Which VZW phone to upgrade to after my S4? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

I apologize in advance if this thread is a duplicate. It's almost time to upgrade again and I want a phone with competitive hardware and performance specs (like S4) *BUT* I also want to be able to get root and custom kernels. Any recommendations?
Samsung Galaxy S4 "Fort Knox Edition"

sokrboot said:
I apologize in advance if this thread is a duplicate. It's almost time to upgrade again and I want a phone with competitive hardware and performance specs (like S4) *BUT* I also want to be able to get root and custom kernels. Any recommendations?
Samsung Galaxy S4 "Fort Knox Edition"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The M8 is probably the best hardware you can get at the moment that's on Verizon and has been "unlocked". Not too much of an upgrade though...

Oishikatta said:
The M8 is probably the best hardware you can get at the moment that's on Verizon and has been "unlocked". Not too much of an upgrade though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my take also.
If you have an S4 then the S5 and M8 are only incremental updates.
I've been trying hard to try to justify them.
I just can't at full retail (unlimited here).
So if you can get the M8 on subsidy it's cool. Otherwise I think I'll be waiting for the next year models the M9 and S6.

I had the chance to get the m8 but my wife wanted the s4 when we came over from t mobile. So glad I listened to her. Had no idea the bootloader was locked. Lol
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

please go here for this discussion http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2406733

Related

Unlocked vs. AT&T

With news that AT&T will be bringing the S3 to the states this month, it prompts this question.
I currently have an international i9100 and love it. If I were to get the S3 via AT&T (at the subsidized price) would I be able to root, flash, and do anything "good" with it? Or would I be an indentured servant to AT&T?
AT&T locked the bootloader of HTC One X so I'm not really sure if they'll let you use it freely.
But then people found a way to unlock the bootloader so I think even if AT&T locked it, people would find a way around it.
And you'd also get 4G LTE, 2GB RAM but a Snapdragon S4 processor.
The S4 seems promising but it's only dual core.
AT&T has yet to make it so you cant root a samsung device. The locked bootloader is common with HTC devices so I wouldnt go off of that but I have had the S1 the S2 and the Note and all has been unlocked with little to no issues.
I spoke with a customer care rep in the executive's office today and was told the bootloader is going to be locked.
mfratella said:
I spoke with a customer care rep in the executive's office today and was told the bootloader is going to be locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course they will say that, whether or not it's true is another story, and like mentioned it won't really matter if it is or isn't
Thanks. Once I get it I'll be back in here to get some direction with it. I'm fine with dealing with the international unlocked versions, but never tried anything with a carrier branded device.
mfratella said:
I spoke with a customer care rep in the executive's office today and was told the bootloader is going to be locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We will just have to wait and see... I don't believe much customer care says.. Hell
l the one i talked to didn't even know about the pre order starting yesterday.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
mfratella said:
With news that AT&T will be bringing the S3 to the states this month, it prompts this question.
I currently have an international i9100 and love it. If I were to get the S3 via AT&T (at the subsidized price) would I be able to root, flash, and do anything "good" with it? Or would I be an indentured servant to AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never actually heard of any samsung phone from at&t shipped with locked bootloader. Mostly is HTC phones, and they are known to do that even on unsubsidized phone till a while ago after getting bash from the android community.
and imo, the only real advantage to get a branded phone is you get easy warranty. if you bricked your phone for good during a flash or there is some problem with display, you can just walk in and get a replacement in seconds. LTE or not, or the 2GB ram, I dont think it's going to matter that much in daily use unless u use ur phone as a hot spot or something.
As far as development goes... usually international version is always better, may not be so obvious back in the galaxy S days since most of the US variant are still using the same backbone with minor variation. But ever since the S2 that need snapdragon to support LTE.... development pace kinda forked from there.

[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:

safe to buy a new s4?

Hey guys, I want to buy a Verizon s4 from Costco, do you guys think new phones come with the original/unlockable rom?
Out are they updated out of the box?
Most likely already updated , it says on the box what version it is , you can always ask them
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Damn, I've got a galaxy nexus, I love the unlocked bootloader and running cyanogen. I didnt want to leave vzw, but I really hate the bloat and locked down phones.
Are there any decent new phones on vzw that we can flash without much trouble?
Verizon S3, but since the most recent update to 4.3 I don't know anymore.
S3 is abit out dated, I have my daughter's s3 on CM...but it's definitely am option I suppose.
I was thinking about the Google s4 for vzw, I would go this route if Verizon would give me a discounted monthly bill since they aren't subsidizing the phone. I should just drop Verizon and move the family to Sprint or Tmo
Probably best this discussion goes to the sticky ...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2406733

[Q] Getting a different Galaxy S4

I currently have a VZW Galaxy S4 on 4.3 with a locked bootloader and I'm literally sick of not being able to flash anything without some stupid bootloader related error. I'm curious if it's worth looking for one with 4.1.2 whether it be T-Mobile or some carrier I've never heard of before and buying it and selling my current one so I can do what I want to with my phone.
Worth it or a waste of time/money?
S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
I currently have a VZW Galaxy S4 on 4.3 with a locked bootloader and I'm literally sick of not being able to flash anything without some stupid bootloader related error. I'm curious if it's worth looking for one with 4.1.2 whether it be T-Mobile or some carrier I've never heard of before and buying it and selling my current one so I can do what I want to with my phone.
Worth it or a waste of time/money?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The money part is up to you whether it's worth it or not. The only thing I can tell you is make sure the phone you're getting is not on new KitKat. I know someone that has a tmobile s4. Those can be rooted with recovery regardless of what Android version, however if its on KitKat and you try to flash anything it trips to Knox counter and voids warranty and there is no going back. It also prevents you from ever receiving OTA's again making resale value garbage. Consider another brand altogether. Look here: http://omegadroid.co/wanted-knox-void-warranty-0x1/
Sent from a Shaftamle Galaxy S4
"Thanks Button" is always appreciated!
http://mycolorscreen.com/Shaftamle/
O.O
Shaftamle said:
The money part is up to you whether it's worth it or not. The only thing I can tell you is make sure the phone you're getting is not on new KitKat. I know someone that has a tmobile s4. Those can be rooted with recovery regardless of what Android version, however if its on KitKat and you try to flash anything it trips to Knox counter and voids warranty and there is no going back. It also prevents you from ever receiving OTA's again making resale value garbage. Consider another brand altogether.
Sent from a Shaftamle Galaxy S4
"Thanks Button" is always appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm not really concerned about the Knox counter or OTA stuff as if i could use a custom recovery i could just flash the stuff without the need of waiting 3 more months for some crappy carrier to release it with their bloatware filled bulls***. & on other brand topic I would just buy a Nexus 5 if not for it's incompatibility with Verizon but thats really the only other phone I can think of that really intrigues me besides the S4.
S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
Well I'm not really concerned about the Knox counter or OTA stuff as if i could use a custom recovery i could just flash the stuff without the need of waiting 3 more months for some crappy carrier to release it with their bloatware filled bulls***. & on other brand topic I would just buy a Nexus 5 if not for it's incompatibility with Verizon but thats really the only other phone I can think of that really intrigues me besides the S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are many reports circulating that the Nexus 6 will be on Verizon. So try to hold out.
Sent from a Shaftamle Galaxy S4
"Thanks Button" is always appreciated!
http://mycolorscreen.com/Shaftamle/

SM-N900V Note 3 with OS 4.3 are on Ebay.

