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Hi guys,
I've been waiting for this phone to come to T-Mobile for so long, I went ahead and bought it at Sony store. I hope I won't regret (**fingers crossed**)
Anyways so I wanted to know few things:
Do I need unlocked bootloader? (I'm guessing for custom ROMs, CM and others -- YES)
After unlocking bootloader can I still use all features by Sony?
More importantly if anyone know, do I still follow this forum for this phone? (C6606PL) (I'm guessing I only need to worry about wireless bands and I should be fine).
Importantly I just wanted to announce that I got a phone and I'm too happy
MODs: If this thread doesn't provide any purpose please delete it, frankly as I said, I started it cause I'm happy.
You can go on and unlock the bootloader IF you really want to play with custom roms and kernels.
After unlocking the bootloader, you can still have Sony official firmware, thus, retaining all Sony features, minus Bravia Engine, which you lose after unlocking the bootloader. But then again, if you want to use official firm, there is no use of unlocking the bootloader.
Custom roms (original development) have their own approach, they lose the small apps, camera, Walkman, and all the Sony framework dependent apps, but most of the times are more smoother and configurable than stock roms.
I don't think you can unlock your bootloader cause carrier branded has locked bootloader.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
LitoNi said:
I don't think you can unlock your bootloader cause carrier branded has locked bootloader.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think, all devices come with locked bootloader and unlocking bootloader voids warranty.
DrKrFfXx said:
You can go on and unlock the bootloader IF you really want to play with custom roms and kernels.
After unlocking the bootloader, you can still have Sony official firmware, thus, retaining all Sony features, minus Bravia Engine, which you lose after unlocking the bootloader. But then again, if you want to use official firm, there is no use of unlocking the bootloader.
Custom roms (original development) have their own approach, they lose the small apps, camera, Walkman, and all the Sony framework dependent apps, but most of the times are more smoother and configurable than stock roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I understand I'll lose Bravia Engine but I thought there are other DRM keys as well apart from only display engine.
Walkman and other apps can be ported to custom ROMs so wouldn't be a problem with them (only app I like is Walkman), CM camera is much better.
wis3m0nkey said:
Thanks, I understand I'll lose Bravia Engine but I thought there are other DRM keys as well apart from only display engine.
Walkman and other apps can be ported to custom ROMs so wouldn't be a problem with them (only app I like is Walkman), CM camera is much better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Imho, Sony Camera is miles ahead from what CM or AOSP can offer as of today. That's my main gripe when using these roms.
wis3m0nkey said:
Thanks, I understand I'll lose Bravia Engine but I thought there are other DRM keys as well apart from only display engine.
Walkman and other apps can be ported to custom ROMs so wouldn't be a problem with them (only app I like is Walkman), CM camera is much better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2359979
if not go to your device
launch the phone app
input the following *#*#7378423#*#* or *#*#service#*#*
service info > configuration > bootloader unlock allowed: ____
(if it states yes) then you can unlock it.
(if it states no) then you cannot unlock it.
LitoNi said:
check this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2359979
if not go to your device
launch the phone app
input the following *#*#7378423#*#* or *#*#service#*#*
service info > configuration > bootloader unlock allowed: ____
(if it states yes) then you can unlock it.
(if it states no) then you cannot unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I didn't know it specifically says Bootloader unlock is not allowed. I'll check it once I get my phone
DrKrFfXx said:
Imho, Sony Camera is miles ahead from what CM or AOSP can offer as of today. That's my main gripe when using these roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I'll check Sony camera, I currently use LG optimus G (CDMA sprint) and I like CM camera better than LG camera.
Unlocking your bootloader would void your warranty anyway. If you don't backup your Trim Area (TA) before bootloader unlock, you also lose your DRM keys forever (which are needed for Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2, MusicID/Gracenote, etc.).
By using a custom ROM, you would lose many awesome features and the great design of Sony's user interface:
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"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Apollo89 sony's trackID/musicID doesn't need the drm key to work its not needed it for a long time now since it was made available as a stand alone app that could be downloaded from google play.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Futura2000 said:
Apollo89 sony's trackID/musicID doesn't need the drm key to work its not needed it for a long time now since it was made available as a stand alone app that could be downloaded from google play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did I say TrackID? I'm talking about MusicID/Gracenote. This is a function inside the WALKMAN app.
Op, unfortunately we cannot unlock the bootloader of T-Mobile branded Xperia Zs. I went to the Sony store and checked myself.
I don't agree that the look is worse with a custom ROM based on the AOSP. I will take more screenshots tomorrow but here is an older one from my app drawer:
I am using PAC and for that ROM, I am using the Xperia Z Album, Honami Walkman, Togari/Xperia Z Ultra Sketch, Honami Notes and a very elegant Sony theme for CM. It also makes the dialer etc looking like the Sony style.
Also Settings etc looks like the original Sony ROM.
I prefer Nova Launcher but the Honami launcher works under AOSP/CM based ROMs and there is also the Advanced Xperia Z Launcher with enhanced features that can be used.
So I think it is important to remember that many Sony apps works on non-Sony based ROMs and to me, I am perfectly happy with having Album and Walkman etc running nicely. The only original thing that can be missed is the camera but the strength of tablet UI etc that PAC offers compensates that.
I will put screenshots tomorrow that shows my "Sonyfied" PAC.
I am also using the Sony wallpapers and boot animation together with Sony styled softkeys.
E90 Commie said:
I don't agree that the look is worse with a custom ROM based on the AOSP. I will take more screenshots tomorrow but here is an older one from my app drawer:
I am using PAC and for that ROM, I am using the Xperia Z Album, Honami Walkman, Togari/Xperia Z Ultra Sketch, Honami Notes and a very elegant Sony theme for CM. It also makes the dialer etc looking like the Sony style.
Also Settings etc looks like the original Sony ROM.
I prefer Nova Launcher but the Honami launcher works under AOSP/CM based ROMs and there is also the Advanced Xperia Z Launcher with enhanced features that can be used.
So I think it is important to remember that many Sony apps works on non-Sony based ROMs and to me, I am perfectly happy with having Album and Walkman etc running nicely. The only original thing that can be missed is the camera but the strength of tablet UI etc that PAC offers compensates that.
I will put screenshots tomorrow that shows my "Sonyfied" PAC.
I am also using the Sony wallpapers and boot animation together with Sony styled softkeys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually all CM/AOKP/AOSP like never change since day one. Those look can simply get by installing Nova or Apex, not a necessary use CM/AOKP/AOSP.
I only use CM/AOKP/AOSP if origin run badly, if it run fine, I buy that brand not only for outlook but also it internal look, which means CM/AOKP/AOSP is a no for me. CM/AOKP/AOSP all look same in all brand phone. Nothing fancy or cool about it already since it same from 1st day.
Above just my own personal preferable and opinion.
HoOnZ said:
Op, unfortunately we cannot unlock the bootloader of T-Mobile branded Xperia Zs. I went to the Sony store and checked myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean no AOSP ROMs or just means we need to wait for someone to find a way to unlock the bootloader?
E90 Commie said:
I don't agree that the look is worse with a custom ROM based on the AOSP. I will take more screenshots tomorrow but here is an older one from my app drawer:
I am using PAC and for that ROM, I am using the Xperia Z Album, Honami Walkman, Togari/Xperia Z Ultra Sketch, Honami Notes and a very elegant Sony theme for CM. It also makes the dialer etc looking like the Sony style.
Also Settings etc looks like the original Sony ROM.
I prefer Nova Launcher but the Honami launcher works under AOSP/CM based ROMs and there is also the Advanced Xperia Z Launcher with enhanced features that can be used.
So I think it is important to remember that many Sony apps works on non-Sony based ROMs and to me, I am perfectly happy with having Album and Walkman etc running nicely. The only original thing that can be missed is the camera but the strength of tablet UI etc that PAC offers compensates that.
I will put screenshots tomorrow that shows my "Sonyfied" PAC.
I am also using the Sony wallpapers and boot animation together with Sony styled softkeys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
Exactly as u said, customization is why I like Android. I like ur setup, I'll try to follow it
Apollo89 said:
Where did I say TrackID? I'm talking about MusicID/Gracenote. This is a function inside the WALKMAN app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This still works even if your BL is unlocked and no ta backup has been restored.
wis3m0nkey said:
Does that mean no AOSP ROMs or just means we need to wait for someone to find a way to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. No AOSP ROMs, for now I hope but you can run custom ROMs based off of the stock kernel.
I don't like the FUD about AOSP/AOKP/CM/PA since it is great ROMs and telling a newbie that they should stick to the stock ROM with screenshots showing a default AOSP ROM isn't a good idea.:angel:
So now will be a post with a lot of screenshots from my Xperia Z that runs PAC ROM with my own setup and customizations.
We are talking about this ROM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2208249
It is the best ROM I have ever used on any of my devices - it offers a superior combination of smoothness and customization options. Instead of being reliant on mods that has to be flashed through CWM/TWRP for things like transparent status bars, different button layouts etc - everything is handled through the settings. The Paranoid Android settings is also great - no more fiddling with Xposed Framework App Settings module in order to get tablet mode. The great thing is that it is possible to use Phablet mode and then run all apps in Tablet Mode.
The screenshots is coming here:
My homescreen (Nova Launcher Prime) with Beautiful Widgets, Battery Monitor Widget Pro and System Tuner Pro.
The notification switches. Superior to the stock ones and fully customizable. Since I am using phablet mode here, they are a separate drawer that I reach from the right side of the screen, the notifications are to the left.
Settings (tablet mode is used). The theme is Sony styled, hence the same icons as the stock ROMs. Note that the Theme manager and its themes has a wide effect - camera, dialer and messaging etc got a different look.
Sony themed dialer.
Sony themed Messaging.
Honami Movies up and running.
Xperia Z Album up and running.
Honami Walkman works great.
Sony 4X Video Player is also working.
Xperia Z Ultra/Togari Sketch runs great.
Xperia themed CM camera (other cameras like FV-5 is available for more settings etc.
The AOSP Browser is just great in tablet mode with tabbed browsing.
Gmail in tablet mode is very nice, then we have Aqua Mail that is a superb client.
Sony Launcher feeling can be obtained too - this is the Advanced Xperia Z Launcher. The Honami Launcher works too.
Google Play in tablet mode and with transparent mod is nicer than the phone mode.
When it comes to alarm clocks I can only say this: there are a lot of them out there. Alarm Clock Xtreme is one example.
All of this has been accomplished with the PAC ROM. I used stock based ROMs before but PAC is vastly superior. Since I can run all Sony apps I like, I don't regret the switch at all.
It is also worth to mention that Play Memories works great under PAC too.
Simply put: Sony has a decent stock ROM but PAC is even better.
When it comes to bootloader unlock: carrier branded Xperia's are to be avoided since the unlock feature rarely works. It depends on the carrier though. Buying a T-Mobile version is a bad idea when there is the unlocked and unbranded C6602 available at the Sony Store.
The tablet mode paired with the hassle free customization where you enter settings rather than fiddles with specially made mods for a specific ROM is a very strong point for PAC. It is more efficient to change status bars etc through a setting rather than flashing .zip mods.
The theme engine in those CM related ROMs are great too - there are many nice themes available.
---------- Post added at 12:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------
HoOnZ said:
Op, unfortunately we cannot unlock the bootloader of T-Mobile branded Xperia Zs. I went to the Sony store and checked myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see any reason to buy a T-Mobile branded Xperia Z when the C6602 is avaible. Don't mention LTE - if it is necessary - just wait for the Honami, which should offer the same LTE radio as the Xperia Z Ultra - it has the bands covered.
Just skip the T-Mobile edition and buy the unlocked version. If the argument "it costs me $569" I say "Sony financing". They offer financing plans so no need to go to a carrier for that. The present credit card is another option.
Getting postpaid solutions is a bad idea in the US because "regulatory taxes and fees" - going prepaid is the way to go, especially for high quality devices that are unlocked and unbranded (carrier branded products are just inferior). I am using my Xperia Z with Straight Talk and pay $45 per month - great working.
I wanna see what the rest of u prefer.....
