Database Develop

Wanting to root, but don't want history to repeat.

Long time Android user here. I'm debating on whether or not I'd like to pull the trigger and root/flash a custom ROM to my brand new Nexus 6 (seriously, still has that new-phone smell). My girlfriend and I both got these beauties the same day and love them to pieces.
However...
Coming from a rooted/customized S3 and M7 I'm already missing the customization features that rooting devices allowed. Although I wouldn't have any issues doing so, I'm a bit concerned with potential bugs that could occur while using custom ROMs.
For instance, when I bought my M7, before I rooted it, the call quality was phenomenal. Then after rooting/flashing a custom OS, the quality seemed to drop substantially. No matter which ROM/kernel sets I used, there were always data and/or performance issues including, but not limited to, Pandora app skipping even when data (LTE) was at max reception.
I'm not asking which custom ROM is better as that would be a "to each their own" situation. I've, personally, been a fan of Liquid Smooth and ran it as a daily driver for my S3 (and ViperOne for my M7), but from what I've seen in the development pages there are quite a few ROMs I'd like to try out.
I wanted to see what people who've already rooted and flashed custom ROMs thought of their Nexus 6 post-awesomizing. Did the call quality change? Other than listed ROM bugs, were there any frequent issues that continued through various ROMs and kernel combinations?
Thanks, in advance, to anyone and everyone who replies!
Cheers,
Blue

bb2si said:
Long time Android user here. I'm debating on whether or not I'd like to pull the trigger and root/flash a custom ROM to my brand new Nexus 6 (seriously, still has that new-phone smell). My girlfriend and I both got these beauties the same day and love them to pieces.
However...
Coming from a rooted/customized S3 and M7 I'm already missing the customization features that rooting devices allowed. Although I wouldn't have any issues doing so, I'm a bit concerned with potential bugs that could occur while using custom ROMs.
For instance, when I bought my M7, before I rooted it, the call quality was phenomenal. Then after rooting/flashing a custom OS, the quality seemed to drop substantially. No matter which ROM/kernel sets I used, there were always data and/or performance issues including, but not limited to, Pandora app skipping even when data (LTE) was at max reception.
I'm not asking which custom ROM is better as that would be a "to each their own" situation. I've, personally, been a fan of Liquid Smooth and ran it as a daily driver for my S3 (and ViperOne for my M7), but from what I've seen in the development pages there are quite a few ROMs I'd like to try out.
I wanted to see what people who've already rooted and flashed custom ROMs thought of their Nexus 6 post-awesomizing. Did the call quality change? Other than listed ROM bugs, were there any frequent issues that continued through various ROMs and kernel combinations?
Thanks, in advance, to anyone and everyone who replies!
Cheers,
Blue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with HTC and Samsung devices, is that they are not truly open source. For a "dev" to get an AOSP ROM built for those devices can be quite an ordeal and can require many hacks to be made and many bugs will be found trying to get the AOSP source code to fit that device... The Nexus does not have this problem as AOSP is designed for it. Even a monkey could compile a bug free AOSP rom for the nexus, so don't worry about that sort of thing.

rootSU said:
The problem with HTC and Samsung devices, is that they are not truly open source. For a "dev" to get an AOSP ROM built for those devices can be quite an ordeal and can require many hacks to be made and many bugs will be found trying to get the AOSP source code to fit that device... The Nexus does not have this problem as AOSP is designed for it. Even a monkey could compile a bug free AOSP rom for the nexus, so don't worry about that sort of thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's quite a relief to read. So there hasn't been any known issues with the call quality suffering? That is my biggest concern as with my HTC (post root/flash) the call quality was horrendous! It sounded like the person on the other line was constantly mumbling. The quality on the Nexus 6, as of now, is so crisp and clear it sounds as if they're sitting right next to me.
I'll definitely be looking forward to trying out the various ROMs available.

bb2si said:
That's quite a relief to read. So there hasn't been any known issues with the call quality suffering? That is my biggest concern as with my HTC (post root/flash) the call quality was horrendous! It sounded like the person on the other line was constantly mumbling. The quality on the Nexus 6, as of now, is so crisp and clear it sounds as if they're sitting right next to me.
I'll definitely be looking forward to trying out the various ROMs available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, with a nexus those sort of issues should be a thing of the past. HTC are particularly bad as on teh M7, they themselves couldn't even get GPE to run properly (Speaker quality took a tumble).
Also, you may not know but Xposed framework just came out with an Alpha. In a short while, it wil get more stable and modules will get updated for Lollipop, meaning you will probably be able to add much of that customisation without changing from the stock rom.

