This KK upgrade for the RAZR MAXX HD has got me thinking about its replacement. I took one too many OTAs without unlocking the bootloader and that's made every update a game of restore-the-root. I really love this phone, but I'm getting tired of that.
I've noticed that a lot of posters in the threads I read have other phones, so I'm asking for a recommendation. If you bought a phone today, either a developer's edition or at least with an unlockable bootloader, what would you buy? And why?
I'm on Verizon and I'm not ready to change carriers, so that has to be considered.
Serial_Noob said:
This KK upgrade for the RAZR MAXX HD has got me thinking about its replacement. I took one too many OTAs without unlocking the bootloader and that's made every update a game of restore-the-root. I really love this phone, but I'm getting tired of that.
I've noticed that a lot of posters in the threads I read have other phones, so I'm asking for a recommendation. If you bought a phone today, either a developer's edition or at least with an unlockable bootloader, what would you buy? And why?
I'm on Verizon and I'm not ready to change carriers, so that has to be considered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, your best bet is to find the Droid RAZR HD Developer Edition which has a bootloader that you can lock and unlock. Those you have to purchase full price ($599) because Verizon won't subsidize that phone.
BTW, there is no MAXX Dev Edition, so if you're coming from a MAXX, it means you will only have 16gb of internal storage as opposed to the MAXX's 32gb of storage as well as a smaller battery, but the RAZR HD battery life is nothing to sneeze at. It's pretty darned good.
To try and find a non-dev edition of the Droid RAZR HD/MAXX HD that can still be unlocked is going to be tough, unless you can find someone selling you one that has it unlocked already, but you better research and get proof before shelling out the money. You could try and get one that isn't unlocked and hope beyond hope that it unlocks, but most have now had the update to fix the exploit applied at the factory.
And just because someone is selling you a used one that purports to have the correct version that allows unlocking doesn't mean it will. The phone could have had the exploit patch applied and then flashed back to the previous version to make it appear to be the version you can unlock. But it won't unlock anymore because the exploit that allowed unlocking was present on one of the protected areas of the phone. Once it's patched, you cannot make it go back to a previous version.
My RAZR HD replaced a RAZR MAXX that had a swelling battery. Verizon did a warranty swap and since they no longer stocked the RAZR MAXX (XT912), they replaced it with the RAZR HD. I discovered that mine had a version (which at the time they were releasing with the later version with the exploit patched) that could possibly be still unlocked. I did what SamuriHL told me to and lo and behold, I had an unlocked bootloader. I got very lucky indeed.
I would say your best bet is to find a Dev Edition to buy if you don't mind downgrading from a MAXX HD. Otherwise, research well and find a MAXX HD non-dev edition that has it's bootloader already unlocked. But, those will probably be sold at a higher price.
HTC One (M8) - Well built phone, great specs, 2 year support, s-off, nothing more needs to be said.
ATTACK said:
HTC One (M8) - Well built phone, great specs, 2 year support, s-off, nothing more needs to be said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except the developer edition is not available on Verizon and I'm not ready to move to another carrier. Does the carrier version have an unlockable bootloader?
Serial_Noob said:
Except the developer edition is not available on Verizon and I'm not ready to move to another carrier. Does the carrier version have an unlockable bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Firewater (S-off) and WeakSauce (Root)
Related
This **** is RIDICULOUS.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...-headed-to-europe-with-a-u-s-version-to-come/
Never again will I buy a Moto phone.
"Unlocked bootloaders by the end of '11!"
"Here's a new expensive device you can buy to get an unlocked bootloader! Take that original RAZR owners, and the rest of the Motorola community! Hahahaha."
I don't know what to say.
Calundle said:
This **** is RIDICULOUS.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...-headed-to-europe-with-a-u-s-version-to-come/
Never again will I buy a Moto phone.
"Unlocked bootloaders by the end of '11!"
"Here's a new expensive device you can buy to get an unlocked bootloader! Take that original RAZR owners, and the rest of the Motorola community! Hahahaha."
I don't know what to say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, the way that Motorola has been treating it's customers has been truly ridculous. They have (or so it seems) practically abandoned the Atrix 2 which is a relativity new phone, and their only major phone on AT&T.