Which ui or rom
I'm running Sense 5
Android 4.2.2
But i have taken look ad some other launchers and roms
Huawei emotion UI
Lenovo Ideadesktop
Xperia Launcher
Touchwiz ui
Motorola Start screen
Stock GE launcher
Every time coming to the same conclusion missing the direct information from Blink feed.
The best other launcher was in my opinion Xperia launcher (xperia z).
But what do u think?
voltigeur said:
I wanna see what the rest of u prefer.....
Which ui or rom
I'm running Sense 5
Android 4.2.2
But i have taken look ad some other launchers and roms
Huawei emotion UI
Lenovo Ideadesktop
Xperia Launcher
Touchwiz ui
Motorola Start screen
Stock GE launcher
Every time coming to the same conclusion missing the direct information from Blink feed.
The best other launcher was in my opinion Xperia launcher (xperia z).
But what do u think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never follow the crowd. Never.
Choose what you want. Not what other use or think
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Sorry, ROM comparison threads are not allowed.
If you'd like to know which ROM is the best ROM I would recommend trying a few and seeing which one you like best.
Thread closed.
Thank you,
Rwilco12
Hi.
I love the whole Xperia Z rom and it would be great if someone can create a Xperia Z rom for the I9505.
(lockscreen, launcher, appdrawer, notificatin center, quick toggles, menu, applications etc)
I know there a few things from the Z, like launcher and media apps and I use them, but there a still a few things left for a Z feeling! (especially lockscreen and notification bar/toggles)
Thanks.
The only thing I need from the Z is location-based wifi, the rest is pretty much already ported.
robogo1982 said:
The only thing I need from the Z is location-based wifi, the rest is pretty much already ported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure? Can you show me working lockscreen for the I9505?
I made a comparison between the stock Android 4.4 (KitKat) user interface and the new Sony Xperia user interface (since Android 4.3 for Xperia Z).
Left = stock Android 4.4 (KitKat) interface
Right = new Sony Xperia interface
Which one do you prefer?
Lock screen
App drawer
Change homescreen
Phone app
Compose email & keyboard
Settings app
Camera app
Alarms
Time
Stopwatch
Timer
Music player
Lockscreen: Sony
App drawer: Sony
Homescreen: Sony
Phone app: Kitkat
Email/keyboard: Sony
Settings: -
Camera: Sony
Alarm: Sony
Time: Sony
Stopwatch: Kitkat
Timer: Sony
Music: Sony
I realy like the sony UI but some kitkat things look better
Sent from my C6603 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Prefer the Sony interface but prefer the dark theme of kitkat
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Lockscreen: Stock
App drawer: Sony
Homescreen: Sony
Phone app: Kitkat
Email/keyboard: Kitkat
Settings: Sony
Camera: Sony
Alarm: Sony
Time: KitKat
Stopwatch: Kitkat
Timer: KitKat
Music: Sony
For me: all SONY
Some little things I like on Kitkat, but basically I do not like the stock android UI.
u can't do this comparison in this way , it should be stock 4.3 and sony 4.3
or wait for sony 4.4 kitkat and then do the comparison between them ,
totally not fair
elias234 said:
u can't do this comparison in this way , it should be stock 4.3 and sony 4.3
or wait for sony 4.4 kitkat and then do the comparison between them ,
totally not fair
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main idea was to do a comparison 'Google Nexus vs. Sony Xperia'.
Currently, Nexus devices are on Android 4.4 and Xperia devices are on 4.3.
Anyway, do you think that Sony will change its interface a lot for Android 4.4?
Wen sony comes out with their official kitkat, m sure it'll be unique... That time it'll be best to compare with Google Nexus KK vs Sony Xperia KK
~ Zapped Using X-Zed ~
I would also prefer SONY´s existing UI in Android 4.3 as well as I get used to it since weeks.
Let´s wait and see, what 4.4 brings us next when SONY releases Kitkat. As of now, I´m totally pleased with 4.3 SONY UI.
