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
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mg2195 said:
Correct, if it has the latest firmware than no flashing roms
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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.
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And mdl is what I want right?
If you want to install custom ROMs, yes.
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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.
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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.
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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!
Related
Do any of you guys think that Samsung releasing a Google edition will help their other phones such as this get future os updates any quicker. Maybe Google will let them and HTC get a glimpse of the code faster? Thoughts?
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colts187 said:
Do any of you guys think that Samsung releasing a Google edition will help their other phones such as this get future os updates any quicker. Maybe Google will let them and HTC get a glimpse of the code faster? Thoughts?
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Click to collapse
I doubt it. I'm sure Google lets Samsung/HTC take a look at upcoming code and builds of Android. I don't know how much work they'd really put into it until the next version is "finalized" by Google. After that, Samsung/HTC has to finish putting their custom touches on the phone, test it, then submit for carrier approval... who then has to put their custom touches on it, test it, before finally pushing it out.
In short, no, I don't think it'll matter.
I was thinking of getting one but I can buy two n4's one white and one black for just about the same price. Hmmm
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but why not buy the AT&T version of the S4 and flash the Task650 rom? Way more customization than the stock google experience can offer.
MattMJB0188 said:
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but why not buy the AT&T version of the S4 and flash the Task650 rom? Way more customization than the stock google experience can offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup. i think users would be surprised how quickly they'd get bored on their google edition s4's and end up rooting/flashing anyways.
Tasks Roms are the sh!$ lol. That's prob what I will do
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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?
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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
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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:
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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!
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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
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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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
This may be my last device from AT&T!
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Corvette Dave said:
This may be my last device from AT&T!
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Click to collapse
Agreed. Not very happy with this at all. Locking us out of our own devices that most of us paid FULL PRICE FOR!!!
Yeah me too... This sucks... I'm seriously thinking about selling mine and buying a international model. Does anyone know which model works good on At&t?
I bought 2 note 3's and and 1 gear. Dropped about a G and I can't use my device the way I would like? Not a happy customer at this point.
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Corvette Dave said:
This may be my last device from AT&T!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to an AT&T store a few days ago to get a secure element for free (SIM) and received a text survey the next day. I gave the employee a 10 but said I wouldnt recommend at&t to a friend, and everything else I gave low low reviews. They called me several hours later and I let them know why... I am sure it doesnt mean much... but at least they know I think they suck!
The people on the phone tried to help... but didn't really know how to go about getting someone to talk to me about bootloaders... they even recommended me checking out XDA to unlock it... LOL awesome.
I told them that I am perfectly fine with voiding my warranty... so can I please get this flashed to an international version... no idea how to answer something like that... oh well...
Corvette Dave said:
This may be my last device from AT&T!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't see why you would think it was necessary to open a thread to say the obvious. If you don't want at&t sell it. Buy an international. C-ya bye
NightHawkUndead said:
Don't see why you would think it was necessary to open a thread to say the obvious. If you don't want at&t sell it. Buy an international. C-ya bye
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah right. I'm sure this thread will be locked. I knew what I was getting when I bought it. I really didn't care as long as I could root.
If flashing and ROMing is that important, get a different phone. The T-Mobile version of the Note 3 is unlocked and will work on AT&T. I prefer AT&T because I get 4G/LTE where I live and in the building where I work.
Very happy with my Note 3 rooted and using Xposed, Wanam, etc. No need for a custom ROM. At least for me anyways.
AT&T has analytics on social media and Web information they collect on what is being said about them. Most large companies do and thought this might get some attention.
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I think there are threads about this already... Before the opinion gods explode in here gonna close this... :good:
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.
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Swappa will probably be your best route. EBay second.
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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.
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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: