Hello guys. I'm new to the community, but I did my homework and I can honestly say I've spent a good +40 hours on this site in the past month, and it paid off since I'm now the proud owner of a rooted Xperia Z1 running 4.4.2 KitKat with XZdualrecovery which is something I tought I would never do out of fear of bricking my device and the lack of information and support for my rather "slightly rare" C6906 model with annoyances like a non-unlockable bootloader , where the C6903 and C6902 models get all the attention. Anyway guys, I rooted my phone, awesome...but for me, the next step is installing a custom rom, because I feel that the stock xperia Z1 firmware is not enough for my customizing needs, plus I also envy the stock like experience it provides, even more than my Z1. I read up on a few guides for installing cyanogenmod on the Z1, but they all seem to be only supported for the C6903 and C6902 models. Plus, it doesn't help to motivate myself knowing that my C6906 model still has a locked bootloader (apparently) and I've read unlocking the bootloader is a requirement for installing custom ROMs. So, my questions are:
Is XZDualRecovery enough to install custom ROMs? Specially the version with the locked bootloader? Could I run into any issues?
If the answer to the previous question is yes, Are there any good guides concerning the C6906 model on how to install custom roms? (Or more importantly, cyanogenmod? [preferably versions that have been tested on the C6906])
You cannot install anything like Cyanogenmod as it needs an unlocked bootloader
You can install any rom from the development section, just follow the locked bootloader instructions
Now that you have recovery, make a backup and follow the instructions in the thread.
Thanks!
gregbradley said:
You cannot install anything like Cyanogenmod as it needs an unlocked bootloader
You can install any rom from the development section, just follow the locked bootloader instructions
Now that you have recovery, make a backup and follow the instructions in the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! You saved me a lot of time so I can stop searching for a way to install CM. I will look into the development section them. Any recommendations on what's a good/stable/popular ROM I can install then?
sarxion said:
Thank you! You saved me a lot of time so I can stop searching for a way to install CM. I will look into the development section them. Any recommendations on what's a good/stable/popular ROM I can install then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, and xda mods don't like that question being asked. Best ROM and asking for best ROM threads get closed quickly. Here is why..
If you ask someone which pizza they should buy then people give their own favourites as a recommendation. I like hot, spicy and meaty ones, but if recommend that to you may say "That's disgusting!" you may be one of those people who like anchovies and sweetcorn on their pizza. That may be perfect for you, but I will hate it
In short, you have to try them yourself and see which one suits you best. One bit of advice though, even if someone recommends a ROM to you, its no guarantee you will like it.
Part of the appeal of android is that we can customise so much, so try, test for a week (It takes that long to get an idea of performance and battery) then move on and try another.
Once you have done that, flash your favourite.
gregbradley said:
No, and xda mods don't like that question being asked. Best ROM and asking for best ROM threads get closed quickly. Here is why..
If you ask someone which pizza they should buy then people give their own favourites as a recommendation. I like hot, spicy and meaty ones, but if recommend that to you may say "That's disgusting!" you may be one of those people who like anchovies and sweetcorn on their pizza. That may be perfect for you, but I will hate it
In short, you have to try them yourself and see which one suits you best. One bit of advice though, even if someone recommends a ROM to you, its no guarantee you will like it.
Part of the appeal of android is that we can customise so much, so try, test for a week (It takes that long to get an idea of performance and battery) then move on and try another.
Once you have done that, flash your favourite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok...sorry, didn't know that...So, should I close this thread then? or is there a way to mark my questions as answered?
sarxion said:
Oh ok...sorry, didn't know that...So, should I close this thread then? or is there a way to mark my questions as answered?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
click on edit in your first post, then click on advanced
Change the title to say
[Solved] at the front of it
Related
hey folks,
Looking at flashing my first rom, still deciding between serendipity, miui and CM7. In terms of stability, which one is currently the best? I know many are a matter of opinion. The one thing I cannot piece together is the talk of kernals and modems. Do you need to install these if you flash a custom rom? Do they come with the rom install?
This should be posted on the Q&A section.
