Disable Samsung KNOX For possible Downgrade to 4.3? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

As I'm sure tons of you guys know, 4.4.2 is absolute crap. Battery life, lag, GPS issues. There is barely anything good about the update. I am sick and tired of having to charge my phone almost three times a day just because the update (that Samsung claimed in my tech support chat, is "well up to date".) that isn't going to get fixed ever again.
One of these horrible features is Samsung KNOX. Just to get more customers from businesses, Samsung KNOX is ultra secure, down to the very bootloader. Basically turning into Motorola with the no-downgrade thing. Basically making it so not even older custom ROMs will flash. (I haven't flashed a ROM yet. And I'll get to why.)
Now, on HTC devices I have used, If I hated the new update, all I needed to do was Flash an older stock rom, even use an RUU if I needed to. But this update is just plain awful. And thanks to KNOX, there is no way back.
So, I have a few questions to ask.
4.3 DID come with Samsung Knox, along with the Bootloader I believe, which in my eyes, is a very narrow tunnel, but it's there.
You can uninstall Samsung KNOX through the app (If you don't have the app in the drawer, there is a way to set it up anyways. Which I did. and I pressed uninstall KNOX, but the apps are still present on the phone.)
Does this mean the security is off? Or that the 0x0/0x1 flag is off?
Is there a way to root, flash a custom 4.3 ROM, and ODIN back to Stock 4.3?
Is there even a way to do anything development-like on the device without flipping that trigger?
Or can all of this be solved by fixing settings on 4.4.2, not needing to do this anyways?
(if anyone just wants to see how bad the battery is, I can upload Battery Manager screenshots and Gsam Shots as well.)
Thanks to anyone who can provide me with some tips and maybe solutions.

nxhappy said:
As I'm sure tons of you guys know, 4.4.2 is absolute crap. Battery life, lag, GPS issues. There is barely anything good about the update. I am sick and tired of having to charge my phone almost three times a day just because the update (that Samsung claimed in my tech support chat, is "well up to date".) that isn't going to get fixed ever again.
One of these horrible features is Samsung KNOX. Just to get more customers from businesses, Samsung KNOX is ultra secure, down to the very bootloader. Basically turning into Motorola with the no-downgrade thing. Basically making it so not even older custom ROMs will flash. (I haven't flashed a ROM yet. And I'll get to why.)
Now, on HTC devices I have used, If I hated the new update, all I needed to do was Flash an older stock rom, even use an RUU if I needed to. But this update is just plain awful. And thanks to KNOX, there is no way back.
So, I have a few questions to ask.
4.3 DID come with Samsung Knox, along with the Bootloader I believe, which in my eyes, is a very narrow tunnel, but it's there.
You can uninstall Samsung KNOX through the app (If you don't have the app in the drawer, there is a way to set it up anyways. Which I did. and I pressed uninstall KNOX, but the apps are still present on the phone.)
Does this mean the security is off? Or that the 0x0/0x1 flag is off?
Is there a way to root, flash a custom 4.3 ROM, and ODIN back to Stock 4.3?
Is there even a way to do anything development-like on the device without flipping that trigger?
Or can all of this be solved by fixing settings on 4.4.2, not needing to do this anyways?
(if anyone just wants to see how bad the battery is, I can upload Battery Manager screenshots and Gsam Shots as well.)
Thanks to anyone who can provide me with some tips and maybe solutions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once your on 4.4.2 you cannot downgrade. It's not even an option
Sent from my Nexus 5

I heard it was strictly because of the KNOX bootloader. Which led me to believe that if I somehow rooted without tripping the 0x1 trigger, removed knox, and then flashed 4.3 through odin, that I'd be able to get back to a system version that doesn't suck.

nxhappy said:
I heard it was strictly because of the KNOX bootloader. Which led me to believe that if I somehow rooted without tripping the 0x1 trigger, removed knox, and then flashed 4.3 through odin, that I'd be able to get back to a system version that doesn't suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically yes. I wouldn't even try to downgrade it. You will brick it
Sent from my Nexus 5

Alright. But is there any way I can root without tripping the 0x1? Or a way to just save battery on 4.4.2? I barely get 7 hours anymore when I got at least 18 on 4.3.

ShapesBlue said:
Basically yes. I wouldn't even try to downgrade it. You will brick it
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This probably won't work either, but rooting, flashing a 4.3 CUSTOM ROM w/ touchwiz? Is that possible at all?

nxhappy said:
This probably won't work either, but rooting, flashing a 4.3 CUSTOM ROM w/ touchwiz? Is that possible at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your on 4.4.2 then no. If your on 4.3 yes. Only flash roms intended for the correct bootloader
Sent from my Nexus 5

Do you know of any way to keep android system and Android OS from eating up my battery?

nxhappy said:
Do you know of any way to keep android system and Android OS from eating up my battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apps are always the biggest culprit of battery issues. If you don't already have it installed I high recommend GSAM battery monitor. That will give you an idea of what is killing the battery the quickest
Sent from my Nexus 5

I've had it for awhile and its Kernel (Android OS)

nxhappy said:
I've had it for awhile and its Kernel (Android OS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the app and the root companion for it then it should be pretty clear about which apps are in question
I also highly recommend an app called Wakelock detector (root)
Sent from my Nexus 5

I can't root unless I wanna tip the trigger. Which I don't wanna do. And I only have 2 apps, even tried safe mode, so its definitely the update itself.

nxhappy said:
I can't root unless I wanna tip the trigger. Which I don't wanna do. And I only have 2 apps, even tried safe mode, so its definitely the update itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your on NE1 you can root but as far as I've read towelroot is the only option for rooting. As long as the kernel is before a certain date. I can't remember off hand what the date is however. It's hard remembering a log of this as I'm not locked down like most are
Sent from my Nexus 5

Okay. I really like this phone, I just can't handle the terrible battery life this update has given me. It's almost as bad as what I got on my HTC One M7 when I ran sense 7.. And that had BAD battery life. Wish I could flash and root without having to deal with the trigger.

