Jealous of Galaxy S 3 progress - AT&T, Rogers HTC One X, Telstra One XL

I know only a handful of people have a device in their hands and it's probably not the production firmware, but browsing around the GS3 forums is kind of depressing. I've been watching these One X forums closely, hoping to see great feedback on the stock AT&T One X experience, progress on root/ROMs, or both. With the exception of root I'm sad to see AT&T preventing bootloader unlocks, AT&T/HTC messing with the US software, and a number of problems with Sense (though some of the latter is probably par for the course with a brand new firmware version from HTC). Browsing around on the Galaxy S 3 forums they seem to ship with bootloaders unlocked, there was a full firmware leak, and there's already an early root. At this early stage it seems like that device might end up being a lot easier to develop for.
I know it's probably too early to make any calls on a device that hasn't officially shipped yet, and who knows what kind of delays the North American LTE version will have - or what bastardization AT&T will manage with the GS3. But still, it looks promising over in GS3 land if only from a pure dev perspective.
Then there's the rumor of google selling multiple "Nexus" devices with multiple hardware vendors. Imagine if we had dev-friendly devices at the level of the One X or GS3 in the $400 price range!

well as far as I know it's AT&T that's preventing the boot loader unlock, not HTC, so when the GS3 comes to AT&T, they could very well do the same thing.

lucidlyseen said:
well as far as I know it's AT&T that's preventing the boot loader unlock, not HTC, so when the GS3 comes to AT&T, they could very well do the same thing.
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I also read an article last night, that will annoy people on at&t who are waiting for the GS3. Apparentley verizon is getting the phone first and will have exlusivety over the other carriers for a time, don't know how long though.

Still undecided if I'm keeping the One X. May go for the S3. The only thing I do despise, other than pentile screens, about the S3 is the forums here at XDA. It's worse than an iPhone forum. Samsung could poop a turd and these people would tell you why a turd is now better than anything else any manufacturer has ever produced. It's a tad ridiculous.

lucidlyseen said:
well as far as I know it's AT&T that's preventing the boot loader unlock, not HTC, so when the GS3 comes to AT&T, they could very well do the same thing.
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Yeah, that's what I was saying in the OP. Agreed 100%.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

You can't compare any brand's unlocked retail devices to those sold through the U.S. carriers. The SGS3 section you're reading is for the international device and each of the U.S. variants will end up with their own forum. Look at the development in the international One X forum; based on the number sold (2MM so far) it too should always stay pretty active.
The i9100 forum is the most active forum on XDA as you'd expect based on the number of phones sold. Most of the lead developers are in the EU as you'd expect for a device sold globally. I'm sure the i9300 (SGS3) forum will be just as active.
Samsung's never locked their bootloaders and their devices are the easiest to mod. It's always been that way so shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. HTC's taking a firmer stand on unlocked devices. In the EU they're no longer covering h/w repairs on devices that have had third party ROMs installed on them (just unlocking the bootloader is OK). This is new since the introduction of the One's. Considering that 95% of people that buy an Android phone don't even know what a bootloader is their obviously putting the financials (savings on warranty repairs) over the needs of what they refer to as the "enthusiast" community. Just something else to consider when comparing devices.

Like Barry said, and once it's released it will be plagued by complaints on XDA, just like the HOX has been, just the nature of the environment.
What hasn't helped HOX progress in the US is the hold at customs, but that is rumored to clear up soon, then we'll be cooking.

vioalas said:
Like Barry said, and once it's released it will be plagued by complaints on XDA, just like the HOX has been, just the nature of the environment.
What hasn't helped HOX progress in the US is the hold at customs, but that is rumored to clear up soon, then we'll be cooking.
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This is what I was thinking too. Bootloader lock? Seen that before and seen phones still be well supported. HOX will be one of the top phones of 2012, so whether devs hack the bootloader or we get direct support from HTC, it will still get done eventually.
The customs hold is more concerning...

jnichols959 said:
I know only a handful of people have a device in their hands and it's probably not the production firmware, but browsing around the GS3 forums is kind of depressing. I've been watching these One X forums closely, hoping to see great feedback on the stock AT&T One X experience, progress on root/ROMs, or both. With the exception of root I'm sad to see AT&T preventing bootloader unlocks, AT&T/HTC messing with the US software, and a number of problems with Sense (though some of the latter is probably par for the course with a brand new firmware version from HTC). Browsing around on the Galaxy S 3 forums they seem to ship with bootloaders unlocked, there was a full firmware leak, and there's already an early root. At this early stage it seems like that device might end up being a lot easier to develop for.
I know it's probably too early to make any calls on a device that hasn't officially shipped yet, and who knows what kind of delays the North American LTE version will have - or what bastardization AT&T will manage with the GS3. But still, it looks promising over in GS3 land if only from a pure dev perspective.
Then there's the rumor of google selling multiple "Nexus" devices with multiple hardware vendors. Imagine if we had dev-friendly devices at the level of the One X or GS3 in the $400 price range!
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Click to collapse
What I read here is the GS3 is no further along in development than the ATT HOX?
Leaked ROM: Check
Root: Check
What else do they have?

beaups said:
What I read here is the GS3 is no further along in development than the ATT HOX?
Leaked ROM: Check
Root: Check
What else do they have?
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Click to collapse
They ship with an unlocked bootloader. That's a pretty big deal imho. Yes, the amazing devs here tend to unlock all the big phones one way or another - but shipping unlocked sure makes the first month or two a lot more fun for folks that like to tweak their android device.

jnichols959 said:
They ship with an unlocked bootloader. That's a pretty big deal imho. Yes, the amazing devs here tend to unlock all the big phones one way or another - but shipping unlocked sure makes the first month or two a lot more fun for folks that like to tweak their android device.
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You can pretty much say the internatiional One X was bootloader unlocked.. I mean all you had to do was go to htcdev.. It wasnt like you had to do anything special cept plug your phone in and goto a website. Not really a big deal there either..

jnichols959 said:
They ship with an unlocked bootloader. That's a pretty big deal imho. Yes, the amazing devs here tend to unlock all the big phones one way or another - but shipping unlocked sure makes the first month or two a lot more fun for folks that like to tweak their android device.
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Click to collapse
Although Samsung's bootloaders are typically not locked, starting with GS2, Samsung's bootloader tracks and displays on boot up how many times you flashed non-Samsung ROM.
As others have pointed out, comparing an unbranded international version of GS3 to a AT&T branded HOX is pretty rediculus. When it finally hits AT&T (which is unknown at this time), its firmware will be modified to AT&T's demand which is pretty in line with what you get with AT&T's HOX.

nugzo said:
You can pretty much say the internatiional One X was bootloader unlocked.. I mean all you had to do was go to htcdev.. It wasnt like you had to do anything special cept plug your phone in and goto a website. Not really a big deal there either..
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I keep hoping I can get a cutting edge, quality android device on a US LTE provider with good dev support but it seems the carriers (and to a lesser extent the patent disputes) are the ones making that difficult.

