[Q] Rooted life: Samsung compared to HTC - Galaxy S6 Edge Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've rooted/unlocked every Android I've had, first being the Galaxy Nexus (which was by far the easiest to tinker with) and then the HTC One M7. My M8 introduced me to having to relock (and consequently wipe everything, even /data/media/), flash the correct firmware RUU, then go through the unlocking+flashing process all over again since I didn't choose to pay for Sunshine and Firewater failed. I probably was supposed to do that with the M7 but I never had issues with it, so I never bothered.
Is Samsung a completely different from these? I've looked into CF, seems easy enough (and from what people are saying, doesn't format literally everything like HTC's unlocking). Is it just root it and then flash on (I assume the T-Mobile US version is unlocked) or do you have to worry about the correct firmware versions, S-Off, etc. I plan on going AOSP as I dislike Touchwiz but I will give it a try, as Sense 6 and Sense 7 grew onto me. Also, I hear a lot about Knox- if rooting simply disables OTAs like the M8 (and, unlike the M8, doesn't tell you to update every hour) and Samsung Pay, then I really could care less about that.
Sorry for the truck loads of questions- I just want to know if buying the Edge is worth it for me (the Netflix deal is really appealing- I'll be saving more than if I kept my M8).

I have no experience with tmobile samsung devices but VZW S4,5 and almost certainly the 6 have locked bootloaders making AOSP impossible.

JewRican said:
I have no experience with tmobile samsung devices but VZW S4,5 and almost certainly the 6 have locked bootloaders making AOSP impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon always locks the bootloader. Same with ATT. Tmobile and sprint have unlocked bootloaders

Related

[Q] Thinking of switching...

Is there anything like Odin for HTC phones (Android) like the Thunderbolt (lets just say Desire HD)?
I'm thinking of switching because of the cheap plastic and because of the antenna on all 3 of my fascinates. Also, the only reason I got this phone is because of the unlocked bootloader.
Also, are there great developers that are going to work on the Thunderbolt (like we have here)?
Additional question: Assuming that the Thunderbolt is the same price on contract as the Fascinate, is it possible to replace the Fascinate with the Thunderbolt (with all of the problems I have)?
There's nothing like ODIN on the Thunderbolt, although the overall flashing and things on an HTC device should be easier than a Galaxy S. The likely of the Thunderbolt having a lot of devs is high, because I'm assuming that as the next Verizon HTC device, many Incredible devs will migrate to it.
What do you mean by replace?
TheSonicEmerald said:
There's nothing like ODIN on the Thunderbolt, although the overall flashing and things on an HTC device should be easier than a Galaxy S. The likely of the Thunderbolt having a lot of devs is high, because I'm assuming that as the next Verizon HTC device, many Incredible devs will migrate to it.
What do you mean by replace?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By replace, I mean trade in for a new device. I bought it at Best Buy if that matters.
EDIT: By Odin, I mean flashing completely to stock if anything goes wrong, or if I just want stock sense again.
If your on a contract, you can't just trade your device in for a new one. Though, Best Buy's Buy it Back program might let you if you applied for it, though I don't know the exact details. If you buy just the device for the full price, you can switch the phones on your contract by deactivating your Fascinate and activating your Thunderbolt.
HTC has a program called HTC Sync that flashes the RUU, or the stock firmware, onto your HTC device. Though, I don't think you will need to flash the RUU at all with the Thunderbolt unless you need to return to stock as it doesn't have Voodoo or the things that mostly cause brick problems for the GalaxyS devices and most of the things you can just flash the stock firmware rom zip to fix problems.
TheSonicEmerald said:
If your on a contract, you can't just trade your device in for a new one. Though, Best Buy's Buy it Back program might let you if you applied for it, though I don't know the exact details. If you buy just the device for the full price, you can switch the phones on your contract by deactivating your Fascinate and activating your Thunderbolt.
HTC has a program called HTC Sync that flashes the RUU, or the stock firmware, onto your HTC device. Though, I don't think you will need to flash the RUU at all with the Thunderbolt unless you need to return to stock as it doesn't have Voodoo or the things that mostly cause brick problems for the GalaxyS devices and most of the things you can just flash the stock firmware rom zip to fix problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not registered for the buy it back program. Also, does the RUU flash recovery, stock boot logo (param.lfs on Fascinate), boot loader, etc.?
HTC uses the RUU and it will update the device based on what is included with the RUU. It would be similar to odin packages for SGS phones, you can include everything or just one thing in the flash package. Most times though, I feel like you're going to want a full RUU package when you need it.
imnuts said:
HTC uses the RUU and it will update the device based on what is included with the RUU. It would be similar to odin packages for SGS phones, you can include everything or just one thing in the flash package. Most times though, I feel like you're going to want a full RUU package when you need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I open the RUU's in 7-Zip to see what's inside?