I just tried safe mode and my battery drained the same amount.

nxhappy said:
Okay. I really like this phone, I just can't handle the terrible battery life this update has given me. It's almost as bad as what I got on my HTC One M7 when I ran sense 7.. And that had BAD battery life. Wish I could flash and root without having to deal with the trigger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still use my S3 so I understand. I only use it for games and on wifi but it's still a champ
Sent from my Nexus 5

I use mine as a phone since I had a droid ultra that broke, one problem could be the battery is brand new, and I heard new batteries need to be cycled 4 times at least. Or the update is just crap. And Samsung and Verizon doesn't care, so I'm as stuck as I can be as of now, I'm guessing.

nxhappy said:
I use mine as a phone since I had a droid ultra that broke, one problem could be the battery is brand new, and I heard new batteries need to be cycled 4 times at least. Or the update is just crap. And Samsung and Verizon doesn't care, so I'm as stuck as I can be as of now, I'm guessing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh i agree. Samsung and VZW came together and truly ruined the S3. Then again they ruined more than a few phones
Sent from my Nexus 5

Yeah. Definitely. Would switch to T-Mobile but their coverage here is absolute crap. Do you know of any good extended batteries or long lasting ones between 2200 and 3000 miliamp hours?

I've never used one with this one so unfortunately I wouldn't be of much help with that. And yea TMobile coverage here is horrible as well.
I know a lot if people used the zero lemon battery which is a lot bigger
Sent from my Nexus 5

