(Soon to be) New TMO G2 owner - G2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Just have a few questions and concerns about moving to this phone, figured I'd give it a shot and see what the collective group thought...
Background: Coming from a GS3 (T999L LTE model) and avid hater of KNOX and stupid warranty bit tripping issues, lock outs and general d*cking around the device manufacturer does to the device to make tinkering next to impossible. I understand there is a similar situation with the G2, and also understand there *might* be ways to work around it?
1. Seeing as the new OTA has gone live for the G2 on Tmo, how likely is it that I'll receive a new unit with the update on it?
1a. If I get one without the latest update, how easy is it to then root/custom recovery/update retaining all of those​2. I'm perfectly cool using the stock ROM, I mostly just root for debloating and ad-blocking (I love supporting devs, some don't have ad-less options though). How much bloat might I encounter and are they easily disabled (without need for root).
3. Are there any goofy folder setups in the internal SD card? (meaning on the GS3, once you went to 4.3 it changed the layout to /sdcard/0/DCIM versus the original /sdcard/DCIM)
4. I've grown very accustomed to using the volume rocker to change tracks when I'm in the car, so I don't have to look down for the next arrow...Is this an option that is baked in or will I need to use Xposed?
4a. Is Xposed working on the latest official ROM? I've seen people having it working and others saying it doesnt​5. I really want a wallet style case for my device, nothing special, maybe 2 slots to carry a burner debit card (I'm notorious for forgetting my wallet and want to carry a card with my phone since I never forget it). What would you recommend? I've seen the Poetic Flipbook (http://goo.gl/eGf0XL) and feel like it would be a good fit for what I'm looking for...Thoughts?
Thanks for your time, can't wait to jump ship to the G2!

thetolsonator said:
Just have a few questions and concerns about moving to this phone, figured I'd give it a shot and see what the collective group thought...
Background: Coming from a GS3 (T999L LTE model) and avid hater of KNOX and stupid warranty bit tripping issues, lock outs and general d*cking around the device manufacturer does to the device to make tinkering next to impossible. I understand there is a similar situation with the G2, and also understand there *might* be ways to work around it?
1. Seeing as the new OTA has gone live for the G2 on Tmo, how likely is it that I'll receive a new unit with the update on it?
1a. If I get one without the latest update, how easy is it to then root/custom recovery/update retaining all of those​2. I'm perfectly cool using the stock ROM, I mostly just root for debloating and ad-blocking (I love supporting devs, some don't have ad-less options though). How much bloat might I encounter and are they easily disabled (without need for root).
3. Are there any goofy folder setups in the internal SD card? (meaning on the GS3, once you went to 4.3 it changed the layout to /sdcard/0/DCIM versus the original /sdcard/DCIM)
4. I've grown very accustomed to using the volume rocker to change tracks when I'm in the car, so I don't have to look down for the next arrow...Is this an option that is baked in or will I need to use Xposed?
4a. Is Xposed working on the latest official ROM? I've seen people having it working and others saying it doesnt​5. I really want a wallet style case for my device, nothing special, maybe 2 slots to carry a burner debit card (I'm notorious for forgetting my wallet and want to carry a card with my phone since I never forget it). What would you recommend? I've seen the Poetic Flipbook (http://goo.gl/eGf0XL) and feel like it would be a good fit for what I'm looking for...Thoughts?
Thanks for your time, can't wait to jump ship to the G2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well lets begin-
1)about it coming wit the update I would not know I'd say 50/50 chance(if it's on the latest 4.4.2 it is not rootable you would have to flash back to 4.2.2 using this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432476 then follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2673736 to get to kit kat with root and custom recovery)
2)yes each variant has it's amount of bloat but some are worse than others and it can be easily be removed except for the ciq which can be disabled on 4.2.2 but on kk it's giving issues
3)yes it is sdcard/0/dcim
4)I grew used to that feature two but I have not looked for a replacement but iknow g2 exposed has that option but until xposed framework gets updated to 2.5 it will not work on kitkat but works without issues on 4.2.2
5)as for case I use spigen so I don't have any recommendations but check out the g2 accessories thread and you can find help there and look through the stuf that has been reviewed already
yea it's an awesome phone

To be honest the g2 is and awesome device but the nexus 5 comes with no bloat and is stock android out of the box g2 is a great device but get its more bugfree twin nexus 5 is prob around the same price as the g2 and your going to T-Mobile I would go with nexus 5
Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] 4.2 rooted or 4.4 update?

So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own both an I337 and an M919 and, given the flexibility of the M919, I was able to try both official and leaked 4.4 TW releases mainly for the I9505. Based on those experiences I would say take the update. 4.4 update should be noticeably faster.
In regard to keeping root, I'm hoping SuperSu Pro's Survival mode works.
I'd say go with the update if you don't care about root. The only problem is Knox is more locked down, also more bloat/crap ware on the new update. I do love the camera on the lockscreen, plus the album artwork on the lock screen is a big + for me. I don't know if art is implemented into the gs4 but it does make a difference but the only thing is, is that most apps are not optimized for it yet.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda premium
So should I revert the few changes I have done? IE, I've killed startup apps with ES Task Manager and (obviously) disabled the software update checker.
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
As far as experience goes, I say wait and keep your options open. I like the freedom of a clean rom, free from bloat and clutter of apps that i dont use. Not to mention a battery life that exceeds far beyond a regular un-rooted device. Visit the numerous threads of other people's experiences. I'm rooted and have been able to try out different rooms from 4.2 to 4.4. Accepting an ota will unroot your device without anyway of reverting back. Good luck with your decision.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on the not locked down version, then you shouldn't take the update. It will lock your bootloader and that device will never see an AOSP ROM again. You should wait for something like StockUp to be updated to the new 4.4 or use any of the many other 4.4 ROMs available. If you really want to get one with the stock update and locked bootloaders, I'm sure someone would love to trade.
aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We were able to get the MK2 tar files rather quickly after the OTA release and will hopefully be able to get the 4.4 tars just as quickly. If that's the case you will be able to flash all partitions, except the bootloader, to run the 4.4 ROM and keep your unlocked bootloader. I would not give up the unlocked bootloader if I were you.
scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.
Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL
crazy_dragonlady said:
Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5
jd1639 said:
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL
crazy_dragonlady said:
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't but it works fine on att. Very easy to root and mod. No locked bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 5
John The Rhino said:
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).
scottiemedic said:
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, no worries. The reality is I would much rather play with my kids (if I had any) than an electronic device. So it's nice to know your priorities are right. There's few picture worthy moments we get from our phones, but kids provide such memories constantly. For everyday use, stock is fine & was for me for a little while. You are doing the right thing by waiting until you know more before you do something wrong & brick your phone. This is the place where you can learn how to root, install Safestrap recovery & flash incredible custom rom on your mf3 S4 when you are ready.

Poll upgrading 4.4.2 or sticking with whatcha got

Here is my simple poll... I am not giving reasons to why I am sticking with 4.2.2, as many will argue against my points. This is a poll so if anything it is all about your reason not mine, and how many are going one way or the other.
Upgrading, just so I Could get rid of that ugly green battery icon
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk
Change is inevitable. .. resistance is futile
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
pakure said:
Change is inevitable. .. resistance is futile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Outside of some small issues with stock firmware, once ironed out, 4.4.2 is more hype than what Google is offering. Change is good, as long as there is a reason to. So far I have no reason to change unless Samsung releases Tizan to the Note 8.0, which will never come.
Already updated using the UK update. Glad to be able to save Google Play All Access music to my SD card now. No down side that I can see.
Polaris Office 5 "usable" (without the long stripe, not root)... not sure if I deleted that app before or installed with 4.4.2 but for taking notes on clasess is a big plus for me. :good:
been using civs rom and kernel and don't feel a real need to update. a new rom won't speed up my ebook reading and comic reading. so it's gotta be preety feature packed for me to update. I haven't even taken 4.4 update on my gn10.1 2013 yet either.
just notice civ updated... so I most likely be upgrading soon, lol.
No good reason to upgrade other than having all 3 notes running KK. Goodness, not a good reason. Frankly, nothing outstanding was gained.
Via my Note 3
BclingergFJ said:
No good reason to upgrade other than having all 3 notes running KK. Goodness, not a good reason. Frankly, nothing outstanding was gained.
Via my Note 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive found KK on the Note 8 to be smoother and a little snappier
I upgraded and I cant really tell if anythings different
Sent from my GT-N5110 using XDA Premium HD app
You can now upgrade without the need for flashing the Kitkat Knox bootloader.
Install a custom Kitkat rom of your choosing and then install this kernel and you will have wifi and all things working + some extra's.
for now only for the 5110
civato said:
You can now upgrade without the need for flashing the Kitkat Knox bootloader.
Install a custom Kitkat rom of your choosing and then install this kernel and you will have wifi and all things working + some extra's.
for now only for the 5110
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used your kernel on your 4.2.2 Flexbeam. I had issues with Miracast and Fat32 on SD card. Stock is the only way for me to have my cake and eat it.
There is no real benefit, unless you want a few features that you won't use. A properly setup 4.2.2 will work just as good as 4.4.2 without all the headaches. By the time I will need a feature that I don't have now, I'll be upgrading my hardware. Since my poll has been created, we have a definite split. Yet nobody can give good reasons to upgrade, outside of being newer is better.
Civato, since you are pushing your custom ROM, I have the right to say what I think about it since this is my post. I have tried your ROM before, and found good work with your efforts, but the features you provide are not worth having issues associated with customization of the kernel. If anything nobody not even google can not fix their media subsystem. So, having 4.4.2 for me would be undoing what I have fixed on my device, an I do not care to do anymore troubleshooting as I have done since November with my Note 8.0.
gooberdude said:
I have used your kernel on your 4.2.2 Flexbeam. I had issues with Miracast and Fat32 on SD card. Stock is the only way for me to have my cake and eat it.
There is no real benefit, unless you want a few features that you won't use. A properly setup 4.2.2 will work just as good as 4.4.2 without all the headaches. By the time I will need a feature that I don't have now, I'll be upgrading my hardware. Since my poll has been created, we have a definite split. Yet nobody can give good reasons to upgrade, outside of being newer is better.
Civato, since you are pushing your custom ROM, I have the right to say what I think about it since this is my post. I have tried your ROM before, and found good work with your efforts, but the features you provide are not worth having issues associated with customization of the kernel. If anything nobody not even google can not fix their media subsystem. So, having 4.4.2 for me would be undoing what I have fixed on my device, an I do not care to do anymore troubleshooting as I have done since November with my Note 8.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First things first, some fish slapping???????????????
I think you missed the whole point of my post.
Now as it is my right to answer you in YOUR THREAD. Here it is , THE WHY?
Sir,
I posted this info so any user Not wanting to upgrade to the kitkat bootloader that comes with the Knox counter and not possible to revert back to JellyBean Knox free bootloader, can now install a custom Kitkat rom and kernel and check it out. If they don't like it they can go back to JellyBean stock state with the Knox Free JellyBean bootloader.
clear enough.
Now my turn.
Watch my words, in the end 99% will be on kitkat as more regions are supported. I don't understand people. They b*tch about the late Kitkat update and when it finally arives they b*tch about nothing much has changed in UI.