I hate to say anything that could be misconstrued as something negative to the devs, but it does suck to see that our device isn't getting much love. It's a matter of circumstance and I'm sure the devs out there would love to work on this device, given the opportunity.
Just gave my Galaxy Nexus to the wife... was cleaning it up and putting the latest CM9 nightly on there and it was just beastly. I think if the camera was better I would have stuck with it. The camera on the HOX is absolutely stunning though. I have no idea how any idiots could complain about it. The pictures I take look absolutely beautiful.
Might consider selling this device in favor for a GSIII. We'll see.

look how beastly the international HOX roms are. Our phone will hopefully get that kind of love. This phone will be the next HD2 if we can get the BL unlocked.
Sent from my Calculator

americasteam said:
Still undecided if I'm keeping the One X. May go for the S3. The only thing I do despise, other than pentile screens, about the S3 is the forums here at XDA. It's worse than an iPhone forum. Samsung could poop a turd and these people would tell you why a turd is now better than anything else any manufacturer has ever produced. It's a tad ridiculous.
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I really wish that someday there would be a different forum address for each manufacturer so I dont have to deal w those Samsuck fan boys. Came across one in another forum and my gosh what a fking ****. If you take notice they're all over Youtube trashing anything non-Samsuck. I hate Samsuck just because of them.

louis.b said:
I really wish that someday there would be a different forum address for each manufacturer so I dont have to deal w those Samsuck fan boys. Came across one in another forum and my gosh what a fking ****. If you take notice they're all over Youtube trashing anything non-Samsuck. I hate Samsuck just because of them.
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Click to collapse
I had a captivate. Development was slow, at first, with all the ATT restrictions..but we got through it. I am 100% Positive we will have our devices unlocked and loaded to the fullest potential.
It might take some time, but so far the stock experience has not been to painful with my HOX, Once Rooted, you can De-brand your device, Replace the missing apps, Remove Bloatware.
Yes we don't have a custom Recovery, and no easy Kernel Tweaks, but they are coming....

louis.b said:
I really wish that someday there would be a different forum address for each manufacturer so I dont have to deal w those Samsuck fan boys. Came across one in another forum and my gosh what a fking ****. If you take notice they're all over Youtube trashing anything non-Samsuck. I hate Samsuck just because of them.
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Click to collapse
Samsung has come up with very good devices you have agree with that. Galaxy S1 then S2, Note (Probably S3 also). Samsung is competing with Apple, all other android manufacturers are competing with Samsung (in my personal opinion).
I also have captivate which has many hardware issues and as above poster said dev was slow at first but see now, we were among the first ones to get CM9 (alpha) and its very stable now....The development is crazy there still.....
I am sure ATT variant of SG3 will be awesome, as in no locked BL and easy to hack as usual.

warri said:
I had a captivate. Development was slow, at first, with all the ATT restrictions..but we got through it. I am 100% Positive we will have our devices unlocked and loaded to the fullest potential.
It might take some time, but so far the stock experience has not been to painful with my HOX, Once Rooted, you can De-brand your device, Replace the missing apps, Remove Bloatware.
Yes we don't have a custom Recovery, and no easy Kernel Tweaks, but they are coming....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm as excited as the next person to see what an unlocked bootloader will eventually do for the dev of the HOX, but I think you hit an interesting point; the quality of Sense 4.0. I know everyone ultimately would like to see the unlock, but do you think there may just be less overall development as some people are satisfied with the Sense 4.0 experience? Not to discredit the hard work that many folks are putting into dev, but I wonder if there is just a smaller quantity of dev's out there actually trying, leading to less eyes on the device, leading to a smaller likelihood/pace of new barriers being broken in the process.

fitchpuckman said:
I'm as excited as the next person to see what an unlocked bootloader will eventually do for the dev of the HOX, but I think you hit an interesting point; the quality of Sense 4.0. I know everyone ultimately would like to see the unlock, but do you think there may just be less overall development as some people are satisfied with the Sense 4.0 experience? Not to discredit the hard work that many folks are putting into dev, but I wonder if there is just a smaller quantity of dev's out there actually trying, leading to less eyes on the device, leading to a smaller likelihood/pace of new barriers being broken in the process.
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Click to collapse
nope. i want AOSP. period. i've never ever been a fan of Sense or any overlay for that matter. i love what google has done with stock ICS. i've had my eye on the eXoDIZED ROM by JDR0iD in the international HOX threads. that's exactly what i'd like to see. or even better, MIUI.

Related

Htc sensation 4G.. Worthy upgrade for the G2?

Yeah i know you've all seen that gorgeus thing. Anyone going to upgrade to it? I'm kinda saving up for it. Yeah i know it's the latest "next" great from HTC but look at the benifits:
Our first 4.3 android headset!! FINALLY!
FFC
Great Hardware
Beautiful Sense 3.0 installed.
Cons: no keyboard.. but honestly THATS IT.
Yes i love my keyboard i hardly ever use the touchscreen to type but for that phone I would get used to it. And no I'm not just envying it because I never wanted the SGS or SGS2 even though those phones are nice. I just really.. REALLY want a 4.3 inch screen device, and this one is looking perfect. And if you talk about that HD2 or HD7 being 4.3 inch devices, they aren't Android Native.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
To be honest its better than the G2 in every way possible except for as you mentioned the keyboard. I love the G2s keyboard but will be more then willing to give it up for such an awesome handset like the Sensation.
The problem is however, The Sensation has been locked down like crazy! I mean locked booatloader, kernel images, and recovery mode. That is the MAJOR downside of it especially since the G2 has such great development; The Sensation will probably never have it
I had a really good play on a sensation today and WOW really WOW, I have never wanted a phone so badly. Sense 3.0 is really really fu*kin awesome.
But that bootloader issue really is a deal breaker.
Sent from my HTC Vision
Agree with Vondam. And also it's sort of a different device goal. The g2 is like the g1: stock android, keyboard, no frills.
The sensation has Sense. That's fine but not necessarily an upgrade.
Lol not sure why this is even a discussion (obviously i know why it is i'm saying it sarcastically). It's pretty obvious it's better in every way except for the keyboard. Not sure what anyone is expecting to learn here
TAKE THIS POST WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. Dont jump down my throat acting all crazy.
All of the above. But the killer IS the locked down hardware. That's a deal-breaker. Well... that and the thought of being an AT&T customer. But as to the phone itself, what good is all that mouth-watering HTC goodness if it's locked down tighter than the ADSEG unit at Folsom prison?? You will HAVE to wait on HTC for updates and you will HAVE to run Sense. No choice.
That being said, I do have faith in the XDA community. People a hell of a lot smarter than me have figured out how to crack the security of many devices, so maybe this otherwise awesome phone will "see the light". I just don't get why HTC is being so hostile to the rooting/dev community. What do they have to gain? If a company makes a phone that is unlocked and relatively easy to root, then there isn't much that can be screwed up. They will appeal to the vast mainstream who don't know or care about rooting while attracting the "small" portion of users who like to geek out and flash custom ROMS. Seems win/win to me. Maybe that is why Samsung and Motorola, who have both been anti-modding, are apparently changing their tunes.
Plan was to get the Sensation but I'm also seriously considering the SGS2 over the Sensation.
killswitch11 said:
All of the above. But the killer IS the locked down hardware. That's a deal-breaker. Well... that and the thought of being an AT&T customer. But as to the phone itself, what good is all that mouth-watering HTC goodness if it's locked down tighter than the ADSEG unit at Folsom prison?? You will HAVE to wait on HTC for updates and you will HAVE to run Sense. No choice.
That being said, I do have faith in the XDA community. People a hell of a lot smarter than me have figured out how to crack the security of many devices, so maybe this otherwise awesome phone will "see the light". I just don't get why HTC is being so hostile to the rooting/dev community. What do they have to gain? If a company makes a phone that is unlocked and relatively easy to root, then there isn't much that can be screwed up. They will appeal to the vast mainstream who don't know or care about rooting while attracting the "small" portion of users who like to geek out and flash custom ROMS. Seems win/win to me. Maybe that is why Samsung and Motorola, who have both been anti-modding, are apparently changing their tunes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there what, maybe one or two motorola phones if that where any hacker ever cracked the bootloader? With bounties in the 1000's of dollars to whoever does it, and they have all been working on it for years, to no avail. It's not gonna happen. If it's locked, it's locked. Maybe someday we will have that breakthrough moment but it aint right now.
boost3d23 said:
Plan was to get the Sensation but I'm also seriously considering the SGS2 over the Sensation.
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I agree with you but it's the age old story. Perfect hardware, ridiculously garbagy software support. No updates, and with touchjizz integration covering every inch of the thing, even xda can't put 2.3 on hardware that only has 2.2 without breaking at the very LEAST the gps, if not the wifi and the rest. So just be prepared for no updates. They claim to have changed, actions speak louder than words. Take the lesson from history that has been proven time and time again. They sell it and abandon it.
killswitch11 said:
I just don't get why HTC is being so hostile to the rooting/dev community. What do they have to gain? If a company makes a phone that is unlocked and relatively easy to root, then there isn't much that can be screwed up. They will appeal to the vast mainstream who don't know or care about rooting while attracting the "small" portion of users who like to geek out and flash custom ROMS. Seems win/win to me.
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Click to collapse
Totally with you. Seems like they are scared of losing money on people bricking their phones by screwing up rooting or flashing ROMs, and sending their phones in for warranty replacement/repair. But I wonder if there is even a significant number of people doing that, to be a monetary concern. It would seem like the number of potential customers lost because they are turned off by locked-down bootloaders, etc. would be more than the small number that mess up rooting/flashing (and try to pass it off as a warranty issue).
Really too bad, this seems to be HTC's new tune. I love their devices, but will certainly think twice about buying another phone from them, if its so locked down.
Exactly my point fellas. Honestly we are running sense 3.0 right now. With the insane locked down hardware this phone has, it kinda turns me off to the device. I hate keeping something stock. And not everyone likes sense, but likes the device itself. Does it being locked down playing a major role in your purchase of this phone?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Shaquiel Harris said:
Exactly my point fellas. Honestly we are running sense 3.0 right now. With the insane locked down hardware this phone has, it kinda turns me off to the device. I hate keeping something stock. And not everyone likes sense, but likes the device itself. Does it being locked down playing a major role in your purchase of this phone?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
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Click to collapse
Yep. I'll probably be getting the Galaxy S 2 because of it. Seriously though, none of their previous devices were ever locked down like this and now they come and pull this stuff out...sigh. Oh well, Samsung will be my choice until either the peeps at XDA manage to break it or HTC themselves decide to put their **** together.
Common guys, friends, members please sign
YES WE CAN DO IT YES WE CAN. WE HAVE THE POWER, WE ARE CLIENTS AND MONEY ARE OURS, ITS ON OUR OWN RISK WE ROOT OUR DEVICES. SO GUYS FRIENDS MEMBERS AND OTHER ANDROID FORUMS
LETS SIGN THE PETITIONS.
http://www.groubal.com/htc-bootloaders-and-nand/#signatures
MONEY IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO OVER RULE THE HTC OWN RULES.
I know the locked bootloader is a big bummer, but the phone is already great out of the box, so no need fix anything. plus, the phone is already on gingerbread and it will get updates for at least 2 years and by that time, the bootloader should be unlocked. So I say go for the Sensation. Just like I am.
beautyangel said:
YES WE CAN DO IT YES WE CAN. WE HAVE THE POWER, WE ARE CLIENTS AND MONEY ARE OURS, ITS ON OUR OWN RISK WE ROOT OUR DEVICES. SO GUYS FRIENDS MEMBERS AND OTHER ANDROID FORUMS
LETS SIGN THE PETITIONS.
http://www.groubal.com/htc-bootloaders-and-nand/#signatures
MONEY IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO OVER RULE THE HTC OWN RULES.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Count me in! Not sure that it will make even a slight dent, but wow... over 4,000 people so far think this locked bootloader business SUCKS! I'm somehow sure the number of people who don't do their homework, brick their phones doing something stupid, and send it in claiming a warranty replacement does not touch this number. And that's just the people who actually sign this thing!
As much as I like HTC & the Sensation, the locked bootloader is a deal breaker. They are headed down the wrong path for the XDA gang!
You see twitter.com/HTC? They are "reviewing" their boot loader policy.

[Q] Some basics I need covered :)

Hi,
So I'm new to Android, and I've only had a Nexus 7 for a week (I sold it) which I rooted and had some custom roms for.
I wanted the Xperia Z, but it's shape is too square and thus bulky. I like that this Razr HD is a bit water resistant, has excellent battery, the keflav back, and is a less cumbersome size.
But- i'm concerned as this device isn't one of the more popular. Does this mean i will have to wait much longer for upgrades even if rooted? And less support in future? could some apps not run/be designed for this device?
Basically- Im someone who keeps their phone for ages. Im still using a jailbroken 3GS happily. As much as i dont like apple- its good that i can always run the latest OS...
Just wanted thoughts on all this. Cheers
ycon said:
Hi,
So I'm new to Android, and I've only had a Nexus 7 for a week (I sold it) which I rooted and had some custom roms for.
I wanted the Xperia Z, but it's shape is too square and thus bulky. I like that this Razr HD is a bit water resistant, has excellent battery, the keflav back, and is a less cumbersome size.
But- i'm concerned as this device isn't one of the more popular. Does this mean i will have to wait much longer for upgrades even if rooted? And less support in future? could some apps not run/be designed for this device?
Basically- Im someone who keeps their phone for ages. Im still using a jailbroken 3GS happily. As much as i dont like apple- its good that i can always run the latest OS...
Just wanted thoughts on all this. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official upgrades for android devices are at the whim of the manufacturer and the carrier unless we're talking about a nexus device which gets updates directly from Google. On Verizon updates typically take longer to come out due to what they say is extensive testing, but recently they've been better about it imo. Unofficial updates are governed by the amount and quality of developers on that particular device. For moto phones we have a nice core of developers that keep us up to date. Now that the newest moto phones have had their bootloaders unlocked, development has really picked up. The development scene on Android is a lot different and more complicated then the Apple side. Due to the amount of high end android devices that are released every year the development scene moves pretty quickly. That isn't to say older devices aren't dev'd for but it is a possibility to consider. In the moto world devices as far back as the droid 3 are still actively supported. Many of us started out with moto and have never left.
Don't worry about the apps. Unless the device falls really behind in the os version all apps will be supported. It's not like apple where if your phone doesn't have the latest update a third of the apps don't work. There are apps coded specifically for features only available on the latest Android version but those are very few due to people wanting to make money lol.
sent from my xt926 RAZR maxx hd
Cheers for that really helpful response.
It all seems pretty good to me with app compatibility.
So- if I understand correctly, if I unlock the bootloader & root my phone, I wont have to rely on Moto/my carrier for the OS updates?
Are there any other general things I should know before saying no to more mainstream (GS4) device?
Cheers
ycon said:
Cheers for that really helpful response.
It all seems pretty good to me with app compatibility.
So- if I understand correctly, if I unlock the bootloader & root my phone, I wont have to rely on Moto/my carrier for the OS updates?
Are there any other general things I should know before saying no to more mainstream (GS4) device?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes to your first question. Technically you would only need root to stop carrier updates but none of the new roms are being developed for locked devices.
Firstly know that the HD has basically the same innards as the gs3 except with 1gb less ram and a less impressive camera. The two monster phones out/coming out right now are the gs4 and the HTC one with a new nexus hopefully out soon. The gs4 represents some of the best hardware available (with newer still coming out later this year) and will have a lot of Dev focus. Out of those 3 phones Verizon will only be getting the gs4 most likely. In terms of what phone to get I would say you need to physically handle each before making a decision. If you must be on Verizon then the gs4 would be a great choice but some people don't like the build materials and feel of the phone (similar to gs3). People sticking with moto appreciate the solid feel, excellent materials, amazing radio strength, and battery life.
sent from my xt926 RAZR maxx hd
koftheworld;4080229The gs4 represents some of the best hardware available (with newer still coming out later this year) and will have a lot of Dev focus. Out of those 3 phones Verizon will only be getting the gs4 most likely. In terms of what phone to get I would say you need to physically handle each before making a decision. If you must be on Verizon then the gs4 would be a great choice but some people don't like the build materials and feel of the phone (similar to gs3). People sticking with moto appreciate the solid feel said:
Cheers for that. I am not on Verizon (I'm in Australia), I'll buy the phone unlocked.
I have had a look at the GS4, HTC One and Razr all together.
The GS4 is my favourite in terms of size, but I'd rather sacrifice the power (Quad core) for the longer battery, better call reception, stronger build, and lower price of the Razr HD.
I might jsut have to wait for the new Nexus phone to come out. I've heard Google will be subsidizing it, so the price might be right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Future Samsung Purchases

