[Q] VZW Galaxy S3 (what to do ....) - Galaxy S III Q&A, (US Carriers)

I just got my S3 today. It is bigger then I actually would like. Also, I do not like TouchWiz (and the VZW mods/bloatware) on the phone. Even using Nova Launcher, I still get stuck with some odd interface issues due to TouchWiz.
For hardware, though, it runs very, very well. However, I am stuck -- I would like to but JB on it but with no perm root yet for the phone (just the kexec work around). So I am curious, since the BL is locked (not eta yet of getting it unlocked) should I go towards the Gnex (similar size phone) or the smaller Inc4g (which is unlockable -- worried about support though unlike my OG DINC). I prefer the Inc4g however the build quality is an issue on the phone. In my 20mins of playing with it at VZW (day it came out), seems to run very well with Android 4.0 and Sense 4. I don't mind Sense as much as TouchWiz either.
So I am at an impass: do I wait to see what happens with the S3? Do I jump ship to the GNex or Inc4g?
I do wish VZW would not have been stupid about the S3!

flamus said:
I just got my S3 today. It is bigger then I actually would like. Also, I do not like TouchWiz (and the VZW mods/bloatware) on the phone. Even using Nova Launcher, I still get stuck with some odd interface issues due to TouchWiz.
For hardware, though, it runs very, very well. However, I am stuck -- I would like to but JB on it but with no perm root yet for the phone (just the kexec work around). So I am curious, since the BL is locked (not eta yet of getting it unlocked) should I go towards the Gnex (similar size phone) or the smaller Inc4g (which is unlockable -- worried about support though unlike my OG DINC). I prefer the Inc4g however the build quality is an issue on the phone. In my 20mins of playing with it at VZW (day it came out), seems to run very well with Android 4.0 and Sense 4. I don't mind Sense as much as TouchWiz either.
So I am at an impass: do I wait to see what happens with the S3? Do I jump ship to the GNex or Inc4g?
I do wish VZW would not have been stupid about the S3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would honestly wait it out. It's a matter of time before enough people get together and win over a BL unlock update from Sammy. If you want a GN enough I would trade you, but to be fair the s3 is a strong phone and should get the unlock soon.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

nadcicle said:
I would honestly wait it out. It's a matter of time before enough people get together and win over a BL unlock update from Sammy. If you want a GN enough I would trade you, but to be fair the s3 is a strong phone and should get the unlock soon.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I the S3 set up and works great. Don't like TouchWiz at all. We will see. I can do some programming but not on the level needed to help. I let you know.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

nadcicle said:
I would honestly wait it out. It's a matter of time before enough people get together and win over a BL unlock update from Sammy. If you want a GN enough I would trade you, but to be fair the s3 is a strong phone and should get the unlock soon.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a few days, I am enjoying the phone. I think it has a better feel then the GNex at least hardware wise. Let's see if we get a BL unlock. Going to root to remove the extra crappie from the phone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Related

sooo...verizon contradicts itself?

don't flame me, I wanted to make sure I am making the right decision when dropping 650 on a phone.
I got the Gnex. Switched my dead pixeled rezound in for it. I have 30 days to try it out and switch back if it is ****ty. I am not here to start that argument, I am here to ask;
Why must the Rezound bootloader be heavily locked to "protect the network" but the GNex bootloader is so easily unlocked? It slipped my mind how easy it is to unlock the Nexus line... cmd: fastboot oem unlock. bootloader unlocked.
WHAT?! I actually expected the VZN GNex to have some crazy ass bootloader that would be hard to crack like the rezound. Instead it is like every other Nexus phone to unlock. One Command Line entry.
Anyone else not get Verizon's logic? I think if we hound them about the bootloader on this phone, this point should be brought up. How can this phone make the exception, but every other phone cannot?
Also, for those wondering, I love the GNex, but unless they fix the radio, that drops 4G more than a slicked up man holding a slicked up pig, I am dumping this for the rezound no matter the fact it has an unlocked bootloader.
I agreee. We need to hammer them on facebook and via email.
nosympathy said:
don't flame me, I wanted to make sure I am making the right decision when dropping 650 on a phone.
I got the Gnex. Switched my dead pixeled rezound in for it. I have 30 days to try it out and switch back if it is ****ty. I am not here to start that argument, I am here to ask;
Why must the Rezound bootloader be heavily locked to "protect the network" but the GNex bootloader is so easily unlocked? It slipped my mind how easy it is to unlock the Nexus line... cmd: fastboot oem unlock. bootloader unlocked.
WHAT?! I actually expected the VZN GNex to have some crazy ass bootloader that would be hard to crack like the rezound. Instead it is like every other Nexus phone to unlock. One Command Line entry.
Anyone else not get Verizon's logic? I think if we hound them about the bootloader on this phone, this point should be brought up. How can this phone make the exception, but every other phone cannot?
Also, for those wondering, I love the GNex, but unless they fix the radio, that drops 4G more than a slicked up man holding a slicked up pig, I am dumping this for the rezound no matter the fact it has an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to Samsung. You didn't swap out the Rezound for having a dead pixel?
zetsumeikuro said:
Welcome to Samsung. You didn't swap out the Rezound for having a dead pixel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kinda besides the point, but no, only had the rezound for 6 days. Knew the nexus was coming out, and wanted to give it a chance. Had 1 dead pixel, ignored it forr the 6 days.
nosympathy said:
kinda besides the point, but no, only had the rezound for 6 days. Knew the nexus was coming out, and wanted to give it a chance. Had 1 dead pixel, ignored it forr the 6 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. But Sammy phones are infamous for craptacular radios, apparently the Nexus isn't an exception. A lot of people that have it are saying "Great software on sub-mid to mid range hardware.". Hope it works out for you, or you figure out what to do. Best of luck.
zetsumeikuro said:
I see. But Sammy phones are infamous for craptacular radios, apparently the Nexus isn't an exception. A lot of people that have it are saying "Great software on sub-mid to mid range hardware.". Hope it works out for you, or you figure out what to do. Best of luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I probably will come back to the rezound, in the end. I just didn't want to commit, like I did with the bionic, go past my 30 days, to come to find I regret my choice 100%. Atleast this way, if I go to the rezound, I won't be sitting here thinking the GNex is better.
I do love ICS though.
Do there is no try. facebook.com/verizon
https://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/contact/email.jsp
https://mobile.twitter.com/
Verizon Wireless Customer Service Department Post Office Box 105378 Atlanta, GA 30348
nosympathy said:
Thanks. I probably will come back to the rezound, in the end. I just didn't want to commit, like I did with the bionic, go past my 30 days, to come to find I regret my choice 100%. Atleast this way, if I go to the rezound, I won't be sitting here thinking the GNex is better.
I do love ICS though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean had I had hopes for the Nexus as well but I personally cannot get over a few things on it. #1)It's Samsung (bad radios/cheap build) #2) They didn't go w/ the exynos/mali combo imo then the Nexus would have equal horsepower as the Rezound does. #3.)The pentile submatrix does bother me a lot. I played with my friends Nexus today and the whites are like a plaque/linen yellow. The screen has a blue tinge, but I already know this, as it is to preserve the life of the blue pixel since those tend to die out first. 4.) No SD slot especially since I just bought one of those new microSDXC w/ transfer speeds up to 35MB/s. Other than that the Nexus is an okay device, nothing spectacular about it except for ICS.
zetsumeikuro said:
I mean had I had hopes for the Nexus as well but I personally cannot get over a few things on it. #1)It's Samsung (bad radios/cheap build) #2) They didn't go w/ the exynos/mali combo imo then the Nexus would have equal horsepower as the Rezound does. #3.)The pentile submatrix does bother me a lot. I played with my friends Nexus today and the whites are like a plaque/linen yellow. The screen has a blue tinge, but I already know this, as it is to preserve the life of the blue pixel since those tend to die out first. 4.) No SD slot especially since I just bought one of those new microSDXC w/ transfer speeds up to 35MB/s. Other than that the Nexus is an okay device, nothing spectacular about it except for ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. So true on the craptacular radios... build quality, I like.
2. If Samsung COULD have gone with the Exynos/Mali combo, it would take the Rezound running at 1.8 to have equal horsepower as the Exynos running at 1.2.
3. Oh yeah... PenTILE..... EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
4. Google.
nosympathy said:
Thanks. I probably will come back to the rezound, in the end. I just didn't want to commit, like I did with the bionic, go past my 30 days, to come to find I regret my choice 100%. Atleast this way, if I go to the rezound, I won't be sitting here thinking the GNex is better.
I do love ICS though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either phone will be the best choice for your $650. They have their pros and cons. I love Sense and can't stand pure vanilla Android. That's why I have a Rezound. Sit back and think about what you want in a phone. I won't flame you either way. It's YOUR money that will be buying the phone, not anybody else's.
Good luck to you.
So maybe I'm along, but I have way more issues with my rezound radio than my GN.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
zetsumeikuro said:
especially since I just bought one of those new microSDXC w/ transfer speeds up to 35MB/s..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this just drop right in and work on the Rezound?
Heard that the dropped 4g/3g radio issues are Verizon -related not the phone. That's what I have noticed on my RAZR as well as Rezound.
I definitely think the Rezound has better overall build quality than the Nexus.
One big factor for me was loosing the dedicated search and menu keys.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
i like how this went from a thread about verizon locking the rezound bootloader but not the GNex bootloader to a debate over the phones!
you are all missing the point! haha

Thinking about going to the Rezound. question..

Im coming from the HTC evo from sprint. Im on my way over to Verizon. Im interested in both the Rezound and the nexus...
Is there a reason to choose the REzound over the nexus? It doesnt seem like the Rezound has full root/s-off etc etc right? Is it a matter of time, or do they have this thing locked down?
Rezound have radio lock thats all
Rezound is faster and has alotttt stronger signal. Basically, HTC owns samsung
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk
I was all about the nexus but after being burned so often by buying and trying to justify my purchase waited and was about to buy a rezound till I got it as a replacement and its awesome. I love this phone so far. Great camera, It's really quick, screen is amazing and its the perfect size
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
I came from the EVO as well. It was this or nexus, I chose this for the better camera and beats, which I can't go without now. Plus the free headphones. Only selling point of the nexus is ics but a senseless Rom gives a close experience which should get better in time. Plus sense 3.6 is cool and miui is in progress as well as sense 4.0
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Came from Evo 4G on Sprint as well. Went through 2 Nexus's before giving up and getting the Rezound. Signal and call quality on the Nexus was horrendous. I would hear about every third word the caller was saying which made for some pretty interesting conversations.
The ONLY advantage to the Nexus is the ease of "tweaking" it but I un-locked, flashed a recovery, and flashed a rooted ICS Rom on my Rezound in about 10 minutes.
Get the Rezound ... NO BRAINER
IMHO
Edit: BTW ... The return rate of the Nexus is upwards of 20% according to my Verizon Rep. She told me she wished they would pull it off the market.
I came on over from the Evo 3d and I love the Rezound and coverage so much I've yet to root it. This phone has almost cured my flashism. Though I'm on vacation this week, I might get in on the rooting and madness on this side of town soon.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk
Thanks guys.. Im hesistant with the Nexus because IVe heard about samsung not rolling out updates etc etc as fast as they should.
Rezound vs GNex
I poured over this decision back in December. I opted for the rezound because it has an sd card slot and the GNex doesn't. The camera and processor are also superior. I have mine OC's to 1.8 GHz. It is saddled with s-on though. HTC allows users to unlock the bootloader but we cannot flash radios and kernels directly via recovery. It must be done in the bootloader or via fastboot. Not the end of the world but not as easy as an s-off device. This nut seems to be a tough one to crack too. A few devs have been at it since December but no joy
Once we get cm9 the nexus will be a thing of the past.
mighty_markus12 said:
Once we get cm9 the nexus will be a thing of the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by that?
editeD: lolwut I got it now haha fail.
Look, I'm not expert by any means, but I feel I need to chime in. I have owned both phones. The Nexus was probably the sweetest phone I thought I ever had.. Everything seemed to work flawlessly. After a few days I constantly had problems with the Battery, Signal strength and SOUND. Let me explain. ICS was awesome IMO. It worked great and was a really nice change. But that was the only thing that was nice on it. The roms that are coming out now for the Rezound by far make this the best phone I've ever owned. Speed, picture, ICS and I personally like Sense. SO for me to give anyone advice it would easily be GO REZOUND!!
BTW.. Ask this question in the Nexus forum, and I guarantee you'll get a different response. So basically, you need to go in the store, and give yourself 20 minutes to mess around with both phones. Just keep in mind that Samsung has a reputation as having terrible radios. Be sure to listen to the sound on both. And take a look at the resolution and clarity.. A few youtube videos should do it for ya! ALSO, the fact that you get a nice set of ear phones.
I just got the rezound last week and love it. I'm coming from a sensation 4g this is a lot better phone than that is. Plus now we have an ics leak that your phone doesn't have to be rooted is sweet. And when the official ota drops you can still update
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Don't think. Just buy a rezound.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
I faced the same decision, and I went for the Rezound. The camera, reception, and overall build quality of this phone is better than that of the Nexus. I really don't like Sense, and that almost made me go for the Nexus, but software is upgradable and hardware isn't. I'm currently running a senseless ROM (XTreme's), which isn't AOSP, but it's close. It seems like there is being progress with ROMs completely lacking sense (MIUI is being worked on and apparently has RIL in-tact), and once CM9 gets its RIL issues fixed, my phone will feel complete. Even without that, I am very happy with this phone. The screen is amazing, even when compared to a Samsung device (Nexus). The battery life isn't great, but it is an LTE device... I never get signal drops, and I'm always on 4G.
okay well with that being said, what do you guys loose not having s-off?
mroneeyedboh said:
okay well with that being said, what do you guys loose not having s-off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much. It makes it more difficult to flash kernels, but it is still relatively easy using adb or just your phone. You can't flash radios (well at least without being relocked), which I think is the major downside of s-off. Also, unlocking through the HTCDev method won't let you go back to complete factory stock (without the bootloader saying relocked), so if Verizon happened to check, they can see that you MAY have voided PARTS of your warranty (not a big deal).
hmm Seems like its too much bull**** to deal with...
mroneeyedboh said:
hmm Seems like its too much bull**** to deal with...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really not that bad. Choose the phone you want to go with, but don't let that sway you too much. We may not have as many developers and ROMs as the Nexus, but we have some really great devs. And flashing ROMs and kernels really doesn't take noticeably longer without s-off, and becomes second nature
If you want stock ICS go Nexus.
If you want better screen, eventual Sense ICS (AOSP probably won't be possible until we can get s-off I think), and removable SD card go Rezound.
I've been a stock Android fan since the original Droid, but I've really grown to like Sense and Sense 4.0 looks even better. I do want an eventual AOSP.

