So, I went to South Korea a while back. I bought the Samsung Galaxy S 2 LTE (SHV-E110S). I've been trying to unlock it through a few imei-unlock websites. None of them succeeded, so after a long time I went for it and rooted my device after I saw another dude here on this forum did it with success!
The simlock went away, wohoo! However, a few problems, still.
1. SMS is possible, but I need to input my phone nr.
-I found a "hack" for this.. Find an old phone and type in your nr somewhere. I don't have any old phones, had a cleanup last year.
2. SMS is locked to no more than 80 characters. After 80 characters it's suddenly a MMS. That's stupid..
3. I'm still stuck with Apps that came with the phone, how do I remove these apps? They are all Korean, so no need for those.
So, I've been searching around to look for a way to flash my device, but without any luck. I'm hoping that there is some smart brains out there that can answer my questions.
Bump?
Anyone? Hello?
Try this tool
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321582
In the post #2, you can see your phone in the list.
bkar89 said:
2. SMS is locked to no more than 80 characters. After 80 characters it's suddenly a MMS. That's stupid..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same phone and I live in Tunisia, when I installed go sms, the limit of 80 characters is gone, I think it work for the other sms apps.
I also removed the korean apps after rooting it with the Doomlord kit and a root uninstaller app.
Now I'm searching a custom rom for it
Ahmedbahri said:
I have the same phone and I live in Tunisia, when I installed go sms, the limit of 80 characters is gone, I think it work for the other sms apps.
I also removed the korean apps after rooting it with the Doomlord kit and a root uninstaller app.
Now I'm searching a custom rom for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go SMS did not solve my problem :/
bkar89 said:
Go SMS did not solve my problem :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I using Handsend SMS and now I can text 160/mes with no problem.
bkar89 said:
go sms did not solve my problem :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did u found any custom rom for this im looking for it too but no success so far plz do tell if u made any progress
thanx in advance
Hi, any update on custom roms for this phone? I've tried to search almost everyday but did not find any. Any updates? I would appreciate it. thanks.
shv-e110s
looking for a long time for the rom for this mobile. If anybody got one. Cannot send sms more then 80 charecters. Vannot update over the air. It is asking for skt usim.
Rom for e110s
Any ROM for e110s? Any progress so far?
maheswaran_07 said:
looking for a long time for the rom for this mobile. If anybody got one. Cannot send sms more then 80 charecters. Vannot update over the air. It is asking for skt usim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can update OTA if you set your 'market' to Korea with a market enabler app; the message concerning the SKT USIM will no longer show and the updates will be properly checked.
davidcsv said:
You can update OTA if you set your 'market' to Korea with a market enabler app; the message concerning the SKT USIM will no longer show and the updates will be properly checked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Market Enabler require root? I tried without root and it didn't work. And I don't want to try to root this phone unless I find a stock ODIN flashable ROM.
BTW, do you think OTA updates would solve the SMS problem? For me, the built-in messaging app can't send messages longer than 80 characters. All the third party apps including Go SMS Pro and Handcent SMS can't even send the message even if smaller than 80 characters.
I am stuck. Please advise. I am on 4.0.3 currently.
sikander3786 said:
Does Market Enabler require root? I tried without root and it didn't work. And I don't want to try to root this phone unless I find a stock ODIN flashable ROM.
BTW, do you think OTA updates would solve the SMS problem? For me, the built-in messaging app can't send messages longer than 80 characters. All the third party apps including Go SMS Pro and Handcent SMS can't even send the message even if smaller than 80 characters.
I am stuck. Please advise. I am on 4.0.3 currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct...my bad, I was just assuming that most people would have their phones rooted in order to get more out of it. The market enabler apps do require a rooted phone to function properly.
The SMS limit of 80 characters is imposed by SKT/T-World on our phone. A friend of mine has another phone branded Oleh (I believe also from SKT) and he has a limit of 90 characters when SMS'ing. To be honest, I think any updates provided by SKT 'over the air' or thru KIES would not change the limit in SMS messages. I suppose we'll have to tweak the rom if we want to circumvent this limitation. I too have not been able to get any of the third party sms apps to send a message of any length.
Note that I have prepped a pre-rooted copy of the latest UG06 rom, which has all the operator's bloatware removed. Note that the rom image has not lost its 'stock' signature; flashing with odin will not trigger the custom rom counter. If you're interested, have a look at the following link... <zzz>/forum/showthread.php?t=2827&page=2 (sorry, new user, can't embed links in my posts, replace <zzz> with w w w. s a m m o b i l e. c o m)
(The original/unmodifed stock rom images can be downloaded as well, let me know if you need a copy; I still have the FD18, UD25 and UG06 files ('captured' from KIES).
---------- Post added at 04:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:04 PM ----------
By the way, rom version UG06 is ICS 4.0.4
davidcsv said:
You are correct...my bad, I was just assuming that most people would have their phones rooted in order to get more out of it. The market enabler apps do require a rooted phone to function properly.
The SMS limit of 80 characters is imposed by SKT/T-World on our phone. A friend of mine has another phone branded Oleh (I believe also from SKT) and he has a limit of 90 characters when SMS'ing. To be honest, I think any updates provided by SKT 'over the air' or thru KIES would not change the limit in SMS messages. I suppose we'll have to tweak the rom if we want to circumvent this limitation. I too have not been able to get any of the third party sms apps to send a message of any length.
Note that I have prepped a pre-rooted copy of the latest UG06 rom, which has all the operator's bloatware removed. Note that the rom image has not lost its 'stock' signature; flashing with odin will not trigger the custom rom counter. If you're interested, have a look at the following link... <zzz>/forum/showthread.php?t=2827&page=2 (sorry, new user, can't embed links in my posts, replace <zzz> with w w w. s a m m o b i l e. c o m)
(The original/unmodifed stock rom images can be downloaded as well, let me know if you need a copy; I still have the FD18, UD25 and UG06 files ('captured' from KIES).
---------- Post added at 04:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:04 PM ----------
By the way, rom version UG06 is ICS 4.0.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
I have found the stock rom over at some chinese forums already. Thanks.
And if rooting and using Market Enabler wouldn't help solve the SMS problem, I won't go for all that hassle.
Let's hope someone develops a custom rom without the SMS problem. If you come across such a rom, please share it.
hi
i need ug06 full rom.. i just bricked my e110s.. i tried to flash it to i9210 then revert back to orig e110s but then the menu and back sensor key not working anymore.. may someone can help me pls.
francisac3 said:
i need ug06 full rom.. i just bricked my e110s.. i tried to flash it to i9210 then revert back to orig e110s but then the menu and back sensor key not working anymore.. may someone can help me pls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UG06 is no longer available on the fileserver.
Links for the latest ROM, UH31 are listed below...
Sorry, Mediafire removed my files due to violation of their TOS
PM me if you need a private temporary link.
wow davidcsv, thanks! ive been dying to get unbloated roms for my shv e110s
please help me..
i got my samsung shv-e110s, got it rooted, i unistall the messaging sytem stock app because it only had 80 character . and tried go sms pro, but gosms never worked. now i want to re install the stock apps. help me.. or maybe a working stock rom to help.. my s2 UG06 ics 4.0.4. rooted by odin.
QYOBZ said:
i got my samsung shv-e110s, got it rooted, i unistall the messaging sytem stock app because it only had 80 character . and tried go sms pro, but gosms never worked. now i want to re install the stock apps. help me.. or maybe a working stock rom to help.. my s2 UG06 ics 4.0.4. rooted by odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at the 2nd message before your post, you will see links to the stock rom image files (both rooted and unmodified).
tutorial
davidcsv said:
Look at the 2nd message before your post, you will see links to the stock rom image files (both rooted and unmodified).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi davidcsv i dont know how to flash these roms, can please guide me... is flashing new rom on my shv-e110s will bring back my stock apps like message and ebook and etc.
Related
Hi guys
Sorry but i am a noob to all this so have proberly stupid questions.
After flashing to a customer rom i went back to a stock t-mobile rom. Problem i now face is when i try to download apps from other companies that are not on the app store eg mfortune they are unable to detect the type of phone i am using so i get "sorry we do not currently support your device" despite being able to do so before rooting and flashing. Is there a way i can change this with the release of skyGo on android this month i want to be able to download it. As it will be only on the galaxy s2 and HTC phones for some time i dont really want to wait.
Any help please???
Did you do a full whipe? Adding some details like model number, the rom you flashed and the one you came from may get you some more useful results.
As for the skyGo app, it won't take more than a day for it to pop up as an APK somewhere on the net.
Hello
Thanks for the reply i am currently in work so i cant look at my phone but will update on which firmware and kernal version i am running
I did however follow this guide to root reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-phones/how-to-root-your-samsung-galaxy-s2-50004972/[/url]
Not sure if that helps i did not however use the guide to flash the secure kernal maybe thats where i have gone wrong.
I will update the thread with the info later.
Thanks again
I'm in Japan and just recently got the s2 Wimax....simply awesome phone but....no root or ROM support...I have looked long and hard through these forums and no results...is there a way to get the root for this wonderful phone...
Running Gingerbread 2.3.6
Kernel 2.6.35.7-ISW11SCKDLB3-CL852258
Build number GINGERBREAD.LB3
Baseband Version ISW11SCKDLB3
That's what I got...any help would be great...I know i'm not the only one with this phone that needs help...
cezeff said:
I'm in Japan and just recently got the s2 Wimax....simply awesome phone but....no root or ROM support...I have looked long and hard through these forums and no results...is there a way to get the root for this wonderful phone...
Running Gingerbread 2.3.6
Kernel 2.6.35.7-ISW11SCKDLB3-CL852258
Build number GINGERBREAD.LB3
Baseband Version ISW11SCKDLB3
That's what I got...any help would be great...I know i'm not the only one with this phone that needs help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Model number?
model number is ISW11SC...
cezeff said:
model number is ISW11SC...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the model number in the about phone screen? What about on the label under the battery?
EDIT: I see, after a quick google search, it is yet another variant. Most common in Japan, where you are. I was unable to find out what SoC/chipset this phone uses, so do NOT use just any Galaxy S2 root method randomly. Especially don't use any from this forum for the I9100. Chances are very good that will brick your phone. Sorry I don't have any better answers for you.
Here is the chip set on it I got from quadrant score....sooooo out looks like we can't do anything with this phone begging to be unleashed?....the info is in the pic below
Sent from my ISW11SC using XDA
Here is the quadrant score...now if I could get it rooted!.....
Sent from my ISW11SC using XDA
You could try zergRush. It reportedly doesn't work on 2.3.6 or higher, but you could try it.
Is that supported for Mac though?
Sent from my ISW11SC using XDA
I don't know. I've never used it. Look it up.
rooted.
I have had this phone for about a month. Just to say that I rooted it the day i got it.
I just used an old microSD card and rooted from this link. (The link to the .zp file is gone, but i found another way - see second link. Should also work fine)
http://satoweb.net/2012/02/galaxyswimaxisw11scroot.html
http://blog.livedoor.jp/kz_gin/archives/cat_136988.html
Anyway, its great because I managed to get rid of a lot of AU bloatware. Now trying to figure out how to replace the horrible AU mail programs (SMS/MMS - they both suck so badly) with GO SMS PRO. No idea what the MMS settings for KDDI are though. SMS works fine through GO SMS PRO.
What I would ultimately like to do is to flash this with a better optimized rom. i feel there is so much potential for this phone, but AU (like most other carriers) has filled it with junk....
sooooo...if google translate is correct ( when is ever) I'm suppose to download the recovery.zip to sd card...install it...reboot...then install the root.zip from sd card and reboot and that should give me root for this phone?? any chance of me bricking it????
screw it ill give it a try...lol....balls to the ways...by the way i'm looking into the APN/MMS settings for KDDI...you know your AU address...
THis worked outstanding...except it wouldn't read the sd card when i tried the root.zip install....but all i did was used file manager...copied it to the internal sd...reboot into recovery and installed the root.zip....i shall make a new thread with this information from you....i know there are more of the SGS2 Wimax users....let the root madness begin...
EDIT: I put together a small guide on How To Root SG2 Wimax here, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1576000 ...let me know if you guys have any questions and I'll try to answer them the best I can....
I've had this inexpensive phone for about a month now, and the only reason I'd want root access is to install Titanium Backup or a firewall to freeze/block access to a certain Chinese Android Market app. The app in question sends out a notification to feature new Chinese apps everytime the phone is given internet access and there are no options to disable it within the app itself. And since it came with the phone, it cannot be uninstalled, and of course, it restarts immediately if stopped.
One-clicks do not work-- they all result in directory/permission errors. For example, superoneclick will hang on step 7 and doomlord's method would reboot the phone without making any changes.
