Related
I am considering the purchase of an Arc, and despite my trawling through the rom section, I can't work out if there is a pure android rom anywhere (as in no SE modifications, stock launcher (not ADW or anything) such as is found on the nexus s.]
Also, if I am going to be rooting and unlocking the bootloader, is there any advantage of getting the Arc S over the Arc?
Cheers
rhx123 said:
is there any advantage of getting the Arc S over the Arc?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only 2 advantage.
1. You will get ice cream 1 month before arc.
2. Already overclocked by SE.
Cheers
its not overclocked it has brand new CPU (difrent then arc)
And HSPA+ (14,4 Mbit/s).
Well if your going to get the phone now and not second hand then the xperia arc s is the same price as the ARC so there's no real point of not getting the Arc S and there aren't any pure gingerbread roms if im correct atm but there are alpha roms of ICS where you can get the galaxy nexus pure ICS launcher. No SE bullcrap
I'm going to be buying it from CEX (so both are second hand, and the S is only about £10 more.
Thanks for replying.
rhx123 said:
I'm going to be buying it from CEX (so both are second hand, and the S is only about £10 more.
Thanks for replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you should buy an Arc S.
Alright then, how easy do you think it would be to port a AOSP (or close such as http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=896020 build to the Arc/Arc S?
I regularly flashed my Old Tytn II, and have flashed friend's android phones before, and I also have linux experience so feel that gives me a bit of a chance.
I get the basic concept of having to replacing the files in boot.img (&ramdisk) and the hardware stuff.
Hello,
I'm considering a new phone and have been looking at the Xperia S/SL. I like the feel of the devices and the design. I think having a physical camera button is great! If you have an S/SL, what do you like most about it? What do you like the least? Seems other than 2 additional colors and a bump in CPU speed, the SL is the same as the S. Is that so? Most everything I've seen in terms of customization (new ROMs, etc) talk about the S and not the SL. Can I safely assume that the S and SL are synonymous with regards to rooting, ROMs, etc.?
Thanks,
cesman
Well I must say the XS is awesome, i mena the camera is great (except some autofocus issues, however you can get another app for that) the screen is gorgeous, flaws ... must I say non removeable battery, lacking micro sd port (however 32 gb I think It's fair enough)
I should go for the S if you want to unlock your bootloader
You can flash a custom kernel to have 1.7GHz like SL, no other main difference between S and SL.
The camera is good, and the device runs smooth with some tweaks for custom looks it's the same as other devices, you can always customize Android
Non removable battery and no micro-sd slot doesn't bother me, there is a key reset combo and I don't need more then 32GB
Battery life isn't superb, but also not really bad, you can easily get one day or more. Unless you are a very heavy user or have a lot of apps that sync data
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
just like my phone have lots of apps that need sync , and thats why i bought smartphone , so it can sync automatically and not to do it manually.
For the price you really can't go wrong, you get a stunning 300+ PPI 720p HD screen, a 12mp Camera and a decent dual core.
It's got a gorgeous UI but since it's an android you're probably going to be skinning it anyways. It feels weighty and it's sturdy, it doesn't feel cheap at all and you feel like you're holding a sturdy phone. Build quality is good, I've dropped it countless times and it's still yet to break for me.
You can unlock the bootloader officially which is good and it really isn't all that hard to root the device and install roms on it.
The downsides I'd say is the non-removable battery which for is a concern and a problem considering the battery isn't all the impressive, It lasts me from 8am in the morning to about 3-4am with low/moderate usage.
32gb for most people should be more than enough.
Again, for the price it's an amazing phone; it ain't the best phone though obviously but if you wanted a good phone you'd be looking at your Galaxy S3s or waiting for the Xperia Z
mikejaxer said:
Again, for the price it's an amazing phone; it ain't the best phone though obviously but if you wanted a good phone you'd be looking at your Galaxy S3s or waiting for the Xperia Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting choice of adjectives as some would consider "amazing" better than "good". I held the Z in my hand at CES and didn't care for the feel. The ZL has a much better hand feel. If anything, that is the phone I'd wait for... As long as I can get it unlocked. I'm more attached to the Xperia line than the Galaxy... Although it is nice that Galaxy has official CM releases up to the current M1.
krabappel2548 said:
I should go for the S if you want to unlock your bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean that the SL's bootloader can't be unlocked?
I'm planning to buy a XS/XSL too, and i can get the SL for a lower price
javitogomezzzz said:
Does this mean that the SL's bootloader can't be unlocked?
I'm planning to buy a XS/XSL too, and i can get the SL for a lower price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've search on here and no one has come right out and said they have unlocked the XSL's bootloader. Sony's own site doesn't show it as a supported model. Where can you get it for less?!
cesman said:
I've search on here and no one has come right out and said they have unlocked the XSL's bootloader. Sony's own site doesn't show it as a supported model. Where can you get it for less?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IPMART Malaysia
javitogomezzzz said:
Does this mean that the SL's bootloader can't be unlocked?
I'm planning to buy a XS/XSL too, and i can get the SL for a lower price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can also be unlocked but I thought the S would be cheaper then the SL
Just buy the cheapest one, XS roms also work on SL and vice versa
any body make a custom rom for Xperia SL (Real SL)
becuase all of custom rom are Xperia S
I guess all Roms for Xperia s will be compatible with the sl. Not sure though.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
krabappel2548 said:
It can also be unlocked but I thought the S would be cheaper then the SL
Just buy the cheapest one, XS roms also work on SL and vice versa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kernels are compatible too, right? I really don't matter if i end up turning the SL into an S, because, as i said before, i can get the SL for a lower price
If for some reason i would like to go back to the stock rom, could i use one of the "stock roms for xperia s thread" that is at the development section or i would have to get the stock official rom for SL?
javitogomezzzz said:
Kernels are compatible too, right? I really don't matter if i end up turning the SL into an S, because, as i said before, i can get the SL for a lower price
If for some reason i would like to go back to the stock rom, could i use one of the "stock roms for xperia s thread" that is at the development section or i would have to get the stock official rom for SL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll be better to get an S!! because its tries and tested and u have a lot of ppl to hold u back!! SL is just picking up!
The S is exactly the same as the SL just the SL is overclocked from the factory. I have a SL, shoulda just bought the S and saved some money.
Is something wrong with the device
i want to know is there something wrong with the hardware or anything i really want to buy it but m confused.
Hello there,
I am a Sony Xperia S user for 11 months now and so far I have been largely satisfied with my device. I have always run on the Stock ROM, I have not unlocked my bootloader yet and I do not intend to do so.
However, in the light of recent events I find myself thinking of a switch to another phone with better characteristics and more recent hardware. The best deal seems to be Sony Xperia T - newer chip, better support from Sony; perhaps it would receive further JB updates (4.2, 4.3) as well. Still, its recent price is just above 300 euros - unlocked and without contract - in my country. In comparison, I still have to pay about 200 euros for my Xperia S to the end of my 2-year lease contract with my local mobile service provider. That's why I am considering paying off the remaining sum of the lease in advance and then selling my Xperia S for about the same amount of money.
There are several reasons why I am considering such a switch. For one, Sony does not seem too eager to support Xperia S any longer. Yes, the 4.1.2 JB update is on the way but it has been for several months now. The numerous delays, and I am not too interested in the respective reasons, have finally put me off this otherwise pretty good all-rounder phone. Second, we have to take into account that the Snapdragon S3 chip is already heavily outdated and it would most likely not receive any further software development. When considering the alternatives, Xperia T seems to be the best one, because of its price, hardware and software. I am very fond of Sony's interface, indeed.
So I wonder what is your opinion on the matter? Is Xperia T worth it to replace my Xperia S for the next couple of years?
This thread could provide a general discussion of Xperia S's future, too.
I think its time to move on. Im never going back to Sony unless they improve. Im keeping my phone for few months more. I just bought my Sony phone and Im pretty disappointed. HTC and Samsung have better phones than Sony why settle for Xperia T or V, if you can have better.
My friend got Xperia T, and i don't like that phone.
Move on something newer, keep in mind (snapdragon 600) will receive every update before S4 and S4pro
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
Agree with electrash anyways sony is getting poorer and poorer when it comes to system updates
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
It is made very clear by the moderators that threads condemning Sony is not allowed. This thread is going to get locked soon. However, I noticed it is always those few monkeys tryin to be funny, not able to listen to simple English. Sony might not be good in updating Xperia S, but they didn't break any promises and my current ICS build is flawless.
Sony might not reach Samsung's level yet but it has suppressed HTC greatly already. Those who don't know, HTC abandons HTC Sensation, the phone with the exact same CPU as Xperia S.
So has sony, it had forgotten about xperia u when jellybean was announced
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Rangeeshnathan said:
So has sony, it had forgotten about xperia u when jellybean was announced
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own an Xperia U and it lags badly on ICS. They didnt abandon Xperia U. It is just not fit for JB. Anyways, Sony sales numbers have been steadily increasing YOY and already destroyed Motorola's and HTC's. Sony will continue to rise as 99% of customers dont give a damn about updates, fortunately.
Xperia go seems to have less hardware capabilities than xperia u, no??
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Rangeeshnathan said:
Xperia go seems to have less hardware capabilities than xperia u, no??
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Please don't play with me. Xperia Go have the exact same specification as Xperia U. Xperia Go have a lower screen resolution resulting better performance. Then you will ask Xperia J. Sigh, kids these days.
Excuse me then I'm sorry Mr lee
And lol I was not coming to xperia j
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
R: Finding myself on a crossroad - maybe it is time to move on
Pretty much of your same opinion... I'm totally satisfied until now for what I've done with my Xperia S, but I really cannot stand anymore the politics of software update that Sony is pursuing.
And ok, my phone is fully unlocked and I tried a lot of custom roms to get closer to what is a pure android system, but to me those all are still full of bugs.
And to be honest, stock remains the best deal.
I'd like to switch to a pure Google Phone like the Nexus 4 but his great fragility, the weakness of the camera and the max 16gb of storage are three points that still makes me doubtful.
I'm considering the upcoming Galaxy S4 Nexus Edition...
When the official Sony JB update comes, everything changes. We can run custom ROMs without a flaw with the help of 3rd party developers. There has been rumors that Android 4.3 is still going to be JB. Even if we cant upgrade our phones to Android 5. The problem is our ROMs are'nt stable enough.
lewis021 said:
When the official Sony JB update comes, everything changes. We can run custom ROMs without a flaw with the help of 3rd party developers. There has been rumors that Android 4.3 is still going to be JB. Even if we cant upgrade our phones to Android 5. The problem is our ROMs are'nt stable enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, the current ICS build is stable. Other than some Wifi drops, I dont see any major flaws in it.
lee480 said:
Personally, the current ICS build is stable. Other than some Wifi drops, I dont see any major flaws in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The big problem about ICS is its very laggy, drains alot of battery and not smooth.
cabi.costa said:
Pretty much of your same opinion... I'm totally satisfied until now for what I've done with my Xperia S, but I really cannot stand anymore the politics of software update that Sony is pursuing.
And ok, my phone is fully unlocked and I tried a lot of custom roms to get closer to what is a pure android system, but to me those all are still full of bugs.
And to be honest, stock remains the best deal.
I'd like to switch to a pure Google Phone like the Nexus 4 but his great fragility, the weakness of the camera and the max 16gb of storage are three points that still makes me doubtful.
I'm considering the upcoming Galaxy S4 Nexus Edition...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the Galaxy S phones are always a viable alternative, but I am not a big fan of Samsung. Too much plastic, and the user interface is somewhat dull and boring. Yes, the horsepower behind the back panel is immense but I am not a power user, not really. In fact, it turns out that Sony are the brand with the highest number of upper-mid-level devices at the moment (Xperia S, T; SP and ZR upcoming; not to mention all the derivatives like SL, TX, Ion, V, Acro S, etc., etc.) and I am rather leaning towards buying one such device. I am not too interested in the current flagship devices (Xperia Z, HTC One, Galaxy S4) since cheaper phones provide similar daily performance for some 2/3 of the price. Snapdragon S4 is one really capable platform and its wide availability makes it accessible to anyone.
To sum up, I am rather looking for a phone with a good manufacturer's support and expected updates till Android version 4.3, at least. The 16GB non-expandable storage of Nexus 4 is a deal-breaker for me as well. Maybe I will wait another couple of months, until SP and ZR get released and their prices decline to their true market values.
And guys, please stay on topic here. We are discussing Xperia S and its alternatives here, not Sony's customer policy in general. I know, there are many of you who are angry at the Japanese, I am somewhat dissatisfied myself. Anyway, please stop the rant because I believe this is a sensible topic and I do not want to see this thread closed. Thanks!
edit: nvm
I had similar thoughts too, until i realized that the hardware in my Xperia S is just fine for my needs for now. What is it you want to do with a newer chipset? And on the software side, I have my hopes on that things will improve somewhat once/if Sony releases the new kernel-sources.
This question has been as so many times, only you can decide what is best for you.
Thread Closed
Been a long time apple user ..since the original iphone in 2007. had every version of it. Got bored of ios and switched to Galaxy s3 last year and been quite happy so far. Last week i traded the S3 for Sony Xperia ZL..and man..i love this hardware and the version of android..
The sony launcher is by far the best one i've seen compared to the touchwiz and others..I used to have so many launchers and widgets on my S3 whereas i have no launchers and widgets on ZL.. The built in has all the features i need,,
Got the iphone 5S for the wife..but the display on ZL is quite something..camera is great. Battery life is reasonable (compared to my old S3) and the standard android customization is very handy..
Don't think i'll ever go back to ios or other android devices for a while.
I like the Xperia ZL. But this phone has many problems. First it lost the signal. It has some lag. And now overheat. Tomorrow who know? I can affirm that I would like other phone.
Enviado desde mi C6502
melquisedec said:
I like the Xperia ZL. But this phone has many problems. First it lost the signal. It has some lag. And now overheat. Tomorrow who know? I can affirm that I would like other phone.
Enviado desde mi C6502
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well not all ZL have problems. mine works perfect, for me its the best phone made by SONY, small big screen, nice hardware, cool camera etc.
just w8ting for the 4.3.
i had HTC One, iphone 5, S3, and the ZL its like perfect.
BTW I dont like custom roms so im full stuck on 4.2.2 ,67 , as far as i know most of the people that face does issues are using roms...and i keep sayin Custom roms SUCK, just stick with official and dont screw your phone.:good:
danieldp1990 said:
well not all ZL have problems. mine works perfect, for me its the best phone made by SONY, small big screen, nice hardware, cool camera etc.
just w8ting for the 4.3.
i had HTC One, iphone 5, S3, and the ZL its like perfect.
BTW I dont like custom roms so im full stuck on 4.2.2 ,67 , as far as i know most of the people that face does issues are using roms...and i keep sayin Custom roms SUCK, just stick with official and dont screw your phone.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on a custom ROM and I'm having exactly 0 issues from the phone itself. Some people just have bad luck.
I am waiting the update 4.3. Preying God mine fixed.
Enviado desde mi C6502
TheTofu said:
I'm on a custom ROM and I'm having exactly 0 issues from the phone itself. Some people just have bad luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well good to hear that, but almost all problems that people have they all uses custom roms.
danieldp1990 said:
well not all ZL have problems. mine works perfect, for me its the best phone made by SONY, small big screen, nice hardware, cool camera etc.
just w8ting for the 4.3.
i had HTC One, iphone 5, S3, and the ZL its like perfect.
BTW I dont like custom roms so im full stuck on 4.2.2 ,67 , as far as i know most of the people that face does issues are using roms...and i keep sayin Custom roms SUCK, just stick with official and dont screw your phone.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm using a custom ROM and I do not face any issues as well so you are wrong when you say that!
Sent from my C6503 using xda app-developers app
einfachgaer said:
Well I'm using a custom ROM and I do not face any issues as well so you are wrong when you say that!
Sent from my C6503 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well what I say is what I read on the web.
danieldp1990 said:
well not all ZL have problems. mine works perfect, for me its the best phone made by SONY, small big screen, nice hardware, cool camera etc.
just w8ting for the 4.3.
i had HTC One, iphone 5, S3, and the ZL its like perfect.
BTW I dont like custom roms so im full stuck on 4.2.2 ,67 , as far as i know most of the people that face does issues are using roms...and i keep sayin Custom roms SUCK, just stick with official and dont screw your phone.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree - i love the stock rom as well. I'm with bell in canada. My android version says 4.2.2 build number is 10.3.A.0.423
No updates according to update centre..is the latest .67 udpate not available to bell customers?
Generalities tend to be tough to back up.
As to your question about an upgrade - you should be able to install the "stock" generic 67 rom for your phone via flashtool, and have it work properly on Bell as what's important are the radio frequencies the phone supports. (and you "should" be able to flash it without wiping your data...
On latest Stock rom and 0 problems with this wonderful device. It's high end and a pleasure to use it.
Sent from my Xperia ZL
scifan said:
Generalities tend to be tough to back up.
As to your question about an upgrade - you should be able to install the "stock" generic 67 rom for your phone via flashtool, and have it work properly on Bell as what's important are the radio frequencies the phone supports. (and you "should" be able to flash it without wiping your data...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do i flash? I haven't done this before..Why isn't the latest build not available via OTA?
vhl71 said:
How do i flash? I haven't done this before..Why isn't the latest build not available via OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea why it wouldn't be available via OTA.
As far as how to flash... search under the development forum for the ZL for Flashtool. There's also a thread that shows all of the different "rom" versions... I'd look there as well...
I am also super lucky with my ZL. Latest stock firmware and it is my first Android phone, where I don't feel the need for having root access...
I am debating whether i should return my SP and get a ZL. Normally I don't like five inch phones but the ZL is so compact that it wouldn't bother me. I am having a hell of a time deciding. Good thing I have till the end of January. What do you guys think?
mrsatan said:
I am debating whether i should return my SP and get a ZL. Normally I don't like five inch phones but the ZL is so compact that it wouldn't bother me. I am having a hell of a time deciding. Good thing I have till the end of January. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do it. The SP is a nice phone, but the ZL is leagues better in every way. You wont believe how small it really is until you hold it.
Even though my beloved C6503 is away receiving RMA Support.
Leading me to purchase a C5303 as back-up in the meantime.
I can still thoroughly recommend the ZL over the SP.
If you watch a lot of videos, browse the internet heavily, likewise use messaging heavily, then you'll love the extra real estate, and increased sharpness, that comes with the 5", Full HD, ultra compact ZL.
Not to mention the ZL's noticeable increase in both performance, and internal storage.
The advantage of 5" 1080p over 4.6" 720p may read like hype.
But as you'll find out for yourself, once you've tried it you won't go back.
Especially in such compact form, with higher grade, build quality you'd expect in Sony's early 2013 top tier, that is found in the ZL.
Plus you still get a large, but more stylised notification light.
The only cons I find with the ZL is it does generate a lot of heat when worked hard.
More than the SP.
But then that's understandable considering what's under their respective hoods (Z runs hotter still being front/rear glass?!)
So I wouldn't recommend using a case with it.
The other con is the ZL is not as efficient as SP.
This is reflected in their respective Endurance Test ratings at GSM Arena, and sums up nicely my experience with them both.
Finally, I would only recommend buying a used ZL with at least a six month warranty, or preferably brand new with a twelve month warranty.
As I am not alone in my ZL suffering from SOD/Sleep Of Death late last year.
Other than that I eagerly await the return of my C6503 from RMA Support later this month.
To which I'll be gifting my C5303 to my Mum (Love you Mum!)
Look forward to your impression of ZL over the SP should you make the leap.
Sent from my C5303 using xda app-developers app
themanspirit said:
Even though my beloved C6503 is away receiving RMA Support.
Leading me to purchase a C5303 as back-up in the meantime.
I can still thoroughly recommend the ZL over the SP.
If you watch a lot of videos, browse the internet heavily, likewise use messaging heavily, then you'll love the extra real estate, and increased sharpness, that comes with the 5", Full HD, ultra compact ZL.
Not to mention the ZL's noticeable increase in both performance, and internal storage.
The advantage of 5" 1080p over 4.6" 720p may read like hype.
But as you'll find out for yourself, once you've tried it you won't go back.
Especially in such compact form, with higher grade, build quality you'd expect in Sony's early 2013 top tier, that is found in the ZL.
Plus you still get a large, but more stylised notification light.
The only cons I find with the ZL is it does generate a lot of heat when worked hard.
More than the SP.
But then that's understandable considering what's under their respective hoods (Z runs hotter still being front/rear glass?!)
So I wouldn't recommend using a case with it.
The other con is the ZL is not as efficient as SP.
This is reflected in their respective Endurance Test ratings at GSM Arena, and sums up nicely my experience with them both.
Finally, I would only recommend buying a used ZL with at least a six month warranty, or preferably brand new with a twelve month warranty.
As I am not alone in my ZL suffering from SOD/Sleep Of Death late last year.
Other than that I eagerly await the return of my C6503 from RMA Support later this month.
To which I'll be gifting my C5303 to my Mum (Love you Mum!)
Look forward to your impression of ZL over the SP should you make the leap.
Sent from my C5303 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the ZL for about a week now and I am pretty impressed with it. The size of the phone considering the screen size is amazing. It is a solid feeling phone and the red one I bought looks great. The battery life isn't too great compared to SP but that is to be expected. I downclocked it a bit so it does better and doesnt get as hot. The screen is miles better than the SP and the extra internal memory is nice. I did like the fact that the SP didn't have the stupid shatterproof sheet on it and it was advertised as gorilla glass. I also wish the IR blaster was on the top so I could hold it like a remote. I would have taken having the charging pins instead of the IR blaster. Still it is a good phone and probably the best designed five inch phone ever. I would have waited and gotten the Z1 compact but it's just too small for me now. 4.6 is perfect but 5 inch is great if the size is that of the ZL.
The vibration on the ZL is really weird compared to the SP. Its very strong, not sure if that is bad or good. The camera is soooo much better though.
Glad to read you are enjoying ZL.
Having sent mine in for RMA Support last month.
And since, been using first C6603, followed by now C5303.
Its highlighted to me just how superior the ZL is to these two more popular and widely available models.
IMHO Sony made a major mistake not to release the ZL in the same markets globally as Z.
As for the ZL's very strong vibration.
Yes, it is far stronger than both Z and SP.
That's been my experience too.
I don't doubt you are also enjoying the ZL's far superior outdoor visibility too.
As the Z, and the SP, displays are really mediocre by comparison when used outdoors in daylight.
I sure do miss ZL's superior loudspeaker performance too.
Particularly when using Navigation incar, or hearing it ring when you are in noisy environments.
So looking forward to the return of my ZL.
And seeing if Sony will release a true successor to the compact, limited market release, ZL.
Sent from my C5303 using xda app-developers app
Okay so I'm in a situation where I soon need to get rid of my old sh**ty Xperia Active.
My first smart phone was a Xperia X10i (Which I contributed almost all stock firmwares for, here on XDA), followed by a Nokia 800 (WP7), then a Huawei Ascend P1 which I unfortunately lost and had to go back to a backup phone which is the Xperia Active.
Now I've been looking around for a replacement and the Z1C is really attractive with the awesome design language Sony has set for their Xperia line. But I wanted to get the opinions from flashers and devs here on XDA, mainly because I usually don't stick with stock firmware for long.
So I've done some searching and found some "contenders" for my next phone.
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Oppo Find 7a
Sony Xperia M2
OnePlus One (When available)
Google Nexus 5
I know there is loads of custom firmwares for the Nexus line of devices, and the Oppo and OnePlus devices has CyanogenMod support.
So my only "Uncertainty" is the Xperia devices.
Now I know FXP is covering a lot of Xperias but I want to know if there is other major ROM supports for the Z1C and M2 and if the release cycle is on time with CM or not too far after that.
And how stable the builds are in general with the latest official builds of Android (4.4.3 and 4.4.4).
In general how have you had it with your Z1C?
Is it easy to root?
What recoveries is available?
Is there many reports on defects/faults on the device?
How well is the developer community for this particular device?
Is Sony releasing kernel source for the device?
I appreciate all the input you can give me and hopefully I'll get a little bit back into the Xperia hacking.
arkedk said:
So I've done some searching and found some "contenders" for my next phone.
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
Oppo Find 7a
Sony Xperia M2
OnePlus One (When available)
Google Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, why is Z1C on the list but not the Z2? I ask because I noticed that besides the Z1C (and the M2 which is just a cheaper (and larger) Z1C pretty much) all the other phones are 5" or larger. The main reason I personally picked the 4.3" Z1C is that it has flagship specs in a small package, that and that Sony are traditionally quite developer friendly. Is it an economical choice or are you just not sure on the size?
Rekoil said:
I'm curious, why is Z1C on the list but not the Z2? I ask because I noticed that besides the Z1C (and the M2 which is just a cheaper (and larger) Z1C pretty much) all the other phones are 5" or larger. The main reason I personally picked the 4.3" Z1C is that it has flagship specs in a small package, that and that Sony are traditionally quite developer friendly. Is it an economical choice or are you just not sure on the size?
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Mostly because of pricing. These devices cost from 270 to 400 euro here, and the Z2 is significantly more expensive because it's the newest flagship coming in at around 670 euro, and I wont spent that on a phone since I'm buying without contract as I'm perfectly happy with my carrier and don't want to be locked down for 6 months at a new carrier.
arkedk said:
Mostly because of pricing. These devices cost roughly the same here, and the Z2 is significantly more expensive because it's the newest flagship.
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So it has nothing to do with size? Because compared to other Snapdragon 800 phones, that (and waterproofing) is what the Z1C has going for it. It has a lower resolution display which means less work for the GPU, and thus better battery life and a more fluid UI.
If it's solely the price and you don't mind a larger phone then I'd probably go with a One PlusOne, but I would suggest you go and have a play with a Z1C before making a decision. See if you like the size.
Rekoil said:
So it has nothing to do with size? Because compared to other Snapdragon 800 phones, that (and waterproofing) is what the Z1C has going for it. It has a lower resolution display which means less work for the GPU, and thus better battery life and a more fluid UI.
If it's solely the price and you don't mind a larger phone then I'd probably go with a One PlusOne, but I would suggest you go and have a play with a Z1C before making a decision. See if you like the size.
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Well it's not all down to price. I want a phone that has a good dev community around it, so it's possible to try new kernels, tweaked stock firmwares and custom firmwares like CM, Paranoid and other major custom ROM's. I know that Nexus has this, but the design of that phone is boring and the camera is "bleeh". So the Z1C looked like a good device with great specs, small form factor and a great camera.
arkedk said:
Well it's not all down to price. I want a phone that has a good dev community around it, so it's possible to try new kernels, tweaked stock firmwares and custom firmwares like CM, Paranoid and other major custom ROM's. I know that Nexus has this, but the design of that phone is boring and the camera is "bleeh". So the Z1C looked like a good device with great specs, small form factor and a great camera.
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Well camera is a bit iffy, but other than that CM runs smooth as hell on the Z1C, that's really all I care about hehe.
Trying to be helpful here (my comments in italics):
In general how have you had it with your Z1C?
I used to be LG O2X owner, and compared to my old phone Z1C even running with stock rom is fast, stable and smooth.
Is it easy to root?
Very easy. All you need to do is download a file and follow the OP here. And I can confirm that it works with the latest kitkat/4.4.4.
What recoveries is available?
TWRP, PhilZ and CWM are available. You can get them here..
Is there many reports on defects/faults on the device?
Some users report flashbleed problem with the camera (fortunately I don't have that problem).
How well is the developer community for this particular device?
I'd say quite good, judging from the number of custom ROM and kernel available for Z1C in the XDA.
Is Sony releasing kernel source for the device?
I think so, check here..
komedol said:
Is Sony releasing kernel source for the device?
I think so, check here..
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arkedk said:
Is Sony releasing kernel source for the device?
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Sony recently uploaded all their copyleft kernels to GitHub, below link is for current Z1C tree.
https://github.com/sonyxperiadev/kernel-copyleft/tree/14.3.A.0.xxx
Rekoil said:
Well camera is a bit iffy, but other than that CM runs smooth as hell on the Z1C, that's really all I care about hehe.
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Hmm that's quite a big point in why I want the Z1C. The great pictures that can be taken on stock doesn't work properly on cm. Are they porting stock camera drivers and app into future FXP releases or count on getting the issues fixed?
Rekoil said:
Well camera is a bit iffy, but other than that CM runs smooth as hell on the Z1C, that's really all I care about hehe.
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Do photos have a lower quality or do some things simply don't work?
mugoftee said:
Do photos have a lower quality or do some things simply don't work?
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Photos seem to have more noise as far as I could tell when I tested a FXP build. And currently it's not possible to have 4k and 120FPS recording on a CM based rom or at least nobody successfully tested it.
mugoftee said:
Do photos have a lower quality or do some things simply don't work?
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About the same quality wise in my opinion, but camera starts really slow, and you lose a lot of features and post-processing that Sonys camera app does.
People mentioned that the BIONZ image processor only works with stock roms, don't know if that's true.