[Q] Is the OTA 2.04 Unlock likely?

I just grabbed this phone from Verizon, since the dev community is small compared to my other 2 options (Razr HD Maxx and Galaxy S3), however, with this new pesky 2.04 OTA that came pre-installed on my DNA, it seems like the community is currently at a halt.
I have approx 10 more days to return my DNA and get a second choice (Razr or Galaxy), but the hardware is really holding me to the DNA. I don't care much for Sense, and I've always been a motorola fan, however I also love to dev and mess with my phones. So, how likely is this 2.04 unlock? Or should I just go ahead and switch phones? Both the S3 and Razr have great dev communities. S3 has 2gb ram while the Razr has 1gb ram BUT has that amazing battery.
What should I do? I'm so indecisive right now and it's killing me!
I wouldn't buy a phone based on what might happen in the future. If nothing else, you could always sell it and buy one unlocked and s off.
The S3 is decent although old and I suspect dev support is on the downhill slope. I'm personally not a fan of the Razr. If it was my choice to make I'd keep the DNA or sell it and get one unlocked, or get a Note 2 to hold me over until Verizon gets the next HTC. The DNA 2 or One Variant.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
why not take it back to the store and swap it out instead? Just don't let the store reps update your software. I never let them do anything more then activate my sim card
Guess its a good thing the woman that sold me mine was not familiar with smartphones, I had to show her how to take out the SIM tray. I declined the update so I could familiarize myself to sense coming from the razr maxx
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
xraytid said:
why not take it back to the store and swap it out instead? Just don't let the store reps update your software. I never let them do anything more then activate my sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think the phone was updated and didn't just come already preloaded with the new software? I don't remember having to sit through any update, she simply opened it, popped in the sim card, and had me log into my gmail. If that's the case, then I might try that route.
I came from the Maxx and think the DNA is so much more of a phone that I live we the battery size. I got to say that there is something innate to flashaholics that we must have the latest version and once we have it, we want to newest version. In the end, they all still do the same damn thing. We risk bricking, endless hours of trying to fix something we may have screwed up in flashing variants and trying every rom out there and trying again and again. The DNA is a great phone as is. You will always want the next phone regardless so make a decision based on the phone in your hand not what it may be like once you get rooted and start the insanity again of trying to make it better. You can deactivate bloat, hid things in app drawer, it is still blazing fast, a portable battery hub solves the battery issue better than having to plug in everywhere, the Qi pad is sweet, still fits in jean pockets and it has a beautiful screen.
I came from the Maxx and think the DNA is so much more of a phone that I live we the battery size. I got to say that there is something innate to flashaholics that we must have the latest version and once we have it, we want to newest version. In the end, they all still do the same damn thing. We risk bricking, endless hours of trying to fix something we may have screwed up in flashing variants and trying every rom out there and trying again and again. The DNA is a great phone as is. You will always want the next phone regardless so make a decision based on the phone in your hand not what it may be like once you get rooted and start the insanity again of trying to make it better. You can deactivate bloat, hid things in app drawer, it is still blazing fast, a portable battery hub solves the battery issue better than having to plug in everywhere, the Qi pad is sweet, still fits in jean pockets and it has a beautiful screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you have to point out the amazingness of this phone and make my decision even harder!? I do agree with you though. The DNA has amazing more-than-currently-needed hardware, and that's really what's making my decision so hard. I have faith in the unlock, and plenty of patience, but it's hard being a developer and not being able to dev. I hate being restricted. I'm almost to the point of getting the Note II, but the phablet size is keeping me away for now.
Thanks for the input!
I would say the DNA is definitely worth it even without root/unlock.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
cc16177 said:
I would say the DNA is definitely worth it even without root/unlock.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before the update came out I didn't root or unlock because I think phone is amazing on a stock rom. HTC really did a nice job. Although once it stops getting otas I will unlock root and put a custom rom and kernel but until then I'm just staying on stock. I don't see anything wrong with it. And if I get the urge to flash something I just flash my n7.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Jaggar345 said:
