Q: Freetel Samurai Kiwami (FTU152D). Any current development? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Freetel Samurai Kiwami (FTU152D)
Any current development? Considering buying it. Surprising to me there's no easy way to root & ROMS galore for this. I mean the specs & the build quality are amazing for $95 new.
Thank you.

It's a nice phone but be careful rooting and flashing, make sure backup beforehand. I wrote a few posts a while back on rooting, backing up, and restoring etc. but other than that there is not much development for this phone because the manufacturer never updated beyond lollipop for the US version of this phone. I got close to getting the ftj152d's marshmallow rom working on this phone but just couldn't restore the IMEI info after updating to marshmallow.

Thank you. I did search & read your informative posts.
I decided against & bought a used [mint? we'll see, hasn't shipped] Motorola Nexus 6.
I'll be reading & searching like mad before asking & rooting. That is if it's in mint condition.

Android# said:
It's a nice phone but be careful rooting and flashing, make sure backup beforehand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been reading up on XDA over the last couple of days on this device and appreciate that information also.
I've written directly to Freetel to see if the Marshmallow (6.0) update is obtainable here in the USA, as I doubt it will come over the air, but one was made available.
I decided to ask the following here since it's one of the more recent threads on this device: Has anyone used it with T-Mobile's network in the USA and, if so, are you able to get 4G LTE on the device? Also, is the GPS any good?

I am currently using it with T-Mobile and getting LTE fine. Last week I used this phone with a GPS intensive app, while it worked, it was a bit laggy/delayed, it takes the phone up to a minute sometimes to update its GPS location.
As far as 6.0, I have tried the ROM for Japanese version of this phone, imei info disappears for both sim slots and the US radio bands (such as band 12, needed for T-Mobile also get greyed out, and instead Japanese region bands become enabled with that ROM). I also contacted freetel multiple times but they were not willing to provide a ROM link. I am trying a different approach to try mix a ROM from another phone such as redmi note 2 or 3 to see if it works.

I really appreciate your taking the time to make this response and for being so thorough.
The phone looks great overall, I just hate using an unsupported version of Android and that's why I was hoping that either the 6.0 version from Freetel was available in the US version or that someone might have made a custom mod by now, but it appears not.
With regard to your GPS, have you tried GPS Status & Toolbox to see just what's going on with its ability to get and keep a fix? It's a wonderful utility and gives you scads of detailed information. GPS Test is good, too, and a bit more user friendly in its presentation but not quite as detailed. Both can give you some useful information as to what's happening with the GPS "under the hood".

I am wondering if you had any success with putting together a 6.0 Rom that kept the bands and imei info correct. I wish I knew more about all the software you have talked about in your great help article for people who have tried to flash the ftj152d rom. If there is any way I might help you in your efforts please let me know. I really like this phone and I would like to have more control of it.
Thanks.

Related

[Q] What 2do after unboxing galaxy note ?

