Verizon S5 - Quick help please - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Can anybody please help with a quick answer?
In a nutshell I still torn between the S5 and HTC M8 (buying tonight) and needed to know what I can do with the S5 as far as root and custom ROMs go.
I think the S5 is better than the M8 however the locked bootloader plain sux and there are plenty of recoveries and ROMs for the M8.
I certainly prefer the VZW S5 if I can at least root it and maybe install a custom rom or even plain KitKat if needed. I can always wait for a custom recovery.
Is that possible as of now?
Thanks in advance!

Hawk600 said:
Can anybody please help with a quick answer?
In a nutshell I still torn between the S5 and HTC M8 (buying tonight) and needed to know what I can do with the S5 as far as root and custom ROMs go.
I think the S5 is better than the M8 however the locked bootloader plain sux and there are plenty of recoveries and ROMs for the M8.
I certainly prefer the VZW S5 if I can at least root it and maybe install a custom rom or even plain KitKat if needed. I can always wait for a custom recovery.
Is that possible as of now?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really like rooting your device and such, i suggest the S5.
I believe there are recoveries available but currently there are no plain kitkat roms for the S5.
HTC has all these S-on, locked bootloader and stuff that makes it a hassle to root.
It is also a hassle to return HTC devices to factory spec.
Hardware wise I think the S5 is a better choice. it isn't stupidly tall, doesn't have on screen keys, doesn't have an exterior that scratches and dents, doesnt have a 4MP sensor that performs VERY inconsistently.
I'll admit HTC has better software, but software can be changed, hardware cannot be changed.

Hellscythe said:
If you really like rooting your device and such, i suggest the S5.
I believe there are recoveries available but currently there are no plain kitkat roms for the S5.
HTC has all these S-on, locked bootloader and stuff that makes it a hassle to root.
It is also a hassle to return HTC devices to factory spec.
Hardware wise I think the S5 is a better choice. it isn't stupidly tall, doesn't have on screen keys, doesn't have an exterior that scratches and dents, doesnt have a 4MP sensor that performs VERY inconsistently.
I'll admit HTC has better software, but software can be changed, hardware cannot be changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I liked the HTC but got the S5 for the same reasons you pointed out, however is Verizon version and as far as I know there is no root for it yet.
Well I believe it will be unlocked at some point...just need some patience.
Thanks again!

Related

[Q] A bit of a lose with Samsung , appreciate some clarification

Presently I am using an AT&T HTC One X. I have never had my hands on a Samsung. I would like some clarification on rooting and using the custom roms.
I know this phone is new to the market and not much other than developers know much about it, but I still am curious. I am reasonably sure I will be switching to the GS 4 after the "hype" cools after the newness wears off.
Until the HTC One X, I used iPhones since the first iPhone 3 and never thouht about rooting or custom roms then came across the root thing and swapping roms, I had no problem with the root stuff or swapping after reading several posts and forums on the HTC One X so the ? is, is the Samsung's that hard or difficult to unlock the bootloader ?( see I don't even know for sure the Samsung has a bootloader).
I have read about the "Gold Card", using a Y cable , etc. is all that a necessary part of rooting ?
With the HTC One X there is a International and a U.S.A (AT&T) version, roms will not interchange, is this the case with the Galaxy S 4?
If there is two versions which is which? ATT code name or number in particular.
In the past with custom roms, what does the Samsung roms have over the HOX roms ? I know HTC sense and like it , I have heard about touch whiz, but what is it?
I know comparison's are illegal in the forums and this is on the verge of comparing but just asking for the difference on some points.
Samsung FOREVER <3 <3 ​
sadekmefti said:
Samsung FOREVER <3 <3 ​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess this forum isn't as "noob" friendly as stated, unlike the HOX forums. With regards to the type of answer I got here, I might just reconsider the HTC One when due for an upgrade. At least in the forums I use I can at least get some kind of replies.
To be honest, this forum is pretty stupid .. Been here since 2009 and just got back to android and realised this forum became crap. Full of memes and nonhelpful posts.. meh
leesumm said:
Presently I am using an AT&T HTC One X. I have never had my hands on a Samsung. I would like some clarification on rooting and using the custom roms.
I know this phone is new to the market and not much other than developers know much about it, but I still am curious. I am reasonably sure I will be switching to the GS 4 after the "hype" cools after the newness wears off.
Until the HTC One X, I used iPhones since the first iPhone 3 and never thouht about rooting or custom roms then came across the root thing and swapping roms, I had no problem with the root stuff or swapping after reading several posts and forums on the HTC One X so the ? is, is the Samsung's that hard or difficult to unlock the bootloader ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
( see I don't even know for sure the Samsung has a bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every phone to my knowledge has a bootloader
I have read about the "Gold Card", using a Y cable , etc. is all that a necessary part of rooting ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gold Card is unique to HTC I think, it's not used in Sony phones. I've only ever needed the charger (Micro USB B cable) for unlocking both my Sony Arc and HTC desire HD
With the HTC One X there is a International and a U.S.A (AT&T) version, roms will not interchange, is this the case with the Galaxy S 4?
If there is two versions which is which? ATT code name or number in particular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USA usually have their own "custom" built phones. For Code names
In the past with custom roms, what does the Samsung roms have over the HOX roms ? I know HTC sense and like it , I have heard about touch whiz, but what is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touch whiz is the sense for Samsung, It's essentially Samsung adding their own stuff on top of regular android
I know comparison's are illegal in the forums and this is on the verge of comparing but just asking for the difference on some points.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could probably look up reviews.
SevenD2 said:
Every phone to my knowledge has a bootloader
Gold Card is unique to HTC I think, it's not used in Sony phones. I've only ever needed the charger (Micro USB B cable) for unlocking both my Sony Arc and HTC desire HD
USA usually have their own "custom" built phones. For Code names
Touch whiz is the sense for Samsung, It's essentially Samsung adding their own stuff on top of regular android
You could probably look up reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the information, although with all the reading this morning on the GS4 and the HTC one I think I am more confused than before. I still don't know for sure what the difference is between the HTC and the Galaxy as for the root procedure. Then, enters the ODIN thing? Unlocking seems easier with the HTCDEV than whatever the procedure for the GS4, but the software review from Engadget makes the GS4 seem more appealing than the HTC out of box for me anyway. But , still with all the reading there is conflicts as to what I see whether the GS4 can be unlocked. From what I read, HTC is easier to unlock and S-OFF than the Samsung also. AS I understand it , TWRP cannot be used on the GS4 as with the same on HTC and CWM could not in the early stages. I am used to the TWRP for recovery but have used the CWM since it was altered for the HTC. Like some of the DEVS , plastic or aluminum it doesn't really matter as there will a case of some sorts on either one if nothing more than to protect from scratches.
All in all it sounds as if the Galaxy has the better software than the HTC One and IF the devs incorporate the features in the custom roms , it would make the GS4 a better device for me any way. I guess it comes down to the wait period for my upgrade to see what the DEVS come up with for customs and which one will win.

[Q] Switch my G3 for S4?

So i bought a LG G3. And i hoped that it would be open for roms and so on. But It's not. Totally locked Down. At least the international Version.
And my girlfriend has a S4. So.. I have thouht about maybe trading With her. So i could install custom roms and have some fun et cetra.
But Im not sure yet. Seeing the hardware is somewhat different i cant make up my mind.
So I'm asking here. Would it be a worthy trade?
Or would it totally blow?
I know the S5 is out and everything. But I dont need that extra. And dont want to buy another phone really.
So Thoughts?
Don't
I am just stating my personal preference, although I think many people would tell you the same.
Keep your LG G3. I have a Galaxy S4 and I have experimented with some popular roms and kernels. It is fun and you discover a lot of interesting features specific to some roms. But you know what? Now I'm back to a near-stock ROM called hyperdrive, and if I want to go back to stock, I would do it without hesitation. You see...Samsung manufactures my Galaxy S4, and develops the software specifically for it. LG manufactures your LG G3, and develops the software for that specific device. So, in most cases, the stock ROM is the perfect one for your device, and OEMs(Samsung, LG) provide you with content that can only run on your ROM. In my case, the custom ROMs had awesome features, but the also had bugs no matter how long i waited, and the photos I took were not that great compared to the stock ROM. Besides, when I am on the stock ROM I can run a program by Samsung called SideSync which mirrors my device's screen onto my non-Samsung PC, pretty awesome right? In addition, the Galaxy S4 is not as nearly good-looking, premium, and feature-packed as your LG G3.
So I suggest you keep your G3, but root it(in case you haven't yet) and install some xposed modules which are going to give you more features than you need. That is what I would do.
It won't be a worthy trade. It would totally blow.
I agree and furthermore, G3 is really powerfull, much more than S4 and its camera is far better.
After all S4 is last year model and can be compared to G2 not to G3.
Also price is very different, G3 about 600€ when I just bought my S4 for 298€!!!
This said, S4 is a GREAT device, but G3 is far better. Keep it
Zheen said:
I am just stating my personal preference, although I think many people would tell you the same.
Keep your LG G3. I have a Galaxy S4 and I have experimented with some popular roms and kernels. It is fun and you discover a lot of interesting features specific to some roms. But you know what? Now I'm back to a near-stock ROM called hyperdrive, and if I want to go back to stock, I would do it without hesitation. You see...Samsung manufactures my Galaxy S4, and develops the software specifically for it. LG manufactures your LG G3, and develops the software for that specific device. So, in most cases, the stock ROM is the perfect one for your device, and OEMs(Samsung, LG) provide you with content that can only run on your ROM. In my case, the custom ROMs had awesome features, but the also had bugs no matter how long i waited, and the photos I took were not that great compared to the stock ROM. Besides, when I am on the stock ROM I can run a program by Samsung called SideSync which mirrors my device's screen onto my non-Samsung PC, pretty awesome right? In addition, the Galaxy S4 is not as nearly good-looking, premium, and feature-packed as your LG G3.
So I suggest you keep your G3, but root it(in case you haven't yet) and install some xposed modules which are going to give you more features than you need. That is what I would do.
It won't be a worthy trade. It would totally blow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to somewhat disagree with that. I could never get myself to like Samsung's TouchWiz. Instead, I've now been running CM11 for a while, and I could not be happier. That said, if I had the choice, I would also have kept the G3. It's not always that easy to find a custom ROM that you would be willing to stick with in the long run, and like Zheen said, you can now get many of the advantages previously only found in custom ROMs using xposed. Not to mention the improved hardware the G3 has over the S4.
Lastly, there is also always a (tiny) chance the G3 community might after some time find a way to bypass the locked bootloader (Loki & etc). After all, this has happened to other popular models before.
keep your G3 , before or after Handy custom roms , it's a very new model so be patient with him. besides , it's a real missile, no ?? you want most ???

