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sexperia z3 compact is still a viable choice for cyanogenmod?

hello,
i am sick and tired of CyanogenOS phones, Xiaomi phones and many others. right now in a few footsteps away from passing my mi5 to girlfriend and 'upgrade' to z3 compact.
last time i had sexperia active and it was a solid choice. gave it away to a friend after year of use.
i checked z3 compact specifications, readed threads and phone seems to be able to fit my needs.
i want to know about cyanogenmod support. is there a proper support? i want _all_ available hardware features to be properly functioning. is there something missing?
i don't care about camera 'quality' as long as it is working and able to make photos/videos in 'emergency' situations

It works, but I'd recommend flashing a custom kernel (e.g. for camera DRM, because without the DRM functions the quality is utter bollocks).

Wonder why this phone doesn't have CM13 builds...

Dv2y said:
Wonder why this phone doesn't have CM13 builds...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently one reason is because they don't have anyone monitoring the Z3C, its all automatically updated from soure code updates

phre5k said:
It works, but I'd recommend flashing a custom kernel (e.g. for camera DRM, because without the DRM functions the quality is utter bollocks).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying that the Sony DRM features are working on CM12 or 13? Are you running a custom rom or stock on your phone?

Why are there so few Custom ROMs for this device?

Hey there,
I've been watching this forum for a while, but I still can't figure out why this device does not get more attention from ROM developers. AFAIK, there are only like one or two semi-active non-stable ROMs for this device. One of my previous phones was a Sony Z1 Compact, which was released almost 5 years ago, and there still is more activity in the Z1 ROM forum than here. Additionally, this device shipped with Oreo and therefore should support Project Treble, which should (theoretically) make it easier to create Custom ROMS. I'm not here to criticize, just genuinely curious, because I know for a fact that there are quite a few active developers who worked their butt off to make it able to backup the DRM keys on this device (thanks a lot btw!).

The amount of persons buying compact cellphone has reduced drastically over the years.
Sent from my Phh-Treble with GApps using Tapatalk

On the other hand, I don't feel a need for custom ROMs at all. Manually debloating the stock Sony ROM makes for a satisfactory, bug-free experience.

SirSoviet said:
On the other hand, I don't feel a need for custom ROMs at all. Manually debloating the stock Sony ROM makes for a satisfactory, bug-free experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
Of course there are many roms for old devices, but keep in mind this aren't Lollipop days anymore.
To me, starting from 7 Nougat, Android is a complete auto sufficient OS

I agree that now Android has what a standard user needs. However, a custom ROM is still necessary if one wants to get rid of Google Apps and take full control of the system and the phone.
So I hope at least Lineage OS will be developed for our xz1c.
Sent from my XZ1 Compact using XDA Labs

Here I am still waiting for a CarbonROM for XZ1 Compact.

SonyVLT25ISonyVLT25I said:
Here I am still waiting for a CarbonROM for XZ1 Compact.
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Click to collapse
You mean like this one?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1-compact/development/8-1-x-carbonrom-cr-6-1-t3817402
Sure, it's unofficial and no longer updated,but it's still a build...

tonsofquestions said:
You mean like this one?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1-compact/development/8-1-x-carbonrom-cr-6-1-t3817402
Sure, it's unofficial and no longer updated,but it's still a build...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I saw this one, but as you have said it is: 1. unofficial. 2. No longer updated. Look like a strong points not to even try it, considering your phone being a daily driver, not just a test subject.

It's too soon for a smartphone that has only one year and some months in the market, and the price still around 300euros.
Wait some time and i'll be sure that some people start to make more noise about this model. Or another option, to start to learn Java or other tech to help the community!!
Check for example the Z5 compact (released on October 2015), has lot of different roms and still is a good deal (i have it running with LineageOS 14.1 till past Xmas)

Never Sony again for me. The Acro S had great support though. The good old days with proper Xposed. If I only could afford the S10. Got a S5 laying around, but I love the fingerprint scanner on this phone, so no going back to the S5.

