Google Play Edition - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Having never owned either a Samsung or a Play Edition device, can I get some clarification on the below please:
PE's come with stock rather than Samsungs touchwiz I think but is the only other difference between the two versions that Knoxx is removed so rooting/flashing doesn't void the warranty?
Does anyone have any info or educated guesses when a S5 Play Edition might show up?

Just taking a guess here, so don't quote me on anything.
I believe Knox is a proprietary Samsung feature, my guess is that it won't be included in the Google Play Edition.
As for ROM flashing, even for Nexus devices it voids your warranty I think, it was just really easy to revert and hide, so not TOO sure about the GPE S5.
As of right now, no info on when the GPE will turn up, but there are some things I have read where people are guessing it will be announced on April 11th.

Diskb0x said:
Having never owned either a Samsung or a Play Edition device, can I get some clarification on the below please:
PE's come with stock rather than Samsungs touchwiz I think but is the only other difference between the two versions that Knoxx is removed so rooting/flashing doesn't void the warranty?
Does anyone have any info or educated guesses when a S5 Play Edition might show up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Play editions actually come with Touchwizz framework. Its not AOSP. But it is totally deblaoted of all bloatware and apps and you can't really tell as it does look like stock android. I had a HTC One and it indeed still had Sense framework. But there is literally no way you can tell unless you dive deep into the system and do some investigation. One way you can tell is custom roms. There are GPE and AOSP versions.
As well GPE is fully unlocked and nicer to play with for custom stuff and easier. I'm hoping the GPE will show up April 11th as well but nothing has been said yet.

Thanks both. I think I'll wait for the 11th to see if there's an announcement and if not just go for the 16Gb version, sadly no 32Gb here in Blighty.
Cheers,

Related

[Q] AOSP vs GPe

What are the differences between AOSP and GPe ROMs (that are noticeable). I know that the GPe is based off of the TW framework, but they look very similar otherwise. I'm trying to decide if I want to switch over to the 4.3 AOSP ROM posted a few days ago.
Thanks guys :beer:
Cheater912 said:
What are the differences between AOSP and GPe ROMs (that are noticeable). I know that the GPe is based off of the TW framework, but they look very similar otherwise. I'm trying to decide if I want to switch over to the 4.3 AOSP ROM posted a few days ago.
Thanks guys :beer:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw this on the Verizon forum for the 4.3 AOSP ROM
@Elvis_Marmaduke -
For those who are still having trouble getting it. GE is made by Samsung and is a Samsung"ROM" if you will. It's like touchwiz without all the bloat and custom menus and features. AOSP is from Google. Not specialized per phone nor do they have the closed Qualcomm drivers so you may not get as high benchmarks and stuff. But most real world performance they will be pretty similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Dubbsy -
I thought I said it elsewhere. But anyway GoogleEdition is not AOSP. And AOSP is not GoogleEdition. I was following Brood's progress on a REAL aosp project. When be posted works in progress and his source I decided to play with it.
This is not meant to replace Google Edition 4.3. I'm still working on my Google Edition 4.3 port. It hasn't been friendly at all. B-d from Sprint has been having the same issues I am. Every time I have a "clearly this is the problem" moment... It's not the problem. At least not the main problem.
Comparing GE's 4.2.2 to 4.3 update and the effects to real AOSP it's like comparing cacti and puppies. Besides that, GE's 4.3 is older than this 4.3. JSS builds I've been reading have wake lock issues but while running it I've gotten nothing but amazing battery life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Cruiserdude -
This is NOT Google Play Edition, this is actual AOSP. But yes, 4.2.2 GPe is heavily TW based, while 4.3 GPe is AOSP based with some TW on top. Dubbsy will have to fill you in on the specifics.
My guess is that the decision to offer a "stock" experience S4 happened fairly late in the development process, possibly to silence those rumors of a Google/Samsung rift that were going around a few months ago. Samsung would have already had access to early 4.3 code, so they wouldn't have wanted to build a new 4.2.2 rom from the ground up. So they likely just used an engineering build they had, that had all of the lower level TW stuff but without any of the actual features or themeing built in. Which is presumably what they'd use to develop their TW builds, so they can test features individually with the base they need, but not have so many variables as they track down bugs. Either way, they probably already had something like this laying around, that only needed minor tweaking to become the GPe software. That way they didn't waste effort on software that they'd be replacing after only a month or so, anyway.
That way they could focus right in on developing the 4.3 GPe software so it'd be ready for a prompt release. Which would explain why it's much more heavily based on AOSP, though still with enough TW built in for a few things like the Smart Cover to work. Not to mention it'll likely take them awhile to have a solid 4.3 TW base.
Note that all the above is pure speculation on my part, with the exception of the actual distinctions between versions that I mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope that helps!
I'd hold off on the 4.3 aosp until I get all the framework edits done if you need it to be a complete ROM. You'll have data but voice is messed up. telephony isn't setup properly for CDMA handoffs. Didn't notice it until someone pointed it out.
It's one heck of a smooth build though :good: Brood's doing a great job