rootSU said:
Yep, with a nexus those sort of issues should be a thing of the past. HTC are particularly bad as on teh M7, they themselves couldn't even get GPE to run properly (Speaker quality took a tumble).
Also, you may not know but Xposed framework just came out with an Alpha. In a short while, it wil get more stable and modules will get updated for Lollipop, meaning you will probably be able to add much of that customisation without changing from the stock rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard of the manufacturer UI's getting in the way of performance with devices. I'm glad I went with the pure Google goodness this time! I'll keep an eye on Xposed, but I think you've helped my decision in rooting today.
Now to impatiently wait for work to be over and rush home to my laptop!

bb2si said:
I've heard of the manufacturer UI's getting in the way of performance with devices. I'm glad I went with the pure Google goodness this time! I'll keep an eye on Xposed, but I think you've helped my decision in rooting today.
Now to impatiently wait for work to be over and rush home to my laptop!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck.
It is also my personal recommendation that you don't use a toolkit and you use fastboot natively..

rootSU said:
Good luck.
It is also my personal recommendation that you don't use a toolkit and you use fastboot natively..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always do! Already have links saved to my email for how-to's and how-not to's.
Thanks for your input!

bb2si said:
Long time Android user here. I'm debating on whether or not I'd like to pull the trigger and root/flash a custom ROM to my brand new Nexus 6 (seriously, still has that new-phone smell). My girlfriend and I both got these beauties the same day and love them to pieces.
However...
Coming from a rooted/customized S3 and M7 I'm already missing the customization features that rooting devices allowed. Although I wouldn't have any issues doing so, I'm a bit concerned with potential bugs that could occur while using custom ROMs.
For instance, when I bought my M7, before I rooted it, the call quality was phenomenal. Then after rooting/flashing a custom OS, the quality seemed to drop substantially. No matter which ROM/kernel sets I used, there were always data and/or performance issues including, but not limited to, Pandora app skipping even when data (LTE) was at max reception.
I'm not asking which custom ROM is better as that would be a "to each their own" situation. I've, personally, been a fan of Liquid Smooth and ran it as a daily driver for my S3 (and ViperOne for my M7), but from what I've seen in the development pages there are quite a few ROMs I'd like to try out.
I wanted to see what people who've already rooted and flashed custom ROMs thought of their Nexus 6 post-awesomizing. Did the call quality change? Other than listed ROM bugs, were there any frequent issues that continued through various ROMs and kernel combinations?
Thanks, in advance, to anyone and everyone who replies!
Cheers,
Blue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Nexus man The best dev support is available for Nexus devices All ROMs has bugs and you'll have to bear with it. But the ROMs for Nexus devices meet stable version sooner than others. Taking Parandroid Android as an example. Visit their website and you'll be able to find that the main team focus on the Nexus line and they've legacy team to support other devices. I was also an user of S3 (Exynos variant) and PA used to be a great custom ROM for me

SAW_JOK3R said:
It's Nexus man The best dev support is available for Nexus devices All ROMs has bugs and you'll have to bear with it. But the ROMs for Nexus devices meet stable version sooner than others. Taking Parandroid Android as an example. Visit their website and you'll be able to find that the main team focus on the Nexus line and they've legacy team to support other devices. I was also an user of S3 (Exynos variant) and PA used to be a great custom ROM for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I suppose a caveat to what I have already said, there will still be bugs on roms due to devs making customisations and you will see their bugs potentially. When I say bug free, I'm just talking about a clean AOSP rom affecting the fundamentals of the device.

rootSU said:
Yes I suppose a caveat to what I have already said, there will still be bugs on roms due to devs making customisations and you will see their bugs potentially. When I say bug free, I'm just talking about a clean AOSP rom affecting the fundamentals of the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. The awesome dev support is the only thing which made me to ditch Note 4 And I'm evidencing that custom ROMs has less Major bugs than stock ROM LOL :silly:

bb2si said:
That's quite a relief to read. So there hasn't been any known issues with the call quality suffering? That is my biggest concern as with my HTC (post root/flash) the call quality was horrendous! It sounded like the person on the other line was constantly mumbling. The quality on the Nexus 6, as of now, is so crisp and clear it sounds as if they're sitting right next to me.
I'll definitely be looking forward to trying out the various ROMs available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently running Euphoria OS on my N6. It is based on CM12, and offers a lot of customization options without actually having to enable root. I've been running it for almost a month now, and I have yet to feel a need to go into Developer Options and flip the switch for root access.
From a call quality standpoint, we are all running the same radio versions, so it will come down to your area. I work in an area where T-Mobile is spotty (my building specifically, LTE is stupid fast outside of it) and so I'm eagerly awaiting the update which adds WiFi Calling to AOSP. As it stands now, my phone does activate HD Voice and show an indicator icon in the dialer when I'm on with another T-Mobile user.

Maybe I can use this to convince my girlfriend to let me root hers, as well. She's never had an unlocked device before and she's very cautious about it, but I'm sure I could convince her.
Thanks again, all!

Quick question, does any one have a good recommendation on a guide to root my n6 I don't want to use a tool kit because I'm hearing its better to do root through fastboot if that's correct. I've been rooting phone for some time now but I've only dealt with fastboot once before with an HTC device. All my other devices where s2 to s5. And I usually used chainfires tool kits. So could someone please set me in right direction as far as guides go? Thanks

beachbum40 said:
Quick question, does any one have a good recommendation on a guide to root my n6 I don't want to use a tool kit because I'm hearing its better to do root through fastboot if that's correct. I've been rooting phone for some time now but I've only dealt with fastboot once before with an HTC device. All my other devices where s2 to s5. And I usually used chainfires tool kits. So could someone please set me in right direction as far as guides go? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you already have TWRP installed, just flash SuperSU. It used to require an insecure boot image due to Lollipop's security features removing root on each boot, but now the new SuperSU injects root each time.

beachbum40 said:
Quick question, does any one have a good recommendation on a guide to root my n6 I don't want to use a tool kit because I'm hearing its better to do root through fastboot if that's correct. I've been rooting phone for some time now but I've only dealt with fastboot once before with an HTC device. All my other devices where s2 to s5. And I usually used chainfires tool kits. So could someone please set me in right direction as far as guides go? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its pretty simple.
Use fastboot to unlock bootloader (wipes device]
use fastboot to flash TWRP recovery
Put SuperSU zip on sdcard and flash that via TWRP recovery.
There are guides in general. The main thing is understanding using fastboot. I have a thread on that.
Go to general > all in one thread > question 28

Thank you for quick response guys? Rooting today can't take it anymore.

NotATreoFan said:
I'm currently running Euphoria OS on my N6. It is based on CM12, and offers a lot of customization options without actually having to enable root. I've been running it for almost a month now, and I have yet to feel a need to go into Developer Options and flip the switch for root access.
From a call quality standpoint, we are all running the same radio versions, so it will come down to your area. I work in an area where T-Mobile is spotty (my building specifically, LTE is stupid fast outside of it) and so I'm eagerly awaiting the update which adds WiFi Calling to AOSP. As it stands now, my phone does activate HD Voice and show an indicator icon in the dialer when I'm on with another T-Mobile user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you need a specific custom ROM for many customization when there is Xposed available now?
---------- Post added at 12:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:45 AM ----------
beachbum40 said:
Quick question, does any one have a good recommendation on a guide to root my n6 I don't want to use a tool kit because I'm hearing its better to do root through fastboot if that's correct. I've been rooting phone for some time now but I've only dealt with fastboot once before with an HTC device. All my other devices where s2 to s5. And I usually used chainfires tool kits. So could someone please set me in right direction as far as guides go? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread can help you further

bb2si said:
Maybe I can use this to convince my girlfriend to let me root hers, as well. She's never had an unlocked device before and she's very cautious about it, but I'm sure I could convince her.
Thanks again, all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell her no sex if you can't root her phone!

SAW_JOK3R said:
Why do you need a specific custom ROM for many customization when there is Xposed available now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well xposed is Alpha - not ready for public consumption.
Also, xposed module features are never as good as ones compiled directly into the ROMs. They're just not as efficient. Xposed doesn't replace the need for custom ROMs.

rootSU said:
Well xposed is Alpha - not ready for public consumption.
Also, xposed module features are never as good as ones compiled directly into the ROMs. They're just not as efficient. Xposed doesn't replace the need for custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, Xposed is working flawlessly on nexus 5 and 6 without causing any issue That's why suggested Yeah, that doesn't replace the need of custom ROM but that actually add more feature of user's choice

[Q] How much benefit does rooting the Z3C bring over stock?

Hi all,
I'm sure this'll seem like a dumb question to most, but.. I had an Xperia ZL and found that rooting and installing CM was a fantastic improvement.
However, I'm generally happy with the stock performance on my Z3C and would like to know just how much benefit it brings to have CM running on your phone this time around. Especially since there's not a stable version out yet.
Can anyone comment and persuade me to go through the process of rooting to backup my DRM etc.?
Thanks and good evening to all my fellow XDAers!

schnidex said:
Hi all,
I'm sure this'll seem like a dumb question to most, but.. I had an Xperia ZL and found that rooting and installing CM was a fantastic improvement.
However, I'm generally happy with the stock performance on my Z3C and would like to know just how much benefit it brings to have CM running on your phone this time around. Especially since there's not a stable version out yet.
Can anyone comment and persuade me to go through the process of rooting to backup my DRM etc.?
Thanks and good evening to all my fellow XDAers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you should go for cm12 now that Lollipop is around the corner. I'd advise you to wait for stock Lollipop. You should use it for a few days and within a few weeks from the lollipop release, cm12 will become bugless. That's when you should switch (if you really need to).
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app

Got it, sounds sensible - thanks very much

For me the big benefit was being able to use Titanium backup, I hate updating an app from the Play Store and finding out it is full of bugs or simply backing up a games progress....well worth it to me. Using Xposed and Gravity Box makes the stock software even better by adding almost any Rom feature to the stock software. I would highly recommend that you root before upgrading to Lollipop, you never know if for some reason you can't downgrade and gain root afterwards. Developers will have stock Lollipop zips available shortly after Sony releases it so you can simply flash one and keep root.

So I want to roll back to KitKat..

..since sadly, I'm really not impressed with Lollipop. Battery life seems worse, the supposedly better interface feels far inferior to me and various other small little things that made me realise I really, really liked 4.4.4.
So I have some questions:
1) What's the process to follow for this? I've seen some links I *think* are right, but can't be sure. (Note that I'm considering rooting and would want to keep my DRM keys etc., if I can).
2) I assume the phone will be wiped as this won't be like upgrading was to Lollipop. So I'd have to backup all my data (although I know this is best practice anyway).
3) Is there a stock version of 4.4.4 as opposed to Sony's original FW that I could use?
4) Or potentially even CM11?
5) If not, is there some way I could get the quick pin unlock feature I used to love in CM on my Xperia Z?
Thanks as always, all.

schnidex said:
..since sadly, I'm really not impressed with Lollipop. Battery life seems worse, the supposedly better interface feels far inferior to me and various other small little things that made me realise I really, really liked 4.4.4.
So I have some questions:
1) What's the process to follow for this? I've seen some links I *think* are right, but can't be sure. (Note that I'm considering rooting and would want to keep my DRM keys etc., if I can).
2) I assume the phone will be wiped as this won't be like upgrading was to Lollipop. So I'd have to backup all my data (although I know this is best practice anyway).
3) Is there a stock version of 4.4.4 as opposed to Sony's original FW that I could use?
4) Or potentially even CM11?
5) If not, is there some way I could get the quick pin unlock feature I used to love in CM on my Xperia Z?
Thanks as always, all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go everything is explained HERE.

Schumi 01 said:
Here you go everything is explained HERE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That covers #1 and #2, but not the rest.
And when I say stock, I mean non-Sony, original Android. Without any "helpful" additions from our phone manufacturer

I don't know if it's likely I'll get the answers to my latter questions, but the former ones were partly out of being worried I'd screw up the process of downgrading (even though I had a general idea of what guides I might follow).
However, on the off chance that anyone else was equally worried, I performed the downgrade at the weekend, followed the steps carefully and it worked like a dream. I am very, very happy to be back on KK/4.4.4!
I just wanted to reassure anyone who might be in a similar position. Lollipop is, for the time being, definitely not for me.

