Android 5.0 (Lollipop) Bootloader and KitKat Compatibility
Everyone wants Lollipop, however it is worth considering some of the possible consequences of upgrading via OTA update.
Bootloader:
A new Bootloader (BL) will almost certainly be included in the OTA update. It is also very likely no KitKat Kernel, stock or custom will be able to boot properly with the 5.0 BL. Perhaps the Kernel DEVs can find a workaround.
Root: (ETA: Unknown)
It may take some time to gain root access on Lolipop as on other devices this has required a custom Kernel. A custom kernel itself may require kernel sources to be released - something that has taken weeks / months in the past.
Xposed Framework:
Developer has said he will wait for CyanogenMod based on Lollipop before properly starting development of an ART version of Xposed. CM12 may take a few weeks to release. Expect to do without Xposed for at least a month, probably longer since root is also required (see above.)
Custom Recovery:
This has not been an issue before, but it is always possible a new Bootloader could break compatibility with existing Custom Recoveries. Obviously, you would not be able to restore a CWM / TWRP backup without a functional custom recovery; but even then, it is unlikely you will be able to boot your KitKat backup.
Custom ROMs:
This is another area that could be affected by a new Bootloader. It is unknown if existing custom ROMs will require new Kernels / system changes in order to work with the new BL - something that could take days, weeks or months.
Performance:
Currently the performance difference between KitKat and Lollipop is unknown. If the first release of Lollipop for Android One has performance issues, you may be unable to revert back to stock KitKat.Possible solution:
Wait for a flashable zip [NOT OTA Update zip] of Stock Android One Lollipop ROM - this would mean your Bootloader remains at it's current version and potentially allowing you to change 'back and forth' between Stock KitKat and Stock Lollipop. However, it is currently unknown if the newer BL is a requirement for Android 5.0 Kernels.
This is taken from the Moto G thread and all credits goes to @lost101.The sole motive of this is to create awareness about the new bootloader included in 5.0
Thanks For The Info @DC07 :highfive:
Thanks For The Information Bruda !!
This thing is only for device like motorola, samsung etc.. As I never saw same thing for nexus.. Motorola does not allow to downgrade so they update bootloader in every android version update.. I dont think it will be same for sprout
Let it arrive ,no point in discussions on thongs that are not confirmed
Sent from my A1 using XDA Free mobile app
coolkoushik07 said:
This thing is only for device like motorola, samsung etc.. As I never saw same thing for nexus.. Motorola does not allow to downgrade so they update bootloader in every android version update.. I dont think it will be same for sprout
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. The bootloader was updated on my nexus 7 flo for the 4.4.2 OTA. Since this update is much bigger I think we'll have a bootloader update too.
littleromeo said:
Nope. The bootloader was updated on my nexus 7 flo for the 4.4.2 OTA. Since this update is much bigger I think we'll have a bootloader update too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it stop u from downgrading to any previous version?
Sent from my Xperia Z1 Compact
yes..
coolkoushik07 said:
Does it stop u from downgrading to any previous version?
Sent from my Xperia Z1 Compact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes... once u update boot loader , you can never even think of downgrading ..
experience :/
startracker said:
Is varun working with lollipop
Sent from my A1 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes,according to the ss posted in the fb group.But this doesn't mean everyone starts spamming his pm.
Let him take his time.This will make our lollipops taste more sweet
doubts about lollipop arise
I'm just wondering.. I installed AMG Evo9 a while ago, and I want to install a stock based rom which has Android 5.0
My phone is rooted and with Recovery installed, However I can't unlock its bootloader since it won't allow me to, meaning I can't flash any custom Kernel.
Can I install a 5.0 Stock based rom which has a higher compilation version? I mean 14.4.A.0.2xx or something? Or it's gonna brick my phone?
If I can do so, could someone explain me how?
Thanks in advance.
.Spawn said:
I'm just wondering.. I installed AMG Evo9 a while ago, and I want to install a stock based rom which has Android 5.0
My phone is rooted and with Recovery installed, However I can't unlock its bootloader since it won't allow me to, meaning I can't flash any custom Kernel.
