Database Users

New Firmware .253 on 3UK Branded Handset

Hi Guys,
I was just in the process of setting up drivers and such on my Win 8 Machine for Flashtool to install the UK Unbranded .453 onto my 3 Branded Device and what pops up in the Background... Sony Companion with .253...
Updating right now!
So 3UK Users go and have a peek!
Enjoy!

still no update here.
uk handtec unit on rogers Canada network.

I have an unbranded rom but am on O2 in the UK. No update here. Seems strange that they will update different networks at different times in the same country. Sure there is a method to their madness but frustrating!

Yes..
Couldn't wait any more for unbranded update, so flashed my 3 handset back to 3 ROM and update came in straight away, yippee..
Nice to have stock browser back, but lost "my files" file explorer? can any one post this please, downloaded a few of market but nothing compares to this.
Overall awesome update, very quick and responsive, menus and screens seem allot blacker now as well.

I'm on 3 UK and don't have any update notification either on sony companion or OTA
Edit: Oh maybe because i flashed an unbranded rom. I take it this update isn't 4.2?
Edit 2: Eh, i just manually updated to a non-branded version. Seems way smoother so far and loving the colour adjustments.

any news guys for the UK unbranded

ron3000 said:
any news guys for the UK unbranded
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As everyone everywhere on every network seems to think they're first to announce the update, keep an eye out for a new thread to tell us.

[Xperia Z2][SO-03F] Japan DoCoMo Model Thread

I'm starting this thread as a meta-thread to gather all information specific to the Japanese variant of the Xepria Z2. From previous experience we tend to develop a small but committed community, but aren't big enough for XDA to open a dedicated forum.
Please add anything you know in the comments, and I will keep the OP updated with the latest information.
What we know so far:
A list of stock firmwares is maintained in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
ROM interoperability:
You can flash D6503 Roms on docomo SO-03F, but some features are disabled. Specifically:
docomo features
TV related features
NFC (includes FeliCa, Osaifu-Keitai)
When you want to flash D6503 FTF on SO-03F, be careful to partition.
You'll get only 16GB storage if you didn't exclude partition because SO-03F has 32GB but D6503 has only 16GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Thanks to lovenincube and RyokoN
On Unlocking bootloader/rooting:
All Japanese Xperia models can't unlock bootloader, Japanese Carrier Model is locked bootloder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Japanese community does seem to have achieved root. See the link at the bottom.
SIM Unlocking:
Go to DOCOMO store and open up the phone and type in *#*#7378423#*#* and check if the bootloader can be unlocked.
Phone should be locked to DOCOMO, you need to pay a small fee to get it unlocked. You need to make at least one call on an active DOCOMO SIM to complete the SIM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Thanks Tea-Aholic
Global Capability
The SO-03F supports the following bands:
LTE 2100/1800/1500/800　MHz　(Band 1,3,21,19)
WCDMA 2100/850/800　MHz
GSM 850/1900　MHz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your operator does not broadcast on these bands, the phone WILL NOT WORK for you.
Source: http://xperia-so03f-wiki.fxtec.info/wiki.cgi?page=%B4%F0%CB%DC%BB%F6%B9%E0
(The docomo site seems to only list the 4G bands)
Full specs can be found on the docomo site:
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/smart_phone/so03f/spec.html
(In Japanese)
Wiki, including rooting guide (in Japanese):
http://xperia-so03f-wiki.fxtec.info/wiki.cgi?page=root%B2%BD%A4%CB%A4%C4%A4%A4%A4%C6
Translation of the rooting guide from the above link:
!!!If any of the links fail, please visit the original site and try them there!!!!
D6503 can be rooted, so SO-03F can also be rooted.
SO-03F 17.1.B.0.318 root method
Things you will need:
Z2-lockeddualrecovery2.7.***-BETA.installer.zip
Process:
1. Root as detailed in this page
2. Unzip Z2-lockeddualrecovery2.7.***-BETA.installer.zip and run install.bat to install the recovery
3. Reboot, and when the LED comes on push the volume key, enter recovery, and install the SuperSU zip
4. Done!
While it should be handled by rootkitXperia, should you be unable to remount system in RW mode, install this zip from recovery.
When updating to a version that cannot be rooted by rootkitXperia, if you want to maintain your root you must update using a prerooted .zip
A custom recovery is necessary for this, so please install XZDR etc. in preparation.
Necessary Files:
Newest Flashtool (Mirror)
PRFCreator
Updated FTF
SuperSU .zip
Z2-lockeddualrecovery(XZDR version)-BETA.flashable.zip
.zip to run with ric_disabler in install-recovery-2.sh
Process:
1. prepare prerooted zip
Open PRFCreator, create prerooted zip
Details of this difficult process are in this article
2. Enable USB debugging
3. Connect to a PC, copy flashable.zip to the phone
(you can name it anything you like)
4. Reboot and push the volume key, start CWM / TWRP, install flashable.zip
5. Install sony_ric_disablerv2_signed.zip
6. Done!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Some corrections and info...
"For the moment, no way to root without lossing DRM Keys. " and rooting information for D65XX should be deleted.
"For the moment, no way to root" is correct but since you can't unlock SO-03F's bootloader, "without lossing DRM Keys" will cause a misunderstanding.
Rooting information for D65XX is useless because you can't flash custom kernel on SO-03F.
When you want to flash D6503 FTF on SO-03F, be careful to partition.
You'll get only 16GB storage if you didn't exclude partition because SO-03F has 32GB but D6503 has only 16GB.
You'll lose these features when you flash D6503 FTF:
docomo features
TV related features
NFC (includes FeliCa, Osaifu-Keitai)

