I was very excited to see a sale on the S7 at Best Buy and was finally ready to relieve my nearly 4 years old Note II of duty until I came here to look into what mod options were available... only to find that there aren't any yet.
So, for those of you who have bought the S7 and have NOT returned it, what reasons have you decided to stick it out? Were you particularly deep in modding your phone before? Are you just happy with the few tools that have come out so far? Are you holding out hope for an unlocked bootloader eventually?
I haven't completely decided against it, but I'm seriously second guessing staying a Samsung customer after this fiasco. My Note II has been solid and a best, no replacements since I bought it on release, but I am way too into my modifications that I'm not sure I'd enjoy upgrading yet or seeking a third option.
Well I really enjoyed running custom ROMs in the past especially Aosp ones, but the fact that my s5 has cracked screen I not sure I'd want to go back. Since I got the free VR which would be worthless without either S6 or S7, I'm kind of stuck. I mean S6 is no go for me no SD card also IP rating. That aside it isn't to bad I was able to get themed pretty close to Aosp without root and I still have faith that we'll unlock this beast eventually. Samsung can't keep us down.
I came from a G3, before that a Note 2. I came back to samsung because I didn't like anything about the G5 and I was tired of some of the problems in LG's software on the G3. I had both devices rooted running debloated stock roms. The main reason I root is to get rid of apps I cannot uninstall and to block ads while sticking with a stock based rom to be able to use the features the manufacturer built into the software. I am disappointed that we may never get root or an unlocked bootloader as I would like to be able to uninstall some apps like facebook, FB messenger, the 4 amazon apps and the 3 sprint apps I cannot get rid of as well as run an ad blocker.
While I still cannot get rid of ads, There are ways to disable the apps using an app called "Package Disabler Pro" or you can use Gatesjuniors' Debloater which is what I'm using because its one less app on my phone, you can find it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294 . I have Nova launcher installed and have no lag, call quality is great, mobile signal strength and speed is better than I've ever had with Sprint. My wifi reception is equally as impressive as I still have very usable wifi 30+ yards away from my router through the walls in my house. My G3 had trouble connecting 10 yards away (another reason I came back to samsung).
All that being said, this is the first phone I haven't rooted within the first week of getting it and honestly, other than an annoying ad occasionally (as most of my apps and games are paid for so I don't get many ads anyway) I really see no need to root this phone at this time. I've had the S7 for 3 weeks now and I love it. Wireless charging is awesome as I haven't plugged it in to charge since the first week and on that note the fast charging is even more awesome as it will charge 50% in 30 minutes. The peace of mind in the fact that if it gets wet its no big deal. The screen and performance is phenomenal. Its so much easier to handle than the Note 2 was, I don't miss the heft of that phone at all. If you can get the Gear VR I highly recommend it, I was not a believer and thought I would just sell it but decided to try it to see if it was any good and it made a believer out of me, the Gear VR is awesome and a lot of fun.
Get the S7, it is a huge upgrade to the Note 2 and well worth it in my opinion.
I've kept it because the only reason I rooted in the first place was the free hotspot, and it's not essential that I have it, so I can go without. I'm also keeping it because it's a huge improvement in specs over the S5 I had before.
Free stuff
I came from a SGS4. Heavily modded, custom rom etc... As someone mentioned earlier, the main reason I rooted was for free hotspot activation (and some other free -cough- stuff). For now, I have the hotspot activated for free without root. Happy as a clam. The phone is fantastic. Even if/when Sprint forces an update and locks down my hotspot mod, I love the phone and would not switch to something else. I can still put free -cough- stuff on my phone without root. I'm sure someone will eventually find a way to root the device.
makane716 said:
I came from a SGS4. Heavily modded, custom rom etc... As someone mentioned earlier, the main reason I rooted was for free hotspot activation (and some other free -cough- stuff). For now, I have the hotspot activated for free without root. Happy as a clam. The phone is fantastic. Even if/when Sprint forces an update and locks down my hotspot mod, I love the phone and would not switch to something else. I can still put free -cough- stuff on my phone without root. I'm sure someone will eventually find a way to root the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Sprint just pushed an update that gets rid of the ability to mod the phone to use hotpot. The update became available yesterday and it locks down the APN settings to where they are greyed out.
I have had no such update. I just did the mod 1 hour ago. Working fine.
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------
Macguyver said:
I came from a G3, before that a Note 2. I came back to samsung because I didn't like anything about the G5 and I was tired of some of the problems in LG's software on the G3. I had both devices rooted running debloated stock roms. The main reason I root is to get rid of apps I cannot uninstall and to block ads while sticking with a stock based rom to be able to use the features the manufacturer built into the software. I am disappointed that we may never get root or an unlocked bootloader as I would like to be able to uninstall some apps like facebook, FB messenger, the 4 amazon apps and the 3 sprint apps I cannot get rid of as well as run an ad blocker.
While I still cannot get rid of ads, There are ways to disable the apps using an app called "Package Disabler Pro" or you can use Gatesjuniors' Debloater which is what I'm using because its one less app on my phone, you can find it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294 . I have Nova launcher installed and have no lag, call quality is great, mobile signal strength and speed is better than I've ever had with Sprint. My wifi reception is equally as impressive as I still have very usable wifi 30+ yards away from my router through the walls in my house. My G3 had trouble connecting 10 yards away (another reason I came back to samsung).
