Hi, I can get a deal offer for the s3 at the price of $233. But I have some questions
Is it still worth getting the galaxy s3 in 2014?
WIll it get official android L from samsung (there is already official kitkat right?)
if there's no official android L, does it have official Cyanogenmod support and so will it get android L cyanogenmod?
for future android L custom roms , will there be problems with some drivers? (e.g. my htc desure never got proper camera support on android 4.X roms as the drivers are not available). Are all drivers(and source code) released by samsung for the s3?
how does it compare with the galaxy s4? is the latter worth the price difference
how is camera (important for me) as compared to smarphones in the same price range available today (e.g. xperia sp, galaxy s4 mini)
thx for your time reading my long list of questions and waiting your replies and suggestions guys. Thx
No, no and no, yes and unlikely, yes and no, s4 is better but not by much, camera is good but only on stock rom.
is camera bad on custom roms? and there's no cyanogenmod official support?
yeahman45 said:
Hi, I can get a deal offer for the s3 at the price of $233. But I have some questions
Is it still worth getting the galaxy s3 in 2014?
WIll it get official android L from samsung (there is already official kitkat right?)
if there's no official android L, does it have official Cyanogenmod support and so will it get android L cyanogenmod?
for future android L custom roms , will there be problems with some drivers? (e.g. my htc desure never got proper camera support on android 4.X roms as the drivers are not available). Are all drivers(and source code) released by samsung for the s3?
how does it compare with the galaxy s4? is the latter worth the price difference
how is camera (important for me) as compared to smarphones in the same price range available today (e.g. xperia sp, galaxy s4 mini)
thx for your time reading my long list of questions and waiting your replies and suggestions guys. Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Absolutely no for the only 1 GB of RAM.
Actually on Amazon is very sold its Neo variant with 1,5 GB, but according to me it's a madness: a newer hardware is highly preferable and x64 architecture is coming.
2) Absolutely no and you are wrong: no KitKat official support for S3, why it should be extended to Android L? It's impossible!
3) Yes, it's promised by Cyanogen team, but never more the bull**** did with CM 10.2, working of course on a stable rom to switch to CM 11 nightlies as soon as possible.
When CM 11 stable is released, you can stay on CM 12 nightlies.
4) Samsung drivers are already released for custom rom, except for the 2-way call recording.
CyanogenMod prefers to use the hybrid and open source drivers, but with a specific BOEFFLA kernel, actually experimental, you can get the official and proprietary drivers, much better than first.
5) Galaxy S4 is obviously greater than S3 under any aspect, its price is about €300-350.
6) S3 has an excellent camera, but in AOSP roms it's not provided of a good stabilization, so pictures are a bit more moving than in stock rom.
Yup I know there are better hardware (obviously.. it is 2 yrs old) but for the price of $233 is it worth it? I don't want to spend more than $300 on a phone.
yeahman45 said:
Yup I know there are better hardware (obviously.. it is 2 yrs old) but for the price of $233 is it worth it? I don't want to spend more than $300 on a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG G Pro Lite [emoji106]
Simone98RC said:
LG G Pro Lite [emoji106]
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Click to collapse
will check this out... if the community of custom roms is active (but 5.5" is a bit too big for me and i hope it has sdcard and removable battery)
edit: are you sure it is better than the S3? looking at the specs, it does not look that great and it's a mediatek cpu ... )
yeahman45 said:
will check this out... if the community of custom roms is active (but 5.5" is a bit too big for me and i hope it has sdcard and removable battery)
edit: are you sure it is better than the S3? looking at the specs, it does not look that great and it's a mediatek cpu ... )
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Click to collapse
I don't know the Mediatek reputation, LG G Pro under many aspects is the ideal phone for your budget.
On Amazon.it its price is about €250, I think less on a bigger store such Amazon US or DE.
As me you want to root the device and flash a custom rom... LG is the only trademark who guarantee warranty also under root permissions.
Please can someone get me the quaraqumus QS-i9300-KK-v2.6 resumable link
Related
Hi All,
I've decided to sell my s3 (should be sold tomorrow) what device do you guys recommend unfortunately I need a new device pronto so can't really wait till for the new nexus devices to be announced, I run cm10 so am looking for a device that's most compatible with this rom.
Thanks in advanced
waqsuk said:
Hi All,
I've decided to sell my s3 (should be sold tomorrow) what device do you guys recommend unfortunately I need a new device pronto so can't really wait till for the new nexus devices to be announced, I run cm10 so am looking for a device that's most compatible with this rom.
Thanks in advanced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread for this, but anyway the best phone i can recommend you to buy is the galaxy nexus due to the infinite support. optimus G or the nitro hd are also good options. do not buy the new htc's since they are being replaced every 1 month. Xperia products like the xperia t seem to be very good devices if you can get them but once again best phone for cm 10 is the galaxy nexus
buggatti said:
There is a thread for this, but anyway the best phone i can recommend you to buy is the galaxy nexus due to the infinite support. optimus G or the nitro hd are also good options. do not buy the new htc's since they are being replaced every 1 month. Xperia products like the xperia t seem to be very good devices if you can get them but once again best phone for cm 10 is the galaxy nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Nexus it is
Lollipop 5.1.1 official update for LG G2 Mini
ww.androidorigin.com/lg-g2-mini-lollipop-update-android-5-1-1/
Not shure if this is legit but it would be nice to get new android and ui.
P.S. I deleated w in front because i can't post threads with link yet.Just add w.Sorry for bad english.
by the time it will be ready ... device will be 2 year old ... so i don't believe in that story
markoxda said:
by the time it will be ready ... device will be 2 year old ... so i don't believe in that story
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Click to collapse
They wouldn't do that. They have to many new devices to sell, but not so good as LG g2-mini. There is few custom rom based on 5.1.1 but nfc and IR not working ;(
Finally switched to Cyanogenmod from Stock Rom, because I do not expect any more significant updates from LG.. With this switch I am now on Android Marshmallow, works like a charm on the G2 mini, even if the Cyanogenmod release is still in beta.
enk001 said:
Finally switched to Cyanogenmod from Stock Rom, because I do not expect any more significant updates from LG.. With this switch I am now on Android Marshmallow, works like a charm on the G2 mini, even if the Cyanogenmod release is still in beta.
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Click to collapse
With 6.0 from LG you will get real, fully functional UX 4.0 so you'll can use LG device in 100% (IR remote controll, NFC and other producer functions.. etc), in CM it's imposibble and you don't know when they fix all bugs but of course CM is a good alternative and it's good that G2M has now official support but for me LG official firmware is the best Greetings
Ps I dont think so we will get 6.0 but maybe 5.1, it will be nice too. LG makes updater faster than other producers, G2M is now little bit old but still good phone.
WYPIERDAALAAC said:
With 6.0 from LG you will get real, fully functional UX 4.0 so you'll can use LG device in 100% (IR remote controll, NFC and other producer functions.. etc), in CM it's imposibble and you don't know when they fix all bugs but of course CM is a good alternative and it's good that G2M has now official support but for me LG official firmware is the best Greetings
Ps I dont think so we will get 6.0 but maybe 5.1, it will be nice too. LG makes updater faster than other producers, G2M is now little bit old but still good phone.
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Click to collapse
Thats true, CM has some downsides like no NFC and IR support. But it has one important upside for me: Android Auto works far better. With LG stock rom, my mobile did not connect reliably with my car using Android Auto. After the switch to CM 13, Android Auto works perfectly.
I noticed too, has a much stronger GPS signal with CM13 , and i hate this stock rom large icons and not possible to hide status bar(a bunch of unnecessary google apps). My conclusion CM13 is better in every way, the only for camera I'm not sure.
Kamikaza101 said:
ww.androidorigin.com/lg-g2-mini-lollipop-update-android-5-1-1/
Not shure if this is legit but it would be nice to get new android and ui.
P.S. I deleated w in front because i can't post threads with link yet.Just add w.Sorry for bad english.
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Click to collapse
This site is famous for their fakes. Don't believe them.
I'm new in Android world, and I have to buy cheapest Android phone that will be able to handle Android 4.4 or newer.
I have found that the best option is Galaxy S3 and that there's one on Aliexpress. I'm aware that it might be a clone but it will not be my primary phone. It just has to be able to handle newer Android.
Can't post a link, search for the top ordered Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 on Aliexpress.
Has anyone tried it? Will software see it as genuin S3? Thank you!
if it's a real i9300 then you are only able to upgrade via custom rom. Official support via samsung stopped at 4.3
If You need official KK (4.4), then You must search form S3 4G/LTE (9305). Basic S3 ended with 4.3 (as maultasche said).
This must be S3? If not, try search Moto E - it's cheap and small chance to buy fake one - in S3 (generally in Samsung phones) it quite ease to buy fake/copy when your search for cheap phone.
You are right, thank you! And I will check Moto E but what about S3 Neo?
S3 Neo has 4.4.
You can check every Samsung phone here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/
Just type model name/code (S3 or 9301) and it will find all/latest version of firmware.
It you want a phone for calling/texting (and using in general), you should list your needs/requierements/max price and ask what to choice - XDA probably has a place for it.
If you want a phone for testing/development Android apps, you should think about Motorola/Nexus or some new models with offical long support (ie Xperia family).
I just need a >4.5" phone for general use, with at least 4.4 (to use with smart watches and bands). With as low cost as possible. Galaxy S3 Neo is my leader now.
I don't know where I You from, what models ara in your country and in what prices, so it's hard to suggest any model.
I suggest You to use some kind of price comparation site (in our country), choice your requierements and list devices. Then choice what you like (what looks nice to You) and has a good price.
Then paste list of interesting devices.
For example there are couple of cheap models named "Core" or "Grand" (from Samsung) with screen size obove 4.5 inch and new Android.
Downsides are: not so "strong" CPU/GPU (for games) and lack of light sensor - it shoudn't be a issue as You want to use smartwatch anyway.
In my opinion s3 is best choice As long as there is ANY chance to get some cm (official/ unofficial)
Ekci said:
I'm new in Android world, and I have to buy cheapest Android phone that will be able to handle Android 4.4 or newer.
I have found that the best option is Galaxy S3 and that there's one on Aliexpress. I'm aware that it might be a clone but it will not be my primary phone. It just has to be able to handle newer Android.
Can't post a link, search for the top ordered Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 on Aliexpress.
Has anyone tried it? Will software see it as genuin S3? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can upgrade it even to marshmallow why KitKat?
As we are expecting the official cm to release tomorrow so I think that s3 is the best choice. And if you just like touchwiz s3 has 4.4.4 ports from touchwiz and you can install them. But I recommend you to install lollipop 5.1.1 rom if you buy a s3 device. You chose the best device if you want any help on how to flash these roms just reply my post.
If I helped you hit the tnx button.:good:
I recently smashed up my S4 Mini. I was going to repair it, but it seems for not much more cost I could get an S5 Mini or Alpha.
I have been happy running CyanogenMod 11 for several years now; very stable. Reading here, looks like I might not get the same stability from S5 Mini or Alpha though -- given the choice, should I upgrade or stay with the S4 Mini?
Small screen and changeable battery are important to me, as is running a fairly 'open' ROM with PrivacyGuard and some other features I got from CyanogenMod 11. Nothing too experimental though, as I still need to reliably use the phone day-to-day for work etc.
Thanks -- Mark
Alpha has far more better hardware specification (both exynos and qualcom variants) than S5 Mini. I'm using Alpha with exynos and it's a really solid phone but Cyanogen based ROMs aren't working good enough for me to use them day-to-day, in the other hand firmware based ROMs like EpsilRom are working great so if you can live with it than it's worth taking. As far as I know Snapdragon version has no problem with Cyanogenmod but I heard that its CPU is not as fast as exynos one (but it's still the same chip that is in S5). Exynos variant is G850F and Snapdagon is G850W. The only advantages for S5 Mini for me are that it's waterproof and it has micro SD card slot.
Thanks -- very useful.
Can you tell me more of what you mean by "firmware based ROM"? I'm guessing you might mean they are modified versions of the stock ROM, rather than being a compile from source code?
I'll need to look into this situation with variants Exynos vs. Qualcom variants, and which variants are the one on the second hand market here (I'm in the UK)
wheelsofsteel said:
Thanks -- very useful.
Can you tell me more of what you mean by "firmware based ROM"? I'm guessing you might mean they are modified versions of the stock ROM, rather than being a compile from source code?
I'll need to look into this situation with variants Exynos vs. Qualcom variants, and which variants are the one on the second hand market here (I'm in the UK)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I meant modified version of the stock ROM, I'm using this one right now: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-alpha/development/rom-epsilrom-future-t3311333
Exynos variant is like default for Europe so it would be easier to get, and be carefull with these variants because there are few exynos versions(for example G850F and G850K) and few with snapdragon (G850W, G850A)
In theory if g850a was fully unlocked, this forum would be very active :/
Both @kyasu and @modpunk develop LOS 13/14.1.
Definitely if you are choosing from s5mini and ALPHA. Then ALPHA. The S5 mini is compared to Alpha very ****ty build. Plasticky and etc .. Alpha si more premium feel. And performance.
Hi All,
I'm an engineer looking to upgrade a product which uses an old Altel smartphone. I'm experienced in Unlocking and flashing. I have already done a search, but now in 2020, there may be new info.
Looking for suggestions for the best CHEAP android phone which has good custom ROM support for android 7+ (ish).
I need to use the back camera, and connect via wifi, bluetooth, or Cellular Data. It will be tested in the US, but may benefit from support for many globally common 3g and 4g bands.
One last thing. Would love to find something I can still buy a few dozen of NEW, or at least MFG REFURB.
Can anyone suggest suitable phones? So far, been considering late nexus line and early pixel line, knowing they're flash unlockable.
Thank you for reading! Apologies if I hit the wrong section of the forum.
bizzzle said:
Hi All,
I'm an engineer looking to upgrade a product which uses an old Altel smartphone. I'm experienced in Unlocking and flashing. I have already done a search, but now in 2020, there may be new info.
Looking for suggestions for the best CHEAP android phone which has good custom ROM support for android 7+ (ish).
I need to use the back camera, and connect via wifi, bluetooth, or Cellular Data. It will be tested in the US, but may benefit from support for many globally common 3g and 4g bands.
One last thing. Would love to find something I can still buy a few dozen of NEW, or at least MFG REFURB.
Can anyone suggest suitable phones? So far, been considering late nexus line and early pixel line, knowing they're flash unlockable.
Thank you for reading! Apologies if I hit the wrong section of the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no *NEW* cheap phones that have custom ROM support unfortunately. But used phone are an option : ) If you want official ROM support (Even to this day!), you can get a Samsung Galaxy S4 for 50$, an S5, Note 3 (Android 9 - 10 support!).
If you want a used phone at 100-150$, you can get a A5 2017, Google Pixel 1, Nexus 6 (Don't buy the 6p)
If you want to get a Brand new phone: Moto G7 and G6 Plus (200-250$). (Theese phones have a more complicated process of modding)
You can check the Lineage OS download Page here: https://download.lineageos.org/ Theese are all of the supported devices.
If you don't want to have any difficulties, you can get a Samsung but be careful with the variants! Get the international or Canadian variant because if you get a US variant, there are no methods of unlocking the device (except for the S5 and less) You can also get the Google Pixel, but do not buy the US variant. Same for the nexus devices...
Your knowledge and help are much appreciated.
Can you offer advice on USB OTG Compatibility with various phones on Lineage? I've had mixed results in the past with stock ROMs.
alexenferman said:
There are no *NEW* cheap phones that have custom ROM support unfortunately. But used phone are an option : ) If you want official ROM support (Even to this day!), you can get a Samsung Galaxy S4 for 50$, an S5, Note 3 (Android 9 - 10 support!).
If you want a used phone at 100-150$, you can get a A5 2017, Google Pixel 1, Nexus 6 (Don't buy the 6p)
If you want to get a Brand new phone: Moto G7 and G6 Plus (200-250$). (Theese phones have a more complicated process of modding)
You can check the Lineage OS download Page here: https://download.lineageos.org/ Theese are all of the supported devices.
If you don't want to have any difficulties, you can get a Samsung but be careful with the variants! Get the international or Canadian variant because if you get a US variant, there are no methods of unlocking the device (except for the S5 and less) You can also get the Google Pixel, but do not buy the US variant. Same for the nexus devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bizzzle said:
Your knowledge and help are much appreciated.
Can you offer advice on USB OTG Compatibility with various phones on Lineage? I've had mixed results in the past with stock ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the phones I mentioned have OTG capability
Probably almost all phone supported by lineage have OTG. Don't worry about that.
bizzzle said:
Hi All,
I'm an engineer looking to upgrade a product which uses an old Altel smartphone. I'm experienced in Unlocking and flashing. I have already done a search, but now in 2020, there may be new info.
Looking for suggestions for the best CHEAP android phone which has good custom ROM support for android 7+ (ish).
I need to use the back camera, and connect via wifi, bluetooth, or Cellular Data. It will be tested in the US, but may benefit from support for many globally common 3g and 4g bands.
One last thing. Would love to find something I can still buy a few dozen of NEW, or at least MFG REFURB.
Can anyone suggest suitable phones? So far, been considering late nexus line and early pixel line, knowing they're flash unlockable.
Thank you for reading! Apologies if I hit the wrong section of the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 Samsung Galaxy S3 ( circa 2012 ) and while they are far from new, they are great phones to play around with.
I am far from experienced, but I have enjoyed flashing Custom ROM's , from CyanogenMod, thru various versions of Lineage, and now CrDroid. The newest O/S that I flashed is CrDroid 3.8.9 ( based on Android 7.1.2 - I think! ). Runs great. Stable. Long battery life. Ran ( 'right out of the box' ) without any need to install Gapps.
The nice thing is the Samsung Galaxy S3 is so darn abundant. Seems that everybody has one collecting dust in a drawer. And that means they are cheap ( as in give it away ). All the Samsung Galaxy S3 came with unlocked bootloader ( I think that is the term ) except for the Verizon model.
Icing on the cake is, a fellow from Montreal, alexenferman, is the genious authour of the CrDroid Custom ROM.