Can I install a 5.0 Stock based rom which has a higher compilation version? I mean 14.4.A.0.2xx or something? Or it's gonna brick my phone?
If I can do so, could someone explain me how?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bumping this question, thanks.
Hi,
The Bluetooth A2DP stuttering bug on Lollipop is unacceptable, and I have heard that KitKat users did not have the same problem.
Is there a compatible KitKat 4.4.4 factory image that I can use to downgrade my XT1072?
Cheers,
Sunkai.
Having looked into ROMs a bit further, I am now targeting getting CM11 installed on my Thea device.
This would not only eliminate the Bluetooth A2DP stuttering, but also remove the infuriating "increasing ringtone volume" setting that is baked into the factory image by Motorola.
Has anyone got CM11 running on their Thea device? I couldn't find an official build on the CyanogenMod web site.
Thea was never released with KitKat as far as I know, so finding a ROM would be unlikely, tbh.
I can't recommend the AOSP build (http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g-2015/development/rom-android-source-project-t3141139) enough, smoother than stock, no launcher redraws and no bluetooth issues for me (I use my bluetooth speaker every day for an hour or two).
The ringtone also doesn't increase, highly recommended with TK stock Gapps, basically turning your Thea into a mini Nexus.
Thanks for the recommendation. I will trial the ROM and let you know if it has fixed my BT issue.
With system storage space being such a concern on the 8GB Thea devices, does the AOSP build's "Move To SD" function work for relocating apps?
sunka1 said:
Thanks for the recommendation. I will trial the ROM and let you know if it has fixed my BT issue.
With system storage space being such a concern on the 8GB Thea devices, does the AOSP build's "Move To SD" function work for relocating apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes AOSP does let you move apps, in fact I think it lets you move more of them. But as TK Gapps installs all the stock Google apps to the /system partition, I've ended up with a bit more free space on my device. Obv YMMV, but give it a go.
rickbosch said:
Thea was never released with KitKat as far as I know, so finding a ROM would be unlikely, tbh.
I can't recommend the AOSP build (http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g-2015/development/rom-android-source-project-t3141139) enough, smoother than stock, no launcher redraws and no bluetooth issues for me (I use my bluetooth speaker every day for an hour or two).
The ringtone also doesn't increase, highly recommended with TK stock Gapps, basically turning your Thea into a mini Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My initial impression is good. I have not encountered the extreme Bluetooth A2DP skipping that I experienced with the factory 5.0.2 LL image. It is unpredictable, and can take some time to manifest though, so if it does occur I'll report back here.
I wouldn't expect to get OTA updates for a custom ROM, so I assume that I will need to use TWRP to install any subsequent Android versions?
If I do this, will I lose all of my installed apps and data, as with the initial AOSP load?
Also, will I need to side load the TK stock Gapps to keep them up to date?
Thanks for your advice.
sunka1 said:
I wouldn't expect to get OTA updates for a custom ROM, so I assume that I will need to use TWRP to install any subsequent Android versions?
If I do this, will I lose all of my installed apps and data, as with the initial AOSP load?
Also, will I need to side load the TK stock Gapps to keep them up to date?
Thanks for your advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you won't get OTAs. You will flash updates to your phone the same way you just did, via TWRP. keep an eye on the thread for update notifications and changelogs from the devs. Don't flash different ROMs over each other without a factory reset, or a "full wipe".
When updating a ROM you will only flash the update and NOT need to factory reset, that way you retain your data. Clearing the cache partition can help with initial crashes or problems you incur afterwards.
Yes, you can load the gapps and keep them up to date if you wish, TK's generally see updates on weekends. This is however optional and totally dependent on you bandwidth availability etc.
I generally just download and reflash one gapps package. Until there is a big change in the Gapps, then I'll update mine. Check the relevant thread for more flashing instructions.
Hope it helps. Also, backups in TWRP are a good thing to have.
Sent from my Moto G 2014 LTE
sunka1 said:
Hi,
The Bluetooth A2DP stuttering bug on Lollipop is unacceptable, and I have heard that KitKat users did not have the same problem.
Is there a compatible KitKat 4.4.4 factory image that I can use to downgrade my XT1072?
