Install Sony’s Concept Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow ROM on Xperia Z3 Compact

Starting from Android Lollipop, Sony has releasing concept Android ROM for select Xperia Z series owners for testing out latest Android OS versions. Now Sony has started releasing concept Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow for Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 compact, which you can tryout on your device. The below guide lets you know how to flash Sony’s Concept Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Xperia Z3 Compact.

Sony’s concept Android is a beta program and it has some significant differences from Sony’s customized version of Android operating system. Concept ROM brings near stock Android (ASOP) UI to Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact along with some of Sony’s most popular features and apps.

In this guide, we will let you know how to install Sony’s Concept Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Xperia Z3 Compact. Besides Marshmallow native features, the concept ROM brings some of Sony’s own features, such as the Stamina mode, themes support, Double Tap to Wake, etc.

Tech savvy users can install the Concept OS on their Xperia Z3 Compact with the Flashtool. It does not require unlocked bootloader or root access on the phone. All you need to download the Flash tool and install the ftf file (Sony’s firmware file) via it.

Important: Before you do anything with your Xperia phone, it is important to back TA partition, which contains DRM keys, which are important for various parts of the phone such as camera quality.

To back up TA partition and DRM keys, download the ‘TA Backup’ tool [HERE] and unzip it. Connect your phone to your computer and follow the instruction.

How to Install Concept Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Xperia Z3 Compact

1. Download Concept Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow FTF file [HERE]

2. Download Flashtool [HERE]

3. Download Sony’s fastboot driver [HERE] and install it on your PC.

4. Install Flashtool on your computer. Once installed, go to the folder ‘Firmware’ (C:\User\username\flashTool\firmwares), copy the downloaded TFT file and paste it inside the ‘Firmware’ folder.

5. Open Flashtool, click on ‘Flash’, choose the FTF file, and click OK.

6. Turn off your phone and connect it to the PC by holding Vol down button. Wait for few minutes to complete the installation. Once done, boot your phone normally.

Your Xperia Z3 Compact will be booted on Concept version 2157. Go to Settings ->About device -> Software update. You should have an update available, take it and your phone will reboot and install the update. (Source – systemallica – XDA)