I'm a Nexus user, and have been for a while. This is my first non-Nexus Android device in a few years. Now, my understanding of Samsung is that Odin can be used to flash pretty much anything, including bootloaders. So, why is the S5 not unlocked? What is preventing Odin from being used to convert the regular S5 to the developer edition, simply by replacing the bootloaders?
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bluesy_92 said:
I'm a Nexus user, and have been for a while. This is my first non-Nexus Android device in a few years. Now, my understanding of Samsung is that Odin can be used to flash pretty much anything, including bootloaders. So, why is the S5 not unlocked? What is preventing Odin from being used to convert the regular S5 to the developer edition, simply by replacing the bootloaders?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The keys.
hope u find a solution
bluesy_92 said:
I'm a Nexus user, and have been for a while. This is my first non-Nexus Android device in a few years. Now, my understanding of Samsung is that Odin can be used to flash pretty much anything, including bootloaders. So, why is the S5 not unlocked? What is preventing Odin from being used to convert the regular S5 to the developer edition, simply by replacing the bootloaders?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Because bootloaders are device-specific. For the purposes of this discussion, the S5 retail edition and S5 dev edition are different devices. I'm in your boat - my last phone was a Nexus 5. I switched carriers for better service (boo, Sprint), and I'm happy with the S5 for the most part, but there are definitely a lot of things that I miss about the N5. Easy flashing is one of them. If the Moto X+1 launches later this month at a Nexus-ish price point like I've been hearing, I will almost certainly sell the S5 and buy one.
And yes, I realize that the Verizon X+1 will most likely have a locked bootloader as well. But it'll also have (mostly) stock Android and (probably) speedy updates. Not knocking the S5 by any means, but I'm definitely a stock Android guy.
As much as I'd hate to admit it, because I've always run CyanogenMod, I'm not sure I'd need it. I'm kinda starting to like what they've done with TouchWiz. The camera app is amazing, ultra power saving mode, the fingerprint scanner...
I miss the customization and performance tuning, but rooted TouchWiz seems like what AOSP should've been. And if TouchWiz was more user-customizable, what custom ROMs should've been. I remember TouchWiz from the Froyo days...never thought I'd like it more than AOSP.
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Related
I recently discovered the new Nexus 4 but soon realize it wont be available by verizon... Will there ever be a way i would be able to use this phone on verizon or is there just no way? If not, what verizon phone would be a good alternative?
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No it will not. You could always try getting the SIII and then flashing an N4 rom on it.
adamhlj said:
No it will not. You could always try getting the SIII and then flashing an N4 rom on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash an N4 rom on any other phone. You would need to flash a ROM built for the SIII that is based on stock Android.
The SIII is probably the best option currently on Verizon. if you don't want to mess around with custom ROMs, the Droid Razr Maxx HD may be a better option as Blur is much closer to stock Android now than TouchWiz.
If you're looking for the fast upgrades and don't mind rooting then the Galaxy Nexus is a great phone. Really, you shouldn't need to root to get the updates from Google, but Verizon slows it all down. Since rooting I've no complaints on this phone. My only complaints are with Verizon.
EDIT: Well its here. So what do you all think. It comes with at&t bands so we should have access to a lot of important aosp info.
OLD: So u know nothing is confirmed as of yet, and I know that it seems the thing is spring t-mo bands, but wouldn't this device being available be a major win for us as well? I'm figuring most of the docentation would be identical to ours, so we'd have full access to the phones resources, and all of us could just merge proprietary info from our respective carriers into ROMs and the like. Am I off on this or would this be great news, even for those of us without the major funds to buy the "google" version.
Just trying to learn and going for a discussion . Any insight would be associated.
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No one wants to chime in on this?
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Not a dev so I can't say for sure but I would think that there would be some benefit for AOSP based ROMs, at least for models that share the same chipset as the "Google Edition" though if there is no new source code released it would mean you'd need to rip binaries from the stock image of the new device to benefit and many devs don't want to go there.
If it turns out that Google (not Samsung) is doing the development work for the device, that it's more like a non-gimped nexus, it could be HUGE but that's not the case for most unskinned ROMs.
If this does happen...I think it would be more like the international version...
Although, either way this would hopefully give us code/drivers for new sensors such as the ir and others...allowing us to possibly bring support for those sensors to aosp...maybe, I'm no dev my self but that what I believe
Either way....I'm very skeptical about this piece of news and think its gonna turn out false...why would Samsung release a Google edition? And if they wanted to release an aosp version why would they do so through Google event? Knowing Samsung they would have their own event
IDK the whole thing seemed to pop up out of no where...and the pieces aren't really fitting in
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mg2195 said:
If this does happen...I think it would be more like the international version...
