Advice on purchase - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Advice on purchase - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

HI all, I got a chance to hold the note 4 in the store, and have to say that I really liked the device. That being said, I'm interested in purchasing one, and am just trying to get any insights into the ability to flash stock android, and of course android 5.0 in the future. I just left having an att s5, for an m8 due to the bootloader unlock wait, so I'm aware that I may have to go tmobile or another route for quicker access.
Can anyone make an educated guess on when the note 4 (any lte version widely available in n.a. markets) would be rooted and bootloader unlocked?
Thanks in advance, I know this is a wide open question, but I really want to switch to something with a big battery and these specs with amoled, with L around the corner this thing is gonna rock!. It's a huge jump over the s5 just by holding it, im pretty stoked. The only reason I'm asking this is a matter of buy vs dont buy.
Cheers
-g

It was already done the day it was released.

Related

[BOUNTY] P605V Verizon 10.1 2014--Unlocked Bootloader

I am going to begin a bounty to all of our devs of $100 to whomever can get a working unlocked bootloader for the Verizon 4GLTE P605V Samsung Galaxy 10.1 2014 edition. It's complete nonsense that going as far back as far as April (the first post I found searching for this) that there isn't a solution.... If you own this tablet variant as well, please jump on board.

Most devs for the 10.1 2014 have moved to the pro version. So this may be really hard to get. if you look at the unlocked versions there is little to no support for them right now as well.
Sent from my T-Mobile HTC One M8

All the Verizon/Samsung locked bootloaders have been unlockable to date as well as the AT&T varieties. Check the S4, Note 3 and S5 threads.

KennyG123 said:
All the Verizon/Samsung locked bootloaders have been unlockable to date as well as the AT&T varieties. Check the S4, Note 3 and S5 threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really care about the S4, my Note 3 is already unlocked, and could care less about the S5 as well. What I AM concerned with is getting my 10.1 2014 Verizon edition unlocked so I can actually get TWRP on it an put on custom ROM's. For a forum filled with lots of experts and geniuses, no one seems to want to take any time or make any effort. I am literally begging! Using any version of Odin has failed trying to get TWRP on my tablet. All the ROMs I have looked at say to install that as a prerequisite. So what is a guy to do? Should I just put a round from my .45 through it and call it a day? I am outside the 14 day return window now with Verizon, so unless someone can give me a clue as to what I am doing wrong, then I am royally screwed..........

Don_Pachuco said:
I don't really care about the S4, my Note 3 is already unlocked, and could care less about the S5 as well. What I AM concerned with is getting my 10.1 2014 Verizon edition unlocked so I can actually get TWRP on it an put on custom ROM's. For a forum filled with lots of experts and geniuses, no one seems to want to take any time or make any effort. I am literally begging! Using any version of Odin has failed trying to get TWRP on my tablet. All the ROMs I have looked at say to install that as a prerequisite. So what is a guy to do? Should I just put a round from my .45 through it and call it a day? I am outside the 14 day return window now with Verizon, so unless someone can give me a clue as to what I am doing wrong, then I am royally screwed..........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are missing the point. Bootloaders are not a simple security hack. They are the proprietary coding that allows the device to boot. There is NO decompiling, sorting through code, figuring out the lock and then unlocking it. There needs to be an exploit to get in and change it. Which means there is a 99% chance the wrong exploit attempt will brick the device...an not the "brick" all these people talk about mistakenly on this site...a REAL brick...dead paperweight. Think that it is an issue with this sites "geniuses" not wanting to do it? Maybe you would understand better if you blindfolded yourself and tried to assemble a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle....only you get an electric shock with every wrong piece you play.
I mentioned the other devices not to see if you "care"...it is to let you know the same method is employed to lock those as your tablet and they are just as popular with the "geniuses" that genuinely want to unlock the bootloader. AND have large bounties on them.
As to what are you supposed to do? Research next time. Buy products from a carrier that does not lock down their devices or buy a device that is not a commercial push to the military and corporate so that Verizon wants it locked down tight for more sales and contracts. Or continue to hold your breath throwing this tantrum you seem to be doing. Or...I don't know...use the tablet as it was designed to be used when sold and seems to work fine for the millions of customers who know nothing of XDA or rooting.

KennyG123 said:
You are missing the point. Bootloaders are not a simple security hack. They are the proprietary coding that allows the device to boot. There is NO decompiling, sorting through code, figuring out the lock and then unlocking it. There needs to be an exploit to get in and change it. Which means there is a 99% chance the wrong exploit attempt will brick the device...an not the "brick" all these people talk about mistakenly on this site...a REAL brick...dead paperweight. Think that it is an issue with this sites "geniuses" not wanting to do it? Maybe you would understand better if you blindfolded yourself and tried to assemble a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle....only you get an electric shock with every wrong piece you play.
I mentioned the other devices not to see if you "care"...it is to let you know the same method is employed to lock those as your tablet and they are just as popular with the "geniuses" that genuinely want to unlock the bootloader. AND have large bounties on them.
As to what are you supposed to do? Research next time. Buy products from a carrier that does not lock down their devices or buy a device that is not a commercial push to the military and corporate so that Verizon wants it locked down tight for more sales and contracts. Or continue to hold your breath throwing this tantrum you seem to be doing. Or...I don't know...use the tablet as it was designed to be used when sold and seems to work fine for the millions of customers who know nothing of XDA or rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have to say that in reading text, it is generally hard to understand the tone of the text. While I wasn't throwing a tantrum, the tone of your reply is pretty unmistakable. When someone comes here genuinely looking for help and assistance with a device, is it a general practice to publicly belittle and berate them? As to my bounty, I started off low to see if others would jump on board or not. As to my carrier, I have been with Verizon from day one, get a rather large corporate discount from them on devices and accessories, and have 6 lines through them, so why just to get this tablet to do what I want it to, would I change carriers? Every device that I have had in the 'smart'phone era has been Verizon, and someone has found a way to unlock them. So I apologize if I came of looking like a prick, as that was not at all my intention. I would gladly personally pay up to $100.00 if someone could help. It is very frustrating to only be able to do half of what I want to achieve with my tablet. I'm as far as I personally can go on it. If anyone was offended by my wording, again, I am sorry for that. BTW, I changed the avatar that was only taken offense to after my post. Have a happy Sunday Funday! I know I will as I am already on bloody Mary number 4 here.

Don_Pachuco said:
I would have to say that in reading text, it is generally hard to understand the tone of the text. While I wasnt throwing a tantrum, the tone of your reply is pretty unmistakable. When someone comes here genuinely looking for help and assistance with a device, is it a general practice to publicly belittle and berate them? As to my bounty, I started off low to see if others would jump on board or not. As to my carrier, I have been with Verizon from day one, get a rather large corporate discount from them on devices and accessories, and have 6 lines through them, so why just to get this tablet to do what I want it to, would I change carriers? Every device that I have had in the smartphone era has been Verizon, and someone has found a way to unlock them. So I apologize if I came of looking like a prick, as that was not at all my intention. I would gladly personally pay up to $100.00 if someone could help. It is very frustrating to only be able to do half of what I want to achieve with my tablet. Im as far as I personally can go on it. If anyone was offended by my wording, again, I am sorry for that. BTW, I changed the avatar that was only taken offense to after my post. Have a happy Sunday Funday! I know I will as I am already on bloody Mary number 4 here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phrase that asks if you should put a bullet into your tablet certainly sounded like a bit of a tantrum. Sorry if I somehow misconstrued that. Then also sounding like you were belittling XDA developers because they did not unlock the bootloader yet.. Sounded a bit entitled. There are devices years old that have never been unlocked. I have done my best to explain why there should never be a time limit or expectations of the bootloader ever being unlocked yet you also shot that down as selfishly exclaiming you did not care about those examples and were only concerned about what matters to you. Did I leave anything out? Sorry if I somehow misinterpreted any of that. Sounds like you need to start making a decision as to what is more important to you, your corporate discount or an unlocked bootloader. Have your bounty but I already explained older Verizon devices with the same locked bootloaders has stumped the security geniuses so far.

$100
$100.00

$150.00?

The devs were never really all that involved with this tablet. It is highly unlikely they will unlock the Verizon version unless they figure out the other Samsung products. Even if they would unlock the tablet you my not get any devs that are willing to port their Roms over to the Verizon version.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

Ok, I give up

Don_Pachuco said:
Ok, I give up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Say my friend..don't give up There are to many smart people at this forum... (and other forums) Trust me just have to be patient lol.. I am in the same boat some one will figure this out..

OK, I have a SM-P605v with a broken LCD (not the screen itself, but the display is discolored and not displaying correctly). It was previously Rooted and I have gotten screen emulators working when hooked up to my laptop. I would be willing to donate this to any Dev willing to work on the exploit. If there is a risk of bricking the device, then rest assured it's no biggie since the screen is bad on it. Please PM me if you are interested.

It's been a while now, anyone figure it out yet?....................................................

Has anyone tried the unlock script for the note 3 and note 4?
Here is the link to note 3.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...l/official-note-3-verizon-bootloader-t3359370

I just got a SM-P605 that is unlocked. Once I figure out where the kernal came from perhaps I can be of help here. I really want to get this thing rooted and connected with my carrier. I had had a SM-P600, but it was smashed and could not be repaired. That's why I bought this tablet. Otherwise this P605 is totally stock and runs like a very well behaved powerhouse should.
Rob

i looked at this page it says u need root to use this .
Nappyloxs said:
Has anyone tried the unlock script for the note 3 and note 4?
Here is the link to note 3.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...l/official-note-3-verizon-bootloader-t3359370
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but dont you need a unlocked bootloader to get root ?

No you don't need unlocked bootloader to root. I think I used towel root years ago to root this tablet.

Link200 said:
The devs were never really all that involved with this tablet. It is highly unlikely they will unlock the Verizon version unless they figure out the other Samsung products. Even if they would unlock the tablet you my not get any devs that are willing to port their Roms over to the Verizon version.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know I really loved my SM-P600, but it was badly damaged and I don't know how or where to order in the left speaker, on/off switch from. So got really frustrated advanced ordered an SM-P605v instead and was able to get one that has an unlocked boatloader. I've not rooted it yet, or mounted TWRP on it. I may not root it though I'd like to. Even so, I'm looking into it and while, though I'm extremely happy with it,I may eventually root it.
I've explored a lot of options so far and none of them, so far, work for an SM-P605v running Android 5.1.1.
I'll get back with you about a week from now.
By the way, this tablet, and the SGN Pro are still much more powerful and capable than the Surface Pro or IPad Pro. This, even though they are getting a little older.
By the way,I spoke to a friend of mine who owns the large IPad Pro today. Apple hasn't optimised the Home screen yet, even after all these months. You'd think they'd have done better by their consumer base by now.
Even so, I'm so pleased with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1(2014), both with the SM-P600, and the SM-P605. Unless Samsung releases a Tab A that has an S Pen and 32 gigs memory, or releases a substantial upgrade to the SM-P600,SM-P605, and SM-P607, or puts out a new SGN in the series with 64 our 128gigs internal, I'm not open to trading my tablet in. It'll be over my cold, dead body.