Cheers,
Sunkai.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe useful to note here, that I got my moto g 2nd gen xt1072 with kitkat loaded on it.
Bluetooth stuttering not occurring at all, it started with lollipop
So the stock kitkat rom must exist !
Can I install Lollipop or Marshmallow stock on this device? And it'd run smooth or it's better to use other ROMs?
Nothing? No ROM images?? Come on!
There is NO stock KitKat ROM for thea (XT1072,XT1077,XT1078,XT1079).
Lollipop update was a huge one with deep changes and I don't recommend downgrading a device to an earlier version that the one it was sold with.
On other devices, the bootloader is not compatible and downgrading can brick the device.
According to these reports, it seems KitKat custom roms can be installed but it is not recommended !
As Thea doesn't have any kitkat rom, I suppose you took it from titan ? (Titan = no-4G variant)
Don't forget that Thea (XT107x) is a DIFFERENT device than Titan (XT106x,I think).
It doesn't only add 4g, it has a different Soc (different processor...), a different battery. So Titan ROMs are not compatible with Thea. End of the line.
Some may work, but are not made for it.
Flashing a titan ROM on thea is just like flashing a galaxy S6 ROM onto a Sony xperia Z3. They are different devices.
Sigur Rós said:
Can I install Lollipop or Marshmallow stock on this device? And it'd run smooth or it's better to use other ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can. But prefer roms like Cyanogenmod it's clean you install gapps (any version you want).
It's far better than stock ones
someone has cm11 for mto g XT1078 thea ? if please have me send the link to download please
there is no stock kitkat and also no cm11 for this phone!
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/gordonkelly/files/2014/09/IMG_20140924_123904-1940x1435.jpg
So what?...
Mr.Sugo said:
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/gordonkelly/files/2014/09/IMG_20140924_123904-1940x1435.jpg
So what?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This link a picture of the moto g 2nd gen without LTE
The variant without LTE can be downgraded to KitKat because it was released with KitKat.
The variant with LTE was released with lollipop and CAN'T be downgraded to KitKat.
sunka1 said:
Hi,
The Bluetooth A2DP stuttering bug on Lollipop is unacceptable, and I have heard that KitKat users did not have the same problem.
Is there a compatible KitKat 4.4.4 factory image that I can use to downgrade my XT1072?
Cheers,
Sunkai.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible. Although Titan and Thea share the same board, bootloader restrictions and source tree changes will not allow you to boot CM11 or any KitKat code, let alone a full ROM. Try CyanogenMod 12.1 or 13 instead, although you have to unlock your bootloader and install TWRP. It has many improvements over stock Android without losing stability and even gaining some speed. Also most CM kernels for Titan will work in Thea as well. I am currently running CM12.1 snapshot and it's butter smooth with zero bugs.
Mavireck said:
There is NO stock KitKat ROM for thea (XT1072,XT1077,XT1078,XT1079).
Lollipop update was a huge one with deep changes and I don't recommend downgrading a device to an earlier version that the one it was sold with.
On other devices, the bootloader is not compatible and downgrading can brick the device.
According to these reports, it seems KitKat custom roms can be installed but it is not recommended !
As Thea doesn't have any kitkat rom, I suppose you took it from titan ? (Titan = no-4G variant)
Don't forget that Thea (XT107x) is a DIFFERENT device than Titan (XT106x,I think).
It doesn't only add 4g, it has a different Soc (different processor...), a different battery. So Titan ROMs are not compatible with Thea. End of the line.
Some may work, but are not made for it.
Flashing a titan ROM on thea is just like flashing a galaxy S6 ROM onto a Sony xperia Z3. They are different devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are variants of the same motherboard AFAIK, same camera, same CPU and GPU and resolution, same SD unit, but on the bootloader and RIL level they are fully different. Some kernels can be cross-flashed, and even some Titan recoveries boot on Thea (although a very bad idea with zero good results) ROMs must be adapted to the full board and cannot be cross-flashed.
Hello there everyone!!
We have two Nexus 6 in the house, both at the moment running the superb six rom, but my wife does not like nougat, and loves lollipop and marshmallow, I think you can just download a marshmallow ROM and flash.....is this true? And the same for lollipop? Or do you need to flash completely a new firmware image? Bootloader is unlocked
You can flash a MM ROM and MM Gapps.
