Sad story finding out that the S7 is locked down harder than anything before. I'm still running a Note 3 that I purchased on release day, so needless to say, I've been holding out for the S7 since the S6 series didn't have SD card support.
Having had quite a few Samsung flagships over the years, I've really liked them, their speed and battery life, but having no root is a dealbreaker for me.
Things like TWRP (or MultiSystem), Cerberus, Greenify, TiBu and Xposed are essential to me. Seriously, without the ability to simply back up your current ROM or even just your apps and their data, what does everyone do when they get a new phone or some stupid update ruins what they had??
So that being said, I'm asking here if any of you are waiting it out for root before getting an S7 or if you're considering moving to another phone?
If you are thinking or have already moved to another phone, what's the best rootable phone of 2016 that has an SD card slot that is comparable to the S7?
I'm not hard to please, I just require root and an SD card slot - well, and a community of devs!
I heard there is an unlocked variant with CDMA, if not that then maybe wait it out until a root method is found.
Other options are the 5X, maybe the new G5 or the V10 if you want just root.
cadcamaro said:
I heard there is an unlocked variant with CDMA, if not that then maybe wait it out until a root method is found.
Other options are the 5X, maybe the new G5 or the V10 if you want just root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked variant with CDMA? Where did you hear this? This also doesn't guarantee Verizon will allow it on their network.
JAYNO20 said:
Unlocked variant with CDMA? Where did you hear this? This also doesn't guarantee Verizon will allow it on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read it here
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/03/18/unlocked-lg-g5-gsm-cdma/
cadcamaro said:
I read it here
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/03/18/unlocked-lg-g5-gsm-cdma/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link is all about the G5....
JAYNO20 said:
That link is all about the G5....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for some reason I thought that was the one you were interested in.
JAYNO20 said:
Unlocked variant with CDMA? Where did you hear this? This also doesn't guarantee Verizon will allow it on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm so tired of people making this comment... The law passed last year clearly stated that no phone can be block from any U.S. Network if it's not stolen, not on an agreement, and has the proper radios to support the network... That's why they can't stop nexus devices, unlocked Motorola etc. Your phone will simply show up on Verizon site as "non Verizon device" and your stupid voicemail won't work. That's what google voice is for. That's why as soon as you pay for your phone, carriers have to unlock it if you request them to do so
2swizzle said:
I'm so tired of people making this comment... The law passed last year clearly stated that no phone can be block from any U.S. Network if it's not stolen, not on an agreement, and has the proper radios to support the network... That's why they can't stop nexus devices, unlocked Motorola etc. Your phone will simply show up on Verizon site as "non Verizon device" and your stupid voicemail won't work. That's what google voice is for. That's why as soon as you pay for your phone, carriers have to unlock it if you request them to do so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are saying a Sprint phone will work on Verizon's network then? I think not.
JAYNO20 said:
So you are saying a Sprint phone will work on Verizon's network then? I think not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you miss the piece where I said the phone has to have the proper radios? Most sprint phones do not have the appropriate radios which support Verizon CDMA channels, therefore the phone wouldn't work. Phones like Nexus, Motorola, and other unlocked phones typically have the hardware to support all U.S carriers.
2swizzle said:
Did you miss the piece where I said the phone has to have the proper radios? Most sprint phones do not have the appropriate radios which support Verizon CDMA channels, therefore the phone wouldn't work. Phones like Nexus, Motorola, and other unlocked phones typically have the hardware to support all U.S carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so this post is completely useless in this section then. There isn't an unlocked variant of the s7 that will work with Verizon nor has there ever been a galaxy phone from another carrier that would work. So stop being a know it all and take you condescending attitude somewhere else. What is your deal?
JAYNO20 said:
Ok so this post is completely useless in this section then. There isn't an unlocked variant of the s7 that will work with Verizon nor has there ever been a galaxy phone from another carrier that would work. So stop being a know it all and take you condescending attitude somewhere else. What is your deal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again you are diverting from my original comment, which verizon has nothing to do with if a phone can be used on verzion, or "white listed" as you put it. For your information there's been Samsung models that would work on Verizon from Sprint but they wouldn't get the correct lte signals...
2swizzle said:
Once again you are diverting from my original comment, which verizon has nothing to do with if a phone can be used on verzion, or "white listed" as you put it. For your information there's been Samsung models that would work on Verizon from Sprint but they wouldn't get the correct lte signals...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First: I never used the words "white listed" anywhere in my posts.
Second: if they don't get the correct LTE signals then they basically don't work, lets not beat around the bush with here. Ultimately, I get what you are saying but it doesn't really matter. Other than to create an argument where there definitely doesn't need to be one your response really has no meaning in this particular thread. There are NO unlocked CDMA versions of this phone that will work on ANY other carrier and Verizon at the same time. /thread.
Can anyone tell me what an equivalent HTC, Motorola or LG phone would be that is rootable?
*Must be rootable
*Must have an SD card slot
*Hopefully has dev support for custom ROMs but isn't totally necessary since with root I can use Xposed to make it look like I want
I mean seriously, Samsung isn't the only top-tier manufacturer, why are we all addicted to this anyway? It's a great phone, I'm sure - but isn't there ANY good alternative in you guy's opinion?
I might just bite the bullet and get the S7 and hope for root, but the loss of Viper4Android would be a killer.
As a former flashaholic I have decided as long as I am on Verizon I will have to live without root especially when I got my sony z3v. I am glad I did. Flashing and setting everything up took up so much time atleast once a day at most once a week. And heaven forbid there was an issue and I would have to restore or start over. I then got a Verizon z2 tablet again without root on lollipop. This is a great phone and a worthy upgrade from my z3v. I think the line between needing and wanting features or gimmicks is getting blured.
JediDru said:
As a former flashaholic I have decided as long as I am on Verizon I will have to live without root especially when I got my sony z3v. I am glad I did. Flashing and setting everything up took up so much time atleast once a day at most once a week. And heaven forbid there was an issue and I would have to restore or start over. I then got a Verizon z2 tablet again without root on lollipop. This is a great phone and a worthy upgrade from my z3v. I think the line between needing and wanting features or gimmicks is getting blured.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damnit, you're right and I know it, I'm just fighting it.
As a complete crackflasher since 2004, I've been around the block a few times - I suppose it's just habit to "require" root.
I think the hardest things about moving to a phone that has no root is no TiBU and no Viper. Seriously, how to people back up their data without TiBU? Of course I could manually back up all my apk's that didn't come from the Google Play Store, and I could manually back up all their \Android\Data folders, but that sucks. How is it in 2016 we have apps that require root and fewer and fewer phones that allow it?
Anyway, thank you for your perspective. I think I'll end up getting an S7 anyway and if it gains root someday it's a bonus!
Related
Hello guys, is there any way I could unlock my Galaxy S IV to use internationally, other than calling to sprint getting the unlock code, because Ive already tried that and the phone has to be active at least 90 days...Please let me know if there are any other ways. I tried to search the forum first but could not find my answer. Thanks...
ajigago1 said:
Hello guys, is there any way I could unlock my Galaxy S IV to use internationally, other than calling to sprint getting the unlock code, because Ive already tried that and the phone has to be active at least 90 days...Please let me know if there are any other ways. I tried to search the forum first but could not find my answer. Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm just like you ..I bought a Galaxy S 4 from Amazon U.S. via Sprint ..I am of the population of Dubai in the Middle East ..I had never visited America ..The device does not accept any slice is Sprint slice ..I hope to resolve this issue for those who know
How many of these threads are we going to keep seeing.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
GiantJay said:
How many of these threads are we going to keep seeing.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really think about this question alot, I would say that no one has really given them a definitive answer. Now that I have helped you out with your question probably you can help these people with an answer to their woes.
Nautilusus said:
If you really think about this question alot, I would say that no one has really given them a definitive answer. Now that I have helped you out with your question probably you can help these people with an answer to their woes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really has. Just people are tired of saying NO. So the questions either get danced around of ignored. If people want to use a phone internationally, they should have gotten a GSM phone. There is a reason why CDMA phones are cheaper, especially Sprint. They only work here without any hassle. And that's never going to change. End of story.
Stealyourface said:
It really has. Just people are tired of saying NO. So the questions either get danced around of ignored. If people want to use a phone internationally, they should have gotten a GSM phone. There is a reason why CDMA phones are cheaper, especially Sprint. They only work here without any hassle. And that's never going to change. End of story.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then Sprint must stop advertising them as international devices. End of story
Stealyourface said:
It really has. Just people are tired of saying NO. So the questions either get danced around of ignored. If people want to use a phone internationally, they should have gotten a GSM phone. There is a reason why CDMA phones are cheaper, especially Sprint. They only work here without any hassle. And that's never going to change. End of story.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still......... that answer is inaccurate and condescending. Forums here are to help , just as you took the time to post........ could it have been more positive than negative? Anyway to answer the OP................ SPH-l720 is indeed a CDMA device which has a UICC/ SIM port. This port, when using the phone in CDMA mode Sprint's UICC (sim card) activates the LTE side of things. However if you can get Sprint to release the UICC card and unlock the port for GSM use, then guess what? You have a GSM abled phone that can switch back to CDMA, which in my opinion makes the SPH-L720 and the SCH-i545 trully a World phone or viable international mobile. So that takes care of that bit, the phone IS capable of GSM.
What if I am already out of the country??? You can still get it activated via Sprint international...... but this is not why you are on XDA looking for a solution. The reason why you are here is for some reason Sprint will not activate the GSM function or even calling them will not make a difference and you are looking for a software solution. Well as of the date of this post, 7/5/2013, there is none. Not to say that it will not happen but there are very few with unlocked versions of this phone to supply data needed. Usually when people get their phone's unlocked there is no need to add to the online database anymore. So have faith and patience, and I hope this helps someone and in turn someone can help me.
obender said:
Then Sprint must stop advertising them as international devices. End of story
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Click to collapse
I have to strongly disagree with you on that because:
You most definitely can use the phone internationally, albeit while paying Sprint's outrageous international roaming rates (though of course they are not the only ones who overcharge for this functionality, all carriers charge an arm and a leg for international roaming).
Sprint will unlock the phone for contracted subscribers who wish to use the phone internationally but want to avoid paying Sprint's roaming rates.
Beyond these two items, I don't see what obligation Sprint has as far as international capability on the device towards folks who are not their subscribers. I personally don't think they have any. If those folks want GSM capability, then they shouldn't buy a Sprint branded unit.
As for the other "how many of these threads are we going to have" issue... Well, I second that sentiment! What bothers me is that people are too lazy to do a search, instead opening a new thread on this question. I almost wish any time a mod sees a question like this, answer with "answered over and over before, please do a search" and lock the thread.
myphone12345 said:
I have to strongly disagree with you on that because:
You most definitely can use the phone internationally, albeit while paying Sprint's outrageous international roaming rates (though of course they are not the only ones who overcharge for this functionality, all carriers charge an arm and a leg for international roaming).
Sprint will unlock the phone for contracted subscribers who wish to use the phone internationally but want to avoid paying Sprint's roaming rates.
Beyond these two items, I don't see what obligation Sprint has as far as international capability on the device towards folks who are not their subscribers. I personally don't think they have any. If those folks want GSM capability, then they shouldn't buy a Sprint branded unit.
As for the other "how many of these threads are we going to have" issue... Well, I second that sentiment! What bothers me is that people are too lazy to do a search, instead opening a new thread on this question. I almost wish any time a mod sees a question like this, answer with "answered over and over before, please do a search" and lock the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Entrance to the rabbit hole https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHFeC8nuAhGoBP3neJLt7JHD1gKeQ
obender said:
Then Sprint must stop advertising them as international devices. End of story
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Sorry. When you sell subsidized phones and people take advantage of that and skip out on the contract, you have to cover your ass, hence the 90 day wait to establish a good pattern. I got mine unlocked in 30 days, but I've been a 20 line customer for 15+ years.
If you tried to get an intl phone on the cheap, then shame on you for not doing enough research. I would bet Verizon S4 a more expensive because they do come unlocked because of some fcc reg on the bandwidth their frequencies.
If your goal was to just use it internationally only, then you should very sucked it up and bought a gsm only phone. The Dubai guy never having stepped foot in the US should have purchased more wisely.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I called Sprint to get my phone unlocked and they did it the next day. I've been a customer for almost 2 years. I bought my phone off contract though.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
GiantJay said:
I called Sprint to get my phone unlocked and they did it the next day. I've been a customer for almost 2 years. I bought my phone off contract though.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well as you did a dump from your phone
MELVINUA said:
well as you did a dump from your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What?
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
tell us more as you sprint unblocked phone
enter code or other metods????
if the injected code. as you did * # #
MELVINUA said:
tell us more as you sprint unblocked phone
enter code or other metods????
if the injected code. as you did * # #
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
call sprint and have them unlock your phone. its the only way.
Download - modem_FLASHABLE_MDK.zip [MD5=167fcdd5bd57e4dc78946a63c8c69d46]
Download - modem_FLASHABLE_ME7.zip [MD5=02147307d65ea815fa9ba8d800d7aac9 ][/QUOTE]
vesizon modem
GiantJay said:
I called Sprint to get my phone unlocked and they did it the next day. I've been a customer for almost 2 years. I bought my phone off contract though.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please do nandroid backup ?and modem backup? i will try to flash it .
fantsay777 said:
Can you please do nandroid backup ?and modem backup? i will try to flash it .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be good
lafester said:
call sprint and have them unlock your phone. its the only way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I'm a Sprint customer and I Live in the USA. I called them and they did it for me. They said press the UICC Unlock button now and it will be done. That's it. I am baffled as to why people bought a Licked CDMA Sprint phone for international GSM use permanently just because it has GSM capabilities. They just don't understand USA carriers I guess. Lol.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
GiantJay said:
Yep. I'm a Sprint customer and I Live in the USA. I called them and they did it for me. They said press the UICC Unlock button now and it will be done. That's it. I am baffled as to why people bought a Licked CDMA Sprint phone for international GSM use permanently just because it has GSM capabilities. They just don't understand USA carriers I guess. Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phone searching gsm network in my country but phone write invalid sim.
---------- Post added at 08:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 PM ----------
GiantJay said:
Yep. I'm a Sprint customer and I Live in the USA. I called them and they did it for me. They said press the UICC Unlock button now and it will be done. That's it. I am baffled as to why people bought a Licked CDMA Sprint phone for international GSM use permanently just because it has GSM capabilities. They just don't understand USA carriers I guess. Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We need copies of your phone to take the necessary files to unlock. help me and everyone here. Make a backup of your phone
I can't seem to find any legitimate way to root my G900A from AT&T.
I was with Sprint with my S4, and never had an issue. I made the switch to AT&T before buying the S5.. Was that mistake?
In all the threads I've combed through here there is one common, glaring, issue.. The G900A is not included in the supported devices.
Am I missing something obvious or am I screwed? Or am I just looking too soon?
Already gave the S4 to my daughter.
Thanks for any information or insight.
ACiD0N said:
I can't seem to find any legitimate way to root my G900A from AT&T.
I was with Sprint with my S4, and never had an issue. I made the switch to AT&T before buying the S5.. Was that mistake?
In all the threads I've combed through here there is one common, glaring, issue.. The G900A is not included in the supported devices.
Am I missing something obvious or am I screwed? Or am I just looking too soon?
Already gave the S4 to my daughter.
Thanks for any information or insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a universal root method.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2717061
Try to talk with a recovery developer to check your partition table.
(Other variant may have matching partition table with your variant)
I guess, @PlayfulGod can help you with it.
ACiD0N said:
I can't seem to find any legitimate way to root my G900A from AT&T.
I was with Sprint with my S4, and never had an issue. I made the switch to AT&T before buying the S5.. Was that mistake?
In all the threads I've combed through here there is one common, glaring, issue.. The G900A is not included in the supported devices.
Am I missing something obvious or am I screwed? Or am I just looking too soon?
Already gave the S4 to my daughter.
Thanks for any information or insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SandeepEmekar said:
Here is a universal root method.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2717061
Try to talk with a recovery developer to check your partition table.
(Other variant may have matching partition table with your variant)
I guess, @PlayfulGod can help you with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure eventually a root method will come about for that model. Unfortunately tho, the vzw & att models have a locked bootloader and most likely locked down with knox as well and currently no way to boot custom recoveries or kernels.
PlayfulGod said:
I'm sure eventually a root method will come about for that model. Unfortunately tho, the vzw & att models have a locked bootloader and most likely locked down with knox as well and currently no way to boot custom recoveries or kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@PlayfulGod is absolutely right. Even if an exploit is found for the AT&T or Verizon models, it is unlikely that you'll ever have full root access - thanks to the combination of locked bootloaders, KNOX, and SELinux.
Check your contract - most carriers have a 14-day "buyer's remorse" period in which you can return your handset. You might be faced with a $35-$50 "restocking fee", but depending on how desperate you are for custom ROMs and/or Recovery, it may be worth it to you. Please note that your carrier may try everything they can to stop you from leaving (in terms of talking you out of it). Your contact with AT&T should also have a "back-out" period of 30 days (unless that's changed recently).
Couple other notes:
1) That's the primary reason I switched from AT&T to TMO when I jumped from the S4 to the S5 - I was sick of locked bootloaders. Otherwise, I really just like TMO a lot more as a company, including some of their political standpoints.
2) I've heard of several people now buying TMO S5's and taking them over to AT&T. It's a lot of money up front, but might be worth it to you.
Good luck.
Thanks guys
Thank you for the informative replies. They confirmed what I had already gathered, piece by piece, in a decent comprehensive manner so I appreciate it.
Unfortunately, this time around we gamed the system a bit and went in on this as a 'group' for the services and phones. As far as I can tell, as an individual, I don't have any options of returning the unit in favor of moving to another provider.
Besides that, I finally have good service where I live. I am in the middle of a city but my actual home was in a crap spot with Sprint. After doing research we found that we'd all have great service with AT&T. If the trade-off is no root, so be it I suppose. (Though I have heard that T-Mo has the same service in the same areas due to using the same connectivity)
The knox deal doesn't concern me so much.. This may be a bit cocky (and a little stupid), but I have yet to have to replace a galaxy since they started putting them out *knock on wood*. But it sounds like that's only one issue in a sea of others.
Long-winded story short, Thanks guys. I am much more informed on my situation than before. :good:
ACiD0N said:
I can't seem to find any legitimate way to root my G900A from AT&T.
I was with Sprint with my S4, and never had an issue. I made the switch to AT&T before buying the S5.. Was that mistake?
In all the threads I've combed through here there is one common, glaring, issue.. The G900A is not included in the supported devices.
Am I missing something obvious or am I screwed? Or am I just looking too soon?
Already gave the S4 to my daughter.
Thanks for any information or insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I expressly bought a G900W8 model because of the locked bootloader issue with AT&T. I've come from Verizon on the S4, and I wasn't doing the whole locked thing again - it was annoying and I just wasn't going to have it. What I did was buy an S5 from AT&T on a $25/month installment plan, turn around and sold it on Swappa for full price, and bought an unlocked W8 model the same day. I payed virtually nothing except shipping, I get a nice unlocked phone ready for AOSP when it comes out, and I didn't have to pay the ridiculous $650 price for what would be essentially a developer unlocked phone.
If your phone is still new and you think you could sell it and get mint condition pricing on it, do your research on the G900T model. That's TMobile's phone, but it has an unlocked bootloader, can be rooted/flashed/whatever you like, and if I remember correctly (please someone correct me if I'm wrong), it works on all the bands that AT&T does and will be virtually the same as far as mobile data goes. If you already have your service activated on your current AT&T phone, you can literally just swap the SIM card out and you shouldn't have any issues after that. There might be a little caveat as far as having an AT&T SIM in a Tmo phone, but as far as I've read on the forum, this is very easy to get past; you may very well not have any problems whatsoever.
You could look for the W8 model, which wouldn't have any carrier branding on it, but those were hard to come by for me on Swappa, and the unlocked listing the main page gives you is for a phone that doesn't support 4G.
So like I said, if you think you could sell it, and you find a good listing on Swappa for an unlocked phone, I say go for it. Having an unlocked bootloader is going to put your device in a good place as far as updates go, and once developers start pushing out polished custom ROMs, you'll be happy to use your device for longer than the year's use that is generally expected.
So my question is quite simple, and before I get flamed, yes I have tried searching. I don't think I'm typing the correct sequence of words if there is already something on this. I never post obviously, I normally creep and derive my answers that way. Obvious again that I've been here since 2012
My question is if there is a way / guide to overwrite/reprogram the phone with the AT&T firmware and software and replace the Verizon that is currently on the device. I brought the phone over from Verizon to AT&T and there are just a couple complications that are just a bother and Just over it.
I would appreciate any guidance and information any of you could provide on the subject.
RonniEdwards said:
So my question is quite simple, and before I get flamed, yes I have tried searching. I don't think I'm typing the correct sequence of words if there is already something on this. I never post obviously, I normally creep and derive my answers that way. Obvious again that I've been here since 2012
My question is if there is a way / guide to overwrite/reprogram the phone with the AT&T firmware and software and replace the Verizon that is currently on the device. I brought the phone over from Verizon to AT&T and there are just a couple complications that are just a bother and Just over it.
I would appreciate any guidance and information any of you could provide on the subject.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if you can from a user stand point but when I was shopping around t-mobile store told me they would copy their firmware onto the phone so I could try their network. You may need to go to a store and talk to someone.
Since Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, I am not sure a simple firmware update is all that is needed to switch.
supersnackbar said:
Since Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, I am not sure a simple firmware update is all that is needed to switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought but they insisted they could do it. Maybe since there is a Sim slot it's easier on the the 3's.
Years ago you could almost swap sim cards and be good. Idk about it anymore. I think you would have to take all the system files/partitions and the radio and swap them for the carriers. Im sure someone else whos more, but i think it would be unreasonably hard to do.
Sent From My Galaxy Note 3
This thread is moving to T-Mobile, but the concept is the same for AT&T
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2582747
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk
i believe that some services would work as the phone has some radios in it for the att bands, but you would be better off trading for an att version. swappa has stuff like that all the time to straight trade
Getting service to work and getting 4Glte was no issue. That just required me to manually input APNs that were AT&T specific and presto I have service and all that jazz. My issue is a couple of other small things that really aren't big hut just thst, annoying. That's why I was seeing about the software and firmware being flashed into the device.
I'm considering purchase of a US996. I'm considering this model as I may want to change from AT&T to Verizon. Data from AT&T where I live is VERY slow.
At any rate, I would like to hear from folks with this model on each carrier, and if all seems well for you or not.
Any input appreciated.
ewingr said:
I'm considering purchase of a US996. I'm considering this model as I may want to change from AT&T to Verizon. Data from AT&T where I live is VERY slow.
At any rate, I would like to hear from folks with this model on each carrier, and if all seems well for you or not.
Any input appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love it on At&t. I live where i only get about 2 bars but i do get 4g lte so its not slow. I havent had any issues at all. Idk about verizon though.
Thanks for that reply.
ewingr said:
I'm considering purchase of a US996. I'm considering this model as I may want to change from AT&T to Verizon. Data from AT&T where I live is VERY slow.
At any rate, I would like to hear from folks with this model on each carrier, and if all seems well for you or not.
Any input appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use it on Verizon, only issue i had was the google messenger app wouldn't send mms's. changed to textra and that sorted it. other wise it's great!
lingo2012 said:
Love it on At&t. I live where i only get about 2 bars but i do get 4g lte so its not slow. I havent had any issues at all. Idk about verizon though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My experience has been exactly the same.
I use it on Verizon using Weta Rom and it's amazing. Everything works.
chispa9 said:
I use it on Verizon using Weta Rom and it's amazing. Everything works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WETA Rom is for 918...So it works fine on the 996 then I guess.
Is it generally expected that you can put 918 Rooms PM the 996?
ewingr said:
WETA Rom is for 918...So it works fine on the 996 then I guess.
Is it generally expected that you can put 918 Rooms PM the 996?
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Actually Weta Rom is for the 996 as welll. Don't try to put a rom for another device on it lol.
Oh. I looked before posting and didn't fond it. But it's good to hear there is now more than one ROM for it.
chispa9 said:
I use it on Verizon using Weta Rom and it's amazing. Everything works.
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I now have one on order.
Activation/IEMI setup
Did you have any issues getting Verizon to get the 996 working? I've read about issues with other folks (likely other phones) getting them to recognize / setup the IMEI on their network.
Weta Rom
I've read a lot of the Weta thread. Being totally unfamiliar with the V20, I can't relate to the 'improvments' of the ROM.
Can anyone give me a few points about the benefit of changing to Weta from stock?
I had no problem getting the nano-SIM card from Verizon. Then the only carrier related problem was getting Advanced Calling to work. The bottom line there was to turn off WiFi when you call Verizon to have AC enabled.
Getting the 996 bootloader unlocked was a real pain for me but I think the problem was PC related. When I finally got it to recognize the phone in adb mode all went well. I would advise to unlock/root right away as the process completely wipes any changes you have made.
My overall experience with the 996 is that it is a fantastic phone that I am very happy with. I thought nothing would be able to top my G3 vs985 but I was wrong. I was worried about the size of the 996 but am totally used to it now. Enjoy yours!
PhoneBill said:
I had no problem getting the nano-SIM card from Verizon. Then the only carrier related problem was getting Advanced Calling to work. The bottom line there was to turn off WiFi when you call Verizon to have AC enabled.
Getting the 996 bootloader unlocked was a real pain for me but I think the problem was PC related. When I finally got it to recognize the phone in adb mode all went well. I would advise to unlock/root right away as the process completely wipes any changes you have made.
My overall experience with the 996 is that it is a fantastic phone that I am very happy with. I thought nothing would be able to top my G3 vs985 but I was wrong. I was worried about the size of the 996 but am totally used to it now. Enjoy yours!
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I really appreciate your feedback.
I'm wondering one thing related to rooting and warranty. Of course, LG voids warranty if it is unlocked. I see folks posting about restoring to complete stock in case of warranty needs. But, from what I can tell, the only way to unlock the bootloader is via the LG site, and it looks like you have to provide phone info...so they would know you are unlocking the phone. Seems to me it would then be flagged as voided warranty.
Any input on that?
Since the "dirty" exploits unlock the bootloaders of carrier branded and usually cheaper variants, I assume you bought the US996 for its LG sanctioned unlock ability and were willing to forego any warranty. I advised unlocking right away but if you don't personalize the phone very much at first, you may want to wait a week or so to get by the infant mortality period. I waited a month. My phone had upgraded to US99610f before I unlocked it so that was not a problem.
The LG official unlocking process inserts a nag screen at boot up that warns that the phone cannot be checked for vulnerabilities. I don't believe there is any way to remove this even if you somehow are able to get the phone in otherwise original condition - but I may be wrong. I don't know what the "dirty" exploits cause, if anything non-stock, on boot up. If warranty is important to you, check out the dirtycow exploit to see what you can find out about completely reversing the unlocking process, including any nag screen.
The only things I hope come along in the future for this phone are the Xposed framework and a mod to enable fm radio, assuming all the necessary hardware is present. Then I would have a perfect phone instead of nearly perfect.
The main reason I am getting the 996 is so that I can put it on either Verizon OR AT&T if I change my mind on carrier.
I haven't had to use warranty often. I may check into 'insurance'.
PhoneBill said:
The only things I hope come along in the future for this phone are the Xposed framework and a mod to enable fm radio, assuming all the necessary hardware is present. Then I would have a perfect phone instead of nearly perfect.
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Yessss! The lack of FM radio kills me considering the carrier versions have it. Like WTF LG?
RichBordoni said:
Yessss! The lack of FM radio kills me considering the carrier versions have it. Like WTF LG?
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Any progress on this?
Creed14 said:
Any progress on this?
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Not that I'm aware of unfortunately...
RichBordoni said:
Yessss! The lack of FM radio kills me considering the carrier versions have it. Like WTF LG?
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I thought the v20 had FM, which ones don't?
affald said:
I thought the v20 had FM, which ones don't?
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Well I know the unlocked version doesn't because that's what I have. As for the carrier models, you'll have to check each one individually and make sure. I'm not positive that all of the carrier models have it, I think maybe one (Verizon?) has it disabled. Could definitely be wrong about that though.
Makes literally no sense why they wouldn't include FM on the unlocked version...
Plausible? I ask because I see a lot of American variant threads ETA's quite high due to a locked bootloader. Would we get these problems as well up there in the North?
Yes we're just as fcuked.
Last year Canada got Exynos variant with bootloader unlock, but this year Canadians are getting Snapdragon. Plus, rumors are maybe even the Exynos variants do not have bootloader unlock this year. We are waiting to see.
ChazzMatt said:
Last year Canada got Exynos variant with bootloader unlock, but this year Canadians are getting Snapdragon. Plus, rumors are maybe even the Exynos variants do not have bootloader unlock this year. We are waiting to see.
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Yup and if my exynos is boot-loader locked, that's a definite return!
cantenna said:
Yup and if my exynos is boot-loader locked, that's a definite return!
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Got my phone and it was a Snapdragon Im from Toronto Canada.. WTF why are we getting crappy US chip.
gemini002 said:
Got my phone and it was a Snapdragon Im from Toronto Canada.. WTF why are we getting crappy US chip.
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Because Canada is basically U.S. 51st state. Except for the French parts. You can keep those.
The reason is your carriers control the market and they don't want you to do whatever you want with your phone, that kind of thing cuts into profits. You share this with your friends in the US who also suffer carrier control of the market. Oligopolies are good for billionaires, not so much for consumers.
Give it 3-6 months and I'm sure we will get root like the US spec S7 did with the engineering bootloader. That said, if you search you can still do a lot of stuff you thought you needed root for. I haven't had a rooted device since my S6 and the only thing I really miss is Viper4Android, and Adaway. And this is coming from someone that would flash new roms multiple times a day. Trust me it is hard, but I kind of like the challenge to find workarounds without root. I guess I'm weird like that.
nappent said:
Give it 3-6 months and I'm sure we will get root like the US spec S7 did with the engineering bootloader. That said, if you search you can still do a lot of stuff you thought you needed root for. I haven't had a rooted device since my S6 and the only thing I really miss is Viper4Android, and Adaway. And this is coming from someone that would flash new roms multiple times a day. Trust me it is hard, but I kind of like the challenge to find workarounds without root. I guess I'm weird like that.
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Ya I have noot rooted since s5 . Phones are so fast now only thing is adaway miss that.
---------- Post added at 03:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:44 AM ----------
ChazzMatt said:
Because Canada is basically U.S. 51st state. Except for the French parts. You can keep those.
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lol
What is the model number in Canada?
nappent said:
Give it 3-6 months and I'm sure we will get root like the US spec S7 did with the engineering bootloader. That said, if you search you can still do a lot of stuff you thought you needed root for. I haven't had a rooted device since my S6 and the only thing I really miss is Viper4Android, and Adaway. And this is coming from someone that would flash new roms multiple times a day. Trust me it is hard, but I kind of like the challenge to find workarounds without root. I guess I'm weird like that.
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Fairly new to this, but I always thought custom ROMs required root?
ChazzMatt said:
Because Canada is basically U.S. 51st state. Except for the French parts. You can keep those.
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says the dumb ignorant redneck. I blame your parents for your ignorance and stupidity.
gemini002 said:
Got my phone and it was a Snapdragon Im from Toronto Canada.. WTF why are we getting crappy US chip.
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ChazzMatt said:
Because Canada is basically U.S. 51st state. Except for the French parts. You can keep those.
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Relayers said:
says the dumb ignorant redneck. I blame your parents for your ignorance and stupidity.
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Hmmmm... You didn't use a smiley face like I did.
Nevertheless, Samsung is lumping Canada in with U.S. this year. Go talk to them.
Last year Canada got Exynos variant.
ChazzMatt said:
Because Canada is basically U.S. 51st state. Except for the French parts. You can keep those.
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Speaking as a proud Canadian: please take the French parts.
hemlock_0 said:
Speaking as a proud Canadian: please take the French parts.
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We in the U.S. already have some French:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_French
But they didn't try to split the country in half, like in Canada. Nor did they demand bilingual signage...
Besides it was a joke reference.
More likely the shared Snapdragon chipset is for possible roaming ability on Verizon or Sprint networks for Canadians who cross the border for vacation or business reasons. Snapdragon has the CDMA bands, while Exynos does not. I haven't researched it, but surely some of the Canadian carriers have roaming agreements with U.S. carriers? Including probably Verizon and Sprint.
n-j-f said:
What is the model number in Canada?
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SM-G955W for the S8+
n-j-f said:
What is the model number in Canada?
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Purchased from Fido in Canada:
Samsung Galaxy S8 SM-G950W
Android 7.0
Kernel 4.4.16-11449429
Baseband G950WVLS1AQF7
...which does not show OEM Unlock under Developer Options.
Chiming in as have the Canadian Telus Variant need root desperately. The ad "experience" is akin to a browser hijack. Feeling like Samsung actually give zero effs about me as a human... Or think I'm stupid. Or both.
GS955W is the model. It's a Qualcomm chipset. May return this if I can't root unless anyone knows how to get an adaware type experience, and remove/freeze bloatware without root?
britboy1976 said:
Chiming in as have the Canadian Telus Variant need root desperately. The ad "experience" is akin to a browser hijack. Feeling like Samsung actually give zero effs about me as a human... Or think I'm stupid. Or both.
GS955W is the model. It's a Qualcomm chipset. May return this if I can't root unless anyone knows how to get an adaware type experience, and remove/freeze bloatware without root?
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Bx package disabler and adguard work great without root
Anyone know if there's a root for this model yet?