am completely new to the sony world so i was wondering on what is the downside (or what i lose) of me trying to go through a lot of trouble to get xposed working, and how much time will it take me overall to get there.
Any help is appreciated, I know it sounds like a lazy man asking for a hand holding, but apologize in advance!!
---------- Post added at 02:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:41 PM ----------
TheDelta said:
Hey man,
I lost my phone last week and finally bought XZ1c. XDA is not allowed at work and i am having trouble doing research and going through the threads to understand what all to do. Since I am not getting time to do research but i want to be able to start using the phone for now, do you think it is easy/worth it to root? from what you wrote it seems difficult and not a good idea for now but our goals are same because i want it solely to be able to run xposed. I had been using moto phones for the last 7 years now, so i know how bootloaders/rooting/flashing etc works. But i am completely new to the sony world so i was wondering on what is the downside (or what i lose) of me trying to go through a lot of trouble to get xposed working, and how much time will it take me overall to get there.
Any help is appreciated, I know it sounds like a lazy man asking for a hand holding, but apologize in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to mention that I am already going to flash the .145 UK firmware today to get fingerprint on my US phone (to be used in India). I got a link from reddit where that guy has done a lot of times so i am going to trust him on it and follow his steps.
TheDelta said:
Any help is appreciated,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much has changed since I first wrote on this thread to be honest.
It depends on what you do with your phone to say if you need to root it or not. In the past you needed to root it to kill the battery hungry apps, but that's long gone these days. The other reason for rooting was customising your phone, but you can do that without root. So to be honest, if I were to come down on one side or the other I'd say don't bother. You also need to check that you can unlock your bootloader, as some phones bought from a provider are locked and this can't be circumnavigated. (type *#*#7378423#*#* in your phone to get the service menu and then service info/configuration)
Sony have given developers the finger with this bootloader, unlocking breaks the phone, you lose your TA keys, no way to back up and lots of functions stop working, like the, err, camera.
The good news is that there's a DRM fix out there, one that will work with the latest .145. There's no loss of quality on the camera, everything is as stock.
The bad news is that the developer sToRm// has put his DRM fix app to be paid for. This app works and as long as you have the right drivers is relatively easy.
There are a couple of people who have posted a free DRM fix for XZ Premium, but as yet, there's no one has posted a free fix that works with the .145 firmware for the XZ1 compact, although there might be some tips on the previous page, you'll still need a copy of Xperiafix
There are a couple of roms that have the DRM fix built in that are good daily drivers. Check out ResurrectionRemixOreo or LineageOS 15.1 UNOFFICIAL.
To root or not to root
Didgesteve said:
Not much has changed since I first wrote on this thread to be honest.
It depends on what you do with your phone to say if you need to root it or not. In the past you needed to root it to kill the battery hungry apps, but that's long gone these days. The other reason for rooting was customising your phone, but you can do that without root. So to be honest, if I were to come down on one side or the other I'd say don't bother. You also need to check that you can unlock your bootloader, as some phones bought from a provider are locked and this can't be circumnavigated. (type *#*#7378423#*#* in your phone to get the service menu and then service info/configuration)
Sony have given developers the finger with this bootloader, unlocking breaks the phone, you lose your TA keys, no way to back up and lots of functions stop working, like the, err, camera.
The good news is that there's a DRM fix out there, one that will work with the latest .145. There's no loss of quality on the camera, everything is as stock.
The bad news is that the developer sToRm// has put his DRM fix app to be paid for. This app works and as long as you have the right drivers is relatively easy.
There are a couple of people who have posted a free DRM fix for XZ Premium, but as yet, there's no one has posted a free fix that works with the .145 firmware for the XZ1 compact, although there might be some tips on the previous page, you'll still need a copy of Xperiafix
There are a couple of roms that have the DRM fix built in that are good daily drivers. Check out ResurrectionRemixOreo or LineageOS 15.1 UNOFFICIAL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, for me rooting is so that i can use xposed, i have a couple of modules that i need almost daily. (used to :'( )
Thanks for the info, i think this is what i get -
1. I can just stay stock (and flash the UK .145 firmware and get fingerprint)
2. I can use xperifix, pay that guy and get root and xposed along with a good drm fix. Down side is that i will not have any OTA or anything like that and will have to stay on .145 itself as long as i want to keep this option.
3. I can go all the way custom with DRM fix and not use stock sony at all and directly start using custom roms where everything will work (i am assuming camera and fingerprint will work as well there).
Well, i've used RR before so i would very much like the option 3. I have always felt restricted in stock in any phone i've used, i have been so used to custom roms i like it. But since the phone is new, i do want to see what sony offers. So i think i am good with no ota .145 paid option as i will only have to pay it one time now. And then i am good for at least 3-4 months (post which i will mostly get bored and move to a custom rom). Thoughts?
---------- Post added at 04:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:48 AM ----------
TheDelta said:
Yeah, for me rooting is so that i can use xposed, i have a couple of modules that i need almost daily. (used to :'( )
Thanks for the info, i think this is what i get -
1. I can just stay stock (and flash the UK .145 firmware and get fingerprint)
2. I can use xperifix, pay that guy and get root and xposed along with a good drm fix. Down side is that i will not have any OTA or anything like that and will have to stay on .145 itself as long as i want to keep this option.
3. I can go all the way custom with DRM fix and not use stock sony at all and directly start using custom roms where everything will work (i am assuming camera and fingerprint will work as well there).
Well, i've used RR before so i would very much like the option 3. I have always felt restricted in stock in any phone i've used, i have been so used to custom roms i like it. But since the phone is new, i do want to see what sony offers. So i think i am good with no ota .145 paid option as i will only have to pay it one time now. And then i am good for at least 3-4 months (post which i will mostly get bored and move to a custom rom). Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to mention yesterday, I had checked on this phone. Boot loader unlock says allowed/yes. :highfive:
TheDelta said:
Yeah, for me rooting is so that i can use xposed, i have a couple of modules that i need almost daily. (used to :'( )
Thanks for the info, i think this is what i get -
1. I can just stay stock (and flash the UK .145 firmware and get fingerprint)
2. I can use xperifix, pay that guy and get root and xposed along with a good drm fix. Down side is that i will not have any OTA or anything like that and will have to stay on .145 itself as long as i want to keep this option.
3. I can go all the way custom with DRM fix and not use stock sony at all and directly start using custom roms where everything will work (i am assuming camera and fingerprint will work as well there).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xposed won't work with .145, it's a know issue with no workaround as yet.
.75 is the last firmware that Xposed works with.
Edit: sToRm// says that paying for Xperiafix will mean that it will stay up to date with any future firmware releases, so you will be able to go beyond .145, but not until the problems with Xposed are fixed
Didgesteve said:
Xposed won't work with .145, it's a know issue with no workaround as yet.
.75 is the last firmware that Xposed works with.
Edit: sToRm// says that paying for Xperiafix will mean that it will stay up to date with any future firmware releases, so you will be able to go beyond .145, but not until the problems with Xposed are fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bollocks!! I don't think i know how to go back to .75 then. Guess i just have to stay on stock till i get bored or xposed runs on .145 right? or whatever is newer out there. Apparently whenever i want to flash an OTA i still have to flash it in flashmode since i am on custom UK firmware so i think i will anyhow get bored and move onto custom pretty soon :fingers-crossed:
I haven't really been much of an OTA person. I usually keep formatting full phone to put new ROM or new release version every 3-4 months. I like a clean slate, keeps the phone in shape
Btw i did buy Storm's utility in morning so guess i am future proof :silly:
One question - I keep reading "you will lose DRM Keys" I thought it meant that Sony removes/disables/dissolves their own files which are required for apps/apks to run like camera. But is that something phone specific? like specific to me? The way everyone keeps saying you will lose that and you will never get it back - i want to know what it means. Like I cannot get it back for my specific phone? or Sony in General is not going to give it out but it is just a generic key/file. Sorry, just trying to understand what it exactly means. I earlier thought it is like that CID i had to backup for my motorola phone because it was my device ID number or a key file specific for my own personal device which once removed made it generic to flash.
---------- Post added at 01:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 PM ----------
Didgesteve said:
Xposed won't work with .145, it's a know issue with no workaround as yet.
.75 is the last firmware that Xposed works with.
