Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Android 5.0 Lollipop AOSP ROM running on Xperia Z Ultra. XDA

It's now Sony's large screen, Xperia Z Ultra's turn to get some Android Lollipop dessert treatment. Recognised XDA contributor, Saatvik has shared an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) build for Xperia Z Ultra featuring the newest version of Android 5.0. Below are the working features and bugs in this AOSP build.

ROM info

  • ROM OS Version: 5.0.x Lollipop
  • ROM Kernel: Linux 3.4.x
  • Status: Beta
  • Created: 14 November

Working:

  • Boots
  • Audio
  • Touch
  • SMS
  • Incoming Calls
  • Mic from Headset (without headset mic wont work)
  • Ambient light sensor
  • Wifi
  • Bluetooth
  • RIL (partially)
  • Gravity sensor (auto rotate)
  • Outgoing calls
  • Microphone
  • Mobile Data

Bugs

  • Video playback
  • Camera
  • Signal indicator is broken when connected to LTE
  • GPS
Xperia Z Ultra
Screenshots of AOSP Android 5.0 ROM running on Xperia Z Ultra.

If you are curious to try out the early AOSP build based on Android 5.0 on your Xperia Z Ultra, check out the installation guide below.

Points to remember

  • As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup using custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod or, TWRP.
  • Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigating to Settings>> Developer Options to enable USB debugging]
  • The Xperia Z Ultra should have above 80% of battery charge to avoid unusual shut down due to lack of battery, which could damage the device.
  • The phone should be rooted and have the latest version of recovery installed.
  • The unofficial AOSP Android 5.0 works only with Xperia Z Ultra. As applying this to any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of the smartphone by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.
  • The bootloader of Xperia Z Ultra should be unlocked.
  • As the AOSP ROM is still in beta versions, bugs are highly likely with the installation of the ROM.
  • IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device.

Download files

AOSP Android 5.0 [Alternate link]

Gapps

Fastboot and ADB files

How to install Android 5.0 Lollipop AOSP ROM on Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Step-1: Downloading the AOSP Android 5.0 Lollipop files, you should get the following files

  • boot.img
  • system.img
  • userdata.img

Step-2: Extract the fastboot and adb files to a separate folder on the computer

Step-3: Move the aforementioned three files to the same folder

Step-4: Boot the Xperia Z Ultra into fastboot mode

  • For this first switch off the phone
  • Press and hold Volume Up button
  • Connect the phone to the computer using USB cable while holding the Volume Down button
  • Xperia Z Ultra should be in Fastboot mode and the device's LED light should turn purple

Step-5: Open the folder where all the fastboot and AOSP Rom files are saved. Open a command window inside the folder. Press Shift + Right Click somewhere inside an empty space in the folder and select Open command window from the drop down menu

Step-6: Execute the following commands orderly to install Android 5.0 on the phone

  • fastboot flash boot boot.img
  • fastboot flash system system.img
  • fastboot flash userdata userdata.img

Note that flashing user data will wipe all data, including the internal sdcard.

Step-7: Once the installation is completed, reboot Xperia Z Ultra by typing in the following command

  • fastboot reboot

How to flash Gapps on Xperia Z Ultra

Step-1: Reboot Z Ultra to Fastboot mode

Step-2: Flash any kernel that has recovery

Step-3: Reboot the phone into recovery

Step-4: Flash Gapps (You may update SuperSU if you want to)

Step-5: Reboot the phone after Gapps file is installed

Now you should be able to enjoy the Android 5.0 AOSP build on your Xperia Z Ultra.

[Source: XDA]

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