Do we have any devs on board

I'm really excited about this phone but not sure how it's going to be as far as customization so I just wanted to see if there are any devs who are planning on working on the verizon version of the note 2? I know it's going to depend a lot on whether or not someone can find a way to unlock the bootloader so I am also wondering if anyone has looked that too, but it's a little early for that.
Where there's a will, there's a way. And just like with the S3 bootloader, I think we'll see this one unlocked as well. From what I've been hearing, there is speculation that the bootloaders between the two may be encrypted almost identically. So if that's the case, cracking it should be a piece of cake.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I'll get it if it is unlocked or there is a developer edition. I do want to physically try it out before even considering buying though as well.
Nit3mare said:
Where there's a will, there's a way. And just like with the S3 bootloader, I think we'll see this one unlocked as well. From what I've been hearing, there is speculation that the bootloaders between the two may be encrypted almost identically. So if that's the case, cracking it should be a piece of cake.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S3 bootloader was unlocked via a leaked bootloader as far as I know, so if it is in fact locked, the S3 bootloader won't be of any use.
Nit3mare said:
Where there's a will, there's a way. And just like with the S3 bootloader, I think we'll see this one unlocked as well. From what I've been hearing, there is speculation that the bootloaders between the two may be encrypted almost identically. So if that's the case, cracking it should be a piece of cake.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the s3 bootloader was not cracked. There was a leak of an amazing insecure boot image. So hopefully there will be a leak for the note 2 as well or it won't be unlocked. The encryption is probably to strong
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Yea I might hold off to see if the bootloader gets unlocked! I think it was lucky being the s3 recieved a leaked insecure bootloader.
I see no reason to worry about a locked bootloader at this time. I would personally prefer an unlocked one but custom roms are still possible with locked bootloader. From what I have seen there is no reason to run AOSP roms on this device and lose S-pen support, main reason for me to buy one. This is the first phone that a locked bootloader hasn't scared me away.
The Nexus 4 won't work since T-Mobile and At&t both have horrible service in my area which leaves me stuck with VZW for now
dch921 said:
I see no reason to worry about a locked bootloader at this time. I would personally prefer an unlocked one but custom roms are still possible with locked bootloader. From what I have seen there is no reason to run AOSP roms on this device and lose S-pen support, main reason for me to buy one. This is the first phone that a locked bootloader hasn't scared me away.
The Nexus 4 won't work since T-Mobile and At&t both have horrible service in my area which leaves me stuck with VZW for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, given what I've found so far, I'm not as worried as I was initially about a locked/unlocked bootloader, depending on how it is done. If we can still gain root access, I'll be fine. All I really want is to be able to remove the pre-install apps that VZW wants (which is dwindling in number finally) and theme it. If those two things are possible, I'm not to worried. It would be nice to have a custom kernel, but it isn't going to be as big of a deal breaker for me anymore.
I agree with imnuts, all I am looking for is root so I can remove the crapware and perhaps do a few small things with it. Not going custom ROM route this time given all of the special stuff Samsung put into the GN2 its not worth ditching that to avoid the TW UI.
BTW imnuts its nice to run into you again here and that you are getting a GN2.
Agreed I just want root so i can get the 4.2 camera with photo sphere and maybe a TW custom rom but other than that I think this may be the first device i keep stock.
I am confident that the bootloader will not be an issue in the near future, it will be along few weeks just like with the S3 but as far as Devs i know beanstown106 will be working on ROMS and i love his work on the S3 so i am pretty happy about that.

