[Q] Planning on buying this phone - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all,
I am planning on buying this phone over an Xperia ZR, number one reason being software updates and development support (and because it's cheaper)
I have a few questions and if you can point me to the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.
But first, please see below of what you can expect from me:
I am knowledgable in flashing ROMS, rooting, etc.
I like to read stuff, but this is the first time I've asked a question that I can read up on. Why? I'm gonna be very, very, VERY busy in my work schedule (I know, holiday season, then this) and I kinda like to be prepared first before going through flashing ROMS, etc. (Especially when I am groggy with said work schedule) I might not have time to read through dozens of threads (forums is saturated) and 20+ pages (or 200+ for that matter)
Now, on to my questions:
What is this about radios? I've had a Samsung Galaxy S2 and I've spent hours trying to get a proper modem/radio to work on my SIM (NTT Docomo, I unlocked it, sim didn't work, long story). In the end I can text and make calls but don't have 3g. Is the radios here the same?
I've skimmed the General Discussion and I saw a thread about LTE (hence my questions about radio) Can anyone tell me if it will work on my local provider? From my provider's website
Smart fired up LTE in the 2100MHz band officially making it the first multi-frequency service provider of mobile LTE in the country (Philippines) and one of the first in the world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I do a nandroid backup, then mess up my radio, I'm covered right?
Additional questions may pop up as answers arrive.
Thank you very much XDA community!:victory:

Xaeons said:
Hi all,
I am planning on buying this phone over an Xperia ZR, number one reason being software updates and development support (and because it's cheaper)
I have a few questions and if you can point me to the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.
But first, please see below of what you can expect from me:
I am knowledgable in flashing ROMS, rooting, etc.
I like to read stuff, but this is the first time I've asked a question that I can read up on. Why? I'm gonna be very, very, VERY busy in my work schedule (I know, holiday season, then this) and I kinda like to be prepared first before going through flashing ROMS, etc. (Especially when I am groggy with said work schedule) I might not have time to read through dozens of threads (forums is saturated) and 20+ pages (or 200+ for that matter)
Now, on to my questions:
What is this about radios? I've had a Samsung Galaxy S2 and I've spent hours trying to get a proper modem/radio to work on my SIM (NTT Docomo, I unlocked it, sim didn't work, long story). In the end I can text and make calls but don't have 3g. Is the radios here the same?
I've skimmed the General Discussion and I saw a thread about LTE (hence my questions about radio) Can anyone tell me if it will work on my local provider? From my provider's website
If I do a nandroid backup, then mess up my radio, I'm covered right?
Additional questions may pop up as answers arrive.
Thank you very much XDA community!:victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had any trouble with the radios here on the Nexus 4. You have an OPTION to enable Band 4 LTE via some software mods but it's not necessary. Read up about this here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2358931
Also here is a master list of radios.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=
You'll find everything to be very easy to set up via TWRP and the community is pretty helpful as well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Samsung have many radios for their devices because of the many carriers. Google Nexus 4 is carrier neutral and there is only one radio version which usually gets updated with the next android version. This is the least problematic device you could get in terms of radios, unlocking boot loaders, flashing stuff and Roms and support. You are not going to experience any issues with the things you intend to do with it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Nandroid backups do not backup the radio. There really is no need for it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I hated the S2 with all those modems. So confusing. Luckily, you don't have to deal with that on the Nexus 4. Any modem will work on the Nexus 4 as long as it's up to date with the OS. A hybrid modem with a combination of a older modem and new modem works flawlessly.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Ah thank you all for the clarification, my Nexus 4 is two days old and already updated to 4.4.2 stock. Thank you very much XDA community!

