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Hi all. Long time reader first time poster. Question to you folks out there. I've read up on the Xperia Mini (+Pro). I'm looking for a small form-factor Android phone with a snappy(dragon) speed processor, and want your advice.
1) Would you buy the phone today? If not, why? I know there's bigger and faster, but I don't see on the market anything faster that's as small. I know Sony doesn't talk, but do we think there's a refreshed model coming out soon in 2012 that I should wait for?
2) I'm replacing my Samsung Captivate- can I do these things that I liked to do: a) easy to root/sideload etc? I don't flash ROMs, but do some Rooty stuff.
3) I like swype. Does swype run on the Experia Pro?
4) Suggestions on Mini vs. Mini Pro? I like swype, but if this thing is as small as it looks, should I be looking to get the Pro/keyboard version?
5) GPS never worked on my Craptivate. Does it work well on this phone?
I've got more questions, but I'll start with that!
subs said:
Hi all. Long time reader first time poster. Question to you folks out there. I've read up on the Xperia Mini (+Pro). I'm looking for a small form-factor Android phone with a snappy(dragon) speed processor, and want your advice.
1) Would you buy the phone today? If not, why? I know there's bigger and faster, but I don't see on the market anything faster that's as small. I know Sony doesn't talk, but do we think there's a refreshed model coming out soon in 2012 that I should wait for?
2) I'm replacing my Samsung Captivate- can I do these things that I liked to do: a) easy to root/sideload etc? I don't flash ROMs, but do some Rooty stuff.
3) I like swype. Does swype run on the Experia Pro?
4) Suggestions on Mini vs. Mini Pro? I like swype, but if this thing is as small as it looks, should I be looking to get the Pro/keyboard version?
5) GPS never worked on my Craptivate. Does it work well on this phone?
I've got more questions, but I'll start with that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the mini and love it. I have had no issues with it at all. in reply to your questions:
1 - would buy again. the Processor is fast enough. I've never had lag. Also it will get the ice cream sandwich update so the software will stay current on the mini for a while.
2 - I rooted the phone using superoneclickroot which took 1 click. But the latest software update for the phone may mean that root might not be available ~yet~ (see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455216 ). If you're buying current stock then more than likely the software update to 62 hasn't been applied yet, so rooting is easy.
3 - I use swiftkey as a keyboard replacement, you can use any android app so swype should work too.
4 - How much do you really use the keyboard? I figured that one of the main reasons in getting the phone was for it to be small & lightweight, so the mini was the smallest & lightest, I used to have a Droid with a keyboard, but now don't miss the keyboard at all.
5 - GPS works fine. I think GPS issues were a Samsung thing?
I'm a mini pro user and must say I'm pretty happy with my phone. But to answer some of your questions I wouldn't buy this phone if I were buying it now, and it's only because I'd really like a bigger screen and perhaps a longer battery as well but these are in no way reasons not to go for this phone. In all my time using it I really had no issues whatsoever and can't find any remarks why not to choose this phone besides personal preference.
The rooting is quite easy excluding the latest firmware which just takes some alternative methods to do, but is not in any way extra hard.
Swype can be used but if you take the mini pro you will most probably get used to the hardware keyboard and will at most times avoid using the on screen one as the hardware keyboard is way more comfortable and easier to use.
Also the GPS works really well, and the phone itself also includes a special module that allows the use of the new tracking technology implemented by the Russians (can't remember the name). So you will have acces to about ten or more satelites (compared to other GPS modules of other phones) which give you faster lock on and more precise measurements.
All in all this phone will not disappoint you, or at least it has not disappointed me.
Sent from my SK17i using XDA App
Brov i would advice yu to get one... am planning of get one soonest too!!!
tha only hinderance about tha phone is dat its small but still handy!
1) Yes, I would. I really like my little phone... I have no idea if any successor is planned - but if so, I don't think it'll be as cheap as the mini/mini pro at the moment.
I also really like the stock launcher, I like the hardware keyboard, the form factor, the speed of the CPU. The camera sucks, the batterylife is mediocre and the display resolution could be higher but it's still a very good phone.
2) I'm quite sure yes. I broke my root with the newest update (but didn't really need it at the moment) but I'm sure the community will come up with a new root very soon.
3) I think so
4) AFAIK the mini does have fewer problems with overall reception (GPS, GPRS, UMTS, WiFi). But - I want the keyboard!! The screen really is quite small - I don't want half of it used by the onscreen keyboard. On top of it - I'm really a lot faster with the hardware one - feels good, works well. TBH, the mini never was a valid option for me.
5) Yes, it does work but compared to other phones the reception is quite poor in my opinion. I don't need it on a day-to-day basis so it's not a deal breaker to me.
Tha main truth is tha SUCCESSOR of dis phone cant be sold dat amount!!! i just love XMP.... I must get it!
If you are interested (and in the UK) I'm selling one. It has only 2 days use, and last night I unlocked the bootloader, put CWM recovery on it, and put NeoDroid's V4 ROM and kernel on it.
Advert here...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1477219&highlight=xperia+mini+pro
Indeed a nice little phone. Much much snappier since I put the custom ROM on it. Got it overclocked to a safe 1.2GHz and removed all the bloatware. Running it as my daily use phone for a few days to make sure there are no bugs.
I've had mine for a few months and would still get one.
The screen is small/low resolution, but it fits in my pocket and there's very little out with a keyboard here.
SE made it easy to unlock, so I have a custom kernel and have no problems with it set to 1.6GHz.
I didn't like the launcher at all with its corners thing, but that's easy to replace
Sorry- I'm in the US, would need a version that could run on AT&T's network bands
melenko said:
I've had mine for a few months and would still get one.
The screen is small/low resolution, but it fits in my pocket and there's very little out with a keyboard here.
SE made it easy to unlock, so I have a custom kernel and have no problems with it set to 1.6GHz.
I didn't like the launcher at all with its corners thing, but that's easy to replace
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Click to collapse
How can one replace tha launcher brov? but tha phone has 1GHz, How com 1.6GHz?
whalesplaho said:
How can one replace tha launcher brov? but tha phone has 1GHz, How com 1.6GHz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Launchers like ADW, there's a few on the market
Custom kernels give a few more options, (Rage/KarmaRush) so something like setCPU or Tasker can set it to a higher CPU speed
melenko said:
Launchers like ADW, there's a few on the market
Custom kernels give a few more options, (Rage/KarmaRush) so something like setCPU or Tasker can set it to a higher CPU speed
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Click to collapse
thanks so much brov..... i appreciate~!
whalesplaho said:
thanks so much brov..... i appreciate~!
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Click to collapse
That's ADW+, Beautiful widgets, Minimalistic text, Tasker. If you're going to have a nice little phone like this, it's worth making it your own
melenko said:
That's ADW+, Beautiful widgets, Minimalistic text, Tasker. If you're going to have a nice little phone like this, it's worth making it your own
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Click to collapse
dis is nice brov.... is dis screenshot taken from XMP?
Hello
1. I had an Xperia X10 mini pro, but bought an Xperia mini pro a few month ago. I am very happy with this phone and would buy the same again, if this one broke.
If you need a phone now, buy it now, It is a nice phone, the only problem I see is the that it can run out of RAM, but then get a kernel that supports SWAP, so you can get some paged memory.
2. I think that it is easy to root, even though it was easier on the Xperia X10 mini pro. The biggest problem is that you it is hard to switch back to the stock ROM. But Once you have tried CM7, will you never return (and CM9 is on the way).
3. I do not know about the Xperia pro, but I have not seen it on the Xperia mini pro, but there are very similar keyboards.
4. Personally I would never buy the Xperia mini. The pro version is not that much bigger and it actually has a very nice keyboard.
5. The GPS of the Xperia mini pro is working very nice here in Denmark. I actually use it as my primary GPS (even though I have a TomTom). I have seen some problems if I am too far out in the country and surrounded by big trees. But in exception of that am I very happy with the GPS of the Xperia mini pro combined with Google Maps.
---------- Post added at 10:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 PM ----------
whalesplaho said:
How can one replace tha launcher brov? but tha phone has 1GHz, How com 1.6GHz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should try to install "GO Launcher EX" from the market.
hnl_dk thanks for dat info.... i think i ll buy it early nextmonth!
but yu talk bout Go Launcher EX, is it better dan tha ADW+??? but i thought Go Luanhcer EX is use for themes cos i use to see alongside themes.
Ok- I have to ask- what is with your grammar and spelling? I wouldn't mind if you said that you were not a native english speaker- where are you from? sorry.
I will start with the problems I have with Mini Pro
* Low resolution - You wont be able to play some games
* Small Screen -Nut can't take it as a big negative because its a MINI pro
As for your queries there is nothing in the current market which has the same or better hardware and is small .In the world of gadgets/technology it is normal for some product to be squished by a better one and it is inevitable so there is no use waiting for a newer one .
You can easily ROOT your phone ,there is a simple tool available - connect phone,click root and your done .
I don't think you will need swype because of the physical keyboard .But yes it will run.
Mini has no keyboard thats all .
GPS works without any issues .
whalesplaho said:
hnl_dk thanks for dat info.... i think i ll buy it early nextmonth!
but yu talk bout Go Launcher EX, is it better dan tha ADW+??? but i thought Go Luanhcer EX is use for themes cos i use to see alongside themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can both do themes, and I think there's free versions to try out. The difference is just preference, things like a few options or speed
I have no idea about XMP, I just used screenshot from the power button
I just recently got my SE Xperia Mini Pro, and I'm loving it. For the price I payed for it, I am surprise they are making a profit. My budget was around £250, I checked many phones and many didn't have the specs I was looking for. I needed a fast and good quality camera phone and the Mini Pro lives up to its standard.
Pros
Very fast phone, only crashes when you put it to the extreme
Camera is amazing, really surprised with the picture quality
Can run most apps and games without any problem
Hardware keyboard is really sturdy
SE has added Swype in the 2.3.4 update for the Mini Pro
Cons
Screen a bit small for typing
The outside feels like cheap plastic
This is a great phone for the price. If your budget is low, definitely get this one, If your budget is higher, a bigger screen might do better
I currently own a Sony Xperia Ray, I like it but after getting very disappointed with the ICS update this phone got, I have been thinking of replacing it, and now I have the chance to do it because my father needs a smartphone for work, and I can just give him my Ray and buy a new one for me.
Anyway, since it's quite an old phone, I was wondering if it's still worth it. I had the chance to try it a few days ago from a friend of mine, his SGSII had some AOKP rom installed and it seemed very fast and bug-free. I did not like the screen very much, since I'm used to the sharp screen Ray has, the screen seemed a bit more pixelated, and also I noticed a blueish tint on white backgrounds.
Anyway, here are my questions:
Which one is the latest official firmware available for it? I heard it's 4.0.4 but I'm not sure. After the giant disappointment I got with Sony, I'd be happier to know it has at least the latest version of ICS right now. I have a thing against homebrew roms and would avoid them if possible, no offence intended to all the talented developers of XDA. I like to keep the stock firmware and just add mods and tweaks to it.
Also, how do you like the stock interface available for it in the latest official firmware? Do you think it's very obsolete or flawed? How does it compare to the one on the SIII?
Do you think there is anything that pushes the SGSII to it's limits and makes you think it's not powerful enough? I often get this feeling on my Ray, especially in the browser and some games. I kind of like some Gameloft games for Android but they don't run as well as I'd like them to on my Ray.
Do you think the low resolution of the screen is a big limitation? Do movies look good on it? I am a bit underwhelmed by the screen on the SGSII, especially after trying the Xperia S, which has an utterly amazing screen.
I assume it's safe to say that Sammy won't update it to Jelly Bean, right?
That's all I guess. Feel free to recommend me another phone if you think the SII is not worth it in 2012. I can't spend much more than what the SII costs though (around 380€ new here).
MarkMRL said:
I currently own a Sony Xperia Ray, I like it but after getting very disappointed with the ICS update this phone got, I have been thinking of replacing it, and now I have the chance to do it because my father needs a smartphone for work, and I can just give him my Ray and buy a new one for me.
Anyway, since it's quite an old phone, I was wondering if it's still worth it. I had the chance to try it a few days ago from a friend of mine, his SGSII had some AOKP rom installed and it seemed very fast and bug-free. I did not like the screen very much, since I'm used to the sharp screen Ray has, the screen seemed a bit more pixelated, and also I noticed a blueish tint on white backgrounds.
Anyway, here are my questions:
Which one is the latest official firmware available for it? I heard it's 4.0.4 but I'm not sure. After the giant disappointment I got with Sony, I'd be happier to know it has at least the latest version of ICS right now. I have a thing against homebrew roms and would avoid them if possible, no offence intended to all the talented developers of XDA. I like to keep the stock firmware and just add mods and tweaks to it.
Also, how do you like the stock interface available for it in the latest official firmware? Do you think it's very obsolete or flawed? How does it compare to the one on the SIII?
Do you think there is anything that pushes the SGSII to it's limits and makes you think it's not powerful enough? I often get this feeling on my Ray, especially in the browser and some games. I kind of like some Gameloft games for Android but they don't run as well as I'd like them to on my Ray.
Do you think the low resolution of the screen is a big limitation? Do movies look good on it? I am a bit underwhelmed by the screen on the SGSII, especially after trying the Xperia S, which has an utterly amazing screen.
I assume it's safe to say that Sammy won't update it to Jelly Bean, right?
That's all I guess. Feel free to recommend me another phone if you think the SII is not worth it in 2012. I can't spend much more than what the SII costs though (around 380€ new here).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the latest official firmware is XXLQ5 (android 4.0.4) available on samfirmware.com
and with ur budjet i think s2 is the best option for u
Hi,
I'm looking into buying a Z5 Compact unlocked since I don't want something 5 inches or bigger.
I'm hoping to not install custom roms, at least not until Sony stops supporting it.
I've got a few questions :
Will I be able to get the stock rom updates from Sony or manually install them (without unlocking the bootloader)? My carrier doesn't sell the Z5 or Z5 Compact so I doubt I will receive updates from it.
I have read a few threads that makes me worried about the phone. People seems to say it's sluggish and the camera app takes a while to start. Is it working better on the latest stock rom?
Is the stock rom good or should I really look into flashing a custom rom?
Would you guys recommend another Android phone? I would like a compact phone that can last me for a good 3 years, maybe a little more. Right now I own a Nexus 4 that is a little over 3 years old and while it still working rather well it is starting to show signs of its age (like the battery that doesn't last for very long anymore and the phone sometimes struggle running the latest games...)
Thanks
We should let SONY know that the current Android 9 Pie is the worst lazy treatment since the SONY upgrade system.
Xperia XZ3,Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Premium, XZ2 Compact, Xperia XZ Premium, XZ1 and XZ1 Compact, XA2, XA2 Ultra and XA2 Plus, which can be upgraded to Android 9 Pie, should be displayed to tell SONY about the Android 9 Pie experience.
For details, please go to the Xperia Support Forum.
XPERIA XZ3 Discussion - Article title: SONY Bad Android 9 Pie
Let the user wait for a long time, Pie is finally updated.
The update found that it is very different from the Android 9 Pie we know.
SONY's Android 9 Pie seems to be android oreo 8.1 experience
We lack many important features
No New-System-Navigation & Digital Wellbeing & Slice & actions
There is no change in the Setting UI.
Perhaps SONY developers should refer to what is Android 9 Pie
This is just a waste of time for the XPERIA XZ2 participating in the Android 9 Pie test.
Other complaints
1.Always on display Why not do a unified drop to all Android 9 models only XZ2 series
2.No. There is still no port Systemui with new clock (XZ Premium, XZ1, XZ1 Compact)
3.GOOGLE active marketing developers should have a dark theme
The dark theme that our sony music APP and Sony Album APP already have.
But should the apps used by Sony Phone, Sony Contacts, and Sony Mobile SupportXperia keyboards also include the dark theme option?
I don't want the "new" navigation that is in Google's launcher. It looks awful and less usable than the "old" one.
Auto super slow-mo
All I wanted from this dumb update was AUTO SUPER SLOW-MO...nope.
It's xmas so a little gift like an S9 would do me good right now
This update has has been terrible, for the sake of simplicity sony is just doing nothing and calling it stock experience. This is the laziest iteration of an update and it hasnt even come to canda yet. 2 months of update and nothing yet here in canada.
The phone seems slower than that of oreo, the phone heats up more than ususal even when doing simple things like browsing and listeniung to music. The camera application is slower, touch is sometimes unresponsive. This update is very buggy in my opinion and sony f******up big time. All samsung fans will be treated to something new and all sony fans have been using the same **** ui from xperia z1 with minor changes
OP, you're an idiot. Android 9 (or any other major update) isn't about a new UI. It's the technology in the background that makes it worthwhile.
realadry said:
OP, you're an idiot. Android 9 (or any other major update) isn't about a new UI. It's the technology in the background that makes it worthwhile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hellroot approves
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Lubomir63 said:
All I wanted from this dumb update was AUTO SUPER SLOW-MO...nope.
It's xmas so a little gift like an S9 would do me good right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean by auto super slow-mo ?
Does anyone have wifi issues with android 9? I use to have to reboot my phone at some point because it won't take any wifi communication any more (on oreo)
Macknoob said:
what do you mean by auto super slow-mo ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MvkBcpl3R4 That's what I mean
No, change in UI for an update is stupid in a consumer sense.
I am sure 90% of the users will find it confusing, one day when you wake up, the whole UI has changed and you have to learn again. If I were a developer, I would hold the UI until I release a new phone. However, I think they should have include an option to enable the new navigation though, as well as the dark theme.
Overall, I like the new pie update. Its smooth and responsive.
yuunanase said:
No, change in UI for an update is stupid in a consumer sense.
I am sure 90% of the users will find it confusing, one day when you wake up, the whole UI has changed and you have to learn again. If I were a developer, I would hold the UI until I release a new phone. However, I think they should have include an option to enable the new navigation though, as well as the dark theme.
Overall, I like the new pie update. Its smooth and responsive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ui changes with almost every update. That's life
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
How many have this update installed?
My gf got the update on her phone and wifi is really acting up.
It seems like when connecting it works for a few seconds, speedy like it should be and suddenly the wifi connection speed is down to 2mb no matter how close to the ap the phone is, and I'm running Cisco AP's so the network is not the issue.
I REALLY hope someone has some clue how to perhaps fix this without rooting the phone.
I have my own rooted and still on oreo and it seems that I will stick with oreo for now on my phone.
For me its very important, battery drain its really great, on oreo battery drain fast, new system ui looks very good, settings has been changed in many sections, and super slowmo in full hd..
Odesláno z mého G8341 pomocí Tapatalk
I think what the OP is saying is the lack of Elegance in the UI. Looks blocky and almost like Android 6.1. They could at least implemented the rounded edges in the notification shade. Little things like that go a long way.
Does it drain battery lesser than it used to in 8.1? Is it worth upgrading?
[Please read the edit at the end. Thank you!]
Hi. I recently bought an Xperia 1 III, coming from a Xiaomi Mi 9T. I didn't realize how many things from MiUI I would miss straight from day one, namely the following.
Things I miss from the MiUI "recent apps" screen:
- The 2x2 layout. The stock Android horizontal layout is almost useless on a 21:9 display, I can't see to the side of the current app.
- The ability to pin apps to prevent them being closed when pressing "close all".
(- The ability to blur apps, but this isn't really an important one.)
More general concerns:
- Native support for scrolling screenshots.
Somewhat stupidly on my part, I did not factor in the UI before buying a Sony phone and now my experience with it is somewhat frustrating. I also just now realize that the scarce popularity of Sony devices means that few custom ROMs will likely be made. I invested in this phone and I intended to keep it for several years (it has everything I might need, hardware-wise) but the software experience is currently a let down.
Since I am still in time for a refund, what do you recommend? Are the custom ROMs (for other devices) that solve my issues, besides of course MiUI, that I might hope to see on the Xperia?
EDIT: I only now find out that you can, in fact, change the recent apps screen since Android Pie. I had read you could not, but the article was from 2017. My bad.
I guess my question now becomes: is there a way to install the MiUI recent apps screen?
I wouldn't think that you can install the MiUI recent apps screen without having to have full MiUI on it through some sort of custom ROM (though I may be completely wrong about that). Hoping to see some sort of ROMs start to exist in the near future.
I've been in a similar boat too though. Coming from a Oneplus 8 Pro, the software experience is very much lacking by comparison.
For me personally, one of the seemingly minute, but still noticeable things that really bothers me, is the old-school looking Android font. Sony doesn't allow you to change it, either. Also, even with an 888, the phone also struggles a lot when it splits two apps onto the screen, where the Oneplus (on an 855) didn't.