Thinking of getting the Atrix - Atrix 4G General

Okay, so I've been thinking of getting a Motorola Atrix to put on H2o wireless (att based mvno) however I had a couple of concerns. I'm a MAJOR performance junky and love Cyanogenmod on my current phone however I'm nervous about the locked bootloader, the instructions at the atrix dev team google code page does not state that the phone's bootloader needs to be unlocked so can somebody please clarify this? Also the guide mentions you can use Rom Manager to install the CWM however I know on the Tmobile G2x that uses the Tegra processor as well you aren't supposed to use Rom Manager but instead use NVFlash, I take it the Atrix is safe using Rom Manager?

kc3 said:
Okay, so I've been thinking of getting a Motorola Atrix to put on H2o wireless (att based mvno) however I had a couple of concerns. I'm a MAJOR performance junky and love Cyanogenmod on my current phone however I'm nervous about the locked bootloader, the instructions at the atrix dev team google code page does not state that the phone's bootloader needs to be unlocked so can somebody please clarify this? Also the guide mentions you can use Rom Manager to install the CWM however I know on the Tmobile G2x that uses the Tegra processor as well you aren't supposed to use Rom Manager but instead use NVFlash, I take it the Atrix is safe using Rom Manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader needs to be unlocked to install custom ROMSs. There is an automated script to do just that.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1182871
Yes u can flash CWM from Rom Manager. Although I prefer RomRacers CWM. It can be easily installed via fastboot.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1204500

Thank you and bookmarked

out of curiousity, what made you choose the Atrix over the Galaxy S II?

More than anything was price, however I've never been one to believe in setting when it comes to these things but one of my top priorities with new phones is has it been hacked. I like modding my devices so I would much rather aside from spending less money on a phone (without contract) I would also like a phone that already has a good development community. The GS2 is like $600 without contract, but the Atrix is $450 directly from ATT or roughly $300 to $400 from a few places on ebay.

Just to clarify, you need to have the bootloader unlocked before you flash recovery through rom manager.

Thanks Bender beat you to the punch though

this is a no brainer, buy the atrix.

Yeah I think near the end of the month I'm going to, it seems like for the money it's the best phone you could get.
Sent from my LG-VM670 using xda premium

i bought atrix instead of SG2 because of the price difference, and i have to say that the atrix is better than the SG2 and cheaper. But samsung is promoting its phone more than motorola.

i love my atrix and its easy to mod thanks to all the great devs

I ordered one today :-D
Sent from my LG-VM670 using xda premium

Related

(Oh No Its The...) Should I Get A Dell Streak 5??

As per title , I was looking for a Phone / Tablet after selling my ZTE Blade and Hannspad 10" Tablet.
Wondered if this can play games like Asphalt 6???
Also is putting a rom on very easy??
I am used to clockwork mod but not fastboot etc.
Also I read that with some roms you have to flash other files as well (Gingerbread)
Are Those Safe To Flash (UK Dell Streak Mini 5)
The price I was looking was £180 or should I just save for a HTC Sensation XL / Galaxy Note (at least twice as expensive)
I am currenty is still using the Streak but will upgrade to a Galaxy Note in a week or so. if you don't mind the Streak being last years toy than the Streak is a great device. Its pretty easy to flash new rom n upgrade to 2.3 andriod. U might have to do some reading in this form. The problem is that this form is not too kind to noods. The streak is pretty fast once its upgraded to andriod 2.3+. If money is not an issue than buy a galaxy note. I really dont understand why we need a super fast cpu on a phone. I want the Note because it has a bigger n a better screem. if u need some help in flashing to 2.3 I might be able to help.
Sent from my Dell Streak using xda premium
I find the people in this forum to be very helpful, in fact many of them have taken the time to write up detailed instructions to improve every aspect of this phone. I think they just get a little testy when people don't take the time to read or even find their hard work. There are tutorials all over, and I'm sure you will quickly become a pro. Tools have been developed that make flashing very easy for the noob. Once you get the drivers set up on your PC, you can install a new pre-rooted rom in minutes. Then you can download and install many roms and themes without ever needing a computer.
I find that the Streak still satisfies all of my NEEDS as a phone/tablet, but not necessarily all of my WANTS. Of course you'll always want bigger and better...
Not sure about gaming on the streak, as I do very little, but keep in mind the ram and processor are about half of the newest models.
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
If you ignored price, you'd prob be better off buying a gnote or a galaxy nexus,
but you could buy 2-3 streaks for the price of either of those (unlocked vs unlocked).
The xl is also slower then the xe, it's a generation older spec wise (yea what the dell htc?). It's still faster then the s5, but slower then the xe.
The streak's now an aging device, dont expect to pay much but dont expect amazing performence compared to newer devices.
Well i just moved to the IPhone 4S i dont really use my Streak anymore, im about to sell it if your interested, is in amazing condition, i personally installed a custom rom gingerstreak 2.4.2.2 and is rooted, let me know if you interested, ill ship anywhere in the world
I also came from a ZTE Blade. It's a little more confusing installing roms.
Thanks guys
Well I purchased one for £135 ($213)
Bargain if you ask me.
I pick it up next week and will put Gingerbread on it (fingers crossed)
Hope I'm not dissapointed as I loved my 10" Hannspad.
As long as it plays Asphalt 6 I will be happy (I read it can play the new tintin game as well )
Thats a bargain. I paid £190 for mine and I already thought that was a bargain!
Good investment. ICS is OFFICIALLY coming to the 5, via DJ Steve. It's worth noting that 4.0 makes better use of the hardware, so with a solid 1.2ghz overclock the Streak + ICS should be a wonderful device even against the newest phones.
Heres the link incase anyone is interested..
He messaged me and said he accepts £135 no less
Its an IT firm not far from me , so fingers crossed they are just ex-demo
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260895954177?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Bought mine 31st Oct. Paid £199,99 for it via eBay, Brand New!
Happy with it... but trying to install a custom ROM is kinda tricky! So gave up trying to flash a new ROM. Sticking with 2.2.2 for the time being!
Flashing customs ROM's on my previous handset (HTC HD2) was a piece of cake ... flashed a few different ROM's on that, with ease!"
As soon as you flash recovery and amss and dsp1 (baseband?) isnt it the same (flash zip via recovery?)
Once you are on the right files flashing zip is easy (I think anyway)
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
roy8846 said:
As soon as you flash recovery and amss and dsp1 (baseband?) isnt it the same (flash zip via recovery?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where I got stuck. Couldn't flash those 2 files to the handset. Managed to flash the ROM fine, as I did that via the SD card, via Recovery.
But trying to flash the AMSS and DSP1 was effort, so had to revert back to the stock 2.2.2 ROM!
First things to do
Reinstall Streak Drivers.
Try A laptop or different PC.
Download these into a folder and run flash.cmd (this is for DSC Rom but more roms use same baseband
or..........................
Use this video guide???
http://www.itsmyiphoneworld.com/android-device/djstevenscustomromfordellstreak5gingerstreak244
roy8846 said:
First things to do
Reinstall Streak Drivers.
Try A laptop or different PC.
Download these into a folder and run flash.cmd (this is for DSC Rom but more roms use same baseband
or..........................
Use this video guide???
http://www.itsmyiphoneworld.com/android-device/djstevenscustomromfordellstreak5gingerstreak244
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey that's no video guide... that's just a video showing the GingerStreak 2.4.4!
Like I mentioned, I get stuck on trying to flash the amss + DSP!
I'm dying to try and get the GingerStreak 2.4.4 working correctly on my device.

Epic 4G vs. Photon. trade?

