Related
I got a Nexus just over two weeks ago, I used to be a pretty big fan of rooting and trying out different kernels and ROMs back when I had an HTC Explorer.
I got a Nexus 5 here in Pakistan without warranty so if I end up bricking the device, I ain't getting a new one. The day I got it, I rooted it and installed a Snapshot build of Cyanogenmod(weird that they didn't have a stable build).
I must admit that while performance was pretty much the same, the camera shutter speed became much much faster. But this came at the expense of two things.
First of all I lost HDR mode and second I lost face detection. So I reverted back to Stock, and later realized that the latest version of Google Camera also removes face detection. Someone also told me that HDR was dependant on what kind of GAPPS you used.
I also heard of more ROMs like LiquidSmooth, AOKP, Paranoid Android, that I was told to try out.
But anyways there we're a dozen other camera improvements and mic distortion fixes that I am tempted to try. But I hate moving my data and it's especially difficult because I don't have a SD Card on Nexus.
Are the ROMs and kernels worth it? Oh and what about the camera, video and mic improvement fixes are they worth it or did Google add all those features into Android 4.4.4?
Thanks for any help I receive!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
salmanahmad22 said:
I got a Nexus just over two weeks ago, I used to be a pretty big fan of rooting and trying out different kernels and ROMs back when I had an HTC Explorer.
I got a Nexus 5 here in Pakistan without warranty so if I end up bricking the device, I ain't getting a new one. The day I got it, I rooted it and installed a Snapshot build of Cyanogenmod(weird that they didn't have a stable build).
I must admit that while performance was pretty much the same, the camera shutter speed became much much faster. But this came at the expense of two things.
First of all I lost HDR mode and second I lost face detection. So I reverted back to Stock, and later realized that the latest version of Google Camera also removes face detection. Someone also told me that HDR was dependant on what kind of GAPPS you used.
I also heard of more ROMs like LiquidSmooth, AOKP, Paranoid Android, that I was told to try out.
But anyways there we're a dozen other camera improvements and mic distortion fixes that I am tempted to try. But I hate moving my data and it's especially difficult because I don't have a SD Card on Nexus.
Are the ROMs and kernels worth it? Oh and what about the camera, video and mic improvement fixes are they worth it or did Google add all those features into Android 4.4.4?
Thanks for any help I receive!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. you do not need root to try different roms and kernels. all you need is a custom recovery(unlocked bootloader).
2. all root is is the permission to change system files. without root, you cant do it.
3. and all your is it worth it questions.. is it worth it to YOU? to someone its worth it, to someone else it is not. you decide.
4. get it out of your head that cm is the "best" rom. cm is just the most well know, thats it. its far from anything called the best.
If you've rooted before, then you already know your answer.
For CyanogenMod, snapshot is basically the new stable BTW. You only lost those HDR+ and face unlock because you must have flashed a GAPPS package that didn't contain those; not the fault of the ROM at all. Custom ROMs and kernels are worth it if they provide features that you want. I don't think there's much wrong with camera, video and mic currently.
To become a happy flasher on XDA!
korockinout13 said:
For CyanogenMod, snapshot is basically the new stable BTW. You only lost those HDR+ and face unlock because you must have flashed a GAPPS package that didn't contain those; not the fault of the ROM at all. Custom ROMs and kernels are worth it if they provide features that you want. I don't think there's much wrong with camera, video and mic currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find nothing at all wrong with the camera, it's quite stellar actually.
But having used the increased shutter speed on Cyanogenmod I was really impressed by the hidden potential.
Have any of you flashed the mic distortion, camera and video improvements made by someone with the name of Jishnu?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Why root? How about root to enjoy 100%the potential of your device
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I think OP got his question reversed. Should be:
"Why buy a Nexus 5 if you're not going to root?"
:angel:
Lethargy said:
I think OP got his question reversed. Should be:
"Why buy a Nexus 5 if you're not going to root?"
:angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer: just to troll you
Because google screwed up the stock ROM that comes on the nexus 5
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Rooting means installing a new kernel, right ?
I want to change the font of my nexus 5.
Sagar Khanapurkar said:
Rooting means installing a new kernel, right ?
I want to change the font of my nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Rooting means rooting. Installing a new kernel means installing a new kernel.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk < Yes, I want you to know that I'm using a mobile client
You root to grant yourself... Root. Not sure it gets more simpler than that. You shouldn't own a development device if you're not interested in Android development.
TheLastSidekick said:
You root to grant yourself... Root. Not sure it gets more simpler than that. You shouldn't own a development device if you're not interested in Android development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus line is certainly no longer considered solely a development series of devices. Its a consumer device with enhanced development capabilities. So to suggest that those thousands of customers who have no intention of developing are wrong to own a Nexus product is nonsense.
Bilhouse said:
The Nexus line is certainly no longer considered solely a development series of devices. Its a consumer device with enhanced development capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a consumer device, because anyone who purchases it.. Is considered a consumer. However, the device is tailored to developers. Even allowing the bootloader to be unlocked and Google essentially handing you the keys to do so.
TheLastSidekick said:
It is a consumer device, because anyone who purchases it.. Is considered a consumer. However, the device is tailored to developers. Even allowing the bootloader to be unlocked and Google essentially handing you the keys to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Not everything sold through an open channel is considered a consumer device. Its considered a consumer device because its main product positioning now is to offer an affordable, carrier unlocked device with high spec hardware. Actually the Nexus tablets illustrate my argument perfectly as they are heavily advertised and offered through a larger retail presence.
The ease of unlocking the bootloader, rooting and flashing on Nexus devices as well as delivering new versions of Android certainly are an important aspect in regards to its use in Android development. But its no longer the only key focus.
Heck if we base it on those principles than the OnePlus ONE is even more of a 'development device' than the Nexus. Not only does it feature CM11S, it is also easy to unlock, root and flash other custom ROM's. In fact unlocking the bootloader is clearly stated NOT to void your warranty, whereas with the Nexus it is stated in more ambiguous terms that it 'may' void your warranty.
But those 400-500,000 people waiting for an invite for a OnePlus sure aren't intending to develop on it for the most part. Just like the Nexus line they are after a cheap, high powered, unlocked handset.
Regardless, my initial point was to address your nonsensical elitist attitude when making the statement that the OP shouldn't own a device if he isn't intending to develop on it or isn't an Android developer in the first place. That my good Sir is a crock of bull****.
I would like to root my nexus 5, but I want Android L, which means I have to un-root it again just to get Android L.
Right ?
Sagar Khanapurkar said:
I would like to root my nexus 5, but I want Android L, which means I have to un-root it again just to get Android L.
Right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it means you have to flash the developer preview.
Lethargy said:
No, it means you have to flash the developer preview.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want official Android L. Is it possible to receive official Android L while my phone is rooted ?
Sagar Khanapurkar said:
I want official Android L. Is it possible to receive official Android L while my phone is rooted ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can receive OTA when rooted. Read "OTA Help-Desk" thread, which you can get to via my signature.
There is NO official Android L at this time.
Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
apmartin1991 said:
Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
corpsegrinder62 said:
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did indeed have a quick google and I read about the issues you explained, all about DRM issues with Camera and a few other things.
Many thanks for your reply, hopefully they will remove some of this with android L.
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
CameronBanna said:
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible. The only thing possible is restore some features that you lose when you unlock the bootloader.
apmartin1991 said:
Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
munsabin said:
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
corpsegrinder62 said:
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
squabbi said:
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
munsabin said:
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whilst i do agree to your point, my point of view of the post is not exactly inaccurate but rather a different point of view to yours, think of it like this: many users start developing because they start to tinker with their new amazing device, many users themselves apart from developers try at developing aswell, and this all ads to rom and kernel growth as well as bug/beta testing which developers obviously need to keep developing, whilst yes Lollipop is a great thing and yes many devs are trying to get lollipop working instead of modding kitkat, there are still plenty users that will prefer kitkat over lollipop. The vast majority of users and devs are first working on a root exploit cause 80% (give or take my best guess here) of users are now frustrated from buying a device they cannot unlock or develop with unless they willing to risk their warranty or destroy 30% of the phone's functionality included by sony which we all love and taking such a risk knowing you got only one try to get it right, this is tricky.. so if you think of lets say 30 000 users on xda owning a z3, i can bet you not even 2000 of those are unlocked yet, and therefore slow development happens because all focus is taken to finding an exploit, which is great, i cannot wait for the day my Z3 can get unlocked when we can backup DRM. Im not disrespecting anyone here fyi, im just posting my opinion.
CameronBanna said:
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most DRM is not restorable, although it can sometimes be backed up and then restored with various other phones.
iFlasher said:
It's not possible. The only thing possible is restore some features that you lose when you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct from what I hear.
munsabin said:
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a brilliant reply, I am waiting for CES to finish this week and then if nothing major is announced I will be buying a Z3, as soon as lollipop is out and in a good state I will make a ROM if I have the time
squabbi said:
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They may need different drivers as they have a slightly different chipset in them, most devs should be able to account for this
munsabin said:
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He should not delete his answer, his answer was a good one albeit not as detailed as the rest. DRM is an issue to contend with as some users like it and want to keep it.
corpsegrinder62 said:
Whilst i do agree to your point, my point of view of the post is not exactly inaccurate but rather a different point of view to yours, think of it like this: many users start developing because they start to tinker with their new amazing device, many users themselves apart from developers try at developing aswell, and this all ads to rom and kernel growth as well as bug/beta testing which developers obviously need to keep developing, whilst yes Lollipop is a great thing and yes many devs are trying to get lollipop working instead of modding kitkat, there are still plenty users that will prefer kitkat over lollipop. The vast majority of users and devs are first working on a root exploit cause 80% (give or take my best guess here) of users are now frustrated from buying a device they cannot unlock or develop with unless they willing to risk their warranty or destroy 30% of the phone's functionality included by sony which we all love and taking such a risk knowing you got only one try to get it right, this is tricky.. so if you think of lets say 30 000 users on xda owning a z3, i can bet you not even 2000 of those are unlocked yet, and therefore slow development happens because all focus is taken to finding an exploit, which is great, i cannot wait for the day my Z3 can get unlocked when we can backup DRM. Im not disrespecting anyone here fyi, im just posting my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good answer too, and your bang on, not everyone wants to lose DRM keys or risk losing stuff they like. I will be patient until I start ROMing myself again or until someone manages to hack around this known issue. Sony have always been tight arses with ROM developers...
@apmartin1991 - root w/ locked BL is now available. No need for custom roms IMO when you've got xposed framework available. Xblast Tools will give you a LOT of what you'll find on custom roms, plus you'll be running on stable stock rom. Kernels can be modified once you've rooted your phone with locked BL, saved TA partition (for future), and unlocked bootloader. But unlocking bootloader will kill camera night shots.
I haven't found any good explanations on this so just wondering why people do it. Generally it's fine for most brands but for Sony, I've read so much bad stuff about camera & battery issues, hence the importance of backing up the TA partition.
Aside from being able to use AOSP/CM roms, what's the point of unlocking? It seems like you're sacrificing the camera a bit too much just for this?
To much arguments on this topic.
Someone likes AOSP look and feel more than fuctionality of camera.
What you like, i dont like and vice versa.
chaoscreater said:
I haven't found any good explanations on this so just wondering why people do it. Generally it's fine for most brands but for Sony, I've read so much bad stuff about camera & battery issues, hence the importance of backing up the TA partition.
Aside from being able to use AOSP/CM roms, what's the point of unlocking? It seems like you're sacrificing the camera a bit too much just for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash custom ROM's, custom kernels, mods, etc. And these are just a few.
TheTeslaCoil said:
Flash custom ROM's, custom kernels, mods, etc. And these are just a few.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a kernel that can give me better battery life than stock kernel. I recently found the thread where you can keep the TA partition intact with unlocked bootloader. I am happy with stock debloated ROM but would use another kernel if it means even more battery life.
jassalmithu said:
Is there a kernel that can give me better battery life than stock kernel. I recently found the thread where you can keep the TA partition intact with unlocked bootloader. I am happy with stock debloated ROM but would use another kernel if it means even more battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can only backup TA to restore it later (but if you restore it you lock your bootloader)
Point is, while you have unlocked bootloader your TA is wiped..
But there is solution to have TA functions on unlocked bootloader.. But it has nothing with TA partition it self, it's a mimic of functions..
Sent from my D6603 using XDA Free mobile app
like others mentioned, it really opens up android and allows you to explore other things; custom roms, mods, kernels, minor tweaks, etc... . in the past years, ive spent alot of time editing this, modifying that, the process of learning was very enjoying. However, after exploring all those, from my perspective, nothing is better than stock if you want stability. dont get me wrong, custom roms are stable too but not 99.99% stable as the stock one from Sony. If you want to explore and have time for that, then go for it, if not, then just with locked BL and root.
and if you ask whether sacrificing camera quality and BE (which can be retained on my original Z), it depends on the user, if the user is a photographer or a person that relies heavily on the phone's camera then maybe. but an average user the trade off isnt much. Also, you can also relock the BL.
Thanks everyone for your answers!
Also, I've heard from some people they actually PREFER the post-unlock camera as the noise reduction algorithm is a bit too aggressive. (Dpreview slammed the Z3 for having overly aggressive NR that caused detail to be lost.)
In my case, I haven't had a working camera in 2-3 months as I still haven't bothered to get it working again in Omni. Cellphone cameras universally suck, and even without the DRM issues the IMX220 is actually well below-average.
I have some questions: Does the camera gets worse in custom ROMs or after unlocking the bootloader? Will it have good comunity support, AOSP roms etc? I would gladly spend more on this phone than on a S7 if I know it will have a long life with comunity support.
ygorvaz said:
I have some questions: Does the camera gets worse in custom ROMs or after unlocking the bootloader? Will it have good comunity support, AOSP roms etc? I would gladly spend more on this phone than on a S7 if I know it will have a long life with comunity support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Community support = Yes
Camera Worse on custom Roms = Yes
Camera Worse after unlocking Bootloader = Yes but can be fixed using any Kernel with DRM fixes.
ygorvaz said:
I have some questions: Does the camera gets worse in custom ROMs or after unlocking the bootloader? Will it have good comunity support, AOSP roms etc? I would gladly spend more on this phone than on a S7 if I know it will have a long life with comunity support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since android came to the stage, my first phone was sony Xperia X8 and after that, I got Xperia Z and now i have the XZ
with the X8 and the Z the support from both Sony and the Community is great it's active until now man ) about the camera i had no issues what so ever with the stock Rom and the other Roms. except that, you Can't use the camera when the battery is low.
the Volume on the Xperia XZ is loud enough for me also so I've no problems with this device, and i believe that very soon someone will be able to find out how to root the Stock Kernel so everything will be even greater with Xposed and Root !! go ahead and get it btw i have the Forest Blue color and it looks so elegant (Y) the charge is fast as well and it will last at least 1 day with heavy usage of gaming, messenger and instagram )
I unlocked the bootloader, flashed Androplus, flashed romaur for xz and no DRM function is lost, camera and everything seems to be working perfectly thanks to Androplus' DRM patch.
I was afraid to unlock the bootloader in case of DRM loss, but every xperia phone from now on will have some workaround for it, by unlocking the bootloader of this great phone you only gain benefits.
Custom roms are not needed and they suck, the best roms for sony phones are based on stock+custom enhanced kernel, sony has always done a good job balancing their stock releases so it's good to use them, don't even bother trying CM.
The title is basically self-explanatory. I'm particularly interested in these things:
AOSP/LOS/anything clean: how's battery drain? More than on stock or not?
Camera: could we replace ours with gcam? Is 70-105 switch working well?
Camera: do we have smth like XperianceCamera?
What features are we losing with unlocking bootloader? None afaics, but I may have missed something.
Thanks in advance! :^)
About Xperia 5 IV. It works great to me.
1.- No idea, never used stock. I have strong dislikes on Google.
2.- It works fine with OpenCamera, all 4 cameras detected (front, back normal, back close, back wide).
3.- No idea, I would need to try.
4.- It works fine.
Looks like I wrote a novel so TLDR:
I suck at this stuff, just getting back into custom ROMs - tried Pixel Experience 13 and Lineage OS(no Play Services (I think Android 13/A13 Beta)).
Stock Sony Rom + Root is the way to go. At least for right now.
Wouldn't count on GCam working or working well.
(Sony) Photo Pro is proprietary too afaik so you'd need someone to port it to custom OS like Lineage without G Services (what I read someone feel free to correct me). It might work with LineageOS with G Services or whatever else, I didn't try it.
END OF TLDR:
ROM EXPERIENCES:
Pixel Experience was weird, probably worked fine but I don't think the dimensions of the Xperia 5 III work well with how PE is scaled. Just this users opinion. Also I really only tried it to try it- not a huge fan of Google lately.
Lineage OS almost worked but the version I had text messages didn't work. The default one or others from F-Droid. I'm positive its user error on my part. Battery life seemed great though, it's anecdotal but it seemed markedly better without Google constantly checking in. Probably my bias.
Its important to me to have some Sony Apps and overall functionality (seems like low dev support when comparing to other devices IE Galaxy/Pixel) so I think stock Sony ROM+ Rooted is the way to go. Seemingly the general consensus on the forum too (especially since its pretty stock Android anyway).
Bonus objectives for me on stock Sony Rom is to DeGoogle + MicroG although I haven't made it all the way there yet. Then maybe long term try a Xperia 5 IV ROM for sh*ts and giggles for Android 13 since I doubt the 5 III will get it.
FUNCTIONALITY:
Your questions about GCam and losing functionality: I have heard/seen a lot of things online about GCam either needing to be ported to devices individually or that its part of Google's "Special Sauce" software wise. So I would expect stripped functionality if functional at all.
Someone who is a lot smarter and experienced than me should clarify on these last two:
Downsides to an unlocked bootloader+Custom ROM is same as always: risk of user error, bricking your device (soft bricked mine), depending on the ROM you choose you may not have Google Apps/limited so Banking apps and streaming apps won't work or won't go all the way up the resolution chain 4k20 69 fps etc. And I'm sure there is a security disclaimer somewhere out there too if you aren't careful.
Pros are same as always: Control of your device, system wide ad blocker, admin rights to delete bloatware, customization, custom ROMs, better battery life, potentially longer OS support, privacy, security, etc.
RAMBLINGS OF GETTING BACK INTO ROOTING WITH THE X5 III
*In case there are others out there who are similar to me in either getting back into rooting after a long time or the first time*
I'm pretty much a novice at this stuff but I was finally able to get my phone unlocked a few weeks ago and tried a few different ROMs. Out of what I tried I really only remember the Pixel Experience and Lineage OS. PE was fine but I'm not a huge fan of all the Google stuff so I went in the opposite direction and did Lineage OS without the Google Play Store/Services/App Framework whatever. It was almost a keeper for me except messaging wasn't working for whatever reason ((I wonder ^^)but really I think it was because it was an A13 beta). I tried a few different messaging apps but between that and losing some Sony Apps I decided to back to stock.
I feel like the big points for this phone are the camera app, the display customization depending on the content viewed, and possibly the gaming tweaks/music app? Last two are a stretch but eh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
The new plan was/is hoping to do was DeGoogle the stock ROM and replace it with MicroG. I haven't gotten around to it because the post I was looking at on how to do it on this forum linked to another post in a different forum and it was for Android 11. My phone is on Android 12. Looking at the comments people had said the process was the same for 12 as 11 or very similar. Shouldn't be too hard but knowing me it will take me another afternoon or two to get it figured out and working.
Long term I'm kind of hoping that when an Android 13 ROM comes out for the Xperia 5 IV we could try throwing it on our devices too. Since I doubt we will be getting Android 13 on the Xperia 5 III. I know the physical camera is different on the 5 IV but everything else seems close enough to a normie like me that maybe it would be worth it to try. Then its back to figuring out how to DeGoogle on an unsupported device and installing MicroG etc etc.
Sorry its such a late response and not the most technical (or maybe even 100% accurate) but that was at least my experience a bit ago trying a few different ROMs on the GSI thread linked in the "How To" post listed here.
This phone has really grown on me and I'm bummed I'm not savvy in any amount of Android development so I am unable to make customizations/tweaks to the stock ROM. Or customize other OS ROM's to port here. Which makes me reliant on others to do the work so I can leech off it haha. On more widely used phones like Samsung or the Pixel its NBD since there are so many users. But a small community like this, it doesn't seem like there is a lot being done. Not a dig or anything, just not a ton of options. Although being able to install a ton of different custom ROMS from the GSI thread is really cool even if it isn't tailored to the Xperia 5 III.
Part of why I threw up so much info on here goes with the last paragraph. You probably won't get a lot of responses. There aren't a ton of peeps here and those who are generally already know what they are doing.
If you end up trying a bunch of different ROMs and find one you really like LMK!
+1 to that. I don't get 5G and had bad time trying to obtain signal. It doesn't worth.
J2 digital said:
Looks like I wrote a novel so TLDR:
I suck at this stuff, just getting back into custom ROMs - tried Pixel Experience 13 and Lineage OS(no Play Services (I think Android 13/A13 Beta)).
Stock Sony Rom + Root is the way to go. At least for right now.
Wouldn't count on GCam working or working well.
(Sony) Photo Pro is proprietary too afaik so you'd need someone to port it to custom OS like Lineage without G Services (what I read someone feel free to correct me). It might work with LineageOS with G Services or whatever else, I didn't try it.
END OF TLDR:
ROM EXPERIENCES:
Pixel Experience was weird, probably worked fine but I don't think the dimensions of the Xperia 5 III work well with how PE is scaled. Just this users opinion. Also I really only tried it to try it- not a huge fan of Google lately.
Lineage OS almost worked but the version I had text messages didn't work. The default one or others from F-Droid. I'm positive its user error on my part. Battery life seemed great though, it's anecdotal but it seemed markedly better without Google constantly checking in. Probably my bias.
Its important to me to have some Sony Apps and overall functionality (seems like low dev support when comparing to other devices IE Galaxy/Pixel) so I think stock Sony ROM+ Rooted is the way to go. Seemingly the general consensus on the forum too (especially since its pretty stock Android anyway).
Bonus objectives for me on stock Sony Rom is to DeGoogle + MicroG although I haven't made it all the way there yet. Then maybe long term try a Xperia 5 IV ROM for sh*ts and giggles for Android 13 since I doubt the 5 III will get it.
FUNCTIONALITY:
Your questions about GCam and losing functionality: I have heard/seen a lot of things online about GCam either needing to be ported to devices individually or that its part of Google's "Special Sauce" software wise. So I would expect stripped functionality if functional at all.
Someone who is a lot smarter and experienced than me should clarify on these last two:
Downsides to an unlocked bootloader+Custom ROM is same as always: risk of user error, bricking your device (soft bricked mine), depending on the ROM you choose you may not have Google Apps/limited so Banking apps and streaming apps won't work or won't go all the way up the resolution chain 4k20 69 fps etc. And I'm sure there is a security disclaimer somewhere out there too if you aren't careful.
Pros are same as always: Control of your device, system wide ad blocker, admin rights to delete bloatware, customization, custom ROMs, better battery life, potentially longer OS support, privacy, security, etc.
RAMBLINGS OF GETTING BACK INTO ROOTING WITH THE X5 III
*In case there are others out there who are similar to me in either getting back into rooting after a long time or the first time*
I'm pretty much a novice at this stuff but I was finally able to get my phone unlocked a few weeks ago and tried a few different ROMs. Out of what I tried I really only remember the Pixel Experience and Lineage OS. PE was fine but I'm not a huge fan of all the Google stuff so I went in the opposite direction and did Lineage OS without the Google Play Store/Services/App Framework whatever. It was almost a keeper for me except messaging wasn't working for whatever reason ((I wonder ^^)but really I think it was because it was an A13 beta). I tried a few different messaging apps but between that and losing some Sony Apps I decided to back to stock.
I feel like the big points for this phone are the camera app, the display customization depending on the content viewed, and possibly the gaming tweaks/music app? Last two are a stretch but eh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
The new plan was/is hoping to do was DeGoogle the stock ROM and replace it with MicroG. I haven't gotten around to it because the post I was looking at on how to do it on this forum linked to another post in a different forum and it was for Android 11. My phone is on Android 12. Looking at the comments people had said the process was the same for 12 as 11 or very similar. Shouldn't be too hard but knowing me it will take me another afternoon or two to get it figured out and working.
Long term I'm kind of hoping that when an Android 13 ROM comes out for the Xperia 5 IV we could try throwing it on our devices too. Since I doubt we will be getting Android 13 on the Xperia 5 III. I know the physical camera is different on the 5 IV but everything else seems close enough to a normie like me that maybe it would be worth it to try. Then its back to figuring out how to DeGoogle on an unsupported device and installing MicroG etc etc.
Sorry its such a late response and not the most technical (or maybe even 100% accurate) but that was at least my experience a bit ago trying a few different ROMs on the GSI thread linked in the "How To" post listed here.
This phone has really grown on me and I'm bummed I'm not savvy in any amount of Android development so I am unable to make customizations/tweaks to the stock ROM. Or customize other OS ROM's to port here. Which makes me reliant on others to do the work so I can leech off it haha. On more widely used phones like Samsung or the Pixel its NBD since there are so many users. But a small community like this, it doesn't seem like there is a lot being done. Not a dig or anything, just not a ton of options. Although being able to install a ton of different custom ROMS from the GSI thread is really cool even if it isn't tailored to the Xperia 5 III.
Part of why I threw up so much info on here goes with the last paragraph. You probably won't get a lot of responses. There aren't a ton of peeps here and those who are generally already know what they are doing.
If you end up trying a bunch of different ROMs and find one you really like LMK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for putting all your experiences out here, really a huge help. I would also like to try out lineage, but can't seem to find a supported version. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction?
Claussen said:
I would also like to try out lineage, but can't seem to find a supported version. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind a customized one, try crDroid
i would like to try custom ROM's but since no TWRP anymore to get for the Xperia's i hate to reinstall everything just to test something new.