Related
I am about to get a new phone (now because I cracked the screen on my LG E980...) namely to have a better experience in customizing, etc.
I am aware that the S5 has somewhat better performance than the S4, but I am more interested in the options for ROM development and customize-ability. First off, what is the appropriate model name for the S4? (I'm on AT&T) Wondering this for compatibility purposes.. Also are there any software updates I should avoid? Will I need to go back to any old firmware/software version(s) to have better luck rotting or installing ROMs/recoveries?
Any insight appreciated, thanks!
frankp124 said:
I am about to get a new phone (now because I cracked the screen on my LG E980...) namely to have a better experience in customizing, etc.
I am aware that the S5 has somewhat better performance than the S4, but I am more interested in the options for ROM development and customize-ability. First off, what is the appropriate model name for the S4? (I'm on AT&T) Wondering this for compatibility purposes.. Also are there any software updates I should avoid? Will I need to go back to any old firmware/software version(s) to have better luck rotting or installing ROMs/recoveries?
Any insight appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This forum is for the 2011 SGH-T959V, you're looking for these forums:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att
or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-galaxy-s5
I have both and...
frankp124 said:
I am about to get a new phone (now because I cracked the screen on my LG E980...) namely to have a better experience in customizing, etc.
I am aware that the S5 has somewhat better performance than the S4, but I am more interested in the options for ROM development and customize-ability. First off, what is the appropriate model name for the S4? (I'm on AT&T) Wondering this for compatibility purposes.. Also are there any software updates I should avoid? Will I need to go back to any old firmware/software version(s) to have better luck rotting or installing ROMs/recoveries?
Any insight appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had an s3 t999 and broke the screen. Loved it! Stable ROMs galore!
I went out and went to the S5 g900T! I love AOSP ROMs and there are no stable AOSP roms. I have trouble getting text messages. Even after i updated bootloader modem. I've tried every rom. Mabye in a few months I will like it
BUT
After having it for about 4 months I just went out 3 days ago and purchased an S4 M919 aand so far I love it. Works greeat and there are a ton of ROMs.
I like checking every ROM out so I might not be the best person to ask because I didnt spend a lot of time on the stock ROMs.
first , hello to all xda members even the guests
we know every android device has it's own senses and look , Nexus devices is google look only with the pure android version
HTC is HTC because it's UltraPixel Camera and the xenon flash , and it is HTC because the main launcher features and senses
Samsung is SAM because the TW and the especial smart features
but , why we always try to kill the device look by downgrading it's features (the words now about the Galaxy S4)
S4 will not be S4 without the Camera app and the Smart Features smart scroll , pause , stay , AirView , gestures ...... etc ...
but when we use any pure android version on our S4 , then , we are killing the device , whatever what I gain from the update as long as it's pure
without the smart features S4 will not be even S3 because some S3 TW roms contains the Smart Scroll , and Pause
as I said whatever I will get from the update , even if it's Android 5 Lollipop , because the update will not make my S4 camera be 16 mp , or my CPU be
2.5 instead of our 1.9 or my RAM be 3gb like the N9005 , etc ... so I will get more performance more stability as the developers say (I guess it's wrong) because whatever the developers
tried will never ever make an stable rom without any bugs like the official release , so all is useless
the developers are in war , one makes CM12 as 4.0 , and other makes 5.0.1 etc why that ??? they must focus on the TW roms because it will upgrade really the S4 to be like S5 or N4 , but any pure version only will kill the S4 and makes it like an only Nexus 1 , etc ......
I really like the TW developers , especially (Tamirda and Slim08) because they are very professional and gave us super features that make the S5 users say how come , it was bad idea when I bought S5 or upgraded my S4 to S5 especially when I let him see my PhoeniX or Imperium's Notification panel , etc ... so thanks alot for the two stars
so getting the latest android version unofficially is very bad especially when the device officially doesn't get the last android version , example : i9300 it's final android version
is 4.3 so if I use any custom rom based on 4.3 , about 90% stable , but if I get custom rom based on 4.4.2 the rom be very unstable with buge especially the bug which made the s3 users forgot all the 4.4.2 base roms and the bug is (when the phone is turned off and I connect the charger the phone always powered on) this bug is terrible and that bug is in all 4.4.2 based rom
I repeat in all the 4.4.2 roms ex:Glamour s5 v 7 , s5 sensation 7 , etc ... and S3 can use CM roms because it hase no smart features , but S4 with pure roms will be ****
S4 with TW 4.4.2 or 4.4.4 is very well because the two versions is out for S4 officially with it's official kernel , and anyway android 5 for S4 is on the way and anyway it will be very nice as we sow the Sammobile video review , and the TW developers will upgrade their roms to be as android 5 after the official release the source code
if I was wrong , somebody correct me , anyway thank you and sorry for the long
In the long run there will be no touchwiz for further development, especially considering how 5.0 is likely the final update the S4 will receive officially. After then perhaps only the Google play edition S4 will receive updates (one more than the original possibly), and by that point there will not be a touchwiz rom beyond 5.0 unless it is a port.
That made no sense and gave me a headache trying to read it
I will tell you why.
Becasuse of speed and most important - STABILITY.
I only tried stock rom for 4 hours.
Then I tried omega rom, many versions, but there always appeared some bugs. In the beggingng after installing for like one month everything okay, then lags appeared, FCs, etc.
Then tried S5port Echoe. Again, after installing, felt like new pgone - everything great. One month passed and again random reboots when rotating or just using phone - but no lags.
GPE 5.0 finally stable and no REBOOTS !!!
Also, nearly all smart functions except air view and smart notification (vibrate after picking up phone with notification) are unusable, or not needed at all.
Maybe I'am transforming into apple user, but yeah, i would never say that but for now, with AOSP 5.0 Im the happiest during my android usage.
@didoop: It's funny you mention stability. I've only had one instance (so far) where my S4 became unstable, and that's when the NV memory became corrupted at the same time the SIM card tray failed. The former was caused by my attempting to add extra LTE bands to the phone, while the latter was just dumb luck.
As for Touchwiz itself, I'm running a stock ROM where the only modifications made to it were to debloat it. It's been rock solid, though I found the Touchwiz launcher to be a pain and quickly replaced it with Google Now. Realistically, the only feature I likely would miss switching to an AOSP/AOKP/CyanogenMod ROM would be the camera software. The Google version, while it includes Photosphere, just doesn't appear to be laid out as well as the Touchwiz camera.
What I will do after the S4 stops receiving official updates I haven't decided on. There are many choices available in the development section, and it'd be pointless to make a decision now, especially with 5.0 or 5.1 coming down the pike.
What's the point of this topic? If you don't like custom roms based on AOSP, don't use them... it's a matter of choice, for me and for many other people the S4's "Smart Features" are a complete useless trashy gimmick that samsung added only cause they had nothing else that was actually useful...
As i said, it's a matter of personal preference. Don't like it, don't use it, it's that simple. Now, bashing devs that try their best to bring the latest versions of Android and add their own features to improve users experience by saying their software turns our phone into crap... That's just plain ignorant and offensive.
DSA said:
That made no sense and gave me a headache trying to read it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed
-Ric- said:
What's the point of this topic? If you don't like custom roms based on AOSP, don't use them... it's a matter of choice, for me and for many other people the S4's "Smart Features" are a complete useless trashy gimmick that samsung added only cause they had nothing else that was actually useful...
As i said, it's a matter of personal preference. Don't like it, don't use it, it's that simple. Now, bashing devs that try their best to bring the latest versions of Android and add their own features to improve users experience by saying their software turns our phone into crap... That's just plain ignorant and offensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was directed at the OP, right? I know I mentioned using a stock ROM, but I didn't mention it with the purpose of bashing anyone. It was hard to tell since you posted after me and didn't mention who you were talking to. In any case, this was a rant. It was done in a hurry, and the OP was either clearly frustrated or a Touchwiz fanboy. Regardless, his wall of text was difficult to read, which makes it difficult for me to take him seriously.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
This was directed at the OP, right? I know I mentioned using a stock ROM, but I didn't mention it with the purpose of bashing anyone. It was hard to tell since you posted after me and didn't mention who you were talking to. In any case, this was a rant. It was done in a hurry, and the OP was either clearly frustrated or a Touchwiz fanboy. Regardless, his wall of text was difficult to read, which makes it difficult for me to take him seriously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it was directed at the OP, i honestly still cant figure the point of this topic at all lol, if he likes touchwiz, sure, why not, but why bash AOSP devs? Nonsense lol
Well, the point was to troll for responses really. We're giving them too.
thanx really for everyone who participated in this thread
may I was wrong , because from 4 months a go I used dual roms on my i9505 using dual boot switcher , primary as TW , secondary as AOSP base
so that was very nice , and I think hat solves my problem , and if android 5 supports the dual boot . it will be very great and sorry again for my first long post
forgive me
Sorry OP, but its gotta be said, you talk a lot of ****. No offence.
