I'm on Verzion, currently using a Droid X (rooted, stock firmware). My contract is up in April, and I'm looking at two or three other phones, but the GNex is currently the frontrunner. I plan on keeping the phone for two years minimum; I tend to be a bit rough with my phones, so build quality is something I'm thinking about; I plan on rooting.
So, my questions:
What is the rooting situation with the Verizon GNex? I'm a Linux user, so a Linux rooting tool would be great, but I have access to Windows machines if I need them.
How's the stock firmware? I believe that the Verizon GNex models all come with mysid and are AOSP builds managed by Google, is that correct?
Yes you should buy this magnificent phone. It really is the best thing I have ever owned (going from Desire, SGS2 then GN). Android 4.0 is fantastically clean and really nice!
1. Super easy, since google basically want you to root it (developer phone and all). Check out the guides!
2. OTA is so good I have not felt the need to use any new launcher or rom to replace it. Smooth and everything.
Rooting is crazy easy and the phone is aosp as stock being its a pure Google android phone. Also the quality isn't terrible I have my in a case and it feels very sturdy.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
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Hi,
I'm going to buy a second phone (or actually a new first phone and degrade my Defy to second phone) but I can't choose. And I don't want any of those with huge > 4" screens (altough Xperia S is tempting) I want a cheaper one like that is smaller.
Currently I'm choosing between Nexus S and Motorola Atrix both cost about the same.
Nexus S: Looks awesome IMO. Really nice with vanilla android and good speed
Atrix: Looks ok, not much change from Defy in looks. Then we have MotoBlur, the slow crap. Altough I really like the Mail and SMS client and the awesome alarm clock. But IIRC Atrix has unlocked bootloader now so Custom ROMs are way easier to install.
Which one would you choose?
I think you should buy an atrix, its so cool, if i didn't have my defy, a atrix would have been the one
Sent from my MB525 using xda premium
I'm not impressed with the Atrix at all and with Motorola's crappy customer service and broken promisses in mind, I wouldn't buy Motorola phone ever again!
Auris 1.6 vvt-i said:
I'm not impressed with the Atrix at all and with Motorola's crappy customer service and broken promisses in mind, I wouldn't buy Motorola phone ever again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is why I'm not so motivated to buy an Atrix, the hardware looks great but not the service and the lack of updates. Especially when I consider the fact that they made Defy+ with Android 2.3 without updating the old Defy.
Maybe it's me, but I can't see a point in something.
Mostly any phone gets stock Android ROMs that work. Not official and not as quick as "developer phone" like Nexus S, but I don't see why these couple of months matter.
On the other hand, stock Android plain sucks, in any version (personally I think ICS looks like crap too). Camera, mail client, dialer, etc - they're awful. On the other hand, phones with Sense and TouchWiz have it right, thus allowing more ROM options to choose from - they have their original firmware, most likely the original firmware of more advanced phones of the same kind, and the standard AOSP/CM/MIUI.
So why would one willingly choose "developer" phone with less ROM options?
Because one would like vanilla Android, without some cheap skin from the hardware manufacturer. All these things delay updates and they're not even smoothly designed (I'm looking at you, official ICS update for Galaxy S2). But if the phone has an unlocked bootloader (or skilled developers) you can have fun trying custom ROMs anyway, so the Atrix would make Sense (pun intended).
Trimis de pe Defy CM9
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/comparisons/738034/motorola_atrix_vs_google_nexus_s.html
Atrix is supposed to be beter in terms of hard..
But...motoblur cancer AGAIN???? :S
if they could sell the atrix "as is" and then you install whatever you want...ok...
but coming from moto... i wouldnt buy another phone anymore.
And Nexus S
http://www.google.com/nexus/
Really google. Really ICS. Really awesome. ...dude that cellphone its been in the space xD i freaking love it. And you shouldnt have too much troubles with it.
If i should choose..ill go for the one being created by the ones that create the OS (at least, in this case) as in no way could i buy a redmond phone....
Hey guys I have a question for you users of the GN... have any of you went from a RAZR to it? How does everything work? I know it has ICS and I am dying to get it on my RAZR, but I was just wondering if you guys can help me decide on which phone to either keep or if i should get the GN?
I own both, I prefer the gnex, much much better development support, and IMO more fun to use.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
can you elaborate? I'm an android noob (iPhone convert) and never have rooted, etc on my android phones...
The GNex is much more hacker friendly which allows you to work with the OS of the phone. Motorola has a reputation of locking their phones down like fort knox so you cant mess with the internals.
So what are some good things about like rooting and roms? Like I said.. NOOB
Sent from my DROID RAZR
Droid Razr = LAG LAG LAG!