Related

Up-to-date ROM list

Hi,
In case it helps, I have an up-to-date Galaxy Note 2 ROM list kept here, which includes the GT-N7100, N7105 models.
Someone was asking for a list in the AT&T section, so I thought I'd post this info in each section to tell people.
It's kind of a hobby, but it's kept up-to-date pretty much every day.
Some of you might find it useful.
That's some serious consolidation done there m8! Great job, surely helps!
Thanks.
Just a quick bump in case it can help anyone out who doesn't know about it.
Super awesome. If you could just sort it base wise like touchwiz and aosp.
this is XXXDDDAAA
Hi,
It came to my attention that I'd forgotten to add a few roms from the `Original Android Development' sections for the different carriers.
Sorry about that. Those roms have now been added.
Just a quick bump. The Galaxy Note 2 ROMs list is still regularly updated.
I hope it continues to help people out. As usual most of the ROMs are here at XDA.
Thanks.
Note 2 ROMs
cool thanks
I'm still using my Note 2 (believe it or not). The Galaxy Note 2 ROMs list is still going strong, too - although it has gotten easier with less ROM development.
(This is kind of a thread bump. I'm looking to switch to a Galaxy S8 Edge in the near future, if they are any good.)
Grant Barker said:
I'm still using my Note 2 (believe it or not). The Galaxy Note 2 ROMs list is still going strong, too - although it has gotten easier with less ROM development.
(This is kind of a thread bump. I'm looking to switch to a Galaxy S8 Edge in the near future, if they are any good.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which rom you recommended for daily driver?
Sent from my SM-A520F
amlbuton said:
Which rom you recommended for daily driver?
Sent from my SM-A520F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the boring reply, but I would recommend whichever one you try and like.
MIUI is nice for a change sometimes. Here in Japan, we were limited as to which ROMs we could flash, so I eventually went back to the latest ROMs from the carrier (DoCoMo).
The Galaxy Note 2 is still a nice phone. I'm looking forward to changing devices in the coming months, after having stayed with the Note 2 since it came out.
I pay quite a bit each month here for my phone, so it makes sense to benefit from a newer device if I'm still paying quite a bit each month.
The Note 2 still does everything I need it to do. But after trying other devices in the stores, I realize that they are quicker, lighter, and it's important to freshen up life with new experiences. (I'm kind of old fashioned, so I have to remind myself to change every few years.)
(It can also be tricky getting a 24 month contract when you live abroad and rely on renewing your visa annually.)
.. Go with whichever ROM you like, and read the threads and see how much enthusiasm there is for each one.
Grant Barker said:
Sorry for the boring reply, but I would recommend whichever one you try and like.
MIUI is nice for a change sometimes. Here in Japan, we were limited as to which ROMs we could flash, so I eventually went back to the latest ROMs from the carrier (DoCoMo).
The Galaxy Note 2 is still a nice phone. I'm looking forward to changing devices in the coming months, after having stayed with the Note 2 since it came out.
I pay quite a bit each month here for my phone, so it makes sense to benefit from a newer device if I'm still paying quite a bit each month.
The Note 2 still does everything I need it to do. But after trying other devices in the stores, I realize that they are quicker, lighter, and it's important to freshen up life with new experiences. (I'm kind of old fashioned, so I have to remind myself to change every few years.)
(It can also be tricky getting a 24 month contract when you live abroad and rely on renewing your visa annually.)
.. Go with whichever ROM you like, and read the threads and see how much enthusiasm there is for each one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your prompt reply
I do still have my Note 2 running with stock rom 4.4.2 from Indonesia region but lately interested in change the current rom
I will check the thread for custom rom sharing and tested based on other users review
Thanks again bro [emoji106] [emoji106] [emoji106]
Sent from my SM-A520F
Your @Grant Barker list doesn't have haxynox 6.0.1
Here's the link
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=60049
old school it's better great artwork !
deepjyoti30 said:
Your @Grant Barker list doesn't have haxynox 6.0.1
Here's the link
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=60049
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know the main ROM thread for that? (It doesn't have to be XDA.)
For example: This thread links to these files.
That ROM you posted the link to is dated as more recent, so it would be nice to know the thread it belongs to.
Thanks.
I dont think theres even a thread but therom works fine. I flashed it some days back @Grant Barker
Only the buttons backlight doesn't work. Other than that everything works fine.
deepjyoti30 said:
I dont think theres even a thread but therom works fine. I flashed it some days back @Grant Barker
Only the buttons backlight doesn't work. Other than that everything works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the screens
OK. I've asked around, and I'll see if anyone knows or updates a related thread.
Thank you.
Thanks a lot.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Will Non-Verizon Firmware Work?