Related

Help with Rooting 4.4.2

So I had 4.1.2 on my phone and rooted with no problems, but now that I updated to 4.4.2 and lost my root... I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get root back again. Anyone help me please?
Well I got impatient and found something called towelroot and root checker now says I am rooted, but I cannot get CWM installed. Using both Odin 307 and 309 I boot into downloading mode and odin fails and I see red error saying "secure check fail: recovery"
Any help?
MortTheBeast said:
Well I got impatient and found something called towelroot and root checker now says I am rooted, but I cannot get CWM installed. Using both Odin 307 and 309 I boot into downloading mode and odin fails and I see red error saying "secure check fail: recovery"
Any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go to settings > about phone build and based band ending in ML1 NC1 NE1 have looked bootloader a meaning you can't install custom rims .. You will have to root / install safestrap and boot custom tw Roms since you are on 4.4.2 you have to wait for a 4.4.2 tw rom I don't think any are out yet
Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk
MortTheBeast said:
Well I got impatient and found something called towelroot and root checker now says I am rooted, but I cannot get CWM installed. Using both Odin 307 and 309 I boot into downloading mode and odin fails and I see red error saying "secure check fail: recovery"
Any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since we can't install custom roms, I found this xposed module called Wanam Xposed. I'm not even rooted yet but I was going to with towelroot. Anyway, it lets you customize certain looks of the stock rom without modifying anything. You need the Xposed Framework first and then you can get Wanam Xposed.
Mon431 said:
Since we can't install custom roms, I found this xposed module called Wanam Xposed. I'm not even rooted yet but I was going to with towelroot. Anyway, it lets you customize certain looks of the stock rom without modifying anything. You need the Xposed Framework first and then you can get Wanam Xposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I am just going to be as patient as possible till I can unlock the bootloader. How long does it usually take for the tech geniuses to figure this kind of stuff out? I'm wishing I hadn't updated 4.4.2 now... (slaps forehead)
MortTheBeast said:
Yea I am just going to be as patient as possible till I can unlock the bootloader. How long does it usually take for the tech geniuses to figure this kind of stuff out? I'm wishing I hadn't updated 4.4.2 now... (slaps forehead)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless if the file leaks from Samsung like it did on 4.1.2, it won't ever get unlocked
Mon431 said:
Unless if the file leaks from Samsung like it did on 4.1.2, it won't ever get unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EEEEeeeeek! Don't say things like that! LOL
Anyway... I guess if worse comes to worse, shouldn't a Factory Reset take me back to 4.1.2? And then I would be able to try out one of the 4.4.3 CM Nightly builds
MortTheBeast said:
EEEEeeeeek! Don't say things like that! LOL
Anyway... I guess if worse comes to worse, shouldn't a Factory Reset take me back to 4.1.2? And then I would be able to try out one of the 4.4.3 CM Nightly builds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A factory reset will reset your phone like it's new but it'll stay on the same version. For example, if you updated to 4.3 and then did a factory reset, you be on 4.3 but your phone would be reset.
Son of a biscuit lol.... maybe if I dunk in the toilet it will revert back to 4.1.2? LMAO! Man... being impatient really put the screws to myself.
MortTheBeast said:
Son of a biscuit lol.... maybe if I dunk in the toilet it will revert back to 4.1.2? LMAO! Man... being impatient really put the screws to myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st rule of rooting...NEVER OTA! Bricks, locked bootloaders, and facepalms will be imminent.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
MortTheBeast said:
Son of a biscuit lol.... maybe if I dunk in the toilet it will revert back to 4.1.2? LMAO! Man... being impatient really put the screws to myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, once you update to 4.4.2 you're stuck. You will NEVER be able to go back and you'll never be able to flash a custom recovery. It's Touchwiz from here on out for you.
I feel for you, but it's pretty universally known that you don't take OTA's from Verizon OR Samsung because they usually close up loop holes.
sbenson1226 said:
Yeah, once you update to 4.4.2 you're stuck. You will NEVER be able to go back and you'll never be able to flash a custom recovery. It's Touchwiz from here on out for you.
I feel for you, but it's pretty universally known that you don't take OTA's from Verizon OR Samsung because they usually close up loop holes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems to be a little presumptuous saying "never". Software is software... which to me means "if there is a will, there is a way", in regards to hacking/cracking it. And if I get that hard pressed to want the ability to tinker with roms I can always just sell the phone and buy one thats not been updated to 4.4.2. All I can say right now being a newb to all this stuff is "lesson learned and stored in memory for future use". :good:
MortTheBeast said:
That seems to be a little presumptuous saying "never". Software is software... which to me means "if there is a will, there is a way", in regards to hacking/cracking it. And if I get that hard pressed to want the ability to tinker with roms I can always just sell the phone and buy one thats not been updated to 4.4.2. All I can say right now being a newb to all this stuff is "lesson learned and stored in memory for future use". :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not really presumptuous, it's the truth. Samsung and Verizon are hell bent on keeping their bootloaders locked down. The S5 hasn't been cracked. The S4 cannot be cracked, after MDK. The S3 cannot be cracked after 4.2.1. The S3 was pure luck because somebody inside of Samsung leaked what we needed. The only way it will ever be cracked is if Samsung themselves hand us the code. Never going to happen again. Sorry, it's the hard truth. If you want to tinker, don't buy a Verizon phone and don't buy a Samsung.
What exactly is even the reasoning behind locking the bootloader? I mean, I know they don't want people messing with their software.. but WHY? Are they not already making their profits by selling the phone? Just can't wrap my head around companies that want to limit a consumers options. That would be like buy a computer with for example Windows 8 on it and being told there is no way to remove it and install Windows 7. If I can have whatever OS I want on my computer... then how is that any different then a phone which nowadays is pretty much a handheld computer.
sbenson1226 said:
