Hi xda,
I was thinking of picking up a SOL24 for use as a wi-fi tablet, as a friend can get it affordably for me from Japan. I plan to do the following sequentially:
1) Root device
2) Backup TA partition
3) Use Titanium Backup to extract Sony apps (Album, Walkman etc)
3) Unlock bootloader
4) Flash system and bootloader partitions from port of 4.4.4 GPE (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414)
5) Flash "adv-stock-v4.img" to boot partition for custom recovery
6) Re-root device.
7) Restore TA partition.
8) Restore Sony apps.
I am not flashing the user partition to retain the 32gb storage.
Will I be able to get a GPE-coverted wi-fi tablet that is updateable via dirty flashing in this manner, or will I possibly brick it?
Also, does a custom rom mean that the phone will become unlocked? (not that this is vital; where I live in Singapore we don't have any CDMA networks and hence that's why i'm planning on using it as a wi-fi tablet)
Will the Sony apps be usable on GPE?
I submit to the collective wisdom of the Z Ultra jedis at xda. Thanks in advance!
I don't know of anyone that has done this
points 4. I dont think that zip has a boot.img, either use the one at bottom of that post or doonkernel
5. I dont know if a kernel that old will boot 4.4.4
6 why?
7 you wont be able to boot a custom boot image after doing this
8 you will need root to do this, and some of them wont work on the GPe ROM
Other thoughts
I don't know how compatible the kernels will be
Make sure to make a nandroid before flashing /system and /boot - you will need to hotboot a boot.img with fastboot or flashtool
Have a FTF on hand if it goes really bad
blueether said:
I don't know of anyone that has done this
points 4. I dont think that zip has a boot.img, either use the one at bottom of that post or doonkernel
5. I dont know if a kernel that old will boot 4.4.4
6 why?
7 you wont be able to boot a custom boot image after doing this
8 you will need root to do this, and some of them wont work on the GPe ROM
Other thoughts
I don't know how compatible the kernels will be
Make sure to make a nandroid before flashing /system and /boot - you will need to hotboot a boot.img with fastboot or flashtool
Have a FTF on hand if it goes really bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for chiming in! Wow this is really uncharted territory huh
So I can't keep my TA partition and run GPE rom, yes? That's a bit of a game changer ...
Sorry for butting in - but I'd be very interested in this as well.
Could there be a way to unlock SOL24 for use on other networks?
neverborn said:
Sorry for butting in - but I'd be very interested in this as well.
Could there be a way to unlock SOL24 for use on other networks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is, but it's costly. Sim-unlock.net provides a solution for 30euros.
Are you using the SOL24 as well?
if the sol24's are simlocked can they be BL unlocked?
No, sold my c6833 but am looking to get one back to play with. Theres a sol24 available for cheaper is why i ask.
christcentric said:
There is, but it's costly. Sim-unlock.net provides a solution for 30euros.
Are you using the SOL24 as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
neverborn said:
No, sold my c6833 but am looking to get one back to play with. Theres a sol24 available for cheaper is why i ask.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To summarize, the main issues with SOL24 are:
1) No cost-effective SIM unlock option
2) Other ROMs can be flashed (htcsoku's ROM, among others), but not GPE (or not easily, rather) ... this is potentially a deal-breaker for me, might not be for others.
Hence, if I do get a SOL24, it will probably be as a wifi-tablet running the Sony stock ROM ...
christcentric said:
To summarize, the main issues with SOL24 are:
1) No cost-effective SIM unlock option
2) Other ROMs can be flashed (htcsoku's ROM, among others), but not GPE (or not easily, rather) ... this is potentially a deal-breaker for me, might not be for others.
Hence, if I do get a SOL24, it will probably be as a wifi-tablet running the Sony stock ROM ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is I have no idea what they can and can't be made to do as they are a Japan only model so no dev work on here and I think this is only the second or third thread on them on XDA
blueether said:
The problem is I have no idea what they can and can't be made to do as they are a Japan only model so no dev work on here and I think this is only the second or third thread on them on XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if I do pick one up I will let you know. You can vicariously do dev work on it through me.
If you just want to use sol24 as a wifi tab you can just flash the GPE ver. .It's not so difficult and I flashed twice.
HTCsoku and another custom rom rewrited the band,if you flash it you cant use CDMA network,its not a problem in Singapore.