[Q] New to android, And I cant find the answer Im looking for.

I have just ordered my first smartphone, a new unlocked AT&T Motorola Atrix 4G MB860 from Ebay to be used on Cincinnati Bells network. It has Android 2.2 installed on it now. I have found all kinds of information about updating to Gingerbread directly from the phone when I first use it, but thats where i get lost.
My Questions:
1. Given the fact there is no data saved to get lost should I update it to ICS or JB now?
2. Is there a need to upgrade past Gingerbread?
3. To do the upgrade I have read about com10 and all kinds of ROMs, EXACTLY what do I need to upload (given no mods are on the phone).
4. Is there a post that is pretty much "upgrading for dummys"?
I figured if i need to upgrade now is the time so I dont get used to one OS and then have to relearn another because this one stops being supported (like the Iphone 3G).
Given that this is your first smartphone, it would probably be best that you just use it as is for a while and NOT TOUCH ANYTHING until you get VERY familiar with all the options and terminology. Who knows, you might just get to like it the way it is. Not sure why you want to tamper with it already but it sounds like you are sure to be on your way to disaster with your current level of experience.
ravilov said:
Given that this is your first smartphone, it would probably be best that you just use it as is for a while and NOT TOUCH ANYTHING until you get VERY familiar with all the options and terminology. Who knows, you might just get to like it the way it is. Not sure why you want to tamper with it already but it sounds like you are sure to be on your way to disaster with your current level of experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not that I want to tamper with it (infact i would rather not). Thats why I was asking the questions in advance so I dont find myself with an overpriced Frisbee. I have had the "old guy" flip phones for years but its time to get into the21st century.
I was just given an Iphone 3g locked to AT&T. I unlocked and jailbroke it but soon found that all the apps I wanted were out for ios5 not for mine. I bought an unlocked Samsing Focus S windows 7.5 phone on Ebay and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. With Cincinnati Bell though, half of the features wouldnt work. After talking to everyone but Bill Gates himself, I contacted the seller and they have offered me this Atrix 4G in exchange. I just Want to make sure Im not getting myself back into the 3G scenario again where nothing will download to it due to having an outdated OS.
It all depends on exactly what apps you want/need. Most apps should work on older phones too (no matter what OS or brand), I'm kinda starting to suspect you are mostly after very new stuff. It is true that Froyo is now considered outdated (heck, even Gingerbread is just barely hanging in there), and I suppose you can try updating through "official channels" (either OTA or a downloadable official firmware), I would just suggest you don't go the modding route until you're familiar with the territory. I'm not saying it's difficult or complicated, I'm just saying you have to know it.
Also, I'm not sure why you call this "your first smartphone" when it's quite clear that you've had plenty others...
varuum said:
Its not that I want to tamper with it (infact i would rather not). Thats why I was asking the questions in advance so I dont find myself with an overpriced Frisbee. I have had the "old guy" flip phones for years but its time to get into the21st century.
I was just given an Iphone 3g locked to AT&T. I unlocked and jailbroke it but soon found that all the apps I wanted were out for ios5 not for mine. I bought an unlocked Samsing Focus S windows 7.5 phone on Ebay and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. With Cincinnati Bell though, half of the features wouldnt work. After talking to everyone but Bill Gates himself, I contacted the seller and they have offered me this Atrix 4G in exchange. I just Want to make sure Im not getting myself back into the 3G scenario again where nothing will download to it due to having an outdated OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's less of an Android problem because of the fragmentation (probably the only good thing about fragmentation). I think around 40% of all Android phones are still on gingerbread, so developers aren't about to abandon all those users for their apps. The majority of apps work with gingerbread and you won't have a problem. The only app I have that is only for 4.0+ is Nova Launcher which can easily be replaced by one of the many other launchers that are compatible with GB.