According to you, if I have an s4 without those rubbish gimmicky features like smart pause, then its not as good as an s3 with touchwiz.
I don't need those gimmick features. I have an s4 instead of an s3 because it has a more powerful processor, a more powerful gfx processor, more RAM, an infinitely better screen, a better camera, 4G, and it looks nicer.
Touchwiz is the biggest lot of crap. I'll stick with stock android, or a custom ROM close to it. There's lots of good features in custom ROMs that are actually useful, instead of just 'something cool to show to your friends' (but you don't actually ever use it, or you try to but it doesn't work half the time and you could have just done it yourself faster anyway).
Oh, and I'm using a beta ROM right now that is fast as hell and has been absolutely rock stable since I flashed it.
I used to own an S4, so let me say this...
Touchwiz, aka sh*twiz, is the most bulky, counterintuitive Android UX to date. Case in point, people with NOTE 4s report lag. Have you seen the spec sheet of the note 4? It should eat anything it throws at it. My cousin owns one and it jitters from time to time.
Removing touchwiz is actually, if you want to be technical, MORE beneficial. Constantly beating on the processor, memory and ram with features that require the specs of a small computer decreases device life. Also, constantly having to charge the battery decreases the life of the battery as well (one of the causes of battery swelling). TW is only accepted because the MAJORITY of Android users are oblivious to rooting. So, you, among others, can say that a Samsung isn't a Sammy w/o touchwiz, but a true Android enthusiast is going to equally support the opposition with facts that stand behind them.
P.S. - you can get TW features without the TW ROM. Sammy could easily detouchwiz their software, much like HTC did with Sense, but they do it to be rebellious in my opinion, and the same features can be implemented without the skin in a stock ROM. Remember, touchwiz is a FORK of AOSP. The look of TW is purely by choice, and its a bad one
mingolianbeef said:
I used to own an S4, so let me say this...
Touchwiz, aka sh*twiz, is the most bulky, counterintuitive Android UX to date. Case in point, people with NOTE 4s report lag. Have you seen the spec sheet of the note 4? It should eat anything it throws at it. My cousin owns one and it jitters from time to time.
Removing touchwiz is actually, if you want to be technical, MORE beneficial. Constantly beating on the processor, memory and ram with features that require the specs of a small computer decreases device life. Also, constantly having to charge the battery decreases the life of the battery as well (one of the causes of battery swelling). TW is only accepted because the MAJORITY of Android users are oblivious to rooting. So, you, among others, can say that a Samsung isn't a Sammy w/o touchwiz, but a true Android enthusiast is going to equally support the opposition with facts that stand behind them.
P.S. - you can get TW features without the TW ROM. Sammy could easily detouchwiz their software, much like HTC did with Sense, but they do it to be rebellious in my opinion, and the same features can be implemented without the skin in a stock ROM. Remember, touchwiz is a FORK of AOSP. The look of TW is purely by choice, and its a bad one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think between you and me, we've covered the main points.
Would debloating the stock ROM and replacing the Touchwiz launcher improve the situation? Obviously it wouldn't be as good as going with AOSP but it should make a difference, shouldn't it?
You could make a difference yes, but you'd be far better just getting rid completely of that TW crap.
knuckles1978 said:
I think between you and me, we've covered the main points.
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Click to collapse
Lol I believe so [emoji2] [emoji2]
---------- Post added at 07:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 AM ----------
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Would debloating the stock ROM and replacing the Touchwiz launcher improve the situation? Obviously it wouldn't be as good as going with AOSP but it should make a difference, shouldn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the flip side (playing devils advocate) I did use stock TW ROMs where the dev did a superb job with minimizing the TW footprint to the best of their ability. However, it was never enough. TW is just too ram hungry at its core to be considered a smooth Android experience.
