What is the most stable stock android version? Kitkat or Lollipop?
My phone is currently on NE9 and want to optimize my phone to be the best with what's out now, especially since development will be dwindling. It seems that Lollipop does not run too well (high battery usage?), according to what I see on the threads. Without any input, I would update to NK2 and then towelroot. However, would anyone recommend me updating to BOK3 or BPB1?
GoodLooks550 said:
What is the most stable stock android version? Kitkat or Lollipop?
My phone is currently on NE9 and want to optimize my phone to be the best with what's out now, especially since development will be dwindling. It seems that Lollipop does not run too well (high battery usage?), according to what I see on the threads. Without any input, I would update to NK2 and then towelroot. However, would anyone recommend me updating to BOK3 or BPB1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're both stable, but we do see a lot of complaints about lollipop battery life.
Try it for yourself. Just stick with jrkruse's stock lollipop images that don't update the bootloader past BOD5, or any ROM that specifically does not update the bootloader. Then you can easily downgrade back to kitkat if you decide you don't like it.
painiac said:
They're both stable, but we do see a lot of complaints about lollipop battery life.
Try it for yourself. Just stick with jrkruse's stock lollipop images that don't update the bootloader past BOD5, or any ROM that specifically does not update the bootloader. Then you can easily downgrade back to kitkat if you decide you don't like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, painiac! I used your guide to get up to date with the S5, btw--things are very different from what I remember in the S4 world.
Anyway, after rooting and installing safestrap, if i were to flash jrkruse’s BPB1 Rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/development/vzwstock-based-tw-rom-3-4-16-t3329029), I would install the rom, safestrap fix, patch (optional), and BPB1_Firmware_No_Bootloaders.zip. Anything else to add?
This set up would allow me to go back to kit kat by installing a jrkruse kit kat rom and related firmware w/o bootloader?
GoodLooks550 said:
Thanks, painiac! I used your guide to get up to date with the S5, btw--things are very different from what I remember in the S4 world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could be of service. I came here just a few months ago from an S3. Imagine my disgust and shock... That was actually the impetus for writing that guide, because there's so much to have to learn and I'd just finished researching the crap out of it all for myself in a short amount of time.
GoodLooks550 said:
Anyway, after rooting and installing safestrap, if i were to flash jrkruse’s BPB1 Rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/development/vzwstock-based-tw-rom-3-4-16-t3329029), I would install the rom, safestrap fix, patch (optional), and BPB1_Firmware_No_Bootloaders.zip. Anything else to add?
This set up would allow me to go back to kit kat by installing a jrkruse kit kat rom and related firmware w/o bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing else to add, I think you got it. That no bootloaders firmware file you selected is the important one.
jrkruse says you can still run kitkat ROMs even if you're stuck with Lollipop, but I haven't tried it yet. Staying with the BOD5 or earlier bootloader actually allows you to flash KitKat stock image files with Odin, which you cannot do without bricking if you've updated your bootloader to BOE1 or later. I like this because the KitKat root process is a lot less problematic than the new Lollipop root method; but more importantly, you can freely upgrade to Lollipop with BOD5 bootloader (modified) stock Odin images, and then you can freely downgrade with stock KitKat Odin images.
painiac said:
Glad I could be of service. I came here just a few months ago from an S3. Imagine my disgust and shock... That was actually the impetus for writing that guide, because there's so much to have to learn and I'd just finished researching the crap out of it all for myself in a short amount of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was lucky to have my an S4 MDK (unlocked bl), so things were much simpler back then--had an S3, as well. In the process of getting my S5 running the way I wanted, the use of safestrap was completely new to me. Thankfully, some heavy browsing of the forums got me through. I did not use flashfire, which would have been something else to learn!
painiac said:
Nothing else to add, I think you got it. That no bootloaders firmware file you selected is the important one.
jrkruse says you can still run kitkat ROMs even if you're stuck with Lollipop, but I haven't tried it yet. Staying with the BOD5 or earlier bootloader actually allows you to flash KitKat stock image files with Odin, which you cannot do without bricking if you've updated your bootloader to BOE1 or later. I like this because the KitKat root process is a lot less problematic than the new Lollipop root method; but more importantly, you can freely upgrade to Lollipop with BOD5 bootloader (modified) stock Odin images, and then you can freely downgrade with stock KitKat Odin images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you--your replies and guide were gold in terms of figuring it all out.
