Database Users

Need some Solid advice

Hi All
I got my international version SGS2 about 3 weeks ago. I am very happy with how its holding up currently but am trying to get the best battery life out of my phone. Coming from a Wave that lasted me 5 days without a problem I am trying to get something close to that.
I have a low to med usage pattern and it will most likely not change in the near future. I bought myself the Origianl Extended Battery 2000mAh and putting it through its paces now and currently on my 1st cycle.
Here is where I need the solid advice...
I am on the Original XFA firmware Android 2.3.3
1. I need to know if I can revert everything back to the original firmware when I need it and remove the root as well?
2. Can someone provide me with the Original FW as I have checked Check Fus and it cant even find the one installed on my phone?
3. Are the benefits of later Android versions really that much better or will I experience much the same as I am experiencing now on the Stock FW?
4. What are the real benefits of rooting and how does it affect my phone?
5. What Kernel should I flash if I decide to root my device as there are hundreds out there with no real explanation of the difference?
These are just some of my concerns and even though 2 days of reading XDA provided some idea into some of these things the explanations was very vague and not really helpfull in understanding what the actual benefits would be
If anyone could assist me I would be very grateful.

Hello, so.. i realize my english isnt perfect, im sorry:
1. When you root, you will have Clockworkmod recovery. This recovery allows you to do a nandroid backup, this backup can be used when you want, to restore the phone with a perfect mirror image of when you created the backup. Ofc it requires a rooted phone, this means it will mirror your 2.3.3 firmware, with root.
2. Intratech link to official firmwares: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
This firmwares are originals, this mean the phone is going back to the original status as when you bought it (no root, no cwm). This will not remove the Download mode Counter that is incresed by 1 everytime you flash a custom firmware/kernel (rooting increases it).
3. Yes, the benefits can be noticed by a lot more smooth interface, faster browser, and some other small things. Specially if you are experiencing the "yellow left side screen" from the 2.3.5 it got fixed.
4. This is a good question, if you ask it, means you are quite happy with your actual situation and dont feel the need of rooting.
The real benefits are to be able to flash custom roms or kernels, that usually give more speed and gadgets compared to the stock firmware. This also allow you to use themes, to change partially or totally the aspect of your phone.
Some games dosnt work (not optimized for the S2) but with chainfire 3d (requires root) you can run almost every game for android).
5. You must start with CF-Root (easiest way) for root, this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Install latest Samsung Kies to get latest samsung mobile usb drivers, but be 100% sure to kill kies process tree (from task manager) before flash with odin, kies dosnt like odin and blocks it at some point, resulting in a chance to semi brick the phone.
Carefull follow the instructions on the post and in 20-30 seconds you done.
After you obtained root, all the kernels for the S2 can be used, most populars are speedmod and siyah (im on this last) due the great stabilty/speed.
As last note, please be sure 100% you want/need to root:
Rooting void your warranty, ofc you can buy a usb jig to reset the counter and have again your warranty.
Be sure you understand rooting is not 100% safe, nor is any rom/kernel that you will flash.
Nowdays is really hard to brick a phone, but a really small chance to brick is always here, specially if you are not 100% sure on what you are doing.

@rembrandtlnx
Thanks a lot. You have been more helpful than reading XDA for 2 days solidly trying to find out what to do.
At the current moment I don't really see any benefit in rooting. My phone is not presenting with any of the battery draining bugs some users are finding so I am not sure if updating the firmware would be that helpful.
I don't use my phone for a gaming station so I don't play games on it.

toxicdust said:
@rembrandtlnx
Thanks a lot. You have been more helpful than reading XDA for 2 days solidly trying to find out what to do.
At the current moment I don't really see any benefit in rooting. My phone is not presenting with any of the battery draining bugs some users are finding so I am not sure if updating the firmware would be that helpful.
I don't use my phone for a gaming station so I don't play games on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed if you are happy on the actual rom for you rooting dosnt make a big difference. I rooted both mines mainly to have the Miui, i always wanted it but my old poor phone wasnt supported.
Anyway, feel free to ask in future if you change your mind
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

rembrandtlnx said:
Indeed if you are happy on the actual rom for you rooting dosnt make a big difference. I rooted both mines mainly to have the Miui, i always wanted it but my old poor phone wasnt supported.
Anyway, feel free to ask in future if you change your mind
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have another few questions
1. Reading your links I noticed I don't need to root to flash original firmwares to my phone. If I do flash a original firmware to my phone using Odin does my counter increase and will i have that annoying ! at boot up?
2. Is there some way to retain the CSC while flashing?
3. If I flash with just 1 .tar file it would seem to contain all 3 segments PDA, Phone and CSC or would it just replace the PDA and keep the Phone and CSC in tact?
What my aim is that I want to update my Android as I go along but don't want to drop my CSC and I prefer having the compatibility with my provider as it makes it easier and more compatible with the network especially for international dialling.

is there a way to manually download el30- sprint?

