The most boring phone I've ever owned - LG V10 General

Hey folks just wanted to say that I really love my V10. But coming from Nexus and some of the other LG series I am going crazy with the lack of "things" to tinker with. I am not exactly a flash-a-holic but I am definitely a tinkerer (if thats a word). I like to flash custom Roms and fool around with xposed and maybe a little mod here or there. It's crazy how this phone still has virtually no developer support or any kind of custom rom scene. (yes I understand why about the locked bootloaders etc etc). It's been so long I almost feel like I'm rusty and probably forgot how.. Haha.
Nevertheless I love it and it's a great phone (although a bit on the heavy side as time goes on). My wife just got the Galaxy S7 and it's so nice and small and bright and waterproof. Does make me think about looking other ways. I dunno. I hope LG doesn't just make this phone like a stepchild to the flagship series. Still barely gettin marshmallow update in other countries and not really anything new with the 2nd screen for any apps or anything. I guess this is borderline off topic but just some musings I've had the last week or so. Later!
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA Free mobile app

I feel the same way. I have been considering selling this and getting something else.
Sent from my LG-H900 using Tapatalk

If you have a version that is rootable, use the many xposed modules out there. I have tweaked mine to be better than what my nexus 5 was. If you have been around long enough as I have, you will have learned that when ROM's are not available that a Root Explorer is a very good friend. I will go in depth
Base things one uses with a unlocked bootloader / Alternatives to a locked bootloader.
Custom Recovery: TWRP (Or W/E you like) / FlashFire (Install zips, make backups)
Custom ROM: CyanogenMod ( Or if Im using a device DHacker is supporting then I would use that to test the **** out of it) / Stock/BloatStock ( Xposed Modules can do almost everything any custom ROM can if not more than what a Custom ROM could do)
Custom Kernel: Dont need one, never needed one. If it was forced via the ROM then it was used. / Plenty of apps to do little things like Overclock or RAM management etc.
It's my belief people new to the Android Platform go for Custom ROMs is to get everything in one place in one ROM build. Hence why Android is beginning to absorb most of the popular things in the modding community to the aosp nexus builds, slowly if I might add.
All in all, research, time, and stock img files are your best friend to learn from trial and error.

I don't understand you. You got the phone for a reason. And that reason still is valid. There are always newer phones available the moment you buy something.

DarkestSpawn said:
If you have a version that is rootable, use the many xposed modules out there. I have tweaked mine to be better than what my nexus 5 was. If you have been around long enough as I have, you will have learned that when ROM's are not available that a Root Explorer is a very good friend. I will go in depth
Base things one uses with a unlocked bootloader / Alternatives to a locked bootloader.
Custom Recovery: TWRP (Or W/E you like) / FlashFire (Install zips, make backups)
Custom ROM: CyanogenMod ( Or if Im using a device DHacker is supporting then I would use that to test the **** out of it) / Stock/BloatStock ( Xposed Modules can do almost everything any custom ROM can if not more than what a Custom ROM could do)
Custom Kernel: Dont need one, never needed one. If it was forced via the ROM then it was used. / Plenty of apps to do little things like Overclock or RAM management etc.
It's my belief people new to the Android Platform go for Custom ROMs is to get everything in one place in one ROM build. Hence why Android is beginning to absorb most of the popular things in the modding community to the aosp nexus builds, slowly if I might add.
All in all, research, time, and stock img files are your best friend to learn from trial and error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree, I dont miss the phone dying on me once in a while, having to flash an "old" backup, loosing some data... And with xPosed this phone is as customisable as I ever needed :good:

I am the same ..im bored of this phone
---------- Post added at 06:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:00 PM ----------
faearai01 said:
I don't understand you. You got the phone for a reason. And that reason still is valid. There are always newer phones available the moment you buy something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ppl like you will never understand what he talking about

Explain it to me. Explain it for people like me.

faearai01 said:
Explain it to me. Explain it for people like me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said you will never understand ..so even if i did explain it you won't understand its something like drugs

But I'm willing to understand. So give me a hint and maybe it turns into a TIL.

faeArai said:
But I'm willing to understand. So give me a hint and maybe it turns into a TIL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The need to be able to make a change to how the phone operates, and see that change in action.
And then change it again. Ownership of the device, playing with the experience of using the phone.
Getting to touch, swish, swipe, scroll - interact with the device (you never been in bed and gone endlessly through your settings menu, again and again; into all the options, all the possibilities? It's not really for the 'settings', you already know what you want really...It's to swish and swipe, especially if the phone is high end, the screen is beautiful and the actions like silk) until you fall asleep cradling it lovingly in your hand under the pillow and waking with it stuck to your cheek?
A sense of learning
A sense of making technology do what You want - of being able to effect change.
To. Develop. Perhaps.
To use the phone.
To discover and distribute something to others..
TO TWEAK BATTERY LIFE. (Heh)
To be part of a community doing the same.

This is my second LG phone, and absolutely latest one.
Whay?
Because of soooo pore support and update.
Update is nothing.
Im coming from LG G4, REALLY what's improvement in LG V10? nothing + poor update support.
At all i NEVER buy a LG phone and NEVER suggest any LG mobile phone for anyone.

Talk about 1st world problems ?

faearai01 said:
I don't understand you. You got the phone for a reason. And that reason still is valid. There are always newer phones available the moment you buy something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what are you going to buy now?

I've a v10 and will stay with it for at least one year. Since MM is being rolled-out, I'm pretty fine. I also had and still have several nexus devices and was disappointed by the quality of hardware.

There is a lot more to do on the V10 than my previous Nexus 6. I don't think I understand...

I don't get that guys here saying that they are moving to an other phone. Just do it. But noone cares which phone you have and why you're moving on. It seems like those guys still are not sure and just want other to ask them to stay. I don't care. Have fun with your next phone - until you get it and and complain and buy an other one. And so on and so on. There is an other root cause of your frustration and I'm pretty sure it's not the phone ?

This thread is not serving any productive purpose.
Meanwhile people are raving about the LG V10...
LG V10 & V10 Dual Sim - Reviews Collection
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyHjPU6VGWk-5PiT76ejWAUamHYxWaeDK

incidentflux said:
This thread is not serving any productive purpose.
Meanwhile people are raving about the LG V10...
LG V10 & V10 Dual Sim - Reviews Collection
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyHjPU6VGWk-5PiT76ejWAUamHYxWaeDK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best phone around by far :good:

Only one feature missing imo: IP68.

Should have stayed with my nexus 6. The second screen is a crappie gimmick. Gonna try and stick with this phone until the note comes out.

Related

Was it a mistake changing to Android?

Hello developers!
First i know how much u hate it when someone just post a new thread without checking the fourms, but I assure u that i read carefully all the related subject n still I couldn't find answers :/
I've been always an Apple person and I am really satisfied with the ease of use and performance, somehow whileI I was looking for a tablet to update my old iPad a friend of mine was able to convince me that I should get an Android, and I end up buying Asus Tf700, of course after hours n hours of reading reviews n stuff and on the paper it's waaaaaaaay better than any other tablet, even the new iPad!! But still, on the PAPER
I really disappointed with the performance and the terrible lag even with the simplest task (like scrolling down a website or pinch zoom in/out) and it keeps crashing and freezing for no reason
Everyone here recommends rooting and unlocking, and since this is my first Android Iam really confused
Root, rom,flash,kernel, unlock, OTA .. bla bla ...too much complicated info and procedures for a noob!!
I want my device to work like how they claim it should (ASUS ppl) .. very smooth with no lag or crashes .. but on the other hand i don't want to lose any of it's features (camera, GPS) .. should I update to jb? Should I stay with ICS?
N how??
Sorry for the long post!:cyclops:
dr.hawk said:
First i know how much u hate it when someone just post a new thread without checking the fourms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, especially when someone does not even read the forum rules, the moderator's sticky thread and posts a question in "Development" instead of "Q&A".
dr.hawk said:
I've been always an Apple person ...
Everyone here recommends rooting and unlocking, and since this is my first Android Iam really confused
Root, rom,flash,kernel, unlock, OTA .. bla bla ...too much complicated info and procedures for a noob!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you made a mistake changing to Android. It's not (yet) ready for end users, especially the TF700. Return it as long as you can and buy the new iPad.
If you are just looking for a device without lags and stutters then go for iOS.
But if you want/have to do things iOS can't do then go for Android and search for solutions for lag or live with it.
Android is sure the best smartphone os (Widgets, Launchers ,Tasker, Swype,...) but on tablets... I really don't know.
I love my Transformer but I mostly use it for surfing and gaming so maybe the iPad would have been the better choice.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Or don't by Asus... Get a Nexus 7 or 10.That's the route he should've taken. Asus just released a bad device. To sit here and say Android isn't ready for end users is bologna..
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
_that said:
Yes, especially when someone does not even read the forum rules, the moderator's sticky thread and posts a question in "Development" instead of "Q&A".
Yes, you made a mistake changing to Android. It's not (yet) ready for end users, especially the TF700. Return it as long as you can and buy the new iPad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank u mr.police officer, my bad
I am not going to return it, I just want it to work probably!
floyd0815 said:
If you are just looking for a device without lags and stutters then go for iOS.
But if you want/have to do things iOS can't do then go for Android and search for solutions for lag or live with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, I want solution .. there are too many rome and stuff which says choose what suits u the most, but I have no idea what are they!!
I read in the forum that flashing and unlocking JB = losing camera and GPS functions .. what should I do? *Note I am still runnig ICS
dasunsrule32 said:
Or don't by Asus... Get a Nexus 7 or 10.That's the route he should've taken. Asus just released a bad device. To sit here and say Android isn't ready for end users is bologna..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The harm has been done my friend .. but u r right, Nexus 10 would have been a better choice though
I feel your pain. When I first moved over to an Android device, I was also confronted with similar issues. Yes, Android can be intimidating. However, once you get a handle of it, I assure you, you won't stop flashing different ROMs on a regular basis. First calm down and read through the following threads to get started:
[TOOL] TF700T ADB Tool [v4] flash recovery and more
[ROM][01/04/13]Baked Black Bean 6[JB 4.1.2]
dr.hawk said:
Thank u mr.police officer, my bad
I am not going to return it, I just want it to work probably!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look, to be honest, I think everyone has been frightened in the beginning with unlocking and rooting, but in the end the tf700 is a really easy device to learn it with.
There are some guides in the general section (where you should have posted this thread ) and this section here.
As far as performance, I can tell you now that there is no Rom that works better than CleanRom In heritance.
It is *very* battery friendly, is really performant (forget about iPad, after that Rom you'll have the advantages of Android sealed in a super speedy packaging)
However, if you really feel you don't want to unlock the device yet, you should indeed at least update the tablet to the latest firmware, since it has some improvements to it. (I don't know how much the improvement is on the stock rom, but Clean Rom Inheritance is based on stock and it works like a charm).
By the way, there are no custom roms for the tf700 that give up on the gps and camera features. All developers here are real pros, so don't worry
And last but not least; if you were to update to the latest firmware and feel it's too laggy, (many people have said so), you should consider unlocking your device to put CleanRom on it. It's basically stock, but much smoother, faster and has no bloatware
Good luck making your iOS friends Jelly (pun intended) of your tf700. I know I have
---------- Post added at 03:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:37 PM ----------
dr.hawk said:
The harm has been done my friend .. but u r right, Nexus 10 would have been a better choice though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you bought the keyboard dock? And I still think the tf700 is better of the two, if only because of its looks and dock
I know you are taking about tablets but the title says android...
I own a 4s and iPad 3, back in June I bought the s3 and I was really impressed with what it can do but its lag and performance made me question it the same as you, having spent £540 on a buggy feeling device.
I finally got jelly bean on it, jelly bean combined with disabling some crappy Samsung bloat made the s3 faster and smoother than any apple device out there, my iPad and iPhone both feel laggy in comparison now.
I have never routed or flagged a rom though, completely stock.
Before long you will love jelly bean
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Sent via something that can't finish it's sentan...
dr.hawk said:
Exactly, I want solution .. there are too many rome and stuff which says choose what suits u the most, but I have no idea what are they!!
I read in the forum that flashing and unlocking JB = losing camera and GPS functions .. what should I do? *Note I am still runnig ICS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just read this post so I'll quickly reply
By rooting and unlocking you will not compromise any of the camera qualities. It still works just the way it's supposed to on CleanRom (the rom I use) and I am pretty sure the developer of CM10.1 has it running too.
This device may not be what you expect it to be out of the box, but let me tell you.. The devs we have for the tf700 are all very talented and manage to get some impressive performance squeezed out of this device without resulting in battery drain.
You really can't go wrong chosing either CM10.1 or CRomI (as we call CleanRom Inheritance)
As for the options you can choose while installing CRomI, they are mainly
- the kernel: do you want to keep everything close to stock, resulting in better battery life, and no overclocking? Or do you want a tweaked kernel (Clemsyn) which means even better performance, without taking too much of a hit on battery life. The latter is overclocked. If you still don't know what to choose: I have recently gone back to stock since it's just a tad friendlier for the battery and CRomI is smooth enough as it is
- Apps: select which apps you want preinstalled in your rom and which you don't want (little tip: always make sure the Play Store is checked: it's a vital app to install other apps with and it's a pain in the @$$ to install it from somewhere else if you want to keep it up to date
This method of building your personal rom on the spot is handy to deselect the bloatware you don't use (eg. Asus screensaver) and select the 'bloat' you like (eg. Supernote)
- Tweaks: I usually select the all, because the make the device even smoother and faster