RyokoN said:
Some corrections and info...
"For the moment, no way to root without lossing DRM Keys. " and rooting information for D65XX should be deleted.
"For the moment, no way to root" is correct but since you can't unlock SO-03F's bootloader, "without lossing DRM Keys" will cause a misunderstanding.
Rooting information for D65XX is useless because you can't flash custom kernel on SO-03F.
When you want to flash D6503 FTF on SO-03F, be careful to partition.
You'll get only 16GB storage if you didn't exclude partition because SO-03F has 32GB but D6503 has only 16GB.
You'll lose these features when you flash D6503 FTF:
docomo features
TV related features
NFC (includes FeliCa, Osaifu-Keitai)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the extra info, I've updated the OP :highfive:

I have a D6503 with TW stock and would like to try the Docomo firmware. Anyone try it yet? Any concerns?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

domesdkg said:
I'm starting this thread as a meta-thread to gather all information specific to the Japanese variant of the Xepria Z2. From previous experience we tend to develop a small but committed community, but aren't big enough for XDA to open a dedicated forum.
Please add anything you know in the comments, and I will keep the OP updated with the latest information.
What we know so far:
A list of stock firmwares is maintained in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
ROM interoperability:
*Thanks to lovenincube and RyokoN
On Unlocking bootloader/rooting:
*Thanks to lovenincube and RyokoN
SIM Unlocking:
*Thanks Tea-Aholic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard the Japanese didn't release the Z2 but a similar one, the ZL2, which is pretty similar asides from its size.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app

kaz0ku said:
I heard the Japanese didn't release the Z2 but a similar one, the ZL2, which is pretty similar asides from its size.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NTT docomo releases Xperia Z2 SO-03F.
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/smart_phone/so03f/
ZL2 was released by au (uses CDMA2000 and have to release exclusive phone)

kaz0ku said:
I heard the Japanese didn't release the Z2 but a similar one, the ZL2, which is pretty similar asides from its size.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're probably thinking of the au kddi model. The docomo model (SO-03F) is branded as the xperia Z2. It's almost identical to the D6503, except for a few radios, 32gb of storage space, and perhaps a few other tweaks yet to be uncovered.
Sent from my SC-06D using Tapatalk

may i know this japan xperia z2 regarding 4G LTE frequency , how to add or change to 2600mhz ?? because my country use 2600mhz

azwina said:
may i know this japan xperia z2 regarding 4G LTE frequency , how to add or change to 2600mhz ?? because my country use 2600mhz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't.
The SO-03F supports:
2000
1700
1500
800
You can see the full specs here in Japanese:
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/smart_phone/so03f/spec.html

SO-03F or ZL2?
So, stay with DoCoMo, upgrade to the SO-03F but get no love as an existing customer,
or switch to Au and the ZL2? Concerns would be which carrier loads up the most crapware, which device has the best chance for being rooted, etc...

