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With locked bootloaders on Motorola/Verizon devices, what implications does this have for customers/xda-community?
Thinking about switching to Verizon and getting a Motorola phone but I'm not sure what having a locked bootloader really means and what implications it has for us.
Does this prevent custom rom development? Can it eventually be easily unlocked?
It essentially limits how much a rom can be customized and prevents the use of custom kernals. In general, it does restrict development for the device.
If the bootloader does get unlocked somehow, there will probably be an easy way for the end user to do it.... the problem is getting it unlocked in the first place. It's not impossible, but it definitely is not an easy task.
CC Lemon said:
It essentially limits how much a rom can be customized and prevents the use of custom kernals. In general, it does restrict development for the device.
If the bootloader does get unlocked somehow, there will probably be an easy way for the end user to do it.... the problem is getting it unlocked in the first place. It's not impossible, but it definitely is not an easy task.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it.
So have you guys been able to get the bootloader on Bionic unlocked?
I'm really thinking about switching to Verizon, and Bionic & Razr were two phones I was looking at, but the locked bootloader has me a little worried.
SamsungVibrant said:
Got it.
So have you guys been able to get the bootloader on Bionic unlocked?
I'm really thinking about switching to Verizon, and Bionic & Razr were two phones I was looking at, but the locked bootloader has me a little worried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Bionic and have been able to flash pretty much anything I want. Only thing we're missing is a custom kernel, but the thing is so snappy stock that you don't really need it.
I'm running Liberty right now and it's wicked quick and the themes are pretty cool too. I was even able to change my boot image from the Droid stock to The Matrix. If your wanting to root right now then Bionic is awesome, but you probably won't have to wait very long for the Razr to be rootable as well. Just personal preference I suppose.
Good luck with your decision to switch, but if you are going to I refer you to this post.
2fast4u89 said:
I have the Bionic and have been able to flash pretty much anything I want. Only thing we're missing is a custom kernel, but the thing is so snappy stock that you don't really need it.
I'm running Liberty right now and it's wicked quick and the themes are pretty cool too. I was even able to change my boot image from the Droid stock to The Matrix. If your wanting to root right now then Bionic is awesome, but you probably won't have to wait very long for the Razr to be rootable as well. Just personal preference I suppose.
Good luck with your decision to switch, but if you are going to I refer you to this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I just wish that 4gb promotion would still be around when the Galaxy Nexus comes around. I'm considering that phone also, but I don't like that it doesn't have a microsd slot.
If verizon doesn't support voice and data at the same time, does that mean you can't use Google Navigation in your car at the same time while talking on the phone? That might be a reason I don't switch to Verizon. I like having navigation running on the screen while I'm on the phone.
An unlocked bootloader is nice but not necessary. I went from a Droid X (locked bootloader) to a thunderbolt (better specs and an unlocked bootloader) and my X was just as fast with better battery life. Now I have a bionic and its great, the only issue for me is the screen.
I've found phones with unlocked boot loaders seem to stand a test of time, more Dev's work on them, and when more dev's work on them, the higher value (IMHO)... My D1 was/is awesome, the only reason I upgraded was for the 4G finally coming to VA.
The Nexus is DEFINITELY going to be the next big thing, zero doubt in my mind. Hell, its not even out and its already been rooted. Samsung products (although cheap feeling) are always pretty open.
what about data and talk at the same time on verizon?
My other concern is about the Verizon network itself.
Using Google Navigation/maps requires constant data stream for the directions and map tiles, re-routing, etc.
If Verizon doesn't have voice/data at the same time, does that mean if you are in your car talking on bluetooth, google nav won't run correctly in the background because of no data network access?
SamsungVibrant said:
My other concern is about the Verizon network itself.
Using Google Navigation/maps requires constant data stream for the directions and map tiles, re-routing, etc.
If Verizon doesn't have voice/data at the same time, does that mean if you are in your car talking on bluetooth, google nav won't run correctly in the background because of no data network access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on 4G, data and calls work at the same time. I think the thunderbolt is the only phone to have the dual 3G radios allowing it to do both on 3G, but then again I have not tried with my bionic. I am always in a 4G area.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App
nosympathy said:
If you are on 4G, data and calls work at the same time. I think the thunderbolt is the only phone to have the dual 3G radios allowing it to do both on 3G, but then again I have not tried with my bionic. I am always in a 4G area.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really...on Verizon 4G LTE you can have voice and data at the same time? I didn't know! Great!
SamsungVibrant said:
Thanks. I just wish that 4gb promotion would still be around when the Galaxy Nexus comes around. I'm considering that phone also, but I don't like that it doesn't have a microsd slot.
If verizon doesn't support voice and data at the same time, does that mean you can't use Google Navigation in your car at the same time while talking on the phone? That might be a reason I don't switch to Verizon. I like having navigation running on the screen while I'm on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
confused...bionic.. On vzw obviously... I can talk and use data all day? What you Talkin about willis!!
