Hi everyone! I just upgraded to the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Before I had the original Galaxy Note. I've rooted and loaded custom ROM's on all my previous Android devices (Captivate, Inspire 4G, Galaxy S II, and Galaxy Note), but I'm debating on rooting this device. It's running great on the stock ROM.
Has anyone else debated this? If so, did you go ahead and root and loaded a ROM then regret it or were you glad you did it?
You can run it absolutely stock and still be rooted. Rooting gives you the advantage of certain apps that require it, as I'm sure you know, such as Titanium Backup, Root explorer and others. Plus ability to get rid of AT&T apps you never do or never will use. fwiw
Root it! You want regret it. The possibilities are endless. And if you do prefer a stock like rom, well believe me there are GREAT custom stock like roms that these great devs have put together that run flawlessly with added benefits. Hope this helps. Happy Rooting
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
even if you plan to keep the stock ROM, its worth it to root so you can uninstall the AT&T bloatware and remove the AT&T splash screen on start-up.
lazard said:
even if you plan to keep the stock ROM, its worth it to root so you can uninstall the AT&T bloatware and remove the AT&T splash screen on start-up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on stock with root. I rooted it using Adam's casual only to have TiBu work. I froze all ATT bloats and some google and samsung apps. The stock is very fine for me.
Now I am debating to flash Paranoid rom to try their multiwindow and halo features...
Thanks for all the input everyone, I appreciate it. Knowing me I'll end up rooting it and loading a ROM since I can't leave stuff alone. HA!
Does anyone know if there's a ROM out there that someone has gotten Bluetooth Tethering to work? That's one thing I miss from ICS on my Galaxy Note.
Hey gk
In same boat, been flashing roms hundreds of times for over 3 years from early Nexus One days. Most of the reasons were to get newer OS's without waiting. However, one of the reasons I got the S4 was it already has the latest as in 4.2.2.
One thing I have learned as most of us have is there always seems to be something not 100% on each rom for some folks. Goes with the territory as we know. Although, I have been lucky in that area. Maybe due to lots of reading and proper pre-install wipes. Hats off to all the devs though for their long and tiresome hours giving us these great roms.
My concern, since this is early on with the S4 and no unlocked bootloader, are our chances higher to have issues.
My phone with all it's "gimmicks" is running fast and perfect--NO issues. I also would like TiBu and eventually a custom recovery for nandroids even if I don't flash a custom rom. Used both CWM and TWRP in the past. Also, Amon_Ra. All worked great for me.
But, like you and others will probably root and flash a custom recovery anyway.
Damn Samsung for making this so tough of a decision--
I was in same position lol I've been flashing andneven Ade a few Roms but ya know its cool and all but its a hassel sometimes enough for me to be stock! There's no reason IMO to flash anything this phone is packed to the gills with features already and its on a very new os so I feel like I wanna root and flash away but have found no reason to YET key word there and of course its purely my own standpoint
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Root it! You can get new features before they come to your carrier. ... I debated it and told myself I would stay rooted but run stock rom.... now they figured out ways to bypass the bootloader and flash roms and im back to crack flashing lol. ..
Yup. I thought I wouldn't root this thing. That lasted a week. Then I told myself it's fine the way it is, I don't need to flash a rom. That lasted 3 weeks. I'm not a flashaholic though. I usually pick one and stick with it for a while.
You think it runs fine until you've rommed it and added a kernel. Then you realize you had no idea how fine it could be.
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I wouldn't ever even own a phone that I couldn't root. It just gives you freedom over your phone. Again you don't NEED to run a custom rom to be rooted, but check out some of the TW custom Tom's that just take the phone to another level but still being stock
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Custom toms are bad ass lol I had to say it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
The Mint Jelly Rom battery life is insane ..it's worth rooting for that alone. Definitely root
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I'm more than likely going to root and load a ROM soon. I'm between two different ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2280556
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2305752
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
I was a flashaholic on the captivate, and S II. I loved trying new ROMs like Miui and AOKP. But, since I got the Note II and now the S 4 I don't have that desire. My only reason for rooting usually was TiBu, and only from flashing so often. Without flashing a new ROM each week I had little need for restoring apps. After three weeks I finally rooted and started trying ROMs on this phone. It was about the same for my Note. I really like TouchWiz, and miss some of those features on AOSP based ROMs. I don't see the performance need for custom ROMs on either of these phones like I did on the older phones. I guess it just came out of boredom, in the end.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
Well, I finally gave in and rooted--knew I would
Used Adam's Casual--very easy--much more so than my HTC phones
TiBu and Nandriods already in use
Next step roms--
Still haven't rooted yet. I probably will over the weekend. Why can't I leave stuff alone? HA!
