Database Users

A simple question about the s5

I have a simple question for all you Galaxy S5 owners. I am a current owner of the Galaxy Note 2 for AT&T.
I am an AT&T customer, and I am seriously considering buying myself the Unlocked version of the S5.
I can either get the unlocked S5 or the Note 3 NEO.
But in the xda forums, the note 3 neo is practically empty, however, the S5 is promising.
I see few roms with WORK IN PROGRESS status.
Im pretty sure its just a matter of time (and not that much time) that the S5 will have some nice stable official roms by OmniROM, CM, etc...
My questions is this.
mayb I hvent looked ahrd enough, but what can I do with an unlocked S5?
I know I can root it and stuff, does anybody have an S5 and have Xposed Settings modules setup like GravityBox or something?
Or are tehre any nice AOSP roms available that are stable with working cameras and etc??
I just want to know whats up before I spend this money on an S5.
All your input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

For now I stick with tw roms cause they are stable. You might wanna check AllianceRom out! Xposed is working fine in my use. Alltho Alliance has most of gravity boxes features allready..Hope this helps even a little bit
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app

ozzyGEEK said:
A simple question about the s5
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Most carriers do not lock their bootloaders. ATT is a notable exception and does lock their S5 bootloader. This means that you cannot use a custom kernel, recovery or ROM in the normal manner. Nor was the ATT model rooted until long after other variants were.
Custom ROMs and recovery need to be emulated with Safestrap on ATT due to the locked bootloader. There is an Developer model that has an unlocked bootloader, but Samsung has a poor record of timely firmware updates for Developer phones making it a questionable tradeoff.
Unless the appeal of a phone subsidy is inescapable for you, you'd do far better to buy the TMobile S5 which has an unlocked bootloader and a thriving Development and custom ROM community. It works just fine on ATT, supports all of the ATT bands + a few that the ATT variant doesn't. Which is an additional advantage for roaming.
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pyry666 said:
For now I stick with tw roms cause they are stable. You might wanna check AllianceRom out! Xposed is working fine in my use. Alltho Alliance has most of gravity boxes features allready..Hope this helps even a little bit
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app
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Earlier this year for about a month I had an S4 without knowing that there was hardly anything I could do with it. I had the verizon version of the S4. This is the first time I fully made use of Xposed and, boy did Xposed do its job!
It actually made touchwiz very pleasant for me to use.. I probably wouldnt mind sticking with touchwiz + xposed and waiting until theres a nice stable omniropm available for the S5 heh=)
thank you guys!

fffft said:
Most carriers do not lock their bootloaders. ATT is a notable exception and does lock their S5 bootloader. This means that you cannot use a custom kernel, recovery or ROM in the normal manner. Nor was the ATT model rooted until long after other variants were.
Custom ROMs and recovery need to be emulated with Safestrap on ATT due to the locked bootloader. There is an Developer model that has an unlocked bootloader, but Samsung has a poor record of timely firmware updates for Developer phones making it a questionable tradeoff.
Unless the appeal of a phone subsidy is inescapable for you, you'd do far better to buy the TMobile S5 which has an unlocked bootloader and a thriving Development and custom ROM community. It works just fine on ATT, supports all of the ATT bands + a few that the ATT variant doesn't. Which is an additional advantage for roaming.
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I have AT&T but ill be buying the unlocked version of the S5, not the AT&T version.
Ill be able to unlock the bootloader right?

ozzyGEEK said:
I have AT&T but ill be buying the unlocked version of the S5, not the AT&T version.
Ill be able to unlock the bootloader right?
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Your intent here is unclear and incorporates several assumptions. First, clarify what you intend to buy, then we can characterize it.
There are a dozen S5 variants. Which specific model are you referring to? Or at least narrow it down by telling us which carrier you plan to buy it from? You want to buy which unlocked version? From who?
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fffft said:
Your intent here is unclear and incorporates several assumptions. First, clarify what you intend to buy, then we can characterize it.
There are a dozen S5 variants. Which specific model are you referring to? Or at least narrow it down by telling us which carrier you plan to buy it from? You want to buy which unlocked version? From who?
.
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Its a factory unlocked brand new S5 at a store.. im not sure exactly what model it is exactly. Im getting it a day after tomorrow on wednesday.

ozzyGEEK said:
Its a factory unlocked brand new S5 at a store.. im not sure exactly what model it is exactly. Im getting it a day after tomorrow on wednesday.
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Details are everything. You should know that not all S5 models will work well on ATT. Different S5 variants use different sets of frequency bands.
Could be great. Could be something else entirely.
.

Bootloader

Is the Verizon note 3 every going to have a unlocked bootloader so we can install aosp roms?

hazedabeast said:
Is the Verizon note 3 every going to have a unlocked bootloader so we can install aosp roms?
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So far only the dev edition, but we can keep hope alive.
Sent by Darkseid from Apokolips

I hope so, I had a bad reaction coming from my note 2 to s4, upon finding out the bootloader was locked (after mkd)
Though safestrap has kept me sane. Cant live with verizon bloatware. I'm considering the g3 though

thegamerdarkseid said:
So far only the dev edition, but we can keep hope alive.
Sent by Darkseid from Apokolips
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brex91 said:
I hope so, I had a bad reaction coming from my note 2 to s4, upon finding out the bootloader was locked (after mkd)
Though safestrap has kept me sane. Cant live with verizon bloatware. I'm considering the g3 though
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Can I install tmobile aosp rom?

??

hazedabeast said:
Can I install tmobile aosp rom?
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No. The Verizon N3 has a locked bootloader. Means you can only install Touchwiz based ROMs.
Only the Developer Edition can install AOSP ROMs.

New to Samsung Note Series

Recently I purchased a note 3 off ebay to use tell Im available for an upgrade. I'm not sure what software version is on it cause I haven't gotten it. Just have a few questions.
Is the only way you can root is in 4.4.2 ?
If the phone comes can't I downgrade from 5.0 to 4.4.4 and them to 4.4.2.
Please understand I'm new to Samsung so not sure it all works. Coming from all htc devices like DNA and one max.

Welcvome aboard
thayl0 said:
Recently I purchased a note 3 off ebay to use tell Im available for an upgrade. I'm not sure what software version is on it cause I haven't gotten it. Just have a few questions.
Is the only way you can root is in 4.4.2 ?
If the phone comes can't I downgrade from 5.0 to 4.4.4 and them to 4.4.2.
Please understand I'm new to Samsung so not sure it all works. Coming from all htc devices like DNA and one max.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, you can root Lollipop as well.
there are ways to downgrade but you have to be careful...
Look out for threads in General section and work on the method specific to your model (about downgrade)
this is for N900 http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/general/safe-to-downgrade-ll-to-kk-sm-n900-t3016966 :angel:

nijom said:
no, you can root Lollipop as well.
there are ways to downgrade but you have to be careful...
Look out for threads in General section and work on the method specific to your model (about downgrade)
this is for N900 http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/general/safe-to-downgrade-ll-to-kk-sm-n900-t3016966 :angel:
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Thank you for the quick reply is the n900 and n900v the same thing cause !my model coming is the n900v
Do you think I should try to root lollipop before I try to downgrade.
Wouldn't I follow this guide to root and install trwp n custom rom after.
https://youtu.be/eDHSXn5KwAw

thayl0 said:
Thank you for the quick reply is the n900 and n900v the same thing cause !my model coming is the n900v
Do you think I should try to root lollipop before I try to downgrade.
Wouldn't I follow this guide to root and install trwp n custom rom after.
https://youtu.be/eDHSXn5KwAw
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Do not downgrade. Why would you do that?
No it is not the same, flashing other variants roms will brick yours. Or supersu twrp etc.
V is for Verizon

kenny1991 said:
Do not downgrade. Why would you do that?
No it is not the same, flashing other variants roms will brick yours. Or supersu twrp etc.
V is for Verizon
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Could you please link me to an guide on n900V and how to root it on lollipop. Samsung and HTC devices are way different in how to do things and I don't want to screw up. Hopefully you understand.

thayl0 said:
Could you please link me to an guide on n900V and how to root it on lollipop. Samsung and HTC devices are way different in how to do things and I don't want to screw up. Hopefully you understand.
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Verizon version is not rootable, nor does it accept custom recoveries. You better choose another variant, if that is important to you.

jisoo said:
Verizon version is not rootable, nor does it accept custom recoveries. You better choose another variant, if that is important to you.
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Because it has locked bootloader, right?
So there is no way to unlock the bootloader like with Sonys? Like asking for unlock code from Verizon?

kenny1991 said:
Because it has locked bootloader, right?
So there is no way to unlock the bootloader like with Sonys? Like asking for unlock code from Verizon?
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Click to collapse
You are correct. Samsung phones all come bootloader unlocked, unless the carriers wants them locked (as was the case with Verizon and AT&T for the Note 4).
The locked versions have almost never successfully been unlocked.
So if you can, stay away from these two variants.

jisoo said:
You are correct. Samsung phones all come bootloader unlocked, unless the carriers wants them locked (as was the case with Verizon and AT&T for the Note 4).
The locked versions have almost never successfully been unlocked.
So if you can, stay away from these two variants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why are people saying I can root it.... I do know the phone is coming networked unlocked. I find it crazy that if you can't unlock a verizon bootloader that there are roms that support verizon.
So what your telling me is there's no possible way to root even on stock so i can run xposed framework.?

