I get that the S7 you can buy direct from Verizon is pretty much going to be locked down for a long time, if it ever gets broken. But it looks like a pretty awesome phone, and I'm genuinely thinking of trading up for one.
So, can I buy an unlocked version from somewhere that I can use with Verizon, one that allows root and xposed? Is the only option for this the Exynos version? Or are all of the phones locked down, even if they're not tied to a carrier?
Alternatively, if there is a way to get a rootable Snapdragon but I have to switch carriers, which carriers would be best for this?
Lastly, if there is no way at all to get a rootable Snapdragon variant, what's everyone's pick for the best new rootable phones? I've heard things about the G5, but that's starting to look closer to the S7 situation than anything.
Thanks for any info!
There is no rootable s7 that will work for Verizon. It's a waiting game at this point.
JAYNO20 said:
There is no rootable s7 that will work for Verizon. It's a waiting game at this point.
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Click to collapse
That sucks. I was hoping there was an international or developer version or something. I'd pay the full price for it, too. Maybe a Nexus is in my future.
SanguiniusWept said:
That sucks. I was hoping there was an international or developer version or something. I'd pay the full price for it, too. Maybe a Nexus is in my future.
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Click to collapse
I had a developer edition of the Galaxy S5 and I'd KILL for a developer edition S7... I don't know why they don't make them for every single phone they release.
JAYNO20 said:
I had a developer edition of the Galaxy S5 and I'd KILL for a developer edition S7... I don't know why they don't make them for every single phone they release.
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Click to collapse
Or why all phones can't just have this as an option that is supremely hard to get to, but available for those who want to do it. Just have it trip something that voids the warranty, but make the user aware this will happen. I, for one, would most likely still do it, warranty be damned.
Im currently using 935V Nougat (from Verizon update). Ive been reading about the 935U version and it seems what I want less bloat. While I have package disabler pro. I would like something without the junk in the first place.
So I take it the 935U Nougat isnt out yet?
Also due to banking things I have no interest in rooting anymore, can I flash it without rooting/tripping knox to?
What about monthly updates compared to how bad Verizon is on the 935V on getting them out?
Matttrix said:
Im currently using 935V Nougat (from Verizon update). Ive been reading about the 935U version and it seems what I want less bloat. While I have package disabler pro. I would like something without the junk in the first place.
So I take it the 935U Nougat isnt out yet?
Also due to banking things I have no interest in rooting anymore, can I flash it without rooting/tripping knox to?
What about monthly updates compared to how bad Verizon is on the 935V on getting them out?
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Click to collapse
I am on the 935u and have not seen nougat yet. I will say that the standby drain is so much better on this vs stock, but have not compared to verizon nougat, which i will be doing Monday when my replacement unit arrives.
I am quite irritated. My phone got so hot that it cracked the glass on the back and the front and samsung does not want to deal with any of it even though it is under warranty. Since having the severe cracks on the back, and one tiny crack not even visible when using screen on the front, has compromised waterproofing on phone, I cannot take any chances so I did file an insurance claim.
I am hopefully going to pursue getting the deductible reimbursed from samsung because even the bezels on the phone are in perfect condition and you can tell the phone has not ever been dropped! I have also read other reports of the phone overheating. One person at verizon said to go with the coral blue color because it is newer so it should have less chances of getting hot.
This update has just became available today it is only 200mb so I would say it is mainly just android security updates. I have not installed it yet because I will have to factory reset first just wanted to let others know that might be stock and not rooted.
I'm on 21a and downloading 21b now.
Was on 11d, but did the 10b Brightpoint KDZ last month that messed up the LTE. So had to root and reflash the 11c, to then update to 11d and then 21a.
Got 21b installed. May 1 2017 Security update. Everything else says the same (baseband, kernel, and build).
Maybe they at least fixed the network switching so we will receive more of our calls. That is really the only bug i have noticed since upgrading to Nougat. I think you pointed that out as well.
FAUguy said:
Got 21b installed. May 1 2017 Security update. Everything else says the same (baseband, kernel, and build).
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firenemesis7 said:
Maybe they at least fixed the network switching so we will receive more of our calls. That is really the only bug i have noticed since upgrading to Nougat. I think you pointed that out as well.
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Click to collapse
Yes, the past two weeks with 21a, the main issue has been that the RS988 is missing about half of the incoming class (will stay on LTE and not change to HSPA), or when placing a call about 25-30% of them will not go through on the first try (shows it change from LTE to HSPA and sit there for 30 seconds, and then go back to LTE without placing th call).
Unfortunately, 21b seems to have the same issue.
Over the weekend, I was debating on going with the HTC U11 or an S8/S8+ in the upcoming weeks, was going to wait for people on here to try out the U11 for a while. But the yesterday the Samsung Mobile EBay page had the S8+ listed for $699 and with 24mo payment with PqyPal Credit. So I figured fro $50 more than the U11, go with th S8+, not that I'm a fan of curved screens, but at least there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, has SamsungPay, and the screen is AMOLED (which is miss). But the draws of the U11 was the camera, non-curved screed (though LCD), and fingerprint scanner on the front. But the lack of headphone jack means it can't be charged while connected via AUX input to my cars audio, and I saw posts on here about HTC got rid of all their apps (gallery, mms, dialer, calendar) and opted for the Google ones that aren't as good. So at this point I sould have the S8+ later this week. If I like it, then I'll sell my G5 with all the accessories that came with it (Cam mod, 4 batteries, charging pack, VR headset).
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
spinoza_web said:
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
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Click to collapse
As far as I know, OTA updates will only install if you are 100%stock. So that means removing TWRP, unrooting, and relocking the bootloader.
How I did it. I just factory reset and wiped everything in twrp then flashed the complete rs98821a zip that autoprime put together for us and then was able to install the OTA update. You will have to reinstall Twrp and root but you do not have to mess with the bootloader.
spinoza_web said:
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got in the S8+ yesterday. After using it for a day and setting it up, I'm not 100% sure that I'll keep it. The regular S8 was out of stock and I'm not a big fan of curved screens. But I figured I'd give it a try.
But regarding the calling issue with the G5 (21a/21b), the S8+ is much faster between changing modes between LTE Data and HSPA Calls. So that right there proves the issue isn't related to the GoPhone service, as I never had any issue on the G5 before the Nougat update.
Too bad I still can get the S8+ to work with the K-9 Mail LED Notifications. Must be an issue with that app and Android 7.
FAUguy said:
I got in the S8+ yesterday. After using it for a day and setting it up, I'm not 100% sure that I'll keep it. The regular S8 was out of stock and I'm not a big fan of curved screens. But I figured I'd give it a try.
But regarding the calling issue with the G5 (21a/21b), the S8+ is much faster between changing modes between LTE Data and HSPA Calls. So that right there proves the issue isn't related to the GoPhone service, as I never had any issue on the G5 before the Nougat update.
Too bad I still can get the S8+ to work with the K-9 Mail LED Notifications. Must be an issue with that app and Android 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like you got S8+, so, which version did you get? G955U or G955F? And how is Samsung pay? Does the Spay rewards and deals work?
justnewbee said:
Looks like you got S8+, so, which version did you get? G955U or G955F? And how is Samsung pay? Does the Spay rewards and deals work?
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Click to collapse
The Samsung eBay page had the S8 G950U for $599 and the S8+ G955U for $699, along with a 24 month PayPal Credit financing. I has intended to go with the S8, but after I got home that night, only the S8+ was still available.
After using it for a few days now, it is really too tall for comfort, and a bit more heavy than I like (actually the weight of the phone is mostly at the top, so when used in landscape mode I can feel more of the weight on the left hand), keep in mind the Note 4 is about the same weight, but feels more comfortable to hold than the S8+.
From what I've read, the US Unlocked "U" models work with Samsung Pay and Rewards. I have it installed and all setup on the phone, but haven't tried it in a store yet. The "F" International models I read don't work with Samsung Pay in the US unless you do some flashing and tricking it out, but can still have issues. So I decided not to go with the F model, but would rather have the exynos processor than the 835.
Right now, Samsung.com has the S8 (and S8+) with a $200 trade in offer, so I'm going to go that route and get the S8 and sent in my old Note 2 (since they sell for less than $200 on eBay and Swappa) and hold on to my Note 3 and 4 for now. Also thinking about ordering the U11 from Amazon. Once I get those in, I can compare the U11, S8 and S8+ and decide which one to keep and return the others.
Normally I would do all this in a store, but Sprint don't have the U11 on display locally.
Once all that get done, then I'll see about selling my G5, do a factory reset on it (21b).
FAUguy said:
The Samsung eBay page had the S8 G950U for $599 and the S8+ G955U for $699, along with a 24 month PayPal Credit financing. I has intended to go with the S8, but after I got home that night, only the S8+ was still available.
After using it for a few days now, it is really too tall for comfort, and a bit more heavy than I like (actually the weight of the phone is mostly at the top, so when used in landscape mode I can feel more of the weight on the left hand), keep in mind the Note 4 is about the same weight, but feels more comfortable to hold than the S8+.
From what I've read, the US Unlocked "U" models work with Samsung Pay and Rewards. I have it installed and all setup on the phone, but haven't tried it in a store yet. The "F" International models I read don't work with Samsung Pay in the US unless you do some flashing and tricking it out, but can still have issues. So I decided not to go with the F model, but would rather have the exynos processor than the 835.
Right now, Samsung.com has the S8 (and S8+) with a $200 trade in offer, so I'm going to go that route and get the S8 and sent in my old Note 2 (since they sell for less than $200 on eBay and Swappa) and hold on to my Note 3 and 4 for now. Also thinking about ordering the U11 from Amazon. Once I get those in, I can compare the U11, S8 and S8+ and decide which one to keep and return the others.
Normally I would do all this in a store, but Sprint don't have the U11 on display locally.
Once all that get done, then I'll see about selling my G5, do a factory reset on it (21b).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your detailed info. I am going to buy US Unlocked "U" model, though I am interested in exynos processor.
justnewbee said:
Thanks a lot for your detailed info. I am going to buy US Unlocked "U" model, though I am interested in exynos processor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up buying the S8 from the Samsung site ($624) then take off $200 for a trade-in (will send my old Verizon Note 2 since they only sell for about $100...though would like to keep it), and add tax and $0 for 2-day shipping, and was $450 total. Did the Samsung Credit (24 month).
Going to send the S8+ back (Samsung's eBay page) for $742 credit. So that's a savings of $300 ($100 less for the S8 ad $200 for the trade-in).
The S8+ isn't a bad phone, just a bit too tall and more heavy than I like, so I'm sure the S8 will fit better.
Been using the S8 for a week now, sent the S8+ back.
No calling issues with either one (GoPhone) and I noticed they change much quicker between LTE for data and HSPA for calls than the G5 (21a/b).
FAUguy,
Hi, I have recently found to be in the same issue with LTE BRIGHTPOINT and LTE problems. Can you please read my post and see if you know something I don't?
Thanks
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u/...e-connectivity-problems-t3649465/post73300658
Skimpypimp said:
FAUguy,
Hi, I have recently found to be in the same issue with LTE BRIGHTPOINT and LTE problems. Can you please read my post and see if you know something I don't?
Thanks
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u/...e-connectivity-problems-t3649465/post73300658
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the post. Where did you buy the phone from?
Look at my post on this thread from Page 6 onward:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/help/calling-rs988-users-nougat-t3608345/page6
I had to do the Bootload Unlock via the LG web site, to then allow rooting of the phone.
Then had to do all the flashing in steps. I wouldn't say it was difficult, but took quite some time to get it all done.
FAUguy said:
I read the post. Where did you buy the phone from?
Look at my post on this thread from Page 6 onward:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/help/calling-rs988-users-nougat-t3608345/page6
I had to do the Bootload Unlock via the LG web site, to then allow rooting of the phone.
Then had to do all the flashing in steps. I wouldn't say it was difficult, but took quite some time to get it all done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess I'm screwed because even though I have the RS988, when I request the unlock boot loader code from LG it says I can't get it. I got my phone off eBay. Ugh.
Skimpypimp said:
Well I guess I'm screwed because even though I have the RS988, when I request the unlock boot loader code from LG it says I can't get it. I got my phone off eBay. Ugh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See if you can do eBay or PayPal buyer protection.
I'd file a claim on it with them if the seller refuses to offer a refund. I'd state that it is not compatible with your carrier (MetroPCS T-Mobile).
FAUguy said:
See if you can do eBay or PayPal buyer protection.
I'd file a claim on it with them if the seller refuses to offer a refund. I'd state that it is not compatible with your carrier (MetroPCS T-Mobile).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would hate to go through all that.
Through your adventure did you get any stock firmware flashed without root and not the BRIGHTPOINT version of it?
I think it has something to do with BRIGHTPOINT firmware.
Skimpypimp said:
I would hate to go through all that.
Through your adventure did you get any stock firmware flashed without root and not the BRIGHTPOINT version of it?
I think it has something to do with BRIGHTPOINT firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is that I didn't know the firmware I flashed on my rs988 was for Brightpoint. After I flashed it , I had 0 LTE on the phone.
So it was a few weeks later when I decided to go though the process. Did the the LG Bootloader unlock, and flashed one of the kdz files that was Android 6 that I had been using. Then worked the phones firmware update from there.
After it was all done, the RS988 with the 21b firmware has full LTE connectivity. The only issue is that if I place a call, and it changes over to HSPA, that it then can take a few minutes to return back to LTE.
I've now been using an S8 for two months, and it changes between LTE, HSPA, and back to LTE within a few seconds.
Again Europe is getting the update way before the US market. Any word when to expect the update here?
No word yet and Samsung hasn't put out a schedule! hopefully soon...
At this point they should wait for April patch... But what matters most to me is resolving network bugs with Sprint + T-Mobile. Still, isn't it odd that even the U1 S10s don't have the March patch?
I don't care about the security update, I want the fixes, like the deep sleep bug, etc. So tired of feeling like a red-headed stepchild.
Ace42 said:
At this point they should wait for April patch... But what matters most to me is resolving network bugs with Sprint + T-Mobile. Still, isn't it odd that even the U1 S10s don't have the March patch?
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Click to collapse
I had an U1 S9+ in the US and it always came last for any updates. Use to be the first to get them but not anymore. It took about 3 weeks to get the Pie update from Oreo after everyone else got it.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Ace42 said:
At this point they should wait for April patch... But what matters most to me is resolving network bugs with Sprint + T-Mobile. Still, isn't it odd that even the U1 S10s don't have the March patch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATT has some network issues also.. I'm having to restart my s10+ one to two times a day just to get signal back. Unlocked S10+
Damn, even though these phones are made in vietnam yet they still havent released any update for vietnam region (exynos)
My Unlocked UK gets updated pretty much on day 0, but you Americans have to suffer waiting for your lazy providers to bloat your firmware first, not only that, that's also another reason of why you can't unlock your bootloader, it really sucks.
Samsung's update schedule is totally ignored by most providers worldwide, some S9 units are getting Pie just now, so there's no way to really know when anything is coming to anyone.
Corv0 said:
My Unlocked UK gets updated pretty much on day 0, but you Americans have to suffer waiting for your lazy providers to bloat your firmware first, not only that, that's also another reason of why you can't unlock your bootloader, it really sucks.
Samsung's update schedule is totally ignored by most providers worldwide, some S9 units are getting Pie just now, so there's no way to really know when anything is coming to anyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is unlocked, not a provider phone. Yet still ignored by Samsung. I love Samsung phones, I always get unlocked versions, but this is absolutely ridiculous. One thing about iPhones that makes me jealous.
April....day 5....no March update. How is it acceptable to have a flagship phone, where Samsung committed to monthly updates, and to be a month late right out of the gate?
My phone runs amazing. I'm not sweating it.
I am still waiting also.
It should arrive for U1 once all US carriers update their U models. I think Verizon & ATT haven't updated yet, will check later.
Ace42 said:
It should arrive for U1 once all US carriers update their U models. I think Verizon & ATT haven't updated yet, will check later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xfinity Mobile carrier locked version updated this morning.
U1 unlocked March update is out. Downloading now.
New update
Just got another update there for biometrics fingerprint exynos
clownin72 said:
U1 unlocked March update is out. Downloading now.
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Click to collapse
Finally! Thanks for heads up
I got a prompt for a biometrics update (Canada unlocked version) yet when I try to install it, it fails. Had to remove Secure Folder it seems, but then the notification disappeared completely. No more notification and biometrics still the same older version. I love how good Samsung is at rolling out updates. I will probably never get this now.
No March update either, a md it's mid April now.
Hopefully the biometrics update(s) will come soon for the snapdragon unlocked us version
Just received the unlocked March update... Yippee ???????
Sorry in advance if this question has already been asked, but I couldn't find anything on my own.
A few months ago I bought a refurbished S10+ (SM-P975U) on Newegg, which I later learned was originally from AT&T. I was a little spooked that it didn't have any updates to install when I got it, but I didn't get concerned until recently when I learned that AT&T branded phones only receive updates when they're on the AT&T network. The last update I have is from August 2021. As of writing this, I believe there is a November update.
I have some experience using TWRP to flash custom ROMS, so my first thought was just to flash the stock OS without the AT&T branding. Thing is, I'm hesitant to mess with my S10+ because it's my main phone, let alone the fact that I don't even know if this is possible.
Is there anything else I can do? Connecting to AT&T isn't really an option since I live in Canada, and I'd really rather not trip Knox or risk bricking my main phone.
Updates tend to break AT&T phones especially older ones. My AT&T Note 10+ hasn't been updated in 2 years. It's current OS load is over 1.5 yo, still fast and stable.
With Pie and above security isn't an issue unless you do something stupid.
If your firmware is fulfilling its mission, let it be.