All that being said, this is the first phone I haven't rooted within the first week of getting it and honestly, other than an annoying ad occasionally (as most of my apps and games are paid for so I don't get many ads anyway) I really see no need to root this phone at this time. I've had the S7 for 3 weeks now and I love it. Wireless charging is awesome as I haven't plugged it in to charge since the first week and on that note the fast charging is even more awesome as it will charge 50% in 30 minutes. The peace of mind in the fact that if it gets wet its no big deal. The screen and performance is phenomenal. Its so much easier to handle than the Note 2 was, I don't miss the heft of that phone at all. If you can get the Gear VR I highly recommend it, I was not a believer and thought I would just sell it but decided to try it to see if it was any good and it made a believer out of me, the Gear VR is awesome and a lot of fun.
Get the S7, it is a huge upgrade to the Note 2 and well worth it in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still block ads without root. adguard.com . Uses a local vpn to filter out the ads. It does consume a small amount of data to do so. Might not be the best choice on low data plans.
I know with the Sprint unlimited anything plan, they made mobile hotspot up to 3GB included. I don't actually use it much anyway, so that may be enough for me. I'm still so very on the fence.
People keep talking about free VR, how did you get it for free??
VassagoX said:
I know with the Sprint unlimited anything plan, they made mobile hotspot up to 3GB included. I don't actually use it much anyway, so that may be enough for me. I'm still so very on the fence.
People keep talking about free VR, how did you get it for free??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apart of a pre-order promo which I would guess is over now.
VassagoX said:
I know with the Sprint unlimited anything plan, they made mobile hotspot up to 3GB included. I don't actually use it much anyway, so that may be enough for me. I'm still so very on the fence.
People keep talking about free VR, how did you get it for free??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the Sprint unlimited everything plan. I could not activate the hotspot without the mod. Of course, I activated my phone via website. But then, that's how I got my msl code to mod the apn. Oh well.
El.Dante565 said:
Apart of a pre-order promo which I would guess is over now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh, gotcha. Then I guess I'm out of luck on that one. Best Buy has a pretty good promo for $99 right now with a free wireless charger, so I guess that eats the cost of the VR if you wanted to buy it. I'm thinking about it.
makane716 said:
I'm on the Sprint unlimited everything plan. I could not activate the hotspot without the mod. Of course, I activated my phone via website. But then, that's how I got my msl code to mod the apn. Oh well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange. Are you on the $75 plan? It's supposed to be included.
VassagoX said:
Ahhh, gotcha. Then I guess I'm out of luck on that one. Best Buy has a pretty good promo for $99 right now with a free wireless charger, so I guess that eats the cost of the VR if you wanted to buy it. I'm thinking about it.
That's strange. Are you on the $75 plan? It's supposed to be included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I was. Bestbuy did not want to honor the $99.99 sale price with 2 year activation (my current contract had expired at the beginning of the month) as they said Sprint wouldn't let them. So I chewed Sprint up and down until they pushed the upgrade through at $99.99. So I did tge activation swap through the website. Now I see I'm on a DIFFERENT unlimited plan. Some kinda "framily" plan for $30. Oh well. Still unlimited
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
makane716 said:
I have had no such update. I just did the mod 1 hour ago. Working fine.
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------
You can still block ads without root. adguard.com . Uses a local vpn to filter out the ads. It does consume a small amount of data to do so. Might not be the best choice on low data plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give that a shot. I have unlimited data so it's not a worry.
I use about 100gb a month on data with hotspot. S7 not my option anymore. LG G5 is next.
Yeah, I think I'm going to hold off as well at this point. I want to see if they will bend under pressure.
eloko said:
I use about 100gb a month on data with hotspot. S7 not my option anymore. LG G5 is next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile has announced the LG G5 will have a locked bootloader. Will have to see if other providers will follow suit.
makane716 said:
T-Mobile has announced the LG G5 will have a locked bootloader. Will have to see if other providers will follow suit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What?! Oh man... Tmo and sprint are the unlocked ones.. But if tmo is locked, more likely sprint will...
Seriously?! What are these companies thinking? Do they not realize how much of their sales is due to the modifiable side of their phones?
VassagoX said:
Seriously?! What are these companies thinking? Do they not realize how much of their sales is due to the modifiable side of their phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly why I moved from iOS to android. The ability to take 3rd party apps, straight out of the box and modify bloatware, the ui, etc...
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
makane716 said:
That is exactly why I moved from iOS to android. The ability to take 3rd party apps, straight out of the box and modify bloatware, the ui, etc...
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first part of this post will be my response to the OP post. The second part will address the user I quoted.
I actually bought this phone because I am losing my desire to mod/flash/root etc. While it's been fun the past 8 years or so, I've realized it has consumed TONS of my time. I can honestly say it got to the point where when I got home, the first thing I would do is get on my laptop or the app and open XDA. Next thing I know I'm flashing a new ROM only to find out in a few days or so that it lacks "this" feature or "that" feature isn't working properly and I'm back on xda looking for something different. It gets old having to reflash the phone because I "couldn't hear outgoing calls" or incoming mms wasn't working. I know seasoned xda members know as well as I that once you tweak one thing it inherently messes up another. Anyhow, this phone is a beast without root. No need for overclock, or even flashing a CM/AOSP rom. If I wanted that I would've picked up a Nexus. As a previous usuer mentioned, adblocking is possible without root as well as hotspot. I'm happy with my S7 and keeping it. Now regarding the user's quote, Samsung is the driver of Android sales worldwide. They want to keep that spot and unfortunately the vast majority of their users don't care about root. Samsung is taking on Apple knuckle to knuckle and in order to win over customers from Apple, they will have to provide the same level of security and functionality as Apple which means no root. Winning over Apple customers will yield them way more profit in the short and long run vs. providing unlock for their "power" users. I'm not cheering on Samsung to continue making their devices "NSA" friendly, but in a world of ever increasing security threats particularly of the cyber nature, rooting will become increasingly more difficult as OEMs try to gain their customers' confidence in the security of their mobile devices.
