Hi all,
It's been awhile since I've last modded my phone (came off of a t-mobile Vibrant). In the beginning, it used to be easy flashing and modding, but since the whole KNOX debacle, I haven't wanted to touch my phone in fear of screwing over my warranty (for this reason alone, this will definitely be my last Samsung purchase). My phone is still on it's original 4.2.2 firmware but my internal SD is almost completely full and I've moved all that I could onto my external SD already. Not only that, but I'm tired of having to close out some 26-28 apps running in the background everytime I want to play a game or read my kindle.
Now that I've gone through that little story, I'm trying to catch up on things on the forum. Here are a few questions in the back of my mind that I need to know the answer to:
a. If I decide to flash a custom 4.4.+ ROM and want to go back down to my stock one (for warranty purposes) would it be possible to downgrade?
b. Is Kitkat stable or should I stick to the 4.3 ROMs?
c. If I get a custom AOSP ROM, would I definitely lose features such as screen mirroring (I use that one a lot since I also own a Sammy tv)?
d. Are there custom bootloaders available (I REALLY want to avoid anything remotely official looking)?
e. Which ROMs tend to be the more stable - AOSP or TWiz based?
Thanks in advance for any info shared.
a. For the ROM and modem yes, but you will NOT be able to downgrade the bootloader (searching KNOX)
b. All hail KitKat
c. Probably, but I think you will lose such function .
d. How come bootloader be customized?
e. Not a question, such subject is not allowed in xda, try for yourself, but in your case, probably the stock
Oniyuri said:
Hi all,
It's been awhile since I've last modded my phone (came off of a t-mobile Vibrant). In the beginning, it used to be easy flashing and modding, but since the whole KNOX debacle, I haven't wanted to touch my phone in fear of screwing over my warranty (for this reason alone, this will definitely be my last Samsung purchase). My phone is still on it's original 4.2.2 firmware but my internal SD is almost completely full and I've moved all that I could onto my external SD already. Not only that, but I'm tired of having to close out some 26-28 apps running in the background everytime I want to play a game or read my kindle.
Now that I've gone through that little story, I'm trying to catch up on things on the forum. Here are a few questions in the back of my mind that I need to know the answer to:
a. If I decide to flash a custom 4.4.+ ROM and want to go back down to my stock one (for warranty purposes) would it be possible to downgrade?
b. Is Kitkat stable or should I stick to the 4.3 ROMs?
c. If I get a custom AOSP ROM, would I definitely lose features such as screen mirroring (I use that one a lot since I also own a Sammy tv)?
d. Are there custom bootloaders available (I REALLY want to avoid anything remotely official looking)?
e. Which ROMs tend to be the more stable - AOSP or TWiz based?
Thanks in advance for any info shared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a. Yes you can with custom rom + custom kernel that support older bootloader
b. stable
c. forget it
d. no, only custom kernel which support older bootloader for kitkat
e. TW
I was all amped up to finally make the leap from just being rooted (OC3) to installing a custom rom (CM 12.1) and spent a bunch of time researching the process and trying to figure out why my attempts to install a custom recovery were all unsuccessful. Then I came here and discovered why (AT&T locks the bootloader).
Now I'm feeling very deflated. Originally I thought I'd get a Nexus phone but I don't like the new Nexus offerings. The next best alternative to me was to pretty much go AOSP with my S4 (eventually moving to CM 13 once that releases for the S4).
So my main question is this: for someone who was interested in going pretty much as stock Android as possible, what's the best option among roms that I can install on my phone, particularly roms which will continue to give my phone life moving forward in terms of updates (marshmallow and beyond)?
And my secondary question is what, if any, reasons are there for me to install a custom rom if I'm not interested in bling? In other words, what are the functional advantages (e.g. enabling tethering, non-broken xposed, eliminating samsung/at&t bloat, etc)?
Appreciate any info and guidance!
I guess I have a 3rd question - is there any hope that we will ever be able to replace the bootloader and install roms like CM? I have no idea if anyone is working on that and it's just a matter of time or if it's considered to be an impossible task.
I can't answer your first question and I'm not sure why you are asking since you aren't able to install proper custom roms anyway..