Mod, please move.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
xtracrispy69 said:
hey folks,
Looking at flashing my first rom, still deciding between serendipity, miui and CM7. In terms of stability, which one is currently the best? I know many are a matter of opinion. The one thing I cannot piece together is the talk of kernals and modems. Do you need to install these if you flash a custom rom? Do they come with the rom install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on Serendipity 7 right now and love it its extremely stable for what I use the phone for.
As for kernels and modems they usually come with the rom they are flashed when the rom is. The modem controls all of the radio aspects of the phone while the kernels runs various functions of the phone.
But questions like this should be in Q&A for future reference.
Swyped from my Samsung Captivate using XDA App.
xtracrispy69 said:
hey folks,
Looking at flashing my first rom, still deciding between serendipity, miui and CM7. In terms of stability, which one is currently the best? I know many are a matter of opinion. The one thing I cannot piece together is the talk of kernals and modems. Do you need to install these if you flash a custom rom? Do they come with the rom install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Few things:
- There is no "best" anything on XDA, it's all opinion, and both members and MODs tend to frown upon "what's the best XXXX" type threads
- This question should have been posted in "Q&A" not development
- It sounds like you need to READ quite a bit more before you try to go about flashing anything. If you're asking questions like "what is a kernel or modem?" you probably aren't qualified to start flashing yet. It's dangerous, and can turn your phone into an expensive coaster.
Welcome to XDA!
not worried about bricking as I've worked on a number of devices outside of android. Just looking for some quick answers. Didn't need three flames...
Your quick answers are already answered. The flames are not flames but someone frustrated by someone asking the same question that's been answered so many times its unreal. Seeing as how there is a thread conviently named how to flash a ROM over in the Q&A section the "flames" are warrented. If you want my opinion the best way to learn something is by just doing it. Read, read, and read some more. Honestly, you're lucky that the "flames" were as nice as the were.
This thread is probably about to be closed...
Please don't ask these sort of questions in the Dev section. People will get angry and they will tell you. This isn't about development at all so it has no need to be in this forum. To sort of answer your question, IN MY OPINION Samsung based ROMs will provide more stability than CM7/MIUI.
xtracrispy69 said:
Didn't need three flames...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then maybe next time read before posting on the ROM forum mate....make that four
xtracrispy69 said:
hey folks,
Looking at flashing my first rom, still deciding between serendipity, miui and CM7. In terms of stability, which one is currently the best? I know many are a matter of opinion. The one thing I cannot piece together is the talk of kernals and modems. Do you need to install these if you flash a custom rom? Do they come with the rom install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont even try to flash your phone if you dont know the basics. especially a gb rom.just get someone to do it for you. BECAUSE WERE NOT GUNA DO IT FOR YOU.so stop with the noob post
Hey Guys...
First of all - I am Amazed by the level of this forum... Its truly great...
I am Very new to XDA. I Still managed to figure out essential things for my captivate.
I spent straight 8 to 10hrs [Approx a Month ago] reading and searching variety of threads, links and videos and got the Idea about rooting, Custom ROM, Flashing etc...
[I must Repeat - "Just Idea", Because having no real background and knowledge about anything related to these things... I obviously feel like Still Missing a lot of basic terms]...
Anyways - Point for explaining all that is to Make my 'Beginner' Level clear... B'coz Members here called as beginners are also quite good with all these basic terms...
I am using 'LANIGHT' ROM right now...
Now the problem is... There are still some bugs in this version... [Camera, SMS, etc]
So the question is:
1. The Best, latest and most stable version of ROM out there - which would be great for beginners like us? [We can have this thread for the updates of such ROM time to time] - For Us - This part seems very difficult to figure out...
2. Also the process of installing that ROM...
3. And if there is a quick way to figure out the 1st question in forum... Except spending hours just reading the threads... Very very difficult work... [Hats of to you guys...]
Thanks in advance...
ooDEWoo said:
Hey Guys...
First of all - I am Amazed by the level of this forum... Its truly great...
I am Very new to XDA. I Still managed to figure out essential things for my captivate.
