[Q] Which GSM version is most "hacker friendly"? What are the tradeoffs? - Galaxy Note 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm frustrated with the locked bootloader and lack of developer interest and no Ant+ on the latest update so I am going to buy a phone that does not annoy me. Note 3 is my leading choice but I am also considering the Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition.
Right now, I've got more money than time. I have tons of good paying work backed up and I would rather pay for what I want than try to stay one step ahead of some carrier's control issues / bloatware.
I'm on AT&T with a grandfathered unlimited data plan. Don't really need LTE but will take it if it makes no difference. I do want at least HSPDA.
I'm willing to shell out the full cash price for an unlocked phone with an unlocked bootloader. What I really want is a phone that will get timely updates from the manufacturer and won't try to shove a locked bootloader down my throat later. It would also be fantastic if I could get a USA warranty in the deal but I can live without that.
So is there a significant "hacker friendliness" difference between the various models? If I give up AT&T LTE frequencies for the international version, what am I getting in return (besides the obvious international frequencies)?
Thanks for your time,
David

DJ_smooth said:
If I give up AT&T LTE frequencies for the international version, what am I getting in return (besides the obvious international frequencies)?
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A limited unlocked bootloader if you choose the N9005. The N9005 has the better development options -
However, the N900w8 (Canadian/Mexican model) has a complete unlocked BL for upgrade/downgrade 4.3/4.4. - Runs most, if not all N9005 ROMS also. - Probably your better option IMO at least -
N900T - T-Mobile similar to the N9005 but BL cannot be downgraded as freely as the N900w8
You will have to sacrifice LTE though, but as you said you aren't fussed about LTE - you should still receive 3G/H+ without issues.

radicalisto said:
A limited unlocked bootloader if you choose the N9005. The N9005 has the better development options -
However, the N900w8 (Canadian/Mexican model) has a complete unlocked BL for upgrade/downgrade 4.3/4.4. - Runs most, if not all N9005 ROMS also. - Probably your better option IMO at least -
N900T - T-Mobile similar to the N9005 but BL cannot be downgraded as freely as the N900w8
You will have to sacrifice LTE though, but as you said you aren't fussed about LTE - you should still receive 3G/H+ without issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you want to downgrade the boot loader, to be able to switch to a rom that depends on an older kernel / bootloader? Or is there some other reason?
Thanks,
David

DJ_smooth said:
Why would you want to downgrade the boot loader, to be able to switch to a rom that depends on an older kernel / bootloader? Or is there some other reason?
Thanks,
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first most wanted to due to CM being incompatible, however now that CM runs on the new bootloader most don't want to. - The few remaining I guess prefer 4.3 due to different errors they have had or problems on/due to 4.4.2

