Related
Hi guys sorry for the several topics in my subject line but there are several questions that I have.
So I just signed up because I'm a bit confused and I'm quite new to the scene. I actually posted this on another forum which I'm already a member of, but I felt it would be better posting here since this is obviously more specialised.
After reading the rules, I've realised that it's quite hard to do a search for existing topics with my questions. I've already tried to do individual searches on each topic though, with varying success.
I've just rooted my Nexus S (i9023, AUS version) for the first time simply because I wanted to be able to use DroidWall (to only allow certain apps to use data).
1) If I manually update to ICS, will I lose root?
2) Does installing a custom ROM cause you to lose all your data? - I've done some searching on this and it seems to depend. Some do and some don't. I don't quite get it though.
3) Kernels - seem to control battery life and how the operating system runs. This slightly confuses me because it makes me think, what affects battery life more: the kernel or the ROM?
4) Most people like to overclock their phones in the interest of power. Would it be reasonable to underclock it in the interest of battery life? Sometimes I don't think I really need 1GHz.
5) It seems like the OTA for ICS for i9023 has not been released yet but has been for i9020?
I'm trying to find the best 2.3.6 Custom ROM from here but none of these are 2.3.6 based! All of them are 2.3.4 or older. I'm hesitant upgrading to ICS for three reasons:
1) Hasn't been released OTA officially
2) Worried of app compatibility
3) Worried of shorter battery life
For these reasons, I'm looking for a 2.3.6 based custom ROM otherwise I'd be happy to look at ICS custom ROMs.
None of the ICS ROMs seem to have any distinctive features about them, especially after watching the video reviews. It's all pretty much "it's a great ROM that doesn't lag when browsing the web and it's fast". Nothing really distinguishes one from another.
Sorry for the mildly long post, but I'd rather ask as many questions as I can at a time rather than making a couple of threads for each. Hope I can get some help =)
Thanks in advance!
I bought 9023 in hk. Upgraded to ics by ota.
If you want, you may do it manually. Flash the rom by yourself. Ota is no longer available. Check it out at nexusshack.com
I don't have battery problem. But don't know why.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
xdaillum said:
Hi guys sorry for the several topics in my subject line but there are several questions that I have.
So I just signed up because I'm a bit confused and I'm quite new to the scene. I actually posted this on another forum which I'm already a member of, but I felt it would be better posting here since this is obviously more specialised.
After reading the rules, I've realised that it's quite hard to do a search for existing topics with my questions. I've already tried to do individual searches on each topic though, with varying success.
I've just rooted my Nexus S (i9023, AUS version) for the first time simply because I wanted to be able to use DroidWall (to only allow certain apps to use data).
1) If I manually update to ICS, will I lose root?
If it is the update you probably will (not 100% sure), if it is the full OTA you certainly will. But it is not a major issue either way, and i would actually recommend backing up with TB (AND a Nandroid), wiping everything and then installing the Full OTA ROM and just root again, then restore your backup.
2) Does installing a custom ROM cause you to lose all your data? - I've done some searching on this and it seems to depend. Some do and some don't. I don't quite get it though.
They will generally lose any system data, apps, modifications, etc. Titanium Backup will copy over most of it anyway, particularly apps and their settings/data. Keep in mind that you should always have a CWM backup (Nandroid) ready in case something goes wrong.
3) Kernels - seem to control battery life and how the operating system runs. This slightly confuses me because it makes me think, what affects battery life more: the kernel or the ROM?
Both. ROMs can do more or different functions which can cause battery drain. Kernels allow you to change your own settings (most of the time) to actually balance performance and drain. I would say at the moment with ICS, the kernel and the settings you give it is the biggest contributor.
4) Most people like to overclock their phones in the interest of power. Would it be reasonable to underclock it in the interest of battery life? Sometimes I don't think I really need 1GHz.
That is correct. Many people can get the same speed with a lower voltage, lowering battery drain. Others also use something called "LiveOC" and increase the clocks by 10% (or more), changing the bus speed and giving similar speeds to 1000mhz at only 880mhz, again saving power. Just remember every CPU batch has different variations - some can undervolt and overclock like crazy, whereas some struggle with a 5% increase.
5) It seems like the OTA for ICS for i9023 has not been released yet but has been for i9020?
The i9023 and i9020T has been released. The i9020A has not, and the same with the Nexus S 4G (D720 i believe). It sometimes doesnt show up though. Either try a manual command which i can't remember in the dialpad or just update manually (manually is best ).
I'm trying to find the best 2.3.6 Custom ROM from here but none of these are 2.3.6 based! All of them are 2.3.4 or older. I'm hesitant upgrading to ICS for three reasons:
1) Hasn't been released OTA officially
2) Worried of app compatibility
3) Worried of shorter battery life
For these reasons, I'm looking for a 2.3.6 based custom ROM otherwise I'd be happy to look at ICS custom ROMs.
None of the ICS ROMs seem to have any distinctive features about them, especially after watching the video reviews. It's all pretty much "it's a great ROM that doesn't lag when browsing the web and it's fast". Nothing really distinguishes one from another.
Sorry for the mildly long post, but I'd rather ask as many questions as I can at a time rather than making a couple of threads for each. Hope I can get some help =)
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lots of words, i'm getting a little confused up there. Anyway, if you are rooted (and i assume your bootloader is unlocked), there is nothing to worry about as long as you backup. I personally love ICS and have no issue with it, as do many others. A minority of people however tend to have some problems, whether its battery or force closes. My experience so far has been that a proper wipe fixes most of these anyway.
ICS is still new. Once Cyanogenmod 9 is officially released i'm sure we'll see much more variety than the same look and feel, as alot is based off their code. And also, practically no phones have ICS yet. I've not found app compatibility a problem though, i think the main gripe is viber (which should work soon).
I hope this can help you, just let us know if there is anything else you're after. Also, there is a TON of information around the site (and Nexus S forums in particular). A good amount of reading and going through a couple of pages of some of these threads can go a long way. That is why you came here after all, isn't it?
I got the OTA for ICS back around 20th Dec 2011, but I chose not to update it because I was going to be away from a computer for a few days and had no backup phone. When I wanted to update it a few days later, the update had disappeared from my phone so I looked it up online. Apparently the OTA disappeared for Nexus S's due to some bugs or incompatibility issues. I've never seen the update come up on my phone since. Even when I go to Settings->About phone->System update, it says "your system is up to date". So I've always been under the impression that ICS for Nexus S (at least for my variant, i9023) has never been re-released to us OTA.
Harbb, thanks for your answers. The only one I'm not so sure about is the underclocking one. It seems a little beyond me in terms of technicality. I am definitely interested in doing it though. Would you be able to tell me if adjusting clock speed requires an app?
I am rooted and bootloader is unlocked (I thought you could only root if bootloader was unlocked?).
So does that mean all these custom ROMs around at the moment are mostly based around Cyanogenmod, which is why they're very similar? As I was saying, I was looking at getting a custom ROM installed and noticed most of them are ICS custom ROMs, and the video reviews all say "this ROM is fast and does not lag when web browsing. It's a great ROM and it's fast and smooth."
The custom ROMs just don't seem to be "promoted" too well because I can't see what makes one better than the other, or what features of one custom ROM are intended to be the standout ones.
I notice you (Harbb) are using Stock ICS 4.0.3 (according to your sig) - so you are not using a custom ROM? Am I able to install a custom ICS ROM without first installing ICS? I am still running 2.3.6 at this point.
Viber does not work at the moment? That's not too bad. I can live with that.
I've done quite a bit of reading so far. It has certainly helped, but still a long way to go, but thanks for giving me a great start!
I will start backing up my apps using TB and CWM (Nandroid)!
xdaillum said:
I will start backing up my apps using TB and CWM (Nandroid)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best line i've read in days
I have tried several custom ROMs once they started surfacing but i didn't feel like they gave me anything special enough to switch to right now and Stock is setup and running very nicely. Stock ICS colours are fine and other apps now can provide Notifications Widgets. I havn't noticed any particular differences in speed either.
Brainmasters ICS tweaks, custom kernel and Flavours of ICS runs beautifully. The OTA varies with where it shows up. To force a check, type this in dialer: *#*#checkin#*#* [AKA, *#*#2432546#*#* ]
If you are rooted it won't work anyway. Just update manually. There is no need to currently on ICS to flash custom ICS ROMs. I would advise that when going from GB to ICS though (and often between some custom ROMs) that you go into CWM and do a factory/data wipe and format /system. After backing up of course.
At the moment most are not based on CM9, however several do use bits and pieces of code (ie. notification power widgets) from it. Not sure why most ROM descriptions are the same
First thing i'd consider is getting a custom kernel, and then the NSTools app (market). Lots of stuff to mess around with and full control of the CPU (governors, IO, overclocking, undervolting, etc).
Harbb said:
Best line i've read in days
I have tried several custom ROMs once they started surfacing but i didn't feel like they gave me anything special enough to switch to right now and Stock is setup and running very nicely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree with u. for 4.0.3, stock is my favorite, sad to say that.
for 4.0.4, while stock for NS not available, IMM26 ROM ported from NS4G seems good, if you like the stock rom feel.
Hmm I bricked my phone.
I've done the Nandroid and Titanium Backup and have it sitting on my computer ready once I recover this damn thing. Following the backups, I attempted to manually update to ICS with the zip file on this page: http://www.androidcentral.com/how-manually-update-your-gsm-nexus-s-ice-cream-sandwich
Now I'm following these two threads to try and recover the phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1397393
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1396056
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20382688&postcount=16
Hopefully I will get this back up and working. I'm still confused as to why it got bricked though. Updated via clockworkmod "update from sdcard" and then rebooted system. After that, it just bricked. Can't get any lights to come up on the device whatsoever. Plugging it in to computer, wall charger, pressing all the buttons, taking the battery out and putting it back in.
Odd. Best of luck getting it working, i'm sure the resurrector will work for you so don't stress too much. That's the right file so i'll probably just put the issue on a bad flash or bad download (wise to hash check before flashing). At this point i'd say it's wise when you get it working again, just flash the Full OTA file, and do a wipe of /data, /cache, /system and /boot beforehand.
Sad to hear about your troubles buddy.
So it looks like everything worked out for me. I managed to restore my phone with the help of the threads above. I have to admit though, the guides given on this forum aren't too "complete" - there's always a step or two missing from the guide that the reader has to figure out themselves. And not all the files are provided in the topics either! I'm also kind of concerned why it seems so many people ended up bricking their phone like that. Quite concerning.
In the end, I managed to reflash the stock ICS ROM for i9023 Nexus S which I found in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1445635
So I scrapped the one that I downloaded initially from Android Central. The difference in size was surprisingly roughly 30MB (160MB instead of the 130MB Android Central one).
I'm just using stock ICS, but rooted. Downloaded a few apps which require root, but haven't tried adding any mods or kernels. I might look into that later. But it seems like with 4.0.4 coming out, there might be some interesting new additions!
Thanks for all your help!!
Did you flash this ics from stock recovery?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Congratulations on resurrecting it! Are you guys saying that there is a risk of bricking a phone, while installing official update? I did a manual update, 3 weeks ago, unrooted, and ICS has been nothing but amazing for me.
I have a question. In case, I ever brick my I9023 (hope not).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20382688&postcount=16
This post states that I must be running Ubuntu on my PC. Does that mean I can't use Windows? And if I must use Linux, can I just do it with Wubi, or with Online Server?
This is going to be a long post, but please bare with me. The reason for this post is too hopefully reduce the number of "Help me choose a rom" threads, as they seem to get posted quite frequently, and ask basically the same questions. So in this thread ill be going through some of the basics, as well as some highlights of each type of rom
Introduction
I wrote this thread in an effort to make things easier for "noobies" or "new users" whichever you'd like to call them, so that they can have a better understanding of what the various types of Rom's are out for the Galaxy SIII or may be out in the future. Here's a very common question, what is a rom? A rom on our android phones is like the operating system on your computer, it controls the user interface, what you see and what you can do. Thankfully we have developers who have taken the stock rom's and changed them up and made them 'better' so that we the users can unlock the full potential of our phones. In this thread i will do my best to give you a brief outline of what you can expect with the different types of roms, and what bugs you may encounter. What i will not do is make any claims as to what the 'best' rom is, or tell you what you should be running. I am simply going to give you the information that you need to better help understand what can be included with each rom type
***Disclaimer: Anything you do after reading this thread is on you, what you decide to flash or not to flash is on you. I am not to be held responsible for anything that you do to your phone. This is simply information to help guide you and teach you a few things about roms.***
What you won't find in this guide, but should familiarize yourself with:
These guides don't have to be read, but i highly recommend you at least glance over them to familiarize yourself with a few things, before flashing your first rom. They all contain important information that you should know
*Any instructions on rooting your phone or how to install a rom, those can be found here
*Any rom download list, that can be found here
*A way to get Google wallet to successfully work on your Verizon SIII, that can be found here
Important ------>*A guide to backup your IMEI, that is here<------ Important
Important ------>*An IMEI repair guide/tool, that can be found here<------ Important
*A way to unbrick your softbricked phone, that's can be found here
CHAPTER 1: Touchwiz Roms
***Based on samsung's touchwiz.
Section 1: Stock Rooted Roms
These roms are exactly how its said stock and rooted they are the OTA's that verizon puts out, the only difference is that they've been pre rooted for the rooted users who want to be rooted but just want that basic stock experience. They may come in two flavors: Odex and Deodex, the difference between the two is the way that applications (apk files) are packaged. Odex is the stock way, and Deodex is repackaged, if you're looking to make minor modifications or do a little themeing then you want Deodex because 99% of theme's are built for Deodexed ROMS. There isn't much to be said for stock rooted roms, you're going to get that stock experience that comes with the phone but with root capabilities (titanium backup, wifi tether, overclocking, etc)
-Is this for me? If you want that exact samsung touchwiz stock feel with nothing added in then yes this is for you.
Section 1A: Debloated Stock Rooted Roms
These roms are going to be "debloated" meaning most if not all the fat is taken out of them. In the SIII's case you're going to lose most of the samsung apps and verizon apps. With this you may also lose some of those touchwiz features (smart alert, direct call, etc) or verizon features (NFL mobile, my verizon, etc). The benefit? You're still going to be mostly stock, and you may notice a speed increase due to there being less fat in the rom. There are various levels of debloating as well, some are more extreme and have had everything removed except for the essentials, and some will only remove a few things. Its best to read the original post with each rom to have an idea of what has been removed.
-Is this for me? If you want the barebones experience without using AOSP the yes this is for you.