I spent straight 8 to 10hrs [Approx a Month ago] reading and searching variety of threads, links and videos and got the Idea about rooting, Custom ROM, Flashing etc...
[I must Repeat - "Just Idea", Because having no real background and knowledge about anything related to these things... I obviously feel like Still Missing a lot of basic terms]...
Anyways - Point for explaining all that is to Make my 'Beginner' Level clear... B'coz Members here called as beginners are also quite good with all these basic terms...
I am using 'LANIGHT' ROM right now...
Now the problem is... There are still some bugs in this version... [Camera, SMS, etc]
So the question is:
1. The Best, latest and most stable version of ROM out there - which would be great for beginners like us? [We can have this thread for the updates of such ROM time to time] - For Us - This part seems very difficult to figure out...
2. Also the process of installing that ROM...
3. And if there is a quick way to figure out the 1st question in forum... Except spending hours just reading the threads... Very very difficult work... [Hats of to you guys...]
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. This question can't be answered. For many reasons but mainly because the Best ROM for you, that feels in your needs and such won't be the same as let's say, the best ROM for me. The best you can do if look at the features list and go through the last few pages of the ROM to know about the bugs/issues. There isn't a perfect ROM, just gotta find the one that suits you the best.
2. Follow the ROM's instructions in the OP (Don't forget the Gapps)
3. Refer to #1. Also, for respect for the Devs and to avoid flaming, threads like these often get closed.
Hey, we all start somewhere
Welcome and BWolf gave you some very sound advice. I've been flashing new ROMs pretty much on a daily basis this week to find the ROM that suits me the best. Enjoy flashing and playing around with different ROMs. The nice thing about this phone is that pretty much there are ways to revive it if something "happens."
Bane99 said:
Hey, we all start somewhere
Welcome and BWolf gave you some very sound advice. I've been flashing new ROMs pretty much on a daily basis this week to find the ROM that suits me the best. Enjoy flashing and playing around with different ROMs. The nice thing about this phone is that pretty much there are ways to revive it if something "happens."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude hats off to you. Very correct. Even I flash ROMs almost daily. The worst thing ever happened to me was a boot loop and a home made jig saved me. Now I have a confidence that nothing can stop my phone. :thumbup:
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 04:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 PM ----------
ooDEWoo said:
Hey Guys...
First of all - I am Amazed by the level of this forum... Its truly great...
I am Very new to XDA. I Still managed to figure out essential things for my captivate.
I spent straight 8 to 10hrs [Approx a Month ago] reading and searching variety of threads, links and videos and got the Idea about rooting, Custom ROM, Flashing etc...
[I must Repeat - "Just Idea", Because having no real background and knowledge about anything related to these things... I obviously feel like Still Missing a lot of basic terms]...
Anyways - Point for explaining all that is to Make my 'Beginner' Level clear... B'coz Members here called as beginners are also quite good with all these basic terms...
I am using 'LANIGHT' ROM right now...
Now the problem is... There are still some bugs in this version... [Camera, SMS, etc]
So the question is:
1. The Best, latest and most stable version of ROM out there - which would be great for beginners like us? [We can have this thread for the updates of such ROM time to time] - For Us - This part seems very difficult to figure out...
2. Also the process of installing that ROM...
3. And if there is a quick way to figure out the 1st question in forum... Except spending hours just reading the threads... Very very difficult work... [Hats of to you guys...]
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Choosing a rom is a hit and trial method. Just go to captivate android development forum and choose any rom which looks good download it and flash it using recovery. Most common thing is clockwork mod recovery to install any ROM. keep flashing different roms until you find the one that suits you. Happy flashing. :thumbup:
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
Avikar said:
Dude hats off to you. Very correct. Even I flash ROMs almost daily. The worst thing ever happened to me was a boot loop and a home made jig saved me. Now I have a confidence that nothing can stop my phone. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to hold off buying a jig... until I truly needed one. Thanks to one click odin and heimdall, if anything happens, then you're always good to flash back to stock and try again
I highly recommend a jig as it can save you from a LOT of headache.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20710788&postcount=6
You can buy one or build it yourself. It's a great investment and insurance plan
Feel free to flash whatever Captivate ROM you like, just pay attention to the flashing procedures in each thread (as Bwolf said).
