I am wondering if I should buy the Moto E now, or should I wait?
Let me explain. I currently own the Moto G (first gen) and I am interested in the Moto E because it has a built in Micro SD card slot. However, considering that this version of the device came out recently, I doubt that there is even a Cyanogen mod available for. I am not even sure that if it's been rooted and/or has alternative firmware available for it yet. The reason why I ask is because I use these devices as portable media players. I don't care about the phones or the 3G/4G aspect of it. I prefer it to be media player, gaming and internet access (via wifi) device. This is how I use my current Moto G.
The issue I am wondering about is the whole "Activation" thing when I buy it from either Boost Mobile or Sprint. Running the native firmware on the device, are they going to constantly nag me about activating the phone to their network, or not. If not, then I can probably buy the phone now. If not, then I will have to wait for CyanogenMod, or some alternative rooted firmware to be released.
Kwipper said:
I am wondering if I should buy the Moto E now, or should I wait?
Let me explain. I currently own the Moto G (first gen) and I am interested in the Moto E because it has a built in Micro SD card slot. However, considering that this version of the device came out recently, I doubt that there is even a Cyanogen mod available for. I am not even sure that if it's been rooted and/or has alternative firmware available for it yet. The reason why I ask is because I use these devices as portable media players. I don't care about the phones or the 3G/4G aspect of it. I prefer it to be media player, gaming and internet access (via wifi) device. This is how I use my current Moto G.
The issue I am wondering about is the whole "Activation" thing when I buy it from either Boost Mobile or Sprint. Running the native firmware on the device, are they going to constantly nag me about activating the phone to their network, or not. If not, then I can probably buy the phone now. If not, then I will have to wait for CyanogenMod, or some alternative rooted firmware to be released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
id do some research before buying. we do have twrp and root for the lte models. no roms yet but im sure that will come in time. as for the cdma models ive never really saw any development. and without source there won't be and cm based roms yet. i cant comment on the boost, verizon or sprint models but my unlocked gsm model is more than i ever expected from a mid-range device, you won't be disappointed. my intention is to keep it until the new moto g 2015 lte model comes.
Related
I am just wondering why none of the current Verizon Pre-Paid phones are on here? Can you not get CM12 on any of these phones? What is the reason?
HTC Desire 612 (Doesn't even show up on XDA Forum as a valid phone????)
LG Transpyre (Doesn't even show up on XDA Forum as a valid phone????)
Motorola RAZR M (I know this is an old phone and Motorola pached it making it un-hackable)
What gives? Has development just come to a halt?
For a device to receive its own forum on XDA, it has to have significant development, or at least the likelihood/potential for it. Verizon is undoubtedly the worst company when it comes to freedom for development. Unrootable devices, locked bootloaders, and the fact that only devices sold by Verizon will work on their network. AT&T is pretty bad too when it comes to this sort of thing, but at least they allow unlocked devices on their network. A custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader. Or root, with Safestrap (including Safestrap developed for the phone). Verizon does their best to disallow both.
If you want freedom, go with T-Mobile or AT&T. T-Moible is definitely the "freest" of the carriers, but AT&T has the more expansive network. Or go with one of their MVNOs/subsidiaries like Cricket, MetroPCS, StraightTalk, etc,
Feel free to request a device forum in the thread below, if you haven't already done so.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1660354
Planterz said:
For a device to receive its own forum on XDA, it has to have significant development, or at least the likelihood/potential for it. Verizon is undoubtedly the worst company when it comes to freedom for development. Unrootable devices, locked bootloaders, and the fact that only devices sold by Verizon will work on their network. AT&T is pretty bad too when it comes to this sort of thing, but at least they allow unlocked devices on their network. A custom ROM requires an unlocked bootloader. Or root, with Safestrap (including Safestrap developed for the phone). Verizon does their best to disallow both.
If you want freedom, go with T-Mobile or AT&T. T-Moible is definitely the "freest" of the carriers, but AT&T has the more expansive network. Or go with one of their MVNOs/subsidiaries like Cricket, MetroPCS, StraightTalk, etc,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So Verizon is the worst because they lock down there devices the best... That stinks because where I live, they have the BEST network .... I ended up with the LG Transpyre and was able to unlock the bootloader without any problems... However there are no ROMs for this phone... I got CM12 to work on it using LG Optimus F60 with only miner issues (camera doesn't work, and WiFi turns off without a problem, but takes FOREVER to turn back on)..... SO, I guess me being able to do this with ease... I am shocked know one else has done this!
meluvalli said:
So Verizon is the worst because they lock down there devices the best... That stinks because where I live, they have the BEST network .... I ended up with the LG Transpyre and was able to unlock the bootloader without any problems... However there are no ROMs for this phone... I got CM12 to work on it using LG Optimus F60 with only miner issues (camera doesn't work, and WiFi turns off without a problem, but takes FOREVER to turn back on)..... SO, I guess me being able to do this with ease... I am shocked know one else has done this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you unlock the bootloader???
I am new to the whole cellphone scene. I have much more experience in the PC world.
I purchased an Verizon Galaxy S4 (I545) on e-bay, primarily for use as a media device. I have decided to get pre-paid service on T-Mobile. (My wife has a T-Mobile G2 and when I put her sim card in, I was able to make calls.)
I have the T-Mobile sim installed and will be initiating service tomorrow.
After reading many of the threads here, I see a lot of talk about flashing different ROMS onto the hardware. Since I am not a Verizon customer, I really have no need for "Verizon's" version of Android, other than if it is required for the hardware to work properly. I like to have my options for customization and installing various apk's, etc.... I like to control my hardware and not be limited to what one company or another says I should do. I do travel internationally, which is one reason why my wife has the T-Mobile account, since it has great coverage in Europe, etc....
So, I ask this:
Should I flash a different ROM on this beast?
What would be the benefits?
What would be the drawbacks?
Which ROM would be recommended and why?
Thanks in advance for your insights! :angel:
p.s. Before knowing any better, I updated my S4 using Verizon's Software Upgrade Assistant on my PC, meaning I currently am running Build LRX22C.I545VRUGOC1 w/ Kernel 3.4.0 [email protected] #1.
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll get Verizon VoLTE -- but not Wi-Fi nor video calling.
Yes, you can have Verizon voicemail.
Those answers are based on the carrier unlocked LG G6 US997 released earlier this year, from people who have it and use Verizon. You should go over there and ask some questions. That will be the best predictor of the LG V30 US998.
I pasted some of the answers from actual users below.
jiggyman said:
I received mine and activated it yesterday. VoLTE works perfectly. No Video/WiFi Calling though. I love this phone! No bloatware!
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VOICEMAIL
gillim74 said:
How do you get verizon vm working on the us997 everytuing else works but vm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
htcnext said:
Getting unlocked phones working on Verizon is still more difficult than it should be. Hypothesis: reps at the local stores don't get a commission on unlocked activations and do get commissions on carrier phones. If you want to avoid technical stuff suggest calling Verizon and threatening to switch to T-Mobile if they can't get it to work, do not go to local stores.
Regarding voicemail, I went with youmail from the play store. You might also be able to get the Verizon voicemail app working, I did not try that since I do not want any lame carrier apps on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gillim74 said:
Thanks for the response.got it working after calling verizon!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
duke69111 said:
What did you have to do to get the VVM working on VZW? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gillim74 said:
Had to call them and have them reset the network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the fm radio. My Verizon branded G6 has the fm radio enabled, you just need to plug in headphones. It works with NextRadio and the LG radio app that I know of. The Verizon version needed files pulled and edited from xda forums to get LG's app working as it does not come with it preinstalled. It wasn't hard to install. An install of NextRadio from the play store just worked. The unlocked version probably includes the LG fm app. NextRadio is pretty snazzy, while the LG App is pretty bland and basic.
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
johnp357 said:
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting a phone has nothing to do with battery life. It's just becoming admin of your own phone. The owner of the phone.
Rooting a phone will let you use your hotspot without carrier's permission.
