[Q] A couple questions from a possible new Verizon customer... - Verizon Galaxy Note 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I live in NYC and signed a contract with Sprint last year only to regret it nearly instantly when I saw how crappy the service is around here. The only thing I love about having my Sprint S3 is the ease of rooting and flashing custom ROMs. Now I know the Note 3 is a brand new device, but it seems like Verizon is the only provider that locks their bootloader (Correct me if I'm wrong here) making it currently impossible to flash any kind of custom ROM on the device.
So I figured I'd come here and ask a few questions before taking the jump and cancelling my contract with Sprint and switching to Verizon.
1. Will the device/bootloader ever be unlocked? I notice the S4 on Verizon has a good amount of ROMs and I'm guessing the bootloader was also locked on that when it was first released.
2. How is service in the NYC area?
3. Anyone know if there's any plans to develop AOSP/CM ROMs for the Note 3? I know some of the features of the Note require TouchWiz, but I just like having the option of choosing a AOSP or TW ROM.
Thanks in advance for anyone who chimes in. Again, sorry for the stupid questions, but I don't want to dive in and then be stuck with a device that I can't update or flash something new when I get bored.

davelikestacos said:
So I live in NYC and signed a contract with Sprint last year only to regret it nearly instantly when I saw how crappy the service is around here. The only thing I love about having my Sprint S3 is the ease of rooting and flashing custom ROMs. Now I know the Note 3 is a brand new device, but it seems like Verizon is the only provider that locks their bootloader (Correct me if I'm wrong here) making it currently impossible to flash any kind of custom ROM on the device.
So I figured I'd come here and ask a few questions before taking the jump and cancelling my contract with Sprint and switching to Verizon.
1. Will the device/bootloader ever be unlocked? I notice the S4 on Verizon has a good amount of ROMs and I'm guessing the bootloader was also locked on that when it was first released.
2. How is service in the NYC area?
3. Anyone know if there's any plans to develop AOSP/CM ROMs for the Note 3? I know some of the features of the Note require TouchWiz, but I just like having the option of choosing a AOSP or TW ROM.
Thanks in advance for anyone who chimes in. Again, sorry for the stupid questions, but I don't want to dive in and then be stuck with a device that I can't update or flash something new when I get bored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Extremely unlikely the bootloader will ever be unlocked. Hashcode is developing/testing safestrap for our device which will allow us to flash tw based roms but more than likely no kernels. In the future software updates may be tied to bootloader updates which could render root and or safestrap useless. If flashing different roms is a priority buy the dev edition when it comes back in stock.
2. Verizons coverage is the best hands down. I live in S Jersey and recently switched from Sprint myself. It's a night and day difference.
3. From what i understand safestrap only allows tw based roms to be flashed. If aosp is important, again buy the dev edition.

Verizons coverage in ny is fine. And to be honest I dont think the bootloader may ever be unlocked or atleast anytime soon
Friendly Verizo Rep - BBM: ThatOneGuyJavy

njfoses said:
1. Extremely unlikely the bootloader will ever be unlocked. Hashcode is developing/testing safestrap for our device which will allow us to flash tw based roms but more than likely no kernels. In the future software updates may be tied to bootloader updates which could render root and or safestrap useless. If flashing different roms is a priority buy the dev edition when it comes back in stock.
2. Verizons coverage is the best hands down. I live in S Jersey and recently switched from Sprint myself. It's a night and day difference.
3. From what i understand safestrap only allows tw based roms to be flashed. If aosp is important, again buy the dev edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely sad to hear that

Related

Evo LTE...In layman's terms...