Related

decision to buy htc one developer edition

hey guys .i just pre-ordered htc one developer edition.what do you think i get the benefits purchasing the developer edition instead of at&t version.
do you think it works with at&t and t-mobile lte networks ?
will i get the software upgrades first like the international version ?
normally the at&t version device get upgrades very late compared to the international version devices.i always wanted to buy a device which works on every kind of gsm networks(hspa+,4g and lte ) in usa and internationally(3g,4g and lte).and which gets the software upgrades right on time .i thought this would be the one .
someone clarify me the choice i made was right
:fingers-crossed:
sush143555 said:
hey guys .i just pre-ordered htc one developer edition.what do you think i get the benefits purchasing the developer edition instead of at&t version.
do you think it works with at&t and t-mobile lte networks ?
will i get the software upgrades first like the international version ?
normally the at&t version device get upgrades very late compared to the international version devices.i always wanted to buy a device which works on every kind of gsm networks(hspa+,4g and lte ) in usa and internationally(3g,4g and lte).and which gets the software upgrades right on time .i thought this would be the one .
someone clarify me the choice i made was right
:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want non bloated att software, possibly faster updates, and bootloader unlockable.
Lte will work for both networks.
Updates will probably be quicker due to the fact that there is NO carrier testing. So updates should be fast as the international version.
Sure why not!
There is an entire thread dedicated to this. The dev edition had an unlocked bootloader and SIM. It will only function on AT&T correctly at the moment, but later this year tmobile should have enough of their lte and refarmed hspa network up for it to work properly on there.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
sush143555 said:
hey guys .i just pre-ordered htc one developer edition.what do you think i get the benefits purchasing the developer edition instead of at&t version.
do you think it works with at&t and t-mobile lte networks ?
will i get the software upgrades first like the international version ?
normally the at&t version device get upgrades very late compared to the international version devices.i always wanted to buy a device which works on every kind of gsm networks(hspa+,4g and lte ) in usa and internationally(3g,4g and lte).and which gets the software upgrades right on time .i thought this would be the one .
someone clarify me the choice i made was right
:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The benefit of the Developer Edition is the unlocked bootloader (allows you to use custom ROM), and the unlocked sim (which ATT won't unlock for you even if you buy outright).
Since it is a non-branded handset, it should allow you to upgrade your software like the international version, although this is not as important if you use custom ROMs (since Custom ROMs usually updates as new software is released).
The Developer Edition will work perfectly with AT&T for HSPA and LTE as it is identical besides the branding and unlocked status. It will likely work with T-Mobile's LTE when it's ready but will not work with the 1700mhz HSPA+ network. It may however work in areas where T-Mobile uses 850/1900 frequency (Not everywhere at the moment)
So in terms of advantage over ATT version, the Developer Edition is much much better as it allows you to use customs ROMs (since you are here asking the question, I would assume custom ROM is something you would like to use). SIM unlock is not important to everyone as most will stay with the network anyways, but the lack of custom ROM ability flat out makes it the less desired version.
dizzyraider said:
The benefit of the Developer Edition is the unlocked bootloader (allows you to use custom ROM), and the unlocked sim (which ATT won't unlock for you even if you buy outright).
Since it is a non-branded handset, it should allow you to upgrade your software like the international version, although this is not as important if you use custom ROMs (since Custom ROMs usually updates as new software is released).
The Developer Edition will work perfectly with AT&T for HSPA and LTE as it is identical besides the branding and unlocked status. It will likely work with T-Mobile's LTE when it's ready but will not work with the 1700mhz HSPA+ network. It may however work in areas where T-Mobile uses 850/1900 frequency (Not everywhere at the moment)
So in terms of advantage over ATT version, the Developer Edition is much much better as it allows you to use customs ROMs (since you are here asking the question, I would assume custom ROM is something you would like to use). SIM unlock is not important to everyone as most will stay with the network anyways, but the lack of custom ROM ability flat out makes it the less desired version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya am not much into the custom rom thing .am just looking for the option to use it on at&t and t-mobile and faster updates .
sush143555 said:
ya am not much into the custom rom thing .am just looking for the option to use it on at&t and t-mobile and faster updates .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you asked the questions and I answered them for you (the differences should be black and white for you). Whether or not if it's the right decision is up to you.
32gb or 64GB? Worth the extra cash?
dizzyraider said:
The benefit of the Developer Edition is the unlocked bootloader (allows you to use custom ROM), and the unlocked sim (which ATT won't unlock for you even if you buy outright).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi:
I know this thread is about the dev edition but I was wondering if there's any other difference between the 32gb and 64gb dev edition? I know the dev edition has unlocked bootloader, but couldn't we achieve the same thing on the 32gb unlocked edition using this method (htcdev), or am I wrong? Thanks for your help :fingers-crossed:
gaps07 said:
Hi:
I know this thread is about the dev edition but I was wondering if there's any other difference between the 32gb and 64gb dev edition? I know the dev edition has unlocked bootloader, but couldn't we achieve the same thing on the 32gb unlocked edition using this method (htcdev), or am I wrong? Thanks for your help :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it can be unlocked via HTC Dev. Only the AT&T branded devices will be blocked.
Edit: according to your post title, you're asking if dev edition is worth the extra money? YES. Not even $100 more for double the storage.
You can unlock yes. Your getting a extra 32 GB basically
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
dizzyraider said:
The benefit of the Developer Edition is the unlocked bootloader (allows you to use custom ROM), and the unlocked sim (which ATT won't unlock for you even if you buy outright).
Since it is a non-branded handset, it should allow you to upgrade your software like the international version, although this is not as important if you use custom ROMs (since Custom ROMs usually updates as new software is released).
The Developer Edition will work perfectly with AT&T for HSPA and LTE as it is identical besides the branding and unlocked status. It will likely work with T-Mobile's LTE when it's ready but will not work with the 1700mhz HSPA+ network. It may however work in areas where T-Mobile uses 850/1900 frequency (Not everywhere at the moment)
So in terms of advantage over ATT version, the Developer Edition is much much better as it allows you to use customs ROMs (since you are here asking the question, I would assume custom ROM is something you would like to use). SIM unlock is not important to everyone as most will stay with the network anyways, but the lack of custom ROM ability flat out makes it the less desired version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the dev version doesn't have custom roms, or very little custom roms? If so why would that be? I love flashing roms, but this would be a real bummer.
Nevermind...I read it incorrectly. The Dev version does have custom roms. How are the custom roms different on a dev phone than lets say the sprint version?
saco274 said:
So the dev version doesn't have custom roms, or very little custom roms? If so why would that be? I love flashing roms, but this would be a real bummer.
Nevermind...I read it incorrectly. The Dev version does have custom roms. How are the custom roms different on a dev phone than lets say the sprint version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sprint version of the phone has different hardware as it is a CDMA phone, not a GSM phone. You could potentially brick your phone by flashing ROMS that aren't for your specific device. Stick to this forum for your mods and ROMS/kernels.
Make sure that you install a recovery (CWM or TWRP, both located in the Original Android Development section), which is necessary before you begin to flash anything. Again, ONLY FLASH MODS FOR OUR DEVICE FROM THIS FORUM
this might not the right place to ask this, but does anyone know if HTC will be releasing a developer edition in black?

[Q] international galaxy firmware on T-mobile

so, I've surfed the forum looking for answers, I did find many conflicting answers but no firm ones. I am considering the TMO variant so I'll have 4G connectivity in the US and 3G where I travel frequently to in Europe. Assuming the TMO note 3 is SIM AND bootloader unlocked, can I flash international firmware on it while keeping TMO's modem settings ? I will only consider the TMO variant if this can be done, otherwise I think i'll sacrifice the 4G connection and get an international variant as usual.
sharl1987 said:
so, I've surfed the forum looking for answers, I did find many conflicting answers but no firm ones. I am considering the TMO variant so I'll have 4G connectivity in the US and 3G where I travel frequently to in Europe. Assuming the TMO note 3 is SIM AND bootloader unlocked, can I flash international firmware on it while keeping TMO's modem settings ? I will only consider the TMO variant if this can be done, otherwise I think i'll sacrifice the 4G connection and get an international variant as usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
another option would be to get the TMO note 3 from negri... it is sim unlocked ( i think)
neederishelp said:
another option would be to get the TMO note 3 from negri... it is sim unlocked ( i think)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are paying the full price for the phone, it wouldn't matter where you get it from, it WILL be sim unlocked. my question is, knowing that the phone is SIM unlocked, and assuming it will be bootloader unlocked, can I flash any international firmware on it ?
sharl1987 said:
If you are paying the full price for the phone, it wouldn't matter where you get it from, it WILL be sim unlocked. my question is, knowing that the phone is SIM unlocked, and assuming it will be bootloader unlocked, can I flash any international firmware on it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why not since Tmobile/ATT version is identical to the Euro S800 version, as long as you keep the Tmobile modem. My at&t S4 is identical to the euro version and I can flash any euro ROM. Just hope it will be bootloader unlocked .
sharl1987 said:
If you are paying the full price for the phone, it wouldn't matter where you get it from, it WILL be sim unlocked. my question is, knowing that the phone is SIM unlocked, and assuming it will be bootloader unlocked, can I flash any international firmware on it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
umm negative. Apparently our carriers suck like that. For example, t-mobile which is generally more lax than ATT will not unlock your phone until you've been with them for 40 days (or is it 4 months?) but yeah. No immediate unlock even if you purchase outright. I think you'll have to purchase it from someone else that explicitly states it is sim unlocked. Negrielectronics was a good example.

[Q] About different N3 models

Hey people,
I'm planning on getting a galaxy note 3, but I'm kind of confused about the different model numbers (n9000, n9005, etc). I have read this post and it did help, but I'm still unsure of which model to get.
I will buy the phone in USA and bring it to Brazil to use it over here, so it seems the N9005 would be the best since it is the only one to support the 4G frequency used in Brazil.
However, it is written there that the N900W8 has a 'happy' bootloader (what exactly does that mean?), and I think I saw somewhere that the N900T was the best version for hacking. I'm more worried about having the best version to play with than 4G compatibility, but if the difference between models is not that big I will get the N9005.
So, what exactly are the differences between N9005, N900W8 and N900T and which version is the best one to hack around? Do all of them have an unlocked/unlockable bootloader?
I'm also worried about region lock, but if I'm not mistaken even if I do get a model that is region locked, it is quite easy to remove the lock and use it anywhere right?
dp_alvarez said:
Hey people,
I'm planning on getting a galaxy note 3, but I'm kind of confused about the different model numbers (n9000, n9005, etc). I have read this post and it did help, but I'm still unsure of which model to get.
I will buy the phone in USA and bring it to Brazil to use it over here, so it seems the N9005 would be the best since it is the only one to support the 4G frequency used in Brazil.
However, it is written there that the N900W8 has a 'happy' bootloader (what exactly does that mean?), and I think I saw somewhere that the N900T was the best version for hacking. I'm more worried about having the best version to play with than 4G compatibility, but if the difference between models is not that big I will get the N9005.
So, what exactly are the differences between N9005, N900W8 and N900T and which version is the best one to hack around? Do all of them have an unlocked/unlockable bootloader?
I'm also worried about region lock, but if I'm not mistaken even if I do get a model that is region locked, it is quite easy to remove the lock and use it anywhere right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an expert so this is my best understanding, but not solid certainty:
N9000 = no 4G/LTE. I believe they've managed to reverse Knox on this one.
N9002 = dual sim card support. Haven't heard much else about this one.
N900W8 = I actually have no idea what distinguishes this model... I haven't really heard of it except for reading that yes it can be downgraded from 4.4 back to 4.3 apparently.
N900P/N900A/N900T/etc = Different versions of the N9005 as far as I understand. Be warned that they support different 4G frequencies, and the N900P (Sprint) only supports 1 band in 4G. Check this before you buy. Frustratingly, the N900P is also the only version of the Note 3 that has a real, old-school, FM tuner built in.
N9005 = Seems to be the best/default that everyone goes for, but I might be wrong.
dp_alvarez said:
...
So, what exactly are the differences between N9005, N900W8 and N900T and which version is the best one to hack around? Do all of them have an unlocked/unlockable bootloader?
I'm also worried about region lock, but if I'm not mistaken even if I do get a model that is region locked, it is quite easy to remove the lock and use it anywhere right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think N9005 is the only one that will get LTE in Brazil. N900W8 is friendlier to hacking (knox can be easily fooled and downgrade 4.4 -> 4.3 is possible). N900T is more usable inside US on T-Mobile and AT&T.
The region lock might be a problem under certain scenarios - I think that RegionLockAway (needs root) might only work with older baseband (but I have not tested personally).
As a holder of an N900W8, I can tell you about the "happy" bootloader.
It is the only phone with an untrippable KNOX counter when trying to root or custom ROM on the latest firmware. Now you have to be on the Canadian version (not the Mexican version) and not attempt to downgrade the firmware or else you will trip it, but anything else would allow for rooting or flashing without breaking your warranty.
Hence this is the best for hacking. It has identical specs with N900T but that has a trippable bootloader.
They all have an unlocked bootloader except N900A or other American variants. You should look for a variant closer to your country so you don't have to worry about unlocking the SIM.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
So it pretty much comes down to either the N9005 or the N900W8.
I don't really care about tripping KNOX since I will buy the phone with no warranty, is there any other downside to tripping KNOX than loosing the warranty?
Also, the N900W8 is better for hacking for now, but that is not because it is inherently better, it just happens to be better for now because someone found a exploit for that particular model, is that right? Or it is fundamentally different in a way that it will probably always be the most hackable model?
dp_alvarez said:
So it pretty much comes down to either the N9005 or the N900W8.
I don't really care about tripping KNOX since I will buy the phone with no warranty, is there any other downside to tripping KNOX than loosing the warranty?
Also, the N900W8 is better for hacking for now, but that is not because it is inherently better, it just happens to be better for now because someone found a exploit for that particular model, is that right? Or it is fundamentally different in a way that it will probably always be the most hackable model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then the knox-friendliness of the W8 is not so relevant to you.
The N9005 has LTE in Brazil, W8 does not.
IMHO to make the best decision you must investigate the region-locking and unlocking on both. I believe there is actually an N9005 that is supposed to be for the region of Brazil (so it needs no region-unlocking) but it might be only sold by specific carriers with LTE there.
I looked around and the N9005 is the version used in Brazil, and USA is in the same region as Brazil. So if it works in USA it should work here in Brazil too.
N9005 america region is it then, thanks a lot everyone.

Galaxy S 5 Active, which build no can I buy to root and upgrade the easiest?

This is really confusing. Most of the threads are written such that 'how to root while updating to OF2/OF3'...it doesn't tell me which versions allow rooting in the first place? Any help. Coming from the GS3
As far as I know, the S5 Active is only available as an AT&T phone, which means it will have a locked bootloader and any somewhat newer firmwares will be unrootable. Pre-lollipop builds (Anything below OF2) are rootable but still have a locked bootloader.
Just a word from the wise, don't get an S5 Active, and DEFINITELY don't get an AT&T phone. a GS5 (regular) with a thin case (Spigen slim armor or neo-hybrid/ otterbox commuter) will be WAY more durable anyway, plus it's still waterproof/dustproof.
Get yourself a G900T (T-Mobile variant), or a G900AZ (Cricket wireless variant --Cricket is a subsidiary of at&t--), or even a G900F. Those all have unlocked bootloaders and will allow you to root, install custom recovery, custom roms, whatever you want forever. I personally have a G900T using it on AT&T with no issues, as the G900T supports all the same frequencies (and an extra one!) as the G900A (AT&T model). The G900F doesn't support every single band AT&T uses, so I would pick one of the other two if you want 100% compatibility.
MAKE SURE if you buy a G900T or G900AZ that it is UNLOCKED or you won't be able to use it. And after you get it, you'll have to call AT&T support and give them the new phone's IMEI number in order for LTE to work.
Hope what I said makes sense..
FYI The best place to buy a phone is always (XDA's own..) Swappa!
https://swappa.com/
Sean89us said:
As far as I know, the S5 Active is only available as an AT&T phone, which means it will have a locked bootloader and any somewhat newer firmwares will be unrootable. Pre-lollipop builds (Anything below OF2) are rootable but still have a locked bootloader.
Just a word from the wise, don't get an S5 Active, and DEFINITELY don't get an AT&T phone. a GS5 (regular) with a thin case (Spigen slim armor or neo-hybrid/ otterbox commuter) will be WAY more durable anyway, plus it's still waterproof/dustproof.
Get yourself a G900T (T-Mobile variant), or a G900AZ (Cricket wireless variant --Cricket is a subsidiary of at&t--), or even a G900F. Those all have unlocked bootloaders and will allow you to root, install custom recovery, custom roms, whatever you want forever. I personally have a G900T using it on AT&T with no issues, as the G900T supports all the same frequencies (and an extra one!) as the G900A (AT&T model). The G900F doesn't support every single band AT&T uses, so I would pick one of the other two if you want 100% compatibility.
MAKE SURE if you buy a G900T or G900AZ that it is UNLOCKED or you won't be able to use it. And after you get it, you'll have to call AT&T support and give them the new phone's IMEI number in order for LTE to work.
Hope what I said makes sense..
I habve an at&t variant OC5 phone available on Swappa should I get that or not, because I can't find a rooting guide for OC5
Or are you saying buy unlocked so you can use it on AT&T?
Problem is I can't find the SM-G900AZ anywhere used....might just go with the Zenfone 2 . DISSAPOINTING SAMSUNG and ATT I loved the GS3 and was looking forwar to the GS5
Which frequencies does the T mobile version NOT share?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zetsui said:
I habve an at&t variant OC5 phone available on Swappa should I get that or not, because I can't find a rooting guide for OC5
Or are you saying buy unlocked so you can use it on AT&T?
Problem is I can't find the SM-G900AZ anywhere used....might just go with the Zenfone 2 . DISSAPOINTING SAMSUNG and ATT I loved the GS3 and was looking forwar to the GS5
Which frequencies does the T mobile version NOT share?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile version shares all the same frequencies plus includes an additional frequency which AT&T does not use, so therefore the T-Mobile (G900T) retains 100% compatibility with AT&T. Yes, if you want to use a G900T on any carrier besides T-Mobile it will have to be unlocked. Luckily it's not hard to find an unlocked G900T.
Let me make this clear: If it's AT&T and it's a Samsung phone and it's on lollipop, don't expect to be able to root it. Go with a T-Mobile or factory unlocked phone.