Does TW Lollipop use ART by default like its supposed to??
We won't know that until ROMs start appearing, which won't be for a little while yet. The S5 owners will get Lollipop first.
In regards to lag, I haven't noticed any. But my experience is probably unusual.
What's the point? If you are so allergic to custom ROMs, I doubt you are at the right place....
The point is, am TOTALLY BORED by Samsungs UI & want something more "customizable". As for your mention of the hardware, if I DO change the ROM, on the flipside, the Camera won't be downgraded to 5 Mpx, isn't it? besides it's always good to have choices
regards,
Achyut.
P.S. --> A complete "no-point-to-be-made-random-chit-chat-going-nowhere" thread.
No hard feelings.
The only thing I hate is the camera and the sound....everybody else is ok, i love this phone.
--
Believes in Christ and you and your family will be safe of the Great day of Jehovah's wrath
I9505 Powered with Phoenix Rom v9.4 - Tamirda
GoogyMax Kernel v1.1.5 - Googy_anas
Philz touch Recovery - Philz
S5's S-view Cover service - Karkasss
Jehovah's Thunder Bootanimation - Pas2001
Bootanimation sound - Me
A lot of mods and stuff - Xda community
Thanks to all of you...
[Q] Seriously considering buying GS6 but I have questions regarding UI mods & roms
First off, a huge thank you to anyone who takes the time to answer these. This might be the first non-AOSP phone i've ever bought.
I know all of the answers will be somewhat speculation since the GS6 is still new but mostly I'm just looking for what's been done in the past with the Samsung Exynos processors. And if I do get one I most likely will be getting a T-Mobile branded one as there does not seem to be a Samsung unlocked version sold in the US, if I'm wrong please correct me there.
So essentially my question is, will these changes be most likely possible.
1) Removing AM/PM from 12 hour clock.
2) Disabling capacitive button light and remapping buttons back to left, multitask to right. or
3) Getting nexus-style soft keys and disabling capacitive buttons.
4) Installing the AOSP Google Dialer and contacts.
So second part is about ROMS.
Now to my understanding the Exynos essentially means no stable 100% working AOSP roms ever. That has been my understanding and part of my reason for staying away from Galaxy S phones. Recently I've seen many places where people are saying just put CM12 on it but then in my own research CM12 or anything similar either seems to not be available or has serious bugs. So is it possible, lets say more than 50% chance that the GS6 will get a 100% stable bug free AOSP rom.
As a follow up to that, if it is possible, based on earlier phones and AOSP roms, does the camera suffer or does it retain the same quality. Sony phones for example, the camera breaks badly if you unlock the bootloader and install AOSP. It requires a locked bootloader and Sony rom to function properly. Also anyway for the fingerprint reader to still work on AOSP?
Second question regarding modded touchwiz roms. Can things like my above questions, and more AOSP like mods be done in these custom roms? Such as full AOSP theming of Samsung apps, stock google apps, and would apps like T-Mobile WiFi calling still work in modded touchwiz roms.
Once again a huge thanks in advance to anyone who helps out with these questions.
1.) Yes, I have done that on my S5.
2.)Once again yes, I have done that on my S5.
3.) I'm sure there's an app for that lol
4.) Idk but I've been wondering the same thing!
Check out MOAR ROM for the Sprint S5, that's what I'm running right now, just to give you an idea of all the mods possible.
From what I've heard, AOSP build will be damn near impossible on the S6, and also from what I've read, the camera does take a major hit in quality. AOSP themeing can be done once Samsung releases the theme SDK that is built into the new TouchWiz in the S6!
JoeFCaputo113 said:
1.) Yes, I have done that on my S5.
2.)Once again yes, I have done that on my S5.
3.) I'm sure there's an app for that lol
4.) Idk but I've been wondering the same thing!
Check out MOAR ROM for the Sprint S5, that's what I'm running right now, just to give you an idea of all the mods possible.
