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Hello,
Currently, I have two GS2 (i9100 and T989) and a GS3. The problem is that only the T989 works on my data plan (T-Mobile USA 1700/2100MHz HSPA+)
So, now, I'm looking for a phone that combines the speed of the i9100 and GS3 with the AWS frequency support of the T989. The T-Mobile branded GS2 is rather laggy during important tasks (mainly SMS). If I want to send a text in a thread with a long history, the phone lags very badly. Even opening up the SMS app lags that phone. I don't have these problems with the two Exynos based phones. Archiving SMS messages is very important to me, so I can't delete them and need a phone that can handle long threads without massive lag.
How is the Galaxy Nexus at handling lag? I don't really play any intense games (and I'd have the GS3 for that if needed) so really I'm mainly looking to avoid SMS/browser/Gmail/UI lagging.
Additionally, I take pictures a lot. I know the camera on the Nexus is lower, but I've heard that it's about the same quality as the GS2. If that's true, I would be fine with 5MP.
Also, I see a lot of people complaining about factory defects in their phones in this forum.. How bad is the screen burn in issue?
If anyone has used a T989 in the past, how does the GNexus battery life compare?
tl;dr version:
* I need a phone that doesn't lag
* I have really, really long SMS threads
* I like taking pictures. Will I be okay with the Nexus camera? (coming from GS2)
* Should I get the Galaxy Nexus?
Thanks to anyone who can help!
Well, if the GS 2 is laggy (Which it really is, I had it myself), then flash SensatioNROM, that's the best ROM you'll find for the GS 2 and install Siyah, or Darknight kernel...
So much for the GS 2, to the Nexus, only buy this, if you don't mind having no buttons (I'm regretting it) and buy it, if you want to be the first of your friends, to have Android "Jelly Bean", which will be Android 4.1, coming out in the autumn months (For americans, the "fall"), and generally, only get the GNex, if you want PURE Googleness, which I'm also starting to regret, that's why I'm porting TWiz 5.0 to the GNex... But anyways... I'll give you a quote, from a film, 80% (at least) of this forum know:
I can only show you the door. You must go through it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a quote, that I have been using for quite some time, now.
familyguy59 said:
Well, if the GS 2 is laggy (Which it really is, I had it myself), then flash SensatioNROM, that's the best ROM you'll find for the GS 2 and install Siyah, or Darknight kernel...
So much for the GS 2, to the Nexus, only buy this, if you don't mind having no buttons (I'm regretting it) and buy it, if you want to be the first of your friends, to have Android "Jelly Bean", which will be Android 4.1, coming out in the autumn months (For americans, the "fall"), and generally, only get the GNex, if you want PURE Googleness, which I'm also starting to regret, that's why I'm porting TWiz 5.0 to the GNex... But anyways... I'll give you a quote, from a film, 80% (at least) of this forum know: This is a quote, that I have been using for quite some time, now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I can only use a phone with AWS (1700MHz) as my main phone. The i9100 doesn't lag for me.. but the T989 does.
And I'm fine with software buttons. In fact, I think it's better..
Mainly, I'd like to know how the Nexus performs in terms of lagginess compared to i9100 and T989.
I really can't comment compared to the other phones, but the Nexus is perfect for tasks like what you mentioned, I prefer to use ChompSMS for all my texting needs, but I did use the stock Messages app and it handles just fine (even with 400 texts per convo), Gmail runs fine, and is really smooth, browsing is probably the best you can get at the moment (Try Chrome), and overall the UI doesn't lag at all for me. Even when it's 100% stock, it is still really smooth.
I highly recommend this phone, and I think you will be very happy with it
Any phone will get laggy with long sms threads. it uses a database, which get exponentially more taxing to open /w more data.
get sms backup (wise shark software), set it to sd-card only (gmail feature is kinda unreliable) ...it automatically adds sms messages to text files on your sd card, each phone number has its own text file and messages get added to the end of a file with a timestamp and arrow indicating whether they were incoming or outgoing. It should be noted that restoring /w this is worthless too, the restore feature does not work like you would expect and there is no real reason to restore anyway as you allready have all of them searchable and archived. make sure you check "auto-backup", it has allways worked perfectly for me. Also, dont delete the database (.db) file in the smsbackup folder, this is how the app keeps track of what sms have been backed up and which havent.
Next get agrep from the play store and pick the smsBackup directory as a search directory.
to view the text files (as they can get quite large), get jota which can open very very large text files.
Finally, i personally move all the text files out into a different directory on the first of every year into another directory called SmsArchive /w the folder structure (add this folder to agrep's search folders)
SmsArchive>Year>text files
Now you can backup every single sms you ever get while being able to search through them without bogging down the internal sms database.
again, the SMS backup app is kinda weird but I have searched to the ends of the earth, and as far as I know this is the only app for any platform that does this, let alone does this reliably.
Well the only laggy thing I have seen is the lwp. Most lag really bad.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
For taking quick pictures I love the instant responsiveness of the Nexus out of the box.
Its so fast I often take dozens of photos and just delete the ones that aren't 'perfect' (like any photographer does).
