I've only had the OG Droid and Nexus phones since so I'm a bit unfamiliar with non-Nexus devices.
I wanted to ask a few questions in one place.
In order
f I buy a carrier unlocked version (US) of the S7, is the bootloader unlocked/unlockable such that I could install TWRP?
Is there typically an AOSP rom available for the Galaxy S phones? (Such that Xposed + Gravitybox is a viable option)
If I do unlock the bootloader and install an AOSP rom, from what I heard there's a counter that gets tripped. (Knox?). Exactly how much of the waranty does that void if any?
I've heard that the RGB LED behaves differently under Touchwiz, is that strictly a software issue such that if I were using an AOSP based ROM, it would behave how I'm familiar from say the original Nexus 5?
(I'm currently still on my Nexus 5 and my hardware requirements for upgrading is RGB LED light + SD Card slot, so provided I can do what I want software-wise, this phone is looking like the winner)
Trel said:
[*]f I buy a carrier unlocked version (US) of the S7, is the bootloader unlocked/unlockable such that I could install TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful with this one. Carrier unlocked != unlocked bootloader. You can SIM unlock an AT&T phone for example, but the bootloader will remain locked severely limiting it's "modability". You didn't say who your carrier was, but for us GSM folks, best bet is an unlocked international version or a T-Mobile phone (typically come with unlocked bootloader).
Trel said:
[*]Is there typically an AOSP rom available for the Galaxy S phones? (Such that Xposed + Gravitybox is a viable option)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no. Previous generations have had a lot of developer support. The S6, OTOH, with it's proprietary Exynos chipset, has received a very luke-warm reception. Heck, currently my 3 year old $80 MotoG has a more functional version of CM13 than any of the S6 variants! With the US versions of the S7 sporting the SD820 chipset, I'd think this phone will get a boatload of developer support (but I make no guarantees).
Trel said:
[*]If I do unlock the bootloader and install an AOSP rom, from what I heard there's a counter that gets tripped. (Knox?). Exactly how much of the waranty does that void if any?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not always/entirely true. For example, there's a method to flash a custom rom on the locked down AT&T S6 that does not trip KNOX. That said, ROM options without tripping KNOX are very limited and usually lag significantly so many people just go ahead and trip it without giving it much thought. You may or may not void warranty, and will likely loose some proprietary functionality (Samsung Pay), but being able to "tinker" is well worth it.
Trel said:
[*]I've heard that the RGB LED behaves differently under Touchwiz, is that strictly a software issue such that if I were using an AOSP based ROM, it would behave how I'm familiar from say the original Nexus 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the RGB LED issues are software related and there are many options to address them (including Xposed modules that work with TW roms).
Trel said:
(I'm currently still on my Nexus 5 and my hardware requirements for upgrading is RGB LED light + SD Card slot, so provided I can do what I want software-wise, this phone is looking like the winner)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S7 has a lot going for it. However, coming from a GED, you might want to wait a few months to see if the developer community does indeed embrace the new device before jumping on the bandwagon though...
dew.man said:
Be careful with this one. Carrier unlocked != unlocked bootloader. You can SIM unlock an AT&T phone for example, but the bootloader will remain locked severely limiting it's "modability". You didn't say who your carrier was, but for us GSM folks, best bet is an unlocked international version or a T-Mobile phone (typically come with unlocked bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the difference. International doesn't have snapdragon or is that strictly the EU one with the Exynos chipset? I know AT&T and Verizon will never have the bootloader unlocked. I'm asking about a fully paid T-Mobile one or if I get a generic one somehow.
Yes and no. Previous generations have had a lot of developer support. The S6, OTOH, with it's proprietary Exynos chipset, has received a very luke-warm reception. Heck, currently my 3 year old $80 MotoG has a more functional version of CM13 than any of the S6 variants! With the US versions of the S7 sporting the SD820 chipset, I'd think this phone will get a boatload of developer support (but I make no guarantees).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the international and the EU version separate phones? If so, then I'll probably get International and end up with the Snapdragon one, but if they're on in the same, I'd not go for that. I know how little support Exynos ends up with.
