Hi, I have recently bought an XZ2 Premium imported from Hong Kong, which seems to be the last region to receive the Android Pie update. As Flashtool doesn't have an FSC for Android Pie, I am unable to flash a different region's firmware. Would anyone be able to provide a script so that I can flash my phone please?
I used newflasher, but I flashed it two times.
First time with newflasher excluding persist.sin file not to loose the Android Attest Key and then second time with Xperia Companion repair to be sure.
see my post about newflasher here
PhonerX said:
I used newflasher, but I flashed it two times.
First time with newflasher excluding persist.sin file not to loose the Android Attest Key and then second time with Xperia Companion repair to be sure.
see my post about newflasher here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure how I feel about using something I've never used before and I don't want to lose all my data by flashing.
Can someone help us providing this file?
herasymcuk said:
Can someone help us providing this file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I ended up doing was flashing a different region's version of Nougat with Flashtool, and then it updated to Pie automatically.
UK ROM for single-SIM devices: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904007092
UK ROM for dual-SIM devices: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904006585
I only used the UK ROM because it was the easiest one to find, but feel free to use whichever. The Hong Kong handsets are literally the only ones still waiting for Pie.
spinstartshere said:
What I ended up doing was flashing a different region's version of Nougat with Flashtool, and then it updated to Pie automatically.
UK ROM for single-SIM devices: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904007092
UK ROM for dual-SIM devices: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904006585
I only used the UK ROM because it was the easiest one to find, but feel free to use whichever. The Hong Kong handsets are literally the only ones still waiting for Pie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. i was just thinking about the same thing: to flash nougat and upgrade to pie via ota then.
Yeah..i have the hk version....and it's frustrating to see how much time they need to let be available pie!
Hoping to do what pleases, I want to inform you that I have upgraded to pie (without deleting any existing data) following the advice of the friend above. So: 1) I downloaded the UK firmware into the flashtool folder. 2) Start the flash without flagging any box related to the data wipe. Wait approximately 20 minutes. (note that the flashtool process stops with the writing "disconnected phone, connected in flash mode, and not with" flash terminated, disconnect the device). Restarted .... in 2 minutes I detected the update available to android pie. 3) Download and install the update of about 1.01GB. Everything works perfectly. Thx again
I trying to find the fsc file...
Starwalkerfenix said:
I trying to find the fsc file...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look at post 5 - I put a solution in there.
spinstartshere said:
Have a look at post 5 - I put a solution in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, but that's not a solution for me. This would involve completely resetting the device, starting it as if it were the first time, and after updating to the latest version of 9.0, re-reset to factory settings so that you can take the backup copy of Google, since the latest copies of Security are not compatible with previous versions. When you have 15 applications it can be simple, but I have 190, most with different passwords. That's why I want only the .fsc file, so I can change the version without losing data.
Starwalkerfenix said:
I'm sorry, but that's not a solution for me. This would involve completely resetting the device, starting it as if it were the first time, and after updating to the latest version of 9.0, re-reset to factory settings so that you can take the backup copy of Google, since the latest copies of Security are not compatible with previous versions. When you have 15 applications it can be simple, but I have 190, most with different passwords. That's why I want only the .fsc file, so I can change the version without losing data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to reset the phone at all if you do it the way I did it. Resetting my phone isn't a solution for me either, which is why I didn't try the other suggestion made here of using newflasher.
Related
Hey folks,
I own an Ativ S and Ativ S Neo (SGH-T899M and SGH-I187). The S Neo is an unlocked ATT branded phone.
On the S, I managed to flash roms and get MBNs working with MBN creator, etc.
On the S Neo, MBNs such as Wolf ROM 2.1, or using MBN creator doesn't change a thing. I can't even change the accent colour or time zone. Interestingly enough, when I try and change the USB mode using ##3424#, it asks for an MSL code (which I think is a CDMA only thing, which doesn't make sense).
Anyways, I'm just wondering if anyone can provide me with any direction to getting the Ativ S Neo to accept MBNs.
TaylorofCanada said:
Hey folks,
I own an Ativ S and Ativ S Neo (SGH-T899M and SGH-I187). The S Neo is an unlocked ATT branded phone.