It's not really presumptuous, it's the truth. Samsung and Verizon are hell bent on keeping their bootloaders locked down. The S5 hasn't been cracked. The S4 cannot be cracked, after MDK. The S3 cannot be cracked after 4.2.1. The S3 was pure luck because somebody inside of Samsung leaked what we needed. The only way it will ever be cracked is if Samsung themselves hand us the code. Never going to happen again. Sorry, it's the hard truth. If you want to tinker, don't buy a Verizon phone and don't buy a Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you (or someone else) can explain to me what options if any I have for unlocked bootloader capability for S3 and S4? Like whats the final software version number that still allows unlocking the bootloader, what if any carrier specific options have it unlocked or able to be. Like you mentioned the S5 not being cracked but I read through a thread on here dating back to just this past May and confirming unlocked bootloader for S5 T-Mobile. S5 is out of my price range, but the S3 and S4 I can pick up at a reasonable price... just need the proper information so I can be sure Im not getting something thats going to stick me with a locked boot. Thanks
MortTheBeast said:
What exactly is even the reasoning behind locking the bootloader? I mean, I know they don't want people messing with their software.. but WHY? Are they not already making their profits by selling the phone? Just can't wrap my head around companies that want to limit a consumers options. That would be like buy a computer with for example Windows 8 on it and being told there is no way to remove it and install Windows 7. If I can have whatever OS I want on my computer... then how is that any different then a phone which nowadays is pretty much a handheld computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locking the bootloader means added profit on verizons end. You have less access to features that get baked into a custom rom that we bypass, such as free tethering and simply making a device better than stock. Verizon wants this.
The less debloating and access to modified firmware available means they make more money on services people have to pay for.
Verizon will tell you it's better for consumers because it adds to your customer service experience. If you have a problem, and need help, then they are more likely to be able to help you knowing you are not running modified firmware that could give you a less than par experience. They will also add that using unapproved software could negatively impact their network (ie: tethering) and cause problems for other consumers.
There may be some truth in that, but without the ability to flash a new rom you essentially limit your software abilities and limit the life of the phone. It forces people to buy their services and extend their plan more often.
---------- Post added at 01:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 AM ----------
The t-mobile variant for both the s3 and s4 have unlocked bootloaders on every device. None of them will work on verizons network. Every Verizon Samsung phone is completely locked down.
The last available firmware that can be unlocked on the S3 is mf1. The s4's is MDK or something but that's way harder to find. There is no unlock method for the s5.
MortTheBeast said:
Maybe you (or someone else) can explain to me what options if any I have for unlocked bootloader capability for S3 and S4? Like whats the final software version number that still allows unlocking the bootloader, what if any carrier specific options have it unlocked or able to be. Like you mentioned the S5 not being cracked but I read through a thread on here dating back to just this past May and confirming unlocked bootloader for S5 T-Mobile. S5 is out of my price range, but the S3 and S4 I can pick up at a reasonable price... just need the proper information so I can be sure Im not getting something thats going to stick me with a locked boot. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MortTheBeast said:
Maybe you (or someone else) can explain to me what options if any I have for unlocked bootloader capability for S3 and S4? Like whats the final software version number that still allows unlocking the bootloader, what if any carrier specific options have it unlocked or able to be. Like you mentioned the S5 not being cracked but I read through a thread on here dating back to just this past May and confirming unlocked bootloader for S5 T-Mobile. S5 is out of my price range, but the S3 and S4 I can pick up at a reasonable price... just need the proper information so I can be sure Im not getting something thats going to stick me with a locked boot. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're looking to stay with Verizon, I would keep an eye out for a GS4 with the MDK firmware. I see them pop up from time to time on Swappa, but never in the condition I'm looking for (looking to upgrade my wife). Other than that, your best bet is to leave Verizon and buy unlocked phones because at least they don't have additional carrier restrictions.
BadUsername said:
Locking the bootloader means added profit on verizons end. You have less access to features that get baked into a custom rom that we bypass, such as free tethering and simply making a device better than stock. Verizon wants this.
The less debloating and access to modified firmware available means they make more money on services people have to pay for.
Verizon will tell you it's better for consumers because it adds to your customer service experience. If you have a problem, and need help, then they are more likely to be able to help you knowing you are not running modified firmware that could give you a less than par experience. They will also add that using unapproved software could negatively impact their network (ie: tethering) and cause problems for other consumers.
There may be some truth in that, but without the ability to flash a new rom you essentially limit your software abilities and limit the life of the phone. It forces people to buy their services and extend their plan more often.
---------- Post added at 01:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 AM ----------
The t-mobile variant for both the s3 and s4 have unlocked bootloaders on every device. None of them will work on verizons network. Every Verizon Samsung phone is completely locked down.
The last available firmware that can be unlocked on the S3 is mf1. The s4's is MDK or something but that's way harder to find. There is no unlock method for the s5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the response... but now you also mention the S5 having "no unlock"... what about this thread... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711730
sbenson1226 said:
If you're looking to stay with Verizon, I would keep an eye out for a GS4 with the MDK firmware. I see them pop up from time to time on Swappa, but never in the condition I'm looking for (looking to upgrade my wife). Other than that, your best bet is to leave Verizon and buy unlocked phones because at least they don't have additional carrier restrictions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly id MDK? 4.2.2? And yea I really don't care what carrier I am with, I just want a phone I can tinker with and I been getting "tinker withdrawal" since upgrading to 4.4.2
Out of curiosity, what other phones are worth looking into that are comparable to the S3 and S4? It sucks when I am a diehard Samsung lover.
MortTheBeast said:
Appreciate the response... but now you also mention the S5 having "no unlock"... what about this thread... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711730
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's T-Mobile. The Verizon version is locked down.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Overloaded RAM

