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Hi.
I receive my new Xperia Z after upgrading from a Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9305) in the next few days and wondered if you guys would be happy enough to answer some questions for me?
Firstly, I know you can unlock the Bootloader, but is it worth it? Does the Bravia Engine make that much of a difference?
If I do unlock the Bootloader, can I still install MODs like ACIDMOD and other stuff or is it MOD specific?
Do any of you use a custom ROM? Reading other topics, there doesn't seem to be a stable (relatively bug-free) release yet, so am I better just sitting it out with the stock ROM?
I take it Rooting leaves the Bootloader intact?
Sorry for the Q & A.
Thanks in advance!
ianrobbie said:
Hi.
I receive my new Xperia Z after upgrading from a Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9305) in the next few days and wondered if you guys would be happy enough to answer some questions for me?
Firstly, I know you can unlock the Bootloader, but is it worth it? Does the Bravia Engine make that much of a difference?
If I do unlock the Bootloader, can I still install MODs like ACIDMOD and other stuff or is it MOD specific?
Do any of you use a custom ROM? Reading other topics, there doesn't seem to be a stable (relatively bug-free) release yet, so am I better just sitting it out with the stock ROM?
I take it Rooting leaves the Bootloader intact?
Sorry for the Q & A.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also came from Samsung and @ Samsung phones the bootloader is unlocked by default, so flashing another kernel is nothing out of the ordinary. Many of us have completely disabled Bravia Engine, so it won't matter for those people if they lost it. You don't need to unlock the Bootloader in order to install a custom rom. When the rom contains a different kernel (non stock) then you will need to unlock the bootloader (If it's even possible).
Root and bootloader aren't related. You can root every phone, but the bootloader can't be unlocked on every device.
Dsteppa said:
I also came from Samsung and @ Samsung phones the bootloader is unlocked by default, so flashing another kernel is nothing out of the ordinary. Many of us have completely disabled Bravia Engine, so it won't matter for those people if they lost it. You don't need to unlock the Bootloader in order to install a custom rom. When the rom contains a different kernel (non stock) then you will need to unlock the bootloader (If it's even possible).
Root and bootloader aren't related. You can root every phone, but the bootloader can't be unlocked on every device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oooh, you beat me to it.
However, I couldn't have put it better myself.
@OP
When I first got my XZ I could definitely see the difference between BE and no BE, however, it was worth the sacrifice, I'd rather have complete freedom over my device than have a very slightly improved image quality.
If you want ROMs like CM10.1 and stuff you will have to unlock the bootloader (requires custom kernel), however, stock based ROMs (Such as KA06, or my ROM) will accept the stock kernel too.
Of course, the ultimate choice is yours but I'd be leaning more towards a bootloader unlock if I were you.
ianrobbie said:
Hi.
I receive my new Xperia Z after upgrading from a Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9305) in the next few days and wondered if you guys would be happy enough to answer some questions for me?
Firstly, I know you can unlock the Bootloader, but is it worth it? Does the Bravia Engine make that much of a difference?
If I do unlock the Bootloader, can I still install MODs like ACIDMOD and other stuff or is it MOD specific?
Do any of you use a custom ROM? Reading other topics, there doesn't seem to be a stable (relatively bug-free) release yet, so am I better just sitting it out with the stock ROM?
I take it Rooting leaves the Bootloader intact?
Sorry for the Q & A.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that for the time being there is no point in unlocking your bootloader. Remember that once you unlock it you do void your warranty. Maybe it would be worth keeping just for a little bit just in the case that your unit was faulty in any way.
Bravia Engine 2 in my opinion looks very good and does make a difference. It is a matter of personal preference though (as is all the color, contrast, viewing angle etc)
As of now there aren't too many custom ROM's for the Xperia Z. There are however quite a few useful MOD's that you can try as most of them work for rooted phones with LOCKED bootloader. You might need to be deodexed for some of them though.
And yes rooting does leave the bootloader intact.
Here is my video that you can find in the general thread as well showing 10 things that you could try after root:
In conclusion in my opinion it IS worth rooting the phone but NOT neccesserily unlocking the bootloader at least for the time being.
ianrobbie said:
Hi.
I receive my new Xperia Z after upgrading from a Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9305) in the next few days and wondered if you guys would be happy enough to answer some questions for me?
Firstly, I know you can unlock the Bootloader, but is it worth it? Does the Bravia Engine make that much of a difference?
If I do unlock the Bootloader, can I still install MODs like ACIDMOD and other stuff or is it MOD specific?
Do any of you use a custom ROM? Reading other topics, there doesn't seem to be a stable (relatively bug-free) release yet, so am I better just sitting it out with the stock ROM?
I take it Rooting leaves the Bootloader intact?
Sorry for the Q & A.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you unlock your bootloader consider this.
I tried root with my bootloader locked and so far it wasn't satisfying at all. My other phone is a galaxy nexus and with CM 10.1 running on that machine it's pure pleasure. :laugh:
I am not sure about the bravia engine thing. Pics and clips will look really neat on your device, but what happens when share your clips and pics with someone who hasn't the bravia engine on the phone... Anyway, now that we have the possibility to save the drm keys we can restore the bravia engine.
I tried the latest cm 10.1 nightly on my xperia and it runs smooth. The cam works pretty well and since yesterday there is also 12,8 megapixel supported.
The next Rom I will try will be probably this but for now I'll stick with my cm nightly. The only downside is that DoomKernel does not support cm 10.1 yet.
Sony's cam app is quite good and I really like the many options one can play around with. On the other hand I really hate the album compared to stock jb/ics or cm 10.1.
Isnt there any dev. That can make a zip of the bravia engine 2,
I know but dont understand drmkeys ect.
I also have agalaxy nexus wtih bravia engine...sooo is it that hard for dev.s to make it work again?
No disprespect intended btw
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Hi guys.
Well i'm a new happy owner to the Xperia Z and hopefully it will do on my rough job.
This is my first Sony mobile, so i have no clue how i should proceed if i want so switch Rom.
Also what Kernel and Rom is the favorit one? On my Samsung i sticked with Dorimanx and Resurrect remix.
Any other necessary tools/fixes or tweaks i should look at?
I've already checked if i have a unlockable bootloader, and yes, it is
Welcome to the XZ section, I can't tell you what Rom is the favorite, because it also depends on personal taste. I think that the most favorite kernel by far is Doomkernel, it's only been like a month or 2 since other kernels started popping up, while Dommkernel has been here almost since the XZ came out.
Note that you only need to unlock your bootloader when you want to change the kernel, BUT....
Before you unlock your bootloader, make a back-up of your TA partition first!!!!!! That way you can re-lock it just in case it's needed.
Doomkernel:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2172888
I couldn't find the topic about the TA partition anymore, a simple search should give you the topic I'm talking about.
Thanks for the quick help.
I did some reding earlier and that if i unlocked my bootloader i wold lose me DRM key
DRM keys WILL be lost forever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly does that key do?
It's a new world for a Samsung user since "we" could restore the phone to the original state with some clicks with Odin
SGT John Doe said:
Thanks for the quick help.
I did some reding earlier and that if i unlocked my bootloader i wold lose me DRM key
What exactly does that key do?
It's a new world for a Samsung user since "we" could restore the phone to the original state with some clicks with Odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I remember right: DRM Keys are used to recognise if some apps by sony don't work correctly.
And If you loose them you loose warranty. And how you read (I think) you loose them when you unlock bootloader.
----------------------------------------------
Edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management
As suggested earlier, if you back up TA partition you can restore the DRM keys if ever you wish to return to stock.
When you unlock the bootloader the Bravia engine won't work, depending on what your read some say it's not needed and others prefer it on.
Xperia Z
This is the thread about TA
that's what they are talking about. hope you like it. :victory:
SGT John Doe said:
Hi guys.
Well i'm a new happy owner to the Xperia Z and hopefully it will do on my rough job.
This is my first Sony mobile, so i have no clue how i should proceed if i want so switch Rom.
Also what Kernel and Rom is the favorit one? On my Samsung i sticked with Dorimanx and Resurrect remix.
Any other necessary tools/fixes or tweaks i should look at?
I've already checked if i have a unlockable bootloader, and yes, it is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TA backup is not needed to relock... Only if you want to preserve drm keys... I forgot to backup and I relocked and unlocked again... Working good now.. But after unlocking the second time I had to install firmware first with flashtool
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Thanks everyone. Have to sleep on it if it's worth the risk or not. I've never been afraid of flashing with Samsung, but with this phone it seems a bit special
What Rom i seek, well as much customisation as possible. Especially the the UI layer. Change icons and shortcuts etc. Can't remeber the name for it, but the drop down menu for Wifi, Data, Settings, BT etc etc
SGT John Doe said:
Thanks everyone. Have to sleep on it if it's worth the risk or not. I've never been afraid of flashing with Samsung, but with this phone it seems a bit special
What Rom i seek, well as much customisation as possible. Especially the the UI layer. Change icons and shortcuts etc. Can't remeber the name for it, but the drop down menu for Wifi, Data, Settings, BT etc etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played with quite a few of the ROMS for locked bootloaders and XperiaBlueLights is very nice. I'm really digging it. After you tweak that bad boy its runs so smooth. I haven't had a single problem out of it and it improved my battery life. Awesome LB Rom.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2363795
Sorry to bring up such old thread, but i've still not decided what to choose.
I like the flow and performance with my stock XZ, but hate the bugs and battery drain.
I also miss the ability to customize the layout and UI.
What the different between
-Android development for the Xperia Z
and
-Original Android development for the Xperia Z
Try eXistenZ! Just as good as stock with loads of extras!!
Sent from my C6603 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
SGT John Doe said:
Sorry to bring up such old thread, but i've still not decided what to choose.
I like the flow and performance with my stock XZ, but hate the bugs and battery drain.
I also miss the ability to customize the layout and UI.
What the different between
-Android development for the Xperia Z
and
-Original Android development for the Xperia Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference is mostly that the aokp, aosp & pac roms are in the original android section, the other one is where the more xperia based roms are in, p.e. eXistence rom & stuff.
Still, I'm on the same level of flashing right now, the risk is far more greater than on a samsung device as far as I'm concerned, but normally it has to work, and I'm gonna dive into it tonight.
Good luck bro.
Thanks. XistenZ looks neat so i might give it a try.
Since this is my first Sony smartphone i have no clue how much work it is to root it.
How can i confirm that the bootloader it locked?
I've grown to loathe the lollipop update that T-Mobile put out for the z1s. The memory leak issue present has been rather crippling and frankly I'm over it. A while back I rooted thinking I would be on my way to a custom ROM to solve my issues but boy was I wrong. Locked bootloader piece of sheeeet. Anyways, I'd like to stick with my z1s a little longer and wait out all the upcoming flaghips to see what's next. Is there anything I can do now that I have root to improve performance and/of fix the memory leak issue?
What about going back to 4.4? Is that possible now that the baseband updated with the lollipop update and if so how? Assuming working with the current lollipop build on the phone will get me nowere.
Thanks in advance everybody.
Thinking of even flashing back to 4.3 considering I forgot about 4.4s SD card functionality limits...
Unless I can somehow get a factory 5.1.1 image to from lime a different z1 to fully flash into the z1S......
