Database Develop

How reliable is this phone?

I found one on Craig's List and my girlfriend desperately needs a new phone. I plan on sticking to stock OS and not rooting or customizing it because it's for her and I don't want to risk bricking her.
I just want to know, how reliable is this phone?

Personally, this is my last Samsung phone. So... I wouldn't recommend it.

Essenar said:
I found one on Craig's List and my girlfriend desperately needs a new phone. I plan on sticking to stock OS and not rooting or customizing it because it's for her and I don't want to risk bricking her.
I just want to know, how reliable is this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a Captivate for my gf and she loves it, but the stock OS pissed her off due to lagging and bloatware.
We installed Cognition 2.3b8 which was very easy and now she really loves it as her daily driver. All you do is put an update.zip for Clockwork on the root of SD. Reboot into oem recovery, reinstall packages twice to get to Clockwork, then wipe data and flash Cognition. Couldn't be easier.
Honestly, if you can find a Nexus One for AT&T (if you have AT&T the T-mobile version will be Edge only!! You need an AT&T Nexus One) I think that's your best bet, but with a little bit of modding and care the Captivate is a great phone. My gf LOVES the giant screen and beautiful display.
That said, the more I learn about it the more pissed off I am with Samsung. Different revisions, ODIN, Kies, Download Mode, etc. Rooting this thing is way more complicated than it needs to be. I'm running a MT4G and SOOOO glad I didn't buy the Vibrant. Shudder...

The only problem I've ever had with my cappy is the GPS, which, after reading the GPS fixes thread has been absolutely perfect.
To me this is the perfect phone. Fast, reliable, pretty. I don't even want anything faster anymore. If phones peaked in speed right now and started focusing strictly on battery life (I get about 1.5-2 days right now, I'd like to get 3-5), I'd be perfectly happy with that.

Craig's List? Buyer beware!

Here is where I am at:
This phone is probably not the best choice if you are planning on giving it to your wife without a custom ROM. If you plan on giving it to you wife with a ROM it is a good choice regardless of what ROM you choose however it is better if you use one that is as close to stock as possible: cognition, perception, or Andromeda (1.00).

cappysw10 said:
Craig's List? Buyer beware!
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Click to collapse
I've got several great phones off CL. Do your due diligence as a buyer and you'll be just fine.

If you can get it for a decent price, then go for it.
Here's a simple pro & con list:
Pros
-Super AMOLED screen makes pictures and videos gorgeous
-1 GHz Processor that can be overclocked to 1.28GHz (stable) and undervolted to improve battery performance
-The xda devs are constantly providing the Captivate support that Samsung has failed to give us.
-Did i mention the Super AMOLED screen? Yes, yes I did.
-Swype makes texting a lot more fun to type on the phone once you get past the 1-minute learning curve
Cons
-Developed by Samsung and so the customer support for the phone is terrible
(see: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=913045)
-The stock AT&T Rom is filled with bloatware that takes up space and attempts to get you to spend more money on AT&T services.
-AT&T has disabled the ability to sideload apps (install apps from outside of the market) on the stock ROM, and so you won't be able to install third-party apps if/when you come across them.
-No official 2.2 froyo release from Samsung, despite promises from them as well as AT&T to have it released by the end of 2010 (this is when the store rep told me to expect the update when i bought my phone. derp).
-Some GPS Issues
Conclusion based on my personal opinion.
Overall, I love this phone and I'm glad I chose it over the iPhone 4 due to the ridiculous customization available. However, if not for the xda devs creating amazing custom ROMs, I would have probably returned it for the original Jesus phone.
My advice? Get the phone, pick out a launcher from the market (LauncherPro, ADW Launcher, or for the minimalist: Zeam) and grab handcent while you're at it. Then give her the phone and she should be happy with it.
More advice? Sure. Root the phone, flash Cog 3.02 onto it with the firebird 2/Glitterball kernel and JK4 modem.
Sorry if this post seems a bit jumbled and scattered. I'm currently doing about 4 different things at once and posting from my Computer Class at the local community college haha

Dont' buy it. GPS problems, shutdown issues, and, based on the general lack of reliability so far, probably more issues to come as the phone ages. If it weren't for the beautiful display and the custom ROMs here on xda I'd have little good to say about my phone. Since you don't plan on modifications the screen is really all you'd get. Does that screen outweigh the hardware problems I've noted?

Phateless said:
Rooting this thing is way more complicated than it needs to be.
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SuperOneClick -- The program is called "SuperOneClick". That is literally all it takes to gain root on a SGS phone. So, personally, I think rooting is not nearly as complicated as it could be!

yourname146 said:
SuperOneClick -- The program is called "SuperOneClick". That is literally all it takes to gain root on a SGS phone. So, personally, I think rooting is not nearly as complicated as it could be!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me rephrase that. Custom ROMs are more complicated than they need to be. I've used SOC on my MT3G, works well. It's ODIN, Kies and manually flashing modems and kernels that annoys me. I've flashed radios and roms on my mt3g and I'm comfortable with fastboot and adb so I'm not a total noob. HTC just seems simpler to me, but maybe that's because I'm used to it.

The only beef I have had with this phone is the GPS issue. otherwise it's a great phone. Beautiful screen, sleek design and fast with a good ROM such as Cognition.

I've decided I'm either going to get her a Nokia N900 or an iPhone (some variation). I can't put a phone in her hands with such a gamble on the GPS (There's no guarantee the fix works and no way to identify which Captivates will work and won't work). Especially since this phone is purchased used and won't have a warranty on it.
I wish her sister would make up her mind about AT&T. If she decided to stay with AT&T I could just buy her something new. If she decided to leave AT&T, I could buy her a new Android device with another carrier.

Essenar said:
I've decided I'm either going to get her a Nokia N900 or an iPhone (some variation). I can't put a phone in her hands with such a gamble on the GPS (There's no guarantee the fix works and no way to identify which Captivates will work and won't work). Especially since this phone is purchased used and won't have a warranty on it.
I wish her sister would make up her mind about AT&T. If she decided to stay with AT&T I could just buy her something new. If she decided to leave AT&T, I could buy her a new Android device with another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you from experience, **** AT&T! T-mobile has buy one get one free for MT4G right now, I have no clue why on earth you would want to stay with AT&T.
Seriously, I have been with T-mobile for 5 years and I'm in love with their service. Every time I call I get an AMERICAN rep on the phone in 5 mins tops.

pizz0wn3d said:
If you can get it for a decent price, then go for it.
Here's a simple pro & con list:
Pros
-Super AMOLED screen makes pictures and videos gorgeous
-1 GHz Processor that can be overclocked to 1.28GHz (stable) and undervolted to improve battery performance
-The xda devs are constantly providing the Captivate support that Samsung has failed to give us.
-Did i mention the Super AMOLED screen? Yes, yes I did.
-Swype makes texting a lot more fun to type on the phone once you get past the 1-minute learning curve
Cons
-Developed by Samsung and so the customer support for the phone is terrible
(see: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=913045)
-The stock AT&T Rom is filled with bloatware that takes up space and attempts to get you to spend more money on AT&T services.
-AT&T has disabled the ability to sideload apps (install apps from outside of the market) on the stock ROM, and so you won't be able to install third-party apps if/when you come across them.
-No official 2.2 froyo release from Samsung, despite promises from them as well as AT&T to have it released by the end of 2010 (this is when the store rep told me to expect the update when i bought my phone. derp).
-Some GPS Issues
Conclusion based on my personal opinion.
Overall, I love this phone and I'm glad I chose it over the iPhone 4 due to the ridiculous customization available. However, if not for the xda devs creating amazing custom ROMs, I would have probably returned it for the original Jesus phone.
My advice? Get the phone, pick out a launcher from the market (LauncherPro, ADW Launcher, or for the minimalist: Zeam) and grab handcent while you're at it. Then give her the phone and she should be happy with it.
More advice? Sure. Root the phone, flash Cog 3.02 onto it with the firebird 2/Glitterball kernel and JK4 modem.
Sorry if this post seems a bit jumbled and scattered. I'm currently doing about 4 different things at once and posting from my Computer Class at the local community college haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a very fair and accurate assessment.
Absolutely get this phone if you're comfortable rooting the phone and installing custom ROMs, launchers, etc. The phone will run markedly better than stock and will be a dream to use.
If you're not technically inclined, and need rely on $am$ung and AT$T for your firmware updates, get a different android phone. Updates are either never coming or will be over half a year behind and quite possibly bugged and broken even if you do get them.

kingtz said:
This is a very fair and accurate assessment.
Absolutely get this phone if you're comfortable rooting the phone and installing custom ROMs, launchers, etc. The phone will run markedly better than stock and will be a dream to use.
If you're not technically inclined, and need rely on $am$ung and AT$T for your firmware updates, get a different android phone. Updates are either never coming or will be over half a year behind and quite possibly bugged and broken even if you do get them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
I feel like I should mention that I'm now using Exists Suckerpunch kernel and it's... Well... Amazing. OC/UV support with speedmod's battery battery tweaks is pretty much the best thing ever. And exists (pretty cool guy, eh made my favorite kernel ever and doesn't afraid of anything) updates so often I barely have time to find and complain about any bugs that happen to slip past.
This phone is quite captivating indeed.
Herp derp Captivate XDA App

Phateless said:
I've got several great phones off CL. Do your due diligence as a buyer and you'll be just fine.
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Click to collapse
Me too. That said out of the box the Captivate is a very frustrating phone to use. The GPS is spotty and You won't have full access to it's super fast Gee Bees unless you install a custom ROM.

I ended up getting her an iPhone. I know guys, I know.
To be honest, I didn't feel comfortable giving her a phone with spotty GPS as this will be her primary GPS unit.
Reading the custom rod and GPS thread gave me no assurance that doing the fix and rooting with a custom rom would fix the issue.
I have enough problems dealing with my MyTouch 4g that you may see me on a Bionic or iPhone with Verizon anyway.
But thanks for the advice. I may root and mod her sisters Captivate to score points because I heard she has had for warranty replacements lol.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

gunnyman said:
Me too. That said out of the box the Captivate is a very frustrating phone to use. The GPS is spotty and You won't have full access to it's super fast Gee Bees unless you install a custom ROM.
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Click to collapse
Totally agree.
Essenar said:
I ended up getting her an iPhone. I know guys, I know.
To be honest, I didn't feel comfortable giving her a phone with spotty GPS as this will be her primary GPS unit.
Reading the custom rod and GPS thread gave me no assurance that doing the fix and rooting with a custom rom would fix the issue.
I have enough problems dealing with my MyTouch 4g that you may see me on a Bionic or iPhone with Verizon anyway.
But thanks for the advice. I may root and mod her sisters Captivate to score points because I heard she has had for warranty replacements lol.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been keeping my eyes open for an iPhone4 for my gf as well for the same reasons you mentioned. There's also an AT&T iteration of the Evo coming soon. That might be a good device for her.

Phateless said:
I got a Captivate for my gf and she loves it, but the stock OS pissed her off due to lagging and bloatware.
We installed Cognition 2.3b8 which was very easy and now she really loves it as her daily driver. All you do is put an update.zip for Clockwork on the root of SD. Reboot into oem recovery, reinstall packages twice to get to Clockwork, then wipe data and flash Cognition. Couldn't be easier.
Honestly, if you can find a Nexus One for AT&T (if you have AT&T the T-mobile version will be Edge only!! You need an AT&T Nexus One) I think that's your best bet, but with a little bit of modding and care the Captivate is a great phone. My gf LOVES the giant screen and beautiful display.
That said, the more I learn about it the more pissed off I am with Samsung. Different revisions, ODIN, Kies, Download Mode, etc. Rooting this thing is way more complicated than it needs to be. I'm running a MT4G and SOOOO glad I didn't buy the Vibrant. Shudder...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really??? Rooting this is as easy as switching off your phone and rebooting. With all the easy stuff available right here in this forum and tons on the net... it is a breeze to root and flash a custom ROM.

Insight on the Thrill

hey guys, I was hoping to get some help from some thrill users. I'm hoping I can get a little honesty here, I am doing research for a buddy on the thrill. I have checked out specs, and spec wise seems like a nice device. I just wanted some insight on state of this device, whether its a good purchase or not, i have found some nice deals on this device bare in mind im buying full price so i want to have a device that will have a little bit of longevity. here are some things i hope you guys can share some insight on:
reliability of device, hardware/software
development does it look good will there be ICS i didnt notice ics roms
any alarming things to know about the device before buying
known issues
i ask all this because the G2x for tmobile seems to be a nightmare, hoping this is a better device thanks for any help you guys can provide

I'm pretty happy with my Thrill, but I was disappointed in how long it took to get GB out for it. I'm not sure if we will ever see ICS. The camera is excellent, battery life is ok (I bought a 3500mAh battery and have to charge up nightly). The 3D is kind of a gimmick, but it does work well.
I found that it's much snappier with a custom ROM. I'm currently using Lestatious AcidHazard from the dev forum here. Both ADW and GoLauncher are much better than the default "LG Home" launcher.
Overall, not bad for my first Android phone. I upgraded from an iPhone 3GS and will never look back at Apple, but for my next one I may consider Samsung or HTC just because there seems to be a much larger developer community for their offerings.

Ill give you only my opinion based on my experience with this device. Can't speak for anyone else but I'm sure there might be some very diverse opinions about this device.
I feel the Thrill is the underdog in the current Gen of high powered devices. Kinda like if you perchased a low cost car because the price and function fit your needs. Then you discover it had a turbine engine that simply needed to be switched on and calibrated properly. Would be cool and fun although very unlikely. However the Thrill is often referred to as a sleeper. The hardwear is all there but the stock Rom is restrictive. With some patience and proper modification the Thrill is an awesome phone that can outperform many high priced phones and then some.
In most cases from what I have seen many people find a baseband they like, and a rom that works with the baseband, a few tweeks and bam nirvana. Currently the most common issues that I'm aware of are Ghost calls, Bluetooth instability and minor app bugs. We don't have a huge Dev team but the devs we got are darn good and have flat out showed us all what the Thrill is supposed to be.
If you have loaded any roms or rooted a phone then you will be capable of tweaking the Thrill as you like in about 1 day at the most. Do some further research on it first before you dive in so you are fully aware of what your getting in to.
Hope that helps

Its fast as ****. Its nice to the eyes, it sounds good while making calls for me at least.
What else do you need?
Sent from my LG-P920 using XDA

coming from the HTC sensation the 3d agreed is fun to play with but a gimic super fast and honestly if the right tweeks were given then the phone would be right behind the sgs2 easily if not keep up the LG 3d Max launcher is what I'm using but it is slower easy fix by getting a launcher from the market I recommend Adw or go launcher the dev work is amazing but slow and the optimus 3d is the exact same phone and is on the official list to receive ics according to popular results on Google but looking at things it'll be years end before we see official ics custom ROM will show up first and more than likely soon since the drop for LG phones supposedly is second and 3rd quarter once agin popular Google results reviled this for me over all I do not regret the switch and believe this phone Will peak at ics but will stay alive for probably another year to a year 1/2 stability is decent but be sure to update to gingerbread as the phone really seems to shine afterwards
Sent from my LG-P920 using XDA

Also regular battery on moderate use but with data monitor my battery lasts all day easily
Sent from my LG-P920 using XDA

Thanks for the help guys just got one very fast for 2.2 and ima hopefully get it rooted and running properly for my buddy hope it makes em happy. Your input was greatly appreciated
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk 2

While I'm here asking I hate to be such a noob guys but I don't know much about this phone wanna be careful not to brick it. From what I can understand I have to flash the gb update from LG before flashing gb roms correct? All I did was root the phone and installed a 2.2 Rom to get it going however I couldn't get data working its on a prepaid plan for 50 dollars a month everything else seems to be functioning ok. I wanna get all my ducks in a row for tomorrow when I get more time to get him updated to gb. Any roms that are recommended and or kernels. Cm7 or official update what's working better thanks for any help guys I'm not usually such a noob I'm just use to htcs with s off and such or Samsung's and Odin. LG is like a whole nother animal
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk 2

Lg update tool worked fine no issues I recommend a stock 2.2 ROM before update then work from there you'll love this phone AFTER you update though to avoid future questions on why you have no signal use an optimus 3d ROM to avoid alot of issues good luck and enjoy
Sent from my LG-P920 using XDA

Franzferdinan51 said:
Lg update tool worked fine no issues I recommend a stock 2.2 ROM before update then work from there you'll love this phone AFTER you update though to avoid future questions on why you have no signal use an optimus 3d ROM to avoid alot of issues good luck and enjoy
Sent from my LG-P920 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I shall do a bit more reading before I update to gingerbread tomorrow, this phone is actually for my buddy I'm running with an amaze but I'm helping him out so he has a great phone glad to hear its a awesome device once updated.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk 2

I actually love this phone. It is really fast and the battery life is decent. The camera takes awesome pics and videos. About a month ago I was almost fed up with the phone and the dev on it but after flashing the Mokee ROM I fell in love with the Thrill all over again. If I had to choose a phone right I would pry choose the Note over this but then again most people would.

knightricer said:
I'm pretty happy with my Thrill, but I was disappointed in how long it took to get GB out for it. I'm not sure if we will ever see ICS. The camera is excellent, battery life is ok (I bought a 3500mAh battery and have to charge up nightly). The 3D is kind of a gimmick, but it does work well.
I found that it's much snappier with a custom ROM. I'm currently using Lestatious AcidHazard from the dev forum here. Both ADW and GoLauncher are much better than the default "LG Home" launcher.
Overall, not bad for my first Android phone. I upgraded from an iPhone 3GS and will never look back at Apple, but for my next one I may consider Samsung or HTC just because there seems to be a much larger developer community for their offerings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much the same situation for me. Also upgraded from a 3GS and I think this phone is awesome and a great first android for me. For the most stability on gingerbread, in my opinion, would be v21e. I flashed the promethius rom and kernel on top of it and my thrill is amazing.
Sent from my LG-P920 using XDA

Why..

I have a question. Why cant we (flashaholics) settle down on one rom?. I my self am very content with my sonic rom, Nottach xposed, and other mods but am always looking for something bigger better newer. Why? Why I ask. Its a freakin phone. Make phone calls, text, surf the net and watch videos. Why do we constantly keep looking for other roms to flash even though the very rom we are on works perfectly and fills our needs. Im just wondering because I see the same people in various rom threads always flashing different roms. Two or 3 a week. Look. Im not saying its bad, I'm just trying to understand the need to look for the something better all the time. I my self am looking at other roms wondering how they are when I think the end result would be the same just minor differences. Just a thought.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA

primo523 said:
I have a question. Why cant we (flashaholics) settle down on one rom?. I my self am very content with my sonic rom, Nottach xposed, and other mods but am always looking for something bigger better newer. Why? Why I ask. Its a freakin phone. Make phone calls, text, surf the net and watch videos. Why do we constantly keep looking for other roms to flash even though the very rom we are on works perfectly and fills our needs. Im just wondering because I see the same people in various rom threads always flashing different roms. Two or 3 a week. Look. Im not saying its bad, I'm just trying to understand the need to look for the something better all the time. I my self am looking at other roms wondering how they are when I think the end result would be the same just minor differences. Just a thought.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if it's a need for something better at all - as most roms and etc are not so much better than one another and more so just different and bring a different experience.
I'd say it's just more of a hobby that people get in to because it's fun. Playing around with different themes, tweaking kernels for performance than battery life, switching from AOSP features to TW ones, playing with that roms unique feature than playing with another's, setting up a new home screen setup, etc etc.
Some people like collecting stamps, some people like tweaking and upgrading their car, and we just like pimping out our phone and trying new things!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

inlineboy said:
I don't know if it's a need for something better at all - as most roms and etc are not so much better than one another and more so just different and bring a different experience.
I'd say it's just more of a hobby that people get in to because it's fun. Playing around with different themes, tweaking kernels for performance than battery life, switching from AOSP features to TW ones, playing with that roms unique feature than playing with another's, setting up a new home screen setup, etc etc.
Some people like collecting stamps, some people like tweaking and upgrading their car, and we just like pimping out our phone and trying new things!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its an addiction! lol im downloading one right now

jamal717 said:
Its an addiction! lol im downloading one right now
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Click to collapse
Addiction for sure. Plus alot of people are trying to find their "ideal" android experience. As stock falls way short. I remember the samsung captivate I had, daily flashing!! For me now I just want a bug free setup so I dont flash like I used to. Usually only flash when I notice the phone is acting up or I mess something up ...

miketucky350 said:
Addiction for sure. Plus alot of people are trying to find their "ideal" android experience. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was with you to this point, but I couldn't disagree more on this: ...
As stock falls way short.
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Click to collapse
Not saying you're "wrong" because this is all opinion, but from my perspective, Jelly Bean hits the mark big time. In the nearly five years of Android, since rooting the G1, this is the first time I wasn't in a major hurry to get on a custom ROM. For me it's not the "Stock vs. Custom" aspect that drives me, but rather that stock unrooted keeps so many of the existing capabilities on lockdown. This phone and this OS kept me happy for a good minute.
That said, like others have mentioned, I love to tinker and there is no question that many custom ROMs improve on the Stock experience, even the JB stock experience.
But after the EVO, I kind of settled into comfortable favorites. Ran Calkulin's ROM for about 6 months and then MIUI (which is one ROM, but new every week) from when it first ported through the EVO3D and up until I got the SGSII. Flashed a few ROMs and then settled on the BluKuban and am now running that on my SGSIV.
I guess my flashing bug was pretty much tamed by 2010, but I definitely understand people who are flashoholics. I was one and it was like having a new phone every week. That was the appeal for me anyway.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

Compared to the many here, I would say I'm definitely not a "flashaholic." I do, however, enjoy tinkering with my phone very much and "modding" my phone has now overtaken the modding needs I used to have for my car.
I like trying out new kernels, mods, and apps that enhance the useability, speed, reliability, performance, and battery longevity of my phone. I ask myself sometimes why I spend so much time doing this stuff and for me, it's for several reasons:
1. For me, smartphones are still relatively new (got my first smartphone last year in May, a S2) and therefore exciting. Like the media says, "A mini computer that fits inside your pocket." It's just so cool~!
2. Before I got into modding my car (and my wifey's and my mom's), I was really into the modifying and overclocking (watercooling) PC scene. Smartphones have rekindled my passion for technology and my nerdy side reemerged. When I was becoming bored and feeling kinda indifferent about the slowdown in the PC industry, the rise & dominance of smartphones have reignited my passion to learn something new and be excited again after each breakthrough in mobile technology.
3. I like to keep my phone up-to-date with the newest and greatest from Google and the many amazing developers.

primo523 said:
I have a question. Why cant we (flashaholics) settle down on one rom?. I my self am very content with my sonic rom, Nottach xposed, and other mods but am always looking for something bigger better newer. Why? Why I ask. Its a freakin phone. Make phone calls, text, surf the net and watch videos. Why do we constantly keep looking for other roms to flash even though the very rom we are on works perfectly and fills our needs. Im just wondering because I see the same people in various rom threads always flashing different roms. Two or 3 a week. Look. Im not saying its bad, I'm just trying to understand the need to look for the something better all the time. I my self am looking at other roms wondering how they are when I think the end result would be the same just minor differences. Just a thought.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA
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Click to collapse
Ah I feel you pain.. Seems to me you are like me and trying to chase that perfect rom. I had a galaxy Nexus for sprint and hated waiting for my roms to be ported. I would also check xda and when i see the thread title updated i got excited and downloaded immediately. I never backed up w/ apps like TB so always had to start fresh and honestly my gnex was never setup for easy access.(like when i need directions for maps it has ten pop ups slowing me down). Then i went on to mods kernels and others and was always wiping and flashing. I stuck to cm 10.1 because its self nightly updater. I was so excited with my S4 that i didn't think of rooting it till day 2. I wanted to root, run stock and install apps like cerebrus, af wall, and adaway but im coming on to day 20 and i haven't rooted it. I know if i root my phone will run slower and if it bugs, blame the root then i'll never feel happy and start flashing roms then get stuck in the loop again. NO! I almost considered getting an iphone 5 just so i can stop but didn't. Samsung is a big company and right now their rom is working for me. Im now hooked on cases. lol
Long story short,(incase you dont want to read ^)
You're not alone. Galaxy S4 is a damn good phone but like every other device, it has flaws. Try to get use to stock because even if "perfectRom" is released you'll find yourself going back buggy roms.
Or you can have someone password block xda and fight with the moderators and go cold turkey for 60 days. I know they say 30 but lets be safe.

all of the above is correct, if you just want a phone, get a iphone, if you want to play with things, roms/themes etc, then this is the phone, I personally did not buy a $500 phone to make a call with.

BECAUSE IT'S LIKE TECHY CRACK!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! *starts twitching in the kernel & mod forums*
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

Rom fatigue

I've been flashing roms for almost 4 years now on almost a dozen phones. My go-to rom has always been CM, and for a while I was flashing all the nightlies for this phone and setting everything up from scratch every few days.
But a few weeks ago, something dawned on me: after untold hundreds of rom flashes, I think I'm actually tired of doing this. With all the unresolved data issues on AOSP roms and various other minor problems, I suddenly couldn't bring myself to modify my phone in a way that would actually remove functionality. I've now been on stock rooted MF9 for going on a month, and other than the inevitable 4.3 update, I don't think I'll be flashing any more roms on this or any other phone.
I've been a die-hard rom flasher for almost as long as I've been using Android devices and I certainly didn't see this coming. Has anyone else experienced this?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Yeah ive been wondering if the data (signal) issues will ever be resolved.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Yep same here ive flashed thousands of times. About a year ago on my s2 I had aosp . Well we got lost the kids were screaming gps didnt work and data speeds were awful. I flashed back to stock or stock based and everything was great. At that point I realized stick with stock. I will say that the touch wiz based roms here are wonderful. I feel you on fatigue. I've been on sacs rom for a long time and don't plan on changing it.

I'm with you. I got sick o of flashing roms all the time too. Been running stock for a about a month now.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

I feel the same only have flashed a couple Roms and am also just sick of always setting up new Roms. Just find one and stick with it I am on sacs. Was on Slim Bean but sacs is amazing and its TW based so don't have to worry about all the bugs that Aosp brings. But I gotta say Slim Bean was solid. Stable build 1 everything was working data ,GPS ,mms I had no problems. I remember just flashing every single ROM that was available back in my OG Evovdays.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

LoL. Feel almost the same here....
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Well I've been on stock Deodexed for getting close to a month, before that I flashed all the roms, my wife said I had a problem lol, but for the time being I'm quite happy with my phone being fully functional and having 4g every where I go. I'm still always looking at xda for the next big thing, but as of now I'm staying slightly modded with the convenience of a working PHONE :beer:

ParkerParker said:
Well I've been on stock Deodexed for getting close to a month, before that I flashed all the roms, my wife said I had a problem lol, but for the time being I'm quite happy with my phone being fully functional and having 4g every where I go. I'm still always looking at xda for the next big thing, but as of now I'm staying slightly modded with the convenience of a working PHONE :beer:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kind of how I am. I still compulsively check XDA every day even though I never flash anything anymore. It's just really nice to have a phone where everything works. MMS is a good example of something that I don't necessarily use all the time but it's nice for it to be functional when I need it. I suppose I'll probably give KitKat a spin when the roms start rolling out though
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Same here, I know there are some awesome developers. But I really need stability. I look for the slimest close to stock ROM I can find.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

This is so funny. I must have tried 50 ROMs on my various phones in the past few years. So many have claimed “visious battery ilfe! Screaming speeds!!!! This will make you cry with tears of joy!”
And then they run about as fast as stock, often with worse battery life, and with broken functionality.
There were some exceptions, like MeanBean on the Evo LTE, and a few others which ran pretty much flawlessly, but switching back to stock always makes me think, “wow, this is not any worse than that custom ROM I just had – a little uglier, but stock runs better…”
(Of course I always appreciate the hard work, and it is fun experimenting.)

Stock runs great on the gs4. Over the last 4 days I've averaged 15.5 hours on time with 3.5 hours screen time. About 70% on WiFi and 30% 3G
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

ronnienyc said:
This is so funny. I must have tried 50 ROMs on my various phones in the past few years. So many have claimed “visious battery ilfe! Screaming speeds!!!! This will make you cry with tears of joy!”
And then they run about as fast as stock, often with worse battery life, and with broken functionality.
There were some exceptions, like MeanBean on the Evo LTE, and a few others which ran pretty much flawlessly, but switching back to stock always makes me think, “wow, this is not any worse than that custom ROM I just had – a little uglier, but stock runs better…”
(Of course I always appreciate the hard work, and it is fun experimenting.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also never experienced the outlandish speed and battery claims of so many of these roms, including Mean Bean which I never found to work as flawlessly as advertised. Honestly, I think a lot of it is just placebo effect.
I mean no disrespect to the hard-working devs, of course - I guess my personal preferences are just changing. I'm not interested in spending tons of time messing with voltages and clock speeds and themes and kernels and APNs, etc. anymore.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Well a mean if you look at it from a different perspective "back in the day" yeah, what these devs claimed to be true, greater battery life, faster speeds, etc you did get and there was real improvement. Still we gotta understand back then stock android and phone makers weren't up to par and the phones weren't as powerful. Android was lacking in a lot of stuff and that's were modding grew.
But I don't need to give a history lesson, anyone who's been here for a while know why and how this all came about.
My point is though that android has caught up to the need for modding. Generally speaking (barring a persons provider) you get everything and in some cases more than you need without the need to mod.
Also some of the mods are also now available without being rooted, although not at a fast pace, but still on the rise.
I personally wouldn't coin it exactly as being "tied of flashing" but more so as some of you have mentioned the need is no longer there.
You can debloat your phone without root (I forgot the app/method), you get great battery life worth stock and of you even want to go further you have apps like greenify and my personal fav juice defender that can be used without root and so many other things.
There's other factors too that does make a difference like update cycle and harder issues and more phones etc that also leads people to the point of just sticking to stock but there are the petiole here that just like to tinker no matter what skill level you're at.
One last thing I would put out there is that us who are users of these mods wouldn't it be different if you were the ones creating them?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

Same here, im running stock odexed rooted.. Just deleted sone bloatware I never use. Used foldermount to save some space so I can install big games I like..Ive been happy stock odexed. I FIND NOVA LAUNCHER THE BEST.. SO SMOOTH AND U CAN ADJUST THE ANIMATION SPEED AND TRANSITION...
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------
fabzbear said:
Well a mean if you look at it from a different perspective "back in the day" yeah, what these devs claimed to be true, greater battery life, faster speeds, etc you did get and there was real improvement. Still we gotta understand back then stock android and phone makers weren't up to par and the phones weren't as powerful. Android was lacking in a lot of stuff and that's were modding grew.
But I don't need to give a history lesson, anyone who's been here for a while know why and how this all came about.
My point is though that android has caught up to the need for modding. Generally speaking (barring a persons provider) you get everything and in some cases more than you need without the need to mod.
Also some of the mods are also now available without being rooted, although not at a fast pace, but still on the rise.
I personally wouldn't coin it exactly as being "tied of flashing" but more so as some of you have mentioned the need is no longer there.
You can debloat your phone without root (I forgot the app/method), you get great battery life worth stock and of you even want to go further you have apps like greenify and my personal fav juice defender that can be used without root and so many other things.
There's other factors too that does make a difference like update cycle and harder issues and more phones etc that also leads people to the point of just sticking to stock but there are the petiole here that just like to tinker no matter what skill level you're at.
One last thing I would put out there is that us who are users of these mods wouldn't it be different if you were the ones creating them?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you can theme the icons...
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

Stock rooted and slighty OCed is my way....i juat got this phone about a week ago. Im coming from the s3...but anyways, i was scrolling looking qt alk the roms, is there one thats pure stock but rooted and 100% debloated??? I used to use a root uninstaller, but none seem to work on this device?? Im kinda late to the s4 so im sure its been discussed and fixed.. but anyways.. also looks like stock kernal is the smoothest and fastest too.... and with my s3 that wasent the case... but anyways...is there a nice stock debloated FLAWLESS rom u guys recomend? At the moment im using this INTRISIC rom....pretty good...about as close as im going to get to stock debloated..
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

First and foremost the phone should perform basic phone functions flawlessly without significant lag such as making a phone call, sending text messages and web surfing. Could add GPS mapping to that list as it seems germane and pervasive.
Part of ROM fatigue is just the lack of this or perhaps the eternal search for it. Perhaps kit kat changes this.

testinguser said:
First and foremost the phone should perform basic phone functions flawlessly without significant lag such as making a phone call, sending text messages and web surfing. Could add GPS mapping to that list as it seems germane and pervasive.
Part of ROM fatigue is just the lack of this or perhaps the eternal search for it. Perhaps kit kat changes this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My personal opinion is that any notion of "lag" in Android ceased to be a relevant discussion at least a year ago. Yes, you might still get the odd animation stutter here and there, but it's nothing that affects the actual usability of the phone.
As far as overclocking goes, 4 CPU cores at 1.9GHz seems pretty sufficient to me, but I understand that there will always be those who like to push their phones. I just feel like the difference is only noticeable in benchmark scores.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

testinguser said:
First and foremost the phone should perform basic phone functions flawlessly without significant lag such as making a phone call, sending text messages and web surfing. Could add GPS mapping to that list as it seems germane and pervasive.
Part of ROM fatigue is just the lack of this or perhaps the eternal search for it. Perhaps kit kat changes this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sort this as well as my previous view. The current versions of android has caught up to everything modding was mainly used for. There isn't lag anymore, you get great battery, you also have a couple theme customization as well too. The point is there's a slow in the upward trend to mod.
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At the risk of annoying much of the community, CM= overrated. Had every galaxy s series phone and have yet to see it fully functional. They start working on the next version before the previous one is done and honestly, I'll have a new phone before it's finished every time.
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Soooo true
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Confessions of a flashoholic...

I've been on the Android side of things for almost three years and this is the most content I've ever been with a phone. Back in my iPhone days I had to jailbreak and add everything that the phone didn't have. Then on my Atrix 2, loved the hardware, hated motoblur. I had very short stint with the Galaxy Nexus, but the radios and terrible battery life were deal-breakers for me. Then I got the S3, rooted and rom straight out the box. I got addicted to flashing the latest and greatest (cause TW is the worst) constantly checking xda. Now the Nexus 5 and kit kat have totally made me realize I don't have to flash anymore. I've tried a few roms just to nandroid back to stock and I'm fine with that. Now I can enjoy my device and not borderline obsess over making sure it works, or some random bug pops up. I know I can't be the only one that feels like this...

100% agree
sent from my HAMMERHEAD neXus

Thanks, kit Kat is the bomb is. The only thing I wish Google would fix is the auto brightness.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Could not agree with you more. I was in the same boat, would wait patiently for the jailbreak and search cydia for apps that made my phone my own. Then I was always a few versions behind cause I didn't want to break my jailbreak. Then with the One I was super content with the GE rom I was running and I still keep an eye on it. But, I was always trying to make my phone like a Nexus, so why not just get that! I did and could dnot be happier with stock KitKat, well it is rooted and has a custom recovery just in case.

jackpollard said:
Could not agree with you more. I was in the same boat, would wait patiently for the jailbreak and search cydia for apps that made my phone my own. Then I was always a few versions behind cause I didn't want to break my jailbreak. Then with the One I was super content with the GE rom I was running and I still keep an eye on it. But, I was always trying to make my phone like a Nexus, so why not just get that! I did and could dnot be happier with stock KitKat, well it is rooted and has a custom recovery just in case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Best phone experience to date. It's the small stuff, like the new dialer, the steady improvement of Google Now and the new launcher. I can finally enjoy my phone and not try to improve my it every few days...

100% agree. I was the same way, constantly flashing and dealing with bugs, left my Nexus stock and no looking back.
Sent from my Nexus 5

1st phone I've owned that is not rooted/tweaked/modded and no plans to. No need! Coming from Eris, Inc, Bionic, GNex, GS3, GS4, N4, MotoX < N5!
NX5

Same here. I recently went back to stock ROM on my N5 and really feel no need to change apart from the occasional kernel tinkering. With Gravity Box I feel everything a custom ROM has to offer is there. When I was on my prevoius Samsung devices, I would always install a custom AOSP rom straight away.

nohcho said:
Thanks, kit Kat is the bomb is. The only thing I wish Google would fix is the auto brightness.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what apps are for. Try LUX.

Kangakat with his xposed gravity box. Stock, battery life is great. Zero bugs and all the useful mods from aosp. I've been flashing since my g1 and this is the first time I have all I need.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Aside from root and recovery, I'm running stock. But I know it's just a matter of time before I break down.

jlander said:
That is what apps are for. Try LUX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give it a shot
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I agree too. When I got my S3, I rooted it and installed CM even before the first boot up. But with the nexus 5, my first nexus phone, I have discovered that rooted stock with gravitybox xposed module is all I need.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I basically feel the same way, although i DID install a custom ROM. KangaKat.... so it's still 90% stock... just with some extra bonuses. Was on stock since i got mine (ordered launch day and got a few days later).... so about a month and a half. Just installed KangaKat a few days ago. Kinda debating if i want to keep it, though... or go back to my stock backup.... or if i want to try out another rom. Kinda tempted to try Omni...

This is only my 3rd android device but everytime I end up rooting and spending hours on end exploring stuff.. its fun, but wastes precious time. Haven't installed a rom this time at least and don't plan to.

Same here. Been about a month now on stock, with no urge to install latest cm nightly. Of course, gravity box provides the quick fix I need to get me through the day .

NAB4 said:
I've been on the Android side of things for almost three years and this is the most content I've ever been with a phone. Back in my iPhone days I had to jailbreak and add everything that the phone didn't have. Then on my Atrix 2, loved the hardware, hated motoblur. I had very short stint with the Galaxy Nexus, but the radios and terrible battery life were deal-breakers for me. Then I got the S3, rooted and rom straight out the box. I got addicted to flashing the latest and greatest (cause TW is the worst) constantly checking xda. Now the Nexus 5 and kit kat have totally made me realize I don't have to flash anymore. I've tried a few roms just to nandroid back to stock and I'm fine with that. Now I can enjoy my device and not borderline obsess over making sure it works, or some random bug pops up. I know I can't be the only one that feels like this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm right there with you. I'm totally happy with the stock rom on this phone. I'll probably flash something else at some point down the line, but right now I have no desire to change it up.

maxpower7 said:
I'm right there with you. I'm totally happy with the stock rom on this phone. I'll probably flash something else at some point down the line, but right now I have no desire to change it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The evolution of Android has been a great one to watch. Having played with a G1, it was convoluted and a bit cumbersome. Now, the os is clean and concise, and most importantly it's open. Kudos to progression...

my first android
this is my first android cell phone,,,absolutely loving my nexus 5 and flashing rooting stuff,,,ditching iphone 4 and getting nexus 5 felt great,,,
using purity rom with franco kernal,,,,awesome experience,,,tried droidkang cm catacyslm minimus omni slimkat
flashing is addictive then my beer addiction ,,,
previous phones: iphone4, nokia e 5,iphone3g, nokia n73,

I'm really happy with how much I love my Nexus 5. To me the speaker got a little bit better from 4.4 to 4.4.1 so I was able to hear my alarm in the morning better.