You don't need a custom rom for a number of things you mention. Removing bloat can speed up your device, save battery, and put an end to some of the annoyances you get from unwanted apps. Xposed is great for customizing your phone and getting rid of that irritating high volume notification.
Finally, no, there is no hope of unlocking the bootloader. The S4 is old so fewer and fewer people care about it. There is a thread about it in the Verizon s4 forum...
My advice : get rid of your S4. Find a phone that uses stock Android and not all this custom TouchWiz rubbish.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Hi,
This question is mostly towards the people that have already installed a custom rom on their GS7.
I have a GS7 G935F model and i was wondering why you guys choose to installed custom rom?
I'm a big fan of custom roms. I have used them in the past on my GS3 T999, because T-mobile didn't release any new updates for the phone. I saw the need to use a custom rom to be on the latest and greatest version and i switched from rom the rom to test witch one suited me best. Now with the GS7 i get frequent updates from samsung and don't see the need, but i'm still really really interested in trying one of the custom roms. So what else does a custom bring that will make me want to make that switch?
JurrienXR said:
Hi,
This question is mostly towards the people that have already installed a custom rom on their GS7.
I have a GS7 G935F model and i was wondering why you guys choose to installed custom rom?
I'm a big fan of custom roms. I have used them in the past on my GS3 T999, because T-mobile didn't release any new updates for the phone. I saw the need to use a custom rom to be on the latest and greatest version and i switched from rom the rom to test witch one suited me best. Now with the GS7 i get frequent updates from samsung and don't see the need, but i'm still really really interested in trying one of the custom roms. So what else does a custom bring that will make me want to make that switch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
most of those frequent updates are for security propose.
custom roms enable you to unlimited experience of customization.
changing any system ui element or installing some apps that need root access and works better on custom roms usually.
but some app or mod you install on custom rom have risks to brick your phone and you need to prepare urself to repair it or search a lot to get stable ones.
:good:
Geeks Empire said:
most of those frequent updates are for security propose.
custom roms enable you to unlimited experience of customization.
changing any system ui element or installing some apps that need root access and works better on custom roms usually.
but some app or mod you install on custom rom have risks to brick your phone and you need to prepare urself to repair it or search a lot to get stable ones.
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing system ui elements or using root apps/ modules. 3 years ago u needed a custom rom for a new look and extra functionality that wasn't normally possible. Nowadays most of those things are possible. I'm searching for the things i can do now if i choose to install a custom rom. Things i could really use.
Which root apps or modules do u use on your phone?
Since 1+3, I did not have the need to root and install custom ROMs on the devices. I have passed on the 3 & 3T to my wife and daughter. They also don't see the reason to root and use custom ROMs. On 1+5, with all the updates, what would be the key motivator for custom roms? I do like customizable rom and ability to freshen up when bored. Majority of custom ROMs features I don't even use on daily basis. I did put RR rom on my 1+1 and it's really nice. Just not snappy with less Ram. Just trying to see what experts here feel about it? Any inputs are greatly appreciated!
Im still on stock, but would root it for sure, for 2 reasons, viper and adblock.
Custom roms are useful, when you dont have the official update rolling out for new versions of android.
As of now OP5 runs on 7.1.1, so thats good enough.
I root and add TWRP, titanium backup and add block on my phones with out question. Also for certain apps I need to push to system like a no add YouTube APK. I'm still on stock ROM with stock kernel but sometimes use custom kernels. The stock OOS ROM basically has just about everything I look for in a custom ROM as it is. So did me, no need for custom ROMs and this is the first ever phone I haven't put a custom ROM on, at least not yet.
I'm on a ledge about installing a custom rom (Lineage 16 (or something else)), but I have some questions regarding custom ROMs, any answers are appreciated!
1. Will I be able to use apps that requires a non rooted phone? (I've installed a custom rom on my old phone, and it fails to pass safety net)
2. Will there be OTA updates? (I.e. security patches, bud fixes for that rom)
3. Will it be stable? (I've watched some videos and they say custom ROMs slows down the phone, and have random crashes)
4. Can custom ROMs enable project treble? (Not that it matters, just curious)
5. Are there any compromises with custom ROMs over stock rom? (Just any down sides of custom ROMs)
As a traveller, compatibility is very important, so will custom ROMs have any affect? I.e. booking flights, hotels, transfering stuff.