[Q] Handful of slightly random questions

1. Is SafeStrap the only custom recovery currently available for the Verizon Variant of Samsung's S4 (i545) on build ME7?
2. In general, are there ways to partition ROM slots in order to share data? For example, could stock be installed in the stock slots designated allotment for system, and another (CM or something) on the custom ROM 1's system area, but they both share data?
3. How does a manufacturer know if a unit has been rooted?
4. What are some apps that might be considered necessities on a rooted S4 (for instance, the multi-window fix)?
5. What is your idea of the perfect ROM?
Crackow97 said:
1. Is SafeStrap the only custom recovery currently available for the Verizon Variant of Samsung's S4 (i545) on build ME7?
2. In general, are there ways to partition ROM slots in order to share data? For example, could stock be installed in the stock slots designated allotment for system, and another (CM or something) on the custom ROM 1's system area, but they both share data?
3. How does a manufacturer know if a unit has been rooted?
4. What are some apps that might be considered necessities on a rooted S4 (for instance, the multi-window fix)?
5. What is your idea of the perfect ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You might want to ask that on the Verizon Galaxy S4 forums -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2314 . This one is for the Google Play Edition, International and International LTE variants so there could be a little difference in the hardware and software.
2. (I think we'd need a dev to answer that)
3. Well, recently, we discovered that the GS4 seems to have an active e-fuse within it, which isn't good news because (in most cases - I think it's different in Europe) once it's tripped ( ie; Knox will show an 0x1 on download mode) there goes your warranty. Once you have updated to the new Knox bootloader, you can't downgrade either but there is an ongoing development on the Note 3 forums that suggests that there is now a way to get around the Knox bootloader (it remains 0x0) when you flash a pre-rooted ROM.
4. The only necessary app IMO is Titanium Backup (and eventually ROM Manager when development gets farther).
5. My idea of a perfect ROM is one that's hybrid stock and AOSP. I like AOSP ROMs as they've almost always had better battery life (there's less bloat) but the camera has always been a weak point because Samsung's camera has always been proprietary so our devs will never see the source which they would probably need to adapt to their ROM projects. The closest ROMs that has gotten to that IME has been ParanoidAndroid and SlimBean.
HTHs
P.S.: Someone correct me if I'm wrong about any points here.
I'm sorry that I posted that question in an inappropriate area, I hadn't realized. :silly:
The inclusion of the eFuse is absolutely terrible news. There is, however, a tiny ray of hope: that is a Knox feature. Knox is not yet active in ME7 build, so (fingers crossed) the eFuse may not be in use, yet. Still, why would Samsung have included security hardware that they are not using whatsoever? Isn't part of the beauty of an Android product the freedom that comes along with owning one? These large companies are beginning to closely resemble the fruity fiends from the other side. Although we may have taken extra freedoms with our devices, we must still be protected from manufacture error. Is this to say, for instance, that if I were to flash my S4 (that happens to need to be replaced, the processor has a terrible heat problem), then Samsung would take a look at the phone, determine that it had been previously flashed, and force me to live with it literally burning holes in my pocket?
Crackow97 said:
I'm sorry that I posted that question in an inappropriate area, I hadn't realized. :silly:
The inclusion of the eFuse is absolutely terrible news. There is, however, a tiny ray of hope: that is a Knox feature. Knox is not yet active in ME7 build, so (fingers crossed) the eFuse may not be in use, yet. Still, why would Samsung have included security hardware that they are not using whatsoever? Isn't part of the beauty of an Android product the freedom that comes along with owning one? These large companies are beginning to closely resemble the fruity fiends from the other side. Although we may have taken extra freedoms with our devices, we must still be protected from manufacture error. Is this to say, for instance, that if I were to flash my S4 (that happens to need to be replaced, the processor has a terrible heat problem), then Samsung would take a look at the phone, determine that it had been previously flashed, and force me to live with it literally burning holes in my pocket?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, it's still an S4 after all. Samsung's diving for gov't and BYOD enterprise solutions now that Blackberry's demise is almost certainly a forgone conclusion. For that, they need to have good security on these devices. And yes, with this, Samsung can definitely blame the consumer for hardware issues once the warranty has been voided. One of the supposed reasons this is going on right now (according to someone quoting Samsung) is that Samsung's gotten tired of taking in warranty repairs that are due to ppl not following instructions and either frying their internals or hard bricking. In the case of OC'g, I can see where they are coming from because it's also a fact that when you OC a processor on a PC, it will shorten it's lifespan. Personally, I think it's a cop out from that whole SGS3/SGN2 SDS disaster and that was (IMHO) a QC issue. In any case, between designgears & Chainfire (and brought to us by DjeMBeY), there seems to be a bit of a solution now on how ppl can safely root their phones post Knox install.