OK, a long time ago, I did a manual update on my EPIC 4g (sprint). I am thinking that is why I am unable to download the update through the setting tab a week after the update came out. I know everyone has it now. I have no idea what update I did on my phone last year... but I havnt been able to get firmware updates from sprint since them. I'd kinda like to have this one.
Does anyone know of a link that has this update, I can load to my SD card and execute on the phone? I just want to be able to reboot to the new ROM, I dont want to have to hook up to a PC and load it that way. I need a rookie, easy way to do this.
Thanks!!!

You most likely have either rooted or removed at least 1 pre-installed application. That would cause the EL30 update not to install. You can find the .zip file in both the General and Development forums.
If you have rooted or removed any pre-installed apps, then the stock .zip file won't install for you. You would need to make sure you're on a custom kernel for your current build (most likely EC05 or EI22), get CWM 5 installed and then install one of the near stock roms in the Dev forum.

Yea, it was so long ago, I dont know if it is rooted or not? I have been away from this stuff for quite a while and have completely lost touch. CW5? is that an app that I can install directly from the SD card? Also, does the dev forum have ROM's that I can install from SD as well? - sorry for all the questions!

hammerhead007 said:
Also, does the dev forum have ROM's that I can install from SD as well? - sorry for all the questions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes... you would know it if you clicked on it. Just don't start a new thread there. Read, and it'll all make sense.

hammerhead007 said:
Yea, it was so long ago, I dont know if it is rooted or not? I have been away from this stuff for quite a while and have completely lost touch. CW5? is that an app that I can install directly from the SD card? Also, does the dev forum have ROM's that I can install from SD as well? - sorry for all the questions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to your Settings > About Phone to see what your baseband, kernel and OS build are.
Yes the dev forum has kernels and roms available for you to flash. Google search "QBKing77 youtube channel" to get how-to videos for doing everything.
Baseband = your modem version. This is completely independent of your kernel and OS and can be a different version from those two.
Kernel & OS build = these must match in build #. Example would be EC05, EI22 and EL30. Some custom kernel's do not include the build # on the About Phone screen, but stock would.
CWM = ClockworkMod Recovery. This is a custom recovery tool that allows you to flash custom roms, kernels, mods and themes.
Easiest way to see if you're rooted is to look for the application Superuser in your application list. If it's there, then you're most likely rooted.

is there a way to unroot this handset and allow the sprint update to come thru? If not, what is the name of a good (stock) gingerbread ROM? There are a ton of them over on the dev side and honestly I dont want to mess with he clockwork stuff. Im kinda pinched for time.
I did find the CWM5 zip - i assume i can run that directly from the SD card, then apply the new ROM.

no superuser... know that I think back, I dont think I did root it. But I dont know why else the carrier update wont work?

ok, I just looked @ the current version(s).
BASEBAND: d700.0.55.DK28
KERNAL:2.6.32.9
BUILD: FROYO.DK28
so, what is going to be the easiest way to get this to EL30?
I am almost done bothering you guys - I promise!

Odining the el30 stock package and flashing an ec05 modem and then flashing the ec05 to el30 delta
Ill offer to do it for you in a little over 15 minutes if you'd like via teamviewer
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

The modem is if I want to tether - correct? If I dont want to tether, then I dont have to flash the modem portion ?

No the modem is what allows for reciveing signal
Usually the most updated modem allows for better signal
Serisouly don't wanna take me up on the offer? You could just sit back let me d it for you then again if your one of those DIY'S its not very hard if you know what your doing
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

ok.. I think im getting in over my head here... UGH.

hammerhead007 said:
ok.. I think im getting in over my head here... UGH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me do it for you free of charge go download teamviewer and private message me your teamid and password and I can walk you through it.
I read post I'm sorry .... do you want to go through the computer it pays off in the long run... this will help you if you ever brick your phone and could be a life saver.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

Thanks for the offer! Seriously an offer like that and I would paypal you a few $'s. Its the girlfriends phone. So, I dont have it in front of me now. I was gonna try to do it late tonight. In this process would she loose her settings / contacts /ect...?

hammerhead007 said:
Thanks for the offer! Seriously an offer like that and I would paypal you a few $'s. Its the girlfriends phone. So, I dont have it in front of me now. I was gonna try to do it late tonight. In this process would she loose her settings / contacts /ect...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but these things can be backed up with mybackup from the market her settings not really but contacts sms call logs etc, can be backed up just make sure you don't use the stock cable that you have a good cable and the computer will recognise it
If you would like me to do it from her computer if she has one and her cable isn't stock then I could . Just pm if you need any help.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

Another good idea is to google Qbking77 youtube videos. He has a video for just about everything you need to update your phone.

Samsung Galaxy Grand Philippines

This thread is for those who own the Galaxy Grand from the Philippines.
Mine has been updated to 4.2.2 XTC. So far these are my expwriences:
1. it has better memory management.
2. battery life is about the same as 4.1.2
3. google play now recognizes some games like subway surf as compatible.
Please comment if you are from the Philippines.

Nice one... a dedicated thread...
Same here Grand owner from the PH.
Still on stock.. waiting for the right FW for phone..and unrooted...
Will be rooting soon too...there are so many mods to try

FYI the firmware marked "XTC" on sammobile and samsung-updates.com are Vietnam CSC. I have not tried the other fw. I had to root then used csc chaner app to change to sun csc. It us not reallt of utmost importance but then it is good feeling to have the proper csc.

Phil firmware is bit laggy..even i reboot my phone
Sent from my GT-I9082 using xda premium

10xian04 said:
Phil firmware is bit laggy..even i reboot my phone
Sent from my GT-I9082 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you factory reset and wipe cache after updating? You lose data and settings but you start fresh in doing so.

Right there seems to be worst lag in XTC fw. Might get back to SER Russian rom or Gennxt SER. Indian fw also showing lags according to users.

Hi guys, from Davao here. Running the INU firmware, rooted and some apps frozen via Titanium Backup.

Hi kabayans!
I might make available/share for download the "rooted deodexed zipaligned" and cwm flashable XTC 4.2.2 I cooked using kitchen. I am reluctant to do so because I may not be able to support it. I am not a dev.
What do you all think!

muntinlupa said:
Hi kabayans!
I might make available/share for download the "rooted deodexed zipaligned" and cwm flashable XTC 4.2.2 I cooked using kitchen. I am reluctant to do so because I may not be able to support it. I am not a dev.
What do you all think!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lets give it a try @muntinlupa
go for it :good:

Still having problem with CSC unknown. Will update the file when I have time. It is booting ok . But I dont want to share it with no csc.

stock 4.2 malaysia
I'm currently using the stock malaysian 4.2. Updated using odin without wiping and factory reset. It started out fine for a week. Now, the lag is getting worse. Do someone know of a better region to choose without this lag problem?

Try the latest Russian SER update.

Russian Firmware
jrfailma said:
I'm currently using the stock malaysian 4.2. Updated using odin without wiping and factory reset. It started out fine for a week. Now, the lag is getting worse. Do someone know of a better region to choose without this lag problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try using Russian Firmware plus Gennxt XUBMGA Rom 4.2.2 or the Latest Gennxt MHD

tatzkie nga pala from davao
How are your galaxy grand doing guys? My grand has a broken usb port. It can charge but is not recognized by the pc. So i cant update nor root my galaxy grand. Im just waiting for someone to post an update or a root tutorial capable of flashing through stock recovery and not using odin and cwm. In technicalities i would rate myself 9 from 1-10.. so i pretty much know what im doing. And btw for what its worth, using the philippine update is actually ok.. all updates are fluid and good but u need to make sure first that before u update to a new firmware that your device is reset to factory default. And before you install an update, make sure to clear cache and factory reset the device first for effecient and smooth update. How i wish i could update and root my grand.. looks like i need to spend 2k-3k more just to have it fixed. But anyway, if you guys need my help, just reply to this thread.
And for faster and more efficient usage of your sd cards, make sure to use CLASS 10 SD CARDS ONLY.