Hey guys, I would really appreciate some help with this. My phone is often extremely laggy, to the point that when it's asleep and I get a phone call, it wouldn't wake up for me to be able to answer it (even though I can hear it ringing) until the person calling hangs up. I know TW is famous for being slow but this is just ridiculous. The only thing I have running in the background with the exception of normal TW stuff is the DS Battery Saver module (only set to control wifi/Data, not killing apps) and yet often I can see that the phone is using more than 2.2GB of RAM (after I've killed everything in the task manager). How can this be? Surely the system itself doesn't need THAT much RAM? I shudder to think what phones with a smaller RAM are like.
I'm running the Thunderbolt ROM (basically just deodexed stock 5.0.1) with Xposed and the "Fix Lollipop Memory Leak" module. Is there anything else I can do? I love the design of this phone but I am close to getting rid of it and going back to Sony which was always smooth as silk. I would prefer to stick to the Note though since I love the design and extra functionalities but what use are them if I have enough time to make a cup of coffee every time I try to do something?
It must be your Rom. I used to love to installed custom rom on my S1 and S2. But at the end of the day, custom roms are all buggy.
Sent from my SM-N915T using XDA Free mobile app
I would agree with you but if anything, it was worse when I was on stock which is why I decided to try a custom rom (and I tried many buggy ones before settling on this). I'm not someone who spend my time flashing various roms just to experiment, it's usually because I find the performance or features lacking.
Have you tried to wipe everything and odin back to stock? Im on stock, unroot, and I dont have any issues yet.
Sent from my SM-N915T using XDA Free mobile app
Alarmmy said:
Have you tried to wipe everything and odin back to stock? Im on stock, unroot, and I dont have any issues yet.
Sent from my SM-N915T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same. I just don't even bother with Custom ROMs except if it gives more battery life. KNowing how hard Samsung has worked to make customization harder, I haven't bothered with custom ROMs for my edge.
Also I too have high RAM usage always but it doesn't make my phone any slower or laggier than past Bloatwiz phones. I am on 4.4.4 stock with a bunch of T Mobile stuff disabled.
edo101 said:
Same. I just don't even bother with Custom ROMs except if it gives more battery life. KNowing how hard Samsung has worked to make customization harder, I haven't bothered with custom ROMs for my edge.
Also I too have high RAM usage always but it doesn't make my phone any slower or laggier than past Bloatwiz phones. I am on 4.4.4 stock with a bunch of T Mobile stuff disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I wonder if I should revert back to KitKat. My phone was great when I first got it, even when I had a whole heap of stuff installed. But maybe I'll wait for 5.1.1 first and see if that helps (the 915G still hadn't received 5.1.1 yet).
marcolorenzo said:
Yeah I wonder if I should revert back to KitKat. My phone was great when I first got it, even when I had a whole heap of stuff installed. But maybe I'll wait for 5.1.1 first and see if that helps (the 915G still hadn't received 5.1.1 yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I have seen, you can no longer downgrade Android once you update to 5.1.1
Suffice it to say I will see if there is a way to stop my phone from auto updating itself. Kit Kat is working well for me and it retains all the native Edge features that made the Edge different.
I was able to get 6.5 hours screen time with my phone with location turned off and a full day of note taking, facebook, and music
edo101 said:
From what I have seen, you can no longer downgrade Android once you update to 5.1.1
Suffice it to say I will see if there is a way to stop my phone from auto updating itself. Kit Kat is working well for me and it retains all the native Edge features that made the Edge different.
I was able to get 6.5 hours screen time with my phone with location turned off and a full day of note taking, facebook, and music
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6.5 hours?!? Holy crap, did you play any games at all? I usually last only around 3 hours but that's because I do play quite a lot of games. Anyway, I'm downgrading to 4.4.4 now, hopefully it'll stop acting up.
marcolorenzo said:
6.5 hours?!? Holy crap, did you play any games at all? I usually last only around 3 hours but that's because I do play quite a lot of games. Anyway, I'm downgrading to 4.4.4 now, hopefully it'll stop acting up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Not really. Like I said, I One Noted all day with my S pen, music, facebook alot and Chrome. I managed battery by using power saving mode, turning off location and turning off sync and turning it on every hour for about 5 minutes to get my emails in.
Today I did gaming and art on my Edge and got about 4 hours
edo101 said:
No. Not really. Like I said, I One Noted all day with my S pen, music, facebook alot and Chrome. I managed battery by using power saving mode, turning off location and turning off sync and turning it on every hour for about 5 minutes to get my emails in.
Today I did gaming and art on my Edge and got about 4 hours
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I've been back on stock 4.4.4 for a few days now. It is simply fantastic! The difference is huge! No problems what so ever now. I would like to stay on this for the life of my phone but I am a little concerned about the lack of security updates (such as Stagefright). What are your thoughts on this?
BTW, I noticed that Android system and kernel often takes up the majority of my battery percentage. Each by between 9-16%. Do you get this as well?
marcolorenzo said:
So I've been back on stock 4.4.4 for a few days now. It is simply fantastic! The difference is huge! No problems what so ever now. I would like to stay on this for the life of my phone but I am a little concerned about the lack of security updates (such as Stagefright). What are your thoughts on this?
BTW, I noticed that Android system and kernel often takes up the majority of my battery percentage. Each by between 9-16%. Do you get this as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, thats normal
And don't worry, i got the stagefright update on 4.4.4 and I was on MetroPCS lol. MetroPCS rides on T Mobile, but its just goes to illustrate that you have nothing to worry about. Glad you are enjoying your Note Edge again. Its a shame Samsung forgot they released this beast of a phone. Imagine this thing with the Note 5's but Edged version of the new TW. Nah, makes too much sense for consumers. Doesn't make sense if you are trying to get people to buy new phones.
Anyways just make sure you never upgrade to 5.1.1 That thing is a point of no return
edo101 said:
Yep, thats normal
And don't worry, i got the stagefright update on 4.4.4 and I was on MetroPCS lol. MetroPCS rides on T Mobile, but its just goes to illustrate that you have nothing to worry about. Glad you are enjoying your Note Edge again. Its a shame Samsung forgot they released this beast of a phone. Imagine this thing with the Note 5's but Edged version of the new TW. Nah, makes too much sense for consumers. Doesn't make sense if you are trying to get people to buy new phones.
Anyways just make sure you never upgrade to 5.1.1 That thing is a point of no return
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't even begin to describe how happy I am with my phone right now. I remember a couple of months after I first got it, a friend of mine was watching me use it and commented on how snappy it was. Then more recently, not only did the sluggishness drive me crazy, I was watching others with envy, especially my girlfriend who is rocking my old Z1 Compact which still performs like a little rocket. Anyway, I am now back to loving the Note Edge again. I even prefer it over the new Notes, looks and all.
I just want to ask though, how did you manage to get the Stagefright update without updating the firmware? Software Update in the Settings won't allow me to update at all because "the operating system on my device has been modified in an unauthorised way" (I guess they're talking about the root) and Kies 3 tells me there's a new firmware available which I guess is 5.0.1 again (the N915G still doesn't have 5.1.1 as far as I know).
marcolorenzo said:
I can't even begin to describe how happy I am with my phone right now. I remember a couple of months after I first got it, a friend of mine was watching me use it and commented on how snappy it was. Then more recently, not only did the sluggishness drive me crazy, I was watching others with envy, especially my girlfriend who is rocking my old Z1 Compact which still performs like a little rocket. Anyway, I am now back to loving the Note Edge again. I even prefer it over the new Notes, looks and all.
I just want to ask though, how did you manage to get the Stagefright update without updating the firmware? Software Update in the Settings won't allow me to update at all because "the operating system on my device has been modified in an unauthorised way" (I guess they're talking about the root) and Kies 3 tells me there's a new firmware available which I guess is 5.0.1 again (the N915G still doesn't have 5.1.1 as far as I know).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um not sure how it works on Sprint or whoever you are on. On MetroPCS/TMobile,it just showed up as an update and updated itself automatically. I didn't actually know what it was till I googled it and people said it was stage fright
I'm in Europe but I bought my phone in Australia unlocked. Maybe I'll just get a virus scanner, that should solve any current and future security issues right?
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app
marcolorenzo said:
I'm in Europe but I bought my phone in Australia unlocked. Maybe I'll just get a virus scanner, that should solve any current and future security issues right?
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should. I really don't even know why you're scared. Do you get apps from anywhere besides Google Play Store?
Nah, I mean, some Amazon and Humble bundle apps but that's it. I'm not really that worried, just would prefer to be safe than sorry.
Sent from my SM-N915G using XDA Free mobile app
Should be fine. Not sure how things work with US carier based phones overseas but what I do know is KitKat got the update. I know I did and google says Kit Kat did
edo101 said:
Should be fine. Not sure how things work with US carier based phones overseas but what I do know is KitKat got the update. I know I did and google says Kit Kat did
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, if I can be bothered, I might unroot my phone and see if I can get the update then, then root it again afterwards. Can't be bothered to do it any time soon though
marcolorenzo said:
Okay, if I can be bothered, I might unroot my phone and see if I can get the update then, then root it again afterwards. Can't be bothered to do it any time soon though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, exactly. I wouldn't be worried about your phone at all. Unless you do shady online stuff

