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Why Yoga tablet 2 screen looks so blurred and sharpened at the same time
Have you been wondering why your screen on the 10" Yoga tablet 2 with KitKat doesn't look really crisp even with some obvious sharpening applied? Here is why!
Lenovo screwed up twice!
1. Blur filter is applied. (KitKat ONLY) The BIOS/bootloader defines wrong display resolution. The Intel graphics driver (i915) gets confused and switches on panel fitting which includes a blur filter (fuzzy filter). Normally this is used if the display resolution is different from the frame buffer resolution to scale the image. Here the device just scales 1:1 and applies the filter. Luckily the driver is open source and it turns out there is a way to overwrite this feature No longer true for Lollipop. Thanks Lenovo
2. Sharpen filter is applied. (KitKat and Lollipop) The panel is not programmed correctly. When disabling the CABC feature (/sys/lcd_panel/cabc_onoff) the sharpening effect is gone. But CABC should have nothing to do with sharpen. Unfortunately the specs of the display (AUO B101UAN01.E) are not public so I cannot verify if the correct MIPI DSI commands are sent to the panel.
So our display is softened then sharpened again! What a waste!
Both workarounds are only temporary. After each screen off/screen on sequence the old values are restored by the system. So we need an app which sets the values after the screen is switched on. Or a new kernel. Or Lenovo cares to fix it in a future release
Fix (Root partially required)
I wrote an app which can disable CABC / sharpness filter (requires ROOT) and can disable the blur filter (KitKat, no root required) . Of course I am not held responsible if you brick or burn your tablet. I tested this on my 1050F with rooted firmware S000143_150105.
1. Copy app to device and install
2. Start app and select your setting
3. The settings may apply only after switching screen off and on again.
Source on Github:
http://github.com/Matshias/yoga2sharpness
Bugs / issues
- may not work directly after reboot, only after screen on/off
- fullscreen video may switch on CABC/sharpness filter again
Any suggestions? I'd be really happy if you could test and report
Cheers!
Matt
Update Jan 21
make more reliable and add complete source
Update Jan 26
Reliable implementation as app which automates this process.
Update Jan 30
new version 1.1 (please uninstall old version!):
- add option to start at boot and enable/disable applying the settings at screen on for manual operation
- add little delay after screen on for more reliable operation
- app should be harder to kill by the system
Update Feb 2
new version 1.1.1:
- Fix occasional reboot issue when using the setting on display on. Turns out Android sends screen on broadcasts sometimes even if the display is off. This causes a crash if the filter settings are applied.
Update Feb 11
new version 1.1.2 (please uninstall old version):
- hopefully ultimately fix reboot issues by using different method to start on boot
Update Apr 30
tested with new firmware S000198_150422. Same as before. Lenovo has not fixed the issue, but the app works like before
Update June 3
New version 1.1.3:
- fix full screen video playback re-enabling CABC/sharpness filter. As for CABC itself root is required.
Update June 17
Update for Lollipop version 1.2.0:
- blur filter disable no longer needed
- sharpness filter is still present. If root becomes available for Lollipop this should work there too
Update June 19
Fix for rooted Lollipop - version 1.2.1:
- the mechanism for sharpness filter disable from 1.2.0 didn't work, probably due to SE Linux restrictions
Matshias, you are a legend!
I bought a Yoga 2 10" a couple of weeks ago and the odd blurred and sharpened effect ruins what is otherwise a great little tablet. I'd always suspected it was some kind of odd scaling issue, but I haven't had time or sufficient Android knowledge (or root access on my device) to properly investigate it, beyond making up some test images with alternate 1 pixel wide black/white lines - which were rendering as grey on the Yoga 2.
I had a support ticket raised with Lenovo about the issue, so I've referred them to this post and one on the Lenovo Community forums.
Thanks for your hard work, hopefully Lenovo will implement the fix in a software update soon!
Cheers,
Richard
Thank you!
matshias: Thank you.
The blur filter disable makes a HUGE difference. I really appreciate you taking the time to post your results, hopefully Lenovo will take note and implement a permanent fix.
workes
Hi!
I have just started using your app with the latest firmware on a 1050L.