On the S, I managed to flash roms and get MBNs working with MBN creator, etc.
On the S Neo, MBNs such as Wolf ROM 2.1, or using MBN creator doesn't change a thing. I can't even change the accent colour or time zone. Interestingly enough, when I try and change the USB mode using ##3424#, it asks for an MSL code (which I think is a CDMA only thing, which doesn't make sense).
Anyways, I'm just wondering if anyone can provide me with any direction to getting the Ativ S Neo to accept MBNs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MBN doesn't work on latest FW.
Do I have any recourse? Can I roll back the firmware? What are we missing to make this work?
TaylorofCanada said:
Do I have any recourse? Can I roll back the firmware? What are we missing to make this work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have 8.0 now? Or 8.1? Post your FW version here.
-W_O_L_F- said:
Do you have 8.0 now? Or 8.1? Post your FW version here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OS: 8.1.12400.899
FW Revision: 2103.14.10.2
HW Revision: 3.1.1.0
Bootloader: 14.05.13.17
SOC Version: 2.0.15
I have access to both the factory 8.0 and 8.1 images, if that's what you're talking about, so I can roll-back my phone.
Thanks for the help!
TaylorofCanada said:
OS: 8.1.12400.899
FW Revision: 2103.14.10.2
HW Revision: 3.1.1.0
Bootloader: 14.05.13.17
SOC Version: 2.0.15
I have access to both the factory 8.0 and 8.1 images, if that's what you're talking about, so I can roll-back my phone.
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's latest. Roll back to 8.0, flash custom MBN and then update. Unlock remains until next Hard Reset.
-W_O_L_F- said:
Yes, it's latest. Roll back to 8.0, flash custom MBN and then update. Unlock remains until next Hard Reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip. I tried that a few hours with no such luck. :S
I used the 8.0 image, and Wolf ROM 2.0b4
Any ideas?
TaylorofCanada said:
Thanks for the tip. I tried that a few hours with no such luck. :S
I used the 8.0 image, and Wolf ROM 2.0b4
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use MBN Creator
-W_O_L_F- said:
Use MBN Creator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such luck! I ran through the following steps, and internet sharing didn't work at any point.
1. Installed stock 8.0 rom with stock CSC.
2. Booted phone, set up, Internet sharing doesn't work at this step.
3. Installed new MBN with MBN creator.
4. Booted again, Internet sharing doesn't work at this step.
5. Used ##634# to change CSC.
6. Phone resets, CSC applied correctly.
7. Internet sharing still doesn't work.
I apologize for hijacking this thread, but did you say you have the factory image for the SGH-i187? If so, would you mind sharing with me? Several of us have phones that got bricked during a PFD update, and have been looking for the images so we can re-flash the phone.
Thanks, and I now return you to your regularly scheduled program.
TaylorofCanada said:
No such luck! I ran through the following steps, and internet sharing didn't work at any point.
1. Installed stock 8.0 rom with stock CSC.
2. Booted phone, set up, Internet sharing doesn't work at this step.
3. Installed new MBN with MBN creator.
4. Booted again, Internet sharing doesn't work at this step.
5. Used ##634# to change CSC.
6. Phone resets, CSC applied correctly.
7. Internet sharing still doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have GDR2 rom you can also use Toast Launcher trick to access registry unlock your phone .
use GoodDayToDie capability unlock - BootStrap then update to GDR 3 and then unblock RPC Components and update again to 8.1
no need for a custom csc or mbn I think . Isn't it @-W_O_L_F- ?
golfnz34me said:
I apologize for hijacking this thread, but did you say you have the factory image for the SGH-i187? If so, would you mind sharing with me? Several of us have phones that got bricked during a PFD update, and have been looking for the images so we can re-flash the phone.
Thanks, and I now return you to your regularly scheduled program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heres your hero
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58872571&postcount=6
ask him he can dload them for you
Hi, I assume someone much smarter than me will be able to point me to a Sony Xperia standard/stock ROM which I can flash with TWRP.
I had loaded TWRP and manages to accidentally wipe out the system with no backup (it's a new phone anyway). I found some ROMS from European telcos, etc. but would like to install the "standard" Sony Xperia ROM for XC.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.