I know there has been a thread or 2 about this, but I want to go in a different direction. I have a chance to trade my epic straight up for a Motorola Photon and I'm thinking about it.
Does anyone have experience with rooting? Recovery? Comparable differences with the epic? I'm just trying to gauge the learning curve with getting the phone the way I like it, versus how easy it was when I got my epic.
I figured I would ask here before I posted a derrr stupid annoying thread in their section. Since at least I know names around here.
They do have a mostly working cm7, but so do we. They don't have very many roms yet and I think its hard to root and get recovery (compared to epic). They do have superior hardware and superior CDMA+WIMAX radios (higher data speeds). For now, it depends on whats important to you: ROMS or Hardware. Also, fyi, the Photon will likely get official ICS if that interests you
Thank you for the response
Yea ICS crossed my mind, but after what I've gone through with my epic, I don't think I could use a stock phone ever again. Tell me this, if you can, is it easier to root than the old Thunderbolt method? As in circumventing the bootloader via exploit and thus making a HUGE headache to restore to stock if needed?
The processor is dual core, which I like, but as far as I can tell our phones have much better screen quality. Bah. I don't know what to do.
Ask qbking77 what he thinks about them. He has both
Sent from my Samsung Legendary 4G, a Universe UTES phone, running "two.three.five"
Oh really? Ok. Thanks.
If they're asking for a straight up trade... Do it for sure. The phone stock alone is better than the epic (due to dual core and speed). The screen on the epic is imo a little better since it has superamoled (my favorite). Unfortunately, development for the Photon isn't very great and isn't supported very well. If you were to get the Photon I'd just leave it stock and root it for the free tethering (which might not work on your device depending on ad hoc or not). The photon is a great phone, and has much better signal strength than any other sprint phone. If having a hardware keyboard isn't a problem for you.. I'd definitely trade for the photon. If you like having a phone with developer support... stick with the epic. If you have any other questions, please let me know
Honestly rooting the photon is down to a one click root, unlocking the bootloader is easy to if you know how to read. Putting cwm on is also simple if you can follow directions. If you have any concerns ask away, if you have any doubts on doing something, read read read!
Sent from one focused mopho!
Rabidmechanic05 said:
Honestly rooting the photon is down to a one click root, unlocking the bootloader is easy to if you know how to read. Putting cwm on is also simple if you can follow directions. If you have any concerns ask away, if you have any doubts on doing something, read read read!
Sent from one focused mopho!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed it is very easy. I have videos for everything actually. Whether its rooting, unlocking a bootloader, or unrooting. To have a rom, you will lose 4G. Unlocking your bootloader causes you to lose 4g.
Ok, I'm starting to get the picture now. I guess there is good and bad on both sides. I don't have 4G in New Hampshire, and I never will in the form of WiMax, so that part doesn't bother me. I think I will trade for it if he still wants to do it. Thanks all for your input
I bought the motorola photon yesterday, and honestly i think its an incredible device that can easily hold me off until sprint start releasing LTE devices.
I heard that their is a way to use a custom rom and keep your 4g by doing the following.
1. root device
2. unlock bootloader
3. install recovery
4. install custom ROM
5. backup custom ROM
6. lock bootloader
7. root
8. restore custom ROM
That method only works with pseudo roms, full roms require cwm which requires an unlocked bootloader
Sent from one focused mopho!

Evo LTE...In layman's terms...

So my 2 year contract just ran last month.
I have LOVED my EVO 4G. Have flashed countless roms. Favs have to be Tommy's and MIUI but I also really liked Synergy before Tommy's was released.
So I hear all this talk about the EVO LTE not being fully rootable. So, can someone please point me in the right direction...?
The biggest selling point for me when it comes to getting a new phone is the screen/display. I NEED a large screen and want it to look nice (vibrant colors). I know the LTE has a 4.7inch screen which is very attractive to me.
I assume the LTE will be fully rootable sometime down the road. Maybe like a month or two after release I hope. I hear all this talk about the Galaxy Nexus and another model so I'm not sure if going LTE is the right choice? I want to be able to flash new roms when needed. I don't mind Sense as you can see based on my fav roms but I am not "tech" savvy so will it still be possible to flash roms on the LTE using Amon Recovery? I don't know how to push things using the PC and root commands like "su" so if that is the only way to flash stuff on the LTE then I will have a problem.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I think it'll be possible to fully root it, I don't think Sprint will go the same route AT&T went with when they had HTC lock down the One X, though that's certainly within the realm of possibility as well. We'll just have to wait and see if the unlocker tool will work for the EVO LTE. If not, then I give it a few months. Somebody will find a work around.
You'll be able to flash ROMs just fine from what I understand. Unless boot.img has to be done thru fastboot. I saw that being the case somewhere recently, I just can't remember where. But you won't be able to flash splashscreens and radios until/if S-off.
From what I've seen you can flash kernels and recoveries using flash_image GUI app. Now, that was the case apparently for Evo 3d, but if the partitions are written and protected differently from that then this may not still hold true.
I intend to get it, see how it goes over the first 14 days, and if it looks like brick walls on S-off or easy kernel flashing, I'll exchange it for galaxy nexus on 15th day.
sent from 2yr old Evo on ICS
if rooting and flashing roms really are important factors in your decision, just wait. Wait until devs have the LTevo in their hands and what happens with root (shouldnt be more than a couple weeks) if there arent any issues than jump on board. if for some reason there are issues, go with the gnex. it sucks that sprint is now charging a $35 restocking fee for all its phones if you swap within the grace period (you could always go this route too if you have the extra cash)
they both have big, beautiful screens and both are excellent phones. one gripe i hear about for the gnex is battery life but then you have removeable batteries as an option
Until the Evo LTE is sitting in the hands of developers for a few weeks at the minimum, a question like this can NOT be answered.
Starzboy77 said:
So my 2 year contract just ran last month.
I have LOVED my EVO 4G. Have flashed countless roms. Favs have to be Tommy's and MIUI but I also really liked Synergy before Tommy's was released.
So I hear all this talk about the EVO LTE not being fully rootable. So, can someone please point me in the right direction...?
The biggest selling point for me when it comes to getting a new phone is the screen/display. I NEED a large screen and want it to look nice (vibrant colors). I know the LTE has a 4.7inch screen which is very attractive to me.
I assume the LTE will be fully rootable sometime down the road. Maybe like a month or two after release I hope. I hear all this talk about the Galaxy Nexus and another model so I'm not sure if going LTE is the right choice? I want to be able to flash new roms when needed. I don't mind Sense as you can see based on my fav roms but I am not "tech" savvy so will it still be possible to flash roms on the LTE using Amon Recovery? I don't know how to push things using the PC and root commands like "su" so if that is the only way to flash stuff on the LTE then I will have a problem.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into an AT&T store and play with the One X, you WILL want this phone! This is basically the same as the EVO LTE, though the LTE does have some nicer specs!
Scott is right, you will be able to have access to flash ROM's, I don't know about the flash image GUI, I heard that they lock out any flashing from within /system...
About recovery, I don't know which ones will be available as one will need to be ported. Hopefully someone will work on porting Amon Ra, usually Clockwork is the first available.
You WILL have to learn fastboot commands prior to a one-click type of root being made available, this isn't that hard, if you can get through the HTC unlock process you can do pretty much anything in fastboot or ADB.
With Sense 4 being so light, beautiful and functional you won't have much need of flashing ROM's until some good tweaks are developed. Basically all of the tweaks you would make to a normal ROM have now become built into Android. Swipe to clear notification? Stock. Inverted pull down menu? Stock. Anything ICS styled? Stock. Plus there is more. Really go play with the One X and you won't regret your decision to get the LTE.
This is coming from someone who is not going to get the phone, by the way... I plan to get either the Galaxy Nexus or the next Nexus unlocked from Google and put it on a sim plan with T-mobile. This is primarily for monetary reasons, and it doesn't hurt to get a device designed for developers...
imheroldman said:
With Sense 4 being so light, beautiful and functional you won't have much need of flashing ROM's until some good tweaks are developed. Basically all of the tweaks you would make to a normal ROM have now become built into Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your forgetting about an important aspect which is tethering..
^^^^that will be taken care of by simply using HTCdev then flashing SU
@imheroldman
Good point about flash_image GUI and writing to system from within android. I know that hasn't happened yet for one x. It must be locked differently than 3d. But swagstr wrote that on 3d they could use flash image to flash recovery and kernel, but couldn't use ROM Manager (which I would never use) cuz they can't write to /system from within Android. Interesting puzzles.
sent from 2yr old Evo on ICS

Bootloader Unlocking Advantages?

I have never unlocked a device bootloader before so I am trying to get a little more knowledgeable on the topic. For this device, other than allowing it to be rooted, what advantages are there to unlocking the bootloader? Does it make the device harder to brick? Obviously it allows the installation of custom ROMS. For those that want to keep it stock, but want to root, is there any advantages to them having an unlocked bootloader? Thanks in advance for any advice.
For myself, its a no brainer. I use the xposed framework for minor tweaks and mods on the stock build. And just as well, I use titanium backup to remove unwanted system apps that come pre installed, and roll back app updates that I don't see fit. Per ex. If an app updates and has ads or removes features, I usually roll it back. Normally I flash a custom ROM and kernel, but this phone performs so well stock, it only needed minor tweaking in my opinion. Just my .02, but I like to be in control of a device I spend my hard earned money on.
If certain basic options were included in stock, I wouldn't even root, as I really don't need it. Its the simple customization and tweaks that make it all worthwhile.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
In my opinion, an unlocked bootloader is awesome. For the fact that in the off chance that something gets corrupted, you can go into fastboot and flash whatever to try and fix it.
And rooting, as well. Because of all the advantages rooting offers.
siralsmooth said:
For myself, its a no brainer. I use the xposed framework for minor tweaks and mods on the stock build. And just as well, I use titanium backup to remove unwanted system apps that come pre installed, and roll back app updates that I don't see fit. Per ex. If an app updates and has ads or removes features, I usually roll it back. Normally I flash a custom ROM and kernel, but this phone performs so well stock, it only needed minor tweaking in my opinion. Just my .02, but I like to be in control of a device I spend my hard earned money on.
If certain basic options were included in stock, I wouldn't even root, as I really don't need it. Its the simple customization and tweaks that make it all worthwhile.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MrPandroid said:
In my opinion, an unlocked bootloader is awesome. For the fact that in the off chance that something gets corrupted, you can go into fastboot and flash whatever to try and fix it.
And rooting, as well. Because of all the advantages rooting offers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree with all of that. Before my Moto X arrived I was running a Galaxy S4 rooted with Hyperdrive ROM. I refused to take the Lollipop update because it would kill root and it was not again attainable, except for King Root. King Root is out of China and I'm not even gonna go there as to why I wouldn't use that. The S4 I had didn't have a bootloader that was unlockable so it was Safestrap Recovery with a root exploit that had me gaining control. It's ridiculous to me that we don't have control of our devices anyway. Verizon is terrible, that's why I bought this phone as it is unlockable and rootable on Lollipop, and it's carrier unlocked. So if Verizon ticks me off too much I can jump ship.
Another thing, if Moto voids your warranty due to bootloader unlock, are most folks going with Square Trade for protection purposes? I know Moto says they will still honor your claim if it's a hardware issue not related to software, but should I trust them?
You can always return the device to stock prior to sending it in. Did that with my nexus 6 for the battery issue. Just play it right, you can always say you were going to but never followed through with it. The bootloader screen tells all. Moto isn't Samsung with the flash counter.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
On my previous devices (mostly nexus's) it's a no-brainer, it allows me to use custom ROMs. But on the MXPE, I like the stock ROM and moto features. But I still unlocked in order to get rid of ads, that alone is worth it for me.
The way I see it, a phone is a pocket sized computer. Do you want to be a user or an admin? As a user, you can only do what the manufacturer has loaded on the phone and what they allow you to update. As an admin, you can install Windows 10 or roll it back to Windows 7 if you want. Want to try Linux? Go install it. The sky is the limit if you're the admin. That's sorta how it is to have an unlocked bootloader on a phone. If you're not comfortable changing anything with your phone or restoring it if something goes wrong, leave the bootloader locked.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
siralsmooth said:
You can always return the device to stock prior to sending it in. Did that with my nexus 6 for the battery issue. Just play it right, you can always say you were going to but never followed through with it. The bootloader screen tells all. Moto isn't Samsung with the flash counter.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to unlock bootloader without going thru Motorola's process to get the unlock key? If not, they've recorded your serial number as unlocked.
All of the above are excellent points, so I won't rehash them, but the first thing that drives me to unlock and root with every phone and tablet I get, is Ads. Nothing bugs me more than popup ads. Unlock- Root -Adaway!
Also, there is a real sick visceral thrill to doing something stupid, bricking your phone and then suppressing panic to find a fix. When that unit boots back up ready to go - it's not better than sex, but it's pretty good.
mnlerer said:
All of the above are excellent points, so I won't rehash them, but the first thing that drives me to unlock and root with every phone and tablet I get, is Ads. Nothing bugs me more than popup ads. Unlock- Root -Adaway!
Also, there is a real sick visceral thrill to doing something stupid, bricking your phone and then suppressing panic to find a fix. When that unit boots back up ready to go - it's not better than sex, but it's pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't take it any longer, it's unlocked, TWRP'ed, and rooted. I feel so much better now! I'm once again in control and have all my apps with data right where they should be.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Welcome to the family. Lol
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
I applaud Moto for allowing this. Had a Sammy Note 3 and had to jump through so many hoops just to get a rom on the thing, sideloading bs and all that and then can't go over a certain update or root is lost, etc. Glad I bought this MXPE and about two days after purchase, rooted and unlocked the BL. Felt great to be back in control. Now whatever comes down the pike I can put on, take off without a hesitation. Great phone....
Sporttster said:
I applaud Moto for allowing this. Had a Sammy Note 3 and had to jump through so many hoops just to get a rom on the thing, sideloading bs and all that and then can't go over a certain update or root is lost, etc. Glad I bought this MXPE and about two days after purchase, rooted and unlocked the BL. Felt great to be back in control. Now whatever comes down the pike I can put on, take off without a hesitation. Great phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you can flash forward as well. There's some info and files in the General section for a fully working MM rom. I'm holding off until someone accomplishes a modified kernel, which will allow it to be rooted.
But yea, I was a die hard Sammy guy up until the S5. It got harder and harder to root and I finally bought a Dev Edition Verizon S5. I wasn't going to fork out $6-800 on a Dev Note 4. And with the S6/N5 and up they took away removable batteries (not a deal breaker) and sd cards, which was the final stray. No removable battery, no sd card, no unlocked bootloader (for Verizon at least) = no Sammy!
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
And you can flash forward as well. There's some info and files in the General section for a fully working MM rom. I'm holding off until someone accomplishes a modified kernel, which will allow it to be rooted.
But yea, I was a die hard Sammy guy up until the S5. It got harder and harder to root and I finally bought a Dev Edition Verizon S5. I wasn't going to fork out $6-800 on a Dev Note 4. And with the S6/N5 and up they took away removable batteries (not a deal breaker) and sd cards, which was the final stray. No removable battery, no sd card, no unlocked bootloader (for Verizon at least) = no Sammy!
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I was a Samsung guy too, until the changes you mentioned. I stuck with my S4 and even that would've lost root if I updated to Lollipop. So I kept rolling with KitKat until I bought the Moto X Pure. Now I'm back to Moto and hoping the next iteration of this device comes with an AMOLED display.
robn30 said:
Yup, I was a Samsung guy too, until the changes you mentioned. I stuck with my S4 and even that would've lost root if I updated to Lollipop. So I kept rolling with KitKat until I bought the Moto X Pure. Now I'm back to Moto and hoping the next iteration of this device comes with an AMOLED display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't be loyal that long lol. I've had almost every phone Verizon offers. The only ones I've been able to use for longer than a month or so are the S5, M8, G3, M9, G4, and now the MXP. I like the Nexus line but I have a 128 gb sd card so even 64gb of internal isn't nearly enough for me to use comfortably.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xVermicide said:
exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

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