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk
What he's talking about is Simultaneous Voice Data Optimized or SVDO for short. SVDO is the ability to do voice and data at the same time. This is not a problem for a Verizon 4G phone as long as you're on a 4G network. The game changes if you're on a Verizon 3G network though. To my knowledge the HTC Thunderbolt is the only Verzion phone that can do SVDO on the 3G network. This feat takes a special antenna and radio setup that is unique to the Thunderbolt.
You may recall many of the AT&T commercials that boasted the AT&T iPhone was the only iPhone where you could talk and browse the web at the same time. They were able to say that because the Verizon iPhone was not capable of SVDO over 3G.
2fast4u89 said:
I have the Bionic and have been able to flash pretty much anything I want. Only thing we're missing is a custom kernel, but the thing is so snappy stock that you don't really need it.
I'm running Liberty right now and it's wicked quick and the themes are pretty cool too. I was even able to change my boot image from the Droid stock to The Matrix. If your wanting to root right now then Bionic is awesome, but you probably won't have to wait very long for the Razr to be rootable as well. Just personal preference I suppose.
Good luck with your decision to switch, but if you are going to I refer you to this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will miui come to this phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Actually, in a 3G scenario, once you start the navigator you can talk all you want and still navigate. The only time it needs to pull data is if you miss a turn and need to re-route.
Personally I want to see CM9 on the Bionic asap. While I (sadly) prefer the "Motorola Enhancements" to stock Gingerbread, I think I will prefer stock Ice Cream Sandwich from the looks of it.
Hopefully we see it sooner as opposed to later.
Just wait for the Galaxy Nexus
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App on UNL3ASH3D R3BLURR3D V2.3 and will continue to be sent from here until I buy the Galaxy Nexus 32GB
I would wait, being unlocked diff. limits the device, biggest thing personally is the ability to overclock the device, I speed this thing would diff fly as dual core and has the potential but with no unlocked bootloader to run custom kernel it sucks
Hello Everyone,
Long time view, first time poster.
Let me start with, I'm so damn confused on what to do now...
I've recently (yesterday) upgraded (using AT&T Next) to get the Galaxy S5 (awesome phone, btw) and immediately starting looking into Rooting and Custom Recovery. Through all my searching, I find the same info, AT&T with it's locked BootLoader and no Root as of yet. I originally had the AT&T S4 that I rooted as soon as I got it, which had the unlocked BootLoader, so LOKI was awesome and I didn't get hit with the OTA upgrade to a locked BootLoader, so this is all new today. I know the SafeStrap stuff for the upgraded S4 but never had to experience that.
Now I have the S5. The dev's are awesome, so I'm sure there will be a way to root the S5 at some point, but it sucks looking on the forums every hour, hoping, but seeing the same CFAUTOROOT's for all the other versions, like T-Mobile, which brings me to my main question.
SHOULD I RETURN THE AT&T SAMSUNG GALAXY S5 AND GO WITH T-MOBILE???
Details:
I've already sold my awesome S4. I have 14 days to return the S5, but would have to link another phone to my account due to contact (till 10/2015), which is fine because I still have a Note and Iphone 3GS. I also see that T-Mobile will pay the cancellation fee for switching to them. The plan that I have with AT&T and the plan that T-Mobile is offering are roughly the same in specs and price, T-Mobile may even be *slightly* cheaper.
BUT...
Is it worth it to do this, just for the S5 with an unlocked BootLoader, that already has a Root method and Custom Recovery available, right now, as I type this...
I know, ultimately, I'm the only one that can answer this question; depends on how badly I want to root my phone.
I guess I'm just looking to see if other people are in the same boat as me and what their thoughts are on it, and what they are doing...
Any advise, comments, recommendations or in-sight is greatly appreciated.
THANKS!!!
If TMO has a good rep in your area then I would switch. Absolutely. Tbe S6 on ATT will even worse im sure.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
CZ Eddie said:
If TMO has a good rep in your area then I would switch. Absolutely. Tbe S6 on ATT will even worse im sure.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point, and one I didn't even think about.
I have a prepaid $70 unlimited everything sim from T-Mobile. I find them to be good, not great. I live in Northwest, Indiana (suburb of Chicago). In my experience I find T-Mobile's LTE LTE signal to be pretty weak in general. Most likely due to the AWS frequency. The HSPA+ signal seems fine. I have also noticed that the LTE is not very fast (despite their claims). If you turn if off, the HSPA+ performs just as good, or if not better. I do not travel at all. But I like having a peace of mind with guaranteed HSPA+ coverage on AT&T. T-Mobile only gives me EDGE at home. It's 100% useless. I haven't tried out the wifi calling recently, but I wonder if you can send MMS over that.