I hope this is not against forum rules. I am not selling these phones either. I purchased one and there are 3 more pristine Verizon Note 3 SM-900V for sale that are at OS level 4.3 so they can be nicely rooted.
Thought someone might want one.
Search ebay for 'SM-900V 4.3' and include the description.
I picked one up for $245 shipped. Supposed to be new in box with a sim card. Should arrive tomorrow.
Now to see which baseband it actually has and be really careful doing the proper steps to root.
Thanks!
Well, I was bamboozled!
I specifically sent the seller (The NPS store) asking if it was definitely on 4.3. I was assured it was.
I got it today. Low and behold it is on NK1 / 4.4.4
(dying Pac-Man sound)
I did receive a complete refund, including shipping and NPS also paid return shipping.
Then, I found a 4.4.2 rooted Note 3 on swappa and is supposed to arrive today.
I've been bidding on broken phones that still power on. All I need is a working board which hasn't been updated. So far they are all being bid too high. There is a risk that they're not honest about the android version installed. I can't see buying a complete phone when I have a perfect working Note 3 plus a spare housing/digitizer with a slightly cracked screen. This was my wifes phone and I just bought one with a dead board off ebay to replace the cracked screen. Had I known there was no working root for 4.4.4+ I wouldn't have bothered fixing it. I'm currently using a Note 2 with a custom but mostly stock rooted 4.3 and TWRP. This has been a great phone but it is getting a bit dated. I was waiting for a root option for the Note 4 then the Note 5 arrived with the same root limitations. I have to admit I almost bought the Note 5 anyway after seeing the 3D display. I don't know if all new top end devices have 3D displays but it's a cool feature.
3d display? Eh?
I had a note 5 for a week. Sold it for $600. Back on my Note 2.
I have a Note 3 that is rooted. I can't remember what I have for stock, but its running Jasmin 5.1.1 with firmware OB6. No trip on knox flag. Is it possible to get it back to 4.3 rooted? Thinking about selling it too.
i have the same model note 3 smn900v ..
weaverinva said:
I hope this is not against forum rules. I am not selling these phones either. I purchased one and there are 3 more pristine Verizon Note 3 SM-900V for sale that are at OS level 4.3 so they can be nicely rooted.
Thought someone might want one.
Search ebay for 'SM-900V 4.3' and include the description.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same model note 3 smn900v .. i have lollipop since i purchased the device if i flash 4.3 kitkat can i root it ? i need root very badly and if yes please tell me the process to root 4.3
p.s samsung note 3 verizon
pizza_pablo said:
I did receive a complete refund, including shipping and NPS also paid return shipping.
Then, I found a 4.4.2 rooted Note 3 on swappa and is supposed to arrive today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your experience is the same as mine. NPS paid both directions. I am glad that you found one on swappa. They atr6gard to come by. I should have updated my post. NPS is not selling root able phones.
jellyhead said:
I'm currently using a Note 2 with a custom but mostly stock rooted 4.3 and TWRP. This has been a great phone but it is getting a bit dated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The note 2 is a great phone especially on cm 12.1. I have two sprint phones on cm. So responsive.
Seion said:
I have a Note 3 that is rooted. I can't remember what I have for stock, but its running Jasmin 5.1.1 with firmware OB6. No trip on knox flag. Is it possible to get it back to 4.3 rooted? Thinking about selling it too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can't go back from lollipop jasmine rom. On the note 3 Verizon, after updating bootloader to 4.4.4 or after, there is no downgrading. Sorry.
Tusharc2 said:
i have the same model note 3 smn900v .. i have lollipop since i purchased the device if i flash 4.3 kitkat can i root it ? i need root very badly and if yes please tell me the process to root 4.3
p.s samsung note 3 verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no process. Once updated to 4.4.4 or 5.0.2 bootloader then a downgrade is not possible at this point. You can get another phone if you want root. A used nexus 6 or perhaps an HTC m8 or lg G2. Some of those had unlocked boot loader.
The Verizon Note ii is a fine phone even if you find its 4.4.2 variant, you can root it and run safestrap.
All the best.
Telemachus said:
3d display? Eh?
I had a note 5 for a week. Sold it for $600. Back on my Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What rom do you have on your note ii? Can you confirm that once at bootloader ND7 that a person can no longer flash a custom recovery?
weaverinva said:
What rom do you have on your note ii? Can you confirm that once at bootloader ND7 that a person can no longer flash a custom recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap and you get TWRP. No CM but alliance and n3bula roms
Telemachus said:
Safestrap and you get TWRP. No CM but alliance and n3bula roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I decided to spend the $75 and get mobiletechvideos.com to unlock the bootloader. I will eventually be running CM 12.1 on it.
weaverinva said:
Thank you. I decided to spend the $75 and get mobiletechvideos.com to unlock the bootloader. I will eventually be running CM 12.1 on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't have a bootloader unlock for the Verizon note 3...at least not on their website
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk
donc113 said:
They don't have a bootloader unlock for the Verizon note 3...at least not on their website
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, someone earlier was talking about going back to their Note II. The bootloader unlock is only for the Note 2.
weaverinva said:
Sorry, someone earlier was talking about going back to their Note II. The bootloader unlock is only for the Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok..that makes sense.
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk
weaverinva said:
Thank you. I decided to spend the $75 and get mobiletechvideos.com to unlock the bootloader. I will eventually be running CM 12.1 on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My note 2 with unlocked bootloader is a gem that I will never get rid of. CM and other ASOP work great with it. Notebuddy makes the Spen usable as well.
I don't know that I trust the mobile tech video thing. If anyone tells you they can unlock a Verizon Samsung BL, then all they are doing changing out the main board with a refurb that was never locked. You could do that yourself for much less than $75. The challenge is finding a working main board that is OLD and never upgraded past 4.3 android.
http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=v....Xverizon+note+2+main&sqp=verizon+note+2+main
Problem is there is no way to know what FW those main boards are running.
Recheck your sources. The unlock that these groups sell online is SIM unlock and is in no way relevant to verizon LTE phones that are ALL SIM unlocked.
Edit: I read more about it. Interesting!
http://www.mobiletechvideos.com/samsung-galaxy-note-2-bootloader-sboot-downgrade-service/
Telemachus said:
The challenge is finding a working main board that is OLD and never upgraded past 4.3 android.
Problem is there is no way to know what FW those main boards are running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was trying to find a board on 4.3 or at least 4.4.2 but most listers will say they're not sure what the version is. I took a chance on a smashed phone hoping that it had been lying around for a while before it was listed. I got the phone for $17 including shipping......it was on 4.4.4. I ended up just buying a working phone that was already rooted on 4.4.2 for $159. It was pretty beat up so I swapped the board into my newish looking housing. I plan to resell the beat up phone with the now 4.4.4 board it and hopefully will get close to what I paid for the rooted one.

Categories

Resources