Liskrig said:
I really can't comment compared to the other phones, but the Nexus is perfect for tasks like what you mentioned, I prefer to use ChompSMS for all my texting needs, but I did use the stock Messages app and it handles just fine (even with 400 texts per convo), Gmail runs fine, and is really smooth, browsing is probably the best you can get at the moment (Try Chrome), and overall the UI doesn't lag at all for me. Even when it's 100% stock, it is still really smooth.
I highly recommend this phone, and I think you will be very happy with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to hear that! However.. I'm looking at more like ~3000 messages per thread than 400. Hopefully it will be okay.
starnostar said:
get sms backup (wise shark software), set it to sd-card only (gmail feature is kinda unreliable) ...it automatically adds sms messages to text files on your sd card, each phone number has its own text file and messages get added to the end of a file with a timestamp and arrow indicating whether they were incoming or outgoing. It should be noted that restoring /w this is worthless too, the restore feature does not work like you would expect and there is no real reason to restore anyway as you allready have all of them searchable and archived. make sure you check "auto-backup", it has allways worked perfectly for me. Also, dont delete the database (.db) file in the smsbackup folder, this is how the app keeps track of what sms have been backed up and which havent.
again, the SMS backup app is kinda weird but I have searched to the ends of the earth, and as far as I know this is the only app for any platform that does this, let alone does this reliably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. I've used two SMS backup apps in the past: SMSBackup+(Jan Berkel) and SMSBackup/Restore(Ritesh Sahu). Have you tried these two apps? If so, why did you like Wise Shark's app more? I'd like to know a little more about it if you have time, cause it is $5. Thank you
I like it more because it automatically pushes any new sms messages to the end of an existing text file on the internal storage, /w a text file for each number.
It seems to be the only good solution for a "long-term archive" of text messages, I don't like it when the backup apps tie a name to the number, numbers are static and never change but what if you misspelled a persons name and correct it?...after years of that kind of stuff it turns into a disaster.
I also chose it because I'm a linux nut...text files are the most simplistic type of file this can be put into (next to csv, but csv loses "human readability" in exchange for limited import/export ability), you DON'T want a database for years of sms messages, a database like that will give your computer a run for its money depending on the database structure. Take the simplicity of a text file and add it to the enormous power of grep (and if you wanna get really nerdy, regex) and you can search literally decades of sms messages with very little cpu power/memory in seconds.
It should be dualy noted that I also use rsync to sync my sms-archive (via mobile network) every day to my home-server, at which point a cron-job encrypts it, renames it to the current date/time-stamp and sends this file to dropbox. I backup many other files on my phone and other computers with this method too.....go ahead and make fun if you like
I also try to keep my own data...if you trust gmail for your sms backup, what would you do if something happened to gmail? I like to have my data in a tangible form that I can backup/edit/use without crossing my fingers and relying on the competence of another party.
tl;dr version - simple and portable files that can be read on anything and searched with open source tools, no messy database, its the most simple type of file data like this can be stored in. its also the only app for any phone/platform that I have ever found capable of this, at least without saying "F*^$ it" and making my own app.
So, I decided to buy it!
Thanks to everyone who answered my questions
Some first impressions:
* amazing feeling in hand.. this phone feels great to hold without a case
* updated itself to 4.0.4 automatically..? Saved time; but a warning would have been nice before using up like 60MB data.
* that really nice button glow effect disappeared after 4.0.4 update
* so far, browser performance is amazing, definitely better than the T989
* the LED hardware acts a little weird.. only activates sometimes
* black blobs under the screen.. but I hear that 90% of these phones have this issue
* keeps switching between "3G" and "H." These are the same thing, no?
I'm getting worried hearing about so many people having problems with their phones in this forum...
But so far, asides from some minor problems, the Galaxy Nexus seems like the right choice for me
3g and h (hspa) are indeed the same thing, can't say why they switch randomly though.
As far as all the people with problems with their phones it may be worthwhile to bear in mind that people are much more likely to post if they have problems than if they have none. I personally have no complaints about the phone, in fact I love it, and won't be starting a thread called "omg I love my gnex, it's perfect"
Sent from my Cyanogenmodded GNex
I too have had no problems with gnex. I'm on 4.0.4 stock and its smooth, fast and reliable.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
It's good to know many people have no issues! I hope I won't have any major problems.. :x
Anyone know what's going on with the notification LED though? Is it normal for it to only activate like 50% of the time?
And is it worth asking for a replacement if you have the black blobs under the screen?
3g and h (hspa) are indeed the same thing, can't say why they switch randomly though.
I believe that h shows with an active data connection. When it shows 3g, should be an idle connection.. Dont quote me on that lol but remember reading something bout it..
To anyone that knows of a ROM that is 100% functional INCLUDING S PEN!
The ROM I have now doesn't have a working radio so I can't even use my data plan to download anything (sometimes doesn't even wake back up when it goes to sleep). The home internet is constantly blinking in and out, making downloading large files tedious; so if you are positive you know a ROM that has everything functioning (as if it just shipped from the factory!) and de-bloated then please please, do tell!
I'd like this to be a one-shot download kind of thing rather than having to download a mess of things, once I get something that works again then I don't care how many ROMs you suggest.
PS: Are the Note II ROMs naturally huge??? I have seen some as high as 1GB
PorscheHusky said:
To anyone that knows of a ROM that is 100% functional INCLUDING S PEN!