I just returned my AT&T S5 for a defective headphone jack. I was going to exchange it, until it hit me that $700 is not worth it for a locked down device. I loved to flash custom roms and modify everything. AT&T has stopped that. Despite excellent coverage, I too am contemplating switching to TMO permanently. I like that they don't modify their devices. Maybe AT&T's system loosing my unlimited data plan today was the final straw.
Gonna look into options.
MattMJB0188 said:
I have a prepaid $70 unlimited everything sim from T-Mobile. I find them to be good, not great. I live in Northwest, Indiana (suburb of Chicago). In my experience I find T-Mobile's LTE LTE signal to be pretty weak in general. Most likely due to the AWS frequency. The HSPA+ signal seems fine. I have also noticed that the LTE is not very fast (despite their claims). If you turn if off, the HSPA+ performs just as good, or if not better. I do not travel at all. But I like having a peace of mind with guaranteed HSPA+ coverage on AT&T. T-Mobile only gives me EDGE at home. It's 100% useless. I haven't tried out the wifi calling recently, but I wonder if you can send MMS over that.
I just returned my AT&T S5 for a defective headphone jack. I was going to exchange it, until it hit me that $700 is not worth it for a locked down device. I loved to flash custom roms and modify everything. AT&T has stopped that. Despite excellent coverage, I too am contemplating switching to TMO permanently. I like that they don't modify their devices. Maybe AT&T's system loosing my unlimited data plan today was the final straw.
Gonna look into options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understate why did you do this for. T-mobile Samsung galaxy S5 have lock bootloader too : http://support.t-mobile.com/thread/67380
norbarb said:
I don't understate why did you do this for. T-mobile Samsung galaxy S5 have lock bootloader too : http://support.t-mobile.com/thread/67380
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Click to collapse
It's not locked, people are rooting and installing custom recoveries and flashing ROMs already.
norbarb said:
I don't understate why did you do this for. T-mobile Samsung galaxy S5 have lock bootloader too : http://support.t-mobile.com/thread/67380
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Click to collapse
It's not locked. They wouldn't have root if it was.
MattMJB0188 said:
It's not locked. They wouldn't have root if it was.
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Click to collapse
They had root for galaxy S4 from AT&T and bootloader is lock. Root is not proof.
If you check the tmobile forum you will see that they have rooted the S5, installed a custom recovery and some tmobile owners have even flashed and installed Indies rom from the International forum.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
Ok some people need some education here, so here goes.
The ATT S4 Bootloader was technically LOCKED when it shipped. There was however a bootloader exploit that allowed custom roms and recoveries, this exploit was known as LOKI. Loki is not a true bootloader unlock, it is a bypass. It intercepts instructions during the boot process that allows unsigned code to be run. This exploit was patched in later updates by Samsung, and all current Samsung's are no longer vulnerable to the LOKI exploit.
The S5 on tmobile is BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED. This is confirmed. To those saying TMO is locked you are mistaken. I will enlighten you as to why. The root method used to obtain root on the TMO S5 requires an Unlocked BL to be successful. CF Auto Root by Chainfire works by modifying the stock recovery partition and then using ODIN to flash the TAR file. Odin flashes this modified stock recovery which then pushes SU binary which then flashes the Stock S5 firmware over. This only works if the BL is unlocked. 1 of 3 outcomes will happen if trying to flash on a locked BL. First if the BL is locked Odin will error out saying that the modified recovery image is not official/signed (end of story thats it), this is the most likely scenario. If somehow the modified image flashes onto a locked BL, the phone will not boot. Worst case scenario it flashes and you end up with a brick.
CF has already stated his root method won't work on the ATT S5 or VZW S5 because of the BL, worse is that modifying system to get root is not possible according to CF. This was used to root the S4 and Note 3 orginally. The only way the ATT or VZW S5 gets rooted is if a dev is able to find an exploit for Kit Kat.
In short TMO S5 has an unlocked BL and ATT is locked, stop being in denial. Class over.
djkinetic said:
Ok some people need some education here, so here goes.
The ATT S4 Bootloader was technically LOCKED when it shipped. There was however a bootloader exploit that allowed custom roms and recoveries, this exploit was known as LOKI. Loki is not a true bootloader unlock, it is a bypass. It intercepts instructions during the boot process that allows unsigned code to be run. This exploit was patched in later updates by Samsung, and all current Samsung's are no longer vulnerable to the LOKI exploit.
The S5 on tmobile is BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED. This is confirmed. To those saying TMO is locked you are mistaken. I will enlighten you as to why. The root method used to obtain root on the TMO S5 requires an Unlocked BL to be successful. CF Auto Root by Chainfire works by modifying the stock recovery partition and then using ODIN to flash the TAR file. Odin flashes this modified stock recovery which then pushes SU binary which then flashes the Stock S5 firmware over. This only works if the BL is unlocked. 1 of 3 outcomes will happen if trying to flash on a locked BL. First if the BL is locked Odin will error out saying that the modified recovery image is not official/signed (end of story thats it), this is the most likely scenario. If somehow the modified image flashes onto a locked BL, the phone will not boot. Worst case scenario it flashes and you end up with a brick.
CF has already stated his root method won't work on the ATT S5 or VZW S5 because of the BL, worse is that modifying system to get root is not possible according to CF. This was used to root the S4 and Note 3 orginally. The only way the ATT or VZW S5 gets rooted is if a dev is able to find an exploit for Kit Kat.
In short TMO S5 has an unlocked BL and ATT is locked, stop being in denial. Class over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an awesome explanation! Thanks! So technically, my S4 didn't have an Unlocked BootLoader, there was just an exploit Jellybean (LOKI) that was able to gain root (that I used) prior to Samsung patching. And that same patch (or "fix") is applied to the S5, right out the gate. :crying:
I'd, switch and all of us here that can't switch should let them know that because they locked their bootloaders. That we will all be switching carriers due to them locking the bootloader. If we can find the right place to tell them that they will be losing many customers then maybe they will change the way they do things or send us a unlocked update.
I had to call them yesterday with a problem with my sim. It was coming up not registered on a network. When talking with AT&T I told them when upgrade time comes I am switching to T-Mobile due to them locking the boot loader. That it should be my choice what I do with and to my phone that I paid for. Then today while doing a servay about the call. I told them again, at the end when they asked if there was anything else. After telling them again, the response was. Thanks again for your time and feedback. Your comments will help us continue to improve our service.
Now this is probably just a general response that's given at the end of the servay. But if we can find the right place in AT&T and threaten them with the loss of many consumers. Then maybe they will change some things. Just think T-Mobile in One year or Two seeing the trend of more and more At&t and Verizon consumers jumping ship to them. They will have no choice but to make T-Mobile better than the others, in all aspects.
Honestly, I am thinking of either going back to my Note 3 or doing the T-Mobile but I am not sure that the S5 offers enough new stuff to support the added expense over the Note 3.
Hi
Earthdog said:
Honestly, I am thinking of either going back to my Note 3 or doing the T-Mobile but I am not sure that the S5 offers enough new stuff to support the added expense over the Note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I'm also thinking about going to T Mobile especially because they
will pay your ETF for the switch. Just not sure about their coverage,
that's the only thing holding me back right now,
Ken
Or you could go with the HTC one m8 it's unlocked,rooted with a custom recovery and s-off.I had never owned an HTC device always had Samsung.but after handling the phone and how dev friendly HTC it's I'm glad I went with them still have my s4 anyway with Loki.
Second choice buy an s5 from t mobile unlock it and use it on AT&T , people have said that lte and reception is excellent on AT&T with the tmo s5.
I hate the fact that AT&T is going the Verizon rout but lays face tmo network is no where near AT&T .I've used both .hope this helps.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda app-developers app
Thank you everyone for your responses!
I finally did it and made the move to T-Mobile.
LTE on T-Mobile is soooo much faster than AT&T. On LTE I went from between 10-20 MB/s to a minimum of 25 MB/s on TMO, and most of the time a solid 30 MB/s.
HOWEVER, I did notice that places where I would normally have LTE with AT&T, I only sometimes get LTE with TMO; otherwise it's just 4G, which knocks the speed down to between 8-18 MB/s from using speedtest, but still not a huge deal.
I do find myself 'waiting' for websites to load a little longer on TMO, probably slow DNS servers, so gotta look in to that to see if I can change the DNS servers used when using Cell DATA (not Wifi).
All in all, I couldn't be happier with the same exact phone, but that has an unlocked bootloader and already rooted and custom recovery. I was nervous about switching since AT&T did have GREAT service (and by service, I mean reception, lol) but glad I did.
So, if you have AT&T and the S5 and want/need root and are tired of looking for a Root and keep seeing the CF-Auto-Root available for TMO, take the plunge and switch... just check out service reviews in your area first.
Thanks again everyone!!
kharrison83 said:
Thank you everyone for your responses!
I finally did it and made the move to T-Mobile.
LTE on T-Mobile is soooo much faster than AT&T. On LTE I went from between 10-20 MB/s to a minimum of 25 MB/s on TMO, and most of the time a solid 30 MB/s.
HOWEVER, I did notice that places where I would normally have LTE with AT&T, I only sometimes get LTE with TMO; otherwise it's just 4G, which knocks the speed down to between 8-18 MB/s from using speedtest, but still not a huge deal.
I do find myself 'waiting' for websites to load a little longer on TMO, probably slow DNS servers, so gotta look in to that to see if I can change the DNS servers used when using Cell DATA (not Wifi).
All in all, I couldn't be happier with the same exact phone, but that has an unlocked bootloader and already rooted and custom recovery. I was nervous about switching since AT&T did have GREAT service (and by service, I mean reception, lol) but glad I did.
So, if you have AT&T and the S5 and want/need root and are tired of looking for a Root and keep seeing the CF-Auto-Root available for TMO, take the plunge and switch... just check out service reviews in your area first.
Thanks again everyone!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I will be doing when they get reception in my area. The people that voted stay with At&t either work for them or have high hopes. As there most likely will never be root for At&t's S5 unless they give it up and that most likely is not going to happen. So in all reality their votes don't count as there won't be root.
Thought I'd add my two cents here. I just recently tried out T-Mobile (again) and the more I used their service, the more I hated it. Of course this is subjective because not everyone lives in my area. After having AT&T LTE for years, you get use to it. When driving AT&T's LTE signal was stable. It would never drop to E or 4G. If your driving and streaming something with T-Mobile, FORGET IT. The LTE signal is EXTREMELY weak. In my area AT&T & TMO share towers. My AT&T LTE phone would show a -90dbm signal, while T-Mobile would show a -110 signal.
In my area they need low bandwidth spectrum to cover it. They will never get it here. I can't have my phone signal bouncing all over the place. Its annoying and drains the hell out of your battery.
I also found their LTE to be slow. Much slower than AT&T's (in my area). So anyone who switches to TMO and has great service, I envy you. For me, it wasn't what I thought it was, after a few days of use.
I'm using Motorola Moto X with Verizon Wireless (XT1060) (on unlimited data plan) and Android KitKat 4.4.
I'm having some _MAJOR_ issues with battery( and bluetooth as well. The only reason I didn't update my phone yet is I _REALLY_ need to have WiFi tethering and as far as I understand I cannot update my phone to even 4.4.2 or 4.4.4 as I'll lose root and therefor wifi tethering.
I will definitely try to wait for Dan Rosenberg and/or Justin Case, however as of now as far as I know it's not certain if/when an usable exploit/tool would be released to public, so it's a long shot(
my question is with recent Obama signing bill about "unlocking" cell phones, could that be another way or is it something completely different?
a1exus said:
I'm using Motorola Moto X with Verizon Wireless (XT1060) (on unlimited data plan) and Android KitKat 4.4.
I'm having some _MAJOR_ issues with battery( and bluetooth as well. The only reason I didn't update my phone yet is I _REALLY_ need to have WiFi tethering and as far as I understand I cannot update my phone to even 4.4.2 or 4.4.4 as I'll lose root and therefor wifi tethering.
I will definitely try to wait for Dan Rosenberg and/or Justin Case, however as of now as far as I know it's not certain if/when an usable exploit/tool would be released to public, so it's a long shot(
my question is with recent Obama signing bill about "unlocking" cell phones, could that be another way or is it something completely different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has nothing to do with bootloader unlocking. This is in regards to SIM unlocking, which allows you to take your device to another carrier.
sivarticus85 said:
This has nothing to do with bootloader unlocking. This is in regards to SIM unlocking, which allows you to take your device to another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah, ok.. sorry for stupid question.. i took my phone abroad and it was working, i didn't had to unlock sim or anything like that...
You can take the 4.4.2 OTA and still root with PieTowelRoot, I have a moto x on 4.4.2 right now rooted with it and using the entitlement hack by kryptonite, the set up works nice.
Get a developer edition
For once att isn't the worst carrier I can use Hotspot without any issues on stock 4.4.2. I haven't tried since updating to 4.4.4.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
doitinthedirt said:
You can take the 4.4.2 OTA and still root with PieTowelRoot, I have a moto x on 4.4.2 right now rooted with it and using the entitlement hack by kryptonite, the set up works nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the downside for that is i'll lose write protection to /system.
SymbioticGenius said:
Get a developer edition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as much as i like to do that, i don't think there is a point to do that right now, especially as in less than a month new version coming out...
superp32 said:
For once att isn't the worst carrier I can use Hotspot without any issues on stock 4.4.2. I haven't tried since updating to 4.4.4.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can use it too, just gotta pay for it and just person next to me i don't wanna) especially 'cause i have unlimited data plan))
i dont have any issues with my batt and im on 4.4 rooted with slap.. I keep the brightness down to a minimum location battery saving mode and I get 3 or 4 hours surfing constantly lot longer than that if I'm just using it periodically. I also have another Moto X its on 4.4.2 rootrd with topie using entitlement hack and I don't see any difference at all in the battery.. or anything else. I'm on the grandfathered unlimited data plan also so I need the hot spot it powers my home internet Netflix everything. you won't lose write if you go to 4.4.2 when rooted with towel pie you can write but your changes are lost if you reboot
doitinthedirt said:
i dont have any issues with my batt and im on 4.4 rooted with slap.. I keep the brightness down to a minimum location battery saving mode and I get 3 or 4 hours surfing constantly lot longer than that if I'm just using it periodically. I also have another Moto X its on 4.4.2 rootrd with topie using entitlement hack and I don't see any difference at all in the battery.. or anything else. I'm on the grandfathered unlimited data plan also so I need the hot spot it powers my home internet Netflix everything. you won't lose write if you go to 4.4.2 when rooted with towel pie you can write but your changes are lost if you reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't even get 2 hours of screen time(( I guess its also depends on apps you have installed and usage, before i took OTA update from 4.2.2 I was getting _MUCH_ greater screen time for sure, so I was thinking since there are bugs in 4.4, updating to anything higher would (re)solve at least some of them, but going that route has its own pros and cons.
a1exus said:
I don't even get 2 hours of screen time(( I guess its also depends on apps you have installed and usage, before i took OTA update from 4.2.2 I was getting _MUCH_ greater screen time for sure, so I was thinking since there are bugs in 4.4, updating to anything higher would (re)solve at least some of them, but going that route has its own pros and cons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you've still got write protection off you can use safestrap to flash newer versions and retain full root, that's what I'm doing!
And I'm getting much more battery life with 4.4.3 (over 4.4.2 at least)
frenchie007 said:
Since you've still got write protection off you can use safestrap to flash newer versions and retain full root, that's what I'm doing!
And I'm getting much more battery life with 4.4.3 (over 4.4.2 at least)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point!
Yeah, There is actually a 4.4.4 safestrap-compatible ROM "Krypton" in the Development sub-forum.
EDIT @KidJoe : I sent you a PM regarding the post below this one...
a1exus said:
...i took my phone abroad and it was working, i didn't had to unlock sim or anything like that...
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Click to collapse
Verizon LTE phones are sim UNlocked out of the box, and considered "global" due to quadband GSM support, and some HSPA support.
superp32 said:
For once att isn't the worst carrier I can use Hotspot without any issues on stock 4.4.2. I haven't tried since updating to 4.4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon users on a TIERED data plan can tether without hacks or anything. I just eats from their tiered data bucket.
Those still on the old Unlimited data plans have to pay for tethering or hack their phone. Hence rooting being required.
samwathegreat said:
EDIT @KidJoe : I sent you a PM regarding the post below this one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed. Thanks!!
KidJoe said:
Verizon LTE phones are sim UNlocked out of the box, and considered "global" due to quadband GSM support, and some HSPA support.
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Since I have a Moto X and Droid Ultra I could pop in a Cricket or Net10 sim and be good to go? Every time I tried to search about only thing I can find is sites to pay for a SIM unlock code.
rebretz000 said:
Since I have a Moto X and Droid Ultra I could pop in a Cricket or Net10 sim and be good to go? Every time I tried to search about only thing I can find is sites to pay for a SIM unlock code.
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Depends on whose towers Cricket and Net10 use. If they use GSM (like use T-Mobile's towers), then yes.
I can stick my T-Mobile USA sim (my work line used for GS3 and iPhone), into my personal Verizon X since I got it. Some of the firmwares work better than others, some I needed to manually enter APN settings, some I get "SIM is from unknown provider" etc.
With 4.4.4. its been the best and most compatible to date. I haven't had to enter T-Mobile's APN settings on my VZW X, and voice, sms, mms and data work, including HSPA+ and LTE. There is a slight lag of switching from H/H+ to LTE (like after I hang up a phone call), but that is about it.
Keep in mind, the VZW X supports LTE bands 4 and 13. T-Mobile uses 4 and I'm not sure if they use any other bands for LTE.
For HSPA/HSPA+ on T-Mobile, you need to be in areas where T-Mobile has re-farmed their 1900mhz from EDGE to HSPA/HSPA+
Now, if you use ATT... EDGE/GPRS/HSPA/HSPA+ will be fine, but LTE will likely not work as ATT uses different bands.
frenchie007 said:
Since you've still got write protection off you can use safestrap to flash newer versions and retain full root, that's what I'm doing!
And I'm getting much more battery life with 4.4.3 (over 4.4.2 at least)
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as much as I'd like to use that, I really would like to stay on stock rom, and that dev made some customization to rom that i'm not too crazy about it, i really wish there was a rom without any of that customization.. maybe its just me and everyone else wants to have all that customization in
KidJoe said:
Depends on whose towers Cricket and Net10 use. If they use GSM (like use T-Mobile's towers), then yes.
I can stick my T-Mobile USA sim (my work line used for GS3 and iPhone), into my personal Verizon X since I got it. Some of the firmwares work better than others, some I needed to manually enter APN settings, some I get "SIM is from unknown provider" etc.
With 4.4.4. its been the best and most compatible to date. I haven't had to enter T-Mobile's APN settings on my VZW X, and voice, sms, mms and data work, including HSPA+ and LTE. There is a slight lag of switching from H/H+ to LTE (like after I hang up a phone call), but that is about it.
Keep in mind, the VZW X supports LTE bands 4 and 13. T-Mobile uses 4 and I'm not sure if they use any other bands for LTE.
For HSPA/HSPA+ on T-Mobile, you need to be in areas where T-Mobile has re-farmed their 1900mhz from EDGE to HSPA/HSPA+
Now, if you use ATT... EDGE/GPRS/HSPA/HSPA+ will be fine, but LTE will likely not work as ATT uses different bands.
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I'll be using ATT. If T-Mobile was where I live I'd be all over it. I made up my mind to leave Verizon and I just want to get going. I'm going to try and do the activate, port, and generate new Verizon number thing. I don't want to buy new GSM phones yet. Going to hold out until the new Moto X is released or Moto Maxx. Or Motorola Nexus to buy new phones. My wife won't give up her Droid Ultra at all. The Active Display has her hooked. So I have to wait to see what is coming in September.
I have an old Thundebolt and RAZR HD to activate on my verizon lines right now.
If I pull this off I'll have two unlimited data lines up for exchange for some expresidents
Thank you.
a1exus said:
as much as I'd like to use that, I really would like to stay on stock rom, and that dev made some customization to rom that i'm not too crazy about it, i really wish there was a rom without any of that customization.. maybe its just me and everyone else wants to have all that customization in
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Click to collapse
I'll admit these are buried deep, and I don't even think there's one for 4.4.3.
These should be fully stock with the exception that they come rooted.
here's vzw stock 4.4.2: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/116025-romsafestrap-unlockedxt1060-stock-rooted-vzw-164552-kitkat-442/
here's vzw stock 4.4.4: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/development/rom-stock-rooted-vzw-212-55-26-t2829123
I am thinking of getting the LG G4 on T-mobile because of the price and features of the phone, but I have a few questions before I drop all my money on a phone I plan on keeping for at least the next two to three years. Before I start, just understand that right now I have a Lumina 635 with windows 10 preview so I'll be comparing the phone's useability to that.
1. Does the Phone have an IR blaster that can be used with TV remote Apps, such as Anymote, or Smart IR remote? If I ever do any kind of home automation, I need something With NFC and IR capabilities.
2. If I get an AT&T version of the phone, how hard is it to transfer to T-Mobile. I have unlocked a few phones before, and I understand basic computer/mobile device tweaking.
3. Can I/should I get the international/unlocked version?
4. How is the G4 compared to the G4 stylus?
5. Can I get this phone, and unlock it without that affecting my service from T-Mobile. I don't want any custom roms, I just want to make sure that I can get the newest versions of Android If, or when, LG decides to stop pushing them out themselves. I am moving from Samsung devices aside from my Windows phone stint, and the Samsung/Tmobile combo has always been slow to push updates, as in over a year behind the curve slow.
I want something that is pretty new in its life cycle but I'm not paying over four hundred bucks for a cell phone. It came down to this or the S5, and I'm thinking this is a little newer, cheaper, and has more time left on its support life cycle, which is why I chose it. Thanks.
[email protected] said:
I am thinking of getting the LG G4 on T-mobile because of the price and features of the phone, but I have a few questions before I drop all my money on a phone I plan on keeping for at least the next two to three years. Before I start, just understand that right now I have a Lumina 635 with windows 10 preview so I'll be comparing the phone's useability to that.
1. Does the Phone have an IR blaster that can be used with TV remote Apps, such as Anymote, or Smart IR remote? If I ever do any kind of home automation, I need something With NFC and IR capabilities.
2. If I get an AT&T version of the phone, how hard is it to transfer to T-Mobile. I have unlocked a few phones before, and I understand basic computer/mobile device tweaking.
3. Can I/should I get the international/unlocked version?
4. How is the G4 compared to the G4 stylus?
5. Can I get this phone, and unlock it without that affecting my service from T-Mobile. I don't want any custom roms, I just want to make sure that I can get the newest versions of Android If, or when, LG decides to stop pushing them out themselves. I am moving from Samsung devices aside from my Windows phone stint, and the Samsung/Tmobile combo has always been slow to push updates, as in over a year behind the curve slow.
I want something that is pretty new in its life cycle but I'm not paying over four hundred bucks for a cell phone. It came down to this or the S5, and I'm thinking this is a little newer, cheaper, and has more time left on its support life cycle, which is why I chose it. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
1) Yes
2) ATT phones work well and with lte on t-mobile network. I am not up on ATT and unlocking phones currently, but in the past, it was cheap and easy. (I only present that caveat as T-Mobile has since made unlocking their phones a cluster-F of frustration and/or failure using a special app of theirs...no ability to just buy a code and input it , as was always the case in the past.)