Edit: sToRm// says that paying for Xperiafix will mean that it will stay up to date with any future firmware releases, so you will be able to go beyond .145, but not until the problems with Xposed are fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bollocks!! I don't think i know how to go back to .75 then. Guess i just have to stay on stock till i get bored or xposed runs on .145 right? or whatever is newer out there. Apparently whenever i want to flash an OTA i still have to flash it in flashmode since i am on custom UK firmware so i think i will anyhow get bored and move onto custom pretty soon :fingers-crossed:
I haven't really been much of an OTA person. I usually keep formatting full phone to put new ROM or new release version every 3-4 months. I like a clean slate, keeps the phone in shape
Btw i did buy Storm's utility in morning so guess i am future proof :silly:
One question - I keep reading "you will lose DRM Keys" I thought it meant that Sony removes/disables/dissolves their own files which are required for apps/apks to run like camera. But is that something phone specific? like specific to me? The way everyone keeps saying you will lose that and you will never get it back - i want to know what it means. Like I cannot get it back for my specific phone? or Sony in General is not going to give it out but it is just a generic key/file. Sorry, just trying to understand what it exactly means. I earlier thought it is like that CID i had to backup for my motorola phone because it was my device ID number or a key file specific for my own personal device which once removed made it generic to flash.
---------- Post added at 01:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------
Didgesteve said:
Xposed won't work with .145, it's a know issue with no workaround as yet.
.75 is the last firmware that Xposed works with.
Edit: sToRm// says that paying for Xperiafix will mean that it will stay up to date with any future firmware releases, so you will be able to go beyond .145, but not until the problems with Xposed are fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bollocks!! I don't think i know how to go back to .75 then. Guess i just have to stay on stock till i get bored or xposed runs on .145 right? or whatever is newer out there. Apparently whenever i want to flash an OTA i still have to flash it in flashmode since i am on custom UK firmware so i think i will anyhow get bored and move onto custom pretty soon :fingers-crossed:
I haven't really been much of an OTA person. I usually keep formatting full phone to put new ROM or new release version every 3-4 months. I like a clean slate, keeps the phone in shape
Btw i did buy Storm's utility in morning so guess i am future proof :silly:
One question - I keep reading "you will lose DRM Keys" I thought it meant that Sony removes/disables/dissolves their own files which are required for apps/apks to run like camera. But is that something phone specific? like specific to me? The way everyone keeps saying you will lose that and you will never get it back - i want to know what it means. Like I cannot get it back for my specific phone? or Sony in General is not going to give it out but it is just a generic key/file. Sorry, just trying to understand what it exactly means. I earlier thought it is like that CID i had to backup for my motorola phone because it was my device ID number or a key file specific for my own personal device which once removed made it generic to flash.
---------- Post added at 01:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------
TheDelta said:
Bollocks!! I don't think i know how to go back to .75 then. Guess i just have to stay on stock till i get bored or xposed runs on .145 right? or whatever is newer out there. Apparently whenever i want to flash an OTA i still have to flash it in flashmode since i am on custom UK firmware so i think i will anyhow get bored and move onto custom pretty soon :fingers-crossed:
I haven't really been much of an OTA person. I usually keep formatting full phone to put new ROM or new release version every 3-4 months. I like a clean slate, keeps the phone in shape
Btw i did buy Storm's utility in morning so guess i am future proof :silly:
One question - I keep reading "you will lose DRM Keys" I thought it meant that Sony removes/disables/dissolves their own files which are required for apps/apks to run like camera. But is that something phone specific? like specific to me? The way everyone keeps saying you will lose that and you will never get it back - i want to know what it means. Like I cannot get it back for my specific phone? or Sony in General is not going to give it out but it is just a generic key/file. Sorry, just trying to understand what it exactly means. I earlier thought it is like that CID i had to backup for my motorola phone because it was my device ID number or a key file specific for my own personal device which once removed made it generic to flash.
---------- Post added at 01:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 PM ----------
Bollocks!! I don't think i know how to go back to .75 then. Guess i just have to stay on stock till i get bored or xposed runs on .145 right? or whatever is newer out there. Apparently whenever i want to flash an OTA i still have to flash it in flashmode since i am on custom UK firmware so i think i will anyhow get bored and move onto custom pretty soon :fingers-crossed:
I haven't really been much of an OTA person. I usually keep formatting full phone to put new ROM or new release version every 3-4 months. I like a clean slate, keeps the phone in shape
Btw i did buy Storm's utility in morning so guess i am future proof :silly:
One question - I keep reading "you will lose DRM Keys" I thought it meant that Sony removes/disables/dissolves their own files which are required for apps/apks to run like camera. But is that something phone specific? like specific to me? The way everyone keeps saying you will lose that and you will never get it back - i want to know what it means. Like I cannot get it back for my specific phone? or Sony in General is not going to give it out but it is just a generic key/file. Sorry, just trying to understand what it exactly means. I earlier thought it is like that CID i had to backup for my motorola phone because it was my device ID number or a key file specific for my own personal device which once removed made it generic to flash.
---------- Post added at 01:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------
Bollocks!! I don't think i know how to go back to .75 then. Guess i just have to stay on stock till i get bored or xposed runs on .145 right? or whatever is newer out there. Apparently whenever i want to flash an OTA i still have to flash it in flashmode since i am on custom UK firmware so i think i will anyhow get bored and move onto custom pretty soon :fingers-crossed:
I haven't really been much of an OTA person. I usually keep formatting full phone to put new ROM or new release version every 3-4 months. I like a clean slate, keeps the phone in shape
Btw i did buy Storm's utility in morning so guess i am future proof :silly:
One question - I keep reading "you will lose DRM Keys" I thought it meant that Sony removes/disables/dissolves their own files which are required for apps/apks to run like camera. But is that something phone specific? like specific to me? The way everyone keeps saying you will lose that and you will never get it back - i want to know what it means. Like I cannot get it back for my specific phone? or Sony in General is not going to give it out but it is just a generic key/file. Sorry, just trying to understand what it exactly means. I earlier thought it is like that CID i had to backup for my motorola phone because it was my device ID number or a key file specific for my own personal device which once removed made it generic to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bollocks I wrote that so many times!!!
TheDelta said:
Bollocks I wrote that so many times!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a partition on your phone called the TA partition with a set of encrypted keys on it that are unique to your phone. So far no one has worked out how to copy the partition and backup the keys. The keys engage with the DRM software and enable higher function apps, like the camera, X-Reality, etc etc.
Unlocking your phone deletes that partiton, you can't get your keys back, gone forever.
Xperiafix engages with the DRM software and fools it into thinking keys are present, all higher funtion apps work as per usual.
Lots of people who don't understand suggest a loss in quality of the camera, but it doesn't work like that. DRM is broken or fixed, the camera is broken or fixed. Simple.
Edit: Magisk 16.4 is working and that has many modules you can add that are similar to Xposed modules. Just don't try adding Xposed until there is a new build released.
Didgesteve said:
There is a partition on your phone called the TA partition with a set of encrypted keys on it that are unique to your phone. So far no one has worked out how to copy the partition and backup the keys. The keys engage with the DRM software and enable higher function apps, like the camera, X-Reality, etc etc.
Unlocking your phone deletes that partiton, you can't get your keys back, gone forever.
Xperiafix engages with the DRM software and fools it into thinking keys are present, all higher funtion apps work as per usual.
Lots of people who don't understand suggest a loss in quality of the camera, but it doesn't work like that. DRM is broken or fixed, the camera is broken or fixed. Simple.
Edit: Magisk 16.4 is working and that has many modules you can add that are similar to Xposed modules. Just don't try adding Xposed until there is a new build released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That actually makes sense now. Reminds me of the time when my moto razr was not allowed to unlock bootloader so a hijack was invented and it did so much just like a normal unlock!
yeah, i got bored of the fingerprint scanner in like <24 hours. Guess it is not for me :silly:
I feel like i like I might get bored of sony pretty soon and just get RR. although would you know if people have found a way to keep the 3d creator or sony camera app etc on custom roms? or what exactly do people use as camera app? I feel like other app should still do pretty much same things for taking the photo as hardware is same? Anyhow i will finally get some time over weekend to research all that before taking the plunge. So far only the 3d creator impressed me, camera settings seem pretty same as other phones so probably won't loose much by going custom?