Hey everyone -
Apologies if this has been asked before, but a simple search didn't turn up results. Verizon (surprise surprise) is already lagging behind on firmware updates. For those of us who are S-Off, unlocked, and on custom ROMs, is it possible to flash an updated firmware (such as 1.80.617.1) and still use our phones? Or are we stuck on Verizon's release cycle for firmware updates?
EDIT - I meant to post this in the Questions & Answers section, my apologies. If any mods want to move it, please feel free.
btonetbone said:
Hey everyone -
Apologies if this has been asked before, but a simple search didn't turn up results. Verizon (surprise surprise) is already lagging behind on firmware updates. For those of us who are S-Off, unlocked, and on custom ROMs, is it possible to flash an updated firmware (such as 1.80.617.1) and still use our phones? Or are we stuck on Verizon's release cycle for firmware updates?
EDIT - I meant to post this in the Questions & Answers section, my apologies. If any mods want to move it, please feel free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we're stuck on verizon's firmware. i use viper and the software is updated to the latest release, just not using the eu/intl firmware.
btonetbone said:
Hey everyone -
Apologies if this has been asked before, but a simple search didn't turn up results. Verizon (surprise surprise) is already lagging behind on firmware updates. For those of us who are S-Off, unlocked, and on custom ROMs, is it possible to flash an updated firmware (such as 1.80.617.1) and still use our phones? Or are we stuck on Verizon's release cycle for firmware updates?
EDIT - I meant to post this in the Questions & Answers section, my apologies. If any mods want to move it, please feel free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on Verizon you should be using Verizon firmware. Just because a version number is different doesn't mean it's ahead. They are different forks tested and tweaked for entirely different networks.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
dottat said:
If you are on Verizon you should be using Verizon firmware. Just because a version number is different doesn't mean it's ahead. They are different forks tested and tweaked for entirely different networks.
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But does that hold true when flashing the Verizon radio behind the other firmware?(not challenging your statement here, just asking a variation of the OP question)
I think that is the main thing people want to know when this topic comes up. I've seen the question and information on it scattered in pieces across multiple threads, but never fully answered by being backed with a report by someone who did it.
So you don't think I am one of those that just sits back to let someone else do the work - I am willing to try such a thing by flashing the US unlocked or Europe FW followed by the VZW radio you pulled, but would need a little guidance in terms of how to provide feedback. Test signal before/after? I know from Viper thread loss of camera is something to watch out for. Any other specific items/parameters to check before/after? Since Viper just did a re-base, I have been searching and debating between those two FW anyway. First the Euro to match the ROM, then the US because they have the ROM flashing on all FW out at the moment.
camparks said:
But does that hold true when flashing the Verizon radio behind the other firmware?(not challenging your statement here, just asking a variation of the OP question)
I think that is the main thing people want to know when this topic comes up. I've seen the question and information on it scattered in pieces across multiple threads, but never fully answered by being backed with a report by someone who did it.
So you don't think I am one of those that just sits back to let someone else do the work - I am willing to try such a thing by flashing the US unlocked or Europe FW followed by the VZW radio you pulled, but would need a little guidance in terms of how to provide feedback. Test signal before/after? I know from Viper thread loss of camera is something to watch out for. Any other specific items/parameters to check before/after? Since Viper just did a re-base, I have been searching and debating between those two FW anyway. First the Euro to match the ROM, then the US because they have the ROM flashing on all FW out at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So here's the thing... you will see unlocked users who simply flashed the radio complain they often get stuck on 3g/1x. You will see the posts about the camera loss. You will see things about loss of volte. The firmware is always optimized for the rom/carrier for which it was written. They won't include vzw fixes in unlocked firmware since that phone isn't targeted for use on the vzw network.
Between the rom and the firmware it's really just a different fork altogether. They aren't mean to be used without each other as a dependency.
Euro firmware will likely have some odd wifi side effects for some folks as they use different bands over there.
dottat said:
So here's the thing... you will see unlocked users who simply flashed the radio complain they often get stuck on 3g/1x. You will see the posts about the camera loss. You will see things about loss of volte. The firmware is always optimized for the rom/carrier for which it was written. They won't include vzw fixes in unlocked firmware since that phone isn't targeted for use on the vzw network.
Between the rom and the firmware it's really just a different fork altogether. They aren't mean to be used without each other as a dependency.
Euro firmware will likely have some odd wifi side effects for some folks as they use different bands over there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can we back up just a bit to where I believe this all stems from - Is the HTC 10 truly a single-hardware phone? Therein, making all "variants" manifested only by which firmware is flashed? Is that true globally? If not, is that true for all in a particular "zone"(Europe, Asia, US, etc.)?
Ok, with the Euro FW the issues are apparent, given different standards not only for cellular, but also the camera and wi-fi vary from those here in the US. Even if one were to flash a US carrier radio, the camera and wi-fi issues could still pop up. Moving on from that consideration.
For US unlocked, there should be no standards issue, correct? Assuming hardware is the same for atleast all US carriers, what besides the radios would differ between carriers when not running stock ROMs?
Obviously there would be issues when on stock ROMs due to custom apps, features, etc. that would break not only when running different non-stock FW, but also when running one carrier's stock ROM on another carrier's network. All that is ill-advised and goes back to you only recommending stock FW.
Thanks for discussing this. I do not question your advise at all, I just want to explore the what and why of it all to put it all in one place. Thanks for humoring me and my questions!
camparks said:
So can we back up just a bit to where I believe this all stems from - Is the HTC 10 truly a single-hardware phone? Therein, making all "variants" manifested only by which firmware is flashed? Is that true globally? If not, is that true for all in a particular "zone"(Europe, Asia, US, etc.)?
Ok, with the Euro FW the issues are apparent, given different standards not only for cellular, but also the camera and wi-fi vary from those here in the US. Even if one were to flash a US carrier radio, the camera and wi-fi issues could still pop up. Moving on from that consideration.
For US unlocked, there should be no standards issue, correct? Assuming hardware is the same for atleast all US carriers, what besides the radios would differ between carriers when not running stock ROMs?
Obviously there would be issues when on stock ROMs due to custom apps, features, etc. that would break not only when running different non-stock FW, but also when running one carrier's stock ROM on another carrier's network. All that is ill-advised and goes back to you only recommending stock FW.
Thanks for discussing this. I do not question your advise at all, I just want to explore the what and why of it all to put it all in one place. Thanks for humoring me and my questions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardware wise most are the same. And you are right about me recommending firmware that matches your carrier. That aside, my experience has been like this....
I have been asked a couple times to try to fully convert a phone from one carrier to another. On the 10, we know that unlocked<->verizon works and we thought it would since HTC gave them the same MID (different CIDs though). On the m9, I have attempted to fully convert a verizon m9 to an ATT model. The RUU flashes everything BUT tp and one or two other ones. It boots up fine (att death star and all)... but it will never boot to recovery and never load TWRP when flashed. There's something about the overall partition structure that makes it different.
On the rom/firmware front.... Verizon and HTC do very specific testing for firmware/OS releases. They do this not only to ensure optimal performance for the user, but also to make sure that the phone itself doesn't cause issues on the network itself. As the manager of an engineering team for a huge US based ISP, I can tell you that firmware of devices CAN and DOES impact the network stability from time to time. I'm not talking about capacity issues, I'm talking about your phone making a phone call and causing a network card back at the CO/Tower/ETC reset. It does happen.
Lastly, I measure things by what you gain. What would gain by flashing unlocked or EU firmware images onto a phone on the verizon network? An increase in number version? As much as I see people who change their aboot do so to avoid red text, it always surprised me to see a VZW phone with a third X.X.401.X number on their bootloader indicating non-vzw firmware. There's a new piece of fun around since the m9 and present on the 10. If you manage to get an aboot on your phone doesnt match your firmware and you reboot the phone you will be stuck in bootloader with no access to download/recovery and often OS. The only fix is to manually flash each firmware image / partition file by name manually and it must match the aboot for it to work. So that's another reason to not go and mix and match because to be honest... most people don't make it beyond the panic moment of that. That phone gets returned and added to the reasons verizon makes it more difficult going forward.
\
There's my 2 cents

