Im planning on buying a GS3 this week but wanted to make sure I get the model of phone that best suits me. I am currently with fido and will be unlocking the phone if needed (I might not need to unlock if I get the rogers model).
What differences is there between the Telus, Rogers, and Bell phone if it is unlocked? Would it just be the bloatware on the phone or is there other minor differences? If they are all the exact same, would that mean if I got the Telus model, I could flash the Rogers stock firmware and my phone would essentially be a Rogers unlocked phone?
Sorry I'm a little confused, hope that makes sense.
Thanks in advance!
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda app-developers app
the hard part would be installing the stock firmware, if there is a hardware check, it may give you an error if they made a slight change to the model #. if there was a cwm flashable zip, you would be fine. Outside of that, nope no differences.
OK thanks. I'm just thinking if I wanted to keep stock firmware, but wanted the jelly bean update as soon as its available, I didn't want to be stuck on a carriers phone who will release the jb update in 2014. I believe all 3 carriers have pushed back their jb update is that correct? I guess if I really needed jb on the phone I could always flash a stock ROM from the original development thread correct? And that wouldn't void my warranty?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda app-developers app
bdithug said:
OK thanks. I'm just thinking if I wanted to keep stock firmware, but wanted the jelly bean update as soon as its available, I didn't want to be stuck on a carriers phone who will release the jb update in 2014. I believe all 3 carriers have pushed back their jb update is that correct? I guess if I really needed jb on the phone I could always flash a stock ROM from the original development thread correct? And that wouldn't void my warranty?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would void your warranty. I'm running stock JB, you can use an app called triangle away to remove all trip counters and then flash a stock firmware if you need to return/replace the device.
Thanks!
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda app-developers app
I'm with Rogers, bought an unlocked Bell phone, Used Odin to flash Rogers stock no problems at all
get a rogers sgs3, as the unlock code for the telus model is like twice as much.
Everything I've read tells me that the Rogers, bell, telus phones are exactly the same minus carrier bloat. They are all the same model number (sgh-i747m)
The only way you should be able to tell between them on a non stock rom would be to look up the imei.
Related
hi sorry for my bad english.
I installed some custom rom on my phone
but after i installed cleanrom 4.9 ace with setting for rogers (and other canadian carrier) i went back to Bell factory rom 4.1.2 version and i got rogers icon instead of Bell icon.
Fact:
- i did a lot of factory reset (wipe data/cache)
- I downloaded rom from sammobile site
- i have samsung galaxy note 2 (SGH-i317M) from bell
- I used odin to restore to bell's rom
but after many try to revert back to bell official rom i get stuck with rogers icon
Any hint ?
What do you mean by a Rogers Icon? Like when its booting or somewhere in the system?
app icon on lauchpad i mean: 1 number, 1 contact, rogers voice mail etc
I think he means the Rogers Apps that come with the Note 2 when you get it from Rogers.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda app-developers app
JonL21 said:
I think he means the Rogers Apps that come with the Note 2 when you get it from Rogers.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
K well if you are sure you downloaded the correct version then its probably a fault with sammobile uploading the wrong firmware. Try downloading the other Bell one from October 2012 then updating through the official OTA
ayeros said:
hi sorry for my bad english.
I installed some custom rom on my phone
but after i installed cleanrom 4.9 ace with setting for rogers (and other canadian carrier) i went back to Bell factory rom 4.1.2 version and i got rogers icon instead of Bell icon.
Fact:
- i did a lot of factory reset (wipe data/cache)
- I downloaded rom from sammobile site
- i have samsung galaxy note 2 (SGH-i317M) from bell
- I used odin to restore to bell's rom
but after many try to revert back to bell official rom i get stuck with rogers icon
Any hint ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok man u downliaded the wrong firmware. U dl rogers instead of bell. It wont make a difference though. Just delete the Rogers apps with titanium. Or you can do it the hard way and re download the right stock rom and do it again. You need to read more stuff before you flash or you're gonna brick
? http://bit.ly/18WHgY4 ?
already tested with 4.1.1 from sammobile but still like rogers firmware too
any other place i can grab official firmware ?
the 2 i tryed from sam mobile:
I317MVLBMA3_I317MOYABMA3_I317MVLBMA3_HOME.tar.md5 --- 4.1.2
I317MVLALJ2_I317MOYAALJ2_I317MVLALJ2_HOME.tar.md5 --- 4.1.1
but those like to be wrong as they both have rogers app on it
ayeros said:
the 2 i tryed from sam mobile:
I317MVLBMA3_I317MOYABMA3_I317MVLBMA3_HOME.tar.md5 --- 4.1.2
I317MVLALJ2_I317MOYAALJ2_I317MVLALJ2_HOME.tar.md5 --- 4.1.1
but those like to be wrong as they both have rogers app on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who cares if it has rogers apps. Just delete them. Your phone will function the same and you'll forget in a day or two!
:banghead:
? http://bit.ly/18WHgY4 ?
actualy not exactly as i need to send it to samsung for repair it may be diclined because of this
(triangle away already been runned on this phone)
ayeros said:
actualy not exactly as i need to send it to samsung for repair it may be diclined because of this
(triangle away already been runned on this phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did u happen to make a Nandroid backup before you flashed a rom? If so restore it and you'll be good to go.
Why do u need to get it repaired?
? http://bit.ly/18WHgY4 ?
nope i didn't i know ist stupid but i tried lot of time to do it but it never worked.
in fact it is the only thing i wasnt able to do
I kinda had the same issue but stuck with Bell stock instead of Rogers stock.
This won't work as a proper solution for you since you are sending it to Samsung but I changed the csc files and got the Rogers Apps back but I'm still using the Bell stock firmware.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda app-developers app
ayeros said:
nope i didn't i know ist stupid but i tried lot of time to do it but it never worked.
in fact it is the only thing i wasnt able to do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root your phone then open playstore search samsung csc. Open the app then choose your carrier from there it will reboot and factory reset your phone to Bell's firmware.
Sent from my I317M
thank you it worked #1
I bought an unlocked yakjuux Galaxy Nexus (Canadian) phone that currently has 4.2.1. From what I understand, Samsung is responsible for doing the OTA updates, which I know unfortunately occurs later than the Google ones. I'm using this phone on T-mobile in the United States, and I wanted to ask if this will interfere with me getting any updates, since I'm not using a Canadian service. If not, I'm willing to wait it out. If not, I'm considering flashing takju or yakju. Does flashing these images also change the radio, or is that a separate process? Thanks in advance.
Sukashii16 said:
I bought an unlocked yakjuux Galaxy Nexus (Canadian) phone that currently has 4.2.1. From what I understand, Samsung is responsible for doing the OTA updates, which I know unfortunately occurs later than the Google ones. I'm using this phone on T-mobile in the United States, and I wanted to ask if this will interfere with me getting any updates, since I'm not using a Canadian service. If not, I'm willing to wait it out. If not, I'm considering flashing takju or yakju. Does flashing these images also change the radio, or is that a separate process? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's actually a separate process as Roms normally only package kernels and even then is optional.
If you search the android development forum you'll find the radio thread and likely find the radio you need to flash. I would link but on mobile.
Also I believe Rhee only difference between yakju and takju is Google wallet. I actually think Google factory brands every phone with any JB stock rom. (Eg. No longer rogers/bell/fido etc boot screen and bloatware.)
So unless you flash manually I'm not sure you'll get OTA because the Canadian OS for me on wind and rogers has only updated to 4.1.2 because of the 4.2 bugs.
EDIT was 4.2.2 but when I got OTA it changed to 4.1.2, I now use the cm10.1 so I'm not much help anymore.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
christopherrrg said:
That's actually a separate process as Roms normally only package kernels and even then is optional.
If you search the android development forum you'll find the radio thread and likely find the radio you need to flash. I would link but on mobile.
Also I believe Rhee only difference between yakju and takju is Google wallet. I actually think Google factory brands every phone with any JB stock rom. (Eg. No longer rogers/bell/fido etc boot screen and bloatware.)
So unless you flash manually I'm not sure you'll get OTA because the Canadian OS for me on wind and rogers has only updated to 4.1.2 because of the 4.2 bugs.
EDIT was 4.2.2 but when I got OTA it changed to 4.1.2, I now use the cm10.1 so I'm not much help anymore.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Is there an advantage of me flashing a new radio?
Also, if I understood the last part, I can get OTA updates from my Canadian phone, even though I'm on a US network, but they've delayed the update because of bugs.
Sukashii16 said:
Thanks for the reply. Is there an advantage of me flashing a new radio?
Also, if I understood the last part, I can get OTA updates from my Canadian phone, even though I'm on a US network, but they've delayed the update because of bugs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem! All it really changes is how it deals with reception, any radio can be flashed with any ROM, personally I'd recommend the latest, doesn't destroy your battery as much on 3G anymore.
And it does seem plausible to receive OTA if its not rooted and still on stock because the factory images come from Google now. (International)
But yes that's correct, as far as I know wind (my carrier) has only gone to 4.1.2 my roommate has this same phone officially from wind with 4.1.2 and we just clicked system update saying it's latest.
Rogers may be different however I changed my phone from a rogers gnex to my own little wind gnex
Hopefully you fix your issues!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I unlocked a Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 FROM ATT I am using Tmobile services.
My question is can I install a Stock ROM from TMobile instead of having the ATT one?
I like the Wifi Calling and Tethering option.
I can tell you... But I have a LOT of readers who want to know how to do what you have already done! How did you SIM unlock your SGH-I337? There is a published method for AT&T and TMo that seems to no longer work on the AT&T variant.
OK.. I won't hold you hostage, but I really would like to know!
For the flash to stock, just head over here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2267895
Follow the instructions and that will re-flash T-Mobile stock everything.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
mhannigan said:
I can tell you... But I have a LOT of readers who want to know how to do what you have already done! How did you SIM unlock your SGH-I337? There is a published method for AT&T and TMo that seems to no longer work on the AT&T variant.
OK.. I won't hold you hostage, but I really would like to know!
For the flash to stock, just head over here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2267895
Follow the instructions and that will re-flash T-Mobile stock everything.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are u sure u can directly odin flash tmo stock unto i337?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
sharpeyedman said:
Are u sure u can directly odin flash tmo stock unto i337?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. But also check this thread. The AT&T boot loader is locked and may require Loki Doki patch when you are done.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2295557
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
mhannigan said:
Yes. But also check this thread. The AT&T boot loader is locked and may require Loki Doki patch when you are done.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2295557
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.... I may be wrong here, but since when has it been OK to Odin different carrier's stock .tars? Flashable CWM zips yes, but the bone stock tar with modem, baseband, etc?
Also, being that you have TMO service and an ATT device; flashing a TMO ROM with WiFi calling should work; just use an ATT kernel and the Loki patch. Personally, I'd flash the rooted stock MDL or a custom TouchWiz via CWM or whatever recovery you happen to use and not use Odin.
lordcheeto03 said:
.... I may be wrong here, but since when has it been OK to Odin different carrier's stock .tars? Flashable CWM zips yes, but the bone stock tar with modem, baseband, etc?
Also, being that you have TMO service and an ATT device; flashing a TMO ROM with WiFi calling should work; just use an ATT kernel and the Loki patch. Personally, I'd flash the rooted stock MDL or a custom TouchWiz via CWM or whatever recovery you happen to use and not use Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since wjenmisnit OK to do it differently?
It is only OK to do when you know what you are doing. In this case the hardware is absolutely identical. You're not going to be using AT&Ts baseband firmware on the T-Mobile network are you? Good luck with that.
Mike
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 AM ----------
lordcheeto03 said:
.... I may be wrong here, but since when has it been OK to Odin different carrier's stock .tars? Flashable CWM zips yes, but the bone stock tar with modem, baseband, etc?
Also, being that you have TMO service and an ATT device; flashing a TMO ROM with WiFi calling should work; just use an ATT kernel and the Loki patch. Personally, I'd flash the rooted stock MDL or a custom TouchWiz via CWM or whatever recovery you happen to use and not use Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDL baseband is the modem firmware
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
i have the i337 ATT and I am using a Tmobile sim card. Just youtube "unlock galaxy s4 AT&T". There are plenty of videos that use a secret menu to unlock the phone.
Free and instant
I also have AT&T i337 unlocked BUT
I also have AT&T i337 unlocked BUT when I try to use it with MetroPCS (same tower as T-Mobile - companies now merged) I can't get anything but Edge network where on my MetroPCS-supplied phone I get 4G (LTE only rarely) in the same areas. Edge network is ridiculous - can't even load a standard webpage- forget about watching a video! ookla =0.01mps!
So I have an unusable rooted, unlocked S4.
I've tried various APN settings to no avail... Thought I would try liquidsmooth ROM, or any ROM that works on both AT&T and T-Mobile... I assume T-Mobile /MetroPCS would react the same. And I am on a pay as you go plan that is similar to T-Mobile's s. I could easily switch to them if not...
Questions:
Has anyone any advice that could help?
Does anyone know if T-Mobile requires a "pairing" of sim card with phone's IMEI as MetroPCS does? (big pain in the butt)
I've done the same thing flashed roms, Modems, To my luck nothing, I did filing that since I repaired the imei, That is when the problem started. Also to does not tie imei to sims. Did you repair imei
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
Easy free Sim unlock
Just wanted to point out that if you know someone who has AT&T service they can unlock your phone for free My girlfriend did it for me on their website and it took 24 hours for them to send an email with the unlock code. Just thought i should share that. Up next getting this t-mobile rom onto my 32gb i337 at 4.4.2 with NB1. I hate everything AT&T and God is this phone bloated!
Wanabedev83 said:
Just wanted to point out that if you know someone who has AT&T service they can unlock your phone for free My girlfriend did it for me on their website and it took 24 hours for them to send an email with the unlock code. Just thought i should share that. Up next getting this t-mobile rom onto my 32gb i337 at 4.4.2 with NB1. I hate everything AT&T and God is this phone bloated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't they have to be the owner to request an unlock?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
serio22 said:
Don't they have to be the owner to request an unlock?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest i can't answer your question. The phone i bought was from a guy who sold it to me out of eBay with a none working screen, he had the imei in the pics so i ran an imei blacklist check and it was clean. I asked him why he didn't fix it and said it was out of warranty so he just left it dead. I guess it was paid for but in his account so it was free for anyone to use but letting my girl do the unlock request worked so if you have a phone that's not blacklisted and you its not associated to an active account I guess it could be done. Try it, it's worth the try.
Similar question
Very first post, not sure if I should have started a new thread. Anyway, I have an ATT S4 I337 with the MF3 baseband. It's rooted, region unlocked, and fully switched to t-mobile service using a method I found on youtube, which worked fairly well except had to modify two things (I can help if you're having trouble). Now I'd like to upgrade firmware (I'm still on 4.2.2). However, I have a lot of uncertainty because of all the changes I've made. If I temporarily unroot, who am I going to get updates from? Do I need TMO or ATT custom ROMs if I want custom (have they solved that bootloader issue yet?). Basically, what's the safest way to update firmware?
Thanks in advance
mhannigan said:
Since wjenmisnit OK to do it differently?
It is only OK to do when you know what you are doing. In this case the hardware is absolutely identical. You're not going to be using AT&Ts baseband firmware on the T-Mobile network are you? Good luck with that.
Mike
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 AM ----------
MDL baseband is the modem firmware
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The above also omits that if you are on Android 4.3.X than the bootloader on your Samsung Galaxy S4 contains a bootloader restriction preventing any downgrade which means you would be unable to flash MDL (ie. M919UVUAMDL) since MDL is Android 4.2.2.
Does anyone know a way around this bootloader restriction thereby allowing a downgrade to 4.2.2?
att i337 to t-mob stock
Hi, Im pretty new to this firmware and different model numbers etc.. but here goes. I bought a samsung s4 on att i337 a few months ago off a friend. I paid an online company for the unlock code and received the code within 24 hours. The phone is now unlocked and I have a T-mob sim in it, i'm now looking to update the firmware to t-mobile 4.4.4. Can i download a t-mob stock rom for i337?? I'm worried that this might break the phone as everything I see for t-mob is SGH-M919. Should this matter now that the phone is unlocked?? Thanks
No, you need to use ATT firmware due to hardware differences (antenna/radio). Also as I recall ATT S4s have a locked bootloader meaning only safestrap compatible ROMs can be used, unless something changed since I had one last summer. Sold it, on Swappa, and bought a TMob version with unlocked boot loader and sim unlocked!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
mfranklin90 said:
Very first post, not sure if I should have started a new thread. Anyway, I have an ATT S4 I337 with the MF3 baseband. It's rooted, region unlocked, and fully switched to t-mobile service using a method I found on youtube, which worked fairly well except had to modify two things (I can help if you're having trouble). Now I'd like to upgrade firmware (I'm still on 4.2.2). However, I have a lot of uncertainty because of all the changes I've made. If I temporarily unroot, who am I going to get updates from? Do I need TMO or ATT custom ROMs if I want custom (have they solved that bootloader issue yet?). Basically, what's the safest way to update firmware?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! I am having major issues with my s4 i337 after switching from att to tmobile. The phone was unlocked so I took it upon myself to unlock it. It is unlocked but sometimes or rather most of the time does not pick up the network. When it does have data connection, it is Edge. I flashed the NC1 to root my phone, then reflashed to NJ4 (to unlock) but now nothing works. No wifi, camera fails, no multitasker, no voice assistant. Please help!!!!! I don't know what to do. I should have never unrooted it to unlock. I should have paid the $35 to get an unlock code. Can I fix this?
vannicuhh said:
Hi! I am having major issues with my s4 i337 after switching from att to tmobile. The phone was unlocked so I took it upon myself to unlock it. It is unlocked but sometimes or rather most of the time does not pick up the network. When it does have data connection, it is Edge. I flashed the NC1 to root my phone, then reflashed to NJ4 (to unlock) but now nothing works. No wifi, camera fails, no multitasker, no voice assistant. Please help!!!!! I don't know what to do. I should have never unrooted it to unlock. I should have paid the $35 to get an unlock code. Can I fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you flashed the full firmware?
serio22 said:
Have you flashed the full firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure. I flashed NB1 as suggested by another forum member and everything is working once again. Although it went back to 4.4.2.
Now it has this notification : security notice: unauthorized actions have been detected. It wants me to reboot to revert the changes. How do I make this go away and will it go back to its unusable mode if I manually reboot?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda Forum
YES
TTAHER said:
I unlocked a Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 FROM ATT I am using Tmobile services.
My question is can I install a Stock ROM from TMobile instead of having the ATT one?
I like the Wifi Calling and Tethering option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have samsung galaxy s7 edge att unlocked with tmobile sim card and my last 2 ota upgrade are from tmobile G935TUVU4APK1
Hi All,
I just picked up a i317m Note II - It's locked to Rogers and I need to use it with Telus (I'm in Canada). The phone is stock 4.3 Rom.
I've unlocked a few S3's/Note II's in the past using the "free method" through the service menu's, but remember at the time the phone needed to be on 4.1.1 to work. (Even the updated 4.1.2 didn't have the proper menu items)
Can I simply revert back to 4.1.1 from 4.3 without issue using Odin and the Rogers 4.1.1 Firmware from SamMobile? Will it cause any issues?
I'm new to this whole Knox thing, need to do some reading this weekend about what's changed in the past 6 months here, but for now, I need to get the phone unlocked so I can at least use it.
Any help/comments ASAP would be great.
If your simply trying to unlock the device from the hidden menu. Then your best bet would be too flash the older modem. That was released with the 4.1.1 firmware. Then that menu will show up for you to do the unlock...
Or another option is to go to http://www.sammobile.com/
to get your stock firmware...
SENT FROM MY SAMMY i317 USING TAPATALK
Bajanman said:
If your simply trying to unlock the device from the hidden menu. Then your best bet would be too flash the older modem. That was released with the 4.1.1 firmware. Then that menu will show up for you to do the unlock...
Or another option is to go to http://www.sammobile.com/
to get your stock firmware...
SENT FROM MY SAMMY i317 USING TAPATALK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - I was just wanting to confirm there were no issues downgrading this method from 4.3 to 4.1.1 - I've done it before but not since official 4.3 had hit.
Turns out this thread was not needed. I just bought the used Note II and was told it was locked to Rogers. I just put my Telus sim in it and all is working fine, it's already been unlocked. Strange, but good enough.
bigystyle84 said:
Thanks - I was just wanting to confirm there were no issues downgrading this method from 4.3 to 4.1.1 - I've done it before but not since official 4.3 had hit.
Turns out this thread was not needed. I just bought the used Note II and was told it was locked to Rogers. I just put my Telus sim in it and all is working fine, it's already been unlocked. Strange, but good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't downgrade after having the official 4.3 firmware/bootloader.
And that person you got it from must have unlocked it when it was on 4.1.1
That's good it's working:thumbup:
SENT FROM MY SAMMY i317 USING TAPATALK
Hello,
I'm relarively new to the Galaxy S3 realm, and after a brief experience with a defective SGH T999 that I returned for a refund (which I'm pretty sure shipped with an unlocked bootloader out of the box since T-Mobile is usually good with doing that with their devices), I'm thinking of getting an SGH i747 new and networked unlocked on Amazon for use with T-Mobile since the SGH i747 is the least expensive S3 variant out there with LTE capabilities. I don't want to actually make the purchase until I know these two things:
1) Can the bootloader be unlocked on the latest official firmware (which I believe is 4.3 according to my research)? If so, how?
2) If I can unlock the bootloader on the latest official firmware, what ROMs will I be able to use? I read somewhere that using a ROM designed for an different stock firmware can lead to problems (like how 4.0 firmware users can't use 4.1 firmware ROMs)
I'm hoping I can get this since it has great features for the money, but if I can't install ROMs on it, I'm going to have to look for a different device to purchase.
Thanks ahead of time!
EDIT: I found an article stating there was an All In One toolkit that would root, bootloader unlock, and install recovery for US variant galaxy S3's, and it linked to me to an XDA thread. However, after reading the XDA thread, it seems that it is only able to unlock bootloaders of Nexus devices. Can anyone confirm for me that this all in one toolkit can unlock the bootloader for the latest firmware of the ATT S3?
Link to the toolkit thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746682
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app
jasonmerc said:
Hello,
I'm relarively new to the Galaxy S3 realm, and after a brief experience with a defective SGH T999 that I returned for a refund (which I'm pretty sure shipped with an unlocked bootloader out of the box since T-Mobile is usually good with doing that with their devices), I'm thinking of getting an SGH i747 new and networked unlocked on Amazon for use with T-Mobile since the SGH i747 is the least expensive S3 variant out there with LTE capabilities. I don't want to actually make the purchase until I know these two things:
1) Can the bootloader be unlocked on the latest official firmware (which I believe is 4.3 according to my research)? If so, how?
2) If I can unlock the bootloader on the latest official firmware, what ROMs will I be able to use? I read somewhere that using a ROM designed for an different stock firmware can lead to problems (like how 4.0 firmware users can't use 4.1 firmware ROMs)
I'm hoping I can get this since it has great features for the money, but if I can't install ROMs on it, I'm going to have to look for a different device to purchase.
Thanks ahead of time!
EDIT: I found an article stating there was an All In One toolkit that would root, bootloader unlock, and install recovery for US variant galaxy S3's, and it linked to me to an XDA thread. However, after reading the XDA thread, it seems that it is only able to unlock bootloaders of Nexus devices. Can anyone confirm for me that this all in one toolkit can unlock the bootloader for the latest firmware of the ATT S3?
Link to the toolkit thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746682
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all s3i747 should already be bootloader unlocked. i bricked my first one trying to "unlock" the bootloader.lol. kind of.
as far as firmware i am assuming you mean bootloader/modem. once you are on NE4 and above firmware , trying to downgrade ,i.e. mj2 firmware will give you a nice looking paper weight.
custom ROMs ; flash away (after making a backup of course). i have never seen a custom ROM include the bootloader/firmware. although you need to always read the OP to make sure it is compatible with whatever your current firmware is.,i.e.(again) if its a ROM for nj2 your ne4 firmware may need to be upgraded to match. @audit13 or @dawgdoc can confirm/deny/provide more info i am sure.
hope this helps at least some.
good luck.
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
mrrocketdog said:
all s3i747 should already be bootloader unlocked. i bricked my first one trying to "unlock" the bootloader.lol. kind of.
as far as firmware i am assuming you mean bootloader/modem. once you are on NE4 and above firmware , trying to downgrade ,i.e. mj2 firmware will give you a nice looking paper weight.
custom ROMs ; flash away (after making a backup of course). i have never seen a custom ROM include the bootloader/firmware. although you need to always read the OP to make sure it is compatible with whatever your current firmware is.,i.e.(again) if its a ROM for nj2 your ne4 firmware may need to be upgraded to match. @audit13 or @dawgdoc can confirm/deny/provide more info i am sure.
hope this helps at least some.
good luck.
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
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Are you SURE they are all unlocked out of box, regardless of firmware? I have seen guides as to how to unlock the bootloader for the i747 on 4.1.1 firmware, which would lead me to believe they aren't unlocked out of the box.
jasonmerc said:
Are you SURE they are all unlocked out of box, regardless of firmware? I have seen guides as to how to unlock the bootloader for the i747 on 4.1.1 firmware, which would lead me to believe they aren't unlocked out of the box.
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OK. if you've read different then no , i'm not SURE. but i thought they all were.
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
mrrocketdog said:
OK. if you've read different then no , i'm not SURE. but i thought they all were.
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
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Well too late now, already ordered one...
jasonmerc said:
Well too late now, already ordered one...
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well i'll tell you the honest truth. nevermind bootloaders and whatnot. i gave my S3 away to upgrade to the htcm8. to do all over ; i would have kept it or ordered one like you , or off swappa ,etc. i miss it.
good luck
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Looking in the all in one toolkit, it gives the user the option to root, busybox, and install custom recovery on a 4.3 ATT S3. From my knowledge, one needs an unlocked bootloader to install custom recoveries. Unless this is some sort of special recovery, it seems to me that this is in fact unlocked. Perhaps another user can confirm this.
thats why i mentioned audit13 and dawgdoc earlier. both more knowledgeable than me and i was hoping they would chyme in. or @DocHoliday77.
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
The bootoader is not locked. If you try to unlock it using software tools, you will brick it. I have never come across anyone on xda with an att s3 with a locked bootoader but I have come across a few that bricked their phone trying to unlock the bootoader.
Although att often locks the bootoader on their phones (e.g. note 3, s4, lg g2), they did not do this on the sgh-i747.
Once the phone is running the mjb or higher bootoader, you cannot flash an older bootoader.
Alright, thanks to both of you guys for the assistance. Just let out a huge breath of relief, I was scared my money went to waste. Can't wait for this to come in, and I'm eager to be a part of the i747 community on XDA!
Plus I got the red one
If you decide to flash anything to the phone, make sure you verify the bootloader version before flashing anything.
When you receive the phone, boot into download mode to confirm the model # as well.
audit13 said:
If you decide to flash anything to the phone, make sure you verify the bootloader version before flashing anything.
When you receive the phone, boot into download mode to confirm the model # as well.
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Yes, I do recall reading something about only being able to flash ROMs made for the specific bootloader of the phone. But if I were to flash a ROM for d2lte (designed to work with ALL Galaxy S3 models), I would assume it would work alright regardless of bootloader version?
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For stock ROMs, only flash for the d2att. For custom ROMs, only flash ROMs for the d2lte.
So no CM9 then eh?
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jasonmerc said:
So no CM9 then eh?
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app
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Well, d2lte and d2att roms.
There are a few quirks about particular roms, do not hesitate to ask more questions as they arise. Sometimes you will contradicting answers, or typos causing incorrect answers.
Just an update, the S3 arrived. Looks beautiful physically.
But beyond that...
(I happycried for a good 3 minutes after seeing this)
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app
jasonmerc said:
Just an update, the S3 arrived. Looks beautiful physically.
But beyond that...
(I happycried for a good 3 minutes after seeing this)
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app
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That's a nice state to receive an i747. Before doing any updates to bootloader and modem or flashing any ROMs I would suggest doing the free sim unlock found in the forums. (Yes, even though the bootloader is unlocked the sim card does not come unlocked out of the box.) If you upgrade to the 4.3 bootloader or newer you will no longer be able to do the free sim unlock. Although there are always paid unlocks.
dawgdoc said:
That's a nice state to receive an i747. Before doing any updates to bootloader and modem or flashing any ROMs I would suggest doing the free sim unlock found in the forums. (Yes, even though the bootloader is unlocked the sim card does not come unlocked out of the box.) If you upgrade to the 4.3 bootloader or newer you will no longer be able to do the free sim unlock. Although there are always paid unlocks.
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Already flashed a ROM. Despite the seller claiming it was unlocked out of the box, it was not. I'll be flashing back to 4.1.1 stock to do so.
EDIT: This is the firmware I'll be flashing, I assume it's correct
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2161667
man 'o man. 4.1.1. heck yeah !! happy for you (and envious). enjoy. :sly: @audit13 & @dawgdoc :thumbup:
(IF you were thinking about hitting the "thanks button" for this post ; please do not). this is for you guys. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
As long as you didn't flash 4.3 or newer bootloaders you should be good.