Earlier this month Sony released Android 5.0 official Lollipop update for the Xperia Z3 Compact. So, there are very thin to almost no chances of having Android 5.1 any soon. The device was released last year along with Android 4.4 KitKat OS, and it took quite some time for Sony to push the Lollipop update for Z3 Compact. Till then the Z3 Compact owners can treat themselves to the Android 5.1 via CM12.1 custom ROM. Sony isn’t the best or the fastest to provide the updates, btw.

The CM12.1 brings incredible set of features and customization options which makes it worthy of installation. You also treat yourself with stock Android UI, in its pure from, without any alterations whatsoever by Sony. Till date it is observed that only Motorola gives you the stock UI experience. Apart from drifting to other topics the stock UI is worth installing which you can do by installing the CM12.1 unofficial update from Xperia Z3 Compact.

What about official update release?

There are chances that Xperia Z3 Compact will get the 5.1 OTA from Sony, but this won’t happen any time soon. We expect a waiting time of about two to three months. Seeing Nexus devices already receiving the 5.1 update, while Motorola devices are about to, but not Sony devices, at least not anytime soon.

Benefits and drawbacks of the unofficial update

Stock UI and features of CM12.1 make it an irresistible installation. Google yet again took the limelight with the Lollipop UI. The stock UI experience is something that you need to try once to understand that it’s the best UI to have. Even though Sony keeps customization limited, you’ll see how much your experience of using a smartphone changes because of the beautiful stock UI of Android.

You have to go through the tiring process of unlocking the bootloader first, which will enable the installation of custom recovery(twrp, cwm etc.), which you can use to flash a CM 12.1 ROM in this scenario. But it’s totally worth it. Neither it is lengthy nor is it difficult. Once learnt, it’ll be beneficial as long as you’re using Android phone. Unlocking the bootloader voids your warrnaty, though.

Removing the unofficial update?

You just need to install official firmware back, which will remove your custom recovery and ROMs along. Though, you’re not likely to get your warranty back.

Note: You know, because this ROM is not an official Sony Android 5.1 update for Xperia Z3 Compact, there are chances you could find few kinks at some of its corners. Any major bugs will be reported below.

Xperia Z3 Compact Android 5.1 update

Sr. #

ROM

Downloads

Major Bugs

1

CM 12.1

Development page | By: David_Vaz

 None

NOTE: When downloading a ROM, do check its development page first for newer and more stables builds, if any available, with less bugs. Since the 5.1 ROMs are under heavy development, consider this a must.

More Android 5.1 based ROMs to be added as and when available.

Supported devices
  • Xperia Z3 Compact, model no. D58xx
  • Don’t try on any other device whatsoever
Instructions

Warning: Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page. You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

Important Note: Backup important files stored on your device before proceeding with the steps below, so that in case something goes wrong you’ll have backup of all your important files.

  1. Transfer the ROM file and Gapps file to your device’s internal storage and remember the location where you save them.
  2. Unlock bootloader from here, if you haven’t done this already.
  3. You will need either of CWM recovery, TWRP or Philz recovery for this. Get TWRP recovery from here and install it.
  4. Boot into recovery mode.
  5. Make a backup. Once in recovery, take a backup of your current ROM.
  6. Wipe your device. Once the backup is finished, do this: select Wipe, then Advanced wipe, then select Dalvik cache, System, Data and Cache. Then do the ‘Swipe to wipe’ at bottom.
  7. Install ROM now. Go back to the main menu of TWRP recovery and select Install. Navigate to the file where you saved your ROM’s zip file, select it and “Swipe to Confirm Flash” on the bottom of the screen. Now wait until the flashing process finishes.
  8. Install Gapps the same way.
  9. Go to back to recovery’s Main menu, select Reboot System Now. First boot takes time, around 10 mins, so be patient.

Your device will now reboot with Android 5.1 update!

In case you need any help over this, let us know. And, you can thank the developer for creating the ROM.

Android 5.1 update is also available on: