Hi all,
From the list of latest 5.0.2 firmwares on Sammobile which would be the best European firmware to flash my phone with? Preferably one without and carrier bloatware.
I'm currently on the latest UK BTU firmware but the battery life is shockingly bad.
Thanks.
My personal experience after testing lollipop is that any 5.0.2 version consumes more battery than any version of kitkat. Are you considering going back to kitkat along with a factory reset? Think of it.
Due to the security changes You cannot toggle mobile data (from widget, tasker, llama, power toggles) without rooting Your phone in 5.x.x. - because of that I decided to go back to Kitkat from Lollipop....funny, but true.
I don't want to go back to KitKat as I see this as a backward step really. All I want is a stable phone with good battery life (I know that's difficult on the Alpha though )
I was using 5.x.x for 2 months, it was stable just like KitKat. Battery life was worse, but I had mobile date enabled almost all the time, so can't really compare 1:1. For me, fact that You have to root phone just for ability to enable/disable mobile data from Tasker/Llama etc. was big backward step. I hope, that we will get Mashmallow soon (new permission system), but applications have to be updated to the newest Android SDK to work as described.
Related
I am fairly new to the whole ROM thing on this device. I have experience with older phones and am just getting back into this recently. That being said...
Current state is: Bootloader unlocked, currently running stock 4.4.4, Sense 6.0, Kernel 3.4.0-g931e842, Build 3.42.502.1 CL441323; ROM applied via RUU. (RUU_M8_[email protected]41216A_40.34.C35006.02_F_release_407726_signed_2)
Bottom line is that since I have attempted to root and flash ROMs I have had issues with making and/or receiving calls, or no SIM recognized at all, requiring S-off/firmware upgrades, etc.
I am looking for a stable build ROM which is compatible with the 4.4.4 firmware on my device which can be applied without obtaining s-off. Main goal is to be able to personalize the UI and to run a faster, debloated ROM.
Tried first using Renovate 5.0... could not receive calls on that one.
Removed. back to stock.
Next I found a Lollipop 5.0.1 ROM (HTC_One_M8_Lollipop_5.0.1LRX22C) which did not appear to require firmware updates... seemed to work great... except that I could not receive calls...
Removed... back to stock.
Next, I used ViperOneM8 and really liked it, but had to abandon once I was told by people that they were still getting sent straight to voice mail.
I did get some calls, so I tested having some people call me and it seemed fine... well turned out that during those tests I was on the 3G network... Once again, troubleshot down to the fact that anytime I was on 4G network I could not receive calls. Having had no way to change my network selection in this ROM (error was displayed when I attempted this). Contacted their support to confirm my issue. They are aware, no resolution available.
Removed... back to stock.
So my question is, are there any options OTHER THAN paying $25 to use Sunshine to get S-off, upgrade firmware? I am not a developer and I love my M8. I know there are people here who know exactly what I need and understand what I am looking for. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
GA_Android said:
Next I found a Lollipop 5.0.1 ROM (HTC_One_M8_Lollipop_5.0.1LRX22C) which did not appear to require firmware updates... seemed to work great... except that I could not receive calls...
Removed... back to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't tell what ROM your are talking about based on that description. Possibly GPE stock rooted?
What I can tell you, is that most any Lollipop Sense ROM will have issues when used alongside 4.4.4 firmware.
Sense 4.4.4 ROMs will play well with your firmware, as will a number of 4.4.4 and 5.0 GPE and AOSP ROMs (that specifically state they support 4.4.4 firmware). However, when it comes to AT&T, there is more at play then whether the ROM corresponds to the firmware. That other complication is that AT&T does some annoyingly unique things with their network. In the past, this has included changes to build.prop and even the signal icons, which sometimes caused "international" custom ROMs to have some issues. And now you see that their HD Voice (Voice over LTE) is messing with some custom ROMs. As the other thread you posted in mentioned "blame AT&T".
Running an AT&T base 4.4.4 ROM is your best bet for trouble-free use on AT&T's network. WNC's ROM might fit the bill for what you want (debloated) and is often where I send folks that want a bug-free experience on AT&T (while retaining some AT&T specific features). The 3.28 version ROM is what you should try: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/development/att-4-4-3-2-22-1540-3-debloated-sense-6-t2837365
There are other ROMs that might work for you. But the above is my suggestion, at least as a start.
redpoint73 said:
I can't tell what ROM your are talking about based on that description. Possibly GPE stock rooted?
