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.
Related
This is really baffling me. This is a 6 month old phone and I can't find it for $350-400. No one in my area has it on Craigslist and eBay prices seem higher than AT&T. AT&T wants $449.99 for it which isn't bad but sales tax will hurt. It's almost frustrating. I'd like a brand new phone or one opened just to root or unlock. Why is this so hard? I still find this to be the most powerful phone on AT&T at the moment.
So you plan to use the phone elsewhere?
Got mine on craigslist for $300.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
votinh said:
So you plan to use the phone elsewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the US and I have AT&T so I don't need an unlocked Version if that's what you meant. My problem is I can't seem to find one in flawless condition or new for a reasonable price. Everyone on CL has a SkyRocket listed which doesn't help.
MattMJB0188 said:
I'm in the US and I have AT&T so I don't need an unlocked Version if that's what you meant. My problem is I can't seem to find one in flawless condition or new for a reasonable price. Everyone on CL has a SkyRocket listed which doesn't help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it but why need spending that much of dollars when you can get it, brand new for $10 at AT&T or 1 cent at Amazon? You're using ATT network anyway, right?
Yes, stuck with them for 2 years, but so what, unless you want to jump carrier.
votinh said:
Got it but why need spending that much of dollars when you can get it, brand new for $10 at AT&T or 1 cent at Amazon? You're using ATT network anyway, right?
Yes, stuck with them for 2 years, but so what, unless you want to jump carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That'd be nice if I had an available upgrade. I upgraded to the iPhone 4s in October.
MattMJB0188 said:
That'd be nice if I had an available upgrade. I upgraded to the iPhone 4s in October.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just add a new line and use an old phone for new line. I bought mine for a dollar. Ya, i pay 10 extra dollars a month but i havevan awesome phone. I can possibly even resell it when my upgrade date arrives
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
MattMJB0188 said:
That'd be nice if I had an available upgrade. I upgraded to the iPhone 4s in October.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood!
How's the 4s hold?
ejraste said:
Just add a new line and use an old phone for new line. I bought mine for a dollar. Ya, i pay 10 extra dollars a month but i havevan awesome phone. I can possibly even resell it when my upgrade date arrives
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you elaborate on this? I have a individual line with 450 mins, unlimited text and data. With taxes this comes to $90/mo. Now would a new line be only $10? Don't you need a voice and data package with that? I don't follow?
ejraste said:
Just add a new line and use an old phone for new line. I bought mine for a dollar. Ya, i pay 10 extra dollars a month but i havevan awesome phone. I can possibly even resell it when my upgrade date arrives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a ridiculous solution. Change from individual to family plan = hassle. Ten MORE dollars per month to AT$T = lame. Having to change phone numbers = hassle.
Looks like this is your best bet. $400 for a new unlocked i777 is pretty dang good.
mattdm said:
That's a ridiculous solution. Change from individual to family plan = hassle. Ten MORE dollars per month to AT$T = lame. Having to change phone numbers = hassle.
Looks like this is your best bet. $400 for a new unlocked i777 is pretty dang good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for not giving more info. I was already on family plan. I did not have to switch numbers as the old cheap phone that was sitting in my house took over the new number. The way it seems by previous posts is i can sell my phone for at least 400 possibly more. I only owe around 210 for the remaining contract for the added line. It might not work out for everyone but it works for me.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
Thanks for finding that on EXPANSYS.com. I've bought from them in the past. Is that the AT&T branded Galaxy S II though? It says unlocked so does that mean it was factory unlocked or someone unlocked it by opening it up? I need an AT&T branded phone.
Why not sell your Iphone to buy gs2 and make a little profit?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
getbuzzin said:
Why not sell your Iphone to buy gs2 and make a little profit?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I like my iPhone. Just bored with it. But definitely want to keep it.
MattMJB0188 said:
Can you elaborate on this? I have a individual line with 450 mins, unlimited text and data. With taxes this comes to $90/mo. Now would a new line be only $10? Don't you need a voice and data package with that? I don't follow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you'd be looking at at least $20 more a month to do that. $59.99 family talk 550. You don't have to change numbers, you can add the line, swap it to your line and take the data off the new line.
You will end up paying $550+ depending on taxes spread out over 2 years so yeah, not the greatest solution for you.
Duffman14 said:
you'd be looking at at least $20 more a month to do that. $59.99 family talk 550. You don't have to change numbers, you can add the line, swap it to your line and take the data off the new line.
You will end up paying $550+ depending on taxes spread out over 2 years so yeah, not the greatest solution for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, its not. But she he/she was just giving me some advice. I'm liking the Expansys option at $399. I am a little concerned if the phone is used since its unlocked, and whether or not it was factory unlocked. I always thought the i777 was the AT&T version and the AT&T version only? Ugh
MattMJB0188 said:
No, its not. But she he/she was just giving me some advice. I'm liking the Expansys option at $399. I am a little concerned if the phone is used since its unlocked, and whether or not it was factory unlocked. I always thought the i777 was the AT&T version and the AT&T version only? Ugh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would contact them before purchasing to find out what method they used for unlocking and if the phone is new. It doesn't say anything about new/used. If they just unlocked it with the subsidy unlock code, all should be well if it is indeed new. If you care about warranty.
If it is unlocked by methods found here, well that can be reversed anyhow. As long as it is new.
Duffman14 said:
I would contact them before purchasing to find out what method they used for unlocking and if the phone is new. It doesn't say anything about new/used. If they just unlocked it with the subsidy unlock code, all should be well if it is indeed new. If you care about warranty.
If it is unlocked by methods found here, well that can be reversed anyhow. As long as it is new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I had purchased an unlocked Nexus from them and just didn't like it. It was the GSM version but brand new. Then again, that came factory unlocked. The AT&T version is specifically for AT&T.
MattMJB0188 said:
Yeah, I had purchased an unlocked Nexus from them and just didn't like it. It was the GSM version but brand new. Then again, that came factory unlocked. The AT&T version is specifically for AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different animal for sure.
MattMJB0188 said:
No, its not. But she he/she was just giving me some advice. I'm liking the Expansys option at $399. I am a little concerned if the phone is used since its unlocked, and whether or not it was factory unlocked. I always thought the i777 was the AT&T version and the AT&T version only? Ugh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure if the model number is I777, it's the AT&T version. That's what it shows in the picture at least; you can see the AT&T logo on it. I'd be willing to be it's new...Expansys is a trustworthy site. Still, it doesn't specifically say that, so you should probably contact them and ask.
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
I bought a black carrier free 4G LTE model from amazon for 89 dollars, scheduled to arrive today. However, I see that Fry's and Best Buy have the phone for almost half the price albeit locked to Verizon.
I'm currently in a great T-Mobile stop-anytime plan. Which phone would be better?
Does the Verizon model have limitations that the unlocked model doesn't have? Am I wasting 40 dollars?
It depends. Do you like too root your phones and install custom roms? The Verizon version can't have its bootloader unblocked and you can't root or install a recovery on it. IMO the ability to install custom roms and have root is worth the price.
I paid the equivalent to 135 USD for mine, was it to much? Retail phone.
Nitefire77 said:
It depends. Do you like too root your phones and install custom roms? The Verizon version can't have its bootloader unblocked and you can't root or install a recovery on it. IMO the ability to install custom roms and have root is worth the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, that's what I gathered from my readings - to be honest, if there isn't a huge difference between the Verizon ROM and the unlocked one, and T-Mobile works on both, then others who don't plan on rooting should probably go for the Verizon one. In my case, I'm probably gonna root, so I guess it worked out.
The VZ one was 49.99 at Best buy, or $25 if you subtract the $25 for the reward certificate. I don't care about the lack of root because I have other devices I use for tinkering. Also the battery with the stock ROM has been great for me, same with LTE speeds on T-Mobile.
Sent from my XT1528
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
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!
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firefox15 said:
I believe that people have had success flashing it to VZW if you want to go that route.
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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.