I5.0.2? But why? Flash stock 5.1.1 root it debloat it greenify should help also. If u want stock based rom i recomend flashing MX Rom v8 but imo v 7.8 was better in terms of battery life. Its already slimed down but I debloated it even more running debloatin
g script witch can be found here on XDA. Hopefully this will help you. Good luck
EDIT: I was thinking you have issues with Z1 not Z1s sorry i can't help you with that one
mr.Otto said:
I5.0.2? But why? Flash stock 5.1.1 root it debloat it greenify should help also. If u want stock based rom i recomend flashing MX Rom v8 but imo v 7.8 was better in terms of battery life. Its already slimed down but I debloated it even more running debloatin
g script witch can be found here on XDA. Hopefully this will help you. Good luck
EDIT: I was thinking you have issues with Z1 not Z1s sorry i can't help you with that one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you got me excited for a minute.
dear Master,
previously i own xperia go and M. both of them are bootloader unlocked.
now im using z3 compact. i heard that if i unlock the bootloader it has effect on quality of picture. when i have Go and M. i cant differentiate the quality of pic.
so my question is, is woth unlocking bootloader on z3 compact?
for me - No
for many - Yes
Well yes, that you can get cyanogenmod and many other great ROM's (Cyanogenmod has a great battery life and great enhancements), plus great kernels.
But no, if you enjoy using your phone for photography, then do not unlock it.
As unlocking your bootloader, you loose your DRM keys (which enhance photography, visuals and sound of the Xperia.
If I were you, I would wait until after stock Marshmallow is released and give it a try via standard, factory OTA. If MM were still months away, I wouldn't wait.
Then, after you've gotten tired of stock MM and its features, and you want to try new things, take care to back up your DRM keys (which is a bit tricky; you have to root without unlocking, I believe). After you've done that and have backed up your data, as long as you're careful and follow the more detailed tutorials on this forum, you can experiment to your heart's content.
Could we root z3 compact without unlocking bootloader? I have an unlocked bootloader z1 compact and yes it does effect the picture quality. All those 3rd party OS's can't match stock camera quality. Period.
Yes You can see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3011598
giefroot - rooting tool (CVE-2014-4322)
Now if worth or not unlocking it depends if you want another thing then stock or stock based. But till now there isn't to many choices... So stock with root for many is enough I think...
I unlocked bootloader but can restore the cam quality. Google "drm restore xperia xda". Sorry i'm on mobile cannot provide link.
So, go unlock it!
I downgraded my phone to 4.4.4, root exploiting, install XZDualRecovery and flash pre-rooted firmware
duke_dreadmoore said:
I unlocked bootloader but can restore the cam quality. Google "drm restore xperia xda". Sorry i'm on mobile cannot provide link.
So, go unlock it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, just a single question for you please. I am on KitKat rooted and locked bootloader. Can I flash Sony Concept Marshmallow and then restore DRM keys to make sure that Noise Cancellation and camera works good?
HearseRider said:
Hey, just a single question for you please. I am on KitKat rooted and locked bootloader. Can I flash Sony Concept Marshmallow and then restore DRM keys to make sure that Noise Cancellation and camera works good?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but why would you want to do that?
There are several Marshmallow builds out now that are stock. Far less hassle. Sorry, but any development that insists on recking the best features of your camera doesn't get my vote.
You just need Flashfire and Slim, then your phone will be amazing
thanks all master, and friends.
i just got back my z3 compact. after had screen cracked by it self. fortunately it still has warranty. it take 3 months. hahahaha
Didgesteve said:
Yes, but why would you want to do that?
There are several Marshmallow builds out now that are stock. Far less hassle. Sorry, but any development that insists on recking the best features of your camera doesn't get my vote.
You just need Flashfire and Slim, then your phone will be amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are aware that the DRM restoration mod enables all those camera features even after unlocking a bootloader, right? I have my original DRM keys backed up and my bootloader unlocked for a year already and haven't looked back since, because everything is easier with BL unlocked + custom kernels (@someone755 gave us a very appealing MM kernel) and with the DRM restoration working on all stock based roms (from KK to latest MM, Concept rom included) it's a pure joy.
Plus, he can use MultiROM and boot CM/AOSP based rom, to experience stock Android, with the noice reduction algorithm working EVEN on **CM/AOSP, confirmed as well.
**Do note that it's not working wonders as on stock, but it is noticeable difference compared to using CM/AOSP as primary rom, without MultiROM.
Anyway at this point in development, since there is no difference between features (camera) of locked BL vs unlocked BL with DRM restoration mod, it all comes down at how easier it is to flash custom recovery and roms with UBL.