Now mirrorcast is crap for me as it is samsung closed source. Im not supporting any propitairy thing as Android should be 100% open. If not I should by me a Apple.
your exfat problem? Not having it on kitkat as on kitkat they made it open source. On JellyBean it was also samsung propitairy crap so not ablle to really build it good into the kernel , for some cards then.
I have OTG with ntfs RW support , so easy to read out my big hdd. I have cifs, so easy to connect to the pc and read out a whole hdd of my pc.
I have dongle support what you may not find important but a lot others do.
I have supurb batterlife onthe new kitkat kernel and supurb speed that you will never get on stock kernel.
I can control any setting I want of my kernel.
If all people have the same attitude as you , root, custom roms , kernels, triangle away,..... would not exist. Buy a Apple is my advice to you then.
My 2 kids got both a Ipad mini and for them it is the best. Easy in use and really closed so they can't mess with a thing.
Oh and I'm not pushing my rom, I clearly say "a" custom rom.
Is this even my time worth ?
civato said:
First things first, some fish slapping������������������������������
I think you missed the whole point of my post.
Now as it is my right to answer you in YOUR THREAD. Here it is , THE WHY?
Sir,
I posted this info so any user Not wanting to upgrade to the kitkat bootloader that comes with the Knox counter and not possible to revert back to JellyBean Knox free bootloader, can now install a custom Kitkat rom and kernel and check it out. If they don't like it they can go back to JellyBean stock state with the Knox Free JellyBean bootloader.
clear enough.
Now my turn.
Watch my words, in the end 99% will be on kitkat as more regions are supported. I don't understand people. They b*tch about the late Kitkat update and when it finally arives they b*tch about nothing much has changed in UI.
Now mirrorcast is crap for me as it is samsung closed source. Im not supporting any propitairy thing as Android should be 100% open. If not I should by me a Apple.
your exfat problem? Not having it on kitkat as on kitkat they made it open source. On JellyBean it was also samsung propitairy crap so not ablle to really build it good into the kernel , for some cards then.
I have OTG with ntfs RW support , so easy to read out my big hdd. I have cifs, so easy to connect to the pc and read out a whole hdd of my pc.
I have dongle support what you may not find important but a lot others do.
I have supurb batterlife onthe new kitkat kernel and supurb speed that you will never get on stock kernel.
I can control any setting I want of my kernel.
If all people have the same attitude as you , root, custom roms , kernels, triangle away,..... would not exist. Buy a Apple is my advice to you then.
My 2 kids got both a Ipad mini and for them it is the best. Easy in use and really closed so they can't mess with a thing.
Oh and I'm not pushing my rom, I clearly say "a" custom rom.
Is this even my time worth ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to be polite, but you took some of my explanation to using my poll as a solicitation, a bit personal.
I did praise your work and efforts. I am not knocking in any way your ROM, just making a point for those who are tempted to understand there is a price to pay for using a modded ROM. Maybe I am being a bit protective, but about 50% upgrading to KitKat are finding issues they do not want to deal with. About 33% just jump right in without knowing when there is a lot of info available here to read up on.
Sure, I did not read up on your ROM and Kernel, but I was not interested and did not want to point one thing over another.
I admit your ROM adds some speed improvement, added customization and what not. I consider myself a novice in the Android world, and have managed to figure simple tweaks to make my stock ROM perform better than most custom de-bloated ROMs. Yet the pros seem to have to push 4.4.2 every way possible, for whatever reasoning, personal or not.
The Note 8.0 is not a gaming device, yet peeps think benchmarks are more important than usability. I am just calling it as I see it, 4.4.2 tweaked or not, is not much better than 4.2.2 when properly setup.
Not to point my finger to your ROM customizations, but all non-Samsung stock ROMs in general... Miracast, SD card, and S-pen are the big reasons why I chose Samsung, so they also happen to be propitiatory, many don' t see them as an issue, until they need one or the other to work.
gooberdude said:
I tried to be polite, but you took some of my explanation to using my poll as a solicitation, a bit personal.
I did praise your work and efforts. I am not knocking in any way your ROM, just making a point for those who are tempted to understand there is a price to pay for using a modded ROM. Maybe I am being a bit protective, but about 50% upgrading to KitKat are finding issues they do not want to deal with. About 33% just jump right in without knowing when there is a lot of info available here to read up on.
Sure, I did not read up on your ROM and Kernel, but I was not interested and did not want to point one thing over another.
I admit your ROM adds some speed improvement, added customization and what not. I consider myself a novice in the Android world, and have managed to figure simple tweaks to make my stock ROM perform better than most custom de-bloated ROMs. Yet the pros seem to have to push 4.4.2 every way possible, for whatever reasoning, personal or not.
The Note 8.0 is not a gaming device, yet peeps think benchmarks are more important than usability. I am just calling it as I see it, 4.4.2 tweaked or not, is not much better than 4.2.2 when properly setup.
Not to point my finger to your ROM customizations, but all non-Samsung stock ROMs in general... Miracast, SD card, and S-pen are the big reasons why I chose Samsung, so they also happen to be propitiatory, many don' t see them as an issue, until they need one or the other to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to fuel a debate with this post cause that is not my purpose and is not helpful to anyone. However, just want to say that after reading the last few posts I feel that you are being a bit harsh on civato for posting some useful info. The post specifically states "any kitkat rom" and never mentioned a specific custom rom. This info is obviously aimed to anyone thinking about upgrading which is what this thread is about.
Personally I appreciate any additional info provided, especially from a highly regarded dev/contributor, that could sway my decision either way and/or make things easier. Glad civato took the time to post for the benefit of others. :good:
gooberdude said:
Not to point my finger to your ROM customizations, but all non-Samsung stock ROMs in general... Miracast, SD card, and S-penare the big reasons why I chose Samsung, so they also happen to be propitiatory, many don' t see them as an issue, until they need one or the other to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-pen = Crap on stock kernel, as it is way off. A pen needs to be 100% accurate and not so and so.