Section 2: Modified "Stock" Roms
These roms, are going to be the touchwiz rom's made for verizon phones, the base (what the rom is built on) will either come from OTA updates or from leaks. These roms are modified in someway, some more than others. The modifications can include a wide variety of things from the basic speed tweaks, enhancements, and themes to including custom kernels, removing the wifi notifications, extra toggles in the notification bar, 4 in 1 reboot menu, and many other things. They are in a sense stock, but at the same time not. Think of it as a developer taking something 'good' and making it 'great' they've added in the stuff that should have already been there from the start. They will generally be deodexed already, may or may not have been debloated to a point, and generally will have a lot of 'under the hood' enhancements.
-Is this for me? For most people this is for you. You'll have a lot of the touchwiz features that you've come to love such as the camera, smart alert, direct call, and other features, while also getting a much faster and generally better experience. You'll be able to flash themes easily (make sure to double check that the theme is compatible with your rom) root app's will work and you'll be happy.
Section 3: Leaked Roms
These roms, are built off of leaked builds/bases. They may be ICS, Jellybean, etc. These rom's generally may have bugs to begin with depending on the leak itself. Some leaks are a little more stable than others, generally the only time leaked builds have major bugs is when its a leak of the next android version (a leaked JB Touchwiz build for verizon) otherwise they'll generally be almost bug free. There isn't much to say about any leaks of the current version (SIII shipped with ICS Touchwiz) because those will generally just get merged into the custom builds and such. Leaks for future versions generally have bugs, some big, some small, but usually get worked out quickly depending on the bug.
Is this for me? If you're looking to get that future android feel before its official then yes its for you. But you have to be willing to accept that everything may or may not work, and may or may not get fixed before an official release happens. You'll have the latest and greatest though and be able to brag to you're friends about having it before they do.
Section 4: Ported Roms
These roms are ports, meaning they could come from a different carrier (Example: AT&T JB touchwiz on verizon), different manufacturer (Example: Sense 4.0 on SIII), etc. These rom's will almost certainly have bugs to begin with. They are in a way like leaked roms because they aren't "official" for the SIII, but also vastly different because they may not even be mean't for the SIII. These rom's generally require a lot of work to even get booted up because its based off something that's not even mean't for the verizon SIII and a lot of work goes into them. Bugs could range from little things like screen flickering to GPS being completely borked, to your phone not even booting up. After they've had some work hammered into them and testing done, they can be really functional as a daily driver.
Is this for me? If you're looking to have something different or the latest and greatest then yes its for you. But like i said with leaked rom's you have to be willing to accept that you may encounter a vast variety of bugs that may or may not get fixed quickly or at all depending on the bug.
CHAPTER 2: AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Roms
What you won't find in AOSP: Any touchwiz features, yes this includes the camera as well. This is because touchwiz features and apps require the touchwiz framework which is not in AOSP and probably never will be. You also will find that verizon apps tend to be hit or miss as well, most of the time they won't work either, yes this includes NFL mobile and My Verizon.
Known issues when going from ICS touchwiz to AOSP JB:
*GPS may not work correctly, the fix? Before flashing to AOSP JB make sure you have a full gps lock (i personally download gps status from the market and wait until almost all satellites are locked) then from in the app boot into recovery and do your usual wiping/flashing.
*NFC may not work correctly, the fix? Ensure NFC is turned on before flashing to AOSP JB (i personally don't use NFC so i can't comment on whether that works or not, but i've heard it does)
***Based on pure android, you won't have any kind of carrier/manufacturer features added in. If you've ever had a Nexus device then you'll know what this is.
***Themeing is also super simple, with AOSP you get the Theme chooser, which makes changing themes as simple as a few clicks, just download a theme chooser theme off the market and then go into theme chooser and apply it. It really is that simple, if you want to change back just apply the "system" theme, and bam you're back to normal
Section 1: CyanogenMod (CM)
The one's who started it out, they've been around for what feels like forever. This rom will be built straight from the latest source, and it'll be fast from the get go. You'll immediately notice that you've got a lot more RAM free off the bat and this is because there is absolutely no bloat in it at all. You'll have the pure google android experience, it'll be a love or hate thing. For CyanogenMod they generally have nightly builds for those who love to flash, and it'll have added in whatever they added/fixed for that day. These builds may be stable or may not be stable, today's nightly might suck while yesterday's was great. For these if you know what features the latest android version has most likely they'll be in CM, so if you stay up to date then you'll be good to go. Some features are added in though such as notification widgets/toggles, speed tweaks, various other shortcuts. They will generally keep it mostly stock android but also give you some treats that make it better. Bugs are hit or miss, especially for the SIII because pure AOSP android was not built for it originally so some things may be a little iffy (GPS, data, nfc, mms, call volume, etc) it doesn't mean they are all broken, but it's possible they are hit or miss at times, and you're miles may vary. For one person GPS might be fine and the other it could be broken.
Is this for me? If you're looking for that pure android experience without any manufacturer crap in it then yes its for you. Just know that you may encounter bugs that don't get worked out right away, some of them take time.
Section 1A: Unofficial CM Builds
These builds are based off of CM but they are unofficial because a developer wants to make nightly changes, and add in there own modifications, themes, fixes, enhancements, etc. They come with the same risk as official CM builds, but any bugs found in them should not be reported to the official CM bug tracker because then these are unofficial builds. There isn't anything wrong with them being unofficial, its just a developer wanting to add there own twist to the CM builds.
Is this for me? If you're looking for that pure android experience without any manufacturer crap in it then yes its for you. Just know that you may encounter bugs that don't get worked out right away, some of them take time. Please read the OP's thread to understand what changes they have added in.
Section 2: Android Open Kang Project (AOKP)
Almost just like CM but with a little more added in. Its based off the android source code and again won't have any manufacturer crap added in. With AOKP you'll get added in modifications that may not be found in CM, as well as other kinds of toggles, status bar mods, notification mods, etc. I can't say everything because its still based of android source and comes with the same risk as CM which is certain bugs or things not working (GPS, data, nfc, mms, call volume, etc) They know there stuff though and have "Builds" released from anywhere from day to day or weeks apart these builds are more major releases with various fixes, modifications, etc.
Is this for me? If you're looking for that pure android experience without any manufacturer crap in it, and more modifications than CM then yes its for you. Just know that you may encounter bugs that don't get worked out right away, some of them take time.
Section 2A: Unofficial AOKP Builds
These builds are based of off AOKP but they are unofficial because a developer wants to make there own changes, and add in there own modifications, themes, fixes, enhancements, etc. They come with the same risk as official AOKP builds, but any bugs found in them should not be reported to the official AOKP bug tracker because then these are unofficial builds. There isn't anything wrong with them being unofficial, its just a developer wanting to add there own twist to the AOKP builds.
Is this for me? If you're looking for that pure android experience without any manufacturer crap in it, and more modifications than CM then yes its for you. Just know that you may encounter bugs that don't get worked out right away, some of them take time. Make sure to read the OP to understand what has been changed in the build though.