This whole thing just died from no interest other than from me, huh?

Warning To Developer Edition Owner

With the arrival of a new "batch" of Developer Edition Note 4s delivered in the past couple days and the ones scheduled for delivery in the coming days, the opportunity for a proud owner of one of these devices to lock their bootloader inadvertedly is high. I know the following warnings/information can be found in a number of different threads, but you have to look for them to find them. So here's several do's and don'ts for new Developer Edition Note 4s:
WARNING: MAKE SURE REACTIVATION LOCK IS NOT SELECTED UNDER YOU SECURITY SETTINGS IF YOU PLAN ON INSTALLING TWRP AND ROOT!!!
1) Never take an OTA update from Verizon. Samsung has never updated the firmware on their Developer Edition devices...never. The chance that Samsung will change their policy for the Note 4 is slim to none. Taking an OTA update will most likely lock your bootloader. Yes, if you have TWRP installed and rooted the update should fail if it automatically downloads and tries to self-install. The point is, when notified that there is a OTA update, don't take it.
2) Never flash a firmware file unless you know it has been approved and tested for the Developer Edition. Finding firmware for the Retail version of the Note is easy, finding firmware for the Developer Edition is, at this point in time, impossible. If you flash Retail firmware on your Developer Edition you will lock your bootloader.
3) There is only one ROM available and safe to flash for the Verizon Note 4 Developer Edition...one. That ROM can be found in the Android Development Section below. Flashing a ROM developed for a different carriers device usually produces less than desired results, don't do it.
4) Security Policy updates from the Play Store are safe to install if you want to, but are not necessary. Security updates from Verizon should be avoided.
I hope this helps some new Developer Edition users avoid a costly mistake. We already know of two Note 4 Developer Edition owners that have flashed Retail firmware and now have an expensive Retail model of the Note 4.

jpcalhoun said:
With the arrival of a new "batch" of Developer Edition Note 4s delivered in the past couple days and the ones scheduled for delivery in the coming days, the opportunity for a proud owner of one of these devices to lock their bootloader inadvertedly is high. I know the following warnings/information can be found in a number of different threads, but you have to look for them to find them. So here's several do's and don'ts for new Developer Edition Note 4s:
1) Never take an OTA update from Verizon. Samsung has never updated the firmware on their Developer Edition devices...never. The chance that Samsung will change their policy for the Note 4 is slim to none. Taking an OTA update will most likely lock your bootloader. Yes, if you have TWRP installed and rooted the update should fail if it automatically downloads and tries to self-install. The point is, when notified that there is a OTA update, don't take it.
2) Never flash a firmware file unless you know it has been approved and tested for the Developer Edition. Finding firmware for the Retail version of the Note is easy, finding firmware for the Developer Edition is, at this point in time, impossible. If you flash Retail firmware on your Developer Edition you will lock your bootloader.
3) There is only one ROM available and safe to flash for the Verizon Note 4 Developer Edition...one. That ROM can be found in the Android Development Section below. Flashing a ROM developed for a different carriers device usually produces less than desired results, don't do it.
4) Security Policy updates from the Play Store are safe to install if you want to, but are not necessary. Security updates from Verizon should be avoided.
I hope this helps some new Developer Edition users avoid a costly mistake. We already know of two Note 4 Developer Edition owners that have flashed Retail firmware and now have an expensive Retail model of the Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good advice...although I would have hoped that people buying a DE would know better.
Slight update to point 3...FireKAT is coming to VZW. The developer is rebasing it for VZW and said it would be available by the end of the weekend. Be sure to thank and/or donate to him if anyone uses it as he may be our best path to Lollipop when it comes out for the Note 4.

I've heard good things about FireKat, can't wait to try it.

Is there a thread somewhere to monitor FireKAT to Verizon progress?

What is even the point of the dev edition then for the average XDA'er? Having an unlocked bootloaders main benefit is the ability to flash other custom roms. However, most phones with locked bootloaders usually use safestrap, but since the amount of people who own the dev edition is relatively small, it doesn't seem that beneficial. I debated for a long time getting a note 3 DE but decided against it. It seemed overall that it was a hassle and I refrained. The only reason I bought the N4 is simply I had an upgrade available and if I didn't, probably would have passed on that too. This way I can keep rotating my 4 lines, 1 with ULD, to get 2 upgrades per year?