For onlookers of this thread, once you get to lollipop, it's hard to go back to kitkat. A lot of the small details really add up to an improved user experience. Also, having an s7 edge, the PB1 build on the S5 has 90% of the same functionality of the S7e--excluding edge-related features, of course.
To summarize my upgrade experience:
Root from any kitkat rom: Flash the NCG kernel in odin (AP/PDA), reboot and root with towelroot apk, and then install and update supersu; and lastly re-flash the NE9 kernel.
Install Hashcode's version of Safestrap: Install busybox apk. Install safestrap apk (version 3.75). Make sure to use a microsd card for installation, as recommended.
Install PB1 rom: (source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/development/vzwstock-based-tw-rom-3-4-16-t3329029). Reboot into SS. Flash G900V_Fix Safestrap.zip. Reboot into SS. Flash:
VZW_BPB1_ODEX_DEODEX_V9.zip,
Extra_toggles.zip (optional),
BPB1_Firmware_No_Bootloaders.zip , and
G900V_PB1_Stock_KERNEL_SafeStrap-Flashable.zip.
Flash all in a single queue. Reboot into download mode and flash G900V_OD5_Bootloader.tar.md5 in odin. Reboot. Wait. (NOTE: for more customization, before installing rom, unzip rom. Edit the options.prop in text editor to your likeing. Rezip original contents with updated options.prop. Flash this zip as the rom file)
To get back into safestrap/recovery: Make sure hashcode's version of safestrap is installed. A lollipop safestrap will be installed--don't use it. Also, install NI2Flasher.apk (this flashes a kitkat kernel, which will allow you to get back into the kitkat safestrap). Reboot into safestrap. IMPORTANT: When complete with whatever is being done in SS, flash G900V_PB1_Stock_KERNEL_SafeStrap-Flashable.zip to get back into lollipop rom.
Install xpose modules: This allows the essential greenify app (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) to run to maximum potential. Gather following files:
1. APK: Xposed Installer 3.0 alpha4 (comes with some roms)
2. Flash in SS: Framework: xposed-v75-sdk21-arm-arter97-snapdragon.zip
3. Flash in SS: Uninstaller: xposed-uninstaller-arter97.zip
Since the rom I installed did not come with xposed installed. I flashed the framework in SS (look above to properly access and leave SS). Reboot. Install the APK. Reboot. Highly recommend installing Wanam's modules for lollipop--tons of modifications.
Unbrick: Get into download mode and flash: Full Wipe G900V_Downgrade_to_NCG.tar . (This helped me a ton until I realized that safestrap for the S5 does not work with rom-slots. Use the stock slot to do all flashing)
I gathered all this information from various threads, and hope this helps (highly recommend reviewing painiac's guide before starting anything - http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/guide-painiacs-essential-guide-to-t3319848). I am no expert, but this is what worked for me--please correct me if I'm wrong at any step. I believe the way I set this up, I should be able to get back to a kitkat rom, if I ever wanted to (easiest way to do this would be to flash the unbrick file). I hope this can help at least one person, since I know I'm not the only person to recently get an S5 due to someone else in the family upgrading to the S7.
Need some guidance in setting up root and Rom on my s5. Never done this before on a Verizon phone so if anyone can help I'd appreciate it
Related
I recently flashed my Captivate with Cognition 4.2.2. I just noticed that 4.3 is out now with some desirable updates. Furthermore, I notice that there is a full ROM and a "Kernel only" version.
I have noticed that some people only talk about doing a full ODIN procedure back to stock is only necessary when flashing an entirely new ROM.
If I update to 4.3 :
Can I flash the kernel only? Or is there lot's of important things I will be missing. Is it only recommended to update kernel if I know that there have ONLY been updates to the kernel?
Is it important to flash back to Stock? Or can I just put the update in the root directory and use clockwork to boot after renaming the ROM to "update.zip"?