But GSM/WCDMA/FDDLTE network is OK,so (may be ) you can use sol24 as a phone by flashing a custom rom but it's not GPE.
http://blog.100223.org/au-sol24-kitkat-simunlock-docomo.html
http://blog.100223.org/au-sol24-sim-unlock-docomo.html
I'm a new sol24 user, maybe I should start a new thread?? (I've posted before when I used Motorola Cliq to get cyanogenmod 7 but those posts aren't in my profile now.) ebay sent me a Kitkat4.4.2 when it was supposed to be Jellybean, after first sending me a Z Ultra C6802, so I'm trying to find downgrading or upgrading options, Lollipop is real nice but I like the older builds, to deal with apps-to-sd issues, it topped out on market installs around 4gig. After rooting with towelroot, and using SD Fix. It still won't apps2sd but can use 64gb sd. I read about the 32gig memory loss issues in some of the threads from flashing.
Bootloader and network are still locked. I wish to stay with stock or sony release for the bravia engine and other probable support. Supposedly it has IR Blaster? Called Felicia and NFC seems to work, but it didn't with the first Lollipop C6802 that ebay first mistakenly sent me. I doubt any tweeking of the TV would get it working here in the states even with a SDR antenna. So Sony has said something about supporting Xperia bootloader unlocking and recovery? Hopefully for the sol24 variant. But mainly I'm just trying to fix apps2sd - does 4.4.4 fare any better in this regard? I'm looking into Xposed to try to fix this too - but don't want to bootloop or brick.
Related
Hello, I recently bought a SXZU to go with my HTC one I have. It's model number c6833 with build number 14.1.B.2.257 now it's different To HTC one obviously. Now all I want is my stock rom to be rooted and custom recovery installed just want someone to help me and poin. Me in the right direction. Thanks
nathlynn22 said:
Hello, I recently bought a SXZU to go with my HTC one I have. It's model number c6833 with build number 14.1.B.2.257 now it's different To HTC one obviously. Now all I want is my stock rom to be rooted and custom recovery installed just want someone to help me and poin. Me in the right direction. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what you might want to do first is this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2502185
that will give you root access on the .257 build, and it will allow you to backup your TA partition, in case you ever want to unlock your bootloader. one thing to consider is the issue of Vroot harvesting IMEI numbers...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2516942. a lot of us have used it and i haven't seen any reports of anything bad happening, and the devs of the program have said they removed in the latest version the part that sends your IMEI.
as for recovery, i haven't found a way to have custom recovery on .257. there is a kernel with recovery(for unlocked bootloaders) based on a previous build number... it is good for flashing a custom ROM, but it will not boot up on .257.
there is a recovery for locked bootloaders, but i haven't tried it, can't comment on it at all: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
i hope this helps as somewhat of an introduction to modding this device!
lmemma16 said:
what you might want to do first is this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2502185
that will give you root access on the .257 build, and it will allow you to backup your TA partition, in case you ever want to unlock your bootloader. one thing to consider is the issue of Vroot harvesting IMEI numbers...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2516942. a lot of us have used it and i haven't seen any reports of anything bad happening, and the devs of the program have said they removed in the latest version the part that sends your IMEI.
as for recovery, i haven't found a way to have custom recovery on .257. there is a kernel with recovery(for unlocked bootloaders) based on a previous build number... it is good for flashing a custom ROM, but it will not boot up on .257.
there is a recovery for locked bootloaders, but i haven't tried it, can't comment on it at all: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
i hope this helps as somewhat of an introduction to modding this device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm ok thanks. Is it early days yet in regards to amount of Dev support/custom recoveries/selection of roms/customising tools? As with HTC one I'm spoilt for choice. I got this phone as it's replaced my ipad mini and then some. In theory all I need is root access/ root enabled stock rom just to remove bloatware. I have read up about vroot and kingo I'm guessing at present that is only ways to root. Custom recovery isn't a major problem as could just remove bloatware and be quite happy with that. As in regards to ta partition is there a thread explaining that? Thanks
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
The first sticky in the general thread has the info for backing up your TA partition.
at the moment I think I would use kingo over vroot, although on the vroot forum it looks like they say that they dont record the imei, I used vroot and aren't too worried
There is never going to be the development on this device as there is on a more popular device so don't expect 501 roms to choose from
blueether said:
The first sticky in the general thread has the info for backing up your TA partition.
at the moment I think I would use kingo over vroot, although on the vroot forum it looks like they say that they dont record the imei, I used vroot and aren't too worried
There is never going to be the development on this device as there is on a more popular device so don't expect 501 roms to choose from
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok then is kingo still blocked on xda
I just bought z ultra
Kindly advice should I root it or not, I have read couple of feedback that its stock is already powerful
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Explorer2012 said:
I just bought z ultra
Kindly advice should I root it or not, I have read couple of feedback that its stock is already powerful
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First it depends on your desire. And how to receive root read the guide, the first post in this subject.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569904
Why do you want/need root?
If you can answer that question; go for it.
I totally understand the need for root fot a lot of users.......that being said this is the first and only phone ive had in 5 years that I have not felt the need to root/unlock bootloader................................. YET!
Sent from my C6833 using xda app-developers app
Explorer2012 said:
I just bought z ultra
Kindly advice should I root it or not, I have read couple of feedback that its stock is already powerful
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We can't offer advice. If you need access to the root directory for any reason then you will need to...
If not then obviously leave it as is.
All i can really say is; If you have to ask, you don't need it.
LordManhattan said:
All i can really say is; If you have to ask, you don't need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, because if one needs root, the question is... "What's the most recent / best method?"
My advise, don't worry about root until you need root access. I was doing fine without it until Sony decided to screw up sound enhancements on its latest software update. If you aren't on .136, my advice wait till kit Kat to make a decision on updating/rooting!:good:
Just to chime in here, I have a desire for root, but I'm still stock/no-root.
I know folks might disagree with me, but after reading pages and pages of howto's, etc. I've determined there is no way to backup your stock phone (TA partition/DRM keys) etc with any of the current methods.
To root you must unlock your boot loader, when you unlock your bootloader, your TA partition and DRM keys are gone.
This means you have voided your warranty and can never restore to a truly stock phone.
Yeah Yeah Yeah, I know you can revert all the way back to version 532, root the phone and then backup your TA, etc. This is a WHOLE lot of steps that if you aren't careful can leave you with a $700 brick. If your nervous at all about these multi-step processes, than just leave your phone alone.
As many have said, I really haven't even thought about a custom ROM for this phone. The ONLY thing I miss is being able to do a nandroid backup, as it's such a pain to rebuild my phone if something goes wonky.
-TheFixer
TheFixerAK said:
Just to chime in here, I have a desire for root, but I'm still stock/no-root.
I know folks might disagree with me, but after reading pages and pages of howto's, etc. I've determined there is no way to backup your stock phone (TA partition/DRM keys) etc with any of the current methods.
To root you must unlock your boot loader, when you unlock your bootloader, your TA partition and DRM keys are gone.
This means you have voided your warranty and can never restore to a truly stock phone.
Yeah Yeah Yeah, I know you can revert all the way back to version 532, root the phone and then backup your TA, etc. This is a WHOLE lot of steps that if you aren't careful can leave you with a $700 brick. If your nervous at all about these multi-step processes, than just leave your phone alone.
As many have said, I really haven't even thought about a custom ROM for this phone. The ONLY thing I miss is being able to do a nandroid backup, as it's such a pain to rebuild my phone if something goes wonky.
-TheFixer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wimp
I, and many of the other power users/posters (hamdogg, LordManhatton, [NUT], krabappel, DoomLord), have gone back and forth many times and have tested all of the steps. There were lots of Z1 (and a few ZU) bricks, mostly by flashing .290 without bootboundle.
