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Sup 'droids...
It's time for a new phone and I'm on the hunt doing research. Such a hard choice! I've had a Galaxy S1, S3 and S5 and loved them all so I went and got the S6 the other day without ever reading about it. When I went to install my ROM of choice I found out that Samsung is now officially releasing only the douche ROM...so I returned it 3 days later.
I read that the 5X was going to be released soon and also read some stuff on the Moto X Play (which is what it's called here in Canada, available at Telus). The 5X seems ok...I could potentially wait a month for that delivery (if Telus even carries it), or I could go get the Play or the G4 today--which seems to be the forerunner at this point due to it having slightly better specs than the Play.
My questions relate to custom ROM experiences. I like to have AOSP support with all the fancy settings available to me! I especially like hardware keys. My S3 was able to turn the flashlight on by holding the home key. I know the G4 doesn't have hardware buttons anymore so I'm not even sure if that's a thing. Maybe volume keys instead? That might create problems with track seeking though. Whatever...as long as there are options lol.
So...what kind of experiences--good and bad--have you guys had with this phone? Is there good ROM support? It seems like M will be out soon...does that mean the code will also be available for developers? I see a few ROM's available but unfortunately I can't test them out because I don't actually have the phone.
I'm sure I'll have more questions but thought I'd get a discussion going for those interested in sharing their experiences.
Thanks.
i'm somehow convinced that when the official android M update from LG finally released, the developer scene would start to bud here and there.
but for now, i think the developers are gathering only in some unlocked bootloader variants...
AZDJedi said:
I read that the 5X was going to be released soon and also read some stuff on the Moto X Play (which is what it's called here in Canada, available at Telus). The 5X seems ok...I could potentially wait a month for that delivery (if Telus even carries it), or I could go get the Play or the G4 today--which seems to be the forerunner at this point due to it having slightly better specs than the Play.
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The play is a midranger with a good battery not comparable with a flagship like the G4. Maybe you were thinking of the Style or Pure as its known in the US.
My questions relate to custom ROM experiences. I like to have AOSP support with all the fancy settings available to me! I especially like hardware keys. My S3 was able to turn the flashlight on by holding the home key. I know the G4 doesn't have hardware buttons anymore so I'm not even sure if that's a thing. Maybe volume keys instead? That might create problems with track seeking though. Whatever...as long as there are options lol.
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Not too much at the moment. Just root. To use xposed entails risk as there is no recovery. Unless you can source a H815 euro variant of the G4.
I'm sure I'll have more questions but thought I'd get a discussion going for those interested in sharing their experiences.
Thanks.
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What you need from roms ? that stock with root can't give you.
One Twelve said:
What you need from roms ? that stock with root can't give you.
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I'll be honest, I was about to use my middlefinger to write an aggressive post for you but the intelligent part of my brain said "STOP! THINK!". So I thought...and thought again. Coming from Nexus devices running CM only, on the G4 I have yet to find a reason to even consider a custom ROM. I sometimes miss the pure Android but that's all about it. It's the first time since my Nokia E72 in 2007 I did not switched a ROM for more than a month. Let's see where this goes. Good point mate!
nitrous² said:
Coming from Nexus devices running CM only, on the G4 I have yet to find a reason to even consider a custom ROM. I sometimes miss the pure Android but that's all about it. It's the first time since my Nokia E72 in 2007 I did not switched a ROM for more than a month. Let's see where this goes. Good point mate!
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Will you be able to convince the OP of that ?
Otherwise he needs to look elsewhere.
AZDJedi said:
Sup 'droids...
It's time for a new phone and I'm on the hunt doing research. Such a hard choice! I've had a Galaxy S1, S3 and S5 and loved them all so I went and got the S6 the other day without ever reading about it. When I went to install my ROM of choice I found out that Samsung is now officially releasing only the douche ROM...so I returned it 3 days later.
I read that the 5X was going to be released soon and also read some stuff on the Moto X Play (which is what it's called here in Canada, available at Telus). The 5X seems ok...I could potentially wait a month for that delivery (if Telus even carries it), or I could go get the Play or the G4 today--which seems to be the forerunner at this point due to it having slightly better specs than the Play.
My questions relate to custom ROM experiences. I like to have AOSP support with all the fancy settings available to me! I especially like hardware keys. My S3 was able to turn the flashlight on by holding the home key. I know the G4 doesn't have hardware buttons anymore so I'm not even sure if that's a thing. Maybe volume keys instead? That might create problems with track seeking though. Whatever...as long as there are options lol.
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Click to collapse
It's too early for the G4 now. Currently only the EU H815 model has an unlockable bootloader. LG's official page says more devices will be added to the list soon, but I wouldn't count on that. Since you're from Canada and propably won't get the H815 on contract, it'd be risky. If I had your patience, I'd wait for the 5X. You seem to be an Android purist. I wouldn't want to deal with a device running a custom version of Android. Also, even if CM or any other AOSP ROM would make its way to the various variants of the G4, they're going to have these little issues here and there because of bad or missing documentation from the manufacturer. It'll be a buggy experience overall. For example, I'm sure the camera will be a mess on CM/AOSP/A
AZDJedi said:
So...what kind of experiences--good and bad--have you guys had with this phone? Is there good ROM support? It seems like M will be out soon...does that mean the code will also be available for developers? I see a few ROM's available but unfortunately I can't test them out because I don't actually have the phone.
I'm sure I'll have more questions but thought I'd get a discussion going for those interested in sharing their experiences.
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
It's great so far. Running vanilla Android was a nice experience but I got bored. Having a custom UI with the option to use a custom vanilla Android is the perfect place for me. But as I said, right now I have no reason to go vanilla.
5X = 32gig no sd
G4 = sd
I can't live with 32gig so G4 fills all my needs. Stock too.
Sent from my LG-H815 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks for the input guy! I'm glad to hear that the G4 won't have much ROM support for some time--not that I'm glad for the *lack* of support, I'm just happy that I was informed of this *before* I made my purchase lol. There are some things that vanilla doesn't seem to offer me. Some features are not needed (pie and other recent/quick access features, and others I can't even think of cos I never turn them on in my current ROM lol); however, the ability to alter the power menu, the ability to add custom hardware keys (mainly for flashlight; if not a hardware key, then at least a toggle in the tray, or in the power menu), status bar changes (clock, color, battery % in numbers, double-tap for screen off), led control, etc (perhaps all these can be altered with apps or via Xposed. @onetwelve You said above there could be problems with Xposed because there's no recovery. You mean TWRP recovery? You can't mean that, so I'm confused :s).
The lack of camera support would suck. I am by no means a photographer; the main thing I use my camera for are taking random photos and also taking quick snapshots that require a fast-focus to be achieved. It's frustrating when camera apps don't work properly. I think pretty much every camera is going to be good enough for my purposes. 21MP vs 16MP = whoopdeedoo.
SD card support is not a concern for me. I've lived with 16GB for years and it's almost never been a problem unless I record a bunch of videos before I get home. I don't put music on my device (only audiobooks). Getting a 32GB internal memory phone would be like landing in a pot of gold haha!
My buddy has been nagging me to get an iPhone 6 and jailbreak it--he says I'll never turn back...but I'm not sure, I love Android and don't really wanna learn a whole new interface.
AZDJedi said:
Thanks for the input guy! I'm glad to hear that the G4 won't have much ROM support for some time--not that I'm glad for the *lack* of support, I'm just happy that I was informed of this *before* I made my purchase lol. There are some things that vanilla doesn't seem to offer me. Some features are not needed (pie and other recent/quick access features, and others I can't even think of cos I never turn them on in my current ROM lol); however, the ability to alter the power menu, the ability to add custom hardware keys (mainly for flashlight; if not a hardware key, then at least a toggle in the tray, or in the power menu), status bar changes (clock, color, battery % in numbers, double-tap for screen off), led control, etc (perhaps all these can be altered with apps or via Xposed. @onetwelve You said above there could be problems with Xposed because there's no recovery. You mean TWRP recovery? You can't mean that, so I'm confused :s).
The lack of camera support would suck. I am by no means a photographer; the main thing I use my camera for are taking random photos and also taking quick snapshots that require a fast-focus to be achieved. It's frustrating when camera apps don't work properly. I think pretty much every camera is going to be good enough for my purposes. 21MP vs 16MP = whoopdeedoo.
SD card support is not a concern for me. I've lived with 16GB for years and it's almost never been a problem unless I record a bunch of videos before I get home. I don't put music on my device (only audiobooks). Getting a 32GB internal memory phone would be like landing in a pot of gold haha!
My buddy has been nagging me to get an iPhone 6 and jailbreak it--he says I'll never turn back...but I'm not sure, I love Android and don't really wanna learn a whole new interface.
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There is no custom recovery as in there is none for the G4 variant you most likely will be getting in Canada, as of now. However, there are reports of an unofficial Bootloader unlock method coming for many variants of the G4. It's important to note that in this case you must not take OTA updates or the unofficial unlock method won't work. Anyway, no need to get into detail much.
There's no need for a custom recovery since flash fire is enough to get xposed working.
Btw. Is that a Rick & Morty reference?
Cool, thanks for the info. So it seems even the G4 won't suffice for me ...guess I'll wait for the X5 and see what happens there. I doubt Telus will carry it so I'll have to buy it outright. Support for that is going to be active and functional?
Never watched Rick & Morty...which did you think I was referencing?
AZDJedi said:
Cool, thanks for the info. So it seems even the G4 won't suffice for me ...guess I'll wait for the X5 and see what happens there. I doubt Telus will carry it so I'll have to buy it outright. Support for that is going to be active and functional?
Never watched Rick & Morty...which did you think I was referencing?
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I guess you mean the 5X? In this case, yes, you can expect the great minds of XDA to develop for this device and since the 5X is relatively cheap and people tending towards mid-high-range devices, you can expect a big fellowship in the 5X development section and forum in general.
Nvm, I was referring to the "whoopdeedoo". Realized that "whoopdeedoo" is a very common saying. Just binge-finished Rick & Morty but somehow my brain is still processing the information.
EDIT: A Rick & Morty reference would be like, uh, like "Wubba Lubba Dub Dub", or "Get shwifty" or how much "Schmeckles" does the Moto X cost and so forth. Wait, what?
AZDJedi said:
Thanks for the input guy! I'm glad to hear that the G4 won't have much ROM support for some time--not that I'm glad for the *lack* of support, I'm just happy that I was informed of this *before* I made my purchase lol.
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Yes, it certainly pays to do your research before you dive in.
There are some things that vanilla doesn't seem to offer me. Some features are not needed (pie and other recent/quick access features, and others I can't even think of cos I never turn them on in my current ROM lol); however, the ability to alter the power menu, the ability to add custom hardware keys (mainly for flashlight; if not a hardware key, then at least a toggle in the tray, or in the power menu), status bar changes (clock, color, battery % in numbers, double-tap for screen off), led control, etc (perhaps all these can be altered with apps or via Xposed. @onetwelve You said above there could be problems with Xposed because there's no recovery. You mean TWRP recovery? You can't mean that, so I'm confused :s).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
am not too knowledgable on the xposed side of things. it was an interaction i had with someone on youtube and they said if you do not have access to kdz, then in case of a boot loop you would not be able to recover. since you're in canada and the carriers there are no better than us carriers, xposed might not be an option unless you REALLY know what you're doing. There's these TOT's instead so somebody more knowledgeable can answer.
The lack of camera support would suck. I am by no means a photographer; the main thing I use my camera for are taking random photos and also taking quick snapshots that require a fast-focus to be achieved. It's frustrating when camera apps don't work properly. I think pretty much every camera is going to be good enough for my purposes. 21MP vs 16MP = whoopdeedoo.
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Click to collapse
yeah, vendors keep cameras very close to their chest. Only stock based roms will preserve camera or lets say are more certain to preserve it.
other stuff is going to be buggy or not work too well. this is down to developers so you end up using 3rd party cameras but its not the same as stock when it comes to cameras.
The cameras on the nexii are pretty good from what i've heard. But I would contend that the lack of OIS is an egregious omission when the last two nexii had it. Maddening! why go to the trouble to develop such a good camera and leave it out (!!!)
This means you will have to have a good handhold to avoid blur or camera shake indoors or in low light. But if the light is enough i think you will be happy with the nexus cameras. They really have come a long way since the Nexus 4. In good light i would not be surprised to see them rivaling the S6/G4 in terms of preservation of details. They are that good. But unfortunately thats it.
Btw the nexii are 12MP shooters. Don't let the mega pickles bother you just check out the photos at the pixel level and see for yourself.
SD card support is not a concern for me. I've lived with 16GB for years and it's almost never been a problem unless I record a bunch of videos before I get home. I don't put music on my device (only audiobooks). Getting a 32GB internal memory phone would be like landing in a pot of gold haha!
My buddy has been nagging me to get an iPhone 6 and jailbreak it--he says I'll never turn back...but I'm not sure, I love Android and don't really wanna learn a whole new interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thought the whole point of getting an iphone is that there is no need to do jailbreaking. not nowadays anyway. why would you want to jailbreak ios9 ?
Hello all, I decided to pick up a Pixel C and upgrade from my Nexus 10 since there was a developer sale today! I'm pretty excited and I came over to this section to see all the cool roms being made for the Pixel C and I must say I'm disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the ROM developers (running Pure Nexus on my 6P) and I just thought I would see the same ROM support for the Pixel C.
Anyway, where is all the custom ROM support? Where is the official TWRP release? I went through and read the threads and I feel like I'm missing something and there is a reason there aren't any custom ROMs or official TWRP support.
vanydotk said:
Hello all, I decided to pick up a Pixel C and upgrade from my Nexus 10 since there was a developer sale today! I'm pretty excited and I came over to this section to see all the cool roms being made for the Pixel C and I must say I'm disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the ROM developers (running Pure Nexus on my 6P) and I just thought I would see the same ROM support for the Pixel C.
Anyway, where is all the custom ROM support? Where is the official TWRP release? I went through and read the threads and I feel like I'm missing something and there is a reason there aren't any custom ROMs or official TWRP support.
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I think there are a few reasons for this. One being (at least I believe) that this tablet doesn't appear to have been well received. The hefty price tag, along with the seemingly rushed (read: buggy) attempt at slapping Android OS onto a device meant to run ChromeOS from it's inception, may have affected sales. The other reason I believe relates to the previous sentence. The software on the Pixel C is some sort of amalgamation of Android and ChromeOS. From what I've gathered from the generous devs such as cheep5k8, this device is pretty much all ChromeOS up until it boots the actual OS, which is then Android. I would imagine that makes it a pain for devs to develop for it. Even chainfire said something to the effect of it wasn't worth his time because he would have to spend a lot of time adapting everything to be compatible with ChromeOS.
Now that being said, I picked one up today as well during the "developer sale" to replace my Nexus 10 just like you. However, I am perfectly content with the stock/rooted OS, as that's what I'm running on my 6P. I put "developer sale" in quotes because I'm not entirely sure the release of the Android N preview is the reason. Going back to my first speculation on why there aren't many devs, I don't believe they've moved as many units as they would've liked. So I kind of see this as an act of (for lack of a better term) desperation to move some units. But I'm okay with that. I've been waiting for Google to release another 10" tablet to replace my N10 for a good while now. With no other 10" tablet in sight from them (there is rumored to be another 7" unveiled at I/O) anytime soon, I figured now would be a great time to jump on this. I'm totally stoked that I was able to snag a 64GB version for $450 instead of $600. Can't wait for it to be delivered.
I as well was wondering this not because I want to use roms from other developers perse, but I like slimmed down roms over stock android.
I gave my son my ipad 2 and i needed a replacement for taking notes in class, work and then reading comics, books and watching movies in bed. Ordered the 32GB + Folio keyboard.
Im sure it is just a matter of time before the roms and official TWRP show up, like nearly all other devices. Especially now with the "dev sale". Might have a few more steps vs installing on a regular nexus though. We shall see. Til then im happy with stock android root.
Tablets never really have (m)any ROMs available, this one is specifically difficult since it's Android in a Chromebook's body.
Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk
I took the plunge last night after seeing the sale. I was surprised to actually get a code since I'm not a 'developer' by most standards. Anyways, I'm surprisingly leaning towards not using a ROM on this device and just running the kernel that's available, and doing the aesthetic and user-friendliness mods that I usually rely on ROMS for by way of Xposed. Seriously, the only reason I use a custom ROM on my Nexus 10 is to get the softkeys in a place where my thumbs can reach them, and since that's been handled natively in the Pixel C, I don't really see a need for a ROM.
Not that I wouldn't flash one if someone made something really impressive.
BaristaBot said:
I took the plunge last night after seeing the sale. I was surprised to actually get a code since I'm not a 'developer' by most standards. Anyways, I'm surprisingly leaning towards not using a ROM on this device and just running the kernel that's available, and doing the aesthetic and user-friendliness mods that I usually rely on ROMS for by way of Xposed. Seriously, the only reason I use a custom ROM on my Nexus 10 is to get the softkeys in a place where my thumbs can reach them, and since that's been handled natively in the Pixel C, I don't really see a need for a ROM.
Not that I wouldn't flash one if someone made something really impressive.
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+1 Root access is the key element for me. While I like the customizations, I can find other ways to get them. For example, it would be nice to have the advanced boot features add to the power button, but I can easily get this with an app.
I think we just need good kernels
So bummed to be a Pixel owner these days. I don't know if there is a device running android with as little support as there is for the Sailfish. Do any of the Pixel XL custom ROM's also have a Pixel version? I like the phone but am getting so so bored with it. These dual boot partitions are pretty much the kiss of death for development activity, can't say I really blame devs who steer clear. Anyway, was just curious. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to ready the note from my little pity party. :silly:
Jank4AU said:
So bummed to be a Pixel owner these days. I don't know if there is a device running android with as little support as there is for the Sailfish. Do any of the Pixel XL custom ROM's also have a Pixel version? I like the phone but am getting so so bored with it. These dual boot partitions are pretty much the kiss of death for development activity, can't say I really blame devs who steer clear. Anyway, was just curious. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to ready the note from my little pity party. :silly:
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How long have you been an Android user? I don't know about you, but coming from eclair, it's come a looooong way. While I love custom roms on most devices, stock Android has gotten really good.
dictionary said:
How long have you been an Android user? I don't know about you, but coming from eclair, it's come a looooong way. While I love custom roms on most devices, stock Android has gotten really good.
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@dictionary - I've been on Android since my old HTC Aria (2010 - running eclair also). Yeah, stock is a pretty good experience these days. I just think that like a lot of users I was pretty excited about the prospects of Google putting out this phone, expecting it to be like the Nexus series. There are still some things missing, and I'm not a huge fan of Xposed modules to compensate. This is about the longest I've had a handset in about 5 years without switching, so I do like it. Anyway, think I'll just have to try a different phone next... or, I just get a cheaper, second device to satisfy my flashing whims.
Jank4AU said:
@dictionary - is been on Android since my old HTC Aria (2010 - running eclair also). Yeah, stock is a pretty good experience these days. I just think that like a lot of users I was pretty excited about the prospects of Google putting out this phone, expecting it to be like the Nexus series. There are still some things missing, and I'm not a huge fan of Xposed modules to compensate. This is about the longest I've had a handset in about 5 years without switching, so I do like it. Anyway, think I'll just have to try a different phone next... or, I just get a cheaper, second device to satisfy my flashing whims.
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I can agree to all that. Next device might be a One Plus build. I had the One Plus One, and actually loved it. Didn't have the screen or other issues others had. Their Dev community is pretty much Nexus One level, so you're covered there. Affordable too. Just pray you don't need to contact them directly lol
dictionary said:
I can agree to all that. Next device might be a One Plus build. I had the One Plus One, and actually loved it. Didn't have the screen or other issues others had. Their Dev community is pretty much Nexus One level, so you're covered there. Affordable too. Just pray you don't need to contact them directly lol
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I've wanted to try a OnePlus but I'm on Verizon. Pretty much none of those Chinese OEM's make CDMA variants of their phones. At least not ones that cover all the VZW LTE bands. The new Huwawei might come to VZW, but it's also priced as a flagship. I'm sort of hoping the Essential community picks up now that the device is basically being given away for a shave and a haircut considering its specs. Not 100% sure if they've followed the same dual boot partition scenario, I know that the Razer phone does. I might hold out to see what LG does. They're dropping the G line and rebranding their flagship.
Jank4AU said:
I've wanted to try a OnePlus but I'm on Verizon. Pretty much none of those Chinese OEM's make CDMA variants of their phones. At least not ones that cover all the VZW LTE bands. The new Huwawei might come to VZW, but it's also priced as a flagship. I'm sort of hoping the Essential community picks up now that the device is basically being given away for a shave and a haircut considering its specs. Not 100% sure if they've followed the same dual boot partition scenario, I know that the Razer phone does. I might hold out to see what LG does. They're dropping the G line and rebranding their flagship.
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I'd love an Essential Phone. If they come out with another device, and fix their pricing, they may be a contender. I honestly love the LG v30, but would only buy the unlocked version
I know it's only out for reviewers and what not but I'm looking forward to the device, not only that but I'm looking to upgrade my rooted V20 and wanted to know the chances of the G7 being rooted
Only European and US unlocked will get official bootloader unlock (as far as we have seen in many variants before) and root other variant may or may not find a way to root
numpea said:
Only European and US unlocked will get official bootloader unlock (as far as we have seen in many variants before) and root other variant may or may not find a way to root
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Well that's blows
Joe199799 said:
Well that's blows
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Yup. And that is exactly the reason the v30 will be my last LG phone. At least the new HTC comes out soon and HTC has previously been dev friendly
Josh McGrath said:
Yup. And that is exactly the reason the v30 will be my last LG phone. At least the new HTC comes out soon and HTC has previously been dev friendly
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Honestly it's a shame I was seriously looking at this phone, but what's more unfortunate is I'm starting to feel rooting is going the way of the dodo, more or less for big brands Samsung and LG for instance. HTC has always been pretty Dev friendly, it's just a shame I stuck with Android all this time because I had the freedom to root and do whatever I wanted and now it's just become a hollow shell of itself
I'd say odds are piratically zero unless you get an unlocked variant, even then it can take months for LG to release the code for unlock. I am looking elsewhere manufacture wise. I have a G3 and it is on its last legs.
Josh McGrath said:
Yup. And that is exactly the reason the v30 will be my last LG phone. At least the new HTC comes out soon and HTC has previously been dev friendly
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Joe199799 said:
Honestly it's a shame I was seriously looking at this phone, but what's more unfortunate is I'm starting to feel rooting is going the way of the dodo, more or less for big brands Samsung and LG for instance. HTC has always been pretty Dev friendly, it's just a shame I stuck with Android all this time because I had the freedom to root and do whatever I wanted and now it's just become a hollow shell of itself
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For all of you that say HTC is so great, Let me tell you.. I was once a huge LG fan back in the G3 days and V10(Which went knowwhere) and then I said I would never touch another LG again, So I went HTC10,
was great at first, a bit pricey for the money, But to make a long story short. all HTC's battery suck.. your device will die within 1 year. but you will notice the issue way before, like 6 months to less..
when it happen to me, I thought maybe it was just me, then after me, other friends of mine, started having issues, and then friends of theirs had issues, and coming from a Developer on HTC10,
I can tell you, the scene sucks. the users can be rude, even know that is everywhere.. but cant explain unless your a dev, and even know you can s/off which will cost you 25.00, no biggie, lets you rebrand your device too... and unlock your bootloaders, but as for scene, Its not really there.. a few roms and a few things, but nothing big.. I created PureFusionOS originally on a HTC10, and I created Nebula Kernel Originally on a LG G3,
then Ported the first EAS Kernel to HTC10 on MM then N and not on Oreo......... So, dev friendly as it is, it has its draw backs.. I personally wont get another HTC do to the crappy batteries..
If none believe me, click on the Telegram group on my sig and ask in there.. you will see for your self.......
as for the oods of getting root, anything is possible.. look at the v30.. look at the g6 and v20 and so on, Most didnt think that would happen... its a challenge.. I wouldnt say you would get it soon,
but sooner or later.. if you truly want software and dont care about hardware, get OP6........................... But if you want a device that can outperform most others, Samsung,LG and Google.............
yeah sony too.. just not a fan of Sony.............
Eliminater74 said:
For all of you that say HTC is so great, Let me tell you.. I was once a huge LG fan back in the G3 days and V10(Which went knowwhere) and then I said I would never touch another LG again, So I went HTC10,
was great at first, a bit pricey for the money, But to make a long story short. all HTC's battery suck.. your device will die within 1 year. but you will notice the issue way before, like 6 months to less..
when it happen to me, I thought maybe it was just me, then after me, other friends of mine, started having issues, and then friends of theirs had issues, and coming from a Developer on HTC10,
I can tell you, the scene sucks. the users can be rude, even know that is everywhere.. but cant explain unless your a dev, and even know you can s/off which will cost you 25.00, no biggie, lets you rebrand your device too... and unlock your bootloaders, but as for scene, Its not really there.. a few roms and a few things, but nothing big.. I created PureFusionOS originally on a HTC10, and I created Nebula Kernel Originally on a LG G3,
then Ported the first EAS Kernel to HTC10 on MM then N and not on Oreo......... So, dev friendly as it is, it has its draw backs.. I personally wont get another HTC do to the crappy batteries..
If none believe me, click on the Telegram group on my sig and ask in there.. you will see for your self.......
as for the oods of getting root, anything is possible.. look at the v30.. look at the g6 and v20 and so on, Most didnt think that would happen... its a challenge.. I wouldnt say you would get it soon,
but sooner or later.. if you truly want software and dont care about hardware, get OP6........................... But if you want a device that can outperform most others, Samsung,LG and Google.............
yeah sony too.. just not a fan of Sony.............
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Click to collapse
Sony phones are locked down tighter than a nuns vagina so I won't go that way again.
I had an htc M9 and the battery was TERRIBLE. 3 hours I was at 60pct of little use, and this was brand new. So the battery issue has to be better than it was then. But most of us buy our phones and never plan to keep then longer than a year Max and most of us also use the payments so the OP6 and others like it are not affordable, especially for my broke ass.
LG makes great phones, they really do, but I want absolute control over something I legally own (for the time being ) and I think everyone else feels the same way. I haven't given up on LG just yet but for time being, I'm using the Motorola z2 force soley cause it can be rooted easily...well I thought easily anyway. Google's seemless update confuses me with two.
That being said, my hopes are still up, hanging by a string for the next LG model, but this time I won't buy it until root is achieved/released..if ever.
Sigh.
I swore to never own another LG phone after the G4 fiasco, but here I am a few years later - literally about to pull the trigger.
I don't care about the notch or the AI features - I just wanted a good phone with: a headphone jack, bigger screen, and most of all - a wide angle lens. I had my heart set out on an ASUS Zenfone 5 for a while but the wide angle camera has apparently been somewhat disappointing.
I currently own a Pixel 2 XL and a Galaxy S8+ Exynos version, both have been a blast to have because of the ease of being able to flash a new ROM and what not. I know for a fact that having this new G7 means losing the ability to customise the phone, but I'm left with little options as my desires for a wide angle lens has become far too great. I could get a secondary lens for my DSLR but snapping pictures very quickly with a phone has become the norm. Oh well, I'm probably going to get the G7, I'm prepared for a locked bootloader
Question what about for the Verizon editions are those going to be unlocked by Verizon and allowed to root?
sillyshyme said:
Question what about for the Verizon editions are those going to be unlocked by Verizon and allowed to root?
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Verizon will never unlock the bootloaders on any phone they sell. Basically, if you want root, the general rule is to not buy Verizon phones 99pct of the time they are not unlockable
I though while ago few years there was a law passed that allowed modifications to phones legal?
sillyshyme said:
I though while ago few years there was a law passed that allowed modifications to phones legal?
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I think that law may have been to physically mod phones? I can't quite remember.
But yeah, Verizon = no bootloader unlock, ever. I am hoping T-Mobile's buy one get one free promo will get the phone in more user's hands. More users should lead to more desires for development. The last LG phone I had was the G4 and there was an odd way of getting root on the phone.. I really hope there will be devs to work on the G7. As always, I'm ready to donate money to get root and the ability to flash ROM's.. honestly, I just want AOSP icons on the statusbar :laugh: I hate ugly statusbar icons!
AhsanU said:
I think that law may have been to physically mod phones? I can't quite remember.
But yeah, Verizon = no bootloader unlock, ever. I am hoping T-Mobile's buy one get one free promo will get the phone in more user's hands. More users should lead to more desires for development. The last LG phone I had was the G4 and there was an odd way of getting root on the phone.. I really hope there will be devs to work on the G7. As always, I'm ready to donate money to get root and the ability to flash ROM's.. honestly, I just want AOSP icons on the statusbar :laugh: I hate ugly statusbar icons!
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Considering how incredibly slow LG was to add the V30 unlock codes to the official site, and still no OFFICIAL support for the open market V30/V30+ US998 model, I have serious doubts the G7 will be added to the list, at all. If you have a European variant, I envy you. They DO have laws that require companies to allow for modification. The US has pathetic loopholes in right to repair which even Apple and Microsoft scoff at, let along a smaller company like LG. They simply don't care about the dev or modder community. They would much rather have you get a new phone every year because the former was crippled by poor software and lack of support.
I'm rocking a LG G3 vs985 and it is really in bad shape now that thermal issues have led to SD card failure. I might have to reflow the solder to get it working long enough to see if the G7 will get root, or if there are alternatives.
Eliminater74 said:
For all of you that say HTC is so great, Let me tell you.. I was once a huge LG fan back in the G3 days and V10(Which went knowwhere) and then I said I would never touch another LG again, So I went HTC10,
was great at first, a bit pricey for the money, But to make a long story short. all HTC's battery suck.. your device will die within 1 year. but you will notice the issue way before, like 6 months to less..
when it happen to me, I thought maybe it was just me, then after me, other friends of mine, started having issues, and then friends of theirs had issues, and coming from a Developer on HTC10,
I can tell you, the scene sucks. the users can be rude, even know that is everywhere.. but cant explain unless your a dev, and even know you can s/off which will cost you 25.00, no biggie, lets you rebrand your device too... and unlock your bootloaders, but as for scene, Its not really there.. a few roms and a few things, but nothing big.. I created PureFusionOS originally on a HTC10, and I created Nebula Kernel Originally on a LG G3,
then Ported the first EAS Kernel to HTC10 on MM then N and not on Oreo......... So, dev friendly as it is, it has its draw backs.. I personally wont get another HTC do to the crappy batteries..
If none believe me, click on the Telegram group on my sig and ask in there.. you will see for your self.......
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I am currently researching various sites such as XDA now being in the market for a new smartphone out of necessity. That necessity...... Echoing the quoted portion of your previous post...... Is " thanks " to the battery of my HTC 10. I write this with my HTC 10 tethered to a charger because not connected to power once the status bar battery icon shows 70 % it is a very short wait until it bootloops with the only course of action then being a vol. Down + power button combo press to get into download mode...... Select power off...... And connect the HTC 10 back to a power source ( at which point it displays that the 70 % screen on battery power remaining is actually around 8 %.
The HTC 10 battery does indeed suck. Researching now for a new smartphone is leading me to think there are only 2 options that tick the boxes of my wants...... Among those wants being latest hardware with a Good + camera, SD card slot for storage expansion, and ability to be rooted. It appears the 2 smartphones to come the closest to meeting those wants are the LG G7 and Samsung S9 ( and unfortunately it appears presently the want of root may not happen with either of those 2 smartphone options [ Snapdragon versions. ] )
I suppose I could deal with my always-needing-to-be-tethered HTC 10 a little while longer to enter the U12 in the purchase running ( that I presume will be rootable ) but I will be concerned of having another battery nightmare with a HTC smartphone......
Ganuke
I haven't rooted my phones for a few years now. I dont see the necessity for it anymore ( I respect the opinion of others who have their reasons for rooting.. i just have no justifiable reason for myself)
I still use xda a lot for reviews , q&a , discussions etc just not for development.
To me, phones have come a loooooong way from the days of the LG G2x etc where rooting was a MUST if you wanted a phone that could even last the entire day
Ganuke2kx said:
I am currently researching various sites such as XDA now being in the market for a new smartphone out of necessity. That necessity...... Echoing the quoted portion of your previous post...... Is " thanks " to the battery of my HTC 10. I write this with my HTC 10 tethered to a charger because not connected to power once the status bar battery icon shows 70 % it is a very short wait until it bootloops with the only course of action then being a vol. Down + power button combo press to get into download mode...... Select power off...... And connect the HTC 10 back to a power source ( at which point it displays that the 70 % screen on battery power remaining is actually around 8 %.
The HTC 10 battery does indeed suck. Researching now for a new smartphone is leading me to think there are only 2 options that tick the boxes of my wants...... Among those wants being latest hardware with a Good + camera, SD card slot for storage expansion, and ability to be rooted. It appears the 2 smartphones to come the closest to meeting those wants are the LG G7 and Samsung S9 ( and unfortunately it appears presently the want of root may not happen with either of those 2 smartphone options [ Snapdragon versions. ] )
I suppose I could deal with my always-needing-to-be-tethered HTC 10 a little while longer to enter the U12 in the purchase running ( that I presume will be rootable ) but I will be concerned of having another battery nightmare with a HTC smartphone......
Ganuke
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Click to collapse
I'm actually in the exact same boat as you - although my battery isn't quite as bad on the HTC 10 yet, it's definitely dying 2 or more times a day on me. It's a great phone and I wouldn't be itching for an upgrade if the battery was still good. I like the U12+ but after this(and previously my One M8) having both battery or charging port related issues, wireless charging on my next device is a must. Unfortunately like you said both the Snapdragon S9+ and the G7 are the only current real options and neither of them seem to be getting any traction in the root department. The s9+ is especially interesting to me because I would think the USA would have a HUGE market for people buying and modifying that phone but it seems as though that just isn't so.
Back to the G7 - this is the first time I've ever even considered an LG and this device looks freaking great, but I want to not only de-bloat and adblock, but also have the ability to run free WiFi tether on Sprint as well as the fun of changing out ROMs(although the older and busier I get the more tedious this becomes).
Eagerly watching from the sidelines on what happens with this phone though!
Darkning said:
I'm actually in the exact same boat as you - although my battery isn't quite as bad on the HTC 10 yet, it's definitely dying 2 or more times a day on me. It's a great phone and I wouldn't be itching for an upgrade if the battery was still good. I like the U12+ but after this(and previously my One M8) having both battery or charging port related issues, wireless charging on my next device is a must. Unfortunately like you said both the Snapdragon S9+ and the G7 are the only current real options and neither of them seem to be getting any traction in the root department. The s9+ is especially interesting to me because I would think the USA would have a HUGE market for people buying and modifying that phone but it seems as though that just isn't so.
Back to the G7 - this is the first time I've ever even considered an LG and this device looks freaking great, but I want to not only de-bloat and adblock, but also have the ability to run free WiFi tether on Sprint as well as the fun of changing out ROMs(although the older and busier I get the more tedious this becomes).
Eagerly watching from the sidelines on what happens with this phone though!
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Click to collapse
Not a good thing reading that you had battery related issues on a previous HTC smartphone as well as the 10...... As far as my thought of a U12 being in the running for my next soon-to-be purchase each new day I become increasingly frustrated with needing to be constantly tethered to a power source with my HTC 10. I also have a Google Nexus 10 tablet ( that I believe has HTC battery hardware ) which in the past few months has been major off-and-on issues that after online researching of others experiencing the same thing attribute likely to HTC battery hardware in the Google Nexus 10. Early reviews of the HTC U12 do seem promising...... But after the cost of a flagship phone I do not want to find myself having the same battery nightmare a little over a year from now as I am with this HTC 10.
It is a real shame as so long as I am tethered to a power source my HTC 10 still runs like a champ in every other aspect. Another shame is something you mentioned in root / mod activity on XDA seems to have really declined for most smartphone brands...... And that does not give me hope of there arriving root for either the Samsung S9 or LG G7. If I am destined for the LG G7 I am considering holding out for one of the 2 merchants listed on the LG website to get in stock a carrier unlocked version of it...... In hopes that could make it a little easier / likely for eventual bootloader unlock and root. If not I will just have to get use to it being my first Android smartphone that I did not have root on.
With that scenario in mind I have been researching on alternate methods to try and do as close to some of the basic things I have always utilized with root. One thing you mention is debloat. Searching with a phrasing similar to " remove bloat no root " did return a result from XDA that I likely will try And there do exist adblock, firewall, etc. apps that do not require root...... But my guess is they will not function as well as those with root. I have had a few Samsung, a couple Motorola, and this one HTC ( 10 ) branded smartphones...... A purchase of a G7 would be my first LG as well......
Ganuke
Ganuke2kx said:
Not a good thing reading that you had battery related issues on a previous HTC smartphone as well as the 10...... As far as my thought of a U12 being in the running for my next soon-to-be purchase each new day I become increasingly frustrated with needing to be constantly tethered to a power source with my HTC 10. I also have a Google Nexus 10 tablet ( that I believe has HTC battery hardware ) which in the past few months has been major off-and-on issues that after online researching of others experiencing the same thing attribute likely to HTC battery hardware in the Google Nexus 10. Early reviews of the HTC U12 do seem promising...... But after the cost of a flagship phone I do not want to find myself having the same battery nightmare a little over a year from now as I am with this HTC 10.
It is a real shame as so long as I am tethered to a power source my HTC 10 still runs like a champ in every other aspect. Another shame is something you mentioned in root / mod activity on XDA seems to have really declined for most smartphone brands...... And that does not give me hope of there arriving root for either the Samsung S9 or LG G7. If I am destined for the LG G7 I am considering holding out for one of the 2 merchants listed on the LG website to get in stock a carrier unlocked version of it...... In hopes that could make it a little easier / likely for eventual bootloader unlock and root. If not I will just have to get use to it being my first Android smartphone that I did not have root on.
With that scenario in mind I have been researching on alternate methods to try and do as close to some of the basic things I have always utilized with root. One thing you mention is debloat. Searching with a phrasing similar to " remove bloat no root " did return a result from XDA that I likely will try And there do exist adblock, firewall, etc. apps that do not require root...... But my guess is they will not function as well as those with root. I have had a few Samsung, a couple Motorola, and this one HTC ( 10 ) branded smartphones...... A purchase of a G7 would be my first LG as well......
Ganuke
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The prior HTC phone (One m8) didn't really have battery issues, but the charging port (microusb) failed on me. I believe this is going to be much less of an issue going forward with USB C connections so I wouldn't really say that's a major concern. I've had HTC phones all the way back to the EVO 4G, and generally did not have issues with battery or power related things. At this point we're going off topic though. Hopefully someone with the talent and ability finds a passion in figuring out root for the G7.
Darkning said:
At this point we're going off topic though. Hopefully someone with the talent and ability finds a passion in figuring out root for the G7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Allllthoooough...... If you and I continue conversing regardless of topic maybe we can bump the thread count up high enough to attract a talented and abled person to take a look here and ultimately detail a root strategy for the LG G7 ( can always hope. )
So on that thought...... How Is the weather where you are ?
Ganuke
I've posted this review on the c.mi forums, There isn't anywhere in the review section that I can find to post a full review so I'm posting it in discussion, mods feel free to move it if there is a better category.
But, I felt someone in the same situation as me that bought this phone to get [back] into android development might find this useful.
Hello all, After having a Redmi Note 8 Pro and using it as my daily driver for a little over a month, I've decided it's time for me to write a review.
First, I'll give you all a little background on me, I'm a developer of everything from webpages to hardware, and tech enthusiast of all kinds. I'm from the US(NA market) so my knowledge of the Indian and Chinese markets are a bit limited although I do know pretty much how the EU market works as they're normally marketed to the almost the same way as the NA market, at least when it comes to tech. I started developing for Android with my Google G1 way back in 2008 and have been on an off developing for different android phones since then on a variety of forums. From the now gone SDX-Developers to XDA and Android Forums.(Through many different accounts as everywhere but SDX seems to end with me getting in an argument and deleting my account.) This is my first Xiaomi phone. I will be giving a review both as a user and a developer.
Marketing:
In the NA market this phone is marketed as a budget flagship, or "flagship killer" if you will. Pushed mostly towards tech enthusiasts and developers.
Their marketing technique is very similar to that of OnePlus, however without the strong reputation behind it that OnePlus has. If Xiaomi wants to continue using this marketing technique here they have a lot of make up for, and a lot of work to do for reasons that will become apparent later in this review.
User Review:
As a user I'm moderately happy with my purchase, the phone itself feels quality and is beautiful(I have the pearl white one). The price was decent, costing me $225 USD for the 64GB/6GB version. The processor is quick and the UI is gorgeous and snappy. The screen has really nice Darks and the HDR implementation is really good looking....When it works(Fixed in the new A10/M11 release). However, the software is really buggy with MIUI optimizations turned on, which is a shame because they make quite a difference to the snappiness and feel of the device. Apps sometimes don't work properly, refuse to show in portrait mode, or just won't use the keyboard(such as the newegg app which I use to order hardware quite often). There are a significant lack of updates, having just now as of today(28th May 2020) recieved my first OTA(Which is useless to me, more on that later). This has been a problem that the community seems quite aware and little angry about for good reason, seeing as how my device is still on the Dec 2019 security patch, with multiple high-threat CVEs being released since then. The IR blaster is nice, but the Mi Remote app needs a lot of work. I remember it being much, much better when it was "Peel Smart Remote" and using it on my Samsung Galaxy S5. The gallery app misses most downloaded pictures, and is quite the pain to get working. This is a shame as it's the only way to change the lock screen background, other than the theme app. -1 point for broken DRM and bugs -2 points for lack of updates.
