Database Users

[Q] Sprint - Model Help??

Hi XDA Forums!
I'm a bit new to the Android community (and to XDA forums!) I wanted to try and install the Google Edition ROM for my device, but I'm a bit confused on the model number.
I went online and searched for about 20-25 minutes. I went to settings > About device > Model number. It says "SPH-L720". I know that is Sprint's model number, but is that any different than the i9505 or the i9500?
I even went on Wikipedia and compared the models (XDA won't let me post links, but I'm sure you can find it!)
I saw that my device met the requirements of the i9505, but I wanted to post here just to be safe.
Thanks a lot!
- Samsung Galaxy S4 (Sprint)
- Stock (Rooted - 4.2.2)

Salil999 said:
Hi XDA Forums!
I'm a bit new to the Android community (and to XDA forums!) I wanted to try and install the Google Edition ROM for my device, but I'm a bit confused on the model number.
I went online and searched for about 20-25 minutes. I went to settings > About device > Model number. It says "SPH-L720". I know that is Sprint's model number, but is that any different than the i9505 or the i9500?
I even went on Wikipedia and compared the models (XDA won't let me post links, but I'm sure you can find it!)
I saw that my device met the requirements of the i9505, but I wanted to post here just to be safe.
Thanks a lot!
- Samsung Galaxy S4 (Sprint)
- Stock (Rooted - 4.2.2)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different. Because of the carrier (Sprint) there will be some differences between model numbers such as CDMA vs. GSM, radios, etc. Some of the roms for international version might flash and work fine however you may risk losing things like signal, wifi, etc. If you want to try one check the thread to see if anyone else with a Sprint version has had success and above all else make a full backup before flashing just in case. If you don't want to meddle and be on the safe side then just stick with roms listed in the Sprint S4 dev sections.

Is this what you want? It is a little unstable right now just a warning. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43120823
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

GiantJay said:
Is this what you want? It is a little unstable right now just a warning. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43120823
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking at this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2341162

Salil999 said:
I was looking at this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2341162
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not flash that. There's always a risk for bricking your phone. Flash the ROM that jay linked too.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

daniel4653 said:
Do not flash that. There's always a risk for bricking your phone. Flash the ROM that jay linked too.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I still don't know the difference between i9505 and SPH-L720.

Radios are different

lafester said:
Radios are different
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that the only difference? Nothing different in flashing roms or what not?

If you're new to android and xda, you shouldn't be haphazardly flashing testing builds. Take more time to learn and read a lot. You're going into that thin ice territory of stuff that isn't stable and made specifically for your model phone. You're going to end up bricking your phone or getting yourself into a jam that you don't know how to get out of.

oscarthegrouch said:
If you're new to android and xda, you shouldn't be haphazardly flashing testing builds. Take more time to learn and read a lot. You're going into that thin ice territory of stuff that isn't stable and made specifically for your model phone. You're going to end up bricking your phone or getting yourself into a jam that you don't know how to get out of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but there's no way I'm flashing into a new ROM without knowing all the details. I'm not going to dive in there, Haha. I've been reading the forums a lot for the past few days. I won't flash until I know the room works 100%! And yeah, I've been reading a lot. Looks like there's a lot of back up stuff to do!
But I just wanted to clear up the difference between i9505 and SPH-L720: The ROMs meant for i9505 won't work on SPH-L720?

Salil999 said:
Is that the only difference? Nothing different in flashing roms or what not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different processors. Quad Core Qualcomm is in the U.S. models and the international models have the Octacore Exynos chip.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

It is safest to stick with roms that were designed for the 720. I don't know the model you're speaking of, I'm assuming it's a gsm based phone. IMO, they are for different networks and different technologies. These people who are trying to shoehorn gsm, Verizon or international roms, are trying to port stuff over and fix, or try to, issues. Yes, since might get them to work but they won't work 100% flawless. I'm not saying they aren't smart, I'm saying that the stuff they are working on is very experimental and should not be deemed safe and reliable as a daily driver rom.

oscarthegrouch said:
It is safest to stick with roms that were designed for the 720. I don't know the model you're speaking of, I'm assuming it's a gsm based phone. IMO, they are for different networks and different technologies. These people who are trying to shoehorn gsm, Verizon or international roms, are trying to port stuff over and fix, or try to, issues. Yes, since might get them to work but they won't work 100% flawless. I'm not saying they aren't smart, I'm saying that the stuff they are working on is very experimental and should not be deemed safe and reliable as a daily driver rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its the international version of the S4 with the Exynos chip.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 02:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:29 AM ----------
I don't know about this phone but on the S3 flashing any international ROM was a instant brick and many many people did it. So I highly suggest not flashing anything that is not clearly approved by the developer.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Safe to update?