thayl0 said:
Then why are people saying I can root it.... I do know the phone is coming networked unlocked. I find it crazy that if you can't unlock a verizon bootloader that there are roms that support verizon.
So what your telling me is there's no possible way to root even on stock so i can run xposed framework.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some firmware versions have vulnerabilities, which can be exploited to gain root/install safestrap. Some versions allow downgrading to vulnerable versions. But not all.
You should check the Verizon forums for more information http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-note-3.

jisoo said:
Some firmware versions have vulnerabilities, which can be exploited to gain root/install safestrap. Some versions allow downgrading to vulnerable versions. But not all.
You should check the Verizon forums for more information http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-note-3.
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Will do. But say I buy a note 3 that either from Sprint or T-Mobile and install custom rom want I be able to use Verizon but only if I have a custom rom?

thayl0 said:
Will do. But say I buy a note 3 that either from Sprint or T-Mobile and install custom rom want I be able to use Verizon but only if I have a custom rom?
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Sorry, I don't know much about the US carriers, so don't know how they interoperate.

thayl0 said:
Will do. But say I buy a note 3 that either from Sprint or T-Mobile and install custom rom want I be able to use Verizon but only if I have a custom rom?
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No. Verizon uses CDMA and will not allow 3rd party phones on their network. T-Mobile uses GSM and will NOT work on Verizon network. Period. You MUST use a Verizon branded device on Verizon network.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

toastido said:
No. Verizon uses CDMA and will not allow 3rd party phones on their network. T-Mobile uses GSM and will NOT work on Verizon network. Period. You MUST use a Verizon branded device on Verizon network.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
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Well, just got the phone in the mail and it seems that it came with 5.0 so I guess I'm outta luck for root. First phone I've ever had that I can't root. I'm sad aha

Have a rooted SM-G900V on Android 5.0 ... Need better kernel

I come from rooted HTC phones, and need some help. Samsung Verizon version seems particular. I am looking for better or best battery life, in comparison to my current kernel. Please see screenshots. Thanks!

As far as I know you can't flash custom kernels on the G900V, sorry :/
Sent from my Tw5ted SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Verizon versions have locked bootloaders, no way to install custom recovery, so too bad.

Frost009 said:
Verizon versions have locked bootloaders, no way to install custom recovery, so too bad.
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Before telling other people to do research before posting - why not take some of your own advice
http://www.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5-bootloader-has-been-unlocked/
Verizon bootloader has been unlocked for days now

*Detection* said:
Before telling other people to do research before posting - why not take some of your own advice
http://www.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5-bootloader-has-been-unlocked/
Verizon bootloader has been unlocked for days now
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Click to collapse
It's been unlocked as a proof of concept as part of private research, that is not released and for the masses its still locked.
Sent from my Tw5ted SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Yeah... Nice try there, the hypocrisy....

can you flash custom kernels?

is it possible to flash a custom kernel on the s5 even though it has a locked bootloader? i was looking online and saw that some people were able to do it with other phones but they said it varies on the phone itself and the kernel

Veid71 said:
is it possible to flash a custom kernel on the s5 even though it has a locked bootloader? i was looking online and saw that some people were able to do it with other phones but they said it varies on the phone itself and the kernel
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Nobody with the Verizon s5...

ldeveraux said:
Nobody with the Verizon s5...
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hmmm i know you could flash one that was called blaze or something like that but its for kitkat cuz i flashed it but when it turned on it had the safestrap screen come up and went black when i hit continue

Veid71 said:
hmmm i know you could flash one that was called blaze or something like that but its for kitkat cuz i flashed it but when it turned on it had the safestrap screen come up and went black when i hit continue
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Then why'd you ask if you knew the answer?

ldeveraux said:
Then why'd you ask if you knew the answer?
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because i wanted to know if anyone knew of any others or if anyone was working on some lollipop ones or just anymore in general

Veid71 said:
because i wanted to know if anyone knew of any others or if anyone was working on some lollipop ones or just anymore in general
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No, it won't work on our Verizon/At&T model. It will work with t-mobile and sprint and Verizon Dev edition. Dev had banned the project so everyone is moving on to ktoonsez's kernel, which again worked on everything except for our Verizon 900V model. Bottom line, you can't flash a custom kernel onto a locked bootloader. We have many variation of model S5, make sure you are looking at Verizon (SM-900V) and AT&T (SM-G900A) which have locked bootloader.

buhohitr said:
No, it won't work on our Verizon/At&T model. It will work with t-mobile and sprint and Verizon Dev edition. Dev had banned the project so everyone is moving on to ktoonsez's kernel, which again worked on everything except for our Verizon 900V model. Bottom line, you can't flash a custom kernel onto a locked bootloader. We have many variation of model S5, make sure you are looking at Verizon (SM-900V) and AT&T (SM-G900A) which have locked bootloader.
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Click to collapse
hmm okay thanks