Did you take the time to look at text pen cursor, of by 5mm, that is a lot. and that is rom problem. JellyBean and kitkat
Pointer is 3mm to the left (Kernel problem, JellyBean and kitkat) , again that is a lot for me and people that use the pen for what it is made. Else I would bought me a Tablet without the pen support.
The only thing you post that I can agree with is lossing Miracast if you use a custom kernel. I don't have any SDCard problems.
And yes the pen is why I buy samsung Note devices.
It seems that my info is still not clear,
You can TRY kitkat now without the feared KNOX kitkat bootloader. Revert back to JB without any problems.
Sorry for my to offer this to the users.
I think what you are trying to do is make believe that KitKat is crap, or you are trying to convince yourself.
It is well known that most people are afraid of changes.
Why start this poll if you are happy with what you have and not interested in updating. ...the truth is you want to see what the rest are doing and then be deluded that you are doing the correct thing. ..
There can be different uses for different guys and needs are different. .. so don't compare. .. do a back up of your current set up, try different roms and stuff,.... decide for yourself. ... you can always go back to your backup if you don't like anything you tried, ... but frankly, 4.2.2 was buggy and Google quickly updated it to 4.3 for fixing those bugs
Frankly you cannot sit on the beach and wonder how it is to be at sea.... you have to take a boat and sail the sea to know for yourself...
So unless you try the update, how can you come to a conclusion what's best for you?
Chill out and enjoy your way
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 2
me, i already update my note, and super regret it, now, i have stupid knox, inaccuracy spen, nothing new.. so better wait..
oland681 said:
me, i already update my note, and super regret it, now, i have stupid knox, inaccuracy spen, nothing new.. so better wait..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try civs rom. .. it's great and fixes all the issues. ..
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
kitkat 4.4.2 on note 8.0 has bugs?
After updating to 4.4.2 my note 8.o is acting strange. Some time my home button isn't working. Some time my capacitive buttons aren't touch activated. (Though interestingly its always working with the included stylus!) When the screen is locked the home button doesnt bring the lock screen back. i.e. it remains black even I press the home button!
Any one facing this problem here after kitkat update?

Questions regarding the Note 4

Hello XDA!
I'm about to purchase a note 4 tomorrow from Wind mobile here in Canada. I would have preferred the nexus 6 but its just not available with wind as of yet.
So my questions regarding the note 4 are:
1) The Note 4 variant would be SM-N910W8, will it allow rooting?
2) Does Samsung allow unlocking the bootloader to install custom roms or is just a root sufficient to do that.
3) I've heard of something called knox, and how it will trigger once you root the note 4. Will this have any adverse effects on app functionality such as tap2pay etc..? I know the warranty will be void, but if something goes wrong with the device its a 50/50 chance of getting it repaired replaced.
4) My reason of preference for the N6 was stock android, is there a ROM currently that is AOSP based?
5) Is there a specific thread i can go to find roms for my variant?
5) Is there a way to return back to a virgin note 4 (unrooted, stock ROM)? And even when that is done, will knox still reflect the trigger as 0x1?
6) Lastly, i havent been much of a fan of samsung because i felt they were pushing out "cheap phones" And i must admit, ever since they came with the metal band with their alpha and note 4. Ive taken a great liking to them. So my question (I do only expect general replies) , How are you guys/girls liking your note 4 so far?
Thanks in advanced!
(P.S sorry if some of the questions are stupid, i researched and dug around as much as i can but couldnt find definitive answers)
Rooting restriction is carrier based. Some carriers lock down from rooting, others dont.
Knox is a one way trip. Once tripped it stays that way. It is effectively a fuse.
Had my N4 for two weeks and am loving it. Came from a rooted S4. Not really missing root that much. Wish I could still turn GPS on and off with Tasker and wish I had better access to the SD card. Not big deals though. There is another thread here about non-rooted solutions to many things people want root for.
Might become more an issue in a couple years if Samsung/Verizon fails to do timely updates.
Best advice to new N4 users is learn to use the S Pen. It is what makes the N4 stand out.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
1. No it doesnt allow rooting. get a 910U - so far it seems the least hassle.
2. no rooting.
3. yes once you try to root your warranty is void. for all purposes assume you will never get root. then again, you dont need root. in fact having no root and knox is much better. you can have a dual personality phone which works very well.
4. irrelevant. if you get the note 4 expect to run factory.
5. no. you cant have root.
6. you need a full case to hold it. its a thin glass panel. ive got an iblason armorbox for it. also would recommend buying the wireless back and wireless chargers. cables are too much of a hassle on this phone.
My recommendation would be little biased towards Samsung given my last four phones were all galaxy. I never had to root Note 3 but I rooted Note 4 in few days of owning it. Google must have thought let's give some punch to Samsung by disabling write access to external SD giving excuse of security as Samsung is the only high end phone manufacturer that still has it. And one of the most used function that was very important to me was copying files off network share to SD which no longer worked. Only for this I rooted.
I buy Note series not for amoled or big screen or good battery life or running AOSPs. I buy for SPen. I snap, print screen, doodle and write catchy text and share, adds that special touch. And that Microsoft One Note supported inking in android, I am loving it even more.
Note 4
Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated!
While it seems most of you use the note 4 for its main purpose of being a multitasking phone. I on the other end just need the good camera, screen and battery. Everything else is gimmicks (for me atleast). However, this opinion of mine could be due to the fact that ive never owned a note before.
