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I'm wondering if I should root my Prime yet? I see the Virtuous Rom & I love and trust they're work as it is all I've ever used on my sensation. But, is it much of an improvement yet? I have no GPS at all, and I do get the screen flickering here and there, but I don't want to send it back for fear that it could be worse! Wifi is OK, a little weak I guess but acceptable, and I see the browser has stopped working msg, even though it hasn't, but I font know if virtuous could fix any of these or the occasional force closes. It sounds like a lot of issues I get but they really are mild & not that often, but if virtuous can fix it then I'd go for it.
Also, sift root method is best? I saw one that is just an apk that I can install, I think it was recently posted.
I'm just wondering what can be fixed thus far and what major advantages I would have at this point by rooting and flashing virtuous? Thanks in advance, all opinions are appreciated!
Sent from my HTC Sensation- Virtuous Inquisition 4.0
You would need to unlock your bootloader to use Virtuous ROM, not just root your Prime. Those are two separate things.
I highly suggest reading more threads in General and Development before proceeding so you can make the most informed decision.
Since you don't seem to know the difference between unlocking a bootloader and rooting.. my suggestion would be to try neither until you have a stronger grasp of what is involved and what each process actually does.
I would doubly recommend you don't unlock your bootloader since that will void your warranty and could really leave you screwed if you somehow manage to brick your Prime.
As a side note, no custom ROM is likely to provide a significant improvement on GPS. The problem with GPS really isn't a software issue, so no software will ever be able to make it really work.
As for the screen flickering.. how often does this happen and how often to you restart your Prime? It happens to me once in a while, usually after my Prime has been on for a couple of days. Restarting makes it go away for another couple of days. Installing a custom ROM might fix the flickering, but there is a good chance that a hard reset will also fix the flickering. In any case you will have to decide for yourself if turning to custom ROMs to fix the screen flickering issue is worth losing your warranty over.
I'm well aware of unlocking the boot loader, as that goes without saying. I somewhat generalized the process with my statement. I'm also aware GPS is a hardware issue. I'm wondering if Virtuous will fix any of the common minor software issues. If I'm running Virtuous on my Sensation, do you not realize I've unlocked at least one boot loader in the past? Not to mention on my many other devices.
Okay, now can anyone who can share more than the absolute most obvious information, let me know if it is worth spending the time doing, or has not a great deal of progress been made at this point?
If I seem a little short, its because so many seem to assume everyone lacks common knowledge and it can be a bit frustrating. I am a business owner, and this is my hobby, but I have very little time to spend with it as of late. If not any significant process has been made, I assume it best to hold off.
I am more than able to comprehend and follow directions, and when I asked which method, I was more or less referring to which guide was the most commonly used, or the shortest process. Thank you again.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
androholic said:
I'm well aware of unlocking the boot loader, as that goes without saying. I somewhat generalized the process with my statement. I'm also aware GPS is a hardware issue. I'm wondering if Virtuous will fix any of the common minor software issues. If I'm running Virtuous on my Sensation, do you not realize I've unlocked at least one boot loader in the past? Not to mention on my many other devices.
Okay, now can anyone who can share more than the absolute most obvious information, let me know if it is worth spending the time doing, or has not a great deal of progress been made at this point?
If I seem a little short, its because so many seem to assume everyone lacks common knowledge and it can be a bit frustrating. I am a business owner, and this is my hobby, but I have very little time to spend with it as of late. If not any significant process has been made, I assume it best to hold off.
I am more than able to comprehend and follow directions, and when I asked which method, I was more or less referring to which guide was the most commonly used, or the shortest process. Thank you again.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current Virtuous Rom, or any of the other roms out, do not claim to fix 'any minor software issue'
Virtuous will certainly make your prime seem faster though.
Over half of my enjoyment with the Prime is the fact that I am customizing it and installing custom roms and tweaking. If you don't get any enjoyment out of that, and you need to ask here to make this decision, then perhaps it is not for you.
androholic said:
I'm wondering if I should root my Prime yet? I see the Virtuous Rom & I love and trust they're work as it is all I've ever used on my sensation. But, is it much of an improvement yet? I have no GPS at all, and I do get the screen flickering here and there, but I don't want to send it back for fear that it could be worse! Wifi is OK, a little weak I guess but acceptable, and I see the browser has stopped working msg, even though it hasn't, but I font know if virtuous could fix any of these or the occasional force closes. It sounds like a lot of issues I get but they really are mild & not that often, but if virtuous can fix it then I'd go for it.
Also, sift root method is best? I saw one that is just an apk that I can install, I think it was recently posted.
I'm just wondering what can be fixed thus far and what major advantages I would have at this point by rooting and flashing virtuous? Thanks in advance, all opinions are appreciated!
Sent from my HTC Sensation- Virtuous Inquisition 4.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering if you've already done a factory reset after you upgraded to ICS. I've read some good news when doing this. Gonna go this route when I'm finally ready for ICS.
agentdr8 said:
You would need to unlock your bootloader to use Virtuous ROM, not just root your Prime. Those are two separate things.
I highly suggest reading more threads in General and Development before proceeding so you can make the most informed decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
almightywhacko said:
Since you don't seem to know the difference between unlocking a bootloader and rooting.. my suggestion would be to try neither until you have a stronger grasp of what is involved and what each process actually does.
I would doubly recommend you don't unlock your bootloader since that will void your warranty and could really leave you screwed if you somehow manage to brick your Prime.
As a side note, no custom ROM is likely to provide a significant improvement on GPS. The problem with GPS really isn't a software issue, so no software will ever be able to make it really work.