0) Unrooted device
1) installed your app and applied the non-root part of the fix - worked after screen on/off
2) rooted device with temporary cwm solution from this parent thread (- which worked as well)
3) applied the root-required part of the fix from your app - works as well
Thank you for this!
Great great great! Like the others here I was looking for a solution to this Problem since I bought the tablet.
I am really satisfied with your APP, now everything is way sharper.
BUT: When I test the screens resolution with a screen test APP, only the horizontal ( long sides) resolution seems to be right now. The vertical resolution (short sides) is still just grey, when testing single pixel lines.
Do you have the same Problem, what could cause this?
fanatictentacle said:
Great great great! Like the others here I was looking for a solution to this Problem since I bought the tablet.
I am really satisfied with your APP, now everything is way sharper.
BUT: When I test the screens resolution with a screen test APP, only the horizontal ( long sides) resolution seems to be right now. The vertical resolution (short sides) is still just grey, when testing single pixel lines.
Do you have the same Problem, what could cause this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see the same if the sharpness filter/CABC is still switched on. If you have root then try disabling the sharpness filter as well and then the screen test look fine. Obviously the sharpness filter in the panel is not uniform in all directions and seems to prefer horizontal resolution (in landscape mode).
Thanks again for the advice!
I just had to enable root, really cant look at that horrid screen anymore! But now it really looks as sharp as an 240ppi Display should look like!
problem
After installing the app I have problems.
In 10 minutes my tablet rebooted 3 times . Android not asked to reboot.
It was crash of sistem. My system is rooted.
After uninstalling I had no problems.
Regurds
Yosef said:
After installing the app I have problems.
In 10 minutes my tablet rebooted 3 times . Android not asked to reboot.
It was crash of sistem. My system is rooted.
After uninstalling I had no problems.
Regurds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you use the start on boot feature? This might cause it. I uploaded new version 1.1.2 which should fix that problem. Let me know if it works for you.
this is a fantastic fix, one that Lenovo should have implemented themselves
actually when i just got the tablet over christmas, it was running older firmware in which the blur filter was actually not enabled. yes i now realize the text was "over sharp" but it was clear, and what i expected for the price (i.e. not double the price for a galaxy tab S) but i was fine with the sharpness, it looked good, and the tablet otherwise suits my needs perfectly, and gotta love that built in stand. i didn't even know what people meant about the image quality, considering the mid-range target audience of the tablet.
anyway, i recently got the OTA firmware update to the current S000143_150105 and that's when it messed everything up. it enabled the blur filter, and it looked HORRIBLE. i tried to accept it because at 1 ft from the tablet, the text actually looked all right, perhaps even a slight improvement because it was slightly softer. but the blur filter is applied to EVERYTHING, so all the images and everything on the screen was blurred....it was like looking at an HD monitor with a state of the art GeForce video card but using the standard windows video drivers...everything stretched and totally blurry.
this is a great fix, i don't have my tablet rooted and don't want to take the potential battery hit to disable the sharpening filter (since i think it looks good just with the blur filter disabled). it might be in my head though, but i feel like the system is a little more sluggish...maybe due to the update, maybe because of this (great) app...i wish lenovo would fix this, seems easy enough. sours me to an otherwise great tablet for the price.
speaking of battery, i noticed in the last day after installing the fix that my tablet powered off sometime during the day, and when i restarted, the battery had drained about 30%. and it continued to drain faster than before. i previously got well over 10 hours of usage time playing movies and web browsing, in addition to up to several days of standby....today i had to charge it within 24 hours and only got about 7 hours use time and 13 hours standby...any chance it's related to the fix, or has anyone experienced it after the firmware update?
@digitalatlas: Thanks for testing the app.
Regarding your observations, I don't think sluggishness can be attributed to the app. After all it doesn't do much. Only when the screen is switched on or you manually start the app it changes the kernel setting. So it really shouldn't have any impact on performance.
The battery life should also not be affected by the app itself. It does not have any background tasks other than the kernel setting mentioned above and it shouldn't wake up the device as well. Although I saw occasionally that my app gets informed that the screen was switched on even though the screen was not switched on. That caused some reboot issues. But that was fixed with version 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 and I didn't see a reboot since I use 1.1.2. Also there are reports of hangs/reboots by other users unrelated to my app. Anyways it might be the case that changing the kernel setting has some other effect on the hardware, kernel and battery life. According to Intel documentation the filter is not meant to be switched on or off while the display is active. However, it is the only time it is possible to change it in our system. So to be sure we have to test and disable/uninstall the app and see if the battery life improves.
