Samsung Galaxy S



More detailed specs

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Prospective Buyer
Why Samsung Galaxy S?
It is the most successful android smartphone to date for many reasons.
- It has got the big and beautiful Super AMOLED 4inch screen. It is very bright and the colour is rich and vibrant. Outdoor visibility is excellent thanks to the screen technology.
- Gorilla Glass. Like few other devices, the screen uses reinforced glass from Corning. It is the toughest glass to date. Scratch-resistant.
- Big storage. Useful for installing a lot of apps without the need to buy external sdcard. (2GB space to install app plus 13GB for data)
- Slim profile. It is only 9.9mm thick.
- Front facing camera. Can video call using apps like Yahoo Messenger.
- Unobtrusive and not annoying notification system
- Audiophile quality sound output.
- Entertainment friendly. Ability to play a wide range of videos and music
- Can do tv output using 3.5mm headphone jack to rca
- Swype. Don't tap, swype across the keyboard instead!
- And most importantly, "GINGERBREAD IS COMING!!"

Customization:
- Useful widgets. You can see email, sms, missed calls, twitter updates, facebook updates, toggle wifi&3G without opening each app. Each widgets can be moved around the screen to your liking.
- Live wallpaper. IMO, a gimmick but can impress your friends. A lot of these live wallpaper are interactive.
- Choice of launchers. Can choose between LauncherPro, ADW Launcher, GO Launcher Ex, SPB shell and others. See below for more details

Can I have reviews for this smartphone?
There are plenty reviews floating in the internet. Some may be biased, rushed and few may be good. Nothing beats user reviews who have enjoyed the phone for themselves
- GSM Arena
- TechArena
- Trusted Reviews
- PhoneArena

What's in the box?

- Phone
- Charger
- Earphones
- Manuals
- Warranty Card
- Kies CD

What to check before buying?
Tips for those you are going to buy this phone:
1. Check for recovery mode/download mode, more info in the FAQ below.
2. GPS issue is solve in phone manufacture AFTER or on OCTOBER, Check your manufacture date by looking at the battery, insert the battery in the phone at look at the battery. almost at the end of the battery there is a line that have date. EXM: 2010.07.14, make sure this date is on OCTOBER or later.
3. Check IMEI number. Dial *#06# check with the sticker on the box if it is the same number as the phone, and the sticker at the back of the phone whether it is the same also.
4. If you wish to do some tweaking, check if 3 buttons recovery and download mode is present. Refer below.


Why not iphone4?
Samsung Galaxy S certainly goes head to head with iphone4. Both phones have their own strengths and limitations.
- Screen: Galaxy S has bigger and vibrant screen while iphone4 is a lot sharper.
- Glass used is not gorilla glass like in Galaxy S. Thus, easier to crack.
- Build: iphone4 is 0.6mm thinner with unibody metal case. although there may be problem with antenna-gate that galaxy s do not have
- A bit heavier than galaxy s
- Apps: iOS > 300k apps. Android has >150k apps. But both android and iOS has about the same amount of free apps.
- Can video call on 3G network. While iphone needs to be jailbroken first.
- Android can use any bluetooth device to pair with Galaxy S. Not with iphone
- with iphone, cannot see embedded flash in website. Ever!
- Android phones do not need cables to sync, just do it wirelessly using apps like doubletwist or winamp
- With android, can multitasking like on your computer. Can switch to the recent 6 apps by holding down home button. On iphone, only certain apps can run in the background while others are put to sleep.
- And most importantly, can get free angry birds with all levels on android devices!

iOS certainly is more polished overall.
If you dig aesthetics, iphone is better.
If you dig functionality and freedom, android is the way to go

New User
Recommendations for cool apps?
See this Make your Android life easier with these Apps to make your SGS cool
I'd recommend:
- Games: Angry birds, Angry Birds Seasons
- Goggles, Barcode Scanner, Google Shoppper.
- Laputa
- Media: Moboplayer, Mixzing, TuneWiki, Meridian Player
- Photo: Quickpic, JustPictures!, Floating Image
- Twitter: Plume, Tweetcaster, Official twitter, TweetDeck
- Facebook for Android, FriendCaster for Facebook, Batch Upload to Facebook
- Google Sky Map
- Weather widget: Beautiful Widget, Fancy Widget
- Browser: Opera Mobile 11 - the fastest as of now. see this guide to force desktop view, xScope, Miren Browser, Dolphin HD
- Notes: RTM, Taskos, Color Notes, GTasks
- Messenger: See Below
- SMS: Handcent, GO SMS, Chomp SMS
- GPS: Papago X5, Aura Sygic, NDrive
- Online radio: Hitz.fm http://radiotime.com/station/s_14605/Hitz_FM_929.aspx, XiiaLive Lite

Try googling for top 10 android apps. there are lots of blogs writing about must haves app.

