[Q] Improvements by "updating" bootloader with stock 4.4 - Xperia Z1 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys,
I unlocked my bootloader some months ago (my Z1 came with stock 4.3) and use SlimKat (weekly ATM) since then.
Now that the official 4.4 update is released, I wonder if there are any advantages (like better cam, wifi, newer modem) from locking the BL, installing stock 4.4 and unlocking BL again, to go back to a custom ROM.
I come from a Samsung device where you could update e.g. the modem/baseband seperately and I understand that in Sony devices all these things are fix in bootloader.
Thanks for your help!

You don't have to relock your bootloader, just flash 4.4 via Flashtool v0.9.14. The step of relock and unlock the Bootlader after flash 4.4 have no benefits at all, just waste of time.
BTW, via Flashtool you can flash baseband only, if you want.

Hey eclyptos, thanks for your reply and the tip. But if do this, does this have any advantages like I stated in the OP?

eclyptos said:
You don't have to relock your bootloader, just flash 4.4 via Flashtool v0.9.14. The step of relock and unlock the Bootlader after flash 4.4 have no benefits at all, just waste of time.
BTW, via Flashtool you can flash baseband only, if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having your locked bootloader does not involve some enhancements in photo quality? apart of the bravia engine and other things...
I believed that there were issues with camera quality on UB (that is why I haven't done it yet), so if there are no advantages, I might be unlocking it really soon...

ral9005 said:
Hey eclyptos, thanks for your reply and the tip. But if do this, does this have any advantages like I stated in the OP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want remind you first to DO NOT Relock Bootloader on Custom Kernels because you will brick your phone. So if you asking about Kitkat 4.4 itself and not bootloader, then I can say, you have to try it because is the newest Version of 4.4.2, last update of Slimkat was 3th March. Some improvement was made like in Pictures and Smoothness but very tiny difference so is up to you.
About Bootloader, if you asking, the only advantage you will get in Relock Bootlader if you will keep it locked so everything will work like it should, but if you want to Unlocking again after update then don't relock it in first place because it's a waste of time, it will be the same.
pdaaalex said:
Having your locked bootloader does not involve some enhancements in photo quality? apart of the bravia engine and other things...
I believed that there were issues with camera quality on UB (that is why I haven't done it yet), so if there are no advantages, I might be unlocking it really soon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somebody see differences, somebody doesn't. I try to keep it locked until something really amazing don't come out or will encrease the developing section for Z1.

Related

[Q]difference root with unlocked/locked bootloader

Hey guys/gals
i have a quick question.
what exactly is the difference (featurewise) when it comes to rooting with an unlocked bootloader and rooting with a locked one?
i'm pretty new to android (iOS user until last saturday), did some research today, but didn't really find much usefull information.
main reason i want to root (at least for now. i'm sure i would find more after spending more time with my xperia), is because i want to format my 64gb SD to exfat and move apps over to it.
thanks guys
edit: and no, i'm currently not thinking about getting a different theme/loader on it (this is one of the things you can only do with an unlocked one, right?)
edit2: and yes, my bootloader can be unlocked
dottore. said:
Hey guys/gals
i have a quick question.
what exactly is the difference (featurewise) when it comes to rooting with an unlocked bootloader and rooting with a locked one?
i'm pretty new to android (iOS user until last saturday), did some research today, but didn't really find much usefull information.
main reason i want to root (at least for now. i'm sure i would find more after spending more time with my xperia), is because i want to format my 64gb SD to exfat and move apps over to it.
thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok unlocked bootloaders = you lose DRM keys forever and Bravia Engine doesn't work. Relocking won't get them back. You can also overclock/underclock CPU with unlocked bootloader. You can also flash custom ROMs/kernels with unlocked bootloader.
Now with locked bootloader you can still have root but you don't lose your DRM keys. You can't flash custom ROMs/kernels or do any overclocking/underclocking.
That's all I can think of.
yeah, i read about that whole DRM thing. i don't care so much about the Bravia Engine and DRM, but i wouldn't mind it staying (first time i said that about DRM), so thats one of the main reason i didn't just went on with unlocking.
is flashing a custom kernel something more or less common when using a rooted android? could i get the things mentioned done without doing it? (i think i read moving apps only needs root, but then again: the xperia z seems to be a bit special when it comes to extSD)
thanks for the fast reply
shadowboy23 said:
Ok unlocked bootloaders = you lose DRM keys forever and Bravia Engine doesn't work. Relocking won't get them back. You can also overclock/underclock CPU with unlocked bootloader. You can also flash custom ROMs/kernels with unlocked bootloader.
Now with locked bootloader you can still have root but you don't lose your DRM keys. You can't flash custom ROMs/kernels or do any overclocking/underclocking.
That's all I can think of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is flashing a custom kernel something more or less common when using a rooted android? could i get the things mentioned done without doing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's up to you. You can either flash custom ROMs/kernels if you want but you will need to unlock the bootloader to do that. Locked bootloader you can only have root and that's it sad to say. But you don't have to flash a custom ROM or kernel if you have root. because you can't anyway with a locked bootloader. Having root just means you can use apps that need root access.
shadowboy23 said:
Well it's up to you. You can either flash custom ROMs/kernels if you want but you will need to unlock the bootloader to do that. Locked bootloader you can only have root and that's it sad to say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, thanks. i think i'll stay with the locked one for now...let's see for how long

