Develop Bugs

[Q] Dilemma: Z1 Compact, Z2 Or ?

Hey guys,
Have been longing to upgrade my smartphone gear, current using Live Walkman(2012), and I am petty much acquainted with Sony's devices now. My main criteria is to have low profile screen, ie. 4.5 Inch and lower so had my eyes locked on Z1 Compact, but after seeing few reviews on the tube and checking the troubleshooting section of the forum, I am kinda confused.
I do not wish to wait for newer compacts because that wont just end there and I do not change phones frequently as well, so I expect to use for 2years. So would like to know if there's an alternative to Z1C or just go for it.
PS: Would like to know from the owners of Z1C, does the volume boost really have the impact on the external speaker sound? I do not listen to music on speakers or something but I do want to get alerted, If I'm in "noisy" situation or similar.
Thanks

probably wait for z2 compact or get z2 if there's no z2 compact coming..
z2 is alot better than z1 or z1 compact.. since it fixes alot interms of hardware imperfections and brought some good features as well

@kurikapooh: SpiritBreak3r clearly stated that he doesn't want to wait for newer models and it should not be bigger than 4,5". Did you even read the post?
@SpiritBreak3r: Maybe I can help since I am currently in the same situation. For days I have been looking for compact normal-sized phones. I have/had the following in my selection: Sony Xperia Z1 compact, Moto G, HTC One Mini, HTC One Mini 2, LG G2 Mini. I am 98% percent sure that I will get the Z1 compact. What is important to me: good camera, good battery, small size. In short this is why the other phones were dropped:
HTC One Mini has a really bad camera, and at most average battery
HTC One Mini 2 is too big and has a bad battery (half of use time of the Xperia), also is more expensive than xperia and slower.
LG G2 mini is much slower than xperia and has worse resolution (I think there was something else, but I can't remember right now)
Moto G is too big and the camera is too bad for my requirements.
They also have som advantages over the xperia like for example the HTC minis have very good speakers and have good build quality. The LG G2 is very cheap and has a good camera. The Moto G is very cheap and still good (except the camera).
In the end Xperia has OK speakers, good camera (the flash problem can be fixed), its the smallest phone of them all, its very fast, the battery is good, its waterproof which is a nice gimmick. Also I really want to have slo-mo recording in 120fps which imho needs a good CPU, so again one point for the xperia.
This might be helpful to you: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1_compact-review-1037p3.php
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/si...torola-Moto-G/phones/8283,8378,7702,8390,8208

mugoftee said:
LG G2 mini is much slower than xperia and has worse resolution (I think there was something else, but I can't remember right now)
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Maybe stupid back-buttons?
And I really don't get why everyone says the Z2 is so much better than the Z1, all it has over the Z1 series is (arguably much) better speakers, better screen (but not over the Compact, Z2 and Z1C are both IPS) and a faster CPU. But hardware-wise it ends there. Certainly not something worth waiting for if you're after the Compact version of the Z2. I personally find the Z1 series more comfortable to hold than the Z2 series as well.
@SpiritBreak3r I am running CyanogenMod and the speaker is pretty loud, but I know for a fact that it goes way louder on stock Sony ROMs if you use the audio boost features. What is it you are confused about?

Rekoil said:
I am running CyanogenMod
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Are you using a snapshot or did I miss a stable release? Also does cyanogenmod offer the software stabilization during video recording of the original ROM?

I just went ahead and purchased the Z1 compact today. Loving this phone already, but I was quite used to cynogenmod's features, like "Right top corner swipe brings the quick settings". Only disappointing were the speaker.
I got by default 4.4.2/.757 Build, so planning to root it right away and unlock the bootloader so I get the speaker's boosted up. Did anyone get the boost working on the .757 build?

mugoftee said:
Are you using a snapshot or did I miss a stable release? Also does cyanogenmod offer the software stabilization during video recording of the original ROM?
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CyanogenMod doesn't do stable releases, 10.1 was the last, the closest you'll come these days is the M-snapshots. I am running nightlies though. Don't know about the stabilisation.