ShizuokaMark said:
So, stay with DoCoMo, upgrade to the SO-03F but get no love as an existing customer,
or switch to Au and the ZL2? Concerns would be which carrier loads up the most crapware, which device has the best chance for being rooted, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've seen the DoCoMo version is closer to the global version, as AU has to modify it for their wireless standards. I think that's why it ends up with that hideous plastic back too.
Honestly, if I was going to go to AU instead of sticking with DoCoMo I'd wait until July when they release their G3 variant. It's got the same awful back modification on it, but seems to be an all around winner compared to the ZL2:
http://gadgets.ndtv.com/lg-isai-fl-1584
Additionally, we're only 5 days away from Google I/O. Chances are there won't be any announcements that affect the Japan market immediately, but I wouldn't make any purchasing decisions until then. Google Silver could cause some waves. :laugh:

I'm still waiting between this and the Galaxy S5 to see which one gets root and custom ROM support. My contract is up in the fall and I am probably going to renew and upgrade from my modded Galaxy S3.
I was already leaning towards this one because the solid body waterproofing. Glad to see rom flashing (minus kernel and partition) is working already at least.
I know Japanese carriers ship with locked bootloaders on most models, but anyone a little more knowledgeable care to take a shot in the dark of the relative chances of getting custom recovery or kernel on this in the next six months? From what I can tell this seems very similar to the international model overall, so hopefully it's possible.
From what I have from on the SO-03F, it seems that root has been achieved in Japanese threads here:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/172/
http://xperia-so03f-wiki.fxtec.info/wiki.cgi?page=root%B2%BD%A4%CB%A4%C4%A4%A4%A4%C6
This comes from 2ch, and I haven't tested it myself yet. But it seems like it's been successful for some users. Full custom roms seem to be still hung up on the kernel though.
If I am wrong please by all means let me know, this is just what I've found after a bit.
Double edit:
Apparently the bootloader can be unlocked:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/165/
Using the Sony Mobile Flasher tool.
I'm still translating as I go, but it seems like on the Japanese side at least people are having success rooting and unlocking the kernel at this point. The guy writing recommends the DooMKernel, and links XDA, so it seems like they succeeded. Nice.
I don't have the phone yet, but anyone with the docomo Z2 and some Japanese, give this a try and let us know how it goes. I'd write up a guide/tutorial myself if I had the device.

skywalker6705 said:
I'm still waiting between this and the Galaxy S5 to see which one gets root and custom ROM support. My contract is up in the fall and I am probably going to renew and upgrade from my modded Galaxy S3.
I was already leaning towards this one because the solid body waterproofing. Glad to see rom flashing (minus kernel and partition) is working already at least.
I know Japanese carriers ship with locked bootloaders on most models, but anyone a little more knowledgeable care to take a shot in the dark of the relative chances of getting custom recovery or kernel on this in the next six months? From what I can tell this seems very similar to the international model overall, so hopefully it's possible.
From what I have from on the SO-03F, it seems that root has been achieved in Japanese threads here:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/172/
http://xperia-so03f-wiki.fxtec.info/wiki.cgi?page=root%B2%BD%A4%CB%A4%C4%A4%A4%A4%C6
This comes from 2ch, and I haven't tested it myself yet. But it seems like it's been successful for some users. Full custom roms seem to be still hung up on the kernel though.
If I am wrong please by all means let me know, this is just what I've found after a bit.
Double edit:
Apparently the bootloader can be unlocked:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/165/
Using the Sony Mobile Flasher tool.
I'm still translating as I go, but it seems like on the Japanese side at least people are having success rooting and unlocking the kernel at this point. The guy writing recommends the DooMKernel, and links XDA, so it seems like they succeeded. Nice.
I don't have the phone yet, but anyone with the docomo Z2 and some Japanese, give this a try and let us know how it goes. I'd write up a guide/tutorial myself if I had the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guy probably just owns an international version. There is a non negligible amount of HK units that have been imported to Japan for people that actually want unlockable handsets.

mathieulh said:
The guy probably just owns an international version. There is a non negligible amount of HK units that have been imported to Japan for people that actually want unlockable handsets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that is quite possible. I hope that's not the case however. Thanks for all your work btw. Big fan.
I spent a good bit of time translating it, and he mentions those models specifically. Is the HK model the exact same? I can't see anything on the page that indicates a import or that it's from China, and it was linked all over 2ch.

skywalker6705 said:
Apparently the bootloader can be unlocked:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/165/
Using the Sony Mobile Flasher tool.
I'm still translating as I go, but it seems like on the Japanese side at least people are having success rooting and unlocking the kernel at this point. The guy writing recommends the DooMKernel, and links XDA, so it seems like they succeeded. Nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's me...
I imported D6503 from Taiwan via eBay.
SO-03F users reported it can be rooted with Easy Root Tool, but you can't unlock bootloader.:crying:

skywalker6705 said:
Ah, that is quite possible. I hope that's not the case however. Thanks for all your work btw. Big fan.
I spent a good bit of time translating it, and he mentions those models specifically. Is the HK model the exact same? I can't see anything on the page that indicates a import or that it's from China, and it was linked all over 2ch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HK, Taiwan, Singapore and E.U. units and all D6503 handsets.
The main issue when using one in Japan is that you lose the Fullseg and FeLiCa features, you also lose most of the DoCoMo Xi LTE bands (although you can use it abroad, while you can't get LTE with the SO-03F in the E.U. or U.S.) finally, you only get 16GB of internal storage on the D6503.
P.S. Thanks, it's not everyday that my work is appreciated
---------- Post added at 10:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 AM ----------
RyokoN said:
It's me...
I imported D6503 from Taiwan via eBay.
SO-03F users reported it can be rooted with Easy Root Tool, but you can't unlock bootloader.:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live in the Tokyo metropolitan area, do you get LTE signals there ? If so, what's your carrier ? I plan on heading there soon and I wonder if I can use an Xi SIM to get LTE coverage there or if I will have to stick to 3G.

mathieulh said:
If you live in the Tokyo metropolitan area, do you get LTE signals there ? If so, what's your carrier ? I plan on heading there soon and I wonder if I can use an Xi SIM to get LTE coverage there or if I will have to stick to 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Kyoto and I'm using docomo LTE Xi.
Though you can't use some high-speed Xi (band 19 and 21), you can use Xi (band 1 and 3).
Xi covers almost all Tokyo area, so it should be OK.

mathieulh said:
HK, Taiwan, Singapore and E.U. units and all D6503 handsets.
The main issue when using one in Japan is that you lose the Fullseg and FeLiCa features, you also lose most of the DoCoMo Xi LTE bands (although you can use it abroad, while you can't get LTE with the SO-03F in the E.U. or U.S.) finally, you only get 16GB of internal storage on the D6503.
P.S. Thanks, it's not everyday that my work is appreciated
---------- Post added at 10:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 AM ----------
If you live in the Tokyo metropolitan area, do you get LTE signals there ? If so, what's your carrier ? I plan on heading there soon and I wonder if I can use an Xi SIM to get LTE coverage there or if I will have to stick to 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently using a rooted Galaxy S3 on DoCoMo, and my LTE functions fine despite the loss of my Tv and Osaifu Keitai features.
Did they somehow bind the LTE functionality to the DRM keys in the Xperia Z2 though? That would be some supervillain-ish stuff if true, and a much more serious concern than losing TV and Wallet functions for me. (My part of Japan hardly supports commuter cards).

