Related
I'm attempting to buy the AT&T SGSIII with the full price since it's probably the cheapest you can get among all the options.
As I am going to use it on Rogers network in Canada, I would like to know if it's carrier-locked even i pay for the full price???
I know Android phones are pretty easy to get unlocked. I just don't want the hassle.
I plan on driving down to the Seattle this upcoming weekend and nail one!!! Cannot wait anymore!
Even if you get it without commitment, the device will still be locked. AT&T won't unlock it for about six months (I don't know the exact length). Why not just try cellunlocker.net? It unlocked my phone in thirty mins. It's just 25$ so give it a try
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
amgpower63 said:
Even if you get it without commitment, the device will still be locked. AT&T won't unlock it for about six months (I don't know the exact length). Why not just try cellunlocker.net? It unlocked my phone in thirty mins. It's just 25$ so give it a try
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow..... 6 months.... So, if i get it unlocked through cellunlocker.net, and I flash back to the factory setting and have AT&T unlocked it for me 6 months later?? Will they still honor the warranty??
Sorry for my noob question. Coming from iPhone and not quite familiar with American carrier.
AT&T says they have a 6 month period when they have exclusivity on the phones, but they obviously don't have exclusive rights in the US. Also, they've been unlocking iPhones that were purchased outright, so you can use that to your advantage.
noahattic said:
Wow..... 6 months.... So, if i get it unlocked through cellunlocker.net, and I flash back to the factory setting and have AT&T unlocked it for me 6 months later?? Will they still honor the warranty??
Sorry for my noob question. Coming from iPhone and not quite familiar with American carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you do a sim unlock, it's unlocked forever. No need to get a code from AT&T when it's available.
AT&T is interested in selling phones for it's network, not selling to people looking to sell or take them somewhere else.
zaisaroni said:
Once you do a sim unlock, it's unlocked forever. No need to get a code from AT&T when it's available.
AT&T is interested in selling phones for it's network, not selling to people looking to sell or take them somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there's a way to unlock the phone allay, check the dev section in the international s iii forum
noahattic said:
I'm attempting to buy the AT&T SGSIII with the full price since it's probably the cheapest you can get among all the options.
As I am going to use it on Rogers network in Canada, I would like to know if it's carrier-locked even i pay for the full price???
I know Android phones are pretty easy to get unlocked. I just don't want the hassle.
I plan on driving down to the Seattle this upcoming weekend and nail one!!! Cannot wait anymore!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just wait until tomorrow when Rogers releases the same phone?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
dLo GSR said:
there's a way to unlock the phone allay, check the dev section in the international s iii forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it work with the US variant? Last time I checked, it was only for I9300 version...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Hi,
I am planning to buy an AT&T S4 and then terminate the contract early by paying of the fee.
Once the device is unlocked will I be able to run it on T-Mobile as well ? I know one of the HSPA+ bands is not available on the AT&T device, so will only the HSPA+ speeds be affected or will I still be able to use the phone on LTE/EDGE ?
Also, from what I read in the forums, there is a bootloader lock on the device, is that easily bypassed ? cause I want to run the Google play edition ROM/Slimbean /CM ROM on this phone.
Thanks
What do you mean, break the contract?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
jd1639 said:
What do you mean, break the contract?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean by paying off the 325 early termination fee.
Let me give you some advice. Instead of trying to "break contract" with AT&T, why don't you just buy a T-Mobile s4 which already comes with an unlocked bootloader out of the box. I know it may cost a little more for the T-mo s4 but believe me, it's going to cost you a lot more later in life if you decide to go the route of stealing, I mean breaking contact from AT&T.
getbuzzin said:
Let me give you some advice. Instead of trying to "break contract" with AT&T, why don't you just buy a T-Mobile s4 which already comes with an unlocked bootloader out of the box. I know it may cost a little more for the T-mo s4 but believe me, it's going to cost you a lot more later in life if you decide to go the route of stealing, I mean breaking contact from AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1:thumbup:
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
getbuzzin said:
Let me give you some advice. Instead of trying to "break contract" with AT&T, why don't you just buy a T-Mobile s4 which already comes with an unlocked bootloader out of the box. I know it may cost a little more for the T-mo s4 but believe me, it's going to cost you a lot more later in life if you decide to go the route of stealing, I mean breaking contact from AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it stealing if I am legally terminating the contract and paying off the fee ?
vortexmak said:
How is it stealing if I am legally terminating the contract and paying off the fee ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Jedi mind tricks. But editing your original post to cover for yourself is not cool.
getbuzzin said:
Lol. Jedi mind tricks. But editing your original post to cover for yourself is not cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No mind tricks. Since the original post did'nt convey the ETF part, I edited it to convey what I meant by 'break the contract'
+1 I saw the same thing.