That being said, we all have different preferences, so what suits my needs does not necessarily suit someone else's, and if the OP is asking it just for the sake of having his bootloader unlocked (without the need to flash CM/AOSP rom and/or custom kernel) then don't do it. If OP wants to flash and experiment, then just go ahead and unlock.
Read the needed tutorials, find a tutorial to root the device without unlocking BL, BACKUP ORIGINAL DRM keys right away after rooting, and do as you wish
Cheers
P.S. @Didgesteve Don't get mad mate, not flaming you, just giving the OP choices and additional info, like yourself, and I support your helpful posts as I've seen your dedication
Cirra92 said:
You are aware that the DRM restoration mod enables all those camera features even after unlocking a bootloader, right? I have my original DRM keys backed up and my bootloader unlocked for a year already and haven't looked back since, because everything is easier with BL unlocked + custom kernels (@someone755 gave us a very appealing MM kernel) and with the DRM restoration working on all stock based roms (from KK to latest MM, Concept rom included) it's a pure joy.
Plus, he can use MultiROM and boot CM/AOSP based rom, to experience stock Android, with the noice reduction algorithm working EVEN on **CM/AOSP, confirmed as well.
**Do note that it's not working wonders as on stock, but it is noticeable difference compared to using CM/AOSP as primary rom, without MultiROM.
Anyway at this point in development, since there is no difference between features (camera) of locked BL vs unlocked BL with DRM restoration mod, it all comes down at how easier it is to flash custom recovery and roms with UBL.
That being said, we all have different preferences, so what suits my needs does not necessarily suit someone else's, and if the OP is asking it just for the sake of having his bootloader unlocked (without the need to flash CM/AOSP rom and/or custom kernel) then don't do it. If OP wants to flash and experiment, then just go ahead and unlock.
Read the needed tutorials, find a tutorial to root the device without unlocking BL, BACKUP ORIGINAL DRM keys right away after rooting, and do as you wish
Cheers
P.S. @Didgesteve Don't get mad mate, not flaming you, just giving the OP choices and additional info, like yourself, and I support your helpful posts as I've seen your dedication
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Cirra92 you're right, it's good to give people choices. & no I'm not mad.
But development is limited on our aging Z3Cs, I know you mention CM & AOSP roms, but really there aren't any working well to speak of.
The only couple of developements with any traction is Slim or Concept (Max Ultra Fury is just bits of scripts copied from other deveolpers). So if you had to recomend which one to choose and one of the options involed unlocking the bootloader, which one would you go for?
I know there's a way to restore your DRM post unlock, but having spent a while on the Z3 thread, I've seen so many cries for help (like here & here & here & here) from people who get it wrong and brick their phones with Flashtool, that I struggle to recomend people playing with the tool when the stock options are just as good and won't endanger the phone.
Didgesteve said:
@Cirra92 you're right, it's good to give people choices. & no I'm not mad.
But development is limited on our aging Z3Cs, I know you mention CM & AOSP roms, but really there aren't any working well to speak of.
The only couple of developements with any traction is Slim or Concept (Max Ultra Fury is just bits of scripts copied from other deveolpers). So if you had to recomend which one to choose and one of the options involed unlocking the bootloader, which one would you go for?
I know there's a way to restore your DRM post unlock, but having spent a while on the Z3 thread, I've seen so many cries for help (like here & here & here & here) from people who get it wrong and brick their phones with Flashtool, that I struggle to recomend people playing with the tool when the stock options are just as good and won't endanger the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using SliMM 2.0 and it was fast and mostly reliable (Wajk has made sure to make it stable) but there were still some bugs, and battery life for me was a bit worse than his LP rom with same usage and setup. If OP requires root on whatever rom he chooses, I would go for Concept (which does require UBL to be rooted) as it's the fastest I've used, it's stable as a rock and it has a very good battery life + it's nearly AOSP looking and performs that way.