skywalker6705 said:
I'm currently using a rooted Galaxy S3 on DoCoMo, and my LTE functions fine despite the loss of my Tv and Osaifu Keitai features.
Did they somehow bind the LTE functionality to the DRM keys in the Xperia Z2 though? That would be some supervillain-ish stuff if true, and a much more serious concern than losing TV and Wallet functions for me. (My part of Japan hardly supports commuter cards).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he's talking about using a Hong Kong version of the phone. Some of th radios for LTE are incompatible.
Sent from my SC-06D using Tapatalk

domesdkg said:
No, he's talking about using a Hong Kong version of the phone. Some of th radios for LTE are incompatible.
Sent from my SC-06D using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I understand now. Yea I'd be buying the Japanese model so not a concern then. I'll keep looking into the bootloader unlocking then. TA backups work now as well thankfully. And the partition problem can be skipped if you skip writing the partition when flashing.
Still, I'll feel a bit more confident picking this phone up if someone with the Japanese model can confirm what I've read so far (TA backup, unlock bootloader, Root, flash).

[STOCK ROM][FTF]Xperia Z1c (D5503) 14.4.A.0.108 Generic UA unbranded (1279-4053)

Xperia Z1 compact (D5503) Generic UA firmware (.FTF)
Downloaded through Sony PC Companion
Android version: 4.4.4
Baseband: 8974-AAAAANAZQ-10270054-51
Kernel: 3.4.0-perf-g0109737 [email protected] #1 Thu Jun 12 14:20:25 2014
Build number: 14.4.A.0.108
Phone Software Version: 1275-9486_14.4.A.0.108 GENERIC - user
File System Version: GLOBAL-LTE_14.4.A.0.108
Customization Version: 1279-4053_R3C
Branding: Generic UA (unbranded)
https://mega.co.nz/#!ElR0QTjJ!Genap4CzcOtHjWEcHjH0Bt6uYHnNSIapsGfK0ol1bzc
MD5: C59B74DCF2ED86585DDA6C96FCEF7B1F
SHA-1: AF173CB41D902E7FBD40EA17ABE05FE09F70172A

I have never seen that customization number before. Could you fill in this thread with details on where you bought your phone, whether you bought it through your network operator or bought SIM-free etc?: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2722908

I wish I could, when I got it it was already second hand but I suspect that it has been previously rooted or had another ROM flashed.. I will try locate the box for it. All I can say is that I believe it was SIM free originally and I am in the UK.

I also received update notice today that new system update available
14.4.A.0.108 which i think is 4.4.4
did not bother installing it and i am also from uk

Still no joy, uk unbranded.

I guess this may add some confusion now because he update checker shows 1792 and 4053 as generic.
The question is what is the difference between these two? I suspect one of them is not generic!

Sango2 said:
I guess this may add some confusion now because he update checker shows 1792 and 4053 as generic.
The question is what is the difference between these two? I suspect one of them is not generic!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like a later revision phone. Should be fine IMO. Will flash it tonight and see :good:

Flashed successfully, previously stock UK 4.4.2 (.761) :good:
Only problem is the LTE icon instead of 4G as it was previously. Don't know why it would have changed if this is also the UK version.

codified said:
Flashed successfully, previously stock UK 4.4.2 (.761) :good:
Only problem is the LTE icon instead of 4G as it was previously. Don't know why it would have changed if this is also the UK version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings => More... => Mobile networks => Data roaming.
If it's an UK rom, you will see an option for 'National roaming'.

zxz0O0 said:
Settings => More... => Mobile networks => Data roaming.
If it's an UK rom, you will see an option for 'National roaming'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, with this ROM, there is just a tickbox for data roaming, nothing for national roaming