And as for my opinion on comparison, its
SONY SONY SONY all the way....:thumbup:
~ Zapped Using X-Zed ~
am using pacman rom 4.3 + install kitkat 4.4 rom theme cm same as pic on left side
no any fc battery life great 4hr sot
i like sony ui but after unlocked the bootloader i didnt save drm keys so miracast screen mirroring isnt working on 4.2.2,4.3 tried on both
but on custom rom pacman,:good: cm11 there is working miracast wireless display...
i wana go back to 4.3 sony stock rom ... am missing sony stock camera i tried many camera port but didnt same as stock .... am not downgrade to sony stock rom just because of wireless display
tried theme of sony works great but didt get camera ,album,walkman,......and much more
Awesome....
Sent from my C6603 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Of course sony ui is the best(in my opinion). I always like sonys style. Different, simple, elegant and unique.
Sony Xperia Z & Tapatalk 2
After CM 11 and Omni also back to Sony 4.3. The Sony UI is way Better than CM or Omni and the camera is out of discussion. The Sony camera is so much better that you cannot compare it. I also missed FM Radio....
Back to 4.3 and hapy here
Gesendet von meinem SGP321 mit Tapatalk
Stock Android UI looks so cheap...
and i can say SONY one reason i like is because i like their UI.
I really needed this comparison! thank you..
The winner is SONY for me so i'll stick to sony firmware
When I had my S3 there was nothing to compare with ugly touchwiz
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
mtayabkk said:
am using pacman rom 4.3 + install kitkat 4.4 rom theme cm same as pic on left side
no any fc battery life great 4hr sot
i like sony ui but after unlocked the bootloader i didnt save drm keys so miracast screen mirroring isnt working on 4.2.2,4.3 tried on both
but on custom rom pacman,:good: cm11 there is working miracast wireless display...
i wana go back to 4.3 sony stock rom ... am missing sony stock camera i tried many camera port but didnt same as stock .... am not downgrade to sony stock rom just because of wireless display
tried theme of sony works great but didt get camera ,album,walkman,......and much more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can install xperia home apk if running android 4.2.2 or above, and album, walkman, movies apk can be installed on any device lol. my mom's galaxy S4 using walkman and album app
Jambu95 said:
you can install xperia home apk if running android 4.2.2 or above, and album, walkman, movies apk can be installed on any device lol. my mom's galaxy S4 using walkman and album app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
installed xperia home :good:album and walkman tooo.
but i need sony xperia z official camera app ??
Has the Z2 ditched the ''Blinds Effect'' Lockscreen from the Z/Z1 completely on the Z2? or is the option still there to use it? I thought it was one of the nicer lockscreen's about, shame if they have ditched it.
Ditched completely. There is a "glitter" effect now like in Playstation, and that's the only available option.
coast ssubre
I am coming from Galaxy S series, so just a short question.
Does the lockscreen also have the transparent status bar in Android 4.4.2, as in the home screen?
I have only seen pics of 4.3 lockscreen.
RWFG said:
I am coming from Galaxy S series, so just a short question.
Does the lockscreen also have the transparent status bar in Android 4.4.2, as in the home screen?
I have only seen pics of 4.3 lockscreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it does. Take a look:
Lockscreen Z2
104 mu
Thanks a lot, the lockscreen looks very good.
i
UOKM8 said:
Has the Z2 ditched the ''Blinds Effect'' Lockscreen from the Z/Z1 completely on the Z2? or is the option still there to use it? I thought it was one of the nicer lockscreen's about, shame if they have ditched it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
be sure that developers will make lock-screen app with that effect.
or maybe it exists i should search...
:good:
can you add widgets to the lockscreen or is that only stock android?
Galactic2 said:
can you add widgets to the lockscreen or is that only stock android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes of course you can, ever since 4.2 any phone can (well most)
bryanky5 said:
Yes of course you can, ever since 4.2 any phone can (well most)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i only ask cuz on the Samsung Tab Pro 8.4 that i just got... I can't add widgets. I haven't been on a non stock/Nexus devices in years.
Galactic2 said:
i only ask cuz on the Samsung Tab Pro 8.4 that i just got... I can't add widgets. I haven't been on a non stock/Nexus devices in years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? Have you went into settings>lock screen and ticked the "widgets" box or whatever it says. It could have been turned off