Which Sony device to start with?

[petefoth]

I would like to try Sailfish OS. I already own several Sony devices running various self-built Android custom ROMs (Iodé OS, LineageOS for microG), so a Sony device would be a good place to start. I would very much like to be able to run Android apps, using microG, until I get familiar with SFOS alternatives.I thnk my current choices are:

1. Install the sailfishos-sony-tamaport on an Xperia XZ2 Compat that I already own. Android apps would run in Waydroid
2. Buy a new device, and a paid license to run Android apps
   • the latest supported device with licence is Xperia 10 III (xqbt52)
   • later devices Xperia 10 IV and 10 V

The Supported Devices page says that there is no licence for these devices. yet. That seems to imply that there will be a licence for the later devices at some point in the future. I’m not in any great rush, and I’d be happier with a slightly newer device. Does anyone have an idea - maybe based on experience with Sony devices in the past - roughly how long I might have to wait before a licence does appear?

Thanks in advance for any help with this, and any other information that might help.

[ohnonot]

@petefoth

the latest supported device with licence is Xperia 10 III (xqbt52)

This.

Though I seem to remember there’s a few satisfied customers here running SFOS on Xperia XZ2 Compact. Why not start with that?

[nephros]

Welcome to Sailfish OS and the Forum!

There’s a discussion about X10iii vs XZ2 here:

XZ2 Compact or Xperia 10 III

Hello everybody, this is my first post here, and I’m looking forward to be part of a great community But before taking part actively, I have to decide for a device. I am wavering between an XZ2 Compact and an Xperia 10 III. I know the XZ2c is quite old, but I appreciate its small form factor. Now I have listed a few things that are part of the weighing process for me, for example: the Xperia 10 III’s lack of echo cancellation could certainly bother me. The XZ2c doesn’t have th…

I’d say if you want to start now use what you have and familiarize yourself with the OS, its app stores and life with Sailfish.
Just be aware that performance (speed/responsiveness) is better on newer devices but otherwise everything is the same.

Don’t focus too much on running Android apps, you have other devices for apps you think you need.

Check the status of 2G/3G/LTE of your network provider - if your device of choice does not have VoLTE support and your network closed down 2/3G already you’re not going to have much fun with telephony.

About X10iv, v or vi support no-one will be able to give a good estimate, support depends in part on Sony releasing fixes, and in part on Jolla’s resources which are sparse and likely focussed on other areas. If I’d have to make a guess I’d say “at any time in 2025”.

[filip.k]

@nephros

X10iv, v or vi support … If I’d have to make a guess I’d say “at any time in 2025”.

For IV and V I’d guess the same. But I highly doubt that VI will happen in 2025.

[petefoth]

Thanks all for your help and advice.

I now have the Tama port of SfOS installed, updated to 6.0.0.67, and running on my XZ2C. I’ll try using it over the next couple of weeks, though not yet as a daily driver, at least until I can find suitable replacements for the Android apps I use every day. It’s also an opportunity to look at what apps I use and see if I can ditch a few. That may become another thread if I can’t find an existing one.

I will also keep an eye open for Xperia 10 iii devices on Ebay and Backmarket, so I can see how Android apps run ‘natively’ rather than via Waydroid.

[ohnonot]

@petefoth

replacements for the Android apps I use

We might be able to help with that.

[iolala]

Using your existing old phone was the right choice.

If you want a usable phone any time soon (in this decade) do NOT get a newer Xperia 10 series phone (10 IV and newer).

If you can live without biometric authentication, get a Jolla C2 phone instead of an Xperia.

[philter]

Me too confirm it’s the best experience with licensed devices: warmly suggest to start with xqbt52 but staying on SFOS release 4.6 and not update yet to 5.x until some critical features are fixed (e.g. Open Street Maps is not yet working)
Best community ports so far are Oneplus 6 and Xperia XZ2 (tama)

On long range the C2 will be best supported, because Jollyboys are working directly on it (better choose than pinephone or volla phone)

[filip.k]

You mean Pure Maps? It works for some time already.

[petefoth]

Thanks

@iolala

Using your existing old phone was the right choice

I’m impressed with what I’ve seen so far, so I’m probably ready to take the next step …

@iolala

If you want a usable phone any time soon (in this decade) do NOT get a newer Xperia 10 series phone (10 IV and newer).

The Xperia 10 iii is looking like the favourite at the moment

@iolala

get a Jolla C2 phone instead of an Xperia.

The C2 is not for me I think, for a number of reasons:

• I’m not generally a fan of devices produced by organisations whose main focus is software / firmware. I’ve seen the problems with various device produced by /e/OS, and I full expect them with IodéOS’s new Brax3. I’m also put off by comments in this forum detailing problems with the C2;
• it’s relatively easy to source spares - and repairers to fit them - for Sony devices. I don’t think the C2 will be able to match that;
• if I don’t get on with SailfishOS then I can just flash LOS for microG or IodéOS (or reflash stock ROM if I’m feeling masochistic ). EDIT: this device is not officially supported by LineageOS, so thats’ not an option

[Seven.of.nine]

My Xperia 10 from year 2020 still works like a charm. Even spare part batteries and screens were available as I maintained all devices of my family 2 yrs. ago.
SFOS full functional. Thanks very much @Jolla !

So a 3-4 yrs old Xperia 10 II or III will surely be fine for a long time, as they support VoLTE.

[avhakola]

@petefoth

I’m not generally a fan of devices produced by organisations whose main focus is software / firmware.

C2 is rebranded Reeder phone. Getting spare parts is probably harder than on Sony phones, but shouldn’t be impossible. Also Jolla just promised C2 will get updates for another 5 years minimum, which is probably longer than than any of the currently officially supported Xperia phones (10, 10II and 10III) will get (not that you couldn’t use them past that point).

[teracube]

buy a new sony phone then wait 5 years until it is old maybe you get sailfish os beta version that doesn’t work

[Seven.of.nine]

@teracube

new sony phone then wait 5 years until it is old maybe you get sailfish os beta version

Buy a 3 yrs old phone, so you have to wait only 2 yrs.

[petefoth]

I’ve bought a 4 year old Sony phone, and when it arrives I’ll install the SailfishOS version that seems to work fine.
Thanks for the help.

[filip.k]

I do hope you’re not burned by very dark sarcasm.

[explit]

IMHO - i don`t think that the Phone need to be brand-new to work fine. Atm i have 3 phones: FP5 (which is 1,5 years old) - SailfishOS, my daily driver, Jolla C2 - 6month old, tinkerphone, Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra (my pre-previous SailfishOS phone, now it runs /e/ for my Android apps which doesnt work under SailfishOS.) This Phone is from 2018 and works absolutely fine for my needs…