From what I've heard, AOSP build will be damn near impossible on the S6, and also from what I've read, the camera does take a major hit in quality. AOSP themeing can be done once Samsung releases the theme SDK that is built into the new TouchWiz in the S6!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That rom seems perfect for what I would want, hope the GS6 gets something on par. I love AOSP but luckily Samsung has actually done a pretty decent job with TouchWiz on lollipop and since I simply don't trust Google to make a Nexus phone with a good camera or battery anymore after the N6 I'm really considering the GS6 and I've really been enjoying playing around with it at best buy but obviously coming from 7 years of AOSP it's tough to leave.
Glad 1 and 2 are a yes. Probably my biggest annoyances. Though you mention the S5, that's on a snapdragon correct? I assume from your yes those should still be possible regardless of chipset.
I really hope 4 is possible. I've done a lot of searching but haven't found anything unfortountly. I could live with the Samsung dialer, but I would much prefer to have the Google one.
If the camera quality will degrade with AOSP than I just wouldn't even bother. Camera is probably my biggest reason for the S6 over a new Nexus.
neok44 said:
That rom seems perfect for what I would want, hope the GS6 gets something on par. I love AOSP but luckily Samsung has actually done a pretty decent job with TouchWiz on lollipop and since I simply don't trust Google to make a Nexus phone with a good camera or battery anymore after the N6 I'm really considering the GS6 and I've really been enjoying playing around with it at best buy but obviously coming from 7 years of AOSP it's tough to leave.
Glad 1 and 2 are a yes. Probably my biggest annoyances. Though you mention the S5, that's on a snapdragon correct? I assume from your yes those should still be possible regardless of chipset.
I really hope 4 is possible. I've done a lot of searching but haven't found anything unfortountly. I could live with the Samsung dialer, but I would much prefer to have the Google one.
If the camera quality will degrade with AOSP than I just wouldn't even bother. Camera is probably my biggest reason for the S6 over a new Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah man, that ROM made my S5 the amazing phone that I love haha, so much freakn customization within the ROM.
Yes the S5 is on Snapdragon, but MOAR is a TouchWiz based ROM, not AOSP.... and TouchWiz based ROMs won't be a proble, regardless of the chip that's used. And I also would love to see #4 too, but I'm guessing it would have to somehow be ported to work with the S6 & TouchWiz.
Some info on camera quality:
I've had every galaxy phone since the Note 2 / S3.
The camera is always MUCH worse on AOSP/CM roms. Worse than the difference on a Sony going from stock to AOSP.
However now with the new camera API and better 3rd party apps coming out I think it may not be an issue.
I tried the "Snap Camera" app on my Galaxy S6 today and it seemed just as good as the stock Samsung app but I'll have to do more testing.
play2lose said:
Some info on camera quality:
I've had every galaxy phone since the Note 2 / S3.
The camera is always MUCH worse on AOSP/CM roms. Worse than the difference on a Sony going from stock to AOSP.
However now with the new camera API and better 3rd party apps coming out I think it may not be an issue.
I tried the "Snap Camera" app on my Galaxy S6 today and it seemed just as good as the stock Samsung app but I'll have to do more testing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch. Well no need to really worry about AOSP now though it would be nice one day. Always the hope Google actually makes a good Nexus 5 again though :laugh: . I would hope that third party apps would retain quality though the new Camera app from Samsung is excellent from my experience demoing it.
JoeFCaputo113 said:
1.) Yes, I have done that on my S5.
2.)Once again yes, I have done that on my S5.
3.) I'm sure there's an app for that lol
4.) Idk but I've been wondering the same thing!
Check out MOAR ROM for the Sprint S5, that's what I'm running right now, just to give you an idea of all the mods possible.
From what I've heard, AOSP build will be damn near impossible on the S6, and also from what I've read, the camera does take a major hit in quality. AOSP themeing can be done once Samsung releases the theme SDK that is built into the new TouchWiz in the S6!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where have you heard aosp will be impossible?
nflwideout86 said:
where have you heard aosp will be impossible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exynos is not as open (or open at all?) like Qualcom is. Therefore it is REALLY dang hard to get AOSP ROMs.
so i haven't had a samsung phone since 2003 until the S7. the last few phones i had were running stock android, without all the crap and i loved it. now, i know that samsung ui brings with it some benefits. what would i lose (and gain) if i flashed a stock android rom on my S7? thanks
1) not sure there already is a stock rom for S7 ...