Xda doesn't condone anything illegal or immoral, or smelling of such.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Guys, there's nothing wrong with doing this. It's all legal, and aboveboard. It's what the early termination fee is there for.
That said, I wouldn't do it myself. Using this route, the cost would be $200 for the phone + $36 activation fee + $325 early termination fee = $561 total. The outright cost for a T-Mobile S4 is $580. That's a hell of a lot of trouble to go to to save $19. Especially since you end up with a locked bootloader.
mattdm said:
Guys, there's nothing wrong with doing this. It's all legal, and aboveboard. It's what the early termination fee is there for.
That said, I wouldn't do it myself. Using this route, the cost would be $200 for the phone + $36 activation fee + $325 early termination fee = $561 total. The outright cost for a T-Mobile S4 is $580. That's a hell of a lot of trouble to go to to save $19. Especially since you end up with a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I have been trying to explain before the lynching . I am no trying to do anything illegal here.
Phone is $100 currently That's $461 compared to the TMobile $670 (580 phone + 40 Tax + 50 first month service)
Anyway, please ignore all the above. I'll just stick to the technical questions
It would be helpful if someone could let me know if currently there is anyway past the locked bootloader ?
How are people able to load custom ROMs ? and is it possible to activate AWS band on it ?
Thanks
vortexmak said:
That's what I have been trying to explain before the lynching . I am no trying to do anything illegal here.
Phone is $100 currently That's $461 compared to the TMobile $670 (580 phone + 40 Tax + 50 first month service)
Anyway, please ignore all the above. I'll just stick to the technical questions
It would be helpful if someone could let me know if currently there is anyway past the locked bootloader ?
How are people able to load custom ROMs ? and is it possible to activate AWS band on it ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget to add in a month of service with AT&T - Voice and Data - they want their 2 lbs of flesh as well.
As for your other questions - did you read any of the threads in the forums? The ones about loading ROMS or activating Tmo bands?
But as others have said, if you want to run on TMO, it may be worth the cost to not have a locked boot loader. The exploit being used may be patched, and some have created quite the issue trying to unlock and such. If your time is not worth money, then save some $$$$ - but I would spend the extra and go for official unlocked. Maybe even the google version since you are basically buying it outright.
The information you ask for is all here at the top of this forum and the general forum.
vortexmak said:
Phone is $100 currently That's $461 compared to the TMobile $670 (580 phone + 40 Tax + 50 first month service)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alphadog00 said:
Don't forget to add in a month of service with AT&T - Voice and Data - they want their 2 lbs of flesh as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alphadog brings up a good point that I didn't consider: you'll still have to pay the first month of the AT&T service.
vortexmak said:
Anyway, please ignore all the above. I'll just stick to the technical questions
It would be helpful if someone could let me know if currently there is anyway past the locked bootloader ?
How are people able to load custom ROMs ? and is it possible to activate AWS band on it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader lock is fairly easy to baypass right now. But, that could change in the future, with a software update.
mattdm said:
Alphadog brings up a good point that I didn't consider: you'll still have to pay the first month of the AT&T service.
The bootloader lock is fairly easy to baypass right now. But, that could change in the future, with a software update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you that's informative.
However, I'm wondering, once custom kernels and ROMs are loaded, doesn't AT&T lose all control. I mean if you don't want the stock update from AT&T and you already have everything enabled, how will they be able to disable the bypass?
vortexmak said:
Thank you that's informative.
However, I'm wondering, once custom kernels and ROMs are loaded, doesn't AT&T lose all control. I mean if you don't want the stock update from AT&T and you already have everything enabled, how will they be able to disable the bypass?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would have to apply the att update for the exploit to be patched. If you don't apply the update you'd be ok.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
jd1639 said:
You would have to apply the att update for the exploit to be patched. If you don't apply the update you'd be ok.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you have a future warranty replace or repair situation.
scott14719 said:
Unless you have a future warranty replace or repair situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
I have a few follow-up questions in regards to the topic of using an AT&T S4 on T-Mobile. Aside from having to bypass the locked bootloader, are there any other disadvantages to using an AT&T S4 on T-Mobile that can't be overcome? I know that you can unlock the AWS bands, so does that mean that an AT&T S4 can end up functionally exactly the same as a T-Mobile S4?
I don't like the black and white color scheme. The phones are identical and yet one gets to keep the warranty. It doesn't make any sense to me.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
It's an unfair world we're living in.
Mastaking said:
I don't like the black and white color scheme. The phones are identical and yet one gets to keep the warranty. It doesn't make any sense to me.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Motorola needs to sell phones. That's what they do. To do that, they need to be friends with the carriers. Carriers don't want you unlocking your phone and uninstalling all the junk they put there. They make money from that junk. So you need to be discouraged from doing that.
Now, Motorola was actually nice enough to sell phones directly, outside of the carriers, to the general public. These phones are unlocked and easily rooted. That's great!
The cup is half full, not half empty.
maratd said:
Motorola needs to sell phones. That's what they do. To do that, they need to be friends with the carriers. Carriers don't want you unlocking your phone and uninstalling all the junk they put there. They make money from that junk. So you need to be discouraged from doing that.
Now, Motorola was actually nice enough to sell phones directly, outside of the carriers, to the general public. These phones are unlocked and easily rooted. That's great!
The cup is half full, not half empty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear that and in a Macro way that does make sense, but when I think about it in a selfish Micro way I just can't help but feel that it doesn't make any sense that they would let you keep your warranty if it has the words Developers Edition on your phone.
Mastaking said:
I hear that and in a Macro way that does make sense, but when I think about it in a selfish Micro way I just can't help but feel that it doesn't make any sense that they would let you keep your warranty if it has the words Developers Edition on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing it's largely about the subsidy. If the carrier is footing the bill for your phone up front, they don't want you running out and doing something they might have to support, thus costing them twice. It's probably easier to void the warranty for all subsidized versions rather than keeping track of who paid full price and who took a subsidy.
binary visions said:
I'm guessing it's largely about the subsidy. If the carrier is footing the bill for your phone up front, they don't want you running out and doing something they might have to support, thus costing them twice. It's probably easier to void the warranty for all subsidized versions rather than keeping track of who paid full price and who took a subsidy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a very good point.
EDIT: Yes, you do keep the warranty. Sorry for the misinformation below (retained so that the following replies continue to make sense)
You actually DON'T keep warranty with the Dev Ed if you unlock the bootloader.
There's a statement in the box (just got my VZW Moto X DE yesterday) that states as soon as you unlock, you void the warranty and are on your own.
Thus, the only difference is that Motorola willingly gives DE owners the unlock code without having to surreptitiously hack the phone.
I was under the initial impression that you keep warranty. But you do not. Despite whatever the Moto website says.
rfulcher said:
You actually DON'T keep warranty with the Dev Ed if you unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do, in fact, keep the warranty. I think it's funny that you say "despite what Moto says" - Moto provides the warranty. Why is what they say not valid?
http://motorola-blog.blogspot.com/2013/11/you-asked-we-listened-announcing.html
Requesting an unlock code will no longer void the device’s warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rfulcher said:
You actually DON'T keep warranty with the Dev Ed if you unlock the bootloader.
There's a statement in the box (just got my VZW Moto X DE yesterday) that states as soon as you unlock, you void the warranty and are on your own.
Thus, the only difference is that Motorola willingly gives DE owners the unlock code without having to surreptitiously hack the phone.
I was under the initial impression that you keep warranty. But you do not. Despite whatever the Moto website says.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odds are, the retail packaging was never updated when they made their change.
imnuts said:
Odds are, the retail packaging was never updated when they made their change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently, that is the case. Mea culpa.
"Despite what Motorola says" I stated because one of the reasons I bought the DE was that I was under the impression that the warranty would be preserved. Then, opening the box and seeing that cautionary pamphlet, I (wrongly) assumed that I had misinterpreted Motorola's website claims regarding the DE. What I didn't do was go back and confirm via Motorola's website.
Sorry for any confusion, and thanks to binary visions and imnuts for the correction!
The pamphlet is being edited to display the same language we have on the web site on new units. Sorry your unit did not come with an updated psmphlet but the web site language and new legal agreement takes precedence.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Plug phone in, run a couple commands, copy key, goto Motorola's official unlock site, paste code, get email from Motorola, copy another code in that email. Run command. Profit. I think that is pretty much how you unlock the carrier versions. It's not any having and is an official procedure from Motorola. What's the difference for the DE versions?
Sent from my XT1056 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
dobbs3x said:
Plug phone in, run a couple commands, copy key, goto Motorola's official unlock site, paste code, get email from Motorola, copy another code in that email. Run command. Profit. I think that is pretty much how you unlock the carrier versions. It's not any having and is an official procedure from Motorola. What's the difference for the DE versions?
Sent from my XT1056 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A) not all the carrier versions can be unlocked, and
B) only the DE versions maintain their warranty after unlocking, as already stated above
Don't blame Motorola. Carriers require locked bootloaders. When you get unlocked phones usually you can do whatever you want to it. The warranty thing is a nice addition but I've never broken a phone to the point where I couldn't fix it myself. Personally I don't see an issue with the colors the warranty is just a bonus.
Sent from my Nexus 5
We're talking about the carrier variants that can be unlocked. We already know why AT&T and Verizon variants can't be unlocked, and that's completely irrelevant to this thread.
freak4dell said:
We're talking about the carrier variants that can be unlocked. We already know why AT&T and Verizon variants can't be unlocked, and that's completely irrelevant to this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same premise applies in the poster's comments above you. The carrier doesn't want to encourage this behavior so while they don't stop you from unlocking, they don't want to cover the related warranty issues.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
I can't really see how that is true since t mobile and sprint both have and embrace the nexus program. In fact the t mobile moto x is the XT1053... Same exact phone as the gsm Dev edition save for the words on the back. Hell, if woven white was available through moto maker, I could go build a woven white back and black front phone and have the words "Developer Edition" put on the back and it would simply be the exact same.
I don't really understand the warranty thing with t mobile since a 32gb moto maker x is the exact same price and exact same model with the same process for unlocking. For Verizon I get it because they already have a locked phone policy, but t mobile doesn't. In fact, T-Mobile says they carry the phone but it isn't a T-Mobile branded phone (which is why they don't have Wi-Fi calling on it).
As well, functionality wise, if you want a nice looking unlocked moto x for at&t, you moto make a t mobile version and unlock it.
At least Motorola has a no questions asked return policy. I unlocked mine and was able to return it. Of course I flashed back to stock (huge pain compared to normal fastboot) and relocked it prior to returning. One thing they don't mention is they pay for return shipping, contrary to their website.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
arcanexvi said:
Same premise applies in the poster's comments above you. The carrier doesn't want to encourage this behavior so while they don't stop you from unlocking, they don't want to cover the related warranty issues.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier has no say in a manufacturer's warranty, especially when the carrier doesn't even sell the phone.
freak4dell said:
The carrier has no say in a manufacturer's warranty, especially when the carrier doesn't even sell the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does as far as warranty facilitation. You will no longer be able to walk into your carrier store for support. You'd need to work with Motorola directly. While you may be covered with Moto, your carrier isn't obligated to assist you.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
arcanexvi said:
It does as far as warranty facilitation. You will no longer be able to walk into your carrier store for support. You'd need to work with Motorola directly. While you may be covered with Moto, your carrier isn't obligated to assist you.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the US XT1053, you were never able to walk into a carrier store in the first place. T-Mobile does not sell this phone. They will not support it if you walk into a store, regardless of whether you are unlocked or not. And before somebody tries to say that it's still carrier-associated because they have the carrier name on the website when you order, well, so does the Verizon Dev Edition. The warranty is still valid on that when unlocking. Verizon won't help you with that, either, but Motorola will. That's what needs to happen with the T-Mobile X as well.
Sprint is slightly different, but as mentioned, they sell the Nexus phones in their store, which are also not warranty-voided if unlocked. I'm pretty sure they could manage to figure out how to handle the X, too.
Requirements to Receive Bounty
To earn the bounty, you simply have to find the exploit which will allow the following. You do not have to develop a recovery, or a kernel or a ROM, but you must provide with a working proof of concept, i.e. with a way which allows us to verify that the bootloader has been completely unlocked and that other developers can use this method to install recovery, kernel and ROMs.
Other owners of the MOTO G XT1028 will then test your method, that when we give the bounty to who earns after we successfully test.
WE HAVE $250 for and unlocked bootloader and $60 for ROOT
The following people have pledged the following amounts for an unlocked bootloader unless stated otherwise.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Triumph750 -- $20
DragonRyderX -- $20 to 30
tstivers1990 -- $20
NWKENT -- $75 for Unlocked, $30 for Root exploit
luna_joao -- $20
d4rk3 -- $20 to $50
pfroo40 -- $20 For Root
motrinHD -- $20
mvnsnd -- $20
shorenster -- $20
hexed6 -- $25
JooseyJay -- $10 for Unlock, $10 For Root
SO FAR WE HAVE $250 for and unlocked bootloader and $60 for ROOT.
Honestly, I'm just interested in root without unlocking the bootloader. And we need to leave something open for the possibility of a work around, such as the bootstrap methods used on other phones.
lightningdude said:
Honestly, I'm just interested in root without unlocking the bootloader. And we need to leave something open for the possibility of a work around, such as the bootstrap methods used on other phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I almost want to say it's not worth it because you can buy the unlocked version for $100 more...
Then again I'd rather my money go to the devs, and it's pretty silly to have to pay to be able to free your phone from the grips of a greedy corporation.
lightningdude said:
Honestly, I'm just interested in root without unlocking the bootloader. And we need to leave something open for the possibility of a work around, such as the bootstrap methods used on other phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you know, I kinda agree. but unlocked but loader would open so many doors. this is good, we need to discuss our goal. if more people agree with you I would change bounty.
redking117 said:
I almost want to say it's not worth it because you can buy the unlocked version for $100 more...
Then again I'd rather my money go to the devs, and it's pretty silly to have to pay to be able to free your phone from the grips of a greedy corporation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you in the sense of giving money to devs,but I say it is worth it because the gsm version can unlocked. sure they pay a little more, but they can also switch carriers
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
redking117 said:
I almost want to say it's not worth it because you can buy the unlocked version for $100 more...
Then again I'd rather my money go to the devs, and it's pretty silly to have to pay to be able to free your phone from the grips of a greedy corporation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except for the fact that the only truly reliable network in my area is Verizon. Frankly, I'm tired of getting screwed with this stuff just because I'm rural.
Sent from my XT1028 using Tapatalk
i am also always stuck with locked bootloadrs, thats why i wanted to start this.
so are the CDMA community simply not seeing this thread, or do you not care? please post.
Are we strictly talking the Verizon CDMA version?
I know that Boost and US Cell are both selling the Moto G. I would be interested in having detailed instructions for rooting and unlocking the bootloader for a Boost version
ADonovan said:
Are we strictly talking the Verizon CDMA version?
I know that Boost and US Cell are both selling the Moto G. I would be interested in having detailed instructions for rooting and unlocking the bootloader for a Boost version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is just the Verizon version. I believe I've seen posts from people on boost that unlocked the same way as gsm.
Sent from my XT1028 using Tapatalk
I'd be in on this the ability to flash Roms would be awesome. Unlocked boot loader would be really nice but root would be a good start to
Sent from my XT1028 using Tapatalk
Yes!!!!!!!!
Sent from my XT1028 using xda app-developers app
so you guys think that root would be a more attainable goal?
Also, about boost Mobile Version. I didn't mention because i was reading through a thread and it sounded like many users were able to unlock their bootloader.
motrinHD said:
so you guys think that root would be a more attainable goal?
Also, about boost Mobile Version. I didn't mention because i was reading through a thread and it sounded like many users were able to unlock their bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Boost mobile version version of the Moto G XT1031 has an unlockable bootloader but its not listed as supported on Motorola's website.
Sent from my Moto G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Unlocked Bootloader for Verizon much needed
I would definitely make a donation of 20$ to get my bootloader unlocked. If I had known at the time of purchase I NEVER would have bought this phone!! I NEED Root. never had this problem with any other phone or carrier
motrinHD said:
so you guys think that root would be a more attainable goal?
Also, about boost Mobile Version. I didn't mention because i was reading through a thread and it sounded like many users were able to unlock their bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root would definitely be easier to achieve, perhaps edit the title to something like:
"BOUNTY: Unlock Bootloader and/or Root for XT1028"
I'm on too!
$100 the GSM version? Where? Only with 2yr contract right?
nice to see more people are on board!
d4rk3 said:
Root would definitely be easier to achieve, perhaps edit the title to something like:
"BOUNTY: Unlock Bootloader and/or Root for XT1028"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the bounty should be clear. we should ask for root or bootloader, not both. MORE MEMBERS chime in on this please.
also when you post, let's also discuss the method we are going to raise money. In the OP I mentioned three.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Personally, I'd rather pledge, then pay the person who does it. I know not everyone will go through with it, but I will.
Sent from my XT1028 using Tapatalk
I am on board!
I would be down for donating 20 to 30 bucks for some ROM flashing abilities. Allow the XT1028 to have a recovery and I will show my gratitude monetarily. Bonus if someone could mimic the DROID3's safestrap "ROM slots" ability. Swap roms almost instantly is awesome. Where is HASHCODE when we need him!?
Sorry, probably a dumb question but would this allow the Boost version of the Moto G to be unlocked as a GSM phone as well or just CDMA?
Thanks
That I go out and plunk down $600.00 for a new VZW S5 and out of the box it is of a newer version that can't be rooted?
(I have to buy full retail to keep un-limited data plan)
I should be able to power it up out of box prior to purchase to check version number? What ver should I be looking for or what to avoid like the plague?
Chopstix9 said:
That I go out and plunk down $600.00 for a new VZW S5 and out of the box it is of a newer version that can't be rooted?
(I have to buy full retail to keep un-limited data plan)
I should be able to power it up out of box prior to purchase to check version number? What ver should I be looking for or what to avoid like the plague?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with when the phone was made. It has to do with the firmware of the phone and since the firmware version hasnt changed since the phone was rooted then you will be fine. It may not even make a difference when new firmware is released. It depends on if google fixes the loophole because its not just a samsung problem, its an android problem. The root works for most any android device. If you have been keeping up with you it, you would know that Google recently hired the guy, geohot, that found the root, so it is only a matter of time before it is fixed but it will take a long time to release new firmwares for every phone infected. This may never happen and it just may be fixed in new phone releases such as the note 4 or galaxy s 6.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Its simple just get the VZW Developer S5 if your going to buy it outright. So you can enjoy root and all that unlocked bootloader goodness. Here's the link for the Developer S5 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/ET-G900VMKAVZW
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miller1821 said:
It has nothing to do with when the phone was made. It has to do with the firmware of the phone and since the firmware version hasnt changed since the phone was rooted then you will be fine. It may not even make a difference when new firmware is released. It depends on if google fixes the loophole because its not just a samsung problem, its an android problem. The root works for most any android device. If you have been keeping up with you it, you would know that Google recently hired the guy, geohot, that found the root, so it is only a matter of time before it is fixed but it will take a long time to release new firmwares for every phone infected. This may never happen and it just may be fixed in new phone releases such as the note 4 or galaxy s 6.
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Where did you read Google hired George at?
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Dennisg34 said:
Where did you read Google hired George at?
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Here from BBC.
22jk said:
Its simple just get the VZW Developer S5 if your going to buy it outright. So you can enjoy root and all that unlocked bootloader goodness. Here's the link for the Developer S5 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/ET-G900VMKAVZW
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Good point !! The only problem I envision I may encounter is the extended warranty. I bought the GNEX the week it hit the market and pay the 5 bux a month for the extended warranty. I drive a truck and am rough on phones. The charging port loosens up and quits working. I've already checked with VZW and they offer it on the standard S5. I am on my 5th GNEX over the years that they have over-nighted me at no cost with the warranty. I'm going to have to find out if I can get that on the dev edition.
Edit:Yeah I was afraid of that .... just got out of a chat session with VZW rep. To get the extended warranty I would have to buy the phone from VZW. They don't sell the dev edition, I would have to get it directly from Sammy and that only has the one year warranty. I didn't see anywhere on the sammy site to open a chat window to enquire about an extended warranty but I doubt it's available. Not to mention you have to send the phone in under their warranty terms and wait for a replacement. With VZW, they over-night a phone along with a paid return sticker and package and I have 10 days to return the broken phone. Can't go without my phone for weeks waiting for a replacement.
I've been running custom ROMS since my original MotoDroid and can't imagine going back to running stock. BUT !! I am grandfathered into the un-limited data plan and run the house off of the phones. Got rid of cable internet when they lit my town with 4G and I get 27.5m down and 18+ up.... So long as I can enable the wifi hotspot to broadcast, I guess I could live with a less than un-locked phone for now. Hoping in the future it will be.
You can get the warranty. When I was activating my phone I purchased online elsewhere the rep told me I could get it since they currently have "open enrollment" this was exactly a week ago. It's call back and all about it.
22jk said:
Its simple just get the VZW Developer S5 if your going to buy it outright. So you can enjoy root and all that unlocked bootloader goodness. Here's the link for the Developer S5 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/ET-G900VMKAVZW
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whtciv2k said:
You can get the warranty. When I was activating my phone I purchased online elsewhere the rep told me I could get it since they currently have "open enrollment" this was exactly a week ago. It's call back and all about it.
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If VZW does not stock the dev edition, they aren't going to have a refurbed one on hand to replace mine with under the extended warranty. I can see what would happen now. Even if they sold me the extended warranty, if something happened and I had to get it replaced, the phone they will send out will be a standard consumer grade S5. I'll try another vzw rep but they were emphatic I must purchase from VZW to add the extended warranty to the phone.
Edit: just chatted with another rep and they told me yes I could get the ext warr when I activate phone. I mentioned how will they replace it if they don't stock it? rep's reply "good point" ... he agreed with me they would send out a consumer grade phone as a replacememt.
Chopstix9 said:
If VZW does not stock the dev edition, they aren't going to have a refurbed one on hand to replace mine with under the extended warranty. I can see what would happen now. Even if they sold me the extended warranty, if something happened and I had to get it replaced, the phone they will send out will be a standard consumer grade S5. I'll try another vzw rep but they were emphatic I must purchase from VZW to add the extended warranty to the phone.
Edit: just chatted with another rep and they told me yes I could get the ext warr when I activate phone. I mentioned how will they replace it if they don't stock it? rep's reply "good point" ... he agreed with me they would send out a consumer grade phone as a replacememt.
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The rep probably had no clue. This is what they will do. The phone is exactly the same except for the dev has unlocked bootloader. So they will take an original refurb and rebrand it as a dev edition with unlocked bootloader and dev firmware. Its not that hard, just because we cant flash certain things doesnt mean they cant. You will get a refurb equal to what you bought. That simple.
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miller1821 said:
The rep probably had no clue. This is what they will do. The phone is exactly the same except for the dev has unlocked bootloader. So they will take an original refurb and rebrand it as a dev edition with unlocked bootloader and dev firmware. Its not that hard, just because we cant flash certain things doesnt mean they cant. You will get a refurb equal to what you bought. That simple.
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Not exactly that simple. It is true, you get a refurb equal to what you bought if bought from VZW. They do not sell the dev edition and I was told since dev edition is un-locked it automatically voids any warranty that VZW would recognize/honor, since they do not sell un-locked phones. My only hope would be if Samsung sold an extended warranty, which they don't. I did verify, they are currently having an 'open enrollment' where you can warranty a phone bought from other than VZW, but the un-locked proviso is in place according to them. It was the store manager I talked this over with and he seems quite knowlegble. I've dealt with him for years.
Yes, I love ROM's have been flashing since my original moto-droid. But so long as I can activate tethering to run the house on the phone I'd be all right. Looking for an answer as to whether I can revert to full stock to be able to do a warranty exchange if I safestrap it ...