So.. yeah, about to buy a z3c for like 150 euro or so.. they look like new and all, but can't really trust the sellers if thier screen or motherbord were not replaced or some**** like that.
Anyways, is it worth buying now? Should i get a:
Nexus 5 fullbox for 100e/125 instead?
A lumia 930 fullbox for 150e?
Will it be waterproof? What's all that mess about the screen cracking and ****?
And besides that, this will be my first Android Smartphone, what should i do with it after i buy it? It will be the international model unlocked. Will i have the latest Android version? Do i have to root it? How will i root it?
Thanks a lot guys, i heard this is the best place to ask.
Andrei.
1-) Yes. Yes ut worth buying, even in 2016, it's a pretty decent phone with high-end performance.
2-) You have to check the device yourself, if you notices a "movable" back glass, then this device us f***up, don't buy it.
3-) You can check waterproofness by dialling *#*#7378423#*#* » Service Tests » Pressure Sensor, and press a little bit hard on tha screen, if the number went up for like 5-10 degrees than it's waterproof
3-) Root is not necessary if you don't really need it. And no normal user would need to root his device. Root is good for people with knowledge in how to deal with it.
4-) Yes, you'll have the latest 6.0.1 Marshmallow build officially from Sony.
And you're welcome
A phone is a very personal thing, it makes a statement about who you are and what your taste in gadgets is.
The Z3 compact is a pocket phone, it's small, discrete and stylish. For people who who don't want to look like idiots holding some massive screen to the side of their head, so big they can't see.
Asking people to help choose a phone is a bit weird. It's like asking someone you don't know to decide what you're going to wear. It's a personal thing.
The Z3c is completely waterproof, unlike either of the phones you mentioned above. I have dropped my phone in the bath when using it and it was fine.
The camera is outstanding, but you do have to get it out of Auto and put the .iso down to 50 or 100
There is built in noise canceling, missing from most phones. You need to buy the headphones, but it works well and sounds good when you're on a train or in a crowd.
The screen is an IPS, meaning you can view it from many angles, not just directly in front of you.
People ***** about Sony screens cracking because unlike other phones, when they crack you can't use them any more, so you have to pay for repair.
I don't think Sony phones are any better or worse than other manufacturers, they all use the same Gorilla glass. They all break when you drop them or sit n them. I had a Z1c that had a cracked screen, six months after I bought it, Sony repaired or free of charge. Sony will repair it free if it's a genuine fault in manufacturing, they will also charge you to repair it if you drop it or sit on it, they know the difference.
Personally the Z3c is still a good option to buy. It has just as many features as the latest Z5c phone other than fingerprint recognition, the battery lasts longer and because it has been out longer there are loads of custom mods and roms that you can load onto your phone to make it cool.
Read this thread completely.
Don't do anything until you have made a backup of your TA partition.
You don't have to root your phone, it's only if you want to install particular apps to do with tinkering under the hood. Titanium backup is the only one that springs to mind that is really important. This thread touches on rooting
Android6 or MM has just come out for our Z3c, but it's still really buggy and flakey, I would leave it another month for all the bugs to get ironed out before switching to that.
My favorite stock rom is Slim 5, best combination long battery and easy to use.
Moist thank you.
Beautiful advice,
A most sincere moist thank you.
I'll keep you updated, maybe tomorrow i'll get it if everything is fine after following the advice you gave me. I think i'll grab the green/turquoise one.
I'll really excited to learn what will I be able to customize regarding the device, being my first android smartphone, third smartphone in general, after a HTC 8s, which i still use, and a lumia 925 which had one hr SoT.
Whatever phone you want to buy, alwaays choose last years top model.
It brings you good performance for a reasonable price.
Help me..
Ok, so i've brought a green z3 compact, d803. A very moist thank you for the advice.
But, after tinkering with the smartphone, nova launcher, arrow launcher, installing my microsoft apps like onedrive, office, skype, heredrive, outlook, i've realized i'm stuck with several applications that do the same thing.
I don't need two photo viewing apps, i certainly don't need 3 or 4 mail clients, I don't need most of the google apps like hangout, plus, etc. I don't need 70% of xperia/sony preinstalled apps. I can't even delete chrome when using firefox?
Why can't I control what's on my device and uninstall what i do not need?
PS:
How can I upload my files, messeges, contacts, backups only on onedrive, not on googledrive(my first android device again guys..)?
---
How do I select to install and stock everything firstly on the SDcard and only if needed on the device?
---
Do I need an antivirus?
You can uninstall some Sony apps and disable most pre-installed ones: just go in settings - apps - all, select the unwanted app and tap on "disable" or "uninstall".
To upload files on Onedrive you can use the browser or install the Onedrive app: it's not integrated in the system, since it's not a Windows phone. Regarding your contacts, they're synchronized with your Google account by default. If you want to save them on Onedrive, you have to make a manual backup and upload it on Onedrive.
You can't install apps on the micro SD, unless you are on Marshmallow (Android 6.0.1) and you have activated that function (search on xda). Anyway for some apps you can move some data to the SD: go to settings - apps, select the app and tap on "move to SD". Note that this is not available for all apps.
You can select the SD as default storage for Camera and maybe some other apps, but you have to set it in the single app.
You don't need an antivirus as long as you download apk from trusted sources (Play Store, apkmirror, etc).
Everything I've said it's valid for a stock rom without root.
logan.in said:
You can uninstall some Sony apps and disable most pre-installed ones: just go in settings - apps - all, select the unwanted app and tap on "disable" or "uninstall".
To upload files on Onedrive you can use the browser or install the Onedrive app: it's not integrated in the system, since it's not a Windows phone. Regarding your contacts, they're synchronized with your Google account by default. If you want to save them on Onedrive, you have to make a manual backup and upload it on Onedrive.
You can't install apps on the micro SD, unless you are on Marshmallow (Android 6.0.1) and you have activated that function (search on xda). Anyway for some apps you can move some data to the SD: go to settings - apps, select the app and tap on "move to SD". Note that this is not available for all apps.
You can select the SD as default storage for Camera and maybe some other apps, but you have to set it in the single app.
You don't need an antivirus as long as you download apk from trusted sources (Play Store, apkmirror, etc).
Everything I've said it's valid for a stock rom without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, but how do I uninstall them?
You can uninstall system apps and some pre-installed apps only if you have root access. Search here on XDA for more info.
Anyway I think disabling them is enough, as you won't see them in the app drawer, they won't running in background anymore and you won't receive notifications when updates for those apps are available.
They still appear în appdrawer
Sent from my D5803 using XDA-Developers mobile app
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Sketch îs disabled and forced to stop
Sent from my D5803 using XDA-Developers mobile app
logan.in said:
You can uninstall some Sony apps and disable most pre-installed ones: just go in settings - apps - all, select the unwanted app and tap on "disable" or "uninstall".
To upload files on Onedrive you can use the browser or install the Onedrive app: it's not integrated in the system, since it's not a Windows phone. Regarding your contacts, they're synchronized with your Google account by default. If you want to save them on Onedrive, you have to make a manual backup and upload it on Onedrive.
You can't install apps on the micro SD, unless you are on Marshmallow (Android 6.0.1) and you have activated that function (search on xda). Anyway for some apps you can move some data to the SD: go to settings - apps, select the app and tap on "move to SD". Note that this is not available for all apps.
You can select the SD as default storage for Camera and maybe some other apps, but you have to set it in the single app.
You don't need an antivirus as long as you download apk from trusted sources (Play Store, apkmirror, etc).
Everything I've said it's valid for a stock rom without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really want to have the freedom to uninstall pre-installed apps, get the latest updates so fast, have a very very very good performance, and a little bit "stocky" experience, you should definitely try Sony's Android 6.0.1 Concept!
You can install it manually by flashing a FTF via Flashtool or just by installing " Concept installer" on your PC.
dmn.apashu said:
Sketch �®s disabled and forced to stop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's an issue related to Nova Launcher.
Here's my drawer, on stock launcher, with Sketch disabled: you can see the icon is not there.
Try to delete Nova cache or reinstall it.
TLDR
STAY AWAY FROM THE Z LINE DUE TO HIDDEN ADDICTION
it's a great phone in almost every aspect. It's been 2 weeks since I bought my z3c, and guess what, the screen self-cracked, yes you've read it right, it cracked itself. The phone did not fall. It didn't suffer any damage at the region where it cracked. It just happened out of nothing. Since the start of Sony's Z line, that is Z1 Z2 and Z3 and other Zs, users have XPERIANced - pun intended- this weird phenomenon where the screen cracks itself during the most random situations or even when the phone is idling. This is a VERY SERIOUS ENGINEERING problem, this type of issue should have never passed premature QA tests, nor reached production line, nor persisted during three whole improvement-iterations. Until they fix this issue, all Z line phones are doomed and I recommend you to stay as far as you can from one, even if it doesn't belong to you, because the screen could decide to crack itself whilst it's in your hands and then it would be your fault.
ps in my case, the crack was so strong that it went from edge to edge, that effectively disabled part of the electric circuit built-into the glass, meaning the touch only responds on one part of the screen, the bottom part. see pic. stay away from this crap.
READ THE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR MORE INFO
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/sony-xperia-z3-z3-compact-glass-survey-t2900149/
http://www.xperiablog.net/2013/11/08/sony-will-repair-certain-cracked-displays-for-xperia-z-series-suggests-leaked-info/
https://www.facebook.com/Xperia-Z-Cracked-Screens-370754419718137/
http://www.gizmobolt.com/2014/10/27/xperia-z3-self-cracking-screen-issue-appears/
Yup, I use one and it is amazing
Sent from my D5833 using Tapatalk
xcaninox said:
TLDR
STAY AWAY FROM THE Z LINE DUE TO HIDDEN ADDICTION
it's a great phone in almost every aspect. It's been 2 weeks since I bought my z3c, and guess what, the screen self-cracked, yes you've read it right, it cracked itself. The phone did not fall. It didn't suffer any damage at the region where it cracked. It just happened out of nothing. Since the start of Sony's Z line, that is Z1 Z2 and Z3 and other Zs, users have XPERIANced - pun intended- this weird phenomenon where the screen cracks itself during the most random situations or even when the phone is idling. This is a VERY SERIOUS ENGINEERING problem, this type of issue should have never passed premature QA tests, nor reached production line, nor persisted during three whole improvement-iterations. Until they fix this issue, all Z line phones are doomed and I recommend you to stay as far as you can from one, even if it doesn't belong to you, because the screen could decide to crack itself whilst it's in your hands and then it would be your fault.
ps in my case, the crack was so strong that it went from edge to edge, that effectively disabled part of the electric circuit built-into the glass, meaning the touch only responds on one part of the screen, the bottom part. see pic. stay away from this crap.
READ THE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR MORE INFO
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/sony-xperia-z3-z3-compact-glass-survey-t2900149/
http://www.xperiablog.net/2013/11/0...ays-for-xperia-z-series-suggests-leaked-info/
https://www.facebook.com/Xperia-Z-Cracked-Screens-370754419718137/
http://www.gizmobolt.com/2014/10/27/xperia-z3-self-cracking-screen-issue-appears/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really weird... I've had mine for about a month now, even after falling of the table once, with a very very thin case, the only thing that cracked was the tempered glass screen protector. I think it depends in your luck. This phone can either be really strong, or really weak l[emoji19]
Sent from my D5833 using Tapatalk
panzerox123 said:
I think it depends in your luck. This phone can either be really strong, or really weak l[emoji19]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, for lack of a better scientific term, it depends on luck, but I would never recommend that to someone.. or at the very least I would make it very clear that it does indeed depend on "luck".
Ok, so.
I bought myself a sony z3c with 125 euros, it had it's screen replaced, the back was flimsy (probably replaced as well), it had only 9 hr talked on so it was pretty new but abused, it was not waterresistant anymore. I have sell it with the same price within a mouth and got myself another one. This time it was a brand new one just warranty replaced with 130 euros or so.
To sum it up. It's a great phone and i appreciate all the feedback and information. I am pleased I've got it, but what I don't like:
- The screen it subpar my former lumia devices and a couple other Amoled my friends have.
- The camera is again subpar comparing to the CarlZeiss I had on the previous phone.
- I think i can put the build quality? Materials used? Don't really know how to put it, it's excellent but not quite as premium felling as, again my last phone. Don't get me wrong.
- Hmm, the OS, android comparing to win 10, it's much more complicated in a unnecessary way. But hey, I got all this customization about with launchers, skins, roms, icons, and especially apps, extremely dope. Too bad I can't change to whole settings menu. I keep feeling that there's not need for a 3 button layout with back/home/recent, not using to long press or gestures or meh, again, things i've kinda fixed with a payed NovaLauncher.
I would love a z3c with SailFish OS to be honest.
This was by no means a rant. This is the best phone I've used and I am very happy with the purchase. I have compared it to lumia 925,930, Samsung galaxy s6, A3 (2016), and an iPhone 6.
Moist thank you guys.
Regards.
I went from a nexus 6p to a red D5803. Pretty satisfied with my decision. The z3c is snappy and quick. All apps run fine and I don't see any cons with the z3c if bought for a good price.
I got a Z3c, gave it my wife. Bought a Z5c. First impression was great but then I rooted it. Got a huge idle drain and phone went hot often. I sold it and bought another used Z3c. Now I am back and satisfied. I just miss the better camera of the Z5c.
Gesendet von meinem D5803 mit Tapatalk
Related
Really Microsoft?? The much awaited, much anticipated "NoDo update" and all we basically got was copy & paste?? Aside from that I don't see much difference in the performance of my phone. My phone is stock with minimal apps installed on it and it is still a piece of **** and missing some features that would've made me keep this phone. I was holding off getting rid of it to see what this NoDo update had in store and it was pretty much a waste imo. NoDo sucks, Windows Phone 7 sucks, good thing I still have all my Android phones to fall back on. I don't even think the recent news of Android possibly being ported to the HD7 is gonna keep me from not getting rid of this phone. Craigslist, here I come. Let's see what kind of trade I can get for it cuz I don't even want money for it.
P.S. Microsoft, the C&P ain't even that great!
I'll Give you a +1 regarding the NODO update being not as much as we would like it to...
But with regards to the OS itself I personally love WP7 having Come from android and having flashed hundreds of ROMs on my Hero
I think MS has done a brilliant Job with WP7 ( Yeah we still dont have a lot of Apps)
But It comes with the ones one would normally use in daily life
like Facebook, ebay, live messenger etc and not to mention the brilliant email system which lacks in android (For me the email part is the best I have seen) and the ability to pin to start my favourite apps or even websites.
I am sure the MANGO update will solve our woes and am seriously looking for a NOKIA Branded WP7 as that definitely be a killer phone.
As of now I am pretty happy with the phone as it serves my daily purpose.
But I Guess Its a Personal Choice
julez456 said:
Really Microsoft?? The much awaited, much anticipated "NoDo update" and all we basically got was copy & paste?? Aside from that I don't see much difference in the performance of my phone. My phone is stock with minimal apps installed on it and it is still a piece of **** and missing some features that would've made me keep this phone. I was holding off getting rid of it to see what this NoDo update had in store and it was pretty much a waste imo. NoDo sucks, Windows Phone 7 sucks, good thing I still have all my Android phones to fall back on. I don't even think the recent news of Android possibly being ported to the HD7 is gonna keep me from not getting rid of this phone. Craigslist, here I come. Let's see what kind of trade I can get for it cuz I don't even want money for it.
P.S. Microsoft, the C&P ain't even that great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
mr8820 said:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found an error in your picture so I thought I'd fix it for ya real quick.
Your welcome
March 2011
OS version: 7.0.7390.0*
*
•
Copy & paste. You asked for it—now it's here. Just tap a word and drag the arrows to copy and paste it on your phone. You can copy text from emails, text messages, web pages, and Office Mobile documents, and paste it anywhere you can type. To learn more, see Copy & paste.
*
•
Faster apps and games. Nobody likes to wait. That's why we've whittled down the time it takes for apps and games to start up and resume. It's all part of our focus on getting you to the things you love, easier and faster.
*
•
Better Marketplace search. We've streamlined Marketplace search to make it easier to find specific apps, games, or music. Press the Search button in the Apps or Games section of Marketplace and you'll see only apps or games in the results. Press Search in the Music section of Marketplace to search just the music catalog.
*
•
Other Marketplace improvements. We've improved the stability of Marketplace while you download apps. We've also improved the experience of downloading apps larger than 20 megabytes, upgrading from trial apps to paid apps, sharing links to apps via email, sorting Xbox LIVE games by release date, and creating an Xbox LIVE account from within the Games Hub.
*
•
Wi-Fi improvements. We now display your phone's Media Access Control (MAC) address in Settings. (You might need this info if you try to connect to a Wi-Fi network that uses MAC address filtering. To learn more, see Connect to a Wi-Fi network.) We've also removed the limit on the number of Wi-Fi profiles that you can store and reduced the time it takes to start your phone if you've stored lots of Wi-Fi profiles.
*
•
Outlook improvements. We've improved the experience of viewing iPhone photo attachments you receive from a non-Exchange-based email account (such as a Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo! Mail account), using the Global Address List (GAL) when connecting to Exchange Server 2003 using Exchange ActiveSync, and working with email display names that contain brackets (for example, "David Alexander [Contoso]").
*
•
Facebook integration. We've improved the experience of syncing Facebook accounts.
*
•
Camera improvements. We've improved the stability of switching between camera and video modes.
*
•
Audio improvements. We've improved the experience of using a Bluetooth headset to make calls when you're playing music or videos.
*
•
Other performance improvements. This month's update also includes software from several phone manufacturers that improves the performance of specific models. Naturally, if you don't have one of the affected models, we won't install this portion of the update on your phone.
This list has been available long before the update. Have fun with Android.
julez456 said:
Really Microsoft?? The much awaited, much anticipated "NoDo update" and all we basically got was copy & paste?? Aside from that I don't see much difference in the performance of my phone. My phone is stock with minimal apps installed on it and it is still a piece of **** and missing some features that would've made me keep this phone. I was holding off getting rid of it to see what this NoDo update had in store and it was pretty much a waste imo. NoDo sucks, Windows Phone 7 sucks, good thing I still have all my Android phones to fall back on. I don't even think the recent news of Android possibly being ported to the HD7 is gonna keep me from not getting rid of this phone. Craigslist, here I come. Let's see what kind of trade I can get for it cuz I don't even want money for it.
P.S. Microsoft, the C&P ain't even that great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don’t you look for a job at engadget if you want to rant about how terrible this OS is. Your profile shows you as a member since 2008 with 169 posts mostly about android. You describe yourself as "android enthusiast, other OS curious" and looking through your posts all I can find recently is stuff pertaining to Android; which is why I will call you a fandroid troll.
So kick rocks fandroid troll. Go play with your phone in the Android forum
TechJunkiesCA said:
Why don’t you look for a job at engadget if you want to rant about how terrible this OS is. Your profile shows you as a member since 2008 with 169 posts mostly about android. You describe yourself as "android enthusiast, other OS curious" and looking through your posts all I can find recently is stuff pertaining to Android; which is why I will call you a fandroid troll.
So kick rocks fandroid troll. Go play with your phone in the Android forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly..Android enthusiast, other OS curious. I've had Windows phones in the past but didn't like them much. (T-Mobile Dash, the silver T-Mobile phone with the slide out keyboard-can't remember the name, the Touch Pro 2) The phones themselves were fine, especially my Touch Pro 2 that I regret selling to this day but Windows Mobile was never my cup of tea so I switched to Android when the G1 came out. I was curious about WP7 when it first came out which is why I bought the HD7 but Microsoft has not been able keep my curiosity with this new OS. It is boring to me. Once again the phone itself is dope but the OS isn't kicking it with me..it gets boring rather quickly. The reason most of my post recently are Android is because I have 5 Android phones and only one WP7 phone that I ain't liking much right now. I wouldn't consider myself a fandroid troll like you labeled me because I try other OS's and try to like them and don't live by Android completely. You think I like dishing out $400-500 for a phone just so I can come into these forums and talk **** about the OS on it?? I also own an iPhone 4, a Macbook Pro and all 4 generations of the iPod Touch which is something I'm sure you wouldn't hear an iOS enthusiast say. WP7 sucks IMO..that's my opinion and its not coming from an Android troll.
how can i download the NoDo update for my hd7
magicalan said:
how can i download the NoDo update for my hd7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the wifi toggle method. I kept waiting and I forced it to update to nodo.
Toggle on airplane mode. Then turn on wifi. Plug into zune and let it update. Find the average time it takes to say no updates available. Then do it again and turn off wifi on your phone 1 or 2 seconds before it finishes searching for an update.
Took me about 15 tries or so but it finally worked!
magicalan said:
how can i download the NoDo update for my hd7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blue1k said:
Use the wifi toggle method. I kept waiting and I forced it to update to nodo.
Toggle on airplane mode. Then turn on wifi. Plug into zune and let it update. Find the average time it takes to say no updates available. Then do it again and turn off wifi on your phone 1 or 2 seconds before it finishes searching for an update.
Took me about 15 tries or so but it finally worked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With almost 2000 posts and that big cheezy smiley I'm pretty sure magicalan already knows how to download NoDo if he hasn't done it already. I'm pretty sure he was being sarcastic when he asked that question.
Lol. Didn't even notice that.
tfn said:
I'll Give you a +1 regarding the NODO update being not as much as we would like it to...
But with regards to the OS itself I personally love WP7 having Come from android and having flashed hundreds of ROMs on my Hero
I think MS has done a brilliant Job with WP7 ( Yeah we still dont have a lot of Apps)
But It comes with the ones one would normally use in daily life
like Facebook, ebay, live messenger etc and not to mention the brilliant email system which lacks in android (For me the email part is the best I have seen) and the ability to pin to start my favourite apps or even websites.
I am sure the MANGO update will solve our woes and am seriously looking for a NOKIA Branded WP7 as that definitely be a killer phone.
As of now I am pretty happy with the phone as it serves my daily purpose.
But I Guess Its a Personal Choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry but I have to disagree with you and agree with the original poster, i have had this paper weight around since November to see what this update will do and its crap, nothing important changed.
You say great email? The HD2 email system was fifty times better for two main reason: Select All, and ability to view many email addresses on one place.
You praise that you can pin it to your home screen? hell any phone u can do that, and it will even tell u how many emails you got on the home screen.
But for a real email user who has several accounts to track with over 100 emails per day per account, WM7 version is crap, I have to go back to the home screen every time to access the diff account ( should be able to select which account I want to view when in email reader, basic feature, HD2 had it, why not HD7? this is a newer OS with lack of common features? makes no sense.
Then I have to tap and open the selector and then manually select any where from 30 to 100 emails to delete? manually? i mean comon windows 3.1 had select all, 15 years ago. Same for SMS, u cant select all to get rid of lots of emails.
Our color options of the live tiles are still designed for a 5th grader school girl.
The Hard ware is great, no doubt, typing is much better and the way you interact with the phone, but the OS is just bleak.
One of my biggest ? for Microsoft... In what century did man develop the rational that placing data in a table vs one verticle row makes more sense? I wanna say some time in BC?
when you open up my programs on you desk top, yes u can select to have them all lined up in a row and be long as hell, but u can also place them in tables so you fit more data on one screen since were dealing with a smaller screen. why do we not have that option here? every phone even before touch screens displays programs and data that way. ....???
Im sorry guys, ive said this before and will say it again. this phone has one great feature, you can spy on your friends via face book faster cuase your home tab will tell you when they are taking a dump.
other then that, is a great piece of hard ware, running a strip down windows3.1
and the more you look into the Nokia and Windows working on a phone together announcement will show you that MS realized that this phone flopped, and that they need to do something drastic now to get back in the game.
Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
What are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away? (different keyboards, apps, etc)
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?
Hey I would use smart switch to get your things from iPhone to your new phone but that is after you have it activated
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
XiphoneUzer said:
Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
My N3 arrived Wednesday evening, and it's STILL not activated, (and its killing me).
The reason being, I wanna know if there is anything I should do BEFORE I call ATT and activate it.
(I do NOT want to close any windows, so is there is anything you folks recommend I do before I activate it)?
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by call ATT and activate it? All you have to do is put your SIM card in and it is ready to go with a few account setups. After that it is up to you except for rooting and modding. Cant be done right now without voiding your warranty.
First thing you do is scratch off the att emblem since they locked the bootloader
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
XiphoneUzer said:
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the keyboard, i prefer the google keyboard over the samsung one. It provides functionality similar to the iphone and is easy to switch between the iphone and android if you use them both in daily life.
As for apps, here is a small list of apps i like to have on all of my devices.
GOOGLE CHROME. Its much better than the built in browser and is able to synchronize with my desktop browsers favorites, etc.
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
Facebook & Twitter: If you need an explanation, you shouldn't be useing these apps.
Battery Doctor by KS Mobile: Simple app, but is helpful to save battery life and know exactly how much you have left.
Google Music: I have most of my library stored on google so it makes my life easy to have this.
Google Books: The book equivalent of my music library. Syncronizes what i have read across devices and browsers.
Kindle for Android: For the ebooks you buy on amazon.
Google Keep: Great for taking quick notes and having them on all your devices.
Dropbox: Great cloud file storage. Comes with free storage and you can pay to get more.
Google Drive: Google version of dropbox.
MX Player: This video player will play any video format you throw at it.
Google Maps: A must have for all smartphone users.
Zedge: While its quality has gone down a fair bit from what it once was, its still a great place to find ringtones and notification sounds for your android device.
GPS Status: Great for calibrating your devices sensors and ensuring that it works properly.
Now for the ROOT ONLY apps.
Titanium backup
SuperSU
Triangle Away
Hopefully this is a useful list to get you started. I have all these plus many more installed on my devices, and I find I use them all fairly regularly.
djdelusional said:
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer Hangouts to Skype because Hangouts features free video multi-chat.
But I use Google Voice for SMS because it provides free unlimited texting. Hangouts insists on using the phone's native number rather than your Google Voice number, so you have to pay extra for a text plan or for individual messages.
Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?
XiphoneUzer said:
Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your new to android I'd stay away from root for a while.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 4
XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like for every-day typical phone use cases, there aren't that many gaps that stand out as needing to be filled by a third party app. You'll probably need a new music player, the defaults are crapola - but I can't be much help here; I keep my music as folders full of MP3 files (like God intended!) and play with Music Folder Player, and shun the dirty S&M ("sync and manage") apps.
There's a big list of stuff that I did when I first got the phone to get it to where I'm happy with it, but all of this was root required stuff. There are apps that come pre-loaded on android devices and can't be removed or disabled without root. Also, customizing stuff that can't be customized without root. I couldn't abide by some of the not-changable-without-root defaults. Getting rid of the "screen turns on so you can unlock it when you hit the home key" behavior is probably the most glaring example for me; my ass* was unlocking it constantly - but coming from iPhone, you probably view that as the Right Thing for home button to do.
I think most people use a custom keyboard. Swiftkey and Swype are the most popular. The phone comes with Swype, but it's an ancient version with limited support for changing the dictionary, you want the newest one.
I use Hangouts for gchat, but not for SMS. I actually prefer default app for SMS..
Settings:
Pull down status bar, long press on wifi, WiFi -> menu -> advanced settings, uncheck auto connect to AT&T hotspots (unless they don't suck where you are. Around here, they often don't have internet behind them, and just break your connectivity for the 30 seconds or so it takes for the phone to connect to them, determine that the wifi is no good, and fall back to 4G. At least this phone does that; Original note would just sit there like a fool trying to use non-functional wifi... I've also yet to find a hotspot that performs better than the 4G does. But I live in a city, so the situation may be different elsewhere).
Pull down status bar, long press on GPS. Uncheck "Use wireless networks" - on newer versions of android, this drains battery while idle; the damned thing wakes the phone periodically to check the networks around it - if the phone is nearly idle, this can halve battery life (!!!)
Pull down status bar, swipe to the left along the options at the top (woah, did you know you could do that?), tap multiwindow to enable multiwindow (this was a headline feature for the note 3, but comes disabled by default). If I long-press back button, that makes the multiwindow tab hide or unhide (once it's enabled), but I don't remember if I had to do something to get this behavior.
General must-have things:
AppOps Starter (to kill permissions from apps that request permissions you don't want to give them)
Battery Monitor Widget (gives you a realtime readout of battery usage)
ES File Explorer
If you want to pretty-ize clock + weather widgets:
DigiClock
Eye in Sky
If you work in IT or have need of these (if you aren't sure what these mean, you don't need them ):
ConnectBot (telnet/ssh client)
AndFTP (ftp/sftp client, supports scp if you pay)
RDP Client (remote desktop and VNC client)
FEAT VPN (OpenVPN client)
Hacker's Keyboard (you'll tear your hair out trying to use swype/swiftkey for terminal sessions or RDP)
If you want to root the phone:
Root it, then immediately install titanium backup and "freeze" AT&T software update, so it won't update your phone (breaking root) while you're not looking
Titanium Backup - freeze all the useless bloatware that AT&T and Samsung included (there's a list of what apps you can freeze here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmzC8GFarItSdGpOZzBfWlR4MC03aDMyZ1BDUFNqU0E - not my work)
Root Explorer
Pen Window Manager for adding apps to the pen window feature
Xposed Framework
Wanam - general huge amount of customization, including selecting apps for multiwindow.
Keyboard Manager (almost a necessity if you use ConnectBot/RDP frequently - keyboards designed for messaging and such are garbage for doing administration of non-phone systems, while hacker's keyboard is garbage for messaging and everyday phone stuff)
Terminal Emulator (gives you a command prompt on phone. Doesn't require root, but there are very few use cases for terminal on android that don't also need root)
*Well, I keep it in my front pocket, so technically it wasn't my /ass/ unlocking the phone....
So being very new to Glass (only got it on Wednesday 25/06) it is my understanding that the firmware after 16 disabled the 'normal' control via the touched? So versions after this are only capable of back and scroll?
Is there anyway of configuring a program like Remodriod or Tablet Remote so you can use the controls from your phone on Glass? Might sound silly as you could just say use your phone for what your doing but I was more thinking of using it to control the likes of YouTube so I log in and obtain my play lists, also it would stop the need to plug in for control via ADB, for which as a newbie to ADB I'm struggling with commands.
I was playing around with Remodriod and it asked me to set the input in Language and input, for which it didn't pop up like it did on my phone, I assume it is because there is no native option for this on Glass and therefore couldn't obtain the screen for it? Would I need to install the language and input options? Of so where can I get it from?
Has anyone else tried this idea?
Regards
Giles
GiGoVX said:
So being very new to Glass (only got it on Wednesday 25/06) it is my understanding that the firmware after 16 disabled the 'normal' control via the touched? So versions after this are only capable of back and scroll?
Is there anyway of configuring a program like Remodriod or Tablet Remote so you can use the controls from your phone on Glass? Might sound silly as you could just say use your phone for what your doing but I was more thinking of using it to control the likes of YouTube so I log in and obtain my play lists, also it would stop the need to plug in for control via ADB, for which as a newbie to ADB I'm struggling with commands.
I was playing around with Remodriod and it asked me to set the input in Language and input, for which it didn't pop up like it did on my phone, I assume it is because there is no native option for this on Glass and therefore couldn't obtain the screen for it? Would I need to install the language and input options? Of so where can I get it from?
Has anyone else tried this idea?
Regards
Giles
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you've done your research, it gets old telling people the same things over and over again.
As you mentioned, there was a time where you could easily control most apps with the touchpad, but that functionality has since been removed. Besides, there was no way to enter text without some sort of remote; many people managed to use bluetooth keyboards to achieve this, and the combination worked quite well.
In XE16, Google apparently decided that they wanted to make a clear distinction between Glass and Android controls. Apps that don't implement the Glass-specific gesture listeners can't be controlled at all. Even native Android popup windows don't allow you to choose which button you want to select (even if the Languages and Input popup did show up on Glass, you couldn't select the button).
So here we are today, either using the stripped-down, masked version of Android that Google gives us, or fumbling with ADB commands attempting to get that one video on YouTube to play. But there is hope yet. Google gives us rooted boot images, presumably hoping that we will show them something that they haven't done themselves. This tiny 5.5MB file opens up a ton of possibilities, but someone needs to be the middle man that brings these possibilities to the masses.
Thanks to the beauty of open source, we have a clear model of what needs to be done for Glass to work like so many people wish it would.
Port a working recovery image to flash zips to the Glass system folder (Done)
Modify Superuser to function properly given Glass's limited control set
Modify XposedInstaller in the same manner
I have a proof-of-concept Xposed module for Glass that lets me control the Netflix app with the touchpad. It's dirty, and it takes a lot of work to get working, but the concept is solid. Xposed is an incredibly powerful utility. The end goal is to create a Glass-oriented keyboard (think oldschool arcade video game high score screens - "Enter Your Initials").
While my goal is solid and my intentions are pure, I worry that there is a reason Google didn't do this to begin with.
TLDR; I'm working on it.
Many thanks for the response, so the short answer is no. That's a big shame and I hope I haven't just wasted 1k on a peice of eyewear that needs charging halfway thru the day!
I assume there is no way of going back to version 16?
I think it's strange how little development there is with Glass on XDA (I could be wrong but if you look at the likes of the smart watches there seems to be considerably more development) and how inactive this part of the forum seems? considering the idea and in my eyes (no pun intended) cool Glass is hence why I ordered mine as soon as I could here in the uk, so far I haven't met anyone with one, and I'm still getting some strange looks lol
The things that are possible with Glass are amazing. Really wish they had added a rear facing camera, eyes in the back of my head, no, but I can see behind me lol
I am eager to see your work and I will experiment on trying to build your xposed modules (never tried building an apk before) no harm in learning on what is probably the most expensive peice of tech I own lol
GiGoVX said:
Many thanks for the response, so the short answer is no. That's a big shame and I hope I haven't just wasted 1k on a peice of eyewear that needs charging halfway thru the day!
I assume there is no way of going back to version 16?
I think it's strange how little development there is with Glass on XDA (I could be wrong but if you look at the likes of the smart watches there seems to be considerably more development) and how inactive this part of the forum seems? considering the idea and in my eyes (no pun intended) cool Glass is hence why I ordered mine as soon as I could here in the uk, so far I haven't met anyone with one, and I'm still getting some strange looks lol
The things that are possible with Glass are amazing. Really wish they had added a rear facing camera, eyes in the back of my head, no, but I can see behind me lol
I am eager to see your work and I will experiment on trying to build your xposed modules (never tried building an apk before) no harm in learning on what is probably the most expensive peice of tech I own lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say I'm surprised by the lack of activity. Rooting Glass voids the warranty, and with the high price in addition to so many reported issues, not many people are willing to take that risk at the moment.
If you want to get touch controls back, then you'll need to flash down to XE12. See https://developers.google.com/glass/tools-downloads/system. Please be sure to read any warnings and notices. XE12 still doesn't have many options for keyboard input, but you'll have better luck than using XE16+.
Also, the strange looks won't be going away any time soon
jtxdriggers said:
I can't say I'm surprised by the lack of activity. Rooting Glass voids the warranty, and with the high price in addition to so many reported issues, not many people are willing to take that risk at the moment.
If you want to get touch controls back, then you'll need to flash down to XE12. See https://developers.google.com/glass/tools-downloads/system. Please be sure to read any warnings and notices. XE12 still doesn't have many options for keyboard input, but you'll have better luck than using XE16+.
Also, the strange looks won't be going away any time soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The really frustrating thing with my Glass is that I'm still waiting for Google to get back to me about the 'split framed' version they should of sent me instead of the current standard version I have!
I requested a call from Google shortly after I received them asking the above question but they couldn't find my order, sure enough they have taken my money but can't find my order number, nor my Gmail address or the serial number for my Glass device! A little concerning that Google of all people couldn't find my info! I'm still waiting for an email back 3 days later! Longest Google search in history lol
In order from most annoying:
Cannot whitelist k9 mail (and other things) from power saving (this is a deal breaker, I'm taking it back)
Long press to select text instead of double click (vanilla android allows both) (almost a deal breaker)
Media volume cannot be increased without acknowledging warning when BT connected
Can’t disable bixby button without samsung account
No root (needed to run webserver on 80 and change iptables)
Fingerprint sensor hard to find, hard to touch (compared to nexus 6p)
Default phone app sucks and can’t be changed
-Notifications for blocked numbers calling
-Hard to block numbers
-Hard to add recent calls to contacts (uses wrong account or something)
Volume buttons hard to find, on wrong side of phone
Samsung sms app is ugly and horrible (replaceable)
Samsung calendar app does not allow multiple default reminders (replaceable)
Lock screen time is on multiple lines with no way to change it
Thats nice. Enjoy.
swooperstar said:
bleh bleh bleh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the question? Wrong forum, maybe you should tell someone who cares?
Um, what phone is this, half the things you complain about can be done by the note 8, so must be another phone. Maybe he got the wrong forum...
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
Incorrect, but whatever. Pixel2 XL coming next week to replace this samsuck. This site used to be more help less fanboy.
...more help less fan boy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not about fanboys, you didn't ask for any help, just listed complaints. No one cares about personal complaints.
lol once again the user is the problem not the device... you can do all of those things either with an app from the play store or with root. maybe stick to something more simple? try iOS.
Not sure how moving to another Android device will help you. :laugh:
Being that the OP has a total of 9, count them 9 posts and is a junior member, I'm guessing he's referring to the old days on the site when we were more help and less fanbois
Mr.Ash.Man said:
lol once again the user is the problem not the device... you can do all of those things either with an app from the play store or with root. maybe stick to something more simple? try iOS.
Not sure how moving to another Android device will help you. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is already using IOS!
Ryland
Now we know from authoritative source that volume button is on the wrong side all those years, imagine that.
There are ways to adjust pretty much all of these points. Some are android specific - assume you are new to Android??
Did you even review the phone/play with it before spending on something you have chosen to dislike? To be fair you've come to a forum where 99.9999% of people are note enthusiasts so you will be whacked with a great big stick with a post like this :silly:
Ok how do you whitelist from power saving in a way that actually works? The settings interface for that is much different than stock android and doesn't actually let stuff run all the time like it does on my 6p. k9 always says syncing disabled (and works fine on 6p with stock nougat or oreo).
How do you get double-tap to select a word in text? Works by default in stock android.
After asking twice before to confirm increase volume while BT connected, it didn't ask this last time I increased it. I guess it is magically ok now.
How do you disable bixby button without creating a samsung account? There is an app that used to work using accessibility but no longer works in latest update.
How do you get root? The rooting page itself says "2.Enable OEM Unlock from developer option (Currently no workaround for those who doesn't have this option)" and I don't have this option.
How do you change the phone app? I tried downloading and installing one from apkmirror and got an error when installing.
How do you prevent notifications when blocked callers call?
How do you get normal time on the lock screen? Not the always on screen.
swooperstar said:
Ok how do you whitelist from power saving in a way that actually works? The settings interface for that is much different than stock android and doesn't actually let stuff run all the time like it does on my 6p. k9 always says syncing disabled (and works fine on 6p with stock nougat or oreo).
How do you get double-tap to select a word in text? Works by default in stock android.
After asking twice before to confirm increase volume while BT connected, it didn't ask this last time I increased it. I guess it is magically ok now.
How do you disable bixby button without creating a samsung account? There is an app that used to work using accessibility but no longer works in latest update.
How do you get root? The rooting page itself says "2.Enable OEM Unlock from developer option (Currently no workaround for those who doesn't have this option)" and I don't have this option.
How do you change the phone app? I tried downloading and installing one from apkmirror and got an error when installing.
How do you prevent notifications when blocked callers call?
How do you get normal time on the lock screen? Not the always on screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A respectful suggestion if I may.
Your first post was..... confrontational? Not the way to have your teething problems answered or supported.
Many of us, in all forum's, experience teething problems. I suggest you ask questions preferably one at a time so a peer can offer you some advice.
I have yet to ask for help here and not receive it. You will find there are some amazingly smart guys and gals here who will help IF you ask a palatable question. I am afraid what you have done is cause bad feeling and that's not the way to get help with your problems. Just food for thought. :good:
Ryland
I agree with the fingerprint sensor placement, for me being left handed, I have ot align it perfectly for it to work. Luckily the iris scanner is fast.
One issue I am coming across is my phone would random reboot and some settings would be changed to stock. For example, the font size would be change to default instead of everything tiny. My quick shortcuts layouts are stock and I have to re-login into some apps.
It happened about 3 times since i got the phone the first week of September. Hopefully I'm not alone. Sucks if I am though...lol
There is no help for those issues. That is why there is no response, and why the phone is going back. I am surprised anyone can stand the samsung interface and that is why it might sound confrontational. The apps that samsung replaces default apps with are really awful.
swooperstar said:
There is no help for those issues. That is why there is no response, and why the phone is going back. I am surprised anyone can stand the samsung interface and that is why it might sound confrontational. The apps that samsung replaces default apps with are really awful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only issue or possibly even an advantage is Samsung is edging it's own ecosystem in more and more. , basically it encourages one to buy another Sammy device and stay on board with them.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
UberPishy said:
Where is the question? Wrong forum, maybe you should tell someone who cares?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I care. Thanks to the original poster for critical analysis.
Anybody can fan-boy and circlejerk, that takes no skill.
It takes skill to spot issues and courage to speak out on them.
Every phones has its issues, these do not make Note 8 useless, but buyers can more easily decide if it is for them, when they know its particular failings.
vasra said:
I care. Thanks to the original poster for critical analysis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So which of the OP's claims do you really care about, because most are false, many are non issues for the majority and a few are valid. But the point remains that they were posted in the wrong forum.
vasra said:
I care. Thanks to the original poster for critical analysis.
Anybody can fan-boy and circlejerk, that takes no skill.
It takes skill to spot issues and courage to speak out on them.
Every phones has its issues, these do not make Note 8 useless, but buyers can more easily decide if it is for them, when they know its particular failings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a critical assessment...it's a misleading one.
A few observations.
The volume button on the left side is the more ergonomic position and also makes it less likely you will drop the phone while changing volume making it an objectively better placement. The fingerprint scanner? Yeah, it's poor ergonomics at best and your complaint there is well justified.
Root is something you knew going in you wouldn't have, if it mattered you should have bought something else. I do agree in general that the trend toward taking root access from us is one I hate. That's why I bought an international version and rooted it.
The Samsung calendar app is less well featured than the stock app but it uses no resources when not used and you can always use the google app or one of the several better than stock google calendar apps on the play store. You don't get to complain about not having an app you can put on you phone in seconds which isn't even close to the best app of its kind anyways. I BTW didn't use the stock app on my 6P, didn't meet my needs.Samsung's stock SMS app is awful, IMO someone should be fired there because it falls below even a minimum level of functionality. But then while Googles does manage to get to at least a minimally functional feature set it isn't much better and both are a long way from what can be had in seconds for free that work better than either on the market. You don't get to complain about this one either though, the stock google app is a few clicks away and a few seconds will give that stock google experience if that is your preference.
Same number of clicks with Samsung to add a recent callers to contacts. Hard to do so is dismissed.
Hard to copy because you have to long press instead of double tap? Seriously? lol That's a fairly lame complaint without even taking into consideration the S-pen which opens up a whole world of options that you don't have on the 6P, one of which is using the S-Pen in the first place.
I like the default dialer and it has features which Google's does not. Regardless it can be changed as well as which dialer is the default, where did you get the idea you couldn't change dialers?
I don't have the media volume warning with my phone unless I'm on headphones, not sure why you do?
The Bixby button can be disabled, it can be disabled without signing into Samsung. Just an FYI, it can also be slaved to another function. All without root.
You can white list any app from power saver, just takes a few clicks, assuming of course you know which clicks. You have in an oblique way a real gripe here, Samsung's menus are getting better but they are still too bloated. The search menu function is your friend in pursing hard to find settings.
Who uses lock screens in this day an age? You've get bio-metrics and AOD, leaving the lock screen as an artifact of what was once the best we could do but isn't anymore. Think of it this way, I'm a pathetic old man and I've been able to understand that lockscreens are now just an extra step. Your complaint in this regard reminds me of my friends who cant handle new tech and are still trying to hang on to their flip phone.
At this point you probably think I'm busting your balls a little bit and you're right. On the other hand your complaints are largely groundless. The only real objective gripe you have is the fingerprint sensor location. Your assessment of the volume button location is subjective, not objective, and objectively is incorrect. Your complaints about the stock apps can be applied to google apps in the same way and most of which I changed on my 6P just as I have here. The impression I get is that the main problem you have is you need to learn how to shop better. There is no reason to buy a phone that does not have root if you know you want root. There is no reason to buy a phone well known for it's rather overbearing GUI and menu bloat if you know you are going to hate it. Why do that to yourself?
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your better get a Oneplus Phones for modding / rooting purpose.
For samsung phones, somebody have to find a solution for knox trip.
sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
...
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as you already noticed the modding/rooting community for the S21 series is not that active (yet?), maybe indeed different to phones like the Oneplus 8 Pro etc...
But still there is a reliably working method for rooting the device, although depending from your location warranty may be void afterwards. And then there is Knox, so rooting will definitely disable some specific Samsung functions (Samsung pay & Safe Folder among them).
If you are interested, there are threads on rooting and TWRP - the forum is presently only one for all S21U topics so things move down the line pretty quickly :
I for myself as a long-time "rooter" decided to go with locked stock ROM and while missing some detailed tweakings things are running pretty nicely so far. One of the things I noticed is that 90% of the things you do with rooting are workarounds to cover the negative effects of rooting - like making Gpay work etc.
Yes, unless there's a solution for the Samsung Knox issues, rooting will void your warranty. FWIW, the stock software has so much customization options that even after 2 months of using it I still haven't got hold of all the customizations. Yes, you might do in OnePlus where the software is quite bland/ featureless but that's not the case with One UI
fairyshacker said:
Your better get a Oneplus Phones for modding / rooting purpose.
For samsung phones, somebody have to find a solution for knox trip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want anything from a Chinese company.
s3axel said:
Well, as you already noticed the modding/rooting community for the S21 series is not that active (yet?), maybe indeed different to phones like the Oneplus 8 Pro etc...
But still there is a reliably working method for rooting the device, although depending from your location warranty may be void afterwards. And then there is Knox, so rooting will definitely disable some specific Samsung functions (Samsung pay & Safe Folder among them).
If you are interested, there are threads on rooting and TWRP - the forum is presently only one for all S21U topics so things move down the line pretty quickly :
I for myself as a long-time "rooter" decided to go with locked stock ROM and while missing some detailed tweakings things are running pretty nicely so far. One of the things I noticed is that 90% of the things you do with rooting are workarounds to cover the negative effects of rooting - like making Gpay work etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not worried about warranties. I don't know if I'd ever need the samsung specific things like Samsung Pay. Not sure what Safe Folder is but I guess it's some kind of encryption based file storing? I generally don't use all these mainstream things people like.
I don't really spend time making Google Pay work because I have no use for it. I'll have an occasional issue with an app refusing to operate because of rooting and Magisk Hide doesn't work, but it isn't a big deal.
I like tweaking things like the battery logo (I like having a circle with percentage number inside and not having the extra/stock battery logo up there at the same time). I like to disable certain system icons from the top bar that aren't necessary to be there and just clog it up. I like adding the "clear all" type buttons in the running apps page. I like customizing the behavior of holding the power button so I can reboot, reboot to recovery, or shut the phone off easily.
For example, on my LG V30+ right now I am running the stock rom but rooted it and did things like I described above. Nothing major and don't need Google Pay. The LG app for air conditioners won't run because of my root. My bank app notifies me of root very occasionally but isn't a big deal. Yeah, I don't think my SafetyNet passes, but I don't care.
I am using Xposed, hostless AdAway, No Shutter Sound, Highway Radar and YouTube Vanced as well.
amirage said:
Yes, unless there's a solution for the Samsung Knox issues, rooting will void your warranty. FWIW, the stock software has so much customization options that even after 2 months of using it I still haven't got hold of all the customizations. Yes, you might do in OnePlus where the software is quite bland/ featureless but that's not the case with One UI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to go through every single setting in a phone before I even start really dailying it . I don't mind it. I like customization. That's great to hear. I do like unrestricted or not very restricted phones as opposed to iPhone style lockdown stuff, though.
I used to consider the OnePlus phones but lately I have been more insistent on not buying things made in China or from Chinese companies as much as possible... for various reasons.
---
So assuming I don't care about things like warranty and Samsung Pay.. what other drawbacks are there? What would stop me from going this route? I intend on picking it up from Google because they have really good deals and I can even make 0% interest payments. I just have to stick with Fi for 3 months, then I can go back to ATT.
Another concern I have is the size of the phone. It makes me lean towards the S21 5G. I just like the Ultra for the other enhancements.
Thanks to all of you as well for the replies.
I wouldn't get that phone if my intent was to root it. One of the more easily rootable Samsung models probably be a better choice*. If you want a blackhole gravity well to get frozen in time with while you're troubleshooting the root then this is a good choice.
That said stock Samsung's are the most customizable phones there are. Hundreds of free icon packs/themes, the Good Lock family of apps and more. The SSC codec for the Buds+ that seamlessly connect to this model with the propiatory Samsung new 360° audio support.
You can lock it down with PD MDM package disabler and Karma Firewall.
*Also no SD card slot so no dual drive ie data drive; you lose a valuble key feature.
Personally I loathe it's rounded corners/display and it's larger frame to display ratio. It's ugly compared to the Note 10+ or N 20 U; I take either of these over the 21 series any day.
Yeah, I really don't like the 21 series... even at half price I would spurn them.
I just read up on Samsung Pay and it's actually pretty interesting. I may actually try and use that. I would love to not have to pull out my wallet all the time and swipe/insert my bank card. That alone is very enticing.
I don't watch TV and haven't had TV service in ages, but I found out with this phone I'll have access to TV stations without a subscription or any kind of fee. That's pretty cool as an added bonus and I may find some shows I like.
blackhawk said:
I wouldn't get that phone if my intent was to root it. One of the more easily rootable Samsung models probably be a better choice*. If you want a blackhole gravity well to get frozen in time with while you're troubleshooting the root then this is a good choice.
That said stock Samsung's are the most customizable phones there are. Hundreds of free icon packs/themes, the Good Lock family of apps and more. The SSC codec for the Buds+ that seamlessly connect to this model with the propiatory Samsung new 360° audio support.
You can lock it down with PD MDM package disabler and Karma Firewall.
*Also no SD card slot so no dual drive ie data drive; you lose a valuble key feature.
Personally I loathe it's rounded corners/display and it's larger frame to display ratio. It's ugly compared to the Note 10+ or N 20 U; I take either of these over the 21 series any day.
Yeah, I really don't like the 21 series... even at half price I would spurn them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That package disabled is really nice to know about, thanks. That is also something I did on my current phone but I did it through ADB (well, I uninstalled things I didn't want and saved the APK of the app).
I'm pretty sure I can use AdAway and YouTube Vanced without root. I'm currently using an older version of Vanced because newer ones do not work. Mine is from Magisk. I figure it has to do with Vanced on this specific phone and I can probably use some other version on the S21/Ultra.
Not sure what you meant about gravity and about a "valuble key feature". I am aware it has no sd card support, but I've found that I have never had the need for this on my current phone which supports up to 2 TB sd cards.
There is one thing that I doubt I'll be able to do which I've done on my V30+... I have the stock phone app modified to have a built-in recording feature. One press and I record calls with no notification beeps or anything stupid like that. After the call ends it prompts me to listen now or later. It saves the recording automatically as a file, based on the settings I've already configured. I can turn this on and off whenever I want during the call and if I turn it on before the call is answered, the app automatically waits until the call is connected to enable call recording. It records both sides in clear quality whether or not it's using the speaker or regular mode.
Is there a shutter sound on the S21? If so, is there a way to disable it without root?
sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just come over to the S21 Ultra from Xiaomi. I loved how you could theme the Xiaomi. I tried a few themes from the Samsung store but nothing would change all the icons. A real miss match and it looked terrible. Maybe I never searched hard enough well anyway I downloaded Good Lock and some modules from the Samsung store. It has some good customisations and it changes all icons to the same style and hides icons from status bar. Not sure if this is what your after but I knew when I got this phone there would not be much development on it at the start. Actually not to fussed about rooting at the moment. Also aodNotify as I missed the notification light. Moved away from Chinese phones myself. Here's a couple of pics if this is the sort of thing that your after.
Hope this helps
Clarkie_955i said:
I just come over to the S21 Ultra from Xiaomi. I loved how you could theme the Xiaomi. I tried a few themes from the Samsung store but nothing would change all the icons. A real miss match and it looked terrible. Maybe I never searched hard enough well anyway I downloaded Good Lock and some modules from the Samsung store. It has some good customisations and it changes all icons to the same style and hides icons from status bar. Not sure if this is what your after but I knew when I got this phone there would not be much development on it at the start. Actually not to fussed about rooting at the moment. Also aodNotify as I missed the notification light. Moved away from Chinese phones myself. Here's a couple of pics if this is the sort of thing that your after.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats on leaving Chinese brands. I'm also making effort to buy things not made in China as much as possible as well. So Taiwan, Japan, USA, etc...
I don't usually do the whole custom icon set thing on phones, but I am aware that's a big thing so I understand why that would be frustrating when you can't find one you like. The most theming I've done is choose one I like (color wise) from some LG app I had on the phone which worked well.
Other small changes may count as theme changes in some ways, but it wasn't the intention.. it was mostly for functionality.
Thanks for the info.
Also I have researched a few things...
1. AdAway. It can now be used without root, which I didn't know. It can be run on S21 variants. BUT, you have to run an AdAway VPN to do it.. so might as well find another method for ad blocking. My friend showed me a screen on the S20 where there is a "private DNS" option. I could block ads that way.
2. Vanced doesn't need root. It actually is arguably better without root because you only have to set the app to open YT links and it doesn't replace the YT app. Right now I can't use auto app updates because it won't let me pick and choose which to not auto-update and one of the ones I would need to stop from auto updating is the stock YT app.
3. From research online and after asking Google about the variant they sell, you can disable shutter sound in the settings (which is actually better than what the LG V30+ supports.. a huge surprise).
4. Don't think I can use Xposed. There MAY be some bootleg way with partial functionality or something but I don't know for sure.
Can I (without root) remove the stock battery icon and replace it with a circle and percentage? Like this:
I also want to enable the seconds counter and add the date.. I want to do all that stuff, if possible.. that I did there.. including hcanging the size of fonts and capitalization of fonts in the top middle area.
Main thing I want is the seconds counter.
A friend showed me this from his s20:
So that's cool that he can change the icons displayed. I used Gravity Box or Xposed.
Not so much I cant find what I like it's just they don't change system wide like Xiaomi did. So I end up having half custom and half stock and looks crap with all the different colors in the folders. At least Good Lock manages to change them system wide which I don't quite understand why Samsung theme store will change maybe fifty percent. Anyway got it to how I like it.
With Good Lock you can remove status bar icons but no customisation with battery indicators. That pic is a pic of Good Lock the one you posted. I went with the Hong Kong version with Snapdragon which you can unlock bootloader in development options. Don't think you can on US Snapdragon versions. Here in OZ we only had the Exynos. Got the 16/512 Snapdragon for $1550 AUD. Same phone with Exynos just over $2200 here.
AdAway have not really missed it. Had it on my previous phone and maybe I'm not taking any notice of adds and just enjoying the phone. Never use Vanced. Cant see any setting in camera to turn off shutter sound but you can silence it in volume controls. Haven't looked into Xposed yet.
Don't know what model your going to get but there is root and TWRP available for ultra models. But soon as you flash a boot image you will trip Knox and lose some features of Samsung apps. Mainly Samsung pay I believe and warranty if you buy local. Still sussing this out myself. Have a old Tab S that I rooted and my first Android was a Samsung Galaxy Gio (GT-S5660)
Overall extremely happy with this phone.
Hoe this helps Sneak
A stock Note 10+, heavily customized.
Running fast and stable on Pie/OneUI.
sneak said:
I don't want anything from a Chinese company.
I'm not worried about warranties. I don't know if I'd ever need the samsung specific things like Samsung Pay. Not sure what Safe Folder is but I guess it's some kind of encryption based file storing? I generally don't use all these mainstream things people like.
I don't really spend time making Google Pay work because I have no use for it. I'll have an occasional issue with an app refusing to operate because of rooting and Magisk Hide doesn't work, but it isn't a big deal.
I like tweaking things like the battery logo (I like having a circle with percentage number inside and not having the extra/stock battery logo up there at the same time). I like to disable certain system icons from the top bar that aren't necessary to be there and just clog it up. I like adding the "clear all" type buttons in the running apps page. I like customizing the behavior of holding the power button so I can reboot, reboot to recovery, or shut the phone off easily.
For example, on my LG V30+ right now I am running the stock rom but rooted it and did things like I described above. Nothing major and don't need Google Pay. The LG app for air conditioners won't run because of my root. My bank app notifies me of root very occasionally but isn't a big deal. Yeah, I don't think my SafetyNet passes, but I don't care.
I am using Xposed, hostless AdAway, No Shutter Sound, Highway Radar and YouTube Vanced as well.
I tend to go through every single setting in a phone before I even start really dailying it . I don't mind it. I like customization. That's great to hear. I do like unrestricted or not very restricted phones as opposed to iPhone style lockdown stuff, though.
I used to consider the OnePlus phones but lately I have been more insistent on not buying things made in China or from Chinese companies as much as possible... for various reasons.
---
So assuming I don't care about things like warranty and Samsung Pay.. what other drawbacks are there? What would stop me from going this route? I intend on picking it up from Google because they have really good deals and I can even make 0% interest payments. I just have to stick with Fi for 3 months, then I can go back to ATT.
Another concern I have is the size of the phone. It makes me lean towards the S21 5G. I just like the Ultra for the other enhancements.
Thanks to all of you as well for the replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In 100% me..
You just write that's way am here on xda,
Am a fan to customise my phone as I want,
And if I pay so much money we should have the right, and possibility to choice and use ..
Sorry for my English.
Well, I bought one from Google. If there are serious issues I don't want to put up with I will return it.
As long as I can disable the stock battery icon I would think I could get an app which has a custom battery icon.
I hope it's possible as well to do vertical listing of apps in app screen instead of having the left/right pages.
sneak said:
Well, I bought one from Google. If there are serious issues I don't want to put up with I will return it.
As long as I can disable the stock battery icon I would think I could get an app which has a custom battery icon.
I hope it's possible as well to do vertical listing of apps in app screen instead of having the left/right pages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats
The scrolling from the right was a pain at first. But all good now. Hopefully Good Lock will bring something out in the future and change it.
sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea rooting is possible and safe if right software is used but might affect warranty i guess
If anyone remembers the whole Carrier IQ thing, do you know if there's something like this on the S21 Ultra?
System UI Tuner doesn't seem to work as far as showing seconds in the status bar clock.
I would love to be able to customize the recently used apps section in the apps drawer. Either remove it completely or set static apps or somehow customize a blacklist or whitelist or some other variables to determine what goes there.
When I use jetaudio+ it puts a notification with details in the menu from the top. I can't swipe it away and it stays there even after I close the app and remove it from app list. I found out I have to drag down on it to expand it to be slightly larger and then an "x" appears. These "x" buttons would appear by default on apps like this on my old phone and they were a little larger relative to the rest of the UI as well. Would love to be able to tweak this functionality.
I want a feature I had on my LG V30+ where based on my GPS location I can enable or disable WiFi. Meaning, the same as hitting the wifi icon in the quick toggles based on entering a certain location or leaving that location. That way when I get home my phone will automatically globally turn on wifi and when I leave it twill automatically turn it off so it isn't hunting for networks.
Another feature in the same section was something which allowed me to have the phone remain unlocked when paired with a specific device. I want the phone to stay unlocked when paired with my car instead of having to unlock it all the time with fingerprint.
I would like to be able to scroll the apps list vertically, like normal.. instead of this left and right pages stuff.
I want a battery indicator setup where there is a percentage inside of a circle and the circle is representative of the percentage. Not finding an app option that has what I want. Does anyone know of a way to do this or an app?
I also want to make pressing the home button in the bottom center of the screen do a full open of the bar from the top.
On my current phone I've also found some way to keep the alarm clock icon from Alarm Clock Xtreme without having a persistent notification of the next alarm. Not sure how on this.
MacroDroid!
the answer to toggles based on location. A lot of features there to look into. Very nice.
MacroDroid seems fine for the WiFi toggle but it doesn't keep the phone from locking. At first it was keeping the screen on but then it just did nothing. I want the screen to still shut off if necessary but not require thumbprint or code or anything to unlock, while paired with phone.
sneak said:
MacroDroid seems fine for the WiFi toggle but it doesn't keep the phone from locking. At first it was keeping the screen on but then it just did nothing. I want the screen to still shut off if necessary but not require thumbprint or code or anything to unlock, while paired with phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't advise using it but stupid Bixby probably can ie Bixby Routines.
blackhawk said:
I don't advise using it but stupid Bixby probably can ie Bixby Routines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the first thing I checked but I couldn't figure out how to do it. It's not very intuitive....