Is a Bump like exploit possible on the Verizon S5?

As an owner of a rooted Verizon Retail S5, I'm very grateful for the developers that have worked hard to maximize the potential of the phone, but no matter how much you clean up TouchWiz, it is simply no replacement for Cyanogenmod/AOSP. My question is it possible to have a work-around for the locked bootloader like the LG G3's Bump possible on the S5?
epicfailftw123 said:
As an owner of a rooted Verizon Retail S5, I'm very grateful for the developers that have worked hard to maximize the potential of the phone, but no matter how much you clean up TouchWiz, it is simply no replacement for Cyanogenmod/AOSP. My question is it possible to have a work-around for the locked bootloader like the LG G3's Bump possible on the S5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also love to see something like this. I had mentioned in another thread why not try to use Kexec? That was used on a CyanogenMod ROM I had on my Motorola Droid 4 that had a locked bootloader. Basically, the phone will boot with its kernel, then kexec will load the custom one on top of it.
Now granted, IDK if the Motorola D4 had TrustZone or any of that nonsense to deal with so I'm not sure if something like that could work as an interim.

[Q] Considering buying the S5. You guys' satisfaction with the S5? Any regrets?

Hi guys, I'm considering upgrading the S5, but have heard that it's like the "black sheep" of the S family. Is that true? Is it a worthy upgrade for S4 users? Anyone here has any regret of getting the phone (camera quality not as good as expected, battery life too short, phone gets hot quickly,...) ? I've used numerous Android device including the Optimus one, Optimus 3D, Optimus 4x HD, Optimus GK (yeah lots of LG products), HTC 8x and currently Xperia Z1 compact, and decided to go Samsung this time. Is it the right choice at the moment (I really don't like how the S6 will be removing SD slot and removable battery and stuff...) ? Thanks in advance .
// Edit: even though I've never cared about camera quality in previous phone, I do want a good camera this time. Will the S5's camera blow me away compared to current alternatives within the price range?
From my perspective, coming from an S2, yes I am really happy with the phone. Whether you will see much performance difference between newer samsung devices (S3 & S4) and the S5....I couldn't comment......but I have read that there is not that great a difference between the S4 and S5. From the viewpoint of removable battery and expandable memory, if that is important to you, then the S5 is probably the last chance you'll have to own a Samsung device. The only potential 'fly in the ointment' with the S5 is KNOX......do your research on that, then decide if you want an S5.......
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 stocKK SM-G900F S5
Have never regretted a single moment. Upgraded from the S3 and got the 901F , everything flies , it's just on what's your daily usage,how you use it then you can be satisfied. About the camera part, I myself don't really mind about camera quality but I can say in my opinion makes me satisifed ^_^ altho there's not much dev for my model , it's good to have a phone that has removable battery , expandable memory since S6 isn't gonna provide that
@op - Most/All of the bad points you've heard about the S5 will be coming from people who upgraded to Lollipop early on / didn't factory reset after the update, KK users from everything Ive read, are very happy with the phone, I run LP and am very happy with it too
Coming from a Lumia 620, it's a massive upgrade to me and IMO, a great phone, couldn't be happier, battery life is great too
If you go looking for negative reviews of a device, you'll find them for any device no matter how good it is
I just got the phone two weeks ago but I didn't realise how hard it would be to root without tripping Knox. I've rooted all my phones in the past which involved jumping through a few hoops but this scenario is diabolical! There are so many ROM versions, so many out-of-date forum threads for all different S5 models. I think the geographical region has an effect as well. First you have to downgrade your ROM back to KitKat and then root it and then upgrade. It's an absolute minefield! I think it might be easier if you don't mind tripping the Knox warranty flag but I'm not ready to void mine.
seanspotatobusiness said:
I just got the phone two weeks ago but I didn't realise how hard it would be to root without tripping Knox. I've rooted all my phones in the past which involved jumping through a few hoops but this scenario is diabolical! There are so many ROM versions, so many out-of-date forum threads for all different S5 models. I think the geographical region has an effect as well. First you have to downgrade your ROM back to KitKat and then root it and then upgrade. It's an absolute minefield! I think it might be easier if you don't mind tripping the Knox warranty flag but I'm not ready to void mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was the same for about 2 months, eventually got sick of waiting for a LP root method that didn't trip KNOX, and just went for it - pleased I did now
There is a question over whether or not tripping KNOX in the EU voids warranty or not too, some people say it does, some people say it doesn't and they would have to prove that flashing custom software was the cause of the fault, so if your screen stops responding, even flashing back to stock doesn't fix it, it wasn't your fault, but if you pop the speakers by modding the volume after rooting, then it is your fault, those sort of things
Recently I have used Galaxy S4, Moto G, HTC One M8 & Asend 740 ..... finally I got a Galaxy S5 (SM-G900F) with Snapdragon CPU.
I'm kind of user who doesn't play games in my smartphone, I just use it for calls Whatsapp, viber Instagram & the like apps.
to be honest yes I'm so much satisfied with the Galaxy S5 specially the great screen.
Here is a list of most notable stuff in Galaxy S5 { Kitkat 4.4.2 }
1- Camera is very nice but the images quality in low light cases & indoors are little bit noisy.
2- the UI sometimes will lag any smartphone will lag while in use ....... as you know Galaxy S5 use the Touchwize UI which it is featured rich & heavy I prefer to use feature rich UI with little lag than using light UI with very few features.
3- some time I'm having battery drain and mobile will become hot when using some Apps like viber.
4- in general battery life is very good .
in the end I love to use a new smartphone every while .......... I have used Android, Windows Phone & iOS, Galaxy S5 is a smartphone which you can keep for one or two years, it is really a smartphone you can be satisfied with it.
Yeah.....touchwiz can be a bit heavy in use, but if you replace it with a launcher like Nova or Apex (I use Nova) that can help........
And as far as games are concerned, the games I play are emulated PS1 games, and they run without ANY lag and without overheating the phone.......
Battery life on this device is better than on any other Samsung phone I've ever used......
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 stocKK SM-G900F S5
I have used all Samsung's Galaxy S series.
From Galaxy S1 to S5.
And yes, S5 is a better phone than S4.
Its build quality, battery life, Speed and features are better than S4.
Camera is almost same but doesnt focus on small objects.
+ Fingerprint, heart rate, water resistance
thank you guys @keithross39 , @fitris97 , @*Detection* , @seanspotatobusiness , @one-option, @Aafsut . I think I'll get the S5. Unfortunately where I live only the T-Mobile version is left (other variants including international 900F are sold out). But seems like the T version is one of the variants with unlocked bootloader and I don't mind having KNOX tripped (our service centers here are sh*t and they likely won't know about checking that), does that mean I can have an easier way to root the phone? I have rooted LGs and Sony in the past and they are fairly easy to do, but no experience with Samsung (Odin and stuffs)... Also the KNOX flag just voids the warranty right? No other side effect?
And I suppose I can flash most 900F ROMs on the T-Mobile version? I have asked in the T-Mobile forum and got one confirmation about Omega Rom for 900F running fine on the 900T, but just want to be extra sure
You can use odin to flash CF auto root i believe just a simple step, just find your correct model and flash it. About KNOX , if you trip it , mainly , you void your warranty as well as you can't update OTA if you want to see see whether there is an update available.
fitris97 said:
You can use odin to flash CF auto root i believe just a simple step, just find your correct model and flash it. About KNOX , if you trip it , mainly , you void your warranty as well as you can't update OTA if you want to see see whether there is an update available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ARRRG I knew it! No OTA is a big bummer Guess I'll have to be careful with that KNOX thingy...
// Also, will the S5 likely to receive any other major OS upgrades? 5.1 or even higher?
Well if you trip and theres new update available you can always download the right firmware for your phone and flash it via odin no problem. Well it's up to them to release it, right now latest is lollipop 5.0? For my model its 5.0.1 so different model different timing as to releasing so probably yes? Haha

All things root and Bootloader?

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

Categories

Resources