Related
Hi, i'm a little bit scared about modifying it. Is there a real big difference in performance between the stock rom and a custom with a kernel at stock frequencies? And i've seen a lot of methods about unlocking/rooting it, but i am scared if i brick it... Is there a 100% safe method to unlock and root it? And i've heard about a problem with the buggy stock recovery, will i have this problem if i flash cwm?
Sorry for the huge number of questions and for my bad english
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Personally I found that there is not a great deal of difference between stock ROM and many of the custom ROMs out there. For me it is more to do with having the freedom to get tore into the tablet.
There is never a 100% guarantee that yo won't mess up when rooting and installing custom software, however the vast majority of users on here have managed to do it safely with the tools available.
If you are going down the path of rooting and customs, may I suggest you give the team EOS ROM a try coupled with Franco kernel. They work together like a dream. Also paranoid android ROM for something different . Though I found it to be a little slow for my liking.
Finally clemsyns elite kernel if you want crazy performance, but it does eat the battery
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Rooting is quite painless and reasonably safe if you follow the directions closely. The one click rooting methods, elsewhere in this forum...work well.
Myself, I prefer the stock rom. The custom roms might offer better performance, but can be buggy at times. although. I do switch back and forth to try them out. Remember, these roms
are all works in progress, so do not be surprised if something does not work the way you think
it should.
Thanks for the answers. I'm thinking about only rooting it. Will i receive the ota for a new update?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
As long as you keep the stock recovery you can keep doing ota updates
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
In my experience, OTA never worked to well.. but there are ways around it, for example... backing up your apps, then load a fresh updated factory image. then just restore your apps..
Titanium backup is one such app, but there are others .
So far no matter what I try I cant brick it oh I can get it stuck but theres always a way to fix it. And like some others here I have tried I believe every ROM out there. Not one really stands out "different" for ME then any other. Nexus root toolkit is by far the easiest to use for me. If your into battery life so far Stock wins hands down.
Unlocking and rooting the Nexus is really simple and pretty much foolproof. I'll admit there isn't that much of a difference between stock and custom ROMs because the N7 with JB is already a beast. I just like custom ROMs because you have the ability to make it faster if you want to (I have my CPU over clocked by 500 MHz and my GPU over clocked by 300 MHz thanks to clemsyn's elite kernel) the only reasons why I wanted to put a custom ROM on this was because I missed the 3 in 1 shutdown menu and the ability to remove the notification shae toggles, other than that I don't mess with much because JB is already buttery smooth. Gone are the days when you have to root, OC and install custom ROMs just to get good performance out of your device like I had to do with the OG droid.
I would definitely at least root the device for the time being. Aside from some customization options in a few custom ROMs I actually really enjoy stock on my N7... I would also take a look at ... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1905961 once you have it all ready to go... I found it made an improvement to my Wifi and GPS by a fair bit, no custom rom needed.
Does anyone know of such a ROM that I can have root, download, deodex, and debloat (but no mods) for the SGH-I337? I'd like to run a pure stock rooted ROM without bloat. I do not want the modded (black) apps with the messaging and etc. Just the full on debloated stock experience with root privileges. No, I do not want a competition with whatever ROM is best as I do not intend to start an argument about it. So, in that case, does anyone have suggestions or the link to another XDA thread? Also, please make sure that it's latest stock for AT&T. Thanks everyone!