Section 3: Paranoid Android
This rom is a phone/tablet hybrid rom. Its based off of pure android source just like CM, but has made vast changes to it. You'll be able to modify how each specific app shows up on the screen (want tablet mode only for youtube then you got it, want facebook to look bigger or smaller then you got it) and you'll get a wide variety of modifications as well. If you've ever watched a video of a tablet then you'll have an idea of what can happen. It truly is a phone and tablet hybrid, bringing the best of both worlds to your phone. It'll feel like pure android source and will have those features that come with that android version just with the tabletness added in. It comes with same possibility of bugs as other AOSP roms (GPS, data, nfc, mms, call volume, etc) these bugs are not guaranteed and may or may not occur. User A might have data issues but user B may not, your miles may vary with AOSP. Its a bit harder to explain everything for this rom, but i'm doing my best.
Is this for me? If your looking for pure android goodness but with a major overhaul of added in phone/tablet mode hybrid then yes its for you. Just be willing to accept that you may encounter bugs along the way.
Section 4: Other AOSP Roms
The reason i have this section is because its impossible to describe every kind of AOSP roms, especially when more can be added and such. But other AOSP rom's will come with the same pure android source as well, and will have those features. A lot of them merge in code from other various developers (with permission of course) but also add in there own toolkits, setting menus, etc. They are all great roms, but its hard to give every single one a section because its there all based off the same source and have some of the same kind of modifications added in. They all come with the same risk as other AOSP roms in terms of bugs (GPS, data, nfc, mms, call volume, etc) For these rom's you'll have to pick and choose, if you love a certain developer that makes AOSP roms, or have used a developers AOSP rom on a different phone then you'll know what to expect from that rom/developer. Again there is nothing wrong with these rom's its just hard to give all them all there own section when most of the information is going to be the same and repetitive.
Is this for me? If you're looking for that pure android experience without any manufacturer crap in it then yes its for you. If you follow a specific developer then yes its for you. Its going to have more modifications then regular CM or AOSP roms. You really have to test them out for yourself, just read the thread and see what they've changed/modified/added in. Just know that you may encounter bugs that don't get worked out right away, some of them take time.
Section 5: MIUI Rom
Miui is AOSP based but it won't look like it is. This is because with MIUI you get an entire different user interface experience. It's got its own custom toggles in the notification pulldown, its own theme engine (theme's have to be designed specifically for miui), its own camera app, and many other apps that are designed specifically for it. The main miui team puts out a rom in chinese once a week every friday, and it then gets ported to various devices including the SIII. The downside to miui is some things take a lot longer to get worked out in terms of bugs, this is because its ported to our phone but also because its a completely different interface with many applications that have to be worked on before they'll work flawlessly. Its got the same possibility of bugs as other AOSP roms. I've personally used it before on another device and ill tell you its definitely one of a kind, and fun to play with.
Is this for me? If you're looking for something completely and totally different then yes this is for you. Just know that because the larger builds are released once a week it may take time for some bugs to get worked out, but again you'll have something that's completely different from any of your friends as long as you can accept a few bugs here and there.
Section 6: Various Issues and Solutions
NFC Issues: Grayed out, won't turn on, etc. This is NOT a problem with rom itself, to solve this issue you will need to go back to a touchwiz rom and turn NFC on. Then boot into recovery and flash your respective rom choice If that still does not work flash this zip here in recovery after flashing your respective rom.
GPS Issues: Again not Rom related entirely, its more or less AOSP related. This problem again can be avoided by ensuring a full gps lock and leaving gps turned on prior to flashing. If you still have issues after that download GPS status from the market and use that to help with the gps lock. You can also flash this zip file here to help solve the issue
CHAPTER 3: Kernels/Battery life/Radios/Jelly Bean 4.2 Storage System
Section 1: Kernels
Okay kernels are one of the biggest advantages to rooting. They can be used to increase performance vastly, increase your battery life, make your phone faster, increase ram, etc. You can modify the clock speeds using apps to overclock or underclock the cpu, you can increase or decrease the voltage, etc. They are also what makes your phone boot up (flash a kernel mean't for touchwiz on AOSP and its not going to boot up) Kernels are built on two main bases for the SIII: Android Version (ICS, JB, etc) and Touchwiz/AOSP. This means that these kernels are used for specific rom bases and android versions. You have to make sure you read what the specific kernel is built for so you don't flash the wrong one and mess up your phone. Kernels are always your miles may vary, a kernel that works great for me and doubles my battery life, might make yours worse. You really can't guarantee any of that until you flash it on and modify the settings to your liking. Always make a backup before flashing a kernel so just incase your phone doesn't bootup you can easily restore the backup.
Section 2: Battery Life
This is another question i see asked all the time "What's the battery life like?" Battery life is based on a few things:
1. ROM Choice - Some roms might have better battery life than others. Your miles again will vary. You'll never get the same experience as another user.
2. Kernel choice and settings - some kernels work better than others in terms of battery life, what works for you may not work for me. But you can modify your cpu speed settings to help with this. Settings screen off profiles can help as well. I personally decrease the cpu to 384mhz while the screen is off, and it helps me, will it help you? I have no idea.
3. Personal Use - Self explanatory, if you're constantly using your phone, browsing the web, sending emails, playing music, gps, this and that then the battery might drain faster than somebody who doesn't use there phone as much. If you manage to get 3-4+ hours of screen on time then your battery life is fine. How quickly you reach that is based on your use. This also includes whether your still on the stock battery or not, if you've got an extended battery in your phone then your battery life may very well be a lot longer than somebody with the stock battery. You have full control over your personal use.
4. Coverage and Signal - If you're constantly in areas with terrible signal then your battery life will suffer. My suggestion? If you're near wifi turn it on, that way your signal won't matter as much because all your syncing and such will be done through wifi. There isn't much a rom or kernel developer can do about this, its just based on where you live.
5. Wakelocks and syncing - Make sure to download betterbatterystats, why? Because if your battery life sucks then your phone may not be going into deep sleep and this app can help tell you why. Wakelocks are anytime that your phone is awaken from deep sleep, the more wakelocks you have the less deep sleep you get which equals less battery life. Some of these wakelocks can be controlled because many are caused by syncing. If you have apps syncing every 10 minutes, don't expect super great battery life because your phone is constantly being awaken. Control your syncing, if you don't check twitter every 10 minutes then don't have it sync every 10 minutes. A lot of those apps will automatically sync upon being started.
6. Perception - I put this here because its true. Everybody expects something different with there battery life, so they perceive it that way. Some users want over 24 hours whereas some don't. For me personally i consider great battery life to be being able to leave for work at 6:45am, then go to class, then go to the gym, then do whatever else and come home. If i can make it from 6:45am to 8 or 9pm without being forced to charge then i consider that great battery life. Why do you say its great when its only 14 hours without charging? Because i charge my phone every night before going to bed, it may not even be less than 50% less but i still charge it so that's good enough for me since i made it through my day. Everybody has different expectations so don't always assume battery life sucks when somebody says it does because its based on there own perception of what's "great" and what's "bad"
Battery life is and always will be your miles may vary because there are just too many factors to consider. Some people who say "The battery life on this rom sucks" just have a runaway app killing there battery life and don't even realize it. The only true way to gauge battery is based on what you consider to be great battery life.
Section 3: Radios
Another question asked "What's the best radio?" Radios are always your miles may vary, its all based on your signal/coverage area. But there's also a big placebo effect that comes with radios, the second you flash a new radio, you expect the signal to be better so you see it that way. It might actually be better or it could be worse or exactly the same. Some users will get increased speed on one radio and somebody else might get decreased speed, but you can't base your radio stats right after flashing it because you need to test it in real world scenarios, not just sitting around looking at the dbm. I didn't originally plan on having this section but its necessary because in the future you may or may not need a specific radio for a specific rom to work. As of right now (10/22/2012) the radio you choose to use will work on any rom (make sure its a verizon radio) in the future though you may have to use specific radios for specific roms depending on the versions of android that come out, and when that happens you'll have to make sure you're using the right radio otherwise you may not get any kind of signal at all. Remember that radios are mostly user experience based, and what works for you might not work as well for somebody else.
