Latest update: september 2011
Xperia X8 is a cute, handy phone from Sony Ericsson. It ships with a customized version of Android 1.6 and it can be easily upgraded to 2.1 with the official updates.
However, no further upgrade is planned by SE for the newest releases of Android and the “Timescape” interface customization on the X8 is terrible. If you find that these are quite good reasons to try to install another version of Android, keep reading.
Background information
The first problem is to choose a trusted channel for documentation and downloads. What we are going to do is to install a Custom ROM, which is basically an aftermarket custom upgrade for the phone; while Google documentation for android developers is quite good and structured, this is not also true when dealing with custom roms. Custom ROMs are fully standalone versions of the OS, customized with a bundle of apps and services: they are (of course) device-dependent, the documentation is located here and there and it is often hard to read for most human beings.
After some search i decided to start from Android Froyo 2.2, with an “Hackdroid” rom, which is a Cyanogen MOD ROM (CM6) with the Sense theme, packed for the Xperia X8 by Racht (XDA Developers). Since then I have been using 2.2.5 CM Floyo 0.25 [ june 5, 2011], and FroyoBread v023b.
FroyoBread v023b FINAL is now considered the most stable 2.2 (Froyo) rom in town. It worths a try: [ROM] FroyoBread | v023b FINAL | 27-07-11.
[Sept 15 UPDATE]: Gingerbread is mature: if you want Android 2.3 see “Final considerations” and links
All the process can be summarized in four main steps. Links to more specific tutorials are provided below.
Four Steps Overview
- Root your phone
- Install xrecovery and backup system
- Partition and backup your sd card
- Unpack and install the new rom
Before you begin:
there is always a “before you begin” step that is: backup. Backup everything that you may need. My suggestion is to backup: phone contacts (use an app or a sync tool), sms (i forgot to do that!), email, applications and settings (this is also covered in step 3), any important file or data on your sd card.
the other thing to do is: check your baseband: which is a
Disclaimer 1: all the information contained in this post is referred to the Xperia X8 [E15i] with the latest, official, Android 2.1 firmware [Eclair 2.1.1.A.0.6].
Disclaimer 2: any operation that you may perform is at your own risk . You may void your warranty and “brick” your phone.
1. Root your phone
To install a custom rom on the X8 the phone needs to be rooted. Suggested method:
- Download the latest version of a software called SuperOneClick (1.9.1 is ok)
- Make sure that you have the xperia x8 usb driver installed (windows)
- Turn debugging mode on, on X8 Settings> Applications> Development Debugging USB checkbox.
- Connect the phone via usb (do not mount); launch the software and press “root”.
If it works you’re done.
Download from Cnet: SuperOneClick
Additional info: Androidforums: new superoneclick root instal xperia x8
3. Install xRecovery and backup system
xRecovery is a custom Android recovery system for all variants of the Sony Ericsson Xperia. Once installed, it will allow to access a rescue menu at the boot time to backup, recovery and install alternate ROMs. Suggested method:
- Install the Busybox GPL app from the Android Market. Install also a root file manager if you don’t have one.
- Reboot, then launch Busybox on the phone to make the installation effective
- Download and install xRecovery ( xRecovery _E15i_installer.apk) onto your phone. Use version 0.1
- Reboot the phone and enter into xRecovery menu pressing enter when the “sony ericsson” logo appears
- Choose “backup” and backup your current system
Install tips: the “new Skool” method to install xrecovery
4. Backup and partition your sd card
Newest versions of Android will let you install application on the SD card if the phone is rooted. This may require partitioning the SDcard. If you are on Linux, use a tool like GParted: make an additional partition of 500 mb or less.
Then use an app like link2sd to save to the SD all the apps that you want to keep.
5. Unpack and install the new rom
- Choose and download the rom: 2.2.5 CM Floyo 0.25 by Racht [updated! june 5]
(alternately you could try the newest stable named FroyoBread v023b by doixanh ] - Unpack it on your pc using winrar and save it in your SD card in the “backup” directory of xrecovery
- Reboot with xRecovery
- Choose “backup and restore” and restore using the new unpacked rom
Reboot…..
Enjoy the result!
Final considerations
Froyo or Gingerbread:
[UPDATE: sept 16] At the moment of writing, Floyo 2.2 is still considered one of the most stable ROMs out. It is fast and fully functional. On the other side, Gingerbread 2.3 grew big and strong and now it’s a very good option for an everyday use (not only for tinkering).
I would still suggest Froyo 2.2 as a best choice for beginners and as a smart solution on the oldest/cheapest phones. But if one wants to go a step further, here’s a great thread on the XDA Forum, with facts and features of all the new 2.3 roms: Guide To Roms Xperia X8.
I am currently using: GingerDX 013 ,with CM7 and Go Launcher Ex
FAQs
- Custom ROMs for Android explained (and why you want them): A custom ROM is a fully standalone version of the OS, including the kernel which is customized / optimized by someone
- Whati is baseband: The baseband is the subsystem of the phone that controls radio communications. It’s a chipset on the phone that directly controls cellular hardware and communications with cell towers.
- What is.. HTC Sense?: sense is a software layer on top of Android which acts as a UI manager, with some functions added
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