The reality hits Xperia SP users hard: They will not be receiving an official Marshmallow update from Google. However, no one said anything about not getting an unofficial one.
Sony Xperia SP users can enjoy the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update on their handsets through the generosity of some third party custom ROM developers. They have released the CyanogenMod 13 (CM13)-based custom ROM for Android 6.0 Marshmallow for the Sony smartphone, says International Business Time.
The update via the custom CyanogenMod-based ROM comes with a set of prerequisites that iDigitalTimes laod out for users:
- The custom ROM update is meant for the international variant of Sony Xperia SP only. It is recommended that the device model number be verified by going to to Settings > About Phone
- A 80% battery charge is needed to prevent unexpected device shutting down due to battery drain while installing the ROM.
- Back up data using a custom recovery tool, such as ClockWorkMod or TWRP, as this creates a complete image of the phone's existing phone setup.
- Download Sony Xperia SP USB drivers and verify if the phone has the right kind of USB drivers necessary for the firmware update.
- USB Debugging mode must be enabled. One can do so by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (if running Android 4.0 or above) or Settings > Applications > Development (if running Android 2.3 or earlier).
- The device must be rooted with CWM or TWRP recovery installed and its boot loader is unlocked.
It is always reiterated that users are to download the third-party ROM at their own risk as these updates are not official. Download is available via Basketbuild.
The Sony Xperia SP is packed with a 4.6 inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and covered in Corning Gorilla Glass. The phone can support up to 10 finger touches. It was launched with Android 4.1 Jellybean as the base mobile operating system back in 2013, and is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8960T Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset.
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