Oh I forgot there are Ads throughout the system. This is UNACCEPTABLE in the NA and EU markets, to date this is the only phone I HAVE EVER SEEN put ads in the system framwork. I have owned at least 150 different android phones. This is becoming more and more forced by tech companies throughout different devices, specifically Chinese oriented ones and will not fly for long in Western Markets(especially the EU which already limits advertising). We paid for our hardware, you've got your money, now it's just being greedy, intrusive, and posing a risk to device security. (e.g The "security" app that puts ads in your package installer) It's easy enough to disable, but not everyone is going to know how, or want to do that. -2 points just for the ads, and honestly should be more taken off, the quality of the hardware is what's stopping me from dropping it -4 points.
Overall User Rating: 5/10
Developer Review:
Let me start off by saying, once again, that in the NA market this phone is marketed as an Unlocked device for enthusiasts, or a budget flagship(Which personally I have seen very little of this advertising for) It's on the front page of the XDA forums. Rooting and development is an important part of the Android Community, in what I've seen ALL MARKETS globally. We will begin at the rooting process. Unlocking the bootloader comes with a wait time. This is due to unauthorized retailers flashing chinese and indian varients to global and selling them, filled with [more] ads. So the fact that there is a 168 hour wait time to unlock the bootloader is completely understandable and I will take away no points for that. They're protecting their reputation in the least intrusive way they could, you know what? I'll even give them an extra point for the way they handled that part, +1. Now let's go to install TWRP, where right on the website is says "WARNING: This device hard bricks really easily for unknown reasons. Restoring device without spending real money is impossible as of now. " -2 points. This should have been my first warning to buy a different device. A somewhat large, reputable, and rooting advocate development team is warning users not to use their product, that's a red flag, and should never be something you have associated with your device or company as a whole. TWRP has backlight bug which can be fixed with an adb command, and really isn't a big deal seeing as how TWRP probably went through multiple devices getting their recovery out. Then flash Magisk. That's it you're rooted. I have to give them a hand, rooting really isn't a big deal. But let's pretend we're a new user and accidentally flashed TWRP to the boot partition, well you're SOL now, you have a $225 brick. There is no coming back from this unless 1, You have an authorized MI account, which you almost certainly do not. or 2, you pay some sketchy person halfway across the world to RDP into your computer and use their authorized account to unbrick you, as well as the 80% chance they're going to drop a keylogger, ransomware or they're going to syskey your computer and now you're still SOL, but you might have your phone unbricked, not very useful without a computer and an empty bank account though. They handled the way unbricking works terribly, and without cause. -8 points To add salt on the wound they release the source code like they're doing the development community a favor when it's 100% useless without a reliable unbricking method. -2 points for putting on a show. Which is sad, because otherwise the phone would be a pleasure to develop for. For example, you're in a bootloop something in /system got messed up. You can just flash the system.img from twrp and recover without any data loss or bloatware reappearing. That's amazing! the phone is partitioned very well, and has lots of xml, props and stuff to tweak from the start. Also, a really cute fastboot screen as a plus. Unfortunately, Xiaomi.eu has dropped all support for this device, as well as any other MTK based phones.
Thankfully, some totally awesome person at Xiaomi "leaked" an engineering preloader which can help prevent bricks as long as it's not overwritten and you stay on android 9. But, the downside is, No Android 10, No MIUI 12, No anything other than MIUI 11 Pie. If they would release more lks along side the updates for developers this would be insanely helpful, and breath some life back into the RN8P/8/T development community.
Still, as a developer, and a normal person, I'm afraid to do too much to this device, or develop kernels, recoveries or ROMS because i'm terrified I'm going to be out $225 and my daily driver phone, that I can't afford to replace if something bad happens.
Development Score: 0/11
Guy who leaked preloader score: 10000/10
tl;dr If you're not into rooting or development this is a pretty decent phone with quality flagship hardware, if you can live with ads in your system, and the bug in some apps. There are ways to remove most of the ads without root, and it does still get updates, although rare. It's worth $180-$200 USD if you find it for a good deal. Although you could just get a used OnePlus 7 Pro for around the same price maybe $50-$100 USD more(depending on market) and be much happier all around.
Nice review, such detail
I wish i had read this before, i've bricked my phone trying to flash new ROM after i spent hours getting to a lower firmware and then getting TWRP to work, finally flashed android 11 rom to get a brick
0/10 rating by more than average user who was sick of MIUI
ezequielfilipesantos2000 said:
I wish i had read this before, i've bricked my phone trying to flash new ROM after i spent hours getting to a lower firmware and then getting TWRP to work, finally flashed android 11 rom to get a brick
0/10 rating by more than average user who was sick of MIUI
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Well, What a cocindence, I just gave someone a solution to install TWRP and root their stock ROM. Not a custom one though.
Kenora_I said:
Well, What a cocindence, I just gave someone a solution to install TWRP and root their stock ROM. Not a custom one though.
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Sure is, was that user using the latest miui version (android 10, miui. 12.0.5 i believe?)
I was also having problems flashing the TWRP ( latest one) recovery
I flashed but i didn't have sucess, it went into Redmi-Recovery 3.0
I had to get a old fastboot version of android 9.0 with muiu, flash it using miflashpro tools then, i had to flash the preloader ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/guide-info-psa-redmi-note-8-pro-megathread-cfw.4056527/ )
Then i was able to flash the TWRP recovery and it worked
After that I tried flashing (after a wipe obviously, not going to flash dirty) Pixel Experience (AOSP) rom and it resulted in a bricked phone
10/10 I highly recommend the drama
Yeah the latest one.
Kenora_I said:
Yeah the latest one.
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How did you manage?
Was i doing something the wrong way? ( or all of it? ) ahahaha