Section 4: Jelly Bean 4.2 Storage System
Alright i'm going to do my best to explain this in the simplest way possible. With the introduction of 4.2 Jelly Bean, the storage/file system changed as well. What i mean by this is at least on AOSP roms when you flash a 4.2 Rom you'll get a "0" (zero) folder with everything from your internal SD card in it. The reason for this is because with the multi user support its the new way Android sorts stuff. Now many of you are probably wondering "Ummm... this is confusing" or "is this bad?" it is confusing at first but honestly its not that bad. The /storage/sdcard0 now points to /storage/emulater/legacy folder which is then emulated by the 0 folder. Easy version: Even if you put stuff in /storage/sdcard0 it'll automatically show up in those other folders anyways. It may look like you've got stuff duplicated, but its really not. Whatever file is on the sdcard0 (Internal card) is only there once.
The good news, if you update your recoveries to the latest versions, then you won't have to worry about any 0 folder nonsense anyways. You'll still have a legacy folder, but that's not a big deal. Just don't mess with it and your phone will be fine.
***If anybody has a better explanation for that, PLEASE let me know and i'll update/add it in ***
I really hope that this thread can help reduce the number of questions asked about which rom to use and such. I put a lot of time into typing all of this out to help you guys, so hopefully it'll do just that and help
Also i spent a lot of time writing this up, so please do not copy and paste it on another forum and claim it as your own work. I realize its just a guide and relatively public information, but still i'd rather it not get copied and pasted onto other forums/threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
***MODS: feel free to move this if its in the wrong place or something***
Mine
****Change Log****
3/14/2013
Chapter 3:Section 4: Jelly Bean 4.2 Storage Added
12/2/2012
Made backing up your IMEI "Important" to read
Added an AOSP common problem and solution section
10/25/2012
Added another IMEI backup guide to the top.
Added encouraging words for reading other guides.
10/24/2012
Added in links for other useful guides at the top
Added in known issues when going from ICS Touchwiz to AOSP JB
10/23/2012:
Added in Miui (Section 5 under AOSP Roms)
Added in Introduction and Disclaimer (very top)
Began fixing grammar errors
Super! Thx for this contribution
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Super write up. Thank you very much.
Great info. Thanks. - noob
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
How do people have time to write this ****? Lol!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Awesome write up for the noobs bro.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
I was just thinking we really needed a single source to track the progress of each ROM category. This makes a great framework for tracking that information. Thanks for putting this together.
My suggestion would be to add a few bullets below each ROM category that note the most prominent long-term bugs. I think that could significantly reduce the same question being asked over and over within each topic.
Example: all of the AOSP 4.1.x ROMs currently suffer from low video recording volume, poor voice command recognition, and limited in-call volume range (as of this post). Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work!
DroidHam said:
How do people have time to write this ****? Lol!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really have no idea, i was just sitting and thinking "man i answer the same questions almost everyday, if only there was a single thread for the answer" and well... now its here
apet8464 said:
I was just thinking we really needed a single source to track the progress of each ROM category. This makes a great framework for tracking that information. Thanks for putting this together.
My suggestion would be to add a few bullets below each ROM category that note the most prominent long-term bugs. I think that could significantly reduce the same question being asked over and over. Example: all of the AOSP 4.1.x ROMs currently suffer from low video recording volume, poor voice command recognition, and limited in-call volume range (as of this post).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion I actually considered that and may add it in within the next few days, we'll see what happens.
Neverendingxsin said:
I really have no idea, i was just sitting and thinking "man i answer the same questions almost everyday, if only there was a single thread for the answer" and well... now its here
Thanks for the suggestion I actually considered that and may add it in within the next few days, we'll see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After thinking about this concept more, a community-maintained wiki might actually be a better medium for efforts like this. Ensuring accuracy, keeping everything up to date - and remaining relevant as a result - always seems to be the greatest challenge.
This thread was well over due. Thanks for taking the time to write it up.
Sent from my Galaxy SIII
Very helpful. I think you may have repeated yourself somewhere in there
Shh! maybe I'm just paranoid, but I think people are listening....
Well thanks man!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Thank you!
Super!!! Thank you! :good: :good: :good: :highfive:
Sticky!
FrostyOrDie said:
Very helpful. I think you may have repeated yourself somewhere in there
Shh! maybe I'm just paranoid, but I think people are listening....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure i did lol
Samsung.Galaxy.S3 said:
Super!!! Thank you! :good: :good: :good: :highfive:
Sticky!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
apet8464 said:
After thinking about this concept more, a community-maintained wiki might actually be a better medium for efforts like this. Ensuring accuracy, keeping everything up to date - and remaining relevant as a result - always seems to be the greatest challenge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mhmmm. Thats why i tried to keep this as "basic" as possible and just going over the general stuff. I'm able to keep up with a lot but only to a certain extent.
Neverendingxsin said:
mhmmm. Thats why i tried to keep this as "basic" as possible and just going over the general stuff. I'm able to keep up with a lot but only to a certain extent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. Fortunately, the ROM categories themselves are fairly constant, so this thread should be pretty low maintenance. Hopefully it will get stickied or merged with a stickied thread so it remains visible to noobs.
apet8464 said:
True. Fortunately, the ROM categories themselves are fairly constant, so this thread should be pretty low maintenance. Hopefully it will get stickied or merged with a stickied thread so it remains visible to noobs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thankfully they are I've just got a few more things to add and a little cleaning to do with this thread.
great writeup...this needs merged with the download list thread.
I'm sure there are a few threads like this, and obviously each person is going to have their own view of their preferred ROM. With that said...
I'm trying to choose between two ROMS:
CleanROM 5.0
-or-
LIQUIDSMOOTH RC 9
I'm aware of the core differences (AOSP vs modded), and I think I'm ultimately leaning towards the AOSP ROM, purely based off keeping it as close to the original source code as possible. What is really going to be the deciding factor, and please post your experience and advice if you've used both ROMs, are the following questions:
1) Method of flashing - Same method for both ROMs?
2) Do both ROMs have working GPS functionality?
3) What are the major benefits and/or drawbacks of those ROMs individually?
4) Any showstopper or critical bugs in either ROM?
5) Recommended radio for the associated ROM?
This is a work phone (no, there isn't an issue with me doing this -- I work for an open source software company) so I am very hesitant to do something that could effect my day-to-day without a degree of certainty. I appreciate any assistance with this, including the "gtfo, use search, or tl;dr responses". Mucho gracias!
I think the best radio to use is the one that worked best in your area so far, it seems to be different for everybody. I had best results with k1. I personally like the TW ROMs just for the certain features that came stock with the phone that you don't get with aosp. That being said liquid has always had excellent ROMs and any little problems that there may be. There is always some sort of work around just have to some searching.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Those were the two ROMs I got down to in my selection process as well. I was going to try both but starting with CleanROM. I've like CR so much I haven't switched. I have had no issues with 5.0 at all. I switched to the newest modem/rpm when I flashed CR and have had no issues with it. Having said that, there are people on the CR thread who have been having some issues, many caused by other mods they have added. You might want to check out the thread to see if there have been any reports of issues that would specifically affect you. It is a VERY long thread so use search rather than trying to read all the posts. Scott is very much involved in the thread, answers questions readily, and is extremely good at fixing anything that is a ROM issue.
Well, I'm sure this topic has be chewed thousands of times and then chewed again a thousand times more...
So I apologize for that in advance.
But I'm looking for a ROM for my OPO that I will settle with. And the Kernel which works best with it.
I was originally on CM11s (stock) and then tried a lot of different ones during the last few months. I'm currently running MAHDI ROM because it gave me a lot of features which have been interesting enough at the beginning but which I realistically don't need anymore. At least not most of them. And the main reason I don't wanna stay with MAHDI is the amount of crashes I'm having lately with almost any app I'm using including 'Contacts' which crashes often when I just answer the phone call. The phone restarts on it's own, volume bars are all messed up etc. So to sum up, I want to change.
Oxygen OS is not the one I'd like due to the lack of features. I don't need much features that MAHDI offers but I still need some which Oxygen OS does not provide. At all.
I'm planning to change to CM12 (official) and stay there. However, I've heard plenty of bad reviews regarding stability issues, battery extensive drain and some others. How legit are all those reviews? Is it all facts or it's selective like most of the issues users report? Mentioning CM12, I've heard that certain Kernels fix most of the issues, especially the stability ones and the battery drain issue. Please note that battery is quite important to me. I was quite happy with CM11s, not so much with MAHDI but then again, it's not awful. Which kernel works best with CM12 regarding stability and battery life?
Or there are better ROMs than CM12 regarding stability and battery life while not lacking in features?
Again, I know there have been plenty of topics and posts about it but I'd like some help here as I can't dig through thousands of topics and millions of posts to find the proper answer I'm looking for.
Thanks in advance.
There's a ROM review thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-one/general/best-favorite-rom-kernel-roll-thread-t2886021
My personal favourite is Exodus though. The only reason I'm not on it right now is because it isn't at 5.1 yet (although they say the update is coming in the next days). You don't need a custom kernel with Exodus, the stock kernel performs really well. It's packed full of great features, it's original development too which means it isn't just cherry-picked features. Plus there's a new feature being implemented called Morph that they say is going to be incredible.
XDA Moderator
Transmitted via Bacon
Alright, thanks.
Then I'll wait for the 5.1 version of Exodus and try it out. Which is the best place/topic to follow in order to get notified when it comes out?
Fidel Castro said:
Alright, thanks.
Then I'll wait for the 5.1 version of Exodus and try it out. Which is the best place/topic to follow in order to get notified when it comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to use the search function...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-one/orig-development/official-vaniraosp-t2890749
If I get the 5.0.2 version now... could I just update to the 5.1 version or I'll have to flash it again once it comes out?
Fidel Castro said:
If I get the 5.0.2 version now... could I just update to the 5.1 version or I'll have to flash it again once it comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll probably have to clean flash it.
XDA Moderator
Transmitted via Bacon
Alright, thanks.
I guess I'll wait for the 5.1 version then.
Edit now that the first part is out of the way, Please scroll down to the bottom for another question, Just trying to keep everything orgainized if possible. Hope This doesn't go in q & a.
Hey fellows, I just bought a s5 and can return it within two days for a full refund. Cost me 140 plus tax, used in great condition no scratches at all on the screen, and got a nice case with it. Was going to order an LG G3 since I'd been doing a bunch of research on it, but came around this and figured I'd give it a whirl. I did a little research on xda while in the store before buying it.
Now that I've been home and reading and reading and reading, I've got it rooted using the lollipop root thread which requires you to use odin. No biggie there but the LP safestrap wouldn't install. And after root I can't install apps from the play store anymore. Error 494 or something like that sorry I'm not more specific.
Right now it has the latest and greatest OTA B1B? I can't remember all four off hand. Some thread I've read have suggested that it is possible to install safestrap and then install rom's but I'm unclear if I have to downgrade though odin flash a different kernel or what. I'm kinda afraid to do too much too it without making a backup because I'd need to get it back to stock before I return it if I do.
I guess my questions are, will I be able to install alliance rom? I don't believe so since it's on a different base. Will I be able to do anything to it other than root? It's not a bad device by all means, but If development is dying, and it's locked down so tight I couldn't squeeze a hair in there, I see no reason to keep it. Again, i've been cramming all evening on all threads, and some say it's possible to get safestrap for lp on there with root, to install TW roms. I know I'll never be able to get AOSP stuff on there regardless.
I could probably get by with just root and debloating. But The alliance rom has some nice themeing options that I'd like.
If you guys were me and please be honest, would you keep it and try to get it to work, or just return it for a refund? I had an s3 but never took any OTA's so I could install roms until my eyes turned blue even though development was slowing on it when mine broke down..
Also do you guys have any idea why the play store isn't working anymore? I'm tempted to factory reset now probably losing root in the process, just to try to get my play store working again.
Any and all thoughts will be appreciated. Again I've studied almost all the faq type all in one general help threads and I've never dealt with safe strap before but at this point I can't even install that. The apk installs but clicking install with root access does nothing.
thanks for any input provided.
griz
Well Looks like I've got safestrap installed with the bok3 kernel although the device came with the BPB1 kernel / firmware. So does this mean that I can only install roms now that are lollipop with bok3 as their kernel? And would you still return the device to order a G3 which has better specs and more ongoing development?
Depends. Download "eMMC Brickbug Check" from the play store and post a screenshot of it.
Honestly, having played a lot with various ROMS on this phones, I can say that my fav is the current stock MM. Fast, great performance and battery life, and hopefully, we will get root eventually. In the mean time, Iam not really missing it.
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the input the emmc check said the brick bug wasn't present. I've got to have root so mm is not an option. I need root for things like tibu and to set enforce =0 for selinux to use my old game pad which isn't 100% necessary but nice when I want to use it. This stock rom seems to drink battery life. Do you think I could install alliance or another debloaTed rom?
griz.droidx said:
Thanks for the input the emmc check said the brick bug wasn't present. I've got to have root so mm is not an option. I need root for things like tibu and to set enforce =0 for selinux to use my old game pad which isn't 100% necessary but nice when I want to use it. This stock rom seems to drink battery life. Do you think I could install alliance or another debloaTed rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B1B is not a build, so you should check that. All lollipop builds can be rooted, and in certain situations marshmallow can be downgraded. Especially if you can unlock the bootloader. You should really check the development thread before you just give up on the device.
Please I don't wish to start a war, just a informative Pro and Con.
Nandr0idC0nsumer thanks for the tip on that App, I ran it iniitally but didn't do the entire scan. I'm doing that as I type this. (It finished and read test passed 132s 14.7GB 114.5MB/s Under emmc chip it reads:
Type MAG2GC
Date 05/98
CID a very long string.
FwRev:00x0
Brick Bug NO. Same Chip
I was hoping this would test to see if I could make it a dev edition but I'll read more on that later.
