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Hi,
As is tradition, I upgrade my phone and then come here for the best ROM to remove provider bloat. This has been fine with my S2, S3, and S4 over the years. Now I have a new S5 and into my 4th month of a 24 month contract. As usual I want the best ROM so this is the place, but then I discover in the latest provider firmware update (from EE in UK )they have pushed something called Computrace (apprently an official EE app which deals with fraud). Now I don't particularly like this being on my phone but not too bothered as it doesn't effect daily use), what I'd like to know is this - is it ok for me to flash my phone to a sim-free S5 ROM while this is on my phone?
cheers
Deeko76 said:
Hi,
As is tradition, I upgrade my phone and then come here for the best ROM to remove provider bloat. This has been fine with my S2, S3, and S4 over the years. Now I have a new S5 and into my 4th month of a 24 month contract. As usual I want the best ROM so this is the place, but then I discover in the latest provider firmware update (from EE in UK )they have pushed something called Computrace (apprently an official EE app which deals with fraud). Now I don't particularly like this being on my phone but not too bothered as it doesn't effect daily use), what I'd like to know is this - is it ok for me to flash my phone to a sim-free S5 ROM while this is on my phone?
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting a smartphone isn`t fraudulous and It doesn`t even invalidate warranty in the EU. I think computrace`s function is to prevent more losses after theft, localisation of the device and beeing able to disable the phone.
Hey All,
So I was in the market for a GNote 12.2, but I wanted to avoid the lag that I have associated with the Exynos lineup (maybe due to big.LITTLE transition?). So I was able to find a 12.2 on eBay that was being sold with a bad IMEI. I don't really care so much about the inability to access the LTE network since I can tether from my other devices when no WiFi is available. The reason I went for it was because due to the bad IMEI, I was able to get the tablet for less than the lowest price of a WIFI refurb model I've seen (which was $430). My question though is this: When the next Android update is approved by AT&T, am I going to have a problem receiving the update? They come OTA, but I'll never have a SIM in this thing, and the tab will never be registered to the ATT network.
Is rooting then flashing a stock ROM of Android L when it comes out my only option? Or will the OTA work?
In any case, I'm really loving this thing...
Keaka26 said:
Hey All,
So I was in the market for a GNote 12.2, but I wanted to avoid the lag that I have associated with the Exynos lineup (maybe due to big.LITTLE transition?). So I was able to find a 12.2 on eBay that was being sold with a bad IMEI. I don't really care so much about the inability to access the LTE network since I can tether from my other devices when no WiFi is available. The reason I went for it was because due to the bad IMEI, I was able to get the tablet for less than the lowest price of a WIFI refurb model I've seen (which was $430). My question though is this: When the next Android update is approved by AT&T, am I going to have a problem receiving the update? They come OTA, but I'll never have a SIM in this thing, and the tab will never be registered to the ATT network.
Is rooting then flashing a stock ROM of Android L when it comes out my only option? Or will the OTA work?
In any case, I'm really loving this thing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as there is no SIM card in the device, you should get the update. The only time the update system would scream and shout would be when there's a SIM in the device that isn't active. You should be alright.
AT&T uses RedBend software for doing OTA updates and it really sucks. haha If you try to check for an update, does it tell you something about the software update being interrupted? If not, you're fine.
oldblue910 said:
As long as there is no SIM card in the device, you should get the update. The only time the update system would scream and shout would be when there's a SIM in the device that isn't active. You should be alright.
AT&T uses RedBend software for doing OTA updates and it really sucks. haha If you try to check for an update, does it tell you something about the software update being interrupted? If not, you're fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now it just says no updates are available Didn't know if that would change once a legit OTA update (Android L) was available...
If it just says no updates are available then your device is registering properly with the system and therefore you should get updates.
Sent from my Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 using Tapatalk
Great news! Staring at the airplane mode icon and seeing the "insert SIM" message sort of drives me nuts, but getting this tablet pretty much brand new for under $400 made it worth it I think. Hopefully no unforeseen consequences will crop up.
Do you know why the IMEI is bad? I hope the tablet isn't stolen or something like that. :/
According to the seller, they accepted the device as a trade-in at their retail B&M store, and the IMEI was clean at that time. After the seller paid the customer, the customer reported the device lost/stolen to the insurance. It is a shady practice that is becoming more prevalent, unfortunately. The seller I purchased from is a popular and highly rated merchant on eBay...
Article can be found here: http://www.idigitaltimes.com/samsun...d-features-att-and-verizon-models-wont-468357
Copy and Pasted Below:
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ flagships will officially hit stores Friday. But if you are a Verizon or AT&T subscriber who is used to rooting smartphones, beware. Rooting these carrier models of the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ will shut down your phone completely.
The Verizon and AT&T models have a carrier specific mechanism, which is apart of the Samsung Knox Security Suite, Samsung Knox director of business development Ram Motipally detailed to iDigitalTimes at a recent briefing in New York prior to the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ launch. “In most of the U.S. devices, if you root the device the device won’t even boot up; if it’s AT&T or Verizon,” he said.
Root prevention has been an on-going aspect of Samsung Knox since it’s inception. In the early days of Knox, rooting a Samsung smartphone could trip a key on a device, which would void the warranty. Root prevention through Knox has been developed to where the rooting Samsung Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge handsets will disable the Samsung Pay mobile payment feature. But now, if a Verizon and AT&T variant of the Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6 Edge+ is rooted, users will see only a black screen with a message explaining the device cannot boot up because it has been rooted, Motipally explained.
Other Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6 Edge+ handsets, such as T-Mobile, Sprint and unlocked variants do not include this feature. Rooting would simply disable Samsung Pay as it does on the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge. Root prevention is heavily tied to Samsung’s enterprise push, to get more devices like the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ in the hands of business users.
Samsung Knox was once a feature introduced to devices through software updates, but it now comes standard on all Samsung smartphones. The software is heavily ingrained within the Android framework and the kernel of Samsung’s devices, Samsung Business vice president, mobile product marketing, Eric McCarty explained at a business launch for the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ last Thursday.
In particular, Samsung Knox includes a Root of Trust, which dictates what tasks a device can execute with confidence. Some of the functions of a Root of Trust are detecting rootkits and recognizing unauthorized changes to a smartphone’s system or program. This especially speaks to the Verizon and AT&T models of the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ as Verizon and AT&T are especially adverse to customization of their devices.
The continued implementation of Knox onto Samsung devices has alleviated many concerns about safety in using Android in the enterprise space, Samsung vice president of marketing strategy and operations, Ed Abrams told iDigitalTimes in July. However, this focus on enterprise users could be a detriment to dedicated Android developers or Samsung enthusiasts who are not in love with the TouchWiz user interface.
Android-based smartphones have been popular, largely due to the open source nature of their software and user’ ability to customize devices through rooting. But with Google as one of Samsung's partners for its business sector, users could continue to see root prevention efforts in new and upcoming devices.
Samsung needs to allow all apps in multi window without root, and android needs a full device backup procedure.
Sure you can let the play store put your apps back but it doesn't restore the data.
I may be able to live without root on the Note if it had those two things.
I'd really miss lmt and xposed though.
For data restore, I use Helium. Its the next best thing when we can't use titanium backup
pool_shark said:
Samsung needs to allow all apps in multi window without root, and android needs a full device backup procedure.
Sure you can let the play store put your apps back but it doesn't restore the data.
I may be able to live without root on the Note if it had those two things.
I'd really miss lmt and xposed though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have tried MIUI they do have full system restore. dont get why google cannot put it in stock android.
I read that on idigitaltimes yesterday, but is that the 100% final word on AT&T and Verizon Note 5?
It seems to be the only article out there with this information - would there not be any (theoretical) way around it at all?
More than likely idigitaltimes is correct. for the last 2-3 yrs (with the exception of the G2 and g3 for LG) Verizon units have been difficult to root
Is there any proof?
any word on root for note 5 t mobile? i'm about to buy mine soon
i just sold my note 4 didn't know someone was gonna buy it full price that soon
http://youtu.be/qCh0QuEwAgY
Maybe this will work?