Not to say that I regret buying the Atrix 2, it's a great phone, but it's safe to say that unless Motorola majorly revamps their customer service/relations I'll never be buying another phone from them.
I love my A2. They make brilliant devices, but as you said the way they are treating their loyal customers is unacceptable.
Sent from my MB865 using XDA App
That is fine just look at the bright side ^_^ once they release those unlocked devices our devs can simply port it over to locked counter part ^_^v can't wait they should release it we can buy, dump and return hehehe.
Just a clarification: If they release an Atrix 2 developers edition...
Atrixed2 said:
That is fine just look at the bright side ^_^ once they release those unlocked devices our devs can simply port it over to locked counter part ^_^v can't wait they should release it we can buy, dump and return hehehe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly it doesn't work that way... our Atrix 2's are encrypted with a different key than the Development Razr's... we can't just "port" it, otherwise we would have done so with the Bionic.
cogeary said:
Sadly it doesn't work that way... our Atrix 2's are encrypted with a different key than the Development Razr's... we can't just "port" it, otherwise we would have done so with the Bionic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just about to post this/ask a question on it.
Just remember reading somewhere (possibly here) that the dev edition phones use different hardware/software??
Im saying if they release a developer edition of atrix 2 not the razr one
The Battle of the Verizon S3's
Verizon S3 (Locked Bootloader)
Vs
Verizon S3 Dev. Edition
Note: Do NOT include color/storage size as a factor, we're assuming both colors and 16/32 are available for each version.
We are also assuming that the customer in question has not bought the S3 yet (Though many of you have, and your situation would requre you selling the S3 to get the Dev Edition, please assume this is prior to any purchases).
Verizon S3:
Pros:
Larger Dev community (tons more people will have the phone)
Cheaper (200/250 vs 600/650)
Available now
Dev. Edition:
Pros:
Unlocked Bootloader (Custom Kernels/Full ROMS available without need for Kexec workaround)
No Contract (Costs more, but bought off of contract)
Comments are MUCH appreciated.
Also, here is some information that is already known (need not be re-stated):
Verizon is NOT releasing an unlock-ready software update, they have confirmed it is false.
There is NO timeline or guarantee that the S3 bootloader will be cracked. Most likely, a workaround is the best we'll get, not a full unlock
.
You can currently install ROMS on the S3, but you cannot have all the features (Kernel features) along with the ROM. Due to the kernel wiping the custom recovery, you have to choose between the ROM or the kernel, both cannot be had.
Boardwalk30 said:
There is NO timeline or guarantee that the S3 bootloader will be cracked. Most likely, a workaround is the best we'll get, not a full unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A workaround already exists (kexec) and it has/is being put into practice.
For example, read:
https://plus.google.com/app/plus/mp...qzjybns3xad04cc5q4knbyjh4hprg0k&view=activity
If things continue like they have been since the S3's launch, there won't be any need for the average consumer who wants custom ROMs to shell out money for the Developer Edition.
Boardwalk30 said:
You can currently install ROMS on the S3, but you cannot have all the features (Kernel features) along with the ROM. Due to the kernel wiping the custom recovery, you have to choose between the ROM or the kernel, both cannot be had.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is just misinformation. We knew from the kexec proof-of-concept we could feasibly put AOSP on the S3, assuming things like the RIL were cracked (supposedly it has been).
Since that point there was no question that we could have custom ROMs with custom kernels- just that it might be a pain to install them and potentially rebooting requiring reflashing the kernel, etc. As you can see from the link I posted above, this is almost a non-issue now.
Also the warranty on the developers edition is only 30 days at the most or until you load custom firmware whichever comes first. LOL that kicks it for me.
My question is who will be providing updates for the developer edition? Samsung?
I ask because Verizon stated in a future update it will unlock the sim card to be able to use it overseas and such. My cousin is deciding on getting the S3 and might buy the unlocked bootloader one but not sure if that already has the unlocked sim or will be available afterwards
A lot of the developers are refusing to work on the S3 developer version due to the fact they are making more money on what should be open source.
