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VZW offered me a replacement for my Charge. Thoughts on which one I should consider?

The following phones were offered to me by VZW as a replacement for my Charge...
Rezound
Bionic
Spectrum
Though Nexus was mentioned, the rep wasn't sure that they could offer it to me. I told them that since I wasn't asking for a replacement, that these offers were something that'd I'd consider. Sounds like the Nexus might still be a consideraton.
Nonetheless, any thoughts of one over the other? Should I try to convince them to offer the Nexus?

Stop thinking and jump all over the Rezound. Hands down best. It's a sleeper of a device. The development community is started coming around as if late. A stellar device with outstanding performance out of the box that is greatly improved by upgrading to the latest sense/ics ruu.

Rezound. No doubt. I've used the Rezound and Spectrum. Both great devices, and both better than the Bionic, but the Rezound is the better of the two devices from the standpoint of the dev community. As soon as someone gets S-OFF on that device it's going to be unstoppable.

shrike1978 said:
Rezound. No doubt. I've used the Rezound and Spectrum. Both great devices, and both better than the Bionic, but the Rezound is the better of the two devices from the standpoint of the dev community. As soon as someone gets S-OFF on that device it's going to be unstoppable.
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Alright, dumb question, and because I've been burried with work, life, and bringing home one of them there newborns from the hospital, what's S-Off?

standupdad said:
Alright, dumb question, and because I've been burried with work, life, and bringing home one of them there newborns from the hospital, what's S-Off?
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HTC devices have a flag that allows or disallows certain portions of the device to be written to. S-ON means that it's locked from writing, and S-OFF means that it's unlocked and can be written to. It's the equivalent of a locked vs. unlocked bootloader on a Moto device.

no doubt go with the rezound but when you go to talk to the rep bring up the nexus again see if you can get it if not take the rezound i was trying to get a replacement today and all the lady would do was to factory reset my phone

may I ask what problems you were having that they offered you a replacement? because I have a lot of problems but don't want to call them about it because all they do is just tell me is to factory reset...so if I have the same problem it might be worth while for me to call!
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App

How did you even get offered a replacement, if you don't mind me asking.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

jkat797 said:
may I ask what problems you were having that they offered you a replacement? because I have a lot of problems but don't want to call them about it because all they do is just tell me is to factory reset...so if I have the same problem it might be worth while for me to call!
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App
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DirgeExtinction said:
How did you even get offered a replacement, if you don't mind me asking.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
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First one overheated when charging because I was not told that it should be considered mandatory to install samsung drivers even if you just want to chage. Since not all laptops output the same voltage through their USB, or even all of the multiple usb ports on the same laptop, you can overcharge to the point of warping your battery and cooking eggs.
Second one was a horrible audio issue that has plagued all of my phone replacements.
Next one was overheating and a battery replacement and audio I believe.
This is the 4th one, and it's still got the audio issue where random calls will squelch or scream so loudly in your ear piece that its deafening... and the other person can't hear it. There are also pops and other phone audio issues and long of the short, it's related to the hardware version of your phone and the software used to equalize the sound. Since it can't equalize it, you get fog horn like blaring sound.... that's the big that gave her issue to offer the replacement. There are at least 3 or 4 revisions, if not more, for this phone.
With the difference in hardware revision, at least one version doesn't give the audio issues, but they can't cherry pick the version that they send to you.
Overheating is another reason they'll replace, and this one gets to 125 degrees, which they say is within specified acceptable range. But 125 is hot when it's just sitting there taking a charge or just sitting at your desk.
Typically, after your 3rd replacement, they consider offering you a different manufacturer phone replacement. Sometimes they'll do it on the 3rd one, but one way I've always had them initiate the offering of another make and model is I question the reliability of the maker of the phone.
"Is it me, or do I see a lot of complaints about this phone on the Verizon boards? I mean, I've spoken to a couple of your support reps, and they even confirm that there seem to be a higher quanity of complaints than other brands. What phone do you have?" Etc.
Now you're letting them talk about themselves.
I started with a Fascinate. They replaced it 4 times, so I had 5 phones. I contact corporate customer service, they replaced it with a retail box Charge, twice. Then the other issues came down to where I am getting satisfaction from your standard Tier 2 Tech Support. I don't even call 611 anymore. I call the 800 line direct for their T2, and they've typically been great people to deal with directly. Even when you ask for TS when you call 611, you get customer service 9 out of 10 times. They're supposed to forward you, but they don't.
If you want to know who I emailed about my original issue from my Fascinate that gave them someone to contact me about giving me the Charge, let me know. I'll post them here. BTW, when they upgraded me from Fascinate to Charge the first time, they wanted me to extend my contract 2 years and pay 100 bucks. I said no (end of summer 2011). This is considered a warranty replacement if you're changing my phone. Then 50 and a 2 year renewal, then 0 and a 2 year renewal, and then they gave in... free retail box replacement and NO renewal. My contract is up this Thanksgiving where I'll get a new phone for a buck at Sam's club on Black Friday.