Hello gents,
I just picked up an S4 last night on Bell...model number is SGH-I337M I assume.
I haven't turned it on yet...just charged it.
I've been reading the forums this morning, and I keep seeing posts about not doing the OTA update. Is that for AT&T phones only? I read about locked bootloaders...is the I337M locked as well? From what I read, I think it is not?
I wasn't planning on rooting or flashing immediately...maybe not ever to be honest...but I'd like to option to be there should I want to.

Your device is NOT locked, only the US version, you are one of the lucky ones.
As far as rooting and such, do it when you feel comfortable about it, in the mean time, good time to read about it, here are 2 great starter sites. Good luck and enjoy.
[GUIDE][INFO] The beginner's info thread (aka. the noob helper)
Thanks to Rastabolino
[HOW-TO] The All-In-One Root/Backup/Flash Guide - [I337 & I337M]
Thanks to xBeerdroiDx - For this great Startup Guide
EDIT
TRY THESE..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301762
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2314494

TheAxman said:
Your device is NOT locked, only the US version, you are one of the lucky ones.
As far as rooting and such, do it when you feel comfortable about it, in the mean time, good time to read about it, here are 2 great starter sites. Good luck and enjoy.
[GUIDE][INFO] The beginner's info thread (aka. the noob helper)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2301762
Thanks to Rastabolino
[HOW-TO] The All-In-One Root/Backup/Flash Guide - [I337 & I337M]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2314494
Thanks to xBeerdroiDx - For this great Startup Guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I suppose I should still be careful when updates are released...in case they decide to lock things down.
I tried the links...got a 404 page not found on both...but found them myself. Thanks again.

Yes, you are one of the lucky ones. Us pathetic souls on AT&T wish we had your Canadian service providers.
Well scratch the 3yr contract lol.

MattMJB0188 said:
Yes, you are one of the lucky ones. Us pathetic souls on AT&T wish we had your Canadian service providers.
Well scratch the 3yr contract lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wanna buy my phone then? As noted above, I haven't even turned it on yet! HAHAHA!
Three year contracts are ending soon...December 2nd at the latest. I read on mobilesyrup.ca that Bell is starting their new two year plans tomorrow...and Telus just made their two year plans public (not sure when they will be available).
Oh, and I'm not a total Samsung n00b. My first Android phone was an SGS i9000 (wife is currently using), and I am using an OG Note i717. I'll be giving her the Note shortly (tonight or tomorrow), and I'll use the SGS4. Then when the Note 3 comes out, I'll get that and give her the SGS4.

I added the links again.

If you just got the phone you will be on the latest canadian update. I doubt we will ever get our bootloaders locked..thats strictly an at&t thing but id still be wary of any ota.im rooted with custom recovery so no worries for me lol.
Enjoy your new device bro!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337m using xda premium

force70 said:
thats strictly an at&t thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as far as androids in general go, thats not true. this is the first galaxy S device on at&t that shipped with a locked bootloader. verizon is the biggest offender.

xBeerdroiDx said:
as far as androids in general go, thats not true. this is the first galaxy S device on at&t that shipped with a locked bootloader. verizon is the biggest offender.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was referring to the s4 specifically in this case.
sent from my CleanRom 1.5 i337m

Att - Locked Bootloader?

I didn't know if any of the ATT PREORDERED NOTE 3's were out yet or not - but am curioius to find out if ATT is going to lock the bootloader for this phone like they did for the S4?
I think it is inevitable, but I was hoping that maybe they wouldn't be
If this is in the wrong forum for this, let me mknow or have the moderator delete this - I looked and couldn't find any other threads for the NOTE 3.
Anyone?
PS - if the bootler is locked for the ATT Varient - I was thinking of buying an unlocked phone - any difference between the N9000 and N9005?