The steps are simple, and you dont even need to unlock the BL to have root on .290/136
Flash [NUT]'s .532
Root w1th Bin4ry's tool
Backup TA
Unlock BL
Upgrade to latest FTF (or if on locked BL follow the steps for .290 and then .136)
Explorer2012 said:
I just bought z ultra
Kindly advice should I root it or not, I have read couple of feedback that its stock is already powerful
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My reasoning:
to root because:
1. I can mod the system app as i like too (camera, quick toggle, xposed, etc)
2. I can do easier and real backup with Titanium Backup
3. I can find alternative ROM when the stock ROM is not there anymore
not to root because:
1. It has unremovable battery, so i don't want to have it died faster with all that plug/unplug ordeal
2. i got all the service that was offered at the time of purchase, i just want to enjoy it as long as i can
3. The stock ROM is enough for me
4. Helium/Carbon Backup is there to substitute TiBu
So each of the way is good in for some reason. For me the the urge to mod is dead if you are not rooted (obvious) but there are a lot of other ways to do a modding, for instance, do your own program might be a better approach to fill on your own needs. There are more than one ways to Rome anyway
hansip87 said:
My reasoning:
to root because:
1. I can mod the system app as i like too (camera, quick toggle, xposed, etc)
2. I can do easier and real backup with Titanium Backup
3. I can find alternative ROM when the stock ROM is not there anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good one!!
rooting the latest is a pain. But i didnt start using my phone, till i had safely rooted it.
This is the only phone i havent rooted yet sincee the eclair era...no need.already powerful.smooth fast clear.nothing left to tweak n screw for me.best one yet.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
i dont root till Sony didnt released the last Firmware. If that gives me the Power to move Apps to SD the phone stays unrooted. If not i go for root, because of the size of my apps and because of the option Titanium Backup gives me
This is the only Android phone I have kept the stock ROM. I rooted it a couple of times but kept going back to the stable stock rom. The phone is naturally fast and smooth and has good memory and battery management as standard.
Need something else? then root.
Explorer2012 said:
I just bought z ultra
Kindly advice should I root it or not, I have read couple of feedback that its stock is already powerful
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the main reason to root these days is to use Xposed. Sony stock roms+Xposed make a wonderful combination of features and stability.
Just to give an example, with Xposed you can have the features of (what used to be) Paranoid Android on a Sony stock rom.
This said, it is true that rooting .290/.136 firmwares may be a pain in the ass, but anyone that follows instructions carefully should be able to do it safely.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
blueether said:
Wimp
I, and many of the other power users/posters (hamdogg, LordManhatton, [NUT], krabappel, DoomLord), have gone back and forth many times and have tested all of the steps. There were lots of Z1 (and a few ZU) bricks, mostly by flashing .290 without bootboundle.
The steps are simple, and you dont even need to unlock the BL to have root on .290/136
Flash [NUT]'s .532
Root w1th Bin4ry's tool
Backup TA
Unlock BL
Upgrade to latest FTF (or if on locked BL follow the steps for .290 and then .136)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wimp I am when it comes to my primary work device I have lots of other older devices that I've hacked the crap out of (I can't count how many ROM's I've put on my GT7.7) and my Dell Streak wasn't even useful until I put a custom ROM it.
None of what you described above is something that I haven't done with other devices (But never with my current everyday primary device). That being said, My original statement still stands - there is no SIMPLE way to ROOT your phone and keep/backup the original config/partitions. My last 3 devices, I downloaded an App, clicked the button and whammo, Root.
Until I absolutely need it, I'll just stick with Stock/No-Root (That is of course unless someone creates a Whammo solution).
Thank you all for your response.
I have decidedto stick to the stock ROM for time being.
Once again I truly appreciate your response
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Hey guys,
First of i'm not sure if this is a appropriate thread to ask this, if not i'm sorry and will move/remove it.
Anyways it's been awhile since i've been in the android scene and xda in general, had an iphone for about a year or two and just recently got my Z2:victory: so i'm back but things changed a little and i need a little info if anyone can help,
Basically i'm looking to flash [Xperia Z2] DooMKernel v09 kernel but i read it requires an unlocked bootloader... so basically i need to know if my bootloaders unlocked now that i flashed recovery (check signature) (Does flashing recovery unlock a bootloader?) and can i just flash the zip?
or do i need to still unlock my bootloader even though i have dual recovery and then flash the kernel?
Your bootloader is still locked, what you did is you installed recovery for locked bootloader.
Do not try to flash custom kernel on locked bootloader, you'll soft brick your phone.
What you need in order to flash custom kernel is to unlock bootloader, but firstly you need to back up your TA keys ( click here )
For more info click HERE (about unlocking)
Proceed carefully!
Regards!
hey thanks for the info, that' clears up everything, I did already backup my TA partition so I guess all I need to do is unlock bootloader then flash the kernel! quick question have you flashed your kernel? I know I read the info an features of it but is there any upside to it on a z2? my device is pretty fast an stable as is, just looking for a reason to flash mine, any further advice you can give me? is it worth it?
Zeyn Karim said:
hey thanks for the info, that' clears up everything, I did already backup my TA partition so I guess all I need to do is unlock bootloader then flash the kernel! quick question have you flashed your kernel? I know I read the info an features of it but is there any upside to it on a z2? my device is pretty fast an stable as is, just looking for a reason to flash mine, any further advice you can give me? is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well to be honest, I haven't, I didn't find any reason to do so, the stock is doing good for me at the moment.
As for the side affects, or as you say upside downs, there is no any, not at least that I'm aware of, but as far as I saw it's not compatible with every rom, only with stock as with stock based ones, I mean developer does not guarantee for it's stability if it's being used along with any other rom. I have rooted and flashed recoveries only to use existenz rom. I heard for Doomlord's kernel, that it has "fix" for a video recorder mic, you can control it's sensitivity and it's far more battery friendly.
Ah I see! thanks, think I'll stick with the stock kernel for the time being, I don't have any complaints at the moment with it but if I ever do decide to switch to the doom kernel atleast I know what to do first, I've got one last question though sorry, do I need to unlock my bootloader to flash a custom rom? I don't think I do, I'm pretty sure I don't, but just want to make sure, used to have only low end droid devices back in the day when I used to be here, didn't have things like dual recoveries etc so yeah I'm kind of reading an learning as I'm going along, pretty awesome device though sleek and powerful I've only been doing minor adjustments to the stock rom using xposed modules, haven't used a custom rom as yet but I will soon...
Zeyn Karim said:
Ah I see! thanks, think I'll stick with the stock kernel for the time being, I don't have any complaints at the moment with it but if I ever do decide to switch to the doom kernel atleast I know what to do first, I've got one last question though sorry, do I need to unlock my bootloader to flash a custom rom? I don't think I do, I'm pretty sure I don't, but just want to make sure, used to have only low end droid devices back in the day when I used to be here, didn't have things like dual recoveries etc so yeah I'm kind of reading an learning as I'm going along, pretty awesome device though sleek and powerful I've only been doing minor adjustments to the stock rom using xposed modules, haven't used a custom rom as yet but I will soon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yes and no, LB means its for locked bootloaders and UB means for unlocked bootloaders, search for those to two words when you find the rom which you can flash.
Some roms require unlocking, some do not. All stock based roms usually dont require, but as I told you, it will be stated in Rom's thread name or in OP.
Regards!
Ah! I'll be sure to look out for those, thanks for the valuable info, think that's all I needed to find out. I should be ok from here on out
just smashed my oneplus one so the other half has gave me her z2,
managed to root it on 4.4.4 and have Clockwork Recovery,
it so much more difficult to flash roms...
basically im looking for a rom with good battery life and good camera mods,
can some one just give me the heads up, do i still need to downgrade to 4.4.2 do i need to install dual recovery
and any tips on roms
cheers
based on what you wrote i'm assuming to rooted through unlocking your bootloader, which has voided your warranty and resulted in losing your DRM keys, now you don't have to downgrade for anything. that is required if you don't have a rooted phone and need to root without unlocking bootloader.
now you can simply flash any new rom. there are multiple choices, but only two lollipop roms available right now based on stock, Existez Y and Moonwalker Provolution, both are available in development section. personally i'm using Existenz Y as the black design in Provolution was not exactly my cup of tea, and it has some terrific options as ambient display and changing navbar size inbuilt without the need of xposed. otherwise there are multiple AOSP and CM based ROMS available in both development and orig development section. for flashing steps please read them on OP of each rom, and go through the threads properly before asking for them in new posts or threads.
thank you very much for writing back to me , yes i have unlocked the bootloader ,
reading Exstez topic it mentions about flashing latest firmware and adding dual recovery?
just checked Moonwalkers
You Must To Be Sure You Are On Firmware .726[LP] Or .28[LP]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sutty86 said:
thank you very much for writing back to me , yes i have unlocked the bootloader ,
reading Exstez topic it mentions about flashing latest firmware and adding dual recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is required if you are on LB and have dual recovery. i dont think if you have unlocked bootloader you need dual recovery. you can use normal recovery to flash. anyway dual recovery is available for UB also so you can use that. provides you with more option and i personally prefer that.
sutty86 said:
just checked Moonwalkers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes for moonwalker its recommended that you come from LP base. but i'm not sure how you can go back to stock after unlocking your BL. can't flash stock FTF normally as it might brick the device. might want to check sticky threads for getting to LP on unlocked bootloader. creating a prerooted firmware might help you in that. since i have a locked BL dont really know a lot about that part.