As for the Flashtool issues... Well if I understood those were mostly user mistakes, right? I have always carefully checked what was (un)selected before flashing anything in Flashtool, especially with SIMLOCK. When I bought the device last summer I probably spent 2 days reading every thread about rooting/(un)locking/flashing and it's consequences and even today I still recheck and read again the procedure if needed.
Follow the tutorials exactly as they were written and no problems will occur
Cirra92 said:
I have been using SliMM 2.0 and it was fast and mostly reliable (Wajk has made sure to make it stable) but there were still some bugs, and battery life for me was a bit worse than his LP rom with same usage and setup. If OP requires root on whatever rom he chooses, I would go for Concept (which does require UBL to be rooted) as it's the fastest I've used, it's stable as a rock and it has a very good battery life + it's nearly AOSP looking and performs that way.
As for the Flashtool issues... Well if I understood those were mostly user mistakes, right? I have always carefully checked what was (un)selected before flashing anything in Flashtool, especially with SIMLOCK. When I bought the device last summer I probably spent 2 days reading every thread about rooting/(un)locking/flashing and it's consequences and even today I still recheck and read again the procedure if needed.
Follow the tutorials exactly as they were written and no problems will occur
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps we can agree to disagree.
I don't think telling someone who's new to XDA and only has a handful of posts that they should embark on the unlock process. Some phones can't be unlocked and I am tired *sigh* of trying to comfort users who post the "waaa, my phone is broken", over and over again.
Hey all....experiencing lag and overheating after unlocking BL .Is that ok ,anyone?
Using slimm 2.4 full rom on my D5803 .Factory reset and drm fix applied ,prior use
nicorb said:
Hey all....experiencing lag and overheating after unlocking BL .Is that ok ,anyone?
Using slimm 2.4 full rom on my D5803 .Factory reset and drm fix applied ,prior use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bootloader is locked, sorry, can't help you.
Perhaps @Cirra92 might have some ideas?
Unlocked bootloader on Xperia Z5, rooted with stock MM rom (253). Debloated and deodexed, and get easily over 8hrs of SOT (screen on time) with still about 20-24% battery remaining .. So is it worth it?? You tell me ..
***In other words, YES***
Only if you know what you're doing so you dont hard brick your device
Hope that helps, All the best ....
Sent from Sony Xperia Z5 E6653
nicorb said:
Hey all....experiencing lag and overheating after unlocking BL .Is that ok ,anyone?
Using slimm 2.4 full rom on my D5803 .Factory reset and drm fix applied ,prior use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, that won't be caused by unlocking your BL. I've flashed different roms numerous times, no such issue. Haven't tried slimm 2.4 though, maybe it is rom related, but so far no one mentioned that. You are using stock slimm kernel, right?
Install Kernel Adiutor from Play Store and check which governor your device is using in CPU section. It should be "interactive", but there are cases where it was set to "performance" after unlocking BL, which caused overheating and lagging due to thermal throttling.
To answer again, is it worth unlocking, from my point of view
Hey everyone. I'm just wondering what the latest developments are as far as custom recovery and ROMs go for the Z3+ single sim unit?
I've had the phone almost a year, and with warranty about to expire, and some performance issues (disappearing flashlight toggle, and laggyness in general at times), I think I'm finally ready to dump the stock room and go for something custom.
I don't have much free time to research the topic, hence this post, so I apologise if this has been discussed recently. Last I read, there were a lot of steps to get root and recovery, and at the time, were no good custom ROMs for the Z3+, so really no point to voiding warranty, IMO. From browsing the dev forum, it looks like there are at least a few ROMs now.
So can someone tell me, or direct me to a post, describing the process to unlock the bootloader (mines locked), get root, and install twrp and a rom?
Thanks, I appreciate the help
Sent from my E6553 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I tried nougat and didn't like it, nothing is better than MM and there are also some worse parts.
My aim to update N was to have a dark theme with apps included. At last, I decided on stock MM rom 32.2.A.5.11 with theme ready apps by Black Out team, OM5Z kernel and twrp 3.0.2.0.