The ROM I have now doesn't have a working radio so I can't even use my data plan to download anything (sometimes doesn't even wake back up when it goes to sleep). The home internet is constantly blinking in and out, making downloading large files tedious; so if you are positive you know a ROM that has everything functioning (as if it just shipped from the factory!) and de-bloated then please please, do tell!
I'd like this to be a one-shot download kind of thing rather than having to download a mess of things, once I get something that works again then I don't care how many ROMs you suggest.
PS: Are the Note II ROMs naturally huge??? I have seen some as high as 1GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried reading through the development section for comments as to what works and what doesn't for each ROM? There are loads that work. And yes, many are quite large.
Android Revolution by Mike1986 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1925402) works flawlessly and is as you described. Near stock but completely debloated and optimized for better battery life and faster. Version 10.0 was just released yesterday with some updates.
If i ever need to use a Samsung ROM, i always use Android Revolution as i know it simply works.
Samsung ROMs are normally around 800 MB to 1 GB, completely normal.
apd said:
Have you tried reading through the development section for comments as to what works and what doesn't for each ROM? There are loads that work. And yes, many are quite large.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lot I have found actually didn't have a log at all, so I assumed everything worked, like SpaceX2 I searched the entire thread for reported issues and didn't find anything so I went ahead to get it then run into this mess I'll try to look harder next time (if my internet plays nice)
Moonbloom said:
Android Revolution by Mike1986 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1925402) works flawlessly and is as you described. Near stock but completely debloated and optimized for better battery life and faster. Version 10.0 was just released yesterday with some updates.
If i ever need to use a Samsung ROM, i always use Android Revolution as i know it simply works.
Samsung ROMs are normally around 800 MB to 1 GB, completely normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it a go then! and I just wanted to be sure they were supposed to be that large, the SII I had had ROMs around 300-500 avg so when I saw SpaceX2's 900-something and another at 1.4GB my eyes nearly popped out of my skull and jaw slapped a hole in the floor LOL
but just to be clear, the S-Pen functions are normal then? Reason I got this phone was to do my illustrations on the go (Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop stuff) and if I can't us it then it was a waste lol
PorscheHusky said:
The lot I have found actually didn't have a log at all, so I assumed everything worked, like SpaceX2 I searched the entire thread for reported issues and didn't find anything so I went ahead to get it then run into this mess I'll try to look harder next time (if my internet plays nice)
I'll give it a go then! and I just wanted to be sure they were supposed to be that large, the SII I had had ROMs around 300-500 avg so when I saw SpaceX2's 900-something and another at 1.4GB my eyes nearly popped out of my skull and jaw slapped a hole in the floor LOL
but just to be clear, the S-Pen functions are normal then? Reason I got this phone was to do my illustrations on the go (Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop stuff) and if I can't us it then it was a waste lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, all S-Pen functions are in the ROM.
Moonbloom said:
Yes, all S-Pen functions are in the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright! Thanks for that bit! Headed over to try downloading now!
One last thing, might you know of any download managers I could get? Chrome doesn't have one and when the internet blinks I have to start all over again
Why not stick to stock? Custom roms are nice if you are looking for certain features, but they often come at the expense of being less compatible with certain apps and for the note specifically, you lose apps like s-note.
Sent from my iPad 4th gen using Tapatalk 2
A number of reasons really...
EP2008 said:
Why not stick to stock? Custom roms are nice if you are looking for certain features, but they often come at the expense of being less compatible with certain apps and for the note specifically, you lose apps like s-note.
Sent from my iPad 4th gen using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A number of reasons, really.
~While stock is wicked fast and no doubt stable, too many apps run in the background. I did a memorydump once and at any given time (after its sat idle for about 2min) there are usually 40-50 or more apps running in the background.
~Want to be able to continue using Google Wallet (started using it on my Nexus 7 and instantly fell in love). This Isis crap that the carriers are forcing us to use seems like the works of a halfwitt jacked up on drugs and their rollout methods are awful.
~Apparently the stock ROM with all the bloat/branding sucks up the onboard memory like it's going out of style. I don't even use most (if any) the carrier junk but I can't delete them. Thats where de-bloated and slimmed-down-to-essentials ROMs come in for me
~Ability to fully customize how I want MY phone to look and react rather than be just another carbon copy with the rest of the crowd. You wouldn't believe how many people, that have gotten a good look at my old SII w/ SBean AOKP, oooh & ahh over some visual features I could do that they couldn't, especially with battery readouts rather than guessing what percentage you're at with that vague battery bar.
That's just scratching the surface but come-ooooon! This is XDA, what are the majority of us here for anyway?
The Revolutions ROM mentioned above sounds promising and the fellow said all the stock things worked, including the phone's signature ability, the Wacom digitizer and S Pen. Without that working, thats like selling me a factory fresh Porsche but minus all the bits that make it go
Moonbloom said:
Android Revolution by Mike1986 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1925402) works flawlessly and is as you described. Near stock but completely debloated and optimized for better battery life and faster. Version 10.0 was just released yesterday with some updates.
If i ever need to use a Samsung ROM, i always use Android Revolution as i know it simply works.