Any information on the way that these parts intertwine and what an update to one does to the others would be appreciated.
Thank you!
My phone is rooted, and has TWRP custom recovery installed.
The phone automatically downloaded the OTA, and tried to install it. With TWRP, the update failed and my phone is working fine now.
I don't need the rooting anymore (was for teetering, but with new data plan it's now included). So I'm okay with losing the root and all.
Using SuperSU I deselected the rooting, and after reboot RootCheck tells me my phone is not rooted. I still have TWRP installed.
Now, I'm stock MF1/ 4.1.2. How do I install the 4.3 update and remove the TWRP recovery? I found in another thread the 4.3 Tar file. Do I simply use Odin on my PC and flash it on my phone? What about TWRP?
airtrons said:
My phone is rooted, and has TWRP custom recovery installed.
The phone automatically downloaded the OTA, and tried to install it. With TWRP, the update failed and my phone is working fine now.
I don't need the rooting anymore (was for teetering, but with new data plan it's now included). So I'm okay with losing the root and all.
Using SuperSU I deselected the rooting, and after reboot RootCheck tells me my phone is not rooted. I still have TWRP installed.
Now, I'm stock MF1/ 4.1.2. How do I install the 4.3 update and remove the TWRP recovery? I found in another thread the 4.3 Tar file. Do I simply use Odin on my PC and flash it on my phone? What about TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you want the 4.3, this latest rom will lock your bootloader permanently, meaning you will NOT able to install CWM,TWRP, custom rom/kernel or downgrade the OS to the early version. The only thing you can do once updated is root. If you still decided to upgrade, just Odin the full rom MF1 here http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23134718111254196 then after bootup your OS should auto update to the latest (OTA).
airtrons said:
My phone is rooted, and has TWRP custom recovery installed.
The phone automatically downloaded the OTA, and tried to install it. With TWRP, the update failed and my phone is working fine now.
I don't need the rooting anymore (was for teetering, but with new data plan it's now included). So I'm okay with losing the root and all.
Using SuperSU I deselected the rooting, and after reboot RootCheck tells me my phone is not rooted. I still have TWRP installed.
Now, I'm stock MF1/ 4.1.2. How do I install the 4.3 update and remove the TWRP recovery? I found in another thread the 4.3 Tar file. Do I simply use Odin on my PC and flash it on my phone? What about TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same question myself, and have been proverbially "running around in circles" today (instead of working). Anybody have success flashing said Odin file and then upgrading via the OTA?
Ha! I came from a mytouch3g years ago, flashing incessantly. I got this phone so i could stop. Then rooted to take the ads away, and got a bit more than I bargained for... now I just want back on OTA stock.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Cheers
Kevvy1066 said:
I had the same question myself, and have been proverbially "running around in circles" today (instead of working). Anybody have success flashing said Odin file and then upgrading via the OTA?
Ha! I came from a mytouch3g years ago, flashing incessantly. I got this phone so i could stop. Then rooted to take the ads away, and got a bit more than I bargained for... now I just want back on OTA stock.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you download this full firmware http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23134718111254196 unzip the file then use Odin to flash, this will bring you back to pure stock rom with stock recovery (no more twrp/cwm). After this you will be prompt for OTA and just take the upgrade. Once done you should be on the latest factory 4.3 with locked bootloader.
I ended up downloading the 4.3 files from another post here, and flashing it with Odin. Worked fine.
Of course, without a root, can't recover my apps from Titanium but oh well.
airtrons said:
I ended up downloading the 4.3 files from another post here, and flashing it with Odin. Worked fine.
Of course, without a root, can't recover my apps from Titanium but oh well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you just root with saferoot found here?http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
I wish I would have found this thread before starting my own... woops. Anyway I would like to install 4.3 and I too rooted with twrp. I don't care anymore if I am rooted or not. I stopped flashing roms and such a while back and will be upgrading this next year to the s5 most likely.
Is there a way to install 4.3 w/out removing root? If not, since I never used odin, and used twrp what steps do/should I take to get back to where I can install 4.3?
Thank you.
