Database Users

[Q] KK update - am I missing something

Hi, maybe I have too simplistic an understanding of these things but I'm struggling to understand what seems to be a clamour to return to stock/unroot to allow the OTA to 4.4.2. I rooted and installed a custom KitKat ROM to remove the bloatware and to have a similar UI as my Nexus 7.
What would be the advantages of having of having stock 4.4.2 bloatware included ? My thoughts were to hang off until a custom stock KitKat ROM is developed and released, and flash that (if at all, DroidKangv1 is working very well for me on my D802)
Or am I way off the mark here and missing something obvious ?
Cheers,
np

naepace said:
Hi, maybe I have too simplistic an understanding of these things but I'm struggling to understand what seems to be a clamour to return to stock/unroot to allow the OTA to 4.4.2. I rooted and installed a custom KitKat ROM to remove the bloatware and to have a similar UI as my Nexus 7.
What would be the advantages of having of having stock 4.4.2 bloatware included ? My thoughts were to hang off until a custom stock KitKat ROM is developed and released, and flash that (if at all, DroidKangv1 is working very well for me on my D802)
Or am I way off the mark here and missing something obvious ?
Cheers,
np
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The clamour is that its new. Its the latest and greatest with new things to discover. And new things are awesome. Ive gone back to stock and Im loving it so far, there's a lot of cool features that you miss out on by using aosp roms. There currently is a 4.4 stock rom in the developement section if your keen just be aware that there is no root for it yet.

I actually went back to stock 4.2.2 after experiencing issues using the camera and GPS at the same time on the custom ROM I was using.
If I wanted to flash a stock 4.4 kdz I presume it is the same procedure I used to return to stock but obviously with the correct 4.4 kdz file ?
Cheers.

Yeah correct its the same and its this rom here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2665985
Theres plenty of info in that thread.
I thought about doing it but the mixed results people got sort of turned me off. And the fact that recovery doesn't work on it.
Should be interesting though.

Too much time without upgrading my ROM...

Hi folks,
it's a long time i didn't upgrade my phone to a new ROM, and I'd like to ask suggestions on how to do that.
Here my tech specs:
- i9505 international unbranded Galaxy s4 (rooted)
- TWRP version 2.8.5.0
- WANAMLite Rom Kitkat 4.4.2
- Xposed Framework with wanamlite xposed
- Nova Launcher
I saw there are plenty of new roms, but I'd like to know:
- Lollipop or mashmallow? Any experience?
- I was interested in the resurrection remix 6.0.1, anyone has tried it?
- How do I proceed at best without losing settings and data?
- Backup with TWRP or Titanium?
- Should I Wipe everything or can I simply keep my data?
Sorry if I'm asking the same questions everybody does, was just too much time off the scene
thanx

foongaz said:
Hi folks,
it's a long time i didn't upgrade my phone to a new ROM, and I'd like to ask suggestions on how to do that.
Here my tech specs:
- i9505 international unbranded Galaxy s4 (rooted)
- TWRP version 2.8.5.0
- WANAMLite Rom Kitkat 4.4.2
- Xposed Framework with wanamlite xposed
- Nova Launcher
I saw there are plenty of new roms, but I'd like to know:
- Lollipop or mashmallow? Any experience?
- I was interested in the resurrection remix 6.0.1, anyone has tried it?
- How do I proceed at best without losing settings and data?
- Backup with TWRP or Titanium?
- Should I Wipe everything or can I simply keep my data?
Sorry if I'm asking the same questions everybody does, was just too much time off the scene
thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe me, it's better to stay on Wanam Lite, maybe one of the best and Stable roms ever made for the galaxy S4, even though it's running kitkat. Do you still have the link for Wanam lite 3.1? Can't find it anymore. Thanks a lot!

When changing ROMs and/or Android versions it is always recommended to do a full wipe.
Backup your apps with Titanium Backup and your ROM with TWRP.
As to the matter of best ROMs, that is a very subjective matter.
ISF prefers TouchWiz ROMs. I prefer custom ROMs, like CM based or AOSP based.
Check the Resurrection Remix thread for experiences. I find it's the most customizable ROM available so far, but I'm not actually running it right now.
I'd go for Marshmallow just because of a slight performance increase over Lollipop.
If you want even more performance, check out the JDCTeam ROMs (Optimized CM13, AOSP and Optimized Slim6).

Some of the newer ROMs may require an up-to-date bootloader and modem.

First of all thank you guys.
Yeah I'm actually looking for a non touchwiz rom also. I'll check out
In this old post the link doesn't work:
Http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2283194
If anyone has a valid link to Wanamlite 3.1 for i9505, ca you please PM me?
Anyone suggesting some other Roms?

Best stock modified rom

Hello Friends...
I have a s4 i9505 and am not new to samsung as i already own a i9301I....
I want to ask which one is the most stable rom of all for the i9505...
I dont want any noughat rom..
Just A Simple stock modified or some Marshmallow with the latest feature...
Already seen many Roms on the youtube. some are s7 roms and some n5 etc.
Any suggestion for a rom that is smooth as well as Battery Friendly!!
Thanks.

The S4 never got a stock Marshmallow update. So you're stuck with Lollipop ROMs that look a bit like the S6 or not.

Pwnycorn said:
The S4 never got a stock Marshmallow update. So you're stuck with Lollipop ROMs that look a bit like the S6 or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently on the stock 4.4.2 and want to switch to a rom that doesnot loose the stock features and i am also not been able to update to 5.0... so now i will try and root my device and then try any stock modified roms...
if u have any suggestions then u r welcome to tell!!!
but the one with the best batterylife will b much appreciated!!

While I don't generally reply to "best ROM" posts, I can tell you that all the stock-based ROMs with I believe the exception of Imperium ROM are no longer supported. Since I'm not interested in keeping my S4 up to date thanks to having a newer device I threw Thor 1.5 (Android 5.0.1) on it and put it away. For a Touchwiz ROM it isn't too bad.

Then go to goldfinger custom ROM as a 4.4.2 kk.

Stock 4.2.2 to Custom 6.0.1

Hi guys. I apologize if there is already a thread similar to this one.I tried to do a search but I keep getting blank results.
I hope someone can help me.
I have a Samsung S4 I9500 Exynos with Stock 4.2.2 rom.My question are-
Can I flash a custom 6.0.1 rom directly over the 4.2.2 or will I have problems with the bootloader and kernel (modem/radio)?
I want to flash either GearCM or RR.I already have TWRP 3.2 I think and am rooted.
Or would I need to flash to Custom 5.1.1 rom first to prevent any problems?
If I need to flash 5.1.1 can someone please recommend a rom thats customizable like RR but still very stable for everyday use with minimal bugs and that includes the latest bootloader and kernel (modem\radio)?
If I like the 5.1.1 rom that you guys recommend I'll rather use it, but I like 6.0.1 UI more.
Please I will appreciate any help you guys can give me.
Thank you

You'll probably have to update the bootloader and modem before flashing a custom 5.0 or 6.0 ROM.

Ok thanks @audit much appreciated.You don't maybe know who has the latest stuff?Will it be @ALBERTO's roms?

The easiest and safest way to update the bootloader and modem world be top flash the latest stock ROM from sammobile.com with Odin. Once updated, you can flash twrp, and a custom ROM for your phone.

OS rom
Relay85 said:
Hi guys. I apologize if there is already a thread similar to this one.I tried to do a search but I keep getting blank results.
I hope someone can help me.
I have a Samsung S4 I9500 Exynos with Stock 4.2.2 rom.My question are-
Can I flash a custom 6.0.1 rom directly over the 4.2.2 or will I have problems with the bootloader and kernel (modem/radio)?
I want to flash either GearCM or RR.I already have TWRP 3.2 I think and am rooted.
Or would I need to flash to Custom 5.1.1 rom first to prevent any problems?
If I need to flash 5.1.1 can someone please recommend a rom thats customizable like RR but still very stable for everyday use with minimal bugs and that includes the latest bootloader and kernel (modem\radio)?
If I like the 5.1.1 rom that you guys recommend I'll rather use it, but I like 6.0.1 UI more.
Please I will appreciate any help you guys can give me.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me how everything goes with your Galaxy. I too have a GT-i9500 which I flash to RR it installed okay but had bugs & used up battery life quickly. So I tried to flash to my backup, which it did but it didnt like? So right now I had flash to a stock 5.0.1 rom from Sammoble to save the device. Everything is good now. I think support for this model is not good being its an international model? cheers

Thank you so much for that info @hiitsrudd.I am still searching for a rom on sammobile I could only find the latest kernel but its locked for premium users.Could you maybe send me a link for that stock rom PLEASE.Then I'll upgrade to 5.0.1 before flashing the custom one.Which RR did you flash 6.0.1 or 7.1.2?Ill gladly post how my flash went.