Pros:
+ Getting stock android
Cons:
- Loss of some/most/all "samsung" features (possibly also some fingerprint support and so ... )
im not sure if you know the home screen launcher (called samsung touchwiz) can be replaced with better ones like nova launcher and such... is that what you mean by Samsung UI?
changing roms actually change the functionality of the Android system wide functions/features, its different to the home screen UI.
the rom that came with your s7 is stock samsung you could say. Samsung made it, so everything, all the hardware works with the rom... some people want more software features or less features and so flash other roms, like vanilla stock roms or asop/cm roms, even though it may mean some software features wont work and even some hardware functions.
Every rom dev will tell you what's on offer and what the issues are.
the s7 is quite fast now, so you could just root the current rom (once root is available for your model) and remove/freeze apps known not to be required to clean the rom of Samsung junk. also install xposed to add new system wide changing features and such, but the more you mod the more risk of having issues.
"Stock" android is called AOSP okay? It's a little confusing when you say it like that.
Anyhoo, AOSP is faster than TW, and you will have constant update even when S7 is not supported by samsung anymore. However, Samsung made sure that TW is best compatible with their devices so you wouldn't notice any difference at all when it comes to speed. Also when flashing AOSP, you will lose almost all features TW has.
I wouldn't recommend flashing a stock android. Reasons:
1. you'll have to void your warranty and trip the Knox counter. This is a one way street, there is no known method to "untrip" this counter, so Knox will be disabled on your phone (even some samsung services like samsung pay MIGHT be disabled)
2. the s7 hase plenty of power and enough ram, so "having more free ram" or "faster app opening speeds" isn't hardly an argument nowadays anymore.
3. Bloatware removal? Well, at least my s7 (exynos version with dtm german telekom image) came surprisingly clean. Microsoft Office, the usual google apps and the usual samsung apps. No Bild.de, hrs hotels or such crap anymore. And you can disable the apps you don't want easily via the app manager or via another android app called psp (or similar, just search the s7 subforum a bit, you'll find it).
4. optimization: as the posters stated above: the s7 rom is designed for the s7, and just the s7. so all the hardware is probably supported the best under this rom. in the early days of android one just had to cope with the 2g/3g modem, acceleration/light sensor, wifi and perhaps gps. nowadays there is tons of stuff more: fingerprint, special bluetooth low energy functionality, special camera sdks (mostly not public), magnetometer, some people also believe there is a fm radio chip in the s7... and so on and so on... this is making things difficult to implement for the developers of rom bundles as cyanogenmod or aosp.
---> if your only concern is the newest android in case of security: the s7 has android 6.0.1 now, this version has a decent capability to get SECURITY updates from google directly. Meaning the most crucial android wide security loopholes will be fixed. no more "stagefreight will never be patched for my 2,5 year old phone" anymore.
---> if you always want the newest roms for the newest pure android features: I assure you, samsung is sometimes ahead of those. the 5.x rom I am currently using on my xperia mini pro is actually pretty similar in case of functionality/usability with the 4.x rom of my s5. many of the features I missed in the pure 4.x which samsung implemented are now standard in the 5.x "clean android".
I guess you should just lay low and wait for your guarantee to be over OR reconsider once a good rom is available which has features that you urgently want.
I'm also currently waiting for a rooting method which doesn't trip knox to appear so that I can root my s7 and start using it. It's just in the original packaging right now waiting...
-acid
AcidBurns said:
I wouldn't recommend flashing a stock android. Reasons:
1. you'll have to void your warranty and trip the Knox counter. This is a one way street, there is no known method to "untrip" this counter, so Knox will be disabled on your phone (even some samsung services like samsung pay MIGHT be disabled)
2. the s7 hase plenty of power and enough ram, so "having more free ram" or "faster app opening speeds" isn't hardly an argument nowadays anymore.
3. Bloatware removal? Well, at least my s7 (exynos version with dtm german telekom image) came surprisingly clean. Microsoft Office, the usual google apps and the usual samsung apps. No Bild.de, hrs hotels or such crap anymore. And you can disable the apps you don't want easily via the app manager or via another android app called psp (or similar, just search the s7 subforum a bit, you'll find it).