BWolf56 said:
1. This question can't be answered. For many reasons but mainly because the Best ROM for you, that feels in your needs and such won't be the same as let's say, the best ROM for me. The best you can do if look at the features list and go through the last few pages of the ROM to know about the bugs/issues. There isn't a perfect ROM, just gotta find the one that suits you the best.
2. Follow the ROM's instructions in the OP (Don't forget the Gapps)
3. Refer to #1. Also, for respect for the Devs and to avoid flaming, threads like these often get closed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...
But I will still Like to know The recent ROM - Which is stable and good for beginners Like me.
OK, start with CM10 stable.
ooDEWoo said:
Thanks...
But I will still Like to know The recent ROM - Which is stable and good for beginners Like me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beginners like you? IMHO, there are lots of different beginners and you haven't shared enough for me to know what kind of beginner you are.
By recent and best, do you mean that you just want a stock ROM, perhaps rooted, but otherwise pretty much the same as the last stock release, Gingerbread KK4? It is 'recent' - because it is the latest and final official release, more recent than earlier releases.
Or do you want a ROM that is unofficial, won't be supported by your carrier or by Samsung, but that runs Jelly Bean 4.2 with an occasional bug or broken feature?
Beginner is relative to the field in question, yes? An Olympic gold medal swimming winner in his first year in medical school is a beginner at surgery,
Do you excel at really carefully reading and understanding all instructions before you start on a task?
So, if you are starting as a complete newbie, maybe go for KK4 Gingerbread and add the Corn Kernel. Get stable with that. Get comfortable making nandroid backups, and using root browsers to back up efs and other folders. get comfortable moving the files to your pc, to the external sd card, etc.
After getting all the stuff backed up with good knowledge about how to restore it all, then go flash a stable 4.1 or 4.2 jelly bean rom. you will need to flash twice. oh, and get gapps, too.
does this all sound like jibberish? read the sticky threads, read the glossaries, etc,.
If you're looking for a ROM with a lot of UI and benchmark improvements, Captivating by Sephi looks great, although I haven't tried it myself. No one here really wants to pick 1 specific ROM, because everyone is different and don't want to be rude to the dev's .
Flashing ROMs on the Captivate is fairly simple, and as others have stated if you have a jig (if you don't want to buy one pre-made, you can make your own w/o soldering, there's a guide in this forum for it), you can just play around with different ROMs and can almost always fix the phone if anything bad should happen.
Just browse XDA until you find one that you think you may like, read the reviews, and try it out for yourself
I recommended Captivating ROM by she phi.. U will not disappointed
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda app-developers app
I consider myself a beginner and I like Cyanogenmod 10.1. I am using the nighties and I find it quite stable and easy to update.
Hello Everyone, I am new around here.
So about a week ago I got my first ever Android phone (after spending years on iOS) I am extremely happy with the Sony Xperia Z1, it just blows iPhones and iOS away, Let me get to the point haha.
I have done a long and painful process of:
1. Flashing Old Firmware.
2. Rooting.
3. Updating again.
4. Unlocking Bootloader.
So I'm at stage 5 now, I would like to install CyanogenMod. On the site it says C6902 But I have a C6903, will this make a difference? and if so are their any better alternatives to CyanogenMod?
Since I am inexperienced in all this Android and rooting etc (Long time iOS Jailbreak User) I would appreciate if somebody could point me in the right direction on where to go from here. I don't want to brick my shiny new device but I also want to give the device some customization.
Many thanks, I hope everyone had a great Christmas.
Happy new year!
I found out you can install CM on C6903 but a lot of things are broken, the Camera is broken on all levels, but C6903 is supported.
Also try and use the search button for answers, I only recently asked the same question about 8 hours ago.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2593038
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49011075&postcount=176
Dark-Skript said:
Hello Everyone, I am new around here.
So about a week ago I got my first ever Android phone (after spending years on iOS) I am extremely happy with the Sony Xperia Z1, it just blows iPhones and iOS away, Let me get to the point haha.
