No one but the website reviews have much to say about the S3. A friend is deciding between these two phones.
I love my GNex but obviously the S3 is going to be sick. GNex is smooth and easy to root/flash ROMs. Will the S3 be similar in that aspect?
Thanks guys.
As far as hardware goes the s3 is an easy win. It was rooted easily and flashing is probably very similar. Where gnex wins is having everything first. The international s3 has jb now but the us variants (which just came out) don't have a ton of Devs yet. I'm sure they will shortly but I guess it really depends on what you're looking for. There are a few of these threads in the us variant forums.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747
So, I just bought S2 x from Koodo prepaid, so I own the phone. I need to unlock the phone, where is the cheapest place, I was thinking ebay as at least they have to do things on time for good feedback.
- then there is the software update and trying to get rid of anything koodo and as much samsung junk as I can, what is a good version of android to flash to it ?
I am was going to wait for the nexus 4 but it has been to painful waiting and i really wanted my phone for my upcoming trip to Thailand, so I gave up maybe I will get the N5 or whatever next year, I got the S2x for $280 Canadian all in, so I am pretty stoked as it did ring in cheaper in the end than the Nexus 4.
Anyone have any tips about this phone ?
Thanks
If you just want to remove the junk apk, search and flash a debloated ROM in the development section. If you want a decent rom to run and want more than just debloated features, the popular ones seem to be Jedi Mind Trick and Cyanogenmod 10, again in the development section.
After a long time staying loyal to the Nexus line I just picked up an S3. Main reason was the 44$ price tag and the fact I could stick a 64GB micro SD in here.
So far I think the phone is ok but WOW does their bloatware make the phone sucks. I really want my old Android OS back and wil be reading all the guides I can about flashing it.
Anyone else gotten one? Anyone flashes it yet?
sspikey said:
After a long time staying loyal to the Nexus line I just picked up an S3. Main reason was the 44$ price tag and the fact I could stick a 64GB micro SD in here.
So far I think the phone is ok but WOW does their bloatware make the phone sucks. I really want my old Android OS back and wil be reading all the guides I can about flashing it.
Anyone else gotten one? Anyone flashes it yet?
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Click to collapse
Just root it and freeze/delete the apps you don't need. Stay away from AOSP, you'll get used to Touchwiz and love what it offers over those buggy ROMs.
Sent from my SGH-I747M
I may try and find someone in town with a custom rom S3 and try it out. I REALLY miss my CM roms on my Nexus S.
You are right though, there are some great features bundled in the touchwiz OS but a ton I simply want gone. I simply hate the layout of a lot of the included programs like the SMS, calendar and phone.
sspikey said:
I REALLY miss my CM roms on my Nexus S.
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If it's CM you're after, that's definitely available for your new phone. The device code you're looking for is d2att, i.e. this is the download page you'd want.
Of course, you might want to root the device first (the most applicable image for your device would probably be the Rogers one), and put a new recovery image on there - I suggest TWRP for that, though if you're used to CWM that's certainly an option as well.
Welcome to the wide world of the S3, and have fun!
If you want AOSP / AOKP get Task650 Roms. Hes has a 100% perfect 4.1.2, and a great stable 4.2.1 ROM out. Check in original android. Been using it for a long long time on both the S3's in our household and everyones super happy. Super fast and no crashes or problems. TW was just too slow.
His Rom's are for AT&T.
geoldr said:
If you want AOSP / AOKP get Task650 Roms. Hes has a 100% perfect 4.1.2, and a great stable 4.2.1 ROM out. Check in original android. Been using it for a long long time on both the S3's in our household and everyones super happy. Super fast and no crashes or problems. TW was just too slow.
His Rom's are for AT&T.
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Click to collapse
AT&T's model is the exact same as the Bell, Rogers (and Fido), and Telus
Man you guys are all so welcoming with the wonderful links. Thank you so much.
So im surprised no one else has chimmed in as a new fido owner. I must say their cost is a little high for the phone which might be the reason why. 250$ on a 2 year plan for a phone that is free most elsewhere aint cheap. Luckily for me I got a great deal on it (44$ total cost!)
Does anyone have some warranty related info or links they could send me? I have read about an hours worth and cant seem to gather a clear picture. From what I can tell theres are three methods to rooting this device.
Also, any info on what to backup in order not to brick this phone?
This phone is quite a bit more work than the Nexus I had earlier. None the less I am pretty sure ill have tons of fun!
smelenchuk said:
If it's CM you're after, that's definitely available for your new phone. The device code you're looking for is d2att, i.e. this is the download page you'd want.
Of course, you might want to root the device first (the most applicable image for your device would probably be the Rogers one), and put a new recovery image on there - I suggest TWRP for that, though if you're used to CWM that's certainly an option as well.
Welcome to the wide world of the S3, and have fun!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the awesome info.
Looks like I will be tripping the flash counter no matter what I do accoding to the first link. Have there been any further developements since that post was written? Warranty is a concern of mine with this phone as its quite pricey!
l'm on fido with a unlocked Rogers GS3 which I used one of the threads here to unlock yourself
Check out my sig
yulet said:
Just root it and freeze/delete the apps you don't need. Stay away from AOSP, you'll get used to Touchwiz and love what it offers over those buggy ROMs.
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Click to collapse
LMAO. Touchwiz is complete garbage and really slows the S3 down. I used it for a couple of weeks and could not stand all the Samsung bloat and the Samsung replacement apps (phone, messaging, etc.).
Wiped it and I'm running CM 10.1 nightly (1/13) and the phone is a beast now. Super fast, with the best possible UI, i.e. the way Android is meant to be!
Yes there are a few bugs but they're nothing major and at this point CM 10.1 is definitely good enough to be a daily driver. DO NOT hesitate to drop TW crap for CM!
Hello fellas. I have a question.
Gave away My n4 to my girl and got a free S4 from T-mobile about a day or two ago.. Yay. Rooted and flashed CM 10.2 and loving the phone but i do have a question;
Now i know Google sells the GE Edition S4 But i don't see a difference in our version and theirs besides obviously running Stock and has easy root. But once our device is rooted, essentially don't we have a GE S4? I mean running the GE Roms should be pretty easy since its the same device? Also, i've been reading around and noticed that alot of people from our forum have been flashing roms meant for the unlocked (i9505) S4. We can run any rom from that forum? i know our devices are different processor wise (exynos) but can we just flash their roms willy nilly, and change the APNs to run our LTE and we are good to go? Excited to essentially know that i can Run 4.4 kitkat when it arrives in a few months if this is the case. Got jealous when i saw a glimpse of the N5 and 4.4
Shaquiel Harris said:
Hello fellas. I have a question.
Gave away My n4 to my girl and got a free S4 from T-mobile about a day or two ago.. Yay. Rooted and flashed CM 10.2 and loving the phone but i do have a question;
Now i know Google sells the GE Edition S4 But i don't see a difference in our version and theirs besides obviously running Stock and has easy root. But once our device is rooted, essentially don't we have a GE S4? I mean running the GE Roms should be pretty easy since its the same device? Also, i've been reading around and noticed that alot of people from our forum have been flashing roms meant for the unlocked (i9505) S4. We can run any rom from that forum? i know our devices are different processor wise (exynos) but can we just flash their roms willy nilly, and change the APNs to run our LTE and we are good to go? Excited to essentially know that i can Run 4.4 kitkat when it arrives in a few months if this is the case. Got jealous when i saw a glimpse of the N5 and 4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't flash anything that is not meant for TMO GS4. Just to avoid being in trouble.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
Shaquiel Harris said:
Hello fellas. I have a question.
Gave away My n4 to my girl and got a free S4 from T-mobile about a day or two ago.. Yay. Rooted and flashed CM 10.2 and loving the phone but i do have a question;
Now i know Google sells the GE Edition S4 But i don't see a difference in our version and theirs besides obviously running Stock and has easy root. But once our device is rooted, essentially don't we have a GE S4? I mean running the GE Roms should be pretty easy since its the same device? Also, i've been reading around and noticed that alot of people from our forum have been flashing roms meant for the unlocked (i9505) S4. We can run any rom from that forum? i know our devices are different processor wise (exynos) but can we just flash their roms willy nilly, and change the APNs to run our LTE and we are good to go? Excited to essentially know that i can Run 4.4 kitkat when it arrives in a few months if this is the case. Got jealous when i saw a glimpse of the N5 and 4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a103 said:
I wouldn't flash anything that is not meant for TMO GS4. Just to avoid being in trouble.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are quite a few threads here both asking and explaining that yes, we can flawlessly run ROMs for other variants. Meaning yes; if you want to run a ROM from the i9505 section, go right ahead. If you like the way an AT&T ROM looks, flash it. When you mention the Exynos CPU, please note that the Exynos is the i9500 and flashing any ROM from that section will brick. i9505 = safe. i9500 = NO NO. The best thing to remember when flashing other variant's ROMs is to use a kernel for your device. Don't worry if you forget to flash your kernel, you're not gonna do any damage, you just won't be able to boot; just wipe, re-flash, and remember your kernel this time.
And before the question gets asked, no you can't do a full GPe conversion. You CAN use the CWM-flashable ROMs, but as far as totally converting, using the pit, GPe stock recovery, and receiving OTA updates... the answer is no.
Not trying to sound like a douche nozzle here, so if I came off that way, I apologize. It's just that this info has already been covered in depth.
lordcheeto03 said:
There are quite a few threads here both asking and explaining that yes, we can flawlessly run ROMs for other variants. Meaning yes; if you want to run a ROM from the i9505 section, go right ahead. If you like the way an AT&T ROM looks, flash it. When you mention the Exynos CPU, please note that the Exynos is the i9500 and flashing any ROM from that section will brick. i9505 = safe. i9500 = NO NO. The best thing to remember when flashing other variant's ROMs is to use a kernel for your device. Don't worry if you forget to flash your kernel, you're not gonna do any damage, you just won't be able to boot; just wipe, re-flash, and remember your kernel this time.
And before the question gets asked, no you can't do a full GPe conversion. You CAN use the CWM-flashable ROMs, but as far as totally converting, using the pit, GPe stock recovery, and receiving OTA updates... the answer is no.
Not trying to sound like a douche nozzle here, so if I came off that way, I apologize. It's just that this info has already been covered in depth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick, easy to the point answer. Love it thanks man. Just I've been on the Nexus phones and devices for a while and just needed a refresher on flashing different variants. :laugh: To be honest I did search some threads a little more in depth after posting and found these answers, so my apologies for that. Thanks again though man.
Shaquiel Harris said:
Quick, easy to the point answer. Love it thanks man. Just I've been on the Nexus phones and devices for a while and just needed a refresher on flashing different variants. :laugh: To be honest I did search some threads a little more in depth after posting and found these answers, so my apologies for that. Thanks again though man.
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Click to collapse
No worries. I know how it is to overlook something after searching/reading for an hour. :good:
Thanks to the OP and others who have responded. After playing with my sister's S4 a few days ago, I've been debating ditching my Nexus 4 and going the CM/GPe S4 route.
daewond3r said:
Thanks to the OP and others who have responded. After playing with my sister's S4 a few days ago, I've been debating ditching my Nexus 4 and going the CM/GPe S4 route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then hit that grey button with the ":good:" symbol to the far left of the "Reply" button.
lordcheeto03 said:
There are quite a few threads here both asking and explaining that yes, we can flawlessly run ROMs for other variants. Meaning yes; if you want to run a ROM from the i9505 section, go right ahead. If you like the way an AT&T ROM looks, flash it. When you mention the Exynos CPU, please note that the Exynos is the i9500 and flashing any ROM from that section will brick. i9505 = safe. i9500 = NO NO. The best thing to remember when flashing other variant's ROMs is to use a kernel for your device. Don't worry if you forget to flash your kernel, you're not gonna do any damage, you just won't be able to boot; just wipe, re-flash, and remember your kernel this time.
And before the question gets asked, no you can't do a full GPe conversion. You CAN use the CWM-flashable ROMs, but as far as totally converting, using the pit, GPe stock recovery, and receiving OTA updates... the answer is no.