Hey all,
I am switching frm BB to android and am quite excited for it. I ordered note for at&t frm amazon.com for 200$$...seems to be a good price.
Now being completely new to the android world and to the world of rooting, flashing, etc. I would appreciate some help or opinions.
After reading various forums and threads, the first things I will do after getting my device is to root it. I will use rootgalaxynote dot com for that.
Next comes upgrading to ICS. This is where I am confused. There are so many versions, how do you guyz figure out which one is the best or the latest. It was soo easy in blackberry, there was a linear numbering system where 7.1 is better than 7.0 and so on. But in adroid, there are sooo many different names like onlyone, noteworthy, cm9, saurom...how to choose one and which one is the latest ?
Next, I have to enable free tethering to my laptop. I had this app on my BB from tether.com, but I don't know which app to use on Note and how to make it work. Any help will be highly appreciated.
Lastly, it would be gr8 if you could let me know what more to do to make my note more useful and efficient with good signal strength and battery life. Also recommendations for the must-have apps would be great.
Thank you.
2bnoted said:
Hey all,
I am switching frm BB to android and am quite excited for it. I ordered note for at&t frm amazon.com for 200$$...seems to be a good price.
Now being completely new to the android world and to the world of rooting, flashing, etc. I would appreciate some help or opinions.
After reading various forums and threads, the first things I will do after getting my device is to root it. I will use rootgalaxynote dot com for that.
Next comes upgrading to ICS. This is where I am confused. There are so many versions, how do you guyz figure out which one is the best or the latest. It was soo easy in blackberry, there was a linear numbering system where 7.1 is better than 7.0 and so on. But in adroid, there are sooo many different names like onlyone, noteworthy, cm9, saurom...how to choose one and which one is the latest ?
Next, I have to enable free tethering to my laptop. I had this app on my BB from tether.com, but I don't know which app to use on Note and how to make it work. Any help will be highly appreciated.
Lastly, it would be gr8 if you could let me know what more to do to make my note more useful and efficient with good signal strength and battery life. Also recommendations for the must-have apps would be great.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off...Welcome.
All of the names you listed are ROMs. They all run on the latest ICS leak 4.0.4. But since you're new to android, Id recommend stock ICS.
The latest ICS leak is called UCLE2. If you want to try it out stock ICS first before flashing roms, you need to download the ICS UCLE2 leaked "tar" file. http://www.ponack.net/designgears/leaks/SGH-I717UCLE2_74A55FA71D15964F9EC9E9489B34DE4E.exe
Be sure to download this file from your computer, not your phone.
I ffound some instructions on how To do it. Make sure you READ it atleast 5 times before actually doing it. ALSO, Be sure to have all the files you need before attempting. If you get confused, search it up on XDA...as most people have already posted it. If not, don't hesitate to ask.
http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...-i-finally-did-sgh-i717ucle2-ics-4-0-4-a.html
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
-iOS = inspiring Outdated Software
i'll just copy/paste this from another thread as it applies here.
jpoirier587 said:
I would have to advise waiting a while.
1. Keep in mind what it means to root a phone. You are giving yourself the highest access and control priveleges on your devise and remaining at that privelage level from here on out. In the IT world this is actually a huge nono for security. Look at what you are downloading. What does the app want for permissions? Why does a live wallpaper need full network access ? Why does it need to be able to keep the phone from sleeping? Malware for android is on the rise but a rooted phone is by far the most vulnerable. With android, the security of our devises rests on us not being brain dead like iFail users. In return we get nearly unlimited potential on what can be ran on our phones.
2. People forget that this is xda DEVELOPERS. If you are expecting a 100% polished and refined product without hickups here and there then you are in the wrong place. Yes the roms are fantastic. We have some real talent working on the galaxy note but don't expect the moon.
3. Don't start trying to root and flash until you are comfortable with the terminology that gets tossed around. If you don't know what CWM stands for then you haven't studied enough. Guides to accomplish flashing and rooting exist but trying to follow along with no concept of what is going on can lead to a lot of frustration if not disaster. If you don't understand why you need to do something, don't do it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know you're eager but enjoy your stock rom for a while. also you may not appreciate the responses you will get asking these most basic of questions. all of them have answers easily available in these subforums either by browsing or the search function. those questions have been answered 1000+ times so dont be suprised when no one jumps to give you the answers. this is xda DEVELOPERS (i.e. advanced users) not Noobs 'r Us. have fun learning as we all did.

Is it just me, or is the development section for this phone a ghost town?