PS. I think it would be easiest for me to able to install it through TWRP.... but obviously, anyway to recover my phone would be great.
PPS. Still can access device with adb and Flashtool, but not from Fastboot or Sony PC Companion.
PPS. I have installed OmniROM in the meantime... but don't want to spend too much time on it if I am going to wipe it out anyway.
PPS. I am in the US.
Update:
I found XperiaFirmware. It's downloading F5321_34.1.A.3.49_CE.ftf. Per the download website, will take about 18 hours on average, but it is progressing better than that.
I also found XperiFirm tool which downloads much faster, but I don't know which version. My understanding is that US customized is for CDA version of the phone. I also ran across the post about enabling the fingerprint reader by downloading the UK customized version... But based on latest attempts to do this, since UK version has been upgraded to Nougat, this approach is not working anymore...? But anyway, I could give it a shot to try a European version which is still on MM,
Update: *Whew*
I used XperiFirm to select a ROM. I didn't know which ROM, but I was intrigued to enable the fingerprint scanner. Due to some recent posts that the original method of using the Customized UK (or as they would say "Customised UK") version no longer works as the posted firmware was for Nougat. As a workaround, some people downloaded CE version, but CE version has also been recently updated to Nougat. I noticed a CE5 version which still seemed to be the MM version.
However, I also wasn't sure what differences I may see in the European version as some posters were complaining about some cosmetic differences, so I downloaded Customized US even though I thought I read somewhere it was for CDMA network. I also decided to download one called "Commercial and Journalists" which was the same MM version.
I decided to install it first as I was anxious about trying to get my phone back. I was able to load OmniROM but since there were some known issues, my preference was to use authentic Sony firmware. In addition, I took some low light pictures with the OmniROM version, and they turned out really bad. Not sure if it was the ROM or what, but it was very disappointing. Also, I couldn't get root access to it. Also, even though OmniROM seemed to support the fingerprint scanner, I couldn't get it to register my fingerprint well.
I downloaded the Commercial and Journalists version from XperiFirm, let it unpack it, and then used FlashTool to create the bundle, not including fwinfo.xml or the .ta files.
It started up Android ok, but I noticed I seemed to have lost my TWRP. Anyway, while starting up Android, guess what? The fingerprint enabled software was there... and it works like a champ!
Since I seemed to have lost TWRP, I started from instructions again from http://www.stupdroid.com/2016/10/root-sony-xperia-x-compact.html and was able to get it back.
Then, I tried to get root, but following the instructions, I got the error ""There is no su binary installed" when opening SuperSU.
I then flashed UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip from https://download.chainfire.eu/696/supersu/
And now I have root access!
Whew! I don't know what damage I've done overall... and since I don't have a nano SIM card yet, the worst case scenario is that what I have now doesn't work as a phone (but I doubt it). After what I went through (accidentally deleting the system from my Android phone), I now have a rooted Xperia X Compact with the fingerprint sensor enabled. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good?
And, when I took some low light pics, they turned out better!
Hi Bro,
i need a help can you please give me the web link to download UK customized ftf or CE customized ftf. please its almost a month with xperia x compact but no fingerprint working. im unable to download it with my system its very old configuration. i badly want fingerprint working on my phone. can you please upload somewhere so that i can download and flash it directly, please....
Sorry for my bad english. Thanks in advance..
Nauju said:
i need a help can you please give me the web link to download UK customized ftf or CE customized ftf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.xperiablog.net/forum/resources/categories/xperia-x-compact.108/
Thanks a lot!!
XperienceD said:
http://www.xperiablog.net/forum/resources/categories/xperia-x-compact.108/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i download and flash the CE.ftf will i get a working fingerprint??
Nauju said:
If i download and flash the CE.ftf will i get a working fingerprint??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep!
Central Europe firmware does enables Fingerprint scanner.
After flashing you will get four ota updates in a row.
A security patch for 6.0 and nougat afterwards.
Help plz..
Ftf file not showing on flashtool..
What will be the possible issues??
Nauju said:
If i download and flash the CE.ftf will i get a working fingerprint??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nauju said:
Ftf file not showing on flashtool..
What will be the possible issues??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update flashtool!