Although, either way this would hopefully give us code/drivers for new sensors such as the ir and others...allowing us to possibly bring support for those sensors to aosp...maybe, I'm no dev my self but that what I believe
Either way....I'm very skeptical about this piece of news and think its gonna turn out false...why would Samsung release a Google edition? And if they wanted to release an aosp version why would they do so through Google event? Knowing Samsung they would have their own event
IDK the whole thing seemed to pop up out of no where...and the pieces aren't really fitting in
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Click to collapse
Well, its here!! I really hope our bootloader unlock gives us access to some of the great features the google edition will provide!! Im mostly curious about the IR Blaster. Id love to be able to keep my remote control without all the samsung bloat.
Anyone else excited about this?
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pokedroid said:
Well, its here!! I really hope our bootloader unlock gives us access to some of the great features the google edition will provide!! Im mostly curious about the IR Blaster. Id love to be able to keep my remote control without all the samsung bloat.
Anyone else excited about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am, assuming that the Google model uses Snapdragon chipset and not the Exynos it means that we could flash the Google Edition ROM on our phones and that potentially there will be a lot better support for the hardware for AOSP based custom ROMs.
raitchison said:
Yes I am, assuming that the Google model uses Snapdragon chipset and not the Exynos it means that we could flash the Google Edition ROM on our phones and that potentially there will be a lot better support for the hardware for AOSP based custom ROMs.
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Click to collapse
Man this would be really great news. Im going to stick to your school of thought until told otherwise
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Noob alert : what does this mean? A phone without all the bloat ? Different hardware features?
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Rox628 said:
Noob alert : what does this mean? A phone without all the bloat ? Different hardware features?
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Click to collapse
Bloatware is OEM and Carrier installed apps that takes up precious memory and you can't delete.. OEM= Samsung
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Intellectua1 said:
Bloatware is OEM and Carrier installed apps that takes up precious memory and you can't delete.. OEM= Samsung
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Click to collapse
I don't think this phone will come with Bloatware. If that were true, my Nexus 10 would've came pre installed with a bunch of Samsung software.
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I understand the development communities interest in this phone. I love flashing and enjoying, with my beer contributions, the dev's hard work.
I was excited and planned on waiting for more news on this phone before deciding which phone I am soon going to buy.
But, after I/O today and being told 16gb only, I think Google/Samsung failed again. For me, a 16gb Flagship phone is unacceptable. I have a One S and find it hard not to run out of memory and I don't game.
Sad news today for some of us. Hopefully the memory size will change before June 26th. But, I doubt it.
Underworld79 said:
I don't think this phone will come with Bloatware. If that were true, my Nexus 10 would've came pre installed with a bunch of Samsung software.
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Click to collapse
Well it definitely wont have bloat, as a "pure nexus experience" has been confirmed. I think the previous poster say providing clarification and/or enlightening the self-proclaimed "noob" who asked about it earlier.
Man I'm not even concerned about the bootloader u lock anymore.. I'd rather wait til the Google edition drops anyway, we're talking near-immediate and near-flawless cm/aokp/pa support.
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I wonder how much of that 16gb will be usable without the bloat though. The stock TW ROM is immense. AOSP is going to be much lighter, giving you more of your 16 gigs.
This is great news for anybody with an S4. The devs are going to have a field day with an AOSP ROM designed for this phone, and we will all profit.
When Dans glorious unlock is released, and the Google edition is released, it will completely change this device for the better for anyone willing to take the romming plunge.
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My rooted One S with 16gb internal has 9.93 available. That's coming with Sense as opposed to TW.
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If the ATT bootloader becomes and unlockable and when the Google version is released will it be possible to turn an ATT S4 into a Google Nexus version 100% and get all the updates from Google once that ROM is loaded? I was tempted to return the ATT and wait for the Google but since I got it though an upgrade I will prob just keep it.
Thanks
richard371 said:
If the ATT bootloader becomes and unlockable and when the Google version is released will it be possible to turn an ATT S4 into a Google Nexus version 100% and get all the updates from Google once that ROM is loaded? I was tempted to return the ATT and wait for the Google but since I got it though an upgrade I will prob just keep it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think maybe it can be. If you look at the LG Optimus G you can convert it into a Nexus 4.
richard371 said:
If the ATT bootloader becomes and unlockable and when the Google version is released will it be possible to turn an ATT S4 into a Google Nexus version 100% and get all the updates from Google once that ROM is loaded? I was tempted to return the ATT and wait for the Google but since I got it though an upgrade I will prob just keep it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt you will be able to convert it into a device that receives updates from Google, because those updates are pushed based on your device's ID. The Device ID will always be a AT&T Galaxy S4.
