Barebones version of Android on an Obscure Device - General Questions and Answers

I have a really old tablet lying around that I would like to run Fully Kiosk on to use as a Home Assistant dashboard in my house, but there are several issues I need to solve first, if possible.
The tablet is an Onix AT101-1215. Real cheap thing when I bought it probably 7 or 8 years ago, so it's unusable in its current state. I cannot find any ROM support for it either. I was wondering whether it was possible to get a really barebones, but more recent, version of Android running on it. I don't have much experience at all with Android development specifically, so I think I know what the answer is going to be, but I just wanted to make sure.
I have read some other forum threads, and apparently one of the finnickiest parts of building your own custom ROM are getting the camera working, and more proprietary parts of the device working properly. I don't need most of the features of the device, just for the display and the WiFi connectivity working, with a recent version of android would be good enough.
Again, I don't have any experience working with Android custom ROM development, so how plausible is it that I could get this working?

Related

[Q] Gingerbread or Stock Google Froyo? Just out of curiosity.

Before you read this and blast me for being impatient I want you to know that this is purely a question and I am truly grateful for all the developers we have working on the Charge Development.
Being that this is my first smartphone, I don't really know how long development takes and how much work goes into it. So my question is, how long before we see a Gingerbread ROM? Do the developers have to wait until a test build is leaked for the phone from Samsung or is development probably going on right now?
What about a Google Stock Froyo experience (you know without Touchwiz or Launcher Pro or anything like that)? I've heard a lot of people who like the Google experience better than anything else so I'm just wondering if that is in the works?
Once again I'm not trying to get on anyone's back I'm just purely wondering if these things are in development or if we will ever see these on the Charge.
Thanks
For most devices, especially CDMA, going from the ROM that shipped with the phone to a working AOSP ROM (Google Experience if you will) takes several months. With Samsung phones, it takes longer from what I've seen. The biggest problem that anyone trying to do this will encounter is the dual-RIL (needed for cell radios), and could be what prevents a full AOSP ROM from ever happening. A lot of people would love AOSP, but it is much easier said than done.

Closest MM/N ROM to AOSP for G930F?

Until recently I've used a Sony, but a couple of bad experiences (+ 2 bad replacements) and need for wireless charging due to work + other HW features this time round, means I've switched to a Samsung S7 (G930F). Yeah, I know, Exynos development, but I needed the hardware spec and it came up cheap. Anyhow, it's rooted, unlocked and running TWRP, and I'm trying out a couple of roms..
I usually run without GApps (no flames or "Why use android if not using GApps", please!), and I'm happy to run 6.x + Xposed, or 7.x without Xposed. But as I've only ever used AOSP variants/CM, I'm a bit unsure about choosing a rom based on modding the official Samsung firmware, so I thought I'd ask here to find about the differences "under the hood".
The most stable roms for the G930F seem to be stripped-down derivatives of Samsung official releases - but how close can I get to a stable AOSP experience? I'm not only thinking about the user interface, also about "under the hood" - some custom roms might just strip out Touchwiz and apps, others might strip out a lot more and try to clean up or get closer to a AOSP/CM style "clean" rom underneath. That's more what I'm after, a good quality stable clean rom that's trying to get close to AOSP/CM as much as Samsung makes possible and without GApps already built-in.
But at that point I'm basically lacking knowledge, so... How close do roms based on Samsung's firmware actually get to AOSP? What sort of things get left in that detract from "pure" android? Which roms are closer to AOSP under the hood, or strip out "more" of the Samsung/Gapps code?
Kryx Rom or Extreme Debloated + Nexus Conversion Pack or Google pixel rom
Use LineageOS if you are willing to deal with a few minor bugs.
I'm trying out Lineage right now - it's mostly fine, the main practical issue is an over-aggressive noise gate on phone calls, it cuts off words and makes speech hard to understand at the other end. Other issues I'm seeing are lack of power menu volume panel and crash bugs in the internal web view used by some apps. Not bad for pre-release.
One main question/concern with using a trimmed-down Samsung rom is, I haven't got any idea what Samsung do to AOSP Android/kernel, nor how much of it is undone. Gods know how often manufacturer mods have led to problems and weaknesses in an otherwise good product, and so it's not a theoretical question, manufacturer versions often seem to leave the entire firmware in quite an unknown state. I know there can't be any absolute answers, but any light-shedding would be really useful.
noob924 said:
Kryx Rom or Extreme Debloated + Nexus Conversion Pack or Google pixel rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kryx 1.2 is coming up with zip sig failure when I try to flash it. No sign that it shouldn't be signed, or is expected to come up with this error though, otherwise I'd try it anyway.

[ROM][REQUEST][POLL] Should i develop a rom for the Tab S6??

Hi all,
i own a Tab S6 T860 (non-lte) for quite a while now, about 6 months.
There are some downsides like the horrible unbuffered screen tearing that you'll get with fast-scrolling, but the overall device is pretty premium-sided, and it's got a decent processor, a great display (color/resolution wise) although im missing 2160p in youtube.
Question is as i (until now) didnt bothered developing for a new device, since i had my hands full with the MiPad4, some alcatel devices and are Maintaining official LineageOS for three legacy devices, should i develop for this one if the community still wants it.
The lead-dev of the MiPad left it so im thinking about developing for the Tab S6 now.
I would only develop LineageOS, starting with 16.0 then doing 17.1 and then 18 but idk how long it would take, since ive no real knowledge of the newest platforms and how they are built, so i'd be reading/trying out stuff a LOT before some release nightlies. The "latest" i developed for was the MiPad4 with a sdm660 btw but i mainly do legacy (e.g 8953/8952/8926).
So please leave your feedback or any other opinions/questions, if we reach a decent amount of people who still want it i'll start right away when im back home from my vacations on 18th.
Best Regards!
Edit: Since theres no real telegram group, and i MAINLY talk via telegram i made one so you can contact me quickly.
https://t.me/joinchat/Bn6f-VKeQfZfiKXo69h3Mw
#reserved 1
I would LOVE to have LOS on my Tab S6 (SM-T860) WiFi-only tablet!
Don't even care about stuff like fingerprint, external keyboard, Widevine, Bluetooth, any 'functionality' similar to what Samsung 'provides' like, you name it.
I've spent sooo much time, and a few dollars, trying to get preinstalled stuff to *not* work! but still be able to boot—Knox bull****, anyone?
And having telephony **** on my WiFi-only tablet, either. Something that has baffled me for years is why a 'custom' ROM for a Wifi-only device has software that trys to interact with nonexistent hardware, using up cpu as it continually tries...on a bit of a rant, there.
So yeah, I'm all in. FWIW, I helped write the instructions, and did a *lot* of testing for rooting the Tab S5e, so I ain't scared to test out stuff; check it out, here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-s5e/how-to/galaxy-tab-s5e-sm-t720-root-t3947806
TiTiB said:
I would LOVE to have LOS on my Tab S6 (SM-T860) WiFi-only tablet!
Don't even care about stuff like fingerprint, external keyboard, Widevine, Bluetooth, any 'functionality' similar to what Samsung 'provides' like, you name it.
I've spent sooo much time, and a few dollars, trying to get preinstalled stuff to *not* work! but still be able to boot—Knox bull****, anyone?
And having telephony **** on my WiFi-only tablet, either. Something that has baffled me for years is why a 'custom' ROM for a Wifi-only device has software that trys to interact with nonexistent hardware, using up cpu as it continually tries...on a bit of a rant, there.
So yeah, I'm all in. FWIW, I helped write the instructions, and did a *lot* of testing for rooting the Tab S5e, so I ain't scared to test out stuff; check it out, here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-s5e/how-to/galaxy-tab-s5e-sm-t720-root-t3947806
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info about the S5e, i was unaware of how well it is supported.
I would definitely do stuff like fingerprint, widevine, Bluetooth (PEN) and stuff.
But idk about those keyboards samsung offers and how they function since i cant test it on my own.
Same goes for the LTE but im pretty sure i can just use the same blobs.
BTW anyone has a firehose package for the tab s6 by chance???
I too would love LOS in this device. Samsung UI is cluttery, lagging (on mine), and an absolute mess. My PocoF1 gives me better Honkai Impact 3 (a gatcha action fighting game) performance than this tablet, and the poco is an SD845, with lite LOS. So yeah, I'd love to have this. My warranty is void anyways (because samsung decided so I haven't done a thing to void it), so it'd be great to have a reason to take advantage of that.
Chiming in for a plea to get a Lineage build for the Tab S6.
Such a gorgeous piece of hardware beset by such a ****ty software implementation. Why does Samsung insist on abusing its customers? I'd gladly pay for a Lineage or AOSP rom for our device.
Alright, a little update:
Kernel is done -> link found below
It has to be handled with care as of now. Installing it on my running rom resulted in a crash when unlocking the device. A quick factory reset fixed the problem but keep that in mind when installing this on your device.
Rom will follow up hopefully till next month - but i cant promise anything.
T-860:
https://dl.keksla.wtf/boot_t860.img
T-865:
(uploading)
Thargorsson said:
Alright, a little update:
Kernel is done -> link found below
It has to be handled with care as of now. Installing it on my running rom resulted in a crash when unlocking the device. A quick factory reset fixed the problem but keep that in mind when installing this on your device.
Rom will follow up hopefully till next month - but i cant promise anything.
T-860:
https://dl.keksla.wtf/boot_t860.img
T-865:
(uploading)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would love to have custom kernel for samsung rom, but i don mind if you can make enhancements to the kernel like under volt or to solve the graphics lagging issues. it was just tiny changes involved in the past to make it work for both stock and LineageOS but for android 10, i have no idea
i have long inactive in both rom and kernel developments and i doubt how long should it take to get familiar with changes from android 7 to 10
ps i am still on pie, too lazy to upgrade due to my csc is tgy, which lacks updates as usual, and i dont wanna reinstall everything as to switch to dbt and to re-enter all my passwords
btw, may i ask if the stock android 10 fixed the problem with fast scrolling? i have experiences lags and graphics distortions with the samsung browser which was way toooooo unacceptable for a top device like tab s6
ykkfive said:
i would love to have custom kernel for samsung rom, but i don mind if you can make enhancements to the kernel like under volt or to solve the graphics lagging issues. it was just tiny changes involved in the past to make it work for both stock and LineageOS but for android 10, i have no idea
i have long inactive in both rom and kernel developments and i doubt how long should it take to get familiar with changes from android 7 to 10
ps i am still on pie, too lazy to upgrade due to my csc is tgy, which lacks updates as usual, and i dont wanna reinstall everything as to switch to dbt and to re-enter all my passwords
btw, may i ask if the stock android 10 fixed the problem with fast scrolling? i have experiences lags and graphics distortions with the samsung browser which was way toooooo unacceptable for a top device like tab s6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, sadly we still suffer from those issues on Q .
I dont have any good knowledge of how to apply those undervolts as i never done it before (lineageos requires stock govenors for official) but if you can point me to the correct commits i can look at it
Thargorsson said:
nope, sadly we still suffer from those issues on Q .
I dont have any good knowledge of how to apply those undervolts as i never done it before (lineageos requires stock govenors for official) but if you can point me to the correct commits i can look at it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh...
there were some cpu/voltage tweaks for the same cpu before for my old devices. and for our tab s 6 there are a few devices with the same cpu like one plus. you can search the cpu model in github and then you can find the code name of it and those devices which use the same cpu. i used to get those tweaks for modifying kernels for my previous devices. however for our 855, sadly there's no port for the samsung devices afaik, so you may need to make some more changes in order to port them
---------- Post added at 05:54 ---------- Previous post was at 05:35 ----------
just found this one https://github.com/kdrag0n/proton_bluecross/releases
it should be a 855 with some oc according to the change log, but unfortunately i couldnt load the changes with my browser so i couldnt find the relevant commits
may be you can take a look at that
Thargorsson said:
Hi all,
i own a Tab S6 T860 (non-lte) for quite a while now, about 6 months.
There are some downsides like the horrible unbuffered screen tearing that you'll get with fast-scrolling, but the overall device is pretty premium-sided, and it's got a decent processor, a great display (color/resolution wise) although im missing 2160p in youtube.
Question is as i (until now) didnt bothered developing for a new device, since i had my hands full with the MiPad4, some alcatel devices and are Maintaining official LineageOS for three legacy devices, should i develop for this one if the community still wants it.
The lead-dev of the MiPad left it so im thinking about developing for the Tab S6 now.
I would only develop LineageOS, starting with 16.0 then doing 17.1 and then 18 but idk how long it would take, since ive no real knowledge of the newest platforms and how they are built, so i'd be reading/trying out stuff a LOT before some release nightlies. The "latest" i developed for was the MiPad4 with a sdm660 btw but i mainly do legacy (e.g 8953/8952/8926).
So please leave your feedback or any other opinions/questions, if we reach a decent amount of people who still want it i'll start right away when im back home from my vacations on 18th.
Best Regards!
Edit: Since theres no real telegram group, and i MAINLY talk via telegram i made one so you can contact me quickly.
https://t.me/joinchat/Bn6f-VKeQfZfiKXo69h3Mw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in at 17.1 level and up. Don't want to go back...
YES! Yes please please please! I have been dreaming and hoping LOS would come to the Tab S6 for SO long now. So yes, please make a rom for it. Please.
I would love to have LOS rom support on the Tab S6! The lack of Lineage OS support was the one thing holding me back from purchasing the Tab S6, compared to the Tab S5E, but I wanted the faster processor, storage, and larger memory capacity.
That said, if you develop a working LOS rom, that would be a huge win for all Tab S6 users!
I don't think there is a person on XDA with the tab S6 that would not want to see a custom lineage Rom built. I do want a working Spen though. Im on stock 10 One UI 2.5 and samsung is extremely slow at releasing the kernel source code for the 860. Its definitely worth it to use to build one if you can. Thanks for developing on the tab S6.
LOS for T-865 ?! Yes, absolutely
P.S: Working pen would be great of course.
Still On The Fence.
lucgardos said:
LOS for T-865 ?! Yes, absolutely
P.S: Working pen would be great of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would support a ROM for this device, but I am leery about past issues and previous devices. I had 3 smp600 units, and all three were beaten to the edge with constant testing of all the ROMS I could grab. But, only ONE of those tabs choked on something from a pure LOS build. Then it hit a brick wall. I could never find a way past a Nov 18 build. So, now with two smt870 units, I will tread lightly. And, big question: WHY are we STILL stuck with ODIN for this process? I know nothing of the process of coding and writing these great ROMS, but having to drag out a WINDOWS laptop to update my android device seems like many steps backwards. I have no NEED for a laptop save for praying for Odin to even run properly. Wish there were better ways for us old farts who've forgotten more tricks than new ones have been taught. But, I am on board to get the Sammy off of my tab. Thanks for your errors.
;-DeanoD
DeanoD said:
I would support a ROM for this device, but I am leery about past issues and previous devices. I had 3 smp600 units, and all three were beaten to the edge with constant testing of all the ROMS I could grab. But, only ONE of those tabs choked on something from a pure LOS build. Then it hit a brick wall. I could never find a way past a Nov 18 build. So, now with two smt870 units, I will tread lightly. And, big question: WHY are we STILL stuck with ODIN for this process? I know nothing of the process of coding and writing these great ROMS, but having to drag out a WINDOWS laptop to update my android device seems like many steps backwards. I have no NEED for a laptop save for praying for Odin to even run properly. Wish there were better ways for us old farts who've forgotten more tricks than new ones have been taught. But, I am on board to get the Sammy off of my tab. Thanks for your errors.
;-DeanoD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if your not rooted you dont need odin you can install official release update. If you mean to install custom rom like lineage you again dont need odin after you install TWRP.
Actually, on debloated rooted stock ROM I don't see any problems so far..Device is holding it solid and sound.
Flavour of Lineage is absolutely welcome, but personaly I wouldn't use it because a lot of bugs and non functional addons.
Personally...this tablet without pen is like Ferrari without fuel.
Rooted debloated stock is miles ahead of Samsung's incompetent shadow apps. But even as stripped down as I can make it, the ROM still lags and burns battery in the background. I've tried everything and can't get this beautiful expensive piece of hardware to perform to its specs. I respect others who love it as is, but I've never gotten comfortable with the pen and just want a light, fast tablet with a beautiful screen that doesn't overtax its battery.
I'd switch to Lineage on this device in a heartbeat.
this project still alive? seems dead for me.

Question Has anyone tried GSI ROMs? How're they compared to stock? (1 III/5 III)

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?
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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.

How do I downgrade this tablet to Android 3.0.x?

I need to develop for Android 3.0. I need a way to test the apps I am creating. I need a way to run Android 3.0 as I plan on having that be the minimum version of Android I want to support.
Also, I bought this device for the fact that it was the first Android 3.0 tablet in existance, so it is therefore the oldest (but still not slowest, surprisingly) device I need to develop for. If I need to run a version of Android closest to Android 13 as possible, I would have just purchased an Asus ROG Phone 6.
Every time I try to search for a way to downgrade this tablet, I just don't find it. I try searching for this device's stock ROMs, but I can only find the latest official stock ROM, which is Android 4.1, which I do not need.
Also, can someone just post updated links for everything we need to root this tablet? It looks like some of them (like the Motorola USB drivers) are broken.
I eventually did manage to find an old stock ROM for this tablet that makes it run Android 3.0 again! Looks like my first issue is solved.
Unfortunately, I ran into another issue, I couldn't find a charger, I bought some barrel chargers that were supposedly for this device, but they don't actually plug in. I hate those proprietary barrel chargers so much right now!
I see you already found it, but in case anyone else needs old files, many of them are in the dev threads. These ones still have many active links for the Wingray model.
[SHARE][WINGRAY][CM11][EOS] Missing Downloads Here
My old Xoom is running strong. Since I still have all installation files and most of them are not available here anymore I decided to upload and share them. What I Am Sharing: cm-11-20150725-UNOFFICIAL-2201+0200-wingray.zip...
forum.xda-developers.com
My list of compiled Roms for Motorola Xoom
This is the forum for the roms I compile for Motorola Xoom. I have nicknamed these future roms Moto-Rola for personal reasons. xD I will try to make them faster and put some cute things on them, even if I start with KitKat versions. As you all...
forum.xda-developers.com

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