3) International model lack some bands tmo uses and is best on, so I suggest a domestic USA phone.
4) no idea. sorry
5) Sim unlocked has nothing to do with getting android updates. If you unlock your phone and use it on a different carrier, you aren't going to get updates and would instead need to flash them yourself once and if available. Unlocked or not and ATT built phone can only use ATT roms, not other carriers roms, even for the same phone model.
Also, the T-Mobile (H811) is the only G4 that has an unlocked bootloader. Since you say you have no plans to root, this should mean 1absolutely nothing to you, as it is only something a rooting/roming person would care about. Just want you to have all the facts.
Just curious if there's something diff about the s8 root method vs s7 root that's gonna make Rom dev more likely unlike how s7 variants had practically none
Anyone have ideas or is this gonna be like the s7 where it's just root and a stock rooted Rom.
Sent from my SM-G950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
wont be super big. Its because we dont have kernel access. It would be all modding the system files. I actually have a modded SystemUI which is just the Note8's SystemUI built for android 7.0 and resigned. I dont want to root my phone again but i have it.
Came from years of rooting and roms...gonna miss it..
Seemingly so if you want to use Samsung it's gonna be stock anymore.
But the s8 stock features alone are enough to suffice and learn to live without the ways of the past.
Sent from my SM-G950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Flashing days are over?
androidddaaron said:
Came from years of rooting and roms...gonna miss it..
Seemingly so if you want to use Samsung it's gonna be stock anymore.
But the s8 stock features alone are enough to suffice and learn to live without the ways of the past.
Sent from my SM-G950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
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Click to collapse
I'm on Tmobile. I have a TMO phone, locked and unrooted, and SM-G9500 (HK) unlocked and rooted. So here are some observations:
1. The TMO phone gets better reception (4XMIMO) , and it also translates to a much better battery life, compared to the G9500
2. VoLTE , WiFi calling , RCS, and other features that are not there on the G9500, and I couldn't just change CSC (simply bricked the G9500) with all my 10 years on the forum here, and flashing, it is still down (lost IMEI it is null and can't get it back)
3. There is very little bloatware bt TMO, really not much.
4. On frequent travel I make out of country, my TMO phone works on 140 countries, good enough for text, whatsapp . etc. Most surfing I do I have WiFi..
5. Being on a business plan, I get GOGO for free flying worldwide with TMO while in air.
So after 10 years being here on this forum, I found no reason to root, flash, ***** about locked BL, it is simply a good phone AS-IS.. :victory:
Besides the urge to visit the forum 5 times per day, I have decided to go with the US version (SD) and ditch Exynos. I still keep my S7 (Exynos) around so when I feel like flashing, I can.. :laugh:
BigE said:
I'm on Tmobile. I have a TMO phone, locked and unrooted, and SM-G9500 (HK) unlocked and rooted. So here are some observations:
1. The TMO phone gets better reception (4XMIMO) , and it also translates to a much better battery life, compared to the G9500
2. VoLTE , WiFi calling , RCS, and other features that are not there on the G9500, and I couldn't just change CSC (simply bricked the G9500) with all my 10 years on the forum here, and flashing, it is still down (lost IMEI it is null and can't get it back)
3. There is very little bloatware bt TMO, really not much.
4. On frequent travel I make out of country, my TMO phone works on 140 countries, good enough for text, whatsapp . etc. Most surfing I do I have WiFi..
5. Being on a business plan, I get GOGO for free flying worldwide with TMO while in air.
So after 10 years being here on this forum, I found no reason to root, flash, ***** about locked BL, it is simply a good phone AS-IS.. :victory:
Besides the urge to visit the forum 5 times per day, I have decided to go with the US version (SD) and ditch Exynos. I still keep my S7 (Exynos) around so when I feel like flashing, I can.. :laugh:
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Click to collapse
I have an S7 (Snapdragon) and I can't exactly say that having a locked bootloader means that there is NO activity; with just us there are two projects - stang5litre (a semicustom MM firmware) and Project L (another semicustom firmware based on the S8 N firmware - Bixby and all); I am, in fact, running v.4 of L on my ex-VZW S7 on T-Mobile. Because both are semi-custom, they are quite flashable using either ODIN or a combo of ODIN and FlashFire. It's different than the unlocked BL that I had with the Galaxy Nexus that the S7 replaced; however, there ARE compensations compared to the GNex (for one, I'm not trapped in LTE Band 13 Hades as is typical with the GNex - even on VZW). And don't get me started on the lack of VoLTE and wi-fi calling - even with the S7 on VZW (on T-Mobile, I have both).