I remember the HTC Evo days. Boy, I spent hours-a-day browsing the development section on XDA to get my flash fix. That carried over with my Samsung Galaxy S2 and then the S3. Now that I'm considering coming back to HTC for a fresher experience, I found myself jaw-dropped at how ghostly the development forums are. I figured this could be a result of the phone being so young; so I went to the GS4 to see if that holds true. Wow... what a difference. Those forums seem busier than hell. And it's only been about a month since it was released as well.
Anyone have any idea why that is? I've been trying to convince myself to get the HTC One. I got over the fact that it lacks a replaceable battery, a MicroSD card, and recently, I got over the fact that the images are just not all that it's hyped up to be. I figured I'd be transitioning to the Moto X Phone when that comes out later in the year, so I might as well put-up with these shortcomings. But not having the development support that I experienced with the earlier HTC devices, and recently with the Samsung devices is just not something I think I can get over.
I am constantly thinking of the word "potential" when referring to this phone. What a shame. HTC had all the tools to flip the market on its feet, but it seems as if they came up short... again.
Check out the non-carrier-specific forum...it's pretty active.
EDIT: HTC didn't come up short, this phone is considered quite a success.
My theory for this specific forum being dead is that T-Mobile's national release of this phone was yesterday (06/05/2013). Before that, it was only available in their "high-volume" locations.
Oh wow. And all of those will work with the Tmo version?
Sent from my badass Samsung Galaxy SIII.
yea all the development is in the international forum. all roms on that forum will work on the tmo htc one and they work very well. i have flashed every sense based rom and most of the aosp roms. definitely not a ghost town over there:good:
Yeah, they should. But as always, continue at your own risk.
akarol said:
Oh wow. And all of those will work with the Tmo version?
Sent from my badass Samsung Galaxy SIII.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes but the 4.2 sense roms havent implemented support for tmo yet they still work as im running trickdroid 7.0 now just no wifi calling yet but the 4.1 versions have wifi calling and most other tmo stuff
akarol said:
I remember the HTC Evo days. Boy, I spent hours-a-day browsing the development section on XDA to get my flash fix. That carried over with my Samsung Galaxy S2 and then the S3. Now that I'm considering coming back to HTC for a fresher experience, I found myself jaw-dropped at how ghostly the development forums are. I figured this could be a result of the phone being so young; so I went to the GS4 to see if that holds true. Wow... what a difference. Those forums seem busier than hell. And it's only been about a month since it was released as well.
Anyone have any idea why that is? I've been trying to convince myself to get the HTC One. I got over the fact that it lacks a replaceable battery, a MicroSD card, and recently, I got over the fact that the images are just not all that it's hyped up to be. I figured I'd be transitioning to the Moto X Phone when that comes out later in the year, so I might as well put-up with these shortcomings. But not having the development support that I experienced with the earlier HTC devices, and recently with the Samsung devices is just not something I think I can get over.
I am constantly thinking of the word "potential" when referring to this phone. What a shame. HTC had all the tools to flip the market on its feet, but it seems as if they came up short... again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you've noticed by now, there's plenty of developer support for the HTC One. It's all just confined to the general HTC One forums, which makes sense, as the various roms can be used on the AT&T, T-Mobile, and international HTC One's. Most developers don't want to have to maintain 3 or more separate threads for the same thing.
As was pointed out though, if you're looking for T-Mobile wifi calling compatibility, be careful about the ROMs you flash. Since the 4.2.2 OTA for T-Mobile isn't out yet, no 4.2.2 ROM is going to support it. I'd suggest Android Revolution 9.4, or a similar 4.1.2 ROM if WIFI calling is essential to you.
Also, since a Google edition of the phone is going to be coming out in the near future, developer support is likely going to expand even further.
So I think it's safe to say you can put your fears to rest and buy an HTC One. I don't think you'll regret it.
Yea I've been hanging out in the International One forums as almost all their ROMs work for us.
This forum really shouldn't even have a development section since there's not really any specific T-Mo stuff that needs to be done.
Every single ROM in the GSM section will work for T-Mo. There isn't a single one that won't work. The only thing you lose is T-Mo's branded stuff and T-Mo's wifi calling (as they are the only ones who do Wifi calling)/
LiquidSolstice said:
This forum really shouldn't even have a development section since there's not really any specific T-Mo stuff that needs to be done.
Every single ROM in the GSM section will work for T-Mo. There isn't a single one that won't work. The only thing you lose is T-Mo's branded stuff and T-Mo's wifi calling (as they are the only ones who do Wifi calling)/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you guys so much for your replies. I'm happy to see that the development forums for the One is indeed thriving. I'm more confident in snagging a one over the GS4 now.