Just a heads up, since you unlocked your boot Loader the camera low light performance will be significantly bad and other Sony exclusive apps might not work. Hopefully you backed up TA partition.
Hey guys,
I'm thinking about getting a Z2 because they are pretty cheap now and I don't really see such a big benefit when looking at the Z3 or Z5.
I'm coming from a Nexus5 on which I stupidly broke the screen so I'm in need of something new.
I do however have a few worries about getting the Z2 maybe you can help me out.
1. Does unlocking and flashing custom roms break anything? I love custom roms or pure android so I really want to use it however I read somewhere that flashing custom roms loses some features on the z2. Does it worsen the camera due to drm not working?
2. Android M support was announced by sony however how long does it usually take them to roll out updates?
3. Does the Z2 have the same "screen cracking without force" issue as the Z3 seems to be plagued by?
4. Are there any really compelling reasons to get a Z3 instead of Z2? I read some reviews saying the screen is better but thats about it...
5. Does the Z2 support camera2.api?
Thanks a lot.
pseudoheld said:
Hey guys,
I'm thinking about getting a Z2 because they are pretty cheap now and I don't really see such a big benefit when looking at the Z3 or Z5.
I'm coming from a Nexus5 on which I stupidly broke the screen so I'm in need of something new.
I do however have a few worries about getting the Z2 maybe you can help me out.
1. Does unlocking and flashing custom roms break anything? I love custom roms or pure android so I really want to use it however I read somewhere that flashing custom roms loses some features on the z2. Does it worsen the camera due to drm not working?
2. Android M support was announced by sony however how long does it usually take them to roll out updates?
3. Does the Z2 have the same "screen cracking without force" issue as the Z3 seems to be plagued by?
4. Are there any really compelling reasons to get a Z3 instead of Z2? I read some reviews saying the screen is better but thats about it...
5. Does the Z2 support camera2.api?
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes, you'll lose Xreality, some camera processing, Screen Mirroring and OTA. However there are 2 solutions to that: You could root the device without unlocking your device or unlock your device (remember to backup DRM first) and flash drm fix. Both methods retain full functionality (without OTA of course in case you unlock).
2. No idea. It varies.
3. There was a really small batch of defective units (probably ones that came out first anyway), nothing to worry about. Nowadays I don't see any complains about screen cracking anymore.
4. If you use ported Qualcomm Assertive Display screens will be identical as far as I know. The Z3 used to have better battery life, but I'm quite sure that's no more valid as the .232 LP update improved battery life significantly.
5. No, actually none of Sony devices support that. Unfortunately. Heh.
EDIT: I use the Z2 for 2 years now and I cannot see any reason to switch to Z3 or Z5. Overall this is a very solid buy, if you ask me. Especially for the price.
Jackos said:
1. Yes, you'll lose Xreality, some camera processing, Screen Mirroring and OTA. However there are 2 solutions to that: You could root the device without unlocking your device or unlock your device (remember to backup DRM first) and flash drm fix. Both methods retain full functionality (without OTA of course in case you unlock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all a big thanks for taking the time to help me out!
1. If I root my device without unlocking the bootloader will I be able to flash a custom recovery and custom roms? Or am I then restricted to the Stock rom (with root of course)
2. Can custom roms make use of xreality and the camera processing if I flash the DRM fix? Or is it just for people who erased their DRM and are now back on stock and want the features back?
3. Can I root all Firmware versions or is a downgrade sometimes still necessary to root?
4. Is this the right tool for rooting without unlocking? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559009
EDIT: after reading a little i guess its this one right?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2783750
pseudoheld said:
First of all a big thanks for taking the time to help me out!
1. If I root my device without unlocking the bootloader will I be able to flash a custom recovery and custom roms? Or am I then restricted to the Stock rom (with root of course)
2. Can custom roms make use of xreality and the camera processing if I flash the DRM fix? Or is it just for people who erased their DRM and are now back on stock and want the features back?
