should I consider Kitkat or stay with 4.3? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Mine is running 4.3 and rooted. I am happy with everything. Just read the post how to upgrade to 4.4.2 and retain root. It seems Kitkat is becoming the majority soon. I am concerned 4.3 may not be well supported .... in 2+ years. Well, should I consider upgrading? Is there any compelling reason that Kitkat is the way to go?

newshook said:
Mine is running 4.3 and rooted. I am happy with everything. Just read the post how to upgrade to 4.4.2 and retain root. It seems Kitkat is becoming the majority soon. I am concerned 4.3 may not be well supported .... in 2+ years. Well, should I consider upgrading? Is there any compelling reason that Kitkat is the way to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now there is only a small different between 4.4 and 4.3 stay wit 4.3 the longest u can. Android is still supporting 2.3 apps. So when u upgrade we will probably be in android 6.0. Thats what I'm doing I have the s4 rooted in 4.3 and very happy

dgutierrez04 said:
Right now there is only a small different between 4.4 and 4.3 stay wit 4.3 the longest u can. Android is still supporting 2.3 apps. So when u upgrade we will probably be in android 6.0. Thats what I'm doing I have the s4 rooted in 4.3 and very happy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm work you. I'm at least going to wait for a root exploit before I upgrade. I made my wife take the update ( non rooted) and there's nothing that I seen to make me jump on it.

jcwilliams said:
I'm work you. I'm at least going to wait for a root exploit before I upgrade. I made my wife take the update ( non rooted) and there's nothing that I seen to make me jump on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes just wait. I am also waiting for the root exploit to be found for 4.4 but for now. I am happy wit my wifi tether app and greenify app. Make my phone worth it staying in 4.3, especially when u used 50GB every month still grandfather in unlimited data.

Once Sbreen has 4.4 on hyperdrive ill upgrade to it. Im too happy with HD to give it up lol

dgutierrez04 said:
Yes just wait. I am also waiting for the root exploit to be found for 4.4 but for now. I am happy wit my wifi tether app and greenify app. Make my phone worth it staying in 4.3, especially when u used 50GB every month still grandfather in unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surge's method in the general section keeps root in upgrading to the ota 4.4. Wifi tether is natively enabled.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

aznjosh said:
Surge's method in the general section keeps root in upgrading to the ota 4.4. Wifi tether is natively enabled.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I seen about of people upgrade to it. But getting wit me I need to have a lock screen on my phone.But if it wasn't for that I would of done it by now. Thank u anyways.

dgutierrez04 said:
Yes I seen about of people upgrade to it. But getting wit me I need to have a lock screen on my phone.But if it wasn't for that I would of done it by now. Thank u anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Surge's method and went from 4.3 MK2 straight to 4.4 NC5. The only problem I had was the lock screen issue but I followed instructions in the following thread and fixed it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2692147

aznjosh said:
Surge's method in the general section keeps root in upgrading to the ota 4.4. Wifi tether is natively enabled.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works great.
I used this method because I wanted tethering to work and if you root these days you need to ODIN back to get an OTA anyway.
So there aren't any real drawbacks to the method to get KitKat and retain root.
You also don't update the bootloader with Surge's method and that's a plus.
Whatever you decide OP, don't take the OTA.
Not sure how many people are looking for a different root method.

tech_head said:
Works great.
I used this method because I wanted tethering to work and if you root these days you need to ODIN back to get an OTA anyway.
So there aren't any real drawbacks to the method to get KitKat and retain root.
You also don't update the bootloader with Surge's method and that's a plus.
Whatever you decide OP, don't take the OTA.
Not sure how many people are looking for a different root method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know what boot loader you are on? If the BL isn't changed with Surge's method then that means you should be able to roll back from NC5 to MK2 if you don't like NC5, correct?