By the way: in misc apps you'll have an app called Titanium Backup: that app keeps your data while switching Roms and is a nice way of making sure you'll keep your progress in games
I should say though: even though I've never tried Cm10.1, I am sure it's a great rom and I don't want to force you or anyone else to only look at Cromi, since CM10.1 has its own advantages
Just have a look for yourself and if you have any further questions, you now know where to post them (either Q&A for actual questions or general for remarks and findings).
The development section is used solely by developers of Roms, mods and kernels to share their creations with the world
dr.hawk said:
The harm has been done my friend .. but u r right, Nexus 10 would have been a better choice though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dr. Hawk, I know that reading these replies still hard for you as far as "what next" and "how". I'm sure that after you done all the steps below, you will find out the grass does look greener on the other side (IOS vs Android). With Android you could do more...a lot more compared to ipad. You just need to take ONE step at a time and within a few days you should have a smile on your face. There are plenty of people here ready to help noob(beginner) like youseft. Also I would like to mention that unlocking your device will void waranty, but in my opinion, if you don't do it, you will not happy with your device and eventually you're not going to use it, so it useless anyway. Let us know and please post update here so we can proceed accordingly. Here are the steps:
1. Unlock your device (download Asus unlock tool app and run it. This needed in order to install custom rom/kernel)
2. Flash custom recovery (there are 2 to choose from TWRP and CWM. I recommend TWRP for noob, it just easier with nice big User interface)
3. Use TWRP or CWM to flash your favorite custom rom (If you want trouble free, full stock features, CleanRom is the one to use)
That's all my friend. While you're performing these steps you're going to feel good about yourself and rewarding. When you are ready to go, just post here and we will walk you through, step by step. Once everything is done let us know if you do smile at the end and "no regred" that you picked Android and tf700. Cheers!!!!!!
I'm a flasher since I got my first android device and I have to say I don't want to have an iOS device because of it's performance! If you have a good ROM (and on my TF300T GPU/CPU OC a bit) you will get the same system performance and way more cusomization options - only problem for me is that a friend from my class has an iPad and uses it for school - there I just see the disadvantage of Android Tablets - except system apps you just don't have many apps for productive work that are optimized for tablets - including Dropbox(!!) that are way better optimized on iOS...
But I think in 1 or maybe 2 years it will be like with phones that Open Source (Android and maybe then also Ubuntu if they take the step for tabs too) will be sold more than iPads and with this the apps will also get optimized better :good:
atm I can just cry because of a friend made an own app for iOS to edit his scaeed books etc. and I can just open them with a non-optimized Adobe PDF Reader
so if you want now Custom ROM too, have a look at this guide and follow the steps unlock your bootloader, Flash recovery (I recommend TWRP!) and then go to the ROM you want (I recommend stock based: Clean ROM or AOSP based which means more customization options: Baked Blackbean) and install it with the installation instructions there - if you then still have questions ask in Q&A section because here it is only development section
dr.hawk said:
Hello developers!
First i know how much u hate it when someone just post a new thread without checking the fourms, but I assure u that i read carefully all the related subject n still I couldn't find answers :/
I've been always an Apple person and I am really satisfied with the ease of use and performance, somehow whileI I was looking for a tablet to update my old iPad a friend of mine was able to convince me that I should get an Android, and I end up buying Asus Tf700, of course after hours n hours of reading reviews n stuff and on the paper it's waaaaaaaay better than any other tablet, even the new iPad!! But still, on the PAPER
I really disappointed with the performance and the terrible lag even with the simplest task (like scrolling down a website or pinch zoom in/out) and it keeps crashing and freezing for no reason
Everyone here recommends rooting and unlocking, and since this is my first Android I am really confused
Root, rom, flash, kernel, unlock, OTA .. bla bla ...too much complicated info and procedures for a noob!!
I want my device to work like how they claim it should (ASUS ppl) .. very smooth with no lag or crashes .. but on the other hand i don't want to lose any of it's features (camera, GPS) .. should I update to jb? Should I stay with ICS?
N how??
Sorry for the long post!:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I take from your displeasure is the recurring "Android is open source for the customizer and this I don't want."
So like the previous comments I would vote for a return to iOS.
iDevices are very well designed and usable.
So if your user experience has been less than pleasing with Android I wouldn't stick with it.
iOS devices are made for those who would like ease of use and having everything done automatically for them, and don't want to bother with things like settings and customisation and freedom of decision. If you're used to having everything done for you, stick with it. Changing to a system that requires you to manually do things for yourself when you don't want to is not going to make you very happy.
Apple is Use, don't Think.
Android is Think, don't just Use.
If you're used to the ease and smoothness of iOS, and were perfectly happy with the system, you're not going to like Android. Because Android isn't meant as an end-user OS.
Now, regarding flashing. I'm not going to try it on my tablet at all until the warranty has passed. The store I bought it from is not exactly know for its excellent customer service, and it updated to .30 before I heard about backing it up.
Is there a solution? Yes, get an iPad. The TF700 has some serious I/O issues which cause lag, but even if you're using the best of the best Android tab (whichever one that may be) you're still going to experience crashes, simply because of the customisation options. That's why iOS 'never' (ahem, hand me one, it'll crash.) crashes, you can't customized so there's no conflicts.
Don't get me wrong, I have an iPod 5th gen and love it (if Apple's warranty wasn't so horrendous...), and as a designer I appreciate the marketing and design behind iOS, but as a user I want to make my own choices, and I absolutely detest anything that goes automatic or makes its decisions for me.
That's not strictly true with newer devices.
Both my iPad 3 and iPhone get more app crashes and ui/keyboard lags than my stock int galaxy s3, which performs faster and smoother with everything except the dialer. Since using the s3the iOS screen doesn't seem as smooth as it used to, very slightly choppy moving between 2 app pages.
I use Nova launcher and it is perfectly smooth, fast and since the upgrades to jb 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 not a single crash or FCC, though on ICS there were many.
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Sent via something that can't finish it's sentan...
dr.hawk said:
The harm has been done my friend .. but u r right, Nexus 10 would have been a better choice though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on nexus 10. I have both and even with custom rom the tf700 is not as smooth as the n10. No tweaking necessary. How come you can't return it?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
adelancker said:
Have you bought the keyboard dock? And I still think the tf700 is better of the two, if only because of its looks and dock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first, thank u man! I decided to unlock and root my device!
I haven't bought the dock, maybe next step
These are really useful information, I decided to unlock, update to JB and to root .. :highfive:
I am going to start tonight, right after gym!
special thanks to:
-angel*
buhohitr
adelancker
cheers!! :highfive:
dr.hawk said:
These are really useful information, I decided to unlock, update to JB and to root .. :highfive:
I am going to start tonight, right after gym!
special thanks to:
-angel*
buhohitr
adelancker
cheers!! :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats great news!
Don't hesitate to ask explanation when you don't get a step in the walktrhoughs.
They are usually written by people who are experienced using Android for people who are somewhat experienced as well So for a complete newcomer to the Android platform, I can imagine you'll ask yourself some quesitons later