If you mean custom kernels might favor performance over conserving battery vs stock kernel, you have a point. Which might make you have to charge battery more frequently. Thus shorter battery life over a several years period..
However, that is changing! Newer CPU governors like Alucard do a very good job of balancing performance and battery.
One thing you could do is root and run stock firmware, with an xposed module or app that will let you have your hotspot. Again, root by itself does not affect battery life.
ChazzMatt said:
Rooting a phone has nothing to do with battery life. It's just becoming admin of your own phone. The owner of the phone.
Rooting a phone will let you use your hotspot without carrier's permission.
If you mean custom kernels might favor performance over conserving battery vs stock kernel, you have a point. Which might make you have to charge battery more frequently. Thus shorter battery life over a several years period..
However, that is changing! Newer CPU governors like Alucard do a very good job of balancing performance and battery.
One thing you could do is root and run stock firmware, with an xposed module or app that will let you have your hotspot. Again, root by itself does not affect battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL.... trust me. viper4android, hotspots, trying all sorts of mods, and yes messing with kernels, changing OS every other week... battery life will get shot... every time, so yes it will... just comes with the territory.
regardless of how you try to fine tune the kernel to conserve. but I'm ok with all of it. I will just be bummed not to get the $200 card and the VR thing. So I guess I have to decide in the next 6 days how important hotspot is vs $300 worth of stuff.
johnp357 said:
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get this phone? Did hotspot work out of the box with unlimited grandfathered Verizon plan or will we have to get root?
wonderrx said:
Did you get this phone? Did hotspot work out of the box with unlimited grandfathered Verizon plan or will we have to get root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. it did not. I'm jimmy rigging it by using the wifi extender to trick the hotspot to working but it requires that you connect to a wifi first. data isn't needed on the connect. it's hokey but works almost all the time. so I am now content. LG disabler squashed everything else so the phone is pretty snappy.
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having only used rooted phones for the past 10 years or so, I had a similar quandary, although some of the particulars were different. The arguments in favor of the VZ branded phone were earlier release date, wifi calling, $200.00 discount, and EARLIER RELEASE DATE (I have a thing for immediate gratification). The arguments in favor of the US998 were choice of handset colors and the most important factor: ability to root.
I opted for the VZ LG V30 and have been very hapy so far. As far as the OP's concerns, I can say that the ability to insert a micro SD card eliminates that need for internal storage in excess of 64gb, which is plenty anyway. Also, the LG package disabler (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/guide-make-v30-faster-smoother-t3693083) and the FM Radio apk (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/themes/lg-fm-radio-app-download-verizon-v30-t3689294) resolve the bloatware issue and FM receiver issue respectively.
As far as my concerns, the LG package disabler also accomplishes some of the same goals that for which I would want to root my phone. One of the main reasons that I root my phones is too be able to block ads, and I have accomplished that by disabling Chrome and installing Samsung internet beta, as well as by supporting developers by purchasing ad free versions of the apps which I use frequently or finding ad free versions of apps when they are available.
I've mostly gotten over the fact that my phone is silver, especially since it's always in a case anyway.
al4d said:
Having only used rooted phones for the past 10 years or so, I had a similar quandary, although some of the particulars were different. The arguments in favor of the VZ branded phone were earlier release date, wifi calling, $200.00 discount, and EARLIER RELEASE DATE (I have a thing for immediate gratification). The arguments in favor of the US998 were choice of handset colors and the most important factor: ability to root.
I opted for the VZ LG V30 and have been very hapy so far. As far as the OP's concerns, I can say that the ability to insert a micro SD card eliminates that need for internal storage in excess of 64gb, which is plenty anyway. Also, the LG package disabler (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/guide-make-v30-faster-smoother-t3693083) and the FM Radio apk (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/themes/lg-fm-radio-app-download-verizon-v30-t3689294) resolve the bloatware issue and FM receiver issue respectively.
As far as my concerns, the LG package disabler also accomplishes some of the same goals that for which I would want to root my phone. One of the main reasons that I root my phones is too be able to block ads, and I have accomplished that by disabling Chrome and installing Samsung internet beta, as well as by supporting developers by purchasing ad free versions of the apps which I use frequently or finding ad free versions of apps when they are available.
I've mostly gotten over the fact that my phone is silver, especially since it's always in a case anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have friends who are required to have carrier-branded phones and who cannot root. That's a well written post I'll share with them.
As for color choice I'm hoping LG will sell us the "open market" US988 in black V30+ configuration (or V30+ at all), but I'm becoming skeptical.
Interesting counterpoint, al4d.
There's also the matter of OS update timeliness. And security updates -- do they ever come from the the manufacturer? It seems like only carrier-specific releases get the media buzz.
Lastly, I'm sort of holding out for the Oreo release, just to ensure LG put all their best efforts into it. It would be a shame if 8.0 lands and it's a half-baked mess full of bugs.
Hey @ChazzMatt
Recently I've noticed that I have petty crappy signal and trouble with getting a GPS lock. I remember from the turbo having to flash a modem.
I'm running Stock LG at the moment purely for the camera, is there anything you recommend doing? Ive noticed I cant even change the apn settings.
When I hacked from US998 to VS996, I saw there were more "bars" being shown. Note, however, that "bars" can be changed to reflect different signal levels, so it may not actually be getting more/less signal. If I were careful, I would have looked at the numeric signal, but I missed checking that.
I'm running VS996 on our phones now, partly because of the VoLTE support as well... and all of that is working, so that's good.
I don't think you can flash just a "modem"... but I am interested to hear if this can be done...
Diego1751 said:
Hey @ChazzMatt
Recently I've noticed that I have petty crappy signal and trouble with getting a GPS lock. I remember from the turbo having to flash a modem.
I'm running Stock LG at the moment purely for the camera, is there anything you recommend doing? Ive noticed I cant even change the apn settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oreo now locks you out of APN settings (it knows what best, supposedly) but you can use an app Shortcut Master or Shortcut Master Lite to manually edit APN settings. Here's how to edit APN using that app. Of course that is NOT the V30 -- but it's still the same technique, and you would want to populate with your own APN information, not what they are using for their carrier. Here are instructions for Verizon on LG V30, at least for MMS.
As for modems, I know there are AT&T and Sprint TWRP flashable modems posted, but not sure about Verizon. You can fire up LGUP and manually flash VS996 modem partitions via DL Partition method, if you want to try that modem. Just UNcheck all partitions except for modems.
With the impending 3G network shutdowns by AT&T (on Feburary 2022) and T-Mobile (already done in January 2021; Sprint network will in Janurary 2022), I'm badly in need of another option. My current LG Nexus 5 (International version) won't enable me to survive these shutdowns, as it lacks the full LTE band support for the United States carriers.
After searching for another phone model with the criteria of removable battery, USB-C and unlockable bootloader, I settled on the following listing for a LG G5 (RS988): https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-G5-RS98...M-Unlocked-Smartphone-8-10-18174/164707426461
The main thing I care about here is whether I can get VoLTE support at all, so that I can continue receiving cellular service beyond 2021. I currently use Cricket, an MVNO which uses AT&T as its network. Unfortunately, AT&T has a whitelist of devices that are allowed to use VoLTE on their network: https://www.att.com/ecms/dam/att/consumer/help/pdf/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf. They do list the AT&T version of the LG G5 (H820), but it is bootloader locked. If I cannot use get this phone to work on AT&T, I will have no choice but to switch to T-Mobile or an MVNO using its network, such as MetroPCS. They have already shutdown their main 3G network, and also require VoLTE, but at least they don't have a whitelist that only allows me to use certain devices.
Looking at the custom ROMs, including LineageOS, it seems that none of them have VoLTE support, which is critical for me if I decide to switch to T-Mobile or one of their MNVOs. I could also see if there are any ROMs based on the stock ROM. If all else fails, I can resort to using the stock ROM/OS and then root it. However, this opens up another problem: I cannot tell if there exists a stock Android 8.1 Oreo ROM for the RS988; everything I read so far seems to indicate that I will only get up to Android 7.1 Nougat on this particular model.
As I have accepted an offer for $55 down from $64.99 in the above listing, and cannot decline to buy it, changing to another phone model is no longer an option for me in terms of keeping my cellular service working. Since I will be stuck with this RS988 for the next few years, can someone tell me what is the current situation about VoLTE support, whether for AT&T or T-Mobile, and which ROM I should stick on to gain this support? Losing my cellular service in 2022 is not going to end well for me if it does happen.
Worldblender said:
I will have no choice but to switch to T-Mobile or an MVNO using its network, such as MetroPCS. They have already shutdown their main 3G network, and also require VoLTE, but at least they don't have a whitelist that only allows me to use certain devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DONT use MetroPCS I was with 'em for years but they have changed there policy's not like now. Simplemobile costs the same...
Worldblender said:
Looking at the custom ROMs, including LineageOS, it seems that none of them have VoLTE support, which is critical for me if I decide to switch to T-Mobile or one of their MNVOs. I could also see if there are any ROMs based on the stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm up against the same VoLTE wall (had a Blackberry Passport 4 years) and right now only finding VoLTE in Nougat ROM... TBH, I don't want Oreo b/c of that "A-B parition" buisness
Worldblender said:
Losing my cellular service in 2022 is not going to end well for me if it does happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel ya bro, right now I'm on a "burner" (LG-Stylo, for big screen) due to this concern. Did you ever find a ROM for RS988 with VoLTE?
virginwidow said:
I feel ya bro, right now I'm on a "burner" (LG-Stylo, for big screen) due to this concern. Did you ever find a ROM for RS988 with VoLTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You came in a tad too late; by now, I ended up getting an entirely newer phone, a Motorola Moto G Power (2020) via Google Fi bill credit. Though its battery is not meant to be user-replaceable, at least it has support for VoLTE out of the box, which is what I care about more.
I grabbed this phone (free) from Metro about 7 months ago. I was able to use their app to "unlock" the phone after 6 months. I'm unclear about what the official "unlock" will actually allow me to do with the phone. I haven't bothered to try to load a ROM or even root it yet--is this possible? The toggle to unlock the bootloader now seems to work, but I haven't bothered (yet). FWIW, I've rooted all my Nexus, Pixel, and OnePlus devices for the past decade (as well as loaded ROMs), but this is the first phone I've purchased that was carrier locked and I don't know what all that entailed. I honestly don't even know if the Metro variant is the same (as in bands, etc.) as the vanilla North American version or not. Hell, I don't even know what other carriers it might work with. I know I sound like an idiot newbie, and I guess I am with this phone. I've actually google'd quite a bit, but I just can't find much information regarding the Metro version of the phone.
Erm... what do you WANT to do with it?
Backup gets easier as root. Some don't care and real-time stream to the cloud.
Some are paranoid of what certain large companies *cough* Google *cough* might install on your phone in the middle of the night without telling you... unlocked bootloader lets you go to an OS build from AOSP or its ilk that allow you to see source code (if you are really, really, bored enough to check it all).
Some want to kill bloat (rather than just disable it).
Some may want to keep their phones for well after they are supported officially, with an OS like Lineage, or eOS (this not so much for Nord with a fixed battery, although I suppose you can replace it if you are determined enough).
Likewise, I have old phones I've turned into MP3 players for the kids- strip all the "phone" stuff and prevent connections to Internet/cell (eliminates the security threat of an old OS) and simply sideload AIMP, VLC, or whatever your favorite player is.
GSMArena has a very easily navigable feature list, that will show for some phones the different bands each supports- and you can compare to what your preferred carrier uses. USUALLY - but not always- there is an "international" version and a "US" Version. Verizon sometimes gets their own model with/for CDMA bands, but most support all the GSM Carriers and their resellers. If you are sim unlocked, you should be able to use them on any carrier, YMMV.
T-Mobile and Metro usually don't screw around with the cellular bands of the phones they sell, so the Metro/T-Mobile N10 does support the same bands as the factory unlocked version.
And you can start off by flashing the unbranded firmware onto the phone if you don't want the Metro junk and boot animation.