I'm thinking about buying the Xperia XZ1 Compact, because it seems like the ideal phone to me: small size yet flagship hardware, water resistant, no metal casing and the ability to use a CFW. After several days of occasional research, I have a few questions.
How usable is a CFW for it? From what I gathered, there is some sort of DRM from Sony implemented in the original Firmware for the camera. I know there's a "DRM-fix" in LineageOS, but can I use the camera just as good as on the original Firmware?
I'd like to have no data sent to anyone, neither Sony nor Google. From what I gathered, a CFW would allow me to do just that, but I'd still like to have the option to use something like the Google Play Store just in case. Is it possible to heavily restrict and control what kind of data the Google Services and similar invasive apps would have access to?
What steps should I take to make the original Firmware it ships with as secure as possible, i.e. prevent data being sent to Sony or Google as much as possible? I'm thinking of running the original Firmware for a year because of the guarantee period.
Thanks in advance!
I'm using LineageOS and the most recent beta has Sony camera app built-in, which is working properly even though you have to unlock the bootloader to install LineageOS. So DRM fix is working properly.
I'm using Google apps such as calendar, etc. so I don't know about going without those - but if you read the LineageOS thread, there are some mentions by people that do so. LineageOS has "Trust" app installed and it works well - I've been able to block Google apps' access to different things, but in truth, when you limit Play Services too much, suddenly all things stop working (e.g. GPS apps usually use Play Services to access GPS hardware, so if you block GPS in Play Services, most apps won't work).
I don't think it's possible yet to get rid of Google apps from stock firmware, for now there's no public root exploit to my knowledge, though I've seen work done on these forums.
Thank you for your reply. Did you yourself ever worry about the warranty of your phone? Did you just flash it without fear? And did you try Netflix by any chance? It's probably one of the few important apps for me.
It's great to see good ratings and positivity about this phone here.
I'm surprised as I always came here to hack my device to intmstall custom Roms and Huawei doesn't give access to do that
I'm reaching out to you in hopes of getting some actual real user experience threads created on the official Huawei UK Community.
A handful of the moderators including myself have made some reviews on how to get apps etc. We aren't after full blown reviews but similar to what your experiences have been like.
This will help average users make a decision whether to buy the phone or not
If you post remember that most users of the community are not experts or technologists. They are usually people looking for help.
You can access it using Huawei support app by clicking forum or visit
https://consumer.huawei.com/uk/community/list/?forumId=20361
And login With your Huawei ID.
You'll get a generic username so update that to anything reasonable.
You could get featured by Huawei a social media too
Links back to this community will just show as text rather than an active link. Their whitelisted urls are few and far between.
Thanks for your help if you decide to contribute
Whilst you're there you can submit some images to Huawei Next-image which is a Global photography contest of certain topics but have to be photos taken on a Huawei device.
Thanks again.
I have a P40 Pro on the way, i have had many Huawei phones and think what Huawei are doing with HMS is a massive undertaking in the west. Only huawei can pull it off. Each day HMS is getting better and these forums and huawei community are really helping me get used to this new experience.
HMS is not perfect at the moment but when i remember the failures of the BB and Windows - Huawei are going in the right direction and not following those mistakes.
Politics and biases aside. I look forward to seeing more fantastic hardware from huawei and the software is going in the right direction.
I'm amazed to see diehearts like you folks willing to stick to Huawei HMS and refuse to serrender to Google GMS. I'm equally inspired by Huawei which is striving their best to reach out to 1.4mil developers worldwide to port their esteemed apps over to Huawei AppGallery. It's becoming quite usable lately as more and more local everyday used apps have been made available on the AppGallery. :victory:
georgeklee said:
I'm amazed to see diehearts like you folks willing to stick to Huawei HMS and refuse to serrender to Google GMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If notifications worked reliably with HMS-naked, then it would be very easy for me to stick with HMS-naked ... unfortunately notifications really suck, hence I am stuck with a HMS+microG install for now ... but at least that is better than HMS+GMS.