I did see some guides of being able to root the SM-N910W8 with CF auto root, as well as a way of bringing devices back to stock as i can see form this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/general/ref-stock-firmware-kernel-modem-recovery-t2920452
Now, is that really the case or is there somehting im not seeing?
you can NEVER bring it back to stock. the efuse blows once you root. Do NOT root a note 4 until youre familiar enough with knox to make the choice
By stock i dont mean resetting the knox fuse. I mean, if I am on a cusotm rom, i can bring it back to stock for warranty purposes (which I know after the knox fuse is blown, is a hit and miss)
So my question still stands, will I be able to root my phone based on the thread i mentioned above and be able to return it to stock afterwards, or is there something im not seeing there.
qwertyman007 said:
Hello XDA!
I'm about to purchase a note 4 tomorrow from Wind mobile here in Canada. I would have preferred the nexus 6 but its just not available with wind as of yet.
So my questions regarding the note 4 are:
1) The Note 4 variant would be SM-N910W8, will it allow rooting?
2) Does Samsung allow unlocking the bootloader to install custom roms or is just a root sufficient to do that.
3) I've heard of something called knox, and how it will trigger once you root the note 4. Will this have any adverse effects on app functionality such as tap2pay etc..? I know the warranty will be void, but if something goes wrong with the device its a 50/50 chance of getting it repaired replaced.
4) My reason of preference for the N6 was stock android, is there a ROM currently that is AOSP based?
5) Is there a specific thread i can go to find roms for my variant?
5) Is there a way to return back to a virgin note 4 (unrooted, stock ROM)? And even when that is done, will knox still reflect the trigger as 0x1?
6) Lastly, i havent been much of a fan of samsung because i felt they were pushing out "cheap phones" And i must admit, ever since they came with the metal band with their alpha and note 4. Ive taken a great liking to them. So my question (I do only expect general replies) , How are you guys/girls liking your note 4 so far?
Thanks in advanced!
(P.S sorry if some of the questions are stupid, i researched and dug around as much as i can but couldnt find definitive answers)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Note 4 with Bell so to answer your questions:
1) Yes. This is true for all Canadian carriers AFAIK.
2,4) Should be sufficient with just a root. I haven't been around for a week so I haven't caught up on new developments yet. I didn't see much in the way of AOSP last I looked.
3) This I can't answer but I know for example there is an XPosed module that will allow applications like GOOD to continue to work even with KNOX tripped/removed.
5) The W8 is similar to the 910T. I'm actually running DynamicKat with the KTNote4 Kernel. When you install DK part of the install script checks if your phone is a 910T or a 910W8 and installs the correct kernel. I had an issue with my initial flash of it bootlooping but I used the Stockish kernel from twistedumbrella that I had flashed when I still running stock rooted and backed up the boot image so I restored that boot image and it booted, then I flashed KTNote4 myself. Check here http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-tmobile/development and here http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-tmobile/orig-development for roms/kernels.
6) Yes you can just flash a stock rom (should be floating around somewhere) but Knox will still be tripped.
7) Overall I'm absolutely loving it. I came from an S3 that I was running CM11 on with KT's kernel (seriously, his kernels are amazing!) and I liked it for a really long time but it started to get really sluggish and it just can't handle multitasking the way I'd like it. I do still notice slow downs, and the phone does still get pretty hot sometimes, but that's the price you pay for multi-tasking. KTs kernel certainly isn't perfected (granted I'm on a build from 2 weeks ago) and sometimes it will randomly reboot and bootloop at the splash screen but once I clear cache it boots right up. Usually only does this once it's been pretty hot for a while. I love the multitasking windows, that's exactly what I want. The one thing that threw me off the most was the DPI. It's a big phone, I don't need everything on it to be gigantic. So I did end up using the XPosed module App Settings to scale the DPI down to 480 from 640. There are a couple quirks when doing that, like the task switcher is smaller (since it was designed for 640 DPI) and there are a couple apps that you have to set back to 640 as well like the camera but you can always fix those as you find them.
I'm a firm believer that Android is a dev's playground. I could not use this phone happily without root. In fact, I rooted it the same night I got it within a couple hours. I bought the phone outright since I would have had to change my plan if I wanted to early upgrade and my plan is too good to do that. Happy modding!
Just use Autoinput. Can trigger GPS.
Sent from my SM-N910F using XDA Free mobile app

Going Note 4 from GS3 as looks like Note 5 not fitting bill

I need to replace my GS3, rooted, and it appears that the Note 5 will not have a removable battery. That is the deal breaker for me. I could live without SD slot with 128GB internal but would rather have SD. I really can't wait as the GS3 has issues with charging port and the SD card constantly un-mounting and remounting. I have a USB port to solder in and a new headset jack but will do that after getting the Note 4. I want Samsung because I use the Multi-Window all the time for my Valentine 1 radar detector app (another V1app) and Waze. My hesitation is that Siedio does not plan to make an Obex waterproof case for the Note 4. If through some miracle Samsung keeps the removable battery and sd card for the Note 5, and perhaps waterproofs it, then I will use my wife's upgrade for it and give her the Note 4. My only other options look like the GS5 or Note 3. With my must haves of removable battery, and Samsung multi-window (and sd slot) does anyone see a different alternative that I have overlooked?
Sounds like you've summed it up for yourself and know what's out there/what suits your needs.
I'd go with the Note 4 or GS5. If samsung doesn't at least return the SD card slot to us, then I see myself with the Note 4 longer then I've ever been with a phone.
I just switched from the Note 3 to the Note 4. Was going to get the Note 5 but then I couldn't get a 10,000 mAh battery from ZeroLemon nor use my 128gb MicroSD card.
Nope, I too foster similar requirements (sans multi-window - I've migrated away from TouchWiz since the early days of my previous and first Android device, the GS3). I got my Note 4 and love it... I think that you will be happy with the decision.