Hopefully Lenovo fixes this with an upcoming update!
Thanks!
Just got this tablet in the mail today and was disappointed by its display. So grateful for your fix, its like night and day with the blur gone. Guess I have a good reason to root now to get rid of the sharpness too. Mind me asking what method you used to root for this firmware?
Falv said:
Just got this tablet in the mail today and was disappointed by its display. So grateful for your fix, its like night and day with the blur gone. Guess I have a good reason to root now to get rid of the sharpness too. Mind me asking what method you used to root for this firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the temporary CWM method [GUIDE] CWM & Root Lenovo Yoga 2 (8/10/13)
It is easy enough and works fine, but keep in mind that there might be issues with OTAs.
I'll keep track of the battery over the next little while, hopefully it was just an aberration that first charge. I'm getting better results with this second charge since the update and your fix.
Could you or someone post a picture shoeing the effect of turning the sharpening filter off? Might help some of us decide it rooting is in fact worthwhile. Thanks!
digitalatlas said:
I'll keep track of the battery over the next little while, hopefully it was just an aberration that first charge. I'm getting better results with this second charge since the update and your fix.
Could you or someone post a picture shoeing the effect of turning the sharpening filter off? Might help some of us decide it rooting is in fact worthwhile. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried taking pictures but it doesn't really show the effect. Instead I made two screenshots and recreated the filter with GIMP. It should be very close to what the panel does.
Does anybody have any info from Lenovo? I think that this is preposterous! How can someone do that and have it go through testing? Unless there were no tests at all.
Buying Lenovo was a mistake.
v1.2 tested on my new 1050F. Awesome. I was disapointed by the screen but now it's perfect. Thank you so much to have done this patch!
+1
AMAZING PICTURE QUALITY!!.
Without blur picture is good, but witchout blur and sharpness image quality is FU…NG AWSOME!!
THANKS!!!!!
saupiquet said:
v1.2 tested on my new 1050F. Awesome. I was disapointed by the screen but now it's perfect. Thank you so much to have done this patch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Great app, thank you
Are you all running this with rooted devices? Mine is not yet rooted but notice a big difference with this app. How much better is it if I was to root the device? Thank you so much for this fix. I recieved my tablet today and was very disappointed with the display.
I have my S4 i9505 since july 2013, and the battery life was never exceptional, on the first year on lucky days I got maximum 4h SOT...
But as the time passed, the battery life got even worse, I tried the cm12.1 optimized roms, the battery life was slightly better, but the camera was garbage
Now I'm using the Imperium LL v9.1 ROM, and I'm getting around 2h30mins SOT, with around 9h of total life... (I take it off the charger 7h, put it again 16h... 17:30 I take it off, and 23:30 I have to charge again...)
So I tried to squeeze some more minutes by reducing the screen resolution and DPI, I tried using 720p with 294dpi via terminal emulator, it didn't seem too much pixelated to my eyes, but the touchwiz got a bit distorted, and the camera app was "zoomed" on the top left quarter....
Then I tried going back to the original resolution and dpi, using 1080x1920 and 441dpi... but the touchwiz is still distorted and the camera app is a bit off also....
Does anyone knows how to fix this distortion and the camera app, or at least, how to go back to the original resolution and dpi correctly?
Re-flashing the rom will help. Next time use an app. There is one on the play store for changing resolution
I re-flashed wiping just the cache and dalvik cache, and it didn't help
Ok, it seems the original density on build.prop is 480 despite the density of the screen being 441, now i'm using 480, but it still isn't right as you can see here: https://hostr.co/file/CO4B9mrdlpXu/Screenshot_2015-09-14-21-58-38.png
(there's a lot of screens with the layout messed up, but I think one screenshot is enough)
You have to wipe data too. Otherwise it is just a dirty-flash. Which means thst your settings transition to the new flash.
Try the app I was talking about. NoMo resolution changer I think was the name. It has default dpi and resolution presets for various phones. Including the S4
Thanks!!! The "Resotre defaults" button fixed it!