As for the screen flickering.. how often does this happen and how often to you restart your Prime? It happens to me once in a while, usually after my Prime has been on for a couple of days. Restarting makes it go away for another couple of days. Installing a custom ROM might fix the flickering, but there is a good chance that a hard reset will also fix the flickering. In any case you will have to decide for yourself if turning to custom ROMs to fix the screen flickering issue is worth losing your warranty over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. research more first. once you unlock bootloader there is no turning back. warranty voided and no OTA updates. make sure you ready to accept those facts if you decide to unlock.
demandarin said:
I agree. research more first. once you unlock bootloader there is no turning back. warranty voided and no OTA updates. make sure you ready to accept those facts if you decide to unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've rooted every device I've ever owned, except this is my first tablet. I do have it insured though, and it covers lost or stolen, so worst case scenario I would claim it and pay the $99 deductible. I haven't bricked a device to date, knock on wood. I just don't usually bother with it until there is significant progress made. Honestly, I usually root for advantages in this order.
1) AOSP or something very pure: But, Asus UI is already very vanilla and clean.
2)Tethering Break: T-Mobile would like to charge me for tethering individually for all four of my lines, but obviously I can't tether anything off of the prime, but rather tether to it.
3)Performance/Battery Tweaks: The prime is already amazingly fast, but faster can always be achieved.
So, in conclusion the only benefit I would gain from rooting/unlocking would be performance tweaks. I gather that no rom has provided any major increases increases in performance thus far, or resolved any of the minor persisting bugs. So I believe my question has been answered.
I would LOVE to see CM9 on the Prime! When its released I'll be willing to take the day off of work to play with that!
Thanked everyone!
androholic said:
I would LOVE to see CM9 on the Prime! When its released I'll be willing to take the day off of work to play with that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM9 nightly builds for TF201 are already available to play with
http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=tf201
androholic said:
If I seem a little short, its because so many seem to assume everyone lacks common knowledge and it can be a bit frustrating. I am a business owner, and this is my hobby, but I have very little time to spend with it as of late. If not any significant process has been made, I assume it best to hold off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People assume you lack common knowledge because of the way your phrased your question, which seemed to confuse to very different procedures that a lot of people confuse when they don't quite know what they are doing
As for rooting, there are plenty of methods in the Dev forum, and there are plenty of threads in there discussing which one is best and why.
As for unlocking the bootloader, there are no really great reasons for doing so right now.
None of the custom ROMs really offer anything great at this point over the basically stock version of ICS already on the Prime. I am sure in a few months there will be lots of great enhancements added into custom ROMs, but now it is mostly stuff you can add for yourself with the right apps.
But hey, if you have insurance on your tablet and want to mess around go for it, its your device!
I don't personally have a reason to want one of the custom ROMs yer even though they look great. I am holding off unlocking as a friend of mine may need me as a test for some toying with the unlocker but I will be doing so eventually. I am not really worried about the warranty personally as I am intelligent enough to pay attention to what I am doing and not brick. If I have any hardware issues I have squaretrade. I did root it though as soon as it was available and remain rooted now.
androholic said:
I'm wondering if I should root my Prime yet? I see the Virtuous Rom & I love and trust they're work as it is all I've ever used on my sensation. But, is it much of an improvement yet? I have no GPS at all, and I do get the screen flickering here and there, but I don't want to send it back for fear that it could be worse! Wifi is OK, a little weak I guess but acceptable, and I see the browser has stopped working msg, even though it hasn't, but I font know if virtuous could fix any of these or the occasional force closes. It sounds like a lot of issues I get but they really are mild & not that often, but if virtuous can fix it then I'd go for it.
Also, sift root method is best? I saw one that is just an apk that I can install, I think it was recently posted.
I'm just wondering what can be fixed thus far and what major advantages I would have at this point by rooting and flashing virtuous? Thanks in advance, all opinions are appreciated!
Sent from my HTC Sensation- Virtuous Inquisition 4.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Sparky APK, worked nicely the post is in Android Dev section here
This ISN'T my Transformer Prime
Rooting...why?
Well one reason would be to see if you can gps going.... I rooted via Vipermod primetime. Then I went here to pick up some files http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1533776&highlight=gps+tweak I extracted them and added the 2 in the system /etc folder to my system etc folder under gps (because they weren't there doh!!) and I can say I seen a marked improvement.... from no sats locked to up to 8... and that is INSIDE by a north window...... so you tell me.... why wouldn't I root just for that alone......btw... the root is reversible I didn't unlock the bootloader....
The other thing I did was make a backup with Titanium.... never know when a guy wants to rip out some stuff..... next will be checking out ez overclock ... tomorrow maybe
OK, so I bought an Xperia Z Ultra a few days ago, and I ensured it was a unlockable device, after owning all my previous Xperia phones unlocked.
The main reason I was unlocking before on my previous Z, S and T was because battery savings, meaning custom kernel undervolting, and several battery friendly moded stock kernel options. And of course, some easy rooting, mainly for changing the ugly high dpi the Z has, and have some real screen state, not big clunky icons, fonts and stuff on a 5" display.
I never been attracted to CM and or PAC for that matter either, because they break too many things to even consider them my daily drivers IMHO, and with the arrival of the Snapdragon 800 chipsets speed is never an issue, unlike before on weak handsets like S and X10 on which a custom rom did wonders for the performance.
On the Z Ultra, on the other hand, battery life is proving itself to be outstanding, way more than I expected it to be, as I was afraid the 3000mah battery wasn't gonna cut it due to screen to battery size ratio. Standard dpi is also excellent, alongside kit kat performace. Also, having a quick look on the development section, there isn't too much going on, unlike the Z, I can't seem to find a completely stock kernel that has just undervolting and some recovery options, heck, I don't recall there being a stock based kernel at all.
So, what's your main reason for unlocking this precise device?
Also, how the battery life on stock rom compares to Google Play edition?
DrKrFfXx said:
OK, so I bought an Xperia Z Ultra a few days ago, and I ensured it was a unlockable device, after owning all my previous Xperia phones unlocked.