Another reason why I will be boycotting another round of samsung phones.
gbux said:
Another reason why I will be boycotting another round of samsung phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, me too.
Oh well, it's Samsung's loss anyway...
TheUndertaker21 said:
any word on root for note 5 t mobile? i'm about to buy mine soon
i just sold my note 4 didn't know someone was gonna buy it full price that soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It stated in the article that rooting would only disable the Samsung Mobile Payments app.
Thats jst silly, you should be boycotting big red and the att. seriously, tmobil is a phone junkies best friend. 3 upgrades a year with jump on demand and they couldnt care less if your bootloader is unlocked or knox has been tripped on sammy. all they care about is 1 2 3, turn on, screen is not cracked, no water damage. plus t mo has volte, wifi calling, and lowest prices. I was big red for almost a decade, from back when it was LA cellular or airtouch, cant remember. THen i gave up the best reception in america for great reception in my area and a company that doesnt try to screw me at every angle. love tmo so much i actually bought some stock in it. but that was also because i think leger is hilarious and i wanted to vote for him with my wallet.
pool_shark said:
Samsung needs to allow all apps in multi window without root, and android needs a full device backup procedure.
Sure you can let the play store put your apps back but it doesn't restore the data.
I may be able to live without root on the Note if it had those two things.
I'd really miss lmt and xposed though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree... I find it bizarre that iOS has proper backups, as did my old old blackberry (couldn't even tell anything had happened. Yeah it needed a PC connection but I'd be ok with that). The only thing I would add is being able to do things like toggle GPS without root - the fact that I have to go five clicks* to turn my location mode from battery saving to high accuracy and navigate back to my navigation app is insane.
* Long press the location quick toggle, mode, high accuracy, back, back.
Glad I didn't wait for it then. Tired of locked Bootloaders and am loving the plethora of AOSP ROMs on my Nexus 6.
daftlush said:
I was big red for almost a decade, from back when it was LA cellular or airtouch, cant remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon was Airtouch -- LA Cellular (me, since 1994) became AT&T.
I've been with T-Mo since '05 :good:
use package disabler pro to remove all bloatware
kodina said:
Agreed, me too.
Oh well, it's Samsung's loss anyway...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The next best thing to root is pacakge disabler pro
At least the international versions only casualty is Samsung Pay if rooted. I'll never ever buy another AT&T branded device again. Would love to switch to T-Mobile but their service isn't good in my area.
The simple solution to this is to switch carriers. And when retentions asks you why you are leaving, say "Because carrier X allows me to root without bricking the device." I think once they lose enough customers that way (and losing market share to other carriers), they might start rethinking it.
daftlush said:
Thats jst silly, you should be boycotting big red and the att. seriously, tmobil is a phone junkies best friend. 3 upgrades a year with jump on demand and they couldnt care less if your bootloader is unlocked or knox has been tripped on sammy. all they care about is 1 2 3, turn on, screen is not cracked, no water damage. plus t mo has volte, wifi calling, and lowest prices. I was big red for almost a decade, from back when it was LA cellular or airtouch, cant remember. THen i gave up the best reception in america for great reception in my area and a company that doesnt try to screw me at every angle. love tmo so much i actually bought some stock in it. but that was also because i think leger is hilarious and i wanted to vote for him with my wallet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only problem is that t-mobile has terrible coverage outside of cities. My only option is to get the t-mobile version then throw a att sim card in there and hope I get good service.
Release date Friday March 11th countrywide for all Canadian carriers. Bell, Rogers, Telus, Wind and Videotron confirmed.
I have pre-ordered my S7 edge black onyx for bell.
Anyone else pre-order yet?
Model information:
Exynos chipset confirmed.
S7 G930W8
S7 Edge G935W8
The only reason I'm not getting the s7 is because the Canadian version is only exynos and does not work for me because I root and change roms.
nitramus said:
The only reason I'm not getting the s7 is because the Canadian version is only exynos and does not work for me because I root and change roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered mine from Best Buy. Black S7 Edge (really wanted the grey tho). Ya, I was reading about the exynos chip. The only thing that interests me is xposed, do you guys think that we would have that at least? I hate the advertising on youtube. I believe it will be fast enough for me not to want any roms (cross fingers).
I still not fully decided tho, I got a Note 4 and works fine but always attracted to new shinny tech
I ordered from Samsung. I went to Bell first but they wouldn't let me order because I wasn't about to sign a contract. Good thing, promo with Samsung is way better, and I get it unlocked.
I don't like the chip either, rather have the 820, but I had a S5 with a Snapdragon and I couldn't find a good ROM with that. I'm going to try this S7 with the stock ROM. I figure with Nova + Icon pack + Material design theme will make TouchWiz mostly a non-issue. And any bloatware I can't uninstall, or disable I figure I can just take away all permissions and hide from the homescreen and app drawer.
I could live with root only and keep stock rom but I NEED viper for Android and if I'm not mistaken v4a does not work on exynos, I could be wrong...
wifesabitch said:
I ordered from Samsung. I went to Bell first but they wouldn't let me order because I wasn't about to sign a contract. Good thing, promo with Samsung is way better, and I get it unlocked.
I don't like the chip either, rather have the 820, but I had a S5 with a Snapdragon and I couldn't find a good ROM with that. I'm going to try this S7 with the stock ROM. I figure with Nova + Icon pack + Material design theme will make TouchWiz mostly a non-issue. And any bloatware I can't uninstall, or disable I figure I can just take away all permissions and hide from the homescreen and app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean samsung.ca??? what option did you select for carrier? If i select Rogers it takes me to the Rogers site. Or do you mean you got an international version unlocked??? how.. me interested since apparently Samsung has figured out to permanently locked the carrier to the phone. Basically the first sim (carrier) is loaded to the phone will be permanently locked.
I am with ya man. I had the s6 and note 5 and both run exynos7420. Viper4android worked perfectly.
Sent from my Blackberry Torch
nitramus said:
The only reason I'm not getting the s7 is because the Canadian version is only exynos and does not work for me because I root and change roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only snapdragon versions are being sold in USA and China. You think no development for exynos for the rest of the world?
I had the s6 and note 5 and development for both were excellent.
Pre-ordered mine at Wind, I'm pretty excited. I'm also happy that we get the Exynos version as it will make for greater commonality/compatibility with the rest of the world. I'm hoping it'll make for faster updates?
ISperfection said:
you mean samsung.ca??? what option did you select for carrier? If i select Rogers it takes me to the Rogers site. Or do you mean you got an international version unlocked??? how.. me interested since apparently Samsung has figured out to permanently locked the carrier to the phone. Basically the first sim (carrier) is loaded to the phone will be permanently locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung retail store at Sherway Gardens in Toronto. You don't have to pick a carrier there. Don't think you can order it online.
They sales rep said it will lock when you put your SIM in, but they provide you with an unlock code. You also get the VR and a 128GB microSD card, that's a better promo than anyone else has.
wifesabitch said:
Samsung retail store at Sherway Gardens in Toronto. You don't have to pick a carrier there. Don't think you can order it online.
They sales rep said it will lock when you put your SIM in, but they provide you with an unlock code. You also get the VR and a 128GB microSD card, that's a better promo than anyone else has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, that is awesome plus a great bonus bonus extra! I am going there tonite and cancelling my Best Buy one!!! so global (i am assuming international) is the SM-G935F, is that what you ordered? (I will confirm tonite). I hope We get to chose colors rather than just black. Thanks!!!
Ya, also if everyone is getting exynos (except our friends and US and China), I would guess support will be improved. Now i am pumped.
ISperfection said:
wow, that is awesome plus a great bonus bonus extra! I am going there tonite and cancelling my Best Buy one!!! so global (i am assuming international) is the SM-G935F, is that what you ordered? (I will confirm tonite). I hope We get to chose colors rather than just black. Thanks!!!
Ya, also if everyone is getting exynos (except our friends and US and China), I would guess support will be improved. Now i am pumped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know version it is. If you're going, ask about the microSD card. They only told me about the VR but I've seen several people comment online that the memory card is included also.
I think you can get other colors, but the black is the only one that will be available on the 11th from what I've read.
will check it out and post my findings.