This is a very powerful mod that changes the brightness of the Xperia flashlight / torch.
This can cause damage if left on for extended periods of time. It is advised you install the medium version.
Source
Pre-Caution:
I take no responsibility to any burnt hands, burnt phones, or bricked phones. The chances of getting into a brick or bootloop is very low and I will aid you as much as possible, but will take no responsibility for this happening.
CAUTION:
The extreme version sets the torch to 1,000,000 Ua - in other words, its basically an industrial flashlight now, meaning it will get very hot, very quickly. Please take caution with using the extreme version.
DOWNLOAD:
Medium
Extreme
Uninstaller
SmarTemperature (To increase the temperature limit)
Installation:
1. Have a rooted device with /system access (So not the temp root method)
2. Download and move one of the zips to your SD Card
3. Enter recovery and backup your phone (Incase you want to revert back to default values)
4. Flash the Torch ZIP, and then flash the SmarTemperature ZIP
5. Enjoy!
Code:
# LED If setting for Indicator(uA)
if_indicator_level = 4125
# LED If setting for Torch or video recording (uA).
if_torch_vr = 500000
# Vf measured at factory (mV).
vf_factory = 2869
# Min voltage for VBat (mV)
v_batt_min = 3500
This mod works by modifying /etc/flashled_calc_parameters.cfg with custom values
NOTE:Take caution if you plan to modify this config file yourself.
XDA:DevDB Information
Xperia Brighter Torch Mod, Tool/Utility for the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact
Contributors
nzzane
Version Information
Status: Stable
Current Stable Version: V2
Stable Release Date: 2016-10-04
Created 2016-10-03
Last Updated 2016-11-22
Reserved:
My device shutdown when turning on the LED on medium, could you provide the initial value please?
raphoun said:
My device shutdown when turning on the LED on medium, could you provide the initial value please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What firmware are you on & what Kernel are you using?
I have updated the OP with the first few lines of code for the medium version - as well as adding an uninstaller zip
nzzane said:
What firmware are you on & what Kernel are you using?
I have updated the OP with the first few lines of code for the medium version - as well as adding an uninstaller zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last firmware with OM5Z kernel. Thanks for the uninstaller
raphoun said:
The last firmware with OM5Z kernel. Thanks for the uninstaller
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very weird, do you still have "Allow OEM Unlock" enabled?
I am having the same issue here...
I am on Xpower 5.0 androplus kernel and it also happened on previous kernel... what could be the problem?
mine shutting down to , last stock rooted rom
If someone can find where the temp warning config file is, I will update this mod with that in.
i have tried to increase the temp warning temp but it has failed..
nzzane said:
If someone can find where the temp warning config file is, I will update this mod with that in.
i have tried to increase the temp warning temp but it has failed..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont think its the temp warning because my device doesnt over heat at all it just turns off...
if it was temp warning then it should get hot first then shut down am I right or ?
hey every one I just found this :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...-smartemperaturex-best-balanced-s810-t3438890
smartemp mod fixed my issue! had the extreme mod installed and turned on for couple of minutes , no shut down no warnings and also device doesnt even heat after the first couple of minutes on EXTREME TORCH
hope it works for you guys
@Gewiz told me about this so credit for him
madshark2009 said:
i dont think its the temp warning because my device doesnt over heat at all it just turns off...
if it was temp warning then it should get hot first then shut down am I right or ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I have seen. The device, for Some reason, detects that it is heating quickly even thought it's not. This prompts the over heating warning.
It could be that the phone has a procedure in place to stop modification of the flashlight, but I have not seen this yet
madshark2009 said:
hey every one I just found this :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...-smartemperaturex-best-balanced-s810-t3438890
smartemp mod fixed my issue! had the extreme mod installed and turned on for couple of minutes , no shut down no warnings and also device doesnt even heat after the first couple of minutes on EXTREME TORCH
hope it works for you guys
@Gewiz told me about this so credit for him
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will add this to the OP
Hi, first of all, sorry in advance if it is a stupid post, I am no developer. Is it possible that everybody is running an extreme version and getting thermal problems because of a typo? I ve tried this mod (the medium version), and read the thread.
I opened the default configuration file, and compared it to the same file in the zip.