Related
May just be me but I've noticed with the update to 4.5, when using navigation, it causes the entire phone to lock up. Have downgraded to the previous version, no issues. Any thoughts?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Everytime I've ever had issues I've used Rom Manager and the Fix Permissions option.
Of course you need to be rooted to perform.
thanks for the tip, I am rooted, will give it a shot.
I had lock ups every time I had gps enabled with 4.4, 4.0 and 4.5. I've downgraded and then gone back to the most recent, and they all mess their shorts more often than not. 4.5 even locks up sometime when GPS isn't on. I was on the phone with those geniuses at T-mo tech support a few hours ago because I'm tired of lock ups, and lagging so bad system wide that I'm missing calls. They had nothing for me except sending me my third phone in 6 weeks. I'm tired of this garbage; I purchased my phone with the even more plus plan, which is fine, as I've lived outside the country long enough and purchased enough phones at the real world non subsidized price that I'm totally cool with spending 5 bills on good tech. But I do have a problem with spending that much and having to carry my 2 year old Blackberry Bold so I can make a damn call or you know, get some directions without the phone puking. And I feel some kind of way about basically voiding my warranty to flash a rom on there to get the phone to work as it should from the bloody manufaturer (no irony there, yeah?)
I just hope that this GPS fix and froyo come down the pike soon, because I don't have much more before I pay this phone off, toss it and t-mo in the street, and then try not to vomit when I join my wife on ATT and get an iphone. Most of the time when we go someplace I'm having to use her phone because mine is busy either locking up or deciding whether I can make a call or not. I'm not a big apple fan, but at least you can make a phone call or use maps without any undue drama. I'm sorry for the rant, but this is ridiculous.
Blkjck11 said:
May just be me but I've noticed with the update to 4.5, when using navigation, it causes the entire phone to lock up. Have downgraded to the previous version, no issues. Any thoughts?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need instructions on how to use adb to unroot my Photon. I rooted it without the dock per this forum's instructions. And yes, I'm still a noob so I don't know what sbf is. But I can follow instructions very well, at least to a certain point.
I need help because I am returning my Photon tomorrow because I can't stand using the camera and the screen. It bothers me too much. Worse yet, I use my phone as a mp3 player and it seems to be very slow at that. With the screen off and using headset controls, it doesn't respond as fast if at all like my Optimus V or Motorola Triumph does. I'm pretty disappointed with the Tegra 2, seems almost as if it was overrated to begin with. I probably had set my expectations too high from the beginning.
I'm not much of a gamer, so graphics that the Tegra 2 is suppose to be able to put out doesn't bother me too much. I just prefer the snapdragons because they seem to work better for my needs.
And the screen. It looks great when I'm watching an mkv movie, but that's it. It doesn't do other things well enough for me. My pictures all look too grainy and pixelated. At times, when looking at skin tones, all i see are the square blotches and no smooth pictures, even hd pictures don't look right.
The camera is too slow to respond and to be honest, my Motorola Triumph takes better pictures and seems to work faster at it than the Photon.
overthatscreen said:
I need instructions on how to use adb to unroot my Photon. I rooted it without the dock per this forum's instructions. And yes, I'm still a noob so I don't know what sbf is. But I can follow instructions very well, at least to a certain point.
I need help because I am returning my Photon tomorrow because I can't stand using the camera and the screen. It bothers me too much. Worse yet, I use my phone as a mp3 player and it seems to be very slow at that. With the screen off and using headset controls, it doesn't respond as fast if at all like my Optimus V or Motorola Triumph does. I'm pretty disappointed with the Tegra 2, seems almost as if it was overrated to begin with. I probably had set my expectations too high from the beginning.
I'm not much of a gamer, so graphics that the Tegra 2 is suppose to be able to put out doesn't bother me too much. I just prefer the snapdragons because they seem to work better for my needs.
And the screen. It looks great when I'm watching an mkv movie, but that's it. It doesn't do other things well enough for me. My pictures all look too grainy and pixelated. At times, when looking at skin tones, all i see are the square blotches and no smooth pictures, even hd pictures don't look right.
The camera is too slow to respond and to be honest, my Motorola Triumph takes better pictures and seems to work faster at it than the Photon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i doubt they will know its rooted and they probably wont care if it is....just dont say anything, but if you want to appear un rooted just delet all root user apps i.e. file explorer, wifi tether,root checker and anything that would suggest that its rooted, but it isnt really that big of a deal.
its shady....you should have root access to all your devices. Computers allow root access why not phones?
I just got rid of my 3d. Dont waste your time if you think this phone has problems the 3d is a nightmare... trust me i had mine for 3 weeks. A couple problems i had was camera sticks to 3d in 2d mode after a couple hours of use screen turns black and you have to pull battery at least twice a day battery goes from hero to zero in 2 hours with moderate use i thought the camera app was kinda weak the whole phone lags when you open app draw, browsing the market, while your on the web browser, the list just goes on and on... trust me you'll thank me later
.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
I actually like the 3D more than the Photon. The wife has one and everything seems to work very well on it. I'm not into taking 3D pics, I just prefer the new Evo to the old one.