schnidex said:
I don't know if it's likely I'll get the answers to my latter questions, but the former ones were partly out of being worried I'd screw up the process of downgrading (even though I had a general idea of what guides I might follow).
However, on the off chance that anyone else was equally worried, I performed the downgrade at the weekend, followed the steps carefully and it worked like a dream. I am very, very happy to be back on KK/4.4.4!
I just wanted to reassure anyone who might be in a similar position. Lollipop is, for the time being, definitely not for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how is 4.4 doing for you? I'm considering switching to 4.4 too from 5.1. I don't use most of the new features that lollipop offers although I do have a moto 360. i rechecked the best new features of v5 and I believe I can live without them in exchange for:
1-stability
2-much better battery
3-camera quality

Chadie said:
how is 4.4 doing for you? I'm considering switching to 4.4 too from 5.1. I don't use most of the new features that lollipop offers although I do have a moto 360. i rechecked the best new features of v5 and I believe I can live without them in exchange for:
1-stability
2-much better battery
3-camera quality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried some LP versions but in the end I always roll back to KK.
1. Stability - no difference between LP and KK
2. Battery - for me personally I get more battery out of KK, about half a day more (on average 2 full days vs 1.5 days)
3. Camera - no diff between LP and KK
In the end for me it's about the battery and the simple fact that I don't like the LP interface, but yeah, it's a personal choice
---------- Post added 8th August 2015 at 12:03 AM ---------- Previous post was 7th August 2015 at 11:53 PM ----------
schnidex said:
..since sadly, I'm really not impressed with Lollipop. Battery life seems worse, the supposedly better interface feels far inferior to me and various other small little things that made me realise I really, really liked 4.4.4.
So I have some questions:
1) What's the process to follow for this? I've seen some links I *think* are right, but can't be sure. (Note that I'm considering rooting and would want to keep my DRM keys etc., if I can).
2) I assume the phone will be wiped as this won't be like upgrading was to Lollipop. So I'd have to backup all my data (although I know this is best practice anyway).
3) Is there a stock version of 4.4.4 as opposed to Sony's original FW that I could use?
4) Or potentially even CM11?
5) If not, is there some way I could get the quick pin unlock feature I used to love in CM on my Xperia Z?
Thanks as always, all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding 3 and 4, check the development section.. There is a KK Miui rom and some other modified, debloated and optimized stock KK roms, but I can't find any CM rom.

Do you need to be rooted to be able to follow that guide (use flashtool)? because I try to be jailbreak-free and root-free in all my devices to save on any headaches that it might cause.

Chadie said:
Do you need to be rooted to be able to follow that guide (use flashtool)? because I try to be jailbreak-free and root-free in all my devices to save on any headaches that it might cause.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't
Sent from my D5833 using XDA Free mobile app

Thank you Sadman Khan

Chadie said:
how is 4.4 doing for you? I'm considering switching to 4.4 too from 5.1. I don't use most of the new features that lollipop offers although I do have a moto 360. i rechecked the best new features of v5 and I believe I can live without them in exchange for:
1-stability
2-much better battery
3-camera quality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't be happier, really. 4.4 is pretty much perfect.

[Q] Considering move from Nexus to Z3c.. Q's

So I have a Nexus 5 that's screen is dying for the second time and I'm considering my options including a replacement phone. The Z3c is obviously a great spec phone and nicely built... I'm attracted to it by it sensible size also. The Nexus 5 I'm coming from is about the limit of size I'm willing to go. However I'm afraid of moving from the open world of easily being able to install custom ROM's and do whatever I like to the phone. I've read up on what's involved in doing this on the Z3c but I still have some reservations:
How stable are the ROM's available for the Z3c, I'm really just interested in a close to stock ROM with bloatware removed, I'n not looking for experimental features/customisations. I've used Cyanogenmod before on another device, and other ROMs and there always seemed to be something that never worked quite as well as the stock ROM. (CM had bluetooth problems for me)
If you go the route of unlocking the bootloader, are the DRM protected features that are lost deal-breaking? Is it possible to achieve what I want (clean ROM, root) without unlocking the bootloader?
Thanks for your help in advance!

I am facing prettu much the same problem...
But i am moving away from a lg g2. ( it does not have the best custom rom support, but it works)
Anyway, i am willing to give a shot to the stock sony android... because of the DRM keys..
Well.. lets see what the people have to say!

