Took 4.4 OTA Update... Now what? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Hey, Im kinda new to Galaxy devices and i was wondering, how does this usually go based on what has happened in the past for Galaxy Devices, because coming from a Nexus (I know why would i ever leave a nexus) i really didn't think anything of the OTA update because on a Nexus, it really doesn't matter if you update or not, but will there ever be some sort of Downgrade from the NC5 Kitkat update? Will i ever be able to get Root? or will i be stuck with this so called safe strap which makes no sense to me. Im sorry im seeming like a noob, but all this extra stuff to aquire root is new to me. Do i wait for some sorta exploit? Do I try a Downgrade method? or could i possibly return my device for another one? Cuz its brand-new and its not rooted at all and it has warranty... What are my options because i'm totally lost admist the millions of posts. All i need is root and ability to get rid of these bloatware apps (and twrp would be nice, but i'm fine with stock rooted & xposed)
Device:
VZW Galaxy S4 SCH-i545 16Gb
Stock 4.4.2 I545VRUFNC5

spongeyperson said:
Hey, Im kinda new to Galaxy devices and i was wondering, how does this usually go based on what has happened in the past for Galaxy Devices, because coming from a Nexus (I know why would i ever leave a nexus) i really didn't think anything of the OTA update because on a Nexus, it really doesn't matter if you update or not, but will there ever be some sort of Downgrade from the NC5 Kitkat update? Will i ever be able to get Root? or will i be stuck with this so called safe strap which makes no sense to me. Im sorry im seeming like a noob, but all this extra stuff to aquire root is new to me. Do i wait for some sorta exploit? Do I try a Downgrade method? or could i possibly return my device for another one? Cuz its brand-new and its not rooted at all and it has warranty... What are my options because i'm totally lost admist the millions of posts. All i need is root and ability to get rid of these bloatware apps (and twrp would be nice, but i'm fine with stock rooted & xposed)
Device:
VZW Galaxy S4 SCH-i545 16Gb
Stock 4.4.2 I545VRUFNC5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible to do a partial downgrade, root, and return to Kitkat with root. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726868
If you're really fine with TouchWiz then that may be all you want.
Personally, I'd return it though. If you ever want AOSP or updates before Verizon decides to release them, you'll need a different phone. You can get an MDK (pretty much unlocked, loki exploit) or Developer Edition (unlocked) S4 on Swappa for $300-$335.

Oishikatta said:
It is possible to do a partial downgrade, root, and return to Kitkat with root. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726868
If you're really fine with TouchWiz then that may be all you want.
Personally, I'd return it though. If you ever want AOSP or updates before Verizon decides to release them, you'll need a different phone. You can get an MDK (pretty much unlocked, loki exploit) or Developer Edition (unlocked) S4 on Swappa for $300-$335.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i bought my phone under contract and i'm kinda stuck with it in their system. Do you think verizon would replace it with a brand-new replacement with MDK bootloader on it? Because when i originally got the device a few weeks ago, it unfortunately had MDK bootloader on it, but i was stupid and i updated. I have no money to replace it so i don't know what i could do. If i did sell the one thats setup thru my contract, wouldn't that give it a bad esn? Also, i am fine with touchwiz as long as i can have xposed and root to change what i don't like, and if i really wanted to install a custom rom, i can use my N7 for that. The biggest problem i probably would have though is waiting for verizon updates. Because i know that sucks