So anyways.. All I have to do is remove all the root apps and that's it? No going back in and removing the torpedo stuff?
I don't think it matters if it is rooted or not, but you can use this thread to go back to a stock un-rooted Moto rom.
overthatscreen said:
I actually like the 3D more than the Photon. The wife has one and everything seems to work very well on it. I'm not into taking 3D pics, I just prefer the new Evo to the old one.
So anyways.. All I have to do is remove all the root apps and that's it? No going back in and removing the torpedo stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think twice before getting rid of a photon for a 3d. I had my 3d for 2 months and was in the sprint store atleast once a week wither verified problems. Enough so that even tho I was over my 30 days they still gave me a photon.
Sent from my Motorola Photon using Tapatalk
ooxcfhxoo said:
i doubt they will know its rooted and they probably wont care if it is....just dont say anything, but if you want to appear un rooted just delet all root user apps i.e. file explorer, wifi tether,root checker and anything that would suggest that its rooted, but it isnt really that big of a deal.
its shady....you should have root access to all your devices. Computers allow root access why not phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to say it, but yes, we (Sprint retail corporate stores) do check Android devices for rooting prior to exchange/return and on exchanges/returns, you may also be liable for a restocking fee of $35. Our S&R technicians taught each of us how to verify rooting.
wireless.praying.mantis said:
I hate to say it, but yes, we (Sprint retail corporate stores) do check Android devices for rooting prior to exchange/return and on exchanges/returns, you may also be liable for a restocking fee of $35. Our S&R technicians taught each of us how to verify rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even when there is a internal notice saying that service can be performed on rooted phones, you saying that I could still be liable for the restocking fee?
Sprint service and repair facts
TS
wireless.praying.mantis said:
I hate to say it, but yes, we (Sprint retail corporate stores) do check Android devices for rooting prior to exchange/return and on exchanges/returns, you may also be liable for a restocking fee of $35. Our S&R technicians taught each of us how to verify rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I turned in my rooted EVO 3d last week. I was 3 weeks past my 30 days, the manager and the head tech were super cool about it. I even offered to unroot it but they said it didn't matter. The tech was even questioning me about how I liked the rom.
Sent from my Motorola Photon using Tapatalk
I think 1/2 the members of this forum has returned/exchanged a rooted phone...I know for sure I have. Back when I got into the whole rooting thing, I used to be paranoid whenever I took my phone in; now THATS the least of my concerns.
People need to stop slinging all that nonsense of voided warranties & restocking fees. If Sprint's good with it....so am I.
I've also returned a rooted phone and Sprint had no issues with it at all.
twospirits said:
Even when there is a internal notice saying that service can be performed on rooted phones, you saying that I could still be liable for the restocking fee?
Sprint service and repair facts
TS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a restocking fee to return a phone period, it doesn't matter if it's rooted or not. Exchanging for the same phone because it's allegedly defective is free, changing models comes with a restocking charge. And going from the photon to the evo is a huge step backwards.... Everyone except 1 person I know with the 3d switched or is planning on switching to the photon.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA Premium App
wireless.praying.mantis said:
I hate to say it, but yes, we (Sprint retail corporate stores) do check Android devices for rooting prior to exchange/return and on exchanges/returns, you may also be liable for a restocking fee of $35. Our S&R technicians taught each of us how to verify rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure there are some employees that know how to check to see if a phone is rooted or not, but it is by no means the standard. As countless people have said in various threads, I have returned and had work performed on rooted phones.
I have come across so many sales associates that don't even know phone details/specs. I doubt they know how to check to see if a phone is rooted or not.
so is there a way to unroot or not? I need to return my phone for repairs. I already updated to the final build, so should I just do that again to unroot it even though it hasn't been released yet?
unroot for return or exchange
SIMPLE SINCE U HAVE to manually install superuser from market to gain root anyways,unlike normal method where it installs right from a rooting program,just go to application manage delete superuser,delete all trace of apps that use root or better yet do a factory reset.. superuser should uninstall, really seeing superuser on screen is the most common sign of rooted phone.
You could try the terminal emulator root method but instead of typing the last prompt as install.so-sh type uninstall
Just an idea! Also I know flashing sbf file with rsdlite looses root with no signs of ever being flashed
Good Luck
Not exactly true...
codee said:
There is a restocking fee to return a phone period, it doesn't matter if it's rooted or not. Exchanging for the same phone because it's allegedly defective is free, changing models comes with a restocking charge. And going from the photon to the evo is a huge step backwards.... Everyone except 1 person I know with the 3d switched or is planning on switching to the photon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
codee said:
Sent from my MB855 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm returning the Photon within my first 30 days of being a new sprint customer, and exchanging for a Samsung Galaxy II (EPIC 2 4G) with no restocking fee . The photon truly is a piece of $h1t that was not ready for release, not to mention the Idiots who designed it, approved the design, tested it after build to realize that when it is in kickstand mode, you can't charge the P.O.S. lol and out of the box, it won't play most videos that you put on it, even MP4's . Plus the amount of battery pulls is ridiculous. Trying to assign certain ringtone MP3's causes it to ring but lock up, and these are the same small 128k MP3s that all my old phones used, including my G1, MyTouch 3G, and Samsung Galaxy (ALL TMO phones). All of them can play all my videos, but the photon stutters and loses sync, etc. this is a "Not Ready for Prime Time" release just to get something out there. Shame too because I really liked the feel.. And the speakerphone is the loudest I've heard in ages... At least on a smartphone...
Right there with you bud.. I was sold on the photon by overhearing one on speakerphone, but didn't get a close look at it. I bought it online. What a dismal piece of hardware. Out of the box, it could not and would not play any of the MP4's, mkv's or FLV's that my TMO myTouch and Vibrant played. When playing a video with the kickstand open, you can't charge it. As a nightstand clock? HA The A-Hole who designed that should be fired. Sure, we all want a smartphone that can't be charged overnight while using as an alarm clock (with the kickstand) or while watching videos... Haa.. Add to that the frequent lockups when trying to play any of my MP3s (which all ringtones on my other phones) , which requires pulling the battery to get it to shut up... The lousy slow and sluggish interface and the gallery is a nightmare compared to Samsung's UI... No thanks MoPho... Back you go. Your only feature that is any good is the speakerphone, and I just don't use it often enough to put up with such a terribly pixelated screen. This is NOTHING like the SAMOLED.... qHD? I think not. Save the marketing terms... Build a good phone we can buy and enjoy.
The kickstand works both ways. Flip the phone over 180 degrees. It will stand that way too. Then you can charge at the same time.
It actually stands upright too, just not as stable.
So back to topic please...
I'm trying to sale my Photon to get the SGS 2 and I need to un root it.
Can someone please provide a step by step on how to un root this phone thanks in advance
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
What do you guys think? Should I get the G2 now or wait until a new phone comes out such as the S5? I know if I keep waiting newer and better devices will keep appearing, but I want to get the best of the best for a 2 year contract and don't want to be disappointed with a phone that has any big flaws.
As far as I know, the G2 has a few flaws I might be bothered with such as games not playing with good fps, the phone getting hot while playing games, video recording quality issues, lag issues in the web browser, and also unsure if LG will be supporting this phone with timely updates. All of these issues I've heard on this forum.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Well if the S5 is coming in Feb/March/Aprilish like people are saying, thats already 4-6 months into your contract, if it even really comes out. Maybe they will wait until June like previous models, then you are at like 8 months into your contract. Will it have issues? Probably- basically all phones have issues. Are the G2 issues big enough for you to not be happy? Maybe try the phone for 14 days? I have noticed some lag in browsing with chrome. I need to test other browsers to see if there is a better one. I hope LG updates their phone as it's been very well received for the most part.
Phones are outdated so fast these days. I would recommend picking up a G2 for the trial period and see how you like it. There is no harm in that and it may surprise you. If it doesn't, return the phone and keep your upgrade. :good:
Really depends on how bad your current phone is. Current top phones that are in market are LG G2, Note 3, Nexus 5 (not in any particular order). Newer phones that are rumored are S5 and HTC M8, and probably a release date around March or April. If you can wait that long then wait. I jumped from Galaxy Nexus (Vzw), in September to LG G2, simply because it was great looking phone with specs and got for $140 on 2 year contract and I am glad I made that decision, this phone is awesome. Two things I wanted in new phone battery life and speed and this phone does just that.
Yea. I agree with posts above. The newest and best phones are constantly being released so it won't be long for an even better phone to come out. Even if you wait until the s5 comes out an even better phone will be released shortly after. I personally think that the lg g2 is a great phone and I could not be happier with it. This is my first android phone and there is definitely a lot to like about android and the lg g2
Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk
Some of the issues may be big enough for me, unless there are solutions to them such as software updates from LG. Mainly lag and gaming fps/heat issues. But I understand no phone is perfect. I can't get the nexus 5 because I'm on Verizon and I don't know if I want to switch because of the service and plan I have with them.
If I do a 14 day trial do I get a full refund of my money if I don't like it or do I have to pat anything? I remember one time one of my family members got a phone with Verizon and soon after returned and we had to pay for the use of service or something.
Also I currently have an HTC Rezound.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
I think at this point in the year all of the carriers/manufacturers have their respective big guns out for the holiday shoppers. I really don't expect any other" must haves" to come until sometime first quarter of 2014, so wysiwyg for now.
For me, the time was now, in fact it's been exactly 2yrs; got the og razr the first day, 11/11/11, and moved up to the g2 yesterday (after a lot of research). What did it for me was the Verizon promo that ended yesterday. Got the phone for free and kept my unlimited data? win:win.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
sdsubball23 said:
What do you guys think? Should I get the G2 now or wait until a new phone comes out such as the S5? I know if I keep waiting newer and better devices will keep appearing, but I want to get the best of the best for a 2 year contract and don't want to be disappointed with a phone that has any big flaws.
As far as I know, the G2 has a few flaws I might be bothered with such as games not playing with good fps, the phone getting hot while playing games, video recording quality issues, lag issues in the web browser, and also unsure if LG will be supporting this phone with timely updates. All of these issues I've heard on this forum.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go now and start enjoying. Better phones will always come out. That said I find it hard to believe (phablets aside) any phone in the near future will offer the performance to battery life of the G2. Sure a faster CPU may come out next year, or a phone may have a nicer build/body (HTC), but all around I doubt the Galaxy S5 or new HTC will offer anything of real significance over the G2.
crawlgsx said:
Go now and start enjoying. Better phones will always come out. That said I find it hard to believe (phablets aside) any phone in the near future will offer the performance to battery life of the G2. Sure a faster CPU may come out next year, or a phone may have a nicer build/body (HTC), but all around I doubt the Galaxy S5 or new HTC will offer anything of real significance over the G2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whole heat issue I think many people misunderstand especially if coming from a lower power phone.
