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Maybe it's a stupid question to many, but... I have the chance to order a 32gb korean version of the S4 off Taobao.com, and since I live in China it's quite convenient. The only issue I have is that I refuse to use an android phone without rooting it, and I've been a happy Wanam user for a long time on my S3.
The taobao seller states that 16gb ROMs CANNOT be used for 32gb models AT ALL, but I know better than blindly trusting ignorant Chinese vendors who usually don't know what they are talking about (personal experience).
It does not matter whether it's 9500, 9505 or whatever, this seller has all the models (even 9508 dual sim), I just want to understand if SIZE is a problem or not... Will I be able to just simply root it, and keep using the stock ROM at least? Or maybe I'll even be able to install ANY 16gb ROM of my choice? Or none of the above???
Thanks!
P.S. I searched the S4 forums but found no reference at all to this question...
UoMoTaLpA said:
Maybe it's a stupid question to many, but... I have the chance to order a 32gb korean version of the S4 off Taobao.com, and since I live in China it's quite convenient. The only issue I have is that I refuse to use an android phone without rooting it, and I've been a happy Wanam user for a long time on my S3.
The taobao seller states that 16gb ROMs CANNOT be used for 32gb models AT ALL, but I know better than blindly trusting ignorant Chinese vendors who usually don't know what they are talking about (personal experience).
It does not matter whether it's 9500, 9505 or whatever, this seller has all the models (even 9508 dual sim), I just want to understand if SIZE is a problem or not... Will I be able to just simply root it, and keep using the stock ROM at least? Or maybe I'll even be able to install ANY 16gb ROM of my choice? Or none of the above???
Thanks!
P.S. I searched the S4 forums but found no reference at all to this question...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you're flashing a i9505 ROM to an i9505-like(aka U.S. Carriers variants) device, and an i9500 ROM to an i9500-like device, you'll be just fine. Don't try to flash unlike devices(i.e. i9505 to i9500) though. Best case scenario, the flash will fail. Worst case, you'll brick the device.
Internal storage capacity has never, to my knowledge, had anything to do with what you could or could not flash.
unremarked said:
As long as you're flashing a i9505 ROM to an i9505-like(aka U.S. Carriers variants) device, and an i9500 ROM to an i9500-like device, you'll be just fine. Don't try to flash unlike devices(i.e. i9505 to i9500) though. Best case scenario, the flash will fail. Worst case, you'll brick the device.
Internal storage capacity has never, to my knowledge, had anything to do with what you could or could not flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be my same guess, although the seller was adamant to the fact that it won't absolutely work (he even declared that he tried himself...). Though I agree with you, I'll wait for some concrete proof, when 32 and 64 gb versions will be more widely available, or at least until someone comes out with a first-person experience of this.
Anyway, thanks
UoMoTaLpA said:
That would be my same guess, although the seller was adamant to the fact that it won't absolutely work (he even declared that he tried himself...). Though I agree with you, I'll wait for some concrete proof, when 32 and 64 gb versions will be more widely available, or at least until someone comes out with a first-person experience of this.
Anyway, thanks
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Click to collapse
I don't want to call the guy out... but that seller has some very funny ideas; likely he was trying to flash unlike devices. If you want further feedback, I'd suggest posting this question over in the AT&T forums since the 32gb is more widely released. Further, from my past experiences, I've successfully flashed ROMs intended for the Developer Edition(64gb) of the HTC One onto my 32gb.
Let's say, hypothetically, he's correct--the developers who create the ROMs would be required to, perhaps not by forum rules but more so out of "I'm not responsible if you do this," declare their ROMs only usable by certain phones with certain storage capacities?
I will applaud you for taking your time, reading, and doing research before jumping into the fray. Is this your first phone you've rooted?
unremarked said:
I don't want to call the guy out... but that seller has some very funny ideas; likely he was trying to flash unlike devices. If you want further feedback, I'd suggest posting this question over in the AT&T forums since the 32gb is more widely released. Further, from my past experiences, I've successfully flashed ROMs intended for the Developer Edition(64gb) of the HTC One onto my 32gb.
Let's say, hypothetically, he's correct--the developers who create the ROMs would be required to, perhaps not by forum rules but more so out of "I'm not responsible if you do this," declare their ROMs only usable by certain phones with certain storage capacities?
I will applaud you for taking your time, reading, and doing research before jumping into the fray. Is this your first phone you've rooted?
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Click to collapse
Not at all, I rooted my first HTC Legend years ago, then my current S3,and so on. Happy user of Wanamlite ROM on my current S3 at the moment. Anyway, I guess our idea is correct. Not to belittle the vendor's experience, but in MY experience PRC people can be quite often very ignorant, or appear so at the very least, and declare the impossibility of an action or a request just to avoid any sort of responsibility in case the crap hits the fan... Think it as a sort of "ultimate disclaimer": I told you not to do it, so if you try and break it it's your problem.
After saying all this, I guess I'm in no rush since my S3 is still working like a charm after more than one year, I'm just exploring the S4 alley since I bough a SUPERCOOL Nolan bluetooth helmet for my bike, I use 2 sim cards at the same time (1 personal=S3, 1 work=HTClegend) and the HTC Legend's bluetooth is sort of fried So I was looking for a way to upgrade things.
I'll follow your suggestion and try to post in the AT&T section as well.
Thanks!
I am switching from Sprint to AT&T, as I already said in the subject, and I am looking for some QUICK opinions.
As most people probably have gone through this when buying their phone, I am debating on the S4 Active or the HTC One.
Upon coming onto here though, I was leaning more toward the HTC One because I like several things about it, more than the normal S4 and S4 Active, and because most of the S4 software features I don't really care about; I'm an EVO 3D owner, so I know how the gimmicks go. Nonetheless there are things that do attract me to the S4 Active over the One
I noticed the difference in activity for the S4 vs the One is SIGNIFICANT. ~13.5k posts for the S4 and ~3.6k posts for the One. Why is this? Are there that many junk postings\ROMs\etc or is it really just THAT active in this community? Is this section the same area to go to for the S4 Active device w/ AT&T?
- How is battery life? This is more geared toward the S4 \ S4 Active veteran users as I don't care how long your battery is lasting after you got your phone just a week ago lol
- How is NORMAL everyday use of the camera\camcorder?
- Are there significant amounts of SOLID daily drivers that are varying in style and operation? (ROMs)
- For the Active, how is call quality (for both sides), are there any other downsides to the Active edition vs regular S4 or HTC One?
Thanks
incarceration said:
I am switching from Sprint to AT&T, as I already said in the subject, and I am looking for some QUICK opinions.
As most people probably have gone through this when buying their phone, I am debating on the S4 Active or the HTC One.
Upon coming onto here though, I was leaning more toward the HTC One because I like several things about it, more than the normal S4 and S4 Active, and because most of the S4 software features I don't really care about; I'm an EVO 3D owner, so I know how the gimmicks go. Nonetheless there are things that do attract me to the S4 Active over the One
I noticed the difference in activity for the S4 vs the One is SIGNIFICANT. ~13.5k posts for the S4 and ~3.6k posts for the One. Why is this? Are there that many junk postings\ROMs\etc or is it really just THAT active in this community? Is this section the same area to go to for the S4 Active device w/ AT&T?
- How is battery life? This is more geared toward the S4 \ S4 Active veteran users as I don't care how long your battery is lasting after you got your phone just a week ago lol
- How is NORMAL everyday use of the camera\camcorder?
- Are there significant amounts of SOLID daily drivers that are varying in style and operation? (ROMs)
- For the Active, how is call quality (for both sides), are there any other downsides to the Active edition vs regular S4 or HTC One?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I'll try to answer most of ur questions there r more posts in the s4 section for two reasons 1 there r two devices using this forum the s4 and the s4 active 2 s4 has sold 20 million devices or so the HTC one about 5 million ( est not exact number from what I read )
Battery close is similar on all 3 devices for a lot of ppl the decidinng factor is the SD card and removable battery which HTC one has neither plus that power button being on top ( u had a evo 3d u mite be used to this )
Daily drivers there is plenty of good ROMs for the s4 and the HTC one
The active is really limited in this aspect since it has yet to acquire custom recovery exploit yet
The s4 has a boot loader exploit so u can use custom recovery as long as u don't update it out of the box mf3 ( plenty of threads on how to freeze att updater )
Out of the total amt of phones sold very few ppl actually flash ROMs a small percent of the android population the galaxy line has always had a lot of devs and ROMs cuz of its awesome specs and likability and ease to root and flash ROMs ( minus boot loader locking which isn't Samsung's fault its the carriers )
Hope this helps u and answers ur questions
sent from my SGH - leet ( i337) using Tapatalk 4 beta
Thanks for the fairly detailed response!
I have a couple other questions for you - is the cartoon-like UI their TouchWiz software?
Not to ruffle any feathers but I don't really like that aspect of it.
Also, when you unlock the bootloader and\or root, do you still get the annoying triangle upon boot? My friend had the S III and he had that problem. It didn't affect functionality but it was a bit tacky\annoying.
Yeah I have found AT&T to be root\unlock Nazis, but it seemed to be select devices they like to lock down. Not sure why, because you still have your plan that limits you lol
Thanks again!
incarceration said:
Thanks for the fairly detailed response!
I have a couple other questions for you - is the cartoon-like UI their TouchWiz software?
Not to ruffle any feathers but I don't really like that aspect of it.
Also, when you unlock the bootloader and\or root, do you still get the annoying triangle upon boot? My friend had the S III and he had that problem. It didn't affect functionality but it was a bit tacky\annoying.
Yeah I have found AT&T to be root\unlock Nazis, but it seemed to be select devices they like to lock down. Not sure why, because you still have your plan that limits you lol
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TW (TouchWhiz) is samsungs launcher and I wouldn't call it cartoon-like, but if you think so there are alternatives such as launchers from the Play Store, or flashing an AOSP ROM for vanilla Android look and feel.
As far as unlocking the bootloader, there are working methods as to remove the triangle on boot, so don't sweat that.
Okay so my Note 2 is sold and I am buying the S4 (I9500) tomorrow or the day after, but I was shocked after going to the Development section! There is no Android Rev HD ROM for I9500 but I9505 version is there! Why?
Also more things are available for I9505, but for I9500 very least amount of mods! Since I used ARHD on my Note 2 I never ever used any other ROM, as it was so fluid (never thought Android could be that smooth!) and never went back to stock ROM! And I hate AOSP ROMs, so if I buy I9500 my option is to stay on Stock ROM now or what?
This could well be a deal breaker for me!
The i9500 is only available in cirtain countries and is isn't very favourable to devs because of all its closed source hardware. It's why cm etc find it a lot harder to develop for. You can get really good stock based ROMs such as omega etc but due to its restricted availability you won't get as many devs for them.
Would still be a really good buy though. Give it time, as contracts get cheaper over time there should be more interest in them
@jujuburi
Hi,
Welcome to the S4 forum.
Please check out the Help Thread for the S4 in my signature.
Senior Member 123hiten had the i9500, and managed to get hold of a i9505.
You might want to talk to him about how he was able to do that.
jujuburi said:
Okay so my Note 2 is sold and I am buying the S4 (I9500) tomorrow or the day after, but I was shocked after going to the Development section! There is no Android Rev HD ROM for I9500 but I9505 version is there! Why?
Also more things are available for I9505, but for I9500 very least amount of mods! Since I used ARHD on my Note 2 I never ever used any other ROM, as it was so fluid (never thought Android could be that smooth!) and never went back to stock ROM! And I hate AOSP ROMs, so if I buy I9500 my option is to stay on Stock ROM now or what?
This could well be a deal breaker for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that got to me too, unfortunately i didn't do my homework first by checking the development section. One of the main reasons is the CPU chipset, and the amount of people who own the i9505. First it is easier as i understood to work with the snapdragon than the exynos and also most people which includes developers have the i9505 and the ROMs cant work on both devices because o the chipsets.
Now about lag, you dont need to worry, I am still in stock rom rooted and there is DEFINITELY no such thing as lag....runs smooth as butter, but i was still disappointed in the lack of ROMs which I like to flash for fun.
Kids, no fighting. If you don't like something, don't complain - move on. If there is something wrong, report.
As simple as it gets
1. Is SafeStrap the only custom recovery currently available for the Verizon Variant of Samsung's S4 (i545) on build ME7?
2. In general, are there ways to partition ROM slots in order to share data? For example, could stock be installed in the stock slots designated allotment for system, and another (CM or something) on the custom ROM 1's system area, but they both share data?
3. How does a manufacturer know if a unit has been rooted?
4. What are some apps that might be considered necessities on a rooted S4 (for instance, the multi-window fix)?
5. What is your idea of the perfect ROM?
Crackow97 said:
1. Is SafeStrap the only custom recovery currently available for the Verizon Variant of Samsung's S4 (i545) on build ME7?
2. In general, are there ways to partition ROM slots in order to share data? For example, could stock be installed in the stock slots designated allotment for system, and another (CM or something) on the custom ROM 1's system area, but they both share data?
3. How does a manufacturer know if a unit has been rooted?
4. What are some apps that might be considered necessities on a rooted S4 (for instance, the multi-window fix)?
5. What is your idea of the perfect ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You might want to ask that on the Verizon Galaxy S4 forums -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2314 . This one is for the Google Play Edition, International and International LTE variants so there could be a little difference in the hardware and software.
2. (I think we'd need a dev to answer that)
3. Well, recently, we discovered that the GS4 seems to have an active e-fuse within it, which isn't good news because (in most cases - I think it's different in Europe) once it's tripped ( ie; Knox will show an 0x1 on download mode) there goes your warranty. Once you have updated to the new Knox bootloader, you can't downgrade either but there is an ongoing development on the Note 3 forums that suggests that there is now a way to get around the Knox bootloader (it remains 0x0) when you flash a pre-rooted ROM.
4. The only necessary app IMO is Titanium Backup (and eventually ROM Manager when development gets farther).
5. My idea of a perfect ROM is one that's hybrid stock and AOSP. I like AOSP ROMs as they've almost always had better battery life (there's less bloat) but the camera has always been a weak point because Samsung's camera has always been proprietary so our devs will never see the source which they would probably need to adapt to their ROM projects. The closest ROMs that has gotten to that IME has been ParanoidAndroid and SlimBean.
HTHs
P.S.: Someone correct me if I'm wrong about any points here.
I'm sorry that I posted that question in an inappropriate area, I hadn't realized. :silly:
The inclusion of the eFuse is absolutely terrible news. There is, however, a tiny ray of hope: that is a Knox feature. Knox is not yet active in ME7 build, so (fingers crossed) the eFuse may not be in use, yet. Still, why would Samsung have included security hardware that they are not using whatsoever? Isn't part of the beauty of an Android product the freedom that comes along with owning one? These large companies are beginning to closely resemble the fruity fiends from the other side. Although we may have taken extra freedoms with our devices, we must still be protected from manufacture error. Is this to say, for instance, that if I were to flash my S4 (that happens to need to be replaced, the processor has a terrible heat problem), then Samsung would take a look at the phone, determine that it had been previously flashed, and force me to live with it literally burning holes in my pocket?
Crackow97 said:
I'm sorry that I posted that question in an inappropriate area, I hadn't realized. :silly:
The inclusion of the eFuse is absolutely terrible news. There is, however, a tiny ray of hope: that is a Knox feature. Knox is not yet active in ME7 build, so (fingers crossed) the eFuse may not be in use, yet. Still, why would Samsung have included security hardware that they are not using whatsoever? Isn't part of the beauty of an Android product the freedom that comes along with owning one? These large companies are beginning to closely resemble the fruity fiends from the other side. Although we may have taken extra freedoms with our devices, we must still be protected from manufacture error. Is this to say, for instance, that if I were to flash my S4 (that happens to need to be replaced, the processor has a terrible heat problem), then Samsung would take a look at the phone, determine that it had been previously flashed, and force me to live with it literally burning holes in my pocket?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, it's still an S4 after all. Samsung's diving for gov't and BYOD enterprise solutions now that Blackberry's demise is almost certainly a forgone conclusion. For that, they need to have good security on these devices. And yes, with this, Samsung can definitely blame the consumer for hardware issues once the warranty has been voided. One of the supposed reasons this is going on right now (according to someone quoting Samsung) is that Samsung's gotten tired of taking in warranty repairs that are due to ppl not following instructions and either frying their internals or hard bricking. In the case of OC'g, I can see where they are coming from because it's also a fact that when you OC a processor on a PC, it will shorten it's lifespan. Personally, I think it's a cop out from that whole SGS3/SGN2 SDS disaster and that was (IMHO) a QC issue. In any case, between designgears & Chainfire (and brought to us by DjeMBeY), there seems to be a bit of a solution now on how ppl can safely root their phones post Knox install.
Hi guys, I'm considering upgrading the S5, but have heard that it's like the "black sheep" of the S family. Is that true? Is it a worthy upgrade for S4 users? Anyone here has any regret of getting the phone (camera quality not as good as expected, battery life too short, phone gets hot quickly,...) ? I've used numerous Android device including the Optimus one, Optimus 3D, Optimus 4x HD, Optimus GK (yeah lots of LG products), HTC 8x and currently Xperia Z1 compact, and decided to go Samsung this time. Is it the right choice at the moment (I really don't like how the S6 will be removing SD slot and removable battery and stuff...) ? Thanks in advance .
// Edit: even though I've never cared about camera quality in previous phone, I do want a good camera this time. Will the S5's camera blow me away compared to current alternatives within the price range?
From my perspective, coming from an S2, yes I am really happy with the phone. Whether you will see much performance difference between newer samsung devices (S3 & S4) and the S5....I couldn't comment......but I have read that there is not that great a difference between the S4 and S5. From the viewpoint of removable battery and expandable memory, if that is important to you, then the S5 is probably the last chance you'll have to own a Samsung device. The only potential 'fly in the ointment' with the S5 is KNOX......do your research on that, then decide if you want an S5.......
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 stocKK SM-G900F S5
Have never regretted a single moment. Upgraded from the S3 and got the 901F , everything flies , it's just on what's your daily usage,how you use it then you can be satisfied. About the camera part, I myself don't really mind about camera quality but I can say in my opinion makes me satisifed ^_^ altho there's not much dev for my model , it's good to have a phone that has removable battery , expandable memory since S6 isn't gonna provide that
@op - Most/All of the bad points you've heard about the S5 will be coming from people who upgraded to Lollipop early on / didn't factory reset after the update, KK users from everything Ive read, are very happy with the phone, I run LP and am very happy with it too
Coming from a Lumia 620, it's a massive upgrade to me and IMO, a great phone, couldn't be happier, battery life is great too
If you go looking for negative reviews of a device, you'll find them for any device no matter how good it is
I just got the phone two weeks ago but I didn't realise how hard it would be to root without tripping Knox. I've rooted all my phones in the past which involved jumping through a few hoops but this scenario is diabolical! There are so many ROM versions, so many out-of-date forum threads for all different S5 models. I think the geographical region has an effect as well. First you have to downgrade your ROM back to KitKat and then root it and then upgrade. It's an absolute minefield! I think it might be easier if you don't mind tripping the Knox warranty flag but I'm not ready to void mine.
