Is it worth getting the bootloader unlocked? (at the moment it is a pay-only option).
If I flash something like CM7 does the phone perform just as good as stock, in terms of hardware acceleration for games etc?
Thanks
I'd say so. depends on what you want to do with it.
CM7 is looking promising, should they fix the bugs introduced in the recent versions..., 028a is my daily driver on my 800i.
miui sounds good too.
gneville said:
Is it worth getting the bootloader unlocked? (at the moment it is a pay-only option).
If I flash something like CM7 does the phone perform just as good as stock, in terms of hardware acceleration for games etc?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this moment in time I would advice you to stick to stock rom, the only good thing at this moment in time in my own opinion is the overclocking module which is built into custom kernels.
Until there is a fully stable CM7, MIUI or custom stock ROM with good benefits I would advice you to not unlock the bootloader
im stock 2.3.4 with a Samsung theme.Its great.
Not much ROMS Atm ... but bootloader unlocking ,rooting and DooMNkernel for 2.3.3 will make ur phone crazy ass fast.
gneville said:
Is it worth getting the bootloader unlocked? (at the moment it is a pay-only option).
If I flash something like CM7 does the phone perform just as good as stock, in terms of hardware acceleration for games etc?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends. Which model do you have? If its the Verizon model then hell yes, unlock the bootloader and load the UK firmware. The Verizon branded firmware takes this awesome phone with awesome features and makes it just another Verizon phone. The UK firmware is faster, better battery life, etc. there is a learning curve when it comes to flashing these phones compared to other Android phones though so research it first.
Edit: I would not recommend CM7 atm. Too buggy and laggy.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Unlock only to change carrier or r800x model. But definitely root the play.
Sent from my rooted R800a 2.3.3 BL locked
Related
Is it possible for me to Overclock my xperia play with a locked bootloader? It is rooted but the bootloader is locked.
Thank you. It is a simlocked R800A running UK generic android 2.3.4.
Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
speedyink said:
Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But when I had a Motorola Milestone we had locked bootloaders and we still got overclock.
I was wondering the same thing today after rooting with zergrush. IIRC on my HTC Dream (G1) I could over clock freely after gaining root access.
Is there anything us 'locked bootloaders' can do for overclocking?
The problem with comparing those phones to the PLAY is, those other phones have the recovery separate from the kernel. Since you can't flash the kernel through recovery because it IS the kernel, you have to go a different route and flash the kernel through the bootloader.
Long story short, you can't flash a custom kernel if the kernel is already running
It is doable to OC with a locked bootloader, you'll need some dev to make the OC mudules and then you can move them to the right place on your phone with rootexplorer and enable them with terminal emulater/adb shell. I've made a request thread a long time back cuz i'd rather stay out of unlocking, well wich i ended up doing anyway for other reasons.
I did it this way to start with on my HTC Dsire HD before i got S-off and custom recovery installed.
Thread i started:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1077471
Regards Dousan...
Modules can be done but its too much work and can be unstable... if there was no unlock option then it was fine... but since it's possible to unlock bootloader better flash custom kernel...
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
DooMLoRD said:
Modules can be done but its too much work and can be unstable... if there was no unlock option then it was fine... but since it's possible to unlock bootloader better flash custom kernel...
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.
CrimsonSentinel13 said:
Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think VZ is to take the full blame for that one. They are the ones who wants to mess with the phone to begin with? I don't understand the model you have in the states. Different setups for different carriers. Makes no sense to me. One standard like the rest of the world has pretty much and you wouldn't have any problem.
CrimsonSentinel13 said:
Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We also have the same problem here with the r800a in Canada.
speedyink said:
Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect.
If a module was created it can be implanted into hw_config
Wasn't the point of Android to make phones that people could customize? These cell providers are taking away the true founding image of the Andriod: customization. It's utter bullsh*t in my book. Why does it matter what we do with the phone after we buy it? It's not like these companies are losing any money off of it (or are they...?)
Okay. Here to learn as much as I can, if you can number your responses with the questions and add whatever you believe is best. Thanks. ^^
Bootloader:
1. Do you unlock a bootloader JUST so you can load custom roms?
2. Is the method of unlocking the bootloader on SE's website the best way?
3. Do I need to have the SIM unlocked before unlocking the bootloader?
4. What is the point of custom roms?
Rooting:
5. Can I remove the apps here; http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699 just by having root access? No special tools needed?
6. Are there other good methods of optimizing things like battery life specific to the xperia play?
Sim Unlocking:
7. Is there any method of doing this without a cost?
I'm on an R800x, which doesn't have sim card anything, so I'll just answer the questions I know.
1. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install 3rd party software that overwrites the stuff that is part of the boot process. This pretty much refers to the kernel, for the Play. Certain roms, such as MIUI and CM7 require you to use a kernel different from stock, and since you need a different kernel, you must have an unlocked bootloader. As far as I know, that's the only real benefit for an unlocked bootloader, from a user standpoint.
4. There are many things that custom roms offer, as opposed to the stock your phone came with. This can range from a new UI, new apps, tweaks to system files, etc. Generally speaking, developers strive to make their custom roms operate better than stock. For more information on this point, I would suggest you check out some of the custom rom threads, just to see what they've changed from the stock rom.
5. You will need root, but you will need something with which to remove the apps. The best app to use, in my opinion, is Titanium Backup. Not only will it allow you to remove system apps, but it will also back up those and user apps, all for free. Unless you buy the pro key, that is.
6. As far as specific tips for the Play, I would recommend rooting so that you can disable the auto brightness. While auto brightness is desirable in most phones, the Xperia Play (And other Xperia devices, I think) are almost constantly shifting the brightness, to where a slight tilt of the hand can make the screen dim or brighten. I'm sure that can't be good on the battery. Generally speaking, though, apps such as Juice Defender and Battery Defender have profiles or just general settings to adjust data flow and many other options that can significantly increase battery life.
To the best of my knowledge
2. Is the method of unlocking the bootloader on SE's website the best way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, IMO.
3. Do I need to have the SIM unlocked before unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but you can check if you can unlock following the instruction on SE's site:
1. First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your phone by checking the service menu. In your phone, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.
2. In your phone, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked.
Note that unlocking void your warranty.
7. Is there any method of doing this without a cost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I know of.
Awesome guys, Thanks a bunch.
Unless you're really tight on space (which shouldn't normally happen if you've done the adb setinstalllocation trick and moving apps to sdcard), i would suggest freezing the apps instead of removing them especially if you're sticking with stock. This would make it a lot easier to move to the next official OS upgrade instead of a mad scramble to find the stock apps and reinstall them. The pro version of Titanium backup and SystemCleanup has the freeze function. I've freezed a lot of crap on my phone and it makes a world of difference wrt. boot time and general performance.
Unlock boot loader is very good allows you to flash custom kernel and overclock
@JulianPaul/Vabene2002: Not sure if im sticking with stock, My model is R800AT. So not sure of my options yet. Im still trying to absorb as much as I can.
Wonder if I asked some more questions if they'd be answered.
8. Is there any recovery utility WITHOUT unlocking the bootloader? Say I mess something up with my root, Can I recover back to an original ROM?
9. Can I back up my current running ROM as soon as I get my phone so that I may return it to that state?
10. If you need to change your kernel to match a modified ROM; Your current ROM wont support it, so you need to change kernel AND ROM at the same time? Otherwise your phone wont boot?
11. Any decent links for rooting an r800at?
12. Is gingerbread the latest version of android an xperia play can run and have jailbroken?
Would having root access void the warranty? I want to remove some pre installed apps so is there a way to do this without voiding the warranty?
Thanks
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Yes, it will.
But if you just recover to a stock ROM, then its like you never rooted.
Thus, warranty reinstated.
Nah, don't want to risk it yet. May never root this phone actually...
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Im going to root mine as soon as it arrives. Lol.
Not to diminish your opinion, If you dont know exactly what you're doing, it could get ugly.
I rooted my old ZTE blade but this phone is just... different. I mean it's probably gonna Get ICS anyways and if I were to root I'd probably need a very simple guide.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
SuperOneClick is about as simple as one could imagine.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Trygon said:
SuperOneClick is about as simple as one could imagine.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know the latest version of android this works on? Looks like 2.2.2 to me.
SirRudolph said:
Do you know the latest version of android this works on? Looks like 2.2.2 to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
like 4.0 it uses different exploits for different versions. gibgerbreak and zergrush are 2 of them
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk
Want to make me a banner? PM me
8. Is there any recovery utility WITHOUT unlocking the bootloader? Say I mess something up with my root, Can I recover back to an original ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can install Clockworkmod recovery from the market, there is an auto installer for xperia. That can be done without unlocking the bootloader but you must be rooted.
9. Can I back up my current running ROM as soon as I get my phone so that I may return it to that state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe a nandroid backup on CWM would do the trick, but I am not sure. I simply made backups of everything I uninstalled so I could revert it.
10. If you need to change your kernel to match a modified ROM; Your current ROM wont support it, so you need to change kernel AND ROM at the same time? Otherwise your phone wont boot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. kernel flashing on locked bootloaders brick your phone. and AFAIK, no custom rom except those based on stock have touchpad support.
11. Any decent links for rooting an r800at?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an r800a, not sure about the differences regarding r800at, check this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1294129
12. Is gingerbread the latest version of android an xperia play can run and have jailbroken?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you keep it stock, yes, 2.3.4. There is FreeXperia rom that is 2.3.7 as well.
On the forum you will find links to ICS based roms, SE leaked and AOSP. Both are WIP, I believe.
I've read somewhere that Sony will release ICS for the xperia 2011 line around April.
pretty sure flashing kernels on locked bootloaders doesn't BRICK your phone. It won't allow the kernel to be flashed as you can't use Fastboot only flashmode (official signed Roms only )
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk
fma965 said:
pretty sure flashing kernels on locked bootloaders doesn't BRICK your phone. It won't allow the kernel to be flashed as you can't use Fastboot only flashmode (official signed Roms only )
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't brick as in "turns your phone into a very expensive paper weight", but your phone will not boot anymore and you will have to flash a stock rom with flashtool to recover.
Could it be possible?
No.
Could you explain me why? -.-
arturodelac said:
Could you explain me why? -.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because ICS requires an ICS kernel, which can only be flashed by using fastboot on an unlocked bootloader.
Flashing ICS on a locked bootloader will only reward you with a brick.
arturodelac said:
Could you explain me why? -.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cause you need a Kernel that is made for ICS, and as long as your bootloader are locked you are going to be without ICS, simple as that.
arturodelac said:
Could you explain me why? -.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because ICS requires a different kernel, which requires you to unlock your bootloader to flash.
________________________
Sent from my Xperia Play
I have heard that droid2global has an ics rom, and it's bootloader remains locked. It's got a bootstrap, but I didn't think that allowed a custom kernel.
Seriously though, just get your bootloader unlocked.
Sent from my Xperia Play using XDA
I fear for my warranty, and my old x8 could run a half assed ics with a locked bootloader, wished more developers cared for locked bootloaders
why would you want a half assed ics, and why would devs want to make a half assed ics for you.., we haven't got a working kexec yet, and that would likely be your only real option, the rest involve messy workarounds to try and patch together a working rom from gb kernal, and its not worth the devs doing so.
im sure those of us that do have unlocked bootloaders would rather the devs work on stuff to move forward the xplay community as a whole, than spend months of time trying to make a gb kernal work with ics because you want to keep your warranty....
Hi,
I have Arc S , Locked BL, still under warranty.
I have tried multiple ICS Roms, but all are very laggy,
I'm now on Stock GB and it's really smooth, but it's from 2011, and we are in 2013 !!!
I wanted to unlock BL, and install a custom kernel and rom (ICS , Jelly bean, ... ) . will these improve performance ? or should i stay on GB?
And I will use testpoint method in order to relock it back completely if i need warranty later on. is that right ?
Thanks guy
Yes certainly .
Not that I know of.