I'm giving up.. going stock.

Hey all,
Right now I am on CleanROM 1.5 and it runs good minus the pre 5.1.1 memory leak issues and pre samsung memory management issues.
Battery life was a solid 17 hours or more.
I am going to update this with my experience on memory management, battery life and anything else in case anyone else is wondering if it is worth making the switch.
To the people who are stock.. what are the recommendations ? Can I run any debloat scripts? Any threads on what is safe to de-bloat?
i went back to stock and it seems better than when i was running a rom. running 5.1.1 smoothly with no flaws, getting about a days worth of solid battery life and no problems with anything. i gave up on rooting samsung devices. just seems like there is to much to go through every time you want to do something and it doesn't seem like there is to much development for this device with the locked bootloader and all only so much can be done
I've been thinking about doing the same, think I might just do it tonight.
THADDIUS25 said:
I've been thinking about doing the same, think I might just do it tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it Friday night. No regrets at all.
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app
Same here on Sat night
Sent from my SM-T807V using Tapatalk
So here is what I did.. I ODIN'ed the 0E2 Tar and it did NOT wipe my device which I should it would. Then I let it upgrade to the latest 0G9. I wiped system cache via recovery and it seems okay.
Do you guys recommended a factory reset?
Also.. there is that debloater tool.. anyone have a list of good apps to debloat that is safe? I disabled some stuff but I am sure there is much more that can be done.
musicfreak190 said:
So here is what I did.. I ODIN'ed the 0E2 Tar and it did NOT wipe my device which I should it would. Then I let it upgrade to the latest 0G9. I wiped system cache via recovery and it seems okay.
Do you guys recommended a factory reset?
Also.. there is that debloater tool.. anyone have a list of good apps to debloat that is safe? I disabled some stuff but I am sure there is much more that can be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I factory reset personally, but download package disabler from the play store and it has a list to automatically debloat. And then you can go back enable anything that you did need.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
MrWicked1 said:
I factory reset personally, but download package disabler from the play store and it has a list to automatically debloat. And then you can go back enable anything that you did need.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Right now I'm rooted on 5.0.2, OE2 baseband. Can someone give me directions for going back to stock so I can flash 5.1.1?
Also, how did you guys back up your apps since Titanium won't work on non root devices.
Thanks for any help.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
I'm doing the same right now. I really liked clean rom light but if I was in my car I couldn't run Google Maps/Pandora and then go into messaging or gmail without one of those two apps shutting down. I'm hoping 5.1.1 will improve this.
tazman19 said:
Right now I'm rooted on 5.0.2, OE2 baseband. Can someone give me directions for going back to stock so I can flash 5.1.1?
Also, how did you guys back up your apps since Titanium won't work on non root devices.
Thanks for any help.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking for this as well
tazman19 said:
Right now I'm rooted on 5.0.2, OE2 baseband. Can someone give me directions for going back to stock so I can flash 5.1.1?
Also, how did you guys back up your apps since Titanium won't work on non root devices.
Thanks for any help.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Head over to the general section and download Odin and the tar file for OE2 and flash it is ongoing your pc. Then I used smart switch to upgrade. I didn't back up any apps so can't help you there I've never seen any decent back up apps for non root.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
I completely agree. I've been mulling over this for a long time now as well. I guess if I want device support, then I need to go to the iPhone.
I decided to once again factory reset a couple of hours ago. Sucks that this thing slows down and stutters so much. I had already disabled a ton on stuff using Disabler app. I'm going to run on stock launcher and just a few apps for a bit before I decide whether to suffer thru or just sell it. Maybe Marshmallow will help in about 6 months when Samsung/Verizon release it. Damn. I should've kept my S4 running a bit longer. It did better than this S6. What the hell Samsung?
well...I decided to join you guys. (upgrading now) i hope i don't regret this! haha
let's just hope Marshmallow can be rooted!!!
el6006 said:
I decided to once again factory reset a couple of hours ago. Sucks that this thing slows down and stutters so much. I had already disabled a ton on stuff using Disabler app. I'm going to run on stock launcher and just a few apps for a bit before I decide whether to suffer thru or just sell it. Maybe Marshmallow will help in about 6 months when Samsung/Verizon release it. Damn. I should've kept my S4 running a bit longer. It did better than this S6. What the hell Samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surprised your having so much trouble, no lag here and pretty decent battery life with everything I have disabled.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
el6006 said:
I decided to once again factory reset a couple of hours ago. Sucks that this thing slows down and stutters so much. I had already disabled a ton on stuff using Disabler app. I'm going to run on stock launcher and just a few apps for a bit before I decide whether to suffer thru or just sell it. Maybe Marshmallow will help in about 6 months when Samsung/Verizon release it. Damn. I should've kept my S4 running a bit longer. It did better than this S6. What the hell Samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had 0 issues since going to stock 5.1.1. Running smooth and fast.
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app
el6006 said:
I decided to once again factory reset a couple of hours ago. Sucks that this thing slows down and stutters so much. I had already disabled a ton on stuff using Disabler app. I'm going to run on stock launcher and just a few apps for a bit before I decide whether to suffer thru or just sell it. Maybe Marshmallow will help in about 6 months when Samsung/Verizon release it. Damn. I should've kept my S4 running a bit longer. It did better than this S6. What the hell Samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You consider maybe your unit is bad. Because let's be real. Saying the s4 could outperform this device is pure rubbish.
Gizmoe said:
You consider maybe your unit is bad. Because let's be real. Saying the s4 could outperform this device is pure rubbish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think so. It starts out great every time I restore to stock but quickly degrades in performance. Since the last update, OG9, and having reset it yet again the other night, it is working somewhat better. Its not as laggy as before. I don't know maybe its all in my head. I just think that sometimes, the stuttering is just not making any sense. Google Plus lags and stutters, Gmail lags at times, Hangouts also, Firefox, Chrome,..... It works fine after a restore.
el6006 said:
I should've kept my S4 running a bit longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a S6 for 13 days and returned it and went back to my S4. The S6 was definitely a better device performance wise but I wasn't impressed enough with it and I could do everything on my S4 that I need to do just as well. I bought my S4 a year after it was released so it's not as old as some. I also went to stock on my S4 after being rooted since I had it and did a factory reset. Feels like I have a new phone. I'm going to wait and see what the S7 is going to be like.