seanspotatobusiness said:
I just got the phone two weeks ago but I didn't realise how hard it would be to root without tripping Knox. I've rooted all my phones in the past which involved jumping through a few hoops but this scenario is diabolical! There are so many ROM versions, so many out-of-date forum threads for all different S5 models. I think the geographical region has an effect as well. First you have to downgrade your ROM back to KitKat and then root it and then upgrade. It's an absolute minefield! I think it might be easier if you don't mind tripping the Knox warranty flag but I'm not ready to void mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was the same for about 2 months, eventually got sick of waiting for a LP root method that didn't trip KNOX, and just went for it - pleased I did now
There is a question over whether or not tripping KNOX in the EU voids warranty or not too, some people say it does, some people say it doesn't and they would have to prove that flashing custom software was the cause of the fault, so if your screen stops responding, even flashing back to stock doesn't fix it, it wasn't your fault, but if you pop the speakers by modding the volume after rooting, then it is your fault, those sort of things
Recently I have used Galaxy S4, Moto G, HTC One M8 & Asend 740 ..... finally I got a Galaxy S5 (SM-G900F) with Snapdragon CPU.
I'm kind of user who doesn't play games in my smartphone, I just use it for calls Whatsapp, viber Instagram & the like apps.
to be honest yes I'm so much satisfied with the Galaxy S5 specially the great screen.
Here is a list of most notable stuff in Galaxy S5 { Kitkat 4.4.2 }
1- Camera is very nice but the images quality in low light cases & indoors are little bit noisy.
2- the UI sometimes will lag any smartphone will lag while in use ....... as you know Galaxy S5 use the Touchwize UI which it is featured rich & heavy I prefer to use feature rich UI with little lag than using light UI with very few features.
3- some time I'm having battery drain and mobile will become hot when using some Apps like viber.
4- in general battery life is very good .
in the end I love to use a new smartphone every while .......... I have used Android, Windows Phone & iOS, Galaxy S5 is a smartphone which you can keep for one or two years, it is really a smartphone you can be satisfied with it.
Yeah.....touchwiz can be a bit heavy in use, but if you replace it with a launcher like Nova or Apex (I use Nova) that can help........
And as far as games are concerned, the games I play are emulated PS1 games, and they run without ANY lag and without overheating the phone.......
Battery life on this device is better than on any other Samsung phone I've ever used......
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 stocKK SM-G900F S5
I have used all Samsung's Galaxy S series.
From Galaxy S1 to S5.
And yes, S5 is a better phone than S4.
Its build quality, battery life, Speed and features are better than S4.
Camera is almost same but doesnt focus on small objects.
+ Fingerprint, heart rate, water resistance
thank you guys @keithross39 , @fitris97 , @*Detection* , @seanspotatobusiness , @one-option, @Aafsut . I think I'll get the S5. Unfortunately where I live only the T-Mobile version is left (other variants including international 900F are sold out). But seems like the T version is one of the variants with unlocked bootloader and I don't mind having KNOX tripped (our service centers here are sh*t and they likely won't know about checking that), does that mean I can have an easier way to root the phone? I have rooted LGs and Sony in the past and they are fairly easy to do, but no experience with Samsung (Odin and stuffs)... Also the KNOX flag just voids the warranty right? No other side effect?
And I suppose I can flash most 900F ROMs on the T-Mobile version? I have asked in the T-Mobile forum and got one confirmation about Omega Rom for 900F running fine on the 900T, but just want to be extra sure
You can use odin to flash CF auto root i believe just a simple step, just find your correct model and flash it. About KNOX , if you trip it , mainly , you void your warranty as well as you can't update OTA if you want to see see whether there is an update available.
fitris97 said:
You can use odin to flash CF auto root i believe just a simple step, just find your correct model and flash it. About KNOX , if you trip it , mainly , you void your warranty as well as you can't update OTA if you want to see see whether there is an update available.
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Click to collapse
ARRRG I knew it! No OTA is a big bummer Guess I'll have to be careful with that KNOX thingy...
// Also, will the S5 likely to receive any other major OS upgrades? 5.1 or even higher?
Well if you trip and theres new update available you can always download the right firmware for your phone and flash it via odin no problem. Well it's up to them to release it, right now latest is lollipop 5.0? For my model its 5.0.1 so different model different timing as to releasing so probably yes? Haha