However, that doesn't mean that the community won't create their own distros and OTA's that can be applied to any Galaxy S4 whenever Google pushes updates to their Galaxy S4.
I'm sure the day after the rom is released it will be available for us to try out
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Thanks guys. I am coming from an iPhone 5 which I prefer and will keep as my primary device. I love the S4 as it is full of features (gimmicks) and eye candy but is no match for the iPhone 5 in terms of robustness etc. Yes iOS has become stale but even at half the cpu power as the S4 it still feels faster and more solid hardware wise. Just purchased the nano to micro sim adapter for $2 so i will be swapping back and forth and enjoying the best of both devices.
richard371 said:
Thanks guys. I am coming from an iPhone 5 which I prefer and will keep as my primary device. I love the S4 as it is full of features (gimmicks) and eye candy but is no match for the iPhone 5 in terms of robustness etc. Yes iOS has become stale but even at half the cpu power as the S4 it still feels faster and more solid hardware wise. Just purchased the nano to micro sim adapter for $2 so i will be swapping back and forth and enjoying the best of both devices.
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Click to collapse
I did that for a while and then just stayed with android. I liked iPhone but os was boring quick and biggest issue was trying to type on a small screen and use it felt weird quick as I was used to bigger screen and could never go back to iPhone again. This phone lags big time but with cm10 it will fly and the note 2 or HTC one flies also so you can't compare this crappy Samsung rom on sgs4 to android phones in general.
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We will get aosp (nexus software) as soon as the bootloader is unlocked...so we will probably have nexus software before the google edition is released
There are already custom aosp roms released for the phone that are working good...only thing holding back att users is the bootloader. But the fact they exist tells us that we will have a nexus like experience on our s4...idk why everyone thinks it relies on the google edition...because it doesn't. Nearly every phone here on xda has the ability to run aosp aka nexus software
The only benefit of the google edition is it will hopefully bring good source code allowing devs to fix bugs much more easily and incorporate the new sensors into the roms
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mg2195 said:
We will get aosp (nexus software) as soon as the bootloader is unlocked...so we will probably have nexus software before the google edition is released
There are already custom aosp roms released for the phone that are working good...only thing holding back att users is the bootloader. But the fact they exist tells us that we will have a nexus like experience on our s4...idk why everyone thinks it relies on the google edition...because it doesn't. Nearly every phone here on xda has the ability to run aosp aka nexus software
The only benefit of the google edition is it will hopefully bring good source code allowing devs to fix bugs much more easily and incorporate the new sensors into the roms
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Click to collapse
let's hope the stock android version on the google gs4 is not the same stock android on nexus 4. because if it is, then there will be no gs4 sensor support in the google gs4.
---------- Post added at 01:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:31 AM ----------
MLIGN said:
I think maybe it can be. If you look at the LG Optimus G you can convert it into a Nexus 4.
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Click to collapse
the reason the lg optimus g was able to take nexus 4 stock android and use it is because 1.) the lg optimus g finally got upgraded to android 4.1.2 which gave it the same rmp/tz as android 4.2.2. 2.) they share the exact same hardware since they are both made by LG and the models copied each other. the same wont be able to be said for the gs4, so it will take alot of modifying. much more than it does for the lg optimus g to run nexus 4 roms.
Dose anyone know when cm will be available for Verizon note 3???
Probably never. Officially anyway. CyanogenMod usually stays away from devices with locked bootloaders and I don't think they recognize SafeStrap as an alternative. That said, some developer may decide to try port and SS installable Cyanogen version. If I still had my build setup going I might even try it, but I'd need LOTS of help. I'm not a developer by any stretch, but I can tinker a little.
tonykks188 said:
Dose anyone know when cm will be available for Verizon note 3???
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Click to collapse
Could see it for the developer edition. Safestrap can't flash kernals for right now from my understanding. On the S4 only kernals based from stock can be flashed. It takes a ton of work to make a stock based kernal able to boot AOSP, but I believe its been done.
Hit thanks if I helped you out.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 running Jelly Beans
Previous Devices: S4, Note 2, Droid Charge, Fascinate
Posted by a Indirect Verizon Rep that actually knows what your talking about.
