Database Users

[Q] A bit of a lose with Samsung , appreciate some clarification

Presently I am using an AT&T HTC One X. I have never had my hands on a Samsung. I would like some clarification on rooting and using the custom roms.
I know this phone is new to the market and not much other than developers know much about it, but I still am curious. I am reasonably sure I will be switching to the GS 4 after the "hype" cools after the newness wears off.
Until the HTC One X, I used iPhones since the first iPhone 3 and never thouht about rooting or custom roms then came across the root thing and swapping roms, I had no problem with the root stuff or swapping after reading several posts and forums on the HTC One X so the ? is, is the Samsung's that hard or difficult to unlock the bootloader ?( see I don't even know for sure the Samsung has a bootloader).
I have read about the "Gold Card", using a Y cable , etc. is all that a necessary part of rooting ?
With the HTC One X there is a International and a U.S.A (AT&T) version, roms will not interchange, is this the case with the Galaxy S 4?
If there is two versions which is which? ATT code name or number in particular.
In the past with custom roms, what does the Samsung roms have over the HOX roms ? I know HTC sense and like it , I have heard about touch whiz, but what is it?
I know comparison's are illegal in the forums and this is on the verge of comparing but just asking for the difference on some points.

Samsung FOREVER <3 <3 ​

sadekmefti said:
Samsung FOREVER <3 <3 ​
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Guess this forum isn't as "noob" friendly as stated, unlike the HOX forums. With regards to the type of answer I got here, I might just reconsider the HTC One when due for an upgrade. At least in the forums I use I can at least get some kind of replies.

To be honest, this forum is pretty stupid .. Been here since 2009 and just got back to android and realised this forum became crap. Full of memes and nonhelpful posts.. meh

leesumm said:
Presently I am using an AT&T HTC One X. I have never had my hands on a Samsung. I would like some clarification on rooting and using the custom roms.
I know this phone is new to the market and not much other than developers know much about it, but I still am curious. I am reasonably sure I will be switching to the GS 4 after the "hype" cools after the newness wears off.
Until the HTC One X, I used iPhones since the first iPhone 3 and never thouht about rooting or custom roms then came across the root thing and swapping roms, I had no problem with the root stuff or swapping after reading several posts and forums on the HTC One X so the ? is, is the Samsung's that hard or difficult to unlock the bootloader ?
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Click to collapse
( see I don't even know for sure the Samsung has a bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every phone to my knowledge has a bootloader
I have read about the "Gold Card", using a Y cable , etc. is all that a necessary part of rooting ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gold Card is unique to HTC I think, it's not used in Sony phones. I've only ever needed the charger (Micro USB B cable) for unlocking both my Sony Arc and HTC desire HD
With the HTC One X there is a International and a U.S.A (AT&T) version, roms will not interchange, is this the case with the Galaxy S 4?
If there is two versions which is which? ATT code name or number in particular.
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Click to collapse
USA usually have their own "custom" built phones. For Code names
In the past with custom roms, what does the Samsung roms have over the HOX roms ? I know HTC sense and like it , I have heard about touch whiz, but what is it?
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Click to collapse
Touch whiz is the sense for Samsung, It's essentially Samsung adding their own stuff on top of regular android
I know comparison's are illegal in the forums and this is on the verge of comparing but just asking for the difference on some points.
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Click to collapse
You could probably look up reviews.

SevenD2 said:
Every phone to my knowledge has a bootloader
Gold Card is unique to HTC I think, it's not used in Sony phones. I've only ever needed the charger (Micro USB B cable) for unlocking both my Sony Arc and HTC desire HD
USA usually have their own "custom" built phones. For Code names
Touch whiz is the sense for Samsung, It's essentially Samsung adding their own stuff on top of regular android
You could probably look up reviews.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the information, although with all the reading this morning on the GS4 and the HTC one I think I am more confused than before. I still don't know for sure what the difference is between the HTC and the Galaxy as for the root procedure. Then, enters the ODIN thing? Unlocking seems easier with the HTCDEV than whatever the procedure for the GS4, but the software review from Engadget makes the GS4 seem more appealing than the HTC out of box for me anyway. But , still with all the reading there is conflicts as to what I see whether the GS4 can be unlocked. From what I read, HTC is easier to unlock and S-OFF than the Samsung also. AS I understand it , TWRP cannot be used on the GS4 as with the same on HTC and CWM could not in the early stages. I am used to the TWRP for recovery but have used the CWM since it was altered for the HTC. Like some of the DEVS , plastic or aluminum it doesn't really matter as there will a case of some sorts on either one if nothing more than to protect from scratches.
All in all it sounds as if the Galaxy has the better software than the HTC One and IF the devs incorporate the features in the custom roms , it would make the GS4 a better device for me any way. I guess it comes down to the wait period for my upgrade to see what the DEVS come up with for customs and which one will win.

A question or two...important!

Okay so my Note 2 is sold and I am buying the S4 (I9500) tomorrow or the day after, but I was shocked after going to the Development section! There is no Android Rev HD ROM for I9500 but I9505 version is there! Why?
Also more things are available for I9505, but for I9500 very least amount of mods! Since I used ARHD on my Note 2 I never ever used any other ROM, as it was so fluid (never thought Android could be that smooth!) and never went back to stock ROM! And I hate AOSP ROMs, so if I buy I9500 my option is to stay on Stock ROM now or what?
This could well be a deal breaker for me!

The i9500 is only available in cirtain countries and is isn't very favourable to devs because of all its closed source hardware. It's why cm etc find it a lot harder to develop for. You can get really good stock based ROMs such as omega etc but due to its restricted availability you won't get as many devs for them.
Would still be a really good buy though. Give it time, as contracts get cheaper over time there should be more interest in them

@jujuburi
Hi,
Welcome to the S4 forum.
Please check out the Help Thread for the S4 in my signature.
Senior Member 123hiten had the i9500, and managed to get hold of a i9505.
You might want to talk to him about how he was able to do that.

jujuburi said:
Okay so my Note 2 is sold and I am buying the S4 (I9500) tomorrow or the day after, but I was shocked after going to the Development section! There is no Android Rev HD ROM for I9500 but I9505 version is there! Why?
Also more things are available for I9505, but for I9500 very least amount of mods! Since I used ARHD on my Note 2 I never ever used any other ROM, as it was so fluid (never thought Android could be that smooth!) and never went back to stock ROM! And I hate AOSP ROMs, so if I buy I9500 my option is to stay on Stock ROM now or what?
This could well be a deal breaker for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that got to me too, unfortunately i didn't do my homework first by checking the development section. One of the main reasons is the CPU chipset, and the amount of people who own the i9505. First it is easier as i understood to work with the snapdragon than the exynos and also most people which includes developers have the i9505 and the ROMs cant work on both devices because o the chipsets.
Now about lag, you dont need to worry, I am still in stock rom rooted and there is DEFINITELY no such thing as lag....runs smooth as butter, but i was still disappointed in the lack of ROMs which I like to flash for fun.

Kids, no fighting. If you don't like something, don't complain - move on. If there is something wrong, report.
As simple as it gets

[Q] Planning to buy the LG g2.. wanna clear some doubts!!1

Friends m planning to buy LG g2 and there is no one who can give the better review den u guys, as u r already the user..
1.should i wait for s5 to come or should i go for it??
2.performance..is there lag in it while scorlling or the touch is smooth like ios.??
3.how is the development?? are there enough roms in asop and original os..??
4. does rooting the phone expires the warranty??
5. is there 4k recording in it
i know i have a long list of questions but it will be really helpful if u guys can lead me to the end of the tunnel by answering them..
thanx in advance..

cutmylifein2 said:
Friends m planning to buy LG g2 and there is no one who can give the better review den u guys, as u r already the user..
1.should i wait for s5 to come or should i go for it??
2.performance..is there lag in it while scorlling or the touch is smooth like ios.??
3.how is the development?? are there enough roms in asop and original os..??
4. does rooting the phone expires the warranty??
5. is there 4k recording in it
i know i have a long list of questions but it will be really helpful if u guys can lead me to the end of the tunnel by answering them..
thanx in advance..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Samsung just re-released the S4, it's doubtful that's coming anytime soon. Besides, the biggest improvement area on android now is software, not hardware. In terms of software, LG's software is maybe even less useful than Samsungs, but atleast it's less obtrusive and not as ugly. Also, a lot of it can be modded to look more consistent with google guidelines
2. It's very fast, but it's not as smooth as a Nexus 4 on kitkat (current LG G2 version is unfortunately still 4.2.2), nor an iPhone.
It's very quick at performing advanced tasks, but basic operations are not as smooth as ios.
3. Few developers, few quality roms. Numerous tweaks you can do to make it a lot better, but it's not the best supported phone.
4. I think so. Question is, will they notice. People have had success unrooting their device.
5. Not yet. But do you need it? Video is pretty good though! Just wish there was a slow motion mode. Camera is great for the steady photographer

Everything that was said above, with the exception of the GS5... that should be coming in a few months, anytime between Feb-May of next year. The question is when is the new Galaxy F line coming out. There's talk of the Galaxy F line being the new flagship of Sammy and the S line will take a step back from the limelight. Techwise there hasn't been any huge improvement in CPU except Qualcomm's Snapdragon 805 chip... but that's marginally better than the 800 chip found in the G2 and Note 3. Biggest improvement next year will probably be Sammy's new ISO Cell technology powering their 16MP cameras and the jump to WQHD resolution screens. Of course those are just rumors. And seeing as how Qualcomm hasn't yet manufactured a 64bit chip, it's unlikely the S5 will come with one unless it's an Exynos but if that was the case then I think it'd only be on the international version with no LTE capability.
Now onto the important stuff, if you DO decide to pick up the LG G2... There are several things to test out for in the store before you bring it home. Look up G2 touchscreen issues for starters. The more important bug to test for that might not be so readily apparent is discussed in this thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2491371
Give it a read over, my post on that thread also has a few screenshots. Test the phone carefully before you bring it home, the problem detailed in that thread affected 3 out of the 4 LG G2s that I had.

gold3ndrag0n which version of the phone did you have?

Just going to copy paste how I feel about the ROM I posted in another thread. First I'll answer some questions you posed.
Currently development is not huge (it is a newer phone) but it is picking up. Cm is officially working on this phone so that can only bring more development.
It does void your warranty but, if you use the method on here to revert to stop, it does untrip the rooted status in the about phone info.
Don't know if you want my personal opinion or not, but incoming wall of text.
I love my g2. Coming from a RAZR xt912 its a huge upgrade.
I have not a single gripe about it aside from a currently locked boot loader. Just need to be careful rooting/flashing.
The stock experience is odd but actually not bad. Medallus has a nice stock ROM, and there are a few more if you do like the set up.
Never messed with the stock browser because I rooted it days after getting it, but there are options to download if you are not too keen on it. Naked browser and what have you.
The stock messenger is good, again different. It has some customization that makes it more personalizable.
The ROMs are picking up with it being a newer phone, but a lot are very buggy. (Gps issues, blue tooth issues, sod's and random reboots.
What seems to be the problem is cm's kernel has a lot of legacy code in it they are actively working on so it is getting better. Since most people fork cm's kernel most ROMs have the same issue.
Cm is finally official on this device, and paranoid android has about the most stable ROM I have experienced. Knock on works on all ROMs but knock off is an issue. Recently cm has put out some code to make double tapping the status back to shut off, and there is a workaround by using a third party launcher with a double tap home screen launch a screen off app.
As far as gps, there is a zip file for asop ROMs to help with it and I've noticed some people saying turn on gps while stock and getting a lock before flashing helps.
TLDR: Awesomely fast phone with a great battery, still very much a work in progress for custom ROMs, but quickly becoming stable/wonderful.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 06:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:49 PM ----------
Forgot about stock apps.
The camera is pretty sweet at 13mp and the remote control and stuff is handy. People are activly/have made aosp ports for said apps.
Pretty sure I'm done now lol
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app

crazysoccerman said:
gold3ndrag0n which version of the phone did you have?
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D800, the AT&T variant running stock shipped ROM D80010d.

I have this phone for few days and im really satisfied with overall performance of stock rom. Phone is really fast but im coming from s2 and can compare it only to it. The development is pretty ok i would say CM team is officially supporting device witch is great and i suspect it to better when official 4.4 kicks.
If you are worried about warranty void than dont even consider s5, it will come with knox inside and there is very small chance that someone will figure way to reset void flag. Here if you go back to stock you will reset root counter so no one will know 8f you voided warranty but answering your question: yes rooting voids warranty (almost on every phone). To answer your last question max recording resolution is 1080p with either 30 or 60fps
Wysłane z mojego LG-D802 przy użyciu Tapatalka

Guys does the phone have ir-blaster?
Should I trade my N5 for a LG G2?

Yes it has and the IR Remote is very complete.
It works with almost everything.

[Q] Thinking about getting a Note 3

Hello everyone. I don't have that many posts here, but please don't let that reflect me lol. I tend to trade phones a lot. I currently have a Verizon S4...I like the phone, but I am on the latest MK2 firmware...Here just recently, SafeStrap has became available. However, there is really 1 ROM that works right, and is stable, and that is Hyperdrive. Hyperdrive is a great ROM, I am not bashing at all. It's just not my cup of tea. In the past I have been a huge fan of Eclipse. Eclipse is not working with Safestrap at this time...I have had this phone for a couple of months, and it sucks waiting week after week hoping devs have made progress...Anywho, what can you guys tell me about the Note 3?
If I went to Verizon and picked one up, am I going to be able to root it and install a variety of roms, or am I going to be stuck like I am with the S4?
If I am going to be stuck like I am now, then that is definately going to make me choose a different phone. If so, could someone recommend one? I have been a huge fan of the Samsung phones here recently since the S3 and Note 2. I really liked my Note 2. I also really like Motorola's...They are durable phones, and safestrap is nice...Here recently SafeStrap has became available for Samsungs which is awesome.

Heads up !!the powers that be will move this thread to the q&a section.... but to answer if you want to crack flash...note 3 is not for you.....maybe moto x, or if you want a bigger device the Lg g2 has some good development.
One thing about the note3 is that you should be able to deal with the phone( stock )....and rooting it just to de bloat and themeing. The phone Is quick and Imo the spen and touchwiz are essential to this device! so asop roms are not happening.
hope this helps...good luck...
p.s. still stock Un rooted and kicking ass... coming from gnex!

You can checkout the ROMs section in the Note 3 forum to see the available ROMs. I come from an S3 and the choice of ROMs there was ample. Note 3 however has very few ROMs as opposed to the S3. However, the ones that are there are pretty good. I am on Beans ROM and it gives me everything that I want.
One important thing for me is the ability to use the PEN (Along with all the apps, SPEN, Scrap book etc). Beans gives me full features as far as the pen is concerned. I guess there are other ROMs as well that do it (Hyperdrive). But any new "Original" ROM development that happens for the Note 3, might have some limitations. if you are not a big user of the PEN, then it might not matter to you.
Nutshell, I love my Note 3 and the fact that I am running a non-stock ROM on it. Hope this helps.

Thanks guys! Well I glanced through the roms, but I don't know what firmware the note 2 comes with if I was to go get one right now. That being said, I wasn't sure if the one that it came with is rootable, or if it is locked tight like the s4...One rom specifically that I am looking for on the note 3 would be eclips....Without doing a bunch of research, I figured it would be easiest to just open a thread an ask, that way I got accurate information.
Oops, sorry about using the wrong forum.

most of what is considered roms these days are actually themes applied over the top of a stock rom. Those hundreds of roms you see for the S3 and Note2 can be easily achieved yourself with a couple of apps and a bit of know how. The Note3 has everything one needs. If you buy retail you can use safestrap and flash touchwiz roms only. If you buy a Developer Device, then you can flash AOSP or Touchwiz since the bootloader is unlocked. Also most everything in the T-mobile section N3 is compatible with the VZW DE N3, so there is actually alot of development going on if you look in the right places and do not expect silver spoon feeding on a platinum platter.

droidstyle said:
most of what is considered roms these days are actually themes applied over the top of a stock rom. Those hundreds of roms you see for the S3 and Note2 can be easily achieved yourself with a couple of apps and a bit of know how. The Note3 has everything one needs. If you buy retail you can use safestrap and flash touchwiz roms only. If you buy a Developer Device, then you can flash AOSP or Touchwiz since the bootloader is unlocked. Also most everything in the T-mobile section N3 is compatible with the VZW DE N3, so there is actually alot of development going on if you look in the right places and do not expect silver spoon feeding on a platinum platter.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I appreciate the help. I wasn't expecting to be spoon fed anything. I just don't get a good grasp on whats going on and have the device in my hand. I wanted to make sure that I could do what I was wanting to do with it before I went and bought this phone. I guess my one last question is, what is the firmware that will come with it, or what is the latest I should ask. Just so that I can check on my rom options.
Reason why I am asking this, is because the S4 was kind of confusing at first because devs are making mk2 roms, but they aren't working with ss...There are some other things as well, but thats beside the point. lol.

Moving to Q and A and closing... Best any more discussion goes here..http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466108

Gave up on waiting for Root on NC2 4.4.2 official Kitkat. Moving on.

I wanted to express how bad I feel towards AT&T (and Samsung to some degree) with their locked down-ness and all their crap baked in the ROM.
Like many of you, I updated to NC2 4.4.2 OTA thinking there would be root in no time, and even thought it would not be a big deal even without root. I realize how foolish I was, and it looks like there's no more development going on for NC2 ROMs. It made me look back and thank all the developers out there again.
I hate that AT&T address book popups time by time when I never use that crap.
Also there are so many craps now that I can't remove because I have no root. (I have about 50 crapapps disabled!!!)
Samsung MyMagazine (rip off of HTC One's home screen, which sucks too, but theirs can be disabled) and Flipboard sucks.
ANT service - whatever that is, and so many other crap that can't be disabled. I went to google store and rated most of those bundled softwares 1 star feedback. If everyone does this, maybe the software developers will stop bundling apps.
The phone slows down quite often, even without power saving mode enabled. Turning the screen on to check what time it is sometimes have up to 2 second delays.
USB 3.0 is half-assed. I wonder why they even included it.
Compass is wacky time by time.
Non existent Odin full flash image going back to stock, like in old days. WTF AT&T?
AT&T wifi profile is permanent in wifi profiles. Lot of times, I don't want to connect to that, but it keeps trying.
No root means no Greenify, no AppOpX, no AdBlock, no TitaniumBackup, no xyz, ..., eventually no reason to come to xda-developers forum. I mean, for xda members, first thing you do with Android device is root.
Here's why I think there will be no root for this device.
T-mobile version of Note3 is bootloader unlocked. There's no way any developer would buy the AT&T version over T-mobile version.
Small community. There are so few users with AT&T Note3 compared to other versions.
Pledge of donation thread for root or bootloader unlock is racking up pretty high, and still nothing. I don't think any developer is waiting for the reward to grow bigger.
How many of you are moving on because the NC2 update, to a different phone? What make and model, and reason?
I just bought a 32GB Moto X developer edition for $350. I know it's a good phone because I tried Moto X couple months back.
I will miss the big screen, long battery time, and especially the digitizer pen.

I'm slowly beginning to get to where you are at. Although, I am very happy with my device on stock 4.4.2, we just don't have the options that we want. For that reason, and that reason alone, I will be making the jump to the G3 when it gets released.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Bye.

Moderator Comment: You have many options of which you can avail; you can also post about your departure in the off-topic/other-device thread. Thread closed.
Good luck and happy flashing!