RoryHa said:
How stable are the ROM's available for the Z3c, I'm really just interested in a close to stock ROM with bloatware removed, I'n not looking for experimental features/customisations. I've used Cyanogenmod before on another device, and other ROMs and there always seemed to be something that never worked quite as well as the stock ROM. (CM had bluetooth problems for me)
If you go the route of unlocking the bootloader, are the DRM protected features that are lost deal-breaking? Is it possible to achieve what I want (clean ROM, root) without unlocking the bootloader?
Thanks for your help in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1: The Roms here are really stable and most of them are close to stock Roms so you won't have to worry about that, since most of them are near stock Roms you won't have to worry about the stability either.
2: Only you can judge if you're going to miss the DRM features, I didn't and still don't I couldn't wait for root, so I unlocked my BL and I never regretted my choice.
The only downside to this phone is the camera in my opinion, so gather some info about the camera first.
When unlocking the BL you also lose some camera quality (only really noticeable in low light conditions tho).
See my topic (in sig) for pictures).
And you don't have to unlock your BL at all if you don't want to, only if you want to use another Kernel.

Thanks for the info
Dsteppa said:
The only downside to this phone is the camera in my opinion, so gather some info about the camera first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a look at the photo there and they are not as good as I thought the camera is.. still they are not bad. The Nexus 5 I currently have is not amazing either so it's not really a deal breaker for me. It seems to be the one thing all non-flagship phones compromise on is the quality of the camera.

Rom & Mod Reccomendations (Just got a Z1)

Hi,
I'm picking up a Xperia Z1 C6903 for a friend. She basically checks email and takes photos with her phone, so Camera/Video and Battery Life are priority.
Can anyone please recommend a good Rom and/or Mods for me.
I usually get more obscure phones for myself (never had a Sony) without so many options of mods and custom roms, so its a bit harder than I'm used to to sort through the pages on XDA... there so much to go through here so any help to narrow things down a bit for me would be appreciated.
Thanks!

rich333 said:
Hi,
I'm picking up a Xperia Z1 C6903 for a friend. She basically checks email and takes photos with her phone, so Camera/Video and Battery Life are priority.
Can anyone please recommend a good Rom and/or Mods for me.
I usually get more obscure phones for myself (never had a Sony) without so many options of mods and custom roms, so its a bit harder than I'm used to to sort through the pages on XDA... there so much to go through here so any help to narrow things down a bit for me would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you /she is not big fan of custom ROM (aospa, paranoid, CM, DU, PAC etc.) I would say just root the phone and use stock ROM.
Stock ROM is best for battery and photos together.
Rooting is good in case she wants Xposed and all the modules.
Don't unlock the bootloader since this will remove some propriety code for display and camera.
I haven't used any stock ROM so can't talk about them.
Sent from my Xperia Z1 using Tapatalk

Thanks, I often find custom roms better for battery life. And can see that there's a few camera mods available. So I assumed a custom rom (either with a Stock based or not?) and camera mod would be the way to go? Also, is the stock camera app the best performer (in terms of image quality?)

Really can't see any need to meddle with the standard rom.
The Xperia range of phones all have outstanding battery life and excellent photo/video software built in as standard.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I was thinking this sound good: [MOD] Z1, Z1C & Z1S 8th Edition - Camera… | Sony Xperia Z1....
And there seems to be a few scripts which claim to improve battery life & speed like Fly-on-Mod...
I guess i'm just not used to stock being the best option!!! I cant help but want to change something

If you want to meddle then root and Xposed would be the simplest option.
But given the original criteria are already met by the standard rom and the fact that it's not your phone I still can't see the need.
Do you really want your friend coming to you with every minor niggle they can dream up, thinking that you caused it by modifying their phone?
Just make sure they upgrade to 5.1.1 which is due out any day now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

thanks.
I've got it running stock KK, rooted, locked bootloader with xposed & dual recovery.
I decided not to update to LP until 5.1.1 is out (any day now it seems...?) due to slow downs in 5.0.2
From what I can see I'll have to update with Flashtool (if I can find the "Customized AU" file) or updated via Sony PC Companion and re-root & re-install recovery.
will both methods will result in a data wipe?
When it does come out - is there a way to update without loosing here data/settings? & will current rooting methods still work (I used easy root?)
Thanks for your help everyone!