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Ya could try this one http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2364635 however how you flash it will depend on what firmware your running now. If your mdf then refer to the safestrap threads for proper flsshing procedures and if yur mdl then follow loki directions. Hope this helps
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I've been using MDOB for a month or so and it is great. Great battery life, smooth, debloated stock, excellent support -- a great ROM. -- Bud
Let me tell ya I have owned hd2, gs2, gs3, gs4, nexus s , nexus 4,atrix hd,transformer 300tf, galaxy tab 2 7.0 galaxy tab 2 10.1, nexus 7, note 2 ,note 10.1, and note 8.0.
I always go for stock based ROMs for stability. For I instal tons of apps that I get issues one after another on custom. I try ROMs after another update after another. This was like a routine which could be enjoyable but annoying sometimes for ur times limited.
With I337, I tried one ROM and I felt no need or urge to flash or even try another. I just could not find flaws or problem with this one.
Which ROM is this?
MDOB!
Bloat free based on stock and has all features I need. Give it a try. Make sure u follow devs guide on installation though for best possible experience!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
sharpeyedman said:
Let me tell ya I have owned hd2, gs2, gs3, gs4, nexus s , nexus 4,atrix hd,transformer 300tf, galaxy tab 2 7.0 galaxy tab 2 10.1, nexus 7, note 2 ,note 10.1, and note 8.0.
I always go for stock based ROMs for stability. For I instal tons of apps that I get issues one after another on custom. I try ROMs after another update after another. This was like a routine which could be enjoyable but annoying sometimes for ur times limited.
With I337, I tried one ROM and I felt no need or urge to flash or even try another. I just could not find flaws or problem with this one.
Which ROM is this?
MDOB!
Bloat free based on stock and has all features I need. Give it a try. Make sure u follow devs guide on installation though for best possible experience!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much BTW, should've thanked you sooner. Flashed MDOB and have been running it for about four days now. Very stable, has those white stock apps, and is absolutely amazing while also running stock kernel. Thanks so much!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I am so glad it has been working great for ya. I really wish other android devices that I use also had ROMs like MDOB.
Those add-ons listed on devs post for MDOB also work great as well for they are usually stock/hidden features. For example, torch light is from hidden stock menu and addon will unlock and enable it for you. Addon like in call recording is not an external third party app but it is like unlocking call recording menu within the stock dial/call pad which comes in very handy and convenient. If you have questions then the dev will try to help you promptly. I had minor issues but it was because I did not know how to use the features on ROM correctly. Of coarse the dev tried to help me find solutions along the way. He' s just a great guy and I feel lucky to have him here on gs4 community.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
I'm currently using this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2356276
Was about to post same question!
Hi there,
Thanks for this thread and the answers. I was searching for exactly this topic.
I would like to try the MDOB ROM, as it sounds like what I am looking for.
The current MDOB ROM is based on the *MF3 firmware. Is this an issue? I am reading about the AT&T bootloader lock and loki fix that was added in to MF3, plus other custom ROMs that list either a broken sound or broken Wi-Fi as a known issue with MF3.
Are these issues fixed in this ROM (and how?) I don't want to loose TWRP and/or WiFi.
Thanks for any clarification,
Gemini420
MDOB is based on the lastest stock MF3 however it would not give u problems that you would face from updating to notorious MF3 stock.
If I am not mistaken you are supposed to have UCUAMDL stock rooted with custom recovery twrp (preferably i337 version listed on the MDOB page) prior to flashing MDOB.
Check out installation or flashing instruction on the MDOB for more info. The dev points to several things you should watch out for. I just followed the guide and my phone has been running pefectly ever since. Well I wish u Good luck.
Edit: Though I never had any issues with custom recovery and wifi, you might wanna ask there and see if such issues exist on MDOB.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
sharpeyedman said:
MDOB is based on the lastest stock MF3 however it would not give u problems that you would face from updating to notorious MF3 stock.
If I am not mistaken you are supposed to have UCUAMDL stock rooted with custom recovery twrp (preferably i337 version listed on the MDOB page) prior to flashing MDOB.
Check out installation or flashing instruction on the MDOB for more info. The dev points to several things you should watch out for. I just followed the guide and my phone has been running pefectly ever since. Well I wish u Good luck.