3. Can I root all Firmware versions or is a downgrade sometimes still necessary to root?
4. Is this the right tool for rooting without unlocking? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559009
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, had similar questions 2 years ago when I was switching from S3 to Z2
1. No, unfortunately with locked bootloader you have to use stock kernel - and it's not compatible with custom roms. The good aspect here is that if you want to switch to a custom ROM you won't need any of the DRM keys, because custom roms don't use them at all. You only need DRM keys on stock (or stock based) roms. Yes, you will be able to use Recovery with locked bootloader (however that's a bit different from Nexus devices since the Z2 doesn't have a recovery partition by default).
2. No, the DRM fix is only for stock (or stock based roms). Unfortunately, if you use custom ROM camera quality will be worse and you won't have Xreality, because that's closed source Sony software. But if you find a camera app that does image processing, who knows what effects you'll get
3. You need to downgrade to at least LP5.0.2 to root. But that's easy enough. Later you just install a custom recovery and install a prerooted rom package to be on the latest version.
4. Yes, everything AndroPlus releases is top notch
Jackos said:
1. No, unfortunately with locked bootloader you have to use stock kernel - and it's not compatible with custom roms. The good aspect here is that if you want to switch to a custom ROM you won't need any of the DRM keys, because custom roms don't use them at all. You only need DRM keys on stock (or stock based) roms. Yes, you will be able to use Recovery with locked bootloader (however that's a bit different from Nexus devices since the Z2 doesn't have a recovery partition by default).
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Click to collapse
1. If I want custom roms I need to unlock my BL. Can I unlock and relock my BL?
2. What is different about Recovery on this device?
3. Does Xposed work well? (Incase I stay on stock and still want some extras?)
pseudoheld said:
1. If I want custom roms I need to unlock my BL. Can I unlock and relock my BL?
2. What is different about Recovery on this device?
3. Does Xposed work well? (Incase I stay on stock and still want some extras?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes, without an issue. Also, restoring DRM keys also relocks the BL.
2. There is no recovery partition. Start off by reading this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/noob-guide-to-sony-ericsson-xperia-t3209012
3. Yes.
Jackos said:
2. There is no recovery partition. Start off by reading this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/noob-guide-to-sony-ericsson-xperia-t3209012
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Click to collapse
Thanks thats a great thread!
So the steps should be as follows:
1. get phone
2. root without unlocking
3. back up TA
4. unlock bootload
5. flash a custom kernel containing a recovery
6. flash custom rom (or dont)
Going back to the kernels. SO every custom kernel contains a recovery? Did I understand that correctly?
why can't sony just make the next nexus device...i would be all over that!
pseudoheld said:
Thanks thats a great thread!
So the steps should be as follows:
1. get phone
2. root without unlocking
3. back up TA
4. unlock bootload
5. flash a custom kernel containing a recovery
6. flash custom rom (or dont)
Going back to the kernels. SO every custom kernel contains a recovery? Did I understand that correctly?
why can't sony just make the next nexus device...i would be all over that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the steps seem correct. Although you mighty want to install a recovery without using a custom kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261606 That's also possible for LB.
Yes, most kernels contain already a recovery. But you can also use a stock kernel and install a custom recovery by yourself. Or use kernel builder to make you a stock kernel with recovery build-in by default (but you need to unlock your BL anyway).
Jackos said:
Yes, the steps seem correct. Although you mighty want to install a recovery without using a custom kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261606 That's also possible for LB.
Yes, most kernels contain already a recovery. But you can also use a stock kernel and install a custom recovery by yourself. Or use kernel builder to make you a stock kernel with recovery build-in by default (but you need to unlock your BL anyway).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a Z2
Should arrive in a few days. Looking forward to tinkering with it.
Thanks for the help so far!
I have used Nexus 5 but it had terrible battery life/ screen on time and Z2 is great in battery life department and i think Z2 is much better phone which people can buy right now compare to M8/S5. It offer good design/ Excellent battery life/decent camera/ latest software/ affordable price/IP rating and more RAM so its quiet well all rounder in reasonable price and Sony is quick in giving updates and sony phones are the only phones where i never felt the need to unlock bootloader to try CM based ROM because these Xperia have less bloat ware and software is light and speedy so Enjoy your company with Z2