G8orDroid said:
Probably never. Officially anyway. CyanogenMod usually stays away from devices with locked bootloaders and I don't think they recognize SafeStrap as an alternative. That said, some developer may decide to try port and SS installable Cyanogen version. If I still had my build setup going I might even try it, but I'd need LOTS of help. I'm not a developer by any stretch, but I can tinker a little.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not what's preventing a aosp rom for our phone. The reason is you can't flash kernels in safestrap. And aosp requires a special built kernel... Plus, as much as I loved aosp on all of my previous devices, I wouldn't put it on my phone because it takes away the reason I got this device, you can't use the pen and all of the gimmicks.
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Brandonrz said:
, as much as I loved aosp on all of my previous devices, I wouldn't put it on my phone because it takes away the reason I got this device, you can't use the pen and all of the gimmicks.
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Click to collapse
I agree 100%.
Running beans ROM now and I'm 100% happy with it.
Brandonrz said:
That's not what's preventing a aosp rom for our phone. The reason is you can't flash kernels in safestrap. And aosp requires a special built kernel... Plus, as much as I loved aosp on all of my previous devices, I wouldn't put it on my phone because it takes away the reason I got this device, you can't use the pen and all of the gimmicks.
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Click to collapse
Correct. And the reason you can't flash kernels in SS is because of the locked bootloader (which is also the reason we need SS in the first place).
BTW: Cyanogenmod supports the s-pen. It just doesn't come with the proprietary Samsung apps.
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This is why we need @nitroglycerine33 bad. With his ROM you get basically all the aosp look you want but maintain the TW features and functionality.
We need to get him a device!
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bajasur said:
This is why we need @nitroglycerine33 bad. With his ROM you get basically all the aosp look you want but maintain the TW features and functionality.
We need to get him a device!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JellyBeans also focuses on theming close to AOSP.....
Speaking from my Note 2 experience (currently an iPhone 5s owner looking to get back into the Android game) I always went back to Touchwiz roms even with my unlocked bootloader. I now feel that if you want AOSP or cyanogenMod get a Nexus device. The Note devices are just not made for it.
But this SS method sounds interesting (first time hearing about it today). If I get this Note 3 from the trade in a few days I can't wait to see it in action.
cdmoore74 said:
Speaking from my Note 2 experience (currently an iPhone 5s owner looking to get back into the Android game) I always went back to Touchwiz roms even with my unlocked bootloader. I now feel that if you want AOSP or cyanogenMod get a Nexus device. The Note devices are just not made for it.
But this SS method sounds interesting (first time hearing about it today). If I get this Note 3 from the trade in a few days I can't wait to see it in action.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Say what? You forget you are no longer in the land of Apple. Can't doesn't exist in these parts Need to hurry up and get more Dev editions in stock though or I'm going to end up just holding out to see if the M8 gets the features that will have it taking best in show.
I love Paranoid and AOKP but I also love Touchwiz. It really has evolved over the years and has become smooth. I wouldn't mind AOSP but it's not a deal breaker for me.....even tho I do own a Dev Edition and I'm able to flash custom kernels
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I currently am using an s1, which has been an amazing little phone, running android 4.4 flawlessly, and I'll still be keeping it as a 'going out drinking' phone.
Now here's the thing.... My mate recently bought an s4, and I really dislike the touchwiz way of things. But if I were to install a more stock android (nexus) looking ROM, would I lose features such as smart pause, or does it still exist in more nexus look ROMs? What about multiwindow??
If I would lose such features, what other things like smart pause would I lose if I chose to install a more stock android look ROM?
I'm very clued up in all to do with the s1, but this is the first time I've thought about upgrading. It's really just the bigger screen that's making me think about it because like I say, this little s1 has been by far the best phone I've ever owned. But maybe it's time for change....
Thanks
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knuckles1978 said:
I currently am using an s1, which has been an amazing little phone, running android 4.4 flawlessly, and I'll still be keeping it as a 'going out drinking' phone.
Now here's the thing.... My mate recently bought an s4, and I really dislike the touchwiz way of things. But if I were to install a more stock android (nexus) looking ROM, would I lose features such as smart pause, or does it still exist in more nexus look ROMs?
If I would lose such features, what other things like smart pause would I lose if I chose to install a more stock android look ROM?
I'm very clued up in all to do with the s1, but this is the first time I've thought about upgrading. It's really just the bigger screen that's making me think about it because like I say, this little s1 has been by far the best phone I've ever owned. But maybe it's time for change....
Thanks
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Click to collapse
I have the Google Play edition of the S4 and it has the stock Android rom. It doesn't have the smart view or other touchwiz features. Having come from a touchwiz S3 I do miss those features somewhat, but I like the freedom and flexibility of having an unlocked phone. There are some roms that have touchwiz features in them, which you can find in the development section.