That will fix issues.
Hi all,
I just recently went back to complete stock, from CM, as I want to hand it over to a friend.
I successfully switched back to C432B160 last week.
But still not a single update does show up, though that build is from November 2016.
It always tells me, that there are no updates. I am aware that Updates will show up with Hisuite, but shouldn't the stock updater present updates, too?
(I am not even talking about Nougat)
I already successfully tried a factory reset.
The only idee I have, is that I now have a DS oeminfo on an originally SS phone.
Does anyone have an idee, what might be wrong?
fireburner-de said:
Hi all,
I just recently went back to complete stock, from CM, as I want to hand it over to a friend.
I successfully switched back to C432B160 last week.
But still not a single update does show up, though that build is from November 2016.
It always tells me, that there are no updates. I am aware that Updates will show up with Hisuite, but shouldn't the stock updater present updates, too?
(I am not even talking about Nougat)
I already successfully tried a factory reset.
The only idee I have, is that I now have a DS oeminfo on an originally SS phone.
Does anyone have an idee, what might be wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, if you have ds oeminfo while your phone is ss, try flashing ss oeminfo and then the stock rom again
mjz2cool said:
well, if you have ds oeminfo while your phone is ss, try flashing ss oeminfo and then the stock rom again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the phone was SS at the beginning, but now I have oeminfo for DS and Stock Rom for DS (B160)
I wiped all and completely new flashed B160.
I did not setup any account (Google, Huawei), but only connected the phone to my WIFI.
Still neither Update nor HiCare show any available updates.
Does this need a SIM Card to be in the phone? Are there any other precautions?
I have no idea why it behaves like this.
edit: both frp and bootloader are locked according to the Bootloader Menu
I might add 2 weeks ago when coming from CM, there were no updates in update menu but HiCare, so I went fo Nougat. Nougat did not work properly, so I went back to B160 in order to start again, but since then, I never saw any update in menu, nor HiCare.
Might Huawei block DS Roms for IMEIS of originally SS phones?
Push, maybe @k1ll3r8e has an answer for me?
fireburner-de said:
Push, maybe @k1ll3r8e has an answer for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heyho,
sounds really wired...
-
Here is what u can try,
1) bring the device back to stock (unrooted, loader closed)
2) do a factory reset and also the cache clear which is offered in the stock recovery
-
Start the device, do a dummy setup (only wlan is needed) check if the device offers an update. If not, well, try to manually update from C432B160 to C432B210 and check the update app again.
About this issue, i'm not sure, but maybe Huawei have a "downlaod limit" for an IMEI, that u can only download the update for example 10 times or so... I don't know^^ - I can only say, my device "L31 - Single-SIM - T-Mobile" modded to C432B380 dual-SIM have no issues with updates... I got since B130 every update via the normal update app. - But i also know that the updates will be released in waves, i don't know how they exclude/include devices in such an wave. But maybe, u have an oeminfo from an device which wasn't in the "current wave list". - As already mentioned i don't know how they manage those waves or what the trigger is...
Hope i could help u a bit
Regards
Sebastian
fireburner-de said:
I wiped all and completely new flashed B160.
I did not setup any account (Google, Huawei), but only connected the phone to my WIFI.
Still neither Update nor HiCare show any available updates.
Does this need a SIM Card to be in the phone? Are there any other precautions?
I have no idea why it behaves like this.
edit: both frp and bootloader are locked according to the Bootloader Menu
I might add 2 weeks ago when coming from CM, there were no updates in update menu but HiCare, so I went fo Nougat. Nougat did not work properly, so I went back to B160 in order to start again, but since then, I never saw any update in menu, nor HiCare.
Might Huawei block DS Roms for IMEIS of originally SS phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, did you try upgrade on N using Firmware finder?
If not, try it and you will see if your device in black list. I also use DS firmware for SS model and just last night I upgraded normaly from B160 to B370 Ota, and after that to B380 Ota.
@k1ll3r8e
Yes it already is a dummy setup. I will manually upgrade to B210 and try again, Thanks alot! @Alexxxx1
Firmware Finder is the Windows tool, isn't it? If above progress won't work I might boot my Windows partition and check on that.