Two values change:
___________________default_____Medium________Extreme
if_indicator_level = _____3125_______4125___________5125
if_torch_vr = _________25000_____500000_________1000000
Isn't that strange? In the medium and the extreme versions, the indicator current is increased by 30% and 60% respectively, but the flash led's current goes from 25k to 500k and 1 million
The values seem to be in μA, that makes the default value of 25.000μA equal to 25mA, which seems about right for a led.
I ve modified the medium vetsion to the value "if_torch_vr =50.000 instead of 500.000. No shutdown, but I cannot judge how bright it is right now.
argotera said:
Hi, first of all, sorry in advance if it is a stupid post, I am no developer. Is it possible that everybody is running an extreme version and getting thermal problems because of a typo? I ve tried this mod (the medium version), and read the thread.
I opened the default configuration file, and compared it to the same file in the zip.
Two values change:
___________________default_____Medium________Extreme
if_indicator_level = _____3125_______4125___________5125
if_torch_vr = _________25000_____500000_________1000000
Isn't that strange? In the medium and the extreme versions, the indicator current is increased by 30% and 60% respectively, but the flash led's current goes from 25k to 500k and 1 million
The values seem to be in μA, that makes the default value of 25.000μA equal to 25mA, which seems about right for a led.
I ve modified the medium vetsion to the value "if_torch_vr =50.000 instead of 500.000. No shutdown, but I cannot judge how bright it is right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, not a stupid post - So with the Z5 series they have a pretty low thermal limit, so thats why it is so retarded and shuts down, unless you have flashed the thermal limit raiser. (created for the purpose of the z5 thermal limit being so low)
Let me know if you notice a change in brightness, as the I may have miss-typed some of the code
Hi, I haven't looked it since.
I did not want to try that thermal mod. The posts on its thread weren't very encouraging. Decided to leave it set at if_torch_vr =50000
I can test again with other values but it won't be in the next days. Probably when I decide to jump to nougat
The Medium mod send my phone in temperature protection, if someone have Xposed try this module to increase the temperature limit
http://repo.xposed.info/module/michele2.thermal.disabler
Edit:
The module does not solve the problem, after a minute with the LED on the Z5c turns off after a temperature warning message.
cioce said:
The Medium mod send my phone in temperature protection, if someone have Xposed try this module to increase the temperature limit
http://repo.xposed.info/module/michele2.thermal.disabler
Edit:
The module does not solve the problem, after a minute with the LED on the Z5c turns off after a temperature warning message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69743947&postcount=11
Did you tried that? I recommend v1.6.1
EDIT
WORKING FOR FEW SEC AND SHUTTING DOWN!
on my 1.54
im using green kernel for stock rom
Links dead, reupload? Thanks
Update
Lenovo fixed the issue in the latest update with my initial method which was switching off the CABC in the backlight controller which gives us a brightness boost. So obviously it is not dangerous.
Old Message:
So having achieved root, I was looking into the easiest of the issues. Some call it flickering. The "feature" is called CABC and is supposed to save battery. But obviously this comes at a cost of the display constantly adapting the brightness to the content which can cause flickering depending on what you have on the screen.
With root this can be switched off. Alternatively a new kernel could solve this without root. In both cases an unlocked bootloader is still required.
Instructions:
Use a build.prop editor form the Playstore
Edit the variable "ro.qualcomm.cabl=2" and set it to 0. CAUTION this modifies the system partition. If you want to receive OTAs in the future you will have to flash the system partition with an original image or backup.
Reboot
Technical details:
There are three places where CABC can be switched off:
In the build.prop
In the device tree blob in the boot image/kernel. Specifically the DSI switch on commands in the LCD panel description contain the enabling of CABC
In the LCD backlight driver /sys/devices/soc.0/78b6000.i2c/i2c-2/2-002c -> could be dangerous because it increases brightness and the voltages in the backlight controller
matshias said:
So having achieved root, I was looking into the easiest of the issues. Some call it flickering. The "feature" is called CABC and is supposed to save battery. But obviously this comes at a cost of the display constantly adapting the brightness to the content which can cause flickering depending on what you have on the screen.
With root this can be switched off. Alternatively a new kernel could solve this without root. In both cases an unlocked bootloader is still required.
I attached an Automate flow which disables CABC and guess what we get a brightness bump of about 20%. Now the maximum brightness of the display is even a bit brighter than my old Yoga Tab 2 and should be on par with the 3 pro
Make sure that Automate runs on system startup and has root enabled.
Technical details:
There are two places where CABC can be switched off:
In the device tree blob in the boot image/kernel. Specifically the DSI switch on commands in the LCD panel description contain the enabling of CABC
In the LCD backlight driver /sys/devices/soc.0/78b6000.i2c/i2c-2/2-002c
It turns out that if you disable the latter CABC is off even without modifying the former. Of course this requires ROOT to change. This could also be done in the kernel, but would need either a recompile or modifying the init.rd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Now only audio sync issues left for me and tablet will be perfect.
Have you compared the battery performance with and without CABC disabled?
Ashili said:
Have you compared the battery performance with and without CABC disabled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, these battery life tests take a long time, which I don't have Time is better spent looking into the other issues. It shouldn't be too much of a difference.
matshias said:
No, these battery life tests take a long time, which I don't have Time is better spent looking into the other issues. It shouldn't be too much of a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yap, I think so. The battery life is long enough. Thank you.
I would think as long as you manually adjust brightness to match your content, you'd get similar results.
I modified the thread to use a less invasive method. I am having issues with my tablet. I am not sure it was caused by this mod but just to be safe I recommend everyone not to use it any longer.
what kind of problem?
chuwq1038 said:
what kind of problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything works (also the display) but the battery drains and the back of the tablet gets warm even when the tablet is switched off. Could be completely unrelated to the mod, but who knows.
With latest official update I have a battery drain issue too. 15% down overnight...
Hello, i am getting this phone tomorrow and i would like info from existing users.
1) person i am buying the phone from said it has second latest firmware and that it has a bug where cores dont idle properly and therefor battery runs out faster. Anyone has this problem and how to solve it ?
2) i would like to avoid as much hassle with unofficial software, but will use it if it will really help the phone. What official or unofficial updates do you recomend ? What proved best for this phone ?
3) what is the easiest way to root this phone ? On my S4 mini phone i used 1 click root (kingoroot). I need this for phone call recording app.
To help you with your answer i will write how i plan to use the phone and what i want it to do.
1) i will mostly use it for calls, messages and camera.
2) I will rarely use it to browse internet, youtube, check facebook and gmail.
3) apps i will use are: sms backup and phonecall recorder
4) i will occasionaly use google maps or something similar
5) i will NOT play games on it, watch movies on it or run any cpu/mem intense operation on it.
6) i will use camera on it very often, for images and videos. I would like it to open fast and take images and videos as good as possible. I would like advices on what to install and how to tweak to accomplish this since reviews say camera is not very good on this phone.
Bonus question: Would anyone here dare to say how this phones camera will compare to camera on Samsung S4 mini and S5 mini ? Will camera on Z5 compact be worse, same or better than those 2 phones ?
Was user of this phone for around 2 years. Just upgraded from Z5C to Mi Mix 2.
Mine's battery got swell, but luckily back cover glass not broken, so I carefully removed cover and put needle on battery to take out pressure from battery. Put back cover, and it seems to be good so far. Keeping it as backup phone.
For idle / cpu sleep, disable movie maker app, its discussed in old threads as well.
Camera is just okay, and biggest let down on camera is, it takes photo after a second when you click the camera button.
On my new Mix 2, camera is super fast. It takes photo as soon as button is tapped.
2nd drawback is heating issue. It gets hot really quickly when using any app that uses more cpu, like recording a movie. You can cool it down by killing the app.
Sent from my Mi MIX 2 using Tapatalk
I've used the Z5C as my primary device for almost 3 years now and own two in case I need a backup. I can't address all of your concerns but I can definitely provide some input based on my experience.
Hello, i am getting this phone tomorrow and i would like info from existing users.
1) person i am buying the phone from said it has second latest firmware and that it has a bug where cores dont idle properly and therefor battery runs out faster. Anyone has this problem and how to solve it ?
The latest stock firmware from Sony is Android Nougat 7.1.1 (if that's what you mean by second latest firmware). I did experience a severe battery drain issue in my first Z5C and had to replace it, may or may not be related to the bug you describe. My current two devices do not have this issue.