What should I know before flash a custom ROM?

Hey guys, so, I'm new with the Galaxy S7 EDGE, I have a G935F, the international exynos variant. What should I know before? What about CSC? I guess I'll have to unlock bootloader or something? I'm not new in the scene but I'm so used to Motorola phones, unlock bootloader directly from the moto website and then custom recovery and let the flash begin.
So, I wanna try the N7 port or just flash a custom ROM like Renovate Edge for example, but after custom recovery, rooting, unlocking bootloader if I have to, is there anyway to go back to "non modified"?
Things You Should Know Before Flashing Your Sammy S7 Edge: (1). I think the international Exynos variants are bootloader unlocked (could be wrong. Happens 2-3 times a year) already. Lucky f*ck. (2). Unlock dev options in settings (should be the second thing you do after booting up the first time) and (3). Google your exact model number and after you confirm the EXACT procedure, bootloader status, available roms/kernels, etc. SPEND AT LEAST 1 HOUR SCANNING THROUGH THE "Omg I bricked my G935F HELP PLZ" threads and make sure you have a backup plan before you get all flash happy. Sammys are kinda touchy compared to your typical Motorola, Nexus, etc. with lots of support online, especially here but all sorts of cute little tricks and proprietary kinks that will eff you in the A, Knox style if you don't do your homework. Good luck though, I'm sure you'll find plenty of help between XDA and a good Google session (beforehand, some XDA folk are extremely moody about repetitive requests and lack of initiative regarding doing some preparatory research. But I'm sure you've been around the block a time or two so good luck and let us/me know what success you have in this endeavor ?) As far as going from "official" to "custom" status and back to official/non-modified I'm curious about that myself. Maybe Xposed can help that? Or editing build.prop? Google the sh*t outta that. If I find anything relevant I'll drop a (much shorter) post or link on here for you. ✌
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
sociopathic1 said:
Things You Should Know Before Flashing Your Sammy S7 Edge: (1). I think the international Exynos variants are bootloader unlocked (could be wrong. Happens 2-3 times a year) already. Lucky f*ck. (2). Unlock dev options in settings (should be the second thing you do after booting up the first time) and (3). Google your exact model number and after you confirm the EXACT procedure, bootloader status, available roms/kernels, etc. SPEND AT LEAST 1 HOUR SCANNING THROUGH THE "Omg I bricked my G935F HELP PLZ" threads and make sure you have a backup plan before you get all flash happy. Sammys are kinda touchy compared to your typical Motorola, Nexus, etc. with lots of support online, especially here but all sorts of cute little tricks and proprietary kinks that will eff you in the A, Knox style if you don't do your homework. Good luck though, I'm sure you'll find plenty of help between XDA and a good Google session (beforehand, some XDA folk are extremely moody about repetitive requests and lack of initiative regarding doing some preparatory research. But I'm sure you've been around the block a time or two so good luck and let us/me know what success you have in this endeavor ?) As far as going from "official" to "custom" status and back to official/non-modified I'm curious about that myself. Maybe Xposed can help that? Or editing build.prop? Google the sh*t outta that. If I find anything relevant I'll drop a (much shorter) post or link on here for you.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that helped a lot, read some here, there, and well, as of right now I have TWRP and Renovate Edge installed, as you sa y, bootloader unlocked, process was really easy. Gonna try to get back to stock stock, like no custom recovery or whatever so see the process. Thank you so much!

935F vs 935W8 roms

Hello all I've been out of the phone modding game for about 4 years and just picked up a w8 model and like the phone though sad to see no cm.
I've been browsing the site and had a few questions about modding my phone.. Several roms specifically say it supports w8 while others just say 935F.. is there really additional code to support the w8 or the rom just hasn't been verified by the developer?
Also several roms say to install the latest bootloader and modem but the link only takes you to the 935F versions.. I already have the latest update from Wind in Canada which ends in API1 is this good enough or do I need to flash a different downloaded version and if so can someone point me in the right direction for the Wind files..
One last thing.. I see a lot of people discussing flashing a csc.. but not sure what that is. I assume it's local carrier settings or something but how often is it needed? And does it only need to be done with certain roms or if there are certain issues.
I've only really used HTC and Nexus phones previously so don't wanna brick this pretty new toy as I bought it second hand and don't have warranty.
Also.. probably not the place to ask but what roms do you guys prefer that supports w8? I'm looking for something fast debloated and lots of customization.. haven't really seen the N7 so not sure about new UX.. I've usually gone cm all the way so used to default android..
Thanks for any info/advice/recommendations
I can't believe this question isn't answered. All samsung line with a pile of unecessary variations is confusing. I just picked up the phone and have no idea, while it should be same cpu=same rom

possible solution for rooting difficulties?

Its been a long time since i posted but wanted to share this in off chance it will be helpful. Anyways i have been doing some research to try and help me decide whether i am going to get the s7 edge 935t or the international 935f, 935fd i believe are the model #'s. While reading about the locked bootloader and rooting difficulties on the 935t and other u.s. models i thought about how i was able to root and install a custom rom on my Verizon galaxy s4 with a locked bootloader and remembered using something called safestrap. i believe it just made like a separate partition but here is the link incase a similar method can be used on the tmobile version of the s7. https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441
I used the same exploit on my Verizon S4 and S5, even wrote my first ROM for the S4, thanks to safe strap. Unfortunatly the developer of safestrap gave up a long time ago...
Our only option is flash fire. The phone is a couple years old now, the S8 and Note are most of our remaning developers priority. And without a bunch of heads being bashed against the boot loader we will never find the cracks to exploit it.
We have a PR issue with devs. They work their butts off to give us a custom created operating system with a bunch of bells and whistles for free and we brow beat and demand more from them until we push them into giving up and moving on. Just look at the ROM threads for the TMobile S7 here on XDA, @jrkruse has been helping folks like me for years here on XDA, creating ROMs for phones he doesn't even own and helping out extremley amature devs like myself when we get stumped. How do we repay him? We flash without reading, we ignore and complain, we demand fixes and updates... For a free product from a guy who creates in his valuable and minimal free time...
I know I went off script, my bad I am just disappointed with the lack of development and developers lately.
Sent from my SM-G935U using XDA Premium HD app
yeah I noticed theres seems to be a lot less going on these days compared to when I got my first android phone, the Samsung droid charge and after rooting it I was hooked. then came the s3,s4,s5 which I had till was stolen a few months ago and now deciding on what to get next. leaning towards the g955fd which I would like more if it had the physical home button(fingerprint scanner config is ridiculous) and the i.r. blaster although I think I read somewhere that it is f.m. radio capable at least on the Chinese variant. It would be cool if Samsung released a version that was a little tougher like the one that is made by att but it seems as people have become content with what the manufacturers give you these days. Seems like a waste to spend so much money on a device with so few roms and other development options. I miss getting on here and checking out the progress all the developers had made then downloading and flashing new goodies for hours on end but it looks as maybe those kinda things are history. sad

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