So my 2 year contract just ran last month.
I have LOVED my EVO 4G. Have flashed countless roms. Favs have to be Tommy's and MIUI but I also really liked Synergy before Tommy's was released.
So I hear all this talk about the EVO LTE not being fully rootable. So, can someone please point me in the right direction...?
The biggest selling point for me when it comes to getting a new phone is the screen/display. I NEED a large screen and want it to look nice (vibrant colors). I know the LTE has a 4.7inch screen which is very attractive to me.
I assume the LTE will be fully rootable sometime down the road. Maybe like a month or two after release I hope. I hear all this talk about the Galaxy Nexus and another model so I'm not sure if going LTE is the right choice? I want to be able to flash new roms when needed. I don't mind Sense as you can see based on my fav roms but I am not "tech" savvy so will it still be possible to flash roms on the LTE using Amon Recovery? I don't know how to push things using the PC and root commands like "su" so if that is the only way to flash stuff on the LTE then I will have a problem.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I think it'll be possible to fully root it, I don't think Sprint will go the same route AT&T went with when they had HTC lock down the One X, though that's certainly within the realm of possibility as well. We'll just have to wait and see if the unlocker tool will work for the EVO LTE. If not, then I give it a few months. Somebody will find a work around.
You'll be able to flash ROMs just fine from what I understand. Unless boot.img has to be done thru fastboot. I saw that being the case somewhere recently, I just can't remember where. But you won't be able to flash splashscreens and radios until/if S-off.
From what I've seen you can flash kernels and recoveries using flash_image GUI app. Now, that was the case apparently for Evo 3d, but if the partitions are written and protected differently from that then this may not still hold true.
I intend to get it, see how it goes over the first 14 days, and if it looks like brick walls on S-off or easy kernel flashing, I'll exchange it for galaxy nexus on 15th day.
sent from 2yr old Evo on ICS
if rooting and flashing roms really are important factors in your decision, just wait. Wait until devs have the LTevo in their hands and what happens with root (shouldnt be more than a couple weeks) if there arent any issues than jump on board. if for some reason there are issues, go with the gnex. it sucks that sprint is now charging a $35 restocking fee for all its phones if you swap within the grace period (you could always go this route too if you have the extra cash)
they both have big, beautiful screens and both are excellent phones. one gripe i hear about for the gnex is battery life but then you have removeable batteries as an option
Until the Evo LTE is sitting in the hands of developers for a few weeks at the minimum, a question like this can NOT be answered.
Starzboy77 said:
So my 2 year contract just ran last month.
I have LOVED my EVO 4G. Have flashed countless roms. Favs have to be Tommy's and MIUI but I also really liked Synergy before Tommy's was released.
So I hear all this talk about the EVO LTE not being fully rootable. So, can someone please point me in the right direction...?
The biggest selling point for me when it comes to getting a new phone is the screen/display. I NEED a large screen and want it to look nice (vibrant colors). I know the LTE has a 4.7inch screen which is very attractive to me.
I assume the LTE will be fully rootable sometime down the road. Maybe like a month or two after release I hope. I hear all this talk about the Galaxy Nexus and another model so I'm not sure if going LTE is the right choice? I want to be able to flash new roms when needed. I don't mind Sense as you can see based on my fav roms but I am not "tech" savvy so will it still be possible to flash roms on the LTE using Amon Recovery? I don't know how to push things using the PC and root commands like "su" so if that is the only way to flash stuff on the LTE then I will have a problem.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into an AT&T store and play with the One X, you WILL want this phone! This is basically the same as the EVO LTE, though the LTE does have some nicer specs!
Scott is right, you will be able to have access to flash ROM's, I don't know about the flash image GUI, I heard that they lock out any flashing from within /system...
About recovery, I don't know which ones will be available as one will need to be ported. Hopefully someone will work on porting Amon Ra, usually Clockwork is the first available.
You WILL have to learn fastboot commands prior to a one-click type of root being made available, this isn't that hard, if you can get through the HTC unlock process you can do pretty much anything in fastboot or ADB.
With Sense 4 being so light, beautiful and functional you won't have much need of flashing ROM's until some good tweaks are developed. Basically all of the tweaks you would make to a normal ROM have now become built into Android. Swipe to clear notification? Stock. Inverted pull down menu? Stock. Anything ICS styled? Stock. Plus there is more. Really go play with the One X and you won't regret your decision to get the LTE.
This is coming from someone who is not going to get the phone, by the way... I plan to get either the Galaxy Nexus or the next Nexus unlocked from Google and put it on a sim plan with T-mobile. This is primarily for monetary reasons, and it doesn't hurt to get a device designed for developers...
imheroldman said:
With Sense 4 being so light, beautiful and functional you won't have much need of flashing ROM's until some good tweaks are developed. Basically all of the tweaks you would make to a normal ROM have now become built into Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your forgetting about an important aspect which is tethering..
^^^^that will be taken care of by simply using HTCdev then flashing SU
@imheroldman
Good point about flash_image GUI and writing to system from within android. I know that hasn't happened yet for one x. It must be locked differently than 3d. But swagstr wrote that on 3d they could use flash image to flash recovery and kernel, but couldn't use ROM Manager (which I would never use) cuz they can't write to /system from within Android. Interesting puzzles.
sent from 2yr old Evo on ICS