Edit: Though I never had any issues with custom recovery and wifi, you might wanna ask there and see if such issues exist on MDOB.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Definitely looking for MDOB by iB4STiD my friend
---------- Post added at 09:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 PM ----------
gemini420 said:
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look in the MDOB thread you can flash philz recovery. It's like a super CWM recovery...kinda..sorta lol. That's what iB4STiD recommends.
Im looking to leave Sprint for greener pastures. I'm on their Note 2 at the moment and figure I'll go with the Note 3 if/when I switch carriers. I was reading to make sure that the Verizon Note 3 would be rootable. As it stands, I'm very confused as to whether or not this device is able to be rooted. I'm an avid root user. I don't want to be stuck with a phone that I cannot root and control. I keep reading conflicting threads saying the phone can be rooted or can't be rooted. At this point, I would like to make the carrier switch within the next week, so I just need a definite "yes" or "no" as far as rooting.
hebejebe said:
Im looking to leave Sprint for greener pastures. I'm on their Note 2 at the moment and figure I'll go with the Note 3 if/when I switch carriers. I was reading to make sure that the Verizon Note 3 would be rootable. As it stands, I'm very confused as to whether or not this device is able to be rooted. I'm an avid root user. I don't want to be stuck with a phone that I cannot root and control. I keep reading conflicting threads saying the phone can be rooted or can't be rooted. At this point, I would like to make the carrier switch within the next week, so I just need a definite "yes" or "no" as far as rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it can be rooted, but does not have an unlocked bootloader.
njfoses said:
Yes it can be rooted, but does not have an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Is the bootloader UNlockable? And how does that affect the phone when trying to flash new ROMs?
hebejebe said:
Thanks for the reply. Is the bootloader UNlockable? And how does that affect the phone when trying to flash new ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well we have a recovery call SS aka SafeStrap. That allows us to flash custom roms. But we currently can't flash custom kernels nor AOSP roms for now.... ONLY CUSTOM TOUCHWIZ ROMS can be flashed in SafeStrap! Hope that clears everything out for you
?Note III?
krazy_smokezalot said:
Well we have a recovery call SS aka SafeStrap. That allows us to flash custom roms. But we currently can't flash custom kernels nor AOSP roms for now.... ONLY CUSTOM TOUCHWIZ ROMS can be flashed in SafeStrap! Hope that clears everything out for you
?Note III?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. that makes sense now. with sprint AOSP roms were horrible with data so I usually avoided them. although decks reloaded was awesome on the Evo 4G.
what are the chances that we'll be able to unlock the bootloader? Im hoping the switch to verizon will greatly improve my data quality then maybe an AOSP rom will be an option.
hebejebe said:
Ok. that makes sense now. with sprint AOSP roms were horrible with data so I usually avoided them. although decks reloaded was awesome on the Evo 4G.
what are the chances that we'll be able to unlock the bootloader? Im hoping the switch to verizon will greatly improve my data quality then maybe an AOSP rom will be an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slim to none on the bootloader being unlocked. I recently made the switch from Sprint to Vzw myself as i couldnt deal with Sprint's horrible service anymore. Best move i could have made.
njfoses said:
Slim to none on the bootloader being unlocked. I recently made the switch from Sprint to Vzw myself as i couldnt deal with Sprint's horrible service anymore. Best move i could have made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just dont know if I can get past the locked bootloader. Id love to be running CM or any other AOSP roms on a device with a good data connection. Thanks for the clarification.
I was an avid rooter when i was with sprint a few months ago...my phones were always blazing fast but still slow as turtles when it came to data speeds.....switchet to vz unlimited data and now im on a stock non rooted n3...no need for it since my phone *always* works properly now....just my .02
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
art90262 said:
I was an avid rooter when i was with sprint a few months ago...my phones were always blazing fast but still slow as turtles when it came to data speeds.....switchet to vz unlimited data and now im on a stock non rooted n3...no need for it since my phone *always* works properly now....just my .02
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how'd you get an unlimited data plan?
I usually root so I can use the mobile hot spot. I also like to have full control. I would prefer to be able to root.
I found it on craigslist look for someone that is selling their unlimited line then you have to just do an assumption of liability and ur set. I can even use hotspot wifi without root....for me this phone is such a beast along with the best network that i feel im in control and nothing else is needed
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
krazy_smokezalot said:
Well we have a recovery call SS aka SafeStrap. That allows us to flash custom roms. But we currently can't flash custom kernels nor AOSP roms for now.... ONLY CUSTOM TOUCHWIZ ROMS can be flashed in SafeStrap! Hope that clears everything out for you
?Note III?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, glad to see were back on the same devices! I came from e4gt
Also as it stands now you can flash roms via safestrap and root but we won't have a custom kernel or any aosp roms until we have an unlocked bootloader (maybe never)
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
jlear3 said:
Hey man, glad to see were back on the same devices! I came from e4gt
Also as it stands now you can flash roms via safestrap and root but we won't have a custom kernel or any aosp roms until we have an unlocked bootloader (maybe never)
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ohh snap i thought your username sounded familiar. im not going to lie even now i still roam around the e4gt forum it was the best community i have ever seen. nice to see you here so far it looks like the 2 of of from the e4gt unless i missed someone else! lol
I just bought the HTC One for $200, but then I saw that Best Buy had the Samsung Galaxy s4 on sale for $50. I did not know which one I wanted and was truly torn between the two and ended up buying the HTC but if I can save $150 I will gladly get the s4. My only problem is that as I've been reading up on cs4 forums to make sure that I would be able to unlock root and flash custom roms I had came across what seems to be the problem with an AT&T firmware update known as mf3. If I cannot root and flash custom kernels and roms I do not think I will take advantage of the offer from Best Buy. My problem is that even after all the reading I cannot figure out whether it is possible to root and flash custom ROMs and kernels to the new version from AT&T, known as mf3, or if it is still not possible, or if it will be possible very soon so that I'm may use Android 4.4 Kit Kat on the phone or any custom Rom I wish. Can someone please clarify this for me as soon as possible because my time to return the HTC One to AT&T is coming close to its end?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
You can root and flash some roms using safestrap. But it's very limited. Imo I'd stay away from the s4
It's there any progress toward cracking MF3? I've had a one x for pat year and kinda wanted a change and I love the screen on the s4. If you had to choose between the s4 and the HTC one taking into consideration the mf3 problem, which would you choose? And which would you choose if there was no mf3 problem?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
If you can find a S4 with MDL or earlier firmware it's a excellent phone. Personally if it has MF3 or later I wouldn't bother. But that's just my opinion.
You might as well get rid of the One as well. It's just as locked down.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Untrue, about HTCone being just as locked down. It can have it's boatload unlocked quiet easily and if you want to, although it's not necessary, you can even do s-off to get full unbridled access. I previously had a HTC one x and also from everything I've read it seems AT&T went out of there way to lock down s4 tight , just like they did to the one x but eventually the devs got it. I do want the s4 though,even though this phone is awesome(HTC One), and I can live with no custom Rom for a while but I can't go without root. So if I get a s4 with mf3 will it still be able to be rooted ? I've read up on it but don't understand what everyone is talking about when they say if the phone is encrypted or notand it seems to be random.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
So sick and tired of reading about MF3, or MK2 constantly on these forums. If you want to buy an S4 on AT&T look for an MDL one on eBay. It's not that hard, really.
Or buy the T-Mobile variant or International version.
Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Rad ryan said:
Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone new on these forums just asks over and over about MF3 and the Android 4.3 update. Basically, if you get an S4 with Mf3 or later firmware, you are pretty much stuck on stock. Then we have noobs who don't read and attempt to root their MF3 phones and brick them.
On pure stock, the S4 is a bad phone. The software is very laggy and needs a lot of improvement. I was one of the early adapters when it first came out. The phone was a nightmare with MDB and MDL firmware. Mf3 made slight improvements, but not enough.
I would not even invest in buying this phone right now. Most development for it has died down because of the restrictions. Developers are moving on. Those of us with MDL firmware (like myself) won't see much continued support for Loki nowadays anyway. If the bootloader could be unlocked, I believe it would have been unlocked by now. All these workarounds are very limited, and dangerous.
Personally, I wouldn't even buy the phone at this point. Scrape the funds together for either the T-Mobile S4 or Note 3.
Get the nexus 5, you'll be very happy
Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Rad ryan said:
Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The development for the AT&T S4 has died down. In my opinion, no one will ever unlock the bootloader for it. Maybe someday with some future device, but not this device. The closest we got was with the loki method, which was great. But that's long gone now.
Look on negri for the T-Mobile variant. I think its M919. I'm not sure. T-Mobile developers have been able to make great roms for the device, instead of wasting so much time to find a workaround. Maybe even try T-Mobile out and see if they've improved in your area. They got a lot better in my area, but still a lot of EDGE.
If I were you, I'd go for the Nexus 5.
Rad ryan said:
Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heres my suggestion, if you want the s4, get it from best buy than sell it unopened for as much as you can and than with the money you get buy a tmobile or i9505 international variant...(not i9500 or the verizon or sprint one)
The tmobile variant is probably your best bet, the tmobile variant supports all of ATT service bands so youll have no issues with reception or internet. The tmobile variant can flash roms from any of the other s4 variants (verizon sprint att i9505...just not any roms from the i9500)
So in other words if you get the tmobile variant you dont have to worry about a dead dev scene as you can always flash roms from a differnt carrier...only thing is you will probably have to set up your apns for att rom flashes
Hope that helps you
And on another note if you decide to stick with the ATT s4, every firmware can be rooted
Mdb has real recoveries, so you can flash anything as long as you "loki" the kernel - Unfortunately I do not think there are any stores that are selling phones with this firmware
Mdl has real recoveries, so you can flash anything as long as you "loki" the kernel...Unfortunately it is pretty much impossible to find a phone with this firmware in any store now
Mf3 has safestrap which is kinda like a recovery, with it you can flash any touchwiz based 4.2.2 rom (stock roms) or any 4.2.2 Google Phone Edition (aka GPE, which is an aosp experience S4, no bloatware no samsung features, its like having a nexus in the body of an s4) rom...NO CUSTOM KERNELS, NO AOSP ROMS (no cyanogenmod) - this is the firmware most phones come with
Mk2 (latest firmware) recently got a beta safestrap...as of now you can flash some 4.3 touchwiz stock based roms, alot dont boot yet, and the GPE 4.3 rom doesn't boot with it either. As it becomes stable it should work identical to the one for mf3 - phones will probably start coming with this one soon
In other words, safestrap allows you to run roms that are built off the same firmware version as your stock rom, safestrap flashes no kernel, so whatever rom you flash has to be compatible with the stock kernel of your current firmware
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---------- Post added at 08:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 PM ----------
Rad ryan said:
Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They actually seem to be getting close to another work around which will allow you to flash any rom or kernel using safestrap...turns out theres a feature in the 4.3 mk2 kernel which allows unsigned drivers to run, in theory they can compile a kexec driver for the kernel which would allow you to use any kernel thus allowing the flash of any rom...theres a how-to thread in the original development section with more info, however...its not a guarentee we will see this anytime soon, as you never know what issues they may run into...but something to look into if your interested
EDIT: actually heres a post from the thread i mentioned which pretty much sums up how we hope this "exploit" will work as far as kernel flashing goes http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48703510&postcount=10
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With all that said; how come I have the MF3 baseband my s4 (jflteatt), and I still have a custom recovery with the ability to flash different roms and kernels? Is it because I installed the custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then it got updated to a newer baseband but still kept recovery?
I only found out I had MF3 on my phone now because I couldn't flash a different recovery anymore.
Yes
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noel_leon said:
With all that said; how come I have the MF3 baseband my s4 (jflteatt), and I still have a custom recovery with the ability to flash different roms and kernels? Is it because I installed the custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then it got updated to a newer baseband but still kept recovery?
I only found out I had MF3 on my phone now because I couldn't flash a different recovery anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is literally impossible to have officially updated through OTA while on a custom Recovery. What I suspect has been done is the same as my phone. I got an MDL device and quickly installed TWRP and a custom ROM. As new updates came out, I flashed just the baseband. So now, I have a 4.4 ROM with the MK2 baseband and am able to install anything I like.
If I were to have ever done an OTA, I would no longer be able to have a custom recovery because of a blown Qfuse.
Please don't try to say that what you have is the only phone with OTA MF3 and custom recovery.
The only way to have anything like that is through SS and that is not a true recovery. If you do have that, you can only install certain ROMs not including AOSP, AOKP, MIUI, or CM.
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When did I ever say I was the only one? I asked a simple question that I mostly had the answer to already; which in turn was answered by a simple "Yes" from HiTideBlastoise.
And I never said anything about OTA either. I said I had installed custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then my baseband was updated but recovery was still intact.
I never said you did say that. It was preemptive. Secondly, you make it out to seem like you did nothing to update your baseband. You are making it seem like it just happened. Well, that can't happen without either updating the entire phone or flashing it yourself. The funny thing is the baseband means nothing when it comes to recoveries and flashing ROMs. It can only be used as a possible sign on a stock device as to what version one is running. On a modified device, like yours, it is worthless information on the version of Android. Like I said before, I have 4.4 with MK2 as my baseband. How can I install ROMs. Not because it updated my baseband after I already have a custom recovery... But because I never took an OTA and made it do the stuff I wanted.
Basically what I am saying is that you need to be clear with what you say. Everything you said makes it sound like your phone did it all by itself without you or someone else making it the way it is. There is no other option. You have to have done something to have a custom recovery and an MF3 baseband with pre MF3 bootloaders.
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I agree with graydiggy that the only way to still have a custom recovery and mf3 baseband is that you either flashed an mf3 tw rom with a modem or a a standalone modem to your mdl software. If you took the "OTA" successfully, you will definitely have a locked down bootloader now.
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Welcome to the note 3 forums. We welcome you as long as you do your job and search before making 1,000,000 new threads.
So,You just got your shiny new note 3 and dont know where to begin?
Well that's ok because, this is the all in one thread.
Lets begin​
How do I Root?
That is the common question around here. Im going to simplify this.. Here you go
For 4.3
1.The best and safest way is this method by @evilpotatoman. It does require a little work but in return you do get root Here is the link for That,
2.Another method that is faster, but does not offer busybox with install, nor did it originate from XDA-forums is Here,
For 4.4 Or KitKat
You have to Go to My thread located
Here,
This does root KitKat and provides a custom ROM.
How Do I Install Custom Rom's
First What you should know is that our phone has a locked bootloader. This means that we can not boot kernels. But we still can flash custom rom's Thanks to @Hashcode
To install custom rom's on 4.3, Head over Here,
Another method That i originally created, but does not work as good as safestrap, could be found Here
If you are on KitKat, Then you could either install my KitKat rom or wait for safestrap to be updated.
What Do I Do If I Bricked My Phone? Or if it wont boot?
Well There are 2 methods to get you back to stock and running again.
To Restore back to Jellybean (4.3) Follow this Thread Here
To Restore back to KitKat (4.4.2) Follow this Thread Here
Why are Rom's Based off different Bases & Whats the difference?
A little basic intro
MJ5,MI9 & MI1 Are all 4.3 AT&T Bases
Ml2 Is an international 4.3 Base
MlG is a leaked AT&T 4.4.2 Base
Mj5 Is the latest 4.3 AT&T Base
Ml2 Is the latest international Base
The difference depends on what you need. Right now There are pro's and con's to all bases
Mj5
-Fast Data speeds
-Better indoor Signal
-No Bluetooth internet tethering
Ml2
-NO group messaging
-lower signal in areas
-slower data
-Does have Bluetooth internet tethering
Leaked Kitkat base (MIG)
-Extremely fast
-Newer modem with better signal & speeds
-Safestrap is not yet updated to work with kitkat (But you could still install my 4.4 ROM)
Why is my GPS Crappy and How do i fix it?
This issue is well known with our phone. The main reason is bad software coding.
