Advice on upgrading? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Hey guys,
I apologize in advance if i am not up to speed on all the posts and news of S4 development.
My Verizon S4, is still running ME7 and i guess i keep waiting to get unlocked bootloader but it seems that probably will never happen since there are so many builds beyond that already.
Just to verify, ME7 and any of the later builds still have locked bootloader is that right?
Would you guy recommend that i do the update and switch to something newer? Hyperdrive is great, but running it through Safestrap is not ideal. At the same time i don't want just running a stock TouchWiz, which is the worst every.
Anyway, i am sorry if these are newb questions.

stamina11 said:
Hey guys,
I apologize in advance if i am not up to speed on all the posts and news of S4 development.
My Verizon S4, is still running ME7 and i guess i keep waiting to get unlocked bootloader but it seems that probably will never happen since there are so many builds beyond that already.
Just to verify, ME7 and any of the later builds still have locked bootloader is that right?
Would you guy recommend that i do the update and switch to something newer? Hyperdrive is great, but running it through Safestrap is not ideal. At the same time i don't want just running a stock TouchWiz, which is the worst every.
Anyway, i am sorry if these are newb questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't understand your comment on Hyperdrive and safestrap. I can go nearly 48hrs between charging my battery...I can customize to my heart content...everything works with no fcs. ..no reboots. You are definitely out of the loop
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

stamina11 said:
Hey guys,
I apologize in advance if i am not up to speed on all the posts and news of S4 development.
My Verizon S4, is still running ME7 and i guess i keep waiting to get unlocked bootloader but it seems that probably will never happen since there are so many builds beyond that already.
Just to verify, ME7 and any of the later builds still have locked bootloader is that right?
Would you guy recommend that i do the update and switch to something newer? Hyperdrive is great, but running it through Safestrap is not ideal. At the same time i don't want just running a stock TouchWiz, which is the worst every.
Anyway, i am sorry if these are newb questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I found your post, as I have been laying low for a while now and had the EXACT same question! I've been on HyperDrive RLS9.1 for a few months and, while I'm totally happy with it, I'm getting the itch to flash. I know the "ROMs that work with SS/ME7" thread is no longer updated and since 4.4.2 leaked, I'm wondering the same thing as you: would it be wise to update the OS past ME7? I'm pissed that as soon as I got my phone I let it OTA to ME7, but I had read everyone talking about NOT updating as they would likely lock out SS and such.
So, if I update (or flash) to a newer version, are there any significant benefits, or should I stick on ME7?

adamklo said:
Glad I found your post, as I have been laying low for a while now and had the EXACT same question! I've been on HyperDrive RLS9.1 for a few months and, while I'm totally happy with it, I'm getting the itch to flash. I know the "ROMs that work with SS/ME7" thread is no longer updated and since 4.4.2 leaked, I'm wondering the same thing as you: would it be wise to update the OS past ME7? I'm pissed that as soon as I got my phone I let it OTA to ME7, but I had read everyone talking about NOT updating as they would likely lock out SS and such.
So, if I update (or flash) to a newer version, are there any significant benefits, or should I stick on ME7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now you can still use SafeStrap with the updated bootloaders. And there are more ROM options for you too. Yes you will update your bootloader to a Knox one but people are still actively trying to find an exploit on those. If you want my opinion yea go ahead and update... But think about it in the end its your call
Sent from my unknown using Tapatalk

Can you point me to a thread that can walk me through the latest update/upgrade process?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4

It's been two months since I posted last. My original question still remains: can someone show/tell me the process to upgrade my VZW S4 ME7 to a more recent build and the ROMs that available for it?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4

adamklo said:
It's been two months since I posted last. My original question still remains: can someone show/tell me the process to upgrade my VZW S4 ME7 to a more recent build and the ROMs that available for it?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are threads and videos available to check out so in 2 months you haven't research anything?
sent by safestrap enabled bajarom

There's a lot going on and it's very overwhelming.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4

Related

[Q] MDK vs ME7?

Is ME7 the new android 4.3? My baseband is ME7 but my build number is MDK. What is the difference? Can some explain this in detail? Im eeally confused with people saying ME7 4.2.2 when I thought it is 4.3.
Sent from my Hyperdriven Core Verizon S4 using XDA Developers App
ME7 is still 4.2.2. Verizon has not released 4.3 for the Galaxy S4.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
So, when I flash an ME7 rom, does my build number have to be ME7? Or is it in fact my Baseband?
Sent from my Hyperdriven Core Verizon S4 using XDA Developers App
The build number shows which version you are on. ME7 is still 4.2.2 but if you receive it OTA, it locks your phone down pretty tight.
Baseband just means which modem/radio you are using. You can flash whatever one you want, which ever works best for you.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
No you can flash a ME7 Rom while on MDK. If you flash darkslide or the barebones rom you'll baseband will be updated to ME7 which is a plus if you decide to then flash back to a MDK rom. I've flashed back from darkslide (ME7) to synergy rom (MDK) and my baseband was still ME7. :good:
The barebone me7 build is exactly like stock except you can choose your system apps during the aroma setup I highly recommend it. The overall speed is better on the new build it really flies!!
obviousfrog said:
Is ME7 the new android 4.3? My baseband is ME7 but my build number is MDK. What is the difference? Can some explain this in detail? Im eeally confused with people saying ME7 4.2.2 when I thought it is 4.3.
Sent from my Hyperdriven Core Verizon S4 using XDA Developers App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope Verizon/Samsung skips 4.3 and goes directly to 5.0 so they don't waste time on such a small incremental build which would only result in us waiting 4-6 months for 4.3 then another 4-6 months after that for 5.0. So hear is to hoping for 5.0 in 4-6 months and a happy new year. But this is Verizon and they don't care about users at all.
RaptorMD said:
I hope Verizon/Samsung skips 4.3 and goes directly to 5.0 so they don't waste time on such a small incremental build which would only result in us waiting 4-6 months for 4.3 then another 4-6 months after that for 5.0. So hear is to hoping for 5.0 in 4-6 months and a happy new year. But this is Verizon and they don't care about users at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly this is truer than most people realize. It took forever for my Tbolt to even get ICS because of Verizon. After a talk with a CSR that probably opened her mouth more than she should have it turns out Verizon has better relations with Apple than the companies that run Android. Which is why Verizon always gets Apple products so much faster. But back on topic MDK and ME7 are essentially the same. Some people have reported the ME7 radio holding 4G better in weaker areas at the cost of a little battery. I know you Google it there is a "change log" so to speak about what's different in ME7. Its really nothing to major from what I remember, but like everyone is saying, there are ME7 based Roms out there so do yourself a favor and DO NOT OTA to ME7.
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda app-developers app