Definitely just stay on GB for a while and use it however you want. If you start running into app compatibility for some reason, then you can look into roms. But I highly doubt that will be the reason you want a 4.0+ rom. After a full year on gingerbread I finally tried a custom rom. There is no rush at all to start changing things because it can brick your device really easily. Stay with stock everything and only think about messing with more advanced things once you actually require it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
TotalBS said:
Definitely just stay on GB for a while and use it however you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He said he's on 2.2 (Froyo) now, not GB.
OP, if I were you I'd probably go ahead and upgrade it to GB by the official OTA update process and try it out for a while till you get more familiar with it as ravilov mentioned. But that's just my opinion.
Thank you folks. Now I have a better understanding of the support of android. I think Ill do the GB
The apps. in question..... Weather, facebook, calendar ...... As far as the first smart phone.... I have had smart phone service since tuesday of last week and have not been able to use either of the devices. I couldnt even send or receive pics on the windows phone. So I was told this would work with my network. this will be the first smart phone useable out of 3 in the last week.
ravilov said:
It all depends on exactly what apps you want/need. Most apps should work on older phones too (no matter what OS or brand), I'm kinda starting to suspect you are mostly after very new stuff. It is true that Froyo is now considered outdated (heck, even Gingerbread is just barely hanging in there), and I suppose you can try updating through "official channels" (either OTA or a downloadable official firmware), I would just suggest you don't go the modding route until you're familiar with the territory. I'm not saying it's difficult or complicated, I'm just saying you have to know it.
Also, I'm not sure why you call this "your first smartphone" when it's quite clear that you've had plenty others...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't the newest official AT&T firmware overwrite your bootloader making it impossible to tamper with it later on? Correct me if I'm wrong, since I might be mistaken. (I unlocked it the second I got my phone and haven't looked twice at any official firmware since then)
@ OP: I don't know you, so I don't know how computer literate you might be, but if you feel like up to the task, I would recommend unlocking the bootloader AND then staying on the official firmware (through the use of fruitcakes or Blur based ROMs), so you can get used to everything with as few bugs/quirks as possible. If you later decide to upgrade to more up to date firmware, then you'll have that option as well.
IF you're not very good with computers and other gadgets, then I would suggest you just leave it be and stay on the official firmware. But to make this choice, you need to be honest with yourself as to whether you're capable or not of doing it. How to use custom software on your phone isn't some well guarded secret or anything particularly complicated, it just requires for the user to do A LOT of reading so they understand exactly what they're doing, otherwise it's a recipe for disaster.
littleemp said:
Doesn't the newest official AT&T firmware overwrite your bootloader making it impossible to tamper with it later on? Correct me if I'm wrong, since I might be mistaken. (I unlocked it the second I got my phone and haven't looked twice at any official firmware since then)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is uncertain really. There are some indications that the bootloader in .145 is not really changed compared to the .141, but I guess the safest thing for the OP to do is to update to .141 if possible. I've also never had anything to do with official updates so I don't really know how it goes. This phone got rooted pretty much as soon as I got it and unlocked and flashed only days later.
@OP,
You certainly have a very strange and uncommon definition of "my first smartphone". Like, this Atrix that I'm holding right now is totally my first smartphone in the last hour... :angel:
BTW, a smartphone is not defined by "a phone with the smartphone service", in fact in most countries (mine included) such a concept doesn't even exist.
Also, all of the apps you mentioned should work perfectly on Froyo or at least on Gingerbread.