TodWulff said:
Nope, I too foster similar requirements (sans multi-window - I've migrated away from TouchWiz since the early days of my previous and first Android device, the GS3). I got my Note 4 and love it... I think that you will be happy with the decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the replies. I just wanted to make sure that I was not missing something. I'm going to get the Note 4. Now I just need to convince Siedio to make a waterproof Obex for it; Fat chance. I see there are a few other options for waterproofing and I may go that route. My GS3 is huge with the Obex but I don't mind geeking it on the belt clip. I may just get their regular Dilex case and a different waterproof one for canoeing etc.
Now, KitKat or Lollipop
Shopping I see I can get the Note 4 from BestBuy with KitKat but if I go to the Sprint corporate store, or a franchise, I'll get Lollipop. I plan to root but I am not a constant ROM upgrade guy. My GS3 I rooted right when I got it, then I flashed only once more to ND8. Both just stock rooted with hotspot. Each time I have to spend a day reading on XDA and asking questions if needed. I have Xposed for a couple of app mods now on the GS3. I will run touchwiz on the Note 4 because I want the multi-window. I have read through a few of the threads including the downgrade to Kitkat one. Should I get KitKat and run a stock rooted ROM or go ahead with Lollipop stock rooted? I really appreciate those who can offer their recommendations as I don't have time to spend all day reading through threads and trying multiple searches. Thanks clicks await.
http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...cessories/484289-waterproof-note-4-cases.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7JyEy6-Tdo
Where you get information about the note 5. Samsung would lose sales if they change there note series. Galaxy needed the change the note series don't. I be surprised if they go s6 route. The note series made like the s6 would be over 1200 dollars up to 1500 depending on storage. They wouldn't sell many phones at that price. It's already expensive now on a 2 year or monthly payments. I'll laugh if i see 599 with 2 year agreement or 89 a month for a phone.
bonebeatz1234 said:
Where you get information about the note 5. Samsung would lose sales if they change there note series. Galaxy needed the change the note series don't. I be surprised if they go s6 route. The note series made like the s6 would be over 1200 dollars up to 1500 depending on storage. They wouldn't sell many phones at that price. It's already expensive now on a 2 year or monthly payments. I'll laugh if i see 599 with 2 year agreement or 89 a month for a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just about every prediction out there, google, indicates dropping both sd card and removable battery. I hope they are wrong but tend to think they will screw the pooch on the Note 5. I need a phone now, based on the predictions I will get the Note 4. If I could hold out 4 months I would but the GS3 is tired and wonky. Big companies like Samsung rarely listen to enthusiasts, they go with the numbers dorks. The development lead guy for the Note series, if he castrates the Note 5 by removing its gonads, need to be executed by anti-aircraft gunfire. Just like the North Korean Defense Minister, who made the fatal error of taking a nap during a meeting with the ruthless narcissist, Kim Jon Un.
I just don't think they would do that to note users. We are power users and that's the point of the note series IMO. FINGERS CROSSED AND HOLDING MY N4 TIGHTLY
I can't see how the price will stay the same if they go the s6 route. That would be one expensive phone and pricey phones over 1200 won't move far. I don't care how long your money is 1200 for a phone not made of gold is just plain dumb. I just can't remember ever hearing anyone complain about the note series build quality. Even in phone reviews. But if the world we live in anything is possible so i wouldn't be surprised if they did and i wouldn't buy it period. Fingers crossed
I picked up the Note 4 at lunch and it's now rooted via Odin and CF-Auto-Root. One of the salesman at the Sprint Corporate store deflated when I told him that I would not bother waiting on the Note 5 as it appears to already be castrated. He pulled out his Note 4 and said he had 6 batteries and a 128GB sd card and agreed that he will probably be using the Note 4 for a long time.
I'm now looking to flash a near stock rooted rom. I want Knox gone and I want a bunch of bloat gone. I have been using an app called Multi-Window Manager to modify the multi-window to include the apps I want. It depends on Exposed Framework. I will have to wait for the masters to make that happen or shop for a different app that does not need it. Does such a thing exist? Now off to Android Development to shop ROM's. Thanks for the help!
Welcome to the sprint Note 4 forums David. I think you made the right choice. The Note 4 is a great phone and will do anything and everything you need it to do for at least the duration of your contract. By then you can decide if you want a new phone or keep the Note 4. I personally think the Note 4 will serve a lot of people for a long time... definetely for at least two years. There's not much that you'll need to mod or change to be perfectly happy with the note 4. It's awesome straight out of the box. You have a few options for custom/stock roms and any one of them will be great. My rom project is out of commission for a while until I get ready for a new release and update my rom thread. I'm stepping back and taking a different approach with the next release of my rom. There's just SOOOOO many things that can be modded & themed on this phone that's it can be overwelming and definetely time consuming to build roms and port things, do mod etc.
You should definetely consider running Lollipop as it is much more optimized than kitKat and rom development, mods, themes, etc will be more available for Lollipop and newer software versions.
Thanks Tex! Lollipop came out on top after reading in the Development forum. I Odined twrp and transferred your Stock rooted Odexed ROM to my sd card. I'm about to flash it but trying to find the hotspot mod to flash it right afterward. I just read your whole stock rooted bob7 thread and saw hints of adding any app to the Multi-window feature. I used Multi-Window manager before but it requires Exposed Framework. I'll also be watching for your next ROM. I want to ditch a bunch of apps including knox and all Sprint and most Samsung apps. I am tempted to try a de-bloated ROM but want Multi-Window which means Touchwiz. I also want the S-pen to work even though I don't really know how much I will use it. I could just follow the 'Running list of Note 4... safe to remove' thread but it seems incomplete.