spongeyperson said:
Well i bought my phone under contract and i'm kinda stuck with it in their system. I have no money to replace it so i don't know what i could do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just bought it, I think you have 14 days to return and cancel the contract. I don't think the Verizon S4 is worth a 2 year contract at all - if you're content with a locked one, you can easily get one for around $250 (e.g. this one that just sold) in good/great condition.
You could get an S5 for $99, sell it on Swappa for $500 - $10 Swappa Fee, -$15 Paypal Fee, -$15 Shipping.
So 500 in, 140 out. About $360 net profit. (Note this is just an estimate.)
Then buy a locked S4 on Swappa for $250 and still have over $100 profit. Or an MDK/Dev one and a bit less profit.
Do note that you have to be careful about where you buy a contract phone, many places will sneak in their own secondary contract with its own ETF if you change anything within x months. Bestbuy doesn't have any nonsense like that. Verizon directly also doesn't, of course.
However, that does take a bit of effort so it's definitely not as simple as just buying at Verizon. Swappa is pretty nice about making buying and selling safely easy though.
spongeyperson said:
If i did sell the one thats setup thru my contract, wouldn't that give it a bad esn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, many people buy under contract and then sell when new phones are released (e.g. S5, M8) if they're happy with their current phone and just want to make a bit of money off the contract for service they'd use anyways. The phone would only become bad ESN if you reported it lost/stolen. (Also maybe if you later defaulted on the contract, but I'm not sure on that.)
spongeyperson said:
Do you think verizon would replace it with a brand-new replacement with MDK bootloader on it? Because when i originally got the device a few weeks ago, it unfortunately had MDK bootloader on it, but i was stupid and i updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure it was MDK? More likely to be MI1 or MK2. I suppose it would be possible, but probably very unlikely.
spongeyperson said:
Also, i am fine with touchwiz as long as i can have xposed and root to change what i don't like, and if i really wanted to install a custom rom, i can use my N7 for that. The biggest problem i probably would have though is waiting for verizon updates. Because i know that sucks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to Surge1223 and k1mu, you can have root even on the newest OTA (so far). Verizon updates do suck though - it looks pretty clear that they held back the S4's kitkat update for a long time just so that they could advertise the S5 as having newer software.

Oishikatta said:
If you just bought it, I think you have 14 days to return and cancel the contract. I don't think the Verizon S4 is worth a 2 year contract at all - if you're content with a locked one, you can easily get one for around $250 (e.g. this one that just sold) in good/great condition.
You could get an S5 for $99, sell it on Swappa for $500 - $10 Swappa Fee, -$15 Paypal Fee, -$15 Shipping.
So 500 in, 140 out. About $360 net profit. (Note this is just an estimate.)
Then buy a locked S4 on Swappa for $250 and still have over $100 profit. Or an MDK/Dev one and a bit less profit.
Do note that you have to be careful about where you buy a contract phone, many places will sneak in their own secondary contract with its own ETF if you change anything within x months. Bestbuy doesn't have any nonsense like that. Verizon directly also doesn't, of course.
However, that does take a bit of effort so it's definitely not as simple as just buying at Verizon. Swappa is pretty nice about making buying and selling safely easy though.
No, many people buy under contract and then sell when new phones are released (e.g. S5, M8) if they're happy with their current phone and just want to make a bit of money off the contract for service they'd use anyways. The phone would only become bad ESN if you reported it lost/stolen. (Also maybe if you later defaulted on the contract, but I'm not sure on that.)
Are you sure it was MDK? More likely to be MI1 or MK2. I suppose it would be possible, but probably very unlikely.
Thanks to Surge1223 and k1mu, you can have root even on the newest OTA (so far). Verizon updates do suck though - it looks pretty clear that they held back the S4's kitkat update for a long time just so that they could advertise the S5 as having newer software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem Solved. (at least for me anyway) i was able to trade in my phone at verizon and i exchanged it for a HTC one M8... that i rooted within the first 2 hours of getting it.. lol. Anyway, if any Moderator or admin wants to delete this post, they can

Related

Retail Buy: Dev Edition vs VZW Direct?