If u prefer more the appearance of Nexus and u still loving the S4, I recommend u buy the Samsung Galaxy S4 Gt-i9505G (Google Play Edition). U can take a first look in this video -> HERE
Some touchwiz features are still baked into nexus look ROMs, like multiwindow?
I'd really like to have multiwindow, going from my 4" screen, but I find touchwiz to be horrible....
I'll go have a look at some ROMs in the dev section. If anyone knows of the kind of ROM I'm looking for then I'd appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks
Edit: and for bonus points, can someone please tell me what version of the s4 will it be that I get from the o2(UK) shop tomorrow. i9500/9505/9505G/9506 because I don't know what dev section to look for ROMs in......
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Joku1981 said:
If u prefer more the appearance of Nexus and u still loving the S4, I recommend u buy the Samsung Galaxy S4 Gt-i9505G (Google Play Edition). U can take a first look in this video -> HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only one problem there. My s1 is running KitKat, I'd rather not buy a phone 3 generations newer and use an older operating system on it.
KitKat has been really heavily optimised. People with the latest phones maybe don't see it as much, but I promise you, it's a huge leap when installed on my s1. JellyBean was starting to get laggy on my phone, whereas KitKat runs amazingly well, even when all the extras are switched on like the phone always listening for the 'OK Google' command..
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I suggest you buying s4 it's like after riding Aston Martin, u don't want to get back to vw golf
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If you want to keep all of those features. You need TW. No way around it.
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Zoddex said:
If you want to keep all of those features. You need TW. No way around it.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are "all of those" features please??
I hate TW, so I think I might just have to accept the fact I'm not gonna have those extra features unless they get baked into a custom ROM at some point. I'm assuming that multiwindow at least exists on custom ROMs..
It would be more painful to me to have to live with touchwiz than to accept to have to lose smart pause, but I'm not sure what other features apart from that do not exist in any custom ROM for it..
Can someone tell me exactly what other features I would lose if I flash a custom ROM on my brand new s4? Thanks!
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knuckles1978 said:
What are "all of those" features please??
I hate TW, so I think I might just have to accept the fact I'm not gonna have those extra features unless they get baked into a custom ROM at some point. I'm assuming that multiwindow at least exists on custom ROMs..
It would be more painful to me to have to live with touchwiz than to accept to have to lose smart pause, but I'm not sure what other features apart from that do not exist in any custom ROM for it..
Can someone tell me exactly what other features I would lose if I flash a custom ROM on my brand new s4? Thanks!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should help you http://www.digitaltrends.com/cell-phone-reviews/samsung-galaxy-s4-google-edition-review/
Anyways, to summarize. No Air View, S Beam, Smart Stay, motions/gestures/hands-free interaction, Group Play, S Voice, or power saving mode. There doesn’t appear to be a way to turn the high screen sensitivity on. The hardware hasn’t changed, so the extra sensors and display technology are still there, they just aren’t all accessible out of the box.
Camera, you get photosphere, but lose all great TW features such as slow mo, or eraser.
Dont get me wrong, but S4 is what it is because of its features, from my point of view getting a S4 GE is non-sense. I would get a nexus for that matter.
knuckles1978 said:
Only one problem there. My s1 is running KitKat, I'd rather not buy a phone 3 generations newer and use an older operating system on it.
KitKat has been really heavily optimised. People with the latest phones maybe don't see it as much, but I promise you, it's a huge leap when installed on my s1. JellyBean was starting to get laggy on my phone, whereas KitKat runs amazingly well, even when all the extras are switched on like the phone always listening for the 'OK Google' command..
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if im wrong... but isn't the i9505G running kitkat as stock?
Yeah I'd imagine it is now, like Zoddex says though if I buy a new phone that has no new features then all I'm really gaining is a bigger screen, and processing power obviously. Whether the features that I would lose are actually features and not just gimmicks I'm yet to decide..
Why isn't there a nexus style ROM with all this built in lol
Thanks for taking the time to post everyone, I'll let you know what I end up doing, I'll likely be coming back home with one this afternoon I reckon, and then use it with TW for a week if I can before I start flashing ROMs...
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To use TW u need to buy the non G model.
Might be able to put a TW firmware on a G model.. but i don't really see the point
And i guess they come with knox bootloader pre-installed huh? Unless u find a retailer with a non updated 4.2.2 version instead of 4.3
While the G model is knox free so far.
It's probably running 4.2 but can be updated to 4.4. When I received my S4 ge in early October it had 4.2 on it but updated to 4.3 as soon as I wen through initial setup.
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