Develop Bugs

A few basic questions

I don't own this phone yet, so I am asking the owners directly (instead of search which gave some contradictory result)
1. Is it laggy for normal use that is while not too many apps in background?
2. Can it be rooted (I guess yes, from Dev section). If yes, can I run ICS?
3. Any hack or ROM or something for 1080p video?
4. Will you suggest getting this phone now?
5. Most important, is it really both GSM and CDMA?
Thanks

lamborg said:
I don't own this phone yet, so I am asking the owners directly (instead of search which gave some contradictory result)
1. Is it laggy for normal use that is while not too many apps in background?
2. Can it be rooted (I guess yes, from Dev section). If yes, can I run ICS?
3. Any hack or ROM or something for 1080p video?
4. Will you suggest getting this phone now?
5. Most important, is it really both GSM and CDMA?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I have never experienced lag that was not due to a misbehaving app while running either stock or rooted/custom ROM. This processor is plenty powerful enough for the vast majority of people's uses and this phone has more ram than many phones with the same processor.
2. Yes read the instructions in the stickies in the dev section thoroughly before attempting. Tacoroot is required for the newest firmware. Both ICS and JB ROMs are available and run quite well (well enough for dd for most people anyways). I currently run AOKP but CM9 and sense 3.6/4.0 ROMs are available and are nice too.
3. Not sure. I don't think so, but I could be wrong.
4. If you are buying used for a reasonable price then definitely. If you are upgrading there are better phones available depending on your price range and features that you desire. I would buy it again if that means anything to you.
5. Yes. GSM is meant for global roaming only but if you are sim unlocked (either by calling VZW for an unlock code or by purchasing one elsewhere) it can be used on domestic GSM carriers if you have a sim card for that carrier. Data speeds are edge only on domestic GSM carriers from what I hear. PLEASE DO NOT ASK IF A ROM HAS GSM SUPPORT WITHOUT READING THE ENTIRE OP AS WELL AS SARCHING WITHIN THE THREAD! IT HAS BEEN ASKED MANY TIMES IN EVERY ROM THREAD THAT I HAVE SEEN AND BOTH DEVS AND USERS WILL FLAME IF THE ANSWER IS EASY TO FIND.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app

cstone1991 said:
1. I have never experienced lag that was not due to a misbehaving app while running either stock or rooted/custom ROM. This processor is plenty powerful enough for the vast majority of people's uses and this phone has more ram than many phones with the same processor.
2. Yes read the instructions in the stickies in the dev section thoroughly before attempting. Tacoroot is required for the newest firmware. Both ICS and JB ROMs are available and run quite well (well enough for dd for most people anyways). I currently run AOKP but CM9 and sense 3.6/4.0 ROMs are available and are nice too.
3. Not sure. I don't think so, but I could be wrong.
4. If you are buying used for a reasonable price then definitely. If you are upgrading there are better phones available depending on your price range and features that you desire. I would buy it again if that means anything to you.
5. Yes. GSM is meant for global roaming only but if you are sim unlocked (either by calling VZW for an unlock code or by purchasing one elsewhere) it can be used on domestic GSM carriers if you have a sim card for that carrier. Data speeds are edge only on domestic GSM carriers from what I hear. PLEASE DO NOT ASK IF A ROM HAS GSM SUPPORT WITHOUT READING THE ENTIRE OP AS WELL AS SARCHING WITHIN THE THREAD! IT HAS BEEN ASKED MANY TIMES IN EVERY ROM THREAD THAT I HAVE SEEN AND BOTH DEVS AND USERS WILL FLAME IF THE ANSWER IS EASY TO FIND.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
What would you prefer between this and Inspire 4G? Seeing I won't be using 4G for years to come, I don't see any considerable difference between the 2.
About the 5th question, I am not very sure about what "global roaming" means here. Suppose I buy this phone on ebay, then will I be able to use it as a GSM device (i.e with SIM card) in another country without any unlock or anything?

lamborg said:
Thanks for your reply.
What would you prefer between this and Inspire 4G? Seeing I won't be using 4G for years to come, I don't see any considerable difference between the 2.
About the 5th question, I am not very sure about what "global roaming" means here. Suppose I buy this phone on ebay, then will I be able to use it as a GSM device (i.e with SIM card) in another country without any unlock or anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I would prefer this phone just because its confirmed to get the ICS update (Inspire 4G isn't getting official ICS). As a note, the Inspire doesn't use true 4G, but rather HSPA+. Just to let you know.
The phone can be used globally, but it will be hampered with GSM because it would only support Edge or 2G. You would also have to get it unlocked and insert the SIM card as well in order for it to work (don't know how the global unlock work since I'm using Verizon)
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

david_hume said:
Personally, I would prefer this phone just because its confirmed to get the ICS update (Inspire 4G isn't getting official ICS). As a note, the Inspire doesn't use true 4G, but rather HSPA+. Just to let you know.
The phone can be used globally, but it will be hampered with GSM because it would only support Edge or 2G. You would also have to get it unlocked and insert the SIM card as well in order for it to work (don't know how the global unlock work since I'm using Verizon)
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To shed a little light on the global unlock for you both, once the unlock code is received from VZW (or eBay, whatever) you install a non-VZW SIM and it will prompt you for the code. Once entered the phone will restart and connect to GSM networks. Once the correct APNs are set, data and MMS work across all.global GSM (2G) networks, and 900/2100MHz HSPA networks, which you'll find in Europe and Australasia.
I have a GSM unlocked unit and use it no worries in Australia. As mentioned before, performance is fine for day-to-day use, and the Incredible S (true GSM variant of Incredible 2) is one of my favourite handsets of all time.

@david_hume
Are you saying that I won't be able to use 3G while on GSM network? Is it true, coz that might be a deal breaker.
Somewhere I read, you can "switch to WCDMA mode which is HSPA/3G". I don't know if this is true or if WCDMA mode will even work with a GSM SIM card.

lamborg said:
@david_hume
Are you saying that I won't be able to use 3G while on GSM network? Is it true, coz that might be a deal breaker.
Somewhere I read, you can "switch to WCDMA mode which is HSPA/3G". I don't know if this is true or if WCDMA mode will even work with a GSM SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will only be able to use 3g if the network uses the 900/2100mhz bands for their 3g. Even the vast majority of Tmo and ATT phones do not receive 3g on the other network currently.
Which carrier do you plan on using?
Sent from my ICS Dinc2

cstone1991 said:
You will only be able to use 3g if the network uses the 900/2100mhz bands for their 3g. Even the vast majority of Tmo and ATT phones do not receive 3g on the other network currently.
Which carrier do you plan on using?
Sent from my ICS Dinc2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be using it in another country. It uses 2100 frequency band for 3G.
I have another question.
If the phone is not unlocked yet, will a normal flash of a ROM is all that is required to unlock the phone to use it on abroad GSM networks or do I have to get the unlock code? My guess is flashing will not work, but I am confirming this.
Also, if I get a phone with a Bad ESN, will I be able to SIM unlock it and use the phone in other countries on GSM mode, or the phone need to have a Clean ESN in order to SIM unlock it? I am thinking of getting the unlock code from one of the websites that gives the code for some $.

lamborg said:
I don't own this phone yet, so I am asking the owners directly (instead of search which gave some contradictory result)
1. Is it laggy for normal use that is while not too many apps in background?
2. Can it be rooted (I guess yes, from Dev section). If yes, can I run ICS?
3. Any hack or ROM or something for 1080p video?
4. Will you suggest getting this phone now?
5. Most important, is it really both GSM and CDMA?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It si not Laggy, GB is running very smooth and stable.
2. yes, and you can flawlessly run ICS.
3. try UKB.. its nice
4. you can visit Mobile shops or search in craigslist or in google, you will get many..
5. yes, Incredible2 supports both CDMa and GSM but one at a time...

[Q] AT&T radio on T999?

I've had many Android devices over the years and flashed a few ROMs in my day. I haven't messed with any of that in quite a long while though.
I've recently switched from all Sprint and all HTC devices to T-Mobile's Galaxy S3. I searched and found the thread about the Team Sonic modem flasher. I tried to read as much as possible but don't think my question is answered there.
Basically.. I get no service at my house and cannot manually select the AT&T network. Everyone with AT&T (including my girlfriend who has the S3) gets service here. Can I flash an AT&T baseband on my T999? I currently have UVLJ4 and get nothing inside and 2G outside whereas all the AT&T people get 4G in my house.
Hope this hasn't been answered before.
Thanks
Sam

Pretty sure that's a no-no.

I think you could flash the modem, but you need to verify they use the exact same partition on both variants. If it flashed to the wrong partition you're likely to hard brick the phone.
An att modem is not going to get you on the att network. I seriously doubt it'd even let you even make a phone call on tmobiles network, though it could happen. I can't figure any real reason (other than pure dumb luck) that another carriers modem would be better than one coded specifically for the network you are on.
Your best bet is to try out all the available modems we already have before thinking about trying another carriers fw.
And search again, but look in the development stickies too! You may find other things you could try. For the moment the modem flasher is quite outdated. I may work on updating it this coming week for those who are still wanting it. We'll see!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Aerowinder said:
Pretty sure that's a no-no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this no-no brick my phone or will I just not be able to get any service once flashed and then flash back? I've been trying to scour XDA and the rest of the internet for answers. So far I found this info..
"The modems in the GS3 are SDR or software defined radios. Their frequency TX and RX spectrums can be modified through software. The nice thing about the MSM8960 SOC board is that the radios can be programmed to virtually any current GSM, HSPA or LTE frequency in use in the United States today"
If this is true, I should just be able to flash an AT&T baseband, correct? Then again, I read that the T999 doesn't have the LTE compatibility that every other S3 has. Is this software or hardware defined?

Its a hw limitation.
Call tmobile and let them know the situation. Since you're new to their network I doubt they'd do it but I've heard of them providing a cell repeater to put in your home. Worst they'll say is no!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

DocHoliday77 said:
I think you could flash the modem, but you need to verify they use the exact same partition on both variants. If it flashed to the wrong partition you're likely to hard brick the phone.
An att modem is not going to get you on the att network. I seriously doubt it'd even let you even make a phone call on tmobiles network, though it could happen. I can't figure any real reason (other than pure dumb luck) that another carriers modem would be better than one coded specifically for the network you are on.
Your best bet is to try out all the available modems we already have before thinking about trying another carriers fw.
And search again, but look in the development stickies too! You may find other things you could try. For the moment the modem flasher is quite outdated. I may work on updating it this coming week for those who are still wanting it. We'll see!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We replied at the same times and I did not see this until I had already posted. Thank you. I guess I will try previous T-Mobile modems and see if one happens to be better for me. All I want is to roam but the phone won't let me choose the AT&T network even though it shows up in the network search. Customer service told me you are unable to roam as long as a T-Mobile network is available at your location.
I do not want to risk bricking so I will stay away from trying the AT&T modem as I am not familiar with this phone or any flashing that has come about in the past 2-3 years.

*WIP* Making a Sprint galaxy S3 sim card compatible.. *update / installed*

The Goal is to let a L710 sim card compatible. (global capable)
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12/24
I installed a few verizon roms. I can change the network setting, but always get an error when i search for net works.
I only have 2 sim cards to test it out so I am not sure if there are bad sims. One is verizon LTE and onther is from an overseas gsm carrier tigo.
What more can I do with out bricking my phone?
I added some screen caps.
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12/6
I finally received the part from china. I installed it fairly easily. I did have to cut the back cover and pat of the metal plate from the reader.
Sd card works and reads fine. I only have have a verizon LTE and a tigo sim card to try it out So I am going to try flashing different roms soon, I am on Blazer. Nothing seems to happen when the verizon sim is inserted.
you are still be able to use sprint LTE, since the sprint sim is built into the main board and not the sd/sim reader.
Any have advise on how i can check if it know a sim card is inserted?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was searching ebay for parts and I found this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIM-SD-Card...341?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2575c1e915
It should be as easy as unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one. You would also need to get a verizon back plate. But this phone is super easy to open and change parts, minus the screen.
You will lose LTE, unless there is some way to get a sim from sprint (the Iphone 5 has one).
Does anyone know a res eon this will not work? I plan on ordering one later today.
Thanks

ranchosteve said:
The Goal is to let a L710 sim card compatible.
I was searching ebay for parts and I found this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIM-SD-Card...341?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2575c1e915
It should be as easy as unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one. You would also need to get a verizon back plate. But this phone is super easy to open and change parts, minus the screen.
You will lose LTE, unless there is some way to get a sim from sprint (the Iphone 5 has one).
Does anyone know a res eon this will not work? I plan on ordering one later today.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This seems pretty ambitious! I can't wait to see what develops

Quick question... Why?
Sprint LTE uses a different frequency than every other major carrier. You're not going to pop in an AT&T (or any other) card and use their LTE, and you'd still be tied to Sprint CDMA unless I'm mistaken.

NeoMatrixJR said:
Quick question... Why?
Sprint LTE uses a different frequency than every other major carrier. You're not going to pop in an AT&T (or any other) card and use their LTE, and you'd still be tied to Sprint CDMA unless I'm mistaken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe he stated his goal is to put a SIM slot in his s3. No where did he mention AT&T or using it for any other companies. He said he would need a Sprint SIM, and no others. He did say something about a Verizon backplate though
I believe you must have left the Matrix Neo, you're not on your toes
Edit: Oops, didn't see the "JR". You're still in training
Sent from my White Galaxy s3 by Sprint

What is the point? Most carriers that use SIM cards(if not all) use GSM radios. This phone has CDMA radios, so it wont pick up the signal.

shiftr182 said:
What is the point? Most carriers that use SIM cards(if not all) use GSM radios. This phone has CDMA radios, so it wont pick up the signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see it's pointless for most. But for those who travel and don't wanna pay sprint ridicules roaming rates, like me. It does have a cdma radio but the LTE part of the phone has gsm capabilities like the Verizon version.
It's more of proof of concept more than anything.

The Sprint SGSIII uses a RUIM that is hardwired to that board. A RUIM can do what a SIM can do as well as handle CDMA subscriber information. An early manual for the Sprint SGSIII showed instructions for SIM removal/installation, but it was changed before launch to be a non-removable component. Likely why the phone was delayed; they changed their minds on making it a fully-fledged World Phone in lieu of other models like the new Photon.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

its next to impossible to get a sim card for the iphone5...

The S3 would have to have another Radio hardware installed to be what you are talking about as in Travel.
That's one of the Cool features on my line 2, Motorola Photon.....World Phones is what they are called.....Sim cards most useful purpose is to move data from one phone to another, contacts etc..

I spent hours researching this as well, not to try and enable GSM for global roaming, but to maybe, possibly get LTE from Cricket working. I looked at a few pictures of the main board from Ebay auctions, and while I think it's possible to do what the OP is proposing, our main board is not the same as other GS3s. I'm no expert, but the components that are under the microSD and cover plate aren't the same, even compared to a Verizon board. On top of that, the embedded SIM card is located on the skinny side that runs up the side of the phone, next to the battery.
I can't say with certainty, since I haven't scoured every single thread on the subject, but I haven't seen anyone provide the ability to bypass the embedded SIM. Well, maybe they did when they hacked the Photon. As far as the radio goes, it would seem that flashing new radio firmware might work to get the radio operating at the right frequency. Again, I make no real claims on this, as I'm no expert. LOL But from the info I can find, the radios are the same, at least on the dual core variants across the board, and are controlled by firmware. So, in the OP's idea, this would be less than ideal, unless someone could write a custom radio version that would retain CDMA voice and EVDO data for Sprint, as well as pointing the LTE/GSM side to the appropriate frequency.
Looking at Sprint's Galaxy Note 2, the embedded SIM looks to actually be on the metal cover that houses its microSD slot, so at least that part of the equation seems like it would be easier to accomplish with that phone.
For my part, I figured that even if Cricket would allow me to buy an LTE SIM and attach it to my ESN in their system, it would still be a major pain to try and overcome the embedded SIM hurdle.
In closing, I hope that no one interprets my ramblings as me being negative. When I saw the Photon hacked, I quickly realized that it was well beyond my comfort zone seeing as I don't have the funds to replace my phone when (Not if!) I destroyed it! I'm sure that it could be possible, especially given the talent of a lot of the members of XDA. I just wanted to put in my 2 cents, and point out that there is a lot more involved than just plugging in a new component and popping in a SIM card. Hopefully people here will rip apart my thoughts and prove me wrong, as I am very interested in trying to convert my phone to use Cricket's LTE.

Why not just get a Verizon gs3 ?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

It works on the Photon? If I'm not mistaken that came with a dual freq radio I think.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

any updates?

why not just get a gsm gs3?

first post update.

illusionistpro said:
why not just get a gsm gs3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you SEEN what S3's sell for ? yeah that's why hehehe

Jesus Christ fix the title of this thread already.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium HD app

how about a verizon gs3 port
would you think a verizon gs3 port to sprint gs3 will work being that phone is a world phone? i think it is..

a Sim toolkit is included in /system/app/
All you need i a launcher or an app that lets you create shortcuts to Activities, and you can then point it to the Sim Toolkit.

O I c...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Chinese phone on Verizon 4g LTE

I've been doing some reserach and thinking that in the future when my phone breaks I'd like to get take a gamble and try one of those Chinese phones. I'd like to keep my Verizon's unlimited data plan with the 4G LTE. I was refered to this site and told to ask here about ROMs and Kernals to conver the phone's 4G frequency to 700mhz to match Verizons. I have yet to find many chinese phones that run on 4G and have found none that run on the 700mhz frequency. So my next plan is to reprogram the phone to run on the Verizon frequency.
Now I have the Droid Razr with 4G. It has a SIM but I was reading that the GSM was disabled so the phone just runs on the CDMA network. Correct me if it's wrong, but that's my understanding for the time being. Anyway I'm looking to reprogram a Chinese phone to someday replace my Droid Razr. If anyone can point me in the right direction of ROMs of kernals that would be fantastic, even some direction on the right devics would be fine too.
Thank you for your time.

Does anyone have any input on this? Is it even possible?

i dont think is possible because frequencies are hardware based

I was told I just needed a new kernal and ROM. I understand that the hardware is designed to run on a few different frequencies and that it just needed to be reprogramed. Can anyone confirm this?

Bump

Bump

I'm looking to do the same. I'm not due for an upgrade until next year and my Galaxy Nexus flash memory is failing. I only need something to carry me over until my renewal, and I'm not going to buy an S4 or something for $600 until then... a ~$200 knock-off with decent hardware would be fun to play with, easy to carry and can be handed down to a kid on a prepaid network later (or used simply as a wifi/media/GPS device). Only problem is that it's hard to tell what is supported and what is not.
Any insight from those more experienced would be appreciated.

(Q) has anyone flashed KDZ for different model?

I am curious, I see that the sprint bands are nearly identical to T-mobile's, I want to know if anyone has tried to flash the T-mobile over the sprint model, is it possible to convert the sprint to a T-mobile?

Now I'm definitely no expert but I would say this wouldn't make much sense. The band's would only be for the similar tech (lte) and not the different tech (hspa and cdma) furthermore. The bands have to be spot on from my understanding...wouldn't make sense unless you were looking for some kind of specific software...
Sent from my LGLS991 using XDA Premium HD app

Yes, I was talking about the gsm since the bands for gsm are almost identical.

I just can not see any way this would go well. Granted, I could be wrong but (at least to me) this seems like basically flashing a ROM that is meant for one device onto another.....yeah the specs are SIMILAR and all, but similar and the same are two very different things in a situation like this.
.......I mean if you feel compelled to try it, then by all means.....I just see it resulting in a paperweight is all.

Best case scenario, you are able to bypass the failsafe device check in the kdz file for your device and your CDMA radios won't work.
Worse case scenario, you soft brick your device.
But seriously, why??