[Q] How Do I Safely Return To Stock?

I decided to come back from WP, mostly because the phone I have lacks an LED notification light (yeah, it's a big deal for some of us).
Anyways, I picked up an Amaze 4g off of ebay at a decent price, but would like to return it to stock before I decide about custom ROM's and such.
I have a reasonable amount of experience flashing ROM's on other android phones, and so on, but I've never used the Amaze and it's already on CM. Basically, I just want to make sure I know the basic approach of flashing it back to "stock", while maintaining the ability to root and unlock it.
Here is the current description:
Android 4.1.2
Baseband 1.15.550L.....
Kernel 3.0.57......
Cyanogen Ruby 10-20130728 Nightly
I'm basically just hoping someone could politely nudge me in the right direction on how to approach this. If it had been my phone from the start, I'd be very comfortable, but I honestly don't know where to start when it's one I've never used, but already unlocked, rooted, and on CM . Is the amaze even fully supported and bug free on CM?
Regards,
BB
bladebarrier said:
I decided to come back from WP, mostly because the phone I have lacks an LED notification light (yeah, it's a big deal for some of us).
Anyways, I picked up an Amaze 4g off of ebay at a decent price, but would like to return it to stock before I decide about custom ROM's and such.
I have a reasonable amount of experience flashing ROM's on other android phones, and so on, but I've never used the Amaze and it's already on CM. Basically, I just want to make sure I know the basic approach of flashing it back to "stock", while maintaining the ability to root and unlock it.
Here is the current description:
Android 4.1.2
Baseband 1.15.550L.....
Kernel 3.0.57......
Cyanogen Ruby 10-20130728 Nightly
I'm basically just hoping someone could politely nudge me in the right direction on how to approach this. If it had been my phone from the start, I'd be very comfortable, but I honestly don't know where to start when it's one I've never used, but already unlocked, rooted, and on CM . Is the amaze even fully supported and bug free on CM?
Regards,
BB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is it S On/Off?? supercid?
ravike14 said:
is it S On/Off?? supercid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It arrives tomorrow, but as it's an unlocked, t-mobile branded model (that has proof of running on AT&T as well), and is on Cyanogen already, I would expect that it is either both already, or capable of doing both without an issue.
I will post back when I check if S-Off is set to permanent, and if supercid is currently installed. I assume root and CWM are a given, but I'm not familiar with the custom kernels and basebands for the Amaze, so aside from what I posted above I'm not sure I know what is considered stock at the firmware level, and what is considered custom, or if it matters when it comes to the Amaze.
Hopefully I can return to at least to a stock ROM and go from there, so I know that everything works as it should, before thinking there's a defect that is really just a bug related to how the previous owner set it up. I should have asked him to set it back to stock + S-off/root, but the price and condition were right, so I didn't want to ask for more than what I paid for.
Thank you,
--bb
bladebarrier said:
It arrives tomorrow, but as it's an unlocked, t-mobile branded model (that has proof of running on AT&T as well), and is on Cyanogen already, I would expect that it is either both already, or capable of doing both without an issue.
I will post back when I check if S-Off is set to permanent, and if supercid is currently installed. I assume root and CWM are a given, but I'm not familiar with the custom kernels and basebands for the Amaze, so aside from what I posted above I'm not sure I know what is considered stock at the firmware level, and what is considered custom, or if it matters when it comes to the Amaze.
Hopefully I can return to at least to a stock ROM and go from there, so I know that everything works as it should, before thinking there's a defect that is really just a bug related to how the previous owner set it up. I should have asked him to set it back to stock + S-off/root, but the price and condition were right, so I didn't want to ask for more than what I paid for.
Thank you,
--bb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well if it worked with AT&T it means its been super cid to super cid it has to be S OFF thats my guess , well if its s off all you have to do is run a RUU and you'll be in stock firmware
ravike14 said:
well if it worked with AT&T it means its been super cid to super cid it has to be S OFF thats my guess , well if its s off all you have to do is run a RUU and you'll be in stock firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help!
Update:
Yep, it was s-off, super cid, and 4ext, all ready to go. Thanks again. I'm not used to HTC so I wanted to be extra careful and know what to look for. CM 10 didn't allow for BT calls, which is odd, but a deal breaker because I pretty much only use BT for voice, so stock is working out very nicely. Sense is actually better than I expected, or at least the modified Afnan tweaked one I installed. It's very fluid, and has good access to the controls I need. I had to tweak all of my other devices a lot more, to get the same functionality. I slapped on Nova launcher, tweaked it a bit, and I'm really liking the Amaze.
The one odd thing is that BT is terrible if I have the phone more than about 3 inches from my head. I'm guessing my case has issues, but haven't tested it without it yet.

Upgrading to vzw S4 ... good idea?

