Is this phone worth it? - ZTE Axon 7 Questions & Answers

I just received this phone a week ago, and all it's nasty pimples are starting to show. Bluetooth, wifi, texts won't send or receive randomly, charger makes static "clicking" sounds when quick charging, random freezes and overheating...
I bought this phone through Swappa. The guy who sold it sent it to me in pristine condition, because he was selling it as soon as he received the replacement. I ended up getting it for $240, but with all the issues and really lack of a solid custom​ ROM or safe way to root, has just lost all it's value to me. Even at $240, which should've been a steal of a price.
I tried doing ZTE warranty, and even though they said I could use it initially, after they finally had parts they told me it would have to be sent to the original owners address (the address the have on file for the last replacement).
Now though, even if I was able to do it, idk if I could have kept this phone, or gone through with the hassle. With Swappa rules, he has to take it back since it's defective, but I sure feel bad about it. He says he had no idea it had issues, and he used for a week (he says).
What do you think? In my situation would you have kept it? Would you buy this phone again if you could go back in time? The only thing I really loved about this phone are the speakers. That alone was almost worth it to me to put up with all the problems, almost...

Yes.
Haven't experienced the issues you're unfortunately plagued with.
The way you phrased your post, you've made your mind up. Sounds like you bought a lemon and you're hoping the myriad of issues sorts itself out which is probably not worth all the disappointment you're clearly experiencing lol. It also tends to be a red flag if the device is plagued with issues even after a servicing.
Plus, why should you feel bad if Swappa has explicit policies protecting you from buying said lemons. He can say whatever to convince you to keep the device. ?

I'm running stock. Rooted and custom recovery with no issue. Have had my phone for 7 + months. Unfortunately, custom ROMs are a bit buggy but not awful. The issues you describe sounds like defects not experienced by most. Not sure if swappa will guarantee your purchase?

JoRocker said:
Bluetooth, wifi, texts won't send or receive randomly, charger makes static "clicking" sounds when quick charging, random freezes and overheating...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost all of the problems that you described seem to be software-wise. Why don't you try to update the phone? Or downgrade-upgrade? This way you can reinstall the system without trouble with the warranty. I've been telling everyone to downgrade to Marshmallow then upgrade to Nougat since it might seem that the M zip wipes everything before installing.
Well if you want to do this:
Search for an official marshmallow update zip. You can use this one:
https://www.gizrom.com/install-marshmallow-on-zte-axon-7-from-nougat/
Download this file, rename to update.zip, throw it in the root of the SD card, go to settings --> Updates, touch on the file that appears.
After it gets back to the system again delete the file from the internal storage and go to Updates again. If OTAs are working then you should get an update to Nougat. Otherwise you can either search for an official B25 update zip on Google or XDA or go to https://www.zteusa.com/support_page/ , enter the phone's data (Smart phones, Unlocked i guess, ZTE Axon 7, leave the name or model blank) then get to Software Updates, and download B19 update package. After it is downloaded you might need to unzip the file, just open it with any zipping program and look if there's another zip inside called update
zip. In that case extract it and throw it in the root of the internal, system -> updates, update again. If you do this you can try updating by OTA later

azpatterson3 said:
I'm running stock. Rooted and custom recovery with no issue. Have had my phone for 7 + months. Unfortunately, custom ROMs are a bit buggy but not awful. The issues you describe sounds like defects not experienced by most. Not sure if swappa will guarantee your purchase?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Swappa rules to take back a defective phone. Seller already okayed it. Just upset this happened is all. I'm about to box it up and send it back. Bye bye :crying:

Related

Nexus one Update not working in Either OTA or Manual, WTF is going on?

I have a rooted nexus one with stock rom. Never did anything else but the root.
I have been trying to use the manual update method and always got an error 7 installation aborted message
Now that I can receive the OTA update, I get up to the point where it shows the arrow and the android guy with the box then seconds later it shows the android guy with the exclamation point. It stays on that screen forever. I waited several times the past 2 days for over an hour plus.
I've tried a wipe of the phone and update via manual/ota and that didnt work.
I wiped the sd card, that didnt work.
I cleared storage and hard reset, that didnt work.
WTF am I doing wrong? Im using the phone on ATT and paid over $600 for the phone and now it wont update. Where do I go from here? Am I dead in the water and stuck with a phone that cant be updated. This has got to be the most rediculous issue around. I cant believe it and yet its happening.
why dont you flash it with one of the custom roms which has the update included.
dont know how to. seems to complicated. I only rooted so that I can use certain programs but a custom rom sound like trouble to me.
I'd rather just use stock rom and update. What is it everyone else with a rooted stock rom phone can be okay and update but I cant? WTF is up with that. What makes my phone not update?
How stupid is it that all i want to do is update my phone and I cant even do that. This phone has its flaws but if I cant even update it then whats the point of having an android phone. Somethings wrong here and it cant be Im the only one with this issues.
That's part of the risk you take with unlocking the bootloader... it's not Google's fault man.
That being said, check out some of the threads in the Development section...just sounds like you need to do some research and flash the update the same way others with unlocked bootloaders have to.
OTA works only on unrooted phones. Head over to modaco to download the ERE27 update.zip. Its definitely worth the update!
Volker1 said:
OTA works only on unrooted phones. Head over to modaco to download the ERE27 update.zip. Its definitely worth the update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried and failed. Ended up reselling the phone off for $475.
Just wanted to point out that while this is certainly a good overall phone, I wont be buying it again. Im going to wait it out for another android phone.
Certainly fell way short of my expectation. The sound quality on the phone was bad, the video recording was okay and the failed apps shutting down was a bummer.
Im still waiting for a phone to come out thats actually good enough to warrant another $600 price tag.
we'll just have to wait and see. For now Im going to get a simple phone to save up some cash.
homerrulez said:
tried and failed. Ended up reselling the phone off for $475.
Just wanted to point out that while this is certainly a good overall phone, I wont be buying it again. Im going to wait it out for another android phone.
Certainly fell way short of my expectation. The sound quality on the phone was bad, the video recording was okay and the failed apps shutting down was a bummer.
Im still waiting for a phone to come out thats actually good enough to warrant another $600 price tag.
we'll just have to wait and see. For now Im going to get a simple phone to save up some cash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... I've never had the problems with sound quality. Video recording is MORE than adequate for a high-end mobile phone, and "failed apps" is a problem to take up with developers... I've never had a failed Google app, even the Launcher FC that some people have experienced.
It sounds like what really happened here is that you couldn't figure your phone out, so now you're telling yourself whatever you can to make yourself feel better about selling it off. I don't understand why you're the only person who couldn't update his phone here. I hear they're selling for over $600 on eBay, so you probably should have set a higher reserve. Good luck finding another phone of this caliber man....

My 1st gen Vibrant, advice

Hello,
I really love the screen on this phone, the hardware capabilities (720p rec, etc.) and although newer and better processors in phones are coming out I like this 1 enough to hold me over for a long time.
so here is my issue:
I purchased my vibrant about 2 weeks after came out, and the biggest problem I faced initially was the problem with the gps. At this point I have not even use gps is the first month I bought it, instead I just use google maps in follow the directions it gives me.
Since that time, I have rooted my phone. I was really happy to get the first update that was rolled out, even though it was rooted. I have heard of all the difference solutions to fix the gps but is it really worth the effort to practically void my warranty even further than rooting it by opening it up and trying to solder whatever antenna is in there.
Now I know my phone is covered under samsung warranty. I should also mention the other big problem I have with it is the battery life. If I can fix these 2 issues I would love the phone forever.
here's my question:
is it feasible and worth the effort to get my phone returned back to samsung so that the battery and gps are of the newest generation?
does anyone have experience doing this and how willing is samsung to work with me?
Finally if I do end up getting a replacement then I know I will have to un root my phone before I send it to samsung. I'm not stupid but I just haven't flashed any roms before. if I did get my phone back to stock settings, then would I lose all of the applications and I paid for and all the customization I have done to the phone (contacts, accounts, data)?
also just curious but I haven't received the 2.2 over the air update yet am I even going to get it since my phone is rooted? I figure I may as well try 2.2 before I actually send in the phone.
I know these are a lot of questions but I really like this phone and I want to get it to work.
thank you and I appreciate any suggestions or advice for me.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
New and old Vibrants alike have GPS problem.
I don't have an answer to all your questions, but what I can tell you is that you should not wait for your phone to update to 2.2 because it is an over-the-air update.
Follow these instructions if you want to update your phone:
http://forums.t-mobile.com/t5/Samsu...-upgrade-to-Android-2-2-Froyo-now/td-p/678871
As far as I've heard the newer ones after 10/10 don't seem to have the same problem. It may be worth it to take it to the store and show them how bad the GPS is. They may exchange it for you. I'd unroot and go back to stock first.
That won't address the battery issue, but that's generic to most of these newer phones. You can do tweaks to get more life out of them, but that seems to be about it.
if I unroot and go back to stock is it going to erase my applications and contacts, and settings?
I bought it online so I would have to send it back to letstalk.com, I'll have to check out the return policy.
thanks for the replies.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
You will not lose your paid apps, they are tied to your google account. Use titanium backup before you unroot your phone to backup all your data, including app data. When you get your new phone, you will have to reroot and then you can restore everything from titanium.
You can try to get a warrantly replacement from Samsung rather than using letstalk, I think it's a pain to exchange with them, but I'm not sure.
As said above, Titanium backup will handle it. I have my phone from someone on this board, so I had to go directly with Samsung. Once I could get the tech support person to understand the phone just didn't work it was easier. Don't know how that would go with the GPS. Mine was for the phone not working as a phone, ie, no connection to the network.
zharptitza said:
As far as I've heard the newer ones after 10/10 don't seem to have the same problem. It may be worth it to take it to the store and show them how bad the GPS is. They may exchange it for you. I'd unroot and go back to stock first.
That won't address the battery issue, but that's generic to most of these newer phones. You can do tweaks to get more life out of them, but that seems to be about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find that to be incorrect. My Vibrant has a 11.01 (2011 January) build date on it and the gps is horrible. I've tried every rom, but I do notice the gps being a little more better with certain roms.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Here is my story:
I phone up t-mobile and say my GPS doesn't work. They made me go through a four day dance trying stuff, but if it doesn't work, it doesn't work.
They then replaced it with a brand new phone.
And they charged me $10 shipping & handling for the new phone.
Before the phone never could reliably get and hold on to a GPS lock; afterwards it locks in seconds and never drops.
Hmm, threads I had seen were saying it was better. I have an older one that I just fixed myself. I was hoping they'd gotten their act together and fixed their antenna construction. Its such a simple thing to fix, you'd think they'd do it at the plant.
False
zharptitza said:
As far as I've heard the newer ones after 10/10 don't seem to have the same problem. It may be worth it to take it to the store and show them how bad the GPS is. They may exchange it for you. I'd unroot and go back to stock first.
That won't address the battery issue, but that's generic to most of these newer phones. You can do tweaks to get more life out of them, but that seems to be about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
False, I've personally used Vibrants made after 10/10 and the GPS is no better than ones produced earlier.
There is no change in hardware, and it has never been proven that a hardware revision on the GPS was made on phones manufactured after 10/10. Just speculation and rumor.
SamsungVibrant said:
False, I've personally used Vibrants made after 10/10 and the GPS is no better than ones produced earlier.
There is no change in hardware, and it has never been proven that a hardware revision on the GPS was made on phones manufactured after 10/10. Just speculation and rumor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think I've got to agree on this one.
In the gps case, I really think it is really a hit or miss issue. My gps works pretty decently but my hubby's doesn't work at all. Even when we were both stock, I could lock on some birds but his was never able to. On top of that, when I flashed Nero onto my phone, my gps got even better. Granted, I don't think it would ever see a thing if it was working on standalone; but with wireless networks on, this thing would (and has) pinpoint(ed) me on a moving train accurately.
Aside from firmwares (now), the only difference between them was the build dates: his - 07/10, mine - 09/10.

GT-P7510 Wifi Issues after ICS Update?

Hello everyone!
So I got the ICS update the other day Via Kies. Worked great for the first day, however I noticed some hiccups in my connection to wifi points. Last night though I couldn't go 60 seconds without disconnecting and reconnecting. Is anyone else having this issue?
I am going to try a Factory Reset and see if that works. Just gotta back up all my data.
Thanks!
Miles
I'd do the reset, if that fails try changing the channel on your router.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
Alright, I tried the factory reset. It didn't seem to help. Any time I push data it drops my connection. I have tried changing channel on the routers and even multiple connections (I'm up to 5 different wifi points). I may try an Odin flash... but I think its hardware related the way it acts. Thankfully I have a full Warranty with Best Buy that I can swap it out if they will let me. We will find out.
No issues here so far.
I use an Apple Airport Express for my wap, as my home network is all hard wired.
I bought our tabs and the Express back in March, and it hasn't skipped a beat since I installed it.
The Tabs have worked fine on HC, and still do on ICS.
Yeah, It's a hardware issue. I did a full ODIN restore of the ICS install and I am still having issues. I am going to call Best Buy as soon as they open and see what they can do for me. I know they can't "Sell" the Galaxy Tab Right now to due the Injunction against it, so I may end up sacrificing my amazing Galaxy Tab to the Apple crap and switch to something new... If that is how it has to work.
You need to modify the CCODE in the file /system/etc/wifi/nvram.txt and set it from GB to US or ALL, you'll find better performance after restarting the tablet.
Do the wifi versions come with a baseband/modem.bin in the tar, if do you could try flashing just that from a honeycomb ROM with mobile Odin.
Swyped from my finger to your face, on my Samsung Galaxy Note.
I've tried all of the above requests and it continues to have issues. It was already set to the US setting due to it being an OTA update for the US Model. I took it up to Best Buy and the answer I received was "Sorry but due to the Apple stuff our hands are tied. We can send it in for repairs but we cannot and will not take it back into stock to protect ourselves from legal issues. It will take between 3 and 16 weeks to have it sent out and repaired. Is that an Ok Solution?" I picked up my tablet and left... Looks like I am out a tablet... I paid 106 bucks for "Accidental damage" and immediate exchange for a working one and now they are screwing me out of it.
I installed the official US version via ODIN and the CCODE value was set to GB as previously mentioned so you may want to at least take a look at the file to confirm yours is already correct.
MilesAeon said:
I've tried all of the above requests and it continues to have issues. It was already set to the US setting due to it being an OTA update for the US Model..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The U.S. firmware still references to GB in build.prop and nvram.txt, the only difference is the GoogleSearch.
Thanks for the info... is there a specific program I should use to mod that variable?
MilesAeon said:
Yeah, It's a hardware issue. I did a full ODIN restore of the ICS install and I am still having issues. I am going to call Best Buy as soon as they open and see what they can do for me. I know they can't "Sell" the Galaxy Tab Right now to due the Injunction against it, so I may end up sacrificing my amazing Galaxy Tab to the Apple crap and switch to something new... If that is how it has to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems here.
They can still sell you an new Tab. The injunction allows retailers to sell whatever remaining stock they may have. Of course if they've already sold them all, then you're out of luck.
MilesAeon said:
Thanks for the info... is there a specific program I should use to mod that variable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to root your tab and then you can use the built-in Text Editor in Root Explorer.
So I went ahead and rooted the tab (huzzah for that) and used ES File Explorer and mounted System as Writable. Went down into the System\Etc\Wifi looking for the nvram.txt file. I currently have 3 of them which I thought was strange.
Nvram_net.txt (Was set to GB, changed it to ALL)
nvram_mfg.txt (Set to US)
nvram_net.txt_us (Set to US)
I seem to be having much better connections today. I am really not sure which of the above files are actually the ones my tablet uses but since making the change I am no longer getting random disconnects. Seems strange they would leave something like that in there. I will keep an eye on it and see if there are anymore hiccups.
Thanks so much everyone!!!
Do you not have the option of tethering to your phone to get wifi?
No Wifi Issues, but cannot play any video after upgrade
Just to report I've not seen any issues with WiFi, it works well wherever I take it. After the upgrade it connected to a couple of saved networks without issue. However I have ran into an issue with the video playback after the upgrade to 4.0.4. I detail it on a separate post here:
No Video, Flash broken after upgrade on GT-P7510
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30473702&postcount=154
If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it. I cannot go to any website and play its video, flat out does not work on Dolphin or stock browser.
I was able to get a raincheck for the SG Note 10.1
MilesAeon said:
So I went ahead and rooted the tab (huzzah for that) and used ES File Explorer and mounted System as Writable. Went down into the System\Etc\Wifi looking for the nvram.txt file. I currently have 3 of them which I thought was strange.
Nvram_net.txt (Was set to GB, changed it to ALL)
nvram_mfg.txt (Set to US)
nvram_net.txt_us (Set to US)
I seem to be having much better connections today. I am really not sure which of the above files are actually the ones my tablet uses but since making the change I am no longer getting random disconnects. Seems strange they would leave something like that in there. I will keep an eye on it and see if there are anymore hiccups.
Thanks so much everyone!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was having the same issue and when I took it in, the CS rep told me the same thing that happened to you; due to the injunction they could not replace it, I threw a fit and finally ended up speaking with a manager. He told me since I had the Product Replacement Plan, I was entitled to have either the product or the value that I paid for it towards another product. I was therefore able to pre-order it and should have it by the end of next week. I would suggest to go to another BB and argue your point, you did pay for it so they should honor it, you have nothing to do with Apple vs. Samsung, your beef is with BB upholding and honoring their replacement plan.
gziggy said:
Just to report I've not seen any issues with WiFi, it works well wherever I take it. After the upgrade it connected to a couple of saved networks without issue. However I have ran into an issue with the video playback after the upgrade to 4.0.4. I detail it on a separate post here:
No Video, Flash broken after upgrade on GT-P7510
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30473702&postcount=154
If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it. I cannot go to any website and play its video, flat out does not work on Dolphin or stock browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reinstall Adobe Flash Player. But don't spam the threads with your question. One thread is enough.
I ended up speaking with a store manager the other day whom basically told me he wasn't going to budge in the rudest way possible.
After going through a "Customer Service Manager" Whom was polite enough to explain their process and how they did thing, which make sense, I pushed a bit harder. He went and got the store manager whom basically said "You're **** out of luck because I'm not helping you" in a somewhat polite way.
I ended up sending off my Tablet for "Repairs" instead of an instant replacement like I was promised because they are too afraid of legal matters. Or at least my store is. Once I was done doing the repairs I basically told the store manager I wouldn't be shopping with best buy anymore and that I see why his company is crashing in around their ears and walked out.
I also returned a 500$ Galaxy Note as they couldn't get me one that wasn't basically falling apart.
So did you return it because of continued wi-fi issues?