Not trying to sound like a douche nozzle here, so if I came off that way, I apologize. It's just that this info has already been covered in depth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lordcheeto03 said:
No worries. I know how it is to overlook something after searching/reading for an hour. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MAN tell me about it. So how are you liking your S4? I love this thing so far. Just need to find a case on amazon, was honestly looking for maybe a bumper case but I haven't found one yet. Boy I can't wait for that Samsung galaxy gear watch to come out, would be perfect with this phone. Hopefully I won't have to go back to touchwiz though :victory:. Impatiently waiting for kitkat and the reveal of the N5, which if is in the same price point of the n4, I will be getting as well.
daewond3r said:
Thanks to the OP and others who have responded. After playing with my sister's S4 a few days ago, I've been debating ditching my Nexus 4 and going the CM/GPe S4 route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would wait, with the unveil of Kitkat and the N5 relatively soon, that may blow this phone out the water.
Shaquiel Harris said:
MAN tell me about it. So how are you liking your S4? I love this thing so far. Just need to find a case on amazon, was honestly looking for maybe a bumper case but I haven't found one yet. Boy I can't wait for that Samsung galaxy gear watch to come out, would be perfect with this phone. Hopefully I won't have to go back to touchwiz though :victory:. Impatiently waiting for kitkat and the reveal of the N5, which if is in the same price point of the n4, I will be getting as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The truth? It's only my 2nd Android phone, so I can't really speak from very much Android experience, but so far it's a beast. I got an Otterbox Defender the day I got the phone and it's spent maybe 10 minutes out of the case... it adds a little more bulk, but I also cracked my old phone's screen twice while going caseless; I can live with a little more bulk.
On TouchWiz; it's really astounded me. My previous phone, I used everything BUT stock; something about the S4 though, I can't stay away from TouchWiz. The same can be said for the other ROMs as well though. My ROM folder on my SD card is over 10GB and I constantly swap between them.
Hello there! This is my first post here on XDA... Have a bit of a question that I couldn't quickly find an answer to... I'm currently running on an AT&T S4 on AT&T...with a locked bootloader. Needless to say, I'm want no part of this since I'm no fan of Touchwiz and would love some AOSP goodness, so I plan on selling my current S4 and purchasing an unlocked one on T-Mobile. I know that I should be able to change IMEI settings to get 4G and full data within any ROM, but I'm more curious if I can just flash a ROM built for the AT&T S4 on the T-Mobile to skip having to do that.
Thanks for the help!!
Dadrewster569 said:
Hello there! This is my first post here on XDA... Have a bit of a question that I couldn't quickly find an answer to... I'm currently running on an AT&T S4 on AT&T...with a locked bootloader. Needless to say, I'm want no part of this since I'm no fan of Touchwiz and would love some AOSP goodness, so I plan on selling my current S4 and purchasing an unlocked one on T-Mobile. I know that I should be able to change IMEI settings to get 4G and full data within any ROM, but I'm more curious if I can just flash a ROM built for the AT&T S4 on the T-Mobile to skip having to do that.
Thanks for the help!!
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Click to collapse
Actually, the way things stood 2 weeks ago, you sort of had to if you wanted 4.4.2 because ATT 4.4.2 ROM is working better than the ones made for TMobile. I am currently using "|ROM| |★GOLDENEYE★| |►VJUFNB2◄|4.4.2|KK| |4.3|JB| |►24◄|Mar.9.14" with ktoonz kernel for TMobile. I get better LTE speeds compared to the M919/I9505 specific ROM made by the same dev. I have no idea why that is.
See this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50794210&postcount=236
---------- Post added at 08:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:41 AM ----------
devsk said:
Actually, the way things stood 2 weeks ago, you sort of had to if you wanted 4.4.2 because ATT 4.4.2 ROM is working better than the ones made for TMobile. I am currently using "|ROM| |★GOLDENEYE★| |►VJUFNB2◄|4.4.2|KK| |4.3|JB| |►24◄|Mar.9.14" with ktoonz kernel for TMobile. I get better LTE speeds compared to the M919/I9505 specific ROM made by the same dev. I have no idea why that is.
See this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50794210&postcount=236
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Click to collapse
Oh...never mind. You said no TW ROMs for you.