Thanks for your hard work!
tx_dbs_tx said:
Welcome to the sprint Note 4 forums David. I think you made the right choice. The Note 4 is a great phone and will do anything and everything you need it to do for at least the duration of your contract. By then you can decide if you want a new phone or keep the Note 4. I personally think the Note 4 will serve a lot of people for a long time... definetely for at least two years. There's not much that you'll need to mod or change to be perfectly happy with the note 4. It's awesome straight out of the box. You have a few options for custom/stock roms and any one of them will be great. My rom project is out of commission for a while until I get ready for a new release and update my rom thread. I'm stepping back and taking a different approach with the next release of my rom. There's just SOOOOO many things that can be modded & themed on this phone that's it can be overwelming and definetely time consuming to build roms and port things, do mod etc.
You should definetely consider running Lollipop as it is much more optimized than kitKat and rom development, mods, themes, etc will be more available for Lollipop and newer software versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
David.Dunbar said:
Thanks Tex! Lollipop came out on top after reading in the Development forum. I Odined twrp and transferred your Stock rooted Odexed ROM to my sd card. I'm about to flash it but trying to find the hotspot mod to flash it right afterward. I just read your whole stock rooted bob7 thread and saw hints of adding any app to the Multi-window feature. I used Multi-Window manager before but it requires Exposed Framework. I'll also be watching for your next ROM. I want to ditch a bunch of apps including knox and all Sprint and most Samsung apps. I am tempted to try a de-bloated ROM but want Multi-Window which means Touchwiz. I also want the S-pen to work even though I don't really know how much I will use it. I could just follow the 'Running list of Note 4... safe to remove' thread but it seems incomplete.
Thanks for your hard work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful with debloating yourself. there's several apk's that are necessary for other apps to work. there's really no need to remove anything other than known bloat apps. Leave everything else alone or you could debloat yourself into some problems. Not to toot my own horn but this ROM might fit the bill for you. There are a few other ROMs here in the forums so look around. Hotspot mod is already included in both of those roms. If you browse my AFH Lollipop mods folder you will find a flashable zip for the hotspot mod but if you're on the stock odexed rom you will need to manually remove an odex file in order for it to work. More details on how to do this can be found HERE.
I'm downloading the Hybrid X Series 2.0 Base Odexed ROM you linked below. You say it has the hotspot mod. Does your Stock_Rooted_NoKnox_N910PSPT1BOB7_SPR.zip have the hotspot mod? Or do I have to flash the Deodexed_N915PSPT2BOC8_N915PVPU2BOC8_Hotspot Mod.zip using the instructions you linked to remove the .odex file? For the Hybrid X where can i read about it's features? The KitKat based Hybrid X Series (Dark Themed) ROM thread is closed. Thanks again!
tx_dbs_tx said:
Be careful with debloating yourself. there's several apk's that are necessary for other apps to work. there's really no need to remove anything other than known bloat apps. Leave everything else alone or you could debloat yourself into some problems. Not to toot my own horn but this ROM might fit the bill for you. There are a few other ROMs here in the forums so look around. Hotspot mod is already included in both of those roms. If you browse my AFH Lollipop mods folder you will find a flashable zip for the hotspot mod but if you're on the stock odexed rom you will need to manually remove an odex file in order for it to work. More details on how to do this can be found HERE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
David.Dunbar said:
I'm downloading the Hybrid X Series 2.0 Base Odexed ROM you linked below. You say it has the hotspot mod. Does your Stock_Rooted_NoKnox_N910PSPT1BOB7_SPR.zip have the hotspot mod? Or do I have to flash the Deodexed_N915PSPT2BOC8_N915PVPU2BOC8_Hotspot Mod.zip using the instructions you linked to remove the .odex file? For the Hybrid X where can i read about it's features? The KitKat based Hybrid X Series (Dark Themed) ROM thread is closed. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheStock_Rooted_NoKnox_N910PSPT1BOB7_SPR is a completely stock rom with no mods or enabled hotspot.
Deodexed_N915PSPT2BOC8_N915PVPU2BOC8_Hotspot Mod.zip is ONLY for the Sprint note Edge. I pointed yo to that thread only for the instructions which are the same for flashing the correct OB7 hotspot mod on the regularSprint Nore 4. Yes my rom thread is close until i redo my OP and get a new build ready. I'll pm you a link to the rom details.
Hybrid X Series 2.0 Base Odexed is installed and running perfectly. Made flipboard Google games-music-news-magazine-...all go away. I use their search engine and calendar. What about Sprint Zone? Can it go away?
Many thanks to tx_dbs_tx. I'll donate again when your updates come along as I appreciate the time and effort spent creating ROMS and the help with those new to custom ROMS like me.
tx_dbs_tx said:
TheStock_Rooted_NoKnox_N910PSPT1BOB7_SPR is a completely stock rom with no mods or enabled hotspot.
Deodexed_N915PSPT2BOC8_N915PVPU2BOC8_Hotspot Mod.zip is ONLY for the Sprint note Edge. I pointed yo to that thread only for the instructions which are the same for flashing the correct OB7 hotspot mod on the regularSprint Nore 4. Yes my rom thread is close until i redo my OP and get a new build ready. I'll pm you a link to the rom details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
David.Dunbar said:
Hybrid X Series 2.0 Base Odexed is installed and running perfectly. Made flipboard Google games-music-news-magazine-...all go away. I use their search engine and calendar. What about Sprint Zone? Can it go away?
Many thanks to tx_dbs_tx. I'll donate again when your updates come along as I appreciate the time and effort spent creating ROMS and the help with those new to custom ROMS like me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome and thanks for the donation that was awesome of you. As for Sprint Zone, yes you can get rid of it or freeze it if you want. I rarely use it but i do use it when i want to check out things on my account. It's much better than it used to be it it's harmless. I leave it in my ROMs because I don'y want to remove things and cause people to have to search for things to put back into the ROM so they can use those stock features. My rom concept is a little different than other custom ROMs. I make my ROMs the way i like it. I keep all stock Samsung apps and all critical apps in the ROM so that everybody has full features upon flashing. In short, it's a stock rom on steriods. LOL. You can flash it and not have do anything but install your favorite apps and still have that stock look & feel. Take care.

