My wife wants to upgrade from her Droid 3 which has a locked bootloader and can't run Cyanogenmod properly. We actually use PagePlus as a carrier, which uses the verizon network but doesn't support 4G LTE, so I had to do a bunch of hacks on my Droid 4 to get data to work at all.
I'll be buying this phone new or used from ebay or craigslist or similar, so I don't need to worry about subsidies or the like. I just want to be able to run Cyanogenmod (or another entirely open-source rom) easily in a supported way so I can be fairly sure it will be kept updated for the forseeable future. I would like to continue running the latest version of cyanogenmod for at least 2 years if possible, so it should be relativly beefy hardware as of now.
The people on #cyanogenmod recommended the GS3, but it does have a locked bootloader, though supposedly with a way to unlock it. They disagreed on whether you could actually unlock it still or not.
Thanks for any help or pointers you can give me!
moparisthebest said:
*snip*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GS3 is just fine, running CM on it myself. Not too sure where you got the information it was even remotely complicated to run CM on it.
polobunny said:
GS3 is just fine, running CM on it myself. Not too sure where you got the information it was even remotely complicated to run CM on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question I couldn't find an answer for though, was if it had a locked bootloader. IE, can I run a completely custom kernel on it without KEXEC or similar hacks? What about the GS4?
moparisthebest said:
The question I couldn't find an answer for though, was if it had a locked bootloader. IE, can I run a completely custom kernel on it without KEXEC or similar hacks? What about the GS4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can run a custom kernel, rom, recovery, etc.
My signature says it all.
Don't know about GS4, don't own one, got my GS3 too long ago and the funding isn't sufficient for an upgrade haha
polobunny said:
Yes you can run a custom kernel, rom, recovery, etc.
My signature says it all.
Don't know about GS4, don't own one, got my GS3 too long ago and the funding isn't sufficient for an upgrade haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if I buy a used GS3 from some craigslist/ebay guy and it's updated to the latest OTA update, can I still do all of those things? If not what do I need to check before buying?
moparisthebest said:
But if I buy a used GS3 from some craigslist/ebay guy and it's updated to the latest OTA update, can I still do all of those things? If not what do I need to check before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can do all those things.
GS3 come in various models and to get 4G you need to be on the good frequency, but since your carrier doesn't support it, it doesn't really matter I imagine.
Ideally it would still be a VZW GS3.
Related
Will the AT&T version of the SG2 get rooted? And also be able to get custom ROMs? Just want to be ready when I pick up my SG2 Sunday. Going to sell my Nexus S.
Sent from my ThinkPad Tablet using XDA Premium App
Anything with running on top of a Linux kernel can be rooted. And being all the sgs2 models were rooted
fairly quickly after they were released i'm sure it won't be long for the ATT sgs2.
Plus the source for the kernel has already been released which will just make it go faster.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I give it 24 hours after the first one officially leaves the shelves.
Warning: Created with Swype
joeybear23 said:
I give it 24 hours after the first one officially leaves the shelves.
Warning: Created with Swype
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully we don't run into as many issues as the Epic 4G Touch community. Their root method at the moment involves flashing a pre-rooted kernel. And this kernel randomly causes loss of service for many users. Luckily though they're CDMA and we're GSM. I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to borrow the root method from the I9100.
kletiz said:
Hopefully we don't run into as many issues as the Epic 4G Touch community. Their root method at the moment involves flashing a pre-rooted kernel. And this kernel randomly causes loss of service for many users. Luckily though they're CDMA and we're GSM. I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to borrow the root method from the I9100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being so similar, I'm hoping so too.
kletiz said:
Hopefully we don't run into as many issues as the Epic 4G Touch community. Their root method at the moment involves flashing a pre-rooted kernel. And this kernel randomly causes loss of service for many users. Luckily though they're CDMA and we're GSM. I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to borrow the root method from the I9100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They did not have a working source for the e4gt kernel when rooting that last month. From the messages I've seen posted it looks like source for the ATT gs2 has been released which will make things allot easier - as long as it is an actual working source for a stock kernel for the ATT gs2 (fingers crossed)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
kletiz said:
Hopefully we don't run into as many issues as the Epic 4G Touch community. Their root method at the moment involves flashing a pre-rooted kernel. And this kernel randomly causes loss of service for many users. Luckily though they're CDMA and we're GSM. I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to borrow the root method from the I9100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are going to need the same method (flash custom kernel). That's the only way to root the latest version of GingerBread. Hopefully it is done correctly since there are already existing ones from i9100.
joeybear23 said:
I give it 24 hours after the first one officially leaves the shelves.
Warning: Created with Swype
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I give it less than that .
Hopefully yes! I'm getting this on Sunday, and want to root it ASAP.
i tried to root it with superoneclick, didnt work
Rooted
The only root method I could get to work with the AT&T Galaxy 2 was the kernel method. My AT&T SG2 did work after flashing the non secure kernel and was rooted but I lost my Back, Search and Voice call ability.
Funny, I would think you would lose home and search, considering the international one has a back and menu capacitive buttons but no search button and a physical home...
... ... ...
AFAIK, if we can get a 1:1 dump of the stock kernel image, we can install the community one, install root, su, busybox, etc... and the flash the stock kernel back to restore lost functionality.
Yeah would be nice to have a one click root and root the SGII while your at the store. and tether your ThinkPad tablet.
Sent from my ThinkPad Tablet using XDA Premium App
ROOT
I didn't think rooting like the captivate would work for the SG2..Hopefully their'll be plenty of XDA threads goin on after launch!!!
kletiz said:
Hopefully we don't run into as many issues as the Epic 4G Touch community. Their root method at the moment involves flashing a pre-rooted kernel. And this kernel randomly causes loss of service for many users. Luckily though they're CDMA and we're GSM. I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to borrow the root method from the I9100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that'll happen. A lot of the problems with the E4GT were not due to the device, but due to inexperience and lack of coordination of some of their developers. I can't believe how long it took them to figure out that you could root a /system dump and use that to extract a kernel from a stock device...
I'm still 50/50 on purchasing a device. If I do and alton987 gets the system dump I asked for in his thread, I think I'll be able to get a stock kernel extracted and /system rooted within a few hours of purchasing - again, if I decide to go ahead.
Might wait too... Luckily I'm in my thirty days. I can get it an play with it. I've heard phone call quality isn't as good ( it is a phone after all). That may be my tie breaker to keep my infuse untill the Galaxy 2 HD comes. Call quality was annoying on my captivate.
mjgspr95 said:
Might wait too... Luckily I'm in my thirty days. I can get it an play with it. I've heard phone call quality isn't as good ( it is a phone after all). That may be my tie breaker to keep my infuse untill the Galaxy 2 HD comes. Call quality was annoying on my captivate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call quality is MUCH better than my infuse. People can actually hear me!
brock.higdon said:
Call quality is MUCH better than my infuse. People can actually hear me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had some people complain about issues hearing me on the Infuse, although on stock ROMs you could disable Samsung Noise Reduction - there might be some tweaking in Gingerbread in this regard. Most GB kernels don't have the A1026 stuff enabled because:
1) It isn't documented at all
2) Device drivers in the root of menuconfig are scary - implies that they were put into the kernel in a half-assed manner
3) It's such a ***** to test it.
If there were a good way to test call quality with the Infuse I'd work the issue more.
If it matches and whatnot (screenshots), apparently he didn't know it was unlocked and had TWRP and root. Still had some of his data, but he wiped most of his stuff, whatever. Anyway, so just checking to see if I'm updated, do you have the same? I am running a custom kernel already, so that's different. Also, just came from Sprint, Evo LTE, hello, nice to meet you. Any other tips you can think of while i'm here? Things to "not" do or watch out for?
dude2k5 said:
If it matches and whatnot (screenshots), apparently he didn't know it was unlocked and had TWRP and root. Still had some of his data, but he wiped most of his stuff, whatever. Anyway, so just checking to see if I'm updated, do you have the same? I am running a custom kernel already, so that's different. Also, just came from Sprint, Evo LTE, hello, nice to meet you. Any other tips you can think of while i'm here? Things to "not" do or watch out for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well 4.2.2 just got released for the international version which im running on my tmobile htc one now
skinsfanbdh said:
well 4.2.2 just got released for the international version which im running on my tmobile htc one now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i saw that, was thinking about trying it myself. running ok for you?
edit: is it this one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2192324
I just got back home with my shiny new S4 and I can't wait to get the thing rooted and rom'd. But! Before I take the dive, I'd like to test the waters of this lovely phone's community.
If you have a few minutes to spare:
- What rom/kernel are you using? Why?
- What is one thing that you wish you knew about the S4 before flashing?
Thanks!
- EJ
.Ejekt said:
I just got back home with my shiny new S4 and I can't wait to get the thing rooted and rom'd. But! Before I take the dive, I'd like to test the waters of this lovely phone's community.
If you have a few minutes to spare:
- What rom/kernel are you using? Why?
- What is one thing that you wish you knew about the S4 before flashing?
Thanks!
- EJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you get to excited, you might want to check what firmware version you have.
riker147 said:
Before you get to excited, you might want to check what firmware version you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was painfully vague. Care to elaborate?
.Ejekt said:
That was painfully vague. Care to elaborate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know (which I'm not 100%sure since I'm on mdk) you cannot flash custom roms yet if on the latest update (mj7 with Android 4.3) If you're lucky enough (unlikely) to get one with me7 firmware, you can flash custom roms with safestrap. This phone is not doing so well in the development area as I expected it would before release. Hopefully someone can figure out a way around the locked down bootloader
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
.Ejekt said:
That was painfully vague. Care to elaborate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes it painfully obvious that you haven't read much around here.
What you first need to know is what firmware version you have. That determines what you can do.
What you asked is equivalent to saying that you have a car then asking what you can do to improve it - no data on what year or model, or what you want to do. Without that info, how can anyone help you? If you can't even be bothered to figure out what build you have to start with, nobody can suggest anything to help you.
Evocm7 said:
As far as I know (which I'm not 100%sure since I'm on mdk) you cannot flash custom roms yet if on the latest update (mj7 with Android 4.3) If you're lucky enough (unlikely) to get one with me7 firmware, you can flash custom roms with safestrap. This phone is not doing so well in the development area as I expected it would before release. Hopefully someone can figure out a way around the locked down bootloader
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I managed to figure that out a couple minutes ago. I actually got pushed to ME7 while I was rooting my S4 (ironic?) and was able to stop it after that. So, it seems I was one of the lucky(ish) ones. Would've been nice to stay at MDK, but SafeStrap seems to be one hell of a tool.
.Ejekt said:
I just got back home with my shiny new S4 and I can't wait to get the thing rooted and rom'd. But! Before I take the dive, I'd like to test the waters of this lovely phone's community.
If you have a few minutes to spare:
- What rom/kernel are you using? Why?
- What is one thing that you wish you knew about the S4 before flashing?
Thanks!
- EJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there... I remember you from the Fascinate forums. I finally ended up getting an S4 about 2 1/2 months ago and for the most part it's a great device, but you can't expect near the same freedom as you had with the Fascinate.
When I got mine I ended up with ME7 so it sounds like you're in the same boat. I have mine rooted, but decided not to use Safestrap because of the limitations it brings (mainly the storage issue). I'm pretty happy with how I have mine set up and it's pretty snappy overall, but I really do wish I had gotten an MDK in order to really flash roms like I used to on my Fascinate.
If you choose to use Safestrap then go nuts and I hope you find some roms you like (Hyperdrive seems to get the most love around here from what I've noticed). I'll just quickly list off the modifications I did to mine that got it to where I like it:
-Froze all bloat with Titanium, including the SDM 1.0 (to prevent unwanted updates)
-Got rid of e911 icon and ongoing WiFi notification
-Installed the International Voice Dialer with call recording
-Installed Volume Boost mod (increased it around 50% over stock)
-Installed Xposed Framework so I could use Greenify features
-Used Greenify to hibernate all misbehaving apps (examples would be Facebook and Google Play Store) (... this increased battery life A LOT)
-Installed AdAway (adblocker)
-Turned all animations down to .5 in developer options and disabled all hovering effects on the lock screen
Doing all that really made this thing a lot better than it was, but I'm still hoping for a true bootloader unlock to start playing with it more. I have found a lot of the Touchwiz features to be quite useful, like the voice control stuff, camera app, etc, so I would probably stick with a modded Touchwiz rom if I had the option. Good luck.
edit: Oh and another thing you might not be aware of - the camera is set to 9.5MP by default in the app, you need to go into settings to use the native 13MP resolution.
One thing to note that no one mentioned (and in case you didn't read elsewhere) is that with SafeStrap you can not use ROMs with custom kernels. So that means no AOSP based ROMs like CM, Carbon, PACman and others since they are all using a custom kernel. At least until they get KEXEC working with SafeStrap (if they get it working). So basically you can only use modded TW roms with a stock kernel.
Hi all!
I've been an S3 user for a little over 1.5 years; been a native of the Sprint forums (although my Sprint S3 is flashed to Page Plus).
Now that VZW has made their prepaid plan a lot more competitive and included LTE, I'm planning on making the jump, and picking up an S4 in the process. The $ cost to me will end up being negligible, as I'm able to sell my S3 and mostly make up for the expense of the S4.
I've loved my S3 - I run a rooted stock 4.4.2 rom, debloated all the samsung & sprint crap via titanium, and a ktoonsez kernel that's been tweaked to work well with my phone - and it functions perfectly - still fast, great battery life for a ~2 year old phone, etc. Been around android for some time now (first phone was the OG incredible), so am perfectly comfortable tweaking and such, however I don't want to spend too much time doing so.
I'm reading about the S4 and curious if it's worth the upgrade. I've heard several people online complain about the verizon 4.4.2 update causing overheating and issues with the phone. If I root, debloat, and run a quality custom kernel, am I likely to have issues?
I only use my phone for web browsing, calendaring email, texting, and talking - no gaming. I'm mainly looking forward to having the nicer screen and camera, and the likely possibility of a few more Android updates (which the S3 is unlikely to get). Honestly I'd love to have the next Nexus or something that runs closer to stock, but don't have the luxury to wait around for that phone (and I want to stay on vzw's network).
I've been doing some reading around your forum and am just curious as to your thoughts on the jump S3 -> vzw S4! Pros & cons?
Thanks much,
-Dirk
VZW has it locked down. You can root & perhaps a custom rom using Safestrap. But only TW based roms & some Xposed framework customization. Just about 0 choice on kernels. (unless you can get hold of one with MDK bootloader, - - then you are golden.)
wtherrell said:
VZW has it locked down. You can root & perhaps a custom rom using Safestrap. But only TW based roms & some Xposed framework customization. Just about 0 choice on kernels. (unless you can get hold of one with MDK bootloader, - - then you are golden.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh. I was planning on picking up one of the manufacturer refurb ones ($200) thru vzw's site. I'm assuming those will all be on whatever the newest bootloader version is ... this is disappointing (don't really mind running stock, just need to be rooted).
But really no kernels work on the newest OTA?
EDIT: Wow, just read the "Customizing your vzw S4" post ...
If the bootloader isn't "I545VRUAMDK" you have a locked bootloader and can only use Safestrap to install custom ROMs. Custom recovery is not possible. Attempts to install custom recovery will soft-brick your phone and require you to re-flash a stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is very unfortunate. Hmm, now I'm not so sure about this purchase. Assuming the S4 gets Android "L", do you think the device will be locked down again and root will be removed permanently?
dirkdigles said:
Huh. I was planning on picking up one of the manufacturer refurb ones ($200) thru vzw's site. I'm asking those will all be on whatever the newest bootloader version is ... this is disappointing (don't really mind running stock, just need to be rooted).
But really no kernels work on the newest OTA?
EDIT: Wow, just read the "Customizing your vzw S4" post ...
That is very unfortunate. Hmm, now I'm not so sure about this purchase. Assuming the S4 gets Android "L", do you think the device will be locked down again and root will be removed permanently?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot of great roms you can run and yes you can obtain root with the newest version nc5. Easy as pie with towelroot. Don't even need a pc. Safestrap 3.72 is what you will need if you get the latest version. You could check out swappa if you want a MK2 or maybe even a MDK. Safestrap has its own recovery and works just fine. Most of the people on here use Safestrap. You would be happier if you found one running 4.3 as opposed to 4.4.2 because of better battery life but NC5 (4.4.2) works fine and is a lttle faster probably.
dirkdigles said:
That is very unfortunate. Hmm, now I'm not so sure about this purchase. Assuming the S4 gets Android "L", do you think the device will be locked down again and root will be removed permanently?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the bad part about safestrap vs. a custom recovery? I still see CM11 for the S4. Is it a lack of backups or something?
Flowah said:
What's the bad part about safestrap vs. a custom recovery? I still see CM11 for the S4. Is it a lack of backups or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap enables you to flash roms on a locked bootloader which is pretty cool. Unfortunately the big limitation is basically that you can't touch the kernel on a locked bootloader without kexec support ( which will probably never happen) so the only roms you can flash have to be based on the same firmware that your phone has stock. No AOSP roms at all or TW roms that are newer than an OTA and no custom kernels.
All the AOSP roms you see are for MDK and Dev edition phones.
Flowah said:
What's the bad part about safestrap vs. a custom recovery? I still see CM11 for the S4. Is it a lack of backups or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u don't have mdk firmware safestrap only option and no cm or asop roms.
sent by safestrap powered echo v26
I'm pretty happy with my phone. It's not a huge jump from the s3. I am rooted on 4.4.2 and flash roms with SS. You can flash aosp look alike roms. Also, my battery life is just fine!
s4 upgrade not worth it
dirkdigles said:
Hi all!
I've been an S3 user for a little over 1.5 years; been a native of the Sprint forums (although my Sprint S3 is flashed to Page Plus).
Now that VZW has made their prepaid plan a lot more competitive and included LTE, I'm planning on making the jump, and picking up an S4 in the process. The $ cost to me will end up being negligible, as I'm able to sell my S3 and mostly make up for the expense of the S4.
I've loved my S3 - I run a rooted stock 4.4.2 rom, debloated all the samsung & sprint crap via titanium, and a ktoonsez kernel that's been tweaked to work well with my phone - and it functions perfectly - still fast, great battery life for a ~2 year old phone, etc. Been around android for some time now (first phone was the OG incredible), so am perfectly comfortable tweaking and such, however I don't want to spend too much time doing so.
I'm reading about the S4 and curious if it's worth the upgrade. I've heard several people online complain about the verizon 4.4.2 update causing overheating and issues with the phone. If I root, debloat, and run a quality custom kernel, am I likely to have issues?
I only use my phone for web browsing, calendaring email, texting, and talking - no gaming. I'm mainly looking forward to having the nicer screen and camera, and the likely possibility of a few more Android updates (which the S3 is unlikely to get). Honestly I'd love to have the next Nexus or something that runs closer to stock, but don't have the luxury to wait around for that phone (and I want to stay on vzw's network).
I've been doing some reading around your forum and am just curious as to your thoughts on the jump S3 -> vzw S4! Pros & cons?
Thanks much,
-Dirk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the samsung galaxy s4 on verizon and i wouldnt say the upgrade is really worth it from the s3. If you want to stay with samsung go with the s5 with all the newest specs. Then once you get it, if you dont like the soft ware then just flash a stock s3 rom to it and it wil be like your s3 just work a lot more efficient. In short, it is not worth the upgrade from GS3 to GS4.
joshm.1219 said:
Safestrap enables you to flash roms on a locked bootloader which is pretty cool. Unfortunately the big limitation is basically that you can't touch the kernel on a locked bootloader without kexec support ( which will probably never happen) so the only roms you can flash have to be based on the same firmware that your phone has stock. No AOSP roms at all or TW roms that are newer than an OTA and no custom kernels.
All the AOSP roms you see are for MDK and Dev edition phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an fyi for people, this isn't totally true. In the general section there is a thread about running a 4.4.4 GPE rom. I've been on the 4.4.3 version for a few days and it's great. With gravity box I can get it set up almost like a custom rom. There are a few bugs but nothing that is a deal breaker (for me)
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
rrrrrrredbelly said:
Just an fyi for people, this isn't totally true. In the general section there is a thread about running a 4.4.4 GPE rom. I've been on the 4.4.3 version for a few days and it's great. With gravity box I can get it set up almost like a custom rom. There are a few bugs but nothing that is a deal breaker (for me)
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's true, seems like only a few of you really have it working flawlessly though.
joshm.1219 said:
Yes that's true, seems like only a few of you really have it working flawlessly though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't been following the thread that closely, didn't realize. There are definitely issues (no usb connection is a big one) but after losing my mdk phone 2 months ago on a warranty issue, i love this rom.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hello all!
This is my very first post as I am new to XDA and a total newbie with no experience of flashing but looking forward to learn!
I bought a Samsung Galaxy S21 T-Mobile version, which is now Network Unlocked. I want to flash the official Samsung Unlocked firmware and get rid of carrier bloat, also because my phone is still stuck on Android 11 with the October security patch. As far as I know, Android 12 has been released and also the Dec security patch.
I did some research, it seems like that I need 2 tools, Frija and Odin. I only have a Mac and I'm not sure if these tools are available for Mac.
Can anyone please guide me and direct me to a guide for beginners? I'm really not sure where to start. I also have a couple of questions for the experts here:
1- Will this void warranty?
2- Will I still get over the air updates after flashing to official Samsung Unlocked Firmware? If yes, will the OTA be directly from Samsung or will it still be T-Mobile?
3- Are there any disadvantages of doing this? Such as any conflicts on the T-Mobile network?
My phone's exact model is SM-G991U
Thank you all!
If your OS is fast, stable and fulfilling its mission, let it be as you have little to gain.
Updates tend to break things...
At least wait until the update is proven good.
Unless you do something stupid security is rarely an issue on Androids.
blackhawk said:
If your OS is fast, stable and fulfilling its mission, let it be as you have little to gain.
Updates tend to break things...
At least wait until the update is proven good.
Unless you do something stupid security is rarely an issue on Androids.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its the eSim I'm looking for as I really need the dual sim functionality.
The-Game! said:
Its the eSim I'm looking for as I really need the dual sim functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May not be worth the time and trouble it will cost you. Depends how much you value the current functionality of the phone and how much you're willing to risk losing.
A toasted mobo will set you back a couple Franklins and put you right back where you started.
blackhawk said:
May not be worth the time and trouble it will cost you. Depends how much you value the current functionality of the phone and how much you're willing to risk losing.
A toasted mobo will set you back a couple Franklins and put you right back where you started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They already fixed a lot of issues.
The-Game! said:
They already fixed a lot of issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you got what you wanted the easy way?
blackhawk said:
So you got what you wanted the easy way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. People who updated recently said a lot of issues were fixed. I just wanted a guide dude on flashing since I'm not getting the update. But thanks anyway.