How about games other than Angry Birds?
- There's a huge list of games here
- Also see this forum for a comprehensive guide

Tips
What is so special about TouchWiz interface? Any shortcuts?
It is Samsung's way to differentiate itself from other competitors by providing simple but beautiful interface to work with. There are a few known shortcuts:
- In "Contacts" app, you can swipe right on any of your contact for SMS shortcut!
- If you swipe left, you'll call the person immediately!
- On your puzzle lock screen: If you have unread SMS, you can drag the icon and complete the puzzle to go straight to the message! The same goes with missed calls.

This post has been edited by gmhafiz: May 11 2011, 09:42 PM

FAQ
General

Is the Music Player good enough to take the place of my MP3 Player?
Depending on your model, you will have about 13GB storage in a 16GB model. This smartphone also has an excellent hardware that gives audiophile quality of sound. The default music player is beautiful and functional. To sync with your computer, you can either use doubletwist app or winamp.

I want to to make my own ringtone from my music file. Is that possible?
Yes! You can use an excllent app called Ringdroid. You can choose which portion you want or have the whole length of music to be your ringtone.

What's the different between choosing GSM only or WCDMA only and GSM/WCDMA(automode)?
If you set it to GSM/WCDMA (automode), the phone will use H if the signal is strong enough. If it isn't it'll be in EDGE. Meaning, it'll transfer data using the fastest way possible

How do we set the data to EGDE only? is it GSM = EDGE, WCDMA = 'H', and GSM/WCDMA(automode) = EDGE/H?
Yes

If i set to GSM only, can i still browse the internet and receive push mail? coz i never set GSM only, my setting is always GSM/WCDMA...
Yes you can

Will live wallpaper drain battery compare to static wallpaper?
Many live wallpaper cpu usage is minimal, not significant enough to cause battery drain.

I'm bored with the look of my phone, how do I change theme?
- Changing theme is only possible on custom rom. See below for the guide.
- Theme selection is quite a lot. See here
- Creative people has customize their phone brilliantly. See the showcase

I want to take a screenshot my my phone. How?
- There are several ways to do it:
i) In samsung firmwares, hold back button and then press home button.
ii) Install screenshot app like ShootMe. You need to be rooted
iii) Use ADB (for advanced users only). QtADB works as well.

The in-built folder is ugly. Any other better looking app?
- Yes! Use SiMi folder widget
- Go launcher ex has folder capabilities too.

You talked about these launchers. What are they?
It is one way of customizating your homescreen. Each launcher will have its own unique way of using them. Some of them includes beautiful animation that will surely wow your friends! Examples:
- LauncherPro: This is a high quality, very fast and popular launcher. There's a paid version that can do more
- ADW Launcher: Its advantage is the availibility of themes to further customize your phones. Among the themes are Tron Legacy, Honeycomb, Matrix and Iron Man. The paid version add more animations and features.
- GO Launcher Ex - Prettiest and most functional
- Zeam Launcher: Want a simple/minimalist launcher? There's an app for that!
- Gingerbread Launcher
- Launcher 7 - windows 7-like interface
- SPB Shell 3D - The best 3D launcher!
- Regina 3D launcher

What messenger that you recommend?
BlackBerry Messenger(BBM) alike:
- WhatsApp Messenger
- LiveProfile - one of the hottest one right now!
- PingChat!
- Beluga (bought by facebook)

multi-protocol IM (can connect to msn, yahoo, facebook, etc)
- Meebo
- eBuddy Messenger

video-call
- Yahoo Messenger
- Fring
- Nimbuzz

Is the email for gmail pushed into my phone?
- Yes they are. You'll get email immediately without having to refresh.
- For hotmail see mengsuan's blog

Is there any possibility or ways that facebook notification can act like push mail, in other word, when there is a notification in facebook, the phone will immediately alert or notify us
Afaik, no. we need a blackberry server-like from google for that. Only facebook chat is push notification, not favebook updates.

Wait, these links that you gave me goes to http://market.android.com You mean I can install these apps without attaching a cable from computer to my phone?
Yes! You just need to sign-in with your google account on your computer. When you click install, the app will automagically downloaded and installed on your phone. Cable-free. Very convenient isn't it?

I cannot download anything from the market. It always stuck at "starting download"
Go to settings > applications > manage applications > all
Wait a bit and find Market. Click clear data and then force close. Reopen the market.

I cannot see paid apps
Use this app: Market enabler

I just bought this beast. BUT how do you turn off data connection only. not wireless?
Many methods:
1. Go to Settings > Wireless and network > Mobile Networks > Uncheck "Use packet data"
2. Use apndroid. Add as a widget. Can easily switch on/off
3. Hold power button. A menu will popup. Tap on "Data Network mode. If it is written "Data network mode deacticated", data is off. <-- This is the quickest way.

However, if you want to switch off data but not MMS, choose option number 2.

I want to transfer my music and videos to my phone over wifi. Is that possible?
Absolutely! I recommend using these apps:
- Android Manager Wifi
- MyPhoneExplorer
- Swiftp for drag and drop interface. Guide here
- Dropbox - for syncing your files into the cloud
- Wireless File Transfer Pro
- Wifi File Explorer

I do not want to be bothered and make the phone silent for a certain period of time
You can use either one of these app:
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1031773
- SemiSilent app

How do you get your PC to recognise the Galaxy S?
You need to download a USB driver for windows.
x86/x32
x64

How do Internal & External Memory mount to your PC? Are they Separate?
Internal memory is either 8GB or 16GB depending on the model. When connected to the computer,

In eclair 2.1
- Internal sdcard is the /sdcard folder
- External sdcard is in /sdcard/sd folder

In froyo
- Internal sdcard is the /sdcard folder
- External sdcard is in /sdcard/external_sd folder


My ringtone kinda weird, it vibrate for first second then follow by very soft ringtone which i selected, and on the third second the ringtone suddenly turn lound as the volume i it to be. is this normal?
Normal for stock stock rom. Many custom rom disables this increasing ringtone though.

Did you have any problems connecting to WPA2-Enterprise?
No, it connected just fine.

Super AMOLED, Retina Display or TFT – Which do you think is better?
Super AMOLED has rich beautiful vibrant colour. Probably the best looking screen in a smartphone. Some opponent may say it is slightly oversaturated.
Retina display is nothing but an IPS display with 4times pixel than the iphone 3gs, giving the sharpest display. It is colour accurate but may look a bit washed out when comparing to super amoled side-by-side.
TFT is a very popular display used in many other phones other than samsung and apple.

What is a ROM/firmware?
The firmware/ROM is the software that runs on the phone. In case of the Galaxy S this is (currently in Malaysia) Android 2.2 froyo

Can I update my firmware?
Yes. There are many routes to do this. Can use KIES or ODIN.

How can I reset my phone?
On the Galaxy S the soft-reset is achieved by pressing and holding the power button. A hard-reset can executed by pressing and holding VolumeUP+Home+Power. There you will find the options "reboot", "apply sdcard:update.zip", "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition".
The "wipe data/factory reset" option will restore your phone to the original configuration of the firmware YOU LAST INSTALLED (including any updates made via update.zip). This will NOT bring your phone back to the firmware installed when you originally bought it unless you haven't flashed your phone.
You can navigate the recovery screen using VolumeUp & VolumeDown and use the Home button to select.

I'm running Windows 7(Vista) x64 and have installed Samsung Kies, but I cannot get my phone to connect. What can I do?
- Make sure you are using touchwiz as the default home. Not Launcherpro or adw launcher
- Make sure you have downloaded the usb driver found above
- Try redownload and reinstall KIES

Can I flash an Asian ROM on my European device or vice versa?
Yes.

Can I get Asian language support in the European firmwares?
Can install goole pinyin for input. For display, can install the fonts (link to be added)

My phone displays four copies of every pics I have in my external SD. Do you guys have this problem before?
- It is an old bug. Try:
1. Upgrade your firmware
2. Use sgstools to upgrade stock gallery app http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=775154
3. Root your phone. Use rootexplorer and delete
/dbdata/databases/com.android.providers.media/ and
/sdcard/Android/data/com.cooliris.media folder
- Reboot and reopen your gallery app
4. Try another gallery app mentioned above.

I am experiencing long loading times when opening apps/intermittent lags when switching screens. What is the problem?
Samsung uses its own proprietary RFS (Robust file system) while they could have gone to using other established and fast file system like ext4 or YAFFS. You have few methods to try
- Update to latest firmware using KIES (2.2 froyo)
- Flash optimized kernel like speedmod
- Can try this method

I want to update to a firmware of my choosing using kies
- There is a kies registry hack to have this done. It's done by tricking kies to think you are from another region See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=835628
- There's another method as well. See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=959806

I have contacts from other phone in vcard/vcf format. How do I put them into my android phone?
Easiest is by uploading these file to google contacts on your browser
- go to gmail.com
- click on contacts
- click More Actions
- click import
- select the files

It'll appear automatically on your phone once it has finished syncing with the internet.

I would like to export my contacts on the phone to vcard/vcf format. Is there any app to do that?
Not sure about apps. but you can try this method:

- sync your contacts with google
- go to gmail.com
- click on contacts
- click More Actions
- click export
- choose vcard

I'm running Linux. Can I still flash my firmware? Do I need to install windows?
Odin needs windows. Use virtualbox to install windows on your linux box.

Any recommended apps to check my data usage?
Try to find "3G watchdog" on Android Market.

I just bought this phone and the battery quickly drains out
its normal, your new battery have to go charge and discharge cycle few days before it is really optimized, after about a week do battery calibration

I'd like to know if I still have warranty for this phone
To check ur warranty status with samsung, sms this:

<PC>SPACE<IMEI> to 33802 <celcom line> or 62002 <digi / Maxis line>

Also, you don't need a warranty card. They will scan the serial number at the back of your phone.

Battery
How to calibrate the battery?
Battery Calibration

1.Run the device down until it turns itself off.
2.Turn it back on and wait for it to turn itself off again.
3.Remove the battery for 10 seconds.
4.Replace the battery, but leave the device off.
5.Charge the device until full and then for another hour.
6.**Root users only** Using a Terminal Emulator, type “su” enter, followed by “rm /data/system/batterystats.bin” (can also be done more easily through CWM or SGSTools app http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=775154)
7.Run the device’s battery down until it turns itself off.
8.Turn the device on and charge for at least 8 hours.
9.Unplug the device, turn off, then charge for another hour.
10.Unplug the device, turn on, wait 2 minutes.
11.Turn off again and charge for another hour.
12.Restart and use as normal.

Sorry, but why do we have to calibrate our battery?
Sometimes the battery stats can go wonka especially when you flashed custom rom without waiting the phone is charged to the full.

Tips to pro-long battery
1) Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory. (In this respect, lithium-ion differs from nickel-based batteries.) Short battery life in a device is mainly cause by heat rather than charge / discharge patterns.

2) Batteries with fuel gauge should be calibrated by applying a deliberate full discharge once every 30 charges. Running the pack down in the equipment does this. If ignored, the fuel gauge will become increasingly less accurate and in some cases cut off the device prematurely.

3) Keep the lithium-ion battery cool. Avoid a hot car. For prolonged storage, keep the battery at a 40% charge level.

4) Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use. Observe manufacturing dates. Do not buy old stock, even if sold at clearance prices.

5) If you have a spare lithium-ion battery, use one to the fullest and keep the other cool by placing it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the battery. For best results, store the battery at 40% state-of-charge.

6) If on gingerbread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1021711

7) If you are rooted: Using root explorer, mount r/w, browse into /system/app folerr, delete or rename
- syncmldm.apk
- syncmlds.apk
- wssyncmlnps.apk
in gingerbread firmware for better battery life. You could append .bak to the filenames. Example: syncmldm.apk.bak It'll achieve the same effect.

8) Go to this website for more battery saving tips: http://lifehacker.com/#!5795796/how-to...r-android-phone

Any apps that can help prolong my battery life?
Can choose one of the following apps:
1. BatteryFu Battery Saver - very simple to use.
2. TaskerTasker - Well known. Paid app. Simple to use
3. SuperpowerSuperpower - Maybe not a lot of people knows. Has both free and paid version. More complicated to use.

My battery goes down from 100% to 95% right after unplug from charger
It is a feature introduced by samsung. When the phone is charged to the full, the phone will disconnect automatically and use the battery. This prevents overcharge and prolongs battery life. However, the indicator states 100% battery although in reality it may have gone down to 95%.

My phone turned itself off after around 16 hours since unplugged,based on my battery usage,my display drains most of my battery,80+% off total with my LCD brightness' slider is already at it's lowest.
- There must be some rogue apps that leeches off battery while you are sleeping. Download Spare Parts and OSMonitor (sort by load) to see apps use.

How about extra capacity battery?
- ebay
- Can use momax 2700mAh battery. It is HK$328 which is about RM130 or so. Free shipping. See photo.

Root
What is root/rooting?
Short answer: Is simply means gaining administrator access.
Long answer: root is the use account in Linux with all privileges. The root user can edit anything on the system. For safety reasons, users do not have all those privileges. When you root your phone, you will gain write access to areas of the phone you couldn't previously access and are allowed to run more commands in the terminal. The latest guide can be found here, however, all current CustomROMs are rooted and can simply be applied via update.zip.
If all of this means nothing to you then you are probably wise to NOT root your phone. Mistakes using root can break your phone very easily. (Usually, but not always, these can be solved with a reflash.

Why would I need to root before flashing a custom rom?
Rooting is not a pre-requisite to flash a custom rom. But if you root first,
1. You will get to use titanium backup that can back up your apps and data. After flashing to custom rom, you will be able to restore them.
2. Can backup /efs folder to preserve your IMEI number

How do I go to recovery mode and download mode? (3 button combo)
Recovery mode: Shutdown the phone. Hold up volume, home button and power button simultaneously. Release when samsung logo shows up
Download mode: Shutdown the phone. Hold down volume, home button and power button simultaneously. Release when samsung logo shows up
To navigate around recovery mode, use volume up and down and home button to select.

3-button combo/3-button fix/3-button enable/3-button disable
Follow this link to get 3 button combo.

2e vs 3e recovery
when you get into recovery mode, you can see on the top the version of the recovery 2e or the default froyo uses 3e, with 2e you can use update.zip without any problem but with 3e there is not possible, you need to change it to 2e (there is guide at XDA) or flash CWM (clockworkmod) to get the custom recovery. <-- has green interface.

Clockworkmod (CWM)
Clockworkmod is an extension of normal recovery, it will bypass all security ( no more 2e or 3e ), you can use any update.zip or better yet, you can choose any .zip in your SD card without renaming it to update.zip. some Clockwordmod have been modified to include ULK (Universal Lagfix) in them. To navigate, use volume up and down. To select, use back button

Custom ROM
Custom ROM vs Stock Rom
Rom/Firmware is the same thing,
stock rom = official firmware directly release from samsung
custom rom = made by developer by tweaking the official firmware

custom rom got more advantage than stock, such faster phone, easy theme

What are custom ROMs? How do I get them?
They are custom modified firmwares made by the community.
A list can be found here

I want to install new firmware but I want to have a backup of my original firmware to go back to in case I need to go back for warranty reasons. Can I backup my original firmware somehow?
Cannot backup but official stock rom can be downloaed to flashed to your smartphone. Samsung repair centre won't know you have rooted and installed custom rom before.

DXJG4 Firmware (eclair 2.1)
http://www.multiupload.com/4EQOPSH2P6
You need 7z to unzip.
There are 4 files in it; the CODE, MODEM, CSC and PIT513 file.
There is no necessity to put the MODEM into phone and CSC into the csc of Odin3, because CODE tar file already included these 2 items.
Please use PIT513, with Re-partition checked.
If you use PIT512, it will fail.
P/S: Swype contains bahasa indonesia and melayu. useful for our malay friends.
Locale we have english us and uk, bahasa indonesia, melayu, tieng viet, thai, koren and mandarin. would be useful for those who knows viet and thai.

DXJPA(froyo 2.2)
Link 1 Link 2

DXJPE(froyo 2.2)
Link 1 Link 2

WHAAAA! I think I bricked my phone. My flash was unsuccessful/My device boots to a black screen/similar scenarios. Can I still save my device?
It is extremely difficult to brick Galaxy S. You should always be able to use ODIN to reflash stock firmware.

GPS/WIFI
My phone takes forever to get a GPS-fix? Is there a solution to this problem?
There are a few workarounds
- Download fasterfix app. Copy it to your sdcard, open with MyFiles and click to install.
- Use GPS aids
- Update/flash your ROM to the latest froyo (2.2.1)
- Hardware fix - This will void your warranty.

If you are rooted, you can flash alternative modems found in here. Download one, put it in your sdcard, go to recovery mode and select the zip file to install. Remember, flashing these modems by CWM will not format your apps and data.

For additional modem:
- XXJVE modem. The latest modem taken fron the leaked gingerbread firmware
- ZSJPG modem. From Hong Kong firmware. Thanks to coD33 for the link.
- ZSJPG


How do I know which one is the best for me?
Modem performance varies according to network, location and phone. Nobody knows which one is. We need your help (espicially does who know how to flash modem....) to identify the best modem to be use with our phone in malaysia. and maybe with this finding we could pair it up to the best base later on and get best firmware for us

here is a guide on what to do, can pm result to me



lets us help each other. flashing modem will not mess up your apps because only a single file is replaced.
Also, see here for some compilation of modem by pele78 and GPS

Security
What about the malware exploit that I heard about?
If you are running 2.2.1 froyo and above, you are safe. If you are still on eclair(2.1) or froyo 2.2, you are going to need a patch. See the following link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread...97#post11801997
You have to be rooted to use that patch.

Boot Animations
I want a different boot animation. Is that possible?
Definitely. You must first be rooted. Then follow the following instruction:
1. On your phone, go to doc's & stefunel mobile kitchen: http://romkitchen.org/m/
2. Click on update.zip Generator
3. Click on boot animation
4. Choose any boot animation that you want
5. Click right green arrow at the top.
6. Click generate

You'll get a zip file to be downloaded. To install, go to recovery mode, locate the downloaded zip file and flash.

Overclock and Undervolting (OC/UV)
If we play with Undervolt setting, is it will affect to the graphic and performance?especially on games?
If too much undervolt, can make your phone unstable (random crash). Different phones has difference tolerance. So you should undervolt a bit by bit. This oc/uv is only for supported kernel such as damiangto, super-optimized or kanity kernel.

Got any more nice apps?
http://www.appbrain.com/app/tv-shows-hd/org.apps.TVShows
Can watch english dramas, ie Smallville, Desperate Housewives... and a LOT more!

APN for Internet
Maxis APN


DiGi APN


DIGI MMS


Celcom APN


CODE - Country;Telco;Customize Apps;Additional Info



thanks to hihihehe and silentser for the FAQs, headhunter7 and all others who have contributed directly or indirectly for this guide.

This post has been edited by gmhafiz: May 17 2011, 08:56 PM

Eclair/Froyo Guide

How to root
Rooting is very easy. Remember this will temporarily void your warranty. You can always unroot to claim warranty.

Flash speedmod kernel to root: http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2010...to-install.html
1. Go to the recovery mode
2. Select advanced SpeedMod ULK features
3. Select ROOT / Install Superuser
4. Select "Simple: Install busybox+su"
5. Reboot.

Your /system will be readonly by default. To make it read/write, choose one of the following ways:
A. Reboot to recovery mode. There's an option for default /system folder r/w.
B. Use sgs tools app.
C. Click on rw button in RootExplorer
D. using terminal emulator,


Or you can use one of the apps below.
- Super One Click
- Z4Root
Note that the above method may not work at all. Flashing speedmod kernel is the best.

How to flash to a custom rom



(1)
Remember that flashing is a dangerous process, be it official means using kies, odin or CWM. It is preferable to use a laptop to prevent soft brick in case of a sudden power cut during flashing. Make sure your phone is fully charged too.

1. Make sure you have 3 button combo working (download and recovery mode). If it isn't, go here or here for the fix.

2. backup /efs folder. This is to preserve your IMEI number. Once backed up, copy it to safe place like your computer. You need to have a rooted device. If you haven't rooted it, follow the instruction in #3 (installing speedmod kernel). Installing that kernel will give you root access and you can now follow the efs backup procedure.


(2)
This means you are either still on eclair (2.1) or froyo. You have not altered your phone by odin yet. Proceed to the next step.

(3)
- Follow this excellent guide http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2010...to-install.html
- Installing this speedmod kernel will automatically give you clockworkmod (CWM) recovery. This will allow flashing zip files such as the sweethoney rom.

(4)
- If you have flashed XXJVK rom and used the updated bootloader, you need to downgrade the bootloader first
- Just download any firmware that has "Sbl.bin" in it to downgrade the bootloader. For example, ZSJPJ rom has the file. I have tested this rom and it works. http://hotfile.com/dl/110924408/c576fa2/I9000ZSJPJ.rar.html (Extract the file. Password is "samfirmware.com")
- Whether you are on XXJVK, cyanogenmod7 or MIUI, you must flash back to stock froyo rom.

(5)
- Follow this excellent guide: http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2011...tall-froyo.html
- This will give an official stock firmware.

(6)
-Hold on to your horses! Have you made a backup?
-- Phonebook & email: Synchronise with google.
-- apps and data: can use Titanium Backup
-- SMS and MMS: can use SMS Backup+ by Jan Berkel

- Ok now you can continue
- Go to the sweethoney rom page
- Download either wipe or non-wipe version and store it into your sdcard
-- choose wipe version if you are installing for the first time
-- choose non-wipe of you are upgrading from the same sweethoney rom
- Go to recovery mode. Choose "install zip file from sdcard" and "choose zip from sdcard". Navigate using volume rocker to your file. Use back button to select.
- Confirm the selection.
- Wait for a few minutes
- Wipe Dalvik and Wipe Cache
- Reboot.
- Done. Enjoy your new custom rom!

I'd like to add and remove certain apps before flashing
Follow this guide

Titanium backup
1. Do i need to change anything in the preferences for better use? or just leave it?
2. For full backup, i choose backup/restore > batch, which one should i run >> backup all user apps / backup all system data / backup all user apps + system data?
3. After backup, if i flash a wipe custom rom, it will wipe everything right.. so how do i want to restore all my app and data using TB? do i need to save the backup file/folder from TB first to my computer before i wipe my phone?

A1. doesn't need to change anything in preference..
A2. use the backup all user apps only..never backup system data..because e.g when you change froyo to gingerbread..system data is different and your phone will be haywire...
A3. if you do wipe flash..the backup doesn't lost..it's there in internal sd card...wipe only clean your data..it doesn't format your sd card..hehe.. They are located in TitaniumBackup folder in your sdcard

How to unroot
A. Use the same app to unroot. Or;

B. For complete unroot:
1. Download the file and copy to your sdcard http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=Atta...post&id=2071852
2. Reboot into recovery mode
3. Select install zip from sdcard
4. Select choose zip from sdcard
5. Scroll down till you found the unroot.zip file.

C. Flash stock rom. For South East Asia region, the firmware is DXJPE.

For these method, samsung repair centre won't know you've rooted before.

Can you one explain me what is this pda csc stand for?
- Pda is the firmware.
- phone is the radio/modem
- csc is the localisation.

The reality about pit files
- Read this

My phone is bricked!!!! Help!
- As long as you can go into download more, you should be fine. Just reflash using odin. Read the instruction carefully.

Ok I thought my phone is bricked. I cannot go into download and recovery mode. My phone stucks at samsung logo and vibrates intermittently. What to do now?
- See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8nlJTWV7Nk...player_embedded to access secondary bootloader.
- Try jig method. Need to buy or make on your own: http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=ST&f=72&t=1785074. See here for more information

I got black screen. Nothing appears
- Then you got a totally bricked phone. Your bootloader is corrupted. You have no choice but to send for repair.

Go here for further reading. Recommended.

This post has been edited by gmhafiz: May 25 2011, 11:50 PM

Gingerbread Guide

As of now, there are three Gingerbread ROMs we can try.
A. Cyanogenmod 7
B. MIUI
C. Samsung's XXJVK/XXJVB/XXJVH


Flashing XXJVH
XXJVH is the latest and probably the best of all. For beginners, this is the best firmware to try.
Procedure
1. Flash to EZBase 3.0 first EZBase 3.0
2. Use Doc's Online Kitchen to generate an XXJVH rom: http://romkitchen.org/beta/?s=generator
- Use WIPE version
- Use preferably FuguMod kernel
- Modem selection does not matter
- Apps: Your choice
- Click generate and transfer it into your sdcard
3. Flash it through CWM

Things to point out
1. Some apps randomly got FC when upgrading from froyo to gingerbread if you restore by TB. Solution is to just uninstall and reinstall.
2. JVH may not still be the official gingebread yet.


Flashing XXJVK
1. Follow instructions here http://www.theandroidsoul.com/ezbase-rom-v...-guide-w-video/ This uses EZBase 3.0
2. To root:
- It is pre-rooted
3. To revert back to Froyo
- In case you want to revert back to froyo roms, just download any firmware that has "Sbl.bin" in it to downgrade the bootloader.

For example, EZBase 2.0 has this. Use the same procedure as the website above mentioned but with these files:
- EZbase-CSC-XXJV1.tar.md5
- EZbase-PDA-XWJS3.tar.md5
- EZbase-PHONE-XXJVE.tar.md5

Flashing to ZSJPJ rom is also possible. I have tested this rom and it works. http://hotfile.com/dl/110924408/c576fa2/I9000ZSJPJ.rar.html (Extract the file. Password is "samfirmware.com")
Once you are on XXJPJ, you can choose to stay with it or just flash any other froyo roms.


Flashing CyanogenMod7
1. Flash to EZBase 2.0 first with these files found under Old Downloads.
- EZbase-CSC-XXJV1.tar.md5
- EZbase-PDA-XWJS3.tar.md5
- EZbase-PHONE-XXJVE.tar.md5
2. Make sure you have turned on HSPA. The just follow the instruction in the official thread: CM7 Q&A

If you think that is too complicated, refer this flowchart

Download link is http://mirror.teamdouche.net/?device=galaxysmtd Mirror:
- http://mirror.sea.tdrevolution.net/cm/nightly/galaxysmtd/
- http://koush.kanged.net/cm/nightly/galaxysmtd/

3. Flash google apps through CWM after you have done flashing CM7. Download it from here: http://goo-inside.me/gapps/

Make sure you read all before proceeding!

Why flash to CM7?
- It is the best and the most popular AOSP rom for android
- Lag-free since no samsung software inside
- Based on the latest 2.3.4 - can have partial google talk video chat!

Known issues:
1. Battery drain - Have to be conservative. Use batteryfu app or disable auto-sync.
2. 2G/3G switching will crash the phone. You must disable data first before making any switch.
3. FM radio not working
4. TV-Out function not working
5. Fixed by locking and unlocking the screen:
- Camera ( black screen , but it take pictures )
- Video Player ( Black screen but it play videos - just audio )
- Auto Brightness didn't work in cyanogen settings
6. General stability. Remember that nightlies are still unfinished rom!

Things to point out:
1. You need to downgrade your bootloader if you have flashed samsung gingerbread rom (XXJVK/XXJVB/XXJVH). Use EZBase 2.0
2. On froyo, check if you have enabled HSDPA by dialing *#301279#

3. Put the downloaded files
- nightlies
into the root of sdcard. Don't create a new folder inside sdcard and put the files in it. It won't work
4. You'll get an orange coloured CWM. Volume rocker to navigate up and down, and use power button to select
5. If you are upgrading to the new nightlies, make sure you clear cache and dalvik after that. Download and flash the latest gapps (google apps) as well
6. Play around with the stock kernel first. Later you can flash CM7 kernels like bilboa/platypus/tk glitch. You'd need to be updated with each kernel to see of it is compatible with the nightlies you use.
7. Call recording will not be implemented. CM7 is an international rom available to countries throughout the world. Call recording is illegal in a certain countries.
8. External sdcard is located at /emmc folder. If you are using TitaniumBackup and have saved backup files into external sdcard, you must change the settings in TB and point it to /mnt/emmc
9. Changing fonts is not easy. You need to copy the ttf files to /system/fonts
10. After chaning themes using Theme Chooser app, the notification power bar will disappear. To fix this, use Notification Restart app
11. Li-ion battery is never charged to its maximum capacity. This is done protect the battery and not shorten its lifespan. It will stop at 95%-99% although your phone reports it is fully charged. You'd notice the battery drops very quickly and then stabilize.
12. Some apps randomly got FC when upgrading from froyo to gingerbread if you restore by TB. Solution is to just uninstall and reinstall.
13. Finally, read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.p...452&postcount=7

Tips:
- default sms and dialer is ugly and not as functional: Use alternative apps like Go Contacts and Go SMS Pro
- Alternative to Allshare: iMediaShare
- Media: Not all codecs can be included into CM7 dues to licensing issue. Use MoboPlayer instead
- Need swype? Get it here
- need samsung's thinkfree office? see here
- gapps with partial working video call: http://db.tt/NvPSZFU
- Battery saving tips: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.p...&postcount=2692

Updating to the latest nightlies
- This is only applicable to those who have flashed galaxysmtd only!
- put the latest nightlies in your phone sdcard
- disable mobile data ( edge/3g/hspa) as a precaution
- go into recovery and clear cache as well as dalvik cache
- flash the latest nightlies and reboot
- sometimes you'd need to reflash gapps zip file

This post has been edited by gmhafiz: May 26 2011, 08:58 PM

Troubleshooting

This guide will help us trouble shoot your problem effectively. How to use it?
1. Reply to this post
2. Remove the quotes as well as these steps
3. Add your replies to the questions
* Indicates compulsory reply


What is your current rom?*

What is your previous ROM?

Is your phone rooted or not?*

Did you install custom kernel? If yes, which one?*

Did you install custom rom? If yes, which one?*

Describe the steps that you did leading to the problem.*

What did you expected it to be?*

Give any additional information that might be useful

This post has been edited by gmhafiz: May 17 2011, 09:26 PM

Anyone tried the latest Darky's ROM? I am using 9.2...

from the last thread:
I kept getting FC on process com.sec.android.app.sns. any idea??
cant login integrated facebook too

many users reporting FC on many apps..

guess need to wait for the real stable

anyway congrats again for new thread

Check in new thread!!

check in

Gmhafiz, I think the thread title need to add the " I9000 official thread" words.

Now I not just waiting the gingerbread but ice cream sandwich also. Chayok..chayok developer!

This post has been edited by bestofel: May 11 2011, 04:38 PM

wh00t~

V17 woot! JVH battery life is awesome!!

report in !

congratz on v17 XD

SGS stalker here! =D

Converted to Gingerbread again! Flash SBL from JVH and flashing Juwe now

I salute whoever doesn't affected by Android-Apple flame wars (especially our TS gmhafiz)
if iFags saw that I put Android first they'll surely seriously butthurt, but what do I care? it's alphabetically legal!
checking in for V17 after so many threads. but I feel kinda sad that I don't start from V1. hahaha

need input from Juwe's rom fans. does it truly have larger battery life as compared to other GB roms? I'm on Goatrip 1.9, it's awesome btw.

I'm still on Darky 9.5 extreme. So far no major problem encountered.
FC is quite common in any ROM once in a blue moon.
I don't have the drill to move to Ginger yet, as I'm still happily using Froyo.

checking in