Not always/entirely true. For example, there's a method to flash a custom rom on the locked down AT&T S6 that does not trip KNOX. That said, ROM options without tripping KNOX are very limited and usually lag significantly so many people just go ahead and trip it without giving it much thought. You may or may not void warranty, and will likely loose some proprietary functionality (Samsung Pay), but being able to "tinker" is well worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom rom wouldn't include TWRP which would be useless to me then. Since I'd want a custom recovery as well, I'd be tripping Knox unless there's some new exploit. Specifically in the US, what do you lose if you trip the Knox counter?
Yes, the RGB LED issues are software related and there are many options to address them (including Xposed modules that work with TW roms).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's pure software, then that's perfect. I would only use an AOSP or AOSP based ROM anyway. I can't stand Touchwiz when I have to help relatives with their phone, so if the issues are limited to TW based ROMs, I'd never run into them.
The S7 has a lot going for it. However, coming from a GED, you might want to wait a few months to see if the developer community does indeed embrace the new device before jumping on the bandwagon though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably a good idea anyway. I've discounted this phone up until yesterday as I was told that it would have active display in lieu of an RGB LED which is strict 100% deal breaker for me. (huge storage could possibly make up for lack of SD Card support, but lack of LED = no go).
I'll wait it out then, as I can probably also get a good deal if I wait a bit.
Related
Apparently Samsung's getting ready to roll-out the announced N3 Knox improvements (consumer use vs. corporate device management) to the SGS4. One of the new Knox features allows device owners to prevent the wiping of the device in the event it's stolen. That's pretty cool. But apparently there are some pretty big security and permission changes that are being put in place to make it work based on a 9/4 SGS4 update Samsung pushed out. These are the changes from Chainfire the creator of SuperSU and Triangle Away.
SELinux enabled and set to "restrictive"
A more secure bootloader
A new warranty status indicator inside the bootloader
Inability to downgrade once the new bootloader's installed
What does it mean? The N3's locked down pretty tight and not at a carrier's direction. It's too early to say what the long-term impact will be but the devs are working on getting the flexibility that's gone back.
Follow this thread for more info...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432100
Here's Chainfire's post on G+...
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Chainfire/posts/5ggu7naWtaW#+Chainfire/posts/5ggu7naWtaW
Yeah,Knox security and locked bootloader is probably going to be a major headache.
Hope there is a permanent solution for this, time will tell
GT-N7105 via Tapatalk 2
I hope someone is going to figure it out. Im stuck with Verizon so if i buy it i don't have the option to buy it unlocked. But I'm not going to knowingly buy a locked device and then whine and complain about not being able to unlock it. Not being unlocked could be a deal breaker for me.
Sent from my XT926 using Tapatalk 4
If thats true, then its a big blow to the dev community
i already preordered mine out of contract. This is really something that concerns me. Coming from the note 1 I really only care about the screen size/ quality/ camera/ and snapdragon 800. i got 15 days to return and this might be the reason why. I find flashing to be fun.(phones and self=) 21 days of pondering after being pretty dam sure on next phone.
Is Knox included by default for all N3? or is it just for business customers?
CLARiiON said:
Is Knox included by default for all N3? or is it just for business customers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know for sure if Samsung has said one way or the other, but from a production standpoint, it would be easier to include it on all phones.
My main concern is that with a locked bootloader, adding a custom recovery is much more difficult. I prefer being able to create my own phone backups and use them as-needed. Android's stock recovery hasn't changed since at least the OG Droid, and therefore lacks this ability. Otherwise, my personal reasons for wanting to flash have significantly reduced since my first Android device.
Devans32 said:
Not being unlocked could be a deal breaker for me. Sent from my XT926 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
daraj said:
If thats true, then its a big blow to the dev community
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
joverclock said:
This is really something that concerns me. I find flashing to be fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is indeed a concern and could be a deal breaker for me too. As joverclock said, I too really enjoy tinkering with my phone and have missed the active development activities with my EVO 4G LTE that I enjoyed with the original EVO.
Dev Edition?
DCLocal said:
This is indeed a concern and could be a deal breaker for me too. As joverclock said, I too really enjoy tinkering with my phone and have missed the active development activities with my EVO 4G LTE that I enjoyed with the original EVO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Them ( CFO Shamwow VZW) selling phones at retail price locked is a joke. Full price I want to do whatever with the phone. vzw s4 seems pretty well locked on the MDK (latest) revision without the possib to odin downgrade.
Any rumors of a dev version ( unlocked bootloader ) in similar way with this?
Not unlocked no note 3 for me. I have preordered i605-note 2 and Adam Outler unlocked it in 7 days ( including ordering the phone). maybe he can help again.
Many thanks
Abe
CLARiiON said:
Is Knox included by default for all N3? or is it just for business customers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's on my att S4
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
CLARiiON said:
Is Knox included by default for all N3? or is it just for business customers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung KNOX & Find My Mobile
The new GALAXY Note 3 comes with enhanced privacy and security protection provided by Samsung KNOX. Users can activate Samsung KNOX with ease which allows them to run and store security-sensitive applications and data inside a protected execution environment called “container.” The security inside the container is strengthened by system-level protection of Samsung KNOX against malware and phishing attacks as well as hacking attempts on physical devices when devices are stolen or lost. For instance, important personal pictures or video can be stored in the container with no worries for data leakage due to hacking. In addition, users may choose to store enterprise applications and data such as corporate email, contacts and calendar and allow the IT department to manage the container through EAS (Exchange ActiveSync Server). These features make the GALAXY Note 3 an ideal device for BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device to work)
Furthermore, the GALAXY Note 3 is equipped with an improved Find My Mobile feature that allows users to disable the phone when it is stolen or lost. With the enhanced user authentication, the technology prevents stolen mobile phones from being reset to factory settings, and allows users to remotely track or erase the data from their lost or stolen mobile phones.
A user doesn't have to activate it but the hooks it needs and control over the bootloader it requires will be on every N3. The same hooks and bootloader changes were just pushed out to the SGS4 which is what has their forum up in arms. I'm guessing Knox was inert on consumer SGS4's originally because it required corporate device management s/w to enable it. Now that it's being aimed at consumers it's going to be on all Samsung's devices that can support it. The devs on the SGS4 forum are still trying to understand what the changes mean and how to work around them. It broke all Chainfire's apps (One Click Root, SuperSU, Triangle Away, Mobile Odin) so he's especially keen at addressing Knox's new "features."
Samsung had a big presence here at the Atlanta Airwatch Connect conference. They mention the new Knox capable hardware "burns in on hardware" when it is rooted and cannot be undone.
I'm not enough of a techie to ask them more specifics about how they accomplish this. But thought I would pass it on here so someone smarter than I can valid this claim.
I might just cancel my preorder if this is true.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
jetjock said:
Samsung had a big presence here at the Atlanta Airwatch Connect conference. They mention the new Knox capable hardware "burns in on hardware" when it is rooted and cannot be undone.
I'm not enough of a techie to ask them more specifics about how they accomplish this. But thought I would pass it on here so someone smarter than I can valid this claim.
I might just cancel my preorder if this is true.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if this is true I will be getting back form 739 from best buy and giving it to someone else.
We have been lucky with the s4 here in canada..non locked bootloader. The last at&t ota locked theirs down and they have root but thats all.now it seems the international devices are being locked down also.
I hope the CAN version of the N3 continues the no lock trend but I kind of doubt it. I planned or pre ordering but I think ill wait and see first.
I refuse to spend $800 on a device and not be able to do what I want with it.
sent from my S3, S4 or Note2
Samsung is gonna be hurting if they shy away the regular Joe consumer to try and get enterprise customers. I would think consumers outnumber enterprise people but even if not true, Samsung won't get all thebeneterprise with apple, Microsoft and blackberry in the running also. I am hoping for an unlocked USA LTE band compatible with unlocked bootloader. My next phone needs to hold me until 64bit chips makebwaves on android and I think the note3 can do that in the meantime. The note2 probably could but I am smartphone techno nerd and the note 2 will be ancient history to me if I owned it more than 15 months.
Just thought I'd let you all know:
I have the new MH8 firmware on my S4 that has the new locked bootloader and Knox security.
I had no trouble rooting it, installing CWM Recovery and flashing CM10.2. All works fine.
The downside is that once you're on this new bootloader you cannot downgrade stock firmware using Odin.
That's the only limitation I've come across.