If you are rooted on 4.3 I would promote that you stay where you are. On 4.3 with root, you can freeze all the crapware with TiBU and have a very stable and efficient platform.
Once you jump to 4.4, you'll lose root and will be stuck with all the crapware. To be fair, my wife's S4 is now on 4.4 and seems to be running fine. I just don't trust all the bloat that sits there behind the scenes

jwhistler said:
If you are rooted on 4.3 I would promote that you stay where you are. On 4.3 with root, you can freeze all the crapware with TiBU and have a very stable and efficient platform.
Once you jump to 4.4, you'll lose root and will be stuck with all the crapware. To be fair, my wife's S4 is now on 4.4 and seems to be running fine. I just don't trust all the bloat that sits there behind the scenes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've been reading, you can clearly upgrade to 4.4 with root.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Related

[Q] Update to MI1 from VRUAMDK

I'm currently rooted on VRUAMDK with (what I believe to be anyway) the first method from when the phone was released. I didn't have much time to bother with it when ME7 came out so I just froze SDM in TiBu and ignored it until now.
Today I saw the info about the MI1 update and decided to give it a shot updating. I saw that it was already rooted so I figured I'd just go for it and do an OTA after unfreezing SDM. However, when I tried that the install restarted the phone into Team Win Recovery and didn't complete. I assume this was because TWR blocks the install to avoid you losing root or something like that.
What I'm wondering is if there's a way to update to MI1 through TWR or some other alternative to the Verizon OTA so I don't lose root at all? I would like to know if there's a similar method for rooted phones with ME7 (since my girlfriends phone is rooted on that.).
Thanks in advance.
Don't take the OTA. Just get an MI1 stock deodex ROM. For the love of God keep your bootloader intact. The newer ones are not exploitable.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
ozzzzysh said:
Don't take the OTA. Just get an MI1 stock deodex ROM. For the love of God keep your bootloader intact. The newer ones are not exploitable.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I thought that might be the right course of action but wasn't sure that the ROMs were equivalent of an OTA or just a custom rebuild of the old version.
As for my Girlfriend whose phone came with ME7? Should she just take the OTA and then Root again?
The MI1 OTA, from what I've gathered, enables a custom software counter. So unless she's planning on staying fully stock I would avoid the update. MI1 didn't really change enough to justify anyone to update as far as I know.
By custom software counter, I mean that if you were to tinker with your phone too much, it would blow a permanent qfuse that would let Samsung know not to grant your warranty when the time comes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Reonar_Dauth said:
Okay, I thought that might be the right course of action but wasn't sure that the ROMs were equivalent of an OTA or just a custom rebuild of the old version.
As for my Girlfriend whose phone came with ME7? Should she just take the OTA and then Root again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither update offers anything of real value that the custom rom's aren't bringing to the table. Hell there are flashable radios even. Apps to SD for me7 might be the only useful feature. But there are custom me7 roms. Wait on the devs to update you.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
No real value over the MDK release. It just locks things down.
Get one of the ROMs based on MI1.
Move along,,,, Nothing to see....
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
PeterifficX said:
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash any rom you want. The only way you'll lock yourself down is if you take an official update.
Verification please
PeterifficX said:
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crawshayi said:
You can flash any rom you want. The only way you'll lock yourself down is if you take an official update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey folks...... :highfive: I'm currently working on my Ex Wifes phone SCH-I545. I've not updated or done anything to her phone since I rooted and installed Beanstown. Quite some time ago. Any way, Her Android version is 4.2.2/VRUAMDK. :good: TWRP for recovery, not sure the version. My question is, Can I just flash any of the latest ROMs to her phone? I just want to make sure I don't screw her phone up. @Crawshayi, I see your answer right there. I just want to double check and know that I won't lock her phone down.
I really appreciate you guys. Without you and XDA, I'd be completely lost.
Sincerely
David C
Edit: Thanks guys. Everything worked perfect. My phones are running flawless.
Showing off here. NOTE 2 left side this on my right.

How do I root Verizon Note II 4.4.2 ND7?

I'm not happy with this releases installed software and would like to root my Verizon Note II. It's on 4.4.2 ND7. Also will I be able to unlock my bootloader so I can install CWM or TWRP and install custom roms? Thank you.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
You dont... no root method available right now. Even if there were root. There's no unlock method for bootloader after 4.3. You are stuck with what verizon has given you for now, possibly forever.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
I see. That really sucks.
There's a rom out there that's a rooted 4.4.2 ND7. Would I be able to flash this with Odin to gain root without causing any issues to the bootloader?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
No. That's for people who never took the 4.3 update and got to unlock their bootloader. If your running mj9 or nd7 your stuck there.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Ok thank you. Guess I'll wait and see if Verizon has a change of heart. Doubtful.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Yeah it sucks. I got mine used, running 4.3. And that's where I'll stay til further notice. Gl
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Another Question
Anyone care to verify that this is legit and works to root the Verizon Note II 4.4.2? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBP1Ql7wck4 . I see that there is the ability to download the root file for the VZW Note II on 4.4.2. I will do some more research. If anyone tries it please report your findings. Thanks.
My guess is no. Anything you find on rooting or flashing recovery is highly unlikely to work on the vzw note 2. Thanks for nothing, verizon.
loudog3114 said:
My guess is no. Anything you find on rooting or flashing recovery is highly unlikely to work on the vzw note 2. Thanks for nothing, verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same situation, and I'd just like to rattle the bars of this jail cell VZW has put us Note II 4.4.2 OTA folks in. The SD card write lock is a ridiculous overreach in the name of "security."
I hear that. I don't know about anyone else's phone but after I updated to ND7 my phones been buggy. Fails on sending texts and general locking up. I've factory reset it twice and have 2.7gb available on the internal storage. Come on somebody!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
In the same boat here. Bought used, already updated. I didn't think there was an [upper class] Android device right now that couldn't be modified, so I didn't know to research first... I just came to the threads right before buying and saw the dev was booming so figured I was good.
Did VZ drop the ball here or are all carriers having this issues with the Note 2?
Root unavailable?
So basically I can't root the phone? I want to be able to use some apps that require root, is there a way to root without messing with the bootloader or not? Mobilodin maybe? I also have that 4.4.2 OTA nightmare. Thanks
There is no root.
Reilly1812 said:
There is no root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is root now... At least, it works for me. I modified [source code based on] towelroot, fixed a few things for our phone, and called it GhettoRoot. No one has tested it except me.
Feel free to try it, usual warnings apply... Check my thread in the General forum. I can't link anything or post in the development forums.
25yvdgpo06 said:
There is root now... At least, it works for me. I modified [source code based on] towelroot, fixed a few things for our phone, and called it GhettoRoot. No one has tested it except me.
Feel free to try it, usual warnings apply... Check my thread in the General forum. I can't link anything or post in the development forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its out now. Works like a charm. Just used it. I don't even have a carrier anymore. My note 2 is just an expensive skype phone, and I plan to redesign the looks of this rom.
Ive been sitting in mj9 with root being apparent is the update worthwhile?
Vernox701 said:
Ive been sitting in mj9 with root being apparent is the update worthwhile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES, most definitely, IMO, I don't have to upgrade to the note 4 ASAP now.
doctor-cool said:
YES, most definitely, IMO, I don't have to upgrade to the note 4 ASP now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks I will take the ota and re root on 4.4.2 ....just havent heard anyone praising the upgrading
Boo-tloader
Anyone devised a way to unlock this god forsaken bootloader? Verizon has overstepped their bounds imho. No 3rd party write access to sd? That's just ridiculous. Also, cyanogenmod would be great, but safestrap doesn't work now. Anyone have anything in the works? I would be willing to test anything available. I'm running I605VRUFND7 on the KOT49H kernel, and have plenty of experience with Odin, so no worries over bricking at the moment. Also, there is still a bounty out for anyone that can unlock it. Not so much a fortune, but imagine the fame? Thanks in advance.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-2/help/cyanogenmod-samsung-note-2-i605-t2900280
The above link was some troubleshooting I went through to get root on my Galaxy Note 2 i605 w/ ND7 4.4.2. I was hoping to get TWRP or CWM on it but all attempts have failed. From what i'm gather it just not possible at this time.
Has anyone found away to unlock the bootloader so we can load recovery and put on custom ROMs???
please say yes!!!

build VRUFNG6

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/10/1...date-with-knox-2-0-connectivity-improvements/
...Sigh. When will vzw pull their heads out of their..
Surge1223 said:
...Sigh. When will vzw pull their heads out of their..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until they realize they are not doing their customers any favors, never.
I knew better. Got an MDK device, rooted it immediately and have been running CM ever since. [emoji41]
If you guys are talking about Knox 2.0...get used to it. Knox is being incorporated by Google in Android "L".
Remember, with all the hackers out there, the average Joe and Joan want their privacy secured...all the banking that is done from the phones now?
And also Verizon is the largest carrier for military and commercial contracts...to keep them and get more the phones have to be as secure as possible.
Anyone try to see if Towelroot works with this build?
I think they need to find another root method. Towelroot only works on kernels june 3 and below. I have no idea if it will work if you used it
I'm not upgrading. All flashaholics like me will DEFINITELY just wait for a possible exploit for NC5 than hope for the almost nonexistent chance there will be an unlock in the new firmware. Just my $0.02
Sent from an S4 Lost in the Echoe
SolidSnakeUS said:
Anyone try to see if Towelroot works with this build?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have been able to use towelroot on the latest updates for the att S4, S5, and Vz S5 by flashing back the previous kernel, rooting, then reflashing the new unexploitable kernel. Vz S4 users will likely be able to do the same on NG6.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
Least they could have done was give us 4.4.4 at the same time.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Anyone get this yet. What android version is it still 4.4.2
Does towelroot work on this update? I want to know before I take the plunge...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Downloading now. I don't care if I lose root. I'll test towelroot after the update.
MedleHed said:
Downloading now. I don't care if I lose root. I'll test towelroot after the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot is guaranteed not to work. A better option is to grab the update from your cache/fota folder and post so that we can make a workaround to keep root.
Yep id give it to muniz.
Theres no way im going through the drama we had last time.
Surge1223 said:
Yep id give it to muniz.
Theres no way im going through the drama we had last time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I remember and don't blame you at all.
It's confirmed that towelroot doesn't work. The version is still 4.4.2. The first thing I noticed was the GPS toggle in the notification area is now a Location toggle.
Any method of rooting?
Now that Towelroot is out, is there any way of rooting on the latest version? Downgrading, flashing an image in Odin, etc? Or are we pretty much screwed until a work around is found?
asalkowskineo said:
Now that Towelroot is out, is there any way of rooting on the latest version? Downgrading, flashing an image in Odin, etc? Or are we pretty much screwed until a work around is found?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a very good chance that the kernel swap method will work on this latest build.
Someone just needs to grab the ota from their device. We'll take the kernel from the new update and package it into an Odin flashable .tar. You'll then flash the old NC5 kernel after taking the update, re-boot and root using towelroot, then reflash the new kernel. No guarantees but this method has been working on all of the latest Sammy updates.
muniz_ri said:
There is a very good chance that the kernel swap method will work on this latest build.
Someone just needs to grab the ota from their device. We'll take the kernel from the new update and package it into an Odin flashable .tar. You'll then flash the old NC5 kernel after taking the update, re-boot and root using towelroot, then reflash the new kernel. No guarantees but this method has been working on all of the latest Sammy updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could give you guys the OTA if you tell me how to do it. I'm by no means an expert at rooting, but I've had a few years experience. So basically you'll modify the new kernel to allow downgrading to NC5, root, then update again? I had Towelroot before I updated, had OTA survival mode enabled in SuperSU, and had it installed as a system app, but I still lost root on this latest update. :crying:
muniz_ri said:
There is a very good chance that the kernel swap method will work on this latest build.
Someone just needs to grab the ota from their device. We'll take the kernel from the new update and package it into an Odin flashable .tar. You'll then flash the old NC5 kernel after taking the update, re-boot and root using towelroot, then reflash the new kernel. No guarantees but this method has been working on all of the latest Sammy updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When they finally block us from doing this, it will be a dark day lol.

Worth LP upgrade now or wait for OTA?

I've recently switched the G3 but using it on straight talk so root actually helped me get rid of the "unknown sim" icon. It looks like theres no root for Lollipop yet so im wondering if it would be worth upgrading to lollipop now or waiting for OTA and hoping root is figured out by then
aford89 said:
I've recently switched the G3 but using it on straight talk so root actually helped me get rid of the "unknown sim" icon. It looks like theres no root for Lollipop yet so im wondering if it would be worth upgrading to lollipop now or waiting for OTA and hoping root is figured out by then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTA that's out is definitely not official. And yes, no root. Not sure if there ever WILL be a root for the official OTA once it comes out since it has to be done by an exploit, and LP has made exploits even harder to find.
I myself am staying on KK. I must have root for Titanium Backup. That's basically all I have root for and without it, I cannot restore my app settings, so until a root exploit is found for the official OTA (once it comes out), then I'll go to Lollipop possibly. But even with the current unofficial OTA, there are various issues with LP.
Might want to wait until 5.1 (if we ever get it for the G3) comes out as 5.0.1 still have a major memory leak in it.
iBolski said:
The OTA that's out is definitely not official. And yes, no root. Not sure if there ever WILL be a root for the official OTA once it comes out since it has to be done by an exploit, and LP has made exploits even harder to find.
I myself am staying on KK. I must have root for Titanium Backup. That's basically all I have root for and without it, I cannot restore my app settings, so until a root exploit is found for the official OTA (once it comes out), then I'll go to Lollipop possibly. But even with the current unofficial OTA, there are various issues with LP.
Might want to wait until 5.1 (if we ever get it for the G3) comes out as 5.0.1 still have a major memory leak in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is out for 5.01 23b
92slammer said:
Root is out for 5.01 23b
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Just saw that. That's good, but maybe not that good. How much you want to bet that exploit gets patched before the official OTA comes out?
Really wish they would have waited for the official OTA to come out before releasing the exploit.
iBolski said:
Yup. Just saw that. That's good, but maybe not that good. How much you want to bet that exploit gets patched before the official OTA comes out?
Really wish they would have waited for the official OTA to come out before releasing the exploit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the hard part...."official" OTA could be next week or it could be in 2 months...never know. Ive been running 23b since it was leaked....runs perfectly on my device...I also rooted it and everything is working fine.
92slammer said:
thats the hard part...."official" OTA could be next week or it could be in 2 months...never know. Ive been running 23b since it was leaked....runs perfectly on my device...I also rooted it and everything is working fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about twrp
with the 8 frickin L threads we have now, did we really need another one? and in general not q and a where it belongs....really?
krazy_smokezalot said:
What about twrp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no twrp yet...just root...but the devs are working hard on it
92slammer said:
no twrp yet...just root...but the devs are working hard on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
btw, i have twrp working.
92slammer said:
no twrp yet...just root...but the devs are working hard on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know fingers crossed for bumped twrp
bweN diorD said:
btw, i have twrp working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP working on 23B? How?
ohlin5 said:
TWRP working on 23B? How?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Magic search the general section and you will find the wand you search. Works great BTW!
aford89 said:
I've recently switched the G3 but using it on straight talk so root actually helped me get rid of the "unknown sim" icon. It looks like theres no root for Lollipop yet so im wondering if it would be worth upgrading to lollipop now or waiting for OTA and hoping root is figured out by then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would wait... All I can say is that there will be a stock/rooted LP ROM very soon.
Xposed won't work with our phones on 5.0. I found that out the hard way. Saw the post in the developer's section that they're still trying to figure it out. Back to KK for me as there's functions of xposed that I need to have. A whole lot of tinkering today and I wound up right back where I was lol

Should I update to Lolipop?

Should I update to Lolipop on the S5? I hear there is some battery issues on some of the phones. Any issues with the Lolipop on T-Mobile S5?
not if you want root and rom. it becomes a ***** with lollipop.
webdork said:
not if you want root and rom. it becomes a ***** with lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I have Knox with KitKat so if I update to Lolipop I loose root and it's hard to root again than?
molitar said:
Well I have Knox with KitKat so if I update to Lolipop I loose root and it's hard to root again than?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll miss xposed framework, if it is something you use.
I've haven't posted in awhile, but I've been running NE6 rooted with Towelroot for about a year now. I have the stock ROM installed with zero issues.
Recently, I've read around about Lollipop and saw there have been a few issues which need to be ironed out, although I've never installed it and can't speak from real world use.
Coming from the S4 which I used to flash ROMs like crazy, I've gotten used to the S5 with NE6 stock, and rooted to run several apps which require Root.
So at least for now, I'm sticking with NE6.
To answer for the root part it's not hard. Took me no more than a few minutes with cf-auto root. Same process and files I used in kit kit. Lolipop has some minor issues but battery life hasn't been one of them for me. Only thing I miss is xposed....
chstewart said:
To answer for the root part it's not hard. Took me no more than a few minutes with cf-auto root. Same process and files I used in kit kit. Lolipop has some minor issues but battery life hasn't been one of them for me. Only thing I miss is xposed....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if all you're doing is rooting the stock rom then yeah, I understand missing xposed. There is now a setup that will install xposed on roms that have been deodexed. Stock roms have not been though. Only problem is a lot of the modules still won't work on Lollipop and even fewer on Touchwiz lollipop.
I have the G900Tuvucnk2 version and it won't let me do the software upgrade to lollipop, it says the device is up to date but I'm still on 4.4.2? Any ideas why
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app

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