There is and will be more support for the vzw version. (I believe)
We have a lot of talented people in these forums!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
the developer edition will run all the stuff the other us carriers will
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
I am on the same boat except I don't have an option of buying the on-contract phone since I signed up only in March with an iPhone 4S (already sold).
So for me, I am either going to pay $500-550 buying a locked S3 off Craigslist or pay $600 + tax to Sammy for the Dev edition. And, the locked one is now vs Dev edition is who knows when. Meanwhile, I am beating up an ancient HTC Eris :cyclops:
Well I just read the page and now it says the warranty is 1 year, so I am back in. Return the 16gig ive got and buy a 32gig direct from samsung. sweet.
I think this has to be the worst marketing move ever made. This just give programmers a bigger incentive to hack their phones instead of paying 3 times as much. Selling an optional development version to developers who are knowledgable about android and exploits is probably not the best idea. Also, it sounds like there is already a viable work around so, Verizon is probably manufacturing phones that will never fly off the shelf. I pity da foo.
Dev edition is blue only (both 16gb and 32gb) according to samsung's site. Think this is a big negative.
Samsung is not doing this to sell phones. There doing it because they did not want people completely screwed by Verizon. They did not Jack the price by any means. It's actually less than what Verizon will sell it without contact. Samsung only wanted you to have a choice. Verizon are the scumbags. Samsung just needs to grow some balls in its dealing with the scumbag carriers
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Hilbe said:
Dev edition is blue only (both 16gb and 32gb) according to samsung's site. Think this is a big negative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can understand the colour being a preference but a big negative? Really?
Considering the speed that the workarounds have been moving at the only advantage of the developer would seem to be no contract. That's about it.
The Verizon GS3 has more support lol.
I unless you are going to lose your unlimited data, just get the VZW GS3 and use the k exec exploit.
juryben said:
The Verizon GS3 has more support lol.
I unless you are going to lose your unlimited data, just get the VZW GS3 and use the k exec exploit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi all,
We need an aboot image from a developer unlocked bootloader Verizon S3, If you have one can you dumb the aboot image for us?
buhohitr said:
Hi all,
We need an aboot image from a developer unlocked bootloader Verizon S3, If you have one can you dumb the aboot image for us?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I don't. I'll ask around though. Good luck
juryben said:
Sorry I don't. I'll ask around though. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, appreciated!!
hi as the title says i was just wondering if someone is or plans to work on a crack for the verizon version of the razr hd... i plan on getting one tomorrow but it would seem the developer version is only available without a plan and i just started one. if theres any alternative let me know please and thank you
If you can afford it just buy the Dev. You can just switch it over to your current plan.
Sent from my JB'd X2
yea thats exactly it i can't afford it =( o well thanks though
Other than that then Verizon has no plans to let their normal HD be unlocked. Maybe the devs can come up with something?
Sent from my JB'd X2
can it be cracked? Definitely, just look at the Galaxy S3. But will enough developers get on the Razr HD to make it happen? That idk. I don't remember the first Razr getting cracked but rather kexec releases which still brings custom roms. I think that is a great possibility
DertyDOH said:
can it be cracked? Definitely, just look at the Galaxy S3. But will enough developers get on the Razr HD to make it happen? That idk. I don't remember the first Razr getting cracked but rather kexec releases which still brings custom roms. I think that is a great possibility
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung bootloaders vs Motorola's big difference... kexec still doesn't fully work on the old RAZR
And they are coming out with more and more snooping software
Its not looking good for a unlocked boot loader on Verizon... sucks cause I'm in that boat...and I hated that with the RAZR
We need some killer devs bottom line
This phone is sick I'm surprised more people are not here yet
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
lucidvtec said:
This phone is sick I'm surprised more people are not here yet
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone just came to market about a week and a half ago, and isn't cheap. Patience is a virtue I'm sure it will happen, this phone is mad ridiculous. Haven't even rooted it yet and loving everything about it.
I'm sorry if this has been posted somewhere else on this forum, but I couldn't find it anywhere.
djrbliss has supposedly found an exploit to unlock the bootloader on most current Motorola phones, including possibly the XT926 as some people in the thread have claimed. Here's the link to the thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32888705#post32888705
Can anyone else back up this information? I'd have thought this would have made a bigger deal here, since the biggest downside of my RAZR MAXX HD, in my opinion, is the locked bootloader.
