I was wondering if it will ever be possible to convert a standard S4 to a Google Edition S4. Basically taking the software, firmware, drivers from the Google S4 and flashing them to the TouchWiz S4. My understanding is that these devices are identical in hardware which could possibly enable an unlockable bootloader on the TouchWiz S4 by flashing the Google Edition S4 bootloader.
I am aware that is is not as simple as flashing the bootloader, as the bootloader is locked, my question is whether it is possible or not and if there would be any advantages from doing so.
An unlockable bootloader was something I had grown to appreciate with my Galaxy Nexus and would love to see the same for the S4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2343355 Got you covered
YoshiFan501 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2343355 Got you covered
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I've taken a look at that before and actually flashed it. What I meant was at more of a 'deeper' level per se.
I get the impression that no benefits would come from porting over the bootloader and other aspects from that device since I would get essentially the same device by running that ROM.
Do you have any experience running that build? Also does anyone have a package that would allow the use of the TouchWiz camera app on AOSP ROMs?
Mitch8892 said:
Thanks. I've taken a look at that before and actually flashed it. What I meant was at more of a 'deeper' level per se.
I get the impression that no benefits would come from porting over the bootloader and other aspects from that device since I would get essentially the same device by running that ROM.
Do you have any experience running that build? Also does anyone have a package that would allow the use of the TouchWiz camera app on AOSP ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What benefits? It's an unlocked bootloader, you really need that? We'll get one eventually and loki takes care of that now.
I ran it. If you want an AOSP-like rom that's fully stable, use it.
And the rom isn't pure AOSP. It's still TouchWiz based, just not themed. So you can download the missing apk package that CleanRom has available for download and move the camera into system/app/.
The only things you'll be missing are the smart scroll etc, that you cannot port over.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Related
Hi there, I'm considering buying a used Verizon Galaxy S4 and I'm trying to determine what are the key points to know.
I am seeing a lot of discussion about the different bootloaders, different kernels, different android versions, etc. It seems like some phones cannot have the bootloader unlocked and some phones can't even be rooted. Can anyone explain that to me so I know what I should be looking for?
In addition, are there any especially pervasive hardware or software bugs that haunt the S4?
Thanks!
kwest12 said:
Hi there, I'm considering buying a used Verizon Galaxy S4 and I'm trying to determine what are the key points to know.
I am seeing a lot of discussion about the different bootloaders, different kernels, different android versions, etc. It seems like some phones cannot have the bootloader unlocked and some phones can't even be rooted. Can anyone explain that to me so I know what I should be looking for?
In addition, are there any especially pervasive hardware or software bugs that haunt the S4?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know the bootloader that can be unlocked is the MDK bootloader. It came with the original release with the SGS4. I don't personally know a whole lot about about MDK, as I'm on the the kitkat NC5 bootloader. One thing about phones that are still on MDK is that you can load any of the ROMs in the forum, at least to my knowledge. On my phone in particular the only ROMs that I can load are touchwiz based. So I can't load CM or any of the other AOSP based ROMs.
You can still find MDK phones on swappa and other sites I'm sure. Although they're typically marked up a little bit for being rare.
skeezer308 said:
As far as I know the bootloader that can be unlocked is the MDK bootloader. It came with the original release with the SGS4. I don't personally know a whole lot about about MDK, as I'm on the the kitkat NC5 bootloader. One thing about phones that are still on MDK is that you can load any of the ROMs in the forum, at least to my knowledge. On my phone in particular the only ROMs that I can load are touchwiz based. So I can't load CM or any of the other AOSP based ROMs.
You can still find MDK phones on swappa and other sites I'm sure. Although they're typically marked up a little bit for being rare.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response!
That seems strange to me that AOSP based ROMs can't be run just because the bootloader can't be unlocked. I'm coming from the Bionic which has a locked bootloader, but can still run AOSP ROMs. Maybe it's the kexec exploit for motorola phones that allows this and maybe Samsungs just don't have something that allows that? I dunno. Confusing.
Are you aware whether or not the most recent OTA for the S4 can be rooted (and therefore ROMed)? I'm just trying to figure out if there's a chance of me receiving a phone that simply cannot be rooted and ROMed.
kwest12 said:
Thanks for the response!
That seems strange to me that AOSP based ROMs can't be run just because the bootloader can't be unlocked. I'm coming from the Bionic which has a locked bootloader, but can still run AOSP ROMs. Maybe it's the kexec exploit for motorola phones that allows this and maybe Samsungs just don't have something that allows that? I dunno. Confusing.
Are you aware whether or not the most recent OTA for the S4 can be rooted (and therefore ROMed)? I'm just trying to figure out if there's a chance of me receiving a phone that simply cannot be rooted and ROMed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's what I'm on now. NC5 is the most recent OTA update, but you can gain root access using towelroot. There is 1 Google Play Edition ROM that's working for me. Though some features won't work because of the kernel differences. There's a thread for that in the Verizon SGS4 general thread.
GPE for locked bootloaders. http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ow-to-install-aosp-s4-google-edition-t2817708
skeezer308 said:
Yeah that's what I'm on now. NC5 is the most recent OTA update, but you can gain root access using towelroot. There is 1 Google Play Edition ROM that's working for me. Though some features won't work because of the kernel differences. There's a thread for that in the Verizon SGS4 general thread.
GPE for locked bootloaders. http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ow-to-install-aosp-s4-google-edition-t2817708
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again! Can you tell me what the easiest way is to view the bootloader version definitively? I'd like to direct the seller is a straightforward manner just in case they're not aware of where to go to access that info.
kwest12 said:
Thanks again! Can you tell me what the easiest way is to view the bootloader version definitively? I'd like to direct the seller is a straightforward manner just in case they're not aware of where to go to access that info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings > about phone > baseband version.
skeezer308 said:
Settings > about phone > baseband version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holy hell that was fast.
kwest12 said:
Thanks for the response!
That seems strange to me that AOSP based ROMs can't be run just because the bootloader can't be unlocked. I'm coming from the Bionic which has a locked bootloader, but can still run AOSP ROMs. Maybe it's the kexec exploit for motorola phones that allows this and maybe Samsungs just don't have something that allows that? I dunno. Confusing.
Are you aware whether or not the most recent OTA for the S4 can be rooted (and therefore ROMed)? I'm just trying to figure out if there's a chance of me receiving a phone that simply cannot be rooted and ROMed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it. No kexec support so no touching the kernel, therefore no AOSP.
---------- Post added at 02:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 PM ----------
skeezer308 said:
Settings > about phone > baseband version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Baseband should match your bootloader on a stock phone, but it only really represents your modem. To be sure about the bootloader, download "Phone Info*" from the Play Store and it will list your bootloader version.
Ah okay. Well thanks for correcting me on that part. I had thought the baseband version directly reflected the bootloader.
Baseband can be updated independently of the bootloader. Baseband is simply the software that controls the radio (cell network, wifi, etc.) For example my bootloader is mf3 but my Baseband is up to nc1 (better service where I live)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
I'm rooted in the stock Touchwiz but I want to install the Lollipop AOSP ROM. How can I unlock the bootloader and install that ROM?
theycallmeryan said:
I'm rooted in the stock Touchwiz but I want to install the Lollipop AOSP ROM. How can I unlock the bootloader and install that ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, the Verizon, and AT&T variants of the Galaxy S4 bootloaders cannot be unlocked at the moment. For the time being it will be impossible for us to install Lollipop until the official firmware release by Samsung. However, if you have a older S4 it *may* have the loki vulnerability which let's you bypass the locked bootloader. Check your About Phone and see if your running MDB or MDL.
NighthawkXL said:
Sorry, the Verizon, and AT&T variants of the Galaxy S4 bootloaders cannot be unlocked at the moment. For the time being it will be impossible for us to install Lollipop until the official firmware release by Samsung. However, if you have a older S4 it *may* have the loki vulnerability which let's you bypass the locked bootloader. Check your About Phone and see if your running MDB or MDL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a picture of my about phone screen. Do I have any hope?
i.imgur.co m/9ACW5Qr.png
Sorry, can't post links yet.
theycallmeryan said:
Here's a picture of my about phone screen. Do I have any hope?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No dice for running Lollipop ROM's yet, however you should able to install Safestrap 3.75 and use custom 4.4.2 (and a few 4.4.4) TouchWiz-based ROM's that are floating around the forum. Poke around the threads in both the AT&T and Verizon subforums to find more information.
NighthawkXL said:
No dice for running Lollipop ROM's yet, however you should able to install Safestrap 3.75 and use custom 4.4.2 (and a few 4.4.4) TouchWiz-based ROM's that are floating around the forum. Poke around the threads in both the AT&T and Verizon subforums to find more information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn it, I wanted to ditch TouchWiz and try Lollipop. Been thinking of switching to iPhone and I wanted to see if Lollipop was worth sticking around for.
Hi,
I don't mean to bump old threads, but I was just wondering is it still not possible to unlock the bootloader on the the s3 i535 using android 4.4.2?
I just haven't seen any recent threads........
Any help is appreciated.
ChanManDCLXVI said:
I don't mean to bump old threads, but I was just wondering is it still not possible to unlock the bootloader on the the s3 i535 using android 4.4.2?
I just haven't seen any recent threads........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering you're in the S4 forum, you're also unlikely to see any S3 threads in the future.
I'll bump this thread again since it applies. I'm on 4.4.2 NK1 can I unlock this bootloader? Should I just take the Lolipop update that keeps asking me to push through? What is my best step from here, I don't want to get stuck on something I hate.
Are there any better choices? I hate using ROM slots etc.
Thank you,
I want to install a GPe ROM base from the i905 Dev Forums, specifically this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2555569
It seems that at least one person has installed this ROM on their VZW s4 before, but I can't see to find anything definitive that says it is safe to install on my phone, which is currently running the "official" GPe ROM from the VZW dev thread.
Is there a safe way to do this?
NikolaeVarius said:
I want to install a GPe ROM base from the i905 Dev Forums, specifically this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2555569
It seems that at least one person has installed this ROM on their VZW s4 before, but I can't see to find anything definitive that says it is safe to install on my phone, which is currently running the "official" GPe ROM from the VZW dev thread.
Is there a safe way to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What not use this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2643031
It's a super smooth and trouble free ROM for both of my Verizon MDK S4's.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Free mobile app
I like the extra options, want the dark theme, and dislike how the "official" ROM contains absolutely no customizations whatsoever.
The loss of xposed really hurt my love of the complete stock ROMs and want something that has a been more flexibility.
I'm helping my friend install CyanogenMod 12 on his S4 (jfltevzw). We've rooted it and we're currently doing a full backup through Safestrap in case anything happens. Once that's finished, I'm unsure as to what we should do. CyanogenMod's wiki has installation instructions for the Verizon S4, but it says in big bold letters to not attempt this if on a ROM newer than I545VRUAMDK. He's on the latest version that Samsung/Verizon have pushed out, which is I545VRUFNK1. Is there an alternate way to install CyanogenMod on top of the newer stock ROM, or is it not possible?
vaindil said:
I'm helping my friend install CyanogenMod 12 on his S4 (jfltevzw). We've rooted it and we're currently doing a full backup through Safestrap in case anything happens. Once that's finished, I'm unsure as to what we should do. CyanogenMod's wiki has installation instructions for the Verizon S4, but it says in big bold letters to not attempt this if on a ROM newer than I545VRUAMDK. He's on the latest version that Samsung/Verizon have pushed out, which is I545VRUFNK1. Is there an alternate way to install CyanogenMod on top of the newer stock ROM, or is it not possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Raymondlikesroot said:
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, so there's absolutely nothing whatsoever that can be done? The page says you can't downgrade, but is anything at all possible now that he's beyond the MDK build? He really wants to make the switch and is fine with doing a complete wipe or whatever is necessary.
EDIT: I've been trying to read up on the VZW S4 and why this isn't possible, but I don't quite get it. Reading other threads it seems like the reason is because the bootloader is locked, but that can't be the case if he was able to install Safestrap. I'm coming from a Nexus 5 where everything is incredibly simple, so I apologize for my ignorance. (I don't mean to say you're wrong or anything as I have no idea myself, I just don't understand why it doesn't work on newer ROMs.)
vaindil said:
Dang, so there's absolutely nothing whatsoever that can be done? The page says you can't downgrade, but is anything at all possible now that he's beyond the MDK build? He really wants to make the switch and is fine with doing a complete wipe or whatever is necessary.
EDIT: I've been trying to read up on the VZW S4 and why this isn't possible, but I don't quite get it. Reading other threads it seems like the reason is because the bootloader is locked, but that can't be the case if he was able to install Safestrap. I'm coming from a Nexus 5 where everything is incredibly simple, so I apologize for my ignorance. (I don't mean to say you're wrong or anything as I have no idea myself, I just don't understand why it doesn't work on newer ROMs.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason we use Safestrap as opposed to twrp is because the bootloader is locked.
Surge1223 said:
The reason we use Safestrap as opposed to twrp is because the bootloader is locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
vaindil said:
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
Sent from my my Lollipopped S4
vaindil said:
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can install hyperdrive rom
its not lolipop but its worlds better then stock ...
also there is a chance of getting the 5.01 GPE edition rom running when Samsung releases the lolipop update for the vz s4
that would at least give us a working lolipop kernel to use with the gpe rombase
and hey you never know there could be a exploite in the lolipop rom/kernel that lets us get kexec working
Basically safestrap loads after the kernel but early enough to replace point to a different root for the system. So we can load what ever system we want... But are stuck with the kernel the phone booted. If the system is based on the stock kernel this is fine... But when it starts making calls to custom kernel stuff you will have trouble.
So Cyanogenmod only provides the GUI? I've installed CM on two B&N tablets and I've been asked to root a new Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4. I've assumed that, because it's new, it will have I545VRUFNK1 4.4.2. I rooted my VSG s3 years ago to 4.3 and there was no going back on that one. It looks like it's the same with VSG s4. So, if CM provides only the GUI, then a rooted VSG s4 can still access Google Apps? What is the concern with with TW based ROMs? Is it the recovery/backup feature or only being stuck with the VSG s4 GUI?
Raymondlikesroot said:
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This explains why I bricked my phone when I tried to flash CM12...
ryant35 said:
This explains why I bricked my phone when I tried to flash CM12...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha yeah, that could maybe potentially probably be the issue. Just maybe.
Couldn't you ODIN back to an older baseband version and then try to flash CM12?
Lockett said:
Couldn't you ODIN back to an older baseband version and then try to flash CM12?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, in order to get CM, you'll need to be on MDK. Samsung prevents downgrading.
btw. the baseband version doesn't matter much. Its the bootloader version that is the toughie.
Boo! I just picked up my S4 yesterday after a 5 month run of using Windows Phone so I'm trying to figure this phone out. I'm on NK1 and trying to figure out how to root now.
vaindil where did you find a VRUFNK1 compatible version of Safestrip?
I just got this phone Monday for $100 and so far I'm liking it, but I'm tantalized by the custom ROMs I see available. There are a couple of performance issues I've noticed including the delay in the volume controls popping up, and the slow camera app. I'm curious if the custom ROMs perform better and which ones you all recommend. I have the Metro variant.
I had gotten one Sim unlocked and was wondering myself has lineage on it now
kudabee61 said:
I had gotten one Sim unlocked and was wondering myself has lineage on it now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get it with Lineage already installed or did you do it yourself? I haven't installed a custom rom since I had a Galaxy Nexus, so I'm curious how difficult it is now.
x_orange90_x said:
Did you get it with Lineage already installed or did you do it yourself? I haven't installed a custom rom since I had a Galaxy Nexus, so I'm curious how difficult it is now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Came installed
x_orange90_x said:
Did you get it with Lineage already installed or did you do it yourself? I haven't installed a custom rom since I had a Galaxy Nexus, so I'm curious how difficult it is now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a little more (a bit more) difficult to flash a rom if you're coming way from the nexus series.
We don't have fully functioning recoveries atm, so they all require a PC.
There's a mild issue with the regional variants when it comes to installing a custom rom. (The roms are based on the global firmware and our devices don't use global, so there's differences in system implementation that makes it difficult to get roms flashing.)