OTA 4.3 coming 5days VZW s4

Leak: Samsung's American Android 4.3 And Galaxy Gear Update Release Schedule For The Galaxy S4, S4 Active, S III, And Note II
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/1...or-the-galaxy-s4-s4-active-s-iii-and-note-ii/
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Interesting. I thought Verizon won't be rolling out 4.3 anytime soon considering they just rolled out VRUDMI1 update
Maybe Verizon is starting to realize they're assholes and trying to remedy the situtation?
Nah, it's Verizon, they'll always be assholes.
sevron said:
Maybe Verizon is starting to realize they're assholes and trying to remedy the situtation?
Nah, it's Verizon, they'll always be assholes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
+6
Sent from my SCH-I545
+7
the real question is when will the OTA come for 4.4...im hoping that when it gets announced with the Nexus 5, the Google Play Editions will get updated so we can get stock 4.4 custom ROM and that it will work with people who had to root using Safestrap
polke45 said:
Interesting. I thought Verizon won't be rolling out 4.3 anytime soon considering they just rolled out VRUDMI1 update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to the leak it's 10/28... who knows!
LOL!!!!
sevron said:
Maybe Verizon is starting to realize they're assholes and trying to remedy the situtation?
Nah, it's Verizon, they'll always be assholes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if we really will get on the 28th.
Not getting my hopes up just yet
I Will Believe When It Is Downloading
I've been thru this so many times with so many phones thru Verizon. I now only believe when it is downloading.
It sounds so pessimistic but that what they have done to us.
So for me seeing is believing.
Sorry to be so pessimistic
Not going to happen. I'm a pessimist too and I am nearly willing to bet this will not happen on 10/28. I think we should bug the hell out of verizon though....pointing them to this leak to make sure it gets out ASAP.
porky101 said:
+7
the real question is when will the OTA come for 4.4...im hoping that when it gets announced with the Nexus 5, the Google Play Editions will get updated so we can get stock 4.4 custom ROM and that it will work with people who had to root using Safestrap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC GPE later then 4.2.2 (or what ever the current one that works on safestrap) uses a different kernal then the regular touchwiz and will not work until kexec is developed.
Though hopefully 4.3 does come out soon, I get the feeling that having a new update to android that cannot be installed w/o a new kernal will help push kexec along...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
I think the 10/28 date is when Samsung is submitting the 4.3 update to Verizon to review and approve. It makes no sense that Verizon would update first out of all of the US carriers based on their past history.
Look at the rest of the S4 and S3 dates, most of them are slated for mid to late November, which seems more likely for a Verizon release. The other carriers don't really have a reviewal process like Verizon does to my knowledge, so they get the update and just push it to devices almost immediately. Therefore, Samsung built our version of 4.3 first and is submitting it earlier so that all of its devices get 4.3 around the same time.
Of course, I could be completely wrong and Verizon is releasing the 4.3 update on Monday. I won't complain if they do
I wonder how many of you will say lol woot when you download the update on 28th or 29th whatever the date is
I'm not getting a woody over this atm. It will likely be so locked down as mentioned that safestrap & roms will be out of the question for who knows how long. I'll stick to the customizations that I have now via ME7 & safestrap/Hyperdrive Rom.
Updates to me are useless until at least root can be obtained.
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Tada10 said:
Updates to me are useless until at least root can be obtained.
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not updating until I can safely stay loki'd.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I don't care about the root aspect as I haven't been able to really flash a ROM being on me7 and now the newest update, but if this holds true, I am excited. Otherwise I think it was a typo and they meant Oct 28 2014 for Verizon.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
patt2k said:
I wonder how many of you will say lol woot when you download the update on 28th or 29th whatever the date is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I'm going to flash is the modem: Google has been going sideways since 4.1.2.
s44 said:
All I'm going to flash is the modem: Google has been going sideways since 4.1.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont have issues with google just came back from iphone 5 1 month ago

[Q] Any progress on unlocking the bootloader/recovery for the I545VRAUME7?

Hi All,
I'm a little new here but I've done a lot of searching and haven't been able to find anything recent on this topic. From what I can see there has been no progress unlocking the bootloader to flash custom Roms on the i545vruame7 s4 in a few months. I just got my S4 yesterday and when I received it, it already had i545vruame7 installed. I am able to gain root access but not unlock the bootloader to flash any custom roms. Have I missed something? Is there any way to flash back to the old version?
Thanks,
Peter
peterfran2112 said:
Hi All,
I'm a little new here but I've done a lot of searching and haven't been able to find anything recent on this topic. From what I can see there has been no progress unlocking the bootloader to flash custom Roms on the i545vruame7 s4 in a few months. I just got my S4 yesterday and when I received it, it already had i545vruame7 installed. I am able to gain root access but not unlock the bootloader to flash any custom roms. Have I missed something? Is there any way to flash back to the old version?
Thanks,
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the S4! So long as you are not on mj7 firmware you can still install Safestrap which allows you to run touchwiz based ROMs. Just search for it in development. If I'm not mistaken, it works with the Google Play Edition ROM too, so you can have a little bit of AOSP goodness.
Just to be curious, where did you get your phone from?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Bradh024 said:
Just to be curious, where did you get your phone from?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered it from Amazon, brand new for $49 using my Verizon upgrade.
bjoostema said:
Welcome to the S4! So long as you are not on mj7 firmware you can still install Safestrap which allows you to run touchwiz based ROMs. Just search for it in development. If I'm not mistaken, it works with the Google Play Edition ROM too, so you can have a little bit of AOSP goodness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! I've been thinking about getting involved in the development side, I develop android apps but have never touched anything as far as Roms and bootloaders. I just want it working so I can install CM on my phone so I figured it might be worth a shot.
I installed Safestrap and then stupidly tried to flash a rom slot with CM 10.1 which didn't work. Is there a list available anywhere of touchwiz based ROMs?
I ordered mine from best buy, im really hoping it doesnt have the update
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Bradh024 said:
I ordered mine from best buy, im really hoping it doesnt have the update
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please let me know, I have 15 days to return this, I could always return and swap for a bestbuy version if it came to it.
peterfran2112 said:
Please let me know, I have 15 days to return this, I could always return and swap for a bestbuy version if it came to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you have, I believe is the best your going to get until somebody figures out how to crack the bootloader. Im hoping the phone I ordered is running the same software that you have on yours.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
peterfran2112 said:
Thanks for the info! I've been thinking about getting involved in the development side, I develop android apps but have never touched anything as far as Roms and bootloaders. I just want it working so I can install CM on my phone so I figured it might be worth a shot.
I installed Safestrap and then stupidly tried to flash a rom slot with CM 10.1 which didn't work. Is there a list available anywhere of touchwiz based ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448726 there ya go bud! And np, that's what the community is for!
Bradh024 said:
What you have, I believe is the best your going to get until somebody figures out how to crack the bootloader. I'm hoping the phone I ordered is running the same software that you have on yours.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense, I used titanium to freeze the SDM app so I'm hoping that will stop it from auto updating, along with a whole bunch of other crapware.