The main reason I was unlocking before on my previous Z, S and T was because battery savings, meaning custom kernel undervolting, and several battery friendly moded stock kernel options. And of course, some easy rooting, mainly for changing the ugly high dpi the Z has, and have some real screen state, not big clunky icons, fonts and stuff on a 5" display.
I never been attracted to CM and or PAC for that matter either, because they break too many things to even consider them my daily drivers IMHO, and with the arrival of the Snapdragon 800 chipsets speed is never an issue, unlike before on weak handsets like S and X10 on which a custom rom did wonders for the performance.
On the Z Ultra, on the other hand, battery life is proving itself to be outstanding, way more than I expected it to be, as I was afraid the 3000mah battery wasn't gonna cut it due to screen to battery size ratio. Standard dpi is also excellent, alongside kit kat performace. Also, having a quick look on the development section, there isn't too much going on, unlike the Z, I can't seem to find a completely stock kernel that has just undervolting and some recovery options, heck, I don't recall there being a stock based kernel at all.
So, what's your main reason for unlocking this precise device?
Also, how the battery life on stock rom compares to Google Play edition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only need to unlock bootloader is to install the custom room set or custom kernel, but I'm like you and find the stock Sony experience ticks all the boxes I'm interested in. They've done a great job with the stock rom.
Guess the main appeal is for the gpe build.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
SpyderTracks said:
The only need to unlock bootloader is to install the custom room set or custom kernel, but I'm like you and find the stock Sony experience ticks all the boxes I'm interested in. They've done a great job with the stock rom.
Guess the main appeal is for the gpe build.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its funny you guys are trying to get the gee rom and I'm trying to get away from it.
So, what's your main reason for unlocking this precise device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It makes rooting incredible easy. Are you on KitKat? Just flash Jackie's kernel and flash SuperSU. Done. I also like to change ROMs and environments once in awhile, so i typically flash between stock and the GPe ROM, which brings me to....
Also, how the battery life on stock rom compares to Google Play edition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's quite good actually. The GPe ROM doesn't have Stamina, so you have to be a little careful with IM services and stuff like that, but it's not bad at all.
canarycny said:
its funny you guys are trying to get the gee rom and I'm trying to get away from it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing with "Nexus'" (Nexi?). Want a different ROM environment? Too bad. You're stuck with AOSP. Got the original Ultra? You got two environments to choose from. Stock Sony and AOSP, so when you get bored with one of them, you can easily swap. That's one thing that's scarying me away from the Nexus-line. And we also have the GPe version which means that the GPe will get 4.5/5.0 early, and we'll be able to just flash it (after some minor modifications).
I guess it's possible to get a Sony ROM running on the GPe version, but there aren't that many devs around here, so stuff like that will take a fair bit of time. Just hang in there though!
LordManhattan said:
It makes rooting incredible easy. Are you on KitKat? Just flash Jackie's kernel and flash SuperSU. Done. I also like to change ROMs and environments once in awhile, so i typically flash between stock and the GPe ROM, which brings me to....
It's quite good actually. The GPe ROM doesn't have Stamina, so you have to be a little careful with IM services and stuff like that, but it's not bad at all.
That's the thing with "Nexus'" (Nexi?). Want a different ROM environment? Too bad. You're stuck with AOSP. Got the original Ultra? You got two environments to choose from. Stock Sony and AOSP, so when you get bored with one of them, you can easily swap. That's one thing that's scarying me away from the Nexus-line. And we also have the GPe version which means that the GPe will get 4.5/5.0 early, and we'll be able to just flash it (after some minor modifications).
I guess it's possible to get a Sony ROM running on the GPe version, but there aren't that many devs around here, so stuff like that will take a fair bit of time. Just hang in there though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i more or less want the xperia apps and i've already bricked one gee trying to root so i won't be trying again until theres a dummy guide for myself. unfortunately googles choices for media suck and i feel like the xperia integration will work a lot better for me.
canarycny said:
i more or less want the xperia apps and i've already bricked one gee trying to root so i won't be trying again until theres a dummy guide for myself. unfortunately googles choices for media suck and i feel like the xperia integration will work a lot better for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's a lot easier. The Sony KitKat apps are all over the place her at XDA, so just find and install them. I did it myself when I ran the GPe ROM and it worked just fine. You may have to adjust the DPI, but that's not an issue.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
LordManhattan said:
Well that's a lot easier. The Sony KitKat apps are all over the place her at XDA, so just find and install them. I did it myself when I ran the GPe ROM and it worked just fine. You may have to adjust the DPI, but that's not an issue.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough I've found a few and also a few that won't install I've looked for a stock camera apk and a few others I couldn't get to install without root.
I doubt the camera will work, but Album, Movies, Walkman and all those works fine (or so they should)
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
LordManhattan said:
I doubt the camera will work, but Album, Movies, Walkman and all those works fine (or so they should)
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea couldn't find a camera apk but I do have the others but did have to find an older movies apk that would actually work. My situation is that I was looking forward to trying xperia out but also wanted the 6806 model but came across a great deal for the gpe and forgot that it wouldn't have xperia on it.
Hi all,
just jumped from my Mega 6.3 to ZU, and it's been ages I've had a sony device (Arc, I think ), but the price I found it at was just too good to pass.
Now, I've been reading the various threads about downgrading FW then up again, and so on...
I have to say I am usually not afraid of that stuff, but this time I've got really no waranty, and I'm too concerned about breaking something. I already officialy upgraded to KK.
So My question : unlocking the bootloader will make me lose the DRM keys, BUT will also allow me to bipass all the downgrade stuff and jump on custom KK roms? (of course, flashing custom reco and stuff first!)
I must say i do not care for the Bravia engine and others.