[Q] Is the Motorola Photon Q worth buying?

I just helped my Dad get a Photon Q because he wanted an android with a keyboard. After looking at the youtube videos I didn't think that the Photon Q could be rooted, much less have a custom rom put on it because of the new security measures, like KNOX, after the updates. Looking at the threads here I realized that it can be rooted. How difficult is it to root and flash a custom rom? Is there a guide? From looking at reviews, the battery life is short.
I thought of getting one for myself. Is it worth buying from Sprint?
You can see my opinion here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51600010&postcount=65
EpicSaga said:
I just helped my Dad get a Photon Q because he wanted an android with a keyboard. After looking at the youtube videos I didn't think that the Photon Q could be rooted, much less have a custom rom put on it because of the new security measures, like KNOX, after the updates. Looking at the threads here I realized that it can be rooted. How difficult is it to root and flash a custom rom? Is there a guide? From looking at reviews, the battery life is short.
I thought of getting one for myself. Is it worth buying from Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the answers to the questions you've asked will be relative to whoever is answering them...with that in mind I'll give you my 2 cents..
Yes, if you like having a Qwerty keyboard (I don't know if I can live without one after getting used to this one) the Q is still Sprint's best device to meet that need.
Rooting your Q is pretty easy, especially compared to some other phones I've rooted, and once you learn the correct button combos getting into recovery mode, hard resetting the phone, etc all work very quickly. With that being said, there is a steep learning curve starting out so I suggest doing your diligent research as there are already many tuts/guides available for the Q that will help you get root privileges and flash a custom Recovery and then ROM onto your Q.
With the unification of the MOTO_MSM8960(think that's right) we now have even more ROMs available for the Q and I have tried all of them, lol. Battery life is not spectacular but there is a lot you can do to maximize what you have....I rarely need a charge until late in the evening so long as I'm not gaming on the phone the entire day.
As far as I know there are no verified leaks or even rumors of a new Qwerty or slide-out style device set to release any time soon so I would still say this is a good time to purchase one, especially since you can probably get a killer deal on them now.
I'm currently running the latest version of KitKat with a custom ROM even though I think this phone doesn't even have Gingerbread on it when it ships...think mine came with 4.0.2 version of Android. So don't worry too much about getting the latest software onto your phone as it will definitely work with the latest if you go the custom rom route.
Anyway, hope that helps some. If you have any, more-specific, questions please feel free to ask.
EpicSaga said:
I didn't think that the Photon Q could be rooted, much less have a custom rom put on it because of the new security measures, like KNOX, after the updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KNOX is a Samsung-only affair, mind ya. How easy rooting can be is already said above.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
---------- Post added at 07:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 AM ----------
slimbrady said:
I think this phone doesn't even have Gingerbread on it when it ships...think mine came with 4.0.2 version of Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, 4.0.2 is already ICS!
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
slimbrady said:
Most of the answers to the questions you've asked will be relative to whoever is answering them...with that in mind I'll give you my 2 cents..
Yes, if you like having a Qwerty keyboard (I don't know if I can live without one after getting used to this one) the Q is still Sprint's best device to meet that need.
Rooting your Q is pretty easy, especially compared to some other phones I've rooted, and once you learn the correct button combos getting into recovery mode, hard resetting the phone, etc all work very quickly. With that being said, there is a steep learning curve starting out so I suggest doing your diligent research as there are already many tuts/guides available for the Q that will help you get root privileges and flash a custom Recovery and then ROM onto your Q.
With the unification of the MOTO_MSM8960(think that's right) we now have even more ROMs available for the Q and I have tried all of them, lol. Battery life is not spectacular but there is a lot you can do to maximize what you have....I rarely need a charge until late in the evening so long as I'm not gaming on the phone the entire day.
As far as I know there are no verified leaks or even rumors of a new Qwerty or slide-out style device set to release any time soon so I would still say this is a good time to purchase one, especially since you can probably get a killer deal on them now.
I'm currently running the latest version of KitKat with a custom ROM even though I think this phone doesn't even have Gingerbread on it when it ships...think mine came with 4.0.2 version of Android. So don't worry too much about getting the latest software onto your phone as it will definitely work with the latest if you go the custom rom route.
Anyway, hope that helps some. If you have any, more-specific, questions please feel free to ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you greatly. I think I will get one. I am used to rooting the Samsung Epic 4G(with a keyboard). Do you know of a good guide or youtube video to root the Photon Q? Do you also know if using a custom ROM will kick you off 4G or 4G LTE?
EpicSaga said:
Thank you greatly. I think I will get one. I am used to rooting the Samsung Epic 4G(with a keyboard). Do you know of a good guide or youtube video to root the Photon Q? Do you also know if using a custom ROM will kick you off 4G or 4G LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the forum for the ROMs and rooting guidelines. If you do not have SIM mod the 4G should work with the custom ROMs (at least the JB ones, no sure for KK)
AndyYan said:
KNOX is a Samsung-only affair, mind ya. How easy rooting can be is already said above.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
---------- Post added at 07:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 AM ----------
LOL, 4.0.2 is already ICS!
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, got my sweets mixed up^^
to OP:; youll need to start with unlcoking the bootloader: http://m.youtube.com/#/playlist?list=PL1jmJW1iBYG5X90XsFrvrfErMvP87UlxT
then heres one for rooting:http://m.youtube.com/#/playlist?list=PL1jmJW1iBYG5X90XsFrvrfErMvP87UlxT
if you hit any snags feel free to PM me
slimbrady said:
yeah, got my sweets mixed up^^
to OP:; youll need to start with unlcoking the bootloader: http://m.youtube.com/#/playlist?list=PL1jmJW1iBYG5X90XsFrvrfErMvP87UlxT
then heres one for rooting:http://m.youtube.com/#/playlist?list=PL1jmJW1iBYG5X90XsFrvrfErMvP87UlxT
if you hit any snags feel free to PM me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried both links, but they didn't take me to any videos. I'm not on my phones browser. Can you post them to view on a PC? Thanks
idimitro said:
Here is the forum for the ROMs and rooting guidelines. If you do not have SIM mod the 4G should work with the custom ROMs (at least the JB ones, no sure for KK)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if there is a video/guide for rooting CM11? I downloaded an app from the Play Store on my friends Photon Q called "Portable Wi-Fi hotsptot Free" from Core Technology. It made his hotspot active. I tested it by signing into his Photon Q's wifi network from from my phone and it worked. I only used it for about 5 minutes then uninstalled the app because he was afraid that Sprint would charge him to use the hotspot. I later called Sprint to check and they said that the hotspot was not active. I wonder if they could catch it and charge him if it was used more frequently.
EpicSaga said:
Do you know if there is a video/guide for rooting CM11? I downloaded an app from the Play Store on my friends Photon Q called "Portable Wi-Fi hotsptot Free" from Core Technology.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have CM11 (Android 4.4.x, KitKat), you already have root and built-in WiFi hotspot function. From what I know, the built-in hotspot function in custom ROMs is unlike those in stock ROMs, they aren't tied to carriers. I could be wrong of course, since I'm not even in the US.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
AndyYan said:
If you have CM11 (Android 4.4.x, KitKat), you already have root and built-in WiFi hotspot function. From what I know, the built-in hotspot function in custom ROMs is unlike those in stock ROMs, they aren't tied to carriers. I could be wrong of course, since I'm not even in the US.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, if you are running a custom ROM they don't seem to notice.
I tether via USB and wifi frequently and Sprint has never said anything. I do not have a tethering plan.
I know this thread is old... but I feel its still relevant.
This phone IS WORTH BUYING, especially if you are a die hard QWERTY person like myself. It appears to be the last man standing, riding off into the sunset.
The phone is basically a GS3 processor with a keyboard which is still a great phone. It functions great for work, custom roms, minor gaming, etc.
Since you can pick up a used one from Ebay in good condition for $90 it is becoming a great value as well.
The aftermarket community is still very active since they appear to have a soft spot for a true workhorse slider phone.
Until the "budget slider phones" have specs that meet or exceed the GS3 then this phone is still the best slider money can buy.
In the meantime if you care about new slider phones with max stats as a flagship device then you need to make your voice heard on facebook posts, blog posts, etc from all the mojor carriers like LG, Moto, and Samsung. I personally refuse to buy a phone without a slider and I let them know at every chance I get.
What ever happened to "Droid DOES"? Droid DOES NOT have a keyboard.
---------- Post added at 04:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:44 PM ----------
Also you can do one click root and unlock programs, motochopper and motopocalypse. they are very easy. All you have to do is get fastboot onto your computer. there are some shell programs that include fastboot without downloading the entire android SDK
Yes, it's quite simple:
If you're into qwerty sliders, Photon Q is the top Android device ever manufactured in this category.
No matter that it's more than 1.5 year old now, no other/better high-end sliders have been produced since that time.
This device offers official bootloader unlock, so it's as open as Android gets.
The software support for its MSM8960 SoC is still under active development by the SoC manufacturer Qualcomm (published by CAF), so it can be perceived as a modern device even now.
The weakest spot of this device in my eyes is its 1785 mAh battery. But it easily survives one day of my active usage, so I'm fine with it. Just don't forget to put it on charger when you go to sleep .

[Q] The severe lack of ROMs / Kernels

Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
apmartin1991 said:
Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
corpsegrinder62 said:
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did indeed have a quick google and I read about the issues you explained, all about DRM issues with Camera and a few other things.
Many thanks for your reply, hopefully they will remove some of this with android L.
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
CameronBanna said:
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible. The only thing possible is restore some features that you lose when you unlock the bootloader.
apmartin1991 said:
Hi everyone!
I am currently looking to replace my slightly broken Google Nexus 5 with a Sony Z3 and as per usual I checked the XDA for common issues or anything that I may need to be aware of before purchasing one... So whilst I was here I decided to look through the ROM's / Kernels and these is a huge lack of ROM's for this phone...
What are the reasons behind this? Is this a pure lack of developers willing to spend their time on it? The source code not being available easily?
Is there a logical explanation for this?
I had two ROM's a while back for five different phones (links are below probably) and I was thinking of getting back into it again and being a Sony phone I thought "I have done it once, I can do it again!"
Any help / guidance / explanation will be great, looking forward to reading through the replies and hopefully purchasing my phone later this week
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
munsabin said:
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
corpsegrinder62 said:
The reason rom development is so slow is because of the DRM issue that no one can get passed, the vast majority of Z3 owners still have a locked BL, you can google search and read up that unlocking the phone's BL causes plenty issues, specially camera related. Until a root exploit is found i am afraid it will carry on being this slow..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
squabbi said:
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
munsabin said:
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whilst i do agree to your point, my point of view of the post is not exactly inaccurate but rather a different point of view to yours, think of it like this: many users start developing because they start to tinker with their new amazing device, many users themselves apart from developers try at developing aswell, and this all ads to rom and kernel growth as well as bug/beta testing which developers obviously need to keep developing, whilst yes Lollipop is a great thing and yes many devs are trying to get lollipop working instead of modding kitkat, there are still plenty users that will prefer kitkat over lollipop. The vast majority of users and devs are first working on a root exploit cause 80% (give or take my best guess here) of users are now frustrated from buying a device they cannot unlock or develop with unless they willing to risk their warranty or destroy 30% of the phone's functionality included by sony which we all love and taking such a risk knowing you got only one try to get it right, this is tricky.. so if you think of lets say 30 000 users on xda owning a z3, i can bet you not even 2000 of those are unlocked yet, and therefore slow development happens because all focus is taken to finding an exploit, which is great, i cannot wait for the day my Z3 can get unlocked when we can backup DRM. Im not disrespecting anyone here fyi, im just posting my opinion.
CameronBanna said:
I'm pretty sure the DRM can now be restored with a unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most DRM is not restorable, although it can sometimes be backed up and then restored with various other phones.
iFlasher said:
It's not possible. The only thing possible is restore some features that you lose when you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct from what I hear.
munsabin said:
The main reason there are no roms for the devices at this point is NOT due to the DRM issues. The phone is easily unlocked and rooted - there's instruction all over google...it's actually due to the Xperia Z3 being a very new phone arriving right around the time that Lollipop hit the shelves on Nexus devices. DEVs are busy updating their ROMs to be based on the Lollipop platform. This is of much more importance to them as it gives them much more rep, than them wasting time on a new phone. As they say... being first in the game is a lot easier than working your ass off to catch up.
In my opinion, I think you should jump on the Z3. It's a great phone. Kick ass battery. Great stock rom, and google lollipop update coming soon, which will kick out a lot of the needs for a custom rom for day to day usage + Nova Launcher does a kick ass job filling in a few holes. I'm waiting until DEVs get the lollipop based roms ready and then you can be sure the Z3 will have plenty of custom rom options. For the same reason above, root w/ Locked BL (liked the Z2) probably won't be available for a while as well...but...
The DRM keys that are lost when unlocked, mainly affect the camera (night shots). That said though... it really doesnt. I've done quite a bit of testing in different low light conditions using the Sony Camera app, and using the Google Camera app (cause I love photosphere). The SOny camera app uses the algorithms locked in the DRM keys, while the google camera doesn't. The low light photos, in my opinion, have very minimal difference, unless one is taking a twilight shot using a tripod stand for the phone... in which case they deserve to be hit across the head with a bat.
As for the competition... I tried the Nexus 6 and it's simply too big. The Samsung S5 is nice... but just not sexy enough and the battery is not as good and touchwiz is not really all that great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a brilliant reply, I am waiting for CES to finish this week and then if nothing major is announced I will be buying a Z3, as soon as lollipop is out and in a good state I will make a ROM if I have the time
squabbi said:
Thats a precise answer! Thank you for that. I would like to back it again that the low-light performance is really minimal at most. I'm definitely considering unlocking the bootloader now even to achieve root. Do you know if the D6653 and the D6603 are 'cross-compatible' with custom ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They may need different drivers as they have a slightly different chipset in them, most devs should be able to account for this
munsabin said:
Should probably edit / delete this post since it's not really correct and you're essentially driving people away from a great phone. DRM is not really an issue if you do some more research, unlocking the phone is easy and info is all over google, and rooting the phone; same story.
Reason no ROMs are available is b/c Xperia Z3 and Lollipop hit the shelves around the same time. DEVs are working to get lollipop based custom ROMs out, not ROMs based on old OS for a new phone.
---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
No clue. I'm sure when custom ROMs will be available; that info will be clearly mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He should not delete his answer, his answer was a good one albeit not as detailed as the rest. DRM is an issue to contend with as some users like it and want to keep it.
corpsegrinder62 said:
Whilst i do agree to your point, my point of view of the post is not exactly inaccurate but rather a different point of view to yours, think of it like this: many users start developing because they start to tinker with their new amazing device, many users themselves apart from developers try at developing aswell, and this all ads to rom and kernel growth as well as bug/beta testing which developers obviously need to keep developing, whilst yes Lollipop is a great thing and yes many devs are trying to get lollipop working instead of modding kitkat, there are still plenty users that will prefer kitkat over lollipop. The vast majority of users and devs are first working on a root exploit cause 80% (give or take my best guess here) of users are now frustrated from buying a device they cannot unlock or develop with unless they willing to risk their warranty or destroy 30% of the phone's functionality included by sony which we all love and taking such a risk knowing you got only one try to get it right, this is tricky.. so if you think of lets say 30 000 users on xda owning a z3, i can bet you not even 2000 of those are unlocked yet, and therefore slow development happens because all focus is taken to finding an exploit, which is great, i cannot wait for the day my Z3 can get unlocked when we can backup DRM. Im not disrespecting anyone here fyi, im just posting my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good answer too, and your bang on, not everyone wants to lose DRM keys or risk losing stuff they like. I will be patient until I start ROMing myself again or until someone manages to hack around this known issue. Sony have always been tight arses with ROM developers...
@apmartin1991 - root w/ locked BL is now available. No need for custom roms IMO when you've got xposed framework available. Xblast Tools will give you a LOT of what you'll find on custom roms, plus you'll be running on stable stock rom. Kernels can be modified once you've rooted your phone with locked BL, saved TA partition (for future), and unlocked bootloader. But unlocking bootloader will kill camera night shots.

Just got an s5 and (edit) Keeping it, Now I have more questions. Yes I've read...