[Q] Thinking about getting a Note 3

Hello everyone. I don't have that many posts here, but please don't let that reflect me lol. I tend to trade phones a lot. I currently have a Verizon S4...I like the phone, but I am on the latest MK2 firmware...Here just recently, SafeStrap has became available. However, there is really 1 ROM that works right, and is stable, and that is Hyperdrive. Hyperdrive is a great ROM, I am not bashing at all. It's just not my cup of tea. In the past I have been a huge fan of Eclipse. Eclipse is not working with Safestrap at this time...I have had this phone for a couple of months, and it sucks waiting week after week hoping devs have made progress...Anywho, what can you guys tell me about the Note 3?
If I went to Verizon and picked one up, am I going to be able to root it and install a variety of roms, or am I going to be stuck like I am with the S4?
If I am going to be stuck like I am now, then that is definately going to make me choose a different phone. If so, could someone recommend one? I have been a huge fan of the Samsung phones here recently since the S3 and Note 2. I really liked my Note 2. I also really like Motorola's...They are durable phones, and safestrap is nice...Here recently SafeStrap has became available for Samsungs which is awesome.
Heads up !!the powers that be will move this thread to the q&a section.... but to answer if you want to crack flash...note 3 is not for you.....maybe moto x, or if you want a bigger device the Lg g2 has some good development.
One thing about the note3 is that you should be able to deal with the phone( stock )....and rooting it just to de bloat and themeing. The phone Is quick and Imo the spen and touchwiz are essential to this device! so asop roms are not happening.
hope this helps...good luck...
p.s. still stock Un rooted and kicking ass... coming from gnex!
You can checkout the ROMs section in the Note 3 forum to see the available ROMs. I come from an S3 and the choice of ROMs there was ample. Note 3 however has very few ROMs as opposed to the S3. However, the ones that are there are pretty good. I am on Beans ROM and it gives me everything that I want.
One important thing for me is the ability to use the PEN (Along with all the apps, SPEN, Scrap book etc). Beans gives me full features as far as the pen is concerned. I guess there are other ROMs as well that do it (Hyperdrive). But any new "Original" ROM development that happens for the Note 3, might have some limitations. if you are not a big user of the PEN, then it might not matter to you.
Nutshell, I love my Note 3 and the fact that I am running a non-stock ROM on it. Hope this helps.
Thanks guys! Well I glanced through the roms, but I don't know what firmware the note 2 comes with if I was to go get one right now. That being said, I wasn't sure if the one that it came with is rootable, or if it is locked tight like the s4...One rom specifically that I am looking for on the note 3 would be eclips....Without doing a bunch of research, I figured it would be easiest to just open a thread an ask, that way I got accurate information.
Oops, sorry about using the wrong forum.
most of what is considered roms these days are actually themes applied over the top of a stock rom. Those hundreds of roms you see for the S3 and Note2 can be easily achieved yourself with a couple of apps and a bit of know how. The Note3 has everything one needs. If you buy retail you can use safestrap and flash touchwiz roms only. If you buy a Developer Device, then you can flash AOSP or Touchwiz since the bootloader is unlocked. Also most everything in the T-mobile section N3 is compatible with the VZW DE N3, so there is actually alot of development going on if you look in the right places and do not expect silver spoon feeding on a platinum platter.
droidstyle said:
most of what is considered roms these days are actually themes applied over the top of a stock rom. Those hundreds of roms you see for the S3 and Note2 can be easily achieved yourself with a couple of apps and a bit of know how. The Note3 has everything one needs. If you buy retail you can use safestrap and flash touchwiz roms only. If you buy a Developer Device, then you can flash AOSP or Touchwiz since the bootloader is unlocked. Also most everything in the T-mobile section N3 is compatible with the VZW DE N3, so there is actually alot of development going on if you look in the right places and do not expect silver spoon feeding on a platinum platter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I appreciate the help. I wasn't expecting to be spoon fed anything. I just don't get a good grasp on whats going on and have the device in my hand. I wanted to make sure that I could do what I was wanting to do with it before I went and bought this phone. I guess my one last question is, what is the firmware that will come with it, or what is the latest I should ask. Just so that I can check on my rom options.
Reason why I am asking this, is because the S4 was kind of confusing at first because devs are making mk2 roms, but they aren't working with ss...There are some other things as well, but thats beside the point. lol.
Moving to Q and A and closing... Best any more discussion goes here..http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466108

ROM development and tweaks?

It is my understanding that the development of ROM for this phone may be limited since it won't be available in the US. Right now, I'm wondering if there's anything we could do to try to jump start development? I don't have enough knowledge to develop anything on my own but maybe I could supply data using my Moto X Play? I know enough to install stuff like TWRP without bricking the phone. Anyway, at least, we don't have to suffer the atrocities of an ugly skin like TouchWiz since Motorola adopted a bare to the bone attitude with its firmwares. I also heard that these Motorola phones will be among the first to receive an official Marshmallow update.
I'm in the same boat. I don't know what's all involved with custom kernels or anything, but would love to see how we could tweak our phones.
It's being released over there as a droid variant is it not?
Sent from my Vodafone Smart ultra 6 using Tapatalk
On Verizon, which is quite different from a cellular radio standpoint (not to mention good luck getting the bootloader unlocked (I'm sure Verizon won't let you use Moto's unlock tool)

All things root and Bootloader?

Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
ProFragger said:
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely nothing has changed on root (only possible due to ENG kernel) and bootloader unlock (which is not yet possible).
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No idea about all models. For the t-mobile one, please check: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-t3414718
You can use the search feature in xda for finding out
CravingMender9 said:
Absolutely nothing has changed on root (only possible due to ENG kernel) and bootloader unlock (which is not yet possible).
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No idea about all models. For the t-mobile one, please check: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-t3414718
You can use the search feature in xda for finding out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bud, thanks for getting the ball rolling on these questions. If you could add some more information, I'd appreciate it :
If we still don't have a way to Root or Unlock bootloader, how are these ROMs (Echo, Tek, and other stock ROMs) available with root? And how are these flashed? Are we somehow bypassing the BL by using FlashFire?
Can you also educate me on the U Firmware and why people install it and is it reverseable?
Lastly, if I got a T-Mobile variant for example, installed these ROMs Tek, Echo, etc, can I return to Stock completely and return to T-Mobile, by any chance for them to take it back? Thank you again!
for the t mobile variant, I was able to flash the U firmware and flash back to stock t mobile. NOTE: I did not flash the U bootloader. I kept the T mobile bootloader just be sure I could flash back to stock t mobile(APK1). I'm sure this method would work with other carriers as well. so what ever variant you have, make sure you stay on that BL and only flash the U firmware CSC and AP. As for the CP(modem) I would flash your carriers latest CP file. That's what worked best for me with the U firmware. Currently I'm using the latest nougat BETA
Thank you very much for your response, bud. One last follow up question: Since all the US variants are rooting based on the ENG Kernel, is there really a benefit of getting one variant over another, for rooting or etc purposes?
P. S. May I ask why you flashed the U Firmware? What are the advantages of it? ?
ProFragger said:
Thank you very much for your response, bud. One last follow up question: Since all the US variants are rooting based on the ENG Kernel, is there really a benefit of getting one variant over another, for rooting or etc purposes?
P. S. May I ask why you flashed the U Firmware? What are the advantages of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The u firmware basically does not include all of the software that is usually included with the phone. For example.. Tmobile with their software on it, Verizon att etc... Makes the phone a bit snappier especially if you were to root. Even tho I hope for a more stable root still. I am rooted at the moment. Wish they didn't recall the note 7 because the root on that was better
ProFragger said:
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confused. At least, you were.
We do not have an "unlocked Bootloader" and we never did. We had an engineering kernel. That engineering kernel allows certain commands that enabled us to acquire root access. But without that kernel, the system (with the original kernel or boot partition) checks for any changes in the /system partition. If any are found it triggers a bootloop. So basically, if you want root we MUST have the engineering kernel. Unless someone else finds another way that's just the way that it is.
Personally, I unrooted and went back to stock. Root was okay at first but with the lack of development, Samsung Pay and the fact that Android 7+ will probably not be seeing root... well... time to accept the fact that Samsung owns the phone even though we bought it. What else can we do?
nitroevo said:
The u firmware basically does not include all of the software that is usually included with the phone. For example.. Tmobile with their software on it, Verizon att etc... Makes the phone a bit snappier especially if you were to root. Even tho I hope for a more stable root still. I am rooted at the moment. Wish they didn't recall the note 7 because the root on that was better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Binary100100 said:
You're confused. At least, you were.