What I can tell you, is that most any Lollipop Sense ROM will have issues when used alongside 4.4.4 firmware.
Sense 4.4.4 ROMs will play well with your firmware, as will a number of 4.4.4 and 5.0 GPE and AOSP ROMs (that specifically state they support 4.4.4 firmware). However, when it comes to AT&T, there is more at play then whether the ROM corresponds to the firmware. That other complication is that AT&T does some annoyingly unique things with their network. In the past, this has included changes to build.prop and even the signal icons, which sometimes caused "international" custom ROMs to have some issues. And now you see that their HD Voice (Voice over LTE) is messing with some custom ROMs. As the other thread you posted in mentioned "blame AT&T".
Running an AT&T base 4.4.4 ROM is your best bet for trouble-free use on AT&T's network. WNC's ROM might fit the bill for what you want (debloated) and is often where I send folks that want a bug-free experience on AT&T (while retaining some AT&T specific features). The 3.28 version ROM is what you should try: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/development/att-4-4-3-2-22-1540-3-debloated-sense-6-t2837365
There are other ROMs that might work for you. But the above is my suggestion, at least as a start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. It is a GPE stock rooted Lollipop ROM. It works just fine as long as I have 3G selected as my network, but it is just not as much flash as I wanted.
I am going to give the one you sited here a look and maybe give it a try. I appreciate your taking the time to reply. It was helpful and informative.
Erring on the Side of Caution
I'm in a similar quandry as the OP. I have lots of experience flashing ROMS on my older phones but trying to keep up with all the changes since getting my M8 has me confused.
Here's my current setup. I'm running Skydragon after trying the last 4.4 milestone of Liquidsmooth. I like both, but am interested in keeping up with the Lollipop guild.
I have Sunshine installed but when I ran it I found out I need to remove or disable Xposed Installer to continue. I'll deal with that by disabling it.
UPDATE: Well, that didn't work. Xposed was installed with the ROM and there's no option to uninstall it.
My biggest concern is updating the firmware. From my bootloader info, I'm assuming that I'm way behind on the latest firmware, but after reading so many threads about updating, my head is swimming.
If I need to update, I just want to make sure that I don't brick my phone.
CanuckinPA said:
I have Sunshine installed but when I ran it I found out I need to remove or disable Xposed Installer to continue. I'll deal with that by disabling it.
UPDATE: Well, that didn't work. Xposed was installed with the ROM and there's no option to uninstall it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return to stock ROM and stock recovery, for optimal configuration for sunshine to work. RUU is probably the easiest way to get back to stock. Backup your personal data, than relock bootloader to run RUU.
CanuckinPA said:
My biggest concern is updating the firmware. From my bootloader info, I'm assuming that I'm way behind on the latest firmware, but after reading so many threads about updating, my head is swimming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, based on your hboot number, your firmware is about as old as it gets (Android 4.4.2).
You can RUU to 4.4.4 firmware without s-off; and Lollipop Skydragon GPE should work fine with 4.4.4 firmware.
You can of course still s-off and update to Lollipop firmware. But you need to use some other firmware besides AT&T (such as Dev Edition, Euro, etc.), since they haven't released a Lollipop update (and therefore no firmware).
So I got a new galaxy alpha (850F) which is an amazing phone by the way but i have a few questions
1) I noticed that sometimes the signal drops to 0 bars for a few seconds then comes back again, is that normal because of the metal frame or what ?
2)How much does the battery take to charge ?
3) I am still on Kitkat 4.4.4 and the lollipop OTA hasn't arrived where I live yet (I don't think it's coming anytime soon) so what's the best course of action, should I stay on kitkat ? Which official rom can I flash using ODIN ? Is there a toolkit for rooting and installing a custom recovery ?
If there are tutorials for these things I'll be thankful.
Hi Mazika2,
1) I have no idea and never experienced what you describe
2) For me battery charging takes about 1h - 1 1/2h with original charging plug (over USB on PC it takes much longer)
3) You can flash any 5.0.2 ROM via Odin.
Root 4.4.4: You can take Kingroot for example, Knox will not be tripped.
Root 5.0.2: http://www.skyneel.com/2014/09/root-samsung-galaxy-alpha-sm-g850f-by-simple-tutorial.html . Knox will be tripped.
Custom recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-alpha/orig-development/recovery-twrp-2-8-clockworkmod-recovery-t2923587
Is there anything to reset knox like triangle away ?
I read a few threads about flashing stock firmware, what are modems and hidden.img ?
Which is better in terms of stability , battery, etc... kitkat or lollipop ?
And finally let's say I want to upgrade to stock lollipop using ODIN what are the steps to follow ?
sorry if these questions sound nooby .
Mazika2 said:
So I got a new galaxy alpha (850F) which is an amazing phone by the way but i have a few questions
1) I noticed that sometimes the signal drops to 0 bars for a few seconds then comes back again, is that normal because of the metal frame or what ?
2)How much does the battery take to charge ?
3) I am still on Kitkat 4.4.4 and the lollipop OTA hasn't arrived where I live yet (I don't think it's coming anytime soon) so what's the best course of action, should I stay on kitkat ? Which official rom can I flash using ODIN ? Is there a toolkit for rooting and installing a custom recovery ?
If there are tutorials for these things I'll be thankful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Issues were noticed on this subject, mainly with 4G network. I changed to 3G and I hadn't more missed calls. I think the problem is more related to inconstant network signal than to the phone itself.
2. With the original adapter is really fast comparing with my old device. I never counted but something like one hour or less.
3. There are people who prefers Kitkat over Lollipop due to better responsiveness. Mine came already with Lollipop so I haven't comparison. For now, I don't have the need to root with custom rom's, the Alpha is superb as it is (except for the annoying touch screen issue...)
Flash
Can I flash a SM G850F firmware on a SMG850M?
Mazika2 said:
Is there anything to reset knox like triangle away ?
I read a few threads about flashing stock firmware, what are modems and hidden.img ?
Which is better in terms of stability , battery, etc... kitkat or lollipop ?
And finally let's say I want to upgrade to stock lollipop using ODIN what are the steps to follow ?
sorry if these questions sound nooby .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox can't be resetted once it is tripped! Keep that in mind. In terms of stability and battery I would say they are the same. It depends mainly on your daily usage of the phone.
Steps to follow upgrading your firmware with odin can be found here: http://www.pocketpc.ch/samsung-galaxy-s6-s6-edge-root-und-rom/226170-anleitung-flashen-firmware-odin-samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-sm-g920f-g925f.html
danieldp1990 said:
Can I flash a SM G850F firmware on a SMG850M?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's complicated, for two reasons I know of, probably more.
1) I'm not sure the chipsets in the F and the M are the same. I know, for example, that the A is Snapdragon and the M is Exynos. I think the F is Exynos, too, but I'm not positive. You'd need the same chipsets for it to work.
2) It's likely the F and the M have different modems, so if you flash F firmware on an M, you may end up corrupting your EFS folder and blacklisting your phone's IMEI on your carrier. You'd need to find out exactly what frequencies the F supports and make sure the M supports them, too. I've read there is a way around this by somehow re-loading two modem files from your phone's original firmware after installing the other phone's firmware, but I've not found step-by-step instructions that are simple enough for me to understand.
Even if those two issues are resolved, it's still dicey. I really want to find SM-G850T firmware and flash it to my SM-G850M, so we are in a similar boat. I can't even find someone who owns a SM-G850T, let alone the firmware. (I did find a question posted on another Site by an individual who said they own a SM-G850T. Unfortunately, half a dozen emails to this individual have remained unanswered.
so here is what I'm planning on doing
1) while on kitkat I'll root with kingroot without tripping knox to backup the EFS folder
2)flash official 5.0.2 using odin
3) try lollipop then decide whether to stay on it or downgrade to kitkat
I just want to know some things before doing the steps above:
1) what are modems and hidden.img in official firmwares ?
2)after rooting on kitkat, can i flash lollipop directly or do i have to flash official kitkat firmware to unroot then upgrade to kitkat ?
I don't know the answers to your questions: I'm even noobier than you!
I do know that when my SM-G850M upgraded to Lollipop, I HATED it. It ran slower and was choppy in the display animations, it cut battery life by at least a third (with no change in anything after wiping the cache), and I especially hated the new color scheme. So, I went back to KitKat. Had to do a Factory Reset to get the phone out of bootloop, but it was fine after that. EXCEPT, the Lollipop downloader reminder stayed on there and I was not able to stop the app or clear the data (those options in the Application Manager were grayed out. So, I flashed the SM-G850M with KitKat firmware from the Dominican Republic (Orange). I read somewhere that Orange was not planning on releasing Lollipop for their Alpha, so I figured this firmware would be Lollipop Downloader Reminder-Free. So far, so good.
First I'd describe myself as a PC power user, but android Noob, I have no issues with actually doing things, and find the instructions provided, are all I need
My only previous android knowledge was Rooting and installing Custom ROM on a standard S3 Mini.
That allowed me full control, to remove 95% of the apps, (unwanted by me). It was a very easy process and I was happy with all, except screen size.
I'm a PC user, on my high end system 12 to 16 hours a day and know how that environment works, mobile has no great appeal for me. I simply want phone and browser, and apart from a few utilities and a basic notepad, need very little else.
I only use my mobile to read/write on forums like this, mostly concerned with modding PC Games, that's what eats all those hours on PC.
I'm not the typical mobile user, I just want full control of any device I use.
I bought a second hand S5 advertised as Stock and unlocked, which turned out locked to Vodafone, so I demanded it was unlocked. That wasn't possible, (sure it was, but at what price?).
I wasn't paying more for it, than the original price and was offered a brand new unlocked model, but it would be a contract phone unlocked. That for the price of the second hand model, seemed OK.
Then I find it's a T-Mobile and not the standard S5, which makes this process a lot more complicated. I've successfully Rooted the phone, but it's a stock ROM, now I'm looking for a Custom ROM, to allow me full control of the device.
All the T-Mobile/Google/Samsung Bloatware (95% of stock) is still there and uninstallable. A few other strange issues are present. Like Titanium Backup cant Write to my External SD, yet it's writable, FileManagerHD works fine.
So I want a basic custom ROM that gives me full control, I don't need to ask these basic questions on PC, I simply RTFM, but I'm unused to fighting for full control, I didn't even know that custom provider hardware was an issue, before this happened, I need some pointers as to where to look.
Any restrictions that I can't change, pretty basic stuff, but knowing what applies to the model i have, isn't so apparent, and I'm not 100% sure I even know all the specs to check, a link to where to find out is all I need, I can then RTFM and get on with making this device do what I want
The details I know make a difference are these
Current SIM = GiffGaff PAYG (Basic with no mobile data allowed, I will not even enter the required details)
Android version = 5.1.1
Baseband version = G900TUVU1FOG6
Root and StockROM = [ROOT/KERNEL] Root Method for FOG6 / 5.1.1 by ShinySide
Warranty and KNOX already voided, I don't care.
Thanks for reading to here, Let me know if more specs are required.
@Uhuru N'Uru I would highly recommend CyanogenMod 13, specifically, this version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...t/4-4-4-cm11-rom-temaseks-unofficial-t2907450
In case you're confused by all the different S5 variants and development codenames, this device is klte
I just flashed Cyanogenmod 13 a couple days ago on my T-Mobile S5, and I am thrilled with it, so far it is working perfectly after 2 days of very heavy use and I have not found anything wrong with it. I have free wifi tethering now!
I downloaded it from here but I went with the latest tested release (cm-13.0-20151227-UNOFFICIAL-klte.zip), instead of a nightly build:
forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/unified-development/rom-cyanogenmod-13-0-android-6-0-t3237502
I'm not sure how it is different from the Temasek MM versions... Can someone explain whats the difference?
I spent hours deciding whether to stay with a custom 5.1.1 Lolipop or upgrade to 6.0.1 Marshmallow. I'm extremely happy with MM. My phone is awesome now, I had some bad lagging problems and was annoyed with all of the bloatware on the stock firmware.
Oh yeah and I have FOL1 baseband version. No idea what that means...
jkq1996 said:
I just flashed Cyanogenmod 13 a couple days ago on my T-Mobile S5, and I am thrilled with it, so far it is working perfectly after 2 days of very heavy use and I have not found anything wrong with it. I have free wifi tethering now!
I downloaded it from here but I went with the latest tested release (cm-13.0-20151227-UNOFFICIAL-klte.zip), instead of a nightly build:
forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/unified-development/rom-cyanogenmod-13-0-android-6-0-t3237502
I'm not sure how it is different from the Temasek MM versions... Can someone explain whats the difference?
I spent hours deciding whether to stay with a custom 5.1.1 Lolipop or upgrade to 6.0.1 Marshmallow. I'm extremely happy with MM. My phone is awesome now, I had some bad lagging problems and was annoyed with all of the bloatware on the stock firmware.
Oh yeah and I have FOL1 baseband version. No idea what that means...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Temasek version has more options (mostly but not all theming) in system settings (I also think it has better battery life but that could be me). FOL1 baseband just means you have the most recent modem and bootloader installed on your phone, it's a good thing
Ok actually after more days of heavy use, I have found a couple of things that aren't working right in CM13. GPS doesn't work correctly in Google Maps, and I can't get text suggestions to work (predicting the next word I will type). I guess I should start reading the 6920 posts in the CM13 thread and see if there are fixes...
The only S5 Kitkat ROMs I've found either haven't been updated in over a year, or many users are reporting severe bugs like no camera support, or severe battery drain issues.
I'm just trying to get an app called Winulator running so I can play Starcraft: Broodwar on android, but it isn't working and one user said that is because Lolipop broke it (I'm on 5.1.1 atm). The app is no longer supported so I don't think it will ever run properly on 5.x. If anyone knows of a way to emulate 4.x for just 1 app maybe that would be the best shortcut for me overall here.
Barring that, could someone please recommend a guide to installing a lightweight, power-user-oriented ROM that is 4.x or older and has excellent battery life? I was going to try the official 4.4.4 VanirAOSP release but there are too many reports of poor battery performance in the last 2 pages of that thread for my liking.
I think the first thing I need to do is unlock the bootloader, and I've yet to find a definite answer on the best method of doing this from FOL1 (12/15). It seems I will need Odin on my PC and I have it. I've also started backing up all the data from my phone by manually copying/pasting to my PC.
I guess once everything is finally backed up (it's taking FOREVER, explorer literally been calculating time to copy for 10 minutes now just on the phone/android folder), then I will try and flash the official 4.4.2 VanirAOSP ROM since that one doesn't have any reports of battery issues and possibly only the camera and a few things won't work.
BTW, is there a step specially to unlock the FOL1 bootloader that I am missing, or can I just flash that ROM with Odin straight up? I found a comment stating NOT to flash 5.1.1 with Odin or I'd be stuck on Lollipop until some new bootloader-unlock method comes out. The 5.1.1 I'm running wasn't flashed with odin it was sent OTA and I've never rooted or had custom rom/bootloader, so I should be good on that I guess?
I am actually about to dive into this, if no one has any suggestions for me: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2752995 (don't bother, too many missing major features)
edit: I used this guide and it was quick and painless, highly recommend! http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmo...l/root-how-to-root-sm-g900t-firmware-t3358190
Unfortunately the "sick n twi5ted" rom that I chose to install (only because the 600+ Infinity ROM thread has broken DL links) is a buggy PoS on the g900t so I'm still looking for a decent rom.
So I have upgrade the phone to the official lollipop version as suggested by xordos in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ascend-mate2/general/mt2-l01-t3404063?nocache=1
Unfortunately Huawei made an awful job with this upgrade, there are too many unbearable bugs
Even worse, I do not know how to downgrade it back to kitkat. I've tried flashing the kitkat rom but I got a fail. On the web I've seen many instructions on how to downgrade the MT2-L03 but I cannot find anything regarding my MT2-L01
Any help appreciated, it's now been a few months with this buggy update and this phone is becoming a nightmare... google services don't work, I cannot install any app, sometimes the battery dies overnight and even the alarm is not working anymore...
Be careful, ROMs don't interchange with the different models, i.e. L03 doesn't work for L01.
http://www.emui.com/plugin/hwdownload/detail?modelId=55
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yes I know that... as I wrote I used a MT2-L01 specific ROM for android 5.1 (Update B850), but this system update is horribly buggy. Now the problem is I cannot normally go back just flashing an older date ROM... I get a FAIL screen.