Romans8vs1 said:
Is there a thread somewhere to monitor FireKAT to Verizon progress?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are periodic references to it in the TMO N4 dev thread and I exchanged a couple of PMs with the dev related to another topic but it came up ...it will happen, we just need to be patient.
Update: FireKat should be available in a couple days per the dev. When it drops be sure to support him if you flash it.

kimdoocheol said:
What is even the point of the dev edition then for the average XDA'er? Having an unlocked bootloaders main benefit is the ability to flash other custom roms. However, most phones with locked bootloaders usually use safestrap, but since the amount of people who own the dev edition is relatively small, it doesn't seem that beneficial. I debated for a long time getting a note 3 DE but decided against it. It seemed overall that it was a hassle and I refrained. The only reason I bought the N4 is simply I had an upgrade available and if I didn't, probably would have passed on that too. This way I can keep rotating my 4 lines, 1 with ULD, to get 2 upgrades per year?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there aren't many (only one right now) ROMs available for the Note 4 Developer Edition. But, there are plenty of apps that require root that enable the user to customize, improve performance, improve battery life and perform functions that you can't do on a retail version. That is the primary reason I choose a Developer Edition. Another factor is the fact that I hate SafeStrap. So, if I was interested in flashing customized ROMs I don't want to do it with SafeStrap (that's assuming they ever get root for the retail version and if a version of SafeStrap comes available). Life is full of choices, you made yours and I made mine for different reasons. It's all good.

jpcalhoun said:
Yes, there aren't many (only one right now) ROMs available for the Note 4 Developer Edition. But, there are plenty of apps that require root that enable the user to customize, improve performance, improve battery life and perform functions that you can't do on a retail version. That is the primary reason I choose a Developer Edition. Another factor is the fact that I hate SafeStrap. So, if I was interested in flashing customized ROMs I don't want to do it with SafeStrap (that's assuming they ever get root for the retail version and if a version of SafeStrap comes available). Life is full of choices, you made yours and I made mine for different reasons. It's all good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If root is ever achieved, many of the things mentioned can be done too.
But yeah, I never really liked SS either, just saying that it is an option, but my main point I guess is that the DE sort of splits the community a bit. Many people don't want to lose their UDP so buy unsubsidized anyways so the DE isn't a bad option. However, it just seems like these kind of things cause a lack of dev on one side or the other which is bad for the N4 community as a whole. That's what I was really getting at.
Yeah, I just bought an N4 actually though and am sort of let down this time coming from my N2. MW and the S-Pen I never really utilized with the N2 since I switched to an AOSP based rom as soon as they became available, but halo and floating window were nice too.
The only three features that really stand out to me are the camera, the display, and the fingerprint scanner.

kimdoocheol said:
If root is ever achieved, many of the things mentioned can be done too.
But yeah, I never really liked SS either, just saying that it is an option, but my main point I guess is that the DE sort of splits the community a bit. Many people don't want to lose their UDP so buy unsubsidized anyways so the DE isn't a bad option. However, it just seems like these kind of things cause a lack of dev on one side or the other which is bad for the N4 community as a whole. That's what I was really getting at.
Yeah, I just bought an N4 actually though and am sort of let down this time coming from my N2. MW and the S-Pen I never really utilized with the N2 since I switched to an AOSP based rom as soon as they became available, but halo and floating window were nice too.
The only three features that really stand out to me are the camera, the display, and the fingerprint scanner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, if root is achieved many of the things I pointed out can be achieved. I also agree that two different versions of one phone can split the community. But in today's environment, it is getting harder and harder to even get root much less unlock bootloaders or get a version of SafeSTrap that will work. If that remains the status quo then I'm glad the development community at least has the Developer Edition to work on. I'm not a crack flasher but I do like the ability to run the five or six apps that I like that require root and have the option to flash a custom ROM if I want. Plus, I really like the ability to create my own debloated ROM by getting rid of all the Verizon, Samsung and even some of the Google crap they put on our phones. I can cut the size of the stock ROM by almost 50% by debloating and have all the functionality I want or use. It makes a noticeable difference in the speed and smoothness of the phone's functions and battery life. I guess I just hate to be like the iPhone community that is locked into what ever Apple thinks we need or want, LOL. But, that "freedom" is getting harder and harder to come by.

Thanks for the heads up op.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app

jpcalhoun said:
You are correct, if root is achieved many of the things I pointed out can be achieved. I also agree that two different versions of one phone can split the community. But in today's environment, it is getting harder and harder to even get root much less unlock bootloaders or get a version of SafeSTrap that will work. If that remains the status quo then I'm glad the development community at least has the Developer Edition to work on. I'm not a crack flasher but I do like the ability to run the five or six apps that I like that require root and have the option to flash a custom ROM if I want. Plus, I really like the ability to create my own debloated ROM by getting rid of all the Verizon, Samsung and even some of the Google crap they put on our phones. I can cut the size of the stock ROM by almost 50% by debloating and have all the functionality I want or use. It makes a noticeable difference in the speed and smoothness of the phone's functions and battery life. I guess I just hate to be like the iPhone community that is locked into what ever Apple thinks we need or want, LOL. But, that "freedom" is getting harder and harder to come by.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar boat myself, but the thing is I have 5 lines I can manipulate my upgrades with so buying subsidized is more of a benefit for me with all the current workarounds than shelling out 700. When I was going to get the N3, I xfer my upgrade and sold my note 3 retail to get the DE, but decided last minute not to do it. For some reason, the aesthetics of the N3 did not seem that appealing but the N4 is beautiful.
But yeah, I just think it is a sad state we are stuck in with VZW. The service is good, but the company is definitely somewhat crooked and incompetent. I had TMob, AT&T before, but the service and speeds never compared to what I got in my area with VZW. That's why I really want the N6 if there is an unlocked bootloader, as an added bonus the phones all seem to be the same SKU which means the user base and dev base will be huge.
And yes, 100% agree, not even having root now is very unappealing for no TiBU, and quite a few other apps I constantly use that require root, Repetitouch for example, bunch of xposed mods, and no custom DPI. I seriously cannot even think about using Chrome without adjustable DPI or the ability to block permissions.
Agreed again, iDevices main downfall is they didn't license out their OS. I don't have the numbers, but I know SS captured a big amount of their market, but if you add in the other Android phones I don't think iOS even comes close. Which was the only reason I ever had an iDevice, but I really missed the level of customization and that was coming from the OG Droid, haha.
So right now I am sort of stuck in this spot, either keep the N4, return it for an N6 when it comes to VZW or sell the N4 and get the device from the play store. From what i've played around with, the camera, display, and the fingerprint scanner make it a hard decision. Also I am so used to soft keys rather than capacitive buttons, feel like that eats up a lot of screen real estate. But I am pretty sure I am going to get the N6 and move away from SS, which is quite sad because I like their peripherals and overall devices.

To be honest I don't know why everyone is so eager to jump ship to the Developer Edition note 4 when there is absolutely no development going on right now for it.
The vast majority of Galaxy Note 4 users are retail. Unless a vast majority of Developer Edition Phones are bought by the public I just don't know how there will be development for the device since there is no popularity. (ie no audience to develop for)
I mean sure.... you get root. You can debloat a little here and there but what matters most is getting your favorite rom that you want ported to your device.
Other than that. Developer edition doesn't look like a hoot right now, imo =/

kimdoocheol said:
I'm in a similar boat myself, but the thing is I have 5 lines I can manipulate my upgrades with so buying subsidized is more of a benefit for me with all the current workarounds than shelling out 700. When I was going to get the N3, I xfer my upgrade and sold my note 3 retail to get the DE, but decided last minute not to do it. For some reason, the aesthetics of the N3 did not seem that appealing but the N4 is beautiful.
But yeah, I just think it is a sad state we are stuck in with VZW. The service is good, but the company is definitely somewhat crooked and incompetent. I had TMob, AT&T before, but the service and speeds never compared to what I got in my area with VZW. That's why I really want the N6 if there is an unlocked bootloader, as an added bonus the phones all seem to be the same SKU which means the user base and dev base will be huge.
And yes, 100% agree, not even having root now is very unappealing for no TiBU, and quite a few other apps I constantly use that require root, Repetitouch for example, bunch of xposed mods, and no custom DPI. I seriously cannot even think about using Chrome without adjustable DPI or the ability to block permissions.
Agreed again, iDevices main downfall is they didn't license out their OS. I don't have the numbers, but I know SS captured a big amount of their market, but if you add in the other Android phones I don't think iOS even comes close. Which was the only reason I ever had an iDevice, but I really missed the level of customization and that was coming from the OG Droid, haha.
So right now I am sort of stuck in this spot, either keep the N4, return it for an N6 when it comes to VZW or sell the N4 and get the device from the play store. From what i've played around with, the camera, display, and the fingerprint scanner make it a hard decision. Also I am so used to soft keys rather than capacitive buttons, feel like that eats up a lot of screen real estate. But I am pretty sure I am going to get the N6 and move away from SS, which is quite sad because I like their peripherals and overall devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can appreciate your position. Hey, the N6 is a great phone, go for it.

MiuKing said:
To be honest I don't know why everyone is so eager to jump ship to the Developer Edition note 4 when there is absolutely no development going on right now for it.
The vast majority of Galaxy Note 4 users are retail. Unless a vast majority of Developer Edition Phones are bought by the public I just don't know how there will be development for the device since there is no popularity. (ie no audience to develop for)
I mean sure.... you get root. You can debloat a little here and there but what matters most is getting your favorite rom that you want ported to your device.
Other than that. Developer edition doesn't look like a hoot right now, imo =/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you dont know that. tmobile kernels work fine. and as far as firekat coming it will be here tomorrow or later this week i have talked to dev about it already.
also stock rom debloated with tweaks and a kernel you dont need much more right now honestly. and i can tell you this GOOD LUCK with rooting the retail and you will NEVER get an unlocked bootloader

MiuKing said:
To be honest I don't know why everyone is so eager to jump ship to the Developer Edition note 4 when there is absolutely no development going on right now for it.
The vast majority of Galaxy Note 4 users are retail. Unless a vast majority of Developer Edition Phones are bought by the public I just don't know how there will be development for the device since there is no popularity. (ie no audience to develop for)
I mean sure.... you get root. You can debloat a little here and there but what matters most is getting your favorite rom that you want ported to your device.
Other than that. Developer edition doesn't look like a hoot right now, imo =/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on my 3rd rooted device and yet to install a custom rom. I simply want root access, and the ability to have my phone be MINE! I don't want BS apps on my phone. I don't want the factory browser to have locked bookmarks. I don't want a camera telling me I can't use flash when I'm at 12% battery life.

