I've figured out that the LB / UB designations referred to Locked / Unlocked bootloaders.
As I'm new to the XZU and the need to unlock bootloaders, I have some questions:
Does this mean I can load LB designated ROMs (like the LB GPE ROM) without unlocking the bootloader?
In what instances would I need to unlock the bootloader?
Are their advantages of unlocking the bootloader or UB ROMS vs LB ROMS?
I'm interested in the GPE rom specifically but I'm also interested in if this affects all ROMs in general.
camera breaks
Be aware that if you unlock the bootloader, the stock ROM's camera won't work right. Auto-focus is non-functional and video recording is gone. You'll have to use an AOSP-based ROM for those functions to work. I'm waiting for the Lollipop update to see whether to send this thing back under warranty because I'm stuck with a non-working camera.
Re-locking the bootloader isn't trivial. From what I've read, you must make a backup of the encrypted portion before unlocking the bootloader. If you don't, there's no way for users to re-lock it. Brain-dead Sony at its finest.
Related
I am coming from a long line of HTC phones, never had a motorola phone. Always had CWM on my phones, etc...
Correct me if im wrong.
With a locked down booatloader, we can only have roms based on OTA updates?
Custom roms are not possible because of locked bootloader?
One can not use the source of ICS, GB, or froyo and create a rom for a device with a locked bootloader?
AOSP (CM) won't work with a locked bootloader because it has a custom kernel, and a custom kernel needs an unlocked bootloader?
So what are the current rumors regarding the bootloader unlock(not bootstrap)?
Will there be an unlock tool from moto or are we waiting for some kind of exploit?
I am in the last few days where i can return this device for something else.
I do not want to be stuck with a locked down device. (looking at the Rezound forum..there seems to be more hope)
your thoughts...
thanks.
Good question! Wished I new all the answers.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using xda premium
Droidel said:
I am coming from a long line of HTC phones, never had a motorola phone. Always had CWM on my phones, etc...
Correct me if im wrong.
With a locked down booatloader, we can only have roms based on OTA updates?
Custom roms are not possible because of locked bootloader?
One can not use the source of ICS, GB, or froyo and create a rom for a device with a locked bootloader?
AOSP (CM) won't work with a locked bootloader because it has a custom kernel, and a custom kernel needs an unlocked bootloader?
So what are the current rumors regarding the bootloader unlock(not bootstrap)?
Will there be an unlock tool from moto or are we waiting for some kind of exploit?
I am in the last few days where i can return this device for something else.
I do not want to be stuck with a locked down device. (looking at the Rezound forum..there seems to be more hope)
your thoughts...
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#1 - No, there is a workaround called 2nd-init that lets us change everything except the kernel. Just look at DROID X/2/2 GLOBAL.
#2 - Custom roms are very possible either way, even without 2nd-init
#3 - If you can add 2nd-init, then you may. otherwise you need to work backward or forward from moto firmwares.
#4 - Cyanogen uses 2nd-init on devices with locked bootloaders. Some features require kernel changes (2D hardware acceleration for example) otherwise, it will work fine.
#5 - Rumor is that unlock is coming with ICS for international devices, not VZW though.
#6 - See above. VZW will need an exploit or an edit of the international unlock.
Someone has been reading the blogs.
And I see it in the comments all the time... OMG LOCKED BOOTLOADER I WANTED TO FLASH A ROM.
Although I'm not seeing anything yet, but give it time, it will happen.
Sorry is this question is stupid, but I just got my Maxx, and I'm a bit confused about the locked bootlader. How do you guys flash roms? What exactly does the locked BL mean?
There are root exploits for the Razr. That allows you to install a custom recovery and flash ROMs. Unfortunately the locked bootloader means no custom kernels. The kernel is the building block of the OS. All the cool under-the-hood stuff is in the kernel. So basically without a unlocked bootloader custom ROMs are more of a glorified theme. Obviously there is more to a ROM than just the Theme but that's as simple as I could explain it.
Also it is important to note that with a locked bootloader it is very important to know what you are doing and read instructions thoroughly. If you mess up it can be a huge headache to correct it. As with a locked bootloader some mistakes can be irreversible
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Hello, as the title says, Im new to Sony smartphones, Xperia Z2 is my first sony phone.
Now I would like to get some things clear...
Ive read that I dont have to unlock my bootloader to root my Z2 with 5.1.1
If I do it this way, will I be able to flash roms and kernels normally or is there a difference between locked and unlocked bootloader for roms?
If I unlock my bootloader I loose my DRM keys, now what does that mean in practice? I have read that camera algorythms can cease to work in Xperia Z3 case, but since Z3 and Z2 are basically the same device does this apply to Z2 too?
So basically, I know what I can gain with unlocking and rooting, but what exactly will I loose?
TIA
5ageman said:
Hello, as the title says, Im new to Sony smartphones, Xperia Z2 is my first sony phone.
Now I would like to get some things clear...
Ive read that I dont have to unlock my bootloader to root my Z2 with 5.1.1
If I do it this way, will I be able to flash roms and kernels normally or is there a difference between locked and unlocked bootloader for roms?
If I unlock my bootloader I loose my DRM keys, now what does that mean in practice? I have read that camera algorythms can cease to work in Xperia Z3 case, but since Z3 and Z2 are basically the same device does this apply to Z2 too?
So basically, I know what I can gain with unlocking and rooting, but what exactly will I loose?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you unlock bootloader you will be able to flash custom kernels and ROMs based on custom kernel (stock-based ROMs like ExistenZ work on locked bootloader).
2. Yes you will loose DRM Keys, but you can backup them before unlocking and restore to lock bootloader, but you need root. To do this you have to downgrade your Android to 5.0.2 (I prefer 23.1.A.1.28) and root via KingRoot
In practice, losing DRM Keys disables e.g. X-Reality or Noise Reduction in camera.
3. Without DRM Backup you'll loose your warranty. With DRM Backup, when you'll have to send ur phone to repair, you restore DRM keys and you have warranty again. You lose many advanced camera functions and image correction like X-Reality.
Bruce666 said:
1. If you unlock bootloader you will be able to flash custom kernels and ROMs based on custom kernel (stock-based ROMs like ExistenZ work on locked bootloader).
2. Yes you will loose DRM Keys, but you can backup them before unlocking and restore to lock bootloader, but you need root. To do this you have to downgrade your Android to 5.0.2 (I prefer 23.1.A.1.28) and root via KingRoot
In practice, losing DRM Keys disables e.g. X-Reality or Noise Reduction in camera.
3. Without DRM Backup you'll loose your warranty. With DRM Backup, when you'll have to send ur phone to repair, you restore DRM keys and you have warranty again. You lose many advanced camera functions and image correction like X-Reality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, so I do loose some valuable features by unlocking the bootloader the same as I do with the Z3. Then its a no go for me, I checked out the Existenz rom and I think it will suffice with its features for an android poweruser.
And one more question, does the 20mp in superior auto xposed module produce good pics, do I loose quality comparing to pics taken in 8mpix?
5ageman said:
I see, so I do loose some valuable features by unlocking the bootloader the same as I do with the Z3. Then its a no go for me, I checked out the Existenz rom and I think it will suffice with its features for an android poweruser.
And one more question, does the 20mp in superior auto xposed module produce good pics, do I loose quality comparing to pics taken in 8mpix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know I didn't try this. As I remember Z5 camera supports 20MP in SA and this is available in ExistenZ but im not sure.
You don't need to unlock the bootloader to root.
This is only needed if you want to flash another kernel.
Some roms need that and some don't.
Most of the rom makers use [LB] for locked and [UB] for unlocked in the title of their roms topic to indicate compatibility.
Normally the roms for unlocked bootloader are in the "http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2/orig-development" and the ones for locked bootloader in "http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2/development" forums but that is not always the case and some are usable in both cases.
Sorry that i join this thread, but i understand his problem.
I had Xperia Z and i only used towelroot and was happy. now i got a XZ2 and iam trying since hours to get it rooted.
First of all i flashed a clear 5.1.1 and found out, that i can't flash it. so i went down to 5.0.2 (D6503_23.1.A.1.28_Customized DE) and i should use easyroot (doesnt work)
error: only position independent executables (PIE) are supported.
done
Checking if device is rooted...
Error: device not rooted
Towelroot also doesnt work. So is there any option to get it rooted?
rockyy said:
Sorry that i join this thread, but i understand his problem.
I had Xperia Z and i only used towelroot and was happy. now i got a XZ2 and iam trying since hours to get it rooted.
First of all i flashed a clear 5.1.1 and found out, that i can't flash it. so i went down to 5.0.2 (D6503_23.1.A.1.28_Customized DE) and i should use easyroot (doesnt work)
error: only position independent executables (PIE) are supported.
done
Checking if device is rooted...
Error: device not rooted
Towelroot also doesnt work. So is there any option to get it rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your question has been answered a bazillion times...
Search a bit, and you should find the answer.
Hey all, first of all I'm not new to the Android world. I've had many phones, and all if them modified heavily. I do not consider myself a Dev (I've made some basic scripts that's about all) but definitely a power user.
Anyway, I'm a little lost on this z2 as far as modding it goes. My bootloader is NOT unlockable according to the phone stats, however I have seen a few root methods for 5.1.1 and locked bootloaders (I'm build a.1.232). Now many of these rooting methods ask for you to downgrade to a rootable version, root it, then reflash a prerooted 5.xx ROM. Easy, However with my unlockable bootloader how will I flash anything other than a stock Sony ROM without bricking it?
Essentially what I'm after is how far can I go with a locked bootloader, and if there is s surefire way to root 5.1.1 without downgrading since I can't flash back up. Also am I good to flash a custom recovery? Or is that offlimits as well being locked. I'm a little lost due to lots of mods here apparently working with locked bootloaders, and on my HTC one that just didn't fly.. Lol.
Thank
AlwaysDroid said:
However with my unlockable bootloader how will I flash anything other than a stock Sony ROM without bricking it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You meant locked bootloader right?
You won't be able to flash any custom ROMs without unlocking your bootloader.
The only custom ROM that works for locked bootloader is MIUI (which uses the stock Sony kernel)and the phone needs to be downgraded to 4.4.4 and there are some custom ROMs out there which may work on locked bootloaders.
Yes,you will be able to flash custom recovery and use mods that are available on XDA and also xposed works fine on LB
You won't be able to flash custom kernel or custom ROM for LB
Yes downgrade is possible
Hi,
This may have been discussed before, but I couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for.
So I'm asking here.
I've read a long ago that unlocking the bootloader will cause degradation in image quality (due to removing DRM keys etc)
So I've been on stock firmware from the beginning.
But now that sony stopped giving updates, I want to move on to nougat.
So my question is, is there any way to preserve camera image quality while unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom rom such as ressurection N?
I'm on latest official firmware 23.5.A.1.291
rooted and nut's dual recovery installed.
Thanks for taking the time to read my question.
badhon_raj said:
Hi,
This may have been discussed before, but I couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for.
So I'm asking here.
I've read a long ago that unlocking the bootloader will cause degradation in image quality (due to removing DRM keys etc)
So I've been on stock firmware from the beginning.
But now that sony stopped giving updates, I want to move on to nougat.
So my question is, is there any way to preserve camera image quality while unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom rom such as ressurection N?
I'm on latest official firmware 23.5.A.1.291
rooted and nut's dual recovery installed.
Thanks for taking the time to read my question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need of DRM key for aosp rom and the quality of pictures are same as stock
badhon_raj said:
Hi,
This may have been discussed before, but I couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for.
So I'm asking here.
I've read a long ago that unlocking the bootloader will cause degradation in image quality (due to removing DRM keys etc)
So I've been on stock firmware from the beginning.
But now that sony stopped giving updates, I want to move on to nougat.
So my question is, is there any way to preserve camera image quality while unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom rom such as ressurection N?
I'm on latest official firmware 23.5.A.1.291
rooted and nut's dual recovery installed.
Thanks for taking the time to read my question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before flash any nonstock based rom and unlocking bootloader back up DRM keys and do restore when set up the phone.