We do not have an "unlocked Bootloader" and we never did. We had an engineering kernel. That engineering kernel allows certain commands that enabled us to acquire root access. But without that kernel, the system (with the original kernel or boot partition) checks for any changes in the /system partition. If any are found it triggers a bootloop. So basically, if you want root we MUST have the engineering kernel. Unless someone else finds another way that's just the way that it is.
Personally, I unrooted and went back to stock. Root was okay at first but with the lack of development, Samsung Pay and the fact that Android 7+ will probably not be seeing root... well... time to accept the fact that Samsung owns the phone even though we bought it. What else can we do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your helpful responses fellas. I understand root is not perfect, but for some folks like me, Xposed seems to be worth the trouble. For Samsung Pay, I intend to use the Gear S3 one day ?.
Final question, since all US Snapdragon models are using the engineering kernel to root and etc... Is there a benefit of getting one carrier variant, over another? For example, Verizon is usually the cheapest. Is it wise to get that, with the U Firmware, to use on AT&T? Thanks!
ProFragger said:
For Samsung Pay, I intend to use the Gear S3 one day .
Final question, since all US Snapdragon models are using the engineering kernel to root and etc... Is there a benefit of getting one carrier variant, over another? For example, Verizon is usually the cheapest. Is it wise to get that, with the U Firmware, to use on AT&T? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know if that works out for you then.
I just purchased the S2 Classic (on T-Mobile) and use Samsung Pay quite a bit. But I can tell you that it does open Samsung Pay on the phone and if you are rooted, Samsung Pay will not work at all. So I'm not sure if it will work at all for you even with the S3.
In regards to your other inquiry, I haven't tried the U firmware. I read something about data issues, no wifi calling (which is pretty important to me), no hotspot (which is also really important to me) but I heard that it is really fast. Not sure how much of that is still a problem but you should probably read up on it before doing anything first. But the rooting method is all the same between carriers I believe. All require the engineering kernel and breaks Samsung Pay along with a couple of other apps.
Just make back ups, have a stock firmware available to flash with ODIN just in case and remember that it's almost impossible to brick this device (because we don't have an unlocked bootloader.)
Binary100100 said:
Let me know if that works out for you then.
I just purchased the S2 Classic (on T-Mobile) and use Samsung Pay quite a bit. But I can tell you that it does open Samsung Pay on the phone and if you are rooted, Samsung Pay will not work at all. So I'm not sure if it will work at all for you even with the S3.
In regards to your other inquiry, I haven't tried the U firmware. I read something about data issues, no wifi calling (which is pretty important to me), no hotspot (which is also really important to me) but I heard that it is really fast. Not sure how much of that is still a problem but you should probably read up on it before doing anything first. But the rooting method is all the same between carriers I believe. All require the engineering kernel and breaks Samsung Pay along with a couple of other apps.
Just make back ups, have a stock firmware available to flash with ODIN just in case and remember that it's almost impossible to brick this device (because we don't have an unlocked bootloader.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again for a helpful post. So the S3 has a dedicated MST/NFC chip in it, that allows for Samsung Pay to work from the watch, it's done through the Gear app. That's what I have read.
About the rest of it, again, curious to see if there is one US variant, superior to another in terms of Root capabilities or bands and radios available and etc? Can anyone confirm this for me?
Thanks!
ProFragger said:
Thank you again for a helpful post. So the S3 has a dedicated MST/NFC chip in it, that allows for Samsung Pay to work from the watch, it's done through the Gear app. That's what I have read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does the S2.
When I was setting up the Samsung Pay on my watch it said that it had to download an update.
Then I went through the setup process through my phone which was from the Samsung Pay app.
You go to "Add card" on your watch and it opens Samsung Pay on your phone.
You click "Next" and it displays your Samsung account information.
Then it takes you to a screen that says "Setup complete" telling you that you're ready to use it and at the bottom says "Add card"
You do that all from the Samsung Pay app on your phone which leads me to suspect that if you root your phone, you won't be able to use Samsung Pay on your watch.
People on this thread that you have to set it all up first, remove the Samsung Pay app on the phone but leave it on the watch. If it's all done correctly then it should work. Just make sure you get it all set up first.
Next thing that I'm going to try is using my watch in "Standalone" with my phone out of bluetooth or wifi range. See if that still works.
ProFragger said:
About the rest of it, again, curious to see if there is one US variant, superior to another in terms of Root capabilities or bands and radios available and etc? Can anyone confirm this for me?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, the U firmware permits use of some other bands that aren't normally used. Not sure which ones though.
Binary100100 said:
So does the S2.
When I was setting up the Samsung Pay on my watch it said that it had to download an update.
Then I went through the setup process through my phone which was from the Samsung Pay app.
You go to "Add card" on your watch and it opens Samsung Pay on your phone.
You click "Next" and it displays your Samsung account information.
Then it takes you to a screen that says "Setup complete" telling you that you're ready to use it and at the bottom says "Add card"
You do that all from the Samsung Pay app on your phone which leads me to suspect that if you root your phone, you won't be able to use Samsung Pay on your watch.
People on this thread that you have to set it all up first, remove the Samsung Pay app on the phone but leave it on the watch. If it's all done correctly then it should work. Just make sure you get it all set up first.
Next thing that I'm going to try is using my watch in "Standalone" with my phone out of bluetooth or wifi range. See if that still works.
As far as I know, the U firmware permits use of some other bands that aren't normally used. Not sure which ones though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the correction/education on the S2, bud, much appreciated. I wonder if the rooted phone works with the S3, because Samsung has allowed many other non Samsung phones to know work with the S3? But I could be wrong, I thought it was open like that with the S2 as well, no? Looking forward to your testing, hope there is a breakthrough in there! ?
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
xVermicide said:
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or a Exynos S7.
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
xVermicide said:
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xVermicide said:
exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very helpful inputs guys, thank you! If I were to be honest with myself, I don't want AOSP/CM/Lineage, especially on a Samsung phone, so unlocked bootloader is not a deal breaker for me. However, I think root is cool for me for doing some SystemUI tweaks, Xposed and etc. Exynos was an option I was exploring, but lack of warranty, no Samsung Pay, and the price are enough to keep me at bay. I think I just need to put my big boy pants on and try to use a phone without rooting it. Something I have yet to do in EVER using an Android phone since about 10 years ago, and I have never ever used or bought an iCrap... I mean... an iPhone !
ProFragger said:
Very helpful inputs guys, thank you! If I were to be honest with myself, I don't want AOSP/CM/Lineage, especially on a Samsung phone, so unlocked bootloader is not a deal breaker for me. However, I think root is cool for me for doing some SystemUI tweaks, Xposed and etc. Exynos was an option I was exploring, but lack of warranty, no Samsung Pay, and the price are enough to keep me at bay. I think I just need to put my big boy pants on and try to use a phone without rooting it. Something I have yet to do in EVER using an Android phone since about 10 years ago, and I have never ever used or bought an iCrap... I mean... an iPhone !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a One+ 3T good development and really nice phone if you want root. Root is dead on Samsung phones and so are ROMs.
So by reading thru this thread, I assume having a T-mobile S7E (G935T) rooting is pointless and really not available the way I'm used to it coming from a Note 4. That's kind of a bummer... I've been using Android and have always had ROOT and all the goodies that come with it. And I recently starting really enjoying my Note 4 with all the cool development in Note 7 ported roms oh well... I wonder if the S7E is enough of an upgrade to keep my interest as stock?
I see there is a G935U firmware, but that seems a bit hit and miss? But I'm just starting to read up on all this... :good:
ShrekOpher said:
Get a One+ 3T good development and really nice phone if you want root. Root is dead on Samsung phones and so are ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe me bud, if Oneplus 5 or even 3T had an SD Card, I'd already have that phone, but thanks for your wisdom !
Araltd said:
So by reading thru this thread, I assume having a T-mobile S7E (G935T) rooting is pointless and really not available the way I'm used to it coming from a Note 4. That's kind of a bummer... I've been using Android and have always had ROOT and all the goodies that come with it. And I recently starting really enjoying my Note 4 with all the cool development in Note 7 ported roms oh well... I wonder if the S7E is enough of an upgrade to keep my interest as stock?
I see there is a G935U firmware, but that seems a bit hit and miss? But I'm just starting to read up on all this... :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You and I both man... The last few years, I have lived off the mercy of T-Mobile and their BLs being unlocked. But Samsung sure done them all in ! Even the International unlocked ones disable Samsung Pay (forever, mind you!) if Knox is tripped, which I believe it is, when rooted and TWRP'd.
As I understand it,
Android pay / Samsung pay is why they frown on rooting now. I can understand it, though I don't agree with it.
The first time someone's financial information is compromised, and they've ever used one of the "pay" methods, on a rooted device the pr nightmare that would ensue would make the note 7 fiasco look like child's play.
"Samsung unsecured device compromises persons credit card information today, while Apple is still secure" I can see the headline.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7E

