[Q] Need help buying phone please! - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

I'm hoping to replace my smashed beyond repair VZW S4. I started looking on Ebay and Craig's list but I have a question.....
How can I be sure the phone is on MDK firmware and hasn't had any of the OTA updates? I want root and custom bootloader.
I know I can check a phone if it's local on CL but I hate to drive dozens of miles and find the phone has a locked bootloader. Of course on Ebay there's no way to tell that I know of?
Can I just ask the seller? Can I be sure they will give me the correct info?
I can ask for a screen shot but I doubt if many sellers will know how to do that?
Anyone have any thoughts on this? TIA!

xs11e said:
I'm hoping to replace my smashed beyond repair VZW S4. I started looking on Ebay and Craig's list but I have a question.....
How can I be sure the phone is on MDK firmware and hasn't had any of the OTA updates? I want root and custom bootloader.
I know I can check a phone if it's local on CL but I hate to drive dozens of miles and find the phone has a locked bootloader. Of course on Ebay there's no way to tell that I know of?
Can I just ask the seller? Can I be sure they will give me the correct info?
I can ask for a screen shot but I doubt if many sellers will know how to do that?
Anyone have any thoughts on this? TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would use Swappa if you want to be sure, most users on there are from XDA and Swappa has good buyer protection/return policy.
If you decide to use ebay they can download an app called "PhoneInfo" that's free and will tell what the bootloader is. You can't trust the normal "abouy phone" screen because anybody can flash a MDK modem that will change the baseband version, even if it's really on something newer.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed. Funny, I have PhoneInfo installed but forgot about it! Much appreciate the reminder!

No problem bud
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] Is there any way to check device is new or not?

Can you tel me is there any way to understand is device new or factory refurbished ?
I bought it in ebay but when I recieved item I suspect that it is refurbished. So I want to find it out.
V-ctor said:
Can you tel me is there any way to understand is device new or factory refurbished ?
I bought it in ebay but when I recieved item I suspect that it is refurbished. So I want to find it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, no.
You can call motorola and ask them. They will be able to tell you.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
V-ctor said:
Can you tel me is there any way to understand is device new or factory refurbished ?
I bought it in ebay but when I recieved item I suspect that it is refurbished. So I want to find it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlikely, you bought it off ebay so it's likely used, even so you've used it already since you've had it. Only way I can see if motorola can tell you since the IMEI would have been registered to another motoblur account before.
Thank you for your answers
mysticdrew said:
Only way I can see if motorola can tell you since the IMEI would have been registered to another motoblur account before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how I can check it? Only call to Motorola?
I always though it was odd that this phone didn't have a total call timer. Every previous cell phone I ever had had that...
I chated with motorola support yesterday. They can't help too. The only thing that thay can provide me is MSN number ohh and warranty period. These things you can find in their site by yourself.
They advise to ask all detailed information in the store where you bought the item. It's impossible for me.
So the only one way is trust to your seller ))))
What does it matter along as it looks new and runs well with a good warranty?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

[Q] How can i tell if my Atrix is ATT or Intl?

In many howto's and other threads it often says "If your atrix is ATT do this, if it's Bell/Intl/whatever do that". Problem is, I have no idea which one of these i have, or what the differences are.
So, does anyone knows what's the difference between these versions, and if there's a way to check which one I have?
If it is still running Stock software then you can check the "splash screen" during boot. Also, the AT&T version has their logo on the back/battery cover.
yonizaf said:
In many howto's and other threads it often says "If your atrix is ATT do this, if it's Bell/Intl/whatever do that". Problem is, I have no idea which one of these i have, or what the differences are.
So, does anyone knows what's the difference between these versions, and if there's a way to check which one I have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it with a non-stock ROM, so that one doesn't help.
So if it doesn't say AT&T anywhere on the back, can i count on it not being the AT&T version?
Is it MB860, ME860 or MB861?
It says MB860 under the battery.
psychephylax said:
Is it MB860, ME860 or MB861?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yonizaf said:
It says MB860 under the battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really doesn't help since they use the "MB860" model number for more than one version, including AT&T. I believe that is the model number for the Bell and Orange versions as well.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure about that.
(Additionally, a quick Google search also brings up Vodafone and maybe more?)
But if it doesn't say AT&T on the back then it's probably not AT&T.
It's true MB860 is used for more than one provider...If you have the product code something like SJUxxxx then we can get very specific to what country the phone is destined for
There's SJUG5964BB in there. is that it? Does that help any?
go to motorolas website enter your imei number in the "check warrenty section and it will give you the "stock description ",of the phone and if you bought it new the date it was activated and weather or not there is a warrenty left on it but It will tell you the specifics of the phone like mine AT&t en us mb860 blabla
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Didn't work for me.
It said "Your phone is in Warranty - Expires x/y/z" and that's it. No product description or any other useful info.
Unless I'm looking in the wrong place?
I will try to find out for you.
But since a whole lot of websites in Chinese popped up, I bet it's probably a Hong Kong model.
exact same problem
hi, I have the same exact reference of the OP phone, in case its a chinesse phone it is possible to unlock/root?? it's there any guide for doing it without briking the device?
I almost use the Automatic bootloader UNLOCK/ROOT guide. but i think it'll brik my phone.
I was able to get some more information but not enough to tell you where that handset was supposed to go.
It's definitely NOT AT&T...But it wasn't coded for a specific region/provider so it's more of a universal/international version.
So now, if I want to go back to stock firmware (or whatever it's called), how do I know which one is right for my device?
things to check
yonizaf said:
I got it with a non-stock ROM, so that one doesn't help.
So if it doesn't say AT&T anywhere on the back, can i count on it not being the AT&T version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can think of a couple of ways to check if your phone's not running the stock ROM AND if you're not rooted:
* Are you able to tether Wifi? On AT&T phones, the tethering is disabled unless you 'activate' it by contacting them
* The system build details on the 'Settings->About phone' page should give a clue. Maybe you could post them here?