Rekoil said:
CyanogenMod doesn't do stable releases, 10.1 was the last, the closest you'll come these days is the M-snapshots. I am running nightlies though.
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OK, I didn't know there were no stable releases anymore. Is everything working?
Rekoil said:
Don't know about the stabilisation.
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Could you make a video on the phone and check if the image is shaking or not. You can see the difference in these videos:
with software stabilization on Xperia Z1 compact
without stabilization filmed on a Nexus 5.

mugoftee said:
OK, I didn't know there were no stable releases anymore. Is everything working?
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Issues with WiFi-tethering, camera starts pretty slow, besides those I have no complaints.

SpiritBreak3r said:
I got by default 4.4.2/.757 Build, so planning to root it right away and unlock the bootloader so I get the speaker's boosted up. Did anyone get the boost working on the .757 build?
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Yeah, I rooted and unlocked the bootloader and flashed the volume boost zip for the compact located on the list here. It really gives the sound a good boost so it's well recommended.

Does anyone experience a glitch when you're listening to the music and you make a call, and when it resumes the, Sound seems to be in "Mono" stream?
I tried poweramp and Walkman app, and face this issue and it is quite disturbing having the music switch to mono output.

[Q] Z1C vs. alternatives

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
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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.

CM 13 vs. Marshmallow

Like in the topic, which is better? CM have better performance but marshmallow is better cuz it have dual window, qslide etc.
I dont know :/ write advantages and defects of both, PLEASE!
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

CM13 IS Marshmallow you i... also, CM13 has multiwindow too. None of them has "defects". They both work great. They work so great infact that it's no longer a question of functionality but rather a question of preference.

patryk.kecik said:
Like in the topic, which is better? CM have better performance but marshmallow is better cuz it have dual window, qslide etc.
I dont know :/ write advantages and defects of both, PLEASE!
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
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You mean CM vs LG Stock? Currently stock. CM13 still has a lot of bugs + way worse camera (in terms of functions)

davebugyi said:
You mean CM vs LG Stock? Currently stock. CM13 still has a lot of bugs + way worse camera (in terms of functions)
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Except, it doesn't have "a lot of bugs". It has "some" bugs, most of which you won't even notice, as any ROM out there has, even official OEM ones. The camera is a non-issue as you can easily find apps in the Play Store that have even more functionality than LG's stock camera app.

nitrous² said:
Except, it doesn't have "a lot of bugs". It has "some" bugs, most of which you won't even notice, as any ROM out there has, even official OEM ones. The camera is a non-issue as you can easily find apps in the Play Store that have even more functionality than LG's stock camera app.
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Well I tried it a week ago exactly. That build had more than just "some bugs". App wise you are right, there is Proshot and Camera FV-5. But you mean CM13 now also has a working laser focus, spectrum sensor and long exposure for the camera?

What about qslide? Is it available on cm 13? And which camera app is better than lg stock camera or cm13 camera? And what about lg apps? I mean calendar, smart notice, quick remote. Its important for me.
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

I you don't care about camera quality: CM13 all the way. But if you care, forget CM13. Camera it's just horrible. Photos with horrible quality, not so many options, strange ratio, etc.
I've tried CM13 one day after use stock MM for almost a month (the seven version) and returned to stock because camera.

I completely agree. CM 13 is an amazing project but I think that is a little bit unfair put a young project devolped by a guy or two VS the stock one that starts from completely different conditions.
At this stage of development there is no contest simply because CM 13 has a lot of bugs and no real optimizations focused on G4 only.
All that said what I hope is to have in the future someone that works on a custom kernel cause what I see in the past is that custom ROM works perfectly only on Nexus devices but custom kernel could really improve stock experience in terms of fluidity and battery life without losing features that comes only with stock ROM (e.g. camera or dual window).