It's back to Oreo and this time it's forever

I've given Samsung (and Google) the benefit of the doubt and tried their new phone and new UI software. I returned my S10 and reverted my Note 9 back to Oreo. Now life makes sense again for me. I'm also someone who's guilty of impulse purchases. I'm trying to be better about that. Mobile tech can be addicting.
The new UI on the Note 9 feels like it's been crippled. Like Google, and to a certain extent Samsung, are inching closer and closer to Apple territory. Meaning that they are removing more and more features away and pushing users into tighter boxes. Call recording apps, theming apps, greater control over GPS settings, greater control over camera settings, easier to understand camera settings, and just other faux improvements that leave users feeling like they're using a half-baked OS.
The S10 was fine enough but without the features and apps that I've grown to dearly depend on my Oreo Note 9, I couldn't live with it. It makes me realize that there is no hope that such apps and features will ever make it to the new Note later this fall either.
Not without root. And that means that unless I want to keep this Oreo Note 9 for the rest of its life, any future Note device will have to be Exynos. Which makes me a bit disappointed because the SD chips have been bringing some great features to these phones. But we will never be able to count on reliable unlocking of SD Samsung phones here in North America so from now on it's Exynos for me because I will be relying on root access to get the features that I want but more importantly the features that I NEED.
I'm curious if anyone else feels the same way about this. About Oreo and the direction Samsung and Google are moving from here. I just wish we could stay on Oreo and continue getting security patches and other bug fixes along the way. Without being forced to switch to Pie. I will never understand this need among some users to quickly update to the latest OS version. They feel content to live with bugs in order to use some new features? An OS that's not fully baked in? That's good for them? I don't get it. Not that I'm supposed to get it. Just saying, it seems irrational to me. But that's me.
Something needs to change. Samsung and other parties need to come together and agree to let us unlock and root our phones. If we buy these phones outright, unlocked and outside of carriers, we deserve to do whatever we want with them. And that includes unlocking and rooting. Something needs to give. For a while there, Samsung seemed to be looking at the things people were rooting for and introducing them on their next phones.
But now, it feels like they've moving in the opposite direction. I fear that Samsung will no longer be known as the manufacture that gives its users more features than they need and more options to customize their smartphone experience. It feels as if those days are now over and we will be forced to just accept whatever Samsung gives us out of the box.
Not unlike what iPhone users are forced to do with their smartphone experience.
Long live Oreo! Long live the Note 9!

Why not sell it and get n9600? Snapdragon and rootable.
Best of both worlds.

roaduardo said:
I've given Samsung (and Google) the benefit of the doubt and tried their new phone and new UI software. I returned my S10 and reverted my Note 9 back to Oreo. Now life makes sense again for me. I'm also someone who's guilty of impulse purchases. I'm trying to be better about that. Mobile tech can be addicting.
The new UI on the Note 9 feels like it's been crippled. Like Google, and to a certain extent Samsung, are inching closer and closer to Apple territory. Meaning that they are removing more and more features away and pushing users into tighter boxes. Call recording apps, theming apps, greater control over GPS settings, greater control over camera settings, easier to understand camera settings, and just other faux improvements that leave users feeling like they're using a half-baked OS.
The S10 was fine enough but without the features and apps that I've grown to dearly depend on my Oreo Note 9, I couldn't live with it. It makes me realize that there is no hope that such apps and features will ever make it to the new Note later this fall either.
Not without root. And that means that unless I want to keep this Oreo Note 9 for the rest of its life, any future Note device will have to be Exynos. Which makes me a bit disappointed because the SD chips have been bringing some great features to these phones. But we will never be able to count on reliable unlocking of SD Samsung phones here in North America so from now on it's Exynos for me because I will be relying on root access to get the features that I want but more importantly the features that I NEED.
I'm curious if anyone else feels the same way about this. About Oreo and the direction Samsung and Google are moving from here. I just wish we could stay on Oreo and continue getting security patches and other bug fixes along the way. Without being forced to switch to Pie. I will never understand this need among some users to quickly update to the latest OS version. They feel content to live with bugs in order to use some new features? An OS that's not fully baked in? That's good for them? I don't get it. Not that I'm supposed to get it. Just saying, it seems irrational to me. But that's me.
Something needs to change. Samsung and other parties need to come together and agree to let us unlock and root our phones. If we buy these phones outright, unlocked and outside of carriers, we deserve to do whatever we want with them. And that includes unlocking and rooting. Something needs to give. For a while there, Samsung seemed to be looking at the things people were rooting for and introducing them on their next phones.
But now, it feels like they've moving in the opposite direction. I fear that Samsung will no longer be known as the manufacture that gives its users more features than they need and more options to customize their smartphone experience. It feels as if those days are now over and we will be forced to just accept whatever Samsung gives us out of the box.
Not unlike what iPhone users are forced to do with their smartphone experience.
Long live Oreo! Long live the Note 9!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so what apps made it so that you had to go back to a device supporting oreo?