I have no LTE coverage where I am so cannot check the LTE icon, but these screenshots indicate LTE rather than 4G.
I have not seen the national roaming on this or the previous version, I will check some other phones later today.
Settings => More... => Mobile networks => Data roaming.
If it's an UK rom, you will see an option for 'National roaming'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have just checked another Generic UK Z1C (1279-4727 - 14.3.A.0.757) and there is no option there either.

mpattman said:
I have no LTE coverage where I am so cannot check the LTE icon, but these screenshots indicate LTE rather than 4G.
I have not seen the national roaming on this or the previous version, I will check some other phones later today.
I have just checked another Generic UK Z1C (1279-4727 - 14.3.A.0.757) and there is no option there either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, ive got that option in .757 1279-5054.3 unbranded but only shows 4g(preferred) etc etc in Network mode and no LTE option. Could it be down to the default network modes set in the service menu that makes it show or not?
Ive still not got 4.4.4 offered through pc companion or .761 either. Would flashing the roms using flash tool but still have a locked bootloader stop these from appearing? Im wanting to fresh install the phone and root using the new method and have a lot of crap on internal storage i want rid of.

Hi, thanks for sharing.
Can some one post deodexed version of this firmware ?

vdsvdroid said:
Hi, thanks for sharing.
Can some one post deodexed version of this firmware ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you want the deodexed version?

My UK Z1C was from Carphone Warehouse so is unbranded, no offer of the Android 4.4.4 update yet either.
Anyone know if this update fixes the horrendous bugs the first KitKat update brought in? I bought the phone for the camera, its been useless since KitKat, talk about 'missing the moment' every time you try to take a pic and it takes 20 seconds to load the camera, lol

I have looked up this 1279-4053 using the excellent XperiFirm tool (which gets its data straight from the official Sony servers) and it turns out that this customization is for UKRAINE, not for United Kingdom:
This thread title should be updated to say "Generic UA Unbranded" for clarity!
I have uploaded an FTF of the actual 1279-4727 United Kingdom customization (with the national data roaming option present) here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/son...tock-rom-xperia-z1c-d5503-14-4-0-108-t2839005

Confirm, customization 1279-4053 - is "Generic UA" (Ukraine)

Thread updated, now I know the origin of my phone.

[STOCK ROM][FTF]Xperia Z1c (D5503) 14.4.A.0.118 Vodafone DE
Hi, I just want to let you know that I extracted the last Firmware 14.4.A.0.118 (Vodafone DE)
you can download it here: https://cloud.rimkus.tk/public.php?service=files&t=80b78f271e81b93186ed4c342607f8f1

Is this rom can be used for z1c SO-02F....??
Is this rom can be used for z1c SO-02F...?

[Q] G901F - future non-branded ROMS via OTA possible?

I would have posted this under the S5 'T-Mobile' section, but I think it might be more of a generic discussion.
I am considering in purchasing the S5 Plus (G901F). From what I can see right now, this is only available in Germany, UK and just about now, Netherlands. Problem is that it's exclusive to respective providers and therefore - "branded"
I can find it cheaper from Germany - which is subject to T-Mobile / Telekom (same thing?) branding.
I have asked the shop and they confirmed that the phone is factory unlocked to any provider/country and that there is no "hardware branding" on the phone. Meaning no stickers, no logos or anything else physically on the phone.
However, there is "software branding". Meaning the firmware itself and whatever bloatware the provider has put inside that ROM.
Now, I have read that I can use ODIN and find the least crapware-loaded ROM (from any country) and flash it *without* compromissing the knox bit. So far so good.
What I would like to know is that: What happens when finally Samsung releases a pure, non-branded ROM for the G901F? I can still use ODIN to flash - no problem. But what about future releases. I mean future non-branded firmwares. Would I be able to use OTA from that point on, or would I have to keep an eye and update via ODIN? Can someone please elaborate and explain this?

I get it - that's a 'newbie' type of question, but I would be really grateful towards some help here. All I can do for someone who will spend 2mins for writing a useful/accurate answer is say 'thanks'
Didn't find an exact answer to what I ask here, hence me writing this. Hope it's not a double-post!
jstoner said:
I would have posted this under the S5 'T-Mobile' section, but I think it might be more of a generic discussion.
I am considering in purchasing the S5 Plus (G901F). From what I can see right now, this is only available in Germany, UK and just about now, Netherlands. Problem is that it's exclusive to respective providers and therefore - "branded"
I can find it cheaper from Germany - which is subject to T-Mobile / Telekom (same thing?) branding.
I have asked the shop and they confirmed that the phone is factory unlocked to any provider/country and that there is no "hardware branding" on the phone. Meaning no stickers, no logos or anything else physically on the phone.
However, there is "software branding". Meaning the firmware itself and whatever bloatware the provider has put inside that ROM.
Now, I have read that I can use ODIN and find the least crapware-loaded ROM (from any country) and flash it *without* compromissing the knox bit. So far so good.
What I would like to know is that: What happens when finally Samsung releases a pure, non-branded ROM for the G901F? I can still use ODIN to flash - no problem. But what about future releases. I mean future non-branded firmwares. Would I be able to use OTA from that point on, or would I have to keep an eye and update via ODIN? Can someone please elaborate and explain this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hi jstoner,
I think that while using an unbranded ROM would probably prevent you from receiving OTA's from your provider you would still be left wih the Samsung tool for getting new updates - Kies.
It has the options to check for updates and to flash them.
The geeky option is indeed to keep your eyes out for updates and fire up Odin
Disclaimer: I never used Kies to update my phone so I might be wrong here
Sent from my Android powered Tricorder

I forgot to mention - I live in Greece (but I m thinking of buying the phone from Germany, as it's not available here yet)
Does KIES list all ROMs from ALL regions/providers for a particular phone?
vrl13 said:
I think that while using an unbranded ROM would probably prevent you from receiving OTA's from your provider you would still be left wih the Samsung tool for getting new updates - Kies.
r
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Click to collapse

Hello,
It seems there is a firmware for Greece for you
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/40735/G901FXXU1ANK3_G901FEUR1ANL1_EUR.zip/

Oh good
Does that mean it's about to be released in Greece soon???
thierry_b said:
Hello,
It seems there is a firmware for Greece for you
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/40735/G901FXXU1ANK3_G901FEUR1ANL1_EUR.zip/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Nobody knows man. But you can always flash the newest updates via odin without triggering knox. After a few month only German Vodafone is building an update. T- mobil stii stuck on h5 firmware. So if there will be an unbranded oce ever ever ever.........you have odin

Wonder if that Greek ROM is unbranded or not
As for hardware branding, it seems that all G901F units sold in Germany under Telekom/T-Mobile have that "LTE+" at the back (also on the retail box). Instead, those EE (UK) units seem to have no hardware branding at all - it just has the "Samsung" logo at the back cover (and nothing on the retail box)
teichy1 said:
No Body knows man. But you can always flash the newest updates via odin without triggering knox. After a few month only German Vodafone is building an update. T- mobil stii stuck on h5 firmware. So if there will be an unbranded oce ever ever ever.........you have odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

There are a few Providerapps inside. All Roms i tested for 901F has the normal Samsung Bootloaderscreener. No Provider startup. So nothing to worry about . Mine has also the LTE+ logo, but former T-Mobile Devices have also Coverbrands on it...Thanks God these not

D6603 Generic Canada 23.0.A.2.93 & 23.0.1.A.5.77 FTF's

I just received my Unlocked D6603 Xperia Z3 earlier this morning, which I ordered directly from my local Sony Store and backed up its firmware using PC Companion and Flashtool. I previously had a D6603 that I purchased locked from Rogers and just wanted to share this with my fellow Canadians since no body else was able to provide and share this because it's different from the Generic Global firmware I've tried on my Rogers Xperia Z3. But I'm not sure if it's the same as the Generic US firmware because I've never tried it, nor really wanted to because it's a customized version. This is the official version directly from Sony Style Canada and your local carrier's APN settings should automatically be setup once turning on your device after flashing it with this firmware. Tested with a Rogers & Fido nanoSIM cards and both APN settings for each carrier were installed upon turning on the phone.
Generic CA v23.0.A.2.93:
DOWNLOAD
Edit (Update): Generic CA v23.0.1.A.5.77:
DOWNLOAD

