As the title suggests, I plan on buying a S4 today. If I do, will it have the latest software that I can't root? How recent was the update the isn't rootable?
Thanks!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Just make sure when you get it doesn't have the mf3 firmware and don't let the sales person update it for you. If they do don't accept it. When you get it, take the SIM out and root and disable the auto update apps, see other threads for those, or flash a custom Rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
jd1639 said:
Just make sure when you get it doesn't have the mf3 firmware and don't let the sales person update it for you. If they do don't accept it. When you get it, take the SIM out and root and disable the auto update apps, see other threads for those, or flash a custom Rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But once they bring the phone out to you and break the seal, isn't it yours no matter what? What can I say to decline the phone if it has the update on it without acting fishy?
What are the odds the update will already be on it? How long ago did it come out?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
WizeGuyDezignz said:
But once they bring the phone out to you and break the seal, isn't it yours no matter what? What can I say to decline the phone if it has the update on it without acting fishy?
What are the odds the update will already be on it? How long ago did it come out?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a 30 day remorse period to return a phone with AT&T for any reason. So I wouldn't worry about that.
I'm in the same position. My plan is to ask them to just give me one in the box and not let them touch it til I get home.
Frogacuda said:
There's a 30 day remorse period to return a phone with AT&T for any reason. So I wouldn't worry about that.
I'm in the same position. My plan is to ask them to just give me one in the box and not let them touch it til I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well here's the thing... I actually signed up with AT&T yesterday. My gf got the S4 and I got the One. I kinda like the S4 better.
So I'm already gonna have to pay a restocking fee. If the S4 has the update, can I even go back to the One? Is it unlimited exchanges as long as you pay the restocking fee?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Well here's the thing... I actually signed up with AT&T yesterday. My gf got the S4 and I got the One. I kinda like the S4 better.
So I'm already gonna have to pay a restocking fee. If the S4 has the update, can I even go back to the One? Is it unlimited exchanges as long as you pay the restocking fee?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the box of the phone it will have the software version printed near the serial number and IMEI on a sticker. Ask the salesperson if you can just check the software version first. Won't even have to open the box, and if you get a cool salesperson you can ask them to specifically look for a phone with the exploitable firmware version.
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Well here's the thing... I actually signed up with AT&T yesterday. My gf got the S4 and I got the One. I kinda like the S4 better.
So I'm already gonna have to pay a restocking fee. If the S4 has the update, can I even go back to the One? Is it unlimited exchanges as long as you pay the restocking fee?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure you can exchange all you want.
Also, there's no "acting fishy." You're allowed to root and mod your phone. It voids your warranty, but the sales reps in the store are not going to narc you out on your warranty anyway. I've had discussions with the reps in the store about mods, and modding concerns and it's fine to just tell them that's what you're looking for.
Also, in my experience, AT&T has had no problem servicing and replacing modded phones. They don't seem to care in practice.
Thanks a ton guys! I wasn't thinking, so I just checked the box of my gf's S4 and it's the MDL firmware! She got the red one though, so maybe that stock isn't turning over as fast.
I might get the red one just to be safe haha! I will put a case over it anyway. If she just got hers yesterday and it had MDL, I'm guessing mine would too. I'm going to the same store.
Thanks a ton guys for the fast responses! :thumbup:
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
I got mine last week it was NOT updated, unfortunately i updated it before I knew what the deal was. So you should be ok seeing how you know whats going on =]
You should be good just make sure the baseband ends in MDL and not md3. The sales person shouldn't have an issue with it. Let us know how it goes
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
txtech89 said:
You should be good just make sure the baseband ends in MDL and not md3. The sales person shouldn't have an issue with it. Let us know how it goes
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this if you are buying it from a brick and mortar store the sales people wont have a problem with you checking out the phones before purchasing
i too was concerned about the update so i got one (for my daughter) from BestBuy. i asked them to fire it up to make sure it was working and confirm it was MDL before i left the store. first thing i did was remove the sim card, turn off wifi, root it, install TWRP and flashed a rooted MF3 version.
I was only able to return a phone for a different phone once. Maybe other stores allow it but I was only able to once.
Hey guys, here is the update....it worked out great!! When I went into the store, I told the guy that I was torn between the red and white one since my girlfriend got the red one. Even though I knew that I wanted the white. So he said he wasn't even sure they had the red in stock since it's not as popular as the other colors. He went into the back to check.
He came out with a red and white one and put them on the counter and started opening them up to show them to me. I casually looked at each box and they were both MDL! So I told him that I was in a rush and would put the sim in and do all the setup myself. He was cool with it and I left.
As I type this, I already rooted it and am about to flash a ROM. I'm in good shape and on my way! Thanks guys! :good:
Lol I got a black mist one last week on thursday that was still fine.. I am guessing. For at least the next few weeks you have a decent chance
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4 Beta
kejar31 said:
Lol I got a black mist one last week on thursday that was still fine.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I picked up a red one two days ago.
The sales rep told may that all the reds they had in stock were from an older shipment, so they haven't been updated.
Color was not an issue for me since I'm going to wrap the thing in a case anyway.
Sure enough... I now have an MDL GS4 already rooted, TWRP and unlocked.
Now to decide what rom to flash first.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Well here's the thing... I actually signed up with AT&T yesterday. My gf got the S4 and I got the One. I kinda like the S4 better.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind, and without going too OT, what brought you to the S4 over the One? I'm a current S4 owner considering going to the One.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
buying my new phone, 7-25, updted it, and exchanged it 7-28. got to love costco. i disable data, and turned off wifi, until i was able to root it. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
and disable to OTA altogether
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270759&highlight=disable+ota+update
or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2268946
received a warranty exchange today from customer service and it was shipped with MF3 ,,, bummer
Related
Just noticed that if i put my finger on my camera and move it, the whole camera moves and even makes a clicking noise. Is this normal and if not is there anyway to tighten it up? It's more noticeable with back cover off.
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Take it back
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I can't. I've had it more than 14 days and I've already swapped once.
Sent from my Galaxy S4
My only option is to have Verizon send me a refurbished phone. Do you think I should? The lady at the Verizon store said that since the s4 just came out that the refurbished phone would probably be brand new. Should I take the risk? I mean, if they sent me a refurbished one and it was scratched etc I'd send it back and tell them send me a different one. Wouldn't send them my original s4 until I made sure I was happy with the refurbished one.
Sent from my Galaxy S4
bad device...exchange time. you have to call verizon for the exchange, they will do it, you will not have to send your device back until they send you one, and it should have a return sticker to return it.
all is well...umm at least that is what tmo and att does.
good luck.
Honestly I just want to sell this s4 and get the HTC One when the comes to Verizon. This is my 2nd s4. The other one had lag and heat issues now this one has a loose camera. Never gong to buy a Samsung device again..
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Still unsure on what to do. Here's a video of my camera wobble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvSZUT1itgg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Chadly said:
Still unsure on what to do. Here's a video of my camera wobble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvSZUT1itgg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, no more videos
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Stfu
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Chadly said:
Stfu
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using xda app-developers app
I'm trying to figure out a way to fix this dude...
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Superglue my friend. Our duct tape. Those are my go tos
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Yeah, could probably open the phone up and put some glue. Apparently the movement is normal bcuz I've talked to some other people who have it. Not like the camera is screwed down or anything its just sort of sitting on this square thing.
Sent from my Galaxy S4
jd1639 said:
Please, no more videos
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about you not be a jerk and get out of thread if you can't contribute
@op If your on AT&T call your local store your covered by a one year manufacture warranty. The vibration motor in phone became loose and stopped working I went to the warranty exchange place and got a brand new S4. Do it before you sell it so you get more value
LeKtRiCzzz said:
How about you not be a jerk and get out of thread if you can't contribute
@op If your on AT&T call your local store your covered by a one year manufacture warranty. The vibration motor in phone became loose and stopped working I went to the warranty exchange place and got a brand new S4. Do it before you sell it so you get more value
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using xda app-developers app
LeKtRiCzzz said:
How about you not be a jerk and get out of thread if you can't contribute
@op If your on AT&T call your local store your covered by a one year manufacture warranty. The vibration motor in phone became loose and stopped working I went to the warranty exchange place and got a brand new S4. Do it before you sell it so you get more value
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm gonna concur with this you. Because the S4 is so new, they don't have refurbished phones yet. Since you're on Verizon, I'm gonna assume its the same because they haven't had the S4 as long. I don't have this issue, so I would think that its just a defect.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
lathamc said:
I'm gonna concur with this you. Because the S4 is so new, they don't have refurbished phones yet. Since you're on Verizon, I'm gonna assume its the same because they haven't had the S4 as long. I don't have this issue, so I would think that its just a defect.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I asked this if it would be a refurbished phone or a new one and they keep telling me definitely refurbished..
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Chadly said:
Yeah I asked this if it would be a refurbished phone or a new one and they keep telling me definitely refurbished..
Sent from my Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd ask to speak with a supervisor, or go to a store. Explain to them that this is brand new, and that you will not accept a refurbished device. It works best if you rant
Lol already tried that.
Sent from my Galaxy S4
I'm going tomorrow because now somehow my volume button has been pushed and its constantly pressing the volume down so now I'm stuck in freaking safe mode
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I should be getting a new 32gb shipped out this week. How soon do you think they get the update applied to the new phones? Does the outside of the box state which software is on the device?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Red_81 said:
I should be getting a new 32gb shipped out this week. How soon do you think they get the update applied to the new phones? Does the outside of the box state which software is on the device?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody knows.
If you get a phone with AMDL, and you don't want it to update, you need to get it rooted and block the updater apps as soon as you can. There is information in the new OTA thread(s) in the General section on how to stop or block the OTA (if you don't already know about it). Hopefully, whoever shipped your phone didn't apply the update already because if you get a phone with the new firmware you will have to wait until the next root method is found. Good luck.
I'm hoping to get new old stock. It's been a while since I ordered a new phone direct from AT&T(Samsung Captivate) so I'm hoping I can. Otherwise I will send it back and try Walmart.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Red_81 said:
I'm hoping to get new old stock. It's been a while since I ordered a new phone direct from AT&T(Samsung Captivate) so I'm hoping I can. Otherwise I will send it back and try Walmart.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought my phone from att corp store, it is the s4 w/32g and it was loaded with the mdb firmware, They never looked to see if the phone was on the new firmware. so i quickly rooted the phone and blocked all apps that i think are associated with the update.
So hopefully you get one with the older firmware.. Good luck.
I ended up ordering from Walmart because they wouldn't price match down to the $209. Just waiting for it to ship now.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Anything is possible and yes it actually does state on the box what Firmware it is shipped with. A week is quite a bit of time for them to send you an updated shipment but my guess is there's still some left over to be sent out so you might get lucky and get a stock batch
Yep. Here's hoping they have a warehouse full of them and not the just in time inventory model. If it comes with the new firmware I'll send it back and try my luck for $40 more at the AT&T store.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
I gave up on Walmart shipping one and went to the att store instead. I picked up my 32gb still loaded with amdl. I pulled the sim and put it back into my S2 to prevent the update until I can get home and root it.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
I have an upgrade available and am considering moving from the One to the SGS 4.
I'm on AT&T. From what I've been reading,and I've been reading for a while now, if my SGS 4 comes with the latest firmware out of the box, I can root it, but Loki, therefore custom ROMS and recovery are out. Is this correct?
I was hoping to be able to put the Google edition ROM on the SGS 4.
Someone please set me straight.
Please and thanks
Correct, if it has the latest firmware than no flashing roms
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
mg2195 said:
Correct, if it has the latest firmware than no flashing roms
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm going to look awful funny making the guy open the box and check the firmware version before I buy, but I guess I'll have to.
gunnyman said:
Thanks. I'm going to look awful funny making the guy open the box and check the firmware version before I buy, but I guess I'll have to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware version is on the side of the box, if I am not mistaken. I just got my S4 shipped directly from AT&T. It came with MDL.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium
And mdl is what I want right?
If you want to install custom ROMs, yes.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium
Typically, at least from what ive seen, the ATT box will have an "Updated" sticker on it if the firmware has been updated. My GS3 had that.
I have both the One and the S4. I don't think I'd give up the one for the s4.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Eallan I'm just bored. Probably keep both phones and switch around
gunnyman said:
Eallan I'm just bored. Probably keep both phones and switch around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I've been doing haha.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Just go to the store and ask the sales tech to find one that ends in MDL and NOT one that ends in MF3.
It sounds crazy or embarrassing, but it is not! Certainly it is not illegal or wrong to do this.
Others have done that and the AT&T folks really don't care, or if they do select another sales person or even another store (like Best Buy or even Costco and Radio Shack! Those other stores may even have better insurance plans than AT&Ts!)
(As to which phone. ...the HTC One is prettier, and it is unique in design, but would you be happy with less/slower ram, no changeable battery, no SD card, and a smaller screen? The S4 also has some very nice camera options that seem (to me at least) a bit better than the HTC One. Of course, it is all personal preference . . )
Good Luck!
Are they already coming flashed with MF3? I called in to get a replacment today hoping I would get lucky and get the previous build. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when it gets here.
I've seen a lot of people report that their replacements were MF3. I wish you the best of luck!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Its hit or miss...a lot are getting mf3 but there still seems to be a few MDL floating around that people are lucky enough to get
Good luck on the bright side at least safestrap is making some progress
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
Thank's for the info guys, and yea its nice that safestrap is making progress. I'll post back tomorrow sometime with the build that I get, hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones.
First of, nice user name. Im a fredrick (or frederick). Half the family spells one way, and half the other. Ok, back on topic.