I did not know magisk had modules, that's new. Will research on that over weekend, who knows maybe it will get me what i need :fingers-crossed:
BTW, sorry i am asking more questions, but do you know if i can install 2nd rom? I mean with recovery i should be able to dual boot right? The idea would be to keep primary stock with rooted .145 without xposed to go back to whenever i want to do the 3d stuff and use custom rom as daily driver. Do you know if that is still possible? I do have a spare 64 GB card from my gopro that i can use here to get more space for other stuff.
TheDelta said:
That actually makes sense now. Reminds me of the time when my moto razr was not allowed to unlock bootloader so a hijack was invented and it did so much just like a normal unlock!
yeah, i got bored of the fingerprint scanner in like <24 hours. Guess it is not for me :silly:
I feel like i like I might get bored of sony pretty soon and just get RR. although would you know if people have found a way to keep the 3d creator or sony camera app etc on custom roms? or what exactly do people use as camera app? I feel like other app should still do pretty much same things for taking the photo as hardware is same? Anyhow i will finally get some time over weekend to research all that before taking the plunge. So far only the 3d creator impressed me, camera settings seem pretty same as other phones so probably won't loose much by going custom?
I did not know magisk had modules, that's new. Will research on that over weekend, who knows maybe it will get me what i need :fingers-crossed:
BTW, sorry i am asking more questions, but do you know if i can install 2nd rom? I mean with recovery i should be able to dual boot right? The idea would be to keep primary stock with rooted .145 without xposed to go back to whenever i want to do the 3d stuff and use custom rom as daily driver. Do you know if that is still possible? I do have a spare 64 GB card from my gopro that i can use here to get more space for other stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently Open Camera has lots of good reviews as an alternative to the stock.
Speaking from personal experience, the 'superior auto' isn't all that good, sort of ok if you're in a hurry. But most of the time is doesn't shoot HDR and for some reason a lot of the pictures are 'soft'. So manual is the way to go, HDR on and try and drop the ISO down to 200 and the shutter speed down to 1/15, which is pretty slow, so you might need to rest it on something. Sounds daft saying a mobile phone camera works best if you tripod it, but there we are. Turn of the object tracking and shoot in native 19Mp, edit it to letterbox later if you want that shaped picture, but at least shoot one to one pixel ratio.
No 2nd rom boot option for Oreo TWRP as far as I'm aware. I'm not even sure you can do a successful restore from TWRP, maybe the data partition, but you can't restore a build, there's something to do with encryption that gets in the way. I'm not an expert, maybe ask on the TWRP thread. So TWRP is really just a way of flashing stuff, I don't think you can use it for backup/restore, but I'd love someone to correct me on that.
Didgesteve said:
Apparently Open Camera has lots of good reviews as an alternative to the stock.
Speaking from personal experience, the 'superior auto' isn't all that good, sort of ok if you're in a hurry. But most of the time is doesn't shoot HDR and for some reason a lot of the pictures are 'soft'. So manual is the way to go, HDR on and try and drop the ISO down to 200 and the shutter speed down to 1/15, which is pretty slow, so you might need to rest it on something. Sounds daft saying a mobile phone camera works best if you tripod it, but there we are. Turn of the object tracking and shoot in native 19Mp, edit it to letterbox later if you want that shaped picture, but at least shoot one to one pixel ratio.
No 2nd rom boot option for Oreo TWRP as far as I'm aware. I'm not even sure you can do a successful restore from TWRP, maybe the data partition, but you can't restore a build, there's something to do with encryption that gets in the way. I'm not an expert, maybe ask on the TWRP thread. So TWRP is really just a way of flashing stuff, I don't think you can use it for backup/restore, but I'd love someone to correct me on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally weekend is here!!
I agree on the camera thing you are saying although I don't get what shaped photos mean. I haven't used letter box.
You brought up backup restore, you thought I am talking about switching ROMs using backup restore ?? Yeah I don't think I will) go through that much pain if I cannot just dual boot.
I am just thinking j will read up through the threads this weekend and put lineage or rrr based on what I find out
.75
Didgesteve said:
Apparently Open Camera has lots of good reviews as an alternative to the stock.
Speaking from personal experience, the 'superior auto' isn't all that good, sort of ok if you're in a hurry. But most of the time is doesn't shoot HDR and for some reason a lot of the pictures are 'soft'. So manual is the way to go, HDR on and try and drop the ISO down to 200 and the shutter speed down to 1/15, which is pretty slow, so you might need to rest it on something. Sounds daft saying a mobile phone camera works best if you tripod it, but there we are. Turn of the object tracking and shoot in native 19Mp, edit it to letterbox later if you want that shaped picture, but at least shoot one to one pixel ratio.
No 2nd rom boot option for Oreo TWRP as far as I'm aware. I'm not even sure you can do a successful restore from TWRP, maybe the data partition, but you can't restore a build, there's something to do with encryption that gets in the way. I'm not an expert, maybe ask on the TWRP thread. So TWRP is really just a way of flashing stuff, I don't think you can use it for backup/restore, but I'd love someone to correct me on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I will stay on stock to see how much I enjoy the 960 fpsmode. Do you think I can flash .75 over
145 ? Any risks maybe?? Using xperifirm I can if I have files right?? Any chance you have the .75 version that you can upload or gdrive for me¿
Hey, just after a little help
I was just wondering if there was a way to root the XZ1C without unlocking the bootloader? I didn't really see a guide
Can you still hide root or go back to stock so that apps that don't work with root won't have any issues? I know unlocking the bootloader can cause issues, not sure about just root though.
I did see this, but it seems to be a bit outdated
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp.../reference-xperia-debranding-rooting-t3667368
Oh and also, is it true that the Xperia XZ1 Compact doesn't have double tap to wake? Is there no way of getting it back? Since most of you have probably had one for a while, what are some other drawbacks or negatives about the phone?
Thanks for any assistance :good:
I don't know of any ways to root without unlocking the bootloader, at least not on any Xperia. Pretty sure it's required. It didn't cause me any problems running latest stock then unlocking and flashing TWRP and Magisk. In fact it worked pretty well.
Phone is incredibly fast and smooth. I've used different ROMs. Haven't seen double tap to wake. Anyway it's the best compact phone by far, the only drawback being no raw image support so google camera isn't compatible. The stock camera app is good but not great.
UndisputedGuy said:
I did see this, but it seems to be a bit outdated
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp.../reference-xperia-debranding-rooting-t3667368
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I really need to update that guide as it is outdated. To answer your first question, not really, an unlocked BL is required to get the most out of the phone.
If you want to root just unlock bootloader, flash TWRP in fastboot mode, then flash magisk in TWRP. It's fairly simple. But that's only if you unlock the bootloader.
Thanks for the responses, really appreciate the help. Good to hear the phone is still fast and smooth.
I'm pretty sure I was able to root my Z3 Compact in the past without unlocking the bootloader. I think it was through flashing a stock rooted .ftf file. I was really hoping something similar would be possible here. My concern is the apps that detect an unlocked bootloader and restrict access. Banking apps for example. Doesn't it also cause issues with Sony cameras once you unlock the bootloader?
I'm fine just being on stock Rooted and not being able to use custom ROMs if that's at all possible without unlocking the bootloader?
The XZ1C fortunately doesn't have the same issue as the other previous Xperia models when it comes to unlocking bootloader and losing DRM keys for the camera. So if you unlock, the camera will behave like it does on locked stock.
If you want to root stock you'll still need to unlock the bootloader. I haven't seen any other way to do it. Maybe it's possible if someone on root stock uploads their rooted boot.img and you take that and replace the original boot.img in the ftf but I don't know if that'll work.
It's disappointing to hear honestly. Given I did it on my Z3C, I thought it'd be possible here. Oh well, thanks for letting me know!
Maybe I'll have to see if I can make do without root. Does rooting still block Sony Apps like PS4 Remote Play, or have a lot of issues been ironed out by now? I know Banking Apps are completely blocked. You can't hide it, right?
What would you guys suggest is the best guide to rooting these days on an XZ1C on Android 9?
I use banking apps regularly and haven't had any issues despite both safetynet and CTS profile failing, I'm still looking into getting that fixed. I'm not sure about Sony remote play on root.
