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[Q] Some basics I need covered :)

Hi,
So I'm new to Android, and I've only had a Nexus 7 for a week (I sold it) which I rooted and had some custom roms for.
I wanted the Xperia Z, but it's shape is too square and thus bulky. I like that this Razr HD is a bit water resistant, has excellent battery, the keflav back, and is a less cumbersome size.
But- i'm concerned as this device isn't one of the more popular. Does this mean i will have to wait much longer for upgrades even if rooted? And less support in future? could some apps not run/be designed for this device?
Basically- Im someone who keeps their phone for ages. Im still using a jailbroken 3GS happily. As much as i dont like apple- its good that i can always run the latest OS...
Just wanted thoughts on all this. Cheers

ycon said:
Hi,
So I'm new to Android, and I've only had a Nexus 7 for a week (I sold it) which I rooted and had some custom roms for.
I wanted the Xperia Z, but it's shape is too square and thus bulky. I like that this Razr HD is a bit water resistant, has excellent battery, the keflav back, and is a less cumbersome size.
But- i'm concerned as this device isn't one of the more popular. Does this mean i will have to wait much longer for upgrades even if rooted? And less support in future? could some apps not run/be designed for this device?
Basically- Im someone who keeps their phone for ages. Im still using a jailbroken 3GS happily. As much as i dont like apple- its good that i can always run the latest OS...
Just wanted thoughts on all this. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official upgrades for android devices are at the whim of the manufacturer and the carrier unless we're talking about a nexus device which gets updates directly from Google. On Verizon updates typically take longer to come out due to what they say is extensive testing, but recently they've been better about it imo. Unofficial updates are governed by the amount and quality of developers on that particular device. For moto phones we have a nice core of developers that keep us up to date. Now that the newest moto phones have had their bootloaders unlocked, development has really picked up. The development scene on Android is a lot different and more complicated then the Apple side. Due to the amount of high end android devices that are released every year the development scene moves pretty quickly. That isn't to say older devices aren't dev'd for but it is a possibility to consider. In the moto world devices as far back as the droid 3 are still actively supported. Many of us started out with moto and have never left.
Don't worry about the apps. Unless the device falls really behind in the os version all apps will be supported. It's not like apple where if your phone doesn't have the latest update a third of the apps don't work. There are apps coded specifically for features only available on the latest Android version but those are very few due to people wanting to make money lol.
sent from my xt926 RAZR maxx hd

Cheers for that really helpful response.
It all seems pretty good to me with app compatibility.
So- if I understand correctly, if I unlock the bootloader & root my phone, I wont have to rely on Moto/my carrier for the OS updates?
Are there any other general things I should know before saying no to more mainstream (GS4) device?
Cheers

ycon said:
Cheers for that really helpful response.
It all seems pretty good to me with app compatibility.
So- if I understand correctly, if I unlock the bootloader & root my phone, I wont have to rely on Moto/my carrier for the OS updates?
Are there any other general things I should know before saying no to more mainstream (GS4) device?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes to your first question. Technically you would only need root to stop carrier updates but none of the new roms are being developed for locked devices.
Firstly know that the HD has basically the same innards as the gs3 except with 1gb less ram and a less impressive camera. The two monster phones out/coming out right now are the gs4 and the HTC one with a new nexus hopefully out soon. The gs4 represents some of the best hardware available (with newer still coming out later this year) and will have a lot of Dev focus. Out of those 3 phones Verizon will only be getting the gs4 most likely. In terms of what phone to get I would say you need to physically handle each before making a decision. If you must be on Verizon then the gs4 would be a great choice but some people don't like the build materials and feel of the phone (similar to gs3). People sticking with moto appreciate the solid feel, excellent materials, amazing radio strength, and battery life.
sent from my xt926 RAZR maxx hd

koftheworld;4080229The gs4 represents some of the best hardware available (with newer still coming out later this year) and will have a lot of Dev focus. Out of those 3 phones Verizon will only be getting the gs4 most likely. In terms of what phone to get I would say you need to physically handle each before making a decision. If you must be on Verizon then the gs4 would be a great choice but some people don't like the build materials and feel of the phone (similar to gs3). People sticking with moto appreciate the solid feel said:
Cheers for that. I am not on Verizon (I'm in Australia), I'll buy the phone unlocked.
I have had a look at the GS4, HTC One and Razr all together.
The GS4 is my favourite in terms of size, but I'd rather sacrifice the power (Quad core) for the longer battery, better call reception, stronger build, and lower price of the Razr HD.
I might jsut have to wait for the new Nexus phone to come out. I've heard Google will be subsidizing it, so the price might be right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Time to upgrade