[Q] Update on Furious at AT&T- NOT A RANT

Long story short; I sent the phone to a former NTSB investigator who confirmed what I already knew. Thermal damage.
The refurbished phone that they sent as a replacement was FULL of issues, so I had to have it replaced, as well. The camera would not focus, the sound recorder only recorded static, it wouldn't retain my preferences that I set in the phone, and randomly reverted to the default ringtone.
When I called back to get it replaced; I was greeted by a VERY friendly, helpful, and understanding representative who told me that the original claim WAS NOT handled properly. She overnighted a new phone and battery and asked me to return the original phone to a different address for examination. She agreed that they would probably just take one look at it and claim that it was physical damage. She reversed the charges for the replacement - even though I had the "Premium" insurance on it. She also noted that I had a written report with photos to verify that it was a manufacturing defect - with the obvious caveat that if there really was physical damage that I would have to pay the deductible. Naturally; I used my Sony video microscope to take photos of every angle of the phone, the edges, etc. - to prove that there wasn't so much as a single blemish anywhere on the phone that they could construe as being "physical damage" - aside from the obvious darkening to the inner plastic from the internal heat, and it was isolated to the rear of the display.
I got back in town early yesterday and the newest replacement was already waiting. I charged the battery and fired it up. So far; so good. Works like a champ. Bear in mind, it's been less than 24 hours...
Oddly; I didn't start having issues until AT&T forcefully crammed the firmware update down my throat. And, no; I had done no modifications - such as rooting or work-arounds to either phone. So; I actually have a legitimate question: Have any of you experienced any phantom issues with your S4's, post firmware (FM3, I think) update? I know that it gave me a message: "Updating Camera Firmware", and the camera would no longer focus. I took copious photos and videos with it and have saved them for reference. In the videos; you can see that the camera is constantly zooming in and out of focus - even though it was stationary, aimed at a fixed subject, and at a very reasonable distance. Many of my downloaded programs also no longer worked, or would freeze up for no apparent reason. They all had worked perfectly prior to the update, as well as on my previous Motorola Atrix HD. They still are working perfectly on the Atrix HD that I passed down to my kids, after I unlocked it, rooted it, and installed the Pac-Man 4.3 ROM. When I got the first replacement S4; it kept prompting me to download the firmware update, and I kept denying permission - in the event that I felt frisky enough to do some fancy footwork on it later down the road. One morning I woke up and it had a message on the screen: "Software Update Successful!" After I angrily cleared that screen, it gave me the message about updating my camera firmware. Now; I'd only had it a day or so, so I can't verify that everything was working properly before - it just seemed to be OK.
My next question is: Is there any way to block them from updating this phone, and constantly bombarding me and forcing me to install useless "bloatware" that I'll never use and only uses up more of my internal memory. I have the 32GB S4 so it's not a huge issue, but it's obnoxious, at the very least that they think that they know better than I do what I want to be installed on my phone. I can hide them, uninstall the updates and put them out of sight, but they're there, none the less, and I don't want them! Yeah; I know I agreed to their terms, but that just seems downright controlling and unfair. And, by the way; even if I do hide them, and uninstall the updates; they magically reappear in a few days and it seems like I'm constantly receiving messages prompting me to update them. Even if I decline; they download anyway. Sort of a "Wash, Rinse, Repeat" scenario.
OK; after my last nasty rant, I expect (and deserve) some nasty feedback, but I'd really appreciate any suggestions or insight to these issues. Any similar experiences? I'd been foaming at the mouth waiting to get this phone, but it seems like it's been one terrific headache after another. I've only owned Motorola phones (since 1985) until now. Motorola now seems lackluster compared to the newer models or I'd have never jumped ship. Now; it seems like I made a $700.00 mistake. I really hope I'm wrong and just unfamiliar with other manufacturers equipment. Save me from myself!
Thanks, everyone!
Nukesnooper
The Samsung updates are kind of like the old "Window Updates needs to restart, postpone for X hours." But if you leave it there, then it will reboot by itself. Kind of like this updated by itself. The only way to avoid updates is rooting the phone and freezing or deleting that service, or of course, changing ROMs. (But I believe you're on MF3 firmware now so..)
Other than that, can't say much as I have the T-Mobile variant.
If you have MDB or MDL firmware do this. It will stop AT&T updates. I would freeze anything that even looks like a Samsung updater also.
Link Here
Thanks!
~wolverine~ said:
If you have MDB or MDL firmware do this. It will stop AT&T updates. I would freeze anything that even looks like a Samsung updater also.
Link Here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess the next obvious question is: "How?" I don't want to root the phone yet, but didn't think you could freeze any of their apps without rooting or modifying the stock firmware. I'm afraid to do any mods to it until I know it's going to be a stable device - and hence; not taking any chance of voiding my warranty. Sorry for what's probably a dumb question, but I'm new to modifying phones.
Also; what is the best way to sterilize the phone that I'm returning of contacts, remnants of uninstalled programs, etc?
Added: It already has the MF3 update installed. Grrr!
Thanks again!
NS
nukesnooper said:
Also; what is the best way to sterilize the phone that I'm returning of contacts, remnants of uninstalled programs, etc?
Added: It already has the MF3 update installed. Grrr!
Thanks again!
NS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A factory reset from settings/accounts/backup & restore will wipe out all that. I would think it would be safe to do that with MF3, but I'm no expert. You might want to get other opinions also.
ptguca cross
~wolverine~ said:
A factory reset from settings/accounts/backup & restore will wipe out all that. I would think it would be safe to do that with MF3, but I'm no expert. You might want to get other opinions also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great until I went to confirm that I was going to delete everything in my brain and give them a pint of virgin blood; then it asked for a "New Password" and wouldn't give me anything but a numeric keypad. Huh??? Sup wid dat? It wouldn't delete ANYTHING until I confirmed my "password" which isn't numeric at all, but gave me no other options. I'm going to try booting it up from "off" and see if there's a way to do it from there. FEAR.

[Q] One last attempt before I abandon this thing

I bought an i337 right before the MF3 release. Luckily, I was able to prevent the OTA, unlocked it, rooted it and found a custom ROM that was smooth, bug free and gave me no trouble with the modem, BT, WiFi, etc. Heaven.
3 weeks later I reached in my pocket and it was cracked. Wouldn't even boot, no download mode, no ADB, nothing. DOA.
I had insurance, so after the hefty deductible I had a replacement... with MF3. Ugh. Fine. Rooted, Wanman, I did a lot of reading here. I considered SafeStrap, but honestly, I had spent so much time on it... I was making do.
Well, something is up with this device. I have never been able to get the MK2 OTA. After a while, pressing the update button to check didn't do anything at all. No response. Fine. I'll live with this. How bad could it be? I mean, the popups are anoying, The Amber Alert went off 6 times in 30 minutes, I hate the TouchWize BS, but it works, right?
Lately, reboots. And problems with Apps that no one else has. Is it because I am rooted? I didn't do anything with this- just some Tasker stuff and the Xposed. Then my BT starts to cut out all the time. Car stereo randomly drops BT. Samsung media player plays random files from wherever it finds them, especially the Samsung theme song and some strange subset of spotify files. But now it's playing and there's no PLAYER. I can't turn it off. And it's playing during phone calls, and DOUBLE PLAYING dhen I am listening to podcasts. Some apps lock up. Power button presses don't work. Enough.
I tried unrooting. I tried a factory reset. Enough Let's do Safestrap...
****. I have a 16GB version. Not a lot room for that. I don't want to waste any more time...
Fine Factory Wipe. STILL CAN'T UPDATE OTA to MK2?! Something's up. Flash the MF3 Files. Still broken. This thing is a mess.
So the question is... what do I do?
1) Cut my losses. I have a Nexus 5 in my hand. I like it. I could load ROMs. can't swap the battery, and there's no SD card. Dammit. The battery could be a killer for me. I don't want to spend money, but I am done having to reboot in the middle of a business call because it's playing a podcast over the connection.
2) Take it back and demand a new one. With all this AT&T bull**** and locked bootloader. Is this one just a bum phone, or do any of you have these issues?
3) Safestrap + a safestrap ROM. Any good suggestions? Looking for Stable , good BT support and the ability to turn off annoying **** that will wake my wife and kids up at night.
Sorry to post here with what's probably stuff that's been answered- but I just don't have the will to spend any more time or money on this. $400 for the phone + insurance replacement, extra batteries, case, etc. I hate this ****ing thing so much- and even more because I had the previous one so perfect.
Thanks in advance.
And after all that, still stuck on 4.2.2, the root exploit is failing on my phone (it worked before, but not this time). There's only one or two searches coming up with anyone else having this problem, so I don't expect it to work. So no SafeStrap.
Check Please.
Hopefully that N5 battery can last.
ultralame said:
And after all that, still stuck on 4.2.2, the root exploit is failing on my phone (it worked before, but not this time). There's only one or two searches coming up with anyone else having this problem, so I don't expect it to work. So no SafeStrap.
Check Please.
Hopefully that N5 battery can last.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash MK2 with Odin: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279
Root here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Don't update to KitKat, NB1 build hasn't been rooted yet
hotsauce32 said:
Flash MK2 with Odin: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279
Root here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Don't update to KitKat, NB1 build hasn't been rooted yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate this. I'll give it one more shot.
ultralame said:
I appreciate this. I'll give it one more shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, just remember to back up any apps and whatnot; you're flashing a stock image that will wipe all internal data
hotsauce32 said:
No problem, just remember to back up any apps and whatnot; you're flashing a stock image that will wipe all internal data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the warning. At the moment, it's about as stock as it can be though. Nothing to lose!
Hopefully getting a fresh install gets rid of those issues you were having, but if they persist, you probably got a bad replacement (likely a refurb).
Sounds like your phone needs a complete reset via Odin including the PIT file so you can repartition the entire device...
Get to MK2 Odin files
Get a 16 GB Galaxy S4 PIT file
Open Odin, assign the files to their correct spots...
Turn phone on in Download Mode, connect USB
Proceed to flash, and hope for the best...
If your successful with that I would use Saferoot to obtain root as soon as possible to avoid receiving the new NB1 (Android 4.4) update. From their follow the guides post in this thread to get Safestrap 3.71 installed. I recommend Hyperdrive or SHOStock for your daily driver... though your mileage may very.
Quick note to all those who were trying to help...
I really do believe there was a problem with this phone.
In order to have it replaced, AT&T asked me to do the OTA. It's now 4.4, so no hope of Rooting.
However, they are replacing it. I *may* play with that one if it's not 4.4, and see if I can SafeStrap it, make myself happy.
But most likely I am moving on to the Nexus 5 + Pac ROM or CM or something new, and I am selling the replacement on eBay.
Please don't waste any more of your time trying to help out. I appreciate all the suggestions, but I think I am done. Hopefully someone at Samsung will come to their senses and this BS will stop. When they do, I will come back to these phones. Until then, I am blessed to be able to afford unlocked devices, and I will not go back.
I have to admit, this community has done a great job of being good to newbies and to guys like me, who aren't quite newbies but don't have the time to get in too deep. Thanks again.
I'd like to purchase the phone if you haven't sold it on eBay
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I have had similar gremlins recently. It's just not a very good phone or at least at&t have made it mediocre. That said, you may have had problems with the update if you deleted or froze any stock apps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the info.
I had my original s4 (MDL) running CM and PacRom and it was awesome. TouchWiz + AT&T mods is the problem. The phone wouldn't even recognize my voice well through my car stereo hands free. (the PacRom version was perfect).
Anyway, I used Odin to flash mk2 stock, then had at&t replace it under warranty. I just sold that one. I'm typing this on a Nexus 5 with a modified Paranoid Android 4.0.
(wtf? PA removed the quick setting button for sound/silent in 4.0/4.1 so I had to find a mod.)
So far so good. I'm worried about not being able to swap the battery, but I love the wireless charging.

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