S4 or S4 active - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Just trying to see if I want to keep my active or just get the 32gb version and give my son my 16gb. The active seems to be laggy compared to the s4 but all the cases don't fit and I think there's more to the changes. The storage does show over 10gb available versus the 9gb on my s4. Does anyone think development will be a factor or will most i337 roms work once a recovery solution is available? I have both now but just curious what others think. This is not to pit one against the other just curious. Will other carriers carry the active?
Sent from my i337 using xda premium.

I don't think the i337 roms will work since the camera and screen are different they'd have to be ported. And the regular s4 will have much more development especially since it isn't carrier exclusive or anything.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Related

[Q] Will ROMS be carrier independent?

Since the GS4 hardware is so similar between carriers, would it be safe to assume a ROM developed for a T-Mobile GS4 will work on an AT&T GS4 or vice versa?
I could see this being very convenient for AOSP ROM development.
I'd imagine not, to an extent. It all depends on what differences, if any, exist between the hardware offered by different carriers
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
That's also my question, I mean here in Mexico we have i337 model, carrier Telcel.
So imo should be indexed as 19500 and 19505 then carrier or global sub divisions.
Any one's a clue yet?
Regards :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Probably not directly, I'm sure there will have to be some small changes if one were to say, port an att rom to a Sprint model. But it should be minimal work for devs to port because they're so similar
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
My major cause for concern is whether or not it's possible to debrand an AT&T SGS4 so that I can accept Samsung updates, especially major updates in the future. I'm very disappointed that the i9500, and i9505 doesn't seem to support AT&T's 4G bands... otherwise I would get an i9500/i9505. I'm hesitant to get an AT&T version due to the absolutely horrendous software update windows, whereƤs carrier phones receive updates months after the international versions...

GT-I9500 vs M919 Tmobile

Im going to buy a Galaxy S4 full price. I noticed Tmobile has dropped it down to $579 for the M919 model. But I also noticed on amazon I can get the unlocked S4 I9505 for around $600
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00BV1NKCW/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Is there any downfall in performance or network compatibility issues with getting an unlocked phone vs using a phone that is already set to work with that provider ?
I'm with Tmobile but I leave the country about twice a year. That's why I was looking at the GT-19500 on amazon. Is it also a better phone in general compared to the M919 ? what would I be gaining or losing by getting the M919 other than the factory unlocked feature already there from Samsung.
I have had both. There is way more development for the M919 because it can use any I9505 rom or any other carrier's rom as well. The google ROM was ported over before the official device was even shipping from the play store lol. The i9500 has some potential but has hit some brick walls in development. The M919 can be unlocked for free on here, making it as versatile as the I9500 in terms of global use.
KillaHurtz said:
I have had both. There is way more development for the M919 because it can use any I9505 rom or any other carrier's rom as well. The google ROM was ported over before the official device was even shipping from the play store lol. The i9500 has some potential but has hit some brick walls in development. The M919 can be unlocked for free on here, making it as versatile as the I9500 in terms of global use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree I purchased a gt i9500 (dont have a choice thats all there is in my country) and I regret it lol As soon as I see a gt i9505 I will buy it or exhange my phone with it + money
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 2
KillaHurtz said:
I have had both. There is way more development for the M919 because it can use any I9505 rom or any other carrier's rom as well. The google ROM was ported over before the official device was even shipping from the play store lol. The i9500 has some potential but has hit some brick walls in development. The M919 can be unlocked for free on here, making it as versatile as the I9500 in terms of global use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hy! You say that i can put on my m919 any Samsung galaxy S4 official roms?
I've got a Canadian i337m and hardware wise is the same as m919 and i9505. I use Intl ROMs and tmo ROMs only cause all the ROMs in my forum are for crappy at&t phones with all their hacked up crap. That forum is a joke!

[Q] Which Galaxy S4 for AT&T / Root

Hello -
I'm considering getting a Galaxy S4. I heard and read elsewhere that there are some issues with rooting on the AT&T device (no good recovery procedures, etc.)? This will be my first android device, but I'm fairly technical (and a developer) - I used to be more active on these forums in the windows mobile days. Here are some details regarding what I'm looking for:
Ability to remove all the bloatware from the device, and run a fairly stock Android version, retaining my ability to customize
Ability to use all frequencies on AT&T, including 4G (and not just on one band)
Stability
Would like a ROM that has USB audio support - I have several USB DACs and when I am done using this as a primary phone, I'd like to try using it as a dedicated media player / 4G hotstpot in my car.
Large infrastructure for device compatibilty and accessories
Decent camera/camera software
Good navigation software that works even where data connections are spotty
Choice of colors (probably want a grey/black device - I do not like the white S4)
Expandable memory (or 64GB onboard)
Replaceable / expandable battery support - this one is a nice to have, not a must
It looked like the Google Play edition had all the same bands/antennas as the AT&T version, but I'm not sure. Deal breaker there is the 16GB and white only options. Which version of this phone should I get, assuming this is even the right phone for me? Will the Note 3 be better?
essaudio said:
Hello -
I'm considering getting a Galaxy S4. I heard and read elsewhere that there are some issues with rooting on the AT&T device (no good recovery procedures, etc.)? This will be my first android device, but I'm fairly technical (and a developer) - I used to be more active on these forums in the windows mobile days. Here are some details regarding what I'm looking for:
Ability to remove all the bloatware from the device, and run a fairly stock Android version, retaining my ability to customize
Ability to use all frequencies on AT&T, including 4G (and not just on one band)
Stability
Would like a ROM that has USB audio support - I have several USB DACs and when I am done using this as a primary phone, I'd like to try using it as a dedicated media player / 4G hotstpot in my car.
Large infrastructure for device compatibilty and accessories
Decent camera/camera software
Good navigation software that works even where data connections are spotty
Choice of colors (probably want a grey/black device - I do not like the white S4)
Expandable memory (or 64GB onboard)
Replaceable / expandable battery support - this one is a nice to have, not a must
It looked like the Google Play edition had all the same bands/antennas as the AT&T version, but I'm not sure. Deal breaker there is the 16GB and white only options. Which version of this phone should I get, assuming this is even the right phone for me? Will the Note 3 be better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a GS4 that works on AT&T, and you want LTE, you have two realistic choices:
1. The SGH-I337 AT&T carrier-branded variant. The pros are that you can get it in 32GB and you have color options. You also get a ton of software features that are built into Touchwiz, including the amazing camera app. The cons are that the most recent firmware has a bootloader that's locked down tighter than a crab's ass. You can root it, but custom recoveries and ROMs are off the table.
2. The GT-I9505G Google Play Edition. The pros are that it's got an unlockable bootloader, it gets Android updates very quickly, and it's not full of carrier and Samsung junk. You can root or flash custom recoveries, kernels, or ROMs very easily a-la Nexus devices. The cons are that it's 16 GB and it only comes in white. Also, you lack some of the cool software features that Touchwiz provides because the phone runs stock Android.
If you want a GS4 that runs on AT&T but don't care about LTE, you can also buy an unlocked GT-I9500 or GT-I9505 from Europe. With either of those devices, you'll get HSPA+ on AT&T, but no LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
oldblue910 said:
If you want a GS4 that works on AT&T, and you want LTE, you have two realistic choices:
1. The SGH-I337 AT&T carrier-branded variant. The pros are that you can get it in 32GB and you have color options. You also get a ton of software features that are built into Touchwiz, including the amazing camera app. The cons are that the most recent firmware has a bootloader that's locked down tighter than a crab's ass. You can root it, but custom recoveries and ROMs are off the table.
2. The GT-I9505G Google Play Edition. The pros are that it's got an unlockable bootloader, it gets Android updates very quickly, and it's not full of carrier and Samsung junk. You can root or flash custom recoveries, kernels, or ROMs very easily a-la Nexus devices. The cons are that it's 16 GB and it only comes in white. Also, you lack some of the cool software features that Touchwiz provides because the phone runs stock Android.
If you want a GS4 that runs on AT&T but don't care about LTE, you can also buy an unlocked GT-I9500 or GT-I9505 from Europe. With either of those devices, you'll get HSPA+ on AT&T, but no LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help. If I get an AT&T S4 phone used, is there something I should ask about which firmware it's on, where I still have the ability to root without recovery restrictions?
essaudio said:
Thanks for your help. If I get an AT&T S4 phone used, is there something I should ask about which firmware it's on, where I still have the ability to root without recovery restrictions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You'll want it on I337UCUAMDL or I337UCUAMDB. If it's on anything else, forget it. haha
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
You have another choice.. get the tmobile s4.. works perfeft with att lte.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 AM ----------
And unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
niceppl said:
You have another choice.. get the tmobile s4.. works perfeft with att lte.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 AM ----------
And unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the problem is it's SIM locked to T-Mobile and they have a horrible device unlock policy.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
oldblue910 said:
Yeah, the problem is it's SIM locked to T-Mobile and they have a horrible device unlock policy.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy an unlock code they are cheap
daraj said:
Buy an unlock code they are cheap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it may or may not work.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
... go cellunlocker.net my friend is tmobile s4 and it worked...
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
oldblue910 said:
And it may or may not work.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually these services have some sort of a guarantee or refund of the sorts. I, personally never had any problem with codes not working.
cellunlocker is a good site like mentioned above

Noob with "Unlocked Phones"

Hi, so this may sound like a stupid question, but I have searched and searched via google even, and I don't know if im searching the terms incorrectly, or getting incorrect information...
I want to buy a Carrier-Free, Bloatware Free Galaxy S4 (Or 5 when it comes out, or even an HTC One)
I want to use it on AT&T GoPhone with LTE.
I see the different variants only working with AT&T 2G/3G or only H+, or only LTE.
When looking for a bloatware, and carrier free S4, what model should I be looking at?
Thanks in advance!
Bump
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
i9505
I'm assuming you live in the US since you are talking about AT&T LTE , Only possible answer i can get for you is to get the i9505 (No contract) & then rooting it and removing all the bloatware you do not like.
i9500 does not have LTE therefore i9505 is the most suitable for you
Alternatively You can get i9505 and install a custom rom which basically removes much of the unwanted apps & even then if you want to remove some more bloatware you can always do that.
You will get full and better support in this XDA forum 100% dedicated to AT&T Galaxy S4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att
great isn't it?
lolo9393 said:
You will get full and better support in this XDA forum 100% dedicated to AT&T Galaxy S4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att
great isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, that's not what I'm looking for. I am not looking for the AT&T variant of the s4, since I would like a carrier free phone. Hence why I was posting in this forum and not the AT&T.
ExjeetzZ said:
I'm assuming you live in the US since you are talking about AT&T LTE , Only possible answer i can get for you is to get the i9505 (No contract) & then rooting it and removing all the bloatware you do not like.
i9500 does not have LTE therefore i9505 is the most suitable for you
Alternatively You can get i9505 and install a custom rom which basically removes much of the unwanted apps & even then if you want to remove some more bloatware you can always do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the i9505 is an unlocked version? Do the unlocked phones also come with bloatware?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
justinisloco said:
Unfortunately, that's not what I'm looking for. I am not looking for the AT&T variant of the s4, since I would like a carrier free phone. Hence why I was posting in this forum and not the AT&T.
So the i9505 is an unlocked version? Do the unlocked phones also come with bloatware?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think every S4 is coming with bloatware. Root and remove the bloatware is the only way to get rid of it.
What do you mean with unlocked? The bootloader? In this case you have to look for a I-9505 with android 4.2.2 and firmware older than mh5. (Germany) every newer firmware has a locked bootloader.

[Q] "Easiest" S4 to flash new ROMs?

I've been lurking around the forums for about a week now and thanks to the folks who contribute, I've been able to root, carrier unlock (tested to work with AT&T and Tmo), and side load a few ROMs on my I337 without bricking or even tripping KNOX. So again, thanks to all who contributed to those tutorials!
Unfortunately, the phone I bought came with MK2 pre-installed and since I'm a noob I wasn't aware of the limitations of this version until after reading these forums. You guys have saved me from bricking my phone though!
So my question... Do any of the other US variants of the S4 (aside from the I9505G) have similarly locked down bootloaders like the I337 (assuming latest OTA has been applied)? I'm gathering from various posts that AT&T was the only carrier implementing such nonsense. I'm asking because it seems like other models (M919, I545, and L720) sell for less on eBay and I'm considering selling my pristine I337 for another model. I want to make sure I don't end up with similar restrictions if I make such a move.
Secondly, can either the L720 or the I545 be unlocked to work with Tmo and AT&T in the US? I assume they all have the same radios, maybe just a firmware lock on frequencies?
The locked down bootloader should be only AT&T and Verizon.
The I545 should work on Tmobile and AT&T. . The L720 will not work on Tmobile or AT&T due to it being CDMA.
If you're liking for something you can rom and root easily and isn't carrier locked consider the nexus 5. I love it no carrier bloat and no gimmicky stuff you'll only use once.
Sent from my Nexus 5
I strongly agree with "jd1639"
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Kaze105 said:
The locked down bootloader should be only AT&T and Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. Thanks!
Kaze105 said:
The I545 should work on Tmobile and AT&T. . The L720 will not work on Tmobile or AT&T due to it being CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that Verizon and Sprint use CDMA, Tmo and AT&T use GSM. But phone wise, don't all four US carrier S4 variants contain the same radios? Did Samsung actually yank CDMA radios from the GSM variants and vice versa? just looking for clarification.
Let me ask another way... if you guys were to recommend an S4 for US GSM networks that could be "easily" ROM'd/root'd at will, which would you suggest?
I've considered the Nexus 5 very heavily, but I prefer the hard buttons on the S4 because they seem to leave a bit more screen real estate than the soft buttons on the N5. I'm somewhat trying for an N5 like experience on the S4. Yeah, I want to have my cake and eat it too.
Rickerdo said:
Good to know. Thanks!
I understand that Verizon and Sprint use CDMA, Tmo and AT&T use GSM. But phone wise, don't all four US carrier S4 variants contain the same radios? Did Samsung actually yank CDMA radios from the GSM variants and vice versa? just looking for clarification.
Let me ask another way... if you guys were to recommend an S4 for US GSM networks that could be "easily" ROM'd/root'd at will, which would you suggest?
I've considered the Nexus 5 very heavily, but I prefer the hard buttons on the S4 because they seem to leave a bit more screen real estate than the soft buttons on the N5. I'm somewhat trying for an N5 like experience on the S4. Yeah, I want to have my cake and eat it too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a bit more cash they have the Google Play Edition S4 from the play store as well at $649.00
None Touchwiz OS
https://play.google.com/store/devic...oogle_Play_edition?id=samsung_galaxy_s4&hl=en
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
jball said:
For a bit more cash they have the Google Play Edition S4 from the play store as well at $649.00
None Touchwiz OS
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I left out the most important part... I'm cheap, er um, I mean very frugal. My like new I337 from ebay only cost me $370, so I'm looking to replace it with something around the same price that's more "hackable". This is why the Nexus 5 looked so appealing directly from the Play store. but, again, the screen on the N5 gets robbed a bit by the soft keys.
So, I guess I'm looking at an M919 (Tmo variant) as the best bang for the buck in terms of hacking friendly S4's. Is that the general consensus?
Honestly the keys aren't that bad once you have your hands on the Nexus 5 .the lack of a menu/settings button is a bit odd but the phone makes up for it in stock smoothness
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

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