kimdoocheol said:
If root is ever achieved, many of the things mentioned can be done too.
But yeah, I never really liked SS either, just saying that it is an option, but my main point I guess is that the DE sort of splits the community a bit. Many people don't want to lose their UDP so buy unsubsidized anyways so the DE isn't a bad option. However, it just seems like these kind of things cause a lack of dev on one side or the other which is bad for the N4 community as a whole. That's what I was really getting at.
Yeah, I just bought an N4 actually though and am sort of let down this time coming from my N2. MW and the S-Pen I never really utilized with the N2 since I switched to an AOSP based rom as soon as they became available, but halo and floating window were nice too.
The only three features that really stand out to me are the camera, the display, and the fingerprint scanner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Besides the 3 things you found better than the N2, what about cell and wifi reception, is it better when compared to the N2?
Thank you,
Bryan

trapperjohn said:
Hi,
Besides the 3 things you found better than the N2, what about cell and wifi reception, is it better when compared to the N2?
Thank you,
Bryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cell reception is definitely better John.
WiFi is the same. I've never had a bad experience with WiFi.
My N2 for some reason lately was capped at around 80kb/s-100kb/s and I can't seem to get much higher than that. When I first got the phone it was 300+ almost all the time, but that could be because LTE wasn't as big back then or the updates they have done henceforht.
EDIT: When I say better, I mean a lot better. I sit in the same spot at my desk and with my N2 I was always constantly having to stand up to send a text or make a call. This phone I can do it practically while laying on the ground. So reception has improved drastically for me.

MiuKing said:
To be honest I don't know why everyone is so eager to jump ship to the Developer Edition note 4 when there is absolutely no development going on right now for it.
The vast majority of Galaxy Note 4 users are retail. Unless a vast majority of Developer Edition Phones are bought by the public I just don't know how there will be development for the device since there is no popularity. (ie no audience to develop for)
I mean sure.... you get root. You can debloat a little here and there but what matters most is getting your favorite rom that you want ported to your device.
Other than that. Developer edition doesn't look like a hoot right now, imo =/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude you miss the whole point of a DE Note 4, FREEDOM!!!!
I had a retail Note 4 before I got he DE. With the retail I felt trap, almost choking to a point. I couldn't immerse my self with it, and NOT HAVING Viper4Android was a NO NO. You have to hear the Note 4 with V4A with a pair of Sony MDR-1RTBT MK2. Coming from flashing almost a ROM per week on my note 3 and ending up with stock debloated TW version didn't feel bad at all and this where I'm at with the N4. I'm about to Flash AMSPilot debloated now and so far I'm good until FireKat.

Poloasis said:
Dude you miss the whole point of a DE Note 4, FREEDOM!!!!
I had a retail Note 4 before I got he DE. With the retail I felt trap, almost choking to a point. I couldn't immerse my self with it, and NOT HAVING Viper4Android was a NO NO. You have to hear the Note 4 with V4A with a pair of Sony MDR-1RTBT MK2. Coming from flashing almost a ROM per week on my note 3 and ending up with stock debloated TW version didn't feel bad at all and this where I'm at with the N4. I'm about to Flash AMSPilot debloated now and so far I'm good until FireKat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you misunderstood what i meant.
http://media.giphy.com/media/fFwOzwhCO1FMA/giphy.gif

Some Thoughts As The Note 3 Becomes Less Relevant

Hello, my name is Firefishe.
I've had my N900A Note 3 since early 2012. Since that time, I've been watching these forums, and the developer community in general, to see what might happen given time for this handset, in terms of customization.
These are key areas for me:
1. Unlocked Bootloader by now
2. Elimination of Knox Corporate Security software for non-corporate users, meaning, most of us.
3. Active ROM Development by the community for this handset. AOSP, here, not just TouchWiz.
Because this is an old handset by technological standards now, I would take the line that no one really gives a flying frack about the bootloader on this thing.
However, even if this is so, why can't I find any relevant information on this one subject: "N900A Bootloader Unlocking."
That subject, when searched, seems to do nothing but bring up ancient hits that have nothing of value, speculation, and other tripe.
I, for one, want to experiment. However, I can't afford the full price of a Nexus 5 or I would have purchased one long ago. I have to buy on contract, and AT&T has the best coverage in my area.
Also, I enjoy my S Pen. (Old Palm Pilot user here.)
So I'm stuck.
Or am I?
Part of the joy of electronics use is making the most if older-but-still-useful hardware. The Note 3 is still a quad core. It handles any game or program I want to use just fine, with no problems.
Is there no one who is working on this device, anymore?
Does any dev on this site have any insight that can be provided as to why this device's bootloader hasn't been unlocked, yet?
Anyway, I'd like to know if there is any private advancement being done on this subject, and would like a private email from anyone who cares to respond.
<firefishe AT Gmail DOT com>
I'm planning on having this handset for some time yet, and long to see Paranoid Android running on it.
If anyone can assist me with this, it would be greatly appreciated.
Best Regards,
-Firefishe