[Q] Did anyone buy the vz developer s4? Did ya'll get it yet?

Hello everyone!
I'll get this out of the way now, I'm a noob and I'm finally bursting the cherry of posting on here even though I've referenced this site for several years now for different phones, roms and rooting. In other words, please be patient with me if this post is somewhere else and I missed it.
Anyways, as the post topic asks, did anyone order the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 developer edition? If so, did you guys get it? What do you all think of it?
I thankfully ordered mine at 6:30 pm the day it came out before it went on back order, so either samsung wasn't planning on so many ordering and didn't make many or its a really popular phone. I'm waiting on the UPS guy to show up here with my phone today and I'm getting antsy.
Ordering from samsung and checking on its status yesterday was a nightmare because so many departments couldn't find my order number and I almost told them to cancel the order. Glad I didn't.
Does anyone know if you can take it to the store and get insurance on it or where to get mobile insurance on it? This is the first time I ever bought off of contract and do not want to waste my $715.49 investment should something happen to it. (Mom of a 9 month old, anything can and will happen.)
Thanks for the help and happy experiences with the new phones!
I don't think the Google Edition S4 will work on Verizon. Like other Google phones, it's GSM unlocked but I don't believe it has the proper bands to function on Verizon. You may want to research and/or possibly cancel your oder if you plan to use it on a CDMA network.
That said, anyone get a dump of the rom yet? I'm sure it's just a matter of time before someone ports it for our phones (assuming partitions are the same - they should be).
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
joshw0000 said:
I don't think the Google Edition S4 will work on Verizon. Like other Google phones, it's GSM unlocked but I don't believe it has the proper bands to function on Verizon. You may want to research and/or possibly cancel your oder if you plan to use it on a CDMA network.
That said, anyone get a dump of the rom yet? I'm sure it's just a matter of time before someone ports it for our phones (assuming partitions are the same - they should be).
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? I didn't buy a google edition S4, I bought the developer version. It will work fo verizon.
My mistake. The GE S4 and One became available on the Play Store yesterday. I thought you were talking about that. Which another thread in this forum raises some interest that the GE may work on Verizon.
Sorry for the thread de-rail.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Would have bought if 32gb.
I ordered one yesterday. My DROID bionic has been flailing, and I want to keep unlimited data. I can't wait to start playing with it! This will be my first foray into playing with ROMs and such.
P.S. 64GB microSD cards are like half off on amazon, at least they were yesterday. Got one of those too since only comes with 16GB :/
Make sure you give the dev's the AOSP rom from it so that we can get the IR remote working on AOSP builds... SO [email protected]!!!
Wait, it doesn't come with touchwiz right?
I read it does come with TouchWiz on droid-life, just not all the verizon crap. I guess I'll find out Monday when it's supposed to show up.
joshw0000 said:
My mistake. The GE S4 and One became available on the Play Store yesterday. I thought you were talking about that. Which another thread in this forum raises some interest that the GE may work on Verizon.
Sorry for the thread de-rail.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey no problem, so many phones going out at once, its easy to get confused.
Now all I need is that darn UPS guy here already and I'll let ya'll know what it does/doesn't have on it if someone doesn't beat me to it. And I still wish they would have done it as a 32 gig version, but I don't see that coming... at least to verizon anyways.
Mine is in transit; should be here Monday. From what I understand, it does come with VZ bloatware but once rooted, you can ROM away.
and iewctal
So update here.
I just got the device, getting verizon to activate it was a pain because several techs kept saying "they don't support a developer device" but I finally got it taken care of.
Yes it has bloatware, will be taking care of that.
Also is not rooted, will be looking up ways to do that now to make sure I do this right.
Too bad there isn't a one click root for this thing, I'd really like to save some time than fighting doing it on a mac.
cmmelton2 said:
So update here.
I just got the device, getting verizon to activate it was a pain because several techs kept saying "they don't support a developer device" but I finally got it taken care of.
/QUOTE]
Thanks for the update and the warning about VZW and lack of knowledge. It amazes me this info is not flowed down to the carrier's support team, especially when it is made for that carrier and it was announced over a month ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
markwebb said:
cmmelton2 said:
So update here.
I just got the device, getting verizon to activate it was a pain because several techs kept saying "they don't support a developer device" but I finally got it taken care of.
/QUOTE]
Thanks for the update and the warning about VZW and lack of knowledge. It amazes me this info is not flowed down to the carrier's support team, especially when it is made for that carrier and it was announced over a month ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey no problem, I actually got one tech now going to put herself on the waitlist to get one because she didn't know it existed. I'm hoping that after the hour I spent on the phone they now know that its out there and to be ready. The phone does not come with a SIM card so if you can pick up a card early and have it ready it may save some driving time/hassle.
Does anyone know of a simple and fast root method that works? I'm curious to see how it works with an unlocked bootloader and very surprised that it didn't already have root access. Maybe that's the noob talking here, but I was hopeful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Droid Bionic: is it the same size SIM card? Can I swap the Bionic for the Galaxy S4?
markwebb said:
I have a Droid Bionic: is it the same size SIM card? Can I swap the Bionic for the Galaxy S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what size that card is. I had a samsung droid charge (horrible phone) and its card didn't fit in it. It needs a micro SIM. If you have time before yours comes in, I'd be safe and just get one free from verizon.
Oh one other thing I forgot, you can add insurance from verizon to protect your device. They will cover it!
cmmelton2 said:
Oh one other thing I forgot, you can add insurance from verizon to protect your device. They will cover it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. And..I just opened Bionic and it doesn't look like a micro SIM. It looks rather large to me so I will be visiting VZW asap. LOL They should not charge, correct? I have heard of customers getting charged.
cmmelton2 said:
So update here.
I just got the device, getting verizon to activate it was a pain because several techs kept saying "they don't support a developer device" but I finally got it taken care of.
Yes it has bloatware, will be taking care of that.
Also is not rooted, will be looking up ways to do that now to make sure I do this right.
Too bad there isn't a one click root for this thing, I'd really like to save some time than fighting doing it on a mac.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that loaded with Pure Android Firmware or still TW-based rom?
ytwytw said:
Is that loaded with Pure Android Firmware or still TW-based rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VZW Dev Edition = Touchwiz Unlocked
Google Edition = Pure Android
markwebb said:
VZW Dev Edition = Touchwiz Unlocked
Google Edition = Pure Android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see
Hope to see if someone can Unlock the Bootloader for our regular i545 :angel:

Mdk phone

I'm walking to Verizon today 8/21/13 to get an s4. What are the chances I will get a phone that does not have the me7 update yet.
And if I do get one with mdk what steps do I take to not receive the updates. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
jzmax22 said:
I'm walking to Verizon today 8/21/13 to get an s4. What are the chances I will get a phone that does not have the me7 update yet.
And if I do get one with mdk what steps do I take to not receive the updates. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask to see the box before you buy it. The firmware version is clearly labeled on the sticker on the box.
It's very possible. just make sure you TELL them to NOT upgrade!
they don't have to, if you ask them not to, if they do, tell them go get another one that has old firmware as the new one is having issues..
then airplane mode back to house and root + recovery
profit
I think they MAY have still boxes of SG4 with MDK not updated, just make sure they KNOW you won't take it with the upgrade, I did it with the SG3, with the 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 rooting, as 4.1.1 was EZer.
Thank you guys for the responses. I feel more comfortable going there!
I'll be back later hopefully with my new rooted and rommed s4.
Again thanks for the quick responses and help!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
I'm gonna post on this thread to ask a question since it's related and I don't want to start a new one.
I'm having sensor issues on my device and I called verizon. They said it wasn't a known issue and he and offered to send me a CLNR via overnight Shipping. I accepted their offer. I'm not sure if they are still shipping phones with MDK on them. The tech support guy said it will come with the update, but I'm not sure if he knows or not. My question is, has anyone received a CLNR thru Verizon tech support lately, like within the last week? And did it come with MDK or ME7?
If it has ME7 on it, I'm for sure gonna send it back. I'll make some excuse as to why.
nicholi2789 said:
I'm gonna post on this thread to ask a question since it's related and I don't want to start a new one.
I'm having sensor issues on my device and I called verizon. They said it wasn't a known issue and he and offered to send me a CLNR via overnight Shipping. I accepted their offer. I'm not sure if they are still shipping phones with MDK on them. The tech support guy said it will come with the update, but I'm not sure if he knows or not. My question is, has anyone received a CLNR thru Verizon tech support lately, like within the last week? And did it come with MDK or ME7?
If it has ME7 on it, I'm for sure gonna send it back. I'll make some excuse as to why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
50/50 . some got the mdk and some got the me7. Just hope for the best.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
dadsterflip said:
50/50 . some got the mdk and some got the me7. Just hope for the best.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I really really hope it's MDK. Or else I'm gonna send it back. They'll prolly be pissed at me for it. I don't see any reason why they could deny me sending it back. In my experience if your just adamant about it they can't deny you. My device really is having some issues (not related to my rom) but I will live with it if it means keeping my ROM and recovery.
5 days ago only 2 of the 10 S4's the guy at the Verizon kiosk had at my local mall were MDK. They're thinning out IMO.
What Andy and others said is spot on, ask for them to look, don't let them upgrade, and keep it in airplane mode until home.
I just purchased the phone a day ago from sams club and it came with mdk! Hope you can find one homey!
_Gir_ said:
5 days ago only 2 of the 10 S4's the guy at the Verizon kiosk had at my local mall were MDK. They're thinning out IMO.
What Andy and others said is spot on, ask for them to look, don't let them upgrade, and keep it in airplane mode until home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but this one is coming from. Verizon tech support and not a store.
ordered an S4 for my wife on amazon wireless, got it today it was the old firmware. rooted and custom rom running!
dehelfix said:
ordered an S4 for my wife on amazon wireless, got it today it was the old firmware. rooted and custom rom running!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got a refurb from vzn today - version vruamdk .
When sending the old one back, i flashed the modem, recovery, kernel, and stock recovery.
Does that clear everything? Is there a counter on here i need to worry about?
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If that salesperson wants to make a sale, I would have them go to the back and find a mdk version, it is on the outside of the box, if they bring you a me7, say, can you look for a mdk, if they refuse, bye bye, go to another store, you will find someone who cares to make a sale.
good luck sir...
I received my factory certified replacement phone from Verizon wireless in the mail two days ago and luckily it was MDK. Headset speaker stopped functioning on my original phone.
Sent from my Synergy Galaxy S4 with VIPER4Android Audio
Just wondering, but why is it such a big deal if you get and MDK phone over a ME7 firmware phone? There is an exploit out now to root either.
d0ppler302 said:
Just wondering, but why is it such a big deal if you get and MDK phone over a ME7 firmware phone? There is an exploit out now to root either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Android power users just being able to root doesn't quite cut it. Yeah you can do alot more than you could with just a stock phone but you can't flash custom software like roms or Kernels. Which is a big deal to alot of people. It's enough to not make you want a device.
nicholi2789 said:
For Android power users just being able to root doesn't quite cut it. Yeah you can do alot more than you could with just a stock phone but you can't flash custom software like roms or Kernels. Which is a big deal to alot of people. It's enough to not make you want a device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming there isn't a workaround for a custom recovery yet then, is that the issue? See I don't notice those problems because I've had my phone since before in-store devices were available and rooted it a few hours after it was out of the box so I've never had a hangup or issue with this.
Sent from my Galaxy S4

HELP s8+ SM-G955U sprint lease locked

I bought this phone and come to find out it's lease locked to sprint. I know there is a way to remove or bypass it but don't know how.
Can someone help me with this or point me to a tutorial or something any help is much appreciated.
amandafinn1 said:
I bought this phone and come to find out it's lease locked to sprint. I know there is a way to remove or bypass it but don't know how.
Can someone help me with this or point me to a tutorial or something any help is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would assume you have some form of sales receipt or bill of sale. Whoever sold you this device. It technicly is not theirs to sell. If they refuse to pay for it. The company will blacklist it. It may work for other carriers. But if it where me i wouldnt want that at all. Since it wasnt theirs to sell. I would demand my money back or file a report with my local law enforcement agency. Other than paid services which most on here won't really comment on things like that. In the long run what i say is about your best bet to avoid any issues.

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