99% its going to be locked. Makes me want to wait for Nexus 5. To much of a headache for Samsung.

antiochasylum said:
99% its going to be locked. Makes me want to wait for Nexus 5. To much of a headache for Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I loved my NOTE 2 - got the S4 for the processor and camera - and want the Note 3 for the same reasons. The LOCKED BOOTLOADER thing is a bunch of crap - and it was a sad day when ATT started doing it. I doubt they will ever change policy, but I sure wish they would. It's one thing to lock a contract phone..I think I can understand their reasons for wanting to do that - but if I OWN the device - what business do they have preventing me from using it fully? arghh....oh well, fingers crossed we are both wrong - but I think your assessment was correct.

It's already been confirmed as locked by designgears. Great developer btw. Do a search. Also, look at the dev section cwm thread. Notice which models are missing? Att and Verizon.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4
---------- Post added at 10:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 AM ----------
Also I would wait a week and wait for others to confirm the T-Mobile note 3 works on att. All data so far says it will. This has been discussed in a few threads.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4

T-mobile note 3 working on AT&T as in LTE as well? 3g should work without any issue I would think.
If so it would make perfect sense to purchase a t-mobile n3 outright just for the unlocked bootloader.

Yes, LTE as well. Full compatability. Along with a few extra bands. Just need to confirm this week with a real device.
There is a bigger thread on here discussing this. Check the Q&A forum.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4

mircury said:
Yes, LTE as well. Full compatability. Along with a few extra bands. Just need to confirm this week with a real device.
There is a bigger thread on here discussing this. Check the Q&A forum.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now for some shipping confirmation!!!!! I'm right with you!!!! Come on Negri!!!
rooted,recovered,and rebooted from the ol' i777.......

So what does the future look like for the N900A? Does the locked bootloader mean the only way to obtain root access will be through an exploit someone may eventually stumble upon? Will it most likely never be flashable, or is anything a possibility at this point? I have one on preorder and it's feeling like more of a downgrade all the time...

farrenicus said:
So what does the future look like for the N900A? Does the locked bootloader mean the only way to obtain root access will be through an exploit someone may eventually stumble upon? Will it most likely never be flashable, or is anything a possibility at this point? I have one on preorder and it's feeling like more of a downgrade all the time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's basically the same situation as the AT&T S4 with the newest knox firmware. Most likely an exploit found on that will also work on the AT&T note 3. I don't think anything is 100% secure but it may be a long time till one is found. I don't know if safestrap can be adapted or not. As far as flashing roms it depends on how much the phone is locked down but in the past if it was using a signed kernel then a custom rom could be flashed as long as it kept the stock kernel. You can be sure though that some very talented people are working on it. It's just a waiting game at this point.

mircury said:
It's basically the same situation as the AT&T S4 with the newest knox firmware. Most likely an exploit found on that will also work on the AT&T note 3. I don't think anything is 100% secure but it may be a long time till one is found. I don't know if safestrap can be adapted or not. As far as flashing roms it depends on how much the phone is locked down but in the past if it was using a signed kernel then a custom rom could be flashed as long as it kept the stock kernel. You can be sure though that some very talented people are working on it. It's just a waiting game at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that gives me a bit of hope... Most people thought the PS3 would never get owned, and it obviously was As it is I'm basically buying an expensive bike with training wheels rigged to blow the tires if removed and a titanium boot permanently affixed that the most powerful blowtorch available cannot cut through.

New to the S4

So i just got an S4 comming from a HTC one, and was wondering whats the current best rom for this phone? Is 4.4 available yet?

SuperMiguel said:
So i just got an S4 comming from a HTC one, and was wondering whats the current best rom for this phone? Is 4.4 available yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are new to the Galaxy S4 ZI would highly recommend you read the post at the link below. Depending on what release your phone is on, there are some unfortunate consequences to having an S4 at the moment.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
If you are not on the OTA MF3 or MJ9 you are very fortunate and should start by reading this post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
Your most immediate focus should be on getting root so you can freeze the AT&T software update app as well as the FWUpgrade and I believe LocalFOTA apps so your phone is not FORCED to update to the latest AT&T releases which have a locked bootloader.
I hope this helps and good luck,

drichter12 said:
Since you are new to the Galaxy S4 ZI would highly recommend you read the post at the link below. Depending on what release your phone is on, there are some unfortunate consequences to having an S4 at the moment.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
If you are not on the OTA MF3 or MJ9 you are very fortunate and should start by reading this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now since i just ordered the phone from ATT how do i check if im not on the OTA MF3?