Edit now that the first part is out of the way, Please scroll down to the bottom for another question, Just trying to keep everything orgainized if possible. Hope This doesn't go in q & a.
Hey fellows, I just bought a s5 and can return it within two days for a full refund. Cost me 140 plus tax, used in great condition no scratches at all on the screen, and got a nice case with it. Was going to order an LG G3 since I'd been doing a bunch of research on it, but came around this and figured I'd give it a whirl. I did a little research on xda while in the store before buying it.
Now that I've been home and reading and reading and reading, I've got it rooted using the lollipop root thread which requires you to use odin. No biggie there but the LP safestrap wouldn't install. And after root I can't install apps from the play store anymore. Error 494 or something like that sorry I'm not more specific.
Right now it has the latest and greatest OTA B1B? I can't remember all four off hand. Some thread I've read have suggested that it is possible to install safestrap and then install rom's but I'm unclear if I have to downgrade though odin flash a different kernel or what. I'm kinda afraid to do too much too it without making a backup because I'd need to get it back to stock before I return it if I do.
I guess my questions are, will I be able to install alliance rom? I don't believe so since it's on a different base. Will I be able to do anything to it other than root? It's not a bad device by all means, but If development is dying, and it's locked down so tight I couldn't squeeze a hair in there, I see no reason to keep it. Again, i've been cramming all evening on all threads, and some say it's possible to get safestrap for lp on there with root, to install TW roms. I know I'll never be able to get AOSP stuff on there regardless.
I could probably get by with just root and debloating. But The alliance rom has some nice themeing options that I'd like.
If you guys were me and please be honest, would you keep it and try to get it to work, or just return it for a refund? I had an s3 but never took any OTA's so I could install roms until my eyes turned blue even though development was slowing on it when mine broke down..
Also do you guys have any idea why the play store isn't working anymore? I'm tempted to factory reset now probably losing root in the process, just to try to get my play store working again.
Any and all thoughts will be appreciated. Again I've studied almost all the faq type all in one general help threads and I've never dealt with safe strap before but at this point I can't even install that. The apk installs but clicking install with root access does nothing.
thanks for any input provided.
griz
Well Looks like I've got safestrap installed with the bok3 kernel although the device came with the BPB1 kernel / firmware. So does this mean that I can only install roms now that are lollipop with bok3 as their kernel? And would you still return the device to order a G3 which has better specs and more ongoing development?
Depends. Download "eMMC Brickbug Check" from the play store and post a screenshot of it.
Honestly, having played a lot with various ROMS on this phones, I can say that my fav is the current stock MM. Fast, great performance and battery life, and hopefully, we will get root eventually. In the mean time, Iam not really missing it.
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the input the emmc check said the brick bug wasn't present. I've got to have root so mm is not an option. I need root for things like tibu and to set enforce =0 for selinux to use my old game pad which isn't 100% necessary but nice when I want to use it. This stock rom seems to drink battery life. Do you think I could install alliance or another debloaTed rom?
griz.droidx said:
Thanks for the input the emmc check said the brick bug wasn't present. I've got to have root so mm is not an option. I need root for things like tibu and to set enforce =0 for selinux to use my old game pad which isn't 100% necessary but nice when I want to use it. This stock rom seems to drink battery life. Do you think I could install alliance or another debloaTed rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B1B is not a build, so you should check that. All lollipop builds can be rooted, and in certain situations marshmallow can be downgraded. Especially if you can unlock the bootloader. You should really check the development thread before you just give up on the device.
Please I don't wish to start a war, just a informative Pro and Con.
Nandr0idC0nsumer thanks for the tip on that App, I ran it iniitally but didn't do the entire scan. I'm doing that as I type this. (It finished and read test passed 132s 14.7GB 114.5MB/s Under emmc chip it reads:
Type MAG2GC
Date 05/98
CID a very long string.
FwRev:00x0
Brick Bug NO. Same Chip
I was hoping this would test to see if I could make it a dev edition but I'll read more on that later.
Now, Even though this isn't the device I initially wanted, I found it in mint condition and with it and the case (Bulky but I weed eat, mow, and stuff, a Lunatik Tatik Extreme that I've read good reviews on every though it's bulky but it's red so I don't have to see the gold, and from what I've read protects well and looks Heavy Duty) and transfer of my Selectel service only paid around 160 after tax. I ended up with a gold colored model, with stock lollipop,
The baseband now says BOK3 but had something Newer BPB1 the first night I got it, I read and read and then read some more as I'm new to safestrap but not to Sammy having had an S3, nor to flashing as I've also owned a DX and DX2(bought used mainly for the sdcard at the time for 20 bucks and to use as a wifi remote)
My questions are as follows. One person above musiclover7 said he's perfectly satisfied with MM non-rooted, I assume an OTA maybe?
I rooted using the odin lollipop method, then installed Alliance Rom to start with as it seemed compatible, and I like the customization ability. I prefer AOSP for just this reason and this was why I was leary about getting this device, the locked bootloader. I've read a little about a lot of rom's available, Although Alliance is highly customizable in the looks dept, and I used the extreme Debloat scropt/zip when flashing all those options are a bit much and it can take time to get the look just right especially with the Black glass mod/zip which I remember from Alliance for the S3, on the old S3 I only ran TW occasionally, mailnly running SLIM, then Nameless, then AICP at the very end. because I'm a sucker for the T-mo theme engine. Aesthetics are very important to me.
One question is with the note roms's and S6/7 ported roms why do I need S-pen when I don't have a note? Why do I need the edge stuff built in when the device isn't an edge? What can that do? I know I have a lot more reading to do but I just want to get a general concensus on what people are running and why, if you are only on TW roms? I haven't seen any themes available in the theme section and I can't stand all the white in settings and such on a stock rom. Nor can I stand the Sammy/VZW bloat. I'm looking at Phoenix which is based on a phone rom with edge support? Am I missing something here? And with the note rom's why would I need the S-pen which I may not have to install if it's aroma based or just freeze/delete it after installation. I have xposed installed because I prefer the net stats app to any other net stat's app out there. I know Wanam is available and gravity for stock roms. I also recall using a module that let me use T-Mo themes on rom's, but I believe the roms I used that on was an AOSP based rom that didn't have T-MO or Layers Implemented yet, like slim around the KK/LP era if memory serves me and it may not.
SO What roms are you using and why? Again, I know people hate threads like this I have no intention of starting a war of roms. It'd be better if I did have the unlocked BL edition or could make it so but I've not got that far yet. Please do not hate on other peoples work. We're all in this together, and most work borrows from others work anyway. And what I've loved about Andy from the DX days is that one size doesn't fit all. We had Bur based roms, CM7 (with most all stock features added eventually), and WizardOO's awesome MIUI builds. And WIz's awesome preboot menu that let one choose a governor and overclock and such without the need for an app. That was an awesome tool back in the day. I'll never forget Wizard00's work on that nor the work done by the main CM7 dev, and those two did help one another figure things out like getting HDMI working.
Anyway, sorry for the rants, and so many questions, I know it'll be impossible to answer all, but I'll edit the Title and Tags to hopefully help other users in the future.
Thanks for reading my TLDR post. Those who know me know I tend to go into way too much detail, and sometimes not the details needed.
Thanks again, I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.
griz
griz.droidx said:
Nandr0idC0nsumer thanks for the tip on that App, I ran it iniitally but didn't do the entire scan. I'm doing that as I type this. (It finished and read test passed 132s 14.7GB 114.5MB/s Under emmc chip it reads:
Type MAG2GC
Date 05/98
CID a very long string.
FwRev:00x0
Brick Bug NO. Same Chip
I was hoping this would test to see if I could make it a dev edition but I'll read more on that later.
Now, Even though this isn't the device I initially wanted, I found it in mint condition and with it and the case (Bulky but I weed eat, mow, and stuff, a Lunatik Tatik Extreme that I've read good reviews on every though it's bulky but it's red so I don't have to see the gold, and from what I've read protects well and looks Heavy Duty) and transfer of my Selectel service only paid around 160 after tax. I ended up with a gold colored model, with stock lollipop,
The baseband now says BOK3 but had something Newer BPB1 the first night I got it, I read and read and then read some more as I'm new to safestrap but not to Sammy having had an S3, nor to flashing as I've also owned a DX and DX2(bought used mainly for the sdcard at the time for 20 bucks and to use as a wifi remote)
My questions are as follows. One person above musiclover7 said he's perfectly satisfied with MM non-rooted, I assume an OTA maybe?
I rooted using the odin lollipop method, then installed Alliance Rom to start with as it seemed compatible, and I like the customization ability. I prefer AOSP for just this reason and this was why I was leary about getting this device, the locked bootloader. I've read a little about a lot of rom's available, Although Alliance is highly customizable in the looks dept, and I used the extreme Debloat scropt/zip when flashing all those options are a bit much and it can take time to get the look just right especially with the Black glass mod/zip which I remember from Alliance for the S3, on the old S3 I only ran TW occasionally, mailnly running SLIM, then Nameless, then AICP at the very end. because I'm a sucker for the T-mo theme engine. Aesthetics are very important to me.
