mix and match roms and variants? - G2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

first, i did use the search button so no flaming. at the risk of sounding like a noob, here goes nothing. i just picked up a verizon g2 variant and love it! however i have found a couple roms on the att side (who is my carrier) that i would like to use. so im wondering can these roms be used on different devices or do you need to stick to your carriers sub forum? perhaps flashing a kernel or something additional.
any help is greatly appreciated! oh, and the reason for a verizon phone on att is simply because of the awesome deal i got.
thanks!!!

Dont flash the ROM from AT&T. You'll most likely going to boot loop or even worse brick your phone. There's a reason they have different sub forums for different carriers. Stick to the verizon sub forum or go to the Original Android development and look for ROMs that works on VS980 only. But if you really want the ROM. It never hurts to ask.

Related

[Q] A couple questions from a possible new Verizon customer...

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.
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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

[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

Which S4 Variant?

I'm almost new to XDA having used the forums to install both CM11 and CM12.1 on my HTC One X recently. I vaguely understand the lingo and might be able to follow any answers I might get. Here's my need.
1. Looking to upgrade to an S4 but which Variant is easiest to mod or runs the best afterwards?
2. Where to purchase a new preferably unlocked S4?
3. Must be able to bypass AT&T and hotspot or tether without them shutting me down after modding.
4. Is there a better or more stable ROM than the CM mods? CM12.1 acted stupid on my HTC One X but I like the CM11 running on it.
5. I know most users on this forum are Sammy users, but could I do better than an S4 and stay under $300 new while still getting a phone with a removable battery and SD slot?
Feel free to ask questions if I've left anything out.
I'd recommend an GT-I9505 international variant. I think it has the most development going on.
The GT-I9506 has better specs, but there is fewer development.
GDReaper said:
I'd recommend an GT-I9505 international variant. I think it has the most development going on.
The GT-I9506 has better specs, but there is fewer development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this is exactly why I asked. I was initially assuming the 9506 would be the better option but not knowing the support here was an issue. What about places to purchase? I also think I've read that an international version does not have a warranty. Is that correct? I'd hate to get a lemon and not be able to do anything about it.
The international version is basically the carrier free version, I think. It's the one you can buy from an electronics store, without carrier bloat. If it's new you should have a warranty, no matter what.
As for places to buy, I can't recommend you any. You might want to try Swappa.

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

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

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