All Canadian versions ended in W8
Sent from my Blackberry Torch
wifesabitch said:
I ordered from Samsung. I went to Bell first but they wouldn't let me order because I wasn't about to sign a contract. Good thing, promo with Samsung is way better, and I get it unlocked.
I don't like the chip either, rather have the 820, but I had a S5 with a Snapdragon and I couldn't find a good ROM with that. I'm going to try this S7 with the stock ROM. I figure with Nova + Icon pack + Material design theme will make TouchWiz mostly a non-issue. And any bloatware I can't uninstall, or disable I figure I can just take away all permissions and hide from the homescreen and app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the VR and 128GB promotion only for preorders?
nitramus said:
The only reason I'm not getting the s7 is because the Canadian version is only exynos and does not work for me because I root and change roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root and change roms on exynos, most likely only touchwiz roms at first but im sure there will be an aosp rom eventually, there's one being cooked right now for the s6.
ISperfection said:
The only thing that interests me is xposed, do you guys think that we would have that at least?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-xposed-samsung-lollipop-t3180960
oxxshadow said:
Is the VR and 128GB promotion only for preorders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't say for sure, but I would guess it's certainly a limited time promotion.
wifesabitch said:
Can't say for sure, but I would guess it's certainly a limited time promotion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ok. $1000 kinda sucks though since out dollar is so weak, so i might end up selling the VR to recoup some money lol
oxxshadow said:
oh ok. $1000 kinda sucks though since out dollar is so weak, so i might end up selling the VR to recoup some money lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me about it. When I first saw the price I thought no way I was getting this. Changed my mind after the initial shock subsided.
wifesabitch said:
Tell me about it. When I first saw the price I thought no way I was getting this. Changed my mind after the initial shock subsided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rep at sherway didn't tell me the price because he said they were instructed not too, probably because it would give everyone a heart attack.
This update has just became available today it is only 200mb so I would say it is mainly just android security updates. I have not installed it yet because I will have to factory reset first just wanted to let others know that might be stock and not rooted.
I'm on 21a and downloading 21b now.
Was on 11d, but did the 10b Brightpoint KDZ last month that messed up the LTE. So had to root and reflash the 11c, to then update to 11d and then 21a.
Got 21b installed. May 1 2017 Security update. Everything else says the same (baseband, kernel, and build).
Maybe they at least fixed the network switching so we will receive more of our calls. That is really the only bug i have noticed since upgrading to Nougat. I think you pointed that out as well.
FAUguy said:
Got 21b installed. May 1 2017 Security update. Everything else says the same (baseband, kernel, and build).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firenemesis7 said:
Maybe they at least fixed the network switching so we will receive more of our calls. That is really the only bug i have noticed since upgrading to Nougat. I think you pointed that out as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the past two weeks with 21a, the main issue has been that the RS988 is missing about half of the incoming class (will stay on LTE and not change to HSPA), or when placing a call about 25-30% of them will not go through on the first try (shows it change from LTE to HSPA and sit there for 30 seconds, and then go back to LTE without placing th call).
Unfortunately, 21b seems to have the same issue.
Over the weekend, I was debating on going with the HTC U11 or an S8/S8+ in the upcoming weeks, was going to wait for people on here to try out the U11 for a while. But the yesterday the Samsung Mobile EBay page had the S8+ listed for $699 and with 24mo payment with PqyPal Credit. So I figured fro $50 more than the U11, go with th S8+, not that I'm a fan of curved screens, but at least there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, has SamsungPay, and the screen is AMOLED (which is miss). But the draws of the U11 was the camera, non-curved screed (though LCD), and fingerprint scanner on the front. But the lack of headphone jack means it can't be charged while connected via AUX input to my cars audio, and I saw posts on here about HTC got rid of all their apps (gallery, mms, dialer, calendar) and opted for the Google ones that aren't as good. So at this point I sould have the S8+ later this week. If I like it, then I'll sell my G5 with all the accessories that came with it (Cam mod, 4 batteries, charging pack, VR headset).
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
spinoza_web said:
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, OTA updates will only install if you are 100%stock. So that means removing TWRP, unrooting, and relocking the bootloader.
How I did it. I just factory reset and wiped everything in twrp then flashed the complete rs98821a zip that autoprime put together for us and then was able to install the OTA update. You will have to reinstall Twrp and root but you do not have to mess with the bootloader.
spinoza_web said:
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got in the S8+ yesterday. After using it for a day and setting it up, I'm not 100% sure that I'll keep it. The regular S8 was out of stock and I'm not a big fan of curved screens. But I figured I'd give it a try.
But regarding the calling issue with the G5 (21a/21b), the S8+ is much faster between changing modes between LTE Data and HSPA Calls. So that right there proves the issue isn't related to the GoPhone service, as I never had any issue on the G5 before the Nougat update.
Too bad I still can get the S8+ to work with the K-9 Mail LED Notifications. Must be an issue with that app and Android 7.
FAUguy said:
I got in the S8+ yesterday. After using it for a day and setting it up, I'm not 100% sure that I'll keep it. The regular S8 was out of stock and I'm not a big fan of curved screens. But I figured I'd give it a try.
But regarding the calling issue with the G5 (21a/21b), the S8+ is much faster between changing modes between LTE Data and HSPA Calls. So that right there proves the issue isn't related to the GoPhone service, as I never had any issue on the G5 before the Nougat update.
Too bad I still can get the S8+ to work with the K-9 Mail LED Notifications. Must be an issue with that app and Android 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like you got S8+, so, which version did you get? G955U or G955F? And how is Samsung pay? Does the Spay rewards and deals work?
justnewbee said:
Looks like you got S8+, so, which version did you get? G955U or G955F? And how is Samsung pay? Does the Spay rewards and deals work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung eBay page had the S8 G950U for $599 and the S8+ G955U for $699, along with a 24 month PayPal Credit financing. I has intended to go with the S8, but after I got home that night, only the S8+ was still available.
After using it for a few days now, it is really too tall for comfort, and a bit more heavy than I like (actually the weight of the phone is mostly at the top, so when used in landscape mode I can feel more of the weight on the left hand), keep in mind the Note 4 is about the same weight, but feels more comfortable to hold than the S8+.
From what I've read, the US Unlocked "U" models work with Samsung Pay and Rewards. I have it installed and all setup on the phone, but haven't tried it in a store yet. The "F" International models I read don't work with Samsung Pay in the US unless you do some flashing and tricking it out, but can still have issues. So I decided not to go with the F model, but would rather have the exynos processor than the 835.
Right now, Samsung.com has the S8 (and S8+) with a $200 trade in offer, so I'm going to go that route and get the S8 and sent in my old Note 2 (since they sell for less than $200 on eBay and Swappa) and hold on to my Note 3 and 4 for now. Also thinking about ordering the U11 from Amazon. Once I get those in, I can compare the U11, S8 and S8+ and decide which one to keep and return the others.
Normally I would do all this in a store, but Sprint don't have the U11 on display locally.
Once all that get done, then I'll see about selling my G5, do a factory reset on it (21b).
FAUguy said:
The Samsung eBay page had the S8 G950U for $599 and the S8+ G955U for $699, along with a 24 month PayPal Credit financing. I has intended to go with the S8, but after I got home that night, only the S8+ was still available.
After using it for a few days now, it is really too tall for comfort, and a bit more heavy than I like (actually the weight of the phone is mostly at the top, so when used in landscape mode I can feel more of the weight on the left hand), keep in mind the Note 4 is about the same weight, but feels more comfortable to hold than the S8+.
From what I've read, the US Unlocked "U" models work with Samsung Pay and Rewards. I have it installed and all setup on the phone, but haven't tried it in a store yet. The "F" International models I read don't work with Samsung Pay in the US unless you do some flashing and tricking it out, but can still have issues. So I decided not to go with the F model, but would rather have the exynos processor than the 835.
Right now, Samsung.com has the S8 (and S8+) with a $200 trade in offer, so I'm going to go that route and get the S8 and sent in my old Note 2 (since they sell for less than $200 on eBay and Swappa) and hold on to my Note 3 and 4 for now. Also thinking about ordering the U11 from Amazon. Once I get those in, I can compare the U11, S8 and S8+ and decide which one to keep and return the others.
Normally I would do all this in a store, but Sprint don't have the U11 on display locally.
Once all that get done, then I'll see about selling my G5, do a factory reset on it (21b).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your detailed info. I am going to buy US Unlocked "U" model, though I am interested in exynos processor.
justnewbee said:
Thanks a lot for your detailed info. I am going to buy US Unlocked "U" model, though I am interested in exynos processor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up buying the S8 from the Samsung site ($624) then take off $200 for a trade-in (will send my old Verizon Note 2 since they only sell for about $100...though would like to keep it), and add tax and $0 for 2-day shipping, and was $450 total. Did the Samsung Credit (24 month).
Going to send the S8+ back (Samsung's eBay page) for $742 credit. So that's a savings of $300 ($100 less for the S8 ad $200 for the trade-in).
The S8+ isn't a bad phone, just a bit too tall and more heavy than I like, so I'm sure the S8 will fit better.
Been using the S8 for a week now, sent the S8+ back.
No calling issues with either one (GoPhone) and I noticed they change much quicker between LTE for data and HSPA for calls than the G5 (21a/b).
FAUguy,
Hi, I have recently found to be in the same issue with LTE BRIGHTPOINT and LTE problems. Can you please read my post and see if you know something I don't?
Thanks
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u/...e-connectivity-problems-t3649465/post73300658
Skimpypimp said:
FAUguy,
Hi, I have recently found to be in the same issue with LTE BRIGHTPOINT and LTE problems. Can you please read my post and see if you know something I don't?
Thanks
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u/...e-connectivity-problems-t3649465/post73300658
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the post. Where did you buy the phone from?
Look at my post on this thread from Page 6 onward:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/help/calling-rs988-users-nougat-t3608345/page6
I had to do the Bootload Unlock via the LG web site, to then allow rooting of the phone.
Then had to do all the flashing in steps. I wouldn't say it was difficult, but took quite some time to get it all done.
FAUguy said:
I read the post. Where did you buy the phone from?
Look at my post on this thread from Page 6 onward:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/help/calling-rs988-users-nougat-t3608345/page6
I had to do the Bootload Unlock via the LG web site, to then allow rooting of the phone.
Then had to do all the flashing in steps. I wouldn't say it was difficult, but took quite some time to get it all done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess I'm screwed because even though I have the RS988, when I request the unlock boot loader code from LG it says I can't get it. I got my phone off eBay. Ugh.
Skimpypimp said:
Well I guess I'm screwed because even though I have the RS988, when I request the unlock boot loader code from LG it says I can't get it. I got my phone off eBay. Ugh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See if you can do eBay or PayPal buyer protection.
I'd file a claim on it with them if the seller refuses to offer a refund. I'd state that it is not compatible with your carrier (MetroPCS T-Mobile).
FAUguy said:
See if you can do eBay or PayPal buyer protection.
I'd file a claim on it with them if the seller refuses to offer a refund. I'd state that it is not compatible with your carrier (MetroPCS T-Mobile).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would hate to go through all that.
Through your adventure did you get any stock firmware flashed without root and not the BRIGHTPOINT version of it?
I think it has something to do with BRIGHTPOINT firmware.
Skimpypimp said:
I would hate to go through all that.
Through your adventure did you get any stock firmware flashed without root and not the BRIGHTPOINT version of it?
I think it has something to do with BRIGHTPOINT firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is that I didn't know the firmware I flashed on my rs988 was for Brightpoint. After I flashed it , I had 0 LTE on the phone.
So it was a few weeks later when I decided to go though the process. Did the the LG Bootloader unlock, and flashed one of the kdz files that was Android 6 that I had been using. Then worked the phones firmware update from there.
After it was all done, the RS988 with the 21b firmware has full LTE connectivity. The only issue is that if I place a call, and it changes over to HSPA, that it then can take a few minutes to return back to LTE.
I've now been using an S8 for two months, and it changes between LTE, HSPA, and back to LTE within a few seconds.