[Q] A couple questions from a possible new Verizon customer...

So I live in NYC and signed a contract with Sprint last year only to regret it nearly instantly when I saw how crappy the service is around here. The only thing I love about having my Sprint S3 is the ease of rooting and flashing custom ROMs. Now I know the Note 3 is a brand new device, but it seems like Verizon is the only provider that locks their bootloader (Correct me if I'm wrong here) making it currently impossible to flash any kind of custom ROM on the device.
So I figured I'd come here and ask a few questions before taking the jump and cancelling my contract with Sprint and switching to Verizon.
1. Will the device/bootloader ever be unlocked? I notice the S4 on Verizon has a good amount of ROMs and I'm guessing the bootloader was also locked on that when it was first released.
2. How is service in the NYC area?
3. Anyone know if there's any plans to develop AOSP/CM ROMs for the Note 3? I know some of the features of the Note require TouchWiz, but I just like having the option of choosing a AOSP or TW ROM.
Thanks in advance for anyone who chimes in. Again, sorry for the stupid questions, but I don't want to dive in and then be stuck with a device that I can't update or flash something new when I get bored.
davelikestacos said:
So I live in NYC and signed a contract with Sprint last year only to regret it nearly instantly when I saw how crappy the service is around here. The only thing I love about having my Sprint S3 is the ease of rooting and flashing custom ROMs. Now I know the Note 3 is a brand new device, but it seems like Verizon is the only provider that locks their bootloader (Correct me if I'm wrong here) making it currently impossible to flash any kind of custom ROM on the device.
So I figured I'd come here and ask a few questions before taking the jump and cancelling my contract with Sprint and switching to Verizon.
1. Will the device/bootloader ever be unlocked? I notice the S4 on Verizon has a good amount of ROMs and I'm guessing the bootloader was also locked on that when it was first released.
2. How is service in the NYC area?
3. Anyone know if there's any plans to develop AOSP/CM ROMs for the Note 3? I know some of the features of the Note require TouchWiz, but I just like having the option of choosing a AOSP or TW ROM.
Thanks in advance for anyone who chimes in. Again, sorry for the stupid questions, but I don't want to dive in and then be stuck with a device that I can't update or flash something new when I get bored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Extremely unlikely the bootloader will ever be unlocked. Hashcode is developing/testing safestrap for our device which will allow us to flash tw based roms but more than likely no kernels. In the future software updates may be tied to bootloader updates which could render root and or safestrap useless. If flashing different roms is a priority buy the dev edition when it comes back in stock.
2. Verizons coverage is the best hands down. I live in S Jersey and recently switched from Sprint myself. It's a night and day difference.
3. From what i understand safestrap only allows tw based roms to be flashed. If aosp is important, again buy the dev edition.
Verizons coverage in ny is fine. And to be honest I dont think the bootloader may ever be unlocked or atleast anytime soon
Friendly Verizo Rep - BBM: ThatOneGuyJavy
njfoses said:
1. Extremely unlikely the bootloader will ever be unlocked. Hashcode is developing/testing safestrap for our device which will allow us to flash tw based roms but more than likely no kernels. In the future software updates may be tied to bootloader updates which could render root and or safestrap useless. If flashing different roms is a priority buy the dev edition when it comes back in stock.
2. Verizons coverage is the best hands down. I live in S Jersey and recently switched from Sprint myself. It's a night and day difference.
3. From what i understand safestrap only allows tw based roms to be flashed. If aosp is important, again buy the dev edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely sad to hear that

All things root and Bootloader?

Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
ProFragger said:
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely nothing has changed on root (only possible due to ENG kernel) and bootloader unlock (which is not yet possible).
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No idea about all models. For the t-mobile one, please check: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-t3414718
You can use the search feature in xda for finding out
CravingMender9 said:
Absolutely nothing has changed on root (only possible due to ENG kernel) and bootloader unlock (which is not yet possible).
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No idea about all models. For the t-mobile one, please check: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-t3414718
You can use the search feature in xda for finding out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bud, thanks for getting the ball rolling on these questions. If you could add some more information, I'd appreciate it :
If we still don't have a way to Root or Unlock bootloader, how are these ROMs (Echo, Tek, and other stock ROMs) available with root? And how are these flashed? Are we somehow bypassing the BL by using FlashFire?
Can you also educate me on the U Firmware and why people install it and is it reverseable?
Lastly, if I got a T-Mobile variant for example, installed these ROMs Tek, Echo, etc, can I return to Stock completely and return to T-Mobile, by any chance for them to take it back? Thank you again!
for the t mobile variant, I was able to flash the U firmware and flash back to stock t mobile. NOTE: I did not flash the U bootloader. I kept the T mobile bootloader just be sure I could flash back to stock t mobile(APK1). I'm sure this method would work with other carriers as well. so what ever variant you have, make sure you stay on that BL and only flash the U firmware CSC and AP. As for the CP(modem) I would flash your carriers latest CP file. That's what worked best for me with the U firmware. Currently I'm using the latest nougat BETA
Thank you very much for your response, bud. One last follow up question: Since all the US variants are rooting based on the ENG Kernel, is there really a benefit of getting one variant over another, for rooting or etc purposes?
P. S. May I ask why you flashed the U Firmware? What are the advantages of it? ?
ProFragger said:
Thank you very much for your response, bud. One last follow up question: Since all the US variants are rooting based on the ENG Kernel, is there really a benefit of getting one variant over another, for rooting or etc purposes?
P. S. May I ask why you flashed the U Firmware? What are the advantages of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The u firmware basically does not include all of the software that is usually included with the phone. For example.. Tmobile with their software on it, Verizon att etc... Makes the phone a bit snappier especially if you were to root. Even tho I hope for a more stable root still. I am rooted at the moment. Wish they didn't recall the note 7 because the root on that was better
ProFragger said:
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confused. At least, you were.
We do not have an "unlocked Bootloader" and we never did. We had an engineering kernel. That engineering kernel allows certain commands that enabled us to acquire root access. But without that kernel, the system (with the original kernel or boot partition) checks for any changes in the /system partition. If any are found it triggers a bootloop. So basically, if you want root we MUST have the engineering kernel. Unless someone else finds another way that's just the way that it is.
Personally, I unrooted and went back to stock. Root was okay at first but with the lack of development, Samsung Pay and the fact that Android 7+ will probably not be seeing root... well... time to accept the fact that Samsung owns the phone even though we bought it. What else can we do?
nitroevo said:
The u firmware basically does not include all of the software that is usually included with the phone. For example.. Tmobile with their software on it, Verizon att etc... Makes the phone a bit snappier especially if you were to root. Even tho I hope for a more stable root still. I am rooted at the moment. Wish they didn't recall the note 7 because the root on that was better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Binary100100 said:
You're confused. At least, you were.
We do not have an "unlocked Bootloader" and we never did. We had an engineering kernel. That engineering kernel allows certain commands that enabled us to acquire root access. But without that kernel, the system (with the original kernel or boot partition) checks for any changes in the /system partition. If any are found it triggers a bootloop. So basically, if you want root we MUST have the engineering kernel. Unless someone else finds another way that's just the way that it is.
Personally, I unrooted and went back to stock. Root was okay at first but with the lack of development, Samsung Pay and the fact that Android 7+ will probably not be seeing root... well... time to accept the fact that Samsung owns the phone even though we bought it. What else can we do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your helpful responses fellas. I understand root is not perfect, but for some folks like me, Xposed seems to be worth the trouble. For Samsung Pay, I intend to use the Gear S3 one day ?.
Final question, since all US Snapdragon models are using the engineering kernel to root and etc... Is there a benefit of getting one carrier variant, over another? For example, Verizon is usually the cheapest. Is it wise to get that, with the U Firmware, to use on AT&T? Thanks!
ProFragger said:
For Samsung Pay, I intend to use the Gear S3 one day .
Final question, since all US Snapdragon models are using the engineering kernel to root and etc... Is there a benefit of getting one carrier variant, over another? For example, Verizon is usually the cheapest. Is it wise to get that, with the U Firmware, to use on AT&T? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know if that works out for you then.
I just purchased the S2 Classic (on T-Mobile) and use Samsung Pay quite a bit. But I can tell you that it does open Samsung Pay on the phone and if you are rooted, Samsung Pay will not work at all. So I'm not sure if it will work at all for you even with the S3.
In regards to your other inquiry, I haven't tried the U firmware. I read something about data issues, no wifi calling (which is pretty important to me), no hotspot (which is also really important to me) but I heard that it is really fast. Not sure how much of that is still a problem but you should probably read up on it before doing anything first. But the rooting method is all the same between carriers I believe. All require the engineering kernel and breaks Samsung Pay along with a couple of other apps.
Just make back ups, have a stock firmware available to flash with ODIN just in case and remember that it's almost impossible to brick this device (because we don't have an unlocked bootloader.)
Binary100100 said:
Let me know if that works out for you then.
I just purchased the S2 Classic (on T-Mobile) and use Samsung Pay quite a bit. But I can tell you that it does open Samsung Pay on the phone and if you are rooted, Samsung Pay will not work at all. So I'm not sure if it will work at all for you even with the S3.
In regards to your other inquiry, I haven't tried the U firmware. I read something about data issues, no wifi calling (which is pretty important to me), no hotspot (which is also really important to me) but I heard that it is really fast. Not sure how much of that is still a problem but you should probably read up on it before doing anything first. But the rooting method is all the same between carriers I believe. All require the engineering kernel and breaks Samsung Pay along with a couple of other apps.
Just make back ups, have a stock firmware available to flash with ODIN just in case and remember that it's almost impossible to brick this device (because we don't have an unlocked bootloader.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again for a helpful post. So the S3 has a dedicated MST/NFC chip in it, that allows for Samsung Pay to work from the watch, it's done through the Gear app. That's what I have read.
About the rest of it, again, curious to see if there is one US variant, superior to another in terms of Root capabilities or bands and radios available and etc? Can anyone confirm this for me?
Thanks!
ProFragger said:
Thank you again for a helpful post. So the S3 has a dedicated MST/NFC chip in it, that allows for Samsung Pay to work from the watch, it's done through the Gear app. That's what I have read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does the S2.
When I was setting up the Samsung Pay on my watch it said that it had to download an update.
Then I went through the setup process through my phone which was from the Samsung Pay app.
You go to "Add card" on your watch and it opens Samsung Pay on your phone.
You click "Next" and it displays your Samsung account information.
Then it takes you to a screen that says "Setup complete" telling you that you're ready to use it and at the bottom says "Add card"
You do that all from the Samsung Pay app on your phone which leads me to suspect that if you root your phone, you won't be able to use Samsung Pay on your watch.
People on this thread that you have to set it all up first, remove the Samsung Pay app on the phone but leave it on the watch. If it's all done correctly then it should work. Just make sure you get it all set up first.
Next thing that I'm going to try is using my watch in "Standalone" with my phone out of bluetooth or wifi range. See if that still works.
ProFragger said:
About the rest of it, again, curious to see if there is one US variant, superior to another in terms of Root capabilities or bands and radios available and etc? Can anyone confirm this for me?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, the U firmware permits use of some other bands that aren't normally used. Not sure which ones though.
Binary100100 said:
So does the S2.
When I was setting up the Samsung Pay on my watch it said that it had to download an update.
Then I went through the setup process through my phone which was from the Samsung Pay app.
You go to "Add card" on your watch and it opens Samsung Pay on your phone.
You click "Next" and it displays your Samsung account information.
Then it takes you to a screen that says "Setup complete" telling you that you're ready to use it and at the bottom says "Add card"
You do that all from the Samsung Pay app on your phone which leads me to suspect that if you root your phone, you won't be able to use Samsung Pay on your watch.
People on this thread that you have to set it all up first, remove the Samsung Pay app on the phone but leave it on the watch. If it's all done correctly then it should work. Just make sure you get it all set up first.
Next thing that I'm going to try is using my watch in "Standalone" with my phone out of bluetooth or wifi range. See if that still works.
As far as I know, the U firmware permits use of some other bands that aren't normally used. Not sure which ones though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the correction/education on the S2, bud, much appreciated. I wonder if the rooted phone works with the S3, because Samsung has allowed many other non Samsung phones to know work with the S3? But I could be wrong, I thought it was open like that with the S2 as well, no? Looking forward to your testing, hope there is a breakthrough in there! ?
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
xVermicide said:
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or a Exynos S7.
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
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exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
xVermicide said:
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
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Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
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xVermicide said:
exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
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Very helpful inputs guys, thank you! If I were to be honest with myself, I don't want AOSP/CM/Lineage, especially on a Samsung phone, so unlocked bootloader is not a deal breaker for me. However, I think root is cool for me for doing some SystemUI tweaks, Xposed and etc. Exynos was an option I was exploring, but lack of warranty, no Samsung Pay, and the price are enough to keep me at bay. I think I just need to put my big boy pants on and try to use a phone without rooting it. Something I have yet to do in EVER using an Android phone since about 10 years ago, and I have never ever used or bought an iCrap... I mean... an iPhone !
ProFragger said:
Very helpful inputs guys, thank you! If I were to be honest with myself, I don't want AOSP/CM/Lineage, especially on a Samsung phone, so unlocked bootloader is not a deal breaker for me. However, I think root is cool for me for doing some SystemUI tweaks, Xposed and etc. Exynos was an option I was exploring, but lack of warranty, no Samsung Pay, and the price are enough to keep me at bay. I think I just need to put my big boy pants on and try to use a phone without rooting it. Something I have yet to do in EVER using an Android phone since about 10 years ago, and I have never ever used or bought an iCrap... I mean... an iPhone !
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Get a One+ 3T good development and really nice phone if you want root. Root is dead on Samsung phones and so are ROMs.
So by reading thru this thread, I assume having a T-mobile S7E (G935T) rooting is pointless and really not available the way I'm used to it coming from a Note 4. That's kind of a bummer... I've been using Android and have always had ROOT and all the goodies that come with it. And I recently starting really enjoying my Note 4 with all the cool development in Note 7 ported roms oh well... I wonder if the S7E is enough of an upgrade to keep my interest as stock?
I see there is a G935U firmware, but that seems a bit hit and miss? But I'm just starting to read up on all this... :good:
ShrekOpher said:
Get a One+ 3T good development and really nice phone if you want root. Root is dead on Samsung phones and so are ROMs.
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Believe me bud, if Oneplus 5 or even 3T had an SD Card, I'd already have that phone, but thanks for your wisdom !
Araltd said:
So by reading thru this thread, I assume having a T-mobile S7E (G935T) rooting is pointless and really not available the way I'm used to it coming from a Note 4. That's kind of a bummer... I've been using Android and have always had ROOT and all the goodies that come with it. And I recently starting really enjoying my Note 4 with all the cool development in Note 7 ported roms oh well... I wonder if the S7E is enough of an upgrade to keep my interest as stock?
I see there is a G935U firmware, but that seems a bit hit and miss? But I'm just starting to read up on all this... :good:
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You and I both man... The last few years, I have lived off the mercy of T-Mobile and their BLs being unlocked. But Samsung sure done them all in ! Even the International unlocked ones disable Samsung Pay (forever, mind you!) if Knox is tripped, which I believe it is, when rooted and TWRP'd.
As I understand it,
Android pay / Samsung pay is why they frown on rooting now. I can understand it, though I don't agree with it.
The first time someone's financial information is compromised, and they've ever used one of the "pay" methods, on a rooted device the pr nightmare that would ensue would make the note 7 fiasco look like child's play.
"Samsung unsecured device compromises persons credit card information today, while Apple is still secure" I can see the headline.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7E