I can't get them to offer me anything but another charge. I'm already on my 5th cln charge. What number or whom did you email to get the offer?
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

I got offered a bionic and a resound. I took the resound so much better. Never buying Samsung again but might change with gs3 lol. Took me a while to get used to the screen still kinda miss amoled but the GPS is so much faster screens easier on my eyes I think amoled stressed my eyes more than lcd. Only negative so far is battery life seems worse on this phone but I'm always around power so no biggie. Phone feels better in hand and did I mention fast. So yea my vote got to rezound and imo much better than a nexus.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA

mefloump said:
I can't get them to offer me anything but another charge. I'm already on my 5th cln charge. What number or whom did you email to get the offer?
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
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5th phone? That's rediculous. Here's and edited version of what I posted over at AC about how I got my 3G Fascinate changed to a Charge. Also, I'm at work, so my editing of my own words may seem a bit erratic. I'll apologize ahead of time.
I previously used:
•[email protected]
•[email protected]
•[email protected]
in an executive email carpet bomb and got someone from the executive level customer service to contact me for my Fascinate replacement to give me a Charge. Note a couple of things in how to perform the email carpet bomb before you write your own, and be firm about what you want. I stated that I wanted a retail box, not certified like new, replacement and received it.
Basically, when you carpet bomb these folks, one of them has the issue assigned like a normal tech support ticket that requires someone to RESOLVE your issue. In the course of my resolution, they asked me to cough up $100 and a 2 year renewal to my contract. I said no. Then $50 and a 2 year renewal. Then $0 and a 2 year renewal. Again, I said no. I was not going to accept this as anything less than a warranty replacement with a better device.... and I won. In about an hour, she was shipping me a new Retail box Charge, and though she had to make the modifications that kept my account as not needing a 2 year renewal (which required me to make a call-back to fix the renewall/contract issue because that really was the only ).
So yes, you can get what you want as long as you are firm in your consumer advocacy beliefs, command and don't demand.
All of that said, I'm on my 4th or 5th Charge since September, and the first heated up so hot that you could fry an egg on it; then replaced by another Retail box Charge where the ear piece is went out. At least the next two phones were heat for one, and audio for both. There are even known issues that nobody is publishing, like the audio equalization/modulation and data connectivity staying enabled (which may be resolved per the last patch). I say this because if you can get them to acknowledge the Verizon documented issue with the Samsung device, you might gain yourself some more leverage. Also, if you note an accent in the person's voice, ask them where they're from. Catch them off guard.
Is that a NY accent I hear?
Yes.
Really? What part? I was born in Brooklyn.
yadda yadda ... talk about Sabrett hot dogs, Carvell Ice Cream, Knishes, etc.
"I detect a Southern accent." Same type of dialog as above, just make it match something from the South because they could care less about Sabrett hotdogs and Carvell ice cream, but no matter what, slow down. When you recognize that you're dealing with someone from the South, they don't like rushing through a conversation, and LOVE to chit chat/socialize before business. Talking about golf, whiskey, and the smell of cow pastures irritating you come to mind when I needed to just get the guy to sign a piece of paper so I could leave his office come to mind.
I've lived all over the US, and when you acclimate your speech and mannerisms to the person you're trying to mimic, you actually gain a semblence of control and can lead them if you do it right. I don't state or say this key information lightly. It can be the difference of getting another Certified Like New phone, or you getting them to give you their direct email address, phone number, ext, ect ect. More flies with honey and all that.
Note that nowhere in my documentation did it state that I had to install USB drivers on any Windows based PC or laptop before using the USB to charge my phone. Consider this MANDATORY!! Not all USB ports output the same voltage, and the drivers help to regulate this. This is why my first Charge overheated to the point of overheating. This bit of oversite seems to have gotten their attention. They may tell you that its not hard to see why you had USB issues by not installing drivers, but insist that they note that you do not use the PC USB ports to transfer data. You use them for charging your phone only.
Good luck to anyone that needs to beat on Verizon to do the right thing. If you need, I can even send you a copy of the bloviated email I sent to the executive team that got me these results. Just make sure that you PM me for it, as I can only rarely come back here and play in the XDA sandbox. Just brought home one of them there newborns from the hospital, and after taking two weeks off and then going back to work, my ADHOCDD is in overload.
SuD
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PS If you want to learn about effective email carpet bombs, the Consumerist has greate info.
You may have to do a little bit of work, but my EECB's always get attention, and nearly always get exactly what I want. And "What you want" should be considered BEFORE you contact them. They'll ask you straight out... "What would satisfy you today?" Know that what is, don't expect the Stars when all you deserve is the moon.
In the past few weeks...
$33 refund from Sears, and they felt inclined to give me an additional $30 GC for the store.
$30 GC for another store that understood why I didn't believe that I should have went to another one of their stores to fix an issue.
I just wish that I could EECB about my Ex-Wife. I'd like a redux.