Use this; http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335 (only for official method)
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
Ok thanks man ,
I will proceed with official one
Sent from my LT18i using xda app-developers app
I Believe if you are advance it doesn's worth an no problem
it's awesome if you like to test ROMs... makes the process way faster as you don't have to go to flashmode first and flash stock rom and then root it and then install xparts etc etc etc...
with unlocked boot you just install kernel (), wipe stuff in CWM and install ROM and that's it.
Gives you access to try out kernels which some are better than others but all of them are better than stock...
and gives you access to try out JB roms and kernels... although for this keep in mind that HDMI does not work on JB roms because developers need Sony to release proper jb drivers.
Good luck!
one more good thing is that you can overclock (Done at your own risk), I bought a new phone and unlocked BL within hours of having it
Just remember that warranty/dmr and bravia is lost
Totally worth it man. You can adapt your phone to the kind of person you are, the kind of user you are, by customizing it 100%. And you don't loose anything though, if you want your HDMI and 720p @ 30fps and bravia, etc, back again, just flash any ICS rom or GB based, and voilà! Unlock your bootloader, Unleash your phone.
Yes it is worth it.
You may get a much better experience than you are currently getting.
Allows almost full customization the way you want it.
If not it is very easy to go back to stock.
Flashing re-flashing ROMs may look difficult at first glance, but once you do it by following guides it is very easy and so addicting that you may end up flashing something new everyday !
Thank you all for you encouragement,
I unlocked it since thursday, and I am enjoying full stuff of my phone,
I have been trying roms on locked BL since january, but all are slow.
Now with custom kernels, the same roms run much faster and smoother, and battery is longer .
Thank you guys for help
Sent from my LT18i using xda app-developers app
Hi everyone.
Im sorry if this is basics but i have moved over from sammie and can see that the G4 is a bit more complicated in regards to rooting etc.
I have an optus branded LG-H815T in Australia. My confusion surronds this locked bootloader. What exactly does this stop me doing.
I am looking to root and flash custom roms but it appears not possible.
My question is how does the bootloader effect getting custom recovery etc. Been spoiled by the samsung devs and have never really had to look into this
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
AUSTAB2012 said:
Hi everyone.
Im sorry if this is basics but i have moved over from sammie and can see that the G4 is a bit more complicated in regards to rooting etc.
I have an optus branded LG-H815T in Australia. My confusion surronds this locked bootloader. What exactly does this stop me doing.
I am looking to root and flash custom roms but it appears not possible.
My question is how does the bootloader effect getting custom recovery etc. Been spoiled by the samsung devs and have never really had to look into this
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its possible to have custom recoveries with lock bootloader, i've seen it in another devices but for lg..i know nothing..maybe we can look to previous lg's devices (G2/G3)..Its more complicated with lock bootloader as everything must go via adb..but now there's flash fire app that works like those custom recoveries..maybe dev can extend more features to it..
One thing for sure, we can't use custom roms because usually they are using customs kernel not stock
faizalotai said:
Its possible to have custom recoveries with lock bootloader, i've seen it in another devices but for lg..i know nothing..maybe we can look to previous lg's devices (G2/G3)..Its more complicated with lock bootloader as everything must go via adb..but now there's flash fire app that works like those custom recoveries..maybe dev can extend more features to it..
One thing for sure, we can't use custom roms because usually they are using customs kernel not stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its all a little confusing first of all. Seems a lot more advance with all the commands etc for root. If only LG would unlock bootloaders this phone is perfect for modding as sammie has ruined their phones
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
faizalotai said:
One thing for sure, we can't use custom roms because usually they are using customs kernel not stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't use them yet but G3 got a workaround for this in Oct last year, so i expect one around then or earlier for the G4.
Only then can the roms devs begin.
Bootloader unlock will make your phone like a nexus device. You unlock your bootloader to be able to use it to flash a custom recovery and from that, flash a custom ROM. Now CURRENTLY the bootloader isn't unlockable for most variants (only openmartket EUR and T-Mobile), so we can't flash custom ROMs that easily. The guys that released root for our G4 are working on a way around unlocking the bootloader (or a way to unlock it without LG's website), but they won't release it until time has passed and OTA update cycles have slowed down for the device to avoid LG blocking their methods and exploits.
That's pretty much the situation we're in right now.