Now, Even though this isn't the device I initially wanted, I found it in mint condition and with it and the case (Bulky but I weed eat, mow, and stuff, a Lunatik Tatik Extreme that I've read good reviews on every though it's bulky but it's red so I don't have to see the gold, and from what I've read protects well and looks Heavy Duty) and transfer of my Selectel service only paid around 160 after tax. I ended up with a gold colored model, with stock lollipop,
The baseband now says BOK3 but had something Newer BPB1 the first night I got it, I read and read and then read some more as I'm new to safestrap but not to Sammy having had an S3, nor to flashing as I've also owned a DX and DX2(bought used mainly for the sdcard at the time for 20 bucks and to use as a wifi remote)
My questions are as follows. One person above musiclover7 said he's perfectly satisfied with MM non-rooted, I assume an OTA maybe?
I rooted using the odin lollipop method, then installed Alliance Rom to start with as it seemed compatible, and I like the customization ability. I prefer AOSP for just this reason and this was why I was leary about getting this device, the locked bootloader. I've read a little about a lot of rom's available, Although Alliance is highly customizable in the looks dept, and I used the extreme Debloat scropt/zip when flashing all those options are a bit much and it can take time to get the look just right especially with the Black glass mod/zip which I remember from Alliance for the S3, on the old S3 I only ran TW occasionally, mailnly running SLIM, then Nameless, then AICP at the very end. because I'm a sucker for the T-mo theme engine. Aesthetics are very important to me.
One question is with the note roms's and S6/7 ported roms why do I need S-pen when I don't have a note? Why do I need the edge stuff built in when the device isn't an edge? What can that do? I know I have a lot more reading to do but I just want to get a general concensus on what people are running and why, if you are only on TW roms? I haven't seen any themes available in the theme section and I can't stand all the white in settings and such on a stock rom. Nor can I stand the Sammy/VZW bloat. I'm looking at Phoenix which is based on a phone rom with edge support? Am I missing something here? And with the note rom's why would I need the S-pen which I may not have to install if it's aroma based or just freeze/delete it after installation. I have xposed installed because I prefer the net stats app to any other net stat's app out there. I know Wanam is available and gravity for stock roms. I also recall using a module that let me use T-Mo themes on rom's, but I believe the roms I used that on was an AOSP based rom that didn't have T-MO or Layers Implemented yet, like slim around the KK/LP era if memory serves me and it may not.
SO What roms are you using and why? Again, I know people hate threads like this I have no intention of starting a war of roms. It'd be better if I did have the unlocked BL edition or could make it so but I've not got that far yet. Please do not hate on other peoples work. We're all in this together, and most work borrows from others work anyway. And what I've loved about Andy from the DX days is that one size doesn't fit all. We had Bur based roms, CM7 (with most all stock features added eventually), and WizardOO's awesome MIUI builds. And WIz's awesome preboot menu that let one choose a governor and overclock and such without the need for an app. That was an awesome tool back in the day. I'll never forget Wizard00's work on that nor the work done by the main CM7 dev, and those two did help one another figure things out like getting HDMI working.
Anyway, sorry for the rants, and so many questions, I know it'll be impossible to answer all, but I'll edit the Title and Tags to hopefully help other users in the future.
Thanks for reading my TLDR post. Those who know me know I tend to go into way too much detail, and sometimes not the details needed.
Thanks again, I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.
griz
griz.droidx said:
Nandr0idC0nsumer thanks for the tip on that App, I ran it iniitally but didn't do the entire scan. I'm doing that as I type this. (It finished and read test passed 132s 14.7GB 114.5MB/s Under emmc chip it reads:
Type MAG2GC
Date 05/98
CID a very long string.
FwRev:00x0
Brick Bug NO. Same Chip
I was hoping this would test to see if I could make it a dev edition but I'll read more on that later.
Now, Even though this isn't the device I initially wanted, I found it in mint condition and with it and the case (Bulky but I weed eat, mow, and stuff, a Lunatik Tatik Extreme that I've read good reviews on every though it's bulky but it's red so I don't have to see the gold, and from what I've read protects well and looks Heavy Duty) and transfer of my Selectel service only paid around 160 after tax. I ended up with a gold colored model, with stock lollipop,
The baseband now says BOK3 but had something Newer BPB1 the first night I got it, I read and read and then read some more as I'm new to safestrap but not to Sammy having had an S3, nor to flashing as I've also owned a DX and DX2(bought used mainly for the sdcard at the time for 20 bucks and to use as a wifi remote)
My questions are as follows. One person above musiclover7 said he's perfectly satisfied with MM non-rooted, I assume an OTA maybe?
I rooted using the odin lollipop method, then installed Alliance Rom to start with as it seemed compatible, and I like the customization ability. I prefer AOSP for just this reason and this was why I was leary about getting this device, the locked bootloader. I've read a little about a lot of rom's available, Although Alliance is highly customizable in the looks dept, and I used the extreme Debloat scropt/zip when flashing all those options are a bit much and it can take time to get the look just right especially with the Black glass mod/zip which I remember from Alliance for the S3, on the old S3 I only ran TW occasionally, mailnly running SLIM, then Nameless, then AICP at the very end. because I'm a sucker for the T-mo theme engine. Aesthetics are very important to me.
One question is with the note roms's and S6/7 ported roms why do I need S-pen when I don't have a note? Why do I need the edge stuff built in when the device isn't an edge? What can that do? I know I have a lot more reading to do but I just want to get a general concensus on what people are running and why, if you are only on TW roms? I haven't seen any themes available in the theme section and I can't stand all the white in settings and such on a stock rom. Nor can I stand the Sammy/VZW bloat. I'm looking at Phoenix which is based on a phone rom with edge support? Am I missing something here? And with the note rom's why would I need the S-pen which I may not have to install if it's aroma based or just freeze/delete it after installation. I have xposed installed because I prefer the net stats app to any other net stat's app out there. I know Wanam is available and gravity for stock roms. I also recall using a module that let me use T-Mo themes on rom's, but I believe the roms I used that on was an AOSP based rom that didn't have T-MO or Layers Implemented yet, like slim around the KK/LP era if memory serves me and it may not.
SO What roms are you using and why? Again, I know people hate threads like this I have no intention of starting a war of roms. It'd be better if I did have the unlocked BL edition or could make it so but I've not got that far yet. Please do not hate on other peoples work. We're all in this together, and most work borrows from others work anyway. And what I've loved about Andy from the DX days is that one size doesn't fit all. We had Bur based roms, CM7 (with most all stock features added eventually), and WizardOO's awesome MIUI builds. And WIz's awesome preboot menu that let one choose a governor and overclock and such without the need for an app. That was an awesome tool back in the day. I'll never forget Wizard00's work on that nor the work done by the main CM7 dev, and those two did help one another figure things out like getting HDMI working.
Anyway, sorry for the rants, and so many questions, I know it'll be impossible to answer all, but I'll edit the Title and Tags to hopefully help other users in the future.
Thanks for reading my TLDR post. Those who know me know I tend to go into way too much detail, and sometimes not the details needed.
Thanks again, I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.
griz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will read the whole thing tomarrow, but what's the first 2 numbers of your CID?
Nandr0idC0nsumer said:
Will read the whole thing tomarrow, but what's the first 2 numbers of your CID?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with Nandr0idC0nsumer. You didn't specify what the eMMC Brickbug check read. I'm showing the first 2 numbers needed but if you've read majority of these forums, you'd know what it means...lol
it'd mean I'd hit the jack pot but I figured that'd be mighty sliim.. LOL... But I'm going to give it another whirl. I haven't read everything, but most of the faq's and all-in-one threads. Then the root for lollipop thread along with safestrap, because I was completely new to safestrap, but I could have been wasting my time with safestrap, I certainly hope the hell that I am that would be so awesome, the best news for me since...... I can't remember when the last time I was so lucky.
I can't be this lucky.. Got some reading to do... I should've listened.........
I should have followed through with the posts from you guys but I honestly didn't think I'd be that luck.y... Didn't think I'd have that kind of karma... In the Morning Ladies and Gentlemen and dudes named ben. Thanks guys for hitting me in the mouth...
HOLY bat crap bat man.. Does this mean what I think it does.. I hope so.. I think I've got a new thread to read..
This is for users with 15' Sasmung eMMC's not users with 11 Toshiba eMMC's. You can check this by reading the file
/sys/block/mmcblk0/device/cid
Just the first 2 15xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or 11xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx(my number of x's are random, just read the first 2)
We still are unsure if changing the CID causes app store, verification, activation, provision, or other issues, everything you do is at your own risk!
REACTIVATION LOCK MUST BE TURNED OFF. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured that would be few and far between, I hope I can magically transform my phone into a dev model.... I'm assuming that'd be as good as having my old S3 without taking that bad OTA... OMG.. I'm hoping this is good news. I'm off to read the post.. I gotta work in the morning but now... Wow..... It's like a natural high if it means what I think it does. I hoonestly figured that would be like finding a needle in a haystack and my luck is never that good.. But I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch...
Ohh attached below is the screenshot...
I'm not one for emoji's but...
Just hope I dont screw something up trying to make a dev edition out of my device... ....
I blocked out the last number as in the example above, I don't know why that's important but since the other poster did, I figure I'd better too. Monkey see Monkey doo.
PS Sorry for the mess.. as Han would say.. yeah.. I'm that old..
@griz.droidx Flash stock PB1, then root it, then unlock the bootloader! You have, by chance and luck alone, bought an S5 with the ability to unlock it
Yes you can flash Cyanogenmod. Yes you can flash MM and root it. Basically do whatever you feel like
Question is stock PB1 a stock MM build? I'll do some reading to find out, but I have a nandroid of my BPB8 lollipop rom that's already rooted From reading the unlocking thread, and maybe I missed something I just install the APK and bam I'm unlocked. I'm guessing that once I'm unlocked, and rooted, I need to find myself a TWRP for the device. I thought I could just un-install safe strap from Alliance, Unlock and then flash a recovery.
I figured I was lucky in getting one that can be unlocked or made into a dev edition. I'm never that lucky. But on the unlucky, it appears that I have to now flash roms from the unified thread. And from what I've been able to pick up in an hour or so last night and a little at work today, I'd be best to flash only rom's for Verizon specifically. I don't know exactly to to make the others work with a Verizon MVNO but I'm certain that the VZW one's will because on the S3 I could flash any VZW rom and my MVNO (Selectel) worked. I'm hoping to find a build of AICP since that's what I was using with my S3 before it bit the dust. But flashing fever usually hits and I'm sure I'll try others.
Still doesn't look like there's much development going on for the unlocked builds. But at least I can cruise around on AOSP if I want. But the Extreme Debloat of alliance has been doing pretty good already even without my usually tweaking using autostarts and AFWALL, I do miss the privacy manager most of all from AOSP. I just think that is easier to use than the AP OPS version that's included in Alliance.
Is your phone unlocked? if so What rom are you running, and which ones have you ttied?
Lastly, I want to thank everyone for all their assistance in this thread so far. And for those of you who aren't unlocked, I'd still be interested in knowing which TW rom's you're using and stuff like that. I like aesthetics, and don't like the stock TW look of white everywhere, and I've read that with OLED or OMLED or whatever theyre called, the more black there is the easier it is on the battery. Probably doesn't make a huge difference but every little bit helps.
You can run ROM's from the Android Development thread and Unified thread
The question is unless they're for vzw on particular will they work with my my mvno. I hope so. . But I don't think they will without. Changing apns. Or may not have the proper frequencies enabled for vzw
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Oh, that i wouldn't know. Maybe someone will come across this and have an answer for you
griz.droidx said:
The question is unless they're for vzw on particular will they work with my my mvno. I hope so. . But I don't think they will without. Changing apns. Or may not have the proper frequencies enabled for vzw
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash PB1 from SamMobile (PB1 is stock 5.0 Lollipop rom) and then root, unlock, and flash TWRP.
To simplify, tell me the ROM you want to flash and I'll tell you if it's compatible if you'd like.
EDIT: Yes roms have to be Verizon-compatible. And no changing apns will not help
Thanks for offering to check. . I've found that aicp. Resurrection remix. CM and Phoenix have versions for vzw. . Thanks for offering to check for me. . Thanks for simplifying the unlock and add aosp roms instructions. . I've read and re-read them. . A couple things I'm worried about ate what hardware features may no longer work like the fingerprint reader at least in the one kernel I found. Even unlocked and thrilled as I am I want to make sure as much of it works as possible with aosp. And I don't want to take a performance hit but doubt that'll happen. . Even when the numbers have said I did take a hit in the past three seat of the pants feel said otherwise. . Thanks again to you and everyone else who have replied. . Im still wondering which tw roms people prefer. . Alliance with extreme debloat has did better than I expected. .
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
You'll have to make your best judgement. Users install the ROM's and use them as a DD to suit their likings and what they like for a ROM. You'll just have to read the OP of the said ROM and see for yourself....Good luck and HAPPY ROM'n
Hey fellows I am tickled pink that I accidentally ended up with a dev edition. Even though there's not a whole lot of AOSP out there for the VZW version of the s5, I do like me some AOSP. Always have the AOSP ROM bug hit me back with my DX. Having said all that, I was pretty satisfied with the Alliance Rom, and I'd imagine other TW roms have much to offer. I chose Alliance because I'd ran it on the S3 a few times especially when I needed to compare TW to AOSP. I did not upgrade using the method above but I appreciate all the replies from "Nandr0idC0nsumer" very much. I once thought about installing a MM pre rooted firmware first actually. If I could find just the modem and anything else like that which may help the performance and usability of my MM CM based RR rom, I might consider it. And it shouldn't be as difficult now with the unlocked BL. Although safestrap worked nicely for what it's meant to do.
After reading here and elsewhere about unlocking and installing AOSP, I decided to just run the apk which is option one in the how to unlock post, ran the app it installs, checked in recovery to see that it said developer, then using flashify I installed a TWRP image that I downloaded from somewhere. I think TWRP was just for klte though and not kltevzw specifically, but don't quote me on that. Lastly, I booted straight into twrp using the hardware buttons on a reboot to install the AOSP based rom and GAPPS. Easy Peasy. I'm looking for a kernel now, but since I feel that the fingerprint scanner works much better for me in AOSP, I don't want to get a kernel and mess that up even though I could always back it up first. or just re-install the rom.
Hopefully someone will come across this thread and find it useful. If anyone feels like it I'd still like to hear about those different TW roms, and why we'd want to use one for the note? or need one with the S-pen app? Can the S5 work as well as the note for writing on the screen using the S-Pen stuff?
Thanks again, and have a great weekend. Anyone who has any questions for me feel free to PM me. If I don't reply immediately don't think I'm putting you off I sometimes , many times, forget to check or don't notice that I have new images to read. Although help is better from the forum since you can many more opinions, and that's what it's for anyway.