New to S7... Why are there only 3 roms posted here?

Is there something I'm missing?
Sammy locked the Bootloader
Yup. This is the most highly sought after device with almost no developer support.
If you wanted root then you should get pretty much any other phone.
if you change the Android Code, you have to share it.
ahq1216 said:
Sammy locked the Bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I am wrong, but according to the Android Platform User Agreement (I think), if you change the Android Code, you have to share it. Or some form of developers open source agreement. Correct?
So there has been no root accomplished whatsoever on the T-Mobile S7? If that's true, then I'm hanging on to my Note 7 and selling the S7E.
Binary100100 said:
Yup. This is the most highly sought after device with almost no developer support.
If you wanted root then you should get pretty much any other phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then what is the post in your signature about?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...sed-unroot-t3411039/post67605246#post67605246
And what's the deal with the engineering bootloader?
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/root-t-mobile-s7-edge-engineering-bootloader/
Looks like S7 has had an unlocked bootloader with this for a while... Still very confused as to why there are no roms here.
unkellsam said:
Then what is the post in your signature about?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...sed-unroot-t3411039/post67605246#post67605246
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unkellsam said:
And what's the deal with the engineering bootloader?
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/root-t-mobile-s7-edge-engineering-bootloader/
Looks like S7 has had an unlocked bootloader with this for a while... Still very confused as to why there are no roms here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose you really need to read a bit more.
For all Qualcomm US devices the bootloader is LOCKED.
This is well known and documented. Root is possible only with an engineering kernel. The page that you referenced is inaccurate as it referenced an engineering bootloader. It's actually an engineering boot.img file that the writer mistook for a bootloader. Again... it's an engineering kernel not engineering bootloader.
unkellsam said:
So there has been no root accomplished whatsoever on the T-Mobile S7? If that's true, then I'm hanging on to my Note 7 and selling the S7E.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is, but it's very unstable. Phone tends to lag and overheat due to the (something i dont understand).
serendipityguy said:
Correct me if I am wrong, but according to the Android Platform User Agreement (I think), if you change the Android Code, you have to share it. Or some form of developers open source agreement. Correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yes and no. Parts fall under GPL, and parts of what Samsung uses to enable full functionality of the phone are NOT. The fact that they use special digital signatures in the boot process to prevent loading unsigned code is totally up to them (i.e. its all the stuff that happens before "android" starts...
sbaeder said:
Well, yes and no. Parts fall under GPL, and parts of what Samsung uses to enable full functionality of the phone are NOT. The fact that they use special digital signatures in the boot process to prevent loading unsigned code is totally up to them (i.e. its all the stuff that happens before "android" starts...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But arn't there other S7 roms from Verizon, AT&T and Sprint having developers pushing out custom kernels? Is this something that T-mobile can release but won't?
Google gives/updates the OS, Samsung gives the S7 hardware / Updated OS - Patches the OS & then gives to the Carriers (Tmobile) and they plug in their hellware (Bloatware), surely they have the source or the ability to modify the stock rom when updates are being pushed out to the carriers.
When a New Stock drops, it is the phone carriers who modify the kernel's, boot animation, build property, and sets their modems and such . . . Not Samsung because they would not be want to push out the kernels, modems, build property, boot animation & custom roms for each phone carrier in each region of each county. So lf what I am thinking that our phone carriers developers are lame ducks....
Going the other way on this, how does Sam Mobile play into this? how is it that they are able to host the roms on their servers? Arn't there any links from Samsung to host the roms?
Please if I am wrong, please someone correct me.
It's complicated...
Samsung locked the bootloaders on all US (Qualcomm) S7 but left the bootloader unlocked on international (Exynos) roms and some international Qualcomm roms.
This sucks and hopefully is not repeated on the upcoming S8 which may be Qualcomm only.
