Database Users

[Q] Looking for advice on S4 ROM

Hi all,
I once more turn to XDA gurus for some advice and also questions. Let me start with saying that I have very basic experience with android phones: my main phone is an iPhone but I love to play with Android devices to fill in the iOS blanks. I own a Samsung Infuse (with a custom ROM but very unstable) and briefly had an HTC One but returned it.
Anyway, I bought an AT&T S4; it's unlocked and works great. However I'm in Canada on Rogers and couldn't care less about the bloatware installed on it. Here come the questions:
- Does anyone know of a way to install the stock Rogers ROM on this phone (more like where to get it)?
- Alternately, would you recommend to install another ROM?
Here's the thing: a week after I bought mine, Google announced the Google editions; would have known I would have waited to get that.
- Would it be recommendable to flash the Google ROM on my phone?
- Would there be a way to install some of the Samsung SPKs on such a ROM (I could never seem to do it on my Infuse)?
I know how to flash a ROM, and it's well documented in the Forums. I'm more after opinions; my experience with flashing ROMs on my Infuse has been spotty at best. Seems like no matter what I did, the phone would become unusably unstable after a while. This scares me because it seems like the Infuse is one of the most modded phones out there... The S4 is very impressive and I don't want to hinder it's performance in any way.
If none of this is doable/recommendable, then I might sell this one and pay the extra $100 and get the Google edition.
I appreciate any input!
Thanks

Well, I know it's not polite to bump your own post, but I would really appreciate some feedback.
And actually I'll add a bit more to it: let's say I either try the Google ROM or decide to buy a Google Edition, there are some pretty cool apps included with the Samsung version (such as multi window and air gestures). Is it possible to have those available on the Google Edition/ROM?
Thanks and sorry again for my lack of knowledge in the area...

technosinner said:
Well, I know it's not polite to bump your own post, but I would really appreciate some feedback.
And actually I'll add a bit more to it: let's say I either try the Google ROM or decide to buy a Google Edition, there are some pretty cool apps included with the Samsung version (such as multi window and air gestures). Is it possible to have those available on the Google Edition/ROM?
Thanks and sorry again for my lack of knowledge in the area...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consensus with the GE ROMs for the S4 are that they're WAY too stripped down in comparison to other AOSP options (of which GE is NOT, it's actually TW disguised as AOSP). I, personally, would avoid using GE and instead opt for something like AOKP if you want that same feel. I just flashed FoxHound and really like the hybrid aspect of it in the fact that you keep all the gimmicky TW features (the hover and voice stuff as well as multi-window), the menu structures are similar, but it brings all the bonuses that having an AOSP ROM does. There are some extra steps involved which @Axman has taken his time to explain (you have to manually input your APN), but the end result is worth it.
Good luck and read around.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

well spoken my friend. Thanks

Thank you very much for the clarification. I was actually in the process of reading Axman's posts. To be honest I'm totally overwhelmed. I didn't imagine it to be so complicated; I'm really torn between ROM and keeping stock because of the TW cool stuff... I will keep reading around as all good n00b should.
Thanks!

technosinner said:
Thank you very much for the clarification. I was actually in the process of reading Axman's posts. To be honest I'm totally overwhelmed. I didn't imagine it to be so complicated; I'm really torn between ROM and keeping stock because of the TW cool stuff... I will keep reading around as all good n00b should.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's much less complicated than it seems, but you do need to follow the steps as outlined or you could end up with anything from a borked flash to a bricked phone depending on what you're trying to do. I recommend playing with a i337m ROM that is TW-based for your first, just to get the hang of things as it'll provide the least steep learning curve. Go for these steps at first:
1. Enable Developer Options (go to Settings/About/tap on build until it says they're enabled)
2. Run one click root/recovery from Adam Outler
3. Transfer and flash ROM of your choice
Just know that people flash for different reasons ranging from wanting less bloat to more battery life to a morbid case of flashaholism (such as myself and @TheAxman). There's nothing saying you have to go balls to the wall here and you may find yourself completely happy with the stock ROM and a better kernel. Just read up and it'll make perfect sense.
Last word of advice: have Odin and the stock ROM on hand so you can flash back to stock if necessary. Some ROMs don't play well when flashed on top of others, even if you do a full wipe.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I was actually in the exact same situation as you.
However, I decided to flash a TW based ROM to keep all the cool Samsung features.
I'd recommend any of the Stock Based ones here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2312444
Just do your research and look for the features you need.

Thanks a lot guys! I'll be doing some reading but at least I know where to look.
One last thing: I keep seeing this loki thing around. Since I'm on an att version I got that I need it, but what exactly is it and where can I get it? I see a lot of references to it, but I can't seem to find a download link or a tutorial on it...
Thanks again!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Don' t take the loki thing and run with it..if you are rooted and have recovery installed, flash the rom of choice and use a att kernel that already has been loki'ed.
Simple. That way you will never go wrong.
The Ax says this is my method of choice. Could care less about loki.

I recommend cm10.1 . It is aosp based, tins of features, fast, and just nice to use. I use it on my att sgs4 right now. It is nightly release but it is VERY STABLE. Ge is just tw with an aosp fanboy shirt on .lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Which rom to begin with - Arrow rom, Omega Rom or other

Hi,
I am a new Galaxy S4 I9500 user and has been following xda threads for a while.
I like stock touchwiz experience but would love to have more control and features. Hence I decided to root my device and install a custom rom.
Based on roms description and UI, both Omega rom and Arrow rom look good to me, would you please recommend which one you prefer more and why.
It will help me in deciding which one to go with. Galaxy s4 is my work phone so I can't keep on flashing one rom after another so your feedback is highly appreciated.
Thanks.

This type of thread is strongly frowned upon and will probably get locked as soon as the mods catch wind of it.
Take both of them for a test drive and then formulate your own informed opinion which of the two suits your own unique needs best.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

najaboy said:
This type of thread is strongly frowned upon and will probably get locked as soon as the mods catch wind of it.
Take both of them for a test drive and then formulate your own informed opinion which of the two suits your own unique needs best.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to compare, I probably put my question in wrong way. Looking at the feature list I am not able to figure out what all things they offer and what they have removed from stock, so I just wanted to get some opinion of users here at xda.

Since opinions about ROMs are subjective depending on how you use your device, everyone's is going to be different. We try to discourage such threads since they often don't end well.
Your best bet is to look through them to see which ones suit your needs and try them all out.
[INDEX][i9500/i9505] All Things ROOT/RECOVERY/ROMS {MEGA-THREAD}

Best rom?

Does anyone know the best rom that would be the closest thing to the original lg ui? With all or at least most of the features like knock on. i actually like the phone and the software it comes with so id like to keep it the same i just need to root it to improve my battery life. And one that makes the battery life much better, right now mine is terrible it drains for no reason at all. And if you could provide the links for where to download them that would be greatly appreciated!

Go with StockMOD rom and StockMOD kernel.

fromc2m said:
Does anyone know the best rom that would be the closest thing to the original lg ui? With all or at least most of the features like knock on. i actually like the phone and the software it comes with so id like to keep it the same i just need to root it to improve my battery life. And one that makes the battery life much better, right now mine is terrible it drains for no reason at all. And if you could provide the links for where to download them that would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the Roms have knock on, it is implemented into the LG kernel. :good:

madasalizard said:
Go with StockMOD rom and StockMOD kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can i download those? are they stable? Will the camera be the lg camera?

no such thing as best rom, nor kernel. not only will every device react differently to every rom/kernel but also all our needs differ, so does our usages. best way for you to find the best rom for your phone and for your needs is to try out as many as possible. when you find your pbones and your best rom, you will know it.

Not mean to be rude or disrespect but I would go ahead and give you some advice
1. Question like "which is best ROM" will be or tends to be deleted pretty quick. Not sure whether XDA rule or not but no ROM comparison allowed. This best vs other best is a type of comparison that could lead to argument.
2. There is no BEST ROM. Each people has their own "best" ROM which suitable most for their use. My best ROM is not necessarily your best ROM at all.
3. Based on what you said, what make you think rooting and installing other ROMs will make your phone's battery better? Blindly assume custom ROM will have better on this or better on that is WRONG.
4. Some of our members have 8 hrs on-screen time within total 2 or 3-day run time. Some disable everything, some enable everything and they're all bone-stock LG ROM.
No one stops you from flashing ROM but just bear in mind those info.

votinh said:
Not mean to be rude or disrespect but I would go ahead and give you some advice
1. Question like "which is best ROM" will be or tends to be deleted pretty quick. Not sure whether XDA rule or not but no ROM comparison allowed. This best vs other best is a type of comparison that could lead to argument.
2. There is no BEST ROM. Each people has their own "best" ROM which suitable most for their use. My best ROM is not necessarily your best ROM at all.
3. Based on what you said, what make you think rooting and installing other ROMs will make your phone's battery better? Blindly assume custom ROM will have better on this or better on that is WRONG.
4. Some of our members have 8 hrs on-screen time within total 2 or 3-day run time. Some disable everything, some enable everything and they're all bone-stock LG ROM.
No one stops you from flashing ROM but just bear in mind those info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright thanks for the advice, i just joined yesterday. Whats the difference between stock based rom, and AOSP based rom?

stock-based ROM is custom ROM that based on the stock ROM. It looks pretty much the same (same GUI, same framework, ....) with vastly enhancements.
AOSP-based ROM is like vanilla ROM, very close to untamed Android ROM.
Put it this way, Android (or Google) create its ROM, it's AOSP ROM. Purely.
Then mfg such LG, HTC, Sammy, ... take that ROM and create their own GUI on top of it. So Sammy has TouchWiz, LG has ..... whatever they call, HTC has Sense, Motorola has Blurr, .....
Then come the providers such AT&T, Verizon, .... They load ton of bloatware on top of it.

fromc2m said:
Where can i download those? are they stable? Will the camera be the lg camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they are stable and pretty much stock, with just improved performance and battery. What variant of phone do you have?

fromc2m said:
Alright thanks for the advice, i just joined yesterday. Whats the difference between stock based rom, and AOSP based rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just a few points seeing as you're new here:
1. Question threads should be created in the Q&A forum... If you're asking a question, post it there.
2. We don't allow "Best ROM" threads... the reasons have already been explained to you.
3. Your questions are some of the most basic and don't require the creation of a new thread... You just need to read.
Thread moved and closed.

[Q] Success of OMEGA

I'm just curious, but what makes the Omega Rom so damn popular and successfull? Most Roms have the same features and even more + some apps on Omega cost money....
This isn't meant as a hate thread, I'm just wondering and maybe I'm missing something.

Stability, battery life, performance. This is what most users look in a rom.
I guess Omega offers all of this and more

GDReaper said:
Stability, battery life, performance. This is what most users look in a rom.
I guess Omega offers all of this and more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true but almost all half decent roms offer this nowadays

It's marketing. Nothing more.

Hi mates,
care in what is done, great support , team work.....and what i think is the most important aspect people participates a lot in their different threads which helps make it better..
word of mouth marketing.....yes sure

Basically every TW based rom in the Android Development section has no significante change to the stock rom Samsung released. Mostly it are all roms with a few apps removed, a few apps added, maybe a different kernel and a different theme. Little coding, so not much difference between them (there are exceptions).
Usually the thread with the most shiny images gets the most people. But I think the strength of Omega is in making people that are new to flashing to chose for his rom.
The real coding takes places in the Original Android Development section where roms are coded from scratch.

Hi,
Fame is fame, it doesn't mean a product is better than another. Let's take Apple iPhone for example, its fame is beyond the level of, let's say, HTC One, however you cannot guarantee one is better than the other.
I believe you should give a try if you think it's worth your time, if not search for another ROM .
All the best,
~Lord

What is the best (latest/ updated) custom rom for note 3 SM-N9005?