[Q] So are the hopes of a unlocked bootloader fading away?

As you can see by the title do you think the hopes of a unlocked bootloader fading away for the Galaxy s4? if so do you plan to switch devices?
clapper66 said:
As you can see by the title do you think the hopes of a unlocked bootloader fading away for the Galaxy s4? if so do you plan to switch devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's still a few people working on it and I follow those threads, very interesting stuff.
For now Safestrap is still a gift.
I think the S4 isn't going out without a fight. It's an awesome phone and many devs still have one so hopefully their hard work pays off sooner than later.
I've looked into another phone myself and keep coming back to the S4 myself.
Flashing an AOSP rom isn't worth it to me to lose things like an SD card or removable battery.. So here I am with HD11 on my stock slot!
Verizon Galaxy S4
Safestrap 3.7
HYPERDRIVE 11
Mistertac said:
There's still a few people working on it and I follow those threads, very interesting stuff.
For now Safestrap is still a gift.
I think the S4 isn't going out without a fight. It's an awesome phone and many devs still have one so hopefully their hard work pays off sooner than later.
I've looked into another phone myself and keep coming back to the S4 myself.
Flashing an AOSP rom isn't worth it to me to lose things like an SD card or removable battery.. So here I am with HD11 on my stock slot!
Verizon Galaxy S4
Safestrap 3.7
HYPERDRIVE 11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing an AOSP rom has nothing to do with your sd card or removable battery lol. Trust me the battery still comes out of the phone.
joshm.1219 said:
Flashing an AOSP rom has nothing to do with your sd card or removable battery lol. Trust me the battery still comes out of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He asked about maybe getting rid of the s4 and when I did actually think about that... The G2 was one I looked at... Along with HTC.
Neither of which you can remove the battery or have an SD card. Right? Maybe I'm wrong..
So that's where I was coming from there.
It's early maybe I just wasn't clear enough. I obviously know those two features have nothing to do with an AOSP rom lol
Edit-
Yea Josh I see what you're saying.
I wrote that other one before my coffee lol
Verizon Galaxy S4
Safestrap 3.7
HYPERDRIVE 11
Mistertac said:
He asked about maybe getting rid of the s4 and when I did actually think about that... The G2 was one I looked at... Along with HTC.
Neither of which you can remove the battery or have an SD card.
So that's where I was coming from there.
It's early maybe I just wasn't clear enough. I obviously know those two features have nothing to do with an AOSP rom lol
Edit-
Yea Josh I see what you're saying.
I wrote that other one before my coffee lol
Verizon Galaxy S4
Safestrap 3.7
HYPERDRIVE 11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you I haven't gotten my coffee yet. My keurig broke last week, it's been a struggle.
joshm.1219 said:
I feel you I haven't gotten my coffee yet. My keurig broke last week, it's been a struggle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha I'm actually surprised I've made as much sense as I did. Hey Santa is gonna hook you up I bet!!
Thanks for setting me Straight
Verizon Galaxy S4
Safestrap 3.7
HYPERDRIVE 11
Never lose hope!
Yes, that's why manufacturers are selling developer editions like Motorola and Samsung...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Why would I give up the best hardware thats out there?? Hashcode has given us the opportunity to load Custom Roms and we have devs like sbreen doing a hell of a job. I feel for those that will be missing out.
thats just me saying...............
Also, I think I'll leave this here. Apparently, nobody knows anything about what samsung and Verizon offers.
http://m.androidcentral.com/verizon-galaxy-s4-developer-edition-goes-sale-650
Buy this and end your rants.
Now hopefully everyone reads that and stops babbling about all this bootloader talk . It's getting really old....
This forum is now plagued with either FAQ that are asked and answered 5 times a day or people starting the same threads over and over with different wording. What ever happened to the old days where people actually read?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
richii0207 said:
Also, I think I'll leave this here. Apparently, nobody knows anything about what samsung and Verizon offers.
http://m.androidcentral.com/verizon-galaxy-s4-developer-edition-goes-sale-650
Buy this and end your rants.
Now hopefully everyone reads that and stops babbling about all this bootloader talk . It's getting really old....
This forum is now plagued with either FAQ that are asked and answered 5 times a day or people starting the same threads over and over with different wording. What ever happened to the old days where people actually read?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's old news, expensive, and pointless now that they refuse to roll out updates for it.
richii0207 said:
Also, I think I'll leave this here. Apparently, nobody knows anything about what samsung and Verizon offers.
http://m.androidcentral.com/verizon-galaxy-s4-developer-edition-goes-sale-650
Buy this and end your rants.
Now hopefully everyone reads that and stops babbling about all this bootloader talk . It's getting really old....
This forum is now plagued with either FAQ that are asked and answered 5 times a day or people starting the same threads over and over with different wording. What ever happened to the old days where people actually read?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i have a fully functioning S4 why the F**K would i go waste money on another phone that i already own just for an unlocked bootloader... i would rather use safestrap for now. i would love to run an AOSP ROM but using hyperdrive with safestrap is already 100 times better then the stock TouchWiz.
Only if verizon supported the nexus 5 i would dump my s4 in a heartbeat for it, becuase it has beter hardware and is only $350 for the 16GB and $400 for the 32GB
clapper66 said:
So i have a fully functioning S4 why the F**K would i go waste money on another phone that i already own just for an unlocked bootloader... i would rather use safestrap for now. i would love to run an AOSP ROM but using hyperdrive with safestrap is already 100 times better then the stock TouchWiz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you could sell your s4 and buy the developer edition or you could've bought one from the beginning. I guess you don't "want" the unlocked BL that bad?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

To upgrade or to not upgrade

Hey guys,
I'm new coming from a GS3 running synergy. Some unexpected events forced me to upgrade to a GS4. I haven't really kept tabs on the gs4 because my upgrade was due around the time the GS5 is supposedly going to come out.
I'm disappointed to find that the bootloaders are locked for us newer owners. My question is, my phone came with 4.2.2 MI1 should i allow it to update to 4.3? I would like to stay on what ever SW will likely get cracked in the future. I've read as much as i could and it seems like the older sw is closer to having a bootloader unlocked than the newer. It also looks like you can't go backwards anymore.
I love flashing and tinkering with my phones and i dunt want to safe strap another phone. I got to use to having a completely unlocked phone. Any advice is welcomed.
Thank you guys
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
3000gtmr said:
Hey guys,
I'm new coming from a GS3 running synergy. Some unexpected events forced me to upgrade to a GS4. I haven't really kept tabs on the gs4 because my upgrade was due around the time the GS5 is supposedly going to come out.
I'm disappointed to find that the bootloaders are locked for us newer owners. My question is, my phone came with 4.2.2 MI1 should i allow it to update to 4.3? I would like to stay on what ever SW will likely get cracked in the future. I've read as much as i could and it seems like the older sw is closer to having a bootloader unlocked than the newer. It also looks like you can't go backwards anymore.
I love flashing and tinkering with my phones and i dunt want to safe strap another phone. I got to use to having a completely unlocked phone. Any advice is welcomed.
Thank you guys
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samsung has locked down the bootloader pretty well and some have been working on finding an exploit since MDK base exploit was blocked by ME7. So if you are going to wait until an unlock mechanism is found for base firmware releases since MDK S4, you may never see it.
The only option presently for ME7 and later firmware S4's is safestrap. Right now many of us that couldn't get a MDK phone are running 4.3 android base HD12 which has specific release for safestrap.
good luck but the trend is clear by phone manufs and the service providers who are demanding locked bootloaders except for Dev phones.
Thanks for the reply. So I'm not going to loose out on anything by allowing my phone to OTA update to the latest?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
3000gtmr said:
Thanks for the reply. So I'm not going to loose out on anything by allowing my phone to OTA update to the latest?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
Awesome thank you!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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