'Clean' ROMs? (Google free)

I just picked up an S8+ for €524 (new). However I'm not allowed to have anything Google on my phone (not just apps, but Play Services). Nor do I want them really.
Since there still aren't any working AOSP ROMs, which of the 100s of modified stock ROMs (or N8 ports) are available where GoogleApps must be installed as a separate package (like AOSP)? Anyone have a list?
Don't want to waste time messing around removing it from ROMs that already have it baked in.
Lineage OS when it will have official support (no idea when)
Thanks, I'm aware that it (and Resurrection Remix etc etc) will. But rather strangely, in my view, there seems to be a huge disbalance in development efforts between stock and AOSP on the S8.
Anyway, regardless, in the mean time, I want a 'stock' / modified ROM that has no Google as standard.
From what I know...there is no AOSP rom that works completely for the s8 yet...
You can still root it and unistall anything inside from google from the stock rom, so that you keep all the functions without using google stuff
Per my first post, I'd rather not bother.
I'll just return the phone or sell it immediately if there really aren't any custom ROMs where G-Apps are installed separately. Aside from the initial bother, OTA updates tend to reinstall them, so it's a constant battle.
No AOSP roms for now. There's long way for Lineage or RR to become fully functional and bug-free. Just to remind the S6/S7 case.
I know, but surely there must be a few custom ROMs with no G-apps by default? There are literally hundreds.
mudnightoil said:
I know, but surely there must be a few custom ROMs with no G-apps by default? There are literally hundreds.
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Have a look at BatMan Rom v1.5. If I remember correctly you can choose to omit installing any G-apps via the Aroma installation.
Norup58 said:
Have a look at BatMan Rom v1.5. If I remember correctly you can choose to omit installing any G-apps via the Aroma installation.
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Click to collapse
AFAIK removing Google Play Services (via Aroma) isn't an option. It's just the actual apps. Certainly it isn't an option in the screengrabs in that ROM or others.
Also, I assume like many other ROMs with G-apps baked in, OTAs complicate this, and they may never really be gone.
Thanks for the suggestion though.
Doubt very much you will find a Rom which fulfills your needs precisely.
An alternative is to use Titanium Backup or Package Disabler to get 'rid' of all Google things.
I remember there being a few in the Nexus 4 and 5 days, and some old Samsungs.
Haven't kept track of it recently, as have used stock CM / LOS in later years, so found it unnecessary.
Bump
To the OP I'd be happy to take stock from a backup and remove all Google apps entirely and upload it for all. Do you want it rooted or would you prefer to do so yourself? It would be. ROM and not odin specific. I too hate Google and have everything removed except Gmail play store and modded YouTube. Battary life is pretty amazing too.
Donations are always,welcomed for my work I do. Not needed but does aid me for my daily endeavours.
Sent from my G955F
mudnightoil said:
Bump
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No need to bump since you won't find anything, the formula for aosp is a Snapdragon cpu and an unlocked bootloader. You bought the wrong phone.
peachpuff said:
No need to bump since you won't find anything, the formula for aosp is a Snapdragon cpu and an unlocked bootloader. You bought the wrong phone.
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Click to collapse
For the Nth time, if you're going to bother to reply, then at least read what I have written and explained in a number of posts.
Nowhere have I asked for AOSP. It'll come when it comes, but I need a fix in the mean time.
I am asking for a modified stock ROM with Google removed by default. Something that has existed in the past, and which it's incredible if it does not exist among the hundreds of modified stock ROMs for the S8 variants.
Also, Snapdragon certainly isn't a prerequisite for AOSP. Samsung released all the sources a while ago. Huawei (Kirin & slow to release any / all sources and unreleased drivers) have AOSP.
I think the main impediment is that the S8/S8+/Note8 have been very expensive. But given that an S8 can now be bought for the same or less than a 64GB OP 5T in Europe, and has obviously better hardware, I suspect there will be a great deal more development effort incoming. Per my original post, my S8+ cost €524 from one of the largest e-tailers in Germany. A 5T costs €499.
this.guy.lol said:
To the OP I'd be happy to take stock from a backup and remove all Google apps entirely and upload it for all. Do you want it rooted or would you prefer to do so yourself? It would be. ROM and not odin specific. I too hate Google and have everything removed except Gmail play store and modded YouTube. Battary life is pretty amazing too.