These SoC chips have better GPU than average laptop integrated graphics, high clockspeeds and no room for a heatsink.
It is pushing 2 million pixels to the screen, per rendered frame. Of course its gonna heat up.....as long as it is within SoC thermal limits it is of no concern
I have the G2 and notice none of this game lag or heat issue at all i dunno where you heard this?
I can assure you no phone has better integrated gpu than a laptop.
sdsubball23 said:
If I do a 14 day trial do I get a full refund of my money if I don't like it or do I have to pat anything? I remember one time one of my family members got a phone with Verizon and soon after returned and we had to pay for the use of service or something.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how it works on Verizon, but with Sprint any phone you purchase has a period of 14 days where you can return it for a full refund. Sometimes companies may charge an activation fee of like 20-35 bucks. All carriers have a sort of "trial period" where you can return the phone, but they may each bit a little different. You could try calling your nearest Verizon store and ask them, or maybe try chatting with support online, or just calling Verizon's customer service number online.
The gaming lag may be isolated to a specific model, or maybe a user made certain tweaks, etc. Also could be app related and require the app developer to make a tweak for a phone, etc. There are so many factors its hard to say, but personal hands on experience is always best.
Totes go for the G2
sdsubball23 said:
What do you guys think? Should I get the G2 now or wait until a new phone comes out such as the S5? I know if I keep waiting newer and better devices will keep appearing, but I want to get the best of the best for a 2 year contract and don't want to be disappointed with a phone that has any big flaws.
As far as I know, the G2 has a few flaws I might be bothered with such as games not playing with good fps, the phone getting hot while playing games, video recording quality issues, lag issues in the web browser, and also unsure if LG will be supporting this phone with timely updates. All of these issues I've heard on this forum.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Take the plunge!! It's a future proofed phone man. I buy and sell phones where I am on craigslist and so have used about 80 different kinds this year. My favourites up till the G2 were the HTC One, Moto X and Optimus G. However upon using the G2 i experienced a fluidity and power I've yet to see matched. I mean sure every phone has is caveats but if theres one thing I know its that galaxy devices are known for there fair share of Lag. You can fix the G2's problems with some tweaks/roms/ settings changes. I've yet to have an overheating device when i play dead trigger 2 and nova 3 but not all devices are the same right, theres a ton of disimilarities even within the same model. If you got the cash go for it or the Nexus 5
I say now. What else do you need in a smartphone? The screen is fantastic, the battery is better than any standard device, the processor will handle anything for a very long time, and the camera is in the top tier.
What else do we need?
Since you are on Verizon, did you see the deal few days ago on G2? It was Free with 2 year contract.
The G2 is bleeding edge right now. There will always be another device "down the road" so you might as well have the best while you can.
sdsubball23 said:
Some of the issues may be big enough for me, unless there are solutions to them such as software updates from LG. Mainly lag and gaming fps/heat issues. But I understand no phone is perfect. I can't get the nexus 5 because I'm on Verizon and I don't know if I want to switch because of the service and plan I have with them.
If I do a 14 day trial do I get a full refund of my money if I don't like it or do I have to pat anything? I remember one time one of my family members got a phone with Verizon and soon after returned and we had to pay for the use of service or something.
Also I currently have an HTC Rezound.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had not a single problem with my G2 when gaming in fact it is the best phone I've used for gaming by far. As for heat issues there is none. For some people they say it's get so hot that it burns them but for 99% of people it is barely hot to the touch. I guess it depends on your heat tolerance.
craighwk said:
I say now. What else do you need in a smartphone? The screen is fantastic, the battery is better than any standard device, the processor will handle anything for a very long time, and the camera is in the top tier.
What else do we need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I don't need a high end phone but I decided to go with the LG G2 because I think it's a very capable well-rounded device. Since I am also locked into a 2 year contract, I'd expect my phone to last at least for the next 2 years and I think it won't be a problem with the LG G2. Some of the mid-range phones I got previously felt dated 6 months later.
There will always be another phone on the horizon. But the G2 and other newer phones will likely have the same 800 processor as the upcoming ones and none of the "big three" out right now would ever be classified as bad phones. Get one now if you need it, or get one later if you want to wait.
I was in the same boat. I was thinking about waiting for the S5 as well, I had been due for an upgrade since June of 2012. I really had an itch to get a new phone so I took the plunge and got the G2. Some places say the S5 will come out in January, what if it comes out in the summer? It's a roll of the dice. One thing that made the decision easier was that this device has the latest hardware. ..
I'm happy with it so far, love the knock on feature, battery and customization.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm still indecisive and the other issue I'm struggling with is that I don't really need another smartphone cuz the rezound I have has been working good for me. It's just I'd rather have a faster and smoother phone with better battery life and the latest specs. My rezound lags and the battery is terrible, but it's a great phone.
I was aware of the Verizon deal, but didn't go for the deal. One problem for me money-wise is that even if the phone were to be free, I'd have to pay tax on the full price of the phone because I live in California.
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For anyone wondering if they should get a phone, or wait, just buy the phone you want, not because it's the fastest or newest. There will always be new phones announced, and there will always be rumors. If you keep waiting, you'll never upgrade until you have to. That's what happened to me. I was a long time Motorola user, since the first Droid, but I waited and waited, and waited for the first Moto/Google phone, and was severely disappointed. The only good thing that happened because of all the waiting was I got a G2. Glad I pulled the trigger, and I won't be looking back.
garywojdan81 said:
I think at this point in the year all of the carriers/manufacturers have their respective big guns out for the holiday shoppers. I really don't expect any other" must haves" to come until sometime first quarter of 2014, so wysiwyg for now.
For me, the time was now, in fact it's been exactly 2yrs; got the og razr the first day, 11/11/11, and moved up to the g2 yesterday (after a lot of research). What did it for me was the Verizon promo that ended yesterday. Got the phone for free and kept my unlimited data? win:win.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How the hell did you keep your unlimited data? My wife wants a G2 now that shes used mine, but can't upgrade because we're grandfathered in. I had to buy mine off ebay for close to full price.
bullet2300 said:
I don't know how it works on Verizon, but with Sprint any phone you purchase has a period of 14 days where you can return it for a full refund. Sometimes companies may charge an activation fee of like 20-35 bucks. All carriers have a sort of "trial period" where you can return the phone, but they may each bit a little different. You could try calling your nearest Verizon store and ask them, or maybe try chatting with support online, or just calling Verizon's customer service number online.
The gaming lag may be isolated to a specific model, or maybe a user made certain tweaks, etc. Also could be app related and require the app developer to make a tweak for a phone, etc. There are so many factors its hard to say, but personal hands on experience is always best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Verizon charges a restocking fee of like $35, but that might be just the 3rd party stores, because I went through Verizon when I exchanged and they didn't charge me an activation fee or a restocking fee. This was through online and over the phone btw.
basically as the title says... I dropped my phone and shattered the screen at the top and bottom corners... it's still operable at the moment but it'll get worse over time. I have an upgrade available on my account that I can use or I could enter the Verizon edge program... I really don't know what i should do. it's obvious the edge program is only useful if I upgrade every ~12 months and I have a tendency to switch phones quite often but with a newborn son I may lose interest in upgrading/getting new phones so much... I'm mostly looking at the HTC M8 only because ive had the galaxy for a while and im ready for something other than touchwiz. use upgrade, pay 250 and sign another 2 year contract or enter Verizon edge program and pay nothing now and be able to upgrade again in a year... opinions?
Go m8 for the unlockable boot loader. Imo
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
TTLayland said:
Go m8 for the unlockable boot loader. Imo
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any opinion on edge vs upgrade on 2 year contract? I was fortunate enough to keep my bootloader unlocked on my s4 too but it's still restricted development.
There's a ton of ROMs for an MDK s4. With all the unified AOSP ROMs now and the TW patches that allow for almost any Int'l ROMs I don't think there's ever been as many options as now. Just saying that's all. The M8 is cool too though
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Powell730 said:
any opinion on edge vs upgrade on 2 year contract? I was fortunate enough to keep my bootloader unlocked on my s4 too but it's still restricted development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edge is a huge waste of money. Over 2 years you spend approximately $1,100 more than you would by just using your one subsidized upgrade and buying/selling your phones off contract. I can find a breakdown I did with somebody else on here to explain the BS that is Edge.
Sent from my HTC6600LVW using Tapatalk
lol I'd just order a new glass off Amazon for $20.00 but that's just me.
I've done it like 3 times on the S4 and 5-6 times on the S3.
I'm the IT guy for my company so I fix a lot of phones.
It takes patience but there are really good youtube videos out there showing how it's done.
I've got it down to about 45 minutes now.
If you have the skill, you can get new screen and digitizer for $150. That's what I did. There a lot of Youtube videos that shows how.
Yeah I thought about replacing it myself, I know I can... I think I'm just using it as an excuse to change phones ?
I do have the gpe ROM installed, actually love it. I'm just really intrigued by the build quality of the m8.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Powell730 said:
Yeah I thought about replacing it myself, I know I can... I think I'm just using it as an excuse to change phones ?
I do have the gpe ROM installed, actually love it. I'm just really intrigued by the build quality of the m8.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new crop of phones are only incremental upgrades over the S4.
I'd say, fix your phone. Wait. Get something later toward the end of the year maybe.
For me, it's all full price anyway.
I have unlimited that I'm not giving it up until they take it.
I am about to replace a Galaxy S4's outer glass, just as many others have. The replacement parts are very cheap and atop of that you can take the phone from beat to mint if you put the time in. The outer trim (chrome) is what I want to replace as well but thats a tad more difficult I imagine. Anyway my advice on screen removal is to use a piece of clear tape on the cracked glass before using the heat gun. This will make removal easier and helps to prevent scratches or broken LCD/Digitizer.
last 2 that broke in my house I made profit fixing
I broke mine don't know how but I got a used one off of craigslist its easy to talk people down in price, I just swapped my mobo iin to that and put the new phones mobo in the broken one and sold the broken but still working one for 200 made a 50 dollar profit.
did the same when my sons friend broke my sons s4..
Powell730 said:
basically as the title says... I dropped my phone and shattered the screen at the top and bottom corners... it's still operable at the moment but it'll get worse over time. I have an upgrade available on my account that I can use or I could enter the Verizon edge program... I really don't know what i should do. it's obvious the edge program is only useful if I upgrade every ~12 months and I have a tendency to switch phones quite often but with a newborn son I may lose interest in upgrading/getting new phones so much... I'm mostly looking at the HTC M8 only because ive had the galaxy for a while and im ready for something other than touchwiz. use upgrade, pay 250 and sign another 2 year contract or enter Verizon edge program and pay nothing now and be able to upgrade again in a year... opinions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ever phone you get, use a downloaded interface... such as Nova Prime. Yeah, it'll cost a few bucks to get into it, but you buy it once and then you use it on every phone you have after that. Why?
