If you’re using a Sony Xperia 5 IV and want to breathe new life into your device, installing an Android 16-based custom ROM is a solid move. Google recently...
Mohammed Huwais
Last updated on January 7, 2026
Mohammed Huwais
Author
I started my career as a blogger in 2014 and also worked on an Android niche platform to gain extra income. I cover the topic on How to guides, software updates, Custom ROM updates and also product review. I'm 24 years old, completed MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Sikkim Manipal University.
If you’re using a Sony Xperia 5 IV and want to breathe new life into your device, installing an Android 16-based custom ROM is a solid move. Google recently released Android 16 for Pixel devices, and developers have already ported unofficial AOSP builds to older phones like the Sony Xperia 5 IV. In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely install Android 16 on Sony Xperia 5 IV and enjoy its latest features.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a compact flagship built for users who value one-hand comfort, premium materials, and creator-focused features. Its 6.1-inch OLED display uses a tall 21:9 aspect ratio with a 120Hz refresh rate and excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for cinematic content and multitasking. The phone feels light and solid at 172 g, with Gorilla Glass Victus on both sides, an aluminum frame, and strong IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance.
It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it delivers fast, smooth performance for daily use, multimedia, and gaming, while still supporting microSD expansion, which is rare in this segment.
Camera performance is where the Xperia 5 IV truly stands out. All three rear cameras use 12 MP sensors with Zeiss optics, real autofocus on every lens, and advanced video capabilities including 4K HDR up to 120 fps. Sony’s eye tracking and Alpha-inspired controls make it especially appealing to photography and video enthusiasts. It also retains practical features like a 3.5 mm headphone jack with Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and Snapdragon Sound support.
The 5000 mAh battery is generous for a compact phone and supports wired, wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Overall, the Xperia 5 IV is a niche but premium choice for users who want a small, powerful phone with pro-grade camera tools and multimedia features.
Android 16 introduces Material 3 Expressive, a refined evolution of Google’s design language for smartphones and tablets. While it doesn’t completely reinvent the interface, it represents one of the most noticeable user-facing changes in the OS. Rather than a dramatic visual overhaul, Material 3 Expressive enhances the foundation laid by Material Design 3 by introducing smoother, more dynamic animations, larger touch targets, and bolder typography.
This update arrives at a perfect moment. Material Design 3, first introduced with Android 13, had begun to feel dated. Material 3 Expressive breathes new life into the interface while preserving the familiar look and feel users have grown comfortable with. Instead of overhyping the changes, Google’s own animations showcase the polish and fluidity of this next step in Android design.
Android 16 introduces a wealth of new features, system optimizations, and UI refinements. Some of the highlights include:
These updates aim to improve user experience across different types of devices, including foldables, tablets, and standard phones.
Although Android 16 is rolling out first to Pixel devices, many brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, Samsung, Realme, and others will follow soon. If you’re impatient, a custom ROM is the best way to get Android 16 today.
Everything seems to be working fine.
If you spot any bugs, report them along with proper logs to the developer.
Always back up your device before flashing any ROM. This prevents data loss if anything goes wrong. Backup guide here.
Charge your phone to at least 50% to avoid shutdowns during the flashing process.
You can skip this part if you have already installed TWRP Recovery on your Sony Xperia 5 IV. For those who haven’t, ADB and Fastboot commands (platform-tools) are required to boot your device into bootloader mode, allowing you to perform the necessary flashing operations. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) establishes a connection between your device and computer, while Fastboot is a more advanced command-line utility for flashing and modifying Android devices.
You can download the ADB and Fastboot Binaries (Platform-Tools) here.
You’ll need the appropriate USB drivers to ensure a successful connection between your Sony Xperia 5 IV and your computer. These drivers enable file transfers, flashing, and other operations between your devices.
You can download the latest Sony USB drivers here.
Unlocking the bootloader of your Sony Xperia 5 IV. is essential before you can install any custom ROM. Make sure to follow Sony’s official instructions for unlocking the bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader will wipe your device, so back up your data beforehand.
You must install TWRP Recovery on your phone to install any custom ROM on your device. After unlocking the bootloader, follow our guide to install TWRP Recovery on your Sony Xperia 5 IV.
You can download the Android 16 custom ROMs for the Sony Xperia 5 IV from the links below:
| OS | Download Link |
| Lineage OS 23 | Download |
Most AOSP ROMs don’t come with Google apps. You’ll need to flash Android 16 GApps separately.
Note: Flash GApps right after flashing the ROM. Don’t reboot in between.
Warning!
GetDroidTips is not responsible for any issues that may happen to your device if you flash it on another device and brick it. Do it at your own risk.
adb reboot recovery
The first boot after installing a custom ROM may take a bit longer than usual, so don’t panic if it seems slow. After the device boots, you will need to set it up as a new device, just like when you first got it.
By flashing Android 16 on your Sony Xperia 5 IV, you’re extending its life and unlocking modern Android features that Sony may never officially provide. While this is an unofficial AOSP build, early reports suggest solid stability. That said, bugs may still appear, so always report them with logs to help developers improve the experience.
If you have questions or run into issues during installation, feel free to drop a comment. Enjoy your fresh Android 16 experience!
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