I can still flash any custom ROM, any custom Kernel and any custom recovery
@rbiter said:
Samsung is gonna be hurting if they shy away the regular Joe consumer to try and get enterprise customers. I would think consumers outnumber enterprise people but even if not true, Samsung won't get all thebeneterprise with apple, Microsoft and blackberry in the running also. I am hoping for an unlocked USA LTE band compatible with unlocked bootloader. My next phone needs to hold me until 64bit chips makebwaves on android and I think the note3 can do that in the meantime. The note2 probably could but I am smartphone techno nerd and the note 2 will be ancient history to me if I owned it more than 15 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA looks at Knox's impact to customization and shivers. The masses look at it as a safe and unique place to store their porn and a way of increasing the chances of getting their lost/stolen device back. We're 5% of the market and the masses are 95%. Samsung losing 5% of their sales is about equal to all the devices HTC will sell in 2013. We're opinion leaders and early adopters but we're not indispensable.
P.S. - I'm not agreeing with what Samsung's doing so please don't shoot the messenger.
BarryH_GEG said:
XDA looks at Knox's impact to customization and shivers. The masses look at it as a safe and unique place to store their porn and a way of increasing the chances of getting their lost/stolen device back. We're 5% of the market and the masses are 95%. Samsung losing 5% of their sales is about equal to all the devices HTC will sell in 2013. We're opinion leaders and early adopters but we're not indispensable.
P.S. - I'm not agreeing with what Samsung's doing so please don't shoot the messenger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure the 5% are capable to influence another 30% of the masses not to buy Note 3
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
when will we know its locked? how long does it take for hackers/devs to find out that it can be unlocked..?
still not sure if i should pull the trigger for the pre order.. im assuming its a 50/50 chance because if i get it now and it can be unlocked and later they update it and it ships with that new update ill be bum and locked out on the fun
i need my root.. dont like ads/crapware
markysd said:
when will we know its locked? how long does it take for hackers/devs to find out that it can be unlocked..?
still not sure if i should pull the trigger for the pre order.. im assuming its a 50/50 chance because if i get it now and it can be unlocked and later they update it and it ships with that new update ill be bum and locked out on the fun
i need my root.. dont like ads/crapware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just realized how much I use Root lol, def gonna need that at a min if I want to switch
hello
i just pre order my S6 this week end
i quit my HTC one M7 and the M9 dont interest me in term of design and fonctionality
so it my first Samsung , i always have HTC phone
so i want to know if the dev comunity is active on Samsung device (custom roms , etc.... ) ????
thx in advance for reply :good:
Off course my friend just wait till its officially released and ull see the development for this beast
demmo81 said:
Off course my friend just wait till its officially released and ull see the development for this beast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a M7 currently, and I will most likely get a SGS6. Modding HTC (unlocking/rooting/custom roms & kernels) is fairly easy. How does Sammy compare to HTC? I read it's a bit more difficult for you guys. True?
I've read Sammy's with Qualcomm chips are easier to mod than the Exynos variants. True?
I've also read Samsung takes awhile to release latest kernel sources. True?
Hopefully someone can answer these questions. First Samsung TW device. My previous smartphones are in my sig.
I wouldn't really count on the development on S6 being active. You can at the very least take a look at the Galaxy S5 G900H which is the exynos variant of the S5 which barely recieve any support from developers.
Well there are ROM chefs at least but developers are close to nil.
Riyal said:
I wouldn't really count on the development on S6 being active. You can at the very least take a look at the Galaxy S5 G900H which is the exynos variant of the S5 which barely recieve any support from developers.
Well there are ROM chefs at least but developers are close to nil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Difference is that the S6 will ONLY be Exynos, so everyone will have the Exynos version (more users/devs), of course. With the S5, most ppl had the Qualcomm variant correct? So more users/devs for the Qualcomm version.
In the last few years, generally speaking Samsung devices with Exynos SoCs have only had fully-functional custom ROMs based on TouchWiz, but ROMs based on AOSP or CyanogenMod have had unsolvable problems with the camera, sound driver's, etc. The bottom line is, if you buy a Samsung, make sure you are perfectly content with TouchWiz or broken ROMs.