Thanks to let me know
Edit : probably LordManathan answered my question :
It makes rooting incredible easy. Are you on KitKat? Just flash Jackie's kernel and flash SuperSU. Done. I also like to change ROMs and environments once in awhile, so i typically flash between stock and the GPe ROM, which brings me to....
That's fine then?
kipue said:
Hi all,
just jumped from my Mega 6.3 to ZU, and it's been ages I've had a sony device (Arc, I think ), but the price I found it at was just too good to pass.
Now, I've been reading the various threads about downgrading FW then up again, and so on...
I have to say I am usually not afraid of that stuff, but this time I've got really no waranty, and I'm too concerned about breaking something. I already officialy upgraded to KK.
So My question : unlocking the bootloader will make me lose the DRM keys, BUT will also allow me to bipass all the downgrade stuff and jump on custom KK roms? (of course, flashing custom reco and stuff first!)
I must say i do not care for the Bravia engine and others.
Thanks to let me know
Edit : probably LordManathan answered my question :
It makes rooting incredible easy. Are you on KitKat? Just flash Jackie's kernel and flash SuperSU. Done. I also like to change ROMs and environments once in awhile, so i typically flash between stock and the GPe ROM, which brings me to....
That's fine then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you still need to downgrade and root to backup TA partition before you unlock the bootloader and flash jackie's kernel.
manigma said:
I guess you still need to downgrade and root to backup TA partition before you unlock the bootloader and flash jackie's kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, yeah... I was hoping I wouldn't have to really care about the TA partition!
Aside from losing DRM keys, is there any other issue?
Thanks for you quick answer!
Edit:
I kept reading (yes I do read the forums a lot before and after a question, haha!) and I read that unlocking the bootloader on an official KK rom will not break x-reality ? Is that correct?
kipue said:
Haha, yeah... I was hoping I wouldn't have to really care about the TA partition!
Aside from losing DRM keys, is there any other issue?
Thanks for you quick answer!
Edit:
I kept reading (yes I do read the forums a lot before and after a question, haha!) and I read that unlocking the bootloader on an official KK rom will not break x-reality ? Is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should not be any other issue. Personally I have never had good experiences with rooting and installing custom kernels/roms. Stock ROM's are always best (just disable bloatware apps, no need to delete them).
X-reality is not disabled on KK after unlocking. But you can always add xpose modules custom bravia etc after rooting.
The only reason that I might root my ZU is for 'SD card functionality' which I hope Sony re-enable in a future update.
Here sign this 'Petitioning Sony Mobile'
https://www.change.org/petitions/so...ed-to-all-our-sony-phones-via-software-update
manigma said:
There should not be any other issue. Personally I have never had good experiences with rooting and installing custom kernels/roms. Stock ROM's are always best (just disable bloatware apps, no need to delete them).
X-reality is not disabled on KK after unlocking. But you can always add xpose modules custom bravia etc after rooting.
The only reason that I might root my ZU is for 'SD card functionality' which I hope Sony re-enable in a future update.
Here sign this 'Petitioning Sony Mobile'
https://www.change.org/petitions/so...ed-to-all-our-sony-phones-via-software-update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool.
I'll also keep it stock for a week or so, to enjoy it properly, then the flashing finger will start to hitch again
Will take it from here, thanks for taking the time to answer to me
kipue said:
Cool.
I'll also keep it stock for a week or so, to enjoy it properly, then the flashing finger will start to hitch again
Will take it from here, thanks for taking the time to answer to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't worried about the DRM keys the I would just unlock the BL. The DRM keys are needed for netflix and track ID and maybe some other things?
blueether said:
If you aren't worried about the DRM keys the I would just unlock the BL. The DRM keys are needed for netflix and track ID and maybe some other things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My research pointed to that too, those DRM keys are actually pretty limited in scope (for me).
The biggest thing to lose is the Bravia engine, since that affects the phone in a more general way. But as I read, if unlocking the bootloader when on official Kitkat, the keys are no longer affected.
Well, I guess better safe than sorry, and I'll try to backup the TA partition anyway ^^
kipue said:
The biggest thing to lose is the Bravia engine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? I would think that your warranty is the most important thing to keep intact, no? Let's say you just drop backing up the TA partition and you run into some hardware issues that can't be fixed by flashing. What do you do? Throw it into the nearest river? Pay $XXX to fix it? Or, just restore the backup?
It's pretty easy and straight forward. Downgrade to 532, root, backup TA, update to 681 (KitKat) again, and do whatever you want.
LordManhattan said:
Are you sure? I would think that your warranty is the most important thing to keep intact, no? Let's say you just drop backing up the TA partition and you run into some hardware issues that can't be fixed by flashing. What do you do? Throw it into the nearest river? Pay $XXX to fix it? Or, just restore the backup?
It's pretty easy and straight forward. Downgrade to 532, root, backup TA, update to 681 (KitKat) again, and do whatever you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you are right of course, but this device I've got has no waranty. Well, gray market waranty at any rate where I guess they don't check the bootloader state, and any breakage will have to be paid at full price.
I will do the backup, just to be sure, as I concluded in my post
Thanks for all the advice!
kipue said:
Yep, you are right of course, but this device I've got has no waranty. Well, gray market waranty at any rate where I guess they don't check the bootloader state, and any breakage will have to be paid at full price.
I will do the backup, just to be sure, as I concluded in my post
Thanks for all the advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, I see. Well, I guess you're free to do whatever you feel like then
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
I'm thinking about picking up a z ultra considering the immense price drop. I can get a brand new one unlocked on amazon for 315 dollars. Since it's getting the lollipop update I'm not hesitant at all. But I'd still like to ask some questions.
Now one how much does the no flash on the camera actually affect you? I don't use flash that much but there are times when I need it. Is the camera at least decent and if you've tried other phones is there one you can compare it to? I have a g2 right now and it takes pretty good pictures but I need to replace it since screen broke and I take lots of pictures especially of my little brother though they just need to be decent not super amazing.
2) I love big screens so the size won't bother me and the slim design is awesome. But what kind of reaction do you guys get from other people? Lots of slack about it for looking ridiculously big or is it alright?
3) is it better to get gpe or xperia edition? I love stock android but xperia version has some nice features. I also noticed that gpe can't really run stock xperia software while the xperia one can easily run a custom ROM to get that Google look. Now that leads to my biggest question
4) how easy is it to install Roms and kernels and how's the development for it? I had a xperia play before and it wasn't too difficult but with that phone the ROM and kernel had to be flashed separately and the recovery was built into kernel since there was no recovery partition so it was kind of annoying. Is this better in that aspect? Also how stable are the Roms? On my g2 they're alright but still not completely ironed out.
5) (last thing) is it possible to get the camera features of the z2 and z3 on here like slow motion video and ar effects? My brother has a z2 and those are some neat features though I didn't see them in any reviews on the z ultra so I'm guessing it doesn't have them.
I'm looking the look of this phone a lot especially at its price tag. But if it's really not worth it then I may just wait a couple more months and get the z3.
(I was going to get the nexus 6 but the more I think about it the more I feel it's price isn't really justified for what I'd use it for. I just wouldn't have really needed all that it offered since really this phone is just as capable and half the price.)
Sent from my LG-VS980
Oh yeah and if anyone can respond as soon as possible please do because I'm currently bidding for a couple on eBay that end tomorrow as well so I'd like to know if I should continue or not since lots of the bids on there brand new are ending at around 285 I can save another 30 dollars. Thanks
Sent from my LG-VS980
OK sorry for all the questions but I have one more lol. Does unlocking the boot loader mess anything up? Like the z3 unlock makes the low light camera pics not too great. Is there anything like that with the z ultra?
Sent from my LG-VS980
1. If you use the camera a lot you my find it a bit limiting, but learn how to use a good camera app and set the ido low and it takes ok to good photos. Have a look at the two photo threads.
2. A year ago it was like wow... now its more normal. I've had a couple of people lately say something like 'wow that's a nice big screen, is that the 6+'
3. Go with the Sony one, then you can flash the GPe rom to it.
4. Unlock is easy (root first and back up TA), then install custom rom. The first rom you will probably have to flash either recovery or kernel with recovery (yes they are still baked together). Mostly stable, although carbon is having issues at tje moment
5. I think some of the camera functions have been backported, but the zu does have a different processor so I think superslow doesn't work etc
blueether said:
1. If you use the camera a lot you my find it a bit limiting, but learn how to use a good camera app and set the ido low and it takes ok to good photos. Have a look at the two photo threads.
2. A year ago it was like wow... now its more normal. I've had a couple of people lately say something like 'wow that's a nice big screen, is that the 6+'
3. Go with the Sony one, then you can flash the GPe rom to it.
4. Unlock is easy (root first and back up TA), then install custom rom. The first rom you will probably have to flash either recovery or kernel with recovery (yes they are still baked together). Mostly stable, although carbon is having issues at tje moment
5. I think some of the camera functions have been backported, but the zu does have a different processor so I think superslow doesn't work etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. I do use the camera a good amount but I've aosp had the nexus 5 with an 8 mp camera and it was good enough for me so hopefully this will be too. Only thing was nexus 5 had ois so not sure how that will affect it.
And when you said root first and backup TA what is TA stand for? Thanks again
Sent from my LG-VS980
the device is awesome, except to take pics
you can use almos anything to play with screen, there are apps that recognize that objects as an stylus pen
buy the normal Z Ultra - you can install GPE ROM on it if you want - the opposite is more difficulto or even impossible, I'm not sure
abdel12345 said:
Thanks for the response. I do use the camera a good amount but I've aosp had the nexus 5 with an 8 mp camera and it was good enough for me so hopefully this will be too. Only thing was nexus 5 had ois so not sure how that will affect it.
And when you said root first and backup TA what is TA stand for? Thanks again
Sent from my LG-VS980
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a read of the stickies if you do buy a ZU, every thing is in there but TA is Trim Area partition. This contains DRM keys (and lots of other things), the DRM keys [and other bits?] are wiped when the bootloader is unlocked. The TA partition can only be backed up with root
blueether said:
Have a read of the stickies if you do buy a ZU, every thing is in there but TA is Trim Area partition. This contains DRM keys (and lots of other things), the DRM keys [and other bits?] are wiped when the bootloader is unlocked. The TA partition can only be backed up with root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I'll make sure to read through those threads first before doing anything else. And I think I'm decided on getting one. It's still a great phone and that price is just awesome. I can't see it getting much cheaper anytime soon so I'll just get it now. If a new version comes out I'll still be able to get it considering I'll only be spending half as much as I'd spend on another phone.
Now last quick question is I've been seeing some stuff about this being fragile and cracking easily. Is that true? I'll probably put a case on it anyways but just wondering. Because the z1 drop test didn't even get scratched or cracked and this has a similar build so I was surprised to hear that
And I just read through the root thread and it says .681 firmware doesn't need to backup TA? I'll still backup just in case but does that mean it won't lose the DRM keys when unlocking on that firmware version
If you buy a new Ultra, it will have .108 preinstalled, which is easy to root with Easy Root Tool. Then take the TA backup and go ahead with flash of a new ROM and kernel.
It is much easier to root the C6833 today than it was one year ago (root required unlocked bootloader and this was before TA backups were available).
It is always better to get the Xperia edition since the GPe ROM is ported and the developer community is much bigger with a better ROM selection. Since there is a different partition scheme on the GPe, it isn't possible to cross-flash since re-partitioning hasn't been developed yet (i.e. fully convert the Xperia edition to a GPe).
The most common reaction I got is "Is it a tablet?" or "Is that a phone?"
ROMs are very stable, the GPe is absolutely rock solid but others are working well too.
I would say that kernel and ROM installation is easy peasy: root with Easy Root Tool, take your TA backup, fastboot DoomKernel, reboot into recovery and flash. I was up and running with my C6833 in no time, much easier now than last year when I had the C6802 unrooted for three weeks until vRoot came out and then had to flash pre-rooted images.
You have to unlock the bootloader for custom kernels but that is easy to do through Sony (getting the code) and then fastboot oem unlock insert code and everything is set. I would say that it is almost Nexus procedure here.
On the camera side of things, I say this: if you want really great pictures, get one of the lens cameras - Sony has a camera cover for the Ultra. Otherwise, the internal camera works. It is not great but it works. My viewpoint has always been to get the DSC-QX series of cameras instead of having to choose devices depending on their camera quality.
E90 Commie said:
If you buy a new Ultra, it will have .108 preinstalled, which is easy to root with Easy Root Tool. Then take the TA backup and go ahead with flash of a new ROM and kernel.
It is much easier to root the C6833 today than it was one year ago (root required unlocked bootloader and this was before TA backups were available).
It is always better to get the Xperia edition since the GPe ROM is ported and the developer community is much bigger with a better ROM selection. Since there is a different partition scheme on the GPe, it isn't possible to cross-flash since re-partitioning hasn't been developed yet (i.e. fully convert the Xperia edition to a GPe).
The most common reaction I got is "Is it a tablet?" or "Is that a phone?"
ROMs are very stable, the GPe is absolutely rock solid but others are working well too.
I would say that kernel and ROM installation is easy peasy: root with Easy Root Tool, take your TA backup, fastboot DoomKernel, reboot into recovery and flash. I was up and running with my C6833 in no time, much easier now than last year when I had the C6802 unrooted for three weeks until vRoot came out and then had to flash pre-rooted images.
You have to unlock the bootloader for custom kernels but that is easy to do through Sony (getting the code) and then fastboot oem unlock insert code and everything is set. I would say that it is almost Nexus procedure here.
On the camera side of things, I say this: if you want really great pictures, get one of the lens cameras - Sony has a camera cover for the Ultra. Otherwise, the internal camera works. It is not great but it works. My viewpoint has always been to get the DSC-QX series of cameras instead of having to choose devices depending on their camera quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. I'm really convinced on getting this, I'll probably make an order today and if I really don't like it (but I think I'll love it) then on amazon there's easy returns so it won't be an issue. And I'll check out those lense cases if they aren't too expensive
abdel12345 said:
Thanks a lot. I'm really convinced on getting this, I'll probably make an order today and if I really don't like it (but I think I'll love it) then on amazon there's easy returns so it won't be an issue. And I'll check out those lense cases if they aren't too expensive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you will be happy with it. I am so happy with the Ultra that I have two. One C6802 bought on august 1 last year and a C6833 from a week ago since I wanted LTE and couldn't find any viable replacement.
The Ultra with the GPe ROM and Xposed Framework is an absolutely unsurpassed piece of equipment. Even things like multiwindow works great and there is also an app called Floating Apps that fully replaces the Sony Small Apps as well. I found it yesterday, installed the trial and bought it ten minutes later - it is absolutely great.
Floating Apps from Google Play
Edit: BTW, Google Hangouts Dialer is a complete replacement for T-Mobile WiFi Calling and the C6833 works great with their LTE. I have been pulling down data with up to 53 Mbit/s according to my SpeedTests.
I would also recommend you to get a data only plan, I pay $30 for 3 GB data, no talk and text since I do everything through Hangouts and Hangouts Dialer (which means free unlimited talk and text in the US, ¢1 and up per minute for international calls through GV). Better sound quality as well compared to classic calling. I have no plans on returning to a regular talk/text/data plan again, just data is perfect.
E90 Commie said:
I think you will be happy with it. I am so happy with the Ultra that I have two. One C6802 bought on august 1 last year and a C6833 from a week ago since I wanted LTE and couldn't find any viable replacement.
The Ultra with the GPe ROM and Xposed Framework is an absolutely unsurpassed piece of equipment. Even things like multiwindow works great and there is also an app called Floating Apps that fully replaces the Sony Small Apps as well. I found it yesterday, installed the trial and bought it ten minutes later - it is absolutely great.
Floating Apps from Google Play
Edit: BTW, Google Hangouts Dialer is a complete replacement for T-Mobile WiFi Calling and the C6833 works great with their LTE. I have been pulling down data with up to 53 Mbit/s according to my SpeedTests.
I would also recommend you to get a data only plan, I pay $30 for 3 GB data, no talk and text since I do everything through Hangouts and Hangouts Dialer (which means free unlimited talk and text in the US, ¢1 and up per minute for international calls through GV). Better sound quality as well compared to classic calling. I have no plans on returning to a regular talk/text/data plan again, just data is perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently have a 23 dollar plan for unlimited talk text and data (only 100 mb LTE then drops to 3g/normal 4g speeds) its with lycamobile who runs on T-Mobile. I like this plan because I text a lot and most of my friends have iPhones and don't use hangouts. Only thing that sucks is once the 100 mb runs out pretty quickly the 3g is alright but sometimes gets frustrating. But this plan is too cheap to give up lol.
Just checked out the floating apps app on my nexus 10 and g2 and it's great. I'll definitely buy it considering it's only 2$. I've decided to place thus order. And I checked out the camera attachable lens accessory but the cheapest one is 200 and I really don't need the camera that much to justify buying it. Plus I probably wouldn't really use it that much. It's just too big of an attachment
Sent from my LG-VS980
I too will make a purchase in a few weeks, just waiting to see if there is any further reduction (Black Friday/end of year stock clearout). I played with this phone in a store yesterday. I can only answer the first 3:
1) Camera seemed not so great to be honest.
2) It is a mini tablet with phone capability. If you go around holding it up against your face people will laugh.
3) I'd suggest the stock Xperia (C6833).
jess91 said:
I too will make a purchase in a few weeks, just waiting to see if there is any further reduction (Black Friday/end of year stock clearout). I played with this phone in a store yesterday. I can only answer the first 3:
1) Camera seemed not so great to be honest.
2) It is a mini tablet with phone capability. If you go around holding it up against your face people will laugh.
3) I'd suggest the stock Xperia (C6833).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea I completely forgot about black Friday/ cyber Monday it might get even cheaper then.
Also what store did you try it at? Id love to try one in person. I was just about to make my order now too but I think I'll wait another 2 weeks and see the prices then. And for phone calls I usually have headphones with me so I'll just talk through those rather than putting it against my face.
Sent from my LG-VS980
Oh and what do you guys prefer white or black? I like that the black looks really nice and uniform but it does look like the white hides the smudges better. Is the white have the silver frame like the z2 does? It looks really nice but kinda distracts you from the rest of the screen. So I'll probably go with black unless there's another benefit to the white
Sent from my LG-VS980
abdel12345 said:
Oh and what do you guys prefer white or black? I like that the black looks really nice and uniform but it does look like the white hides the smudges better. Is the white have the silver frame like the z2 does? It looks really nice but kinda distracts you from the rest of the screen. So I'll probably go with black unless there's another benefit to the white
Sent from my LG-VS980
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally prefer the black one. I don't like it when a device is only part white. I would've chosen the white one if it was completly white, like the Z3 Compact Tablet, but it isn't, so that's why i went with black.
abdel12345 said:
I currently have a 23 dollar plan for unlimited talk text and data (only 100 mb LTE then drops to 3g/normal 4g speeds) its with lycamobile who runs on T-Mobile. I like this plan because I text a lot and most of my friends have iPhones and don't use hangouts. Only thing that sucks is once the 100 mb runs out pretty quickly the 3g is alright but sometimes gets frustrating. But this plan is too cheap to give up lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hangouts gives unlimited texting (regular SMS) in the US and unlimited talk to regular landlines and cellulars as well.
So you don't need a regular talk/text plan in order to have unlimited talk and text to regular phone numbers any more. Hangouts and Hangouts Dialer solves everything and I can attest this since I do all my communication that way.
E90 Commie said:
Hangouts gives unlimited texting (regular SMS) in the US and unlimited talk to regular landlines and cellulars as well.
So you don't need a regular talk/text plan in order to have unlimited talk and text to regular phone numbers any more. Hangouts and Hangouts Dialer solves everything and I can attest this since I do all my communication that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But does the dialer use your phone number? So will people see my number and can call me back on it? Also you can text anyone even if they don't have has hangouts free? Because that seems too good to be true but if it is I'll check out that plan
root pros: custom roms/kernels, remove bloatware, ad blocking.
root cons: no fingerprint, no android pay. (risk of getting very sensitive information compromised)
IFFFFFFFFFF THAT HOLDS TRUE, [VOTE] whether you will root this phone OR not.
Not rooting so many apps like banking ,tv sports etc don't work on rooted devices
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Android Pay isn't a big deal for me.
I have cards, I use them.
I hope we can find a way to get the fingerprint sensor working.
combat goofwing said:
Not rooting so many apps like banking ,tv sports etc don't work on rooted devices
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess I'm lucky, all mine work. I use Sling, BOA, Fidelity, Directv etc without any issues. No clue if the finger print scanner will work or not but hopefully if it doesn't that will get fixed here.
Android pay is a gimmick. I have a wallet everywhere I go, I see no reason to use my phone besides the "its cool" factor.
Didn't know the finger and android pay wouldn't work if you rooted. Guess i'm NOT rooting until there's a workaround.
Deekayy said:
Didn't know the finger and android pay wouldn't work if you rooted. Guess i'm NOT rooting until there's a workaround.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There won't be any workarounds. Google is not kidding about your biometric data and card information.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A
As a side question, might anyone know who the developer of the fingerprint scanner is? Although I've a nigh nihilistic attitude about my privacy today I remember reference to information as I find in this article regarding Apple's AuthenTec's ties to the government. I presume the data will be taken while I hope it's used for good.
To the subject—if rooting breaks the fingerprint scanner I don't think I'll care. Banking on my phone? Nope.
Seeing as nobody actually HAS either the 6P or the 5x yet, we don't know for SURE what will break with root and what will not. Thing is, once you have root access, the whole system is open to you, so fixes and patches are possible. Also I remember reading somewhere that there was a way to "cloak" root from the rest of the system, so apps that check for root, don't find it.
I believe the finger print scanner works rooted, android pay is different though, although people claim they have it working with root!
In the UK I don't care as android pay won't be here anytime soon I'm sure haha
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
ambervals6 said:
root pros: custom roms/kernels, remove bloatware, ad blocking.
root cons: no fingerprint, no android pay.
keeping that in mind, vote whether you will root this phone or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you see the finger print scanner wouldn't work? I'm pretty sure I read an article stating that it would. I'm bummed about Android pay, but I can live without out.
Root pro with xposed and root clock works for banking apps
Why wouldn't fingerprint scanner not work? This might be different but on the rooted Sprint note 5 it worked fine. Never had a problem with Wells Fargo banking on a rooted device. I'm for rooting.
Sent from my Ascend Mate 2 using Tapatalk
well if fingerprint feature is not working then i guess i will just be on stock rom till there are fixes. i really need to root for the freedom for my device =P
Paying with my phone has zero allure for me...there are very few situations where I have my phone but not a credit card and the 0.5 seconds the phone saves means nothing to me. In fact I watched I guy have to tap his iPhone on the pay scanner at least 10 times yesterday at a deli in Manhattan before it took.
The fingerprint scanner...might be a convenience but I don't see all the rooting benefits out weighing not punching in a pin code or pattern on the lock screen.
I would be really surprised if fingerprint scanner did not work on a rooted device. Now AOSP, CM ROMS could be a different story, over on the One Plus 2 forum, you could root the device and use fingerprint scanner. They couldn't on AOSP as they did not have the binaries available to make it work.
Factory images + rooted, should still allow fingerprint access.
Does Android Pay work with an unlocked bootloader, no root?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
I moved to a Nexus for easy rooting. I'll be rooted day 1.
I chose not rooting. I started with a Galaxy S variant and android 2.1 many years ago. Back in those days, I rooted and installed custom recovery. It was necessary, because I had to remove carrier and manufacturer bloatware, run special kernel to apply a lag fix, flash leaks onto my device because official updates were not coming, etc. Using these feature made my phone much more usable, and rooting made a lot of sense.
Those days are long gone now, and with a stock ROM on Nexus 5, I have been pretty much satisfied with my phone since Lollipop came out. Sure I rooted my Nexus at first too, but over time I realized that none of the advanced features were all that important to me. Rooting prevented me from getting OTA updates, and the lack of android pay was the last straw. I unrooted my Nexus 5, and will likely not root the Nexus 6P unless there is some show stopper bug or annoyance that rooting will help me with. Otherwise I will be content to use the phone stock.
It's a Nexus thought it was the law to root and have fun
I think we're all flashaholics on here, that's why we get a Nexus and root/tinker etc. In terms of practical usage, the need to root and install custom Roms these days is virtually zero. Also, the things that don't work when rooted like banking apps, some video services and pay services means it's becoming less attractive.
nexus devices were and still are intended to be used for development. Disabling features because of root doesn't sound like something that google would do, but then again since lollipop their security has been a bit more strict. so unless something is put out publicly we'll just have to wait and see.
I for one will be rooting day one when I get my phone.
If it is disabled, hopefully there will be a work around put out pretty quickly, like a root cloak or something.
Hi, I'm interested in picking up a BC62 but are any of the currently available ROMs stable enough for daily driving?
I'm still living in the last decade and prefer the fully custom experience, but I suppose just getting root and bootloader unlock may be sufficient nowadays...
Apologies if this question is an easy one or frequently asked, I couldn't find much.
as you see, there is no supported custom roms for this device. You can try GSI roms.
unfortunately price too high and community not enough for devs
Well technically there's one custom ROM...but idk if it's still gonna be supported...i may try to build some now that the guides are up tho
I see there are a few abandoned ones under development but there's little talk about living with them. Guess nobody really does, ha.
Circumstances are just pushing me to switch carriers (and therefore phones) and it's hard to part with the custom ROM life. At least Sony OEM software is decent and root/unlock is actually supported.
I look forward your future projects, @Ainz_Ooal_Gown !
Stormwing said:
I see there are a few abandoned ones under development but there's little talk about living with them. Guess nobody really does, ha.
Circumstances are just pushing me to switch carriers (and therefore phones) and it's hard to part with the custom ROM life. At least Sony OEM software is decent and root/unlock is actually supported.
I look forward your future projects, @Ainz_Ooal_Gown !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using GSI a11 on xq-bc72. Everything works fine battery life is pretty good.
Im debating if I should go back stock but im trying to build 13
bountyman334 said:
Im using GSI a11 on xq-bc72. Everything works fine battery life is pretty good.
Im debating if I should go back stock but im trying to build 13
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how it works?
i just tried GSI a12 rom and camera didn`t work, ambient display didn`t work, autobrightness didn`t work. Back to stock
I used the Lineage ROM that's here ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-11-unofficial-lineageos-18-1-for-xperia-1-iii.4431701 ) for a few months. Unfortunately it comes with an outdated VideoPro app that can't be updated due to missing libraries (Theoretically you can if you mod a newer APK, but I'm not very experienced in coding and wasn't able to make it work). Also this meant Sony-specific apps like 3D creator, etc... won't install or update without modding them.
The only other problem I noticed was 5G NSA didn't work, just LTE with carrier aggregation at best. This wasn't a big problem personally since 5G NSA isn't reaaaallly an improvement all else being equal.
There were a couple other bugs / differences. The assistant button wouldn't function even with the Xperia+ app, and using the camera button to open the camera app behaved differently in a way that I didn't like. Probably a couple smaller things I'm forgetting about that I just lived with without issue.
Not being able to update or install Sony-specific apps was the deal breaker eventually. If I knew how to mod APK's to install/update them, I'd still be on that ROM today. It was actually really good. My battery life was noticeably better (probably mostly due to lack of 5G), I had no stability issues, the ROM was light and fast and I got all the customization that comes with Lineage out of the box.
i get it why there arent custom roms. what i dont get why arent any debloated stock rom either. sony does not have bloatware ?
Fytdyh said:
i get it why there arent custom roms. what i dont get why arent any debloated stock rom either. sony does not have bloatware ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because there's no value in doing this.
Just get a root uninstaller and yeet the bloat.
As someone who tried a lot of roms, just don't. They all have serious demerits that are just not worth it.
Honestly it's quite jarring coming from Xiaomi/Samsung where custom roms are extensive are necessary or a worthwhile alternative respectively. I hoped we wouldn't need the size of community for this phone as everything is supposedly open source (or provided), but experience tells us otherwise. The phone is just too expensive -> phone doesn't go to eastern (read: eastern-europe and SE asia) developers and development just never takes off.
Sakuma_Eitarou said:
And how it works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it works pretty good. i dont care for 5g camera works. its pretty fast. thev only thing is camera from lockscreen and reverse wireless charrging