A> You learn one interface really really well. This means that over the years you become more comfortable and familiar with it.
B> It is heavily customizable so if you get tired of it, just change the way it looks. This can be kind of daunting if you want to completely customize it the moment you install it, but you don't have to. For me, the most important things were being able to change font sizes, icon sizes and icon spacing. This means I can see more of my background and less of my icons in the way. I make the screen fit me, not the other way around.
C> Once you have it set the way you love it, you wind up upgrading to a new phone... no big deal, you pop in your micro sd card or copy over a directory and you can restore your backed up launcher settings to the new phone. Pretty easy. Then the new phone looks and works much like the old phone did.
D> The customizations on something like Nova Launcher Prime are sick. You can change all the effects and it runs really smooth on my phones over the years. There are other really great launchers out there. I've tried a bunch of them, but nowhere near all of the big ones... so try something different. I stopped trying them when I got Nova Launcher Prime on a "Deal of the day" and I don't regret it.
I've tried using the stock launcher on the last three phones I've had and in 10 minutes I'm downloading Nova and putting it back on when I upgrade. Stock launchers have gotten better, but they are far behind the best custom launchers out there.
Thumbstarrepair.com fixed my wife's S4 for $50. Does it the correct way using LOCA and not cheap tape.
DieselDawg
I've searched and just got my new S9+ coming from LG and forums here are so different in gathering info. Is this variant rootable yet? If so can someone post a link... In the mean time I'll keep searching. :silly:
storm68 said:
I've searched and just got my new S9+ coming from LG and forums here are so different in gathering info. Is this variant rootable yet? If so can someone post a link... In the mean time I'll keep searching. :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope it's not, and will be a loooooooong time before it is.
Well? After much research I was able to disable bloatware, get YouTube ad free and some more all without root. Honestly? This phone is good enough not to root really. I usually rooted to get a kernel to speed things up and get less lag, amazingly there's no need. Also for Xposed but I also don't see the need. So waiting for something that now I feel is not needed is ok. But having the itch to root will always exist. Lol
storm68 said:
Well? After much research I was able to disable bloatware, get YouTube ad free and some more all without root. Honestly? This phone is good enough not to root really. I usually rooted to get a kernel to speed things up and get less lag, amazingly there's no need. Also for Xposed but I also don't see the need. So waiting for something that now I feel is not needed is ok. But having the itch to root will always exist. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well now you got me happy cuz this is my first phone that's locked down, and Im shocked at how much bloat there is. Fnucking Facebook?
If you can point me to some helpful threads that would be awesome - I keep coming up with Exynos threads
Pashovski said:
Well now you got me happy cuz this is my first phone that's locked down, and Im shocked at how much bloat there is. Fnucking Facebook?
If you can point me to some helpful threads that would be awesome - I keep coming up with Exynos threads
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on Snapdragon directly from T-mobile in the US.
Very little bloatware installed. And what was there I was able to uninstall easily including Facebook.
This was the first device I've owned that I've been able to do this without root.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
I have a question if i was to purchase a Samsiung galaxy s9+ from samsung themselves, will i be able to root the phone at that point.
I have been on iPhone for a long period of time because it is so easy to Jailbreak a phone once the program comes out, its just one click and done. I always recalled android phone goes through steps in order to be rooted, and i do mean really long steps, and the smallest mess up would brick the phone, i know now that the bricking the phone is a lot less likely. But it is still hard to root the phone..
Also back in the day, all android phones can be rooted except for Verizon Android phones. Now all carrier Samsung galaxy phones cant be or takes time to root. things have changed in the community i see.
Dasin said:
I have a question if i was to purchase a Samsiung galaxy s9+ from samsung themselves, will i be able to root the phone at that point.
I have been on iPhone for a long period of time because it is so easy to Jailbreak a phone once the program comes out, its just one click and done. I always recalled android phone goes through steps in order to be rooted, and i do mean really long steps, and the smallest mess up would brick the phone, i know now that the bricking the phone is a lot less likely. But it is still hard to root the phone..
Also back in the day, all android phones can be rooted except for Verizon Android phones. Now all carrier Samsung galaxy phones cant be or takes time to root. things have changed in the community i see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With iphones you have to jailbreak just to get it semi-useful. My tmo s9+ had hardly anything already on it that wasn't easily removable. No need for root IMO.
Oyeve said:
With iphones you have to jailbreak just to get it semi-useful. My tmo s9+ had hardly anything already on it that wasn't easily removable. No need for root IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the main reason why I want to root is to find a bypass for the tethering. Example: On the iPhone there is a application called (Tetherme) it pretty much bypass the tethering provision so that the hotspot usage shows up as Phone usage not Hotspot usage.
I want to do that on the Samsung Galaxy s9+, I want to use the native tethering connectivity that is on the device and have it show up as phone usage not hotspot usage.
What I'm going to end up doing is selling my phone in order to purchase one directly from Samsung.
Dasin said:
Well, the main reason why I want to root is to find a bypass for the tethering. Example: On the iPhone there is a application called (Tetherme) it pretty much bypass the tethering provision so that the hotspot usage shows up as Phone usage not Hotspot usage.
I want to do that on the Samsung Galaxy s9+, I want to use the native tethering connectivity that is on the device and have it show up as phone usage not hotspot usage.
What I'm going to end up doing is selling my phone in order to purchase one directly from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same over here iwant hotspot tether s9 plus iwas om iPhone 6s plus jailbroken I miss my hot spot :crying: