Database Users

[Q] 16gb specific ROMs install on 32gb or 64gb S4?

Maybe it's a stupid question to many, but... I have the chance to order a 32gb korean version of the S4 off Taobao.com, and since I live in China it's quite convenient. The only issue I have is that I refuse to use an android phone without rooting it, and I've been a happy Wanam user for a long time on my S3.
The taobao seller states that 16gb ROMs CANNOT be used for 32gb models AT ALL, but I know better than blindly trusting ignorant Chinese vendors who usually don't know what they are talking about (personal experience).
It does not matter whether it's 9500, 9505 or whatever, this seller has all the models (even 9508 dual sim), I just want to understand if SIZE is a problem or not... Will I be able to just simply root it, and keep using the stock ROM at least? Or maybe I'll even be able to install ANY 16gb ROM of my choice? Or none of the above???
Thanks!
P.S. I searched the S4 forums but found no reference at all to this question...

UoMoTaLpA said:
Maybe it's a stupid question to many, but... I have the chance to order a 32gb korean version of the S4 off Taobao.com, and since I live in China it's quite convenient. The only issue I have is that I refuse to use an android phone without rooting it, and I've been a happy Wanam user for a long time on my S3.
The taobao seller states that 16gb ROMs CANNOT be used for 32gb models AT ALL, but I know better than blindly trusting ignorant Chinese vendors who usually don't know what they are talking about (personal experience).
It does not matter whether it's 9500, 9505 or whatever, this seller has all the models (even 9508 dual sim), I just want to understand if SIZE is a problem or not... Will I be able to just simply root it, and keep using the stock ROM at least? Or maybe I'll even be able to install ANY 16gb ROM of my choice? Or none of the above???
Thanks!
P.S. I searched the S4 forums but found no reference at all to this question...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you're flashing a i9505 ROM to an i9505-like(aka U.S. Carriers variants) device, and an i9500 ROM to an i9500-like device, you'll be just fine. Don't try to flash unlike devices(i.e. i9505 to i9500) though. Best case scenario, the flash will fail. Worst case, you'll brick the device.
Internal storage capacity has never, to my knowledge, had anything to do with what you could or could not flash.

unremarked said:
As long as you're flashing a i9505 ROM to an i9505-like(aka U.S. Carriers variants) device, and an i9500 ROM to an i9500-like device, you'll be just fine. Don't try to flash unlike devices(i.e. i9505 to i9500) though. Best case scenario, the flash will fail. Worst case, you'll brick the device.
Internal storage capacity has never, to my knowledge, had anything to do with what you could or could not flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be my same guess, although the seller was adamant to the fact that it won't absolutely work (he even declared that he tried himself...). Though I agree with you, I'll wait for some concrete proof, when 32 and 64 gb versions will be more widely available, or at least until someone comes out with a first-person experience of this.
Anyway, thanks

UoMoTaLpA said:
That would be my same guess, although the seller was adamant to the fact that it won't absolutely work (he even declared that he tried himself...). Though I agree with you, I'll wait for some concrete proof, when 32 and 64 gb versions will be more widely available, or at least until someone comes out with a first-person experience of this.
Anyway, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to call the guy out... but that seller has some very funny ideas; likely he was trying to flash unlike devices. If you want further feedback, I'd suggest posting this question over in the AT&T forums since the 32gb is more widely released. Further, from my past experiences, I've successfully flashed ROMs intended for the Developer Edition(64gb) of the HTC One onto my 32gb.
Let's say, hypothetically, he's correct--the developers who create the ROMs would be required to, perhaps not by forum rules but more so out of "I'm not responsible if you do this," declare their ROMs only usable by certain phones with certain storage capacities?
I will applaud you for taking your time, reading, and doing research before jumping into the fray. Is this your first phone you've rooted?

unremarked said:
I don't want to call the guy out... but that seller has some very funny ideas; likely he was trying to flash unlike devices. If you want further feedback, I'd suggest posting this question over in the AT&T forums since the 32gb is more widely released. Further, from my past experiences, I've successfully flashed ROMs intended for the Developer Edition(64gb) of the HTC One onto my 32gb.
Let's say, hypothetically, he's correct--the developers who create the ROMs would be required to, perhaps not by forum rules but more so out of "I'm not responsible if you do this," declare their ROMs only usable by certain phones with certain storage capacities?
I will applaud you for taking your time, reading, and doing research before jumping into the fray. Is this your first phone you've rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all, I rooted my first HTC Legend years ago, then my current S3,and so on. Happy user of Wanamlite ROM on my current S3 at the moment. Anyway, I guess our idea is correct. Not to belittle the vendor's experience, but in MY experience PRC people can be quite often very ignorant, or appear so at the very least, and declare the impossibility of an action or a request just to avoid any sort of responsibility in case the crap hits the fan... Think it as a sort of "ultimate disclaimer": I told you not to do it, so if you try and break it it's your problem.
After saying all this, I guess I'm in no rush since my S3 is still working like a charm after more than one year, I'm just exploring the S4 alley since I bough a SUPERCOOL Nolan bluetooth helmet for my bike, I use 2 sim cards at the same time (1 personal=S3, 1 work=HTClegend) and the HTC Legend's bluetooth is sort of fried So I was looking for a way to upgrade things.
I'll follow your suggestion and try to post in the AT&T section as well.
Thanks!

[Q] The S5 family tree - differences?

It's been like 10+ months since the original S5 was released. Now I am talking about the SM-G900F. Cause there are so many of them, and I m a bit lost as far some of the specs are concerned. Could someone clarify things here a bit? I am a bit surprised this hasn't been discussed already...
I have done some research, and I found the following S5 "variants". I briefly mention the differences from the "base" model, namely "SM-G900F":
Samsung Galaxy S5 LTE-A SM-G901F (Europe) aka "S5 Plus"
This is one's got 805 SD, Krait 450, Adreno 420 and LTE Cat6
...vs the 801 / 400 / 330 and LTE Cat4 of the base model
Samsung Galaxy S5 Duos SM-G900FD
Same hardware as the based model but with Dual SIM support
My question here is whether the DUOS supports all the video rec modes found in the base model?
e.g. [email protected]?
Also, is the SAR measure based on both SIMS working simultaneously?
Samsung Galaxy S5 LTE-A G906S
This is shares the same hardware with the G901F (S5 Plus) but it has 3GB of RAM and that incredible 577 ppi from the same size 5.1in screen...right? Supposively exclusive for Korea only, but people say it works fine across Europe at all bands 2G, 3G, LTE...
Samsung Galaxy S5 Active SM-G870F
This one lacks the fingerprint sensor of the base model (which I honestly don't care about) and also hosts the same 16MP camera, but at a slightly less resolution i.e. 3456 x 4608 vs 5312 x 2988
There is an octa-core version of the S5, which I didn't include, as I am not interested in it, as it doesn't support LTE (???!!!)
Now, assuming all these are correct, I m still confused as to which should I chose. The S5 Plus (G901F) is good, but overshadowed by the G906S which has more RAM and a better screen.
I would like to go for the DUOS, but does it have the same camera features of the base model? Is it really as good as the base model in all other areas? Cause its exactly same size/weight, so what gives?
The S5 Active G870F was just released in Europe and it's still too expensive. Otherwise, is the camera as good as the one in the base model?
Or should I just toss everything else and go for the base model G900F, which will also save me some $$ as it's cheaper from the rest?

have a look at the development page see if there is any custom roms and support for each phone.
If you not bothered by that i would like the 3gig ram one please

Thanx juDGEY2k10 (love your avatar btw....)
I m not interested in a custom ROM or rooting the phone at the moment. I just try to make up my mind spec-wise. I too have a slight pref towards the G906S - seems like the best all-rounder
Can I ask - if you have Silent mode ON, does that still mute the camera sounds? (at least in 4.1.2 it did)
juDGEY2k10 said:
have a look at the development page see if there is any custom roms and support for each phone.
If you not bothered by that i would like the 3gig ram one please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Just tested and yes it dose mate no sound at all
jstoner said:
Thanx juDGEY2k10 (love your avatar btw....)
I m not interested in a custom ROM or rooting the phone at the moment. I just try to make up my mind spec-wise. I too have a slight pref towards the G906S - seems like the best all-rounder
Can I ask - if you have Silent mode ON, does that still mute the camera sounds? (at least in 4.1.2 it did)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Cheers mate!
Just to add up to my previous comment regarding the G906S...well it's out of my consideration. It turns out that the uprated CPU/chipset/GPU combo don't do much good to compesate for its remarkable screen, which sucks away it's juice, making it slower even compared to the original S5. OK, I d like to have that screen, but not at that cost - don't you think too?
I d rather have the 'Plus' version (G901F), which lacks the screen and that 1GB of RAM, but still has the same uprated hardware...

Is it worth the extra money ? Not looked myself but maybe the international one would be better overall if you run into any problems when and if u do want to custom it a bit.
Up to u my mate im sure other users will post their opinion
jstoner said:
Cheers mate!
Just to add up to my previous comment regarding the G906S...well it's out of my consideration. It turns out that the uprated CPU/chipset/GPU combo don't do much good to compesate for its remarkable screen, which sucks away it's juice, making it slower even compared to the original S5. OK, I d like to have that screen, but not at that cost - don't you think too?
I d rather have the 'Plus' version (G901F), which lacks the screen and that 1GB of RAM, but still has the same uprated hardware...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Was wondering...some of those phones that come as part of a network upgrade (e.g. from T-Mobile in Germany), carry network branding in the software. Like showing "T-Mobile" at phone start up. If there any way around through this? I m not talking a custom ROM, but if it's possible to get the Samsung factory/retail ROM, so that it won't have any branding or logos. Is that possible?
juDGEY2k10 said:
Is it worth the extra money ? Not looked myself but maybe the international one would be better overall if you run into any problems when and if u do want to custom it a bit.
Up to u my mate im sure other users will post their opinion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

jstoner said:
Was wondering...some of those phones that come as part of a network upgrade (e.g. from T-Mobile in Germany), carry network branding in the software. Like showing "T-Mobile" at phone start up. If there any way around through this? I m not talking a custom ROM, but if it's possible to get the Samsung factory/retail ROM, so that it won't have any branding or logos. Is that possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the brading issue, I found the following:
1. Download debranded firmware for your phone.
2. Open ODIN, boot your phone into Download mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and select the firmware in ODIN on PDA section.
4. Click Start and wait for the firmware to install.
5. Boot your phone into Recovery mode and wipe data and factory reset.
6. Reboot your phone.
OK - branding gone for now. But what happens when a new official firmware is released? Will I be able to flash directly from Samsung? Or would I have to use ODIN again? If not, how does Samsung know that this phone is tied to a specific provider? (IMEI?)

Get a stock rom flash it with odin as long as u dont root it or use a custom recovery u should be able to do OTA updates via samsung. Dont think they track the phone in that way its just down to the phone, if its been customised at all (root bla bla not supported by samsung) But you will not be on their list of people who have messed with their phones or anything like that.
jstoner said:
Regarding the brading issue, I found the following:
1. Download debranded firmware for your phone.
2. Open ODIN, boot your phone into Download mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and select the firmware in ODIN on PDA section.
4. Click Start and wait for the firmware to install.
5. Boot your phone into Recovery mode and wipe data and factory reset.
6. Reboot your phone.
OK - branding gone for now. But what happens when a new official firmware is released? Will I be able to flash directly from Samsung? Or would I have to use ODIN again? If not, how does Samsung know that this phone is tied to a specific provider? (IMEI?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yup. I m only looking for "stock" at the moment, so having OTA update capability is vital for me.
Can anyone confirm this? Someone who tried it on an S5 variant I mean...
juDGEY2k10 said:
Get a stock rom flash it with odin as long as u dont root it or use a custom recovery u should be able to do OTA updates via samsung. Dont think they track the phone in that way its just down to the phone, if its been customised at all (root bla bla not supported by samsung) But you will not be on their list of people who have messed with their phones or anything like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

New Galaxy S5?

hey!
Guys i'm very new here and I'm using galaxy s4 right now but planning to buy Galaxy S5, but i'm really confused about different models. S, H,M etc
can you help me and tell which one to buy and which one better if their's a difference. all of phones to me with different models are unlocked.
also on a side note, some friends telling me to buy Note 3 instead of Galaxy S5, said its better, i read and saw some reviews but to me seems like using S4 with screen and Spen yeah have 3 GB of ram instead of 2. but other than that nothing new to Note 3 unlike Galaxy S5, more camera features and new layout.
which one would you suggest

G900F is unlocked

what the difference between G900H, G900F Etc.. any hardware change that i should know. because in my country there is only 3G right no 4G so that wont effect my decison.

anybody????
any comments??