Indeed, I don't see a reason as to why even bother with a Tmo specific section.
Sent from my badass Samsung Galaxy SIII.
akarol said:
Thanks you guys so much for your replies. I'm happy to see that the development forums for the One is indeed thriving. I'm more confident in snagging a one over the GS4 now.
Indeed, I don't see a reason as to why even bother with a Tmo specific section.
Sent from my badass Samsung Galaxy SIII.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Psssst... psssttt hey if u come we will welcome you!:screwy:
Sent from my SGH-M919 ddr3 13mp bad ass s4 using xda app-developers app
Firov said:
As you've noticed by now, there's plenty of developer support for the HTC One. It's all just confined to the general HTC One forums, which makes sense, as the various roms can be used on the AT&T, T-Mobile, and international HTC One's. Most developers don't want to have to maintain 3 or more separate threads for the same thing.
As was pointed out though, if you're looking for T-Mobile wifi calling compatibility, be careful about the ROMs you flash. Since the 4.2.2 OTA for T-Mobile isn't out yet, no 4.2.2 ROM is going to support it. I'd suggest Android Revolution 9.4, or a similar 4.1.2 ROM if WIFI calling is essential to you.
Also, since a Google edition of the phone is going to be coming out in the near future, developer support is likely going to expand even further.
So I think it's safe to say you can put your fears to rest and buy an HTC One. I don't think you'll regret it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to dig up an old link for Android Revolution 9.4 but can't find a description or list of features etc for it. Are you positive it has wi-fi calling in it?
I haven't owned an HTC since the OG Nexus One (had all Nexus devices since) so I'm reading up on S-OFF etc before I flash a new ROM. I really want to try out wifi calling though so that's why I'd like to make sure. Thanks in advance!
PS - link to ROM if anyone wants it: http://www.androidrevolution.nl/downloader/download.php?file=Android_Revolution_HD-One_9.4.zip
the7thson said:
I was able to dig up an old link for Android Revolution 9.4 but can't find a description or list of features etc for it. Are you positive it has wi-fi calling in it?
I haven't owned an HTC since the OG Nexus One (had all Nexus devices since) so I'm reading up on S-OFF etc before I flash a new ROM. I really want to try out wifi calling though so that's why I'd like to make sure. Thanks in advance!
PS - link to ROM if anyone wants it:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
9.4 definitely has wifi-calling. I'm on 9.3 at the moment and wifi-calling works perfectly for me on T-Mobile. In the installer, just be sure to select T-Mobile as your carrier and it will install all the necessary files for wifi calling.
Also, note that S-Off isn't required to flash this ROM. All you need to do is unlock your device through HTC Dev, located at the HTC Dev site. I'd give you a direct link, but asinine restrictions in place on this forum are preventing that at the moment. Just Google HTC Dev and it will be the first result. You can't miss it.
Anyway, unlike with earlier HTC devices, this unlock method allows you to flash everything you need to update the ROM. Only some of the "black box" partitions like the radio and bootloader aren't flashable when it's unlocked with this method, but to my knowledge, no ROM requires that, and furthermore, the Nexus devices are very similar in that respect.
The only real advantage to S-Off is if you plan on flashing a different carrier's RUU, altering the radio, or changing your CID. Anyway, just something to be aware of.
Good luck.
Firov said:
9.4 definitely has wifi-calling. I'm on 9.3 at the moment and wifi-calling works perfectly for me on T-Mobile. In the installer, just be sure to select T-Mobile as your carrier and it will install all the necessary files for wifi calling.
Also, note that S-Off isn't required to flash this ROM. All you need to do is unlock your device through HTC Dev, located at the HTC Dev site. I'd give you a direct link, but asinine restrictions in place on this forum are preventing that at the moment. Just Google HTC Dev and it will be the first result. You can't miss it.
Anyway, unlike with earlier HTC devices, this unlock method allows you to flash everything you need to update the ROM. Only some of the "black box" partitions like the radio and bootloader aren't flashable when it's unlocked with this method, but to my knowledge, no ROM requires that, and furthermore, the Nexus devices are very similar in that respect.
The only real advantage to S-Off is if you plan on flashing a different carrier's RUU, altering the radio, or changing your CID. Anyway, just something to be aware of.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet, thanks I'll definitely try 9.4 then! Reception in my office all day is terrible so I'm excited to try wi-fi calling.
I think I understand in theory why S-OFF would not be needed. but the nerd in me wants full control with S-OFF.. Also, if I use S-OFF, i can return my phone to bone-stock and keep warranty right? As amazing as the hardware on the HTC One is (I've gotten used to sub-standard hardware with the Nexus line), I'm not 100% sure yet I want to keep it.
Any chance you could educate me on what CID is for? Evidently it may restrict/allow flashing ROMS from certain regions?
Also, I believe I have a basic understanding of what an RUU is, but could you elaborate for me by any chance? I believe it's basically an all i one installer for a full stock ROM?
Sorry if this is a bit off-topic, but this T-Mo sub forum seems a bit more forgiving than some other areas