I'm buying a phone for the wife to replace an aging and dying Droid X. Will be purchasing at full retail to keep my current Nationwide 450 with Unlimited Data plan.
Having trouble deciding whether to purchase the 16GB Developer Edition from Samsung ($650) or purchase the 32GB from Verizon for only $50 more ($700). Also, since this is off contract, is it even worthwhile to consider purchasing the 16GB from Verizon for the warranty?
I'm going to want to tether so I suppose I'll need root access. Wife has not yet needed a SD card but with the limited storage on the 16GB I'm going to have to install one. With 32GB I don't think I'll need to purchase a memory card.
I would appreciate your opinions! What's the best investment when purchasing at full retail?
If I were you I would go with the dev edition. The only compelling reason to buy from VZW would be if you 'must have' their insurance. If you buy from Samsung, you can still get Square Trade and save yourself a bunch of money in the long run. The main difference is Verizon covers loss/theft.
Anyway, in practice there won't be a whole lot of difference unless the Verizon version gets locked down with an OTA at some point.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
I would go with the 32gb from Verizon. You don't need to root to tether there are apps that can tether without root. And if something is wrong then Verizon will replace the phone faster then Samsung
Sent from my VZW Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
eakeller said:
If I were you I would go with the dev edition. The only compelling reason to buy from VZW would be if you 'must have' their insurance. If you buy from Samsung, you can still get Square Trade and save yourself a bunch of money in the long run. The main difference is Verizon covers loss/theft.
Anyway, in practice there won't be a whole lot of difference unless the Verizon version gets locked down with an OTA at some point.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seconded.
Any difference in resale value down the line?
eakeller said:
If I were you I would go with the dev edition. The only compelling reason to buy from VZW would be if you 'must have' their insurance. If you buy from Samsung, you can still get Square Trade and save yourself a bunch of money in the long run. The main difference is Verizon covers loss/theft.
Anyway, in practice there won't be a whole lot of difference unless the Verizon version gets locked down with an OTA at some point.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Initially, I would agree, However, I have started a thread with some questions concerning the Dev Edition, but no one has responded so am now hesitant..and am surprised by lack of advice and communication A few of us have questions.
markwebb said:
Initially, I would agree, However, I have started a thread with some questions concerning the Dev Edition, but no one has responded so am now hesitant..and am surprised by lack of advice and communication A few of us have questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Dev edition just went on sale, so even if people have gotten their units there can't be much experience to draw from yet. That is also something to consider, there will be very few people with the dev edition compared to the Verizon version. If that concerns you, then it could be the deciding factor for you.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
eakeller said:
The Dev edition just went on sale, so even if people have gotten their units there can't be much experience to draw from yet. That is also something to consider, there will be very few people with the dev edition compared to the Verizon version. If that concerns you, then it could be the deciding factor for you.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood! I just got my Dev Edition today and root failed based on that method posted. I only ran Motochopper and though it said it was successful and installed SuperSu, it could not install binary.
There must be another method.
Now, if I did the full method by exchanging the kernels, wouldn't that really give me a locked bootloader instead of the unlocked bootloader?
Any and all advice is appreciated.
My phone states:
Kernel Version: 3.4.0-562219 dated May 15th
Build Number: JDQ439.I545OYUAMDK
Baseband: I545OYUAMDK
Google Wallet
Does the developer edition have Google Wallet enabled?
I can tell you how to upgrade a line and keep unlimited data. I just got the S4 on VZW and still have unlimited data.
I'd get the dev edition as you could still install tw roms. Theres no sense not to get the dev if paying full price.
xxxstar said:
Does the developer edition have Google Wallet enabled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can hack your VZW to get it I have it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

moto photon replacement?

