Xperia SP Gets New Android 4.3 (12.1.A.1.201) with Improvements and Fixes [FTF Links/Changelog]

Sony has just pushed out a new Android 4.3 Jelly Bean build with base firmware for the Xperia SP.

In February, Sony issued the Android 4.3 update with build number 12.1.A.0.266 for the Xperia SP, which was running Android 4.1.2, bringing a number of notable changes such as smoother UI and the new Sony Smart Camera app.

Now the manufacturer has rolled out another software updated based on Android 4.3 with build number 12.1.A.1.201 for Xperia SP. As the software update page suggests, the 12.1.A.1.201 build for Xperia SP adds a number of improvements, which includes:

Enhanced user experience

Improved battery life

Software performance improvements

Firmware details

Model: Sony Xperia SP

Version: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Build number: 12.1.A.1.201

Release date: 2 April

Those who have not received the OTA notification yet for the update navigate to Settings>> About phone>> Software updates >> System updates.

Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201 review

Meanwhile, XDA senior member Amin.HVS has shared a review for Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201 running Xperia SP, according to which the previous 12.1.A.1.266 (Android 4.3) build was widely criticised for bugs and flaws. The new 12.1.A.1.201 build appears to have fixed many of the issues.

The 12.1.A.1.201 is said to have improved the speed of the device after the upgrade. Besides, the power consumption per unit has been improved very much. The update also fixes LED effects. Users were facing RAM shortage issue in the 12.1.A.1.266 version, which has now been fixed. It has optimised RAM machine in normal mode and users will have more than 300MB available space. Finally, the update addresses hot issue over the phone.

Rushaan, another member from the forum, has shared the changelog for Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201. The new build offers a number of improvements, which are apart from what Sony mentioned in its official changelog.

Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201 changelog

Bugs have been fixed

LED bug fixed

RAM bug fixed - Now there is about 200MB RAM free

Bravia Engine - Not Working

Overheating fixed

Battery Usage fixed

Touch screen response fixed

Screen Flickering not Fixed - Very few people are facing this problem

Touch response - Still lags sometimes

There is nothing new in themes and appearance

FTF download links

The Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201 firmware will not be available for all users at present, as the availability depends on the region and carrier networks. But a few members at XDA have shared the FTF download links for various regions, which users can flash on their Xperia SP manually.

Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201 Jelly Bean (Generic Swiss)

Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201 (Singapore Unbranded and SingTel Mobile)

Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201 (Alternate Source for Singapore Unbranded)

Android 4.3 12.1.A.1.201 (Greek Unbranded)