1) I tried Resurrection Remix, AOSPExtended and now I'm on ArrowOS, no problems with SafetyNet and I've been able to use my banking and payment apps
2) Depends on the ROM, but mostly yes, every ROM is regularly updated
3) I have never experienced a significant crash on a custom ROM, Even 9.0 ROMs are pretty stable as of now, ArrowOS feels much snappier than stock imho
4) Yup, some ROMs here have treble support. There's a guide by CosmicDan that explains how to enable Treble on our device
5) Pretty much everything about having your original firmware VS having a wider range of customization options. I don't think the latter is too risky, but if you don't like it you can always do a backup and go back to stock. Phones like Mi A1 are made for modding and are all about the user's freedom
BetaPix said:
1) I tried Resurrection Remix, AOSPExtended and now I'm on ArrowOS, no problems with SafetyNet and I've been able to use my banking and payment apps
2) Depends on the ROM, but mostly yes, every ROM is regularly updated
3) I have never experienced a significant crash on a custom ROM, Even 9.0 ROMs are pretty stable as of now, ArrowOS feels much snappier than stock imho
4) Yup, some ROMs here have treble support. There's a guide by CosmicDan that explains how to enable Treble on our device
5) Pretty much everything about having your original firmware VS having a wider range of customization options. I don't think the latter is too risky, but if you don't like it you can always do a backup and go back to stock. Phones like Mi A1 are made for modding and are all about the user's freedom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info mate! I bought the Mi A1 because it has a strong modding community.
I have a modding addiction and always want to try something new but with this phone I have to resist.
I ask myself when do I actually want, for me, I flashed my Samsung to get a pure android experience without bloatware, then I have to remind myself, I bought this phone because it is AndroidOne and the little bloatware is easily disabled, I'm actually very happy with the experience.
Next I have to ask myself, what will I gain from modding, and the truth is the only thing I really want is Gcam and honestly I don't really need it.
Sometimes it's hard to resist but I just keep reminding myself I already have all I want, for me I will stay 100% stock until after P when the device becomes unsupported.
kudos1uk said:
I have a modding addiction and always want to try something new but with this phone I have to resist.
I ask myself when do I actually want, for me, I flashed my Samsung to get a pure android experience without bloatware, then I have to remind myself, I bought this phone because it is AndroidOne and the little bloatware is easily disabled, I'm actually very happy with the experience.
Next I have to ask myself, what will I gain from modding, and the truth is the only thing I really want is Gcam and honestly I don't really need it.
Sometimes it's hard to resist but I just keep reminding myself I already have all I want, for me I will stay 100% stock until after P when the device becomes unsupported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the exact same "addiction" and i came to the same conclusion: I've bought this phone because its "pure" android so i wont mess with it! Flash a custom of 9.0 just to tell my friends that i got it first? Stock will always be stock, and until the device become unsupported i will stick to it. Then, flashing custom roms will be a addiction again :fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Sorry to be kinda off-topic on this but I'd like to ask a question regarding custom ROMs (Treble or not) regarding the Mi A1.
I've tried some of them, and usually what makes me get back to stock is the unlocking delay. There's always a delay when pressing the button and the screen turning on.
Have tried LOS15.1, 2-3 Treble ROMs (I think it's normal that it's like that on every one of the Treble ones if it's a vendor issue) and I think one of the Pie ones.
Am I doing something wrong or is this how it is supposed to be? Is there any Pie ROM that doesn't have that issue?
If there isn't, I don't think it's worth flashing a custom ROM. Untouched Stock with Gcam is pretty neat.
kudos1uk said:
I have a modding addiction and always want to try something new but with this phone I have to resist.
I ask myself when do I actually want, for me, I flashed my Samsung to get a pure android experience without bloatware, then I have to remind myself, I bought this phone because it is AndroidOne and the little bloatware is easily disabled, I'm actually very happy with the experience.
Next I have to ask myself, what will I gain from modding, and the truth is the only thing I really want is Gcam and honestly I don't really need it.
Sometimes it's hard to resist but I just keep reminding myself I already have all I want, for me I will stay 100% stock until after P when the device becomes unsupported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've tried liquid remix 10.0.1, and I must say, sticking to stock is the best. Don't get me wrong, I really like custom roms, but after installing it, I realised that it's not even worth it. Plus, I don't really like to much customisation. You could say I'm more of an apple sheep. I'll probably switch to custom roms once this phone gets outdated. All the custom mods I need is root. For me, the best solution is to stock to the stock rom with root access.
Hi,
I face the same questions as WhatzIt2Ya, the brand new A1 is in front of me, currently empty and up to date with latest October update, and I ask myself what to do.
The phone will be my daily driver, so the encryption is mandatory. That's why I'm sad to see LineageOS Pie has some problems with it as of today. I run LineageOS on my parents' Nexus 5 and it rocks.
We have basically five possibilities:
1. Don't touch anything, keep the original ROM, the locked bootloader, OTA and so on. As long as the security patches arrive, why not. However, no TWRP and no root = no nandroid backups and no Titanium Backup, i.e. I'll lose lots of time in one year to backup the phone and configure it again when I'll take the custom ROM route, and I of course will to keep the phone updated.
2. Just unlock the bootloader. The phone will wipe itself, but that's not a problem, it's empty anyway. TWRP can be installed later to perform the nandroid backup.
3. Install TWRP and keep the stock ROM with root eventually. A fellow developer has figured out how to convert OTA to images installable with TWRP, so basically it's one OTA per month vs one TWRP install per month.
4. Install some custom ROM. Which one?
5. Treblize the phone. That's the future, but are the ROMs ready?
In 2018 Android is still behind Apple regarding backups. I have a work provided iPhone and all I need to do before getting mad is a simple iTunes backup. The phone can be restored in exactly the same state later, without my intervention. On Android I need to figure out how to backup things one by one (icons in folders, call history, SMS, all chats, etc., etc...) and to configure the new phone again.
And with root one loses the possibility to use some banking apps, so we add yet another trick to hide we are rooted. It's fun and rewarding, but takes too much time.
WhatzIt2Ya said:
I'm on a ledge about installing a custom rom (Lineage 16 (or something else)), but I have some questions regarding custom ROMs, any answers are appreciated!
1. Will I be able to use apps that requires a non rooted phone? (I've installed a custom rom on my old phone, and it fails to pass safety net)
2. Will there be OTA updates? (I.e. security patches, bud fixes for that rom)
3. Will it be stable? (I've watched some videos and they say custom ROMs slows down the phone, and have random crashes)
4. Can custom ROMs enable project treble? (Not that it matters, just curious)
5. Are there any compromises with custom ROMs over stock rom? (Just any down sides of custom ROMs)
As a traveller, compatibility is very important, so will custom ROMs have any affect? I.e. booking flights, hotels, transfering stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally well regarded roms like Lineageos which are developed by 'good' developers will be more stable. Some volunteers who develop lineageos builds have a better track record than others. "Official" lineageos requires volunteers to pledge to follow a set of rules which include things like timely updates on major security patches, release updates for x number of months etc. Lineage is generally quite stable because volunteers are working off from a good platform. If you are extra worried about security, you might want to stick with stock because who really has the time to keep reading through the commits even if the code is open sourced?
Lineage has a built in root which will not pass safetynet so don't use it if you want to pass. Or use Magisk to root instead. But Magisk will need regular updates to pass safetynet and its a continuing cat and mouse game where google will fix safetynet and magisk will fail safetynet until the next update.....
Edit- I forgot to add that just unlocking the bootloader will cause safetynet to fail so every Lineageos phone would fail safetynet even if root was not enabled.
If you have to ask about treble, don't do it. Noobs have bricked their phones and there are threads that they have started crying for help.
Custom roms are all developed by volunteers and the level of testing is dodgy - who has time for that when they are working on it in their spare time? Occasionally there might be mistakes and phones will get bricked or lose wifi/BT functionality like one early version of a custom rom which wrote to parts of the firmware which should have been normally left untouched.