Relay85 said:
Thank you so much for that info @hiitsrudd.I am still searching for a rom on sammobile I could only find the latest kernel but its locked for premium users.Could you maybe send me a link for that stock rom PLEASE.Then I'll upgrade to 5.0.1 before flashing the custom one.Which RR did you flash 6.0.1 or 7.1.2?Ill gladly post how my flash went.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have info for that RR rom off hand I may may have deleted? Anyway you can sign in to SamMobile as a basic user and download the Taiwan version (I9500ZSSHQD1) its free. I've seen here as well:http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9500
cheers mate:good:

Hi @hiitsrudd thank you for that link you gave me you really are an angel from above.I found a rom in there for my country aswell thank you so much.It seems I was looking on the wrong page.Those stock roms are big 1.5gb im gonna have a hard time downloading.
@hiitsrudd have you tried this rom
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/i9500-orig-develop/5-0-cyanogenmod-12-beta-t2944968
Its in the original section and seems to have most of the bugs ironed out.Im really leaning towards downloading it and see if it works.Thanks so much for your help once again.

i9500
Relay85 said:
Hi @hiitsrudd thank you for that link you gave me you really are an angel from above.I found a rom in there for my country aswell thank you so much.It seems I was looking on the wrong page.Those stock roms are big 1.5gb im gonna have a hard time downloading.
@hiitsrudd have you tried this rom
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/i9500-orig-develop/5-0-cyanogenmod-12-beta-t2944968
Its in the original section and seems to have most of the bugs ironed out.Im really leaning towards downloading it and see if it works.Thanks so much for your help once again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's that Cyanogen mod going for ya?

Hi @hiitsrudd.Apologies for being so quite.I was exremely busy the past few weeks.Ok so i finally got some time to download that rom I mentioned to you.
I want to flash it now but I'm a bit worried.
1.When the dev posted a modem and he says flash through CWM, can I also flash it via TWRP?
2.Do I flash the modem before flashing the android rom?
3.Can I flash another updated modem instead of the one the dev used?For example there is newer modems available in the GearCM 5.1.1 can I flash that one instead?

Relay85 said:
Hi @hiitsrudd.Apologies for being so quite.I was exremely busy the past few weeks.Ok so i finally got some time to download that rom I mentioned to you.
I want to flash it now but I'm a bit worried.
1.When the dev posted a modem and he says flash through CWM, can I also flash it via TWRP?
2.Do I flash the modem before flashing the android rom?
3.Can I flash another updated modem instead of the one the dev used?For example there is newer modems available in the GearCM 5.1.1 can I flash that one instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Relay85 not sure what you mean about flashing modem? I'm under the impression that a modem would be flashed with whichever ROM you choose? I've been busy with a kindle also, let me check into this later.
Anyway I believe you have TWRP installed so you should be good to go to flash any ROM of your choice, I would flash Magisk & the Gapps for you device as well. You should be okay, I'm assuming you downloaded the latest version of this ROM, because the Developer usually does updates. happy flashing:good: I pray for rain in your region too!

I have not seen a custom ROM include a modem. The modem is usually part of the stock ROM included with downloads from sammobile.com or samsung-updates.
If you want to flash a custom ROM, I suggest flashing the latest stock ROM from sammobile.com with Odin. This will ensure that the phone is running the latest stock bootloader and modem.
I do not recommend flashing a modem unless something is not working after flashing the custom ROM and it has been stated that flashing the custom modem will not cause any future issues with other ROMs.

Yep the GT-9500 has a LTE capable factory modem which should run in the custom ROM.

Hi guys ( @hiitsrudd and @audit13 ) thanks for both your replies.Really appreciate the help you gave me.
@hiitsrudd So I never flashed the custom rom I mentioned in my previous post because I read someone complaining about battery draining problems.
I flashed this custom rom:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/i9500-develop/ressurrection-remix-m-t3404556
and I have to say its amazing.Its fast,stable, battery life is about the same as stock android but performance is better in my opinion.I have not yet experienced any of the bugs they mentioned on the thread so I guess they fixed everything.But I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed with this rom. I flashed the 5.7.4 version with gapps pico and everything works great.Im now looking for a kernel to flash just to see if I can get a bit more battery life but I'm not in a hurry cause the rom runs great as is.
I can highly recommend this rom if you are looking for something different than stock.Its really an awesome custom rom.The dev really did an amazing job with this one.I really like the startup logo aswell.Wish I had this rom on my other S4 I9505.I really miss that phone.
Anyway thanks for all your help @hiitsrudd.I really hope you give this one a shot.And I hope to speak to you again in the future.
Cheers for now.All the best to both you guys.
This thread is now closed as my questions were answered and solved.
Thanks XDA once again you made my life a bit more enjoyable.You guys help so many people, this is an AMAZING forum.

Relay85 said:
Hi guys ( @hiitsrudd and @audit13 ) thanks for both your replies.Really appreciate the help you gave me.
@hiitsrudd So I never flashed the custom rom I mentioned in my previous post because I read someone complaining about battery draining problems.
I flashed this custom rom:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/i9500-develop/ressurrection-remix-m-t3404556
and I have to say its amazing.Its fast,stable, battery life is about the same as stock android but performance is better in my opinion.I have not yet experienced any of the bugs they mentioned on the thread so I guess they fixed everything.But I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed with this rom. I flashed the 5.7.4 version with gapps pico and everything works great.Im now looking for a kernel to flash just to see if I can get a bit more battery life but I'm not in a hurry cause the rom runs great as is.
I can highly recommend this rom if you are looking for something different than stock.Its really an awesome custom rom.The dev really did an amazing job with this one.I really like the startup logo aswell.Wish I had this rom on my other S4 I9505.I really miss that phone.
Anyway thanks for all your help @hiitsrudd.I really hope you give this one a shot.And I hope to speak to you again in the future.
Cheers for now.All the best to both you guys.
This thread is now closed as my questions were answered and solved.
Thanks XDA once again you made my life a bit more enjoyable.You guys help so many people, this is an AMAZING forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Relay85 good to hear back from you Yes I will give this rom a go:good:
Peace be with you.

A500h : Do I update it to mm or keep it lp?

Hi
I just bought this phone! But it is slower than what I fought.
I Don, t know how it geta if I update it to mm or not
And I searched the forum and I could not find a stock based rim with version 5 or 6. Every custom rom was ported from xxx . How can I debloated it?
I found a screen but is for next Samsung ui version
Thank u for helping me with some answers!

AEZ_BEST said:
Hi
I just bought this phone! But it is slower than what I fought.
I Don, t know how it geta if I update it to mm or not
And I searched the forum and I could not find a stock based rim with version 5 or 6. Every custom rom was ported from xxx . How can I debloated it?
I found a screen but is for next Samsung ui version
Thank u for helping me with some answers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, I advise you to download and flash a custom NN Rom. which most of them are away better than the stock one
First: you need to flash a custom recovery
Second: download any custom ROM you like, for me I am using SEP 8.5, a Galaxy.
Third: Flashed it to your phone.
Fourth: if you don't know how to do all above. then you should watch some youtube videos.
Note: be careful to not break your phone.

Abdullahku said:
well, I advise you to download and flash a custom NN Rom. which most of them are away better than the stock one
First: you need to flash a custom recovery
Second: download any custom ROM you like, for me I am using SEP 8.5, a Galaxy.
Third: Flashed it to your phone.
Fourth: if you don't know how to do all above. then you should watch some youtube videos.
Note: be careful to not break your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't want to install custom rom for some reason like custom roms come with few or many bugs. , I advise you to update to android 6.0.1. Custom roms come with few or many bugs. As for me, I flashed a custom roms as I don't care about the bugs as they only affect features that are somewhat not important.