I'm still using the charge for my daily driver. The original one I had died and for $50 and a trip to ebay, I'm back in business.
The phone is EP5 with tweaked 3.2. The phone works but has lag and the ROM is loosing support. I know about Tweaked lite 1.0 but the themes and boot animations are missing...
It has been a long time since I've shopped phones and am starting to think about it again. Now I have some questions:
1. Since I have Verizon's unlimited data, I have to buy phones outright in order to keep data. What phones are worth buying now or waiting for?
2. If I buy a new phone like the galaxy S5, how easy will it be to root? Will I have to wait for a ROM to be developed or can I just add root to the stock phone?
3. What are the benefits of kitkat versus the old OS that charge has?
4. Why do phone manufactures insist that bigger is better? I like the size of the charge and if I get another phone the same size, I am forced to get a "less than the best" model.
5. With flash no longer being supported on android, has someone cooked a batch that will work with kitkat or are we SOL? I do use the phone every year to watch football games online. It sucks that I live out of market for the Vikings and am stuck with Jets, bills and other teams I could care less about.
I think that's about it. I guess I'm just weary of shelling out hundreds of dollars to get a new phone when the one I have does most of the stuff I want.
Mike

beavermjr said:
I'm still using the charge for my daily driver. The original one I had died and for $50 and a trip to ebay, I'm back in business.
The phone is EP5 with tweaked 3.2. The phone works but has lag and the ROM is loosing support. I know about Tweaked lite 1.0 but the themes and boot animations are missing...
It has been a long time since I've shopped phones and am starting to think about it again. Now I have some questions:
1. Since I have Verizon's unlimited data, I have to buy phones outright in order to keep data. What phones are worth buying now or waiting for?
2. If I buy a new phone like the galaxy S5, how easy will it be to root? Will I have to wait for a ROM to be developed or can I just add root to the stock phone?
3. What are the benefits of kitkat versus the old OS that charge has?
4. Why do phone manufactures insist that bigger is better? I like the size of the charge and if I get another phone the same size, I am forced to get a "less than the best" model.
5. With flash no longer being supported on android, has someone cooked a batch that will work with kitkat or are we SOL? I do use the phone every year to watch football games online. It sucks that I live out of market for the Vikings and am stuck with Jets, bills and other teams I could care less about.
I think that's about it. I guess I'm just weary of shelling out hundreds of dollars to get a new phone when the one I have does most of the stuff I want.
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I upgraded from the Charge to the Note 3 in December. While the Charge was a good starter phone for me, I was chomping at the bit for a new phone.
1. I love my Note 3, but it is BIG.
2. Since Verizon hasn't released the s5, don't know about rooting it. However, if past behavior is any guide, the Note 3 has a locked bootloader so you can't flash kernels(no ASOP). I rooted it with Kingo and have safestrap installed to test non-stock roms.
3. I have the kitkat version of PacRom on my Galaxy Tab2 7.0; I've noticed very little difference between 4.4 and 4.3.
4. That kind of bugs me too, they should have a Galaxy s5 Mini with the same specs but a smaller screen. On the other hand, the new phones are thinner and the larger screens look really nice. Also I have "old eyes", hence the Note 3(I also like the S-pen).
5. It could be worse, you could have TWO teams leave your market the same year(damn Rams and Raiders). My understanding that discontinuing Flash support was more of an Adobe decision. Other than that I've got nothing.
Did I mention I love my Note 3?

10amla said:
I upgraded from the Charge to the Note 3 in December. While the Charge was a good starter phone for me, I was chomping at the bit for a new phone.
1. I love my Note 3, but it is BIG.
2. Since Verizon hasn't released the s5, don't know about rooting it. However, if past behavior is any guide, the Note 3 has a locked bootloader so you can't flash kernels(no ASOP). I rooted it with Kingo and have safestrap installed to test non-stock roms.
3. I have the kitkat version of PacRom on my Galaxy Tab2 7.0; I've noticed very little difference between 4.4 and 4.3.
4. That kind of bugs me too, they should have a Galaxy s5 Mini with the same specs but a smaller screen. On the other hand, the new phones are thinner and the larger screens look really nice. Also I have "old eyes", hence the Note 3(I also like the S-pen).
5. It could be worse, you could have TWO teams leave your market the same year(damn Rams and Raiders). My understanding that discontinuing Flash support was more of an Adobe decision. Other than that I've got nothing.
Did I mention I love my Note 3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#3 the charge has android 2.3.6. new phones have kit kat 4.4? what is the difference?
#5 I've read about browsers with built in flash and hacked versions of flash. Do any of them work?
#5b. 2 teams? How do you manage? It's bad enough watching one team limp through last season. oh and don't get me started on Jared Allen.