the7thson said:
Sweet, thanks I'll definitely try 9.4 then! Reception in my office all day is terrible so I'm excited to try wi-fi calling.
I think I understand in theory why S-OFF would not be needed. but the nerd in me wants full control with S-OFF.. Also, if I use S-OFF, i can return my phone to bone-stock and keep warranty right? As amazing as the hardware on the HTC One is (I've gotten used to sub-standard hardware with the Nexus line), I'm not 100% sure yet I want to keep it.
Any chance you could educate me on what CID is for? Evidently it may restrict/allow flashing ROMS from certain regions?
Also, I believe I have a basic understanding of what an RUU is, but could you elaborate for me by any chance? I believe it's basically an all i one installer for a full stock ROM?
Sorry if this is a bit off-topic, but this T-Mo sub forum seems a bit more forgiving than some other areas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's worth doing to S-OFF. If you do, you'll have the ability to relock the phone and put it back to S-ON with zero indication that you ever messed with it. Also, CIDs are used to restrict ROMs from certain carriers to only be installed on certain devices. It's really only a stock or stock-leak ROM limitation, I don't think a single ROM in either the regular or original development section is CID-locked. Either way, if you are S-OFF, you can change your CID code to whatever you want it to be (the code "111111") is referred to as "SuperCID" because that allows you to in theory run an RUU/OTA from ANY Carrier regardless.
You are correct about what an RUU is. However, each RUU is specific to a build of Android made by the carrier, and so far, I think only the Sprint RUU is out. No one has a T-Mo RUU yet (but you really don't need one, all you have to do is flash the stock rooted ROM from our section here and then unroot from the SU app options).
Enjoy tinkering.
LiquidSolstice said:
It's worth doing to S-OFF. If you do, you'll have the ability to relock the phone and put it back to S-ON with zero indication that you ever messed with it. Also, CIDs are used to restrict ROMs from certain carriers to only be installed on certain devices. It's really only a stock or stock-leak ROM limitation, I don't think a single ROM in either the regular or original development section is CID-locked. Either way, if you are S-OFF, you can change your CID code to whatever you want it to be (the code "111111") is referred to as "SuperCID" because that allows you to in theory run an RUU/OTA from ANY Carrier regardless.
You are correct about what an RUU is. However, each RUU is specific to a build of Android made by the carrier, and so far, I think only the Sprint RUU is out. No one has a T-Mo RUU yet (but you really don't need one, all you have to do is flash the stock rooted ROM from our section here and then unroot from the SU app options).
Enjoy tinkering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect, thanks for confirming all that. I think I'm ready to get the HTC-noob stink off of me The phone feels so amazing in hand, it's making me look at all these Nexus devices (Nexi?) I have in a bit of a different light.. And once the Google Experience software drops, hopefully I won't miss having a Nexus as my daily driver!
You guys are so awesome. I'm counting down the days until July 1st now when I'll get my hands on my own HTC One. =)
Sent from my badass Samsung Galaxy SIII.
the7thson said:
Perfect, thanks for confirming all that. I think I'm ready to get the HTC-noob stink off of me The phone feels so amazing in hand, it's making me look at all these Nexus devices (Nexi?) I have in a bit of a different light.. And once the Google Experience software drops, hopefully I won't miss having a Nexus as my daily driver!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
akarol said:
You guys are so awesome. I'm counting down the days until July 1st now when I'll get my hands on my own HTC One. =)
Sent from my badass Samsung Galaxy SIII.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're going to enjoy the One. It's the first Android phone to have the build quality of an iPhone with specs that beat the pants off it
The only thing that sucks about the One is that because it has such a high pixel density, you will be extremely sensitive and aware of pixels in all your other displays (laptop/desktop/tablet etc).
I own an ASUS Zenbook, which is a 13" ultrabook with a full 1920x1080p display which is retina-levels of dense on such a small screen (I think it's almost 170 pixels per inch). The One? The one is a whopping ~470 pixels per inch. It is stupidly dense and I promise you won't find a single pixel no matter how hard you look.
the7thson said:
I was able to dig up an old link for Android Revolution 9.4 but can't find a description or list of features etc for it. Are you positive it has wi-fi calling in it?
I haven't owned an HTC since the OG Nexus One (had all Nexus devices since) so I'm reading up on S-OFF etc before I flash a new ROM. I really want to try out wifi calling though so that's why I'd like to make sure. Thanks in advance!
PS - link to ROM if anyone wants it: http://www.androidrevolution.nl/downloader/download.php?file=Android_Revolution_HD-One_9.4.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would anyone happen to have a working link for Android Revolution 9.4???
jjohn999 said:
would anyone happen to have a working link for Android Revolution 9.4???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look like they took it down. I have it in my local computer here and I can upload it for you somewhere if you like. PM me if you have access to somewhere I can put it for you.

[Q] A Weary Traveler [Questions About ROM Flashing]

First, and foremost, hello. I am new here, and I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Secondly, I'd like to apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section.
The topic I'd like to ask you a few questions about today is ROM Flashing, and the steps I should be taking to stay safe. I originally started playing around with Android devices around a year ago, but I recently started to delve deeper. I am the proud owner of an AT&T ZTE Z998 Mustang, and I have rooted it successfully. While in the process of rooting, I saw all of the warnings of how I should do a NANDROID backup, so that was my first instinct. I tried installing Clockworkmod, but to my dismay, they did not have an official version for my phone. I did happen to get lucky and find a version someone ported on their own. I attempted for a whole night before falling prey to error after error, and decided to give up. I went on without any backups, fiddling with my device. Luckily, I did not mess anything up, except for "accidentally" deleting the AT&T startup animation. (Haha.) Tonight, though, I happened to get the urge again, so I made some more attempts. After receiving the same error, I decided to look that error up word for word, and found that I did not have enough room on my Micro SD. I managed to clear enough room, and jumped in joy when I saw that I could delete an app, then restore and have it be back again. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. I've decided that I want to try flashing a custom ROM. The ROM I have chosen is the MIUI ROM. It seems quite popular, and I enjoy the iOS-esq feel of it, as well as its seamless theme changing. The only problem is, there is not an official release for my device. In fact, I have yet to find any ROM with an official release for my device. That is why I am coming to you guys.
My Questions:
Can I use a ROM that has not been specifically made for my device?
Will I still be connected to the AT&T Network?
If so, can I expect errors?
Am I truly safe with this newly acquired backup?
Anything you think I should know?
I'd like to thank you for any help in advance.
BrendonButton said:
First, and foremost, hello. I am new here, and I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Secondly, I'd like to apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section.
The topic I'd like to ask you a few questions about today is ROM Flashing, and the steps I should be taking to stay safe. I originally started playing around with Android devices around a year ago, but I recently started to delve deeper. I am the proud owner of an AT&T ZTE Z998 Mustang, and I have rooted it successfully. While in the process of rooting, I saw all of the warnings of how I should do a NANDROID backup, so that was my first instinct. I tried installing Clockworkmod, but to my dismay, they did not have an official version for my phone. I did happen to get lucky and find a version someone ported on their own. I attempted for a whole night before falling prey to error after error, and decided to give up. I went on without any backups, fiddling with my device. Luckily, I did not mess anything up, except for "accidentally" deleting the AT&T startup animation. (Haha.) Tonight, though, I happened to get the urge again, so I made some more attempts. After receiving the same error, I decided to look that error up word for word, and found that I did not have enough room on my Micro SD. I managed to clear enough room, and jumped in joy when I saw that I could delete an app, then restore and have it be back again. It was quite a big accomplishment for me. I've decided that I want to try flashing a custom ROM. The ROM I have chosen is the MIUI ROM. It seems quite popular, and I enjoy the iOS-esq feel of it, as well as its seamless theme changing. The only problem is, there is not an official release for my device. In fact, I have yet to find any ROM with an official release for my device. That is why I am coming to you guys.
My Questions:
Can I use a ROM that has not been specifically made for my device?
Will I still be connected to the AT&T Network?
If so, can I expect errors?
Am I truly safe with this newly acquired backup?
Anything you think I should know?
I'd like to thank you for any help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bump.
Hi there. Welcome to the forums!
Unfortunately, the bad thing about phones that aren't very popular in the grand scheme of things means less people have them = less people making stuff for it. Developers often end up picking phones that are going to have more support from the manufacturer and more people will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors. This of course, is a general rule, and of course there are exceptions, but your phone doesn't seem to be one of them. Companies like ZTE aren't concerned about putting out the source code for phones like this means that it is hard, to almost impossible, to make a really custom rom work correctly due to driver issues among other things.
So to answer the questions:
1) Sometimes, but very dependent on the models, carriers, and which software updates. General rule of thumb is that if it isn't based off the same chipset, it won't have a chance of working. But there are lots of other things to consider to, like radio versions, bootloader status, partition layout, etc. Long story short, there's no easy answer and there are lots of caveats.
2) + 3) See above.
4) You SHOULD be safe if CWM told you that the nandroid was completed successfully, but just like any other software based things, things happen.
Best way to be safe is to be able to reflash the original firmware for the phone back to it, but not even sure if that's an option for you - which goes back to ZTE not giving a $^!* about these cheap little phones for small prepaid companies. They save money by not doing any extra work like providing firmware, updates, source code, etc.
The only forums I know that mess with these kinds of things are:
http://unleashedprepaids.com/forum-1491.html
Not for your phone specifically, but similar ones:
http://androidarea51.com/zte-phones/
So yea, slim pickings.
es0tericcha0s said:
Helpful Info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, thank you! I was waiting all day. I was a little disappointed with the answer, though. v.v Do you know if there are any ROMS that will work with ANY device? Like even bare minerals versions of AOSP ROMS that have yet to be touched?
Also, I am slowly saving for a 64GB Black Nexus 5, so I shouldn't be stuck but more than a month or more so.
BrendonButton said:
First, thank you! I was waiting all day. I was a little disappointed with the answer, though. v.v Do you know if there are any ROMS that will work with ANY device? Like even bare minerals versions of AOSP ROMS that have yet to be touched?
Also, I am slowly saving for a 64GB Black Nexus 5, so I shouldn't be stuck but more than a month or more so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, sorry. It's just not possible. Your best hope would be to use the debloated rom in the unleashed prepaids forum and use the Xposed Framework.
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8769.html
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8771.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://repo.xposed.info/module-overview
I have the Nexus 5 (don't think they come in 64 - only 16/32) but it's awesome and there are so many roms that it'll make your head spin. lol
es0tericcha0s said:
No, sorry. It's just not possible. Your best hope would be to use the debloated rom in the unleashed prepaids forum and use the Xposed Framework.
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8769.html
http://unleashedprepaids.com/thread-8771.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://repo.xposed.info/module-overview
I have the Nexus 5 (don't think they come in 64 - only 16/32) but it's awesome and there are so many roms that it'll make your head spin. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. xD
But, I can not wait for it!
Just some final thoughts and questions:
I do have Xposed installed already, but have yet to look around in it due to the hundreds of modules. Do you have any suggestions about which I should look at for cosmetic needs? I have tried to use Gravitybox, but it force closed upon entry every time I used it, so I deleted it.
I understand that the limitation is very high because of the fact that it is a closed sourced company, but many ZTE Devices are listed to have compatible ROMS, such as MIUI ROM. If I try to use a ROM specified for a different phone, do you know what could happen? I feel that it may not even open, or if it does, it'll have tons of errors and not work upon entry, or even work but have certain things like the camera that will not connect. I'm only worried about high margins of fatal breakage. If it is some silly error that I won't have to "worry" about, I'm okay with fooling around.
If I do try to install a new ROM, but want to go back, will it affect anything on my previous backup? I know backups copy EVERYTHING, but I'd just like to make sure I won't do serious damage.
Lastly, thank you for all the help. It means a ton.
BrendonButton said:
Oops, sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. xD
But, I can not wait for it!
Just some final thoughts and questions:
I do have Xposed installed already, but have yet to look around in it due to the hundreds of modules. Do you have any suggestions about which I should look at for cosmetic needs? I have tried to use Gravitybox, but it force closed upon entry every time I used it, so I deleted it.
I understand that the limitation is very high because of the fact that it is a closed sourced company, but many ZTE Devices are listed to have compatible ROMS, such as MIUI ROM. If I try to use a ROM specified for a different phone, do you know what could happen? I feel that it may not even open, or if it does, it'll have tons of errors and not work upon entry, or even work but have certain things like the camera that will not connect. I'm only worried about high margins of fatal breakage. If it is some silly error that I won't have to "worry" about, I'm okay with fooling around.
If I do try to install a new ROM, but want to go back, will it affect anything on my previous backup? I know backups copy EVERYTHING, but I'd just like to make sure I won't do serious damage.
Lastly, thank you for all the help. It means a ton.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gravity Box wouldn't work because it is for more AOSP based things. As far as theming goes, you can try HK Theme Manager or Ex Themer. For the idea of trying to install a rom for another ZTE phone, well, best case scenario is that it doesn't flash at all. Worst case is that it does flash, and you lose something like your IMEI, baseband, or one or more of your other partitions and all of those are potentially unrecoverable, no matter what kind of backups you have. This wouldn't be one of those, "Oh, shoot, that didn't work, I'll just factory reset or restore my backup and be good to go..." kind of situations.
es0tericcha0s said:
Gravity Box wouldn't work because it is for more AOSP based things. As far as theming goes, you can try HK Theme Manager or Ex Themer. For the idea of trying to install a rom for another ZTE phone, well, best case scenario is that it doesn't flash at all. Worst case is that it does flash, and you lose something like your IMEI, baseband, or one or more of your other partitions and all of those are potentially unrecoverable, no matter what kind of backups you have. This wouldn't be one of those, "Oh, shoot, that didn't work, I'll just factory reset or restore my backup and be good to go..." kind of situations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, wow! Thanks! I'm glad you pointed that out before I tried. So, I should be okay as long as I flash that ROM from the Unleashed Prepaid page? Now I am afraid, but curious.
Also, thank you for the theme modules names, I will kindly note them.
Should be fine. It's 95% stock and I'm sure they only had one version of android for the phone so should be pretty close to what you have now. Benefits would be the unsecured boot.img which is easier for root and other things to stick, init.d which allows you to run scripts (everything from being able to mount a partition of an SD card to use for extra space for apps to memory management stuff like V6 Supercharger), and a bit easier to theme and debloat.
es0tericcha0s said:
Should be fine. It's 95% stock and I'm sure they only had one version of android for the phone so should be pretty close to what you have now. Benefits would be the unsecured boot.img which is easier for root and other things to stick, init.d which allows you to run scripts (everything from being able to mount a partition of an SD card to use for extra space for apps to memory management stuff like V6 Supercharger), and a bit easier to theme and debloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
I'll look into it tonight. I will try and tell about what happens tomorrow-ish.
Cool. Good luck.

In need of Help from the Experienced MEizu MX4

I bought a Meizu MX4 MT6595 OCta Core model M641 Flyme OS 4.0.2U , Thought it would be great purchase. It seems I was unprepared for how new this phone is and the lack of information on how to optimize it for a US user. I cant update the OS to the Newer version of Flyme OS , though I would prefer to replace the OS with something US friendly. ALso cant install anything because the package installer crashes with everything. I have purchase protection on the phone for one more week, should I just return the phone? Or will their be ROM's available soon to replace FLyme? I like to learn technology is it possible for a novice to learn how to hack a phone and port an available ROM onto a Chinese phone? Or is this something extremely difficult and time consuming? Really just looking for some advice from the informed/ knowledgeable.
lj26ft said:
I bought a Meizu MX4 MT6595 OCta Core model M641 Flyme OS 4.0.2U , Thought it would be great purchase. It seems I was unprepared for how new this phone is and the lack of information on how to optimize it for a US user. I cant update the OS to the Newer version of Flyme OS , though I would prefer to replace the OS with something US friendly. ALso cant install anything because the package installer crashes with everything. I have purchase protection on the phone for one more week, should I just return the phone? Or will their be ROM's available soon to replace FLyme? I like to learn technology is it possible for a novice to learn how to hack a phone and port an available ROM onto a Chinese phone? Or is this something extremely difficult and time consuming? Really just looking for some advice from the informed/ knowledgeable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
China devices are the worst to learn on as there is no kernel source for the device and moat avoid these devices. So you will have to take it on yourself if you want something. Yes it is time consuming and will have a learning curve.
Just got the phone and love it..
You should be able to update Flyme by finding 'upgrade' in your app drawer, but even after the upgrade its just a bit better.
The most current version is 4.0.3i
Not a big fan of Flyme ,I find it very buggy.
Im hoping for a cm rom of some sort. Would love to see something like the version on the onePlus .
LTE works with Rogers and Bell in Canada..
I like the phone as well I have tried the button in the panel to upgrade click it says android settings com has stopped, tried turning it off and upgrading from zip with zip stored in root directory, got nothing. Tried 4.0.3A ,4.0.3i, 4.03U also and everytime it says corrupted. My firmware version is 4.0.2 U . Tried lots of different ways to try and get google services on it and nothing happens. SOme apps from the app store installed like facebook and evernote. So kinda of feeling a little silly about purchasing this phone because the price vs hardware was spectacular. But I cant get everything I want to use on it. Looking for maybe some trouble shooting from experienced users or reassurance that i didnt just make a retarded mistake purchasing a phone i wont ever be able to use an i should just wait until developer community tackles these problems. Though dont know if that will matter if I can never update the thing. I am using windows 8 could could that be causing issues with upgrading my phone over the wire? Or should I try a .bin file ?
lj26ft said:
I like the phone as well I have tried the button in the panel to upgrade click it says android settings com has stopped, tried turning it off and upgrading from zip with zip stored in root directory, got nothing. Tried 4.0.3A ,4.0.3i, 4.03U also and everytime it says corrupted. My firmware version is 4.0.2 U . Tried lots of different ways to try and get google services on it and nothing happens. SOme apps from the app store installed like facebook and evernote. So kinda of feeling a little silly about purchasing this phone because the price vs hardware was spectacular. But I cant get everything I want to use on it. Looking for maybe some trouble shooting from experienced users or reassurance that i didnt just make a retarded mistake purchasing a phone i wont ever be able to use an i should just wait until developer community tackles these problems. Though dont know if that will matter if I can never update the thing. I am using windows 8 could could that be causing issues with upgrading my phone over the wire? Or should I try a .bin file ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to say it but your gonna be out of luck. Developers dont touch these devices. They seldom follow the GPL or have unlocked bootloaders and as they are mainly sold in China which doesnt have agreements set up with google in alot of places it is really a pain to get google services running. We have a forum for it but it has been long dead.
zelendel said:
I hate to say it but your gonna be out of luck. Developers dont touch these devices. They seldom follow the GPL or have unlocked bootloaders and as they are mainly sold in China which doesnt have agreements set up with google in alot of places it is really a pain to get google services running. We have a forum for it but it has been long dead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well ill definitely try returning it then go with something a little closer to home. The Hardware vs price sucked me into buying it . What is a good deal on a phone right now? XDA developers favorite phone ? easiest to learn best one to modify. In hindsight probably should have tried finding this forum first rather than after I put money down on a phone but live and learn.
Give this a try.. crap...not letting me post a link...
google 'upgrading flyme to 4.0.3i' and the first link will give you some clear instruction and alternatives to get you going

Where to start?

I've purchased 3 androids I'm the past several years, and I feel the reason I dislike them is because I can't ever get them running stock Android. This of course is my first goal, but the barrier to entry just seems ridiculous. Of course I've tried googling, for many many hours, and probably longer than that cumulatively. However, the phones I have aren't too popular (currently on a Samsung Galaxy Express 3, still have a 2015 Moro G somewhere), and I think their root/custom ROM guides aren't too prevalent.
I would like to understand what I'm trying to accomplish though, just so I have a better shot googling the information. From what I understand, I need to root the phone and then install a custom recovery, at which point I need to use a custom ROM built for that specific phone and.. I've never really got close to that so I don't know much beyond that. Feel free to correct me on what I have do far, but please use links to text as my internet doesn't work too well with AT&T's prepaid unlimited plan.
I assure you I have tried finding guides for this, but they are either high overviews that aren't specific or video-only. Thanks for any direction, I'd really like to make my phone usable. The Samsung keyboard is atrocious, not to mention the bloat
Sorry to bump, but still lost as ever. I did find an interesting quirk and thought it could get some more minds interested though. This is essentially a Galaxy S2, could I use the same tools as that for the Galaxy J1?

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