Before the update came out I didn't root or unlock because I think phone is amazing on a stock rom. HTC really did a nice job. Although once it stops getting otas I will unlock root and put a custom rom and kernel but until then I'm just staying on stock. I don't see anything wrong with it. And if I get the urge to flash something I just flash my n7.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am rooted and unlocked but the main reason I did it was to remap to recents button to long press menu just go get rid of the black menu bar.
Other than that I was very happy with stock.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
My DNA is still locked and unrooted and honestly it doesn't bother me too much. It is pretty awesome as is. Sure it has some annoyances but what phone doesn't?
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
cc16177 said:
I would say the DNA is definitely worth it even without root/unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely, it's a very smooth phone. And like broons said, there are small things that bug me. I would like to root for tasker, hotspot/tether, custom notifications bar (i really dislike the sense skinned not bar), power on with volume, remve gps icon, and remove the bloat completely. Those are what I would do instantly, with only root. But of course, the main reason would be to flash roms and take a crack at the source myself
Is there currently a team actively working on the 2.04 unlock?
wesf90 said:
Absolutely, it's a very smooth phone. And like broons said, there are small things that bug me. I would like to root for tasker, hotspot/tether, custom notifications bar (i really dislike the sense skinned not bar), power on with volume, remve gps icon, and remove the bloat completely. Those are what I would do instantly, with only root. But of course, the main reason would be to flash roms and take a crack at the source myself
Is there currently a team actively working on the 2.04 unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys If you want an exploit email and twitter at HTC and HTCDEV to release the 2.04 kernel source which they are LEGALLY required to do and have no done so yet. There is seriously a likely exploit there.
I'd stick with the DNA...cm 10.1 is almost done and if devs can't figure out a root method...which i think they will...you can send it off to get s-off for like $40...its not impossible to get s-off
Current team says it is not likely. Kernel source may help.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
kaliblazin707 said:
Current team says it is not likely. Kernel source may help.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ Truth.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
cc16177 said:
I would say the DNA is definitely worth it even without root/unlock.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first thing I do is ROOT when I get a phone. However I can't on the DNA b/c I'm also on 2.04. I'm actually with AT&T using the DNA. I don't have LTE, and MMS only works using GoSMS which I don't really care for. Even with the MMS issue, no LTE, and no ROOT, this phone is still worth it. If I was an actual VZW subscriber, this would be the phone to have for sure.
I want ROOT to remove the horrid software install popups when connecting by usb and to wifi tether. Other than that, the stock rom is pretty smooth. The hardware is just too BEAST to pass up. I'm coming from the OneX which was a great phone as well, but the DNA runs circles around the OneX.
wesf90 said:
I just grabbed this phone from Verizon, since the dev community is small compared to my other 2 options (Razr HD Maxx and Galaxy S3), however, with this new pesky 2.04 OTA that came pre-installed on my DNA, it seems like the community is currently at a halt.
I have approx 10 more days to return my DNA and get a second choice (Razr or Galaxy), but the hardware is really holding me to the DNA. I don't care much for Sense, and I've always been a motorola fan, however I also love to dev and mess with my phones. So, how likely is this 2.04 unlock? Or should I just go ahead and switch phones? Both the S3 and Razr have great dev communities. S3 has 2gb ram while the Razr has 1gb ram BUT has that amazing battery.
What should I do? I'm so indecisive right now and it's killing me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had numerous Moto phones and the Razr Maxx HD was a big disappointment for me; and I tried hard to love that thing. 32 GB of memory and a battery like no other, but they skimped out by only including 1 GB of RAM which gave me redraw after redraw. It reminded me of my old Charge. The DNA is by far the best stock Android phone I've ever had (15 and counting). If you don't like Sense, then just throw Nova or something similar on top. I would never own a Samsung phone again, but if you're okay with the plastic, crappy feel, the S3 probably has the easiest phone to root and the most custom ROM's.
If you guys want any hope of an exploit, Twitter and email HTC and htcdev to release the kernel source! They are violating the gpl by not doing that.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Had the Razr as well and loved it but the 1gb of RAM was the problem. Had they put 2gb in the HD's, right now, they would be owning market.
The DNA is amazing even unrooted. Power toggles and Nova make this phone completely unique and i haven't even played with ADW and other launchers. Just crazy fast and lightning quick.

[Q] Thinking about purchasing a Thunderbolt

I have a droid 3 and wanting to get a thunderbolt to get me by, just wanted to know if anyone has ran into issues with the phone? I know there was many before the ICS update but wanted to know if anyone has had any problems with it since the update?
ICS made it much better but I still don't suggest getting one lol. For a little more you could get a rezound or galaxy nexus.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
disconnecktie said:
ICS made it much better but I still don't suggest getting one lol. For a little more you could get a rezound or galaxy nexus.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't want to be the first one to say it haha.
Like disconnecktie said, If you have the option of getting a newer much better phone then take it. Most of us were suckered into this phone either at release or, in my case, joining Verizon.
Each phone has a trade off. At a time the bolt was about the easiest phone to root till they came out with their boot loader updates. The rezound is the phone I have now and over all is a good phone but at times reminds me of my old bolt plus to get s off you have to short out the phone. But s off isn't needed if you load the boot.IMG via your computer and fastboot. The gnex is good if you like to use custom Roms and so on. Its that true Google experience but radio signal can suck. Seems like a hit or miss for this and heard of screen burn in.
With my having the rezound I would say go for the gnex as you will have better access to updates via the gsm version. I wouldn't get the bolt as its old and being the first 4g phone it has issues and the ril is just crap and what kept this phone from being much better on the Dev side.could look at a s3 as those prices are coming down slowly with newer phones coming out. So if you like flashing custom Roms and so on then the gnex is for you. If you want a good all around phone the rezound is for you. I suggest if you can find them play with them first and see which fits you better.
My wife had the d3 and in two weeks got her a d4.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I've had my bolt now for two years. At first it was pretty cool. ICS did make it more stable but we had to wait forever to get it. It is easy to root from the last time I had to root it and I was able to get EXT4 recovery on it (Best recovery in my opinion). There are TON of custom roms out there from GB all the way up to the latest ICS. It's a good phone but I'm getting rid of mine and going over to the GS4 if only because I like new and shiney things and because my Tbolt how has a crack from the lower left to upper right of my screen and the far right side of my screen doesn't react to touch any more.
If you want a phone that's easy to root, recovery and flash on, the Bolt's pretty good. But if you want a really good phone stock, go with the newer ones like the DNA, HTC One, or the SGS4