GNexus = 0 Lag, Super smooth and very snappy
There are soooo many comparisons of these two phones on the internets.
What's the best things about rooting?
Sent from my DROID RAZR
matesims23 said:
What's the best things about rooting?
Sent from my DROID RAZR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google search the benefits of rooting.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
matesims23 said:
What's the best things about rooting?
Sent from my DROID RAZR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
having "administrator" access to the phone ...
flashing custom roms with more software development and features
root apps such as LBE privacy guard (must have for me)
fun
doing anything you want with the phone, you are only limited by your knowledge or lack there of
One way to look at it is when Google builds Android they build it for the Nexus models. Then they release the code, the other manufactures then modify the code to work with their hardware.
Now since you are on the Verizon version they modify google's code for their network so you would not have the 100% pure code, only about 98%. It would be purer than Motorola's build.
Also the Razor is a closed platform hardware wise. This is a really good video about the Razor. http://www.xda-developers.com/android/droid-razr-unboxed-the-xda-way-xda-tv/
I think I'm gonna try the nexus
Sent from my DROID RAZR
matesims23 said:
can you elaborate? I'm an android noob (iPhone convert) and never have rooted, etc on my android phones...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting (completely different from jail-breaking), allows the user to run super user commands on their cell phone. Super user commands and apps generally have much more access to system files, allowing for overclocking (if the kernel supports it), free wifi tethering, and so on. Unlocking the bootloader allows for flashing custom ROMs on the device. Flashing can be done on a locked device, but no kernels (hence no overclocking) can be flashed. This also causes custom ROMs without their own kernel to generally be less stable than those for an unlocked bootloader device. Rooting is necessary for any Android power user, though a bootloader unlock may not always be necessary. Custom kernels often provide massive boosts to performance and add new features, so it is strongly recommended.
Thanks that helps a ton!!! That's the answer I was needing
Sent from my DROID RAZR
matesims23 said:
What's the best things about rooting?
Sent from my DROID RAZR
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Click to collapse
Rooting gives you admin access to your phone so you can do whatever you want. We'd never buy a computer without admin access, should be same on a phone.
RogerPodacter said:
Rooting gives you admin access to your phone so you can do whatever you want. We'd never buy a computer without admin access, should be same on a phone.
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Click to collapse
I understand now ... been doing a ton of reading about roms and such
Sent from my DROID RAZR
I have both as of this minute and I will sell one of them soon. I prefer the gnex but damn does it poor signal compared to my razor.
I don't even have service on my gnex in areas that I have 2 bars on my razor.
I just flashed leaked radios on my gnex and it didn't help. I only use 3g as no 4g at home yet.
I will prob keep the gnex though and hope for a signal fix cause the gnex is faster and just a nicer phone IMO.
...radios? your on the verizon nexus right? arent the leaked radios just for the sprint phones?
The Nexus line is Google's own idea of what an Android device should be; they are the ONLY handsets that are supported directly by Google. Consequently, Nexus phones have an Apple-like software support cycle (say what you want about Apple, the 3GS got iOS 5 before my Droid Charge even got Gingerbread) and huge dev support. Keep in mind that a Nexus phone is never designed to push the bleeding edge; it may have some neat new features, but they're never designed to be powerhouses (some say the N1 was, but IMO it was just in the right place at the right time). A Nexus device is the bone stock Android experience, an exemplar to the rest of the manufacturers on just what an Android device should be.
To summarize:
1.) The absolute best official software support you can get in the Android world, and among the best 3rd party dev support. While some devices released this year will be lucky to get ICS and/or Jelly Bean, you can pretty much rest assured that the GNex will go well into Key Lime Pie officially.
2.) Internal hardware chosen for STABILITY and EFFICIENCY, rather than bleeding edge, untested (and usually buggy) performance. That said, while it isn't cutting edge, the GNex has very solid hardware, and performance is always snappy and smooth.
3.) Usually has some neat perks that most other phones don't have. In the Gnex's case, it's the BEAUTIFUL 720p AMOLED+ display, NFC support, the ultra-fast camera, and of course Ice Cream Sandwich.
After using a plethora of other non-Nexus Android devices, I got absolutely fed up with the apathy that the manufacturers and carriers have toward updating their handsets. The last straw was, as I mentioned, my Droid Charge. Even though Verizon considered it the flagship 4G LTE phone well into last September, it was released with an out-of-date OS to begin with (Froyo; GB had been out for well over half a year already). It didn't get GB until after it had been replaced as a flagship phone, and then was (and remains) ineligible for an update to ICS even though ICS was released only six months after the Charge was released! What the hell is that!?