Well I heard that samsung is also planning on releasing snapdragon based s6 sometime in the future? I'm not sure as I lost my interest in s6 after they confirmed that there's no sdcard in s6. Also if development is really a big deal for you when purchasing the S6 then I say better wait first before jumping. We don't know yet if there are indeed devs willing to take on the galaxy s6 for development. For now so far I haven't heard anyone willing to unlike on HTC and other devices devs are already swarming the forums even if the device is not yet released. So if I were you... Wait a couple of weeks and observe the development progress here in the forums. If it recieves enough to get your interest then purchase one and if you're lucky enough a price drop might happen before you get your device.
J-Hop2o6 said:
Difference is that the S6 will ONLY be Exynos, so everyone will have the Exynos version (more users/devs), of course. With the S5, most ppl had the Qualcomm variant correct? So more users/devs for the Qualcomm version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is what I'm talking about... There are only ROM chefs(those who specialize in modifying the stock ROM) rather than developers(those who develop custom ROMs from source code) The problem here is that Samsung won't release the "full" source code of their exynos chipsets hence any drivers that's communicating in the SoC can't be recompiled against other ROMs.
As far as I know only 1 custom kernel has been released on the G900H S5 and that barely even got any progress at all even if it's just a plain TW kernel.
CafeKampuchia said:
In the last few years, generally speaking Samsung devices with Exynos SoCs have only had fully-functional custom ROMs based on TouchWiz, but ROMs based on AOSP or CyanogenMod have had unsolvable problems with the camera, sound driver's, etc. The bottom line is, if you buy a Samsung, make sure you are perfectly content with TouchWiz or broken ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at s3 for closest example
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Ave666 said:
Look at s3 for closest example
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the s3 a exynos only device also?
Riyal said:
Is the s3 a exynos only device also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, exynos 4412
CafeKampuchia said:
In the last few years, generally speaking Samsung devices with Exynos SoCs have only had fully-functional custom ROMs based on TouchWiz, but ROMs based on AOSP or CyanogenMod have had unsolvable problems with the camera, sound driver's, etc. The bottom line is, if you buy a Samsung, make sure you are perfectly content with TouchWiz or broken ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mostly use roms which the devices was made for. Like the M7, I stuck with Sense roms. If I get the SGS6, I will stick with TW. The reason I stick with what the phone was made for is because of less bugs, and the camera is always better on the original sw, etc. So modded stock roms is what I usually go for. Hopefully some good stuff for the SGS6 in the near-future, especially since it will be a popular device.
Riyal said:
Well I heard that samsung is also planning on releasing snapdragon based s6 sometime in the future? I'm not sure as I lost my interest in s6 after they confirmed that there's no sdcard in s6. Also if development is really a big deal for you when purchasing the S6 then I say better wait first before jumping. We don't know yet if there are indeed devs willing to take on the galaxy s6 for development. For now so far I haven't heard anyone willing to unlike on HTC and other devices devs are already swarming the forums even if the device is not yet released. So if I were you... Wait a couple of weeks and observe the development progress here in the forums. If it recieves enough to get your interest then purchase one and if you're lucky enough a price drop might happen before you get your device.
Yes this is what I'm talking about... There are only ROM chefs(those who specialize in modifying the stock ROM) rather than developers(those who develop custom ROMs from source code) The problem here is that Samsung won't release the "full" source code of their exynos chipsets hence any drivers that's communicating in the SoC can't be recompiled against other ROMs.
As far as I know only 1 custom kernel has been released on the G900H S5 and that barely even got any progress at all even if it's just a plain TW kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, i'm patiently waiting for some big news on the 3rd party support. Modded stock rom is what I was going for, not AOSP roms. I always like using what the device was made for. In this case, TW. Same with my M7, Sense. So is it still difficult for the Chefs to work on the stock rom because of Exynos (and other reasons?). Or is it sort of painless? And that does suck about the S5 (Exynos varient?) kernel situation =(
elia222 said:
Yes, exynos 4412
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also with Legendary S2
Ave666 said:
Also with Legendary S2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also note 2
Sent from my SM-N910C using XDA mobile app
J-Hop2o6 said:
I mostly use roms which the devices was made for. Like the M7, I stuck with Sense roms. If I get the SGS6, I will stick with TW. The reason I stick with what the phone was made for is because of less bugs, and the camera is always better on the original sw, etc. So modded stock roms is what I usually go for. Hopefully some good stuff for the SGS6 in the near-future, especially since it will be a popular device.
Yea, i'm patiently waiting for some big news on the 3rd party support. Modded stock rom is what I was going for, not AOSP roms. I always like using what the device was made for. In this case, TW. Same with my M7, Sense. So is it still difficult for the Chefs to work on the stock rom because of Exynos (and other reasons?). Or is it sort of painless? And that does suck about the S5 (Exynos varient?) kernel situation =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's just modded stock ROM you're after then you shouldn't have any problems then...
I have to admit I'm a little jealous going over to the m9 forum and seeing it full of roms already
I highly doubt the bootloader will be unlockable on the S6, greatly limiting options. No one has figured out how to unlock the S5 yet.
Unless they release a developer edition on the S6, I would prepare to have root, and possibly SafeStrap, at best.
cambunch said:
I highly doubt the bootloader will be unlockable on the S6, greatly limiting options. No one has figured out how to unlock the S5 yet.
Unless they release a developer edition on the S6, I would prepare to have root, and possibly SafeStrap, at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile version and international have unlockable bootloaders. This phone is the reason why I switched to tmobile from at&t.
NJGSII said:
Tmobile version and international have unlockable bootloaders. This phone is the reason why I switched to tmobile from at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I wasn't aware of that. I'm on Verizon's user-unfriendly network.
NJGSII said:
Tmobile version and international have unlockable bootloaders. This phone is the reason why I switched to tmobile from at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint on the S5 is unlocked as well. The locked bootloader is usually the carrier being difficult, Verizon/AT&T.
My bet is 3-4 months for a patchwork AOSP.
cambunch said:
Oh, I wasn't aware of that. I'm on Verizon's user-unfriendly network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you have those versions you'll mostly sol when it comes to development.
I'm interested in buying this phone, and I've already noticed that exynos version is more supported by devs here and in overall it's better. But my problem is, what is the codenumber of the exynos version, not sure if I call it properly but I'm talking about this SM - T310 thing for example. I just couldn't find it anywhere... And my question is which one is for which phone, or if it's country specified, then can someone tell me how can I get the better version?
Sm-g930f is international, sm-g930w8 is canadian exynos.
Sm-g930a 930t 930v 930s 930u is att/tmo/verizon/sprint/carrier unlocked snapdragon.
Check out B & H Photo Video:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1225377-REG/samsung_sm_g930_32gb_blk_galaxy_s7_g930_32gb.html
I bought my exynos S7 from them. Very reputable, fast delivery and excellent price. I would not recommend getting the snapdragon. The root for it is very buggy and there is no support from developers because the bootloader is locked and will likely never be unlocked. I have my S7 rooted with VoLTE, WiFi calling and unlimited tether. To answer your question, it's the SM-G930F. The G935F is the S7 Edge.
peachpuff said:
Sm-g930f is international, sm-g930w8 is canadian exynos.
Sm-g930a 930t 930v 930s 930u is att/tmo/verizon/sprint/carrier unlocked snapdragon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally someone that could tell that in a normal way, thanks
SystematiQ said:
Check out B & H Photo Video:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1225377-REG/samsung_sm_g930_32gb_blk_galaxy_s7_g930_32gb.html
I bought my exynos S7 from them. Very reputable, fast delivery and excellent price. I would not recommend getting the snapdragon. The root for it is very buggy and there is no support from developers because the bootloader is locked and will likely never be unlocked. I have my S7 rooted with VoLTE, WiFi calling and unlimited tether. To answer your question, it's the SM-G930F. The G935F is the S7 Edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing for me is that I live outside the US so when all the taxes and duties that are coming together make the price $300 higher, and yeah i just noticed that Samsung with the snapdragon one is just lonely and noone cares about him heh Thanks a lot too
I own the exynos and it has root and comes with an unlocked bootloader but the roms for the exynos aren't that great because all of the devs are bored with with exynos and their sh*t because it's very hard to develop things for exynos Samsung are very closed with the code, and the snapdragon comes with a locked bootloader, but if it ever does get unlocked the Roms for it will be very nice and not just a modified TouchWiz. If you plan on instantly rooting then get the exynos, but there aren't any stable AOSP Roms for it and probably never will.
userName'dYa said:
I own the exynos and it has root and comes with an unlocked bootloader but the roms for the exynos aren't that great because all of the devs are bored with with exynos and their sh*t because it's very hard to develop things for exynos Samsung are very closed with the code, and the snapdragon comes with a locked bootloader, but if it ever does get unlocked the Roms for it will be very nice and not just a modified TouchWiz. If you plan on instantly rooting then get the exynos, but there aren't any stable AOSP Roms for it and probably never will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The exynos source code was released not long ago. So there will be support. Superman ROM is awesome and very stable. Also, I read somewhere that Lineage OS is in the works for S7.
SystematiQ said:
The exynos source code was released not long ago. So there will be support. Superman ROM is awesome and very stable. Also, I read somewhere that Lineage OS is in the works for S7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works and being stable-very different things.
If you want more info read this https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-exynos-and-aosp-explained-a-story-of-betrayal/
And a quote from the linked post: "There’s no future. Almost all devs have stopped working on exynos devices a long time ago. Most of them even stopped to work on samsung devices in general.
...
They simply don’t care about the community. All they care about is $$$"
Most of the devs only care about money NOT ALL. Some are creating Roms for fun tho
userName'dYa said:
Works and being stable-very different things.
If you want more info read this https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-exynos-and-aosp-explained-a-story-of-betrayal/
And a quote from the linked post: "There’s no future. Almost all devs have stopped working on exynos devices a long time ago. Most of them even stopped to work on samsung devices in general.
...
They simply don’t care about the community. All they care about is $$$"
Most of the devs only care about money NOT ALL. Some are creating Roms for fun tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I respectfully disagree Sir. You are correct that there has been very little support as far as roms go, however that is due to Samsung holding onto the source for the kernel. It has just been released within the last couple months. I guess is comes down to opinion partially. I love the S7 because it's hardware is superior to that of other devices and TouchWiz is actually very nice imho. Also, I can't live without SD card. >_< I would buy a OnePlus or Pixel if they had SD card.
SystematiQ said:
I respectfully disagree Sir. You are correct that there has been very little support as far as roms go, however that is due to Samsung holding onto the source for the kernel. It has just been released within the last couple months. I guess is comes down to opinion partially. I love the S7 because it's hardware is superior to that of other devices and TouchWiz is actually very nice imho. Also, I can't live without SD card. >_< I would buy a OnePlus or Pixel if they had SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that the fact that I hate TouchWiz makes me disagree and there are no good stable Roms and like you said there is Lineage and also there's Resurucction Remix but last time I checked out the Ressurction Remix even the camera doesn't work and Lineage is also before even an alpha stage from what I know the rom doesn't even have download links yet.
Exynos is proven to be a better chip over snapdragon
What are your preferred values for the screen? This is honestly probably the most disappointing screen of any of the phones I've owned, so I'm really hoping I can make it look a bit better
crixley said:
What are your preferred values for the screen? This is honestly probably the most disappointing screen of any of the phones I've owned, so I'm really hoping I can make it look a bit better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best thing to make it look good is to increase saturation, but you have to install kernel with kcal.
L33Tgod said:
The best thing to make it look good is to increase saturation, but you have to install kernel with kcal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unfortunately I cannot root or do anything else with this piece of crap phone other than use it as a doorstop
androidexpert35 said:
Why are you saying this? Your bootloader unlock says no?
Inviato dal mio E6653 utilizzando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah..
That is the major thing for sure. First phone I've owned in years that I could not root or do anything with (ironically the other being an xperia z).
I'll never buy another sony phone
androidexpert35 said:
Well it's just that you've been a bit unlucky, or maybe the carrier added this limitation, as I've owned a z and now I have a Z5 and both are UB.... In fact most of Sony phones are unlockable...
Inviato dal mio E6653 utilizzando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No other phone from the same carrier could not be rooted, thus I still blame sony.
I've owned every other brand.
crixley said:
No other phone from the same carrier could not be rooted, thus I still blame sony.
I've owned every other brand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As @androidexpert35 said, this is a carrier issue. Just because you bought a Sony phone with a locked bootloader does not mean it's Sony's fault, it's the carrier's fault because they are the ones requiring Sony to lock the bootloader. Try purchasing any other phone with a locked bootloader and on Android 6 or 7, you will have a tough time rooting as well.