My S4 came in 10 days ago, sadly with MF3 preloaded. So, it is definitely a possibility.
mg2195 said:
Its hit or miss...a lot are getting mf3 but there still seems to be a few MDL floating around that people are lucky enough to get
Good luck on the bright side at least safestrap is making some progress
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HiTideBlastoise said:
I've seen a lot of people report that their replacements were MF3. I wish you the best of luck!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rebel1699 said:
First of, nice user name. Im a fredrick (or frederick). Half the family spells one way, and half the other. Ok, back on topic.
My S4 came in 10 days ago, sadly with MF3 preloaded. So, it is definitely a possibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 Fredericks in the same state on the same board in the same thread, freaky.
nfrederick said:
2 Fredericks in the same state on the same board in the same thread, freaky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right? Since I got into genaeology, I watch for other fredricks. Made it all the way back to 1692. K, I'll stay on topic now.
I got a replacement a couple weeks ago and it came with MF3 as well.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
I got a replacement 2 weeks ago, and it was MDL
I've got a replacement coming tomorrow as well. I won't know what's on it until Wednesday though. Can I ask what you issues you guys had that led to a replacement?
Sent from the other side of the Milky Way with my S4.
mrro82 said:
I've got a replacement coming tomorrow as well. I won't know what's on it until Wednesday though. Can I ask what you issues you guys had that led to a replacement?
Sent from the other side of the Milky Way with my S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was because i got some dust in the camera sensor
My phone came with mf3 so I want to see if I can get lucky enough to get one without it.
Sent from my S4 using Tapatalk 2
nfrederick said:
My phone came with mf3 so I want to see if I can get lucky enough to get one without it.
Sent from my S4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In hoping for the same. Mine won't work when I plug external speakers in. Plus the music volume will spike when it's playing. I'm gonna check mine really fast when I get it for mf3. If it isn't there, I'm pulling the battery and downloading everything I need to make sure I never get it.
Sent from the other side of the Milky Way with my S4.
mrro82 said:
In hoping for the same. Mine won't work when I plug external speakers in. Plus the music volume will spike when it's playing. I'm gonna check mine really fast when I get it for mf3. If it isn't there, I'm pulling the battery and downloading everything I need to make sure I never get it.
Sent from the other side of the Milky Way with my S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to do all that. If it is brand new, just don't put the SIM in. The device has to be verified on AT&T's cellular network before it pulls the update.
If it is refurbished, it may pull the update if it has previously been verified, but you will have 3 days to stop the OTA apps before it auto updates.
Rule of thumb, never turn the unit on with the SIM inserted before you know what's on it. If it has MDL and is a brand new unit, you can connect to Wi-Fi and do all your normal stuff. If it is a refurbished phone, connect to wife and see if it pulls the update. Again, you still have 3 days before it automatically updates.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
graydiggy said:
You don't have to do all that. If it is brand new, just don't put the SIM in. The device has to be verified on AT&T's cellular network before it pulls the update.
If it is refurbished, it may pull the update if it has previously been verified, but you will have 3 days to stop the OTA apps before it auto updates.
Rule of thumb, never turn the unit on with the SIM inserted before you know what's on it. If it has MDL and is a brand new unit, you can connect to Wi-Fi and do all your normal stuff. If it is a refurbished phone, connect to wife and see if it pulls the update. Again, you still have 3 days before it automatically updates.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip. I'll do just that.
Sent from the other side of the Milky Way with my S4.
Came with MF3
Mine too. Oh well. Safe strap will be the saving grace.
Sent from the other side of the Milky Way with my S4.
I have a Galaxy S4 in flawless condition with the original firmware UCAMDL. Its rooted and has nottachXposed installed and working. I haven't been in the modding scene in a while since I first got my S4 and I'm looking to get the Galaxy S5 and I'm not sure what I should do with this phone, any ideas?
I would sell it and use the proceeds for the s5. Now you never upgraded past MDL, correct? If so it means your device has more options becuase the buyer can loki, and use more roms than those who upgraded and have to run Safestrap roms.
That could get you a few extra bucks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Swappa will probably be your best route. EBay second.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Duffmantp said:
I would sell it and use the proceeds for the s5. Now you never upgraded past MDL, correct? If so it means your device has more options becuase the buyer can loki, and use more roms than those who upgraded and have to run Safestrap roms.
That could get you a few extra bucks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I never upgraded past MDL, I was thinking of selling it also just need to find a buyer who can put the device to good use . I don't think I can be specific on swappa about all this, I actually want to find a buyer who knows what their talking about.
ramw24 said:
Yea I never upgraded past MDL, I was thinking of selling it also just need to find a buyer who can put the device to good use . I don't think I can be specific on swappa about all this, I actually want to find a buyer who knows what their talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advertising it on eBay as having MDL will get it sold. There are quite a few posts on here of people wanting an MDL model. :good: