Database Users

[Q] Verizon Developer Edition

Ok, so I hope in my searching I didn't miss the answer to my question.
I'm looking at getting the S5 Verizon Developer Edition. I contacted Samsung (no, I don't know why I bothered). I wanted to know if download booster was blocked like on the regular version, what their return policy was, if the electric blue would be an option, what unlocking/rooting would require, etc.
My main question was about the rooting/unlocking and the download booster. Does anyone know what it takes to root/unlock the developer edition? I know it's not locked down like the normal version...but I don't know if it's an option you can just select or if I'd have to find a root/unlock here on XDA.
Any/all info on what the developer edition differences really are would be greatly appreciated!

I contacted them again today to ask. They are now telling me they do believe that Download booster is enabled. BUT...they're telling me I can only return the device if it's new and unopened. I am worried what if I have any issues with activation (which would require me to open the box...duh). They have transferred my call to 4 departments, and no one is sure if they would allow a return under those circumstances. I really don't want to spend $600 on a phone that I can't do anything with.
Does anyone here have any experience with the S5 developer edition??

Not sure if anyone reading this thread is interested as I've gotten no posts, but I did get an official reply directly from Samsung's offices (from the President's office to be exact).
Hello Mr. ____,
Thank you for your inquiry. Please see below responses to the concerns you have inquired about:
“does Download Booster work on this device as Verizon disabled it on their version?” -> The software on the device behaves the same as the consumer version of the Verizon GS5.
“does unlocking the device void the warrantee?” -> The device comes with an unlocked bootloader, the warranty is a 30 day hardware warranty or until the device has been modified beyond factory specifications. If the device requires service we will be able to provide a service estimate on repairs requires outside of the 30 day warranty period.
“My question is if I get the device and Verizon is unable to activate it on their network (which would require me to open the box to test this), can I return it?” ->For this reason the restocking fee can be waived on a case by case basis.
Best Regards,
Office of the President
Samsung Telecommunications America

smokeydriver said:
Not sure if anyone reading this thread is interested as I've gotten no posts, but I did get an official reply directly from Samsung's offices (from the President's office to be exact).
Hello Mr. ____,
Thank you for your inquiry. Please see below responses to the concerns you have inquired about:
“does Download Booster work on this device as Verizon disabled it on their version?” -> The software on the device behaves the same as the consumer version of the Verizon GS5.
“does unlocking the device void the warrantee?” -> The device comes with an unlocked bootloader, the warranty is a 30 day hardware warranty or until the device has been modified beyond factory specifications. If the device requires service we will be able to provide a service estimate on repairs requires outside of the 30 day warranty period.
“My question is if I get the device and Verizon is unable to activate it on their network (which would require me to open the box to test this), can I return it?” ->For this reason the restocking fee can be waived on a case by case basis.
Best Regards,
Office of the President
Samsung Telecommunications America
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Thanks for going through the trouble of contacting Samsung on this. I am generally concerned with the ability to root, and of course activate on Verizon network (???). I never thought activation would even be a question. Do you have anything that instigated that concern or are you just being thorough?

EnigmaRaptor said:
Thanks for going through the trouble of contacting Samsung on this. I am generally concerned with the ability to root, and of course activate on Verizon network (???). I never thought activation would even be a question. Do you have anything that instigated that concern or are you just being thorough?
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No, I didn't have a reason to think the activation wouldn't work other than being cautious.
I just know that when you buy an item and there are no returns once opened, I get worried that when some other company gets involved, it'll become a blame game and Verizon would say "We didn't sell it".
The more I play with other peoples S5's, the less I see a need to upgrade personally though. I'm running a great ROM right now on my Galaxy Nexus. I just want a phone that as everything, and his (and all phones) seem to be lacking in a few areas. I really wish I could just call them (Samsung, HTC, etc.) to tell them what I want in my phone!

smokeydriver said:
No, I didn't have a reason to think the activation wouldn't work other than being cautious.
I just know that when you buy an item and there are no returns once opened, I get worried that when some other company gets involved, it'll become a blame game and Verizon would say "We didn't sell it".
The more I play with other peoples S5's, the less I see a need to upgrade personally though. I'm running a great ROM right now on my Galaxy Nexus. I just want a phone that as everything, and his (and all phones) seem to be lacking in a few areas. I really wish I could just call them (Samsung, HTC, etc.) to tell them what I want in my phone!
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I am surprised that you can live with the Galaxy Nexus. I have one as well (with Verizon's extended battery), and the battery life is completely abysmal. the GS5 is a new world of long battery life and I can actually turn on ALL of the features I wan't without being chained to a charging cord. I had a retail S5 for about 3 weeks before selling it to pay for my Dev version. It was a monumental upgrade over my GNex in every regard, except I missed rooting too much to keep it.

Yeah, I hate the battery life. I have 2 of the extended batteries, and I keep one in my pocket at all times. The batter life is a joke...between waking up and leaving the house an hour later, I can be down to 70% battery life fairly often.
I do want the battery life of the newer high end devices (S5, M8), but I'm hoping the S5 active has everything I really want (3 GB RAM, image stabilization, Snapdragon 805, replaceable battery, memory card slot, etc. etc. etc).

[Q] Why does this guy want money to "fix" my Note 3?

I have a Note 3 from my old, expired, contract with Sprint. I'm still shopping around for a better carrier in my area. In the mean time I opened service with a company called Metro PCS. As a side note this also lets me evaluate T-mobile's network (since I believe they are on the same network).
An employee at the local dealership checked out my Note 3 and said it would totally work with their network, IF I payed him $75 to do some "magic" to the phone. Ok then... He promised it worked and had a few examples on a shelf that he'd worked on for others to show me.
I got him to lower the price to $40 and signed my phone over (I'm not kidding, I made him sign an agreement...as legal as that really is xD), then a couple days later he tells me he can't set it up because it's running the custom cyanogen rom I have on it.
Now I'm wondering two things....
Why would my rom cause an issue???
And wtf was he going to do anyways???
I work 5 days a week and don't have much free time to screw with all of this stuff. That's a big reason I was down to shell out some cash for it to just "work".
Does anyone have any clue what this dude was up to? And what should I do next?
Thanks folks!
P.S. I'd re-install stock rom if it wasn't such a piece of s#!t

Maybe he would flash some files that could open for your new network. And it was made for stock roms? That's why he can't do it for you on CM.
Get your phone back.
Maybe some one can help you here with unlocking your device.

jcanuet said:
I have a Note 3 from my old, expired, contract with Sprint. I'm still shopping around for a better carrier in my area. In the mean time I opened service with a company called Metro PCS. As a side note this also lets me evaluate T-mobile's network (since I believe they are on the same network).
An employee at the local dealership checked out my Note 3 and said it would totally work with their network, IF I payed him $75 to do some "magic" to the phone. Ok then... He promised it worked and had a few examples on a shelf that he'd worked on for others to show me.
I got him to lower the price to $40 and signed my phone over (I'm not kidding, I made him sign an agreement...as legal as that really is xD), then a couple days later he tells me he can't set it up because it's running the custom cyanogen rom I have on it.
Now I'm wondering two things....
Why would my rom cause an issue???
And wtf was he going to do anyways???
I work 5 days a week and don't have much free time to screw with all of this stuff. That's a big reason I was down to shell out some cash for it to just "work".
Does anyone have any clue what this dude was up to? And what should I do next?
Thanks folks!
P.S. I'd re-install stock rom if it wasn't such a piece of s#!t
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He probably is charging for the network unlock code.

For those wondering if the N6 will work on Verizon....

I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!

J.Guido85 said:
I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!
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Im one of the many americans who live nearly paycheck to paycheck and cant afford to pay 649 for a phone off contract, sure id love to just not feasible in my current situation. 199 on contract is perfect for me because i can sell my galaxy s4 for around that and not have to pay any "out of pocket" i know in the end im paying more but this is just easier for me, than dropping 649 all at once. With that being said im gonna start saving for it and if verzion decides to delay that long i will purchase from google.

seems like tmobile is the only carrier i can see offering this on the home screen of their site.

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/10/31/nexus-6-working-on-verizon-out-of-the-box/
or there is this...

This does not answer the question that MOST people need answered....... We don't care if the play store version will work on Verizon......most people aren't buying the play store version outright.... We need to know if the Verizon version will be locked down..... Just because it's the same hardware doesn't mean that Verizon doesn't get Motorola to flash their own version of firmware that locks out the ability to unlock the bootloader!

anthonyg45157 said:
Im one of the many americans who live nearly paycheck to paycheck and cant afford to pay 649 for a phone off contract, sure id love to just not feasible in my current situation. 199 on contract is perfect for me because i can sell my galaxy s4 for around that and not have to pay any "out of pocket" i know in the end im paying more but this is just easier for me, than dropping 649 all at once. With that being said im gonna start saving for it and if verzion decides to delay that long i will purchase from google.
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You're actually saving money by buying a phone on contract if you are going to use it on Verizon. The only way you save money is paying full retail and then going with a cheaper pre-paid carrier.

Ive pestered verizon online and over the phone and can't get a straight answer if they will ever carry it. Im hoping we hear something offical. From a business standpoint I can see why they would delay it. But thats TERRIBLE for customers but verizon always gets the last word as seen in all previous situations. Im fine to wait until end of Novemeber but any longer I may switch carriers. Might even be some black Friday deals

I think the nexus 6 sold by verizon most likely is a locked phone, which is why verizon store is selling the phone later than other carrier for they need to patched the phone.

polke45 said:
I think the nexus 6 sold by verizon most likely is a locked phone, which is why verizon store is selling the phone later than other carrier for they need to patched the phone.
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I doubt it. Verizon's other high end phones have been GSM unlocked for the most part.

Verizon actually would take the least issue with selling a GSM unlocked device.
All of their LTE devices are sold GSM unlocked.
Because of the compatibility, this appears to be the first device they'll ever truly allow in a "bring your own device" fashion without pre-approving the IMEI in their database. It's good to see, and it makes sense with the push to sign customers up on Edge and the lack of contracts now.

Take it for what it's worth and with a hefty dose of salt, but someone claims to have spoken with their friend who's a network engineer and it sounds dodgy:
http://www.reddit.com/r/nexus6/comments/2lhrm2/detailed_information_on_status_of_the_nexus_6_and/
Sounds like while it may work right out of the box with an existing nano sim, you may be screwed without an existing activated nano sim. Furthermore, it sounds like the delayed release on Verizon (check out the individual page now which only mentions T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular) may be because Verizon is trying to change the terms of the agreement and try to get software specific to them and they may pull a Nexus One and drop it entirely.
I'm a bit concerned that even if I can get it to work from the day my GPS version arrives, they can at any time decide to block it and I'll have a phone I can't use on Verizon. If they pull that ****, I'll probably just leave for AT&T anyway, but the risk is still there.
Until Verizon officially announces something or is selling the device, those of us with a play store or motorola.com phone we've purchased are taking a risk it may not work or may work for a while and then stop working. And if Verizon decides not to "play ball" then what happens with radio updates? If there are radio bugs, we're screwed because they'd have to go through Verizon for that wouldn't they?

It would make sense if they didn't allow any unlockable bootloader phone on their network. But they are allowing Samsung to sell a dev edition Note 4.

Mayze23 said:
It would make sense if they didn't allow any unlockable bootloader phone on their network. But they are allowing Samsung to sell a dev edition Note 4.
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Like anything Verizon does makes logical sense?

J.Guido85 said:
I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!
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Click to collapse
Just spoke with a Moto Rep and he assured me I'll have no problem activating on VZW. Seems like good news... now... white or blue.

Coop9 said:
Just spoke with a Moto Rep and he assured me I'll have no problem activating on VZW. Seems like good news... now... white or blue.
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Regarding the earlier point about whether Verizon will even carry the Nexus 6, I spent some time today at a local Verizon store looking at what my choices might be (like the Droid Turbo) if the Nexus 6 doesn't appear and asked specifically to the availability/timing of the Nexus 6 at Verizon. The manager wasn't aware of any date but did indicate they might not even carry it if the phone couldn't pass the Verizon testing and approval process. Not a answer that gives a great deal of hope but at least I didn't get the entire denial of any knowledge of status.
Sent from my Surface Pro 3 using Tapatalk

If vzw pulls a nexus one to htc incredible or black list imes why don't people organize and protest the fcc. Vzw is a carrier. We should have any device on their network as long as it's not harmful and they must prove harm case by case.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

You would think someone would be in some deep **** if a bunch of us buy it for Verizon and then can't use it, especially when it says Verizon right on the Google play page and numerous of Google and Motorola employees confirming it works. I know were all tense about this but I really believe were all worrying to much. I know Verizons history as much as anyone so can't blame u but I say were gonna be alright.

INCREMENTAL said:
You would think someone would be in some deep **** if a bunch of us buy it for Verizon and then can't use it, especially when it says Verizon right on the Google play page and numerous of Google and Motorola employees confirming it works. I know were all tense about this but I really believe were all worrying to much. I know Verizons history as much as anyone so can't blame u but I say were gonna be alright.
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There's nothing on Google Play store saying it works on Verizon BTW... Not sure where you saw that... Unfortunately VZW can carry or not carry any phone they want.

bossei said:
There's nothing on Google Play store saying it works on Verizon BTW... Not sure where you saw that... Unfortunately VZW can carry or not carry any phone they want.
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It is on the specs page as well as the device page (their logo) and was also mentioned on their blog or whatever. If it's all just to say it's /could/ work, then Google should honor returns well past the 14-day period because it sure as hell is misleading as hell.

jkc120 said:
It is on the specs page as well as the device page (their logo) and was also mentioned on their blog or whatever. If it's all just to say it's /could/ work, then Google should honor returns well past the 14-day period because it sure as hell is misleading as hell.
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Interesting; I don't see any of that here.

Samsung Galaxy yearly upgrade

Messaged VZW On FB. Asked about my "upgrade" since we are almost forced to change phones. Was told if I downgrade aka upgrade to a s7 edge I would waste my upgrade. And be locked into the device agreement on that phone. Then asked about the yearly Galaxy upgrade she send me the link and after reading into it we are no longer eligible. As of 9/10/16 we cannot be apart of this. Took a screenshot of it. So I expressed my feelings to vzw. They didn't have much to say about wasting a downgrade and if we would be eligible for early upgrade due to our situation. Might go to BB For that TV. And the $100 for swapping to another Samsung.

I never knew this was a thing. And now I'm sad. They're really going to have to re-think our ineligibility now that we're being forced to switch devices. They should really honor the original purchase date on the first round of Note 7s so that people who pre-ordered or received a Note 7 before the 9/10/16 date would be included if they ended up switching to an S7 or S7E because of the recall.

Exactly why I'm not giving up my note 7. We essentially get screwed over. It's bullish!t

Use the carrier switching technology..
Switch to Tmobile or ATT and then switch back.. Yes a bit of hassle but you get a new phone of your choice..
This does not apply to people on the older (read unavailable/legacy) plans..

Yes there's always that option lol!

I ordered the S7 Edge thinking I was good to upgrade in a year. When I saw this I called to cancel and the Verizon rep said even if I took the S7 as my upgrade I'd still be eligible to upgrade later at any time because they haulted/ saved all upgrades due to the recall. I asked if he could email that to me, he said he can't email out but would save the notes and give me his user Id. I went ahead and canceled anyway, screw the useless credits, I want my Note and the ability to upgrade later.

I just left a store, I went to inquire about swapping out to a s7 edge or possibly a note 5. My question was if say in 3 months a phone came out that I actually wanted, would I be able to upgrade without penalty.
So after chatting for about 5 minutes with the manager, I don't get an answer to my actual question, but am told that I can call customer service and I "SHOULD" be able to upgrade to a s7e with no penalty for this swap. However if i wanted to (upgrade in store) I would have to pay the balance of my note 7 up to half of the total value.
WHAT!
So for a DOWNGRADE I don't want, that I'm basically being forced to take I would have to pay off half the phone you say I must return to you?
Wth

shizumie said:
I just left a store, I went to inquire about swapping out to a s7 edge or possibly a note 5. My question was if say in 3 months a phone came out that I actually wanted, would I be able to upgrade without penalty.
So after chatting for about 5 minutes with the manager, I don't get an answer to my actual question, but am told that I can call customer service and I "SHOULD" be able to upgrade to a s7e with no penalty for this swap. However if i wanted to (upgrade in store) I would have to pay the balance of my note 7 up to half of the total value.
WHAT!
So for a DOWNGRADE I don't want, that I'm basically being forced to take I would have to pay off half the phone you say I must return to you?
Wth
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That person was mistaken. Amazing how wrong they continue to get it.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk

dottat said:
That person was mistaken. Amazing how wrong they continue to get it.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
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Ya, I have read to many accounts of people walking in, getting a 2nd phone and leaving with both (to wait on a fireproof shipping container for n7) only paying an upgrade fee or taxes, to be returned upon receipt of n7.
I truly hate vzw, but where I live / work there is no other viable option.

Yeah there is no right answer at this point. They're just blowing smoke up our azz's until something gets figured out. The tech I talked to basically agreed with everything I said, first saying he too had a note 7 and also cancelled the order, then later said he might cancel the order. I find it hard to believe that after accepting an upgrade I'll still magically have another upgrade available to use anytime I want. If that were the case I could just keep upgrading over and over. What's the upgrade limit, will we be able to keep our original upgrade eligibility date from when we bought and activated our Note 7, what actually happens if we decide not to upgrade right now... These are the golden questions.

just a rant

My insurance replaced my wet v20 with this phone. I really like it. However why in the hell do Samsung & att find it necessary to add so much bloated crap?? I want to stop rooting but I these types of annoyances hinder me from buying any Samsung phones and make it NECESSARY to root the phone.
Don't even get me started on TouchWiz.

Stop buying carrier branded phones, you know they're going to have this crap so why do it?

You can get Package Disabler from the play store.
It gives you the ability to disable lot of the Bloatware crap that is installed. And no root needed.
But, first thing to disable is a package called "DT Ignite". If you don't disable that one first, then a lot of other apps you disable will automatic download and update as soon you disable them.
Mobile Strike, Slacker Radio, some other stupid games, all get pushed to my Verizon S7 Edge with that enabled.

peachpuff said:
Stop buying carrier branded phones, you know they're going to have this crap so why do it?
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I agree, but I dont use credit card and wont drop that kind of money instantly on a device. I usually pay it off in a year. But I totally agree. I used to buy Nexus phones, but whatever Googs is doing with the Nexus brand, I couldnt wait. The Edge isnt a bad phone, if not gimmicky. I just hate both ATT and Sammy because of all of the **** they add.

joe.skelly said:
You can get Package Disabler from the play store.
It gives you the ability to disable lot of the Bloatware crap that is installed. And no root needed.
But, first thing to disable is a package called "DT Ignite". If you don't disable that one first, then a lot of other apps you disable will automatic download and update as soon you disable them.
Mobile Strike, Slacker Radio, some other stupid games, all get pushed to my Verizon S7 Edge with that enabled.
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Click to collapse
I manually went through everything and disabled it. I am going to root, as Sammy phones seem pretty easy to root and just install a custom rom. Currently I am researching the root method and want to ensure that there is a back-to-stock unroot method in case of emergency warranty work.

cwis said:
I agree, but I dont use credit card and wont drop that kind of money instantly on a device. I usually pay it off in a year. But I totally agree. I used to buy Nexus phones, but whatever Googs is doing with the Nexus brand, I couldnt wait. The Edge isnt a bad phone, if not gimmicky. I just hate both ATT and Sammy because of all of the **** they add.
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You can get a credit account at AMAZON and pay with no interest for 12 months. This gives you the option to buy any phone - spread payments out over a year and not pay any interest. Just a thought.

mocsab said:
You can get a credit account at AMAZON and pay with no interest for 12 months. This gives you the option to buy any phone - spread payments out over a year and not pay any interest. Just a thought.
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My credit is not the best right now and I dont want to add extra expenses because II'm adding a wing to my home and making some upgrades. My wife/accountant says no phone fun for a year, so I am stuck for a year. I'm already going through Nexus withdrawal LOL

cwis said:
My credit is not the best right now and I dont want to add extra expenses because II'm adding a wing to my home and making some upgrades. My wife/accountant says no phone fun for a year, so I am stuck for a year. I'm already going through Nexus withdrawal LOL
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Been there - done that. Good Luck