I just rooted my phone and installed cwm recovery, now I want to flash custom rom, I also want to keep the S Note, Action Memo app. Any suggestions? Sorry I am new to all of these. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Free mobile app

As per some rule you can't ask for best ROM/ Kernel suggestion, but I like stock based ROMs, so I use the Deodex version of OF3 ROM, Deodex because I need Xposed. If you don't need that you can use Odex version.
This is the one I use, http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/development/rom-qs-n9005-lp-t3037655
OF3 however is not latest, OGX (X=something) is, but I don't care really. The above ROM doesn't come with a lot of options, just very few features added, but that's what I like, as close as possible to stock ROM. If you don't need Xposed and need a ROM with lots of features then look for AryaMod.

devilsdouble said:
As per some rule you can't ask for best ROM/ Kernel suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true anymore, mods changed it
They even made a front page discussion about people favourite

To advise someone what is the best, Is based on there own experience and opinion.
My own experience may be mainly gaming.....
Or it may be with Business models, Each depends on the type of feedback, result in complete different ROMS....
Can you see where am going with this?
I can answer you question, but only Vague:
S note and Action Memo - Why????
The reason i ask, if you want to keep them, Then you can only go with a TW based ROM. This is the TouchWiz (Samsung ROM)
If you dnot have a valid reason, other than you use them.
The a CM or any AOSP Based ROM, Does not have ANY TouchWiz Feature, For example, the Spen, The Menu, The functions.
But there are additional Apps that are matched in results or in some cases better (As they have been developed on the feedback of the note users)
S-Pen command is an example.
Then you can get addition application like: Fiinote that are just as good as Action Memo, Or EverNote or OneNote.
The LIST Goes one.
My one advise to you, Is to enjoy flashing and try them all, See what grabs your attention, Every person on XDA is different, and this is possibly why one of the rules come in about BEST ROMS.
Its too much optionion based, and everyone has there own option.
I hope this is not a complete pointless post, and helps a little.
But there is no harm in trying, and you will have alot of Fun seeing each developers take on it

Thank you so much @dave7802 for your help. I really appreciate it and it all makes sense. Everybody has own different preference. That is what I am going to do, I will try different roms and see where to stick. Glad I have this XDA app on my phone and receiving info and answers from you guys. Thanks again sir. Cheers!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Free mobile app

Hi,
Please do NOT post questions in this forum (Galaxy Note 3 General forum). All questions should go in the Galaxy Note 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting forum.
Failure to comply with this rule may lead to actions being taken against your account such as posting restrictions etc.
Thanks and regards,
Denny

DSA said:
Not true anymore, mods changed it
They even made a front page discussion about people favourite
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, that's excellent! I never did like that decision anyway. Thanks for informing mate.

My advice is Audax L. Stock based, reliable, always up the date, all mods which are neccessary and useful, easy flashable with aroma installer and has own costum kernel which is always up the date and really good for performance and battery consuming. Just try it.

Alliance...

Morningstar said:
Alliance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 (not biased at all)

Do the non-tw Roms support pressure sensitivity through ie; sketchbook? It's been a long time since an official lollipop update. .

I'm usin' the DarkLord s6 port V2.0 from several weeks as daily driver, it's good and reliable, no problems exept a minor bug with fast notes.
Inviato dal mio SM-N9005 utilizzando Tapatalk

How do you guys stay on TW?
I love it, the features dont get me wrong, Some of them are very nice.
But the speed is notability different coming from using CM for more than 12 months.
Small things like, Notification Status Pull Down, the delay from swiping down, to it appearing is noticeable slow.
App Drawer, open close applications, Accessing menus, All have a delayed response. Multi Tasking loading.
I have tried the following ROMs,
Dark Lord S6 and Note variants.
AryaMod V7.2
Norma Rom
Alliance
The BEST in regards to speed, But still noticeable is: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/development/rom-qs-n9005-lp-t3037655
As another user advised (Thanks)
This is no slander, As i do enjoy touchwiz, But i will admit, i am a speed freak, When i want someone i want it yesterday.

dave7802 said:
How do you guys stay on TW?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me CM/AOSP has too many missing UI/UX features, requiring more swipes and clicks for activities I perform. Also, once one has actually grown accustomed to TW, it requires time to learn. If you're busy in your life, you don't want to be non-performing and slow for 2 weeks when learning the ins-and-outs of a new ROM/UI/UX variant.
That's why I have not switched.
I accept the slowness of TW, but it's not too slow for me (and I multi-task a lot).
I'd be willing to try out CM builds, but it seems impossible to find realisting non-fanboy reviews of CM builds on Note3, that detail:
- what real bugs there are (sometimes the small annoying bits in Wifi/BT/sleep/battery can drive one inside, even if 90% of casual users don't notice them)
- what Pen/TW/camera module features does one has to give up when switching to non-Samsung ROM? CM/AOSP ROMs will always be missing Samsung libs, apps and as such many hardware supported features due to their generic nature. I have not seen an honest list that just lists all the missing features from Note3 CM/AOSP roms, without resorting to "nobody uses that feature anyway, so I didn't list it" type of comments.
Just backing up, cleaning up, flashing, re-installing, re-merging apps and data is so much work (full work day for me) that I just don't have time for that, unless I know what kind of deep doo-doo I'm going to end up with.
This, imho, is one of the reasons preventing some users from switching over, but yes, Samsung's "we are too lazy to update Note 3" policy is really pushing me towards CM builds
BTW, to not be totally off-topic I'm using DarkLord 5.0.2 build and it is so-so. Sometimes it lags badly. Sometimes it closes background apps by itself (way too fast, even with no huge multitasking). I'd like to get it patched and update to 5.1.1. but until Samsung releases the 5.1.1 ROM for Note 3, no such luck.

How do I stay on TW?
The simple answer is, I bought a Note 3, there are quite a lot of micro/ small things which make it a Note, and as long as I want to use a Note phone like a Note phone, I would use TouchWiz, end of story.
I am a professional. I need quite a lot of things. If I were a kid with no life other than to show off to friends hey look I have the latest version of Android, do you have it?, and take pride in that, probably I would go the AOSP route. Thank me that I can't be one of those low IQ people! :laugh: If you don't have the brain to process what's good/ complete and what's pathetic/ half baked nonsense, then anything which comes with a decent enough packing will look good to you.

devilsdouble said:
How do I stay on TW?
I am a professional. I need quite a lot of things. If I were a kid with no life other than to show off to friends hey look I have the latest version of Android, do you have it?, and take pride in that, probably I would go the AOSP route. Thank me that I can't be one of those low IQ people! :laugh: If you don't have the brain to process what's good/ complete and what's pathetic/ half baked nonsense, then anything which comes with a decent enough packing will look good to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never seen someone start a sentence saying "I'm a professional" and then write such a stupid post.

smeddy said:
I've never seen someone start a sentence saying "I'm a professional" and then write such a stupid post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, like I give a lot of damn.

devilsdouble said:
Yeah, like I give a lot of damn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you dont. Thankyou for being part of this community.

I have tried 90% of the note 3 rom on XDA, here's my result:
Best Rom
TW ROM: Audax
AOSP/CM: Temasak

devilsdouble said:
How do I stay on TW?
The simple answer is, I bought a Note 3, there are quite a lot of micro/ small things which make it a Note, and as long as I want to use a Note phone like a Note phone, I would use TouchWiz, end of story.
I am a professional. I need quite a lot of things. If I were a kid with no life other than to show off to friends hey look I have the latest version of Android, do you have it?, and take pride in that, probably I would go the AOSP route. Thank me that I can't be one of those low IQ people! :laugh: If you don't have the brain to process what's good/ complete and what's pathetic/ half baked nonsense, then anything which comes with a decent enough packing will look good to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spot on couldn't agree more, with all points.