This S4 boot loader debacle has turned me against U.S. carrier based phones. I can't giving $600+ for something as they please without our permission. I'll have to investigate/research which International version I want to buy.
I was aware of it. The seller I bought it from does care about these matters. I bought as it as a learning experience. I sure aren't trying to start any arguments or fights. I was just hoping it could be discussed normally.
scott14719 said:
How do you interpret that as smugness? Did you not see the emoticons in my post?
Actually this is the kind of thread people start that are only looking for arguments. It adds nothing to the community. However, I understand your frustration with Samsung and I am sure others feel the same way. But don't think it's OK to post your opinion about a subject and it isn't OK for others to do the same. Not everyone's opinion is going to be the same as yours and creating a thread like this invites ALL opinions on the matter. That is why it's better to not make them in the first place.
Personally (again, my opinion), I knew the phone had a locked boot loader when I bought it. So I am sorry you were lied to about it.
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Click to collapse
No, I didn't see the emoticons. I guess I wasn't expecting your response. Sorry!
Your best bet is to stop buying AT&T contracts, as it's they who request for the lock and it's not like Samsung is gonna turn down millions of dollars because a couple thousand modders disagree :/
sholsten said:
This S4 boot loader debacle has turned me against U.S. carrier based phones. I can't giving $600+ for something as they please without our permission. I'll have to investigate/research which International version I want to buy.
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Click to collapse
wait for the lg optimus g2 or the moto x. those phones look amazing. they might come with an unlocked bootloader. i was just pondering this the other day. ive only purchased two new phones that were not samsung in my smartphone history. that was the iphone 4s (which i traded for a skyrocket) and the htc surround (wanted to give wp7 a shot). ive had other htcs and one sony. but they were craigslist deals. my next phone is most likely going to be the g2 or moto x. i think its about time for me to give someone else a fair shot.
Thermalwolf said:
Your best bet is to stop buying AT&T contracts, as it's they who request for the lock and it's not like Samsung is gonna turn down millions of dollars because a couple thousand modders disagree :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have an AT&T contract. ST is cheaper per month.
sholsten said:
This S4 boot loader debacle has turned me against U.S. carrier based phones. I can't giving $600+ for something as they please without our permission. I'll have to investigate/research which International version I want to buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that the S4 has made me a heretic in XDA's eyes. The stock experience, especially after this update, has been marvelous. I've had a bunch of Android devices since 2010 and this is the first time that I think futzing around with custom ROMs is mostly useless. Sure, it's locked down, but it works great. I just shake my head seeing bug reports on the dev threads and wonder why an end user would want to cripple functionality on one of the best phones yet.
Anyway, maybe I got most of the flashing out of my system with my Nexus One and then later with the hooptie Viewsonic gTab 10.1. I think now that the platform is maturing and devices become even more complex, flashing homebrew ROMs will start to fall out of style.
Just my BTC .02, though. I'd like to see amateur/recreactional custom Android development to continue to thrive, though--perhaps on the next to wave of wearable computing and the like. I just want my bling phone to work as advertised.
Er, sorry for droning on.
burhanistan said:
I think that the S4 has made me a heretic in XDA's eyes. The stock experience, especially after this update, has been marvelous. I've had a bunch of Android devices since 2010 and this is the first time that I think futzing around with custom ROMs is mostly useless. Sure, it's locked down, but it works great. I just shake my head seeing bug reports on the dev threads and wonder why an end user would want to cripple functionality on one of the best phones yet.
Anyway, maybe I got most of the flashing out of my system with my Nexus One and then later with the hooptie Viewsonic gTab 10.1. I think now that the platform is maturing and devices become even more complex, flashing homebrew ROMs will start to fall out of style.
Just my BTC .02, though. I'd like to see amateur/recreactional custom Android development to continue to thrive, though--perhaps on the next to wave of wearable computing and the like. I just want my bling phone to work as advertised.
Er, sorry for droning on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Thanks for your input. I have a whole another perspective now.
burhanistan said:
I think that the S4 has made me a heretic in XDA's eyes. The stock experience, especially after this update, has been marvelous. I've had a bunch of Android devices since 2010 and this is the first time that I think futzing around with custom ROMs is mostly useless. Sure, it's locked down, but it works great. I just shake my head seeing bug reports on the dev threads and wonder why an end user would want to cripple functionality on one of the best phones yet.
Anyway, maybe I got most of the flashing out of my system with my Nexus One and then later with the hooptie Viewsonic gTab 10.1. I think now that the platform is maturing and devices become even more complex, flashing homebrew ROMs will start to fall out of style.
Just my BTC .02, though. I'd like to see amateur/recreactional custom Android development to continue to thrive, though--perhaps on the next to wave of wearable computing and the like. I just want my bling phone to work as advertised.
Er, sorry for droning on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know to be honest I hope your right. Custom roms and XDA were never really ment for the normal person. Only for those that wished to learn to do development and programing. With Android flashing a device became the cool thing to do. Now we see less real development then ever. So I really hope your right.
Wayne Tech Nexus
zelendel said:
You know to be honest I hope your right. Custom roms and XDA were never really ment for the normal person. Only for those that wished to learn to do development and programing. With Android flashing a device became the cool thing to do. Now we see less real development then ever. So I really hope your right.
Wayne Tech Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't have said it any better. It won't be long til we see roms named "swag" or "#yolo" or even named "freelilwayne". Everyone just expects everything to work 100% with no development. All I see are now spammers for apps and themes or someone asking why something doesn't work even though there are 48 other threads about it. I miss the old XDA.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
toxicpaulution said:
I couldn't have said it any better. It won't be long til we see roms named "swag" or "#yolo" or even named "freelilwayne". Everyone just expects everything to work 100% with no development. All I see are now spammers for apps and themes or someone asking why something doesn't work even though there are 48 other threads about it. I miss the old XDA.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Q & A section in this forum is nearly unusable. There are a few legitimate threads, but almost exclusively it is filled with the same (sometimes noob) crap over and over again all because they are too lazy to do a little searching and reading. And like you said, several of the same questions (that have already been answered) all on the first page or two. Sometimes it's not even the noobs doing it. And that's not taking into consideration the multitudes of the same types of posts (needless questions) being posted in the General section. So I agree, there should be some type of test(s) that people need to pass before they can even enter XDA at this point.
sholsten said:
I don't have an AT&T contract. ST is cheaper per month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean don't buy anything branded from AT&T or Verizon or any carrier whose device is locked. If you went with the T-Mobile model you wouldn't have been locked down.
Honestly I felt the same way initially. Then I asked myself what Android company am I going to buy then?
HTC - they typically have locked boot loaders (though the One does not)
Moto - Nope always locked and they don't make any cool phones right now.
LG - locked typically
Sony - wouldn't know since they have like No US phones.
So would I rather pay $600 for a phone with boot loader unlocked or $200 for a locked one, I pick the $200. I am assuming must people would also.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
My take; I have had AT&T locked phones in the past and usually someone finds a way to either hack the bootloader or make a bypass, it just takes a lot more time. Still fun to have the phone and customize. Then I've also paid the big dollars and bought the international version unlocked phone. It was great because of lots of customizing, and support however if you run into a warranty issue you are screwed. Unless you know someone in the country your phone came from. I have an international SGS3 but a couple small glitches in the graphics and the worry of the bad system board that causes the instant black screen of death (or whatever it was) I started looking at the S4. I was ready to buy another international phone but it came down to features and actual function. I wanted 4G LTE. Well back when I bought the S3 there were 2 international SGS3 phones. I bought the one with LTE first (9305) turns out the frequencies the phone runs for 3G+ did not work with AT&T in the US. I had to sell it on eBay, forget having LTE, lose a gig of Ram and get the 9300. Then I decided about going back to AT&T and get S4 because I would be covered under warranty and I get all the features that are going to work where I live. Cool thing is its the same hardware as the 9505 so there's still quite a bit of customizing with the SGH-I337. For me it will come down to the features and what works for me in my area. I learned the hard way with the SGS3. Frequencies and no warranty.
Sent from my GT-I9505 converted SGH-I337
sholsten said:
This S4 boot loader debacle has turned me against U.S. carrier based phones. I can't giving $600+ for something as they please without our permission. I'll have to investigate/research which International version I want to buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just buy a canadian version, they have identical hardware and you will know will have full compatibility with american wireless networks
I feel cheated. I paid $650 out of contract to AT&T for this phone coming from a iPhone, a locked platform I was getting tired of, especially with Jailbreaking becoming harder on it, for the reason to "play" with my phone. With a locked bootloader, and a carrier locked, I cannot do that.
In the world of DRM losing ground you would think they would learn? Moto dropping their locked boot loaders... DRM being removed from Google Play Music and iTunes... people are sick of it adding complication to their lives. I had a P3113 Galaxy Tab 2 7" WiFi only and loved it because of how open it was. Currently running CM10.1.2 on it. Yet their phones are so locked down.
It's not entirely Samsung's fault. AT&T requests a locked bootloader. Samsung provides. A bug around it is found, Samsung has to patch it from a security standpoint. Not their fault. However with the popularity of this phone they could have easily said "No locked bootloaders" and shoved it down AT&T and other carriers throats if they had the balls to do it.
WoodburyMan said:
I feel cheated. I paid $650 out of contract to AT&T for this phone coming from a iPhone, a locked platform I was getting tired of, especially with Jailbreaking becoming harder on it, for the reason to "play" with my phone. With a locked bootloader, and a carrier locked, I cannot do that.
In the world of DRM losing ground you would think they would learn? Moto dropping their locked boot loaders... DRM being removed from Google Play Music and iTunes... people are sick of it adding complication to their lives. I had a P3113 Galaxy Tab 2 7" WiFi only and loved it because of how open it was. Currently running CM10.1.2 on it. Yet their phones are so locked down.
It's not entirely Samsung's fault. AT&T requests a locked bootloader. Samsung provides. A bug around it is found, Samsung has to patch it from a security standpoint. Not their fault. However with the popularity of this phone they could have easily said "No locked bootloaders" and shoved it down AT&T and other carriers throats if they had the balls to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They were not gonna miss out on the millions of devices sold just for the .1% of people that mode the device. That is why they came out with the GE versions.
Wayne Tech Nexus
zelendel said:
They were not gonna miss out on the millions of devices sold just for the .1% of people that mode the device. That is why they came out with the GE versions.
Wayne Tech Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True enough. Had I known about the Google Edition I would have waited a bit. If I really wanted I could buy it and sell my current SGH-I337 for a little less than I bought it for. However I kinda wanted to retain the ability to run full Touchwiz / Stock based roms easily.
I'm still happy as I am now running CM10.1 on my phone, and running Goldeneye ROM if I want a stock full Touchwiz ROM. Flash AMF3 model.. and keeping my AMDL Odin package safe. Just had I bought the phone with AMF3 on it I would be totally turned off and be unusable for me because of patched Loki.
personally, i mod or mess with everything. camera rigs i do myself, computers i build myself. cars i mod (and have rebuilt one with help) myself. my house i work on or change.
it is a fundamental hallmark of humanity that we change our environment and create or modify tools around us to suit our needs. so flashing ROMs or trying to customize or even just tinker with these devices is, in my opinion, simply an extension of what it means to be human, to create, express, and change. anything that limits that creativity is a bad thing IMO.
this is where locked bootloaders, fragmentation, and endless carrier variants become bad things, and where i do like apples' approach; one nearly universal product (hardware wise other than LTE/GSM/CDMA or storage size). However, apple is horrible for locked down software.
i will always root/unlock my phones as long as that is possible, because i can. i will always build my own computers, because i can. and i will always drive stick and for sure it wont be stock either; because i can.
Thermalwolf said:
I mean don't buy anything branded from AT&T or Verizon or any carrier whose device is locked. If you went with the T-Mobile model you wouldn't have been locked down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I didn't realize T-mobile wasn't locked. I wish I'd known when I bought mine.
I wonder if things will stay the same on near new models like the Note 3.

[DISSCUSION] Are unexploitable bootloaders bringing US development to an end?

Opinions from different perspectives are most welcome but please mind your Ps and Qs.
Thank you...
Where did you get this news? please share more details about this.
engineerd2 said:
Where did you get this news? please share more details about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not news per se. And not meaning to be flip it is a simply a question brought on by the observation of facts as they present themselfs.
My 2 cents
numbR7 said:
Opinions from different perspectives are most welcome but please mind your Ps and Qs.
Thank you...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think carriers are locking boot loaders to hinder development, in a strict sense. I believe they're doing it to force people to upgrade their devices more often, in order to gain any new innovations from OS upgrades. Take a look at the Samsung Infuse, a phone which was orphaned almost from the time of it's release. Thanks to a developer named Scott Hart, you can run kitkat 4.4 on it. If people hold on to their phones longer, profits go down.
rgrbckr said:
I don't think carriers are locking boot loaders to. hinder development, in a strict sense. I believe they're doing it to force people to upgrade their devices more often, in order to gain any new innovations from OS upgrades. Take a look at the Samsung Infuse, a phone which was orphaned almost from the time of it's release. Thanks to a developer named Scott Hart, you can run kitkat 4.4 on it. If people hold on to their phones longer, profits go down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take your point and it's a good one. I do not know-for sure-the reasoning behind it just the result. Ironically, I do know that the majoritu of innovation-in my view-have come from xda members saving these carriers a lot of money in R&D. I remember loading CM on a tiny little phone a few years ago to get innvations that are now incorporated standard on most phones.
I would say it's interesting that I am continuously reminded what a small insignificant percentage xda members make up -- interestingly to argue diametrically opposed views.
numbR7 said:
I take your point and it's a good one. I do not know-for sure-the reasoning behind it just the result. Ironically, I do know that the majoritu of innovation-in my view-have come from xda members saving these carriers a lot of money in R&D. I remember loading CM on a tiny little phone a few years ago to get innvations that are now incorporated standard on most phones.
I would say it's interesting that I am continuously reminded what a small insignificant percentage xda members make up -- interestingly to argue diametrically opposed views.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@NumbrR7: I second your point. I think that really grates (angers) me that most of the "new" phones are mostly incremental updates (i.e. better camera, updated OS). On another note, Oppo (based in mainland China) is gaining a niche for themselves because, from what I understand and read, the OS is developer-friendly and comes factory unlocked out of the box. USA carriers won't let that happen -- oh the horror. <rolling eyes>
Again, I affirm your position on this, numbR7.
XDA rules!
sameog said:
@NumbrR7: USA carriers won't let that happen -- oh the horror. <rolling eyes>
XDA rules!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Corporate greed and capitalism. Having said that, I disagree, to some extent, with their line of thinking. I have the galaxy s, s2, s3, s4, s5 , and note3. I have had a custom Rom on every single device up until the s5 and the note. Rooting and updating to the latest OS only made me want the new hardware even more. But alas, I too think it might be fading. When it does, I think the opposite will happen, and I will hang on to my device longer. I am already thinking of going back to the s4 with Shostock on it, for my daily phone.
Poke01 said:
Corporate greed and capitalism. Having said that, I disagree, to some extent, with their line of thinking. I have the galaxy s, s2, s3, s4, s5 , and note3. I have had a custom Rom on every single device up until the s5 and the note. Rooting and updating to the latest OS only made me want the new hardware even more. But alas, I too think it might be fading. When it does, I think the opposite will happen, and I will hang on to my device longer. I am already thinking of going back to the s4 with Shostock on it, for my daily phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't exactly agree with your first sentence (but it's worth discussion on a different type forum). That said. Your point is otherwise very well taken. You may get a new feature (maybe a new fade) but lose everthing else (that the freedom of controlling your own device gives you) suddenly that extra megapixel or two doesn't seem worth $650. Yep I'm sure of it! I think you have a really good point. I know it's a tad different but I choose to stick with Hyperdrive 15 (4.3) to avoid the hassles with SS and 4.4. That is NOT to say that I am bad mouthing SS. To the contrary, it's saved my behind. Hows that for nice language? Lol
Scott's still going with the Infuse?! Good on him! I loved that little phone. If it weren't for the problems with the video camera, I'd still be using it.
Well, this might rub some the wrong way but if all carriers started locking their bootloaders and forced buyers to choose based on hardware alone, I'd buy an iPhone. I love the little innovations that have come with an open Android - like Paranoid Android - but the hardware is usually underwhelming. The S4 has the screen going for it, but that's it. Apparently Apple will finally use larger screens on their iPhones so not much win for Samsung.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Wyzpopper said:
Scott's still going with the Infuse?! Good on him! I loved that little phone. If it weren't for the problems with the video camera, I'd still be using it.
Well, this might rub some the wrong way but if all carriers started locking their bootloaders and forced buyers to choose based on hardware alone, I'd buy an iPhone. I love the little innovations that have come with an open Android - like Paranoid Android - but the hardware is usually underwhelming. The S4 has the screen going for it, but that's it. Apparently Apple will finally use larger screens on their iPhones so not much win for Samsung.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're right especially if the screen is bumped up. With the bootloader situation you already have an "i-droid" anyway. "Open source" no longer has meaning.
Hopefully this will accelerate the people looking at buying much cheaper phones that aren't locked to any specific carrier and also aren't boot locked. The effectiveness of upgrades is dimishing which should help push this shift and hopefully will ultimately keep these big phone manufacturers honest.
bnolsen said:
Hopefully this will accelerate the people looking at buying much cheaper phones that aren't locked to any specific carrier and also aren't boot locked. The effectiveness of upgrades is dimishing which should help push this shift and hopefully will ultimately keep these big phone manufacturers honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already looked into those "cheaper" phones. Most of them, right now, anyway, don't have LTE chipsets yet. In addition, 4G just rolled out in China (we get the new stuff first -- obviously). However, the cheaper phones are made and shipped factory unlocked. Some phones have a dual sim slots (i.e. one sim for personal, one sim for business).
I'm partnered up with a wholesaler and have access to everything he carries. The best part is that he doesn't "compete" with whom he partners up with -- bad for business, he says.
My .02 =)
as others have said it's just the way of big business in the 21st century. up until a week ago i had a 2 year old S2 which was running a 4.4.2 ROM (ressurection remix). if i hadnt been able to root and flash a ROM i'd have probably got myself a new phone long ago so locking down phones may get customers to upgrade more often (i know it would with me) as it is i bought my new phone outright and have gone payg to save myself some money and also to be able to upgrade as and when i like. i did look at some of the chinese phones (goophone being one) but wasnt sure of the root capabilities so decided to give it a miss.
i think even locked bootloaders will eventually be hacked. nothing is impossible. it's just down to when and how long we wait.
I took a brief reprieve from this forum, since there wasn't any groundbreaking progress made (and by "groundbreaking", I mean exploited bootloader).
It looks as if that has remained unchanged? I've only had the S4 for a year now, but I am officially "over" Samsung devices. Very aesthetically pleasing, but hardly functional overall. Battery is crap on every Samsung device, and the only thing that ever helped me was either buying a 3rd party with larger capacity, and/or running a custom ROM/kernel combo that allows for both less consumption as well as rapid-charge.
I'm interested to see this new thing Google is going to unveil to replace the GPE phones. I have no issue paying full price for a device that I can do whatever I want with, and know that there will be a strong following for. Even if that following is only a certain, small niche of the overall market.
It's a shame that my fun with AOSP had to come to a screeching halt, I loved the simplicity and functionality of it.
I don't think carriers make much or any money from selling new hardware. They make their money from plans.
That said, I'm happy to be on 4.4.2 SlimRom. ☺
disturbd1 said:
I took a brief reprieve from this forum, since there wasn't any groundbreaking progress made (and by "groundbreaking", I mean exploited bootloader).
It looks as if that has remained unchanged? I've only had the S4 for a year now, but I am officially "over" Samsung devices. Very aesthetically pleasing, but hardly functional overall. Battery is crap on every Samsung device, and the only thing that ever helped me was either buying a 3rd party with larger capacity, and/or running a custom ROM/kernel combo that allows for both less consumption as well as rapid-charge.
I'm interested to see this new thing Google is going to unveil to replace the GPE phones. I have no issue paying full price for a device that I can do whatever I want with, and know that there will be a strong following for. Even if that following is only a certain, small niche of the overall market.
It's a shame that my fun with AOSP had to come to a screeching halt, I loved the simplicity and functionality of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, even if I sold my i337, the battery life was honestly very good for me. There's the facts that maybe I don't use it heavily every day, but I turn GPS on only when I have to find a specific place I haven't been to before. GPS down - battery life up. 3G down, unless I need it - battery life up. Power saving mode - battery life up.
As for the Android Silver program, we all are curious to see how will this turn out.

