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Samsung Galaxy S II

1…6667697172…153

Comments

  • #2042
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    5500 wrote: »
    Just got a vodafone payg handset yesterday and it was locked, had it debranded, rooted and unlocked via the market app in less than 10 minutes, its simples

    Had you ever done anything like this with mobiles before?


  • #2043
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    Zagato wrote: »
    There is a post from a few pages back that should sort you out :)

    Thanks Zagato

    Jesus there is a lot of information there. If this route is that simple and 5500 said it was done in 10 minutes and it's recommended over sim free I'd nearly shoot over to the Vodafone shop today and lift one if they have one in stock


  • #2044
    Zagato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,775 ✭✭✭Zagato


    Yep, you just need to download Samsung Kies (for the drivers) from the Samsung website, and then Download Odin (Multiloader) it's available in plenty of places online, be able to boot into download mode (hold the home key and volume down while turning the phone on), Follow the instructions and -Hey presto - rooted now unlock the phone via the app.

    After that you can put on the lastest stock Samsung firmware devoid of the Vodafone rubbish (still has a lot of Samsung rubbish mind) and unroot if you prefer


  • #2045
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    Zagato wrote: »
    Yep, you just need to download Samsung Kies (for the drivers) from the Samsung website, and then Download Odin (Multiloader) it's available in plenty of places online, be able to boot into download mode (hold the home key and volume down while turning the phone on), Follow the instructions and -Hey presto - rooted now unlock the phone via the app.

    After that you can put on the lastest stock Samsung firmware devoid of the Vodafone rubbish (still has a lot of Samsung rubbish mind) and unroot if you prefer

    So once you unlock once it stays unlocked perminantly no matter what you do?

    There's talk here of new protection preventing apps from working - are they the same apps you are referring to?

    If an issue cropt up with the phone - can you get back to standard for sending back for repair, etc like you can with the iPhone builds?


  • #2046
    Zagato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,775 ✭✭✭Zagato


    jammer84 wrote: »
    So once you unlock once it stays unlocked perminantly no matter what you do?

    There's talk here of new protection preventing apps from working - are they the same apps you are referring to?

    If an issue cropt up with the phone - can you get back to standard for sending back for repair, etc like you can with the iPhone builds?

    Yes, that's a bit worrisome, there are no guarantees with these things; I guess it's reassuring that 5500 managed it yesterday.

    The thing is with all of these changes is that you can't say for sure that they will work until you've done it.

    You can get it back to standard pretty easily you just flash the Vodafone stock firmware, which is available online.

    I don't know that you can sim lock it again? But I doubt (again no guarantees) they'd check it. I mean they sold me my one Sim-unlocked anyway


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  • #2047
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    Zagato wrote: »
    Yes, that's a bit worrisome, there are no guarantees with these things; I guess it's reassuring that 5500 managed it yesterday.

    The thing is with all of these changes is that you can't say for sure that they will work until you've done it.

    You can get it back to standard pretty easily you just flash the Vodafone stock firmware, which is available online.

    I don't know that you can sim lock it again? But I doubt (again no guarantees) they'd check it. I mean they sold me my one Sim-unlocked anyway

    Vodafone sold you yours sim unlocked?


  • #2048
    ellinguistico
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 307 ✭✭ellinguistico


    If anyone could share a thought on this I would appreciate it. Little bit of a novice even though i am rooted. Basically my problem is that I can barely if ever use mobile data when out and about on the 3 network. It was at edge (E) on baggot street in Dublin and it wouldn't push mail and stalled and likewise with twitter/fb etc. It is a fairly big concern for me.

    My phone's make up is: Android version 2.3.4, Baseband: 19100XXKG6, kernel: 2.6.35.7-19100XXKG6-CL425236 se.infra@SEP-53 #2, Build number VillainRom 2.4.2

    Basically what I'm asking is
    a) Is 3's data network really that weak in a capital city and i just have to suck it up or
    b) is there anything wrong with my phone/ROM etc that I could improve on. I dont remember the mobile data being that poor prior to flashing Villainrom.

    Thanks folks!


  • #2049
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    So local C&C Cellular have one over town locked to Vodafone.


    Decisions:
    Do I chance going this route (unlock app may or may not work) if I can figure everything out and protection is not as per earlier post €480 - today
    Just go sim free and prevent any issues altogether €550 - Wednesday


  • #2050
    Zagato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,775 ✭✭✭Zagato


    jammer84 wrote: »
    Vodafone sold you yours sim unlocked?

    Yeah, I got it when they just came out, usually the first phones carriers sell aren't sim-locked as the carriers rush to get them out as quickly as possible while they are working on sim-locking them.
    ellinguistico wrote: »
    If anyone could share a thought on this I would appreciate it. Little bit of a novice even though i am rooted. Basically my problem is that I can barely if ever use mobile data when out and about on the 3 network. It was at edge (E) on baggot street in Dublin and it wouldn't push mail and stalled and likewise with twitter/fb etc. It is a fairly big concern for me.

    My phone's make up is: Android version 2.3.4, Baseband: 19100XXKG6, kernel: 2.6.35.7-19100XXKG6-CL425236 se.infra@SEP-53 #2, Build number VillainRom 2.4.2

    Basically what I'm asking is
    a) Is 3's data network really that weak in a capital city and i just have to suck it up or
    b) is there anything wrong with my phone/ROM etc that I could improve on. I dont remember the mobile data being that poor prior to flashing Villainrom.

    Thanks folks!

    So your 'connectivity' (3G, Wifi, Bluetooth) is reliant on your Radio or Modem which is the Baseband that you list above. Different radios may work better or worse in different regions with different carriers. Usually people install the radio that matches their ROM (but mostly only because it sounds sensible). It maybe that the KG6 radio doesn't get on with 3 terribly well - they likely haven't tested it.

    You should probably try some different radios, and see which one works best for you. The best way to flash them is as a .tar file via Odin in the Phone box, but they are also available as .zip files which you can flash through CWM (Which you probably have since rooting and putting on the custom ROM) for some reason Pulser doesn't recommend this.

    The latest Radio is KH3, and seems to be getting good reviews. I can only find a link to the .zip file courtesy of kalpik at XDA, which is flashable through CWM


  • #2051
    marcbrophy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,740 ✭✭✭marcbrophy


    It certainly was very easy to unlock this phone, thanks Zag!

    The longest part was reading about how to do it! I'd say about 40 mins in total: reading, downloading, flashing and get the app from the market!!

    I'm still looking for ways to unlock my old x8 so I can sell it on!! :D


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  • #2052
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    marcbrophy wrote: »
    It certainly was very easy to unlock this phone, thanks Zag!

    The longest part was reading about how to do it! I'd say about 40 mins in total: reading, downloading, flashing and get the app from the market!!

    I'm still looking for ways to unlock my old x8 so I can sell it on!! :D

    Did you buy recently from Vodafone also?


  • #2053
    marcbrophy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,740 ✭✭✭marcbrophy


    jammer84 wrote: »
    Did you buy recently from Vodafone also?

    I bought one about 2 weeks ago from a guy on adverts.ie who had got it from vodafone.
    I was hopeful that it might be unlocked as other were saying how theirs were received unlocked.
    It wasn't, but I had it sorted fairly quickly :)


  • #2054
    dubg
    Closed Accounts Posts: 38 ✭dubg


    Thinking of buying one this weekend.... Just wondering what the cases are like for it in o2 or vodafone(Do they stock the official Samsung case) or somehwere else in dublin? It deffo needs a case....Thanks


  • #2055
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    I'd love to go over and get one now before 6, I'm just a bit reluctant as I'm afraid of any issues with unlocking it as I'm hoping to move networks in a few months so the unlock will be required.


  • #2056
    Zagato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,775 ✭✭✭Zagato


    As I was saying there are no guarantees, but if you've got a few months to play with, well there will probably be a workaround for the sim lock.


    Worst case scenario

    You buy the phone root it, can't unlock it. You can pay for the unlock code (can't you?)
    Doesn't seem unreasonable to ask in Vodafone what it would cost for the unlock code


  • #2057
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    Zagato wrote: »
    As I was saying there are no guarantees, but if you've got a few months to play with, well there will probably be a workaround for the sim lock.


    Worst case scenario

    You buy the phone root it, can't unlock it. You can pay for the unlock code (can't you?)
    Doesn't seem unreasonable to ask in Vodafone what it would cost for the unlock code

    Actually good point - use the girlfriends number to purchase a pay as you go upgrade so all the credit she uses in the next few months will work towards it...

    EDIT: just bought the Galaxy S2 :-) Now to start copying across my contacts, etc

    Is the case mate tough a good case to buy?
    Whats the best 32GB Micro SD to get?

    Baseband: I9100BUKG1
    Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100BUKG2-CL342890
    Build Number: GINGERBREAD.BUKG2

    So I need to look for KGx when doing any rooting or modification?

    Cheers


  • #2058
    Zagato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,775 ✭✭✭Zagato


    That's almost up to date firmware from Vodafone, I had KE1 when started

    This is the kernel you want, It's XXKG2. The first 2 letters refer to the region, and then the KG2 is the version, they're up to KH3 now
    chart?cht=qr&chs=250x250&choe=UTF-8&chld=H&chl=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.xda-developers.com%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D659862

    Here is a link to all the region codes Samfirmware

    Is your Android version 2.3.4, then? It should be for flashing above kernel I reckon


  • #2059
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    Zagato wrote: »
    That's almost up to date firmware from Vodafone, I had KE1 when started

    This is the kernel you want, It's XXKG2. The first 2 letters refer to the region, and then the KG2 is the version, they're up to KH3 now
    chart?cht=qr&chs=250x250&choe=UTF-8&chld=H&chl=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.xda-developers.com%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D659862

    Here is a link to all the region codes Samfirmware

    Is your Android version 2.3.4, then? It should be for flashing above kernel I reckon

    No it's 2.3.3

    What about this for a case - http://www.expansys.ie/case-mate-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-tough-cases-black-218855/
    What screen protection do ye recommend?


  • #2060
    marcbrophy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,740 ✭✭✭marcbrophy


    Any luck unlocking it Jammer?


  • #2061
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    marcbrophy wrote: »
    Any luck unlocking it Jammer?

    Didn't have a chance to play with it yet at pc. Will have to wait until tonight or tomorrow :-( I'll be on here for pointers at that time...


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  • #2062
    marcbrophy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,740 ✭✭✭marcbrophy


    jammer84 wrote: »
    Didn't have a chance to play with it yet at pc. Will have to wait until tonight or tomorrow :-( I'll be on here for pointers at that time...

    You really should have no problems!! (I hope :D)


  • #2063
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    marcbrophy wrote: »
    You really should have no problems!! (I hope :D)

    Fingers crossed. I got home now and I may be able to play for an hour.

    So I've installed some apps when out and about earlier:
    twitter, facebook, my vodafone, etc, etc

    Now I gotta start working on tweaking. So where the hell to I bloody start... :confused:


  • #2064
    Nibs05
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 726 ✭✭✭Nibs05


    Just seen this, any thoughts if we will see on irish networks ?

    http://pptymag.com/new-samsung-galaxy-s2-upgrade-teased-in-video/6483/[/url

    http://samsunggalaxys2review.org/new-upgraded-samsung-galaxy-s2-coming-soon/


  • #2065
    tipperary
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭tipperary


    What about this for a case - http://www.expansys.ie/case-mate-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-tough-cases-black-218855/
    What screen protection do ye recommend?[/QUOTE]

    It's an excellent case. Definitely no complaints with it, it makes the phone feel good and solid (although a little bigger). Also restricts your choice for a car holder if that's a consideration.