was just wondering, i ran my phone over the other day, seeming to be having several issues.. sprint wants 100 to replace even thought they buy em from ya for 40.00
anyways friend has one for 25 bucks, is there a way to flash it instead of taking it to sprint. iknow the replacement is stock not worried about root, its nice i also know that unless 2.3,4 you cant unlock the bootloader and all pertaining that
flashed a few other phones but want to be sure before i make a 2 year decision lol.
thanX in advance.
barelynotlegal said:
was just wondering, i ran my phone over the other day, seeming to be having several issues.. sprint wants 100 to replace even thought they buy em from ya for 40.00
anyways friend has one for 25 bucks, is there a way to flash it instead of taking it to sprint. iknow the replacement is stock not worried about root, its nice i also know that unless 2.3,4 you cant unlock the bootloader and all pertaining that
flashed a few other phones but want to be sure before i make a 2 year decision lol.
thanX in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean like is there a way to not pay the activation fee?
If you just want to activate it and it is a Sprint phone with a clean esn, you can do that from the website. I bought a used phone from swappa and activated it without taking it in.
barelynotlegal said:
was just wondering, i ran my phone over the other day, seeming to be having several issues.. sprint wants 100 to replace even thought they buy em from ya for 40.00
anyways friend has one for 25 bucks, is there a way to flash it instead of taking it to sprint. iknow the replacement is stock not worried about root, its nice i also know that unless 2.3,4 you cant unlock the bootloader and all pertaining that
flashed a few other phones but want to be sure before i make a 2 year decision lol.
thanX in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your friend just kept it stock the whole time, chances are that it is 2.3.5 which means you cannot flash to CM 10.1. But either way you need to contact Sprint so that they can update the MEID of your friends device to be tied to your account. You can do this over the phone but to me the bigger concern is whether you can flash it or not. At this point, the Photon 4G is at end of life support. Personally I am so sick of Gingerbread and I can't wait until my LG G2 comes hopefully by the end of this week or early next week so I can get some triband LTE and ditch Wimax forever.
Are you asking if you can use it with some other provider? If that's the question, the answer is yes by flashing the Japanese (KDDI) radio it will unlock the GSM capability then it can be used with AT&T/T-Mobile/etc, any carrier that uses a SIM card. No need to keep using Sprint with the Photon, basically, there are options available.
As for using something newer like Jelly Bean or even Kit Kat, I doubt we'll see any more development than has already been done over the past 2+ years now. The Photon is a nice device for its time but, it's long past its prime. If you can get another one for $25 I'd say go for it since you already know the limitations of owning one as long as the replacement one is in good condition, etc.
If you like the Photon, stick with it, if not spend the money towards something more current.
br0adband said:
As for using something newer like Jelly Bean or even Kit Kat, I doubt we'll see any more development than has already been done over the past 2+ years now. The Photon is a nice device for its time but, it's long past its prime. If you can get another one for $25 I'd say go for it since you already know the limitations of owning one as long as the replacement one is in good condition, etc..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Th3Bill is back and is gonna try to get 4.3 and 4.4 working on our Photons. So it's not quite dead yet!
Yah, I know, and it's capable to a degree especially Kit Kat which should run well on lower spec devices. Thing is, people need to realize when Google says "lower spec devices" they mean BRAND NEW lower spec devices which are way more powerful than lower spec devices that are 2+ years old so...
While the Photon certainly has some life left in it, the (still) locked bootloader for most people is still going to be too problematic to do anything serious with the device unfortunately. I just had a chance to get one in great shape earlier for $50 and passed on it, I'm not interested in doing this whole older hardware thing anymore.
I had a Galaxy S4 Active recently and ended up selling it, it's the best smartphone I've ever owned (of over 40 in the past decade or so) and now I'm missing it something fierce.
out of curiosity since the photon has been gone for a while and not produced. if i was to do the insurance replacement for $100 what phone would i get back?
would they send me a used/refurbed photon back? or upgrade me to a different phone?
I've heard of people doing insurance claims and they get a choice of phones to pick from (not a top of the line though).
What would you suggest i say at the sprint store to find out if theres a different phone option?

Back to 4.4.4

Hey, I'm looking to trade in my Z3v next month and I would like to return it to it's stock, unrooted condition.
I've searched the forum but can't really find a clear, concise step by step guide. I have a few questions for anyone willing to push me along the correct path.
1. I downloaded D6708_23.0.E.0.376_VER.ftf from firmwaremobile.com/262-z3-v which according to a post here is the factory 4.4.4.
2. I should use Flashtool to do this and flash via a PC, correct?
Also, I have read where people have had problems trying using the latest Flashtool. I have D/Led ver. 2.5.14. According to a couple of posts I should use Flashtool ver. 19.18.6 (an older version), if this is correct could someone provide a link to the old version I haven't been able to locate one anywhere.
Komet1 said:
Hey, I'm looking to trade in my Z3v next month and I would like to return it to it's stock, unrooted condition.
I've searched the forum but can't really find a clear, concise step by step guide. I have a few questions for anyone willing to push me along the correct path.
1. I downloaded D6708_23.0.E.0.376_VER.ftf from firmwaremobile.com/262-z3-v which according to a post here is the factory 4.4.4.
2. I should use Flashtool to do this and flash via a PC, correct?
Also, I have read where people have had problems trying using the latest Flashtool. I have D/Led ver. 2.5.14. According to a couple of posts I should use Flashtool ver. 19.18.6 (an older version), if this is correct could someone provide a link to the old version I haven't been able to locate one anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not have it up to 5.1.1? Rooted even? Value is much higher with the best software installed that's already rooted and all so you can charge more for the extra commodities.
GigaSPX said:
Why not have it up to 5.1.1? Rooted even? Value is much higher with the best software installed that's already rooted and all so you can charge more for the extra commodities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trading it in at my local Verizon store. I'm not sure they will accept it as a trade-in if it has been rooted and ROMed.
Komet1 said:
I'm trading it in at my local Verizon store. I'm not sure they will accept it as a trade-in if it has been rooted and ROMed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For how much value? Iirc, they only give $63 which is really undervalued for the kind of exclusive Xperia to be used here in the States.
And you really could just put it on 5.1.1 since it is the official Lollipop released by Verizon themselves.
GigaSPX said:
For how much value? Iirc, they only give $63 which is really undervalued for the kind of exclusive Xperia to be used here in the States.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the 1 year early trade-in program here in the U.S. and intend to purchase either a Samsung G7 or an LG G5 (the module feature in the G5 is really interesting). This phone is currently under the old plan and access to the Verizon network is costing me $40 US a month. Under the new plan phone access is $20 a month, plus the $28/month to purchase the phone so I will only be paying $8 a month more. It's a bit more money but I have my entire family on my plan (5 smartphones) and the monthly bill runs about $280 a month. 8 dollars extra won't be noticed.
GigaSPX said:
And you really could just put it on 5.1.1 since it is the official Lollipop released by Verizon themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is an option as well. I rooted with Kingroot, removed it and now have SuperSU and NDR Utils installed. Could I kill root just by removing SuperSU?
Komet1 said:
I am using the 1 year early trade-in program here in the U.S. and intend to purchase either a Samsung G7 or an LG G5 (the module feature in the G5 is really interesting). This phone is currently under the old plan and access to the Verizon network is costing me $40 US a month. Under the new plan phone access is $20 a month, plus the $28/month to purchase the phone so I will only be paying $8 a month more. It's a bit more money but I have my entire family on my plan (5 smartphones) and the monthly bill runs about $280 a month. 8 dollars extra won't be noticed.
That is an option as well. I rooted with Kingroot, removed it and now have SuperSU and NDR Utils installed. Could I kill root just by removing SuperSU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$280 a month with 5 smartphone lines? I have 4 smartphone lines and 1 tablet line, and it's amounting to that cost with some discounts I'm trying to take advantage of. This is my issue with Verizon, being this expensive. >:|
And you can go into SuperSU and go into settings to do Full Unroot.
GigaSPX said:
$280 a month with 5 smartphone lines? I have 4 smartphone lines and 1 tablet line, and it's amounting to that cost with some discounts I'm trying to take advantage of. This is my issue with Verizon, being this expensive. >:|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least my stepkids pay for their line access and phones so it's only about $185 out of my pocket but yeah, Verizon and the other telecoms are feasting upon us.
GigaSPX said:
Why not have it up to 5.1.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, I installed 5.1.1. It went very smoothly.

Is rooting going to end?

I love my LG G3. Love that I have it rooted with custom ROM. It is being kept alive because of this. I recently looked into upgrading (I am with Sprint) and looking at newer models of phones, but I am finding that there are no root solutions/ unlocking bootloaders for the newer models. Now I know all the international phones have some way to root them, but I live in the US and use Sprint. Does anyone think that rooting may become a thing of the past? I read that it is getting way more difficult to root. What does everyone else think?
Get a Nexus. I had the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 5 then figured I'd give the LG G3 a try and am disappointed. All I do is end up flashing an AOSP ROM anyway.
Sent from my LG-ls990 using Tapatalk
How do the newer Nexus phones work with Sprint? Are there specific models you need to get to work with Sprint? Does Sprint WiFi calling work with them?
Currently under family contract with Sprint, so keep buying phones under contract since we are paying for it anyway. I think that is going away even for those of us grandfathered in with older contracts. I will definitely consider Nexus to replace my G3 if I can't get cheap G5 or HTC 10 when I go in.
Best Buy has the G5 for $1 with a 2-year extension. Sale ended, disregard. The same drama surrounding root and BL unlock as we went through with the G3 launch is currently playing out again with people offering bounties and getting in fights and taking their balls and going home. Gave me a lot of bad flashbacks. There are partial methods that have been released and then recalled, for valid reasons, but there are lots of jerks that are trying to bait the devs into releasing something... It's a clusterjam.
The HTC 10 is already BL unlocked via Sunshine (paid app) and if it wasn't $200 I'd already have one. If the G5 gets rooted and I can still get it for $1 I'll go that way. Now that it's back up to $149 I see no benefit to the G5. I got one for my wife and it's nice but if there's no public root method by the time I'm shopping I won't give it a second glance. I know this is off-topic, so sorry.
Rooting is a whole new game now with MM and the encryption on different partitions, and phone makers are less likely to make easy BL unlocks now that Android Pay is a thing.
So, rooting is not necessarily ending, but custom ROMs and recoveries (requires BL unlock) are more likely to fall by the wayside. Time will tell. It's a tenuous game with devs on edge, lay users demanding immediate results, and tempers and egos running hot on all sides. Maybe Pangu will open an Android division and shift the conversation.
SilverZero said:
Best Buy has the G5 for $1 with a 2-year extension. Sale ended, disregard. The same drama surrounding root and BL unlock as we went through with the G3 launch is currently playing out again with people offering bounties and getting in fights and taking their balls and going home. Gave me a lot of bad flashbacks. There are partial methods that have been released and then recalled, for valid reasons, but there are lots of jerks that are trying to bait the devs into releasing something... It's a clusterjam.
The HTC 10 is already BL unlocked via Sunshine (paid app) and if it wasn't $200 I'd already have one. If the G5 gets rooted and I can still get it for $1 I'll go that way. Now that it's back up to $149 I see no benefit to the G5. I got one for my wife and it's nice but if there's no public root method by the time I'm shopping I won't give it a second glance. I know this is off-topic, so sorry.
Rooting is a whole new game now with MM and the encryption on different partitions, and phone makers are less likely to make easy BL unlocks now that Android Pay is a thing.
So, rooting is not necessarily ending, but custom ROMs and recoveries (requires BL unlock) are more likely to fall by the wayside. Time will tell. It's a tenuous game with devs on edge, lay users demanding immediate results, and tempers and egos running hot on all sides. Maybe Pangu will open an Android division and shift the conversation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would the HTC 10 work with sprint?
texasjmzmd said:
Would the HTC 10 work with sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you get a Sprint variant. They're $199 w/ 2-year extension. Hoping a deal pops up sometime to cover low sales like that last one for the G5 did at BB. Unlocked phone should also work.
SilverZero said:
Yes, if you get a Sprint variant. They're $199 w/ 2-year extension. Hoping a deal pops up sometime to cover low sales like that last one for the G5 did at BB. Unlocked phone should also work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been a customer since 1993 with sprint, and I am NOT eligible for the "$199 w/ 2-year extension." Nice....
texasjmzmd said:
I've been a customer since 1993 with sprint, and I am NOT eligible for the "$199 w/ 2-year extension." Nice....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not? I thought that was always an option unless you were not through your last 2-year extension. But I also know they do crazy things with customers, even long-term.
i'm hoping Sprint give Boost better phones .-. till then i'm staying with my G3

Can an Unlocked S9+ Be Flashed to VZW Firmware?

I ordered an unlocked S9+ from Samsung for my wife last night since it was cheaper, and the articles I was reading said it was the way to go as the US carriers were screwing everyone over with their price increases. Unfortunately, I started looking into it more after I bought it, and I'm concerned that I'll regret this. It sounds like things like WiFi calling, video calling, HD voice, Visual Voicemail, etc. don't work on the unlocked version. Additionally, it sounds like updates are even slower than Verizon.
Basically, these are going to be non-starters with my wife. She doesn't care about the VZW bloat and would much rather have those features. Is it possible to flash the unlocked firmware to be VZW stock firmware? I think I saw this done on the S8, but I'm not sure if that was available on release day or if she is going to have to wait months for the VZW stock firmware to be leaked or something. Should I just return this and pay more for the Verizon version, or can I get this to work without pulling my hair out? Thanks for any help!
Probably, but not immediately
I face the same dilemma - I have pre-ordered the unlocked version from Samsung, because it really annoys me to be gouged by VZW, but I would like the VZW features you mention. As you say, the GS8/GS8+ unlocked could be flashed to the VZW firmware, so I expect that it will also be possible to flash the VZW firmware to unlocked GS9/GS9+. The catch is that that's not likely to be day 1. And if you do it later, it will probably be a hassle, because you may lose settings, etc. I.e. your wife will not be happy.
Frankly, for the $90 difference, it's probably not worth the hassle. If you value your time more than burger-flipping hourly pay, you'll probably do better holding your nose and paying the VZW gouge. Of course, you could just be patient and wait a couple of months for the price to come down/BOGO deals to emerge, etc. and/or the VZW firmware to be available to flash, but that's un-American - we want gratification NOW, dammit!
While I didn't get the unlocked one I did save money by getting in on the Best Buy deal for $100 off the phone! Verizon at the time was listed at $915 on the site, got $100 off so $815 out the door Beat Samsung's price from the get go... awesome. Verizon version of the 9+.
Same here
firefox15 said:
I ordered an unlocked S9+ from Samsung for my wife last night since it was cheaper, and the articles I was reading said it was the way to go as the US carriers were screwing everyone over with their price increases. Unfortunately, I started looking into it more after I bought it, and I'm concerned that I'll regret this. It sounds like things like WiFi calling, video calling, HD voice, Visual Voicemail, etc. don't work on the unlocked version. Additionally, it sounds like updates are even slower than Verizon.
Basically, these are going to be non-starters with my wife. She doesn't care about the VZW bloat and would much rather have those features. Is it possible to flash the unlocked firmware to be VZW stock firmware? I think I saw this done on the S8, but I'm not sure if that was available on release day or if she is going to have to wait months for the VZW stock firmware to be leaked or something. Should I just return this and pay more for the Verizon version, or can I get this to work without pulling my hair out? Thanks for any help!
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I am having the same issue with my unlocked s9+ i got directly from samsung. besides duo, is there another workaround for video calling?
galaxys9plus said:
I am having the same issue with my unlocked s9+ i got directly from samsung. besides duo, is there another workaround for video calling?
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I believe that people have had success flashing it to VZW if you want to go that route.
Deathman20 said:
While I didn't get the unlocked one I did save money by getting in on the Best Buy deal for $100 off the phone! Verizon at the time was listed at $915 on the site, got $100 off so $815 out the door Beat Samsung's price from the get go... awesome. Verizon version of the 9+.
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Don't forget the upgrade fee though if you did it on device payments
geoff5093 said:
Don't forget the upgrade fee though if you did it on device payments
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Oh yeah lovely upgrade fee/line activation fee. I think its waved on the phone I upgraded, my new line I got nailed with it... wahooo.
Deathman20 said:
Oh yeah lovely upgrade fee/line activation fee. I think its waved on the phone I upgraded, my new line I got nailed with it... wahooo.
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The only way to escape that stupid fee is to buy an unlocked phone and swap SIM from an old phone. They should waive that fee if you buy at full cost from them or if you don't need to have a Verizon employee switch your SIM for you.
firefox15 said:
I ordered an unlocked S9+ from Samsung for my wife last night since it was cheaper, and the articles I was reading said it was the way to go as the US carriers were screwing everyone over with their price increases. Unfortunately, I started looking into it more after I bought it, and I'm concerned that I'll regret this. It sounds like things like WiFi calling, video calling, HD voice, Visual Voicemail, etc. don't work on the unlocked version. Additionally, it sounds like updates are even slower than Verizon.
Basically, these are going to be non-starters with my wife. She doesn't care about the VZW bloat and would much rather have those features. Is it possible to flash the unlocked firmware to be VZW stock firmware? I think I saw this done on the S8, but I'm not sure if that was available on release day or if she is going to have to wait months for the VZW stock firmware to be leaked or something. Should I just return this and pay more for the Verizon version, or can I get this to work without pulling my hair out? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firefox15 said:
I believe that people have had success flashing it to VZW if you want to go that route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing for the most part has been only partially successful. Most can not get Video Calling to work all other features seem to work. 1 guy in the these forums claims everything works on his. I haven't been sucessful with getting the integrated Video Calling to work, My account blocks it and won't let me unblock it for the Galaxy S9 my other lines with carrier phones the don't have blocks when I switch SIMS the block switches to whichever line the Galaxy S9 is on.
I would say this, save yourself the hassle and keep the wife happy, buy the VZW version from Samsung Directly. If you buy it outright just make sure VZW releases your IMEI since the phone is paid off. Then if you want to leave VZW or sell the phone everything is good to go and your not handing the money directly to those greedy blood suckers at VZW. For myself I'm willing to go without their features, besides the service I won't buy anything from them anymore I last bought a phone through them 4 years ago, and now that Tmob has got real 4G I'm gonna port my number out.

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