No need for this actually. Updates are available to download though Flashtool
On the top menu bar... Devices -> Check for updates

khhhhris said:
No need for this actually. Updates are available to download though Flashtool
On the top menu bar... Devices -> Check for updates
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Click to collapse
I know that, but this is Generic, unbranded and different form the Global Generic. It's not on that list on Flashtool.

Flava0ne said:
I know that, but this is Generic, unbranded and different form the Global Generic. Not on that list on Flashtool.
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My mistake, apologies

Xperia Z3 D6603
thank goodness your here bro i was looking for this all the time i bought mine at pacific centre at down town Vancouver,BC,Canada directly from sony store unlocked but forgot to make backup of mine. Which as of now currently i flashed a Customized LAM GEL 23.0.1.A.5.77 which is not from Canada to make an upgrade but, was a mistake now cant connect mine on flashmode i'd hope this resolve the issue. Friend if ever you came up of an update for Canada like 23.0.1.A.5.77 plz make another backup.

nolihowell said:
thank goodness your here bro i was looking for this all the time i bought mine at pacific centre at down town Vancouver,BC,Canada directly from sony store unlocked but forgot to make backup of mine. Which as of now currently i flashed a Customized LAM GEL 23.0.1.A.5.77 which is not from Canada to make an upgrade but, was a mistake now cant connect mine on flashmode i'd hope this resolve the issue. Friend if ever you came up of an update for Canada like 23.0.1.A.5.77 plz make another backup.
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Click to collapse
No problem and will do when the update comes around to us, hit me up a thanks if I helped you out, it helps me out.

sure thing no problem btw plz don't unlock your bootloader like me if you forget to backup the ta partition containing drm keys and its features bro can you make a backup of your ta partion and kindly upload it if yours still locked bootloader you can find the tool in sony cross oem development forum. thanks once again.

nolihowell said:
sure thing no problem btw plz don't unlock your bootloader like me if you forget to backup the ta partition containing drm keys and its features bro can you make a backup of your ta partion and kindly upload it if yours still locked bootloader you can find the tool in sony cross oem development forum. thanks once again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but you need root to do that and the only way currently is to unlock the bootloader. I'm waiting for root with locked bootloader so that I can do this.

23.0.1.A.5.77 Just became available. I'm downloading it right now with PC Companion then going to create the FTF with Flashtool when done. I'll update my first post with download links to it once I've uploaded it to my Media-Fire account.

tnx man for doing this you contributed something that others cannot.

Thanks man, haven't seen an update ever on Rogers... much appreciated!

Just uploaded 23.0.1.A.5.77 and updated my first post with download links.

I flashed your 23.0.1.A.5.77 over top of the Bell firmware, everything working great.

Flava0ne said:
I know that, but this is Generic, unbranded and different form the Global Generic. It's not on that list on Flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the generic US/Canada firmware is known as Customized US (customization number: 1288-7827). That's what it's referred to on XperiFirm and the Xperia arc's Generic US/CA firmware use the same name.

My update appeared this morning. Unlocked on Wind.

DdcCabuslay said:
I think the generic US/Canada firmware is known as Customized US (customization number: 1288-7827). That's what it's referred to on XperiFirm and the Xperia arc's Generic US/CA firmware use the same name.
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Click to collapse
Good to know. I never knew that nor even wanted to try it because it was labeled as Customized.

Thanks for the rom! I was using generic and just switched and lte signal has improved a bit

What were the differences between this and the Rogers one?

Just no Rogers bloatware
Sent from my D6603 using XDA Free mobile app

msxghost said:
What were the differences between this and the Rogers one?
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Click to collapse
And the ability to use the built-in answering machine, if you so choose