SuperMiguel said:
Now since i just ordered the phone from ATT how do i check if im not on the OTA MF3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you just ordered a new s4 from AT&T you will most likely be on MF3 (I337UCUAMF3 is the baseband version) since it has been out for a while. You could luck out and get one that has been sitting on a shelf for a while and still has an older rom on it but unfortunately you will not know until you get it in your hands and look in the "About Device" tab. If you do happen to luck out, keep WiFi off until you can get rooted to try and keep the phone from force updating (which appears to have happened to many users even after they declined the update) before you have a chance to freeze the update apps.
Let us know how it goes,

drichter12 said:
Well, if you just ordered a new s4 from AT&T you will most likely be on MF3 (I337UCUAMF3 is the baseband version) since it has been out for a while. You could luck out and get one that has been sitting on a shelf for a while and still has an older rom on it but unfortunately you will not know until you get it in your hands and look in the "About Device" tab. If you do happen to luck out, keep WiFi off until you can get rooted to try and keep the phone from force updating (which appears to have happened to many users even after they declined the update) before you have a chance to freeze the update apps.
Let us know how it goes,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummmmm so if it is MF3, im out of luck? no fix for it... Does the box show the baseband version? I rather sell it unopened and get a Nexus 5 or something

SuperMiguel said:
Ummmmm so if it is MF3, im out of luck? no fix for it... Does the box show the baseband version? I rather sell it unopened and get a Nexus 5 or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no indicators outside the phone..... If you are on MF3, there is a proven root method that will at least give you root, just not the ability to install a custom recovery. The first link in my original message explains the work-around so you can at least get some custom roms (currently only TW based roms) to work on an MF3 phone but until the dev community can unlock the bootloader that is the best option there is.

drichter12 said:
There are no indicators outside the phone..... If you are on MF3, there is a proven root method that will at least give you root, just not the ability to install a custom recovery. The first link in my original message explains the work-around so you can at least get some custom roms (currently only TW based roms) to work on an MF3 phone but until the dev community can unlock the bootloader that is the best option there is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, so one of the main reasons i wanted to get this phone was to "start" doing custom rooms, etc, etc i guess i didnt pick a right platform? ill be a bit pissed if i cant load my own room

if you're wanting to do custom roms, return the phone before opening it and get your cash back. Though there's a lot of great development on the MDL basebands and the phone is a great phone, the MF3 and new one (MJ9?) have locked bootloaders that haven't been broken yet. I personally wouldn't take the risk of being stuck on a later baseband and i'd get a different phone like the HTC one max or the N5

I just really want to know why the S4 I bought last night won't update to 4.3 OTA...

Ya at the moment i have the HTC one (regular one) and screen cracked so needed a replacement.. Also i got the 32GB sam S4 for $150 so i think im better off selling it and getting a N5... not sure yet..

SuperMiguel said:
Ya at the moment i have the HTC one (regular one) and screen cracked so needed a replacement.. Also i got the 32GB sam S4 for $150 so i think im better off selling it and getting a N5... not sure yet..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can stomach the wait buy from google, if you can't there's swappa and craigslist. I'm planning on selling my S4, going back to my i717 (OG note) and ordering the N5 from google. I like my i717 better than the S4 anyway.

Theoriginalgiga said:
If you can stomach the wait buy from google, if you can't there's swappa and craigslist. I'm planning on selling my S4, going back to my i717 (OG note) and ordering the N5 from google. I like my i717 better than the S4 anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the 32GB says shipping dec 4th so not that long wait..

SuperMiguel said:
Ummmmm so if it is MF3, im out of luck? no fix for it... Does the box show the baseband version? I rather sell it unopened and get a Nexus 5 or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
drichter12 said:
There are no indicators outside the phone.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the outside of the box.

drichter12 said:
There are no indicators outside the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. The firmware version is included in the label on the outside of the box. No need to open the box to check it.
Edit: See photo in above post. Looks like we were typing at the same time.

SuperMiguel said:
So i just got an S4 comming from a HTC one, and was wondering whats the current best rom for this phone? Is 4.4 available yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you now have some guidance from users, and we typically do not allow "best rom discussion" as they turn into arguments. I suggest all users read and learn the pros and cons of what the latest issues are with the official OTA's....
Thread is closed.

Bootloader unlock app in android market

Browsing in the Google play I found this app is a bootloader unlocker. I know is no for the att smartphone o Verizon phones, but I'm sure the developers of xda can dig deep inside the app and figure it out which files hack to unlock the bootloader in att phones. Here is the picture of the app.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Hauwei uses a COMPLETELY different bootloader than Samsung, so I highly doubt this would work, or even be useful for anyone trying to unlock the Samsung bootloaders.
Side-note, get a Canadian one with MG1 and you're fully unlocked right out of the box. =)

mruizco said:
Browsing in the Google play I found this app is a bootloader unlocker. I know is no for the att smartphone o Verizon phones, but I'm sure the developers of xda can dig deep inside the app and figure it out which files hack to unlock the bootloader in att phones. Here is the picture of the app.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T Galaxy S4's bootloader will NOT be unlocked again. The loki method unlocked it last spring, but most developers have moved onto other devices. The S4 will not be Sammy's flagship for too much longer.

MattMJB0188 said:
The AT&T Galaxy S4's bootloader will NOT be unlocked again. The loki method unlocked it last spring, but most developers have moved onto other devices. The S4 will not be Sammy's flagship for too much longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are people actively working on trying to crack the bootloader, don't know where you've been. Most of the work is happening over on the Verizon S4 forum... it's already been stated that if one is cracked the other should be venerable to the same exploits.

Well you're right about s4 not being flagship much longer. The S5 will be out in Feb. Lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

NighthawkXL said:
There are people actively working on trying to crack the bootloader, don't know where you've been. Most of the work is happening over on the Verizon S4 forum... it's already been stated that if one is cracked the other should be venerable to the same exploits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if DJBliss is working on it?

MattMJB0188 said:
The AT&T Galaxy S4's bootloader will NOT be unlocked again. The loki method unlocked it last spring, but most developers have moved onto other devices. The S4 will not be Sammy's flagship for too much longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do you think at&t will unlock the bootloader once the s5 comes out?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

acts4:12 said:
So do you think at&t will unlock the bootloader once the s5 comes out?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They said they will only have locked bootloaders from now on. Its absolutely ridiculous! The S2, S3, Note, and Note 2 all were on AT&T with unlocked bootloaders. I want to know why they are cracking down now. They claim locked bootloaders provide a more consistent experience. Guess I didn't realize that my phone works so much better with all the AT&T crapware installed.
The AT&T Galaxy S5 will have a locked bootloader, which will probably take even more time and effort to hack.

MattMJB0188 said:
They said they will only have locked bootloaders from now on. Its absolutely ridiculous! The S2, S3, Note, and Note 2 all were on AT&T with unlocked bootloaders. I want to know why they are cracking down now. They claim locked bootloaders provide a more consistent experience. Guess I didn't realize that my phone works so much better with all the AT&T crapware installed.
The AT&T Galaxy S5 will have a locked bootloader, which will probably take even more time and effort to hack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I mean on the s4. Do you think at&t will unlock the bootloader on the s4 once the s5 comes out?

No they will not unlock the S4 bootloader before during or after the release of the S5 . The S4 is locked now , I had to get a warranty replacement which came with the new software . To be brutally honest I dont even want the damn phone anymore because of the locked software . Knox trips out and sends me notifications regularly . Of course I cant disable it or even remove it . Personally I think they really borked this phone to hell and back.

acts4:12 said:
No I mean on the s4. Do you think at&t will unlock the bootloader on the s4 once the s5 comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it. But anything can happen. I hope they do. But it was unlocked once and AT&T just patched that right up.
SouthernEvo said:
No they will not unlock the S4 bootloader before during or after the release of the S5 . The S4 is locked now , I had to get a warranty replacement which came with the new software . To be brutally honest I dont even want the damn phone anymore because of the locked software . Knox trips out and sends me notifications regularly . Of course I cant disable it or even remove it . Personally I think they really borked this phone to hell and back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They did. In the beginning it was a cool phone because we had development for it. Now we're so limited on what we can do. Rooting it can even be dangerous with some of the new methods.
Its a shame that the S4 is now the iPhone of Androids. All nice and locked down making it near impossible for the user to get the most out of his device.