It would seem my only resort would be to use a different ROM, but there are no ROMs for this phone. Of course there are methods using similar MTK 6573 phones which are usually just clones in different casings, but I've read that using non-specific ROMs will result in a brick as there are slight differences.
So how should I go about rooting this phone? What are the risks of using a non-specific ROM? Should I give up?
Model Number: e1109_v73_jxlc1
Android Version: 2.3.6
Basband version: MAUI.11AMD.W11.36.SP.V17.F1, 2012/03/14 16:54
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7
Build Number: ALPS.GB.FDD2.MP.V4.5
Custom Build Version: 1332391723
Maybe it isn't possible ;/
After pushing my Googling abilities to their upper limits, I finally found out how to root this phone. It turns out there was a Russian community that archives lots of information on Chinese phones (china-iphone.ru). I can't believe I managed to follow 35 pages of hints via Google Translate. It also turns out that the only way to root this phone is by flashing a recovery image, not by one-clicks. I was able to find a recovery image specific to this phone (STAR I9100) and everything worked out.
I was about to submit a guide on how I went about rooting it, but I can't share links. Oh well. I'm just glad I'll be able to finally be able to do something about the Chinese bloatware.
Please send me
Please send me the guide and rom to [email protected]
smartphone i9100 chinese
Please send me the guide and rom to spart[email protected]
thank you.
"doomlord's method would reboot the phone without making any changes."
just a tip: I experienced the same problem when i tried to root my i9001. The problem was, there were not the necessary files on my HDD after I extracted the doomlord's packet. I totally forgot about my virus protection, and because I blocked the notification from that program, the virus scanner automatically deleted the earlier mentioned files. That's why my phone was rebooted several times without making any changes using SuperOneClick and Doomlord too.
artisboy95 said:
Please send me the guide and rom to [email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
spartaco49 said:
Please send me the guide and rom to [email protected]
thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't expect to get any replies on this thread, but I sent what I originally wrote and couldn't share due to posting requirements.
frabaa said:
"doomlord's method would reboot the phone without making any changes."
just a tip: I experienced the same problem when i tried to root my i9001. The problem was, there were not the necessary files on my HDD after I extracted the doomlord's packet. I totally forgot about my virus protection, and because I blocked the notification from that program, the virus scanner automatically deleted the earlier mentioned files. That's why my phone was rebooted several times without making any changes using SuperOneClick and Doomlord too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, but I don't use any real-time anti-virus because I browse the web and run untrusted programs in a sandboxed environment (and of course the one-clicks were ran outside of the sandbox). And I'm not sure which brand your phone is (or if it's even a China phone), but I know that some 2.3.6 China phones could be rooted using one-clicks and some of the same China phones have had 2.3.4 installed which can be rooted easily. It's just that the latest Chinese-branded STAR i9100 (at the time) came with 2.3.6 and could not make use of the one-clicks.
Xuxion,
I have a similar phone. Model number says HK-i9100. Weird thing though is that it says its running Android 4.1.1. Its a galaxy s2 clone running on MT6573.
Can you send me your guide? I would love to give it a try. Here's my email: [email protected]
The stock rom on here is just horrible.
Thanks.
I have the same SmartPhone...
I have to root my phone, Please send me the guide and rom to [email protected]
foilfence said:
Xuxion,
I have a similar phone. Model number says HK-i9100. Weird thing though is that it says its running Android 4.1.1. Its a galaxy s2 clone running on MT6573.
Can you send me your guide? I would love to give it a try. Here's my email: [email protected]
The stock rom on here is just horrible.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably different then. Even though they are clones based from the same phone, they are slightly different when it comes to the hardware positioning and features. For example, 9mm earphone jacks can be seen in different places and screen size varies between 4.1-4.3" even though they are based off the sgs2. There are even some with and without GPSs.
For those of you with different brands like the HDC or GT i9100, try browsing the china-phone.ru MTK65x3 forums. You might be in luck if it turns out there's a thread dedicated towards your specific model. I'd try to be more specific, but I can't post links due to insufficient forum privileges.
Please send me the guide and rom to [email protected]
smartphone e1109_v73_jxlc1.
Please send me the guide and rom to [email protected]
thank you.
guide and rom
If I also get it I would be grateful.
[email protected]
thanks
Rooting MTK6573
Xuxion,
Please send the guide and rom? I would love to give it a try. Here's my email: [email protected]
Thanks.
Hello, I'm also having the same problem, could you send the explanations to [email protected] ? thanks
i'd love the guide too....