beavermjr said:
#3 the charge has android 2.3.6. new phones have kit kat 4.4? what is the difference?
#5 I've read about browsers with built in flash and hacked versions of flash. Do any of them work?
#5b. 2 teams? How do you manage? It's bad enough watching one team limp through last season. oh and don't get me started on Jared Allen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#3 My comparison was based on 4.3 vs 4.4. The difference between 2.3 and 4.4 is the difference between night and day. One of the problem that I began running in to, was many apps that would only work on 4.0+.
#5 Not sure about browsers with build-in flash.
#5b I wasn't too great a loss to me, I was always more of a college football fan. One team in particular(Go Bruins).

[Q] Buying advice: Samsung GS4 or S5?

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.

Remaining With Verizon M8, For Now

Considering the pros and cons of immediately changing from Verizon M8 to a newer phone; e.g., M9, S6, S6 Edge, or LG G4, Loss of S-Off and Root is a serious concern with availability of the outstanding ROMS for the M8, and the ability to completely eliminate unwanted bloatware. Notwithstanding the Antutu performance specs for the S6 and S6 Edge, Samsung acknowledges significant Memory Leak issues in routine use of these devices, without constant initialized rebooting. Alternatively, the Verizon M8, running the CM 12.1 ROM with Android 5.1.1 yields typical non-initialized boot Antutu scores exceeding 48000, tweaked, which actually exceeds Antutu typical non initialized boot scores of the Samsung devices during continuous operation.
Until, S-OFF and Rooting become available for device optimization both in terms of ROM features and bloatware elimination; and until these newer devices catch up with Android 5.1.1 and solve the significant Memory Leak issues, remaining with the Verizon M8, for now, is very sensible.

I remember when android was new and every new phone had this instant gigantic dev community ahh those were the days...
In the beginning cutting edge new android phones weren't coming out once a month like now It was all but guaranteed your phone would get SOME kind of development and momentum. I'm staying with my m8 for some of the reasons you state too. Like the fact that its already had all this time for the roms and community around it to mature. Every release cycle it becomes more of a possibility you might pick the latest and greatest model, and the one or two highly skilled devs needed to get the phone to root/unlock/whatever never materialises and before long something else newer is out and...your stuck with the phone the way you bought it or get a new one!
Every time I go to look for a new phone it's becoming harder to decide and narrow it down to one when weighing all factors. Being a card carrying techie pretty much requires a device has a decent XDA community for it though.

I recently had my VZW M8 damaged quiet bad so i was looking into getting a new phone. And basically this comparing all the new stuff coming out/is out, nothing really seems all that safe of a bet when it comes to the respective XDA community of the device. Nothing picks up momentum like in the old day, rooting is even more of a hit or miss it seems. Really i'm almost feeling a side grade to a nexus 6 or something might be in order. As much as i love the m8 i'm really getting sick and tired of the metal body... I like plastic a whole lot more but i HATE the cheap plastic every samsung phone seems to have!
Long story short, upgrading is hard yo.

xsteven77x said:
I remember when android was new and every new phone had this instant gigantic dev community ahh those were the days...
In the beginning cutting edge new android phones weren't coming out once a month like now It was all but guaranteed your phone would get SOME kind of development and momentum. I'm staying with my m8 for some of the reasons you state too. Like the fact that its already had all this time for the roms and community around it to mature. Every release cycle it becomes more of a possibility you might pick the latest and greatest model, and the one or two highly skilled devs needed to get the phone to root/unlock/whatever never materialises and before long something else newer is out and...your stuck with the phone the way you bought it or get a new one!
Every time I go to look for a new phone it's becoming harder to decide and narrow it down to one when weighing all factors. Being a card carrying techie pretty much requires a device has a decent XDA community for it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you say, the collective community of the endless efforts to improve the M8 with extremely satisfying results, certainly outweighs the very short-lived glitz feeling of possessing one of these new devices.

holytimes said:
I recently had my VZW M8 damaged quiet bad so i was looking into getting a new phone. And basically this comparing all the new stuff coming out/is out, nothing really seems all that safe of a bet when it comes to the respective XDA community of the device. Nothing picks up momentum like in the old day, rooting is even more of a hit or miss it seems. Really i'm almost feeling a side grade to a nexus 6 or something might be in order. As much as i love the m8 i'm really getting sick and tired of the metal body... I like plastic a whole lot more but i HATE the cheap plastic every samsung phone seems to have!
Long story short, upgrading is hard yo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree 100%, upgrading is hard. I cannot bring myself to purchase one of these new Verizon devices now, completely devoid of the S-OFF, rooting, and developer community achievements.

rooted_by_nature said:
I agree 100%, upgrading is hard. I cannot bring myself to purchase one of these new Verizon devices now, completely devoid of the S-OFF, rooting, and developer community achievements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lot of m9 users have gotten s-off already via Java card. It's not all bad. Sunshine will also get updated.

dottat said:
Lot of m9 users have gotten s-off already via Java card. It's not all bad. Sunshine will also get updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you say, eventually all that we enjoy now with our M8 will be available with these new Verizon devices, and that is when many of us will not hesitate to change.

The m9 really doesn't look like much of an upgrade to me. I don't think it is worth the money, my m8 works great, I have s-off I didn't have to buy a java card to get, and plenty of ROMs to choose from. I'll be sticking with the m8. At least till I can get an m9 for cheap or the next flagship phone comes out from HTC.

mpappas87 said:
The m9 really doesn't look like much of an upgrade to me. I don't think it is worth the money, my m8 works great, I have s-off I didn't have to buy a java card to get, and plenty of ROMs to choose from. I'll be sticking with the m8. At least till I can get an m9 for cheap or the next flagship phone comes out from HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely, currently, taking all of the new devices into consideration, without the development of ROMs and easy ability to debloat, remaining with the M8 for now is a wise choice.

rooted_by_nature said:
Absolutely, currently, taking all of the new devices into consideration, without the development of ROMs and easy ability to debloat, remaining with the M8 for now is a wise choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so we're straight the m9 already had a viper rom posted. We have @ΠΣΘ @andybones @Tigerstown @santod040 all with this device and working on dev. There's plenty happening in the last week or so...
5.1 is looking realllllly nice for the m9 also.

dottat said:
Just so we're straight the m9 already had a viper rom posted. We have @ΠΣΘ @andybones @Tigerstown @santod040 all with this device and working on dev. There's plenty happening in the last week or so...
5.1 is looking realllllly nice for the m9 also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth hundreds of dollars over m8?

mpappas87 said:
Worth hundreds of dollars over m8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends upon whether you want the latest hardware and the most firmware updates. True volte (I'm beginning to seriously doubt the m8 will get it knowing vzw). For the record, I don't buy subsidized phones ever. I'm happy with my m9 over my m8. Feels so much more premium. Heck it's got metal speaker grills instead of stickers finally.

dottat said:
Depends upon whether you want the latest hardware and the most firmware updates. True volte (I'm beginning to seriously doubt the m8 will get it knowing vzw). For the record, I don't buy subsidized phones ever. I'm happy with my m9 over my m8. Feels so much more premium. Heck it's got metal speaker grills instead of stickers finally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kinda my point though I got hundreds invested in m8 is the m9 really worth it? For what a better camera and some better speaker grills?

dottat said:
Just so we're straight the m9 already had a viper rom posted. We have @ΠΣΘ @andybones @Tigerstown @santod040 all with this device and working on dev. There's plenty happening in the last week or so...
5.1 is looking realllllly nice for the m9 also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And we currently have Cm 12.1 with 5.1.1 for the M8. I believe that until Samsung can solve its memory leak issues, changing immediately to a Verizon S6 or S6 Edge is more of a loss than a gain. More of a loss than a signifcant gain for changing immediately to the M9. The same for the LG G4 when available. And I say this, in large part, out of respect for the excellent work which you and your colleagues have perfected for the M8. Thank you for your tireless efforts in this regard.

One-Click Root Methods For Verizon S6 As An Incentive To Change From M8?
Even with the advent of the one-click root method for the Verizon S6 and perhaps S6 Edge, the unlockable bootloader prevails, making it currently impossible to install a TWRP recovery, which for me is not sufficient incentive to change, now, from my Verizon M8.

