Has anyone done a stability/basic functionality comparison of ROMs ? - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4

I have been hanging around XDA for past 1 week or so, and have spent numerous hours in understanding Android/rooting/ROMs etc. As a software engineer, i had the basic background, to catch up on Android platform, which is new to me. Having covered everything here from "Intro to XDA/beginners" to Phone specific details, here is some questions, as i tread carefully into Android tinkering.
I have held onto an aging Tmobile S4, trying to avoid buying a new phone. Still running stock m919uvsfqa1 baseband (OTA early 2017). This was ok, since I do not play games / stream video / run social media apps etc. After 4 years of running acceptably, this phone started misbehaving in 2017. No hardware or software changes other than the factory reset to wipe data/cache (in last few days). Restored all apps/data, using Samsung smartswitch (I will write a guide on this later, as a thank you & give back, to XDA community). Phone seems to be revived after this factor reset/restore. I have 3 questions :
If i am only interested in stability / integrity / functionality in phone, should i stick to stock kitkat 4.4.4 (OR) should i risk it and upgrade to Oreo based LineageOS 15.1 (which i found on xda as End-of-Life) ?? (OR) any other custom rom recommendations (like marshmallow SlimRom) ? In my limited knowledge in reading various threads on XDA, i find only these two roms mentioned for stability.
In any case, i am considering rooting with CF-Auto-root, to get SuperSU and remove bloat/ads...... Perhaps i can install antivirus apps, since i won't be running the latest security patches available in Oreo (if i run older versions of custom ROM). Would you advise this for a Software engineer, who is newbie to Android ? (OR) simply play it safe and stick to the bloatware/stock ? (Note: I have already gone through guides on "what apps to install after rooting".)
CF-auto-root will stick to stock recovery. Is there any benefit for me in installing TWRP ?

Related

[Q] I am a really Overwhelmed Ex-iPhone user (ROOTING AT&T SIII)!

Hello XDA!
I recently traded my iPhone 4S about 2.5 weeks ago. I am in love with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. I love the sleek style and touchwiz is much more active and more "fun" than iOS. I love the google integration and all the cool features out of the box.
Since I'm new to android I'm really overwhelmed in the amount of information available to "modify or root."
I was a constant jailbreaker and had over 50-100 tweaks/jailbroken apps. I would like to get the same functionality on the SIII.
I wasn't afraid of jailbreaking and it was a one-button press jailbreak.
With android there are so many different versions and terminology to jailbreak and so many instructions and updates and in general just a lot of stuff.
About my new phone:
- Samsung Galaxy SIII
- AT&T
- 8GB miroSD card
- Model: SAMSUNG-SGH-1747
- Android Version: 4.0.4
- Baseband Version: 1747UCLH9
- Kernel version: (IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION?)
- I have installed a couple of root apps that I didn't know where root apps and so they don't work obviously.
- Ones I installed: Lucky Patcher, Titanium Backup
- It's not rooted yet I haven't modified it at all besides themes and settings
The reason why I'm posting:
- Can anyone please tell me EXACTLY which updated guides I need to follow for my specific device?
- How can I backup my device? I'd like to keep all the apps (and app data), contacts, everything if possible.
- I read as much as possible but I'm still not sure which guide to follow and which steps I need to take as some are dated and not recent. I'm scared I'll mess up my phone what are the chances of messing up my IMEI, bricking, bad stuff happening.
- Anything else I should know?
- What are some popular ROMS I can install on my phone that are supported (preferrably with JB)?
- Can I always go back to my original settings and apps like a restore but with a backup?
- Once I root what BLOATWARE can I UNINSTALL on my AT&T SIII? How do I do this as well?
Thank you for your patience, I am definitely going to stick with Android (stock iOS sucks balls and android is so much more aesthetically pleasing) I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right and that there is a proper way to do this.
Bronos said:
Hello XDA!
I recently traded my iPhone 4S about 2.5 weeks ago. I am in love with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. I love the sleek style and touchwiz is much more active and more "fun" than iOS. I love the google integration and all the cool features out of the box.
Since I'm new to android I'm really overwhelmed in the amount of information available to "modify or root."
I was a constant jailbreaker and had over 50-100 tweaks/jailbroken apps. I would like to get the same functionality on the SIII.
I wasn't afraid of jailbreaking and it was a one-button press jailbreak.
With android there are so many different versions and terminology to jailbreak and so many instructions and updates and in general just a lot of stuff.
About my new phone:
- Samsung Galaxy SIII
- AT&T
- 8GB miroSD card
- Model: SAMSUNG-SGH-1747
- Android Version: 4.0.4
- Baseband Version: 1747UCLH9
- Kernel version: (IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION?)
- I have installed a couple of root apps that I didn't know where root apps and so they don't work obviously.
- Ones I installed: Lucky Patcher, Titanium Backup
- It's not rooted yet I haven't modified it at all besides themes and settings
The reason why I'm posting:
- Can anyone please tell me EXACTLY which updated guides I need to follow for my specific device?
- How can I backup my device? I'd like to keep all the apps (and app data), contacts, everything if possible.
- I read as much as possible but I'm still not sure which guide to follow and which steps I need to take as some are dated and not recent. I'm scared I'll mess up my phone what are the chances of messing up my IMEI, bricking, bad stuff happening.
- Anything else I should know?
- What are some popular ROMS I can install on my phone that are supported (preferrably with JB)?
- Can I always go back to my original settings and apps like a restore but with a backup?
- Once I root what BLOATWARE can I UNINSTALL on my AT&T SIII? How do I do this as well?
Thank you for your patience, I am definitely going to stick with Android (stock iOS sucks balls and android is so much more aesthetically pleasing) I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right and that there is a proper way to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey there welcome to XDA and more importantly to the world of android.
first off rooting can be relatively simple depending on the method you use. ive rooted mine twice using odin. i just followed the video here ON Galaxys3root . com all the things you need are in the description.
rooting your phone using this process will not wipe any data, contacts, pics, etc.
once you complete the root process and get rom manager installed it will allow you to make a back up of the current system with all your data like texts phone call logs etc.
the most popular roms are aokp based and cyanogen based roms. ( just look at threads with [ROM] before it ) roms are personal preference. if you flash a cyanogen based rom you will not have the features of touchwiz. stock based roms are always good too right not im just running stock i747uclh9 rooted.
going back to your original rom is simple all you do is boot to recovery (rom manager) and do a restore. before restoring you should wipe data, cache partition and dalvik cache. (dalvik is under the advanced menu.
removing bloatware just use no bloat free this will let you remove and also create a back up of all apps incase you have an issue.
for right now i personally just use ics based roms if you want to stick to stock since there has not been an att jb leak. however if you want jb i recommend cyanogen nighties basic jelly bean roms never had an issue personally.
if you have any more questions feel free to PM me.
IF THIS POST HELP YOU IN ANYWAY PLEASE CLICK THANKS
aboveusonlysky said:
hey there welcome to XDA and more importantly to the world of android.
first off rooting can be relatively simple depending on the method you use. ive rooted mine twice using odin. i just followed the video here ON Galaxys3root . com all the things you need are in the description.
rooting your phone using this process will not wipe any data, contacts, pics, etc.
once you complete the root process and get rom manager installed it will allow you to make a back up of the current system with all your data like texts phone call logs etc.
the most popular roms are aokp based and cyanogen based roms. ( just look at threads with [ROM] before it ) roms are personal preference. if you flash a cyanogen based rom you will not have the features of touchwiz. stock based roms are always good too right not im just running stock i747uclh9 rooted.
going back to your original rom is simple all you do is boot to recovery (rom manager) and do a restore. before restoring you should wipe data, cache partition and dalvik cache. (dalvik is under the advanced menu.
removing bloatware just use no bloat free this will let you remove and also create a back up of all apps incase you have an issue.
for right now i personally just use ics based roms if you want to stick to stock since there has not been an att jb leak. however if you want jb i recommend cyanogen nighties basic jelly bean roms never had an issue personally.
if you have any more questions feel free to PM me.
IF THIS POST HELP YOU IN ANYWAY PLEASE CLICK THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will this Jellybean ROM work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869300
Do you know if it has a lot of problems?
EDIT: Also does the root method at this website still work for my version which is UCLH9?
http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-r...gh-t999sgh-i747sph-l710-fail-proofnoob-proof/
Bronos said:
will this Jellybean ROM work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869300
Do you know if it has a lot of problems?
EDIT: Also does the root method at this website still work for my version which is UCLH9?
http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-r...gh-t999sgh-i747sph-l710-fail-proofnoob-proof/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, welcome to the android side of the world! Glad you decided to switch over! first things first, in order to root all you need to do is flash a root able kernel via Odin. Tutorial for this method can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426 Second, I would not recommend that rom as I just came from it and while it is very stable for a leak it is still quite buggy as it is built from a sprint leak. If you are that anxious to have a jellybean I recommend using aokp by task650 in the original development forum, however this will take away all of the touchwiz things that you said you liked so much. I am currently running kyanrom which I have used before and find myself returning to quite frequently because it is originally bone dry and he has whatever files you would like to add back you can add them through flashing zips. I am assuming you are wanting jellybean primarily for the Google now feature? If you will go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1823194 it is a thread by me on how to replace s voice with Google now and as far as I can tell it seems to be working just as well as with jellybean!
Lastly, have a bunny!
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(""_"")
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2
This is a little advice that has helped me and some friends of mine that have came from iPhone. Don't root and rom unless you absolutely have to or willing to pay the price to learn the ends and outs of it. Stock Android or in our case touchwized android can provide a complete satisfactory experience alone without rooting. But some tweaks and mods require root and if that can be bundled in a single rom then great. But if you have jail broken before or ever have to restore an iPhone firmware then rooting will be relatively easy, it's just learning how to self troubleshoot when something goes wrong.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2
Take a look at this post for rooting LH9:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32218479
The method is mrRobinson's thread (the one mentioned in a previous post) requires downgrading to an older stock version (LG1) so you would need to upgrade again after doing that. Also, people have reported problems downgrading from LH9 to LG1 without doing a factory reset.
Edit: The method in the post I referenced is roughly the same as the one from the galaxysroot site the OP mentioned.
Make sure when you root your device, that the files are for your current build, android version, carrier and etc. If one thing is out of place you can possibly brick your phone. I'm still learning myself. The most important thing is make sure that you read everything 3 times. Make a check list. It helps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 06:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:38 AM ----------
Bronos said:
will this Jellybean ROM work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869300
Do you know if it has a lot of problems?
EDIT: Also does the root method at this website still work for my version which is UCLH9?
http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-r...gh-t999sgh-i747sph-l710-fail-proofnoob-proof/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best jellybean rom I think is ParanoidAndroid. It's CyanogenMod 10 based. CM10 is short hand.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Hey guys when i switched to CWM recovvery and selected backup to external sdcard it said 'android.secure' couldn't be found skip backup of applications.
So it did not backup my app data, what should I do?
Titanium Backup. Make friends with it. In my opinion a must have for any Android device. For backing up everything you'd need when trying out roms to freezing/deleting (be careful with the latter) 'bloatware' (carrier nonsense) it will be a necessity. And life saver.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
hompsar said:
Titanium Backup. Make friends with it. In my opinion a must have for any Android device. For backing up everything you'd need when trying out roms to freezing/deleting (be careful with the latter) 'bloatware' (carrier nonsense) it will be a necessity. And life saver.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree with this more. TB is an amazing piece of software and a real lifesaver. Also, since we have external sd cards, make sure to change the settings in TB so your backups are saved on it (if you save it to your internal storage your backup might get wiped during a session of flashing another ROM). If you purchase TB Pro, it includes an option to save your backup to Dropbox (it's well-worth the money and supports the developer too).
OP, I was a longtime iPhone user (I've still got the 4S in a drawer) and I always jailbroke too. Android can be confusing at first, because the terminology is different and just because it's a different operating system. But if you read (and read and read as someone suggested earlier), you'll get the hang of it. Once you do, you'll realize how much easier it is to root and play than it ever was with jailbreaking an iPhone. Another plus...you aren't in constant fear of losing your jailbreak (or root, in this case) because of an update. :good:
You think you know, but you have no idea...
First things first...
Did you understand what you were really doing when you were jailbreaking your iPhone?
What was going on in the background, how the jailbreak was working, what was involved in the jailbreak process or even what the different types of jailbreaks were e.g. userland vs. bootloader (hardware level) exploits [are you familiar with the term "exploit"].
If you think what I am talking about is confusing and if you weren't aware of these things, you might want to avoid rooting and/or flashing custom ROMs.
Android as a platform is much more open than iOS, so lots of features and functions don't require rooting or flashing custom ROMs.
Before I purchased my GS3, I was a die hard iPhone owner, year after year since the first iPhone (with the exception of the recently released 6th gen iPhone and a few diviations here and there to blackberry and old Android phones).
Before I even considered messing with my Galaxy, I read, read some more, and then a little bit more. Regardless of all the reading I did, I had a moderate level of understanding of what I was doing and how my actions were affecting my phone.
All the advice in the world won't save you from bricking your phone if you don't have a general understanding of what these tools are doing to your phone.
In the iOS jailbreak community, the developers behind the tools leverage Apple's fall-back restore features to nearly eliminate the possibility of bricking your phone. But that is also inherent to the platform since there aren't custom ROMs available to install to an iPhone (for many reasons).
To summarize,
It sounds like you need to learn a little more about the world you've been playing in previously before you start playing in the Android world.
Bronos said:
Hello XDA!
I recently traded my iPhone 4S about 2.5 weeks ago. I am in love with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. I love the sleek style and touchwiz is much more active and more "fun" than iOS. I love the google integration and all the cool features out of the box.
Since I'm new to android I'm really overwhelmed in the amount of information available to "modify or root."
I was a constant jailbreaker and had over 50-100 tweaks/jailbroken apps. I would like to get the same functionality on the SIII.
I wasn't afraid of jailbreaking and it was a one-button press jailbreak.
With android there are so many different versions and terminology to jailbreak and so many instructions and updates and in general just a lot of stuff.
About my new phone:
- Samsung Galaxy SIII
- AT&T
- 8GB miroSD card
- Model: SAMSUNG-SGH-1747
- Android Version: 4.0.4
- Baseband Version: 1747UCLH9
- Kernel version: (IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION?)
- I have installed a couple of root apps that I didn't know where root apps and so they don't work obviously.
- Ones I installed: Lucky Patcher, Titanium Backup
- It's not rooted yet I haven't modified it at all besides themes and settings
The reason why I'm posting:
- Can anyone please tell me EXACTLY which updated guides I need to follow for my specific device?
- How can I backup my device? I'd like to keep all the apps (and app data), contacts, everything if possible.
- I read as much as possible but I'm still not sure which guide to follow and which steps I need to take as some are dated and not recent. I'm scared I'll mess up my phone what are the chances of messing up my IMEI, bricking, bad stuff happening.
- Anything else I should know?
- What are some popular ROMS I can install on my phone that are supported (preferrably with JB)?
- Can I always go back to my original settings and apps like a restore but with a backup?
- Once I root what BLOATWARE can I UNINSTALL on my AT&T SIII? How do I do this as well?
Thank you for your patience, I am definitely going to stick with Android (stock iOS sucks balls and android is so much more aesthetically pleasing) I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right and that there is a proper way to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
www.galaxys3root.com <---- This is the website you need, just click on the Galaxy S3 FAQ and look under your model for all the information.
mathewrice said:
First things first...
Did you understand what you were really doing when you were jailbreaking your iPhone?
What was going on in the background, how the jailbreak was working, what was involved in the jailbreak process or even what the different types of jailbreaks were e.g. userland vs. bootloader (hardware level) exploits [are you familiar with the term "exploit"].
If you think what I am talking about is confusing and if you weren't aware of these things, you might want to avoid rooting and/or flashing custom ROMs.
Android as a platform is much more open than iOS, so lots of features and functions don't require rooting or flashing custom ROMs.
Before I purchased my GS3, I was a die hard iPhone owner, year after year since the first iPhone (with the exception of the recently released 6th gen iPhone and a few diviations here and there to blackberry and old Android phones).
Before I even considered messing with my Galaxy, I read, read some more, and then a little bit more. Regardless of all the reading I did, I had a moderate level of understanding of what I was doing and how my actions were affecting my phone.
All the advice in the world won't save you from bricking your phone if you don't have a general understanding of what these tools are doing to your phone.
In the iOS jailbreak community, the developers behind the tools leverage Apple's fall-back restore features to nearly eliminate the possibility of bricking your phone. But that is also inherent to the platform since there aren't custom ROMs available to install to an iPhone (for many reasons).
To summarize,
It sounds like you need to learn a little more about the world you've been playing in previously before you start playing in the Android world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man thanks for the advice!
I figured it out eventually. I just had to read and actually try Rooting. I now know most of the terminology of android. It's pretty straightforward. Of course there are some errors. But seriously Android is absolutely unbelievable (especially 4.1.1 and JB) have features I could only dream of getting supported on the iPhone.
If I do get errors there is usually a fix or something I can look up on how to avoid it. If a day comes when I do brick I should be alright if I do brick AT&T should be able to replace it for me. I've been a loyal customer to them and my family included.
I highly recommend this guide to rooting. I used it just a few days ago and it worked perfectly.
I tried AOKP and CM10 but have actually settled on this stock ROM for now. I like being able to maintain the 'motion' features which aren't standard on the others. Google Wallet works well too which is a big plus for me. There should be an update in the next 24 hours to "Milestone 5".
That'd the same one I'm using.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Titanium Backup
Spend those dollars on this App its worth every penny. Read all the FAQs under the links others already gave you.

Bought a G3 , What do I do now?

Hey guys, I've just received my new G3
My knowledge with android phones is very weak, having only rooting my 1st Gen Nexus 7 to and flashing stock roms & owning a windows phone .
Is it worth flashing a new rom to my G3 or should I stick with stock? Any ROM's which are highly regarded? How would I do this + root?
I will be having a 32gb memory card in this phone, Is it better to install everything on the SD card in the first place e.g apps,pictures e.c.t. so if I decide to flash a new ROM I wouldn't lose everything.
Also is there any way to get my contacts from windows live onto my new phone?
I would greatly appreciate your help
* Use it !
* be aware of the sd card, it should be a modern one so you don't risk performance
* don't bother installing stuff on the card - apps are lost anyway
* you can keep personal media / pics / etc on the card, that is a reasonable practice ...
* the current state of software (lollipop) doesn't allow root / flashing stuff; however there are options for kit kat (if you are still on it) and moving then to lollipop keeping your custom parts that allow third party flashing (my 2 cents this is not worth it at the moment ...)
* moving contacts along should be easy by either syncing them to some cloud service (outlook maybe) or exporting / importing them - LG software knows how to import popular formats ...
If you are new read phone FAQ then.
Root it and install xposed framework
you wouldn't recommend any of the lollipop custom roms?
what does xposed framework do?
i am in a similar situation as OP, have been away from android development scene since the S3.
gotbass said:
you wouldn't recommend any of the lollipop custom roms?
what does xposed framework do?
i am in a similar situation as OP, have been away from android development scene since the S3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As above. I was looking at the AndroidNow HD rom which seems to look good but is it worth the upgrade over stock?
At the time of writing this, I've successfully rooted my G3 & my current firmware is 4.4.2
how are you finding stock? is it a smooth experience?
im getting mine tomorrow and going on holiday on Saturday so i need to make sure i have the best experience =D
gotbass said:
what does xposed framework do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It allows you to tweak a wide range of things, it's fantastic, but only works on Dalvik, not Art. So you have to use KitKat.
kraven001 said:
...the current state of software (lollipop) doesn't allow root...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does.
@op flash AndroidNowHD if you have any troubles with it let us know.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2887669
This is the Index thread and it's great to catch up on threads you might have missed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2772658
Here are some threads on getting better battery life / performance.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/general/battery-ultimate-battery-guide-talk-t29637313
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/development/thermal-mod-t2907363
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/general/lag-solutions-t2816188
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/general/how-to-make-lg-g3-smooth-butter-t2834111
If you want to check on the default most up-to-date stock rom for your particular phone is, check here.
http://lg-firmware-rom.com/
This will help you decide which I/O schedulers will be the one for you ( most use either row or cfq )
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1558153
Also, install this - it helps with reducing battery usage with the Google Play Services.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playfulgeeks.gservicefix&hl=en
Last but not least, how-to-flash guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/general/flashing-guide-to-lg-t2825369

Please help this military guy out - Can't get this SGH-T989 ROM'd gvd

Hi all,
First post, new member at this site. Thanks for all of your hard efforts and kind sharing of knowledge. I'm a US Navy sailor, and my rooted S5 (GP900) just bit the dust. I'm seeing if I can get this old dog (SGH-T989) going.
So far, I have bombed out on installing any ROM. I find myself without a stock T989UVMC6 file, as many file servers (in 2017) have understandably stopped serving this old image. I have the T-Mobile SGH-T989 (gen 1) phone. Clean IMEI.
Background: This phone was on stock firmware 2.3.x at the beginning of this ROM voyage, and had no service to do an OTA Jelly Bean push. This phone is in immaculate condition, gifted to me by my grandfather two weeks ago, after he finally upgraded. Known to work (just not in my hands).
Tools I have at my disposal (Windoze 7 machine):
Odin 3.10.7
PITmagic 1.3.10
T-Mobile_t989_GSII_ADB_Drivers (Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1_3_2200_0)
Tools I have at my disposal between my 5 linux machines:
Terminal
XTerm
Terminator
(terminal emulators, which is all Linux really needs )
MicroUSB 5-pin Cables I have tried
Anker Powerline Micro-USB **** I like this one a lot ****
Samsung OEM Micro-USB
Samsung OEM Tab 3 Micro-USB
Generic Micro-USB
ROMS and Zips I have tried pushing through TWRP 3.0.2, TWRP 2.8.4, and TWRP 3.1.0:
1) Validus (specifically Validus-LP-v8.0-2015-06-06-validus_hercules, a 2015 image, Android 5.1 Lollipop) + open_gapps-arm-5.1-stock-20170513
2) CyanogenMod 14.1 (specifically cm-14.1-20161031-UNOFFICIAL-celox, a 2016 image, Android 7.1 Nougat) + open_gapps-arm-7.1-stock-20170513
3) CyanogenMod 13.0 (specifically cm-13.0-20160327-UNOFFICIAL-celox, a 2016 image, Android 6.0 Marshmallow) + open_gapps-arm-6.0-aroma-20170513
4) LineageOS 14.1 (specifically lineage-14.1-20170314-UNOFFICIAL-celox, a 2017 image, Android 7.0 Nougat) + open_gapps-arm-7.1-stock-20170513
5) ParanoidAndroid 5.1 (specifically pa_hercules-5.1-20151011-vp, a 2015 image, Android 5.1 Lollipop + open_gapps-arm-5.1-stock-20170513
I have tried several versions of Odin (3.9.2 on), I have tried several versions of TWRP (2.8.4 on), I have tried flashing both modified and unmodified SGH-T989 PITs via both Odin and PITmagic. So far, I have been unsuccessful in all attempts of getting a stable OS on this thing, I have followed these old posts here at XDA to the 'T', and simply cannot for the life of me figure out why only Validus seems to do "anything" (as in optimize apps at bootup and then freeze at 64/105). Disheartening, but I'm an IT by trade, and a Linux fan by hobby, so I'm used to suffering for my art. I should also mention that I have used DARKSIDE.SUPER.WIPE / DARKSIDE.CACHE.WIPE by thederekjay and really feel this might be a PEBKAC (Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair) error.
Speaking of errors... what am I getting? Okay, so to answer on that: mostly it's Error 7, sometimes it's no error at all (as in a bootup screen that timelessly animates for a whole night, etc), other times it's an Encryption Unsuccessful. Depends on the ROM, depends on the GAPPS, and the stars and the moon on what error I get. -_-
However, I've been at this now for 2 weeks, off-and-on, and am now turning to you great minds to help this tired fellow out. I promise I will not be snarky (as other posters have been), and I greatly appreciate your pearls of wisdom in getting this SGSII up and running again.
:good:
-Gouda
[SOLVED] - Root issue
I feel so embarrassed. For anyone facing a similar issue, please triple check (read: distrust your instincts) and ensure the phone is unequivocally, unquestionably, absolutely rooted. SuperUser must be correctly installed via TWRP or CWM. Get past that, and your ROM + GAPPS procedure should allow you to access your OS/UI and get busy. Facepalming over this.
Gouda, out.

Samsung's OTA update to Nougat not playing well...

Please help...the wife has the T-mobile S6 Edge running Nougat that Samsung pushed OTA and has caused all sorts of crashes and lock ups. Being that she is not rooted and doesn't have any custom recovery, I am at a loss of what I can do for her. She is hesitant on letting me root the device and bringing her phone to the Modded side, but im close to convincing her after the last time the camera froze up on her!
So...she is running the following:
Model Number: SM-G925T
Android V: 7.0
Baseband: G925TUVU5FQE1
Build #: NRD90M.G925TUVU5FQE1
( i can provide more info if needed)
Can I root this devise and roll back to Marshmellow? Please provide any info and links i will need to refer to so not to brick the wife's phone!
P.S. I do have some experience with rooting, but every device is different and my current device is the OnePlus3, and they made it very easy....and Im not very active on Samsung devices, so would need to catch up on the problems people might have faced while doing this......Samsung I have learned does not make it so easy.
There are tons of links under the s6 Development forum, check over there for root guides & Custom ROMs

Question Impact of Installing Custom ROM and Reverting to Stock Firmware on Galaxy S22 (Exynos Variant)

Hello XDA community,
I am considering installing a custom ROM on my Samsung Galaxy S22 (Exynos variant) and would like to gather some information regarding the implications of this action, especially if I decide to revert back to the official Samsung firmware later on.
Apps Compatibility: Which apps will no longer work if I switch back to the stock firmware after installing a custom ROM? I understand that tripping the Knox flag by rooting or installing custom ROMs can cause certain Samsung apps like Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass, and Secure Folder to stop functioning. But what about other apps? Specifically, I am concerned about the compatibility of my banking app from Belfius (Belgium) with features like contactless payments.
OTA Updates: Will I still be able to receive Over-The-Air (OTA) updates once I have installed a custom ROM and then switched back to the official firmware?
I understand that the Exynos variant might not differ significantly from the Snapdragon variant in this context, but I thought it's worth mentioning.
Any insights or experiences that you could share would be immensely helpful. Thank you in advance!
So first thing you need to understand is that you would be installing a GSI and not a fully maintained device based Rom.
That means forget about the timely updates.
Secondly, GSIs are not optimized for particular phones and you might encounter bugs. From what I remeber, VOLTE won't work on GSI and for some phones even Bluetooth audio and mobile Hotspot won't work. Not to mention erratic battery life and unoptimized system.
App compatibility won't be an issue. But you have to say good bye to the samsung ecosystem. Also, if you do decide to install a custom rom, you will trip Knox and a few apps like secure folder, Samsung pay, samsung pass and Health might not work (unless they are patched). As for banking apps, they should work fine unless you are rooting your phone. If you do, you just to install a magisk module to pass the play stone security settings (forgot the name of it).
Also, if you again decide to go back on the stock rom, you just need to relock the bootloader and you should be able to get Ota updates again.
Overall, it's a good experience but you will grow tired of the bugs present in the GSI soon.

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