To root stock you just need to unlock the bootloader using the Xperia Flash tool, then in fastboot mode flash TWRP, then boot to TWRP and flash Magisk. It's surprisingly pretty simple.
There's also a recent thread here that I didn't see before about rooting with a locked bootloader, you might find something there. Haven't tested it myself though.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...p-root-xz1c-xz1-xzp-including-magisk-t4047389
Thanks, I'll definitely have a look at that. I did notice it said Android Oreo when mine's on Android 9, but I assume you can downgrade using flashtool. There's probably a list of firmwares somewhere on the forum, right?
One thing I am confused about it is you mentioned you don't lose your DRM keys on the XZ1C, but a lot of guides seem to talk about backing up the keys and the TA Partition as the camera won't work otherwise. What's the reason for that? Are the guides just a bit outdated and there's no current one available?
Thanks for all the help btw, appreciate it
UndisputedGuy said:
Thanks, I'll definitely have a look at that. I did notice it said Android Oreo when mine's on Android 9, but I assume you can downgrade using flashtool. There's probably a list of firmwares somewhere on the forum, right?
One thing I am confused about it is you mentioned you don't lose your DRM keys on the XZ1C, but a lot of guides seem to talk about backing up the keys and the TA Partition as the camera won't work otherwise. What's the reason for that? Are the guides just a bit outdated and there's no current one available?
Thanks for all the help btw, appreciate it
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No problem. Flashtool will probably only have Pie firmware available. You could try this post for a link to the Oreo firmware for Central EU:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/b93mc9/xz1_compact_oreo_firmware_471a1620_download/
As for unlocking the DRM keys, I should clarify - I meant that if you unlock the bootloader you still lose the DRM keys but the Sony stock camera works as intended with most of features still enabled (before there used to be a green screen and glitches but not anymore for Pie, as with previous xperia models). I think some still get disabled after unlocking.
You can read more about that here: https://www.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-android-pie-unlock-bootloader-drm-fix-camera/
betacrypt said:
No problem. Flashtool will probably only have Pie firmware available. You could try this post for a link to the Oreo firmware for Central EU:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/b93mc9/xz1_compact_oreo_firmware_471a1620_download/
As for unlocking the DRM keys, I should clarify - I meant that if you unlock the bootloader you still lose the DRM keys but the Sony stock camera works as intended with most of features still enabled (before there used to be a green screen and glitches but not anymore for Pie, as with previous xperia models). I think some still get disabled after unlocking.
You can read more about that here: https://www.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-android-pie-unlock-bootloader-drm-fix-camera/
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I'll definitely try that, looks like it might be worth trying the whole temp root method from Oreo and then updating back to Pie after.
I read up on the link, it's nice to see Sony reinstated Camera functionality, but honestly I wouldn't really want to lose access to the other features too from unlocking the Bootloader. Is there a way to keep them by backing up and restoring the DRM keys? Any recommended software for that?
I clicked through and saw this link, but I'm not sure it works for the XZ1C or is the most updated version
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xz...hack-mod-sony-xperia-xz-premium-twrp-t3695171
I'll have to do a bit more reading, I was looking for a more up to date guide for everything like unlock/backup/restore etc, somewhere on this forum but I've not been able to see it honestly.
Afraid I haven't seen anything recent here on DRM backup and restore cause I haven't searched but maybe someone else knows. I haven't noticed any difference myself without the keys tbh.
UndisputedGuy said:
I clicked through and saw this link, but I'm not sure it works for the XZ1C or is the most updated version
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xz...hack-mod-sony-xperia-xz-premium-twrp-t3695171
I'll have to do a bit more reading, I was looking for a more up to date guide for everything like unlock/backup/restore etc, somewhere on this forum but I've not been able to see it honestly.
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"I've not been able to see it honestly", seriously?! Try looking harder, and in the right section. - https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1-compact
SXUsr said:
"I've not been able to see it honestly", seriously?! Try looking harder, and in the right section. - https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1-compact
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Yeah I was serious
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...devonly-exploits-temp-root-to-backup-t3795510
This seems to be the thread, but honestly I was pretty ill that week and didn't really read through it properly, so didn't notice it's got a full breakdown. I thought it was just steps to backup the TA partition.
In my defence it looks like another user on the forum was also looking for the same thing
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