4. optimization: as the posters stated above: the s7 rom is designed for the s7, and just the s7. so all the hardware is probably supported the best under this rom. in the early days of android one just had to cope with the 2g/3g modem, acceleration/light sensor, wifi and perhaps gps. nowadays there is tons of stuff more: fingerprint, special bluetooth low energy functionality, special camera sdks (mostly not public), magnetometer, some people also believe there is a fm radio chip in the s7... and so on and so on... this is making things difficult to implement for the developers of rom bundles as cyanogenmod or aosp.
---> if your only concern is the newest android in case of security: the s7 has android 6.0.1 now, this version has a decent capability to get SECURITY updates from google directly. Meaning the most crucial android wide security loopholes will be fixed. no more "stagefreight will never be patched for my 2,5 year old phone" anymore.
---> if you always want the newest roms for the newest pure android features: I assure you, samsung is sometimes ahead of those. the 5.x rom I am currently using on my xperia mini pro is actually pretty similar in case of functionality/usability with the 4.x rom of my s5. many of the features I missed in the pure 4.x which samsung implemented are now standard in the 5.x "clean android".
I guess you should just lay low and wait for your guarantee to be over OR reconsider once a good rom is available which has features that you urgently want.
I'm also currently waiting for a rooting method which doesn't trip knox to appear so that I can root my s7 and start using it. It's just in the original packaging right now waiting...
-acid
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thanks for the post. i'm not worried about the warranty. i've rooted the last 3 phones i had and never needed warranty claim. i just like running aosp as its very clean and when rooted gives me more customization options. i could care less about samsung pay or fingerprint scanner and such. so i'm ok with losing it. buying the s7 i was really looking for great hardware which it has and flashing aosp on it. the only reason i didn't go with nexus 6 is because there's no sd card.
You will not see any AOSP roms available for Exynos variants. Snapdragon variants have locked bootloader so unless Samsung unlock it (which I think may be a possibility) you will not see any roms for Snapdragon variants.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
If you want custom roms, the S7 isn't the phone for you.
Gesendet von meinem SM-G900F mit Tapatalk
Was never a fan of flashing aosp over touchwiz unless the S7 had a gpe counter part and a port was made or something. I hade the m8 on verizon but there was also a m8 gpe as well so that was a great experience because that was just ported over and all the features were still there the boomsound, HTC camera app ect. Usually you lose on a lot of factory features that were made for that phone and what I realized when flashing aosp Roms was the drastic downgrade in camera quality, that was during the s3 and note 3 for me.
I mean I'll definitely give a aosp rom a shot no doubt about that. if we even make it that far with the s7. We still need root and unlocked BL first to even be thinking about all that. Unless you got the exynos version.
One big thing for me usually is the camera...
Somehow the stock camera is always easiest, best, flexible and most comfortable. Never really found a camera which could replace it (either not all functionality available, or just not working as smooth). But yeah, it's not as if there is (or likely will be) an AOSP rom for the S7...
As the title says, is the sS7 flat still worth buying as of today? I recently sold my phone and wanted to buy a new one, and found an s7 for $170, but I don't know if it's a good deal. What do you say?
Thanks.
I've not long had mine, maybe a month?
I came from an S4, had a moto x style (play in US) for about 6 months then I got a second hand S7 for £100. I think the camera was better on the moto but the development has all but stopped now
Getting an S7 though? I absolutely love it once you get it on a custom rom (or debloated stock) and get it tweaked just the way you like it, it runs like an absolute dream, I'm very happy with it
The price is good. Just make sure it is new and not rooted before buying.
Yeah I bought one in June after having a BLU R1 HD. S7 is much better
If you are curious I have a SM-G930W8
Nice nice, thanks everyone. I just bought it, it should arrive by Saturday or maybe Monday. I'll report back
Organics said:
Nice nice, thanks everyone. I just bought it, it should arrive by Saturday or maybe Monday. I'll report back
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Did you buy the international version or a US model? International S7s are absolutely better in almost every single way.
Been using mine since 2018, got it off my partner when she upgraded to a Note 8. Its currently running alexndr dev base rom and it never misses a beat! Besides, if it's good enough for DISA's DMCC-S network, it good enough for me.
billclintonwong said:
Did you buy the international version or a US model? International S7s are absolutely better in almost every single way.
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This is bad information.
No. Not every single way. And if buying for a US carrier, it's worse in many of the ways that matter: radio compatibility, and proper csc for function of wifi calling, VoLTE, and ViLTE, etc.
It's been a slow process with deaths in the family, but I've just started getting my s7 ready to use. Wanted to do the right research on what is safe or not to debloat for what I use, and that took a while. I'm 99% ready to use it [emoji846] my mom also has an s7. But I think the debloat process is helping mine run even smoother.
Once I have it fully the way I want, I'm gonna make a full backup. Then that way when I want to "reformat" I can just go back to that point. Seems like a good plan.
I plan to run it right down into the ground, lol. Some people upgrade every year. Me? I'll be upgrading from the captivate glide! S2 based. I still love that phone and it's in great physical shape, but the ram and compatibility just are not keeping up with it anymore even for a lighter user like me. I can use root to fool the play store about which android version, but if the app update coding doesn't support my older devices architecture it ends up with parsing errors and won't run. It took this long but this is finally starting to officially kill my s2.
I plan on running the s7 in exactly the same manner, until I just can't make it work any more! [emoji16]
what ROM is the best for S7? I have currently lineage OS 16 with nano gapps, I am considering to change it to something else. some features of the phone are not used(face unlock??), and few bugs I have noticed like the camera app is terrible slow (unable to take photos at night cause the flash is flashing and after a second the picture is taken LOL)
Well i just bought one, Canadian version with exynos in case i end up rooting it.
I did buy it just to use in the gym as an MP3 player but will likely end up flashing roms etc on it as well.
Doubt i could use it as my main device as its too small for me (im using a note 10 plus so big difference lol).
The lineage OS is good if you don't mind the camera photos being poor quality. If you want the best out of your camera you will need to run a Samsung stock based OS, because only those have the right camera drivers. SupermanRom is a good android version 8 debloated Samsung OS.
gruuvin said:
The lineage OS is good if you don't mind the camera photos being poor quality. If you want the best out of your camera you will need to run a Samsung stock based OS, because only those have the right camera drivers. SupermanRom is a good android version 8 debloated Samsung OS.
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well thank you for the reply, I like the pure android PIE feeling (currently crDroid), but some features are missing, and OFC, the camera (the most important) is way worse than my Xiaomi MI5 was, so I'll consider to flash a stock base ROM
-don't you know if any GCam is working good on ROMs like https://turbox.uk/pages/roms.html ? (no black screen death, and photo quality as good as samsung stock)?
...superman or DevBase v6.0 or....LightRom by TeamExyKings..... hmm, how to choose from these? /if the camera problem can't be solved on these aOSP stlye roms/
lulzor said:
well thank you for the reply, I like the pure android PIE feeling (currently crDroid), but some features are missing, and OFC, the camera (the most important) is way worse than my Xiaomi MI5 was, so I'll consider to flash a stock base ROM
-don't you know if any GCam is working good on ROMs like https://turbox.uk/pages/roms.html ? (no black screen death, and photo quality as good as samsung stock)?
...superman or DevBase v6.0 or....LightRom by TeamExyKings..... hmm, how to choose from these? /if the camera problem can't be solved on these aOSP stlye roms/
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I tried LineageOS for a while, because I really like so much about it, but the big downside was the camera, so I tried GCam versions until I found one that's stable. Best case scenario is poor compared to what it would be on a Google phone or what stock Samsung OS would do, because of the kernel-layer camera api that Samsung provides to hook into the cam hardware--you cannot drive the camera properly without these proprietary driver hooks. So I eventually wiped LineageOS and installed SupermanROM, and had a lightweight but very customized and stable experience, with the EXCELLENT cameras Samsung designed. Also, it was a big fight just getting gcam to work without force-close, and then some functions didn't work, and couldn't do high-def vids at fast framerates. It all just works with Samsung cam app + drivers.
So, no, GCam is the best you get for non-samsung OS, but not even close to what you get from Samsung OS.
I don't know about DevBase. SupermanRom was all I tried. It's been a year since then. I moved on to a Note9 phone. The S7 is now actually running LightRom, and is quite nice! (9.0 NFEPort JetBlack) Great cam too! But, I cannot comment about it beyond that, since it's not my daily driver and I have used any radios except wifi. Use TWRP and try em all! Start with the Note9 port and see if it just works. Check bluetooth first. (I like it mainly for the built-in dark mode).