Questions From a Would be Owner

Hello guys,
Just a few questions so I know what I am getting into
1) The phone can be rooted. However, if i want to run on a custom ROM or use mods such as the music mod, I would have to unlock the bootloader, yes?
2) Once the bootloader is unlocked, I would lose the 'Bravia Engine' feature of the phone. What else will I lose? For those who have lost it, is the trade off, of being able to run Custom ROMs and mods while losing the 'Bravia Engine' feature worth it?
3) If I have to send the phone for warranty, I could just re-lock the bootloader and send it back for warranty. Is there a chance somehow that they'll reject the phone if they detected that the phone's bootloader was tempered with?
arvin2212 said:
Hello guys,
Just a few questions so I know what I am getting into
1) The phone can be rooted. However, if i want to run on a custom ROM or use mods such as the music mod, I would have to unlock the bootloader, yes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no
arvin2212 said:
Hello guys,
Just a few questions so I know what I am getting into
2) Once the bootloader is unlocked, I would lose the 'Bravia Engine' feature of the phone. What else will I lose? For those who have lost it, is the trade off, of being able to run Custom ROMs and mods while losing the 'Bravia Engine' feature worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No clue since mine isn't/can't be unlocked. The only reason for me to unlock the BL (Even though it can't be done) would be, to flash a custom kernel, beside that I don't see any other reasons why I should unlock it.
arvin2212 said:
Hello guys,
Just a few questions so I know what I am getting into
3) If I have to send the phone for warranty, I could just re-lock the bootloader and send it back for warranty. Is there a chance somehow that they'll reject the phone if they detected that the phone's bootloader was tempered with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once it's unlocked there is no way back.
So if you want to root your phone, use custom roms (without custom kernels) you don't need to unlock the bootloader.
Dsteppa said:
no
No clue since mine isn't/can't be unlocked. The only reason for me to unlock the BL (Even though it can't be done) would be, to flash a custom kernel, beside that I don't see any other reasons why I should unlock it.
Once it's unlocked there is no way back.
So if you want to root your phone, use custom roms (without custom kernels) you don't need to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the reply.
I assumed as such from reading some posts initially, but then I went to the ROM section (If i am not mistaken) and there is a post on how to unlock the bootloader and then there is the Why section where it says that you could then use custom ROMs and mods which then confused me.
If i can use custom roms and mods without unlocking the bootloader, then I'll definitely be getting this phone.
I'll take advantage of this thread to ask one simple question: once we rooted the XZ and flash the Mods we find useful, we no longer get updates from the official Sony firmware in the future, right?
labroste said:
I'll take advantage of this thread to ask one simple question: once we rooted the XZ and flash the Mods we find useful, we no longer get updates from the official Sony firmware in the future, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First backup your firmware with http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2188129
You can go back at any time to your original firmware and you can have the updates via pcc or sus.
Sent from my C6602 using xda premium

[Q] Camera not working after unlockin bootloader 4.4.2

after unlocking the bootloader and rooting the phone
camera is not working at all:crying:
i am new to this world
so please explain how to fix it in details
thanks
zerok911 said:
after unlocking the bootloader and rooting the phone
camera is not working at all:crying:
i am new to this world
so please explain how to fix it in details
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in which firmware u unlocked the bootloader and rooted the z1?
If you Unlocked your Bootloader when you was on JB 4.2.2 then you upgraded to KK 4.4.2 then that's the mistake...
eclyptos said:
If you Unlocked your Bootloader when you was on JB 4.2.2 then you upgraded to KK 4.4.2 then that's the mistake...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, i bought the phone with kitkat 4.4.2 on it
all what i wanted is to root the phone, while having the camera working at the same time
but not root and a damaged camera ..
help me out ?!
Something wrong here, i can confirm unlock bootloader on 4.4.2 can't stop camera function. (i unlocked my phone on kitkat firmware 757, all working fine)
I think you did not backup DRM keys too?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app
zerok911 said:
no, i bought the phone with kitkat 4.4.2 on it !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something wrong here too, it not come out of box with Kitkat, so I presume you was thinking you have it but you don't.
If you brought it used then different story, but the story of the phone we don't know.
So I don't know how to help here as Unlock Bootloader on 4.4 do NOT Breaking the camera functionality.
eclyptos said:
Something wrong here too, it not come out of box with Kitkat, so I presume you was thinking you have it but you don't.
If you brought it used then different story, but the story of the phone we don't know.
So I don't know how to help here as Unlock Bootloader on 4.4 do NOT Breaking the camera functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it new from Sony with Kitkat on it in middle east -Dubai
The issue is being sorted via PM with me.
However, this is a synopsis.
The OP unlocked the bootloader on 4.4 - Camera works.
Then, instead of just flashing a custom kernel to gain root, the OP followed a guide for a locked bootloader to gain root. Once they downgraded to 4.2 the camera broke.
In order to fix this the solution is
1) Relock the bootloader (by restoring the TA partition if a TA backup was made, in this case not, or by using flashtool)
2) Use pccompanion to upgrade to latest FW
3) Re-unlock the bootloader by the official method (Or flashtool, if it was re-locked with flashtool)
4) Flash a stock based custom kernel
5) Install SuperSU from the play store.
gregbradley said:
The OP unlocked the bootloader on 4.4 - Camera works.
Then, instead of just flashing a custom kernel to gain root, the OP followed a guide for a locked bootloader to gain root. Once they downgraded to 4.2 the camera broke.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..LOL... that explain all..hahaha...
Hi, is it possible to fix camera if I haven't TA backup?
ekks said:
Hi, is it possible to fix camera if I haven't TA backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so if you unlocked on 4.2
If you unlocked on 4.3+ it wont break anyway
try relocking the boot with flashtool, upgrading by pccompanion then unlocking again with flashtool
gregbradley said:
I don't think so if you unlocked on 4.2
If you unlocked on 4.3+ it wont break anyway
try relocking the boot with flashtool, upgrading by pccompanion then unlocking again with flashtool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i too broke the camera by doing the same mistake!!!!!........cursing.......what to do now......
my brand new z1.......lemme try this method.......
i dont think i won b able to claim th warranty also.....

[Q] Unlocking bootloader and CM11 installation

Hi! Im a little newbie but still trying . Sadly Sony abandoned us with a laggy compilation of happy thoughts. I my Sp have both root and recovery installed to delete bloatware. Im stuck with .205 stock and probably wont receive .207 anytime soon, so now that sony won't release kitkat its time for CUSTOM ROMS yeah!. I wanted to try the lastest release on nightly, the snapshot is like 2 months old (don't know if matters but for tweakers we have to test until we are happy )
Sadly for any rom, I need to unlock my bootloader but i can't. when i type the #*#*xxxx, says NO to unlockable bootloader, and when I use Flashtool doesn't work, still says that my device cannot be unlocked :S. Is there anyway to unlock the bootloader? Saw some solutions about flashing without unlocking but im afraid to brick the phone xd
I need some big help! will be appreciated ;D
johancamo1 said:
Hi! Im a little newbie but still trying . Sadly Sony abandoned us with a laggy compilation of happy thoughts. I my Sp have both root and recovery installed to delete bloatware. Im stuck with .205 stock and probably wont receive .207 anytime soon, so now that sony won't release kitkat its time for CUSTOM ROMS yeah!. I wanted to try the lastest release on nightly, the snapshot is like 2 months old (don't know if matters but for tweakers we have to test until we are happy )
Sadly for any rom, I need to unlock my bootloader but i can't. when i type the #*#*xxxx, says NO to unlockable bootloader, and when I use Flashtool doesn't work, still says that my device cannot be unlocked :S. Is there anyway to unlock the bootloader? Saw some solutions about flashing without unlocking but im afraid to brick the phone xd
I need some big help! will be appreciated ;D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When It says NO you cant. It was so many times before. Just search.
When You cant unlock your BL, use CM11 for Locked BL. Simple.
smogf said:
When It says NO you cant. It was so many times before. Just search.
When You cant unlock your BL, use CM11 for Locked BL. Simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But i saw that some of the LBL have many bugs on forums. What i need is that can run some demanding games like real racing 3 and Wi-fi Hotspot working. Is there anyone you can recommend based on cm11 m11?
johancamo1 said:
But i saw that some of the LBL have many bugs on forums. What i need is that can run some demanding games like real racing 3 and Wi-fi Hotspot working. Is there anyone you can recommend based on cm11 m11?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to try them to believe them, bruh!
Fancy for the steps?

[Q] Z1 c903 Bootloader locking. Help!

Hello all! Im new in xda forum, so i will be greatefull if you help me with my Sony Z1 phone. I have Z1 c903 on android 5.0.2., and I was mad on sony becouse they didnt make update to 5.1, so i was looking on forum how to root and install some custom rom and make my phone updated. So i find on some thread that i should unlock bootloader, and i followed instructions and unlocked it, but without making some backup or anything else. So i have seen that there is official update for sony and i want to get back to lock bootloader. But when i enter flashtool and enter "blu" i click on relock bootloader, and start phone type *#*#service#*#* it say that my bootloader is still unlocked. How should i get back to locked bootloader or make official update to 5.1. Please make it more clear becouse i am pretty noob for android development and rest. Also i want to add that i have not rooted my phone or install some custom rom or other, i just have unlock bootloader and thats all. Could i get back my "DRM keys" and could i get back my ofiicial android. Thanks in advance.
koska92 said:
Hello all! Im new in xda forum, so i will be greatefull if you help me with my Sony Z1 phone. I have Z1 c903 on android 5.0.2., and I was mad on sony becouse they didnt make update to 5.1, so i was looking on forum how to root and install some custom rom and make my phone updated. So i find on some thread that i should unlock bootloader, and i followed instructions and unlocked it, but without making some backup or anything else. So i have seen that there is official update for sony and i want to get back to lock bootloader. But when i enter flashtool and enter "blu" i click on relock bootloader, and start phone type *#*#service#*#* it say that my bootloader is still unlocked. How should i get back to locked bootloader or make official update to 5.1. Please make it more clear becouse i am pretty noob for android development and rest. Also i want to add that i have not rooted my phone or install some custom rom or other, i just have unlock bootloader and thats all. Could i get back my "DRM keys" and could i get back my ofiicial android. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh dear, you lost your drm keys.... thats not good....all sony own camera features (bionz, noise reduction...) are lost now. So without your drm keys, you dont get an advantage of locking bl again. SImply flash official sony 5.1.1 and here you are
Tutorial?
mo120697 said:
oh dear, you lost your drm keys.... thats not good....all sony own camera features (bionz, noise reduction...) are lost now. So without your drm keys, you dont get an advantage of locking bl again. SImply flash official sony 5.1.1 and here you are
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any tutorial how to flash 5.1.1. to my sony? Becouse i didnt root it, i is still my official 5.0.1 android.
koska92 said:
Is there any tutorial how to flash 5.1.1. to my sony? Becouse i didnt root it, i is still my official 5.0.1 android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the ftf (general section) and flash via flashtool, but untick the 3 wipe boxes if You want t to keep your data
Thanks
mo120697 said:
Download the ftf (general section) and flash via flashtool, but untick the 3 wipe boxes if You want t to keep your data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you link me please?
koska92 said:
Can you link me please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FTF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_mcadp7d-Ivb0RoQTdmT29NN0U/view?usp=sharing
Then start at step 11:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/how-instal...z3-z2-devices-via-xperifirm-flashtool-1492498

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