Keep root or go marshmallow?

I am debating now if I shouldkeep the root or move to mmarshmallow. How smooth is marshmallow? Battery life? Does Hotspot still work?
I'd keep root.
My usb port started acting really wonky and after attempting everything I could think of, I decided to try the verizon repair assistant hoping that the 1% chance it would be a software issue. Unrooted, ran the repair assistant and next thing I know, my phone is on marshmallow, the software doesn't repair sh*t, just wipes everything, installs latest rom and then puts files back. Does not return your app data.
Anyway, long story short, my battery seems to drain quicker now, I can't deal with all the ads and I lost years of app data. Stick with root, nothing special with marshmallow.
brdsng said:
I'd keep root.
My usb port started acting really wonky and after attempting everything I could think of, I decided to try the verizon repair assistant hoping that the 1% chance it would be a software issue. Unrooted, ran the repair assistant and next thing I know, my phone is on marshmallow, the software doesn't repair sh*t, just wipes everything, installs latest rom and then puts files back. Does not return your app data.
Anyway, long story short, my battery seems to drain quicker now, I can't deal with all the ads and I lost years of app data. Stick with root, nothing special with marshmallow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shoot, wish that would have been a software issue for you. Still tempted to see how marshmallow runs. My phone seems to be running slow.
I've had root on my phone's since the original Motorola droid days. Now that we haven't been able to unlock bootloader root is almost pointless that we can't install custom kernels, or true Roms. I've had more options being on marshmallow than 0C3 or 0E2. I don't use hotspot so I'm not sure if it still works but I was reading that people have been able to get it going without root. Android and Samsung pay works now that I'm not rooted. Samsung's themes work very well and canake the whole touch whiz experience bearable. All the addware that comes along with not being rooted is easily hidden. People complain about that it's still installed and using space on our phones but for me I haven't noticed them.
titos1997 said:
I've had root on my phone's since the original Motorola droid days. Now that we haven't been able to unlock bootloader root is almost pointless that we can't install custom kernels, or true Roms. I've had more options being on marshmallow than 0C3 or 0E2. I don't use hotspot so I'm not sure if it still works but I was reading that people have been able to get it going without root. Android and Samsung pay works now that I'm not rooted. Samsung's themes work very well and canake the whole touch whiz experience bearable. All the addware that comes along with not being rooted is easily hidden. People complain about that it's still installed and using space on our phones but for me I haven't noticed them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know the best way to go back to stock? I've been on 5.0.2 OE2 rooted since the beginning but I'm wanting to move over to Marshmallow stock and get some of those apps back that don't support rooted phones.
So my big question is foxfi working on marshmallow foe the unlimited plan?
So my big question is foxfi working on marshmallow foe the unlimited plan?
serotoninzero said:
Do you know the best way to go back to stock? I've been on 5.0.2 OE2 rooted since the beginning but I'm wanting to move over to Marshmallow stock and get some of those apps back that don't support rooted phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I did was uninstall the apps which required root, then I unrooted through SU and then connected to the verizon upgrade assistant. You can also use the Samsung smart switch. Before I connected to the upgrade assistant and smart switch, but after I unrooted through SU, I rebooted my phone a few times and the custom unlock boot screen also changed to normal.
---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------
titos1997 said:
I've had root on my phone's since the original Motorola droid days. Now that we haven't been able to unlock bootloader root is almost pointless that we can't install custom kernels, or true Roms. I've had more options being on marshmallow than 0C3 or 0E2. I don't use hotspot so I'm not sure if it still works but I was reading that people have been able to get it going without root. Android and Samsung pay works now that I'm not rooted. Samsung's themes work very well and canake the whole touch whiz experience bearable. All the addware that comes along with not being rooted is easily hidden. People complain about that it's still installed and using space on our phones but for me I haven't noticed them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been rooting since the HTC Hero days and I disagree. Although we have lost a lot with the locked bootloader, it's not pointless, root still lets you keep all of your old app data with titanium backup which I personally had stored for years. It's also great for blocking ads, being on day 4 of no root, all these ads are really annoying.
I'd love to be back on OE2!
Matlab$Brah said:
So my big question is foxfi working on marshmallow foe the unlimited plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works perfectly. I switched from OE2 to MM with no regrets. Get package disabler pro and get rid of all the bloat and it's super smooth with great battery life. The only thing I miss about not having root is I can't use better battery stats anymore. The locked bootloader and complete lack of updated ROMs was a much bigger deal to me.
serotoninzero said:
Do you know the best way to go back to stock? I've been on 5.0.2 OE2 rooted since the beginning but I'm wanting to move over to Marshmallow stock and get some of those apps back that don't support rooted phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download stock firmware from Sammobile and flash with Odin.
Sent from my SM-T800 using XDA-Developers mobile app
serotoninzero said:
Do you know the best way to go back to stock? I've been on 5.0.2 OE2 rooted since the beginning but I'm wanting to move over to Marshmallow stock and get some of those apps back that don't support rooted phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Marshmallow Odin Tar was linked in another thread. You should be able to just flash this and factory reset through the stock recovery and be set. I haven't done this but that's the route I'll be taking when I do decide to upgrade
Matlab$Brah said:
Shoot, wish that would have been a software issue for you. Still tempted to see how marshmallow runs. My phone seems to be running slow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you ever make the move?
Yes, best decision I have made marshmallow is faster and smoother, foxfi works, and you can you samsung pay.
marshmallow good, lock screen bad
Yea, marshmallow works very good on the S6.. smooth, good battery life, looks good...but that freaking swipe screen! Having to swipe the screen just to get to your lock screen is useless and irritating and people have been asking Google to change it since lollipop. I was hoping marshmallow would be different but no
Looks like no ability to root now either
I made the jump. Best decision ever. Very polished and no more force close like 5.0.2. Can still tether with foxfi which is what I pretty much only used root for.
How is the latest update? I'm still rooted and thinking about going back to stock.

now PIE is OTA... worth rooting still?

Last phone I ever rooted was my old Galaxy S6. Years ago. In the end I ended up flashing back to stock. Cant remember why.
But yesterday morning after I got the android pie / one ui OTA .. I cannot use substratum and andromeda anymore!! I hate the themes from the galaxy store with a passion.
Is it worth rooting just to theme? I guess losing Knox ain't a problem. My phone isnt under warranty, it's a tmobile phone unlocked with different cell carrier.
Any opinions ?? :highfive:
bump
turbolaceup said:
Last phone I ever rooted was my old Galaxy S6. Years ago. In the end I ended up flashing back to stock. Cant remember why.
But yesterday morning after I got the android pie / one ui OTA .. I cannot use substratum and andromeda anymore!! I hate the themes from the galaxy store with a passion.
Is it worth rooting just to theme? I guess losing Knox ain't a problem. My phone isnt under warranty, it's a tmobile phone unlocked with different cell carrier.
Any opinions ?? :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried pie on my wifes phone. Its cool. I like it. But nothing compares to a rooted device even if you dont have custom roms or that good stuff. Even a 1.5 year old s8 still get better battery life than a new stock one with all my tweaks. I even kind of broke the 80% charge barrier litrelly last night. Got a 90% charge. So imo if your a smart fellar and can follow the root mwthod instructions to a t i would always pick root over updates. Im still on a revision 2 bootloader and plan to be til the death of my device
I see you say tmobile. The US devices or U models cannot trip knox. You lose samsung pay while rooted but you can always restore back stock. Secure folder and pay will work after. Since we have locked bootloaders. And no way to unlock them since they are signed with 256 bit sha keys.
I got dual speaker mods, modded touchwiz, deodexed. Completely themed out. I try all kinds. I push root to its limits for a locked bootloader.
TheMadScientist said:
I tried pie on my wifes phone. Its cool. I like it. But nothing compares to a rooted device even if you dont have custom roms or that good stuff. Even a 1.5 year old s8 still get better battery life than a new stock one with all my tweaks. I even kind of broke the 80% charge barrier litrelly last night. Got a 90% charge. So imo if your a smart fellar and can follow the root mwthod instructions to a t i would always pick root over updates. Im still on a revision 2 bootloader and plan to be til the death of my device
I see you say tmobile. The US devices or U models cannot trip knox. You lose samsung pay while rooted but you can always restore back stock. Secure folder and pay will work after. Since we have locked bootloaders. And no way to unlock them since they are signed with 256 bit sha keys.
I got dual speaker mods, modded touchwiz, deodexed. Completely themed out. I try all kinds. I push root to its limits for a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the fact of losing Samsung pay, I will not root my phone. Thank you so much for reminding me of that downfall!!!
Yeah my phone is sm-g955u tmobile s8+ but unlocked and I use metro pcs.
And what is the 80% barrier? I read something earlier trying to find a rom if I were to root... I got parallels installed on my computer so I could have used Odin. (I sadly own a hackintosh, built from scratch mac in a PC tower)
I miss using substratum sense the pie update, but This equally Black & Red Samsung theme along with This awesome Samsung icon set is doing okay..
I do miss blacked out gmail, play store, etc... lol
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+ using XDA Labs
turbolaceup said:
Just the fact of losing Samsung pay, I will not root my phone. Thank you so much for reminding me of that downfall!!!
Yeah my phone is sm-g955u tmobile s8+ but unlocked and I use metro pcs.
And what is the 80% barrier? I read something earlier trying to find a rom if I were to root... I got parallels installed on my computer so I could have used Odin. (I sadly own a hackintosh, built from scratch mac in a PC tower)
I miss using substratum sense the pie update, but This equally Black & Red Samsung theme along with This awesome Samsung icon set is doing okay..
I do miss blacked out gmail, play store, etc... lol
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+ using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel we have from Samsung the they do graciously left open to use for permissive root. Has a80% charge cap set in place from Samsung. Its a safety thing.
TheMadScientist said:
The kernel we have from Samsung the they do graciously left open to use for permissive root. Has a80% charge cap set in place from Samsung. Its a safety thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. Lol.

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