Take the rezound. It is hands down the best on that list, maybe even the best phone available, period.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA

Well I took the Rezound so i am off to learn all there is. I needed to get away from Samsung if for no other reason just to try something new.
If I hate Sense 4.0 (I cannot go without flashing the latest and greatest) I can always come back to Sammy with the GS3 or whatever they want to call it in a few months.

They just released an S-OFF method for the Rezound, so the dev community should explode. Have fun! Wish I could join you..
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

yeah i have been trying to read up on it all. So much different than sammy and even the TB I used for a few days.....but that is progress I guess.

Well, I just got off of the phone with them, and I'm getting the Rezound much to my chagrin. I was really hoping that they'd turn the table and reconsider the Nexus. In the end, they wouldn't because...
It had a dual core processor.
+Ummm, so does the Rezound
It's got a worse camera.
+ ummm, shouldn't the downgrade be my choice?
It has internal flash vs external.
+ Whatever.
Maybe I'll canvas Craigslist got a trade. I wanted the Nexus because I got into stoop development last year and am about to jump back in. What better phone to have than the nexus?
With my contract coming up in November, I'll have the Rezound and whatever Sam's is selling for a buck on Black Friday. I just hope that it's not a Rezound.
Thanks for the input folks. I'll be heading over to the Rezound forum to start reading up. At least they're giving me a week to 10 days to test run the Rezound.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA

You could try to go to a store with it, say you don't like it and ask if you could get a Nexus instead.

So i take it that everyone feels about the same in that the Rezound is the better phone through Verizon?
I am currently going through the same process with them about this phone sucking. They offered me any phone they have besides the new RazrMaxx.
So ive been stuck between the Rezound, Nexus, and Razr.
Any one have any thoughts between those?

Rezound.

Downgrading after new update? Also warranty and root/unlock questions

As a preface, I got the ATT one x a few days ago, so far I'm really happy with it, but would like to get rid of a bunch of the bloatware and want to get root.
So this morning I woke up to the update message. Now I read up on it the night before on these forums that I should wait to update if I want to root/etc, so naturally I don't want to update quite yet. But here's the problem. The message popped up so fast that I could barely read the message. My thumb must have been right above the accept button, since the message disappeared almost instantly and the process started up. I exited it as far as possible, and it seemed to work. I used apps on the phone, and everything seemed fine. As soon as I locked the phone again, it decided to reboot, initiating the update, all on its own. Even a forced power-off wouldn't stop the wheels turning. And now I feel like an idiot. So is there any way/what is the best way to downgrade or reverse the update?
TL;DR: I accidentally updated the new update, is there, and or what is the best way to downgrade so I can eventually root?
As for my second question, obviously the warranty will be in question if I root/unlock. I've read that HTC will honor the warranty even if it's an unlock, but not a rom flash (even after a return to stock?) If I root/unlock, run into a problem, and return to stock will by warranty be effected? I've never done a warranty return, so would there be a difference if I tried to go through HTC, ATT, or Costco (purchase location)? The reason I ask is because my last phone's (Original Atrix, love it so much) wifi died before the 2 year period, and we had an upgrade on the family account, and this time the One x was purchased with American Express, so I now effectively have a 2 year warranty to cover such problems I might have.
I know that with enough time I could find some of these answers on the forums, but because they are so lively, it's hard to keep track and sift through the forums for information. Thanks for your time and thank you in advance for your help.