[email protected]
thanks in advance
please send to me pls [email protected] ,thanks
Sent from my e1101_v73_jbl2ctp_a519 using xda app-developers app
Hey man, was wondering if you have any idea about adding new languages or even another rom on this phone. "Stock" rom is horrible, and if there is a way to add a simple basic google stock rom on it, with no extra apps and with a slim launcher it would make this phone a bit faster.
Have to say, good screen tho.
sazinas said:
Hey man, was wondering if you have any idea about adding new languages or even another rom on this phone. "Stock" rom is horrible, and if there is a way to add a simple basic google stock rom on it, with no extra apps and with a slim launcher it would make this phone a bit faster.
Have to say, good screen tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i flashed system.img from micromax a75 to mine a9220.it is working a little better for now
about root : there is a topic here on xda about that already
Sent from my GT-P5110 using xda app-developers app
Can you please send me the details of how to root the phone too? [email protected]
Please send me the guide and rom to [email protected]
Thanks
JCBG
Hello all
I hope you are doing well
So I have a lovely white Galaxy S3, working perfectly like a charm
an Arabic keyboard and language is available "by default"
I switched a few days ago to a Blue S3 ..
The first issue was that there were no Arabic keyboard or language in the phone.
The other issue is that the internet is EXTREMELY PAINFULLY SLOW, like it's impossible for me to even open "Play" market, loading the default google page would take up 2 minutes and much worse.
So i tried looking for the same exact ROM that was installed on my white one.
found it, flashed the phone using ODIN with the new ROM.
Again there was no Arabic language, internet issue wasn't solve, a NEW issue came out which is "Messaging" app doesn't work anymore at all, whenever I launch the app, I get the "Messaging has stopped", I tried reseting to factory settings, didn't work, and it seems my friend is also suffering with the internet issue with his device
any help please ! I'm really starting to hate androids .. .
Go to CWM, wipe everything.
Then flash the ROM, Modem, CSC, Kernel, ... etc you used.
It should work, if not then either you got a defective unit (improbable) or the phone wasn't really fully wiped.
thank you for your reply
what is CWM ?
How do I know what were my default rom ?
jalmass said:
thank you for your reply
what is CWM ?
How do I know what were my default rom ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM = clockwork mod recovery requires root and root invalidates your warranty .
Default rom whatever came with the phone or find one for your location and network from the Stock Rom thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III/GT-I9300
Just carry out a standard factory reset no need for a CWM wipe and then flash stock rom .
Modem or CSC can be flashed separately .
jje
[i don't know what I'm doing]
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Did you make a backup of your stock ROM?
If not try the stock firmware thread..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I didn't backup my stock rom and i don't know which is
my default one, tried downloading and flashing 3 roms up until now
all the same
no arabic
messaging still not working ..
I'm really a newbie in all of this .. .
some guy mentioned in another topic flashing then switching your sales code which worked for him
i did the same but it appears i have no sales code at all to switch between .. .
so i traced the messaging issue to a point where everyone had the same issue did this
1- check your CSC by dialing *#1234#
i did the same and I got "CSC: unknown"
the solution is to flash the CSC from the official topic
i flashed now 2 packages, still getting "unknown" message, how do I tell
which CSC is for my phone ?
U need to find a career or country specific firmware so Arabic is enabled.
Search "intratech" in general forum and find your country or region firmware and flash that.
And use "Samsung galaxy s3 toolkit" to flash your rom.it's in the development forum
Problem Solved :good:
Thank You for bearing with a noob like me guys
I really appreciate all your help
and just to describe what happened in case others had the same issue
I went to the official topic for the stock firmwares and since I didn't know what was my stock ROM, I kept downloading many ROMS based on where I bought my phone from "like getting all UK ROMS if you ordered your phone from there".
I kept flashing and dialing ( *#1234# ) after each flash to check my CSC, once I found a working ROM that got the CSC right, I switched the CSC region to "ARB", rebooted the phone, and it all worked
Arabic language became available + Messaging is back to normal + Internet issue seems to be solved "for now"
So thanks everyone .. . :highfive:
Hi, I live in China and recently bought a Galaxy S3 (China Unicom version). What I didnt expect is that none of the google apps or even Google play come pre-loaded. Itried installing them individually, but after intallation it doesnt open and just goes back to the homescreen. I am just not able to open any google related app even after idownload and install APK files. i ahve VPN and can access allsites, VPN won't solve the problem.
I went through some other posts and saw suggestions around rooting and installing custom roms. can someone give me some specifics please, maybe some links? THis is not about blocked access to google play, i just cant install it and get it working on my phone. I can't return it to the store (since theres no prob with it) and I don't even care about the warrantly anymore. I just want to ensure that if i root it and install something, it be the right one that doesnt clash with the version i have and doesnt brick my phone. Partiuclars below. could someone please please help?
I am desperate now! Samsung china apps are the worst!
GT-I9300, android ver 4.0.4, baseband ver ZNLG4
sruran said:
Hi, I live in China and recently bought a Galaxy S3 (China Unicom version). What I didnt expect is that none of the google apps or even Google play come pre-loaded. Itried installing them individually, but after intallation it doesnt open and just goes back to the homescreen. I am just not able to open any google related app even after idownload and install APK files. i ahve VPN and can access allsites, VPN won't solve the problem.
I went through some other posts and saw suggestions around rooting and installing custom roms. can someone give me some specifics please, maybe some links? THis is not about blocked access to google play, i just cant install it and get it working on my phone. I can't return it to the store (since theres no prob with it) and I don't even care about the warrantly anymore. I just want to ensure that if i root it and install something, it be the right one that doesnt clash with the version i have and doesnt brick my phone. Partiuclars below. could someone please please help?
I am desperate now! Samsung china apps are the worst!
GT-I9300, android ver 4.0.4, baseband ver ZNLG4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there from China..go to the stickies from this section..you will get all the information you require about rooting..then go to android development section and there you will get most of the roms you will need..now read the OP very carefully before flashing..all the instruction will be there in the op..most of the stock based roms have gapps included..for aosp/aokp Roms also flash the gapps package..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
sruran said:
Hi, I live in China and recently bought a Galaxy S3 (China Unicom version). What I didnt expect is that none of the google apps or even Google play come pre-loaded. Itried installing them individually, but after intallation it doesnt open and just goes back to the homescreen. I am just not able to open any google related app even after idownload and install APK files. i ahve VPN and can access allsites, VPN won't solve the problem.
I went through some other posts and saw suggestions around rooting and installing custom roms. can someone give me some specifics please, maybe some links? THis is not about blocked access to google play, i just cant install it and get it working on my phone. I can't return it to the store (since theres no prob with it) and I don't even care about the warrantly anymore. I just want to ensure that if i root it and install something, it be the right one that doesnt clash with the version i have and doesnt brick my phone. Partiuclars below. could someone please please help?
I am desperate now! Samsung china apps are the worst!
GT-I9300, android ver 4.0.4, baseband ver ZNLG4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, they kinda suck ... except for their camera software ... It kind of rocks.
You will need to root and Rom your phone. There will be advice on how to root in the stickies as mentioned. I did it as a noob and found the task nerve-racking but in the end quite fun. I also cheated a bit and practiced on cracked open an old HTC desire and popped its cherry with Cynogen nightly. Anyway, once you root then you will be able to back up, although I don't know if there is any point to backing up instruction as your phone kinda sucks at the moment and I imagine you probably can't even get a back up app onto your phone.
This whole deal could take up a day of research and downloading and messing around. Be prepared to be without your phone for a day and to put in some time and effort - even if you are a genius, you'll have difficulty. Also, despite people saying doing it with a mac is easy - I found the opposite to be true and I use my mac waaaaaaaaaaay more than my pc. Set aside a Sat or Sunday to get lost in the world of Android. Hopefullly, it will only take you a short time, but just in case... Anyway, it is worth it.
I am using Omega ROM - you can find it in this forum somewhere. I love it - it has Google play App. I initially tried others but I found I missed the samsung camera software functionality too much.
I still need my foreign sim card for some apps and a vpn is useful too. but there is no way that I know of easily getting around the Chinese limitations... Unless you can read simplified Chinese well enough to use the Chinese versions of Google Play that must be plentiful.
Lastly, If you are a complete techno spaz. Scrap what I said, and just find a black market and get it rooted there. I don't know what it costs, but it should be cheap.
Good luck.
---------- Post added at 04:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:59 PM ----------
Oh and make sure your phone is compatible with the rom and directions ... mine was a GT-i9300 there are other models and apparently it makes a big difference. It should tell you in settings/about device/model number.