How to change density from 480 to 420 (same as Pixel) without root

[CLShortFuse]

If you're like me, you probably find the XZ's default density of 480 makes items far too large and cuts out text. The Googl Pixel, which is also a 5.0" 1080p screen uses a 420dpi. To make your XZ the same:

* Enable developer settings
* Enable ADB over USB
* From a computer, with adb, type:

adb shell wm density 420

The change will be instant, though a reboot is recommended.

 

[chawlasrijan]

If you're like me, you probably find the XZ's default density of 480 makes items far too large and cuts out text. The Googl Pixel, which is also a 5.0" 1080p screen uses a 420dpi. To make your XZ the same:

* Enable developer settings
* Enable ADB over USB
* From a computer, with adb, type:

adb shell wm density 420

The change will be instant, though a reboot is recommended.

Can you add a screenshot comparing both the densities ?
Thank you

 

[Zewarxx]

Can you add a screenshot comparing both the densities ?
Thank you

i did it !! you can't actually feel the differences. i only understood it through the keyboard and the little gaps on the sides of the dock

 

[ducksonetime]

If you're like me, you probably find the XZ's default density of 480 makes items far too large and cuts out text. The Googl Pixel, which is also a 5.0" 1080p screen uses a 420dpi. To make your XZ the same:

* Enable developer settings
* Enable ADB over USB
* From a computer, with adb, type:

adb shell wm density 420

The change will be instant, though a reboot is recommended.

This is the greatest thing ever. Thanks heaps!

Any way to shrink the notification text to match? Cheers, mate!

Edit: a restart fixed it - all good! I found 400 to be perfect for me. Thanks again.

 

[ClementNg23]

I GOT SCREENSHOTS!
The change takes effect immediately so watch your screen closely before pressing enter on terminal.
Reboot after change is still advised.

460 dpi (27% battery)

420 dpi (29% battery)

440 dpi

Bonus:
The "recognized developer" badge on play store screwed up after a reboot... Just thought it is interesting

 

[Heinous]

How does reducing the density make icons and text appear smaller? Shouldn't it do the opposite? How does this change affect the picture quality of the display (same, worse, better)?

 

[CLShortFuse]

Window Manager density isn't the same as device density in build.prop. There are awkward effects when developers don't use the WM density. Also, you rely on nodpi packages now.

Still, the side effects are rare and IMO the pros greatly outweigh the cons.

 

[coleburns]

If you're like me, you probably find the XZ's default density of 480 makes items far too large and cuts out text. The Googl Pixel, which is also a 5.0" 1080p screen uses a 420dpi. To make your XZ the same:

* Enable developer settings
* Enable ADB over USB
* From a computer, with adb, type:

adb shell wm density 420

The change will be instant, though a reboot is recommended.

Thanks for this. However i noticed noughat has this functionality built in but it seems to only have 3 (Small to Large) settings, whereas the pixels phone have 5 (small to Largest).

Have sony been stupid and just reduced functionality?

 

[Mazellat]

There is actually a simpler way. .You can find the same in "Developer Options" on your device with Android 7.0 Nougat, just below the Animation Settings

 

[coleburns]

There is actually a simpler way. .You can find the same in "Developer Options" on your device with Android 7.0 Nougat, just below the Animation Settings

Thanks but i cant seem to find it in developer options. do yoiu mind sending a screen grab

 

[Zewarxx]

Thanks but i cant seem to find it in developer options. do yoiu mind sending a screen grab

Settings> Display >view >display size >small, default, big ?

 

[coleburns]

Settings> Display >view >display size >small, default, big ?

I am aware of this setting as per my original question. i was referring to the setting under developer options

 

[paphonb]

Thanks but i cant seem to find it in developer options. do yoiu mind sending a screen grab

Sent from my F8332 using Tapatalk

 

[lnxcat]

Sent from my F8332 using Tapatalk

Apparently I don't have this option ..
It's 7.0 specific?

 

[paphonb]

Apparently I don't have this option ..
It's 7.0 specific?

Yes.

Sent from my F8332 using Tapatalk

 

[Indashio]

460 is good 5 icon in Pixel launcher and looks good

 

[darknight83]

I've set mine to 420dp and can have 5 icons per row on stock home launcher , looks loads better

 

[GenomeX]

You can alsow change the resolution without root
adb shell wm size 720x1280
adb shell wm density 320

now icon not small but some effects on battery usage

 

[pw1nce]

I GOT SCREENSHOTS!
The change takes effect immediately so watch your screen closely before pressing enter on terminal.
Reboot after change is still advised.

460 dpi (27% battery)

420 dpi (29% battery)

440 dpi

Bonus:
The "recognized developer" badge on play store screwed up after a reboot... Just thought it is interesting

What's the theme you using?

 

[ClementNg23]

What's the theme you using?

Nova Launcher with Polycon icon pack. Stock ROM when the screenshots were taken.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thearclabs.polycon&hl=en