Keep VZW Gnex? - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Hey everybody. So I've had this device since December and when the 4.0.4 update was released for VZW users, I was not able to update. Upon further research, I found out that there was a mistake in the factory and the recovery image was not flashed, meaning I could not update software or perform factory resets. I brought it into Verizon and got a replacement, but I got a refurb with terrible signal issues. I went back to Verizon and they told me I could get a new phone. I am now eligible to get a new phone for free as a replacement. I purposely kept the Gnex until now so I could swap it out for the SIII that is releasing tomorrow. I actually fixed my Gnex on my own by flashing stock images of the 4.0.4 manually. So the question is, should I revert my phone back to 4.0.2 and leave out the recovery image when flashing in order to get the SIII, or keep my Gnex which is now working perfectly fine?

jttate04 said:
Hey everybody. So I've had this device since December and when the 4.0.4 update was released for VZW users, I was not able to update. Upon further research, I found out that there was a mistake in the factory and the recovery image was not flashed, meaning I could not update software or perform factory resets. I brought it into Verizon and got a replacement, but I got a refurb with terrible signal issues. I went back to Verizon and they told me I could get a new phone. I am now eligible to get a new phone for free as a replacement. I purposely kept the Gnex until now so I could swap it out for the SIII that is releasing tomorrow. I actually fixed my Gnex on my own by flashing stock images of the 4.0.4 manually. So the question is, should I revert my phone back to 4.0.2 and leave out the recovery image when flashing in order to get the SIII, or keep my Gnex which is now working perfectly fine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep the gnex and flash jellybean or cm9/aokp
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

If you want the extra RAM and locked bootloader, take it back and get the SIII.
If you want a phone with 4.1.1 today keep the Nexus, go to development section and flash jellybean already

Really wish people would grow a pair and just choose the device that they want, rather than asking a bunch of strangers that know nothing about them.

martonikaj said:
Really wish people would grow a pair and just choose the device that they want, rather than asking a bunch of strangers that know nothing about them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's perfectly valid for someone to seek the opinions of others to help them in their decision.

Do mods matter to you
If you want to be able to easily load mods to your phone keep the Galaxy Nexus. If you want a painless, but Verizon-controlled environment get the SIII. If I was in your position I'd keep the Gnex, but your priorities may be different.

It really depends on what you're going to do with your phone. If you go the GS3 route, just be aware that given the current situation with the locked bootloader, your ability to customize the phone will be compromised, until devs really find an effective way to bypass the bootloader. There is the Developer Edition of the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, but that seems to be only available through Samsung and not Verizon.
At least by sticking with the Nexus, you have access to all the available custom roms now, as well as JB and so forth.
Sent from my Nook Color using Tapatalk

CKTurbo128 said:
It really depends on what you're going to do with your phone. If you go the GS3 route, just be aware that given the current situation with the locked bootloader, your ability to customize the phone will be compromised, until devs really find an effective way to bypass the bootloader. There is the Developer Edition of the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, but that seems to be only available through Samsung and not Verizon.
At least by sticking with the Nexus, you have access to all the available custom roms now, as well as JB and so forth.
Sent from my Nook Color using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the wonderful gift of touchwiz

Has Google released the links for JellyBean for LTE Devices yet? I'm not using a GSM

jttate04 said:
Has Google released the links for JellyBean for LTE Devices yet? I'm not using a GSM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. There's no Verizon or Sprint OTAs yet. Source is out for GSM and Verizon though.

I'd get the GS3. If you find out you made the wrong choice you can sell the GS3 and re-buy a Nexus and make $.

You fixed terrible signal issues by flashing the phone? That's weird as signal issues have been reported as hardware related all over this forum.
But as its now fixed and working for you, I'd certainly keep it..There's a reason why you bought it in the first place, since its working why not keep it and save your upgrade.
For me, after having the freedom of a unlocked bootloader I'm not sure I can ever own a non-nexus device again!

Related

Anyone else sticking with Stock?

