Samsung Galaxy S4 thread - See Mod Warning in Post #1

kave2 · 27-05-2013 9:30pm

darg wrote: »

Are these cases any good? Im awaiting delivery from amazon any day now. Currently have a spigen neo hybrid but fancy a change

Yes,it's quite good. Very slim. Here it is on adverts:
http://www.adverts.ie/accessories/samsung-galaxy-s4-transparent-case/3157304

Sephiroth_dude · 27-05-2013 11:57pm

My battery was at 40% when I was going to bed the other night and when I woke up it was completely dead :eek:.

Cherry_Cola · 28-05-2013 12:19am

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

My battery was at 40% when I was going to bed the other night and when I woke up it was completely dead :eek:.

Mine dropped 25% over night and that was with killing all apps etc before going to sleep. Not sure what could be causing such a drain when it's not in use.

Cossax · 28-05-2013 1:47am

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

My battery was at 40% when I was going to bed the other night and when I woke up it was completely dead :eek:.

Dunno what apps you have running/settings on but my phone has been on for 17 hours: a 7 hour chunk of that on a poor data signal, wifi for a bit, decent signal for a bit and screen on for an hour and it's lost 34% battery - no idea how you lost 40% in half that time with no interaction?

Turtwig · 28-05-2013 2:09am

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

My battery was at 40% when I was going to bed the other night and when I woke up it was completely dead :eek:.

It could be that you had your phone at wrong temperature or you're running too many apps or that you battery is faulty. Go into setting > more> battery and start looking at the stats. If they're not detailed enough there's probably an app you could get (I used to use BatteryBot) that may show more, but you'd have to run it for a few days.

I haven't really been using my phone at all today. Received one or two calls and watched an episode of Archer on Netflix, that's about it. It's been 16 hours+ since I last charged it. There's still apparently 64% remaining. Something definitely sounds amiss if you're leaving your phone idle and it's draining like that.

Wifi/4G, Air view, smart pause and data sync have been on all day.

Also, I'd highly recommend the automateIt app. You can set up customs rules for when you're phone is idle. So battery may be conserved.

DARK-KNIGHT · 28-05-2013 3:17am

i am joining the galaxy s 4 owners club on june 17th

markc91 · 28-05-2013 3:41am

DARK-KNIGHT wrote: »

i am joining the galaxy s 4 owners club on june 17th

Im joining on the 11th :P

Kenno90 · 28-05-2013 8:54am

DARK-KNIGHT wrote: »

i am joining the galaxy s 4 owners club on june 17th

markc91 wrote: »

Im joining on the 11th :P

Welcome to the family :P

Clareman · 28-05-2013 8:57am

I charged my phone Saturday night, didn't use the phone much on Sunday, used it all day yesterday (calls and 3G), was at 17% going to bed last night, I find the battery life great in it. I've also installed the Cerebus security app, oh my am I impressed with that, I now have a reason to root my phone so I can hide the app to stop would-be theives from disabling it.

Quazzie · 28-05-2013 9:16am

For people complaining of bad battery usage. Here is something I discovered. I posted this on another forum so apologies for the poor layout.

My original complaint.

My S4 battery has declined dramatically over the last day and a half. For some bizarre reason from about 2pm yesterday my battery life started dropping dramatically. I haven't been using it any more than normal and I never downloaded an app that could be doing it. Today my battery life is 22% currently which is usually up over 60% with the same usage. I have my screen lit to the maximum, but it's been like that since I bought it but its only affecting it now.

Then I remembered one thing I changed.

Actually I thought of one thing I did change. I put on a wallpaper from zedge. It's mostly black so I thought it would actually help. I've changed it back so we'll see how that works out

Then the result.

I done some research and it turns out that this is the problem. The wallpaper I was using was stored on my SD Card and my phone was constantly trying to access it, even when not in use, thus draining the battery. This has been confirmed by the fact that when I changed back to the original pics my battery usage has improved dramatically. I also downsized the file size which also benefited.

I found this online and I can back up the theory.

Look at the attached photo and notice how even when on charge earlier it was still draining more than the phone could charge, and this still going down. All because my wallpaper was on my external memory card and on the large size.
https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/157957/255110.png

Hopefully this helps some people.

themacdaddy · 28-05-2013 1:56pm

Well All,

I successfully rooted my phone.

Now what the hell do I do next?

What apps, roms etc should I go for? I know CyanodenMod seems to be everyones favourite?
I am trying to find info on Roms, Kernels (whatever they are).

I am searching for info on all this online, and I either cannot find it or the language is too complicated for a novice like me.

Apologies as I am sure this has been asked to death.

Chet T16 · 28-05-2013 1:59pm

themacdaddy wrote: »

Well All,

I successfully rooted my phone.

Now what the hell do I do next?

What apps, roms etc should I go for? I know CyanodenMod seems to be everyones favourite?
I am trying to find info on Roms, Kernels (whatever they are).

I am searching for info on all this online, and I either cannot find it or the language is too complicated for a novice like me.

Apologies as I am sure this has been asked to death.

I would be of the opinion that it's too early to be flashing to full custom roms. Go with the latest stock samsung and remove the stuff you don't want. There should be some nice stable roms in a few months

28-05-2013 1:59pm

themacdaddy wrote: »

Well All,

I successfully rooted my phone.

Now what the hell do I do next?

What apps, roms etc should I go for? I know CyanodenMod seems to be everyones favourite?
I am trying to find info on Roms, Kernels (whatever they are).

I am searching for info on all this online, and I either cannot find it or the language is too complicated for a novice like me.

Apologies as I am sure this has been asked to death.

I would have researched all of this and then decided what I was rooting for and whether I needed it before I actually went for it....

Cyanogen is only good if you don't want any S-features, otherwise something like Omega is the way to go (I assume they have something on the S4)

themacdaddy · 28-05-2013 2:09pm

Basil3 wrote: »

I would have researched all of this and then decided what I was rooting for and whether I needed it before I actually went for it....

Fair point, I used to jailbreak and mod my old iphone and wanted to do the same with the S4

waynegalway · 28-05-2013 2:25pm

themacdaddy wrote: »

Well All,

I successfully rooted my phone.

Now what the hell do I do next?

What apps, roms etc should I go for? I know CyanodenMod seems to be everyones favourite?
I am trying to find info on Roms, Kernels (whatever they are).

I am searching for info on all this online, and I either cannot find it or the language is too complicated for a novice like me.

Apologies as I am sure this has been asked to death.

They've all got their pros and cons. I'm speaking from experience on S3, so the availability/compatibility with S4 might not be there yet.

I found that CyanogenMod and Slimbean were my two favourite ones. They're both lightweight ROMs, with plenty of features. Neither can run the "S" apps, though, so if you're a fan of S Planner, S Voice, etc, steer clear, as mentioned above.

I found that Omega was fairly clunky on my S3, so if you want a Samsung-based ROM, try Hyperdrive. I haven't tried it myself, but it's supposed to be decent enough.

Currently I'm using the phone with stock samsung firmware (leaked version of 4.2.2) while rooted. I find that it's working really well and the battery life is better than with any of the custom ROMs that I tried (I know there will be some who will say that custom ROMS give better battery, but not in my experience).

Main reason I went back to stock was because Juice Defender started to act up on the custom ROMs, and I was depending on it for battery saving. Since going back to stock rooted, I use AutomateIt instead and it controls all the stuff that JD did, and more. Battery is going better than ever.

My advice: just try out a few of the ROMs that are stated to be compatible with the S4. You'll only know for yourself by trial and error which one you like. Don't count out the idea of running a rooted stock ROM with a different launcher, though....it might actually do exactly what you're after and be more stable.

Fiddlex · 28-05-2013 3:11pm

Just noticed on my s4 my home screen doesn't rotate into landscape mode. I have auto rotate on and it works fine in every app but not on the home screen. Is this an issue ?

Kenno90 · 28-05-2013 3:12pm

Quazzie wrote: »

Post

I've barely used my phone today (busy day in work)

Its at 79% after 9 hours, that Google services is p1ssing me off though, how can that use more power than the f-ing screen

evolutionqy7 · 28-05-2013 3:17pm

Kenno90 wrote: »

I've barely used my phone today (busy day in work)

Its at 79% after 9 hours, that Google services is p1ssing me off though, how can that use more power than the f-ing screen

Can you try clearing app settings?

Fiddlex wrote: »

Just noticed on my s4 my home screen doesn't rotate into landscape mode. I have auto rotate on and it works fine in every app but not on the home screen. Is this an issue ?

It's set to be that way.

CreepingDeath · 28-05-2013 3:17pm

Kenno90 wrote: »

I've barely used my phone today (busy day in work)

Its at 79% after 9 hours, that Google services is p1ssing me off though, how can that use more power than the f-ing screen

I imagine if you have mobile data/wifi on, and Google apps are syncing/getting data in the background.

Maybe try "Juice Defender" ?

Turtwig · 28-05-2013 3:19pm

My Google services uses practically nothing.

Fiddlex · 28-05-2013 3:20pm

evolutionqy7 wrote: »

It's set to be that way.

OK thanks for the reply. Don't use it anyways just noticed that it didn't do it and was wondering.

Sephiroth_dude · 28-05-2013 3:57pm

markc91 wrote: »

Im joining on the 11th :P

DARK-KNIGHT wrote: »

i am joining the galaxy s 4 owners club on june 17th

Welcome to the family *high fives*

Kenno90 · 28-05-2013 3:59pm

Jernal wrote: »

My Google services uses practically nothing.

I've seen other S4 like that, some its so small it is not even on the stats, i need to figure out whats causing it.

PrzemoF · 28-05-2013 4:11pm

themacdaddy wrote: »

Well All,

I successfully rooted my phone.

Now what the hell do I do next?

What apps, roms etc should I go for? I know CyanodenMod seems to be everyones favourite?
I am trying to find info on Roms, Kernels (whatever they are).

I am searching for info on all this online, and I either cannot find it or the language is too complicated for a novice like me.

Apologies as I am sure this has been asked to death.

FasterGPS and AdAway are my favourite for a rooted phone. I guess you have some su installed already?.

themacdaddy · 28-05-2013 4:23pm

PrzemoF wrote: »

I guess you have some su installed already?.

SuperSU is what I have, that what your asking? (I am an android noob)

PrzemoF · 28-05-2013 4:50pm

themacdaddy wrote: »

SuperSU is what I have, that what your asking? (I am an android noob)

Yes

28-05-2013 5:05pm

Kenno90 wrote: »

I've barely used my phone today (busy day in work)

Its at 79% after 9 hours, that Google services is p1ssing me off though, how can that use more power than the f-ing screen

Jernal wrote: »

My Google services uses practically nothing.

It's all relative. If you hardly touch your phone, then of course the screen isn't going to be at the top of the list. Likewise, in Jernal's screenshot, he had been using his phone, so the screen is the biggest battery consumer.

At the end of the day, you're only dropping about 2% battery per hour (including some time spent actually using the phone, I'd imagine), it's not a huge drain.

Cossax · 28-05-2013 5:41pm

Kenno90 wrote: »

I've barely used my phone today (busy day in work)

Its at 79% after 9 hours, that Google services is p1ssing me off though, how can that use more power than the f-ing screen

I wonder do you have Google Now activated or perhaps you're signed into Latitude/Location Reporting turned on? Might be them checking your GPS/location constantly.

Cossax · 28-05-2013 5:49pm

On the custom rom question - like has been said, leave it a while. The phone is barely out a month so dev support is growing.
Between the I9505 having a well supported processor and the Google Edition S4 coming out, we should have some pretty slick AOSP roms coming in the next month or two.

I had used Litening as well as some AOKP and AOSP roms on my S2 and I tended to stick with Cyanogenmod - decent support base and it'd get you to the latest flavour of Android.
If you do end up going down this route, you'll lose the S-apps, as someone has said.
As per this thread on XDA, the following work/don't work for the S4.

What's working:

Audio
GPS
NFC
Compass
Proximity Sensor
Wifi
USB mass storage
HW accelerated gui
HW accelerated video
Camera
USB/Wifi tethering
Bluetooth

Not working:

Bluetooth Calls using BT headset (A2DP works fine)

My battery life is pretty damn good so far and I've frozen plenty of bloatware so I'm tempted to stay on the default Samsung rom for the moment (I got a sim-free phone so no additional carrier bloat).

madmoe · 28-05-2013 6:13pm

Cossax wrote: »

On the custom rom question - like has been said, leave it a while. The phone is barely out a month so dev support is growing.
Between the I9505 having a well supported processor and the Google Edition S4 coming out, we should have some pretty slick AOSP roms coming in the next month or two.

I had used Litening as well as some AOKP and AOSP roms on my S2 and I tended to stick with Cyanogenmod - decent support base and it'd get you to the latest flavour of Android.
If you do end up going down this route, you'll lose the S-apps, as someone has said.
As per this thread on XDA, the following work/don't work for the S4.

My battery life is pretty damn good so far and I've frozen plenty of bloatware so I'm tempted to stay on the default Samsung rom for the moment (I got a sim-free phone so no additional carrier bloat).

You seem like a man who may know but when the Google edition does come out can those of us with the regular S4 flash a stock Android ROM and then get all the updates directly from Google?? Maybe I'm asking for too much ;-)

Cheers,
M

Mc Love · 28-05-2013 6:20pm

1day 38mins so far on mine and still at 56%

evolutionqy7 · 28-05-2013 6:47pm

Jeez guys ye must (pick one or two):

Not use the phone at all
Not use it as a smartphone
Keep turning off all the powers all the time
Have brightness set to lowest
Have a different phone
I dont know?

Those guys with the long battery life's. Go into screen under battery information and write down the screen on time. Cant be more than an 1-2 hours

My daily run:
Spotify for 1-2 hours, streaming and offline cached
Screen 75%
Data, GPS and Sync Always on.
S Health On
Google Now & Latitude off (caused big battery drain, regardless of the phone)
Check Facebook, Twitter and Boards every 30 mins or so
Play the odd game the odd time for a couple of mins
Email coming in every hour (Outlook and Gmail)
Viber, Voxer running in the back.

Generally no or little calls but lots of messaging. With the stock battery id be happy at 8-9 hours battery life with barely reaching 4 hours screen on time.

Cossax · 28-05-2013 6:47pm

madmoe wrote: »

You seem like a man who may know but when the Google edition does come out can those of us with the regular S4 flash a stock Android ROM and then get all the updates directly from Google?? Maybe I'm asking for too much ;-)

Cheers,
M

I can't give you a definite answer but I do think you'd have to wait for some changes to be made to the Google Edition S4 rom before you could update - you probably have the I9505 and I'd presume the US will be a different variant.

Someone who followed the GE launch might know more and could correct me if I'm wrong.

Cróga · 28-05-2013 6:54pm

So just got the phone and trying to put in my pin code but if I don't touch the screen for a few seconds it turns itself off even though I have the charger connected. Is this meant to happen?

evolutionqy7 · 28-05-2013 7:25pm

Cróga wrote: »

So just got the phone and trying to put in my pin code but if I don't touch the screen for a few seconds it turns itself off even though I have the charger connected. Is this meant to happen?

Yes. Why don't you just put it in? :-)

Banjo String · 28-05-2013 10:33pm

After lots of messing around from network providers, I'm due an upgrade right now.

Just wondering, anything to rival this out in the near future?

Considering the note 2 at this stage also.

Kintarō Hattori · 28-05-2013 11:13pm

Got an S4 from work on Friday and I have to admit I'm really enjoying it. I thought my HTC One V was a nice size but now it just seems small!

The speed of the S4 is really superb, loading up apps, websites etc happen in no time at all.

I'll read back over the thread but anything I should download to really help me get the best from the phone?

nolo_ · 29-05-2013 1:40am

anybody know what the story is with the O2 website saying that the galaxy S4 is €619 but then when you click into it the pre-pay price changes to €639? any body had any experience with this?
Thanks

markc91 · 29-05-2013 3:49pm

I had been planning to upgrade my bill pay contract to get this in two weeks with meteor and pay €99 for the phone and €49 a month but if i buy it outright payg is there any decent deals i.e would it cost less in the long run?

j walsh · 29-05-2013 5:00pm

I love mine but is anyone finding a problem recording videos and then playing them? they seem to just stop playing for me.

markc91 · 29-05-2013 5:05pm

markc91 wrote: »

I had been planning to upgrade my bill pay contract to get this in two weeks with meteor and pay €99 for the phone and €49 a month but if i buy it outright payg is there any decent deals i.e would it cost less in the long run?

Looking around online 3 looks like the best deal and the phone itself is €550 on simplyelectronics

deckie27 · 29-05-2013 6:24pm

markc91 wrote: »

I had been planning to upgrade my bill pay contract to get this in two weeks with meteor and pay €99 for the phone and €49 a month but if i buy it outright payg is there any decent deals i.e would it cost less in the long run?

Contract 12months cost 700

If phone 550 plus 20 month credit cost 790

Cossax · 29-05-2013 10:34pm

deckie27 wrote: »

Contract 12months cost 700

If phone 550 plus 20 month credit cost 790

Meteor only do 18 and 24 month contracts, no? That skews the figures a bit.

Kenno90 · 30-05-2013 9:17am

Cossax wrote: »

Meteor only do 18 and 24 month contracts, no? That skews the figures a bit.

Nope , they don't advertise it but you can get the phone for 35 a month for 12 months, phone is pricey though at €299

Clareman · 30-05-2013 9:24am

Tesco mobile have it for €99 but for that you have to sign up for 24 months at €50 a month (unlimited calls, texts, etc)

PrzemoF · 30-05-2013 10:42am

I have a bunch of nfc tags that I bought for S2 (before I realized it can't read them), but they don't work with S4. What type/brand of the tags I should buy?

evolutionqy7 · 30-05-2013 10:58am

PrzemoF wrote: »

I have a bunch of nfc tags that I bought for S2 (before I realized it can't read them), but they don't work with S4. What type/brand of the tags I should buy?

Samsung Tec tiles

Clareman · 30-05-2013 11:39am

Does anyone know if it's possible to have the logs in phone just show phone calls permanently rather than reverting to everything when you re-open it?

PrzemoF · 31-05-2013 9:30am

I really didn't like the original battery cover.. that one is much better

madmoe · 31-05-2013 10:04am

PrzemoF wrote: »

I really didn't like the original battery cover.. that one is much better

Looks good! Where did you get it?

PS: Is anyone else's phone heating up a lot at the back around the camera module?

Cheers,
M

Samsung Galaxy S4 thread - See Mod Warning in Post #1

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