: Lacks the installation bugs found in some later releases (like the 0.9.19.1 winjre error). Driver Complexity
Leave the and Misc sections at their default settings unless you are an advanced user. Sony Flashtool 0.9.18.6
| Feature | Flashtool 0.9.18.6 | Sony Xperia Companion | Sony Emma (Official Flash Tool) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Advanced users, developers, and enthusiasts | General consumers | Developers with unlocked devices | | Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | | Firmware Control | Full control: flash any official .ftf , downgrade, cross-flash, create custom ROMs | Very limited: only checks for and installs the latest official update for your region | Limited: official tool, auto-detects model and region, but only installs latest firmware | | Bootloader State | Works on both locked and unlocked bootloaders | Refuses to work if bootloader is unlocked | Refuses to work if bootloader is locked | | Advanced Features | TA partition backup/restore, .sin file parsing, rooting, XperiFirm integration for downloads | Basic updates and repairs only | Basic flashing only | | Community Support | Massive: supported by XDA Forums and a vast community | Minimal | Minimal | : Lacks the installation bugs found in some
: Lacks the installation bugs found in some later releases (like the 0.9.19.1 winjre error). Driver Complexity
Leave the and Misc sections at their default settings unless you are an advanced user.
| Feature | Flashtool 0.9.18.6 | Sony Xperia Companion | Sony Emma (Official Flash Tool) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Advanced users, developers, and enthusiasts | General consumers | Developers with unlocked devices | | Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | | Firmware Control | Full control: flash any official .ftf , downgrade, cross-flash, create custom ROMs | Very limited: only checks for and installs the latest official update for your region | Limited: official tool, auto-detects model and region, but only installs latest firmware | | Bootloader State | Works on both locked and unlocked bootloaders | Refuses to work if bootloader is unlocked | Refuses to work if bootloader is locked | | Advanced Features | TA partition backup/restore, .sin file parsing, rooting, XperiFirm integration for downloads | Basic updates and repairs only | Basic flashing only | | Community Support | Massive: supported by XDA Forums and a vast community | Minimal | Minimal |
