Recent content by dutch_in_seattle

As far as I know, the 'U1' model is the unlocked version coming straight from Samsung. The 'U' model is locked and tied to a specific carrier (say, AT&T). Apparently it's possible to change the IMEI of a phone, but it's quite a hassle. It's ultimately not a huge deal, since everything is working...

>> Previous owner must have registered it already. So that makes warranty meaningless. If it's already registered to someone else's account and I buy that phone from that person, I can no longer register the phone to my own account? That effectively renders the warranty useless, particularly...

I can live with the fact that IMEI checking sites report the wrong model number, but it's odd that I keep getting "invalid IMEI" messages when I try to register my device at Samsung.com or through the Samsung Members app. It's not a huge deal, since everything is working perfectly and it looks...

I bought an unlocked Galaxy S20+ on OfferUp (SM-G986U1) at a great price. Everything looks and works as expected. Initially it looked like the software couldn't be updated (Android security update: March 1, 2020; current version: ...ATBN). When I tried to update the software, this message...

No such luck. You're most likely seeing 5Ge (with a little 'e' at the end), which is just a marketing gimmick for slightly improved 4G LTE. For example, see https://9to5google.com/2020/05/20/att-5ge-android-icon/. You won't have real 5G unless you have a get a real (and undoubtedly) expensive 5G...

Also, don't forget channels such as Craig's List or OfferUp. You can find great deals there. I bought a brand-new 128-GB Pixel 4 XL on OfferUp for $400. Awesome deal. The best deals are from people who got something as a present or won it, because they have no financial stake in it; to them...

Also, don't forget channels such as Craig's List or OfferUp. You can find great deals there. I bought a brand-new 128-GB Pixel 4 XL on OfferUp for $400. Awesome deal. The best deals are from people who got something as a present or won it, because they have no financial stake in it; to them...

I was able to find an immaculate Galaxy Tab S6 on OfferUp for a really good price ($300). Rather than the wifi-only model (SM-T860), it turned out to be a Verizon LTE version (SM-T867V). Anything I should know about this model? Does it receive Android updates at the same frequency as the...

I was lucky enough to pick up a Pixel 2 XL on Craig's List two months ago for $200. An incredible deal, and I've loved this phone. (I came from a Samsung Galaxy S7, which was pretty good, too.) I saw the Pixel 3 XL at Best Buy earlier today, and while I don't have anything against notches per...

No, sorry. Version 5.0.2 is the latest (and last) version available for the Galaxy Note Pro SM-P900. Samsung won't update it any further. It basically abandoned that tablet a long time ago. After picking one up from Craig's List, I rooted it and put the latest Resurrection Remix custom ROM on...

I just installed this custom ROM on my SM-P900, and I'm really liking it. Is there a way to boost the maximum sound volume? I'm finding that the maximum volume is really low in apps such as Netflix. I'm wondering if there's any way to boost that sound. Thanks! --Ron

Wow, that was easy! Rooting and installing custom ROMs has come a long way since the days when I was experimenting with this stuff years ago. Kingoroot for rooting, official TWRP app to flash custom recovery, install Resurrection Remix, and off you go. Easy peasy. My SM-P900 flies with...

I want to root my SM-P900 (U.S. version) so I can install custom ROMs, but I'm very rusty when it comes to rooting Android devices. (Haven't done that in years.) What's the best way to root my SM-P900 that's running the latest stock Android (P900UES1CPL1)? I've seen different methods, but none...

I see I've been a bit lazy by not reading through all the information already on this forum. Apologies! I'll spend some time going through what's already here and post any follow-up questions. The only question that I still have is where to get the official stock ROM for the U.S. SM-P900...

I'm going to pick up a Note Pro 12.2 (SM-P900, wifi only) from Craig's List tonight for $150. It'll be my secondary device, in addition to my Galaxy S2 9.7" (SM-T813). I'll use it mostly for media consumption, but I'm also excited to experiment with this thing. I have a couple of questions: I...