When I bought my Note 3 this June, I was coming from the Galaxy S3, which I had long ago rooted, unlocked, and was running Cyanogenmod on. Little did I know that unlocking the bootloader was not a common thing. And it seems to be becoming less common.
Imagine my surprise when I got home with my new Note 3 and went to the Cyanogenmod site to download and install. I learned a lot in the next few days about bootloaders, Knox, etc. I also learned that the phone I had just entered a two-year contract with was not what I wanted. At least not software wise.
Every day I do a search for Android Unlock Bootloader and check the news of the last 24 hours, hoping for some glitter of hope. I see newer phones, like the LG G3 and Nexus 6, offering bootlader unlocking. I see companies working hard to give their customers what they want - a phone that they can do anything with. And I see Samsung and AT&T doing the opposite - pushing more secure, unbreakable software and bloat out, usually months after their competitors have brought the latest Android OS to their flagship devices.
I did catch a glimpse of hope with Towelroot, and now my phone is rooted. Back in August I caught another glimpse of hope when Dan Rosenberg spoke at the Blackhat conference, saying that any Android bootlader could be unlocked thanks to a security exploit in Snapdragon processors. That hope was quickly diminished by Dan himself when he said not on the Note 3, and Qualcomm said they already patched the exploit.
And just last month I learned of Safestrap and the many ROMs offered as an alternative. I am now running my Bloat 3 on @bri315317 's fantastic Dynamic Rom Xtreme. This is about as close to an unlocked AOSP experience as you can get on the Note 3.
But still every day I search news for any sign of an unlocked bootlader for my phone. Older phones are being exploited. Newer phone as well, usually by the phone makers themselves. But still AT&T and Samsung refuse to give their customers what they want. Complete use of a product that we bought.
So this will be my last Samsung phone. Had I been a bit more patient I would have bought a Nexus 6. For now I have a year and a half to go with my Samsung and AT&T locked device. At least there is a viable alternative with Safestrap and ROM makers like Brian et al.

I sold mine yesterday for "pennies". AT&T Note 3 is the working "brick" phone w/o unlock bootloader. It's a very nice but completely useless for XDA folks. Back to my T-M Galaxy s2 for now. Just wondering what to buy next.

jondoe27 said:
I sold mine yesterday for "pennies". AT&T Note 3 is the working "brick" phone w/o unlock bootloader. It's a very nice but completely useless for XDA folks. Back to my T-M Galaxy s2 for now. Just wondering what to buy next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol gave up note 3 for s2. I wouldn't do that I'm thinking about getting an Optimus G, even to this day excellent development, but I probably wouldn't sell the note 3 yet tho. I would Odin it back to stock and use the Optimus G for aosp and stuff

We have roms. And KitKat. I'm fine with my note 3 and my note 4 Rom. If u don't know by now, there's a thread in Q&A about flashing other carrier roms. I actually don't mind using Safe strap, it's safer and works fine for my flashing habit. I love my Note 3, and I feel its still one of the best around!

The note 3 came out September of 2013....
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

Thanks For Replying
Thanks to everyone who's replied to this thread.
Your comments are appreciated.
-Firefishe

@Firefishe, are you running the stock ROM or have you flashed one of the custom ROMs?

Loved this phone, but with the random reboots, ****ty customer service, locked bootloader and bloat I'll never buy another Samsung or AT&T device again. Count on that.

This is completely speculation but I think this is going to happen down the road. There will come a time where companies will start to lock ALL their bootloaders. Some XDA users will exploit a few workarounds and when they do, those companies will try and "buy them off". If it happens it will take away the "rebels" and add to their "army" and after a while some of the greats on XDA will be working against XDA because of all the money the corporate companies will offer them. Don't get me wrong, there will be some absolute rebels that won't "defect" but at the end of the day it's all about money and trust me if a company is offering you 75 to 100k+ to "defect"and make their security software stronger. It's hard to turn down money of that nature. Just saying though
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

They aren't rebels and we aren't the rebellion.
Of course the higher end devs here will tend to end up in programming jobs that directly relate. Hashcode and geohotz are two amazing examples of that.
And now that it is becoming harder and harder to hack some of these devices a few devs can only justify that time with a paycheck. After all if it took 4 guys 4 hours a night for 4 months at what their pay rate of say $40 an hour you're looking at a $76,800 project.
In the end you are right, we will wind up being mostly safestrap and root for the locked devices and full Roms for the specialty devices.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

Exactly.......... whatever he bought in January 2012 must have been a Note since the even the Note 2 was not out before September/October 2012 (I think). I love the Note 3 and with Safestrap and Odin, we can choose between several Kitkat NC2 (4.4.2) roms and use NJ5 (4.4.4) roms including those running Note 4 apps. I was tempted to get the Note 4 but after hearing about the advance specs of the Note 5 (like over 700 ppi display and 4 gigs of ram among other enticing specs). I think I can wait until next September.!

There are always will be competition between amateurs and pros. This forum is the one of the prove. Besides that there is a plenty ambitions ppl who do this just because they like and can. Another thing the companies always are looking for a new recruits to replace a current staff (just cheaper for the business). And don't forget about a competition between big (and small) brands. They will do everything to survive.
Just mine 2c.
---------- Post added at 05:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:10 PM ----------
optimusv45 said:
Lol gave up note 3 for s2. I wouldn't do that I'm thinking about getting an Optimus G, even to this day excellent development, but I probably wouldn't sell the note 3 yet tho. I would Odin it back to stock and use the Optimus G for aosp and stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really like a NOTE 3 just not AT&T brand. And it was kinda useless for me and I barely used it.
I wanted to buy NOTE 4 from T-MOBILE but they didn't want to sell it to me because I'm on prepaid.

I think that as long as there is a community of people looking to fully own their device there will be someone willing to give them what they want.
Some companies could create a brand around a community of smartphone users that really want to own their device and modify it as they wish.
I think the Nexus line is one such example.
If there is demand for something someone, somewhere will provide it.
Are there any business type people here? Anyone that would know or want to start a start up that offers complete freedom to own their device? Sometimes you have to be the change you want to see.