Take the Samsung Galaxy S4 with a locked bootloader, with the initial firmware that came out, there was a way to bypass the bootloader, but that was patched with a subsequent update and no bootloader bypass has been found in the last 3.5 years. There have been ways to root it over time, but this was because of vulnerabilities in Android, not something that Samsung allowed. As these vulnerabilities were patched, the phone became harder and harder to root. Currently the phone is still rootable because it's been left to languish on Android 5.0.
So I guess the point of all this is, don't buy a phone with a locked bootloader. All manufacturers (Sony included) sell phones with unlockable bootloaders, it is the carrier that requires specific versions of phones to have locked bootloaders. And with the progression of Android, unless you are able to unlock the bootloader it will become increasingly harder to root no matter what phone you buy.
Devo7v said:
As @androidexpert35 said, this is a carrier issue. Just because you bought a Sony phone with a locked bootloader does not mean it's Sony's fault, it's the carrier's fault because they are the ones requiring Sony to lock the bootloader. Try purchasing any other phone with a locked bootloader and on Android 6 or 7, you will have a tough time rooting as well.
Take the Samsung Galaxy S4 with a locked bootloader, with the initial firmware that came out, there was a way to bypass the bootloader, but that was patched with a subsequent update and no bootloader bypass has been found in the last 3.5 years. There have been ways to root it over time, but this was because of vulnerabilities in Android, not something that Samsung allowed. As these vulnerabilities were patched, the phone became harder and harder to root. Currently the phone is still rootable because it's been left to languish on Android 5.0.
So I guess the point of all this is, don't buy a phone with a locked bootloader. All manufacturers (Sony included) sell phones with unlockable bootloaders, it is the carrier that requires specific versions of phones to have locked bootloaders. And with the progression of Android, unless you are able to unlock the bootloader it will become increasingly harder to root no matter what phone you buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have owned several brands in the last year alone..
This is absolute bs from Sony apologists.
Not missing much anyway, the screen is one of the worst I've ever seen and the camera is an equal disappointment.
For the record, HTC is the only other brand with locked bootloaders and they purposely make it super easy to unlock
They won't be making phones much longer anyway I'm sure
Hello guys, recently I dropped my LG G2 and broke its screen, so I decided to buy a new phone. I've searched a lot in the internet and I think I'm going to buy a Galaxy S7, but before doing so, I would like to get these questions answered (I would really appreciate if you could answer these questions, it'd help me a lot):
1. Which version would you recommend me to buy, S7 or S7 Edge? Is it purely up to my taste or are there any key differences? When it comes to my taste, I prefer S7 because I don't like the curved edges.
2. Should I pick the Snapdragon version or Exynos version? I have the possibility to choose, which one is better?
3. I'm afraid of burn-ins that are very common on AMOLED screens, does this phone suffer from kind of problem?
4. Is it possible for me to root this phone and then unroot it without letting Samsung know it was previously rooted (I mean, still get warranty after unroot)?
5. What about custom ROMs? Are they easy to install on this phone? what about camera driver, is it released by Samsung or is it closed source? (I'm asking this because my current phone, LG G2, doesn't have its camera driver released by LG, that means, we use a generic camera driver on custom ROMs like LineageOS and thus reduces the camera quality a lot)
Thank you for your time
1. Personal choice, same specs, bigger battery/screen in Edge
2. Exynos (Snapdragon is bootloader locked)
3. Not been many complaints, only a handful
4. No, once you flash custom you permanently trip KNOX, no reset
5. Not as easy as older phones but still fairly easy, camera driver not open source afaik, needs a touchwiz ROM for full quality
Thank you for your answers.
About question 4, all I want to do by now is root and use this app:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/08/12/hands-battery-charge-limit-rooted-devices-exactly-expect/
Don't you think I can root and use this, then unroot and still get warranty? (I'm asking this because you said "flash custom", maybe you got me wrong)
I think, re: 4, and what Detection said is that you will trip the Knox, and then Samsung will know the phone has been OS tampered at it's root level. What will Samsung do then about your warranty, knowing you intentionally breached their OEM OS?
Root is custom, root trips knox