And They Wonder Why G4 Sales Suck...

LG says no plans for G4 Android 5.1.1 update at the moment
Are we going directly to Android M? When I had my G3 we had the same issue, no 5.1.1
Given all of the issues with Lollipop, this may be a blessing in disguise but
the negative publicity from this may further impact the already poor sales.
Actually
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
fpsq said:
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are no where unless someone's keeping it hush hush. I check daily too.
The xda and tweak people are just s handfull of users ... Most buyers are regular and they don't even know xda .... If you want a phone that get every update then buy a Google phone, or a iphone. If you want a unlocked bootloader now then buy a Samsung. If you don't want those phones , then stop whining and buy a G4 or any other phone with Android on it instead of complaining. Sales are not depending on if a bootloader is unlocked or not !
Verstuurd vanaf mijn LG-H815 met Tapatalk
fpsq said:
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
dontpannic said:
... but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? [emoji58]
Sent from my G4 whilst wishing for root
dontpannic said:
but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ads. Mothereffin' ads everywhere. In apps, in web pages, on YouTube. Blocking ads alone is worth gold.
Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!
dontpannic said:
Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
GravityBox is a HUGE one. It controls the look and behavior of everything on your phone.
Downloads2SD for remapping hardcoded folders like Downloads from internal storage to the SD card.
DisableFlagSecure for taking screenshots in apps that forbid it.
XHangouts for configuring image quality and other things in Hangouts.
NotifyClean for suppressing annoying system notifications that cannot normally be disabled.
The list can go on, I'm sure others use a lot more than this.
I am also missing a few features that I can only use with root. AdAway, AirAudio to stream my sound to other devices, etc...
siraltus said:
Really?
GravityBox is a HUGE one. It controls the look and behavior of everything on your phone.
Downloads2SD for remapping hardcoded folders like Downloads from internal storage to the SD card.
DisableFlagSecure for taking screenshots in apps that forbid it.
XHangouts for configuring image quality and other things in Hangouts.
NotifyClean for suppressing annoying system notifications that cannot normally be disabled.
The list can go on, I'm sure others use a lot more than this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyones usage is different remember - I just want to use a phone and from previous experience with my S4 introducing xposed to it turned it into a buggy mess, I don't want that happening to this phone.
dontpannic said:
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
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99% agree with you there. I got this device for the ability it has without any root/unlock. Fully agree that Xposed has never done anything good for me in my experiences...usually end up having bugs and ending up factory resetting rom I'm on.
Also confused as to why people expect that the G4 would already be unlocked or rooted. This device has been out for just over 3 weeks, fellas. Sure, there are other manufacturers (HTC which I LOVE save for their inability to understand that a good camera is a requirement in 2015) that are able to be unlocked like 30 seconds after you open the box. LG is NOT that way. The G3 was a pain in the butt last year for this from what I understand and this device is running a newer processor and supposedly more secure version of android.
In the end, I would like to have root, so I can get rid of the T-Mobile stuff...and yeah, while I can DISABLE it, that doesn't get rid of it, it's just lying dormant...I still have a disabled app taking up space on my device.
siraltus said:
Ads. Mothereffin' ads everywhere. In apps, in web pages, on YouTube. Blocking ads alone is worth gold.
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Yes this times 1000. Plus getting rid of bloat (although the LG does not have nearly as much as my Samsung devices had) plus I really want to be able to use Titanium Backup again.
Also...Not sure why everyone is so set on being on the latest version of Android at all times. I learned my lesson on that the hard way. Last device I was on was the Note 4. We were extremely irritated that we were getting Lollipop so late compared to all the other Sammy devices. Boy was I wrong to wish for it. It came with more bugs than new features, most of which made the device nearly unusable to me, resulting in my spending $280 to get the device half paid off so I could JUMP to the G4.
Rather than rolling out a new version of Android, I'm sure many users would prefer that LG work on the number of bugs that some users have experienced thusfar. That being said, 5.1 seems to be doing me pretty well for this device for me
A free wifi tethering method would be nice to have again.
I don't see the link between 5.1.1 and bad sales. If someone refused to get G4 because they won't update it to 5.1.1, I find this hilarious. 5.1.1 is a maintenance update, nothing major as I am aware, so LG can include the most important fixes from the latest available android version through OTA update, and there is no need to show you the latest android build number. 5.1 can include everything 5.1.1 got.
dontpannic said:
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
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Click to collapse
Have you even used Xposed recently? Root itself is fantastic, and does not harm usability. You can use apps like Greenify and Titanium Backup to remove apps and improve battery life, modify the tethering provisioning check to use the hotspot, etc. I also use Xposed on 5.1.1 and on 5.0, 4.4, etc., and I don't have any issues at all. the 10+ modules I use never have problems.
I'm keeping my rooted G3 until we can root the G4, as I need root in some form or another.
dontpannic said:
Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!
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The phone is is great all on its own but I am looking forward to no ads and a tweaked Rom to hopefully get rid of the awful lagging and missed touch issues
Give the devs time. There's a lot of money pledged in the bounty board which should attract some top devs, so short of JesusFreke coming out of retirement I doubt it'll be in the next month.
Actually revisited
fpsq said:
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
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If you purchase the open EUR H815 handset, you can officially unlock the bootloader through LG's Dev website, and from there install TWPR and flash SuperSU for root.
This method is not (yet?) available to other models, however.
You're correct that there are currently no unofficial methods to unlock the bootloader or root the device, yet.

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