Hi all!
I've been an S3 user for a little over 1.5 years; been a native of the Sprint forums (although my Sprint S3 is flashed to Page Plus).
Now that VZW has made their prepaid plan a lot more competitive and included LTE, I'm planning on making the jump, and picking up an S4 in the process. The $ cost to me will end up being negligible, as I'm able to sell my S3 and mostly make up for the expense of the S4.
I've loved my S3 - I run a rooted stock 4.4.2 rom, debloated all the samsung & sprint crap via titanium, and a ktoonsez kernel that's been tweaked to work well with my phone - and it functions perfectly - still fast, great battery life for a ~2 year old phone, etc. Been around android for some time now (first phone was the OG incredible), so am perfectly comfortable tweaking and such, however I don't want to spend too much time doing so.
I'm reading about the S4 and curious if it's worth the upgrade. I've heard several people online complain about the verizon 4.4.2 update causing overheating and issues with the phone. If I root, debloat, and run a quality custom kernel, am I likely to have issues?
I only use my phone for web browsing, calendaring email, texting, and talking - no gaming. I'm mainly looking forward to having the nicer screen and camera, and the likely possibility of a few more Android updates (which the S3 is unlikely to get). Honestly I'd love to have the next Nexus or something that runs closer to stock, but don't have the luxury to wait around for that phone (and I want to stay on vzw's network).
I've been doing some reading around your forum and am just curious as to your thoughts on the jump S3 -> vzw S4! Pros & cons?
Thanks much,
-Dirk
VZW has it locked down. You can root & perhaps a custom rom using Safestrap. But only TW based roms & some Xposed framework customization. Just about 0 choice on kernels. (unless you can get hold of one with MDK bootloader, - - then you are golden.)
wtherrell said:
VZW has it locked down. You can root & perhaps a custom rom using Safestrap. But only TW based roms & some Xposed framework customization. Just about 0 choice on kernels. (unless you can get hold of one with MDK bootloader, - - then you are golden.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh. I was planning on picking up one of the manufacturer refurb ones ($200) thru vzw's site. I'm assuming those will all be on whatever the newest bootloader version is ... this is disappointing (don't really mind running stock, just need to be rooted).
But really no kernels work on the newest OTA?
EDIT: Wow, just read the "Customizing your vzw S4" post ...
If the bootloader isn't "I545VRUAMDK" you have a locked bootloader and can only use Safestrap to install custom ROMs. Custom recovery is not possible. Attempts to install custom recovery will soft-brick your phone and require you to re-flash a stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is very unfortunate. Hmm, now I'm not so sure about this purchase. Assuming the S4 gets Android "L", do you think the device will be locked down again and root will be removed permanently?
dirkdigles said:
Huh. I was planning on picking up one of the manufacturer refurb ones ($200) thru vzw's site. I'm asking those will all be on whatever the newest bootloader version is ... this is disappointing (don't really mind running stock, just need to be rooted).
But really no kernels work on the newest OTA?
EDIT: Wow, just read the "Customizing your vzw S4" post ...
That is very unfortunate. Hmm, now I'm not so sure about this purchase. Assuming the S4 gets Android "L", do you think the device will be locked down again and root will be removed permanently?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot of great roms you can run and yes you can obtain root with the newest version nc5. Easy as pie with towelroot. Don't even need a pc. Safestrap 3.72 is what you will need if you get the latest version. You could check out swappa if you want a MK2 or maybe even a MDK. Safestrap has its own recovery and works just fine. Most of the people on here use Safestrap. You would be happier if you found one running 4.3 as opposed to 4.4.2 because of better battery life but NC5 (4.4.2) works fine and is a lttle faster probably.
dirkdigles said:
That is very unfortunate. Hmm, now I'm not so sure about this purchase. Assuming the S4 gets Android "L", do you think the device will be locked down again and root will be removed permanently?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the bad part about safestrap vs. a custom recovery? I still see CM11 for the S4. Is it a lack of backups or something?
Flowah said:
What's the bad part about safestrap vs. a custom recovery? I still see CM11 for the S4. Is it a lack of backups or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap enables you to flash roms on a locked bootloader which is pretty cool. Unfortunately the big limitation is basically that you can't touch the kernel on a locked bootloader without kexec support ( which will probably never happen) so the only roms you can flash have to be based on the same firmware that your phone has stock. No AOSP roms at all or TW roms that are newer than an OTA and no custom kernels.
All the AOSP roms you see are for MDK and Dev edition phones.
Flowah said:
What's the bad part about safestrap vs. a custom recovery? I still see CM11 for the S4. Is it a lack of backups or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u don't have mdk firmware safestrap only option and no cm or asop roms.
sent by safestrap powered echo v26
I'm pretty happy with my phone. It's not a huge jump from the s3. I am rooted on 4.4.2 and flash roms with SS. You can flash aosp look alike roms. Also, my battery life is just fine!
s4 upgrade not worth it
dirkdigles said:
Hi all!
I've been an S3 user for a little over 1.5 years; been a native of the Sprint forums (although my Sprint S3 is flashed to Page Plus).
Now that VZW has made their prepaid plan a lot more competitive and included LTE, I'm planning on making the jump, and picking up an S4 in the process. The $ cost to me will end up being negligible, as I'm able to sell my S3 and mostly make up for the expense of the S4.
I've loved my S3 - I run a rooted stock 4.4.2 rom, debloated all the samsung & sprint crap via titanium, and a ktoonsez kernel that's been tweaked to work well with my phone - and it functions perfectly - still fast, great battery life for a ~2 year old phone, etc. Been around android for some time now (first phone was the OG incredible), so am perfectly comfortable tweaking and such, however I don't want to spend too much time doing so.
I'm reading about the S4 and curious if it's worth the upgrade. I've heard several people online complain about the verizon 4.4.2 update causing overheating and issues with the phone. If I root, debloat, and run a quality custom kernel, am I likely to have issues?
I only use my phone for web browsing, calendaring email, texting, and talking - no gaming. I'm mainly looking forward to having the nicer screen and camera, and the likely possibility of a few more Android updates (which the S3 is unlikely to get). Honestly I'd love to have the next Nexus or something that runs closer to stock, but don't have the luxury to wait around for that phone (and I want to stay on vzw's network).
I've been doing some reading around your forum and am just curious as to your thoughts on the jump S3 -> vzw S4! Pros & cons?
Thanks much,
-Dirk
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I have the samsung galaxy s4 on verizon and i wouldnt say the upgrade is really worth it from the s3. If you want to stay with samsung go with the s5 with all the newest specs. Then once you get it, if you dont like the soft ware then just flash a stock s3 rom to it and it wil be like your s3 just work a lot more efficient. In short, it is not worth the upgrade from GS3 to GS4.
joshm.1219 said:
Safestrap enables you to flash roms on a locked bootloader which is pretty cool. Unfortunately the big limitation is basically that you can't touch the kernel on a locked bootloader without kexec support ( which will probably never happen) so the only roms you can flash have to be based on the same firmware that your phone has stock. No AOSP roms at all or TW roms that are newer than an OTA and no custom kernels.
All the AOSP roms you see are for MDK and Dev edition phones.
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Just an fyi for people, this isn't totally true. In the general section there is a thread about running a 4.4.4 GPE rom. I've been on the 4.4.3 version for a few days and it's great. With gravity box I can get it set up almost like a custom rom. There are a few bugs but nothing that is a deal breaker (for me)
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
rrrrrrredbelly said:
Just an fyi for people, this isn't totally true. In the general section there is a thread about running a 4.4.4 GPE rom. I've been on the 4.4.3 version for a few days and it's great. With gravity box I can get it set up almost like a custom rom. There are a few bugs but nothing that is a deal breaker (for me)
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Yes that's true, seems like only a few of you really have it working flawlessly though.
joshm.1219 said:
Yes that's true, seems like only a few of you really have it working flawlessly though.
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I haven't been following the thread that closely, didn't realize. There are definitely issues (no usb connection is a big one) but after losing my mdk phone 2 months ago on a warranty issue, i love this rom.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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