Donations are always,welcomed for my work I do. Not needed but does aid me for my daily endeavours.
Sent from my G955F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very kind. The only problem I foresee, as mentioned earlier, is that removing Google from a ROM which doesn't have a maintained Google-free version means that every significant OTA update is likely to 're-infect' the system.
I think the most likely chance of success is a minor fork of ICE / BatMan / Renovate (i.e. one of the most popular modified stock ROMs) with a default Google-free version. This way, it may well attract enough interest that even if you stop, someone else will maintain it. They're so popular that there might be enough interest to maintain it even after LOS15.1 and derivatives are working and stable.
mudnightoil said:
For the Nth time, if you're going to bother to reply, then at least read what I have written and explained in a number of posts.
Nowhere have I asked for AOSP. It'll come when it comes, but I need a fix in the mean time.
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Click to collapse
Ah you're right, my bad.
mudnightoil said:
Samsung released all the sources a while ago.
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For exynos?
I am asking for a modified stock ROM with Google removed by default. Something that has existed in the past, and which it's incredible if it does not exist among the hundreds of modified stock ROMs for the S8 variants.
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Click to collapse
Now why didn't you do your research before buying this phone? Did you just assume you'd find a google free touchwiz rom? It doesn't take long to skim through the dev section and see every rom is basically stock with little tweaks here and there. Its not like you bought the phone on day 1, its been out for 8 months or so.
So like i said before, you bought the wrong phone, give it back and get that op5t if you don't want google on your phone. Flash aosp and voila, no google unless you flash gapps.
mudnightoil said:
That's very kind. The only problem I foresee, as mentioned earlier, is that removing Google from a ROM which doesn't have a maintained Google-free version means that every significant OTA update is likely to 're-infect' the system.
I think the most likely chance of success is a minor fork of ICE / BatMan / Renovate (i.e. one of the most popular modified stock ROMs) with a default Google-free version. This way, it may well attract enough interest that even if you stop, someone else will maintain it. They're so popular that there might be enough interest to maintain it even after LOS15.1 and derivatives are working and stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
itll be 7 months before we see aosp on s8 and s8 plus. as for the other thing, i have a base im working on atm. when an update comes along ill make one from it. in the meantime, the build i use is super fast and compared to the others you mentioned like ice and batman, its way better for snappy and so on. if interested let me know. itll take me around 6 hours to get it going and another 3 to upload if im lucky. donations on this would be highly highly appreciated but not needed
this.guy.lol said:
itll be 7 months before we see aosp on s8 and s8 plus. as for the other thing, i have a base im working on atm. when an update comes along ill make one from it. in the meantime, the build i use is super fast and compared to the others you mentioned like ice and batman, its way better for snappy and so on. if interested let me know. itll take me around 6 hours to get it going and another 3 to upload if im lucky. donations on this would be highly highly appreciated but not needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it'll be much sooner than that. Price matters. It'll fall even further once the S9 is out. But anyway ....
What's the base? Will it have Aroma?
It would probably be a good idea to make a thread with details, and then you can gauge interest and thereby likelihood of donations.
Once I actually have the phone (it's in DE and I'm currently in NL) and get round to installing it, I'd of course contribute, provided it is indeed suitable.
mudnightoil said:
I think it'll be much sooner than that. Price matters. It'll fall even further once the S9 is out. But anyway ....
What's the base? Will it have Aroma?
It would probably be a good idea to make a thread with details, and then you can gauge interest and thereby likelihood of donations.
Once I actually have the phone (it's in DE and I'm currently in NL) and get round to installing it, I'd of course contribute, provided it is indeed suitable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Base will be 7.0/7.1.1 as its the most stable as far as speed is concerned. Aroma will be an option yes. I'm still learning how to make threads in here. Would love to have a place holder of sorts. Ill look into more later on. Be looking for my other account on here to post the ROM. The name is LVL7MODZ

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