---------- Post added at 11:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 PM ----------
That's what I do when I get tired of nougant, I just flash MM, vice versa.
BigM69 said:
You can flash a MM ROM and MM Gapps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about Lollipop? The Nexus 6 originally came with Lollipop. Can I flash a Lollipop rom on my Shamu despite the fact that I have upgraded all the way up to 7.1.1 Nougat? Bootloader is unlocked.
Personally, I miss the days of KitKat OS on Android.
classic757 said:
What about Lollipop? The Nexus 6 originally came with Lollipop. Can I flash a Lollipop rom on my Shamu despite the fact that I have upgraded all the way up to 7.1.1 Nougat? Bootloader is unlocked.
Personally, I miss the days of KitKat OS on Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that you can flash any ROM as long as its for the nexus 6. My favorite ROM was KitKat and always will be my favorite! But yeah, if you are rooted flash away my friend, any ROM ya want. If you are on nougant you may wanna update you're radio and baseband to the newest version? If you are on nougant and wanna go back to lollipop you may wanna consult a pro, and ask if there is anything you need to flash besides a LL ROM just to be safe. I know I was on nougant and I updated my radio/base to the newest version, then I flashed a MM ROM and everything worked great. You may be good though, I would just ask a dev just to be sure. I have a little knowledge but I still consider myself a newbie because I don't know squat,lol. J/K I know a little.. Don't flash anything until you get a second opinion. I don't want you mad at me if ya break ya phone.
BigM69 said:
I'm pretty sure that you can flash any ROM as long as its for the nexus 6. My favorite ROM was KitKat and always will be my favorite! But yeah, if you are rooted flash away my friend, any ROM ya want. If you are on nougant you may wanna update you're radio and baseband to the newest version? If you are on nougant and wanna go back to lollipop you may wanna consult a pro, and ask if there is anything you need to flash besides a LL ROM just to be safe. I know I was on nougant and I updated my radio/base to the newest version, then I flashed a MM ROM and everything worked great. You may be good though, I would just ask a dev just to be sure. I have a little knowledge but I still consider myself a newbie because I don't know squat,lol. J/K I know a little.. Don't flash anything until you get a second opinion. I don't want you mad at me if ya break ya phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Really appreciate the good advice. :good:
biggary said:
Hello there everyone!!
We have two Nexus 6 in the house, both at the moment running the superb six rom, but my wife does not like nougat, and loves lollipop and marshmallow, I think you can just download a marshmallow ROM and flash.....is this true? And the same for lollipop? Or do you need to flash completely a new firmware image? Bootloader is unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't attempt to downgrade the Nexus 6 bootloader though, that's a good way to brick the device.
Hi,
there is a clean official version of android system (Marshmallow/Nougat)??
PS.:
Could you check that subject? I need help here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ht...est-how-to-install-step-t3661195#post73522392
Kakarip said:
Hi,
there is a clean official version of android system (Marshmallow/Nougat)??
PS.:
Could you check that subject? I need help here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ht...est-how-to-install-step-t3661195#post73522392
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
official support of the M7 stopped at android 5.0.2 for Sense version and 5.1 for GPE version.
You'll only find custom rom for Marshmallow and Nougat. I wouldn't recommend Marshmallow roms, they are unstable. Nougat roms work fine when used with the GPE firmware.
Don't forget that you shouldn't create 2 different threads for the same thing (read forum rules).
alray said:
official support of the M7 stopped at android 5.0.2 for Sense version and 5.1 for GPE version.
You'll only find custom rom for Marshmallow and Nougat. I wouldn't recommend Marshmallow roms, they are unstable. Nougat roms work fine when used with the GPE firmware.
Don't forget that you shouldn't create 2 different threads for the same thing (read forum rules).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a safe to using custom ROM's? I gonna store passwords and using bank services on it.
Kakarip said:
Is that a safe to using custom ROM's? I gonna store passwords and using bank services on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hadn't had issues while running custom roms after 5 years.
I assume it's next to impossible to flash the GPE firmware if you're S-ON right?