To fix this issue Flash this fix made by me, in safestrap or manually push the files using root explorer.
4.3-Click Here
4.4-(Coming Soon)
What is "SafeStrap & Why do i have to use it?
Safestrap is our main method of flashing Rom's and could be found Here,
Always WIPE before flashing a new ROM or expect to receive errors. DON'T BE LAZY
Issues with safestrap
-Sometimes the storage is messed up and shows that you are using all your memory, when you really are not.If you use a different app to check, then you should see your real memory usage.
Where are all the kernels located?
Like i stated earlier, We don't have kernels yet, because of our locked bootloader
Where are all the Roms compatible with my phone?
All compatible and ready to install rom's could be found Here
There is currently NO AOSP,CM Based Rom's, So don't ask
What is KNOX and how does it effect me?
KNOX is basically made to **** us. But Samsung calls it security.
KNOX is removed from most custom Rom's. Knox does prevent root apps from working properly and should be removed asap.
How do I transfer My bookmarks from ROM to ROM?
Follow the guide i created Here
Im still working on a list of roms,and cool mods that are compatible with our phone. they will be located in the second post.Mods please sticky this thread​
For me, to post mods and roms compatible with our phone
one more
Great information.
Thank you very much.
I have tried your KitKat 4.4.2. Glad to see it is rooted!
Now, it is easy to switch between MJ5 4.3 and MLG 4.4.2 through SafeStrap and Odin.
Wow very nice! Hopefully this will prove helpful.
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I will send people here. Thanks man. Wish we could donate to you. I bet there is a bunch of people who would love to buy you some drinks or whatever your in to....Thanks again for being organized and detailed. You have your Sh** together and its great!!!
Awesome work. Me personally Im waiting for SS to be updated but definitely keeping an eye out.
Im curious on one thing. When you discuss Knox and to 'remove it', would freezing this via TB server the same purpose? Also since youve had a go with 4.4, does Samsungs iteration of 4.4 still have the GPS issues or did they fix it? Just curious
Thanks!
Guys where can I get the stock rom my N900A (Note 3 AT & T) now install version 4.4.2 filtered want to go back to stock!
Enviado desde mi SAMSUNG-SM-N900A mediante Tapatalk
Read the first post!!
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Thank you love your rom and glad to see you are so involved in the community
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No problem buddy
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
hi, how do i manually fix push the GPS files?
So no root for sm900a. How can I load a custom rom without having to use a computer? Possible?
I really hate this thing as of right now wish I had my note 2 back
I found Ultimate rotation control but it fails to work properly
thanks, perfect thread for an android newbie :good:
Nix A Nerd 2 said:
So no root for sm900a. How can I load a custom rom without having to use a computer? Possible?
I really hate this thing as of right now wish I had my note 2 back
I found Ultimate rotation control but it fails to work properly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are referring to the N900A, thew is root! Just gotta search.
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Thank you. Now my almost $800 Samsung Galaxy note 3 has basic gps working properly. Samsung needs to hire guys like you
only thing missing is how to back up and restore...
so if you want a new rom...youre good to go..
Wanting to down grade back to JB rom from KITKAT v2
I Used to be on JB rom 4.3 And I really liked it. But I wanted to upgrade to to KitKat v2 because alot of people said they liked it. After I upgraded to KITKAT 4.4.2 I really did not enjoy it as much JB 2.6. I used to get 35000 score from Antutu Benchmark but now on V2 I get about 30000 score. And I thought the JB 2.6 was setup nicer. I dunno, but what I do know is that I would like to go back to JB 2.6 because I think it was a nicer piece of work. Anyone know where I can find the tutorial to downgrade back to JB 2.6? I thought I seen it before but I cant seem to find it. Thank you for your time.
htsl
I have now soft bricked my phone I am lost and need help! no one last night would help me! PLEASE help me now!!! I am stuck on step 4 of http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2559715
when I select "show all devices" it only list 2 "Samsung mobile usb cdc composite device" and " samsung mobile usb modem" what am I doing wrong????
some one on another thread said I am using the wrong drivers... where Do I find the correct drivers?
Thanks
Rick
Are you in download mode?
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