Is there by chance any other way to check if the device is somehow blacklisted?
@all
Would Huawei push the updates to my device, if I would contact them? (I ask because of the altered oeminfo. Or would the refuse support in that case, which is what I guess)
edit: Does by chance anyone have a link to the C432B210 ROM?
fireburner-de said:
@k1ll3r8e
Yes it already is a dummy setup. I will manually upgrade to B210 and try again, Thanks alot! @Alexxxx1
Firmware Finder is the Windows tool, isn't it? If above progress won't work I might boot my Windows partition and check on that.
Is there by chance any other way to check if the device is somehow blacklisted?
@all
Would Huawei push the updates to my device, if I would contact them? (I ask because of the altered oeminfo. Or would the refuse support in that case, which is what I guess)
edit: Does by chance anyone have a link to the C432B210 ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heyho,
if u have an L31, go to my FTP (oeminfo) and go a few folders back, then u'll find a Huawei folder there are several versions stored.
Edit:
Here is the link (just back on my PC)
Regards,
Sebastian
Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using XDA Labs
Firmware finder is android app. You can find it in google play store as a free tool for upgrade huawei devices. In Ffinder you will find option for checking autorization of official firmware for your device, is it allowed or not for your device.
Regards
I did flash B210, but no Updates withiin 1 day. (I think time was to short)
I then flashed B370 Full-PV via Firmware Finder.
B380 should come automatically sometime, hopefully.
I think its time to hand it over to my friend now.
Only thing I am curious about is:
settings -> about phone -> certification: Serbia
I guess this is normal for C432?
Only thing I am curious about is:
settings -> about phone -> certification: Serbia
I guess this is normal for C432?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, its normally for C432 if device was purchased in Serbia
Alexxxx1 said:
Yes, its normally for C432 if device was purchased in Serbia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was bought from T-Mobile in Germany. But well.
fireburner-de said:
It was bought from T-Mobile in Germany. But well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries about that
I bought mine also from T-Mobile DE, and mine shows also "Serbia"... I searched a bit for similar issues and it seems that also the P8 with C432 is for "Serbia" at least a unknown amount of it, sooo i think it comes from the "ROM" not from the device. Maybe they only certify the ROM for a "law based standart" to "Serbia". - Who knows...^^
Regards,
Sebastian
Hi,
I recently unlocked my XC to flash Sailfish. I just would like to know what's the best path to get back to the official Android? Or is it locked to AOSP definitely?
I guess flashing AOSP and then install Xperia specific apps (if present on the Play Store) should be doable, but I wonder if there is a more direct way.
Thanks.
Just found Emma. I was able to flash the factory image...except the TA partition of course, but it's not a big deal.
romut said:
Hi,
I recently unlocked my XC to flash Sailfish. I just would like to know what's the best path to get back to the official Android? Or is it locked to AOSP definitely?
I guess flashing AOSP and then install Xperia specific apps (if present on the Play Store) should be doable, but I wonder if there is a more direct way.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think flashing via flashtool wiping everything should bring you back to the original form (except from Bootloader remaining unlocked). Then you have to gain back root, though (if I got your point).
Sorry for this later answer. @eresac it worked...almost.
Indeed it's pretty strange. I didn't notice first, Emma didn't offer to flash Android 8 but 6 instead ! Problem is now the XC never gets the notification to upgrade. Any idea how to change this?
romut said:
Sorry for this later answer. @eresac it worked...almost.
Indeed it's pretty strange. I didn't notice first, Emma didn't offer to flash Android 8 but 6 instead ! Problem is now the XC never gets the notification to upgrade. Any idea how to change this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Emma might offered you a firmware for non-retail device (ex. Demo unit in store, Review unit, Exchange unit at service center) which has no update and shouldn't be use as daily driver.
Try reflashing it with different firmware. If there isn't any different firmware to select in Emma, use Androxyde's flashtool instead.
Emma offers only one firmware. And this is 6.0.1.
Ok to flash a newer firmware with another tool, but where can I get a factory image?
You can download it from flashtool (via XperiFirm plugin) following this guide. The title said Marshmallow but this method is compatible with newer firmware too.
http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/03/12/install-xperia-marshmallow-using-flashtool-and-xperifirm-guide/
Also, make sure that the firmware you download has version number starting with 34.4 if you want Android 8.0
My F5321 from Malaysia isn't receiving any of the new updates. Last one was 34.4.A.2.32.
Could anyone explain why?
You can check xpericheck.com if there's a newer version,but there's a good chance there isn't one. I'm stuck on 34.4.A.2.50 on the Central Europe version for example, the newest one is .85
Matej101 said:
You can check xpericheck.com if there's a newer version,but there's a good chance there isn't one. I'm stuck on 34.4.A.2.50 on the Central Europe version for example, the newest one is .85
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Customised MY isn't even listed. :/
What now? Unlocking bootloader if you want latest security patches?
Is there another firmware variant that would be suitable for your location? There may be less difference between the variants than you might expect.
pseudonym58 said:
Is there another firmware variant that would be suitable for your location? There may be less difference between the variants than you might expect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you just flash the firmware straight from xperifirm, or do you need an unlocked bootloader or sth?
Bro do not update it to 8.0 oreo is wery bad I swear im back to stock Nougat again
Qendra said:
Bro do not update it to 8.0 oreo is wery bad I swear im back to stock Nougat again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true
Matej101 said:
You can check xpericheck.com if there's a newer version,but there's a good chance there isn't one. I'm stuck on 34.4.A.2.50 on the Central Europe version for example, the newest one is .85
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me too.. central europe and stuck on 34.4.A.2.50, I don't understand why
andy356 said:
My F5321 from Malaysia isn't receiving any of the new updates. Last one was 34.4.A.2.32.
Could anyone explain why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to xpericheck, singapore region firmware is also stuck in March. I guess both MY and SG are using the sme FW. I think you cn flsh other region FW without unlocking Bootloader.
Is there a way to flash security updates only, without upgrading to oreo?
trewelu said:
According to xpericheck, singapore region firmware is also stuck in March. I guess both MY and SG are using the sme FW. I think you cn flsh other region FW without unlocking Bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone please confirm this? I'll unlock the bootloader if I have to, but it would be great if it is not needed.
andy356 said:
Can anyone please confirm this? I'll unlock the bootloader if I have to, but it would be great if it is not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in USA, and I've flashed f'd from at least 10 different countries and never seen any affect on the phone operation.
andy356 said:
Can anyone please confirm this? I'll unlock the bootloader if I have to, but it would be great if it is not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to retain the fingerprint sensor operation, don't flash to US. People here have in the past recommended either DE or UK, as they tend to be updated promptly. No unlocking of bootloader needed.
Okay guys. I'm ready to flash a new firmware, probably Customised UK. Is the guide on xperiablog up to date and accurate? Also, there is a flashtool by Androxyde on flashtool dot net, but there is also a flashtool on Sony Developer World. Which one should I use?
There is only one xperifirm so that's unambiguous, at least.
Edit: also, it doesn't affect user data or the OS in general, does it?
I can only speak from personal experience with the Androxyde flashtool. I've never tried (nor even known about) the Sony flash tool. In my experience, if you don't make any changes to the default settings, the existing user data is carried over into the newly installed firmware. I'm assuming here that you're flashing from one variant of Android 8.0 to another, not from Android 7 to 8, etc.
BTW, I would always advise backing up your data first, of course. If, for some reason, you are dissatisfied with the result, you can normally get a factory installation of your currently-installed firmware by using software restore from SONY (as part of Xperia Companion).
@pseudonym58 Thanks. Is the guide on Xperia blog the one to follow or is there a better one out there?
I don't recall which guide I used. It basically runs like this:
Run Xperiafirm from within flashtool; it will refresh available software. Choose particular phone model and download desired firmware. Back in flashtool proper, connect phone in flash mode. Select downloaded firmware, which is unpacked and prepared for flashing. As I mentioned above, you should not need to make any configuration changes to the default. Flashing can now begin (it might seem to pause temporarily from time to time but don't cancel process).
Don't worry about warnings of missing elements; I have never had a flashing procedure fail as a result of a claimed missing component.
This is just a general procedure; perhaps someone else can recommend the best full tutorial.
Ok so CE1 got the newest (.107) update right now so it can probably be used too.