[Q] Best phone to replace Nexus 5?

My beloved N5 has been acting wonky the last couple weeks and I need to consider a replacement, as my new job doesn't leave much time for troubleshooting. Could I get some informed opinions on the best Android phone currently on the market to replace my N5?
My two must-haves are:
1) Must be able to root at least as easily as N5. Again, I'm time-pressed and can't spend hours fussing over it.
2) Must have a removable/user-replaceable battery -- the REGULAR kind, where you don't have to disassemble the phone to replace it. That's my biggest gripe about the Nexus.
Otherwise, N5-level specs or better are fine.
Thanks in advance!

Really depends on how much you want to spend but the LG G3/G4 or Samsung S5 may be a good choice.

audit13 said:
Really depends on how much you want to spend but the LG G3/G4 or Samsung S5 may be a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I was thinking about the G4, but with the G5 supposedly out in 45 days, I wonder if I can milk my N5 that long? Wonder how long it will take people to develop a rooting mechanism? Seems like a quarter of my apps need root access.
IMO, this phone ran A LOT better on Lolipop than it does on M. Maybe that's my problem...

I like mm better than LP on the n5. I am currently using a stock s4 at the moment. I got it really cheap and want to make sure it functions properly before passing it on to a family member.

Xiaomi MI5
Posté depuis Nexus 5 / Miui7 by Miui-France

I'm in the same boat. My N5 is about done. Already replaced the charging port thingy but now the mic is going out and it needs a new battery badly.
I was hoping I'd be able to limp along till the new Nexus with an 820 but it doesn't look like I can last another 6 months. The LG G5 looks promising and I'm gonna try to wait till it comes out.

You can really get some good deals on the LG G4 if you shop around right now. Sure it's coming up to a year old, but it's still a fantastic phone with a removable battery. It doesn't feel too sluggish and you can probably find a nice ROM to put on there. The LG G5 is dope. It's much easier to replace the battery on this model and would be nice to have. It's also apparently slightly smaller so I'd enjoy that more. I expect it to be quite expensive though as it launches later this year.
Personally for me, I'm falling in love with the Galaxy S7. I know it doesn't have a removable battery, but it has a Micro SD card slot, sensible size and features Samsung Pay arriving in the UK this year. Ultimately though, there's still nothing wrong with my Nexus 5, so I've no sensible reason as of right now to upgrade.
Choose wisely!

OnePlus X if ASOP is your style.. LG G5 if your wallet permits..

im planning also to replace my nexus 5.
my 1st choice is the Lenovo ZUK Z1 (cyanogen OS) and the other would be 1+2 or LG G4.

I have replaced my nexus 5 with a LG G4 two months ago and I absolutely love it. Awesome camera, great battery life and a really nice screen. Rooting my G4 was simple to, but keep in mind that the non European versions don't have an official bootloader unlock and an unofficial unlock may never come. But if you have the European version like me than you won't have problems with rooting and flashing custom roms. If you like really active development than maybe the G4 won't be the best choice for you due all other versions of the G4 can't be unlocked...

Lim Wee Huat said:
OnePlus X if ASOP is your style.. LG G5 if your wallet permits..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the One Plus phones easily rooted and bootloader unlocked?
I thought the G4 was locked down tight if you wanted one with a US warranty?

Not really looking at these devices from tweakers' point of view.. Actually ever since after KK, there ain't much more to do with LP or the current MM. Its BETTER NOT to tweak/root them. If you're into Android dev, stay in KK.. I am..???? If you have noticed, much of the popular devs have already long left the Android development scene..

Lim Wee Huat said:
Not really looking at these devices from tweakers' point of view.. Actually ever since after KK, there ain't much more to do with LP or the current MM. Its BETTER NOT to tweak/root them. If you're into Android dev, stay in KK.. I am..???? If you have noticed, much of the popular devs have already long left the Android development scene..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I root and unlock the bootloader mostly to use utils like Titanium Backup and TWRP.
Maybe I should just buy a 6P and a spare battery while the latter are still available? Is the 6P easily rooted and bootloader unlocked, or is that screwed down tight?

Not really sure about the 6P.. I'm still using my Nexus 5, 7 (2012) and 10.. Multirom with several 4.4.4s.. With and without GApps. Dalvik is still the best.