Google will show you everything you're asking us to find out for you

i'm not asking you for search for, i did it. Just as helping forum and one of the biggest for Android users, those who used both is their any technical, hardware differences that make one better than other?

grown ups said:
hey!
Guys i'm very new here and I'm using galaxy s4 right now but planning to buy Galaxy S5, but i'm really confused about different models. S, H,M etc
can you help me and tell which one to buy and which one better if their's a difference. all of phones to me with different models are unlocked.
also on a side note, some friends telling me to buy Note 3 instead of Galaxy S5, said its better, i read and saw some reviews but to me seems like using S4 with screen and Spen yeah have 3 GB of ram instead of 2. but other than that nothing new to Note 3 unlike Galaxy S5, more camera features and new layout.
which one would you suggest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ve sg5 g900h top device becoz sdexternal
Size ,camera ...etc
If you are good On flashs
I confirm *Detection* proposition G900F
There are lot of choice
in customs themes, kernel, recovery, roms
...etc

sdexternal??? Mean
also yes i'm new but also want to try and learn about Roms, Flashing custmom things. how to do all of these thing so, that purpose G900F is Good Right?

grown ups said:
sdexternal??? Mean
also yes i'm new but also want to try and learn about Roms, Flashing custmom things. how to do all of these thing so, that purpose G900F is Good Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sdexternal = card memory external
on port like sim card
For supplement storage :
it's economical solution you save money
But inconvenient performances
we can find sdext with
32 Go , 64 Go or 128 Go

SCH-R970X (CSpire) ROMS

Hey, Guys.
I've had this phone for a while, now. I'm pretty attached to it. I'm pretty sure I have some 2 or 3 year old posts here about this very phone.
BUT...
I haven't seen any new support for it. I'm currently running PAC-ROM, but I'm still on jellybean and while I LOVE the rom, it can be a bit glitchy (blame Tyler). I've tried flashing plenty of roms for this thing over the years. i9500's, i9505's, jfltexx's, etc. etc..... I've even gone in and added my phone's model to the rom compatability list (I'm sure there's some other technical name for it, but hey). But nothing actually work works.
Can anyone point me in the direction of some snazzy newer rom for my phone? I don't wanna go back to stock just so I can have lollipop/marshmallow.
Stock sucks.

FalseP77 said:
Hey, Guys.
I've had this phone for a while, now. I'm pretty attached to it. I'm pretty sure I have some 2 or 3 year old posts here about this very phone.
BUT...
I haven't seen any new support for it. I'm currently running PAC-ROM, but I'm still on jellybean and while I LOVE the rom, it can be a bit glitchy (blame Tyler). I've tried flashing plenty of roms for this thing over the years. i9500's, i9505's, jfltexx's, etc. etc..... I've even gone in and added my phone's model to the rom compatability list (I'm sure there's some other technical name for it, but hey). But nothing actually work works.
Can anyone point me in the direction of some snazzy newer rom for my phone? I don't wanna go back to stock just so I can have lollipop/marshmallow.
Stock sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JDC ROMs are compatible with the SCH-R970.
There doesn't seem to be any difference except for the carrier. Yours is C-Spire, and the other is US Cellular.

GDReaper said:
JDC ROMs are compatible with the SCH-R970.
There doesn't seem to be any difference except for the carrier. Yours is C-Spire, and the other is US Cellular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for replying.
US Cellular runs on a CDMA network, while CSpire runs on GSM.
Meanwhile, T-Moble ALSO uses a GSM network (every other major carrier uses CDMA), but I believe that they use a different chipset.

SM-t355Y compatibility with other roms?

Basically I looking at running a stock android experience, something akin my nexus 6p.
From what I can see, there is not much info in the way of this particular model due to whatever reason.
When I had a Xoom, I was able to flash all the different versions on it as long as I didnt care about the LTE functionality, is that the same with the tab a? (assuming all other functionality is working in the rom)

Doograwr said:
Basically I looking at running a stock android experience, something akin my nexus 6p.
From what I can see, there is not much info in the way of this particular model due to whatever reason.
When I had a Xoom, I was able to flash all the different versions on it as long as I didnt care about the LTE functionality, is that the same with the tab a? (assuming all other functionality is working in the rom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can probably use ROMs for the T350 and only lose LTE but the chance of using anything else are slim to none. Samsung's Tab A designation doesn't mean much at all. It pretty much only designates into what price category the tablet falls.

4929york said:
You can probably use ROMs for the T350 and only lose LTE but the chance of using anything else are slim to none.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know! Now, to actually root the prick, had nothing but issues with it on 7.1.1