I would have 5.1 or Android 6.0 over CM 13 any day. I use quick circle case so dont want to lose awesome feature to give up
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

Buy an Xperia M5

Can you tell me about this smartphone (battery, performance for gaming, and camera)? Is a good smartphone? And which one is better the Z3 or the M5?

I would like to know too.

Well, the M5 is more recent smartphone from the Z3 and it has a more modern chipset (although it is mediatek rather than snapdragon). M5 seems a little quicker in benchmarks from the Z3. both of them will receive official updates up to android MM (That's because mediatek doesn't publish the sources needed from Sony to create a Nougat). The battery performance of the M5 is pretty much average and it lasts a day with moderate use (However if you put it in stamina and leave you will forget to charge it). I don't know about Z3 batery performance you can search it up. I found gaming in M5 pretty decent but bear in mind that it heats up due to its bad gpu (it has a HUGE battery drain and heat emission when i'm playing MK X Mobile). the camera performance is more than good to me. I love Sony's superior auto. it has a 13MP front camera so if you like taking selfies go for the M5 (or consider a C).However if you want a custom rom and an official bootloader unlock from sony go straight for the Z3. It is far more easy to unlock the bootloader and install custom roms on a Z3 than a M5. You can also check some videos on youtube comparing these two phones. Z3 was a flagchip while the M5 is a super-midranger, so by having this in mind you can make your choise

Question about Z5 Premium in 2018

How's the phone holding now?
i'm planning to get this one just for normal usage like streaming , chat, browsing, etc
and how's the heat during those kind of usage?
considering xperia design is totally to my liking, and the battery is above 3k mAh, kinda want to downgrade? into this phone from mi5, as the docomo dumps are quite cheap here
Thanks in advance !

I'm pretty happy with the phone. Heat is not so much of an issue.

seilent said:
How's the phone holding now?
i'm planning to get this one just for normal usage like streaming , chat, browsing, etc
and how's the heat during those kind of usage?
considering xperia design is totally to my liking, and the battery is above 3k mAh, kinda want to downgrade? into this phone from mi5, as the docomo dumps are quite cheap here
Thanks in advance !
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if you are getting on good price ( 50% of the price since 2015) then go for it
Z5p is a gem!

How can I unlock bootloader and install TWRP, any guide?

i am also a user of z5P dual variant e6833, currently it has stock android 7.1.1, could anyone share the link of any post where i can find the list of all stable custom roms for z5p phone? unfortunately there is no linage rom available for this phone

After having this phone for 3 years, the first thing you will need to realize is stock battery even left in storage will have degraded past the stock level of battery, with little to no use over that time you'd be lucky to get even a stock unopened z5p with more than 60% of its original battery life.
The main issue with heat I've experienced has been during GPS use especially on warmer days.
The camera after unlocking and using non stock ROMs (even with DRM saved) as non stock ROMs don't use the DRM enhancements camera quality is noticeably less quality. So if you want to keep DRM quality you need to keep to stock roms, even custom stock ROMs need those enhancements enabled to be functional.
The overall speed, performance, battery life and functions of the phone are all good.
One thing to note also is latest official ROM is 7.1.2 so no Oreo, no project treble and no future proofing of the software. We also have a very, very quiet rom development.
You may enjoy the looks of Sony phones. But they don't support their hardware long enough for them to truely shine. We got 2 major ROM updates, with fixes in between that was what they reported as what they'll support.
This happened over a 16 month period. They dropped support for the phone as soon as Oreo came out, because they wanted everyone to upgrade to the ZX range.
Meaning a lot of us here that paid 1000+ dollars for their handset got less than 2 years of support from the manufacturer.
Companies like Samsung, Motorola and apple have put over 5 years support into most of their handsets. Software support is important due to app updates needing later OS versions to work. Meaning at some point the Z5 range will fall off the wagon even in terms of unofficial support.
Either way I hope you choose well a new device. Even though I like my phone, and will stand by my choice to purchase it, I would not recommend it to anyone else and urge them to find a better device with better software support.