Sithlyone said:
I wish I would have found this thread before starting my own... woops. Anyway I would like to install 4.3 and I too rooted with twrp. I don't care anymore if I am rooted or not. I stopped flashing roms and such a while back and will be upgrading this next year to the s5 most likely.
Is there a way to install 4.3 w/out removing root? If not, since I never used odin, and used twrp what steps do/should I take to get back to where I can install 4.3?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your life is too busy and you don't want to mess with your phone anymore, your best bet is go back to stock 4.3 which is very good by the way, very stable, smooth and bug free. After so many complaints from my wife I rolled it back to stock 4.3 and she's so happy now.
1. Flash stock MF1 here http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23134718111254196 , just unzip the flash with Odin
2. Your phone should take the 4.3 OTA update and you're home free.
Thank you guys in advance for your help but I just had a few questions. I am running 4.4.2 currently with the stock rom rooted and unlocked bootloader. I have however issued a few Mods such as extreme power saving and built in tether. Can I just load the 4.4.4 firmware and radios, switch back to stock recovery and take the OTA to 4.4.4 without having to wipe anything or since I have used some mods do I now have to wipe my device and put everything back after getting the 4.4.4 update. The reason I ask is I like having the stock features while just using google now launcher on top of sense. Also would any of you have a recommendation on a ROM to achieve this same thing so I dont have to go through this everytime I want to take the newest OTA if it is not possible to take without wiping.
jpgetter said:
Thank you guys in advance for your help but I just had a few questions. I am running 4.4.2 currently with the stock rom rooted and unlocked bootloader. I have however issued a few Mods such as extreme power saving and built in tether. Can I just load the 4.4.4 firmware and radios, switch back to stock recovery and take the OTA to 4.4.4 without having to wipe anything or since I have used some mods do I now have to wipe my device and put everything back after getting the 4.4.4 update. The reason I ask is I like having the stock features while just using google now launcher on top of sense. Also would any of you have a recommendation on a ROM to achieve this same thing so I dont have to go through this everytime I want to take the newest OTA if it is not possible to take without wiping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the ruu here. That will get you to 4.4.3 the easy way and make you 100% stock so you can take the ruu. Then flash twrp and flash su or the rooted Rom of your choosing.
The RUU is one way to go, although I would never update via OTA...
Another would be to flash the firmware and radios from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723159
And then Scott's rooted stock rom from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2914922
He usually has them up a few hours after a new OTA has been released. Even better - try his stock, debloated CleanROM once it's out.
This way you can keep your recovery. You can even try to just flash the 4.4.4 firmware and radios and see if it runs your current 4.2 ROM ok. But I would not update the rom from version to version without a wipe.
The setup is the price to pay for getting a new and hopefully better Android version.
I'm gave my daughter my old S3 for Christmas and I want to get it up to date.
It's running a Clean 4.1.2 ROM from back in the day. TWRP is like on v 1.x (I kid you not). I think the bootloader is unlocked because there is no Safestrap. It goes right into TWRP, no "slots".
I want to get her up to 4.3 at least, 4.4 hopefully. I tried to download on of the new ROMs but TWRP didn't even see it so I'm suspecting I need to upgrade TWRP first?
anywho...looking for a path to the latest ROMS...would rather not lockup the bootloader unless someone can make a good case for it.
Thank you very much in advance.
God Bless,
Matt
sudermatt said:
I'm gave my daughter my old S3 for Christmas and I want to get it up to date.
It's running a Clean 4.1.2 ROM from back in the day. TWRP is like on v 1.x (I kid you not). I think the bootloader is unlocked because there is no Safestrap. It goes right into TWRP, no "slots".
I want to get her up to 4.3 at least, 4.4 hopefully. I tried to download on of the new ROMs but TWRP didn't even see it so I'm suspecting I need to upgrade TWRP first?
anywho...looking for a path to the latest ROMS...would rather not lockup the bootloader unless someone can make a good case for it.
Thank you very much in advance.
God Bless,
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you need to update twrp to the latest version. And your bootloader almost has to be unlocked because if it wasn't you would not be able to install a custom recovery.
I would go with a custom rom, stay away from bootloader locked roms. There's nothing special about the new TW 4.4.2 rom other than it locks the bootloader down tight, as far as roms that's your own choice but I'd do some reading before I did anything
From my S3 running BlissStalk
You can grab the latest twrp here http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/d2vzw
Both .tar and .img files, the .tar requires Odin and you can install the .img through an app called flashify (requires root), its in the play store. After that read some of the ROM threads. You might want to also update your firmware and baseband. Most of the ROM threads will recommend this and give you links to proper firmware, making sure not to lock the bootloader.
Good luck
samsgun357 said:
You can grab the latest twrp here http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/d2vzw
Both .tar and .img files, the .tar requires Odin and you can install the .img through an app called flashify (requires root), its in the play store. After that read some of the ROM threads. You might want to also update your firmware and baseband. Most of the ROM threads will recommend this and give you links to proper firmware, making sure not to lock the bootloader.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nevermind this post, this was intended for another thread
From my S3 running BlissStalk
Hi All,
I didn't want to update to the Note 5 so i got the Edge instead as it supported the SD card, anyway a few quick questions...
1) It came preloaded with stock apps and KitKat SO should i upgrade to Lollipop 5.1.1 ?
2) Doing a Nandroid of KitKat will ensure I can revert to this even after the Lollipop upgrade?
3) Any way to root or install a custom recovery withou tripping knox?
4) Any way of installing Xpossed on 5.1.1
5) Best ROM that supports tons of modifications?
Anyone?
bump...
...
I'll try and answer this the best I can:
1) It came preloaded with stock apps and KitKat SO should i upgrade to Lollipop 5.1.1 ?
-Depends on your preference, I like the new 5.1.1 a lot.
2) Doing a Nandroid of KitKat will ensure I can revert to this even after the Lollipop upgrade?
-Not sure about this one but I think you can't go back after upgrading to 5.1.1
3) Any way to root or install a custom recovery withou tripping knox?
-No
4) Any way of installing Xpossed on 5.1.1
-Don't think there is root for 5.1.1 yet.. (Don't know for sure, don't need root on this phone)
5) Best ROM that supports tons of modifications?
-As said above, I didn't root it, kept it stock. Look around in the development forum, there aren't many...
Thanks for your reply, now to find out the rest...
In order to get root just flash twrp recovery with auto reboot ticked off. Then flash boot.img from Micky's 5.1.1 ROM within twrp recovery. Just press images button in twrp and the boot option after that in order to be able to flash image files. Then flash beta super su 2.49.
If you run into problems with WiFi not remembered after reboot or security issues there are solutions for that.
Sendt fra min SM-N915FY
2) Doing a Nandroid of KitKat will ensure I can revert to this even after the Lollipop upgrade?
4) Any way of installing Xpossed on 5.1.1*
5) Best ROM that supports tons of modifications?
GODSPD said:
2) Doing a Nandroid of KitKat will ensure I can revert to this even after the Lollipop upgrade?
4) Any way of installing Xpossed on 5.1.1*
5) Best ROM that supports tons of modifications?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you root on kitkat and have a Nandroid you should be able to go back as long as you don't upgrade the bootloader. Samsung doesn't allow the downgrade of bootloader anymore. Now with 5.0 and up and I don't know if you have to flash the bootloader. You'd be better off to look in the device specific thread for your variant and read if you have to upgrade the bootloader or anything to go from kitkat to lollipop. Exposed is already working on 5.1.1. And for what rom to use depends on the variant you have.
For SM-N915G i was able to rollback to kitkat coming from 5.0, and im so glad i did it.Battery life improved so much and its smoother than lollipop.This is the first time i downgraded after having a couple of samsung devices.Thats how bad the battery life i had on my edge.Il probably be staying for awhile on KitKat
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
As of today the phone upgraded by itself to 5.0.1... When i cancelled the update it rebooted into recovery and now its too late to go back to kit kat as i didn't do a nandroid yet...
Anyway im not fussed, you mentioned that xposed is now available on 5.1. 1 ?please let me know which files to download to get it working... And hopefully a link?