2) i would like to avoid as much hassle with unofficial software, but will use it if it will really help the phone. What official or unofficial updates do you recomend ? What proved best for this phone ?
Berni's alternative Lineage Build is the best rom and comes with the latest security patch from Google. Highly recommended over stock.
3) what is the easiest way to root this phone ? On my S4 mini phone i used 1 click root (kingoroot). I need this for phone call recording app.
Follow the guide on how to root. It's not as easy as using Kingoroot but it's the best available method to date. Note that if you choose to root this phone, you have to unlock the bootloader, which also results in a loss of the DRM keys, which are tied to the camera's ability to process photos. This isn't a huge issue anymore since the camera on unofficial roms is more or less the same quality is stock now.
As for the camera, it's pretty subpar by today's standards. It takes decent photos in daylight but the sensor is terrible for low light photos. There is no tweaking that I know of that can fix this. In fact most of Sony's phones suffer from this problem - I believe they only truly improved the camera with the Xperia XZ2 Compact which came out last year. The Z5C does support the 4K video though, which is nice. I use Footej Camera pro on my Z5C and have not come across a better app for taking photos.
While I much prefer the design of the Z5C over the Z3C, the Z3C supports working unofficial builds of both Oreo and Android P - the hardware is also more or less the same as the Z5C. So if the firmware version is important to you the Z3C is a good option too.
chall3ng3r said:
Was user of this phone for around 2 years. Just upgraded from Z5C to Mi Mix 2.
Mine's battery got swell, but luckily back cover glass not broken, so I carefully removed cover and put needle on battery to take out pressure from battery. Put back cover, and it seems to be good so far. Keeping it as backup phone.
Tapatalk
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i saved my battery used only the original slow charger ,
mostly ive charge from 20 to 90%
and disconnected the phone from the charger when done chargering ,
not using the phone while is charge's
the result my phone is over years
if i put *#*#service#*#* in the dialer its saids my battery is 2400 instead of 2700 (only 300ma damge over 2 yrs!) stiil good to use
Don't use custom roms if you are going to use the camera very often.
The image quality on custom roms is much worse than the stock one. (Expecially with videos, you loose the extra smooth stabilization)
I raccomend you to use stock rom + root (magisk) + green kernel
I still use my Z5c as a daily driver. I keep a phone as a daily as long as possible but I plan to switch when something I like comes to market. 2018 sucks when it comes to new smartphones, IMO. I enjoy having front facing speakers and NO NOTCH.
- Stock ROM specific to my country (E5803_Customized PH_1298-5099_32.4.A.1.54_R1E). If you are in the US, I think flashing a stock ROM other than the US specific one enables the fingerprint scanner. I have tried Berni's Lineage 14.1 build and I would highly recommend it for an AOSP-based ROM. Unfortunately I loose camera features like digital stabilization in video and 60 fps recording so I went back to stock. With all the bloatware disabled, Sony's stock ROM is not bad.
- I was able to backup my TA partition when the Dirty Cow exploit was a thing. I was able to flash it back when I finally had TWRP, keeping the DRM stuff needed for the best camera performance.
- Magisk-v18 for root. But unlocking the bootloader and adding a recovery is a whole different story.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/general/guide-how-to-root-z5c-painful-using-t3549388
- Z5 FSC (Fast Smarter Cooler)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...d-fsc-1-0-dont-sacrifice-performance-t3670586
- Xposed mod so I can use RootCloak and hide my rooted status from banking apps.
Thank you all for replies, i didnt get my phone this friday, i am getting it on monday, i am anxious I am getting the latest technology of 2015 Yep, right now im on midrange 2013 phone, moving to highend 2015
I am not playing with anything that could harm my camera, its the most important thing to me. Basicly all i care about is rooting the phone. That rooting guide looks long and painful and im a software enginer
I guess i will have to do a little reading because right now i dont even know the difference between ROM and kernel. Maybe you could point me to some good reading ?
Just to be safe. When i get my phone. If i do every single official upgrade that the phone offers me (android version, sony stuff, etc.). Will i still be able to use the Magisk-v18 for rooting? The reason i am asking is that if possible, i would like to first upgrade everything and test my phone call recording app and see how it works. If it works, i would save myself a whole load of time doing that painful rooting thing. But, i am afraid that upgrading the phone will make it harder to root (dirty cow and such). So can i safely upgrade everything ?
xperiafan8 said:
Just to be safe. When i get my phone. If i do every single official upgrade that the phone offers me (android version, sony stuff, etc.). Will i still be able to use the Magisk-v18 for rooting? The reason i am asking is that if possible, i would like to first upgrade everything and test my phone call recording app and see how it works. If it works, i would save myself a whole load of time doing that painful rooting thing. But, i am afraid that upgrading the phone will make it harder to root (dirty cow and such). So can i safely upgrade everything ?
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Updating the phone won't make it harder to root, and it's already extremely easy
you just need to:
1. Unlock the bootloader (Easy process, you just need to follow a few instructions from https://developer.sony.com/develop/open-devices/get-started/unlock-bootloader/)
2. Install a custom recovery (Just a few adb commands)
3. Flash Magisk via the recovery you just installed
TheVan28 said:
Updating the phone won't make it harder to root, and it's already extremely easy
you just need to:
1. Unlock the bootloader (Easy process, you just need to follow a few instructions from https://developer.sony.com/develop/open-devices/get-started/unlock-bootloader/)
2. Install a custom recovery (Just a few adb commands)
3. Flash Magisk via the recovery you just installed
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Click to collapse
The part that bothers me is the backup of the keys for camera. I dont even know what this keys are nor why are they needed but i am afraid i will lose them, as ppl tend to lose keys.
xperiafan8 said:
The part that bothers me is the backup of the keys for camera. I dont even know what this keys are nor why are they needed but i am afraid i will lose them, as ppl tend to lose keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the trickiest part. I followed the guides carefully, backed up my keys and later when I tried to restore they keys my phone soft bricked and I was never able to restore them again. Not a huge loss for me because I want to stay on a custom rom with root.
Also is quite easy to downgrade for phone to old firmware if you decided to update it. The Sony flash tool is great. But there is a learning curve to all of this so I suggest you read up and learn it well if you really want to use this device.
Well this is a disapointment. Camera is worse than on S5 mini which is 1 year older, a lot cheaper and "only" 8MP. And battery seems to run down mighty fast even when i am not touching the phone. I decided to use s5 mini until i figure out of there is any worthy upgrade.
Could someone please record video with Z5 compact in silent room and check if there is any background noise ? Because on my phone, there is a lot of background noise when i record video and audio quality is really bad. I tried all 3 compatible android roms so far.
xperiafan8 said:
Could someone please record video with Z5 compact in silent room and check if there is any background noise ? Because on my phone, there is a lot of background noise when i record video and audio quality is really bad. I tried all 3 compatible android roms so far.
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Click to collapse
Hi, Yes i have some noise when recording.I only use official stock rom 7.1.1, I also put the phone in a box and closed it to do the recording.
I did not really noticed it before because i usually only take pictures and when i shoot to record something, it is outside to record music or something, so no real silence.
I can hear the background noise (recorded from a silent) when pushing volume level over 50% and i don't think it is that bad.
1) I think, the microphone is on some kind of auto adjustmode and boost its sensibility to pick low noise.
2)Some noise do come from the Z5 circuitry, if you put your ear on the Z5 phone back,you can hear some noise...So i am sure this noise is picked as well.
3) I also recorded the video with the sony NC-750 earbuds (binaural audio) and i got also some noise noise as well.
---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:41 AM ----------
Can i ask you which alternate rom are you using?
I don't think Sony's still work :
Radio FM RDS, Noise cancelling with Sony's earbuds, binaural recording, Steady Shot Tm, 23MPX camera...
(Those last two i coud live without if there is a good alternative solution as camera app), not sure about battery life either.
xperiafan8 said:
Could someone please record video with Z5 compact in silent room and check if there is any background noise ? Because on my phone, there is a lot of background noise when i record video and audio quality is really bad. I tried all 3 compatible android roms so far.
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Click to collapse
Running latest Lineage 14.1 build from Berni without DRM keys. I use the Footej camera app. When recording there is some noise but it's quiet so I've never noticed it before. Audio quality overall is good.
My best camera experience has been using Footej but also CameraMx with HDR enabled. Also if you rooted with Magisk, download and install the Camera2 API Enabler module.