Already been done. It is called one plus one.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

Why do you folks sound so desperate? I'm gonna play you some of my sad banjo music. Lmao [emoji23]
There will ALWAYS be root and ROMs. Making it sound like a battle. Rebels and armies and all that. There is always nexus devices and t-mobile and international phones and other options. Cyanogenmod is coming along the way now and more companies are going to throw it on their devices. Start with oneplus one and we will see more. Just chill out and enjoy safestrap and whatever rom you got running at the moment. You got a device that is not really that far from the note 4, only a few little differences that are not that big of a deal. I mean, I know people that are still running S2 and even older devices just fine. I love my note 3 and won't change it for a while. I AM able to buy the note 4 or any other "flagship" out there, but I really see no point in that. 1080p display with quad core processor and you name it.
from my note 3

Running stock. Rooted. Updated to Safestrap Recovery 3.75 recently. Played around with Dynamic Kat Extreme, but am now back on stock.

mrkhigh said:
The note 3 came out September of 2013....
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand corrected.

jondoe27 said:
There are always will be competition between amateurs and pros. This forum is the one of the prove. Besides that there is a plenty ambitions ppl who do this just because they like and can. Another thing the companies always are looking for a new recruits to replace a current staff (just cheaper for the business). And don't forget about a competition between big (and small) brands. They will do everything to survive.
Just mine 2c.
---------- Post added at 05:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:10 PM ----------
I really like a NOTE 3 just not AT&T brand. And it was kinda useless for me and I barely used it.
I wanted to buy NOTE 4 from T-MOBILE but they didn't want to sell it to me because I'm on prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're paying full price and the local dealer won't sell it to you, try another store or buy it off Amazon.
Local dealers, in my experience, aren't always the brightest of beings.

K-alz said:
Why do you folks sound so desperate? I'm gonna play you some of my sad banjo music. Lmao [emoji23]
There will ALWAYS be root and ROMs. Making it sound like a battle. Rebels and armies and all that. There is always nexus devices and t-mobile and international phones and other options. Cyanogenmod is coming along the way now and more companies are going to throw it on their devices. Start with oneplus one and we will see more. Just chill out and enjoy safestrap and whatever rom you got running at the moment. You got a device that is not really that far from the note 4, only a few little differences that are not that big of a deal. I mean, I know people that are still running S2 and even older devices just fine. I love my note 3 and won't change it for a while. I AM able to buy the note 4 or any other "flagship" out there, but I really see no point in that. 1080p display with quad core processor and you name it.
from my note 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess if I wanted to be status quo, I would not have started a thread like this.

Verizon Note 3

Is there anything in the near future coming as far as roms,tweaks..anything for the Verizon note 3 or being that the boatloader is locked developers have lost interest...pretty bummed out...unfortunately I don't have the brain capacity to become a developer...you guys make it easy for us noobs to customize our phone...so we are pretty much a captive audience...waiting for something new...
Thanks guys...

I'm pretty sure we'll get some custom roms with the new 5.0 base whenever we actually get it. Likely just the current ones will be updated, though, and all will still have to be TouchWiz based as well. Developers get frustrated with Verizon and kinda lose interest, and I can't say I blame them. If you're really into customization, you will have way more luck with unlocked phones activated on ATT or T-Mobile right now.

ATT and T-Mobile service in my area is no where near verizon...so I guess I'm screwed...i am actually thinking of converting to ios...I loved my note 2 when I unlocked and started roming and installing CM..in was great....but know I'm on4.4.4 there isn't even root for it...Fustrated!!

Upgrade to the S7 or not...

So I currently have a Galaxy S5 and have had it for just over 2 years now and while it still works great, I am thinking of upgrading and the S7 seems to be the ticket, except for the whole locked bootloader thing. It has been the main thing that has kept me from getting this phone. I know it has been rooted but I was wondering, would some of you still get the S7 even with the whole locked bootloader issue so long as you could root it?
Just having a hard time deciding if I should upgrade or not.
Thanks for any info, advice, input.

Hippie459MN said:
So I currently have a Galaxy S5 and have had it for just over 2 years now and while it still works great, I am thinking of upgrading and the S7 seems to be the ticket, except for the whole locked bootloader thing. It has been the main thing that has kept me from getting this phone. I know it has been rooted but I was wondering, would some of you still get the S7 even with the whole locked bootloader issue so long as you could root it?
Just having a hard time deciding if I should upgrade or not.
Thanks for any info, advice, input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had the S7 since launch, had an LG G3 for about a year and a Note II for 2 years prior. Note II was great for rooting and trying ROMs, G3 was ok too. I was a flash a flashaholic till I got this phone. The root process doesn't seem super stable but I haven't really looked at it in awhile and I am at a point where I just need the phone to work well and it does. The camera is phenomenal, I can block ads on the Samsung browser, and I can disable 90% of the bloat I don't want and this thing is a beast. The battery life is decent but that all depends on usage and I'm a heavy user. I don't think you can go wrong with an S7 if you just want to use it.
If you absolutely have to be able to root and unlock the bootloader to get performance and do things like run xposed, I think there are better choices. I do believe the HTC 10 has really good developer support and is unlockable with similar specs. Personally that would probably be my choice right now and I'm sure the price is going to come down.
Hope that helps.

Thank you. Yes, I have been looking at the HTC also and having been a fan in the past I was leaning towards it but I also love my S5 and my mom has an S7 and I really like it and I love the wireless charging. Yes, I do run xposed so that would be a must for me. Decisions... lol

Database Users

welcome