Coming from the Vibrant and G2X, I use to flash roms about once or twice, maybe more, a day! With this phone, I just think it's perfect the way it is. I want to run the OS the way Google intended without much intervention. I tried the HD rom last night and it looked and felt the same as the stock rom, so I quickly switched back. No offense to Mike, but if I'm gonna have something so similar to stock, might as well have stock with official support.
Anyone doing the same?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
i refuse to stick with stock anything regardless of how 'good' it may be. even with this Nexus, i didn't like stock.
i want to be able to change things however i want them, including overclock/undervolt/etc...
the last time i stuck with 'stock' was probably when i had the original RAZR back in the day(that and the Rezound as i believe they're still waiting on root for that thing)
you'd be surprised what kind of battery life you get with a custom rom and kernel. it's a significant upgrade. that fact alone justifies going custom
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I'm going to wait until the custom roms and kernels establish themselves before I go with a non-stock build. I will leave stock sooner or later though for sure.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I'm also going to be ruining rooted in stock room.
It is been a very long time since I don't see a clean stable room. Number one priority today is to support as many devices as possible, quality and stability comes last. Sad.
kangxi said:
Coming from the Vibrant and G2X, I use to flash roms about once or twice, maybe more, a day! With this phone, I just think it's perfect the way it is. I want to run the OS the way Google intended without much intervention. I tried the HD rom last night and it looked and felt the same as the stock rom, so I quickly switched back. No offense to Mike, but if I'm gonna have something so similar to stock, might as well have stock with official support.
Anyone doing the same?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How could u go from flashing multi roms a day then out of all the phones u choose not do it with the nexus that's just unheard of
I used to flash a lot of roms on my old phone, trying to stick to stock on this one. I keep getting tempted though.. especially as I haven't had the 4.0.2 update yet. It's only a minor update but just the fact that I don't have it yet keeps bugging me and making me want to root
PaulG1488 said:
How could u go from flashing multi roms a day then out of all the phones u choose not do it with the nexus that's just unheard of
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, not unheard of at all. I have the same position.
This is the first phone I like 100% stock. I will probably get a custom kernel / cm9 when it comes out.
Im sticking to stock rom till my store warrenty is up. Just wanna make sure that the phone works the way its meant to before I start messing with it.
I came from the galaxy s captivate. I used to flash a lot but with the galaxy nexus, I didn't even unlock the boot loaders. I will just stay stock forever!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Waiting for things to get a bit better understood/stable before doing ROMs, but definitely will at some point for better battery life, tether etc...
I guess I'm waiting for Google to put out a very stable build that developers can go from. Google is very quick with updates so this should happen soon.
My previous flashing was done to make up for staggering shortcomings with the device and manufacturers that dragged their feet with updates. I don't think this will be, and hasn't been, the case with the Nexus.
4.0.3 is a good start for a base with roms but there are still some issues that I want officially resolved by Google before I start flashing a bunch of stuff from independent developers.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Mine's still stock, I'm just enjoying ICS as it is for the moment.
When I do decide to root and flash ROMs/kernal, I'm just glad that the partitions aren't like the partitions on the GSII, the recovery and kernal on the same partition had me spinning for a while on my Sprint GSII.
case0 said:
I used to flash a lot of roms on my old phone, trying to stick to stock on this one. I keep getting tempted though.. especially as I haven't had the 4.0.2 update yet. It's only a minor update but just the fact that I don't have it yet keeps bugging me and making me want to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe if you go Settings->About Phone->System Update, you can hit the button that says check for update and it will ping the server and ask if an update is available. You can do that if you want 4.0.2 which honestly why wouldn't you, it's just a bug fixer.
Like many others, I've rooted every other Android phone I've owned, usually within the day of purchasing it. However, in this case I don't feel a need. Maybe once a fully stable CM9 build is available I'll bother, but for now it's not worth my time and effort.
I will at least root and use wireless tether for now.
I am keeping mine stock for a few more weeks until the rooms start getting stable. I find that known issues get fixed in rooms much quicker than waiting for Samsung to address them.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
stock for now. the only reason for me to root is for wireless tether, but i dont need that right now.
I can't live without the ad blocking host file
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

[Q] Galaxy Nexus Updates for Canada?

Hi XDA,
I'm new to Android (first Android phone), and have never done any unlocking/rooting/etc. I've been working in iOS-land for 4 years, but wanted to try something new and refreshing.
I'm trying to figure out why my TELUS GSM Galaxy Nexus is stuck on 4.0.1? If my searching/reading is correct, it sounds as though the factory build they put on isn't eligible (yet) for the update, so you have to put on a different ROM entirely? (the yaku...something).
I thought the updates were pushed out by Google, not the carrier (e.g. TELUS/Rogers/Fido/etc). Why is everyone else running 4.0.2 or later (I know CDMA is even farther ahead) and I'm stuck at 4.0.1? And if CDMA is all the way up at 4.0.4, why isn't GSM? Wouldn't the people implementing bug fixes, etc, be updating for both platforms simultaneously?
I was oping factory updates would come quicker? I never wrecked any of my iOS devices (came pretty close, but eventually mastered DFU mode, pwning, and worst case scenario, rolling back to stock iOS 4 or 5). If I brick my Nexus though, I'm going to be in a world of hurt.
jasphair said:
Hi XDA,
I'm new to Android (first Android phone), and have never done any unlocking/rooting/etc. I've been working in iOS-land for 4 years, but wanted to try something new and refreshing.
I'm trying to figure out why my TELUS GSM Galaxy Nexus is stuck on 4.0.1? If my searching/reading is correct, it sounds as though the factory build they put on isn't eligible (yet) for the update, so you have to put on a different ROM entirely? (the yaku...something).
I thought the updates were pushed out by Google, not the carrier (e.g. TELUS/Rogers/Fido/etc). Why is everyone else running 4.0.2 or later (I know CDMA is even farther ahead) and I'm stuck at 4.0.1? And if CDMA is all the way up at 4.0.4, why isn't GSM? Wouldn't the people implementing bug fixes, etc, be updating for both platforms simultaneously?
I was oping factory updates would come quicker? I never wrecked any of my iOS devices (came pretty close, but eventually mastered DFU mode, pwning, and worst case scenario, rolling back to stock iOS 4 or 5). If I brick my Nexus though, I'm going to be in a world of hurt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id like to know this too. Im on Rogers and have the Rogers version of the GNEX and it too came with v4.0.1
I have since rooted, etc and flashed a custom 4.0.3 ROM (see signature for info) but I seem to be having some network issues (bug in 4.0.3 custom ROMS) which may FORCE me to go back to stock and if I do then Id definitely like to know WHY we have not received any Official updates to our devices as of yet...
Your updates are coming from google not your carriers. However Samsung is in charge of ensuring the update works in certain regions hence the delay.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
yiannisthegreek said:
Id like to know this too. Im on Rogers and have the Rogers version of the GNEX and it too came with v4.0.1
I have since rooted, etc and flashed a custom 4.0.3 ROM (see signature for info) but I seem to be having some network issues (bug in 4.0.3 custom ROMS) which may FORCE me to go back to stock and if I do then Id definitely like to know WHY we have not received any Official updates to our devices as of yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google hates Canada.
For what it's worth when I got this phone from Virgin Mobile just before Xmas it was yakjuyx or whatever and 4.0.1. Minutes after turning it on it upgraded OTA to 4.0.2 so they are pushing updates in Canada, even 'Samsung controlled' builds.
That said it's not a concern after installing a custom yakju ROM already at 4.0.3. So either you wait patiently for OTAs that may or may not come or take control of your own device ;-). Remember, it can all be put back where it was!
rAy
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
ray2jerry said:
For what it's worth when I got this phone from Virgin Mobile just before Xmas it was yakjuyx or whatever and 4.0.1. Minutes after turning it on it upgraded OTA to 4.0.2 so they are pushing updates in Canada, even 'Samsung controlled' builds.
That said it's not a concern after installing a custom yakju ROM already at 4.0.3. So either you wait patiently for OTAs that may or may not come or take control of your own device ;-). Remember, it can all be put back where it was!
rAy
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info but as I mentioned, I am already running a Custom 4.0.3 ROM but I seem to be having signal drop issues with it so I may have to flash something else to fix that as I have read that these signal drop issues are 4.0.3 AOSP ROM related...
ray2jerry said:
For what it's worth when I got this phone from Virgin Mobile just before Xmas it was yakjuyx or whatever and 4.0.1. Minutes after turning it on it upgraded OTA to 4.0.2 so they are pushing updates in Canada, even 'Samsung controlled' builds.
That said it's not a concern after installing a custom yakju ROM already at 4.0.3. So either you wait patiently for OTAs that may or may not come or take control of your own device ;-). Remember, it can all be put back where it was!
rAy
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That can't be right. The only OTA update that went out for yakjuux was the volume fix update. I've never heard of anyone getting 4.0.2 that had yakjuux. The first batch of phones that came out in December received that volume update but it stayed 4.0.1. Any phones bought recently already came with the volume update applied.

Purchased used Nexus off Craigslist...what a mistake

Hey guys, So I purchased a used Nexus from a guy locally. I showed up and he had a box with charger, headphones, case, and screen protector. The phone looked perfect and he put his sim in and activated the phone along with showing me data worked along with calls. I bought the phone and took the phone to Verizon and had it activated. It activated fine, so I thought I made out good at this point. However, after looking at the phone further, it appears to have the 1850 Mah battery and the identification sticker under the battery does not have the Samsung logo. It just lists Model SCH-1515 V and shows the serial number and imei number along with STA 02/20/2012 Made in Korea.
I put in a code i found online to check and see if its refurbished and it shows NO for reconditioned. Here is the confusing part, the phone was first activated on 2/28/12 according to the software and has a lifetime call log of 82 calls at around 63 hours. The guy stated he owned the phone since December 17th and he wont return my calls. Do any of you guys know any additional information about this phone that can help me indentify what it is? Also, the phone seems to drop 4G coverage alot and when it first boots and shows the Google logo with a lock logo that appears below it. Does this mean anything? It also has the Superuser icon in my apps list so it appears to be rooted. The software version is 4.0.2 ICS. I feel like an idiot for buying this thing. Maybe I can flash it and fix the radios witha custom rom.
Why exactly are you feeling like an idiot? I still can't understand.
You have purchased the 4G Model of the Gnex, which is called I515:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_nexus_i515-4301.php
This version also includes the 1850mAh battery.
If it's rooted, you can easily unroot and lock your bootloader (the little lock thing will disappear then). Concerning the radio signal, you'll find most 4G users are struggling with the Network reception.
So all in all, unless there's something i missed/did not understand, you bought yourself a normal 4G Galaxy Nexus.
Yeah sounds like you got a unlocked and rooted phone. If you choose to download any roms make sure you download the ones for the Toro, Maguro is the GSM variant. If your reception is bad you could flash the leaked 4.0.4 radios. Check the CDMA development thread for radios, roms, etc. There are some great roms on here and rootzwiki.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I think I was more concerned about the dishonesty and the date the phone was activated. It just made me doubt my purchase. I mean, shouldn't the phone have a samsung logo behind the battery? I also found an ad where he posted the same phone for sale on 2/28 which is the day the phone was first activated. Thanks for your input!
Dude, it's USED from some random guy ONLINE... expect dishonesty!
AndroidHead05 said:
I think I was more concerned about the dishonesty and the date the phone was activated. It just made me doubt my purchase. I mean, shouldn't the phone have a samsung logo behind the battery? I also found an ad where he posted the same phone for sale on 2/28 which is the day the phone was first activated. Thanks for your input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it should have a samsung logo under the batter that has the IMEI number on it.
i bet you got a stolen phone, but if VZW activated it, call it a good day and forget about it all. if you want a stock phone, go to the dev forums and read how to flash back to stock with the CDMA version.
AndroidHead05 said:
I think I was more concerned about the dishonesty and the date the phone was activated. It just made me doubt my purchase. I mean, shouldn't the phone have a samsung logo behind the battery? I also found an ad where he posted the same phone for sale on 2/28 which is the day the phone was first activated. Thanks for your input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about you post some pictures here so we can tell you? Make sure to hide the IMEI and Serial Number before posting those pics.
Lifetime call log info and activation resets everytime you hard reset or flash a rom
Kind of a weird post. You got GN that you hooked up to Verizon without a problem and it came with a stock battery. What exactly is the issue here?
Anyway, for future if you ever want to buy a used phone locally always make the seller meet you at a Verizon store or whoever you are trying to hook the phone up with so they can check the phone for you in person.
rquinn19 said:
Lifetime call log info and activation resets everytime you hard reset or flash a rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not true. *#*#RTN#*#* will hold you info even through factory resets and flashes. It's not entirely bug-free though, as I've got a screen shot from January showing that I had an incoming call time of 320 hours after only owning the phone for a month, which of course works out to 10 hours of calling a day. In the 7 weeks since it's crawled up to just over 500 hours.
My guess is that it has something to do with Google Voice.
Don't worry about it. Flash 4.0.4 and be done with it! More than likely you will get better reception with the new radios.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
AndroidHead05 said:
Also, the phone seems to drop 4G coverage alot and when it first boots and shows the Google logo with a lock logo that appears below it. Does this mean anything? It also has the Superuser icon in my apps list so it appears to be rooted. The software version is 4.0.2 ICS. I feel like an idiot for buying this thing. Maybe I can flash it and fix the radios witha custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "lock icon" on boot means that the phone is already Unlocked, so you dont need to do anything you are ready to flash CWM (if it isnt on there already)... if you want to flash a custom rom you can I would suggest stock 4.0.4. If its dropping 4G may be the crap 4.0.2 radios wait for an update or do it yourself like I said stock 4.0.4 imo is the best way to go you can find it in the Development section.
Thanks for the suggestions guys! Is AOKP Milestone 4 a good rom. What is the recommended radio to flash? If I go to stock 4.0.4, will that affect anything as this phone is rooted and unlocked already?
AndroidHead05 said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys! Is AOKP Milestone 4 a good rom. What is the recommended radio to flash? If I go to stock 4.0.4, will that affect anything as this phone is rooted and unlocked already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Milestone 4 or Axiom are great Roms. Don't see why you would flash a stock ROM, other ROMs are very stable and offer a ton of customizations.
[email protected] said:
Milestone 4 or Axiom are great Roms. Don't see why you would flash a stock ROM, other ROMs are very stable and offer a ton of customizations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help, what radio should I flash with it?
AndroidHead05 said:
Thanks for your help, what radio should I flash with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing about radios is that everyone's experience is different. I use the 4.0.4 CDMA/LTE radios but you'll also find that some people prefer hybrid radios.
I would recommend starting with the 4.0.4 CDMA/LTE radios because that's what I have had the best luck with and I use AOKP Milestone 4 as well.
Just make sure you read the directions carefully when flashing radios.
rquinn19 said:
Lifetime call log info and activation resets everytime you hard reset or flash a rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't.
ATnTdude said:
That is not true. *#*#RTN#*#* will hold you info even through factory resets and flashes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This code is not working for me. Galaxy nexus EU, is it US only?
Verstuurd van mijn Galaxy Nexus met Tapatalk
No, but its stock rom only (usually).
Zepius said:
it should have a samsung logo under the batter that has the IMEI number on it.
i bet you got a stolen phone, but if VZW activated it, call it a good day and forget about it all. if you want a stock phone, go to the dev forums and read how to flash back to stock with the CDMA version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VZW will not activate a stolen phone.

[Q] Is the Verizon Galaxy Nexus Still Worth It?

Is the Galaxy Nexus still worth it on Verizon half a year after launch? I'm looking to get a phone, and yes it has to be Verizon, and this is really the only appealing one. Don't feel like playing the waiting game.
Yes if you want AOSP android and are willing to deal with potential issues.
m0b1l3 said:
I'm looking to get a phone, and yes it has to be Verizon, and this is really the only appealing one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So... you answered your own question.
joshnichols189 said:
Yes if you want AOSP android and are willing to deal with potential issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn I just ordered mine.. what issues.. ?
Sent from my LG Revolution using Tapatalk 2
mursepaolo said:
Damn I just ordered mine.. what issues.. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just read the forums. People complain about anything and everything. There actually are real issues with signal, call quality and software hiccups... although they effect people differently.
Just use your device. Don't go looking for issues.
Okay, but do you think Verizon's gonna get the s3? Honestly though, I don't really like it. I don't even know if they're gonna change the processor for LTE. Is there a better phone on Verizon?
m0b1l3 said:
Okay, but do you think Verizon's gonna get the s3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody knows.
Honestly though, I don't really like it. I don't even know if they're gonna change the processor for LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay... then you don't care.
Is there a better phone on Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely subjective. Go try them all and do your research then decide. How can I know what you want?
Yes, Verizon along with the other two big carriers as well as US Cellular is getting the S3.
Problems with the Nexus:
1. battery life is terrible. buy the extended battery from VZW, makes a world of difference.
2. Can't transfer data off the phone via usb.
jgarozzo said:
2. Can't transfer data off the phone via usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh. Yes you can. Plug it in, open Windows Explorer (or Android File Transfer on OSX) and transfer files.
jgarozzo said:
2. Can't transfer data off the phone via usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't tell if serious..
Yes, the Verizon Nexus is worth it. Its easily still the best Verizon phone available right now (unless you want the Razor Maxx's battery life).
Like all current smart phones, it's not perfect, but I've found that the latest 4.0.4 update has cleared up most of my software problems. (Been running a leaked build for about a month now, though I switched to stock yesterday so I could get the official OTA update - which came through a couple hours ago).
Only complaints for me right now are hardware related: so-so camera, screen banding, and status bar burn in on the screen (this may or may not be a hardware failure, as some other phones I've seen don't have the issue, but then others have it MUCH worse as well).
I should also note that I live in Phoenix and have great LTE coverage, so I can't comment on any of the network issues that some people have reported.
Ultimately, I would say pick it up and try it out for a while. If it doesn't work for you take it back and wait for another phone to come out.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I'm having the same dilemma as well, although I have begun leaning heavily to the Gnex simply because after going to the store and checking out the Razr Maxx, it just looked terribly ugly to me.
The sad part is a major deciding factor for me leaning towards the gnex was that I assumed it had an unlocked bootloader (ITS A NEXUS). Now that I know it is not unlocked, I am back on the fence. I know it can be easily unlocked, but that voids the warranty (if they can tell...), do you guys really think VZW would decline a return or exchange based on the bootloader?
juntistik said:
The sad part is a major deciding factor for me leaning towards the gnex was that I assumed it had an unlocked bootloader (ITS A NEXUS). Now that I know it is not unlocked, I am back on the fence. I know it can be easily unlocked, but that voids the warranty (if they can tell...), do you guys really think VZW would decline a return or exchange based on the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sigh... You realize that having a phone ship with an unlocked bootloader would be a HUGE security problem? Giving full access to the hardware without any user intervention, how is that a good idea?
People need to seriously understand the difference between a locked bootloader (which ALL phones should have by stock) and an encrypted bootloader, which is one that is locked, and not easily unlockable (requires an exploit to unlock).
Just because its locked by default, doesn't mean it can't be unlocked. It literally takes 1 command line prompt: "fastboot oem unlock" to unlock that bootloader and do whatever you want with the device. It can also be easily relocked with just 1 more command prompt as well. Verizon cannot tell you've unlocked once you've locked again, and as long as you're not stupid enough to return a non-stock phone, they will never deny you a warranty claim.
Read up on the subject before you start pulling out these stupid, baseless complaints. I'm tired of hearing people complain about locked vs unlocked bootloaders when they clearly have no idea what it actually means or offers them.
martonikaj said:
Sigh... You realize that having a phone ship with an unlocked bootloader would be a HUGE security problem? Giving full access to the hardware without any user intervention, how is that a good idea?
People need to seriously understand the difference between a locked bootloader (which ALL phones should have by stock) and an encrypted bootloader, which is one that is locked, and not easily unlockable (requires an exploit to unlock).
Just because its locked by default, doesn't mean it can't be unlocked. It literally takes 1 command line prompt: "fastboot oem unlock" to unlock that bootloader and do whatever you want with the device. It can also be easily relocked with just 1 more command prompt as well. Verizon cannot tell you've unlocked once you've locked again, and as long as you're not stupid enough to return a non-stock phone, they will never deny you a warranty claim.
Read up on the subject before you start pulling out these stupid, baseless complaints. I'm tired of hearing people complain about locked vs unlocked bootloaders when they clearly have no idea what it actually means or offers them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^This
This is the way all Nexus phones have been. You should be grateful Samsung lets you re-lock the bootloaders in case you have any issues. The HTC Nexus One was a permanent unlock.
Gnex is you want Android
iP4 if you want iOS
Those are pretty much the best phones on VZW at the moment.
You shouldn't worry too much about the locked boot loader on the Nexus. It's REALLY easy to unlock/re-lock the phone as needed.
If you're not comfortable doing it manually you can always download a tool to take care of the process for you.
For example: I just used the WugFresh Galaxy Nexus tool to return my phone to it's stock software, with a locked boot loader, so that I could try out the ota 4.0.4 update for a while. As far as anyone else can tell it's always run the stock version of Android and hasn't been fiddled with.
It's also good to remember that unlocking the boot loader on the Nexus doesn't require you to download some b.s. tool like HTC is using, and there's no official record of you playing with your phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
tell them your having problems with service, continuous dropped calls, get out of your contract. find an area that gets terrible verizon service, tell them your moving there. they will allow you out. they go grab t-mobile
I've had mine for a couple days and love it!! LTE is awesome, AOKP is awesome and the size is the best!!! Def a good phone still to look at.
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Apparently the s3 is about to come out on Verizon? Do you think I should still go with the GNex? I absolutely hate the design of the s3, and I'm not thinking the quad cor is gonna stay. 2 GB ram however.
Drop Verizon and get the gsm version
Sent from my HTC sensation 4g using Tapatalk

Anyone else refusing the official 4.3 update?

I'm just curious if anyone else here besides me is still on the ATT 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 only because they are still skeptical about updating or just refuse to accept it, and the reasons why. I feel like I'm the bad guy around here because I refuse to rush and play with the latest toy (Ooops, I mean the 4.3 update).
I'm even reading some of the members, and even some devs here wondering why some people are refusing to update, because you can do just about anything on the new bootloader that you can do on the old ones.
Well, I always thought that us rooters who are non-developers are not suppose to accept OTA updates from our carriers, and should only be flashing the Roms from our developers (good devs by the way). OTAs tend to fix previous issues and attempt to make the phones more secure, but at the same time, create new issues and further lock down the phones.
Look at all the posts around here right now that are just filled with 4.3 issues. One of the most common for example: (I'm having issues, have soft bricked, or just don't like the update?) Is there a way to flash back to complete 4.3 stock so that I can start over? No! And without any official firmware released from AT&T, if something goes wrong with your phone, then all you have to flash is a custom ROM, which I was taught that we should be doing any way, while avoiding the OTAs.
I just want to see here if there is anyone else thinking the same way and why, or is this just going to turn into people who OTA-ed becoming defensive.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
shortydoggg said:
I'm just curious if anyone else here besides me is still on the ATT 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 only because they are still skeptical about updating or just refuse to accept it, and the reasons why. I feel like I'm the bad guy around here because I refuse to rush and play with the latest toy (Ooops, I mean the 4.3 update).
I'm even reading some of the members, and even some devs here wondering why some people are refusing to update, because you can do just about anything on the new bootloader that you can do on the old ones.
Well, I always thought that us rooters who are non-developers are not suppose to accept OTA updates from our carriers, and should only be flashing the Roms from our developers (good devs by the way). OTAs tend to fix previous issues and attempt to make the phones more secure, but at the same time, create new issues and further lock down the phones.
Look at all the posts around here right now that are just filled with 4.3 issues. One of the most common for example: (I'm having issues, have soft bricked, or just don't like the update?) Is there a way to flash back to complete 4.3 stock so that I can start over? No! And without any official firmware released from AT&T, if something goes wrong with your phone, then all you have to flash is a custom ROM, which I was taught that we should be doing any way, while avoiding the OTAs.
I just want to see here if there is anyone else thinking the same way and why, or is this just going to turn into people who OTA-ed becoming defensive.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For starters i can't imagine why anyone who is rooted and running a custom ROM would ever dream of installing an official OTA. By the time the carrier's have had time to update their own ROM and distribute the update it will have long been incorporated into most custom ROM's. Point and case is 4.3 (which i have been running thanks to Task650 for many months)...boom all of a sudden you are stuck with a bootloader that you cannot change, or how about the case of the S4's who blindly or unknowing installed an OTA that gives them a locked bootloader that cant be downgraded (in the case of those of us with carriers who are evil bastards). The only case where i would personally find it 'acceptable' to install official OTA's is someone who has no interest in rooting or installing any custom software to their device. Yes the current S3 bootloader is rootable but one day, probably the next (if there is one) update i would imagine it will be locked down like the new devices. Its sad to say but the direction Google seems to be moving all Android devices may end up this way which will be a dark day indeed.
dntesinfrno said:
....Its sad to say but the direction Google seems to be moving all Android devices may end up this way which will be a dark day indeed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it's Google locking the devices down. It's the manufacturers: Samsung, HTC, Motorola, etc... that are incorporating the locked bootloaders. I may be wrong, but that's the way it seems.
jack man said:
I don't think it's Google locking the devices down. It's the manufacturers: Samsung, HTC, Motorola, etc... that are incorporating the locked bootloaders. I may be wrong, but that's the way it seems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes currently its the manufacturers, at the behest of the carriers...hence why att and verizon are locked on the s4 and up samsung devices but not sprint or tmo. I was simply stating that if things continue to go the way they seem to be with googles decisions moving forward with android it could end up that way.
They can lock em down but you know some talented dev will find a way in
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
rumrnr62 said:
They can lock em down but you know some talented dev will find a way in
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but that can take months, and until then, you're stuck.
Can always buy a dev version or a nexus
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I'll wait until the dev 4.3 rom stable then flash. Not much difference IMO.
ibuddler said:
I'll wait until the dev 4.3 rom stable then flash. Not much difference IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
I wonder if for some reason another toy (Ooops, update) comes to this phone, will the rooters who OTA-ed, and then re-rooted or flashed another ROM (and tripped their new warranty bit counters in the process) be able to receive the new update, or will it be blocked because of the counter increment, and once again, will have to rely on custom ROMs, which they should already be doing?
shortydoggg said:
I'm just curious if anyone else here besides me is still on the ATT 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 only because they are still skeptical about updating or just refuse to accept it, and the reasons why. I feel like I'm the bad guy around here because I refuse to rush and play with the latest toy (Ooops, I mean the 4.3 update).
I'm even reading some of the members, and even some devs here wondering why some people are refusing to update, because you can do just about anything on the new bootloader that you can do on the old ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...Anything, except flashing back to stock for reflashing purposes or for warranty service or resetting the Knox warranty bit. OTA may also damage resale value, among other downsides.
shortydoggg said:
Well, I always thought that us rooters who are non-developers are not suppose to accept OTA updates from our carriers, and should only be flashing the Roms from our developers (good devs by the way). OTAs tend to fix previous issues and attempt to make the phones more secure, but at the same time, create new issues and further lock down the phones.
Look at all the posts around here right now that are just filled with 4.3 issues. One of the most common for example: (I'm having issues, have soft bricked, or just don't like the update?) Is there a way to flash back to complete 4.3 stock so that I can start over? No! And without any official firmware released from AT&T, if something goes wrong with your phone, then all you have to flash is a custom ROM, which I was taught that we should be doing any way, while avoiding the OTAs.
I just want to see here if there is anyone else thinking the same way and why, or is this just going to turn into people who OTA-ed becoming defensive..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are diverse camps among the rooters & other members here. Through my GS1, GS2 & GS3 I've used mostly debloated stock TW roms; for work, on the road constantly & needing a maximum stable daily driver; like other stock TW enthusiasts.
Apart from user (flashing) errors, the stability, the flexibility & connectivity complaints you cited are what I measured against when deciding to flash a 4.3 rom, kernel & modem from |ROM|Bootloader|Kernel|Modem| AT&T Official 4.3 MJB |24 Nov 2013| .
What designgears, upndwn4par, loserskater & the others have posted on multiple threads I read & reread here before flashing allowed me to attempt the 4.3 upgrade with a solid backout plan & maximum control, reaching my desired result:
Stable, debloated (by me, it's personal) permission edited (using App Ops) battery optimized 4.3 using the same bootloader as on 4.1.2.
The resources exposed in that one thread I linked, plus miles of reading in prep here on XDA showed me how to have the upgrade my way, so even stock a enthusiast can get a first class passage thanks to our devs. Buy them a drink when you can!

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