BNB2 stock rom here. so far no lag issues.
for those of you who are experiencing lag on any stock rom you might wanna try this:
format /sys
format /data /media /sdcard
flash AMF7 4.1
flash BNB2(which ever stock rom you prefer)
I've been using BNB2 for less than a week now. the only issue that i've encountered is the color turning negative. i dont know if it has something to do with the rom or the system apps that i've uninstalled using nobloat app. anyways, it only happened once and the fix is just turning the screen off then on again.

venom621 said:
I've been using BNB2 for less than a week now. the only issue that i've encountered is the color turning negative. i dont know if it has something to do with the rom or the system apps that i've uninstalled using nobloat app. anyways, it only happened once and the fix is just turning the screen off then on again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the very first week, Grand has this screen issue, for me atleast... The screen's colors become faded... the saturation drops!! and after the BNB2 update... it started becoming negative... God know after next update what will be happening! Switching to Note 2 now

@sidkota
Did you try Samsung service center ?
Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk

akiratoriyama said:
@sidkota
Did you try Samsung service center ?
Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes... I've got my motherboard replaced... Still no solution...

@venom621: Do you have the link for the ROMs you used? I have my grand rooted but still on stock 4.2.2. Very laggy and I would like to try your version :laugh:. Is it still based from a stock ROM that can support dual SIM? Salamat ng marami (Thanks)

bahtul said:
@venom621: Do you have the link for the ROMs you used? I have my grand rooted but still on stock 4.2.2. Very laggy and I would like to try your version :laugh:. Is it still based from a stock ROM that can support dual SIM? Salamat ng marami (Thanks)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just updated to this I9082XXUBNC1 >> http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9082
stock 4.1 - AMF7 4.1
again no lag issue. you can also try changing launchers. Touchwiz is really laggy on previous stock roms. Although touchwiz is pretty decent on the new rom, I still prefer nova launcher, much faster.
here is a video on the new rom(I9082XXUBNC1). nova launcher vs touchwiz
Video is a litlle bit slower while using screen recorder.
http://youtu.be/GetJTPV5qCM

[Q] Should I root? Considering...

Hey!
So yeah Iv'e been root-phobic ever since I bricked my old Ace Plus back in the day, and Iv'e been satisfied with non-root for a while.
But now the advantages of root are tempting me to go back. Iv'e always hated the fact that you can't disable the camera sound and the bloatware takes necessary space, and let's not forget all the apps that have special root features.
The thing is I'm ready to root again but then I realized rooting would change my phones status to "modified," and I won't be able to update my firmware. And that's a no-no since I'm expecting to ( hopefully ) get 4.3 soon.
So my question is: If I root, remove all the c**p I want to ( camera sound, bloatware ), and then unroot, will my phone status still be modified or will the unoot send it back to normal, so I can update? I hope it does! :fingers-crossed:
Thanks!

I think once you root your phone it will stay modified forever, but still, having a rooted S3 is so much better, i have 4.4.1 with CM and its something that I think will never come to our S3, so..
I rooted mine two weeks before I bought it, ****ed it up and fixed it many times...
The choice is yours to make ​

Yes you can go back to official status even after rooting and flashing custom roms multiple times.
This can be done by resetting the flash counter via Triangle Away and flashing a stock Rom.
Check your Build version and CSC now by dialing *#1234#
Better yet download from Samfirmware your current firmware in case you want to go back to it later.
Also you may want to look at these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42568033
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33817354
Also it's a good practice to backup your EFS, if you're still on efs v1, and keep it in a safe place like your ext sd card or your PC before flashing another Rom or firmware.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

GrippingSphere said:
Yes you can go back to official status even after rooting and flashing custom roms multiple times.
This can be done by resetting the flash counter via Triangle Away and flashing a stock Rom.
Check your Build version and CSC now by dialing *#1234#
Better yet download from Samfirmware your current firmware in case you want to go back to it later.
Also you may want to look at these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42568033
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33817354
Also it's a good practice to backup your EFS, if you're still on efs v1, and keep it in a safe place like your ext sd card or your PC before flashing another Rom or firmware.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ehhh. I think I'll root after I get the update. I'm not looking to mess anything up right now

Imuo9 said:
Ehhh. I think I'll root after I get the update. I'm not looking to mess anything up right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dun think u shld root. U seem like u dk wat u are doing.
Sent from my GT-I9300.
Give a thank if i helped you.

the real question is can you Root ?

Blackwolf10 said:
the real question is can you Root ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wat i meant
Sent from my SM-N9005.
Give a thank if I helped you

[Q] New to rooting and other related definitions

Dear XDA-Dev members,
I'm sorry in advance for my English, but I'll try my best.
For a long time, I never really wanted to root my phone, mainly because of the risks. That all changed lately and now I'm willing to root it, especially for the extra possibilities. I've been searching for a while now and found many different methods of rooting and a lot of definitions I'm not really aware of. So I got a few questions and I hope someone is willing to help me with this.
What exactly do definitions like, ROM, Stock ROM, flashing, whiping and root-related definitions mean? I guess it's some important knowledge for when I want to root my phone.
How do I know what builds are suitable for my phone? I recently updated to Android Lollipop and wish to keep that. I noticed a lot of functions are missing (Samsung???).
What exactly is the XPosed Framework and its modules I've been reading about?
Which method would be the easiest to use for rooting for the first time?
... And for installing a custom Android build?
My current installed apps/games/launcher (Apex), will these be gone? Or can they be restored?
Are there any other important things I need to know?
I don't have an external SD card yet, but I really need to get one, as my internal storage is getting kinda full.
At last, I've included my device information here: imgur.com/a/eKm1F (can't post the link directly due to XDA's anti-spam-thingy)
I really hope someone is willing to help me. Thank you in advance!

Start by reading this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2419762
- What exactly do definitions like, ROM, Stock ROM, flashing, whiping and root-related definitions mean? Can be easily found by a simple google search
- What exactly is the XPosed Framework and its modules I've been reading about? Can also be found by a simple search.
- How do I know what builds are suitable for my phone? I recently updated to Android Lollipop and wish to keep that. I noticed a lot of functions are missing (Samsung???). Every up to date custom rom is based Lollipop. And no there are no functions missing.
- For rooting you should use cf auto-root i9505. Type it in the search bar in the right corner of your screen.
- For installing custom roms you need a custom recovery. Use Philz of TWRP.
Last tip. Start reading and just do it. You can't destroy your phone.

Thank you. But once again, how do I know what custom rom is suitable for my device?
I'll read all the links posted.

rcth said:
Thank you. But once again, how do I know what custom rom is suitable for my device?
I'll read all the links posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone rom that's in the I9505 section.

Xpose is not available to lollipop yet.
Check the most popular Roms and start from there.
If u are already at Lolipoo , You'll probably need to update the bootloader to the same of the rom u intent to flash.
U must learn how to use ODIN. U could easy flash a pre rooted rom from ODIN.
Roms, bootloaders, modems and kernel is what u can change.
Bootloader only if needed, modem also.
Roms and kernels I do keep up to date.
Start with Imperium ROM maybe.
Flash by ODIN a recovery, like TWRP, reboot recovery, wipe everything and flash the rom.
Pretty simple but u must read a lot to not get lost in the way.
Welcome
Since is your first time. Search for IMEI backup. I've never used my backup but heard some scary stories about lost imei.
Start safe!
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

Xposed is available for Android 5.0.1 but is still being tested and refined.
Before attempting to do ANYTHING, install Wanam EFS Backup and back up the IMEI. Losing the IMEI is not fun.
Other than that, start reading and stop asking what the best ROM is. The best ROM is the one that meets your needs.

How long does it usually take for xposed to update to android 5.1?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

rcth said:
How long does it usually take for xposed to update to android 5.1?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it's done.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Xposed is available for Android 5.0.1 but is still being tested and refined.
Before attempting to do ANYTHING, install Wanam EFS Backup and back up the IMEI. Losing the IMEI is not fun.
Other than that, start reading and stop asking what the best ROM is. The best ROM is the one that meets your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is currently on 5.0.1. Can I install Xposed and its modules after I've rooted my phone? If so, which download should I take?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

Yes.
Look in the Xposed thread.
I don't use Xposed on my S4 as the ROM I use has built-in virtually everything I would have used Xposed for. Xposed for my Android 2.3.7 device is a different story. I need it there for the Master Key fix, since I no longer update the custom ROM I made for the device.

Hi,i root my phone.please what next.
Sent from my Infinix-X551 using XDA Free mobile app