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Doesn't look like much dev work on this phone and what I have found seems to be mostly for sprint...is there much difference between the versions for sprint and virgin mobile?
Looking into a cheaper plan, but would like to keep a smartphone so VM looks perfect, but reviews I have seen look pretty sad for this phone.
I want to say I wouldn't really recommend this phone. It certainly doesn't live up to its expectations and specifications. I've ranted pretty hard about this phone, but after rooting and many, many tries of installing and reinstalling ROMs I've finally got it settled down and it's not that bad.
To answer your question, and I'm assuming you're talking about rooting difference, there's a pretty big difference. You must find a VM ROM. Although they are the same phone, a Sprint ROM will not work on a VM phone. However, most devs at sdx-developers make dual versions so you're mostly ok. Other than that the only difference is Sprint adds its bloatware and VM adds its bloatware.
vm phone
I just moved to virgin mobile from tmobile. as far as cost and functionalitly the intercept on virgin mobile is on par with my g1 (which i loved rooted with cm6). I am now running ubundroid for virgin mobile , works great with no problems.
cant beat virgin mobiles price .
I may consider getting this device.
Sent from my Ideos S7 using XDA App
Actually, there have been people who have accidentally flashed the sprint df27 tar to their virgin mobile phone and have been fine. You can even get the sprint froyo update running on a vm phone, but it'll break missed call notifications and mms.
Joeseph Mother said:
Actually, there have been people who have accidentally flashed the sprint df27 tar to their virgin mobile phone and have been fine. You can even get the sprint froyo update running on a vm phone, but it'll break missed call notifications and mms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, I'd figure it wouldn't boot. Interesting, though.
So, those of you that have been able to root the VM Intercept; Is it worth it? I am looking to be able to apply Frodo (2.2) to my phone and have everything still function. I want to be able to make my phone install apps to SD instead of internal memory. I want to be able to make my phone faster.
Will this be possible with rooting and installing a new ROM? Can I revert back to the default ROM?
grabbed this phone. Best buy has it for $179. With a $25 a month unlimited data and text messaging plus 300 minutes, it's a no-brainer. Hell, it's cheaper than a cheapo data /text plan alone on verizon.
So what's the consensus on this phone?
Can it be flashed from Sprint to Virgin Mobile? I'm looking to pick one up to use really soon and can't find any VM ones cheap.
If this phone is able to be flashed, what are the chances of other non VM phones being able to be used on the VM network? From my searching so far it's been a definitive no on that. Is there really no hope?
Virgin will not allow non Virgin branded devices on thier network. Flashing a Sprint phone will not work. Sorry
Sent from my OC'd Virgintercept using Tapatalk
Thanks for the definitive reply. How do you like it so far? Phone and service. Are you satisfied or do you still feel like a better phone would improve the experience?
Virgin Mobile is very awesome for sure. I used them a lot during the past.
Sent from my SGH-T849 using XDA App
I switched over from Sprint to cut what I deemed unnecessary costs since we have an 8 month old and a new car payment now.
Saving the $60 bucks a month that I am definitely helps out.
With Sprint, I had the htc Hero and the 450 minute/unlimited data & text plan.
I can honestly say that the Samsung Intercept, at least IMO, is a MUCH better phone than the Hero. A much better processor and I love the slide out keyboard.
With my Hero, I had problems running some apps, mainly Angry Birds... It was nearly unplayable with that phone.
However, on the Intercept it runs like a charm.
I thought I would kind of regret my switch, but I actually couldn't be more happier. I still have all the benefits of having an Android phone + unlimited text and data for 1/3rd of the price that I was paying Sprint.
Another thing I love is that the only tax you pay on your bill is sales tax.
Ive been using the VM intercept since it came out and really like the service, for the price it can't be beat. Im still running stock, but with temp root via z4root and barnacle wifi this phone is fantastic. It works perfectly with my g-tablet running TnT Lite 2.4.0.
Now if they would just hurry up and release the VM froyo update....
Well... Coming from the Hero development threads, I have a strong background on Android in general and the way it works with different providers.
I'll give you all a heads up on the difference.
It's in the apns-conf file and voicemail-conf file that is tucked inside the etc folder.
apns-conf: Carrier specific settings.
voicemail-conf: voicemail settings (sometimes not needed either way).
if you just push the right apns-conf and voicemail-conf files to the phone if your on the wrong carrier and reboot, everything should be right unless your on a rom that uses visual voice mail when your carrier doesn't support it. I never did figure out what the exact differences between those are.
You can even double up on settings between those files (i.e. add both carrier's settings) to make the rom dynamic. I will be doing some rooting/devving for some friends who have this phone pretty soon, and if I decide to bust out a custom rom for you guys I'll keep you posted.
Played a few good hour on it:
the CPU is faster 800mhz than 5xx than G1, I switch from my froyo yoshi G1 to Intercept, samething Facny widget Launcher Pro Calander is all I need.
First 10hr using experience was ok....just OK not great, is like 5 or 6 out of 10.
But, I will stay at this machine instead LG optimus V.
PRO:
1) monthly price: $25 unbeatable, in fact this is cornerstone that just set for other carrier, since VM/Boost/Sprint are all sprint, they will eventually helping bring other carrier price down. Best service I ever have is VERIZON, NEVER drop call, worst was AT&T+cingular.
2)Intercept have great hardware, but not good resolution, is like glass screen (like BB stome but harder and clear)which is great+ for dirty finger like me, glass resist oil better, only down side is low resolution and color contrast is not as good as other phone.
3)the fast CPU but low memory, what this combo tell you? OVERCLOCK THIS MFKER LIKE NEVER BEFORE! is base on 800mhz, I think going 900mhz is not as hard as LG optimus going from 600 to 1000, I have not test out LG yet but as soon as I send in my broken intercept (it will ;P) and claim the LG to test out, then we can see what is going on from there.
1GHZ low end phone....I can hear the laugh from my feet
CON:
1)phone selection sux, since VM prevent flash or you want to do those hassle and live with not complete phone go ahead, as I suffer from my tether enable G1 with T-mobile Sidekick prepaid and BT the hell out of it, but when talk is with 15c a minute, OUCH!
2)the resolution resolution resolutionnnnnnn!
I think is comparable with Gameboy color (no kidding, I think Intercept resolution was the worst I see, glad it have ok screen size but I can live with it)
3)SOFTWARE SUX! 2.1 was not the problem, is that samsung always have weak software, like I said, HTC was pretty good on software engineering, in fact most of their apps are well engineered, but samsung......no, that is why is just hard to flash it on intercept, and sometime we risk too high to flash those device since samsung are the one that can brick like no others, at least in my case.
4)Funky and Kinky hardware QC, quality check check check, we used to have those KING OF THE XXX SERIAL, there will be one lazy QC personal on samsung just few quarter before suicide/fired and it will cause such unstable quality when they on the market, check moment for example, how is those crazy things happen? and sometime their quality are so unstable that cause people piss off samsung phone forever.
overall, I still give this phone a go, because I have not get a FC on 10hr play.
I give it 6.7 out of 10, and give my G1 100 out of 10, it was indeed a beast.
BTW I notice something on intercept, it can play a lot video/game SMOOTHER than some high end phone did, I was watching FULL EPISODE of cowboy bepop and Ghost In The Shell, OMG THE QUALITY WAS LIKE HD but in smaller screen.
My G1 can't even do that.
danielinirving said:
So, those of you that have been able to root the VM Intercept; Is it worth it? I am looking to be able to apply Frodo (2.2) to my phone and have everything still function. I want to be able to make my phone install apps to SD instead of internal memory. I want to be able to make my phone faster.
Will this be possible with rooting and installing a new ROM? Can I revert back to the default ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.2 is coming to VM Intercept in about a month, that'll make a lot of apps run faster, it'll make root easier, you'll be able to tether easier, and you should be able to move apps to SD then.
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own both an I337 and an M919 and, given the flexibility of the M919, I was able to try both official and leaked 4.4 TW releases mainly for the I9505. Based on those experiences I would say take the update. 4.4 update should be noticeably faster.
In regard to keeping root, I'm hoping SuperSu Pro's Survival mode works.
I'd say go with the update if you don't care about root. The only problem is Knox is more locked down, also more bloat/crap ware on the new update. I do love the camera on the lockscreen, plus the album artwork on the lock screen is a big + for me. I don't know if art is implemented into the gs4 but it does make a difference but the only thing is, is that most apps are not optimized for it yet.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda premium
So should I revert the few changes I have done? IE, I've killed startup apps with ES Task Manager and (obviously) disabled the software update checker.
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
As far as experience goes, I say wait and keep your options open. I like the freedom of a clean rom, free from bloat and clutter of apps that i dont use. Not to mention a battery life that exceeds far beyond a regular un-rooted device. Visit the numerous threads of other people's experiences. I'm rooted and have been able to try out different rooms from 4.2 to 4.4. Accepting an ota will unroot your device without anyway of reverting back. Good luck with your decision.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on the not locked down version, then you shouldn't take the update. It will lock your bootloader and that device will never see an AOSP ROM again. You should wait for something like StockUp to be updated to the new 4.4 or use any of the many other 4.4 ROMs available. If you really want to get one with the stock update and locked bootloaders, I'm sure someone would love to trade.
aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We were able to get the MK2 tar files rather quickly after the OTA release and will hopefully be able to get the 4.4 tars just as quickly. If that's the case you will be able to flash all partitions, except the bootloader, to run the 4.4 ROM and keep your unlocked bootloader. I would not give up the unlocked bootloader if I were you.
scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.
Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL
crazy_dragonlady said:
Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5
jd1639 said:
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL
crazy_dragonlady said:
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't but it works fine on att. Very easy to root and mod. No locked bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 5
John The Rhino said:
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).
scottiemedic said:
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, no worries. The reality is I would much rather play with my kids (if I had any) than an electronic device. So it's nice to know your priorities are right. There's few picture worthy moments we get from our phones, but kids provide such memories constantly. For everyday use, stock is fine & was for me for a little while. You are doing the right thing by waiting until you know more before you do something wrong & brick your phone. This is the place where you can learn how to root, install Safestrap recovery & flash incredible custom rom on your mf3 S4 when you are ready.
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
ProFragger said:
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely nothing has changed on root (only possible due to ENG kernel) and bootloader unlock (which is not yet possible).
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No idea about all models. For the t-mobile one, please check: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-t3414718
You can use the search feature in xda for finding out
CravingMender9 said:
Absolutely nothing has changed on root (only possible due to ENG kernel) and bootloader unlock (which is not yet possible).
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No idea about all models. For the t-mobile one, please check: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-t3414718
You can use the search feature in xda for finding out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bud, thanks for getting the ball rolling on these questions. If you could add some more information, I'd appreciate it :
If we still don't have a way to Root or Unlock bootloader, how are these ROMs (Echo, Tek, and other stock ROMs) available with root? And how are these flashed? Are we somehow bypassing the BL by using FlashFire?
Can you also educate me on the U Firmware and why people install it and is it reverseable?
Lastly, if I got a T-Mobile variant for example, installed these ROMs Tek, Echo, etc, can I return to Stock completely and return to T-Mobile, by any chance for them to take it back? Thank you again!
for the t mobile variant, I was able to flash the U firmware and flash back to stock t mobile. NOTE: I did not flash the U bootloader. I kept the T mobile bootloader just be sure I could flash back to stock t mobile(APK1). I'm sure this method would work with other carriers as well. so what ever variant you have, make sure you stay on that BL and only flash the U firmware CSC and AP. As for the CP(modem) I would flash your carriers latest CP file. That's what worked best for me with the U firmware. Currently I'm using the latest nougat BETA
Thank you very much for your response, bud. One last follow up question: Since all the US variants are rooting based on the ENG Kernel, is there really a benefit of getting one variant over another, for rooting or etc purposes?