In regards to the root on the update there is no way to downgrade or root given your situation at this time but hopefully one of the talented people here on xda wil find a new exploit like they did for the 1.85
As far as warranty goes someone else will.have to let you know.
Sent from my Nocturnalized Beast

same boat
I am in exactly the same boat. I didn't check the MD5 on a download of CR4.5 and it completed wiped my phone (SD Card as well). I was away from my laptop and had to wait days to get it back online. When I finally got it up and running, I was rooting through the one click and in checking the update, it updated to 2.20. So now I'm stuck.
I have my previous unlock token, but I'm not sure if that will do me any good. I don't want to do much until a new RUU becomes available.
misiek93 said:
As a preface, I got the ATT one x a few days ago, so far I'm really happy with it, but would like to get rid of a bunch of the bloatware and want to get root.
So this morning I woke up to the update message. Now I read up on it the night before on these forums that I should wait to update if I want to root/etc, so naturally I don't want to update quite yet. But here's the problem. The message popped up so fast that I could barely read the message. My thumb must have been right above the accept button, since the message disappeared almost instantly and the process started up. I exited it as far as possible, and it seemed to work. I used apps on the phone, and everything seemed fine. As soon as I locked the phone again, it decided to reboot, initiating the update, all on its own. Even a forced power-off wouldn't stop the wheels turning. And now I feel like an idiot. So is there any way/what is the best way to downgrade or reverse the update?
TL;DR: I accidentally updated the new update, is there, and or what is the best way to downgrade so I can eventually root?
As for my second question, obviously the warranty will be in question if I root/unlock. I've read that HTC will honor the warranty even if it's an unlock, but not a rom flash (even after a return to stock?) If I root/unlock, run into a problem, and return to stock will by warranty be effected? I've never done a warranty return, so would there be a difference if I tried to go through HTC, ATT, or Costco (purchase location)? The reason I ask is because my last phone's (Original Atrix, love it so much) wifi died before the 2 year period, and we had an upgrade on the family account, and this time the One x was purchased with American Express, so I now effectively have a 2 year warranty to cover such problems I might have.
I know that with enough time I could find some of these answers on the forums, but because they are so lively, it's hard to keep track and sift through the forums for information. Thanks for your time and thank you in advance for your help.
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BB2DX said:
I am in exactly the same boat. I didn't check the MD5 on a download of CR4.5 and it completed wiped my phone (SD Card as well). I was away from my laptop and had to wait days to get it back online. When I finally got it up and running, I was rooting through the one click and in checking the update, it updated to 2.20. So now I'm stuck.
I have my previous unlock token, but I'm not sure if that will do me any good. I don't want to do much until a new RUU becomes available.
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Click to collapse
The ruu is out for the 2.20 on the HTC dev site
If you already have your unlock token you should be fine just run through the steps to unlock then root. Your still stuck with the new hboot so your previous nandroids will no longer work and you can no longer flash boot images from recovery.
Sent from my Nocturnalized Beast

misiek93 said:
As for my second question, obviously the warranty will be in question if I root/unlock. I've read that HTC will honor the warranty even if it's an unlock, but not a rom flash (even after a return to stock?) If I root/unlock, run into a problem, and return to stock will by warranty be effected? I've never done a warranty return, so would there be a difference if I tried to go through HTC, ATT, or Costco (purchase location)? The reason I ask is because my last phone's (Original Atrix, love it so much) wifi died before the 2 year period, and we had an upgrade on the family account, and this time the One x was purchased with American Express, so I now effectively have a 2 year warranty to cover such problems I might have.
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Consensus seems to be that a warranty return to AT&T, they don't normally check for bootloader unlock at all. Technically, they can check, and void your warranty. But to this point, they don't seem to be. This is probably your safest bet. But that warranty is only one year.
Based on various reports by XDA users HTC seems to be much more strict about enforcing their own warranty terms. I would suggest going through AT&T rather than HTC.
For your AmEx warranty, I think that would be handled by AmEx (not AT&T). You should probably check through them, and see what the warranty terms our (might be handled by a 3rd party?). I think only someone that has had experience with the AmEx process could say for sure what would happen in this case. So maybe somebody will chime in.

redpoint73 said:
Consensus seems to be that a warranty return to AT&T, they don't normally check for bootloader unlock at all. Technically, they can check, and void your warranty. But to this point, they don't seem to be. This is probably your safest bet. But that warranty is only one year.
Based on various reports by XDA users HTC seems to be much more strict about enforcing their own warranty terms. I would suggest going through AT&T rather than HTC.
For your AmEx warranty, I think that would be handled by AmEx (not AT&T). You should probably check through them, and see what the warranty terms our (might be handled by a 3rd party?). I think only someone that has had experience with the AmEx process could say for sure what would happen in this case. So maybe somebody will chime in.
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Amex is extremely lax. All they want is a copy of the original warranty and require doing the work at an authorized repair shop. Then they reimburse you, no questions asked.

GroovyGeek said:
Amex is extremely lax. All they want is a copy of the original warranty and require doing the work at an authorized repair shop. Then they reimburse you, no questions asked.
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I kinda figured as much. They aren't in the business of fixing phones, so I guessed they either just farmed it out to a 3rd party company, or just paid up pretty easily. Credit cards (especially AmEx) also often cover things like lost luggage, travel insurance (cancelled flights, etc.) and I don't imagine they go through much hassle confirming that kind of thing either. They must figure that the extra business gained from offering their services (and yearly fees) outweighs the payouts they have to make.
Thanks for clarifying with your personal experience, probably useful to the OP.

[Q] Moto Droid Razr Maxx HD Bootloader

I went out and traded up to a Razr Maxx HD only to come home to find out that the moto site wont unlock the bootloader. F-you verizon! My big question of the day is... Is there anyone out there willing to try to crack the razr maxx hd bootloader? I would, but I'm a machinist. I dont get it completely, I followed through an article here on the V-SGSIII, loved it, I get the jist of it. Maybe I should've got into computers but instead when I was young, I went to work at a shipyard and became a machinist.

Ha, you and me both. Instead of reading up on computers and IT in college, I stuck with my degree of choice and spent my time boning broads. Even given our bootloader issue now I wouldn't change a thing
Anyways, do a search for Safestrap V3.05.16 (newest version). It's sort of a work-around the Verizon bootloader. Doesn't unlock it, but I think it pretty much does the same thing as though it was unlocked. There are a few threads, with the .zip file and instructions.

Thanks, yeah I did that right after walking in the door from buying it. Got root, safestrap so I'm good to go. I'll keep it but wednesday I'm upgrading the thunderbolt to a DNA, that ones looking pretty badass...thanks for your reply

LifeAsADroid said:
Ha, you and me both. Instead of reading up on computers and IT in college, I stuck with my degree of choice and spent my time boning broads. Even given our bootloader issue now I wouldn't change a thing
Anyways, do a search for Safestrap V3.05.16 (newest version). It's sort of a work-around the Verizon bootloader. Doesn't unlock it, but I think it pretty much does the same thing as though it was unlocked. There are a few threads, with the .zip file and instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only problem is we don't have the ability to flash kernels, radios, or other system images. And without an unlocked bootloader, this phone is unlikely to attract more developers.
I got my Razr Maxx HD about a week ago and I'm still happy with it, but I wish there was a way to unlock the bootloader so I could have the same level of control I had on my Incredible.

I tried the bootloader unlock today and didn't work. I then called Motorola to ask if it is possible to do it and they said "no, not now. Possibly in the future" In response, I said this phone would be a top device if the phone was unlcoked and came with AOSP's latest. But I will have to send back to Verizon for something else. It upsets me that this device is ruined by VZ/Moto locking the bootloader.

trebills said:
I tried the bootloader unlock today and didn't work. I then called Motorola to ask if it is possible to do it and they said "no, not now. Possibly in the future" In response, I said this phone would be a top device if the phone was unlcoked and came with AOSP's latest. But I will have to send back to Verizon for something else. It upsets me that this device is ruined by VZ/Moto locking the bootloader.
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Verizon's attitude regarding "unlocked bootloaders" sucks.
Here's the deal. If one is expected to pay full price for an "unlockable" device, then can one get discount on the monthly cost that adds up to the subsidy cost over the term of the contract. In other words, if the subsidy is $360, then give me a $15 discount on my monthly bill if I pay the full price for a device (or I bring my own device!)

One S Asurion Replacement

I haven't been able to locate my one S since this morning when I went to the gym. I called/went back and no one has turned anything in.
My question is, is it even worth it to go through Asurion at this point? I have a $150 deductible (I believe) and I'm afraid they will just give me a low end Android phone. Are they still replacing the the S with an S? Or should I just go through T-mobile and get a new phone?

damir831 said:
I haven't been able to locate my one S since this morning when I went to the gym. I called/went back and no one has turned anything in.
My question is, is it even worth it to go through Asurion at this point? I have a $150 deductible (I believe) and I'm afraid they will just give me a low end Android phone. Are they still replacing the the S with an S? Or should I just go through T-mobile and get a new phone?
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Well, a One S for $150 isn't that bad of a deal.
Going to get a new phone from T-mobile will be more expensive than that. (if you are still under your 2 year contract)

tivofool said:
Well, a One S for $150 isn't that bad of a deal.
Going to get a new phone from T-mobile will be more expensive than that. (if you are still under your 2 year contract)
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It's not, but I'm wondering if they would still replace it with a One S? When I had to get my original Nexus One replaced, they replaced it with the original Galaxy, which I hated.

damir831 said:
It's not, but I'm wondering if they would still replace it with a One S? When I had to get my original Nexus One replaced, they replaced it with the original Galaxy, which I hated.
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You really have me thinking about what I would do if I lost my phone.
Now, I just read this. Maybe you could lock it.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2423375,00.asp
Anyhow, back to you. I still think the best deal would be to go through them, you may need to put on your "jackass" hat and complain to them until they give you something that you like.
---------- Post added at 06:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
using that link, I just located my phone.
I'm on Maximus HD Rom, I just checked the google settings, The Lock Phone, factory reset option was unchecked. (I have now checked it) But the locate phone option was checked.

damir831 said:
I haven't been able to locate my one S since this morning when I went to the gym. I called/went back and no one has turned anything in.
My question is, is it even worth it to go through Asurion at this point? I have a $150 deductible (I believe) and I'm afraid they will just give me a low end Android phone. Are they still replacing the the S with an S? Or should I just go through T-mobile and get a new phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi damir831! Great question! Our goal is to get you reconnected as quickly as possible with a like-for-like device. Occasionally your original device may not be available at the time of your claim, so we will offer a comparable model to get you up and running as quickly as possible. There are several factors that could create this situation; for example, if your device was discontinued or no longer produced. If this were to be the case, we would discuss your options with you at that time, so you can make an informed decision.
Since inventory changes by the moment and can vary by carrier, we cannot confirm availability until the claim process has begun. We encourage you to visit www.phoneclaim.com to file your claim. If you are not happy with the device available at the time you file, you can cancel the claim at that time or reach out to us to discuss other options.
When making your decision about next steps, please keep in mind that our replacement devices come with a 12-month limited warranty and do not require you to renew your contract to receive a replacement. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. We are here to help!
Asurion Social Media Team @AsurionCares

[Q] Droid Ultra/Maxx - Is there a way to root my device and unlock the bootloader?

Hello all!
I am using the Droid Ultra forum because I can't find or there doesn't seem to be one specifically for the Maxx. I assume they are they same phone but one just has a better battery.
I recently bought my new Droid Maxx using an upgrade. When it arrived, I tried using FoxFi for wifi tethering since LTE is faster than my house internet. I found out it won't work since I have the 4.4. To anybody that is curious, 4.4 came with my phone, I didn't use the OTA update.
After looking around on the internet, I am unable to find a guide that can root my phone. Has anybody made a bootstrap?
I am wondering if there is a way to root my phone with the 4.4 kitkat, whether 4.4 root method is still in development, or people have given up on trying to root it.
Something else. I tried to root my device with two programs, each have failed in the process. Kingo and OneClickRoot.

There is no working root for Android 4.4 on the Ultra/MAXX/Mini, you're stuck like everyone else.
There was "a Chinese guy" doing bootloader unlocks for ~$40 in the recent past few weeks but he/she/it has since stopped doing so (probably unable to access Motorola's database anymore or simply got caught doing it, who knows).
So again, you're stuck with stock 4.4 like everyone else is. The info is all over this subforum...

br0adband said:
There is no working root for Android 4.4 on the Ultra/MAXX/Mini, you're stuck like everyone else.
There was "a Chinese guy" doing bootloader unlocks for ~$40 in the recent past few weeks but he/she/it has since stopped doing so (probably unable to access Motorola's database anymore or simply got caught doing it, who knows).
So again, you're stuck with stock 4.4 like everyone else is. The info is all over this subforum...
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Ah, that is quite unfortunate. I just needed to get caught up in the news. Thanks and I hope to see some root hacks soon.

Garret27 said:
Ah, that is quite unfortunate. I just needed to get caught up in the news. Thanks and I hope to see some root hacks soon.
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You could try easy tether pro

I've been thinking. I was reading the forums quite abit recently. The Chinese guy might of had access to the Motorola database with the IMEI or he might have developed a serial-cracker. I remember using keygens to unlock copies of Microsoft Office along time ago. This guy might have done the same but kept it for himself to make a profit. I am wondering if we might see a keygen that uses a person's IMIE.
Just an idea I had.
Sent from my XT1080 using xda app-developers app

So for the sake of getting a more informed is this piece of crap ultra worth keeping in the hope of a root solution in the near future, or is anybody really even working on one?

It's a good phone that could be great (not as great as the MAXX 'cause of that battery life and no wireless charging) - I would say don't hold your breath for an unlock for the bootloader or even root nowadays, it's getting way too tough to root and bootloaders are pretty much... well, locked up I suppose. I don't know of any devs that are seriously working on the Droid devices anymore, it's kind of a crapshoot if you find one I guess.
IF I had gotten either of them before that "Chinese guy" stopped providing the bootloader unlock codes I may have developed a different opinion, but I missed that window of opportunity and so I decided holding onto those phones wasn't feasible given my requirements.
As I said in another post, I did like the MAXX and Mini when I owned them recently, but the fact that I wanted a bit more capability meaning root access because I use some apps that require it as well as the option of potentially using some customized ROM or doing customization that might require something like the Xposed framework means you're dead in the water with the Ultra/MAXX/Mini.
I sold both, picked up a Samsung Galaxy Express for $80 and it's unlocked (for T-Mobile, did that in 2 minutes), rooted and of course running CyanogenMod 11 aka Android 4.4.2 without a single issue so far except the camera FCs often but that's a well known bug that persists and likely will always be problematic (except on those new CyanogenMod phones I suppose since they're designed to run that OS 100% without problems).
The Ultra, the MAXX, and the Mini are damned nice devices if you like "pure stock" and pretty much zero chance of them ever being anything else - the fact that they're GSM unlocked from the factory is a plus, so is the wireless charging for the MAXX and Mini, but that's about it for me and not enough to keep them for the long haul.
Good luck...

Thank you very much for an honest opinion. Fortunately I just signed on with Verizon and received this phone only a couple of days ago and have the option of retuning it and canceling the service with only a minimal restocking fee to deal with. I guess I will have to exercise that option because root access to the device is critical for use at work.

SOSDD said:
Thank you very much for an honest opinion. Fortunately I just signed on with Verizon and received this phone only a couple of days ago and have the option of retuning it and canceling the service with only a minimal restocking fee to deal with. I guess I will have to exercise that option because root access to the device is critical for use at work.
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Exchange for a gs5. It has root. As does the HTC one m8. The m8 looks well built. And the dot view case is sweet.
Sent from my unlocked consumer edition Motorola Droid Maxx xt1080m.