The s4 bootloader will not be unlocked again. The only hope we have is a loki-que exploit. Jeboo's new patch allows the live booting of unsigned modules but only until the memory is erase (i.e. reboot). I believe I read somewhere from hash code that he is trying to get jeboos patch to work with kexec so it can be used during boot in combination with safestrap to load custom kernals and in turn, allowing the use of aosp roms.
rushi.1986 said:
cyrushehe said:
How long could it be before an implementation of this for the average user on XDA? Days? Weeks? Months?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your guess is as good as anyone else's. All I know is that @Hashcode knows about this and is trying to get kexec working using this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578566&page=3
Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this.

MattMJB0188 said:
I doubt it. But anything can happen. I hope they do. But it was unlocked once and AT&T just patched that right up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader was never and has never been unlocked, and will never be unlocked by ATT, nor will any future ATT phones come with an unlocked bootloader. what youre refering to was loki which was an exploit/workaround that allowed custom kernels, it was not an unlock...but it did get the job done.
All we can do now is hope hashcode can get kexec working with safestrap or some other loki-like exploit
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

mg2195 said:
The bootloader was never and has never been unlocked, and will never be unlocked by ATT, nor will any future ATT phones come with an unlocked bootloader. what youre refering to was loki which was an exploit/workaround that allowed custom kernels, it was not an unlock...but it did get the job done.
All we can do now is hope hashcode can get kexec working with safestrap or some other loki-like exploit
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up. I was always under the impression it was unlocked because we were able to run CWM/TWRP.
Highly doubt AT&T will ever unlock the bootloader, but it would be nice if we had an AT&T developer edition of the S4.

More than likely my next phone will be a Nexus device . I went with the S4 due to the SD card slot and removable battery . Also I don't see the nexus line ever going to this configuration but to have an unlocked device that I am able to manipulate the system on it as I should with a device that is mine . I will have to lose in other catagories to gain in others so be it . Just pretty much over this cat and mouse game with carriers / manufacturers dealing with locked unlocked bootloaders and force fed bloatware .

SouthernEvo said:
More than likely my next phone will be a Nexus device . I went with the S4 due to the SD card slot and removable battery . Also I don't see the nexus line ever going to this configuration but to have an unlocked device that I am able to manipulate the system on it as I should with a device that is mine . I will have to lose in other catagories to gain in others so be it . Just pretty much over this cat and mouse game with carriers / manufacturers dealing with locked unlocked bootloaders and force fed bloatware .
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I'm pretty sure my next phone will NOT be ATT. Other than that I'm still pretty open brand-wise

i really like my S4 with my tax refund im just going to get buy an international version of it, and sell my at&t branded one. or trade it for something else like an iphone to play with. Or ill wait and see how the S5 looks.

As was mentioned already, kexec is probably the only feasible solution at this point. The ATT/VZW BL bounties have been 5k+ (I think) for months on end with no reportable progress.
If I stick with Sammy for the S5, it will be the international version since I pay full price anyways. They have a huge dev community and strong user base, something ATT/VZW has ruined

As been stated, there will be no bootloader unlocked for the att s4..what a crock...I have since moved on to the Note3 tmo UNLOCKED device. I still use my S4, frankly, I have no problem using loki on the phone....I have never let any of my phones ever do updates, never seen one upgrade with the OTA...

Sad this happened because I really liked the S4. All my HTC phones are unlocked, S-Off and the whole nine. I had this phone for only 4 days and besides it's beauty, it was a disheartening experience. I think this trumps the Optimus L9's experience of a locked bootloader. Even the Optimus G Pro's bootloader can be unlocked using an app.
I think Sammy wants to be Apple in regards to how Apple has a user experience of being locked. Also with the fake S3s/S4s/Note out there they probably do not want their software cloned.
I will say in the 4 days I had it it prompted me to start a business. I learned how to root and unlock the phone just by switching modems and running regionlockaway.