    The case comes with a screen protection thingy.


  • #2066
    jammer84
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭jammer84


    Zagato wrote: »
    That's almost up to date firmware from Vodafone, I had KE1 when started

    This is the kernel you want, It's XXKG2. The first 2 letters refer to the region, and then the KG2 is the version, they're up to KH3 now
    chart?cht=qr&chs=250x250&choe=UTF-8&chld=H&chl=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.xda-developers.com%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D659862

    Here is a link to all the region codes Samfirmware

    Is your Android version 2.3.4, then? It should be for flashing above kernel I reckon

    It was just recommended on the XDA forum to download either of these kernals since I am only on 2.3.3:
    CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
    CF-Root-SGS2_JP_XSG_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip


  • #2067
    Zagato
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,775 ✭✭✭Zagato


    jammer84 wrote: »
    Zagato wrote: »
    That's almost up to date firmware from Vodafone, I had KE1 when started

    This is the kernel you want, It's XXKG2. The first 2 letters refer to the region, and then the KG2 is the version, they're up to KH3 now
    chart?cht=qr&chs=250x250&choe=UTF-8&chld=H&chl=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.xda-developers.com%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D659862

    Here is a link to all the region codes Samfirmware

    Is your Android version 2.3.4, then? It should be for flashing above kernel I reckon

    It was just recommended on the XDA forum to download either of these kernals since I am only on 2.3.3:
    CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
    CF-Root-SGS2_JP_XSG_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip


    Yeah, that sound like a better plan, was also going to say you could always upgrade to latest stock firmware, kh3, and then root that


  • #2068
    5500
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,421 ✭✭✭5500


    @Jammer84 did you get it unlocked ok? I just unlocked another one for a mate this morning bought from vodafone yesterday,with the chainfire app it found the code in about 30 seconds.

    Incedently if your after a case Ive some for sale on adverts -
    http://www.adverts.ie/accessories/samsung-galaxy-s2-i9100-hard-case-protector/784457

    I use one on my own phone and it does the job nicely!


  • #2069
    captain_boycott
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 540 ✭✭✭captain_boycott


    have finally managed to find a solution to the poor battery life with this phone. I used to be only able to get 8-12 hours with light use, and even more annoyingly, even when left unused overnight, the battery drain was 20-30% over night!!

    I tried Villianrom as that has a reputation for good battery life - and it certainly improved matters over stock rom, but not much.

    Finally, I discovered cognition...and its great! almost no battery drain when sleeping, and best of all it provides the ability to turn on/off Wifi AND mobile data from the notification drop down. This really saves juice. I got 2 days without a charge with light usage though the day (including 2 hours listening to radio) and still had 30% left, just by turning off data when not needing it, and turning it on only when I wanted to check email/etc.

    Also undervolting with setcpu and throttle 200-800 Mhz on demand seems to help.


  • #2070
    Dozen Wicked Words
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    Couldn't you just turn off wifi from notification bar and data from the on button anyway? I am unrooted, bog standard, and comfortably get 2 days of light use.

    Even with my phone trying to find a terrible 3g signal, if data left on overnight, drain would never be as bad as 20%.


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  • #2071
    captain_boycott
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 540 ✭✭✭captain_boycott


    dooferoaks wrote: »
    Couldn't you just turn off wifi from notification bar and data from the on button anyway? I am unrooted, bog standard, and comfortably get 2 days of light use.

    Even with my phone trying to find a terrible 3g signal, if data left on overnight, drain would never be as bad as 20%.


    Interesting! I could never get a full day with data on. Perhaps its all the applications I have installed.

    I find the ability to switch wifi/data on and off from the one place very handy.


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