Let me know when notifications are fixed on HMS-naked, then I will uninstall microG.
linux2525 said:
If notifications worked reliably with HMS-naked, then it would be very easy for me to stick with HMS-naked ... unfortunately notifications really suck, hence I am stuck with a HMS+microG install for now ... but at least that is better than HMS+GMS.
Let me know when notifications are fixed on HMS-naked, then I will uninstall microG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got any guide where you got this to work?
Also - Why MicroG, not full GMS ?
JazonX said:
You've got any guide where you got this to work?
Also - Why MicroG, not full GMS ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to thread in this P40 Pro forum .. i think it was in the recent thread in this forum for nova ... linked back to a german forum .. but here is below ...
microG
https://microg.org/
1. Perform a factory reset of the phone.
2. Install F-Droid app
3. Add this repo into F-Droid .... https://microg.org/fdroid/repo
4. In F-Droid, then install MicroG Services Core.
5. In F-Droid, then Install MicroG Services Framework Proxy.
6. In F-Droid, then Install the MicroG FakeStore.
6. Open the Microg Settings app. Grant it all permissions and disable battery optimizations.
7. Add your Google account.
8. Turn on Device Registration, Cloud Messaging and SafetyNet.
9. Restart your phone.
10. Open Microg Settings app, check the status under Cloud Messaging. If it says not connected enter the following in the phone app: *#*#2432546#*#* and restart your phone. Check the status again - it should say Connected. (I had to enter the phone string and restart my phone twice until it said connected).
11. Install apps
12. Check connection in microG app for Google Cloud Messaging
All this will give you is push notifications with Google Cloud Messaging (including the Google Firebase messaging).
I also had notification issues caused by either Huawei PowerGenie and Android Doze .. if the notifications work and then suddenly stop after an hour or so, then try these ..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hu...-to-improve-notification-reliability-t4100277
linux2525 said:
go to thread in this P40 Pro forum .. i think it was in the recent thread in this forum for nova ... linked back to a german forum.
microG
https://microg.org/
1. Perform a factory reset of the phone.
2. Install F-Droid app
3. Add this repo into F-Droid .... https://microg.org/fdroid/repo
4. In F-Droid, then install MicroG Services Core.
5. In F-Droid, then Install MicroG Services Framework Proxy.
6. In F-Droid, then Install the MicroG FakeStore.
6. Open the Microg Settings app. Grant it all permissions and disable battery optimizations.
7. Add your Google account.
8. Turn on Device Registration, Cloud Messaging and SafetyNet.
9. Restart your phone.
10. Open Microg Settings app, check the status under Cloud Messaging. If it says not connected enter the following in the phone app: *#*#2432546#*#* and restart your phone. Check the status again - it should say Connected. (I had to enter the phone string and restart my phone twice until it said connected).
11. Install apps
12. Check connection in microG app for Google Cloud Messaging
All this will give you is push notifications with Google Cloud Messaging (including the Google Firebase messaging).
I also had notification issues caused by either Huawei PowerGenie and Android Doze .. if the notifications work and then suddenly stop after an hour or so, then try these ..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hu...-to-improve-notification-reliability-t4100277
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a ton for the guide bro!
But why go the MicroG way, when there are working guides for GMS with Lzplay, Icebox, etc ?
Any particular reason why you've picked MicroG over Full GMS ?
JazonX said:
Also - Why MicroG, not full GMS ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
microG is a small open-source app .. used in many custom ROMs for years .. simple, quick to install, and less risk of update hassles, and easy to uninstall later if needed, and still very close to HMS-naked, it just provides notification access to google push notifications (google cloud messaging and google firebase cloud messaging).
if you want to use google apps, then this really isn't the phone to buy .. all the hassles & problems with GMS and then what is the benefit of the P40 Pro .. just a camera with DXOMARK score of 128, when you could have bought another android phone with a DXOMARK score of 123 .. virtually no difference.
but microG gets us pretty close to HMS-naked (when the notifications get fixed with HMS-naked, then I will go HMS-naked).
the first microG install might take 15 mins .. but if you ever need to install again, it is about a 3 minute process once familiar.
linux2525 said:
microG is a small open-source app .. used in many custom ROMs for years .. simple, quick to install, and less risk of update hassles, and easy to uninstall later if needed, and still very close to HMS-naked, it just provides notification access to google push notifications (google cloud messaging and google firebase cloud messaging).
if you want to use google apps, then this really isn't the phone to buy .. all the hassles & problems with GMS and then what is the benefit of the P40 Pro .. just a camera with DXOMARK score of 128, when you could have bought another android phone with a DXOMARK score of 123 .. virtually no difference.
but microG gets us pretty close to HMS-naked (when the notifications get fixed with HMS-naked, then I will go HMS-naked).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've understood! Thanks a lot for the detailed responses.
linux2525 said:
but microG gets us pretty close to HMS-naked (when the notifications get fixed with HMS-naked, then I will go HMS-naked).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder how they can fix the notifucations without actually getting a version of the app in the app gallery? Officially at least.
arsenal74 said:
I wonder how they can fix the notifucations without actually getting a version of the app in the app gallery? Officially at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would like to know the answer to this question .. i.e.
a) can huawei update HMS Core with to make apps compatible with huawei cloud messaging system ... or
b) is the only option for wait months or years for all the various app developers to update their apps for huawei cloud messaging system?
hopefully it is (a)
on the huawei forums, one of the regular users, said that the notification problems were a EMUI 10.1 problem .. so I'm not really sure yet
Depending on how easy it is for developers to add HMS and get officially listed in AppGallery.
Hoping it's as simple as
if gms. Not Installed then.... Hms.Notification() else gms.Notification();
Without checking any of the Dev guides or codes.
It wouldn't be too big an undertaking
so i ordered one of these. love cameras and this seems to be a great pocket camera/smartphone. since it isn’t a usa destined product, does anyone with experience know what i’m in for? my questions are setup, will google apps be preinstalled, like the play store and google photos? will i get security updates?
any help is greatly appreciated.
elwuero said:
so i ordered one of these. love cameras and this seems to be a great pocket camera/smartphone. since it isn’t a usa destined product, does anyone with experience know what i’m in for? my questions are setup, will google apps be preinstalled, like the play store and google photos? will i get security updates?
any help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well vivo, from which place are you buying it from?
Ive seen the phone before, if its from India then it would have google apps etc.
And you would get security updates and you would have google photos.
In my mind, only China imported phones don't have google services sometimes.
Kenora_I said:
Well vivo, from which place are you buying it from?
Ive seen the phone before, if its from India then it would have google apps etc.
And you would get security updates and you would have google photos.
In my mind, only China imported phones don't have google services sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uh oh, I ordered it from Hong Kong. fingers crossed then. should have asked here first.
Welllllll, its probably likely theres no google services, but when you get it just post a thread if you don't have it and tag me. Ill try to help you install the global version of the rom on it.
Yeah china banned google atuff with google play so your best bet is to wait till uou recieve it and flash the global rom or you should cancel and choose smth else.
Kenora_I said:
Welllllll, its probably likely theres no google services, but when you get it just post a thread if you don't have it and tag me. Ill try to help you install the global version of the rom on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain how to install funtouch os firmware?
Hi,
I've got the chinese version too, and I'm based in Switzerland.
Actually, it's working good, but not perfect. Some things are missing or not working perfectly and some things are hard coded chinese. But as a daily driver for taking perfect photos, calling/messaging its "working".
Some points:
- Google (Play) Services preinstalled, can be loaded through the vivo app store when installing gmail app
- Backup/Syncing working, but the initial restore from an old phone is not offered through google initial setup
- google photos, maps and so on are working, only location history can't be enabled.
- Regular OriginOS updates
- some chinese default bloatware preinstalled, some can be uninstalled
- no google now, just a chinese vivo version
- android auto doesn't work atm
- some fine tuning necessary with default apps, and so on
- google pay, banking apps working
Over all, it's working for me, but i'm missing some tiny bits, which a global rom could fix. But in comparison what you get (camera, performance, display, price...), it's a aceptable device for me.
If you need specific infos, just leave me a note.
If there's a global rom, i would be interessfed too.
PoochieMama said:
Hi,
I've got the chinese version too, and I'm based in Switzerland.
Actually, it's working good, but not perfect. Some things are missing or not working perfectly and some things are hard coded chinese. But as a daily driver for taking perfect photos, calling/messaging its "working".
Some points:
- Google (Play) Services preinstalled, can be loaded through the vivo app store when installing gmail app
- Backup/Syncing working, but the initial restore from an old phone is not offered through google initial setup
- google photos, maps and so on are working, only location history can't be enabled.
- Regular OriginOS updates
- some chinese default bloatware preinstalled, some can be uninstalled
- no google now, just a chinese vivo version
- android auto doesn't work atm
- some fine tuning necessary with default apps, and so on
- google pay, banking apps working
Over all, it's working for me, but i'm missing some tiny bits, which a global rom could fix. But in comparison what you get (camera, performance, display, price...), it's a aceptable device for me.
If you need specific infos, just leave me a note.
If there's a global rom, i would be interessfed too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for all that info. mine is currently in transit to me. i feel much better after reading your comments. i love taking pictures and that is my main reason for getting this phone. will for sure reach out with questions if needed after I get it.
You won't regret it. This phone just captures perfect photos. Even in comparisson to the samsung s21 ultra. My opinion (and my wife with a s21 ultra).
Some things are annyoing but i can live with it. I mean, I can even do phone calls
Just a night shot from now 2 a.m. - it's dark outside and this camera manages to capture photos like its late afternoon...
PoochieMama said:
You won't regret it. This phone just captures perfect photos. Even in comparisson to the samsung s21 ultra. My opinion (and my wife with a s21 ultra).
Some things are annyoing but i can live with it. I mean, I can even do phone calls
Just a night shot from now 2 a.m. - it's dark outside and this camera manages to capture photos like its late afternoon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you better get to sleep!
PoochieMama said:
Hi,
I've got the chinese version too, and I'm based in Switzerland.
Actually, it's working good, but not perfect. Some things are missing or not working perfectly and some things are hard coded chinese. But as a daily driver for taking perfect photos, calling/messaging its "working".
Some points:
- Google (Play) Services preinstalled, can be loaded through the vivo app store when installing gmail app
- Backup/Syncing working, but the initial restore from an old phone is not offered through google initial setup
- google photos, maps and so on are working, only location history can't be enabled.
- Regular OriginOS updates
- some chinese default bloatware preinstalled, some can be uninstalled
- no google now, just a chinese vivo version
- android auto doesn't work atm
- some fine tuning necessary with default apps, and so on
- google pay, banking apps working
Over all, it's working for me, but i'm missing some tiny bits, which a global rom could fix. But in comparison what you get (camera, performance, display, price...), it's a aceptable device for me.
If you need specific infos, just leave me a note.
If there's a global rom, i would be interessfed too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh google play services are preinstalled?
That's actually new to me.
Sorry, I guess I was kind of misleading with google being removed. It was banned in china but I did not know that google play services still worked.
I received it on Friday. Chinese version definitely. But Google Play Store already installed. I downloaded all the normal Google apps like Android Messages, Chrome, Contacts & Calendar and they all seem to be perfect. Thinking now, I didn’t download Maps yet. There was an originOS update available and a couple of apps had their own also, like I believe the Camera app. So I'm relieved that updates do come through.
First impressions are positive. It is sleek. Kind of nice how it comes with a screen protector pre installed and it comes with a pretty nice back cover.
I "had to have" this because like I said I love taking photos. Just for reference I have a Sony Xperia 1 ii (for sale on ebay), a Galaxy S21 Ultra (going back to Amazon) and a 12 Pro Max. I shot a lot of photos today with the X60 Pro+. They are all nice. A couple though came out tremendously well. I think to get similar photos I would have had to get my Sony a7C or Sigma fp with a fast 85mm to get the same shot. I for sure would not have gotten the same quality from my other smartphones.
Anyways I don’t think I will try to get the global software on this. Seems like I'll be good.
PoochieMama said:
Hi,
I've got the chinese version too, and I'm based in Switzerland.
Actually, it's working good, but not perfect. Some things are missing or not working perfectly and some things are hard coded chinese. But as a daily driver for taking perfect photos, calling/messaging its "working".
Some points:
- Google (Play) Services preinstalled, can be loaded through the vivo app store when installing gmail app
- Backup/Syncing working, but the initial restore from an old phone is not offered through google initial setup
- google photos, maps and so on are working, only location history can't be enabled.
- Regular OriginOS updates
- some chinese default bloatware preinstalled, some can be uninstalled
- no google now, just a chinese vivo version
- android auto doesn't work atm
- some fine tuning necessary with default apps, and so on
- google pay, banking apps working
Over all, it's working for me, but i'm missing some tiny bits, which a global rom could fix. But in comparison what you get (camera, performance, display, price...), it's a aceptable device for me.
If you need specific infos, just leave me a note.
If there's a global rom, i would be interessfed too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi from Austria perfect Summary i totally agree with you, i am happy with the China version, for that price ~ 750€ you will get nice hardware, OriginOS is also nice, i like the gesture navigation, but im missing google maps location history so much, there is some restriction on China for google services, because china dont want to be tracked by usa google... other brands from china have same issue with location history.
I found in this thread with some fix for rooted phones to enable ROM to use location history:
Ennable Google Maps Location Sharing & Location History on Chinese MIUI ROM
You need Magisk properly installed on your ROM and then download & install the following modules:
Releases · fei-ke/unlock-cn-gms
去除国行 GMS 某些限制. Contribute to fei-ke/unlock-cn-gms development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
[Magisk module] Google location history unlock for Chinese MIUI roms only
Hi, posting my Magisk mod that I am using since couple of years. This mod works and testen on K20 pro, Note 7 Pro and K30 Pro Zoom Edition. What does it do? It enabled Google location History in Google maps. This is only needed for Chinese roms...
forum.xda-developers.com
maybe @Kenora_I can help us to flash Global Rom from India... hopefully without brickung our phones
@Kenora_I is it possible to flash Global Rom with banking apps working to pay with nfc ?
best regards
Hello Everyone.
I am about to buy this phone but still having some doubts because of the OriginOS. I live in New Zealand. Just would like to ask a couple of questions:
- does it allow to install and use Nova Launcher with gestures?
- is this notification bar and settings bar changeable or at least can set up some gestures for that? Otherwise it requires to touch the top edge of the phone which is not perfect for me
- notifications are visible in Always on Display from FB, whats up, non stock phone or messages apps or not at all?
- does anyone use that with company portal and MS Authenticator? and its working fine?
- how is the battery life - roughly SOT?
I will be really grateful for any help!
Thank you!
Peter
calibra71207 said:
Hello Everyone.
I am about to buy this phone but still having some doubts because of the OriginOS. I live in New Zealand. Just would like to ask a couple of questions:
- does it allow to install and use Nova Launcher with gestures?
- is this notification bar and settings bar changeable or at least can set up some gestures for that? Otherwise it requires to touch the top edge of the phone which is not perfect for me
- notifications are visible in Always on Display from FB, whats up, non stock phone or messages apps or not at all?
- does anyone use that with company portal and MS Authenticator? and its working fine?
- how is the battery life - roughly SOT?
I will be really grateful for any help!
Thank you!
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relevant for me too!
AG7447 said:
Relevant for me too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since nobody wants to answer, I will, but I don't use X60 pro+. I have IQOO and had x50 pro+ and therefore the answer can't fail a lot.
1. I didn't try Nova, but I installed Star Prime and it works with gestures as long as you don't uninstall original launcher.
2. Not that I'm aware of.
3. Don't use unsecure apps, but the custom dialer and messages are supported on AOD.
4. Don't use work portal, but there is no reason to not work.
5. Battery is good, one day with heavy use, two with moderate.