In this article I describe how you can install the latest version of Android (Marshmallow) on a mobile phone from 2011, and make it work better than ever.
Each year, all mobile phone makers launch a number of new models, which contain new functions designed to convince us to upgrade to the newest model, despite that our existing phone only is a couple of years old, and should give several years of additional service. At the same time, at least once a year, a major upgrade of the phone's operative system is released, however most phone manufacturers cease to adapt the operative system to older models a few years after launch. There is nothing strange about this, the resources are allocated to the newer models, that will generate the incomes. The result is that you are stuck with a phone, that works continuously worse depending on that the newer apps require more from the phone, and with an operativ system that lack the newer functions and perhaps has safety flaws that will not be addressed.
In my case the problem is even more complex,l since I have a Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray from 2011, with (according to my preferences) perfect dimensions, weight and performance.
Officially Sony Ericsson (later Sony) stopped to support the phone with Android version 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The fact is that the previous version 2.3.7 (Gingerbread) worked better on the phone, but a number of apps require Android 4 or higher.
After having tested several homebrewn Android version based on Gingerbread, I found Legacy Xperia, a project led by the Greek Michael Bestas, aiming to adapt the laters versions of Cyanogen Mod (an Android distribution) to the Sony Ericssons produkct line from 2011 (in which except for Xperia Ray (kode name urushi) also includes Xperia Arc/Arc S (anzu), Live with Walkman (coconut), Xperia Neo V (haida), Xperia Neo (hallon), Xperia Pro (iyokan), Xperia Mini Pro (mango), Xperia Neo L (phoenix), Xperia Active (satsuma), Xperia Mini (smultron) and Xperia Play (zeus).
Jag installed Legacy Xperia CM11 (based on Android 5.0 Kitkat) and have used this version daily on my everyday phone during more than one year, until recently when I installed Legacy Xperia CM12.1 (based on Android 5.1 Lollipop) and determined that it works even better. I will soon install Legacy Xperia CM13 (based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow) on my backup phone and evaluate if this version is already stable enough four daily usage.
On the official website of the project you will find all information you need (instructions on how to install, links to required files and forums for the different versions). The project is based on voluntary contributions, but accept donations.
Home screen
Some pros with having Legacy Xperia with an updated Android version (Marshmallow) installed on your old trusty phone:
Some cons:
Do you have personal experience from installing Legacy Xperia? Feel free to leav your comments and opinions in the comment system below.
Showing 1 of 1 comments.
Showing 1 of 1 comments.
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Roman
2016-03-31 17:37:06I agree the Sony Xperia Ray is a great phone. I really miss a phone with its dimension but with updated specs in the current product line from Sony. The Compact phones are great, but they are still too large.