P. S. May I ask why you flashed the U Firmware? What are the advantages of it? ?
ProFragger said:
Thank you very much for your response, bud. One last follow up question: Since all the US variants are rooting based on the ENG Kernel, is there really a benefit of getting one variant over another, for rooting or etc purposes?
P. S. May I ask why you flashed the U Firmware? What are the advantages of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The u firmware basically does not include all of the software that is usually included with the phone. For example.. Tmobile with their software on it, Verizon att etc... Makes the phone a bit snappier especially if you were to root. Even tho I hope for a more stable root still. I am rooted at the moment. Wish they didn't recall the note 7 because the root on that was better
ProFragger said:
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confused. At least, you were.
We do not have an "unlocked Bootloader" and we never did. We had an engineering kernel. That engineering kernel allows certain commands that enabled us to acquire root access. But without that kernel, the system (with the original kernel or boot partition) checks for any changes in the /system partition. If any are found it triggers a bootloop. So basically, if you want root we MUST have the engineering kernel. Unless someone else finds another way that's just the way that it is.
Personally, I unrooted and went back to stock. Root was okay at first but with the lack of development, Samsung Pay and the fact that Android 7+ will probably not be seeing root... well... time to accept the fact that Samsung owns the phone even though we bought it. What else can we do?
nitroevo said:
The u firmware basically does not include all of the software that is usually included with the phone. For example.. Tmobile with their software on it, Verizon att etc... Makes the phone a bit snappier especially if you were to root. Even tho I hope for a more stable root still. I am rooted at the moment. Wish they didn't recall the note 7 because the root on that was better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Binary100100 said:
You're confused. At least, you were.
We do not have an "unlocked Bootloader" and we never did. We had an engineering kernel. That engineering kernel allows certain commands that enabled us to acquire root access. But without that kernel, the system (with the original kernel or boot partition) checks for any changes in the /system partition. If any are found it triggers a bootloop. So basically, if you want root we MUST have the engineering kernel. Unless someone else finds another way that's just the way that it is.
Personally, I unrooted and went back to stock. Root was okay at first but with the lack of development, Samsung Pay and the fact that Android 7+ will probably not be seeing root... well... time to accept the fact that Samsung owns the phone even though we bought it. What else can we do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your helpful responses fellas. I understand root is not perfect, but for some folks like me, Xposed seems to be worth the trouble. For Samsung Pay, I intend to use the Gear S3 one day ?.
Final question, since all US Snapdragon models are using the engineering kernel to root and etc... Is there a benefit of getting one carrier variant, over another? For example, Verizon is usually the cheapest. Is it wise to get that, with the U Firmware, to use on AT&T? Thanks!
ProFragger said:
For Samsung Pay, I intend to use the Gear S3 one day .
Final question, since all US Snapdragon models are using the engineering kernel to root and etc... Is there a benefit of getting one carrier variant, over another? For example, Verizon is usually the cheapest. Is it wise to get that, with the U Firmware, to use on AT&T? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know if that works out for you then.
I just purchased the S2 Classic (on T-Mobile) and use Samsung Pay quite a bit. But I can tell you that it does open Samsung Pay on the phone and if you are rooted, Samsung Pay will not work at all. So I'm not sure if it will work at all for you even with the S3.
In regards to your other inquiry, I haven't tried the U firmware. I read something about data issues, no wifi calling (which is pretty important to me), no hotspot (which is also really important to me) but I heard that it is really fast. Not sure how much of that is still a problem but you should probably read up on it before doing anything first. But the rooting method is all the same between carriers I believe. All require the engineering kernel and breaks Samsung Pay along with a couple of other apps.
Just make back ups, have a stock firmware available to flash with ODIN just in case and remember that it's almost impossible to brick this device (because we don't have an unlocked bootloader.)
Binary100100 said:
Let me know if that works out for you then.
I just purchased the S2 Classic (on T-Mobile) and use Samsung Pay quite a bit. But I can tell you that it does open Samsung Pay on the phone and if you are rooted, Samsung Pay will not work at all. So I'm not sure if it will work at all for you even with the S3.
In regards to your other inquiry, I haven't tried the U firmware. I read something about data issues, no wifi calling (which is pretty important to me), no hotspot (which is also really important to me) but I heard that it is really fast. Not sure how much of that is still a problem but you should probably read up on it before doing anything first. But the rooting method is all the same between carriers I believe. All require the engineering kernel and breaks Samsung Pay along with a couple of other apps.
Just make back ups, have a stock firmware available to flash with ODIN just in case and remember that it's almost impossible to brick this device (because we don't have an unlocked bootloader.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again for a helpful post. So the S3 has a dedicated MST/NFC chip in it, that allows for Samsung Pay to work from the watch, it's done through the Gear app. That's what I have read.
About the rest of it, again, curious to see if there is one US variant, superior to another in terms of Root capabilities or bands and radios available and etc? Can anyone confirm this for me?
Thanks!
ProFragger said:
Thank you again for a helpful post. So the S3 has a dedicated MST/NFC chip in it, that allows for Samsung Pay to work from the watch, it's done through the Gear app. That's what I have read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does the S2.
When I was setting up the Samsung Pay on my watch it said that it had to download an update.
Then I went through the setup process through my phone which was from the Samsung Pay app.
You go to "Add card" on your watch and it opens Samsung Pay on your phone.
You click "Next" and it displays your Samsung account information.
Then it takes you to a screen that says "Setup complete" telling you that you're ready to use it and at the bottom says "Add card"
You do that all from the Samsung Pay app on your phone which leads me to suspect that if you root your phone, you won't be able to use Samsung Pay on your watch.
People on this thread that you have to set it all up first, remove the Samsung Pay app on the phone but leave it on the watch. If it's all done correctly then it should work. Just make sure you get it all set up first.
Next thing that I'm going to try is using my watch in "Standalone" with my phone out of bluetooth or wifi range. See if that still works.
ProFragger said:
About the rest of it, again, curious to see if there is one US variant, superior to another in terms of Root capabilities or bands and radios available and etc? Can anyone confirm this for me?
Thanks!
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As far as I know, the U firmware permits use of some other bands that aren't normally used. Not sure which ones though.
Binary100100 said:
So does the S2.
When I was setting up the Samsung Pay on my watch it said that it had to download an update.
Then I went through the setup process through my phone which was from the Samsung Pay app.
You go to "Add card" on your watch and it opens Samsung Pay on your phone.
You click "Next" and it displays your Samsung account information.
Then it takes you to a screen that says "Setup complete" telling you that you're ready to use it and at the bottom says "Add card"
You do that all from the Samsung Pay app on your phone which leads me to suspect that if you root your phone, you won't be able to use Samsung Pay on your watch.
People on this thread that you have to set it all up first, remove the Samsung Pay app on the phone but leave it on the watch. If it's all done correctly then it should work. Just make sure you get it all set up first.
Next thing that I'm going to try is using my watch in "Standalone" with my phone out of bluetooth or wifi range. See if that still works.
As far as I know, the U firmware permits use of some other bands that aren't normally used. Not sure which ones though.
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Thanks for the correction/education on the S2, bud, much appreciated. I wonder if the rooted phone works with the S3, because Samsung has allowed many other non Samsung phones to know work with the S3? But I could be wrong, I thought it was open like that with the S2 as well, no? Looking forward to your testing, hope there is a breakthrough in there! ?
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
xVermicide said:
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
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Or a Exynos S7.
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
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exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
xVermicide said:
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
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Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
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xVermicide said:
exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
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Very helpful inputs guys, thank you! If I were to be honest with myself, I don't want AOSP/CM/Lineage, especially on a Samsung phone, so unlocked bootloader is not a deal breaker for me. However, I think root is cool for me for doing some SystemUI tweaks, Xposed and etc. Exynos was an option I was exploring, but lack of warranty, no Samsung Pay, and the price are enough to keep me at bay. I think I just need to put my big boy pants on and try to use a phone without rooting it. Something I have yet to do in EVER using an Android phone since about 10 years ago, and I have never ever used or bought an iCrap... I mean... an iPhone !
ProFragger said:
Very helpful inputs guys, thank you! If I were to be honest with myself, I don't want AOSP/CM/Lineage, especially on a Samsung phone, so unlocked bootloader is not a deal breaker for me. However, I think root is cool for me for doing some SystemUI tweaks, Xposed and etc. Exynos was an option I was exploring, but lack of warranty, no Samsung Pay, and the price are enough to keep me at bay. I think I just need to put my big boy pants on and try to use a phone without rooting it. Something I have yet to do in EVER using an Android phone since about 10 years ago, and I have never ever used or bought an iCrap... I mean... an iPhone !
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Get a One+ 3T good development and really nice phone if you want root. Root is dead on Samsung phones and so are ROMs.
So by reading thru this thread, I assume having a T-mobile S7E (G935T) rooting is pointless and really not available the way I'm used to it coming from a Note 4. That's kind of a bummer... I've been using Android and have always had ROOT and all the goodies that come with it. And I recently starting really enjoying my Note 4 with all the cool development in Note 7 ported roms oh well... I wonder if the S7E is enough of an upgrade to keep my interest as stock?
I see there is a G935U firmware, but that seems a bit hit and miss? But I'm just starting to read up on all this... :good:
ShrekOpher said:
Get a One+ 3T good development and really nice phone if you want root. Root is dead on Samsung phones and so are ROMs.
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Believe me bud, if Oneplus 5 or even 3T had an SD Card, I'd already have that phone, but thanks for your wisdom !
Araltd said:
So by reading thru this thread, I assume having a T-mobile S7E (G935T) rooting is pointless and really not available the way I'm used to it coming from a Note 4. That's kind of a bummer... I've been using Android and have always had ROOT and all the goodies that come with it. And I recently starting really enjoying my Note 4 with all the cool development in Note 7 ported roms oh well... I wonder if the S7E is enough of an upgrade to keep my interest as stock?
I see there is a G935U firmware, but that seems a bit hit and miss? But I'm just starting to read up on all this... :good:
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You and I both man... The last few years, I have lived off the mercy of T-Mobile and their BLs being unlocked. But Samsung sure done them all in ! Even the International unlocked ones disable Samsung Pay (forever, mind you!) if Knox is tripped, which I believe it is, when rooted and TWRP'd.
As I understand it,
Android pay / Samsung pay is why they frown on rooting now. I can understand it, though I don't agree with it.
The first time someone's financial information is compromised, and they've ever used one of the "pay" methods, on a rooted device the pr nightmare that would ensue would make the note 7 fiasco look like child's play.
"Samsung unsecured device compromises persons credit card information today, while Apple is still secure" I can see the headline.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7E
Doe anyone have a tutorial on how I can roll the Elate back to Lollipop? I have unlocked it with fasboot but thats as far as I got...any help would be really appreciated, dont know where else to look.
If you just unlocked the bootloader, then the phone should still have stock Nougat, so there's nothing to roll back to. And this phone never had Lollipop - not sure where that idea came from.
vrdubb02 said:
Doe anyone have a tutorial on how I can roll the Elate back to Lollipop? I have unlocked it with fasboot but thats as far as I got...any help would be really appreciated, dont know where else to look.
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vrdubb02 said:
Doe anyone have a tutorial on how I can roll the Elate back to Lollipop? I have unlocked it with fasboot but thats as far as I got...any help would be really appreciated, dont know where else to look.
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Could I ask,why move back to lollipop..? I can understand aversion to change, but not much has changed from nougat to lollipop that's not arguably much better. App permissions are quite a bit tightened up, which can break old crappy apps.. For example, airplane mode and other radio settings can no longer be changed by any app, and requires root permissions past kitkat. It's slightly more annoying for me to set up automated tasks to change those settings, but I'd much rather go through that hassle than leave all settings unprotected..
Fwiw, I wouldn't get your hopes up.. 18 months after the first ascend was released, we still have not received the proper source files to create custom roms, and it's becoming increasingly less likely we ever will. In your case, these files would need to be available and there would need to be a developer willing to compile lollipop, a version many years outdated, when most will be attempting to port oreo and newer versions.
Perhaps if we knew why you need lollipop,we could help with a workaround, though likely you won't have much luck until someone gets twrp working..
Essentially this is to be a dedicated device for flying a DJI Phantom drone and their app is more stable on lollipop whisch is why I wanted to change it. I have been doing some research but coming up short so either I just use it as is or if it gets bad I'll just get a used more popular device. Thank you for be feedback.
If you need real-time control of something, I don't know if I could recommend this device. With a few governor tweaks this phone can be pretty zippy, but emui is about as janky as oem roms work.
If you want a dedicated device that you aren't planning on bloating up.. look around for a used galaxy s4 or s5, or an s3 even (any older phone with a snapdragon 800 series, really). They can be had for pretty dang cheap, and a 4-5 year old flagship will prove much faster than even a brand new low end device - especially if you are looking for something with lollipop.
So I have an old Note 4, the SM-N910T. It's worked great for years, but after recent updates it just keeps getting worse and worse. It constantly errors out, telling me System UI is not responding. It loses GPS every time I try to use google maps for directions. And several times a week (if not a day) I'll get the x over my bars and can't even make phone calls with it.
I thought about just resetting it to see if that would help. But if I'm going to do that I thought I might as well try a whole upgrade to whatever the best is currently out there for it. I currently use Cricket as my carrier.
Any advice?
Ps. recently things like my Bank App (USAA) stopped working for my phone. The current version is no longer supported. Would the roms out there let me use it again?
THEGODSLAYER said:
Ps. recently things like my Bank App (USAA) stopped working for my phone. The current version is no longer supported. Would the roms out there let me use it again?
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Would grabbing the official APK file from an APK mirror make a diff? I am on Android Pie, Rusurrection Rom. It's amazing. There is a battery glitch tho that can be addressed while charging it to 100 percent in recovery. After that it appears to go away.
Why not go with a Pocophone F1 or the Redmi Note 7? Both of them are "flagship killers" and both of them are able to use the Gcam mod which greatly improves on the stock cam in every regard. Simply amazing to be honest.
I'm not that familiar with what my options are. I'd like to keep using the Note 4 that I have. I just don't know if there are packages out there that would work better then the default stuff that is one it now. It seems like the latest updates really made it run like crap.
I think I'm on Android 6 Marshmallow right now. Is there a way to get a newer Android version on my phone, perhaps one that runs better then what it came with?
why not root and flash the last rom marshmallow 6.0.1, and see if your problems go away.
bluefender said:
why not root and flash the last rom marshmallow 6.0.1, and see if your problems go away.
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I could do that I guess. I was just wondering what the best rom out there for my phone is? What do people recommend. I guess I was under the impression that there were more options now. The standard T-Mobile software that's on there now has just gotten worse and worse with each update.
I didn't know if there was a way to put a newer version of Android on an older phone like that. Or if I'm stuck with Marshmallow?
THEGODSLAYER said:
I could do that I guess. I was just wondering what the best rom out there for my phone is? What do people recommend. I guess I was under the impression that there were more options now. The standard T-Mobile software that's on there now has just gotten worse and worse with each update.
I didn't know if there was a way to put a newer version of Android on an older phone like that. Or if I'm stuck with Marshmallow?
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depends on what version of the note 4 you have, there are nougat and orea clones if you will, what verson note have you got
https://www.phonemore.com/models/samsung/galaxy-note-4/
bluefender said:
depends on what version of the note 4 you have, there are nougat and orea clones if you will, what verson note have you got
https://www.phonemore.com/models/samsung/galaxy-note-4/
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I have the SM-N910T.
theres a few on this site and https://galaxynote4root.com/category/t-mobile-note-4-roms/