Samsung ROMs are normally around 800 MB to 1 GB, completely normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it normal that the installation keeps freezing around the bit about efs backups?
Man i stupid threads like this.
"Waaa waaa my FREE rom doesnt work boo hoo...."
First off if I was a dev and saw this thread id be like "fu then enjoy your stock rom bish"
Its one thing if a rom is bricking your phone cuz the dev did no tests bit seriosly , your title really is unfair.
You shoukd read a luttle more about custom roms as this is the nature of "custom roms".
Why dont you make your own rom??
Oh dont know how?
Dont have the time?
EXACTLY
the roms are free and the devs work for free, so dont bash them when things dont go the wsy you want.
/rant
Much respect to all devs who put out ANY ROM.
Now diaf.
Need Help
Hi.....all....i just got this amazing phone last 2 weeks, and this is really good phone. And i just root it too.
I wanna change the custom ROM with Omega ROM, and change the Kernel too.
My question in here is : I can flash the custom ROM ?? Or i must unroot first ? And sorry, i really newbie about that, flashing or wht.
Thanks for advice
NB : I feel my baterry drain faster with the new firmware of that (
freakboy13 said:
Man i stupid threads like this.
"Waaa waaa my FREE rom doesnt work boo hoo...."
First off if I was a dev and saw this thread id be like "fu then enjoy your stock rom bish"
Its one thing if a rom is bricking your phone cuz the dev did no tests bit seriosly , your title really is unfair.
You shoukd read a luttle more about custom roms as this is the nature of "custom roms".
Why dont you make your own rom??
Oh dont know how?
Dont have the time?
EXACTLY
the roms are free and the devs work for free, so dont bash them when things dont go the wsy you want.
/rant
Much respect to all devs who put out ANY ROM.
Now diaf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wake up on the wrong side of the bed elsewhere, chum. Maybe if youve read my above comment to the other bloke of why I want what I do then you might get a clue.
Asking for something that actually works as intended is not that much to ask for.
PorscheHusky said:
Is it normal that the installation keeps freezing around the bit about efs backups?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your signature reads "Galaxy Note II (T889)" and AFAIK Revolution HD and this whole section really is about the GT-N7100. Could you please clarify this point?
PorscheHusky said:
A number of reasons, really.
~While stock is wicked fast and no doubt stable, too many apps run in the background. I did a memorydump once and at any given time (after its sat idle for about 2min) there are usually 40-50 or more apps running in the background.
~Want to be able to continue using Google Wallet (started using it on my Nexus 7 and instantly fell in love). This Isis crap that the carriers are forcing us to use seems like the works of a halfwitt jacked up on drugs and their rollout methods are awful.
~Apparently the stock ROM with all the bloat/branding sucks up the onboard memory like it's going out of style. I don't even use most (if any) the carrier junk but I can't delete them. Thats where de-bloated and slimmed-down-to-essentials ROMs come in for me
~Ability to fully customize how I want MY phone to look and react rather than be just another carbon copy with the rest of the crowd. You wouldn't believe how many people, that have gotten a good look at my old SII w/ SBean AOKP, oooh & ahh over some visual features I could do that they couldn't, especially with battery readouts rather than guessing what percentage you're at with that vague battery bar.
That's just scratching the surface but come-ooooon! This is XDA, what are the majority of us here for anyway?
The Revolutions ROM mentioned above sounds promising and the fellow said all the stock things worked, including the phone's signature ability, the Wacom digitizer and S Pen. Without that working, thats like selling me a factory fresh Porsche but minus all the bits that make it go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you. I was into custom ROM's for many devices, but I found the problems with incompatibilities to be too much of a hassle to use on "daily driver" devices - especially my phone, which I use for business.
Now, I use Titanium to freeze bloatware and system apps that I don't want running. I use the Xposed framework mod to get unlimited multiwindow apps on my Note2 as well as add other features like per-app settings (dpi, full screen, resolution, etc.). I use a Nova Launcher instead of touchwiz, and several other tweaks on my stock firmware.
I found this to be the best option for ME, because the stability on my phone is perfect, battery life is great and I know that all apps will work properly.
Good luck on your quest to find the best rom - you'll likely have to try a bunch before settling down
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 2
Androssama said:
Your signature reads "Galaxy Note II (T889)" and AFAIK Revolution HD and this whole section really is about the GT-N7100. Could you please clarify this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive me if I am wrong but aren't they the same thing?
PorscheHusky said:
Forgive me if I am wrong but aren't they the same thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're not, the T-Mobile Note II has a dedicated forum at http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1877
GSM Arena says : The device will have a model number SGH-T889 and will reportedly pack the same specs as the international Galaxy Note II (except for the LTE connectivity, of course). Feel free to check out our preview of the Note II for more details on the device.
The most common problem after crossflashing is losing signal. You have to flash a compatible ROM now, maybe even restore your efs partition.
<insert rageface X~infinity>
Androssama said:
They're not, the T-Mobile Note II has a dedicated forum at http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1877
GSM Arena says : The device will have a model number SGH-T889 and will reportedly pack the same specs as the international Galaxy Note II (except for the LTE connectivity, of course). Feel free to check out our preview of the Note II for more details on the device.