One question is with the note roms's and S6/7 ported roms why do I need S-pen when I don't have a note? Why do I need the edge stuff built in when the device isn't an edge? What can that do? I know I have a lot more reading to do but I just want to get a general concensus on what people are running and why, if you are only on TW roms? I haven't seen any themes available in the theme section and I can't stand all the white in settings and such on a stock rom. Nor can I stand the Sammy/VZW bloat. I'm looking at Phoenix which is based on a phone rom with edge support? Am I missing something here? And with the note rom's why would I need the S-pen which I may not have to install if it's aroma based or just freeze/delete it after installation. I have xposed installed because I prefer the net stats app to any other net stat's app out there. I know Wanam is available and gravity for stock roms. I also recall using a module that let me use T-Mo themes on rom's, but I believe the roms I used that on was an AOSP based rom that didn't have T-MO or Layers Implemented yet, like slim around the KK/LP era if memory serves me and it may not.
SO What roms are you using and why? Again, I know people hate threads like this I have no intention of starting a war of roms. It'd be better if I did have the unlocked BL edition or could make it so but I've not got that far yet. Please do not hate on other peoples work. We're all in this together, and most work borrows from others work anyway. And what I've loved about Andy from the DX days is that one size doesn't fit all. We had Bur based roms, CM7 (with most all stock features added eventually), and WizardOO's awesome MIUI builds. And WIz's awesome preboot menu that let one choose a governor and overclock and such without the need for an app. That was an awesome tool back in the day. I'll never forget Wizard00's work on that nor the work done by the main CM7 dev, and those two did help one another figure things out like getting HDMI working.
Anyway, sorry for the rants, and so many questions, I know it'll be impossible to answer all, but I'll edit the Title and Tags to hopefully help other users in the future.
Thanks for reading my TLDR post. Those who know me know I tend to go into way too much detail, and sometimes not the details needed.
Thanks again, I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.
griz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will read the whole thing tomarrow, but what's the first 2 numbers of your CID?
Nandr0idC0nsumer said:
Will read the whole thing tomarrow, but what's the first 2 numbers of your CID?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with Nandr0idC0nsumer. You didn't specify what the eMMC Brickbug check read. I'm showing the first 2 numbers needed but if you've read majority of these forums, you'd know what it means...lol
it'd mean I'd hit the jack pot but I figured that'd be mighty sliim.. LOL... But I'm going to give it another whirl. I haven't read everything, but most of the faq's and all-in-one threads. Then the root for lollipop thread along with safestrap, because I was completely new to safestrap, but I could have been wasting my time with safestrap, I certainly hope the hell that I am that would be so awesome, the best news for me since...... I can't remember when the last time I was so lucky.
I can't be this lucky.. Got some reading to do... I should've listened.........
I should have followed through with the posts from you guys but I honestly didn't think I'd be that luck.y... Didn't think I'd have that kind of karma... In the Morning Ladies and Gentlemen and dudes named ben. Thanks guys for hitting me in the mouth...
HOLY bat crap bat man.. Does this mean what I think it does.. I hope so.. I think I've got a new thread to read..
This is for users with 15' Sasmung eMMC's not users with 11 Toshiba eMMC's. You can check this by reading the file
/sys/block/mmcblk0/device/cid
Just the first 2 15xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or 11xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx(my number of x's are random, just read the first 2)
We still are unsure if changing the CID causes app store, verification, activation, provision, or other issues, everything you do is at your own risk!
REACTIVATION LOCK MUST BE TURNED OFF. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured that would be few and far between, I hope I can magically transform my phone into a dev model.... I'm assuming that'd be as good as having my old S3 without taking that bad OTA... OMG.. I'm hoping this is good news. I'm off to read the post.. I gotta work in the morning but now... Wow..... It's like a natural high if it means what I think it does. I hoonestly figured that would be like finding a needle in a haystack and my luck is never that good.. But I'm not going to count my chickens before they hatch...
Ohh attached below is the screenshot...
I'm not one for emoji's but...
Just hope I dont screw something up trying to make a dev edition out of my device... ....
I blocked out the last number as in the example above, I don't know why that's important but since the other poster did, I figure I'd better too. Monkey see Monkey doo.
PS Sorry for the mess.. as Han would say.. yeah.. I'm that old..
@griz.droidx Flash stock PB1, then root it, then unlock the bootloader! You have, by chance and luck alone, bought an S5 with the ability to unlock it
Yes you can flash Cyanogenmod. Yes you can flash MM and root it. Basically do whatever you feel like
Question is stock PB1 a stock MM build? I'll do some reading to find out, but I have a nandroid of my BPB8 lollipop rom that's already rooted From reading the unlocking thread, and maybe I missed something I just install the APK and bam I'm unlocked. I'm guessing that once I'm unlocked, and rooted, I need to find myself a TWRP for the device. I thought I could just un-install safe strap from Alliance, Unlock and then flash a recovery.
I figured I was lucky in getting one that can be unlocked or made into a dev edition. I'm never that lucky. But on the unlucky, it appears that I have to now flash roms from the unified thread. And from what I've been able to pick up in an hour or so last night and a little at work today, I'd be best to flash only rom's for Verizon specifically. I don't know exactly to to make the others work with a Verizon MVNO but I'm certain that the VZW one's will because on the S3 I could flash any VZW rom and my MVNO (Selectel) worked. I'm hoping to find a build of AICP since that's what I was using with my S3 before it bit the dust. But flashing fever usually hits and I'm sure I'll try others.
Still doesn't look like there's much development going on for the unlocked builds. But at least I can cruise around on AOSP if I want. But the Extreme Debloat of alliance has been doing pretty good already even without my usually tweaking using autostarts and AFWALL, I do miss the privacy manager most of all from AOSP. I just think that is easier to use than the AP OPS version that's included in Alliance.
Is your phone unlocked? if so What rom are you running, and which ones have you ttied?
Lastly, I want to thank everyone for all their assistance in this thread so far. And for those of you who aren't unlocked, I'd still be interested in knowing which TW rom's you're using and stuff like that. I like aesthetics, and don't like the stock TW look of white everywhere, and I've read that with OLED or OMLED or whatever theyre called, the more black there is the easier it is on the battery. Probably doesn't make a huge difference but every little bit helps.
You can run ROM's from the Android Development thread and Unified thread
The question is unless they're for vzw on particular will they work with my my mvno. I hope so. . But I don't think they will without. Changing apns. Or may not have the proper frequencies enabled for vzw
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Oh, that i wouldn't know. Maybe someone will come across this and have an answer for you
griz.droidx said:
The question is unless they're for vzw on particular will they work with my my mvno. I hope so. . But I don't think they will without. Changing apns. Or may not have the proper frequencies enabled for vzw
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash PB1 from SamMobile (PB1 is stock 5.0 Lollipop rom) and then root, unlock, and flash TWRP.
To simplify, tell me the ROM you want to flash and I'll tell you if it's compatible if you'd like.
EDIT: Yes roms have to be Verizon-compatible. And no changing apns will not help
Thanks for offering to check. . I've found that aicp. Resurrection remix. CM and Phoenix have versions for vzw. . Thanks for offering to check for me. . Thanks for simplifying the unlock and add aosp roms instructions. . I've read and re-read them. . A couple things I'm worried about ate what hardware features may no longer work like the fingerprint reader at least in the one kernel I found. Even unlocked and thrilled as I am I want to make sure as much of it works as possible with aosp. And I don't want to take a performance hit but doubt that'll happen. . Even when the numbers have said I did take a hit in the past three seat of the pants feel said otherwise. . Thanks again to you and everyone else who have replied. . Im still wondering which tw roms people prefer. . Alliance with extreme debloat has did better than I expected. .
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
You'll have to make your best judgement. Users install the ROM's and use them as a DD to suit their likings and what they like for a ROM. You'll just have to read the OP of the said ROM and see for yourself....Good luck and HAPPY ROM'n
Hey fellows I am tickled pink that I accidentally ended up with a dev edition. Even though there's not a whole lot of AOSP out there for the VZW version of the s5, I do like me some AOSP. Always have the AOSP ROM bug hit me back with my DX. Having said all that, I was pretty satisfied with the Alliance Rom, and I'd imagine other TW roms have much to offer. I chose Alliance because I'd ran it on the S3 a few times especially when I needed to compare TW to AOSP. I did not upgrade using the method above but I appreciate all the replies from "Nandr0idC0nsumer" very much. I once thought about installing a MM pre rooted firmware first actually. If I could find just the modem and anything else like that which may help the performance and usability of my MM CM based RR rom, I might consider it. And it shouldn't be as difficult now with the unlocked BL. Although safestrap worked nicely for what it's meant to do.
After reading here and elsewhere about unlocking and installing AOSP, I decided to just run the apk which is option one in the how to unlock post, ran the app it installs, checked in recovery to see that it said developer, then using flashify I installed a TWRP image that I downloaded from somewhere. I think TWRP was just for klte though and not kltevzw specifically, but don't quote me on that. Lastly, I booted straight into twrp using the hardware buttons on a reboot to install the AOSP based rom and GAPPS. Easy Peasy. I'm looking for a kernel now, but since I feel that the fingerprint scanner works much better for me in AOSP, I don't want to get a kernel and mess that up even though I could always back it up first. or just re-install the rom.
Hopefully someone will come across this thread and find it useful. If anyone feels like it I'd still like to hear about those different TW roms, and why we'd want to use one for the note? or need one with the S-pen app? Can the S5 work as well as the note for writing on the screen using the S-Pen stuff?
Thanks again, and have a great weekend. Anyone who has any questions for me feel free to PM me. If I don't reply immediately don't think I'm putting you off I sometimes , many times, forget to check or don't notice that I have new images to read. Although help is better from the forum since you can many more opinions, and that's what it's for anyway.

