S5 for ATT newbish questions - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 5

I'm a current S3 Verizon owner. I'd like to switch to ATT. I'm just checking. Sounds like we have root but must use safestrap for custom ROMs. Sounds like the Active flavor is completely different firmware and has no or little support.
I'm switching due to signal at home. My friends with ATT get great signal and I get hardly any. Seems I'm in a small area with little Verizon coverage.

draexo said:
I'm a current S3 Verizon owner. I'd like to switch to ATT. I'm just checking. Sounds like we have root but must use safestrap for custom ROMs. Sounds like the Active flavor is completely different firmware and has no or little support.
I'm switching due to signal at home. My friends with ATT get great signal and I get hardly any. Seems I'm in a small area with little Verizon coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're running your S3 with a custom ROM that's not TouchWiz based, you'll hate this phone. If you are using stock based, you'll love this phone. I, for one, decided to pass this S5 to my mother and got a Nexus 5.

draexo said:
I'm a current S3 Verizon owner. I'd like to switch to ATT. I'm just checking. Sounds like we have root but must use safestrap for custom ROMs. Sounds like the Active flavor is completely different firmware and has no or little support.
I'm switching due to signal at home. My friends with ATT get great signal and I get hardly any. Seems I'm in a small area with little Verizon coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true regarding limited support for the active...
However...a better device would be tough to find IMHO...
If you are a crack flasher looking for AOSP nightly builds...then the s5 will make you wait...
I'm getting older...and wanted some mild changes....but my "new rom every night" era is over...so I decided to try the active for a while...
Your call....g

I'd argue that the Active has very good support in these forums, because it is a bit of a niche phone you have very fervent owners that respond quickly to new issues. From a ROM support perspective it is limited but I'm quite happy with a ROM that is stripped of bloatware and then I tinker from there. I've owned a lot of phones and I'm quite happy with the Active, each time I try a new phone I come back to the Active. It's a bit bulkier but it just sits nice in my hand and the screen is beautiful.

I totally dig my S5 Active.
I'm in the process of getting my environment set up so that i can learn to build for it. I've not done it before and it'll be slow going...but I've been reading these forums for a few years and I might just he able to pull it off.
If/when the bootloader gets unlocked...the sky will be the limit.
Galaxy S5 Activate

I'm holding out for the 32GB internal version. If it ever shows up!

Related

Galaxy Note vs LG Nitro

Hi all - I've been planning to upgrade from my Infuse 4G to a Note for a while now, primarily because of the extra screen real estate (obviously), though I hear the battery on the Note is killer as well. The thing is though that the Note isn't available in the States, which means I'm looking at $700-$800 at least to get one. Typically I'd be okay with that, but these days more and more phones are actually making it over here, and I know there is a rumor that the Note will follow suit. I'd hate to spend $800 just to see it for $400 in a couple months. I'm thinking I'd rather get something like the LG Nitro for now, which I can get for $250, and then still get the Note when it hits the States for less anyway - and still probably spend less than getting a Note right now.
Anyway, I'm looking for some opinions... The fact that there isn't a thread for the LG Nitro here yet counts for something, but I'm sure there will be one soon enough. It looks like some of the Optimus drivers work for rooting, so I'm okay there. And I don't care about the stylus at all. So it really just comes down to screen - Super AMOLED 5.3", or super high pixel density 4.5"? And is the battery on the Note really that awesome?
If you want a Note, just use your upgrade to get something with high resell value (like an iphone), sell it, then buy the Note. Even if the Note comes to the US next year, you won't be able to get it for $400 if you use your upgrade now to get a Nitro for $250.
dscline said:
If you want a Note, just use your upgrade to get something with high resell value (like an iphone), sell it, then buy the Note. Even if the Note comes to the US next year, you won't be able to get it for $400 if you use your upgrade now to get a Nitro for $250.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have two lines (one that I used in a wifi access point) that are available for upgrade. In any case, I'd rather stick with my Infuse than get an iPhone! That's a downgrade!
I'm not suggesting you actually use the iphone, just buy it, sell it, then buy what you really want with the profit. It's just a way of taking advantage of the subsidy without being limited to the phones they officially subsidize.
dscline said:
I'm not suggesting you actually use the iphone, just buy it, sell it, then buy what you really want with the profit. It's just a way of taking advantage of the subsidy without being limited to the phones they officially subsidize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. Well, I was looking for a replacement for my Infuse, for the next few months at least.
Anyway - I did pick the Nitro up at lunch. The screen is SUPER crisp, though it does suffer from the lack of contrast range of the Super AMOLED screen. So far I like it. We'll see how it goes over the next month.
It is also LTE, and I did some side-by-side comparisons, and it definitely loads up web pages faster (though that could also be the fast proc; I'm not sure).
if youre fine with gingerbread, i'd say grab the nitro. samsung already announced the note will be getting ICS. LG are normally slow to update their phones (look at the optimus 2x, only just got gingerbread quite recently).
on the bright side, the LG uses a 4.5inch IPS panel combined with a HD resolution. the combination leads to incredibly sharp pictures with quite vivid colours. i wouldnt mind giving one a go myself. the only major downsides with the LG are tiny built in storage and the poor battery life. but if you have a 32gb class 10 microSD card and charge your phone on a nightly basis anyway, that wont be an issue.
The Note's Amoled screen will definitely have burn-ins, maybe in months if you are a heavy user. The Nitro's screen won't have any of that problem since it's screen is LCD. One thing to consider.
The massive width of the Note is the only thing I don't like, and has me considering selling and switching to Optimus LTE (or Nitro HD if it can be unlocked). The Note's screen is beautiful, taking screenshots is super easy with the stylus or with palm swipe. If Note was 1280x720 it would not be quite as wide. I do love the S-Calendar and S-Memo apps, with or without the stylus, and Samsung's text message app is nice looking too.
9 Dec - Just saw Galaxy S II HD LTE specs. 1280 x 720, 4.7". This could be perfect. Would be much easier to handle one-handed. It is only 3 mm wider than S II, and actually 1 mm less than Skyrocket in width. If they would only add the S-Pen and its apps!
cushcalc said:
The massive width of the Note is the only thing I don't like, and has me considering selling and switching to Optimus LTE (or Nitro HD if it can be unlocked). The Note's screen is beautiful, taking screenshots is super easy with the stylus or with palm swipe. If Note was 1280x720 it would not be quite as wide. I do love the S-Calendar and S-Memo apps, with or without the stylus, and Samsung's text message app is nice looking too. Doesn't have Universal Inbox for Mail, which the Atrix 2 had - just found out that Optimus LTE does have Universal Inbox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah; I did pick it up yesterday and I was actually quite impressed with the Mail app. The only thing it is missing is that you cannot auto-sync folders other than your Inbox in Exchange accounts. BUT, I only need that for RSS feeds anyway, and I can always install another mail app for just RSS.
I am bummed though because while I could root it, I was having some problems with some apps and I used BusyBox installer to try to update BusyBox, and it broke my root! Now, I have superuser installed but it cannot actually authorize anything, and SuperOneClick can't do anything because it keeps trying to use the old BusyBox (I think). So I believe I'm stuck until someone comes up with some ODIN images...
SolusCado said:
Hi all - I've been planning to upgrade from my Infuse 4G to a Note for a while now, primarily because of the extra screen real estate (obviously), though I hear the battery on the Note is killer as well. The thing is though that the Note isn't available in the States, which means I'm looking at $700-$800 at least to get one. Typically I'd be okay with that, but these days more and more phones are actually making it over here, and I know there is a rumor that the Note will follow suit. I'd hate to spend $800 just to see it for $400 in a couple months. I'm thinking I'd rather get something like the LG Nitro for now, which I can get for $250, and then still get the Note when it hits the States for less anyway - and still probably spend less than getting a Note right now.
Anyway, I'm looking for some opinions... The fact that there isn't a thread for the LG Nitro here yet counts for something, but I'm sure there will be one soon enough. It looks like some of the Optimus drivers work for rooting, so I'm okay there. And I don't care about the stylus at all. So it really just comes down to screen - Super AMOLED 5.3", or super high pixel density 4.5"? And is the battery on the Note really that awesome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're not dieing for the Note (Like I was haha), just wait until the price drops to $600.
DO NOT buy the AT&T N7000B, the Note that's coming to the states
Heres Why:
-The USA Note will have the 1.5ghz Snapdragon processor SoC, similiar to the T-mobile Galaxy S2 and the LTE Galaxy S2, which is even worse than the 1.2ghz Exynos in the Galaxy S2. The LTE Galaxy S2 or dubbed the "****rocket" by AT&T and the T-mobile Galaxy S2's users have reported laggy transitions, bad performance when gaming, and general slowness.
-AT&T LTE is probably the biggest marketing trap ever created. The people who want LTE think that the NEW LTE phone will be better, but they are generally worse (hardware wise). LTE from AT&T gives you decent speeds IF you live in one of the 9 cities that has AT&T LTE coverage. BUT... if you use too much data too fast, which is almost impossible to stop on LTE, you get throttled.
Then your download speeds on LTE are 0.05kbps
-AT&T and USA carriers have been found to put software that tracks your EVERY move on the device and they can see EXACTLY what you're doing. Big Brother is watching...
-AT&T is famous for releasing butchered versions of smartphones after incorporating LTE, so much so that developers for our OG Note will not be able to port over ROMS/Kernels. Basicly you're gonna receive no developer support. The AT&T Skyrocket section is so depressing that there are 2 developers, and the users are beginning to start paying for ROMS.
-AT&T bloatware... will hinder your device and sometimes you may not even realize what bloatware they have on your USA Note.
Well if that doesn't stop you from buying the USA Note, I don't know what will. While others read this, I'm going to think of a clever name to make fun of the USA Note with.
xAnimal5 said:
If you're not dieing for the Note (Like I was haha), just wait until the price drops to $600.
DO NOT buy the AT&T N7000B, the Note that's coming to the states
Heres Why:
-The USA Note will have the 1.5ghz Snapdragon processor SoC, similiar to the T-mobile Galaxy S2 and the LTE Galaxy S2, which is even worse than the 1.2ghz Exynos in the Galaxy S2. The LTE Galaxy S2 or dubbed the "****rocket" by AT&T and the T-mobile Galaxy S2's users have reported laggy transitions, bad performance when gaming, and general slowness.
-AT&T LTE is probably the biggest marketing trap ever created. The people who want LTE think that the NEW LTE phone will be better, but they are generally worse (hardware wise). LTE from AT&T gives you decent speeds IF you live in one of the 9 cities that has AT&T LTE coverage. BUT... if you use too much data too fast, which is almost impossible to stop on LTE, you get throttled.
Then your download speeds on LTE are 0.05kbps
-AT&T and USA carriers have been found to put software that tracks your EVERY move on the device and they can see EXACTLY what you're doing. Big Brother is watching...
-AT&T is famous for releasing butchered versions of smartphones after incorporating LTE, so much so that developers for our OG Note will not be able to port over ROMS/Kernels. Basicly you're gonna receive no developer support. The AT&T Skyrocket section is so depressing that there are 2 developers, and the users are beginning to start paying for ROMS.
-AT&T bloatware... will hinder your device and sometimes you may not even realize what bloatware they have on your USA Note.
Well if that doesn't stop you from buying the USA Note, I don't know what will. While others read this, I'm going to think of a clever name to make fun of the USA Note with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't care about the whole CarrierIQ stuff, and AT&T is actually getting a lot better about bloatware - you can uninstall all the crap they pre-loaded on the Nitro (though it's easy enough to freeze such apps anyway). Developer support would be a concern, and I happen to be one of those living (and working) in an area with LTE coverage - so the extra speed is ... well, something. But the processor change... why would they do that?
SolusCado said:
I really don't care about the whole CarrierIQ stuff, and AT&T is actually getting a lot better about bloatware - you can uninstall all the crap they pre-loaded on the Nitro (though it's easy enough to freeze such apps anyway). Developer support would be a concern, and I happen to be one of those living (and working) in an area with LTE coverage - so the extra speed is ... well, something. But the processor change... why would they do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, right now it's half speculation/half leaked reports. The general consensus that people have reached is that it's the Snapdragon.
As for why... I have come to believe that AT&T likes using Snapdragons primarily because they are cheaper to manufacture/or they receive a discount for the parts.
Ah, another detail I forgot to mention (you may already know this) but... LTE radios require extra space and that adds extra thickness to the phone, as well as changes the dimensions--not too much, but enough to make our OG cases unusable for the USA note.
xAnimal5 said:
Well, right now it's half speculation/half leaked reports. The general consensus that people have reached is that it's the Snapdragon.
As for why... I have come to believe that AT&T likes using Snapdragons primarily because they are cheaper to manufacture/or they receive a discount for the parts.
Ah, another detail I forgot to mention (you may already know this) but... LTE radios require extra space and that adds extra thickness to the phone, as well as changes the dimensions--not too much, but enough to make our OG cases unusable for the USA note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T isn't the manufacturer, so I can't imagine parts cost is a factor. It's probably more likely a power consumption/radio interference issue.
Good point on the LTE thickness! I'll probably just enjoy my Note for now, and then when it does hit the States take that opportunity to check out the screen and form factor in person - make sure I really prefer it to the Nitro - and then order one from overseas...
I myself used the "if it comes to AT&T with LTE it's probably going to end up with a slower processor" argument as a reason to get an international unit now. But...
xAnimal5 said:
-AT&T LTE is probably the biggest marketing trap ever created. The people who want LTE think that the NEW LTE phone will be better, but they are generally worse (hardware wise). LTE from AT&T gives you decent speeds IF you live in one of the 9 cities that has AT&T LTE coverage. BUT... if you use too much data too fast, which is almost impossible to stop on LTE, you get throttled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand this. Assuming your data usage doesn't change (you still go to the same sites, download the same data, etc.), you shouldn't use any more data than you would on 3G. Now, if your saying that because you CAN download data faster an LTE, you COULD use more data and therefore get into trouble faster, that's hardly a downside of LTE. That's like saying you want a slower car because you get tickets in a faster car. That doesn't mean a faster car is worse, that just means you can't control yourself. Personally, I would MUCH rather have the ability to download faster, and get the same amount of data in less time. Here in Atlanta anyway, 3G is really bogged down, and when I'm at a crowded event I may not be able to get any service. I would love to have the ability to use the much less crowded spectrum. But if I have to get a slower CPU and less battery life, then it becomes less appealing.
xAnimal5 said:
Well, right now it's half speculation/half leaked reports. The general consensus that people have reached is that it's the Snapdragon.
As for why... I have come to believe that AT&T likes using Snapdragons primarily because they are cheaper to manufacture/or they receive a discount for the parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that has anything to do with AT&T. Even the Korean LTE Note supposedly uses the Snapdragon. Why would Samsung use someone else's CPU in their LTE enabled phones if their own CPU could do it? I don't understand why, but apparently the current version of Exynos just can't do LTE.
dscline said:
I myself used the "if it comes to AT&T with LTE it's probably going to end up with a slower processor" argument as a reason to get an international unit now. But...
I don't understand this. Assuming your data usage doesn't change (you still go to the same sites, download the same data, etc.), you shouldn't use any more data than you would on 3G. Now, if your saying that because you CAN download data faster an LTE, you COULD use more data and therefore get into trouble faster, that's hardly a downside of LTE. That's like saying you want a slower car because you get tickets in a faster car. That doesn't mean a faster car is worse, that just means you can't control yourself. Personally, I would MUCH rather have the ability to download faster, and get the same amount of data in less time. Here in Atlanta anyway, 3G is really bogged down, and when I'm at a crowded event I may not be able to get any service. I would love to have the ability to use the much less crowded spectrum. But if I have to get a slower CPU and less battery life, then it becomes less appealing.
I don't think that has anything to do with AT&T. Even the Korean LTE Note supposedly uses the Snapdragon. Why would Samsung use someone else's CPU in their LTE enabled phones if their own CPU could do it? I don't understand why, but apparently the current version of Exynos just can't do LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, from the reports I've been hearing from my friend with an HTC Vivid, he said that some of the bloat that ships with LTE phones auto-updates even if you have it turned off. If unnoticed over a long period of time, it stacks up.
Just for me at least, if I get LTE... I will probably hit 30gbs per month haha, so I might as well stick with Faux G.
I also researched the processor predicament as well. It seems the only chipset + processor that works with Quad-band phones with LTE are the Snapdragons. It's a shame though because Snapdragons are unreliable and give a studdery performance. I played with the ****rocket at my corporate AT&T store in NYC and it was extremely laggy compared to the model for the OG SGSII.
Exynos Chipsets just aren't compatible with LTE radios yet I guess. Oh well, if I get LTE, I'll get throttled after a couple of hours, so I'll stick with my OG Note.
There may also be the question of ICS for the USA Note. Depending on when it's released, it may not ship with ICS. If that's the case, USA Note purchasers will be held hostage waiting for AT&T to give them an update for it.
One big reason to get International version.
PHYSICAL HOME BUTTON.
The size of the Note makes it very hard to solely rely on the smallish recessed upper right power button. Especially one handed.
Exynos is also a good reason. And if it gets any thicker it would fee "too big" IMHO.
SolusCado said:
. . . I am bummed though because while I could root it, I was having some problems with some apps and I used BusyBox installer to try to update BusyBox, and it broke my root! Now, I have superuser installed but it cannot actually authorize anything, and SuperOneClick can't do anything because it keeps trying to use the old BusyBox (I think). So I believe I'm stuck until someone comes up with some ODIN images...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would start over, root with Chainfire setup.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
cushcalc said:
I would start over, root with Chainfire setup.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't I need a device-specific kernel for ODIN to do that?
Restore to stock before re-attempt root.
SolusCado said:
Wouldn't I need a device-specific kernel for ODIN to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about doing it with Odin.
I would follow dr.ketan's guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18978158&postcount=1):
"Now How I can revert back to Stock ROM/Unroot (In case of replacemet may i need)
I you have Just rooted only but not added CWM - Just Download this Extract - Execute - Rum Me unroot.bat
If You have Root + CWM - then first find out original stock kernel (zImage file)
Now place this file in zImage folder, n repeat procedure(Initial CFRoot Flasher), which you have done at time of pushing CWM by selecting I am rooted already
Now unroot with above said unrooting tool."
I would never get the Nitro myself.
-Development by the community will most likely suck for it
-The battery life is awful
-Average build quality
-Sub par camera for 8mp
-Not an amoled screen

[Q] Actually considering trading my S4 Active for a SIII. Should I or shouldnt I?

now i know it seems like a crazy idea, as the s4 active is a much newer phone. but since the s4a bootloader is locked, and i cant run any other roms (4.3 with ML2.. can't even root), i'm contemplating the choice. see, i'm an independent contractor, and i depend on near instantaneous system response to nab work orders from my platform ( I cant have my platform app take 5 seconds to boot because other bloatware programs are running and hogging memory), and without the ability to deactivate the at&t bloat or run something like CM, or a clean rom i find myself sometimes missing valuable jobs by fractions of a second.
i'm sure there are a lot of S4 active fans here, so i'll ask you before i make this trade.
what do you feel i can do short of swapping my new phone for an older phone to increase system responsiveness?
I've about had it with this S4 Active.
edit: GAH. title truncated. was supposed to say "what can you recommend i do before i resort to this trade"
cablemirc said:
now i know it seems like a crazy idea, as the s4 active is a much newer phone. but since the s4a bootloader is locked, and i cant run any other roms (4.3 with ML2.. can't even root), i'm contemplating the choice. see, i'm an independent contractor, and i depend on near instantaneous system response to nab work orders from my platform ( I cant have my platform app take 5 seconds to boot because other bloatware programs are running and hogging memory), and without the ability to deactivate the at&t bloat or run something like CM, or a clean rom i find myself sometimes missing valuable jobs by fractions of a second.
i'm sure there are a lot of S4 active fans here, so i'll ask you before i make this trade.
what do you feel i can do short of swapping my new phone for an older phone to increase system responsiveness?
I've about had it with this S4 Active.
edit: GAH. title truncated. was supposed to say "what can you recommend i do before i resort to this trade"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see if the international version can work in the USA. It doesn't have the bootloader locked, neither is it bound with any carrier.
I went from the S3 to the S4A after buying a broken S4A and fixing the screen. I keep the S3 as a backup. Same as you I am sad that the 4.3 isn't rooted yet. I can fix the phones physically but I am no where near a software writing type of gal.
I would say sure do it. The S3 is a great phone. The regular S4 is too and I believe is rooted because it is a popular phone. Once thing I would be wary of is that the S4 screens are running about 180-200 dollars where as the S4A are about 120$ and the S3 are about 80-90. I keep all of mine in cases but I have had a screen break in a Waterproof/dustproof/everything proof case before
Just something to think about.
please take this here...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2660608

Recommend the Note 3? What's to know before I buy?

Hi all, I've been a fan of the Note 3 since it came out but it was out of my budget (I buy unlocked), now it's very affordable, I'm very aware of the specs and hardware and what draws me to it on paper (the screen size, 1080p, removeable storage, replaceable battery, the S pen, etc.).
However, I'd like to hear from real users, do you like the phone? Do you recommend it? Is this a phone that I "have to" root+ load custom to make it "work right", or does it run ok stock? What's your take and feedback? I'd love to hear it.
What do you like about it? What do you hate about it? What's there to know before I decide to make the purchase?
Building on the root topic, how hard is it? I was on other forums and I remember many complaining about Samsung and their bloatware and how it's "unlockable" (but from what I understand it's not necessary to really have it unlocked while still being very powerful/customizable).
I looked at the LG G pro 2(5.9" screen, microsdxc, replaceable battery etc. great phone, but too expensive right now), Sony Xperia ZU (camera not that great, somewhat dated hardware, can't get it for dirt cheap anymore), Sony Xperia Z2 (smaller, but amazing camera). Any other phones to consider? (I won't consider a phone that doesn't have expandable memory, so no Nexus phones for me).
Any/all feedback welcome, thanks!
The Note 3 is fantastic phone, I had it for a week, It is faster than the Galaxy S4, I love its stock ROM that why I have the Galaxy S4 for almost a year and i did not changed it is ROM.
My Note 3 is an ATT phone and I have it unlock to use it with tmobile, rooting the phone was easy, but the ATT phone has a locked boot loader, so regular recovery does not work like other phone.
My advice is to use the stock ROM and start reas this forum, if you don't like the stock ROM after a while then think about rooting and other things, I broke my phone after one week after installing a custom ROM and have it not fixed yet.
I hope that helps
abofihmi said:
The Note 3 is fantastic phone, I had it for a week, It is faster than the Galaxy S4, I love its stock ROM that why I have the Galaxy S4 for almost a year and i did not changed it is ROM.
My Note 3 is an ATT phone and I have it unlock to use it with tmobile, rooting the phone was easy, but the ATT phone has a locked boot loader, so regular recovery does not work like other phone.
My advice is to use the stock ROM and start reas this forum, if you don't like the stock ROM after a while then think about rooting and other things, I broke my phone after one week after installing a custom ROM and have it not fixed yet.
I hope that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the input! I was doing some reading and found out that the T-Mobile version does not have a locked bootloader and can be rooted and unlocked. I think I might end up trying to get a n900T instead of the n900A (though I may change my mind because I just need a phone to work out of the box for the time being.. I don't know if I'll have much time to screw around with custom roms just yet).
Although... I heard of people not getting full speeds on LTE with the Tmobile version on At&t, even with correct APN settings. I found it to be "inconculsive" for now, I'll keep looking, but I probably do need a phone soooon!
My ATT note 3 gives amazing speed on T-Mobile network, speed test reports 60 mbps.
not sure how tmobile phone works over ATT network.
abofihmi said:
My ATT note 3 gives amazing speed on T-Mobile network, speed test reports 60 mbps.
not sure how tmobile phone works over ATT network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, wow, interesting how the n900a gets good speeds on T-mobile's network.
Btw, you mentioned that you broke your phone, was it a note 3? I soft bricked my Asus TF700, thank God it's working now. Yeah, flashing and reflashing can be cumbersome and risky if you don't read the details and something small goes wrong, I think I got my softbrick from a dirty flash, it was such a headache.
Yes, my note 3 is currently broken and I am waiting for the power button to come, hopefully that will bring it back.
see my post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att/help/note-3-failed-to-charge-phone-off-t2986953
Definitely do not buy an n900a due to a locked bootloader. It's going to be a fast phone with or without root but I rooted it added firekat rom combined with nova launcher,greenify, some personal customization mods and I absolutely love it although I hardly ever use the s pen as much as I thought so I wouldn't let that be a selling point for you no matter how much you think you may use it.

Verizon Bloatware

I just picked up a 64GB Samsung Galaxy Edge last night from Verizon. I switched from an iPhone 6 plus. Honestly, the Edge is a little small for my liking (probably just need to adjust over the next couple of days). The first thing that I noticed about the phone that I fell in love with is the screen. It is super clear, crisp, and simply beautiful. Colors stand out and are bright. In my opinion it is the best display that you can get on a cell phone. What I hate is that Verizon insists on installing their crapware on these beautiful phones. When I first started the device, I am welcomed by Verizon's setup wizard. Once I got through all of that, I noticed that there were 17 apps from Verizon that were preinstalled. I can disable some of them but I cannot delete them. I hate that! That is why I was always fond of the Nexus devices in the past.
I have a 14 day trial period and if the stock image is not released on SamMobile (so that I can root, delete these apps, and have the ability to reflash if needed), I will be keeping my iPhone.
I know it is a bit dramatic but Verizon is pushing me away from keeping this phone.
Volkswagen04 said:
I just picked up a 64GB Samsung Galaxy Edge last night from Verizon. I switched from an iPhone 6 plus. Honestly, the Edge is a little small for my liking (probably just need to adjust over the next couple of days). The first thing that I noticed about the phone that I fell in love with is the screen. It is super clear, crisp, and simply beautiful. Colors stand out and are bright. In my opinion it is the best display that you can get on a cell phone. What I hate is that Verizon insists on installing their crapware on these beautiful phones. When I first started the device, I am welcomed by Verizon's setup wizard. Once I got through all of that, I noticed that there were 17 apps from Verizon that were preinstalled. I can disable some of them but I cannot delete them. I hate that! That is why I was always fond of the Nexus devices in the past.
I have a 14 day trial period and if the stock image is not released on SamMobile (so that I can root, delete these apps, and have the ability to reflash if needed), I will be keeping my iPhone.
I know it is a bit dramatic but Verizon is pushing me away from keeping this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bye Felicia!
The Stock image will be the same as what is on the phone. You will NOT be able to use any image from other S6 models. The phone is bootloader locked and tappering will most likely brick the phone unless root and bootloader unlock is attained.
Volkswagen04 said:
I just picked up a 64GB Samsung Galaxy Edge last night from Verizon. I switched from an iPhone 6 plus. Honestly, the Edge is a little small for my liking (probably just need to adjust over the next couple of days). The first thing that I noticed about the phone that I fell in love with is the screen. It is super clear, crisp, and simply beautiful. Colors stand out and are bright. In my opinion it is the best display that you can get on a cell phone. What I hate is that Verizon insists on installing their crapware on these beautiful phones. When I first started the device, I am welcomed by Verizon's setup wizard. Once I got through all of that, I noticed that there were 17 apps from Verizon that were preinstalled. I can disable some of them but I cannot delete them. I hate that! That is why I was always fond of the Nexus devices in the past.
I have a 14 day trial period and if the stock image is not released on SamMobile (so that I can root, delete these apps, and have the ability to reflash if needed), I will be keeping my iPhone.
I know it is a bit dramatic but Verizon is pushing me away from keeping this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't get root anytime soon my friend, regardless if you get the firmware or not. You can actually get the firmware yourself now through kies...
Sent from my SM-N915V
Thread has run its course

Quality Upgrade?

I've had this Nexus 6 since it first came out and now it's giving me signs of stutter (especially with the camera app or snapchat), the battery also seems to be wearing out, barely lasts me half a day and I constantly have to charge it. I want to upgrade this device to something much better, but I would like to point out that I am on Verizon so CDMA devices only, (I wanted to get the OnePlus 3T).
So instead I started contemplating on upgrading to the S8+ especially with that $100 off deal at best buy, not really interested in the Pixel XL though or iphone lineup (had an iphone for 4 years, its boring). I had a Galaxy S5 before for about a month or so and it had a defect in the camera so I got a refund on that and got a Nexus 6 instead and now here I am 2 years later. Would definitely love to give Samsung devices another try. Anyways, what do you guys think? Which device should I upgrade to or any suggestions?
Change your carrier. If you have Verizon, your options are pretty much what is available from Verizon, and all of them are going to have a locked bootloader, even the Pixel/Pixel XL. Switching to a GSM carrier like T-Mobile will allow you to get the device you truly want.
And, before you say "but I like Verizon", Verizon uses CDMA, and CDMA is a living fossil that doesn't know that it's supposed to be extinct.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Change your carrier. If you have Verizon, your options are pretty much what is available from Verizon, and all of them are going to have a locked bootloader, even the Pixel/Pixel XL. Switching to a GSM carrier like T-Mobile will allow you to get the device you truly want.
And, before you say "but I like Verizon", Verizon uses CDMA, and CDMA is a living fossil that doesn't know that it's supposed to be extinct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see where you're coming from but switching to T-MOBILE is not an option, where I work and live I used to get little to no reception with them, from there I switched to At&t and the service was even worse, they're also very bad in customer support whenever I had problems.
Hence me having to stick with Verizon.
Then your only real option is to head to Lenovorola's website and purchase an unlocked CDMA device from them. It's the only way to preserve your ability to modify the device, since it should not have a locked bootloader. Samsung isn't an option as they lock bootloaders on all US devices now, plus there's Touchwiz to consider. Most of the other manufacturers focus on GSM because of its worldwide reach.
Have you done a factory reset recently? That may improve both lag and battery. Also, someone mentioned that the April update improves lag.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Then your only real option is to head to Lenovorola's website and purchase an unlocked CDMA device from them. It's the only way to preserve your ability to modify the device, since it should not have a locked bootloader. Samsung isn't an option as they lock bootloaders on all US devices now, plus there's Touchwiz to consider. Most of the other manufacturers focus on GSM because of its worldwide reach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I don't care much for modifying my device anymore, I use it as is for calls, texts, web browsing etc. Maybe the occasional file transfer between my PC and that might be all. And regarding TouchWiz, that is true, but I'm hoping there will be some sort of pixel launcher available to flash for S8+ in the near future or can get something off of the play store.
runekock said:
Have you done a factory reset recently? That may improve both lag and battery. Also, someone mentioned that the April update improves lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now I'm on Pure Nexus ROM and the functionality is great, the stutter is only evident when I multitask heavily which leads to fast battery drain as well as taking pictures. Can't tell you the number of times I missed those one in a million moments because the camera app took too long to load or take the picture.
Also I've done many clean installs, these sort of problems seem to stick.
Changing the launcher only hides Touchwiz. It doesn't stop the resource drain that has plagued Touchwiz since its inception. Hell, I could drop a copy of Nova Launcher on my roommate's unmodified SIII and hide most of the ugliness of Touchwiz, but I still would have to face the issue that Touchwiz is a resource hog.
If you're not here to mod your device then why are you here? After all, it's called XDA Developers for a reason.
Okay, that sure sounds like you need more ram. And considering that 64-bit is less ram-efficient, 4 GB may not be a noticeable improvement. If you can't get 6 GB, then (oh how I hate saying this) you may want to turn to Apple - they are rumoured to have better memory management.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you're not here to mod your device then why are you here? After all, it's called XDA Developers for a reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha you got me there, i myself am a programmer in C++ and C#, but aside that maybe I made an overstatement in not caring about modding. I'm still going to get root and have certain mods and tweaks like YouTube Ad Blockers and LSpeed for init.d changes, but I won't be as avid on it as I used to be.
I decided I'm going to get the S8+ and await root for it.
Since my phone has a corporate partition on it root is not an option for me... so I am waiting for Pixel 2. If I had to have a phone now it would be a Pixel. Touchwiz was so janky (and barely updated) on the last Samsung that I had I will not be going that route again.
aroy97 said:
To be honest, I don't care much for modifying my device anymore, I use it as is for calls, texts, web browsing etc. Maybe the occasional file transfer between my PC and that might be all. And regarding TouchWiz, that is true, but I'm hoping there will be some sort of pixel launcher available to flash for S8+ in the near future or can get something off of the play store.
Right now I'm on Pure Nexus ROM and the functionality is great, the stutter is only evident when I multitask heavily which leads to fast battery drain as well as taking pictures. Can't tell you the number of times I missed those one in a million moments because the camera app took too long to load or take the picture.
Also I've done many clean installs, these sort of problems seem to stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're OK with not modifying and/or not rooting the best phone VZW has, and I'm in the same spot you are - except I need to root and modify, is the Droid Z Force. It's an awesome phone - or hold out and pray the Asus Zenfone AR comes to VZW and is affordable
I know it only works on tmo or ATT, but I sold my Pixel, and got this phone, and no doubt, its the best android device I have ever seen or tried..
no real dev for it, but I couldnt care less, since its incredible just stock; plus I still have my shamu if I want to play around, but frankly havent flashed anything in weeks, I like this phone so much..
http://consumer.huawei.com/en/mobile-phones/mate9pro/index.htm

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