Never again. Nexus or bust. Trust me, you'll be happy with the GNex.
This helps me a ton.. trying to trade now
Sent from my DROID RAZR
ok so i got one of these Galaxy Nexus its the Verzion 16 GB.. i got it for just fooling around with rooting / roming and stuff... i wanted to use it most for just a control device for my google tv and roku box and Plex/xbmc media center stuff.. so im wondering about bad is the battery life i have heard some really awful reports... i will not be using any thing but wifi.. no 3g 4g.. no phone activation... and im wondering about which route to take as far as unlocking and rooting the device... i have done a TF101.. 2 version of the BN hd tablets.. a few different droids so im not that green on the stuff... but this is my first Samsung device... so. im wondering how to proceeded.. is it best to stay with Jellybean or has Kitkat gone far enough along for stability.... or just stay with ICS? ha too many questions.... just new to the whole Gnex scen...... i just hope this version of is open and unlockable...
guess im pretty freaking green on this stuff...
well any help would be much appreciated
scuzzo said:
ok so i got one of these Galaxy Nexus its the Verzion 16 GB.. i got it for just fooling around with rooting / roming and stuff... i wanted to use it most for just a control device for my google tv and roku box and Plex/xbmc media center stuff.. so im wondering about bad is the battery life i have heard some really awful reports... i will not be using any thing but wifi.. no 3g 4g.. no phone activation... and im wondering about which route to take as far as unlocking and rooting the device... i have done a TF101.. 2 version of the BN hd tablets.. a few different droids so im not that green on the stuff... but this is my first Samsung device... so. im wondering how to proceeded.. is it best to stay with Jellybean or has Kitkat gone far enough along for stability.... or just stay with ICS? ha too many questions.... just new to the whole Gnex scen...... i just hope this version of is open and unlockable...
guess im pretty freaking green on this stuff...
well any help would be much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Verizon only has a 32 GB Galaxy Nexus. All Verizon Galaxy Nexus are known as "toro".
GSM Galaxy Nexus have 16 GB of space. GSM Galaxy Nexus are known as "tuna".
ICS is pretty dated. 4.1 or 4.3 would be your best bet for stability. KitKat is still pretty new in the scene but people have said that its quite stable by now.
To root, you first need to:
1. Install Fastboot/ADB drivers for your phone. http://download.clockworkmod.com/test/UniversalAdbDriverSetup6.msi
2. Set up Fastboot/ADB
3. Unlock your bootloader.
4. Flash a custom recovery (CWM/TWRP)
5. Flash SuperSU install zip to root.
To install a ROM, you need to do the above steps but flash your ROM+GApps instead of SuperSU.
im gsm gnex user.. running kitkat rom.. the battery n stability right now was superb..
just need to know how to control apps n ram. u'll got a good performances.
screen shot attached.
sorry for my bad english
galaxy nexus i9250
akash3656 said:
I think Verizon only has a 32 GB Galaxy Nexus. All Verizon Galaxy Nexus are known as "toro".
GSM Galaxy Nexus have 16 GB of space. GSM Galaxy Nexus are known as "tuna".
ICS is pretty dated. 4.1 or 4.3 would be your best bet for stability. KitKat is still pretty new in the scene but people have said that its quite stable by now.
To root, you first need to:
1. Install Fastboot/ADB drivers for your phone. http://download.clockworkmod.com/test/UniversalAdbDriverSetup6.msi
2. Set up Fastboot/ADB
3. Unlock your bootloader.
4. Flash a custom recovery (CWM/TWRP)
5. Flash SuperSU install zip to root.
To install a ROM, you need to do the above steps but flash your ROM+GApps instead of SuperSU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool thanks for the information,
i have checked and Verizion sell a 16 gb model.. it appears that they even kept the 1800 mha battery... im not sure what else changed with the 16 gb
Product Identifiers
Brand Samsung
MPN SCHI515ZSV
Carrier Verizon
Family Line Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Model SCH-I515
UPC 635753498219
Type Smartphone
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SCH-I515MSAVZW
toro or tuna? or... dunno?
im just in hopes that it is not some bastard version that never got any mod and development push from xda and stuff.. like i said totally green on these... mostly been rooting moto droid stuff.. and thats so locked down its not even fair... awell... part of the fun is figuring all this stuff out.... cant be as bad as the droidx2 was...
I am running cMetal 4.4 ROM and it is blazing fast and very stable for me. I have had 0 issues with it so far. My battery life also is much better than all other 4.3 roms I ran. Here's the link to cMetal if you decide to give it a try: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2532320
I've been using this phone for over 2 years now and I am still completely satisfied. We have a great development community and I think you made a great choice for rooting/dev experimentation. As far as battery life goes, it will be pretty good since you are using wifi only. Switching from 3g/4g is what really destroys my battery life.
scuzzo said:
cool thanks for the information,
i have checked and Verizion sell a 16 gb model.. it appears that they even kept the 1800 mha battery... im not sure what else changed with the 16 gb
Product Identifiers
Brand Samsung
MPN SCHI515ZSV
Carrier Verizon
Family Line Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Model SCH-I515
UPC 635753498219
Type Smartphone
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SCH-I515MSAVZW
toro or tuna? or... dunno?
im just in hopes that it is not some bastard version that never got any mod and development push from xda and stuff.. like i said totally green on these... mostly been rooting moto droid stuff.. and thats so locked down its not even fair... awell... part of the fun is figuring all this stuff out.... cant be as bad as the droidx2 was...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't trust a manufacturer's site for specs especially for the Galaxy Nexus. We had totally contradictory specs for storage size right up till the official launch lol.
Anyway, no harm powering down your phone, Vol Up+Vol Down+Power (Fastboot) and take a picture of your phone at the Fastboot screen.
So I used to have a Samsung exhibit 2 4g until it lagged and froze with even minor task.
Went over to windows phone 8 and enjoyed it.(9 months)Lumia 521.
Only problem,the recent updates have made my phone unusable sometimes.
Now after the utter disappointment last time on android,I bought a nexus for $100.
Not too much invested.
Will all galaxy nexus roms work on the unlocked i9250?
Same specs as Verizon,but radios are different.
Also do launchers use up ram?
Lets say I install a separate launcher,are both stock and the other launcher in memory?
Or only the one in use.
It seems this phone will work out better.
jms_209 said:
So I used to have a Samsung exhibit 2 4g until it lagged and froze with even minor task.
Went over to windows phone 8 and enjoyed it.(9 months)Lumia 521.
Only problem,the recent updates have made my phone unusable sometimes.
Now after the utter disappointment last time on android,I bought a nexus for $100.
Not too much invested.
Will all galaxy nexus roms work on the unlocked i9250?
Same specs as Verizon,but radios are different.
Also do launchers use up ram?
Lets say I install a separate launcher,are both stock and the other launcher in memory?
Or only the one in use.
It seems this phone will work out better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lag isn't going to be a big issue for you on a Galaxy Nexus. If you have the unlocked i9250, you cannot install Verizon and Sprint ROMs, unless you use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-nexus/general/flashable-zip-switch-roms-tuna-devices-t2362644
However, I'd stick with Unlocking, rooting, and installing an AOSP 4.4.2 stock ROM. Kitkat runs great on this phone.
Both launchers will NOT be in memory after you swipe the old one away from recents when you install and use your new launcher. I recommend using the Google Now Launcher.
Enjoy your Galaxy Nexus! It was definitely my favorite phone of the past, it's still good.
Beauenheim said:
Lag isn't going to be a big issue for you on a Galaxy Nexus. If you have the unlocked i9250, you cannot install Verizon and Sprint ROMs, unless you use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-nexus/general/flashable-zip-switch-roms-tuna-devices-t2362644
However, I'd stick with Unlocking, rooting, and installing an AOSP 4.4.2 stock ROM. Kitkat runs great on this phone.
Both launchers will NOT be in memory after you swipe the old one away from recents when you install and use your new launcher. I recommend using the Google Now Launcher.
Enjoy your Galaxy Nexus! It was definitely my favorite phone of the past, it's still good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've unlocked my friends Verizon nexus and flashed recovery and rom. Just not too sure what to flash when I get mine.
Can you link me to a aosp 4.4.2 or miui v5 rom?
Don't want to brick my phone with the wrong zip.
jms_209 said:
I've unlocked my friends Verizon nexus and flashed recovery and rom. Just not too sure what to flash when I get mine.
Can you link me to a aosp 4.4.2 or miui v5 rom?
Don't want to brick my phone with the wrong zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stick with whatever's in your variant's forum. If you've done it before, then you shouldn't have a problem finding a right zip. No ROM is the best. I'd personally flash a 4.4.2 AOSP ROM.
I'm looking to buy an LTE model, and you can supposedly still get them new from Amazon for a ridiculous $429. Or you can get them second-hand for half of that.
So my question is this:
Is there any advantage to buying new for the sake of getting the older 4.2 OS out of the box? Or can I live with one that has been OTA upgraded to 5.0+?
I'm looking to permanently install this in a vehicle dash, rooted, and probably with a custom ROM.
Well if your gunna install a custom ROM then just buy one you feel comfortable with, you can install any ROM from any android version on the nexus 7, as long as the ROM is built for it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk