If you upgraded to the shiny new Sony Xperia Z1 lately and are thinking about unlocking its bootloader, we’ll suggest you should wait for a while. Last week, several users reported on XDA-Developer that unlocking Sony Xperia Z1’s bootloader disables the camera functionality. The problem is confirmed by Sony as well, and they’ve posted a warning message on their bootloader unlock site, where Xperia Z1 is not even listed as a supported device.
Understanding the Bootloader Unlock Issue
According to Sony Unlock Bootloader site,
Warning! At the moment, unlocking the Xperia™ Z1 boot loader will stop the camera functionality.
Based on the reports on XDA, you will not be able to use the amazing 20MP camera if you unlock the bootloader of your device. This is a significant drawback, especially for users who rely heavily on the camera for photography or videography. The Xperia Z1’s camera is one of its standout features, boasting a 20.7 MP sensor with Sony’s G Lens and BIONZ image processing engine, which provides exceptional image quality and performance.
Potential Workarounds and Precautions
We hope that the folks at Sony are working hard to fix this problem and release an update soon. In case you want to unlock your bootloader, it is highly recommended that you create a backup for your TA partition before proceeding, as restoring the TA partition seems to be the only way to restore camera functionality. The TA partition contains important DRM keys and other data that are crucial for certain functionalities, including the camera.
For those who are not familiar, unlocking the bootloader allows you to gain root access to your device, install custom ROMs, and make other modifications that are not possible with a locked bootloader. However, it also comes with risks, such as voiding your warranty and, in this case, losing camera functionality. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons before proceeding with the unlock.
If you ask me, I’ll just wait until Sony releases a fix for this issue. It is always better to have a fully functional device rather than compromising on essential features like the camera. Additionally, waiting for an official fix ensures that you do not void your warranty or risk damaging your device.
In the meantime, you can keep an eye on forums like XDA-Developers and Xperia Blog for updates and potential solutions from the community. Often, experienced developers and users come up with temporary fixes or workarounds that can help mitigate such issues until an official update is released.
Source: XDA-Developers, Xperia Blog
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