Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update has been made available to some Sony smartphones based on original AOSP (Android Open Source Project) sources that holds untainted Lollipop apps and features, though without the Mater Design user interface. Although the update is neither officially released by Sony nor Google nor any mobile carrier, the update assures owners of full functionality to devices.
For the Legacy Xperia owners whose phones were the 2011 models, the update can be installed using Android 5.0.2 AOSP Lollipop build through modified kernel built into this ROM that includes modified internal memory layout.
Although the update is risky, XDA Developers remind owners who want the download to take extra consideration points. To avoid ROM-related errors, it is recommended to wipe the device and do a clean install of this firmware. To avoid corrupting data, do not restore Nandroid backups from previous android versions or restoring backups from this ROM to older ROMs that do not use the new partition layout. Also, use Titanium backup, Helium or any other similar app to back up important data.
To manually install the update, carefully follow the given instructions:
1. Flash boot.img in fastboot and restart into recovery.
2. If device does not restart, reboot to bootloader again and run.
3. Enter recovery
4. Format system using System-Formating-Tool_signed.zip
5. Format or wipe data and then wipe/cache.
6. Flash update zip.
7. Flash gapps.
For Xperia Z4 and M4 Aqua, they already ran in Android 5.0.2 Lollipop when they were launched at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. It was announced then that the update will be made available to the rest of Sony's Xperia Z lineup, including the original Z.
The changes include a new home screen, rebranded Music app, new app switcher with 3D rolodex design, back and recent keys, and a new notification area with support for quick toggles.
For Xperia V, the update can be downloaded via CynogenMod 12 N ightly ROM. Still it is unofficial, CyanogenMod ROMs are based on AOSP, which is designed for increased performance and reliability over stock Android ROMs released by OEMs and carriers such as Google, HTC, Sprint and T-Mobile.
The update brings full F2FS support, enabled Dex-Pre-optimization for faster boot time, SELinux set to permissive by default, Android default UID and GID for internal storage, slim and fast user build. Lollipop feature enhance functionality in quick notification access and improved gestures.
For Xperia SP, the update can also be downloaded with CM 12 Android 5.0.2 Lollipop firmware. Since the Android 5.0.2 is not fully stable, make a Nandroid backup on the device where to save and restore the current ROM on the device.
To manually install the update, carefully follow the giveninstructions.
1. Download the CM 12 update file and Google Apps package.
2. Download Voice Calls Fix, Data Fix and Wi-Fi Hotspot Fix.
3. Save all these files PC's desktop.
4. Connect Xperia SP with PC and establish the USB connection using the USB cord.
5. Transfer all the downloaded files from PC to device.
6. Remove the USB cable and reboot the device into recovery mode.
7. Select wipe data factory reset.
8. Choose wipe cache partition.
9. Tap advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik cache.
10. Select Install zip from SD card.
11. Select Choose zip from SD card.
12. Select the CM 12 firmware file and flash the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop OS on device.
13. Repeat the step and install all the other files.
14. Select Reboot system now.
For Xperia Z1, the update can also be downloaded through CyanogenMod community. Like the case of Xperia SP, the AOSP build may have some untested bugs since it is still in development.
To manually install the update, go to Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check now.
According to reports, Xperia Z3 can soon have the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update.
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