Does the motofail2go unlock the bootloader, or just root the phone? I was under the impression that the two were completely different beasts...
Yea I was under the impression that is the root exploit. He mentioned unlocked bootloader because you don't need an exploit to root those.
Sent via Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
GoClifGo05 said:
Yea I was under the impression that is the root exploit. He mentioned unlocked bootloader because you don't need an exploit to root those.
Sent via Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I see. I saw it linked from another article somewhere saying that it was a bootloader unlock. I guess I didn't pay enough attention to the thread itself after i saw the words unlocked bootloader in the OP. Sorry about that.
bootloader unlock
Recently went out and picked up a moto razr maxx hd only to find that moto is no allowing US models to be unlocked through their site. I went through all of the steps to get the device id: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-b only to find out I cant unlock because my phone was purchased in the US:
HOW DO I TELL IF MY DEVICE HAS AN UNLOCKABLE/RE-LOCKABLE BOOTLOADER?
This depends on a few factors. First is whether the device ships with a bootloader that is capable of being unlocked or re-locked. Second is whether the wireless carrier that sells the device allows the bootloader to be unlocked, as each of our operator partners has their own policy. As new devices are released, please check the bootloader introduction page. You will be able to check whether your device shipped with an unlockable bootloader. We will be adding devices to this list regularly.
As of August 2012, the only Motorola devices which can be unlocked are:
Photon Q 4G LTE (Sprint)
RAZR Developer Edition (Europe Only)
XOOM
https://motorola-global-portal.cust...ICE_HAS_AN_UNLOCKABLE/RE-LOCKABLE_BOOTLOADER?
Heres to hoping things get sorted, I'll gladly donate to whomever can do it effectively...
I'm looking at buying a Razr HD, I have the Atrix HD right now and I am not very impressed with it. I've been trying to find one of the developer editions of the phone, since I'd like to have the bootloader unlocked, but I haven't had any luck. I know I'll have to buy online, but I haven't found anywhere selling them. Where do people get them from?
EDIT: I'm also reading that there are some variants of the phone that can be unlocked even without being the developer versions, which ones are those?
You have to buy the dev edition from Motorola's website. That's where I bought mine.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
Hey guys, I need your help.
I need a new phone, wnated to buy the Nexus 5, but I think I don't have enough money for it.
So I found the Razr HD and wanted to ask, if it's still worth buying it. Or should i get a Huawei Ascend p6?
Or do u have other recommendations?
Thanks for your help!
Sent from HTC Sensation with various Android versions.
DrRammel said:
Hey guys, I need your help.
I need a new phone, wnated to buy the Nexus 5, but I think I don't have enough money for it.
So I found the Razr HD and wanted to ask, if it's still worth buying it. Or should i get a Huawei Ascend p6?
Or do u have other recommendations?
Thanks for your help!
Sent from HTC Sensation with various Android versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how you want to use it. If you don't care about rooting and possibly unlocking the boot loader, then I guess it's worth it, if it's free. However, you can only root as long as it hasn't had the latest OTA applied to it. You can only unlock the bootloader if it's never taken an OTA after 9.16
Otherwise, I would probably stay away from it. It's a great phone, but it's kind of old. I guess it also depends on what you currently have.
In the end, the problem is it's all a crap shoot on which version of the software you'll get. You just never know what you get. If you do end up getting it, do NOT take any OTAs that it might be suggesting. First, discover what version you have. If you have 9.16 or earlier, then you can unlock the bootlader and I suggest doing that first and foremost. Of course, your warranty is null and void at that point, but most of us don't care anyways.
If it's before 9.30, then you might still be able to at least root it, but you won't be able to unlock the bootloader.
Again, it's all a crap shoot on what version you'll get. I got my phone a few months back as a warranty replacement for my OG Droid RAZR MAXX. I got lucky that it came with 9.16 and I was able to unlock the bootloader. But, I was lucky. Others have gotten it with the latest OTA which pretty much screws them over from being able to root and unlock the bootloader. Others, like me, have gotten lucky.
Heck, I didn't even know I was getting an HD until it arrived. The first thing I did was fire it up, saw it had an OTA available and I promptly said no to it. I then went to all my usual forum haunts to research the phone and see if root was available. Was I ever happy to see I could potentially unlock the bootloader! Even happier when I was able to do so.
Considering he's talking about the Nexus 5, I don't think the bootloader is going to be an issue. Only the Verizon Razr HD's were affected by that.
Second, its still a great phone. The version of Jelly Bean it has now is sluggish unless you use Nova, but I'm assuming once it gets the Kit Kat update (which Motorola has promised for all variants) it'll be fine. I'd get it again if I were to choose, even though the Nexus is obviously a better phone. This is because it'll soon have Kit Kat, and the battery life is much better than that of the Nexus.
Sent from my XT926 using xda app-developers app
OP, you should tell us what Verizon (if that is your carrier) is offering you so we can help you choose. Off-contract? Two year renewal? What's going on?
As for the phone, you can do better. I have a Razr HD and while I love it, I'm starting to get feelings of exclusion because this phone was released late 2012. It is now 2014, and the Android world is learning to sprint away from old hardware. What I would suggest is the Moto X. It's like Verizon's apology for being the only carrier that doesn't have the Nexus 5.
As for "free," don't get your hopes up. With you looking at the Razr HD, I'm guessing your carrier is Verizon. They might be offering a phone for $0 or $.99, but there is always more money they need from you. Activation fee, renewal fee, so on. I don't want to discourage you from getting a nice new phone, but be realistic about costs. The worst of it is getting your hands on the phone, the rest is just budgeting the bills.
Anyways, I ultimately recommend getting the Moto X over the Nexus or the Razr HD. It would be around $130 total after the fees; my roommate just got his ordered two days ago off a two-year renewal. After the $50 mail-in rebate, it will reduce his cost in the end. Roughly $80 for a Moto X.
Maybe you should by a Moto G. I have two of it. The Moto G is a great phone and costs not too much.
Sent from my XT925 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
DrRammel said:
Hey guys, I need your help.
I need a new phone, wnated to buy the Nexus 5, but I think I don't have enough money for it.
So I found the Razr HD and wanted to ask, if it's still worth buying it. Or should i get a Huawei Ascend p6?
Or do u have other recommendations?
Thanks for your help!
Sent from HTC Sensation with various Android versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should buy it. I have one for 1 year now and bought another new one few days ago at bargain price. It's still one of the best phones overall and + it will get updated to KitKat. Quality and looks is still unfathomable for other manufacturers. Performance and battery is excellent.
And you can unlock bootloader and fool around with custom roms which work great BTW.
Don't buy that chinese trash... :victory:
I'd say it's still worth it as I just got my RAZR HD 1.5 weeks ago in trade for my Note 2
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
Depending on the price I would still recommend buying an XT925. It's a good phone which will get KitKat and it can still do all you want. In it's price range I think still one of the best out there.
Now that root has been achieved on the latest OTA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758), I'd say this is possibly more worth it than it was before root was achieved.
I don't know if would buy it with moto get being a sweet deal now. However the RAZR is great. I really like mine and see no reason to change it for a new in the foreseeable future. It's has many merits where it really counts. Eg battery life and build quality.
I just got my Razr HD a couple weeks ago in exchange for my Note II and it's definitely a worthy device still. With the stock battery life I'm getting and switching over to Nova Launcher I see no need to root and I can just run 4.1.2 until such time that we get 4.4 and I'm happy.
still a great device to use..
♦ has kitkat support and i'm sure will get future update through cm too.
♦ still runs latest games pretty smooth !
♦ beats most of the mid-high end smartphones out there in terms of battery life.
♦ has a superb build quality.
so why not ?
If the price is right go for it, it's a great phone.
I got my Razr Maxx HD via Swappa about a 10 months ago and it's the same as the Razr HD with a bigger battery.
I love my Razr, it's rooted, unlocked boot loader, no VZW bloat, running CM 11 (4.4.2)