The most common problem after crossflashing is losing signal. You have to flash a compatible ROM now, maybe even restore your efs partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FFFFFFFFFFFFffffffffffff!!!
Excuse me while I go sit in the corner of shame with this lovely cone shaped hat atop my noggin that reads 'jackass' on it >.<!
What you just said was both relieving and bothersome at the same time LOL. I'll give it a-go and THEN maybe I can finally get some sleep and rest easy knowing the thing should be working again!
I may just go back to Stock ROM for now and sit with it for a while until I dig deeper into Android; have been wanting to get away from Windows lately
EP2008 said:
I hear you. I was into custom ROM's for many devices, but I found the problems with incompatibilities to be too much of a hassle to use on "daily driver" devices - especially my phone, which I use for business.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. I would rather not mess with a custom ROM and the attendant incompatibilities on a daily driver device.
Now, I use Titanium to freeze bloatware and system apps that I don't want running. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The version of Titanium that does not require root allows you to "freeze" bloatware? What exactly do you mean by that? In other words, what does "freeze" mean in this context specifically?
I use the Xposed framework mod to get unlimited multiwindow apps on my Note2 as well as add other features like per-app settings (dpi, full screen, resolution, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xposed framework also doesn't require rooting the device? My Note2 just got updated (I'm with Rogers in Canada) with the multi-window feature and I would love to add a bunch of apps to this multi-window coolness. Can you please shed some more light on what I need to do here? Thanks
I use a Nova Launcher instead of touchwiz, and several other tweaks on my stock firmwareI found this to be the best option for ME, because the stability on my phone is perfect, battery life is great and I know that all apps will work properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love Nova Launcher. I use it as well. TIA
CayenneGTS said:
I'm in the same boat as you. I would rather not mess with a custom ROM and the attendant incompatibilities on a daily driver device.
The version of Titanium that does not require root allows you to "freeze" bloatware? What exactly do you mean by that? In other words, what does "freeze" mean in this context specifically?
The Xposed framework also doesn't require rooting the device? My Note2 just got updated (I'm with Rogers in Canada) with the multi-window feature and I would love to add a bunch of apps to this multi-window coolness. Can you please shed some more light on what I need to do here? Thanks
I love Nova Launcher. I use it as well. TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is required of you want to get the most out of your device. If you want to "freeze" apps on an unrooted device, go to your application manager in your device settings, click on the system app you want to "freeze" and select disable. If you don't see the disable button, then click Uninstall updates first. Use this with caution as freezing or disabling important apps may cause problems.
Xposed requires root, but it doesn't mess up your system like some hardwire mods which replace system files can do.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
I've been using the S2 for a couple weeks now and although I'm satisfied with it for the most part, I want the bloatware gone and I want it rooted. Easy enough, except for one thing; there are TONS of ROMs for it and I have no idea where to start as far as which ones are best, and don't want to have to flash dozens of them to find out.
A few things to note;
1 - I'm looking for ease of use, something that includes minimal apps or at least allows me to delete apps that are packaged with it if I don't want them, and something that gets good battery life. I read this thread here and may try Slim Beam Unofficial due to it's better battery life.
2 - Or is there a way to just rip the stock ROM off, remove what I don't want, re-package it and flash it back to the phone? That's what I did with my Evo but it's been over a year and I was VERY familiar with that phone and what tools to use for such tasks. A point in the right direction (ie: link to an informative thread on this subject) would suffice, but specific replies are very much appreciated.
3 - Useful apps would be nice. Perhaps not packaged WITH the ROM but just names of useful apps (I see Titanium Backup mentioned a lot on here) would be helpful. Something to easily copy contacts & texts/call records to my PC would also be nice - the Evo didn't have much as far as that went, at least not that I could find. Maybe some music mixing apps and memory editor suggestions too. This phone is new and exciting to me, capable of WAY more than my old Evo 4G. :victory:
4 - HTC and Samsung have much different interfaces. HTC's was more customizable...I'd like to get that back. Anyone know of any HTC interface ports? Specifically the way the icons on the screen are - I don't like being forced to keep the 4 it came with on the bottom, I'd like to change them to something more useful. Also some switches for a quick data network toggle (not by going into Data Usage to toggle) and stuff like that would be nice. I can do it the Samsung way if I have to, but HTC's interface was more user friendly for me.
Anyway, I'm glad to be back at xda. Thanks for any help/suggestions! :fingers-crossed:
Try AOKP 4.2.2 :thumbup:
AOKP B5 3/10nightly NOS V0.0.7
Suppose I'll try that or a stock Samsung ROM. Surprised at the lack of replies and suggestions...usually everyone has something to say on this forum.
Cl3kener AOKP 1.3 is very good. Has good audio apps, and several built in useful apps.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Try aokp 4.1.2 everything works perfectly. 422 was great but bluetooth, specifically bluetooth tethering does not work. No issues with 412
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I don't know anything about CM or AOKP roms cause I need Wi-Fi calling so I stick with TW. Ptmr3 has some good roms and puts out loaded and stripped roms. There is a lot of development here so your gonna have to do some research. Read the op's list of what's included and what doesn't work if any. Good luck
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
You need Jedi Jelly. Trust me. Best ROM in my opinion
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
If you want to be able to customize most of the ROM you want PAC man. The best ROM for your needs.