Is the Pixel 2 right for me? Opinions appreciated.

Hi all,
I am enamored by the Pixel 2 for the camera, general size and clean android experience. I am coming from a Moto X (2013) DE, which I have been using for almost three years with no complaints. I am on Verizon GFUDP, am unlocked, rooted and using Xposed framework. I use the phone for tethering quite often. I don't generally use custom ROMs,; once I am setup and got everything running nice, I stop playing around with the phone and just use it.
That said, I am ready to upgrade and still want an unlockable, rootable device, which has a really good camera and will allow me to tether at will. My thought is to purchase the Pixel 2 through Google. I see that there has been some bumpiness in the road to root success, and I am wondering if this device will eventually (if it's already not) become stable enough to do what I want without a lot of fooling with it, or fear of accidentally "bricking", or other issues down the road.
So in the big picture, do you feel that the Pixel 2 can be set up, forgotten about, and just used, as I describe above, or do you think that the device will need to be tweaked on a regular basis? If so, do you have any recommendations of devices which better fit the parameters listed above?
Thanks in advance!
amajamar said:
Hi all,
I am enamored by the Pixel 2 for the camera, general size and clean android experience. I am coming from a Moto X (2013) DE, which I have been using for almost three years with no complaints. I am on Verizon GFUDP, am unlocked, rooted and using Xposed framework. I use the phone for tethering quite often. I don't generally use custom ROMs,; once I am setup and got everything running nice, I stop playing around with the phone and just use it.
That said, I am ready to upgrade and still want an unlockable, rootable device, which has a really good camera and will allow me to tether at will. My thought is to purchase the Pixel 2 through Google. I see that there has been some bumpiness in the road to root success, and I am wondering if this device will eventually (if it's already not) become stable enough to do what I want without a lot of fooling with it, or fear of accidentally "bricking", or other issues down the road.
So in the big picture, do you feel that the Pixel 2 can be set up, forgotten about, and just used, as I describe above, or do you think that the device will need to be tweaked on a regular basis? If so, do you have any recommendations of devices which better fit the parameters listed above?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be good in the long run. In my personal experience after using a lot of ROM's/kernels/mods since 2011 I would say the max your needs would come to is getting a custom kernel. With no disrespect to the developers who have worked on providing great roms throughout the years, google has really developed 8.0/8.1 into a completely viable solution that till now has not got me to even consider rooting the device to get some custom features on it.
flunk03 said:
It should be good in the long run. In my personal experience after using a lot of ROM's/kernels/mods since 2011 I would say the max your needs would come to is getting a custom kernel. With no disrespect to the developers who have worked on providing great roms throughout the years, google has really developed 8.0/8.1 into a completely viable solution that till now has not got me to even consider rooting the device to get some custom features on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, as long as I can get the tethering function, I am pretty much good to go. Do I need a custom kernel for that?
amajamar said:
As I said, as long as I can get the tethering function, I am pretty much good to go. Do I need a custom kernel for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Afaik just rooting and getting an app designed for that should be fine I guess. It's not something I know since we don't have that issue with carriers on that front
amajamar said:
As I said, as long as I can get the tethering function, I am pretty much good to go. Do I need a custom kernel for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I'm aware you can achieve this with Magisk root and a Magisk module.
Buy Pixel 2, unlock bootloader before you set up the phone (get the factory reset out of the way), then just use it as-is indefinitely until you find you need something that only root can provide. If that's the case, then install Magisk, and keep on rolling.

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