I am assuming these cannot be rooted and come out the box with latest firmware but I was just curious if anyone has ordered one of these and been able to root it?
Actually, I've purchased about 3 or 4 refurbs for myself and friends and ALL of them were rootable. Just got one yesterday that was and have another coming Monday. So, save yourself $20 and the wait for the new version to ship and order yourself a refurb and get that baby rooted!
Griz Behr said:
Actually, I've purchased about 3 or 4 refurbs for myself and friends and ALL of them were rootable. Just got one yesterday that was and have another coming Monday. So, save yourself $20 and the wait for the new version to ship and order yourself a refurb and get that baby rooted!
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Lol wow that's great to hear, I'll be ordering a few. Is it possible that you're more likely to get a rootable one as a refurb?
I don't understand how it would be likely to get a refurbished one with rootable fw. Refurbished means used. Amazon WILL MOST DEFINITELY attempt to update the boxes. The only scenario I can see where you'd get rootable aftv is if the previous owner returned it before unrootable firmware was released AND the reseller didn't connect it to the internet before selling and shipping it.
Unless there's something I haven't considered?...
If you are lucky enough to get one with rootable firmware, a good way to see if it's rootable is to plug it in (DONT PLUG ETHERNET) and let it run until it starts "searching for remote"
If that message doesn't switch to German, you should be good.
Then I'd unplug it and go to aftvnews starters guide. Read extra careful, block domains on router and definitely use an Ethernet cable for the initial setup. I was able to get past the updates in one shot but it would've been a lot harder with WiFi.
KLit75 said:
I don't understand how it would be likely to get a refurbished one with rootable fw. Refurbished means used. Amazon WILL MOST DEFINITELY attempt to update the boxes. The only scenario I can see where you'd get rootable aftv is if the previous owner returned it before unrootable firmware was released AND the reseller didn't connect it to the internet before selling and shipping it.
Unless there's something I haven't considered?...
If you are lucky enough to get one with rootable firmware, a good way to see if it's rootable is to plug it in (DONT PLUG ETHERNET) and let it run until it starts "searching for remote"
If that message doesn't switch to German, you should be good.
Then I'd unplug it and go to aftvnews starters guide. Read extra careful, block domains on router and definitely use an Ethernet cable for the initial setup. I was able to get past the updates in one shot but it would've been a lot harder with WiFi.
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Well I guess it depends on the process they use to refurbish it. Since the previous poster said all of the ones he purchased were rootable I'm guessing they do a complete restore and do not update before shipping.
danknasty said:
Well I guess it depends on the process they use to refurbish it. Since the previous poster said all of the ones he purchased were rootable I'm guessing they do a complete restore and do not update before shipping.
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Oh yea. And I have no doubt the previous poster 's being honest, but I wouldn't think it's typical to find refurbished ones with rootable fw. That being said, the power of the bargain is strong. I bought an openbox aftv from bestbuy hoping the previous owner didn't actually use it or it had been stored away for months. It still had his Amazon info on it and an unrootable version. Returned it for a new one and rooted. Point is I was about 90% certain I couldn't root the used one but not a big risk because I could return it. If you can send it back, by all means try to save money. I just wouldn't get my hopes up.
Btw--79.99.staples and bestbuy still have rootable ones as late as last week.
KLit75 said:
Oh yea. And I have no doubt the previous poster 's being honest, but I wouldn't think it's typical to find refurbished ones with rootable fw. That being said, the power of the bargain is strong. I bought an openbox aftv from bestbuy hoping the previous owner didn't actually use it or it had been stored away for months. It still had his Amazon info on it and an unrootable version. Returned it for a new one and rooted. Point is I was about 90% certain I couldn't root the used one but not a big risk because I could return it. If you can send it back, by all means try to save money. I just wouldn't get my hopes up.
Btw--79.99.staples and bestbuy still have rootable ones as late as last week.
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I guess it's a moot point since neither of us know the process they are using to refurbish them but buying three refurbished products and all of them being rootable inclines me to believe they aren't simply reboxing returns but possibly doing an actual restore on them. I'd be interested to hear anyone else who has gotten a refurb.
Griz did you happen to note which firmware they had or if they all had the same?
danknasty said:
I guess it's a moot point since neither of us know the process they are using to refurbish them but buying three refurbished products and all of them being rootable inclines me to believe they aren't simply reboxing returns but possibly doing an actual restore on them. I'd be interested to hear anyone else who has gotten a refurb.
Griz did you happen to note which firmware they had or if they all had the same?
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All of the refubs I have purchased (4 or 5) have all come with 51.1.0.1 on them. I have another coming tomorrow if it is different I will report back. I see now Amazon is 1-3 weeks out shipping refubs. Maybe they caught on. I'm guessing whatever their process was, it defaulted to 51.1.0.1
For others sake, I hope they keep up the "good" work!
danknasty said:
I am assuming these cannot be rooted and come out the box with latest firmware but I was just curious if anyone has ordered one of these and been able to root it?
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For those still curious, I just received my re certified Fire TV through Amazon, and it came with Firmware 51.1.3.0. I had purchased a new one from Staples at the same time since they were having a deal, and the new Fire TV from Staples was loaded with Firmware 51.1.0.1. I will be returning my box from Amazon and rooting my box from Staples.
Related
I'm looking to purchase the Galaxy Nexus GSM, and I am located in the USA. A few different places have it for ~$450, and I am trying to find the best place to purchase it from.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-I9250...F01A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335213120&sr=8-1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875176322
For anyone else that purchased it in the USA, what do you recommend? I have read of issues with fake ESNs, and I thought I read that there were different versions of the actual device (Japanese version, etc). Any major things to watch out for? Where did you purchase from, and did you have any issues?
Update - Responses from Amazon Sellers:
Global Mobiles:
the Samsung I9250 Nexus comes with a return policy of 30 days and 2 years manufacturers warranty in Europe. You can claim the warranty by yourself at Samsung Europe or ship the phone in case of a warranty to our office in Germany, where our technicians will handle the claim for you and send the phone back in the US after the repair.
And its EU stock. The warranty is valid in all EU countries, not limited to one.
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abe-123:
This is not the Japanese version. Warranty is available, you can return to Samsung directly to get warranty service.
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Got mine from Amazon with next day shipping. I have prime so it was only 4 bucks for next day.
I'd say Amazon is safe as long as you get the one fulfilled by amazon. If anything goes wrong with the phone when you first get it you'll atleast have amazons great customer support and be able to return it.
My first gnex was from daily steals and the phone had a defect within first 24 hours. It took nearly a month to resort things and get my money back although they refunded my money in its entirety I'm pretty positive amazon would've been a lot easier.
Other places with positive reviews are negri and expansys. People say these places offer some sort of warranty which you'd normally wouldn't get with a gray market phone. They essentially act as a middleman for you and samsung. You send the phone to them and they send the phone to country of origin (typically samsung UK) for warranty repair. A bit longer of a fix but pretty good for ease of mind.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I got mine from Expansys-USA... last I saw a couple days ago it was $469. It's official yakju build as well. Worked out especially well for me as it shipped from the same state (Illinois) so I got it in like 48 hours from ordering.
pwiiiiiiiiiich said:
I got mine from Expansys-USA... last I saw a couple days ago it was $469. It's official yakju build as well. Worked out especially well for me as it shipped from the same state (Illinois) so I got it in like 48 hours from ordering.
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How do I tell which version my phone is after I get it, and what is the difference between the different versions?
Amazon for sure.. Next day shipping.. got it in the morning.. had to pay $26 for it tho -_-
Got mine from Negri Electronics. Been great.
xur17 said:
How do I tell which version my phone is after I get it, and what is the difference between the different versions?
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go to the Play Store and download GN Official update checker
The only difference is "One" is updated directly from Google while the other is updated by samsung.. correct me if im wrong
YoungAceAtlanta said:
go to the Play Store and download GN Official update checker
The only difference is "One" is updated directly from Google while the other is updated by samsung.. correct me if im wrong
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But isn't there a way to change the build of the device anyways? So the only difference is software based, not hardware based? I know the Nexus S had a LCD version, and an AMOLED version - I don't need to worry about that here, do I?
I sent a message to a few Amazon sellers, asking them what the warranty situation is, and what version theirs are (what country they import from). I'll try to report back when I hear back from them.
xur17 said:
But isn't there a way to change the build of the device anyways? So the only difference is software based, not hardware based? I know the Nexus S had a LCD version, and an AMOLED version - I don't need to worry about that here, do I?
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Yes the only difference is software, and you can change any i9250 or SC-04D to "yakju" and get Google OTA updates. It takes all of about 15min to do.
I sent a message to a few Amazon sellers, asking them what the warranty situation is, and what version theirs are (what country they import from). I'll try to report back when I hear back from them.
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I wouldn't expect much as far as warranties go with an Amazon seller. If you want a warranty I'd go with a reputable non-Amazon seller like Expansys or Negri (and even then its shady at best and you're trusting that they can take your phone and forward it to Samsung Europe). You're going to spend a bit more for it though so I'm not sure if its worth it for you.
I got the $450 Newegg phone. It turned out to be a Docomo SC-04D, made in Korea, 12/2011. I have had zero problems with it. I immediately flashed yajku IMM76D and went on my way. No problems with the IMEI, it matches the one printed on the box. If the NTT battery cover bugs you, there are stock battery doors available from any number of sources.
Expansys dropped the price down to $469.99. Good deal, especially with all the warranty and repair service they assist with.
Just bought one of Amazon for 452 seller was blue tek, I'll let you know how it goes should be here Wednesday
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
BrianDigital said:
Just bought one of Amazon for 452 seller was blue tek, I'll let you know how it goes should be here Wednesday
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
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That would be greatly appreciated - I'm kind of stalling at this point as I have a busy week of school to get through, and don't need a new toy to play with. I'm leaning towards Amazon as I have a bunch of gift cards that I need to spend.
martonikaj said:
Yes the only difference is software, and you can change any i9250 or SC-04D to "yakju" and get Google OTA updates. It takes all of about 15min to do.
I wouldn't expect much as far as warranties go with an Amazon seller. If you want a warranty I'd go with a reputable non-Amazon seller like Expansys or Negri (and even then its shady at best and you're trusting that they can take your phone and forward it to Samsung Europe). You're going to spend a bit more for it though so I'm not sure if its worth it for you.
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Correct no warranty but an order fulfilled by amazon should give you a window of being able to return a defective phone. In my case I believe it was 7 days.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
lazaro17 said:
Correct no warranty but an order fulfilled by amazon should give you a window of being able to return a defective phone. In my case I believe it was 7 days.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
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You have a lot of faith in your phone. My Nexus S screen went bad 6 months into owning it. If it wasn't for the warranty it would have been an expensive repair.
Also keep in mind that with a voided warranty (buying anywhere but Nergri or Expansys) Samsung will not fix your phone even if you pay them, because it is grey market. A few unfortunate people on XDA learned that the hard way.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
lazaro17 said:
Got mine from Amazon with next day shipping. I have prime so it was only 4 bucks for next day.
I'd say Amazon is safe as long as you get the one fulfilled by amazon. If anything goes wrong with the phone when you first get it you'll atleast have amazons great customer support and be able to return it.
My first gnex was from daily steals and the phone had a defect within first 24 hours. It took nearly a month to resort things and get my money back although they refunded my money in its entirety I'm pretty positive amazon would've been a lot easier.
Other places with positive reviews are negri and expansys. People say these places offer some sort of warranty which you'd normally wouldn't get with a gray market phone. They essentially act as a middleman for you and samsung. You send the phone to them and they send the phone to country of origin (typically samsung UK) for warranty repair. A bit longer of a fix but pretty good for ease of mind.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
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Which problem did you face?
I got mine on Thursday from amazon for 430 $ but I didn't realize it was from saxx mobile, now I'm super scared its a refurbished phone, 20 $ didnt sound like a huge difference so i didnt suspect at the time, I should have been smarter and should have not trusted that too good to be true price phone hasn't arrived yet
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Haha. Not too much faith but enough faith. My first phone I acquired through Craigslist but had a small scratch on screen and banding that was driving my ocd insane. My second through daily steals samsung did actually offer warranty fix but I had to ship to country of origin which was in Poland. Luckily I had people I knew in Poland who id be able to ship to. But alas daily steals offered me a full refund since it was prior to 30 days. I figured after two faulty phones I was due for an alright one.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Chad_Petree said:
Which problem did you face?
I got mine on Thursday from amazon for 430 $ but I didn't realize it was from saxx mobile, now I'm super scared its a refurbished phone, I should have been smarter and should have not trusted that too good to be true price phone hasn't arrived yet
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
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You should be covered by the Amazon A-to-Z guarantee if it is refurbished or anything. If you have any problems, I recommend talking to Amazon customer service. They tend to be pretty good about stuff like this.
Would the warranty start working in the US if Samsung starts selling the gsm Galaxy Nexus here, or do they somehow know that it was imported and not allow people to send it in for warranty repairs?
lazaro17 said:
Haha. Not too much faith but enough faith. My first phone I acquired through Craigslist but had a small scratch on screen and banding that was driving my ocd insane. My second through daily steals samsung did actually offer warranty fix but I had to ship to country of origin which was in Poland. Luckily I had people I knew in Poland who id be able to ship to. But alas daily steals offered me a full refund since it was prior to 30 days. I figured after two faulty phones I was due for an alright one.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
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Did you have to give the phone back? The phone will be shipped to my country so its almost impossible for me to return it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
I would get it from the Amazon link and make sure the one you buy is the one that is fulfilled by Amazon.
I purchased one from ebay and ended up getting the NTT Docomo version with a horrible screen with all kinds of banding.
I then purchased one from Amazon (same link) and got a regular (UK?) version, with a much better screen.
I will be returning the ebay one.
Both arrived with the Samsung seals broken (probably because they had to be unlocked)? But they were pretty much brand new in condition.
Good luck!
I usually do all of my online shopping with Amazon, including cell phones. I was really looking forward to buying this device through them because Amazon usually have really great deals on their phones. I'm very disappointed to see only the original Note available. Any idea if they will eventually sell it?
they more than likely just dont have stock yet so they haven't added it to their site.
drksilenc said:
they more than likely just dont have stock yet so they haven't added it to their site.
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Click to collapse
Oh, so this has happened where they got a device after the official launch date?
They are selling them now for AT&T.. although phone only is $699. so not really a savings
anyone knows when fire TV will be sold in Canada?
wliu88 said:
anyone knows when fire TV will be sold in Canada?
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I would recommend taking a look at this article, I would imagine eventually it will be sold there through Amazon. One possible way around this is do you have any family or friends in the USA who would be willing to buy it and ship it to you? If that's not an option what you can do is use a service like this where you can buy the item on Amazon, ship it to them, and then they will forward it along to you in a couple days of shipping time.
shimp208 said:
I would recommend taking a look at this article, I would imagine eventually it will be sold there through Amazon. One possible way around this is do you have any family or friends in the USA who would be willing to buy it and ship it to you? If that's not an option what you can do is use a service like this where you can buy the item on Amazon, ship it to them, and then they will forward it along to you in a couple days of shipping time.
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I though some Canadian customers had reported getting 'content unavailable in your area" messages.
kairnage said:
I though some Canadian customers had reported getting 'content unavailable in your area" messages.
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Click to collapse
A US-based VPN service would be a good way around that.
Honestly, I'd stay away from it for now.
I just got one (I'm Canadian), and I've setup a US based DNS that I use for Netflix, etc. on all my other devices and I still get content unavailable errors. I can't even *install* netflix without sideloading it right now.
This isn't ready to be used in Canada, go get an Android stick or a Google TV for now (I'm still using my Hisense Pulse's because the FireTV is so broken in Canada right now).
Luckily I had to get one for some development work so I'm not that disappointed, but don't buy this yet and expect it to work well in Canada, even with a US VPN/DNS...
Do you think us canadians will get the firmware updates from Amazon with a canadian IP?
Anyone know the best place to buy a ROOTABLE Fire Tv box with the old firmware from? I order one off Amazon last week and it came with the updated firmware already installed...
riotdog7 said:
Anyone know the best place to buy a ROOTABLE Fire Tv box with the old firmware from? I order one off Amazon last week and it came with the updated firmware already installed...
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Click to collapse
I bought mine from my local Best Buy store. I bought one with the lowest S/N.
(I am going to take mine back, though because I've chosen to keep my Nexus Player.)
Staples
Get yourself 25$ off 75$ coupon and save even more. 2 out of 2 were rooted
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Yep Staples definitely have the ones with the old firmware. Picked up one late this evening. They on sale for $79.00. What coupon are you referring to though? I may get a few more lol.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Just got mine this morning too. Paid $85 out the door from Staples. Came with software version 51.1.0.1 so I was set! I've got a feeling they don't sell very many. They didn't have any on display and the first 2 service reps I spoke with didn't know what it was until I showed them a picture from their website. They had to dig one out of the back room.
Grabbed mine from the back of the display in Best Buy on black friday, got a rootable one. Honestly, there is no guarantee, but:
1) grab the lowest SN possible
2) if you can tell, grab the dustiest one (likely in the far back)
I have ordered several of Amazons refurbished models and all of them have been rootable. They had 6 left last time I checked. No promises but I now have 3 rooted Fire TV's.
Griz Behr said:
I have ordered several of Amazons refurbished models and all of them have been rootable. They had 6 left last time I checked. No promises but I now have 3 rooted Fire TV's.
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Click to collapse
Wow. Refurbished with old firmware. That's just lazy.
rbox said:
Wow. Refurbished with old firmware. That's just lazy.
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Click to collapse
Agreed. Their shameful work should be chastised. After the fruits of their labors have been picked, rooted and put to good use!
I've been finding a lot that have rootable serials. I've checked Best Buy, Staples, RadioShack, and others. There are a lot out there. Every store I go to I check the serials to see if they fit. Below are the serials I've acquired from XDA posts and other places:
These and lower
7090020141270***
7090030342820***
7090030342920***
Thanks,
BlueKalel
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
I picked up one at Staples yesterday and it had the original firmware on it. Was going to give it to my dad but instead Ill be giving him the one I bought that isnt rootable. He doesnt care about anything rooting brings so it wont be an issue with him.
Hi,
Ways wanted one, never willing to spend the money. Would be interested in a used model possibly but I have a few questions:
- Does a used model still have the UK Samsung protection? Is it one screen replacement for a few hundred quid?
- Does the UK Unlocked model work OK with Voda 5G? I was upgraded to a 5G plan but don't have a 5G phone.
- Scanning through this forum it seems like the update situation isnt great... I guess this device will always be the last to get updates?
Does it make any sense to get this device in early 2020?
Thanks!
Bought a used one in Denmark from a shop. The previous orner used the Samsung Care so im **** out of luck.
delinde said:
Bought a used one in Denmark from a shop. The previous orner used the Samsung Care so im **** out of luck.
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Anyway to know in advance if this is the case? Serial number check etc?
You only have 30 days to sign up for the premium care. I'm sol on the one I bought used lol.
Also in uk ee are exclusive with it or buy from samsung but like you said get 2nd hand
I got mine on Ebay UK just a couple of days ago, good price (I think) 1100,- with shipping.
Device is like new, also the screen, so it's possible to find a good one.
Only ask them for pictures of the display, I contacted a lot of them and some of them send me good pictures where the screen was really bad but the listed it as "Like new". So be aware of that.