Remaining With Verizon M8, For Now

Considering the pros and cons of immediately changing from Verizon M8 to a newer phone; e.g., M9, S6, S6 Edge, or LG G4, Loss of S-Off and Root is a serious concern with availability of the outstanding ROMS for the M8, and the ability to completely eliminate unwanted bloatware. Notwithstanding the Antutu performance specs for the S6 and S6 Edge, Samsung acknowledges significant Memory Leak issues in routine use of these devices, without constant initialized rebooting. Alternatively, the Verizon M8, running the CM 12.1 ROM with Android 5.1.1 yields typical non-initialized boot Antutu scores exceeding 48000, tweaked, which actually exceeds Antutu typical non initialized boot scores of the Samsung devices during continuous operation.
Until, S-OFF and Rooting become available for device optimization both in terms of ROM features and bloatware elimination; and until these newer devices catch up with Android 5.1.1 and solve the significant Memory Leak issues, remaining with the Verizon M8, for now, is very sensible.
I remember when android was new and every new phone had this instant gigantic dev community ahh those were the days...
In the beginning cutting edge new android phones weren't coming out once a month like now It was all but guaranteed your phone would get SOME kind of development and momentum. I'm staying with my m8 for some of the reasons you state too. Like the fact that its already had all this time for the roms and community around it to mature. Every release cycle it becomes more of a possibility you might pick the latest and greatest model, and the one or two highly skilled devs needed to get the phone to root/unlock/whatever never materialises and before long something else newer is out and...your stuck with the phone the way you bought it or get a new one!
Every time I go to look for a new phone it's becoming harder to decide and narrow it down to one when weighing all factors. Being a card carrying techie pretty much requires a device has a decent XDA community for it though.
I recently had my VZW M8 damaged quiet bad so i was looking into getting a new phone. And basically this comparing all the new stuff coming out/is out, nothing really seems all that safe of a bet when it comes to the respective XDA community of the device. Nothing picks up momentum like in the old day, rooting is even more of a hit or miss it seems. Really i'm almost feeling a side grade to a nexus 6 or something might be in order. As much as i love the m8 i'm really getting sick and tired of the metal body... I like plastic a whole lot more but i HATE the cheap plastic every samsung phone seems to have!
Long story short, upgrading is hard yo.
xsteven77x said:
I remember when android was new and every new phone had this instant gigantic dev community ahh those were the days...
In the beginning cutting edge new android phones weren't coming out once a month like now It was all but guaranteed your phone would get SOME kind of development and momentum. I'm staying with my m8 for some of the reasons you state too. Like the fact that its already had all this time for the roms and community around it to mature. Every release cycle it becomes more of a possibility you might pick the latest and greatest model, and the one or two highly skilled devs needed to get the phone to root/unlock/whatever never materialises and before long something else newer is out and...your stuck with the phone the way you bought it or get a new one!
Every time I go to look for a new phone it's becoming harder to decide and narrow it down to one when weighing all factors. Being a card carrying techie pretty much requires a device has a decent XDA community for it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you say, the collective community of the endless efforts to improve the M8 with extremely satisfying results, certainly outweighs the very short-lived glitz feeling of possessing one of these new devices.
holytimes said:
I recently had my VZW M8 damaged quiet bad so i was looking into getting a new phone. And basically this comparing all the new stuff coming out/is out, nothing really seems all that safe of a bet when it comes to the respective XDA community of the device. Nothing picks up momentum like in the old day, rooting is even more of a hit or miss it seems. Really i'm almost feeling a side grade to a nexus 6 or something might be in order. As much as i love the m8 i'm really getting sick and tired of the metal body... I like plastic a whole lot more but i HATE the cheap plastic every samsung phone seems to have!
Long story short, upgrading is hard yo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree 100%, upgrading is hard. I cannot bring myself to purchase one of these new Verizon devices now, completely devoid of the S-OFF, rooting, and developer community achievements.
rooted_by_nature said:
I agree 100%, upgrading is hard. I cannot bring myself to purchase one of these new Verizon devices now, completely devoid of the S-OFF, rooting, and developer community achievements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lot of m9 users have gotten s-off already via Java card. It's not all bad. Sunshine will also get updated.
dottat said:
Lot of m9 users have gotten s-off already via Java card. It's not all bad. Sunshine will also get updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you say, eventually all that we enjoy now with our M8 will be available with these new Verizon devices, and that is when many of us will not hesitate to change.
The m9 really doesn't look like much of an upgrade to me. I don't think it is worth the money, my m8 works great, I have s-off I didn't have to buy a java card to get, and plenty of ROMs to choose from. I'll be sticking with the m8. At least till I can get an m9 for cheap or the next flagship phone comes out from HTC.
mpappas87 said:
The m9 really doesn't look like much of an upgrade to me. I don't think it is worth the money, my m8 works great, I have s-off I didn't have to buy a java card to get, and plenty of ROMs to choose from. I'll be sticking with the m8. At least till I can get an m9 for cheap or the next flagship phone comes out from HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely, currently, taking all of the new devices into consideration, without the development of ROMs and easy ability to debloat, remaining with the M8 for now is a wise choice.
rooted_by_nature said:
Absolutely, currently, taking all of the new devices into consideration, without the development of ROMs and easy ability to debloat, remaining with the M8 for now is a wise choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so we're straight the m9 already had a viper rom posted. We have @ΠΣΘ @andybones @Tigerstown @santod040 all with this device and working on dev. There's plenty happening in the last week or so...
5.1 is looking realllllly nice for the m9 also.
dottat said:
Just so we're straight the m9 already had a viper rom posted. We have @ΠΣΘ @andybones @Tigerstown @santod040 all with this device and working on dev. There's plenty happening in the last week or so...
5.1 is looking realllllly nice for the m9 also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth hundreds of dollars over m8?
mpappas87 said:
Worth hundreds of dollars over m8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends upon whether you want the latest hardware and the most firmware updates. True volte (I'm beginning to seriously doubt the m8 will get it knowing vzw). For the record, I don't buy subsidized phones ever. I'm happy with my m9 over my m8. Feels so much more premium. Heck it's got metal speaker grills instead of stickers finally.
dottat said:
Depends upon whether you want the latest hardware and the most firmware updates. True volte (I'm beginning to seriously doubt the m8 will get it knowing vzw). For the record, I don't buy subsidized phones ever. I'm happy with my m9 over my m8. Feels so much more premium. Heck it's got metal speaker grills instead of stickers finally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kinda my point though I got hundreds invested in m8 is the m9 really worth it? For what a better camera and some better speaker grills?
dottat said:
Just so we're straight the m9 already had a viper rom posted. We have @ΠΣΘ @andybones @Tigerstown @santod040 all with this device and working on dev. There's plenty happening in the last week or so...
5.1 is looking realllllly nice for the m9 also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And we currently have Cm 12.1 with 5.1.1 for the M8. I believe that until Samsung can solve its memory leak issues, changing immediately to a Verizon S6 or S6 Edge is more of a loss than a gain. More of a loss than a signifcant gain for changing immediately to the M9. The same for the LG G4 when available. And I say this, in large part, out of respect for the excellent work which you and your colleagues have perfected for the M8. Thank you for your tireless efforts in this regard.
One-Click Root Methods For Verizon S6 As An Incentive To Change From M8?
Even with the advent of the one-click root method for the Verizon S6 and perhaps S6 Edge, the unlockable bootloader prevails, making it currently impossible to install a TWRP recovery, which for me is not sufficient incentive to change, now, from my Verizon M8.

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