[Q] Buying Off-Contract: Dev vs Retail Edition

[hEaTLoE]

If you were buying an S5 off-contract (in my case, to maintain unlimited data), is there any downside to purchasing the DE? I understand you won't get any OTA updates, but they can be flashed at the expense of losing the unlocked bootloader, pretty much giving you a retail phone.

My reasoning is since currently there's no way to unlock the retail version, it would be best to get the DE so you can have root and do a bit more. If the retail version is later unlocked, then there's no problem flashing ROMS and updates to the DE since it can be unlocked again. If it never is unlocked, then you can still flash an OTA, but you'll have a forever-locked phone. Since there's no price difference, seems to make sense to just go for the DE?

Just wanted to see if my thought process made sense or I was missing some glaring positive or negative to one of them.

Thanks!

 

[KarlStyles]

That was pretty much my thoguh process. The only other difference I noticed was the warranty on the DE is only for 30 days or until you change the software, whichever comes first.

 

[razzrmaxx]

I'm not too worried about warranty, $600 dollars and only 16gb? That's my Anger towards their progress on internal memory should be 32gb and 64gb the upgrade.

 

[hEaTLoE]

That was pretty much my thoguh process. The only other difference I noticed was the warranty on the DE is only for 30 days or until you change the software, whichever comes first.

True...hopefully warranty isn't an issue especially since the phone is waterproof.

I'm not too worried about warranty, $600 dollars and only 16gb? That's my Anger towards their progress on internal memory should be 32gb and 64gb the upgrade.

Agreed, at least external storage is expandable. Currently on a GNex with internal storage only.

 

[BigBot96]

1) As others have stated, this belongs in Q&A
2) If warranty is no concern, and you're buying off-contract anyways, then there is no reason to not buy the dev edition.

 

[hEaTLoE]

1) As others have stated, this belongs in Q&A
2) If warranty is no concern, and you're buying off-contract anyways, then there is no reason to not buy the dev edition.

Thanks, and sorry mods feel free to move. I thought the Q&A section was for technical questions on the phone and didn't want to muddy the tech chat there.

 

[hEaTLoE]

Mods thanks for moving and members, thanks for your responses and votes. Ordering the DE today! Seems like we already have a custom recovery and root confirmed for this device

 

[kilroy1stcav]

One question, with the faulty camera, since I have had one already, would that be covered after the 30 day or 1st flash? Or would you be suck with a non working camera even though they know it is their problem?

 

[KarlStyles]

One question, with the faulty camera, since I have had one already, would that be covered after the 30 day or 1st flash? Or would you be suck with a non working camera even though they know it is their problem?

I'm wondering as well. Figured I'd wait a week or two and see if I run into any camera issues before messing around with my phone. I might contact samsung support tomorrow and ask them.

 

[kprice8]

I'm wondering as well. Figured I'd wait a week or two and see if I run into any camera issues before messing around with my phone. I might contact samsung support tomorrow and ask them.

If it breaks in 30 days, then I say you could probably return it for a fix.. But the moment you Flash a Custom on it or it passes 30 days. SOL.

 

[KarlStyles]

That was my guess as well, which is why I'll wait a week or two to make sure there aren't any glaring hardware issues. I'll probably contact them just to confirm though.

 

[hEaTLoE]

Are there some serious camera issues with the device? I saw a post on discolored glass, but that was it...

 

[hEaTLoE]

Also...regarding warranty?

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/s...dl_cd=ET-G900VMKAVZW&prd_mdl_name=ET-G900VMKA

Samsung Galaxy S® 5 (Verizon), Charcoal Black Developer Edition
ET-G900VMKA
Warranty

STANDARD LIMITED WARRANTY

What is covered and for how long?

SAMSUNG TELECOMMUNICATIONS AMERICA, LLC ("SAMSUNG") warrants that SAMSUNG's handsets and accessories ("Products") are free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for the period commencing upon the date of purchase by the first consumer purchaser and continuing for the following specified period of time after that date:

Phone 1 Year
Batteries 1 Year
Case/Pouch/Holster 90 Days
Other Phone Accessories 1 Year

 

[KarlStyles]

From Samsung.com, add the phone to your cart, go to your cart, click 'guest checkout', scroll down past the developer information to the first checkbox, it reads:

"I understand and acknowledge that the device I am about to order is intended for software developers and is not intended for general consumer use. I hereby agree that this device will be covered by warranty for 30 days or until I change the original software on the device, whichever period is shorter. Thereafter, service for the device will be provided for a charge."

I had to check that box to place my order.

---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:17 AM ----------

Samsung has acknowledged the camera problems though, so they might be willing to swap the device out after the 30 day period/software change if a camera issue does pop up.

"Samsung has now confirmed that it's aware of the reports and is actively trying to assist impacted customers. In a statement, a company spokesperson told The Verge, "We have learned that a limited number of Galaxy S5 devices may have an issue that causes 'Camera Failure' pop-up error message." S5 owners with a busted camera are asked to call 1-888-987-4357 to arrange an exchange under Samsung's warranty, or they can visit their respective carrier for a swap."

http://mobile.theverge.com/2014/4/25/5653192/samsung-confirms-fatal-galaxy-s5-camera-problem

 

[hEaTLoE]

Welp, got the DE device in Monday and very impressed so far. Nice improvement over my Galaxy Nexus! Thanks for all the help as usual XDA.