Which Galaxy Note 4 to buy with rooting in mind?

Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
browny_amiga said:
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T and Verizon should be avoided, otherwise you can just flash super-su via odin.
browny_amiga said:
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
910t is mod friendly. To root a 910t, you flash Odin and load SuperSU (systemless) as indicated above or flash a permissive kernal and system level root. It is also compatible with att network if that is your carrier. Just need to unlock it.
Thanks guys, that helps, I will go for a 910t then.
weard1212 said:
AT&T and Verizon should be avoided, otherwise you can just flash super-su via odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
joebelachi said:
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you buy a developer edition verizon model and last time I checked they were upwards of around $800. Your best bet is W8 or T. I did all the research like you and ended up buying a T and have never been happier
joebelachi said:
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Unlocked means sim unlocked)
Bootloader Unlocked verizon phones can be flashed with a custom rom, and if you get a verizon phone, I suggest a Bootloader unlocked one. Verizon and AT&T phones with locked bootloaders can't be rooted with Chainfire. Chainfire should NOT be used on a phone with a locked bootloader because it flashes partitions and will most likely hard brick your phone. I would still sugest against a Bootloader non-unlocked Verizon or AT&T phone. Also using a custom recovery or odin to flash super-su has worked much better for me with a lot less less risk than Chainfire.
Whatever you decide upon dont get the EDGE. it needs special roms, and it wont work with gear VRs. i have the euro verison, and didnt have any problems rooting. cf-autoroot and done.
Really appreciate the responses guys. Especially for the clarification around Unlocking ("Unlocked means the bootloader").
I'll check out what custom ROMS work on the Verizon (910V).
Are there more ROMS for the 910W8's or the 910V's. Also if I go stock on the W8s, I would have to choose a Canadian carrier.
I'll definitely stay away from the EDGE, didn't really like it anyway
joebelachi said:
Really appreciate the responses guys. Especially for the clarification around Unlocking ("Unlocked means the bootloader").
I'll check out what custom ROMS work on the Verizon (910V).
Are there more ROMS for the 910W8's or the 910V's. Also if I go stock on the W8s, I would have to choose a Canadian carrier.
I'll definitely stay away from the EDGE, didn't really like it anyway
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Careful there, usually 'unlocked' like on Swappa or similar means carrier unlocked, not boot loader unlocked.

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