I have done a long and painful process of:
1. Flashing Old Firmware.
2. Rooting.
3. Updating again.
4. Unlocking Bootloader.
So I'm at stage 5 now, I would like to install CyanogenMod. On the site it says C6902 But I have a C6903, will this make a difference? and if so are their any better alternatives to CyanogenMod?
Since I am inexperienced in all this Android and rooting etc (Long time iOS Jailbreak User) I would appreciate if somebody could point me in the right direction on where to go from here. I don't want to brick my shiny new device but I also want to give the device some customization.
Many thanks, I hope everyone had a great Christmas.
Happy new year!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TagEHeuer said:
I found out you can install CM on C6903 but a lot of things are broken, the Camera is broken on all levels, but C6903 is supported.
Also try and use the search button for answers, I only recently asked the same question about 8 hours ago.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2593038
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49011075&postcount=176
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, did not see this. But thanks for your reply!
Dark-Skript said:
Sorry, did not see this. But thanks for your reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're still having problems reply here. I see you bricked your phone, sorry about that! Always take caution when cross flashing, etc. Did you back up everything to an SD card?
TagEHeuer said:
If you're still having problems reply here. I see you bricked your phone, sorry about that! Always take caution when cross flashing, etc. Did you back up everything to an SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying again now, I fixed the brick by using Flashtool
So now I need to figure out where to get rom.zip and gapps.zip also where would I put them before attempting to flash the cyanogen boot loader again?
Cheers
Dark-Skript said:
I'm trying again now, I fixed the brick by using Flashtool
So now I need to figure out where to get rom.zip and gapps.zip also where would I put them before attempting to flash the cyanogen boot loader again?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good, you know I wouldn't try and get CM on C6903... even though people say it's possible, the issues with it are many. I personally haven't seen anyone put CM on a C6903 device yet... and like I said, the amount of problems with it wouldn't make it fun.
What are you looking for that's so special about CM?
TagEHeuer said:
Good, you know I wouldn't try and get CM on C6903... even though people say it's possible, the issues with it are many. I personally haven't seen anyone put CM on a C6903 device yet... and like I said, the amount of problems with it wouldn't make it fun.
What are you looking for that's so special about CM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am enthusiastic about trying something new, Basically I have never tried CyanogenMod before so I would like to chance it and if things go too wrong then I will flash back using Flashtool.
Also Its nice to know this so once the CM becomes more stable I can install it again in the future.
Sorry if im a nuisance, I really appreciate the help
Dark-Skript said:
I am enthusiastic about trying something new, Basically I have never tried CyanogenMod before so I would like to chance it and if things go too wrong then I will flash back using Flashtool.
Also Its nice to know this so once the CM becomes more stable I can install it again in the future.
Sorry if im a nuisance, I really appreciate the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://uploaded.net/f/yj87x2
https://sites.google.com/site/projectfreexperia/download/cyanogen-mod-11
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2461282
Hope this helps, I'm new to all this myself... so I'm not the best person to ask super tech questions to, but I will try my best to help as much as possible..
TagEHeuer said:
http://uploaded.net/f/yj87x2
https://sites.google.com/site/projectfreexperia/download/cyanogen-mod-11
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2461282
Hope this helps, I'm new to all this myself... so I'm not the best person to ask super tech questions to, but I will try my best to help as much as possible..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nearly all development for the Honami goes into CM11, which hasn't been graduated to nightlies just yet, meaning that there are no up-to-date builds available at the moment, FXP252 was supposed to be the first release of Honami CM11, but it wasn't deemed ready for it at this stage.
Hey guys
What's the best custom rom for Xperia sp 5303 and according to my title for lbl? Which one of the custom roms are more stable and has a good support from its developer?
Thanks
(for android 4.3)
Moderator is going to kill you.... Read the rules please
sry, I'm new
Nanostray said:
Moderator is going to kill you.... Read the rules please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plz don't kill me! I read, what's the problem? and where can I find the answer of my topic question?
Thanks
Why there's no answer, no one uses custom rom? If my topic has a problem say to me what is that.
Mohammad Ghomi said:
Why there's no answer, no one uses custom rom? If my topic has a problem say to me what is that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay since you asked, your question literally clashes the rule of xda; never ask what is best
I strongly suggest trying every ROM that you found for locked bootloaders, and decide the one that worked best for you, rather than asking the community's preferences.
For a quick recommendation, use Bagyusz CM11 for locked bootloader if you prefer Cyanogenmod.
TechnoSparks said:
Okay since you asked, your question literally clashes the rule of xda; never ask what is best
I strongly suggest trying every ROM that you found for locked bootloaders, and decide the one that worked best for you, rather than asking the community's preferences.
For a quick recommendation, use Bagyusz CM11 for locked bootloader if you prefer Cyanogenmod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you my friend.I think this is the only way for finding out which one is better , why I didn't see this rule , next time I should pay more attention :d.
Mohammad Ghomi said:
Thank you my friend.I think this is the only way for finding out which one is better , why I didn't see this rule , next time I should pay more attention :d.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader is unlockable, I recommend unlocking it (but backup TA partition first). With that, you can enjoy almost anything with less risk of brick. Moreover, shortcut to fix things if your XSP was bricked.
For more ROMs visit this index thread, and see under the category "hijacked ROMs". Have fun!
Anyhow, here's the thread link to the ROM I have mentioned earlier.
TechnoSparks said:
If your bootloader is unlockable, I recommend unlocking it (but backup TA partition first). With that, you can enjoy almost anything with less risk of brick. Moreover, shortcut to fix things if your XSP was bricked.
For more ROMs visit this index thread, and see under the category "hijacked ROMs". Have fun!
Anyhow, here's the thread link to the ROM I have mentioned earlier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sry u said "with less risk of brick",is it true? I heared After unlocking bl u should be careful because it may brick your phone. So if I install an unistall roms on my lbl phone, it may brick while if I use unlocked bl there won't be any brick?
Mohammad Ghomi said:
Sry u said "with less risk of brick",is it true? I heared After unlocking bl u should be careful because it may brick your phone. So if I install an unistall roms on my lbl phone, it may brick while if I use unlocked bl there won't be any brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please note the word "less"
Actually after unlocking, that is when you can enjoy freedom but still, possible brick is still there. What I meant by "less brick" is that, you can now flash anything on your phone, regardless if that particular something was built for locked bootloaders or unlocked bootloaders.
Compared to locked bootloaders, you must know what you are doing, or else may result in a brick.
I also assume that you know the differences between hard brick and soft brick. This post explains soft brick only.
So if I install an unistall roms on my lbl phone, it may brick while if I use unlocked bl there won't be any brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also confused with your question Let me answer with my best understanding..
You can't uninstall a ROM on your phone! Well at least, in the terms of such definition.. Second, if you use unlocked bl, possibility of brick is still there. Let's just say brick can happen anytime anywhere. There has been cases of which phones suddenly hard bricked when in fact the user does not do anything on their device! Always prepare for the worse.
--
To wrap things up, in a VERY general way, UBL gives you less brick risk.
For those who have tried Lollipop on XZ, please share the feedback with others.
This is meant to be just a poll to get a sense of XDA community's verdict on LP for Xperia Z.
Please be objective in your response, avoid posting comments here. There are enough discussion threads out there, please use those for comments.
Mods, please feel free to delete this thread if a similar poll already exists
I think there's enough lp threads already isn't there?
technaudio said:
I think there's enough lp threads already isn't there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. In my defence, there aren't any polls that try to give a community verdict in an objective way.
I would love to have comments locked on this thread and only poll responses open for the sake of discourse
I've done a totally clean install, effectively it's 100% stock that just happens to have an unlocked bootloader.
My phone has never been this fast or reliable on a stock ROM. I can't comment on the Sony launcher as I use Nova, but otherwise battery is great, entire ROM very smooth and stable.
Keep in mind though: totally clean install, did not upgrade, gave a full wipe then flashed C6603 HK.