bober10113 said:
so what apps made it so that you had to go back to a device supporting oreo?
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Click to collapse
Call recording being the biggest one and overall smaller ways in which the OS is laid out. Like with the camera settings and notifications work.

Not with you on this.
I quite like OneUI.

HuStLaZ said:
Not with you on this.
I quite like OneUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fair. We're all different.

Bought my Note 9 when One UI was just released. Had a lot of trouble with several key apps (banking, mail, weather and some news apps). Had crashes and graphical glitches almost every day and every week a "fatal" crash were I had to restart my Note with a button combination. I was thinking about returning my device. Kept is and installed the latest Oreo 8.1 version. Almost all software problems are gone. For 3 days not a single crash. Keep my fingers crossed

dont know if you guys side loaded the beta update but on a fresh pie install, not updated, i dont have any of the issues reported.

i have to say my experience is totally different. I think OneUI is fantastic and a major differentiator. i think samsung has taken the OS and built on it. I am a phone junkie and regularly look to buy other devices, but this is the first time im sticking to Samsung not only because of HW but now SW.

I'm a happy camper with One UI. Not gonna lie, I loved how Oreo on note 9 looked. But I'm guilty of upgrading phones twice every year. A fresh look gives me no reason to upgrade to S10 lol. I'll wait till note 10 comes out.

bober10113 said:
dont know if you guys side loaded the beta update but on a fresh pie install, not updated, i dont have any of the issues reported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. My Note upgraded to Pie/One UI immediately after talking it out of the box and setting it up. My user experience with the Note is One Ui only. I've factory reset (deleting data and settings) my Note four times (installed a different set of apps every time) and didn't use a backup (coming from an iPhone) so it was a 100% fresh install. The problems started the same evening, the first crash was within a few hours. With Oreo i'm missing a few features (night mode and lift to wake for example). One Ui is definitely looking more polished.

Friendly reminder, the only constant in the technology world is change. Anyway, Pie takes some getting use to and my biggest complaint is notifications have stopped while my screen is off. I still get calls and texts, but everything else stopped. Android called it Doze and change is inevitable.
https://developer.android.com/training/monitoring-device-state/doze-standby

I like one UI a lot. It's very modern and fluid. I don't have many issues with it. I've disabled updates, though, hoping for root to come soon so I can flash even better customized one UI roms and remove the crap they include permanently instead of just disabling it. That way the phone is lighter and the processor wouldn't have to work as hard.
I get your points, though.

I think I'll go back to Oreo also can't stand not to have my notifications play through the phone when connected to Bluetooth miss way to many notifications. I have to turn off media playback on bluetooth to have notifications play on the phone, and when playing Spotify the notifications interrupt the music hate that.

bligui said:
I think I'll go back to Oreo also can't stand not to have my notifications play through the phone when connected to Bluetooth miss way to many notifications. I have to turn off media playback on bluetooth to have notifications play on the phone, and when playing Spotify the notifications interrupt the music hate that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally someone else that has this issue. I thought I was only one..lol
SM-N960U ONE UI PEACAN PIE

butchieboy said:
Finally someone else that has this issue. I thought I was only one..lol
SM-N960U ONE UI PEACAN PIE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did, too, but never paid attention to it and I like it actually. I think it was done purposely so people don't text or check their social media and drive. Phone calls come through no problem.
---------- Post added at 12:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:36 PM ----------
butchieboy said:
Finally someone else that has this issue. I thought I was only one..lol
SM-N960U ONE UI PEACAN PIE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you of all people shouldn't be texting while driving, and you know why. [emoji23]

K-alz said:
I did, too, but never paid attention to it and I like it actually. I think it was done purposely so people don't text or check their social media and drive. Phone calls come through no problem.
---------- Post added at 12:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:36 PM ----------
And you of all people shouldn't be texting while driving, and you know why. [emoji23]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol...I dont kind sir.
SM-N960U ONE UI PEACAN PIE

butchieboy said:
Lol...I dont kind sir.
SM-N960U ONE UI PEACAN PIE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mhm. I "believe" you. Then why were you concerned about the notifications going through your BT in the car? Haha

To each their own. I'm too old and way too busy now to deal with rooting, customizing, etc. Used to spend hours on it when I was in my 20s, the results were always disappointing. I have only a few requirents. The phone has to be secure (my corporate access apps and email account will not work on a rooted phone), reliable, and I have to have a way to set default apps. Camera has to be good but I don't care much for too many camera features or pro mode. I have a full frame dslr for when I want to take real pictures. And I really don't give a crap about filters. Never used them and never will.
So, apple is out of the question mainly because I can't set default apps (open Google maps instead of Apple maps for example), but I honestly think they are overpriced for substandard tech. And I can't think of any iPhone that comes close to the battery life of the note 9.
In summary, looking back, I don't miss having an unlocked bootloader phone. In fact, I can't think of a single good reason to root anymore. None of the custom roms or kernels are actually an improvement, and in my experience, they never have been. I actually like the new android.

sputnik767 said:
To each their own. I'm too old and way too busy now to deal with rooting, customizing, etc. Used to spend hours on it when I was in my 20s, the results were always disappointing. I have only a few requirents. The phone has to be secure (my corporate access apps and email account will not work on a rooted phone), reliable, and I have to have a way to set default apps. Camera has to be good but I don't care much for too many camera features or pro mode. I have a full frame dslr for when I want to take real pictures. And I really don't give a crap about filters. Never used them and never will.
So, apple is out of the question mainly because I can't set default apps (open Google maps instead of Apple maps for example), but I honestly think they are overpriced for substandard tech. And I can't think of any iPhone that comes close to the battery life of the note 9.
In summary, looking back, I don't miss having an unlocked bootloader phone. In fact, I can't think of a single good reason to root anymore. None of the custom roms or kernels are actually an improvement, and in my experience, they never have been. I actually like the new android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not disagreeing with you but there certainly are still some good reasons (in my opinion) for rooting.
Disabled high volume warrning with headphones (I personally found this very annoying)
System wide ad blocking
More efficient kernels
Use of Samsung's built-in call recorder
Battery charge limiting
The option to install AOSP based ROMs (Although the lack of HWC means battery life is poor)
Biometric unlock after reboot
More theming options
Use any app with the dual app tool

P20 Pro - stock Android, root, where to start?

I went from a rooted Nexus 6P to a P20 Pro a few months ago. While I like the hardware, love the camera, I am not a fan of the EMUI Android OS skin, or the lack of root. I specifically prefer the GApps over the Huawei ecosystem of apps that comes pre-installed.
I would like to install a 'stock' Android ROM, similar to my old Nexus 6P, including root. However, I am a bit overwhelmed by all the options available, required steps to get there and the issues people seem to be having. Especially compared to my old Nexus 6P where unlocking and rooting were a breeze.
Note that I am not that experienced with rooting and custom android roms, but I got around my Nexus 6P and guides pretty well.
Could you please point me in the direction what steps I need to take in my situation?
I reckon I first need to unlock my bootloader. I saw some retailers starting to offer these again. Will keep a close eye on those developments!
What ROM should I go for that best reflects the 'stock' Android experience with as few customizations as possible? I figured LineageOS or CypherOS are the most popular and well maintained roms.
I always updated my P20 Pro to the latest version whenever it came out. Is that an issue and/or should I downgrade first?
Can I get the same camera experience on the custom 'stock' Android ROMs? The one thing I like about the Huawei software is the camera that fully uses the 3 hardware lenses.
How is the device updated after installing a custom ROM. Does it support OTAs? On my Nexus 6P I had to manually flash the monthly updates which got quite annoying.
Any other tips, risks or things I should know before starting?
Thanks for helping me out!

Anyone got any tips? Looks like the keys to unlock bootloader are available again, albeit at a higher cost. Would like to start experimenting!

I'm also on that quest to @chillzilla. No one has responded a couple of videos online especially the tutorial for the lineage OS.

Got my code off FH last Friday and unlocked the bootloader.
Since then, I have been trying to work out how to root it and then rebrand it.
Not found anything concrete to work from yet, a lot of guides are old.

I heard about open kirin and I think it's could be the best usage right now, about the camera you can install the apk file of the real rom it's works like a charm. Fill free to take a look I created a poll about the best rom that we can use and see the options and choose what you want to like.
Happy hacking

FIXED!

EDIT::
My initial issue has been solved! I did some tinkering around with the APN settings and finally got my data to work outside of being on a phone call!! I still have issues flashing different firmwares and os's but that problem will be addressed later down the line.

If you make another Question thread about the Flash issues, you can drop a link here. I might be able to help

oh! thank you! i was initially trying to flash the unlocked u1 firmware onto a t-mobile based note 8 because of mobile data & hotspot issues but i was able to fix it. i'm still interested in root & trying to get a custom os installed. reminiscing on the days of dirty unicorns on my note 2

JayeDohe said:
oh! thank you! i was initially trying to flash the unlocked u1 firmware onto a t-mobile based note 8 because of mobile data & hotspot issues but i was able to fix it. i'm still interested in root & trying to get a custom os installed. reminiscing on the days of dirty unicorns on my note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. My Note 8 isn't my main smartphone anymore, but I didn't like putting Custom ROMs on there, because I found I was missing Samsung's Camera App and all their other cool features.
Kinda weird, I like the smoothness and simplicity of pure Vanilla Android, but all the cool little features of Samsung's OneUI. When I still used my Note 8, I just sticked with OneUI but rooted it for some additional freedom. (and for Custom Fonts and Systemwide Adblocking.. and YouTube Vanced. LOL)

dreamytom said:
Cool. My Note 8 isn't my main smartphone anymore, but I didn't like putting Custom ROMs on there, because I found I was missing Samsung's Camera App and all their other cool features.
Kinda weird, I like the smoothness and simplicity of pure Vanilla Android, but all the cool little features of Samsung's OneUI. When I still used my Note 8, I just sticked with OneUI but rooted it for some additional freedom. (and for Custom Fonts and Systemwide Adblocking.. and YouTube Vanced. LOL)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i recently came across all the little apps for One UI, i just haven't messed around with them fully yet. but i am still interested in at least achieving root if possible

JayeDohe said:
yeah i recently came across all the little apps for One UI, i just haven't messed around with them fully yet. but i am still interested in at least achieving root if possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just keep in mind Samsung phones have a physical security chip (Knox).
If you unlock the bootloader, that security chip will permanently show that your warranty is void (0x1). You also won't be able to use Samsung Pay, Samsung's Secure Folder anymore, and some other things which don't come into my mind right now...
Samsung Health too, for whatever reason. However for that app there's a tweak you can do in a system file called build.prop... lol
So, there are disadvantages you must be aware of.
There's also Google SafetyNet, which detects an unlocked bootloader & root. And it's been a cat & mouse game to mask/avoid this detection of an unlocked BL & Root from Google SafetyNet, and it sucks. Google and the manufacturers try their hardest to disincentivize users from using their phone in the way they like to.
I don't want to scare you away from making these adventures. It's just a bit rough at the moment for the Android Modding Community and I'm afraid it'll only get more locked up, until Android phones sorta become like iPhones (in terms of freedom).

Yeah, playing around with root and different roms would be fun but i've pretty much settled on how i have things set up with good lock and all of those features. i can't seem to get videos to work with lock+ tho, that option seems to be greyed out.