Hey guys. Need some advice. Got a new galaxy gear 1st edition for Xmas. I have not opened it and am debating returning it. Is this thing worth using at this point or is it already outdated ? I presently have a galaxy s3 which is running a cm kit kat variant. I really would rather not switch to touch wiz to use this device. I'm very familiar with flashing roms so if there is a good rom to flash that makes this device great please let me know.
Is this still a decent device? I have never used a smart watch before so it intrigues me.. However I will most likely be upgrading my phone in February or so. Not sure if I will even be getting another samsung. I honestly do not even have the faintest recollection what I would use a smart watch for. If it is just for notifications, I would rather not use the device. I hardly even use notifications on my phone (only ones enabled are text messages).
Tl;dr: got gear for Xmas. Don't have touch wiz. Should I return this?
thecapitalr said:
Hey guys. Need some advice. Got a new galaxy gear 1st edition for Xmas. I have not opened it and am debating returning it. Is this thing worth using at this point or is it already outdated ? I presently have a galaxy s3 which is running a cm kit kat variant. I really would rather not switch to touch wiz to use this device. I'm very familiar with flashing roms so if there is a good rom to flash that makes this device great please let me know.
Is this still a decent device? I have never used a smart watch before so it intrigues me.. However I will most likely be upgrading my phone in February or so. Not sure if I will even be getting another samsung. I honestly do not even have the faintest recollection what I would use a smart watch for. If it is just for notifications, I would rather not use the device. I hardly even use notifications on my phone (only ones enabled are text messages).
Tl;dr: got gear for Xmas. Don't have touch wiz. Should I return this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all up to you whether you would like to keep it or return it.
There is enough information on this board to make up your mind about that.
The only think I can tell, is that I absolutely love my watch and I'm glad I kept it
(I got it for free and hesitated to sell it).
With the Null rom, the watch really is so much better than stock, even though the Android version is outdated (Android 4.2.2).
But, from what I understand, someone is trying to port Android Wear onto our watch.
So when he succeeds, the watch is totally up-to-date again.
But for now, I am already happy with what the watch can do already.
But keep in mind, the main purpose of the watch is to indeed receive notifications which appear on the phone.
Nice benefit is that you can call and receive calls with the watch.
Do notifications work with aosp roms? Or do I need touch wiz?
thecapitalr said:
Do notifications work with aosp roms? Or do I need touch wiz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I have owned both a S4 and S5, but both of them with TW based roms, I can't exactly tell you.
But I've read that people got it working on AOSP roms or even other brands phones (like Nexus, LG, etc).
Or you can use other software than Gear Manager, like SWApp Link
Anyway, there are possibilities but none of them easier than on a TW rom.
Thanks for your help. I think im gonna return this device and wait until the technology matures more before I decide to jump in. Much appreciated.
Hiya!
I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, the 9.2". I am really pleased with the performance, looks, weight (it's like a feather!), but there is one thing I miss greatly from my old Nexus 7: Material Design
I really like how simple and neat it looks, honestly. I've been doing some research and the only options I'm finding are installing the Samsung 6.0.1 firmware. Has anyone successfully managed to install and run the stock Marshmallow, like the one that the Nexus device runs?
For the moment we only have cm12.1 and cm13 which are close to stock (plus cm theme and tweaks) Android but are still in development (not considered as stable build)
mysa50 said:
For the moment we only have cm12.1 and cm13 which are close to stock (plus cm theme and tweaks) Android but are still in development (not considered as stable build)
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Click to collapse
Considering OP just bought the device, it is more than likely a 2016 model that does not have an available Cyanogenmod yet.
m0rf0 said:
Hiya!
I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, the 9.2". I am really pleased with the performance, looks, weight (it's like a feather!), but there is one thing I miss greatly from my old Nexus 7: Material Design
I really like how simple and neat it looks, honestly. I've been doing some research and the only options I'm finding are installing the Samsung 6.0.1 firmware. Has anyone successfully managed to install and run the stock Marshmallow, like the one that the Nexus device runs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were some improvements, but nothing to write home about. I'm irritated that Sammy gives theme support to their new phones and don't even allow us to set to a darker theme to preserve battery without doing the salt the earth battery saver feature. :silly:
I don't think you're missing much with this update, more disappointment than anything, I also don't think OP's tablet is a 2016 because s/he isn't already on MM... I heard it shipped with MM. :laugh: Sammy knows best. Sammy also leaves flagship android tablet with broken promises... and dreams. "Theme support coming" my eye.
I think it's telling that you can mod your build prop and install theme store from a shady source and it works... (haven't tried, the topic is floating around here somewhere.)
I hope at least this will mark an acceleration of update cycles for security purposes, especially since some researcher endorsed sammy devices for update speed.
Thanks everyone for the quick answers! I guess my only option is to wait for a more stable and fully functional Cyanogen then. I guess patience will be the key here :-/
My model is definitely the 2015, as it came with Lollipop and I had to download Marshmallow myself via the update tool, btw. Not much worried as the changes seem to be minimal though.
I am curious. I assumed lollipop was going to be the last one I would see, since the phone is over 2 years old. I love Android 6.0.2 now. I am curious how long I might expect to keep getting updates on the phone? I cannot find any "end of life" lists for the S5 mini so I am unsure.
Also, what would a worthy successor to the S5 mini be to be more up to date?
Morthawt said:
I am curious. I assumed lollipop was going to be the last one I would see, since the phone is over 2 years old. I love Android 6.0.2 now. I am curious how long I might expect to keep getting updates on the phone? I cannot find any "end of life" lists for the S5 mini so I am unsure.
Also, what would a worthy successor to the S5 mini be to be more up to date?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the range of the smartphone, the manufacturers give support of about 2 years, after that they are totally forgotten (except samsung, they forget the mid-range smartphones at 4 months LOL)
To tell you the truth, we s5 mini users, we are very lucky that samsung has remembered us, almost never happens
jimmy999x said:
Depending on the range of the smartphone, the manufacturers give support of about 2 years, after that they are totally forgotten (except samsung, they forget the mid-range smartphones at 4 months LOL)
To tell you the truth, we s5 mini users, we are very lucky that samsung has remembered us, almost never happens
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I thought it was weird when I saw an update come up for a whole new OS... I love my S5 mini again, although I am looking for an upgrade to save for that's similar size but better than what I have in the S5 mini. Closest I can figure is A3 2017 but not sure.
For now, till I get more info I will enjoy my renewed S5 mini with, now, epic battery life in comparison.
Morthawt said:
Thanks. I thought it was weird when I saw an update come up for a whole new OS... I love my S5 mini again, although I am looking for an upgrade to save for that's similar size but better than what I have in the S5 mini. Closest I can figure is A3 2017 but not sure.
For now, till I get more info I will enjoy my renewed S5 mini with, now, epic battery life in comparison.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doze works very well in the s5 mini, is very good no doubt, personally I recommend using some custom rom, do not have samsung applications and are extremely fast, also have new versions of android (7.1.1 in this case) Of course they are in beta and contain bugs, but they are still very good
jimmy999x said:
Doze works very well in the s5 mini, is very good no doubt, personally I recommend using some custom rom, do not have samsung applications and are extremely fast, also have new versions of android (7.1.1 in this case) Of course they are in beta and contain bugs, but they are still very good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well a while back I tried to get a standard rom that was not from DBT (my handset is german, from ebay and it was cheaper) but it would not boot up. So I had to re-flash stock DBT firmware to get it to work. I remember trying Cyanogen mod on my old S4 mini but the compass did not work and a few other things. I cannot use a rom if basic phone features don't work. But with my experience of trying a different rom on my S5 mini, I bet custom roms would not work. I did get it rooted a couple times though although now I stick with unrooted so more standard apps work.
Morthawt said:
Well a while back I tried to get a standard rom that was not from DBT (my handset is german, from ebay and it was cheaper) but it would not boot up. So I had to re-flash stock DBT firmware to get it to work. I remember trying Cyanogen mod on my old S4 mini but the compass did not work and a few other things. I cannot use a rom if basic phone features don't work. But with my experience of trying a different rom on my S5 mini, I bet custom roms would not work. I did get it rooted a couple times though although now I stick with unrooted so more standard apps work.
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Click to collapse
How strange, it is normal that the cyanogenmod build does not work well at first, since it is a progressive development, even let me guess, you have the variant g800h?
jimmy999x said:
How strange, it is normal that the cyanogenmod build does not work well at first, since it is a progressive development, even let me guess, you have the variant g800h?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
F I believe.
Morthawt said:
F I believe.
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That is very strange, since the custom rom of this forum work very well for the variants F / M / Y, since they are the same device but dedicated to different markets (M in my case since I am in South America), The problem lies in the H variant, since it assembles a totally different processor and it is difficult to compile some custom rom for that variant, you should try some, I personally recommend this rom, very very good, you still have to polish one or another detail, But can be used daily
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5-mini/development/rom-aicp-12-1-nougat-t3565009
And if you are one of those who like to customize your android to the fullest, I recommend this rom
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5-mini/development/rom-resurrection-remix-n-5-8-2-t3562523
Both are based on the latest version of android, greetings
jimmy999x said:
That is very strange, since the custom rom of this forum work very well for the variants F / M / Y, since they are the same device but dedicated to different markets (M in my case since I am in South America), The problem lies in the H variant, since it assembles a totally different processor and it is difficult to compile some custom rom for that variant, you should try some, I personally recommend this rom, very very good, you still have to polish one or another detail, But can be used daily
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5-mini/development/rom-aicp-12-1-nougat-t3565009
And if you are one of those who like to customize your android to the fullest, I recommend this rom
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5-mini/development/rom-resurrection-remix-n-5-8-2-t3562523
Both are based on the latest version of android, greetings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I have bookmarked it. Although it seems every rom I have seen has issues for some reason. Whether in my experience with Cyanogen where the compass stops working and something else which I care about, or that one and tethering and hotspot etc. I just have been kind of burned from the excitement of my first custom rom failing me on the feature front and seeing big known issues with other custom ones I have seen. Not to mention I would want to avoid having some apps refuse to work like my banking app, google apps or Android Pay etc. But I have bookmarked it though in case because it seems cyanogen mod's site has gone down, which is not a good sign and any way they never supported S5 mini which was depressing. Are there any roms that are feature-perfect with no show stoppers on the S5 mini?
Morthawt said:
Thanks. I have bookmarked it. Although it seems every rom I have seen has issues for some reason. Whether in my experience with Cyanogen where the compass stops working and something else which I care about, or that one and tethering and hotspot etc. I just have been kind of burned from the excitement of my first custom rom failing me on the feature front and seeing big known issues with other custom ones I have seen. Not to mention I would want to avoid having some apps refuse to work like my banking app, google apps or Android Pay etc. But I have bookmarked it though in case because it seems cyanogen mod's site has gone down, which is not a good sign and any way they never supported S5 mini which was depressing. Are there any roms that are feature-perfect with no show stoppers on the S5 mini?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogen mod died, now called lineage os, is basically the same, the s5 mini, does not have official support by cyanogen (lineage os), but fortunately in this forum we have developers who take the trouble to create custom roms for We, those 2 roms that I left in the links are extremely functional, maybe one or the other does not work, but what if
jimmy999x said:
Cyanogen mod died, now called lineage os, is basically the same, the s5 mini, does not have official support by cyanogen (lineage os), but fortunately in this forum we have developers who take the trouble to create custom roms for We, those 2 roms that I left in the links are extremely functional, maybe one or the other does not work, but what if
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was unable to use a different country code or what ever (Like mine is DBT) firmware for the same actual legit firmware for my S5 mini, doesn't that mean a third party rom would equally fail to boot as well?
Morthawt said:
If I was unable to use a different country code or what ever (Like mine is DBT) firmware for the same actual legit firmware for my S5 mini, doesn't that mean a third party rom would equally fail to boot as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not understand exactly what you mean, but if the question is, if custom roms may or may not work in one country or another, as far as I know, they would have to work without any problem, as long as the bootloader is unlocked , A common problem is the loss of line, ie the device can not communicate with the operator, therefore no calls or sms, but that is solved using odin and flashing the baseband (there is also a post In this forum on that)
Firmware has various ones you can get based on the carrier or country or what ever. My phone needs me to download the DBT firmware. I tried choosing one someone recommended which was also a stock genuine rom for my phone but not DBT, it was one that they said was as close to raw Android possible. I flashed it and it would not boot. They gave me reasons and all kinds of complex more indepth things I would have to do all kinds of hacky piecemeal techniques to get the other rom to work. I was not interested, using odin, selecting a file and waiting is nerve racking enough for me without having to go 3 levels more complex than that. So the only thing I could do was flash the DBT version back on the phone and it worked again.
DBT is a very clean firmware in regard to branding so no need to switch to anything else, it has only 3 apps which can be uninstalled without rooting.
As for the updates I believe that Marshmallow is the final official update we're getting, there could be a couple security patch updates though. Like many users I was pleasantly surprised that we're getting 6.0.1 considering that we're talking about a 3 year old midrange Samsung which in smartphone years is a long time.
kom-pakt said:
DBT is a very clean firmware in regard to branding so no need to switch to anything else, it has only 3 apps which can be uninstalled without rooting.
As for the updates I believe that Marshmallow is the final official update we're getting, there could be a couple security patch updates though. Like many users I was pleasantly surprised that we're getting 6.0.1 considering that we're talking about a 3 year old midrange Samsung which in smartphone years is a long time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I certainly was shocked when I saw 6.0.1 or Marshmallow or what ever it said on the screenshot. Jaw dropped with excitement.
I don't know how guys can use Samsung's BS. KitKat, Lolipop or Marshmallow they all run poorly on my mini, and there's a lot of annoying slowdowns even when just scrolling twitter.
inejco said:
I don't know how guys can use Samsung's BS. KitKat, Lolipop or Marshmallow they all run poorly on my mini, and there's a lot of annoying slowdowns even when just scrolling twitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly recommend you factory reset your device. Prior to this Marshmallow update my phone was a constipated donkey. Just slow and sluggish as hell even doing the most basic of things. I got the Marshmallow update and it did feel a lot better. I factory reset and put my crucial apps back on and my phone is perfect again.
I would really like to see video showing how quick it is. Because I believe it will still be slower than Slim6.
And when scrolling is slow I get triggered as f.
inejco said:
I would really like to see video showing how quick it is. Because I believe it will still be slower than Slim6.
And when scrolling is slow I get triggered as f.
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Click to collapse
I have no idea what Slim6 is. What I do know is I was getting ready to throw my phone in the trash and save up for a new phone, till I got the Marshmallow update. Now my phone feels like a brand spanking new upgrade after the crap experience I have been having. Snappy, responsive, everything is working well. Perfect. Pshhh not to mention idle battery life has vastly improved.
It's custom rom for F variant of S5 mini. Battery was never a problem for me on marshmallow from Samsung though.
Hello, I've been an Android user from a while and decided to upgrade from my Nexus 5 to the OnePlus 3T. The only thing I'm concerned is not having the Google Android version since I'm very fond of how good it is, but in October 31st, Nexus 5 will be 4 years older and although Google isn't still talking of stop working on the software side of it it is probably going to happen eventually.
With all that said, I'm trying to learn beforehand (my phone arrives in 10 days) if are there any lag problems, if people are using any specific ROMs that work better with it and anything that could be quality of life improvements that I could do once it arrives.
Thank you
perezdi said:
Hello, I've been an Android user from a while and decided to upgrade from my Nexus 5 to the OnePlus 3T. The only thing I'm concerned is not having the Google Android version since I'm very fond of how good it is, but in October 31st, Nexus 5 will be 4 years older and although Google isn't still talking of stop working on the software side of it it is probably going to happen eventually.
With all that said, I'm trying to learn beforehand (my phone arrives in 10 days) if are there any lag problems, if people are using any specific ROMs that work better with it and anything that could be quality of life improvements that I could do once it arrives.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 5 is already discontinued when it comes to official software updates. It will only get security patches and even that won't be for long. (In fact it's latest factory image is from December 2016 so it might've fully stopped already.)
As for the Oneplus 3T, it's currently running the latest 7.1.1, latest security patch and the Oneplus skin (OxygenOS) is basically stock Android on steroids. I'm running the fully stock beta 4 version and the phone is extremely fast and smooth, battery is great. It's good to the point where I haven't even felt the need to unlock the bootloader and root yet. You definitely won't be disappointed in your purchase.
I recently (last week) replaced my 2 year old Nexus 6 with a OnePlus 3T and had the same concerns as you. Would I enjoy another OEM's version of Android? I was even running a really bare bones Vanilla AOSP ROM by the end and loved it.
I don't regret changing at all thus far.
I'm on OxygenOS 4.1.1 with Franco Kernel and Magisk v12 and it's working beautifully! I figured I'm gonna run OOS for a while before seeing if there's any nice ROMs available. I've been looking around a little, but not many of the available ROMs seems worth it (I don't want CM, Lineage or anything pre-rooted).
-Ric- said:
As for the Oneplus 3T, it's currently running the latest 7.1.1, latest security patch and the Oneplus skin (OxygenOS) is basically stock Android on steroids. I'm running the fully stock beta 4 version and the phone is extremely fast and smooth, battery is great. It's good to the point where I haven't even felt the need to unlock the bootloader and root yet. You definitely won't be disappointed in your purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that's so good to hear! This is exactly what I was expecting. Yeah, Nexus 5 had an extremely good run and until the beginning of this year I felt it was still so good as far apps go, but anything web related started being more and more painful. It is still a pretty good phone and I'll keep around for Android dev related things.
Now I'm pumped for the 13th.
Thanks
Didgeridoohan said:
I'm on OxygenOS 4.1.1 with Franco Kernel and Magisk v12 and it's working beautifully! I figured I'm gonna run OOS for a while before seeing if there's any nice ROMs available. I've been looking around a little, but not many of the available ROMs seems worth it (I don't want CM, Lineage or anything pre-rooted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you did modify your phone? Or am I getting it wrong? If not, why is that?
perezdi said:
The only thing I'm concerned is not having the Google Android version since I'm very fond of how good it is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OOS is as close as you can get (factory OS) to "pure" Android unless you buy a Nexus or Pixel (and the latter will of course cost you). Many are calling the OP3T a spiritual successor of the Nexus series.
There are just a few OnePlus versions of apps (music player, file manager, weather) that many folks will find useless (you probably have your preferred options). And a OnePlus launcher.
But beyond that, there are a few modifications many will see as value added: The OnePlus camera app is really nice (great options in Manual mode). There are lots of settings which let you tweak and customize in (my opinion) really useful ways.
perezdi said:
With all that said, I'm trying to learn beforehand (my phone arrives in 10 days) if are there any lag problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is arguably the fastest phone around, until the new flagships hit the streets.
perezdi said:
So you did modify your phone? Or am I getting it wrong? If not, why is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flash Franco Kernel because I have great experiences with it from my Nexus 6. Ran without for a few days, but realised I missed it...
I install Magisk because I want root and for a few nice systemless modifications. Currently: changing screen density, debloating system apps and Viper4Android.
redpoint73 said:
OOS is as close as you can get (factory OS) to "pure" Android unless you buy a Nexus or Pixel (and the latter will of course cost you). Many are calling the OP3T a spiritual successor of the Nexus series.
There are just a few OnePlus versions of apps (music player, file manager, weather) that many folks will find useless (you probably have your preferred options). And a OnePlus launcher.
But beyond that, there are a few modifications many will see as value added: The OnePlus camera app is really nice (great options in Manual mode). There are lots of settings which let you tweak and customize in (my opinion) really useful ways.
This is arguably the fastest phone around, until the new flagships hit the streets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. I never used a launcher (except the Google Now, not sure if that is even considered a launcher itself, and hopefully it is a feature in every Android phone, not just Google ones), ideally, I think I would want to get rid of that, if possible. The File Manager might be helpful, although I use one I like, perhaps theirs is a good one. No biggie, though.
Didgeridoohan said:
I flash Franco Kernel because I have great experiences with it from my Nexus 6. Ran without for a few days, but realised I missed it...
I install Magisk because I want root and for a few nice systemless modifications. Currently: changing screen density, debloating system apps and Viper4Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. You were just tuning it to your taste and knowledge. Okee dokee. Thanks!
perezdi said:
I never used a launcher (except the Google Now, not sure if that is even considered a launcher itself, and hopefully it is a feature in every Android phone, not just Google ones), ideally, I think I would want to get rid of that, if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Now is a launcher (AKA home app). It's not pre-installed, but you can easily install it from the Play Store.
I don't think you can disable or uninstall the OnePlus launcher on a stock OP3T ("disable" is grayed out), but you certainly can with root (may want to freeze it before uninstalling, and make sure it doesn't break anything else). But I also doubt it would make any significant difference, compared to simply installing Google Now launcher, and making it the default home app.
perezdi said:
The File Manager might be helpful, although I use one I like, perhaps theirs is a good one. No biggie, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't used it much, it does the basic functions (move/copy files, looks like it can open archives like ZIP) but doesn't look like anything special. If you use one that has more features (particularly root browsing) you'll probably prefer what you already use.