Last summer, an engineering bootloader was leaked and a group of people here got a root that uses the engineering bootloader. It's not perfect, as it forces people to use a non-production kernel. More people here came up with settings to get the most out of that kernel.
Right now we are in the middle of the transition to Android 7 and the engineering root doesn't work with it presently. Until a solution for that is reached
At the same time, the international rom deveopment has gone smoothly with over a dozen roms updated and a few tweaked kernels. The Exynos phone itself seems to be faster and with better battery life (but worse reception) compared to a standard qualcomm. Rooted with a custom kernel on both, it's like night and day how much better the exynos performance is. Some people ported T-mobile wifi calling and Volte (through CSC settings) to the international version, so for a certain user (of which I am one), the ideal root solution is to run a full speed exynos 930F on Android 7 and retain t-mobile functionality.
unkellsam said:
Is there something I'm missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung blows
T-Mobile and Samsung both ****ed up around this time
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers Legacy app
fracture8 said:
T-Mobile and Samsung both ****ed up around this time
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you.
Im gonna pay off the half of the phone in 7 months and then will jump ship to a one plus 4/5 when its released.
So much wasted potential
I would get the G935F.
serendipityguy said:
But arn't there other S7 roms from Verizon, AT&T and Sprint having developers pushing out custom kernels? Is this something that T-mobile can release but won't?
Google gives/updates the OS, Samsung gives the S7 hardware / Updated OS - Patches the OS & then gives to the Carriers (Tmobile) and they plug in their hellware (Bloatware), surely they have the source or the ability to modify the stock rom when updates are being pushed out to the carriers.
When a New Stock drops, it is the phone carriers who modify the kernel's, boot animation, build property, and sets their modems and such . . . Not Samsung because they would not be want to push out the kernels, modems, build property, boot animation & custom roms for each phone carrier in each region of each county. So lf what I am thinking that our phone carriers developers are lame ducks....
Going the other way on this, how does Sam Mobile play into this? how is it that they are able to host the roms on their servers? Arn't there any links from Samsung to host the roms?
Please if I am wrong, please someone correct me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile and Samsung keep playing around. I'm really hoping the Note 8 comes with an unlocked boot-loader or this may be there strategy going forward for the US.
rp3 said:
It's complicated...
Samsung locked the bootloaders on all US (Qualcomm) S7 but left the bootloader unlocked on international (Exynos) roms and some international Qualcomm roms.
This sucks and hopefully is not repeated on the upcoming S8 which may be Qualcomm only.
Last summer, an engineering bootloader was leaked and a group of people here got a root that uses the engineering bootloader. It's not perfect, as it forces people to use a non-production kernel. More people here came up with settings to get the most out of that kernel.
Right now we are in the middle of the transition to Android 7 and the engineering root doesn't work with it presently. Until a solution for that is reached
At the same time, the international rom deveopment has gone smoothly with over a dozen roms updated and a few tweaked kernels. The Exynos phone itself seems to be faster and with better battery life (but worse reception) compared to a standard qualcomm. Rooted with a custom kernel on both, it's like night and day how much better the exynos performance is. Some people ported T-mobile wifi calling and Volte (through CSC settings) to the international version, so for a certain user (of which I am one), the ideal root solution is to run a full speed exynos 930F on Android 7 and retain t-mobile functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was dead set on getting the Note 7 but after the fiasco i settled for the S7 edge. the G935F also has all the bands that t-Mobiel uses so we get band 12 as well. The issue with getting the G935F is trying to buy online as it has to be imported and still get insurance and so forth. Bought from B&H photo ( aa reputable US store) for insurance and good support. The g935F turned out to be a good gamble. As long as you wait there was alot of development. Since alot of us T-Mobile guys hopped over we were able to get Volte and wificalling ported over via various CSC edits and other workarounds. So we get alot of custom roms and T-Mobile support as well. Only issue you have to root and loose Samsung pay but for me that a okay lol.

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