[Q] S3 dead. Get an S3 or S4? (and some Safestrap questions)

My S3 died when plugging a USB stick via an OTG cable. See here for the issue:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1981582
I'm past the year warranty, and no upgrade until October. This backup TBolt is killing me, so I need to buy a used phone, either an S3 or an S4. I had a couple questions about the S4:
SAFESTRAP QUESTIONS
- I'm guessing that Safestrap chainloads another partition using code written into the primary system partition?
- I'm unclear as to the ROM limitations. Is it just the kernel that has to be stock, or does the ROM have to be essentially TW? Can the ROM be debloated?
- Is it as fast as running the stock partition? (I know it's on EMMC)
- How does multiboot work? Does one have to go into Safestrap Recovery, choose a partition, and reboot? Or is it more like a desktop OS, where there's a chooser at boot time?
- Does the decreased RAM significantly impact app space? Is it imperative to find a 32gb model?
- Can one use the same data/sdcard partitions with multiple 'ROM'-slots, or even the stock partition?
HARDWARE QUESTIONS
- Are the overheating issues serious, or just overblown?
- Have there been problems with the USB port? (I don't want to fry another phone)
- I'm guessing it's hard to find an MDK phone at a reasonable price?
- Anyone remember the videogame "MDK"?
SUMMARY
I mainly use the phone for PIM apps, web browsing, GMaps, and podcasts/music. I prefer a debloated ROM for speed, but don't mind a stock base. I don't nead CM/AOSP, etc. For reference, I run CleanROM on the S3. I use a 64gb SD card for data, so don't need much internal memory.
It seems the only advantage of the S4 to me is the better display. The S3 is plenty fast for me. OTOH, the S4 would also future-proof me. The S5 doesn't sound like much of an upgrade from the S4, and will problably be locked down even more.
Any advice?
No overheating with the s4, I should know. I mean I have 4 of em in my house that my sisters use. Their perfect because when you root them you can get sick android and not all your tells garbage from whatever your carrier is. Bottom line is get and s4 used of eBay then upgrade the s3 you has ace to an s5 when it comes out, if it comes, when... The s5 might just be a rumor. But yes
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
pepsitank said:
No overheating with the s4, I should know. I mean I have 4 of em in my house that my sisters use. Their perfect because when you root them you can get sick android and not all your tells garbage from whatever your carrier is. Bottom line is get and s4 used of eBay then upgrade the s3 you has ace to an s5 when it comes out, if it comes, when... The s5 might just be a rumor. But yes
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S5 is out on alot of carriers including verizon
mageus said:
- I'm guessing it's hard to find an MDK phone at a reasonable price?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$240: http://swappa.com/listing/WSA236/view
$320: http://swappa.com/listing/ZYS520/view
$335: http://swappa.com/listing/QUI701/view
I'd definitely say get an MDK S4 - the S5 may never have an unlock exploit.
Oishikatta said:
$240: http://swappa.com/listing/WSA236/view
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, didn't know there was an MDK S4 for that cheap. Can one assume that's MDK since it has CM on it?
However, S3s are dropping to $150 since people are getting S5s.
Also, what, exactly, was tasty?
mageus said:
Wow, didn't know there was an MDK S4 for that cheap. Can one assume that's MDK since it has CM on it?
However, S3s are dropping to $150 since people are getting S5s.
Also, what, exactly, was tasty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
みんなはおいしいです。僕は恐竜です。
The 7th picture looked like AOSP icons, and CM can only be installed on MDK.
joshuabg said:
S5 is out on alot of carriers including verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooh. Thank you for helping me learn more about technology
I tell people that I'd trade my MDK S4 for an S3 all the time. I just felt like I got better performance out of it all around. CM11 definitely ran better and was more stable on the S3, even in Alpha stages, than even the most current CM11 build for the S4.
Just my opinion though.
And yes I remember the old MDK Sega Genesis game. I loved that game.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Oishikatta said:
みんなはおいしいです。僕は恐竜です。
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats japanese, it means: Everyone is delicious. I'm a dinosaur.
Oishikatta said:
みんなはおいしいです。僕は恐竜です
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
<shudder>
32BitWhore said:
I tell people that I'd trade my MDK S4 for an S3 all the time. I just felt like I got better performance out of it all around. CM11 definitely ran better and was more stable on the S3, even in Alpha stages, than even the most current CM11 build for the S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, are you saying the ROMS for the S4 aren't mature yet? As I said above, I run CleanROM. Rock stable but still quick because of the debloat. If S4 ROMS don't provide a stable environment, I may want to stick with an S3.
BTW, the S4 for $235 @ Swappa has been dropped about a foot and has a crack in the glass near the button (not over the screen). It also only comes with a Zerolemon extended battery/case which is twice as thick as a stock S4. One would have to buy a stock backplate and standard sized battery. I'm guessing it's been through multiple owners.
Think it's worth it?
mageus said:
<shudder>
So, are you saying the ROMS for the S4 aren't mature yet? As I said above, I run CleanROM. Rock stable but still quick because of the debloat. If S4 ROMS don't provide a stable environment, I may want to stick with an S3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be more inclined to say the ROMs I use aren't. AOSP ROMs specifically. I'm sure many people are just fine with TW ROMs and are perfectly okay with the SafeStrap method. I'm not one of those people and as a result have had stability issues. I'm currently running the final release of CM 10.2.1 because it's much more fully matured, but I still have issues with data dropping from time to time and other general instability. I never had issues like this with my S3, iirc, even on CM 11.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
mageus said:
BTW, the S4 for $235 @ Swappa has been dropped about a foot and has a crack in the glass near the button (not over the screen). It also only comes with a Zerolemon extended battery/case which is twice as thick as a stock S4. One would have to buy a stock backplate and standard sized battery. I'm guessing it's been through multiple owners.
Think it's worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would pass on just about all of them except those running MDK.
Having KNOX, is a pain in the butt.
I personally would not buy the S4. I have one but would not buy another.
I'd go for something that I could unlock the bootloader.
Right now the LG G2 is as cheap as the GS4 with hardware close to the HTC M8 or Galaxy S5.
If you need an internal SD that won't work. My next phone is not Samsung. Just say no to "KNOX Pox".
32BitWhore said:
I tell people that I'd trade my MDK S4 for an S3 all the time. I just felt like I got better performance out of it all around. CM11 definitely ran better and was more stable on the S3, even in Alpha stages, than even the most current CM11 build for the S4.
Just my opinion though.
And yes I remember the old MDK Sega Genesis game. I loved that game.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what your doing but my S4 blows my S3 out of the water. Try a Rom like Liquidsmooth or Vanir !
ahoslc said:
Not sure what your doing but my S4 blows my S4 out of the water. Try a Rom like Liquidsmooth or Vanir !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you care to rephrase that? I'm not sure how you S4 is better than your S4.
Honestly if you wanna mod, roms all that, your best bet Is either a nexus or HTC, as you can unlock HTC bootloader. Or pay full price for unlocked version of s4 :/
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
tech_head said:
Right now the LG G2 is as cheap as the GS4 with hardware close to the HTC M8 or Galaxy S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Need microSD. That rules out the G2, HTC One, Nexus 5 (off VZW). S4 is the only viable phone in that generation. M8/S5 too expensive.
Most people here harping on the need for mdk are ALMOST wrong, lol. The OP says he only wants stock based roms. That is totally an option with safestrap. Currently your needs sound like they would totally be met with a locked Verizon phone. However, who knows what future updates will "fix"... so there would be a chance that safestap couldnt be made to work on a new update... at which point you would have to choose between updates and roms...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
scryan is prescient.
I'm leaning towards an S4 for 2 reasons:
- 1080 screen.
- It would be a shame to have to pay for a new phone, just to get the same old thing. Granted, the S4 is >$100 more . . .
It looks like the TW ROMs have enough customization to keep me happy. It's a shame that Scott stopped developing CleanROM, as that's rock stable on the S3. Hyperdrive sounds like a good candidate to start. Not worried about updates killing SS. I'm sure the devs will find a way around it.
Just waiting to see if the S5 release drives S4 prices downward any further.
MDK S4.
One thing you may not have seen first-hand is just how huge a difference AWS makes.

Categories

Resources