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Phone: Galaxy s2 t989
Rom: PACman 21.0.1
Kernel: PAC
I'm full of great idea's, but don't have the time to create them or learn the coding to create them. If you want to make one of my ideas a reality just message me and I will give you my idea as specific as possible.
ideas:
-launcher/lock screen
-line rider type game where you control the character
-2d fighting game like art of fighting for the SNES
-multiplayer fps where you create your own map with a creative mode (minecraft style)
-roller coaster tycoon style game
-get phone out of sleep mode
-many more!
Just message me which idea you want info on and I'll tell you!
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In reading your post it seems as if to me 1 you need to simply root your phone. From that point forward you can do anything you want to it. Now coming from an Evo which I myself came from, at first things seem different but when its software related its relatively all the same. I know you said you were shocked at the lack of responses but I think thats because your questions/feelings are a simple fix and more personalized than just sending you somewhere.
You dont have to use the 4 at the bottom they can be switched and data toggles are all over the web. Not for nothing but you really need to do some homework on android and the amount of customization apps out there...You are missing out on quite a bit
Steps to personalizing your phone below:
Root your phone
Install Root Explorer
install Titanium Backup
Install Android Commander on your pc (if you like)
Just use Google or Google Play to look up apps
Hundreds of way to simplify your rom and I only named a few.
Use the SGS2 toolkit, install a custom recovery, and root your phone. From there you can delete all the Tmo bloatware and clean up the stock rom.
see how that is for a little while, and if you still aren't satisfied, you can try some of the other roms in the dev section.
As far as apps, I have all my contacts in gmail, which automatically syncs to my phone. Airdroid is a neat app that lets you manage stuff on your phone through a PC that is connected to the same network. Evernote, quickpic, photoeditor, titanium backup, and google drive are a few apps I always install.
refyused said:
I've been using the S2 for a couple weeks now and although I'm satisfied with it for the most part, I want the bloatware gone and I want it rooted. Easy enough, except for one thing; there are TONS of ROMs for it and I have no idea where to start as far as which ones are best, and don't want to have to flash dozens of them to find out.
A few things to note;
1 - I'm looking for ease of use, something that includes minimal apps or at least allows me to delete apps that are packaged with it if I don't want them, and something that gets good battery life. I read this thread here and may try Slim Beam Unofficial due to it's better battery life.
2 - Or is there a way to just rip the stock ROM off, remove what I don't want, re-package it and flash it back to the phone? That's what I did with my Evo but it's been over a year and I was VERY familiar with that phone and what tools to use for such tasks. A point in the right direction (ie: link to an informative thread on this subject) would suffice, but specific replies are very much appreciated.
3 - Useful apps would be nice. Perhaps not packaged WITH the ROM but just names of useful apps (I see Titanium Backup mentioned a lot on here) would be helpful. Something to easily copy contacts & texts/call records to my PC would also be nice - the Evo didn't have much as far as that went, at least not that I could find. Maybe some music mixing apps and memory editor suggestions too. This phone is new and exciting to me, capable of WAY more than my old Evo 4G. :victory:
4 - HTC and Samsung have much different interfaces. HTC's was more customizable...I'd like to get that back. Anyone know of any HTC interface ports? Specifically the way the icons on the screen are - I don't like being forced to keep the 4 it came with on the bottom, I'd like to change them to something more useful. Also some switches for a quick data network toggle (not by going into Data Usage to toggle) and stuff like that would be nice. I can do it the Samsung way if I have to, but HTC's interface was more user friendly for me.
Anyway, I'm glad to be back at xda. Thanks for any help/suggestions! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Star Devs or Jedi Knight Roms. I ran Slim Bean for a little bit, but the bugs, as insignificant as they may seemed, would occur too frequently. I'm currently testing out Jumping JellyBeans and lets just say I'll be flashing back to Jedi Knight this evening. Good luck on your ROM Quest.
Yeah I rooted it but it still doesn't function entirely the way I want it to.
In using this phone for a couple weeks now, one BIG complaint I have is the clock & weather widget on my Evo allowed me to check the weather OR change thje time/date/alarm simply by clicking it...unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock, let alone a way to click the clock widget and edit alarms.
Is there anything like that for the SG2? And yes, I do need to do more research and find out what's out there...which is kinda why I'm asking here instead of spending countless hours which I don't have, reading through tons of forums and trying tons of bunk apps. Anyway, thanks for the advice, it's been helpful so far!
Mr. bird said:
I don't know anything about CM or AOKP roms cause I need Wi-Fi calling so I stick with TW. Ptmr3 has some good roms and puts out loaded and stripped roms. There is a lot of development here so your gonna have to do some research. Read the op's list of what's included and what doesn't work if any. Good luck
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here - I need Wifi Calling.
What Rom are you running? I'm still on Darkside Evolution 3.8 (Andoid 4.0.3)
I've been looking for something a little more current, but haven't been able to find anything that has Wifi Calling.
mavblues said:
Same here - I need Wifi Calling.
What Rom are you running? I'm still on Darkside Evolution 3.8 (Andoid 4.0.3)
I've been looking for something a little more current, but haven't been able to find anything that has Wifi Calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Evolution is still a good Rom. I have recently gone back to stock cause my phone has been acting up since it went for a swim but I was using jedi knight and jedi mind trick.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD
refyused said:
Yeah I rooted it but it still doesn't function entirely the way I want it to.
In using this phone for a couple weeks now, one BIG complaint I have is the clock & weather widget on my Evo allowed me to check the weather OR change thje time/date/alarm simply by clicking it...unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock, let alone a way to click the clock widget and edit alarms.
Is there anything like that for the SG2? And yes, I do need to do more research and find out what's out there...which is kinda why I'm asking here instead of spending countless hours which I don't have, reading through tons of forums and trying tons of bunk apps. Anyway, thanks for the advice, it's been helpful so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could always flash a better rom that is newer, like others have suggested. Any rom with ICS or above will have a clock that allows you to tap the widget and get the alarm, and can display the weather below it. If you're looking for a fully loaded rom, "PACman" (see the link in my signature at the bottom of this post) is the way to go. It it 3 roms built into one, "Paranoid Android, AOKP, Cyanogen Mod". I literally bought my SGSII just to be able to use the PACrom, (I came from a Tmobile MyTouch 4G (Doubleshot) which didn't have a working PACman rom link, so far as my patience to find one allowed).
Other options are to install a new launcher for your phone, like the "Go Launcher" from the play store, or an htc clock widget from the playstore or online. Either of the 2 will instantly provide you with your clock and weather settings.
I have world weather clock widget on my lockscreen. Has weather and time. I think there might be a way to configure it to set alarms, but I'm not sure. I don't really ever set alarms on my phone.
I am using JB 4.1.2 with build Jedi Mind Trick JB2 and the beta kernel as a DD and it is fast and smooth. Prior to I was using Jedi Mind Trick X4 by the same dev and I prefer JB 4.1.2 over the X4 but everyone is different.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1818305
---------- Post added at 03:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:18 AM ----------
refyused said:
unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to the clock and create an alarm
What is the best/easiest way for me to get an app on my Note 2 which is only available for Android tablets (not phones)? I'd imagine I will have to root but I want to make sure that this would be possible before I start.
Thanks.
Root and run a rom you can drop your dpi to 160 with such as PAC, RootBox, PA, Carbon, Etc or use market spoofer. You'll probably need to edit your build.prop to reflect a tablet device name and model#
Alternatively if you have a tablet yourself you can download the app to it and extract the apk from /data/app and side load it to your note
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!
---------- Post added at 12:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 AM ----------
BTW questions go in q&a not general. Following forum rules will get you better responses
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
-EViL-KoNCEPTz- said:
Root and run a rom you can drop your dpi to 160 with such as PAC, RootBox, PA, Carbon, Etc or use market spoofer. You'll probably need to edit your build.prop to reflect a tablet device name and model#
Alternatively if you have a tablet yourself you can download the app to it and extract the apk from /data/app and side load it to your note
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, this doesn't always work. The sideload part does. I've tried to run tablet versions of apps, and they just didn't load. One example would be NHL Center Ice. Since I use it on both an Android phone and tablet, it had access to both. When I tried to run the tablet version, it wouldn't load.
Some apps have nice tablet versions that the phone, so I understand. I think they may be a mod to let you be able to do it, but I don't remember. If you're looking to run the both tablet and phone apps, it may be easier to use a hybrid ROM such as ParanoidAndroid or Cyogenmod.
Or xposed mod
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
Ever wanted to customize your own rom?
I mean really customize it the way you wanted?
I came across this question as I got my phone, well technically before I even had it my hands, I wanted my phone to be set to a certain expectation. I got it and I was impressed that the Sprint S3 I had was faster than my previous Photon 4g. But did it do what I wanted exactly?
Boot Sounds: how can I restart my phone and try a new rom with such nonsense?
Boot Animation: pathetic
Touch Sounds: Ploink sounded like a stall at a restroom
Touch unlock: An Okay button seriously get over it Android
The list can go on forever. The point is there are many things you can do. I mean have you seen the amazing developers here. I was inspired to try it myself after watching these guys just chug along and keep making their roms better and better. To be honest, we wouldnt be here if we were curious and wanted to contribute(without expecting anything). I find the general forums to have so much information and so many questions that could be answered by making a tutorial of the basics for the Sprint S3. I mention this phone specific because well as you start diving into it, some of the code we may enter on this tutorial will in fact not work for other phones or vice versa. I suppose this is a teach a man to fish situation(as opposed to giving fishes)
Lets begin and by all means if this is in the wrong forum please let me know, I will get it over to the correct area asap.
So you want a starting point, a place to start. well you can do article after article forum search and so forth but lets start fresh:
We will need a rom to begin with, grab those from this amazing guy's thread. Freeza is boss, a great contributor, he is very knowlegable and I havent even talked to the guy. But we are for information so I digress no more.
You got the link open do you? The choice now comes what do you download? Odexed, Deodexed, kernel, firmware AHHHH so much info, start slow and break down what in the world you want to do. Do you want to theme your rom and make it look Wicked like our badass team Team Wicked's rom of blue goodness? seriously its sexy. Do you want to just take out bloatware and keep it clean stock without junk and some mods guess what, this is the best place to choose those options.
Odexed rom: Think of it as android caching a program so it can load up faster, its supposed to serve as a time boost during first boot and "supposed" to be faster than DeOdex but I have found they are about the same. Odex is a little trick as the way Android makes the cache file is with, you guessed it, an additional .ODEX file. This file is like a sneak peak into the file so Android can load it "faster". This is also a problem when you want to make major modifications to your phone's color and the sort. This where we get to DeOdex
DeOdexed rom: This is the best choice for working with a rom. It removes the .ODEX file from the rom and keeps your files editable with much more ease. Seriously I tried both and OMG was it easier to use DeOdexed after a while I realized theming any of this SUCKED. I mean here I did all this artwork change and I see this ODEX file. And crash when I loaded. It becomes a simple goal if you need to perform tasks like modifying pictures and themes, any apk in the rom and even the java files.
Kernel: I am not a professor on this topic, I know this much, the kernel is basically a really smart piece of software that tells how your hardware how to act. It is critical to make sure the kernel you select goes with what you need to do. Wrong kernel can tell the hardware to something funky. I have from experience chosen the MD4(4/24/13) Kernel optimized that will be used for the sake of this tutorial but by all means master the easy stuff I am going through before you want to launch Satellites into space to save Black Mesa.
The firmware: A common misconception is that the firmare/modem/baseband should be always modified to the latest one from the manufacturer. This might not necessarily be true. Remember, a new update to this might enhance your signal or ruin it. And with Sprint have spotty network in 99 percent of America (cough cough oops too harsh?) Remember the MD4 is the latest release for official sprint software, the MD4 does represent the date of the release. It is coded ingeniously of course.
So as we modify the software from now on, you must settle on the best option for your needs.
Of course, as I mentioned, I am going to use the DeOdex version of the official software. Of course DeOdexed and then some stuff was added by our awesome Developer Freeza means that it has some good stuff we will need later like rooted automatically with some busybox and Super user installed already.
So you downloaded the zip file. This zip file is just a container for this rom. Like a bucket that holds all the software for your rom.
I would say the best way to get started is to get the tools of the trade.
Notepad++: I mean seriously, who even uses windows notepad anymore( me before I started modifying roms ). This software will make it much easier to work with the various code. I am SHOCKED that it is still free. Mad props to them.
The Android SDK: This lumpy software contains many tools we will need for advanced users. I think the modifications we will need to do here can go without this but remember it is a software development kit that contains critical tools for our android phones. And its free
BakSmali and Smali: I call them the brothers. I also remember that BakSmali will decompile software while Smali will recompile software more on that later. This software is free but very complex, we will have to break it down like a fraction to fully utilize customization and true development.
APKTOOL: sure there is a bunch of "tools" we can get, you dont need that stuff or even a kitchen but you can use this and get a way with it.
7-Zip and WinRar, alright you can use either but I love both, one is free and one is "free", of course use 7-zip for its free of use terms. I got Winrar after the trial kept nagging me to call me a sellout I don't care MOM!
And surprisingly that's all you need to edit the files.
Of course, you will also need things like Photoshop, Sound Forge, Firefox because IE is just wrong,
But these are not necessary to really get the modifications of sounds and pictures and research going: You can use:
Paint.net: This tool is free to use image editing software. It can do wonders on the fly and for free but remember Photoshop is better come on it's not even a debate but for free, I am not arguing.
Audacity: Okay its not Soundforge, Cooledit 2000 for those that remember it, or even Sound recorder for windows but it will get the job done and is free.
Notice the theme here, you can make a rom customize it for free. This is truly amazing for a platform that is Android. While you get this software post some comments below to show me whether or not this is too basic for the majority of help seekers or if I should keep going. After all I learned so much from XDA and the infamous "Google" whatever that is....I am sure we can learn together and make this thread something we can have everyone refer to the basics while letting them be creative.
of course by law, this is education purposes only, dont brick your phone use it as an expensive paperweight and then blame anyone but yourself. Everyone in the threads do them to reduce liability, i guess we are all here to help, but getting sued over shenanagins is not what any of these hard working developers want especially since, like most of the software mentioned here, do it for free. Donate to all you care for and see fit, we have some modding to do team, and I think this will be fun and we can definately burden the forums with more intelligent questions by simply reading through this tutorial and part II
Very good info. Thank you for providing this.
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Sprint Galaxy S3
Need Help? PM
Hit the "Thanks" button if I helped!
Please keep going, Thank you.
Ahhh...Pt1 was too easy..LOL. Just J/K yes! Part2 please:thumbup:
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Great stuff! Let's keep it going!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
I would love to learn how to make roms! Keep it going please!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 4
Thanks
Thanks Guys,
As long as this helps/inspires someone than at least I can give the same chance that this place gave me, always a great community. Except for the...the flame wars but those were so 2005.
Great post... I've often wondered where to start on a ROM and just surfing the Web for info can be conflicting and confusing. I like the straight forward how to approach. Now on to part 2, I may actually give this a shot eventually.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
This is a great idea/post. I have been curious where to begin on creating and customizing roms. Having a definitive source will be excellent. Keep it coming!!
Sent from space.