Samsung Galaxy S2

Status
Not open for further replies.
linkinpark said:
:O
Why on earth would you flash every two weeks?
Click to expand...

lol - I am what you could call a Flash-a-holic dude :) Always looking out for better, faster, leaner, trimmer, etc... ROM's. With CWM for backups (in-case a flash is not worth it) and Titanium for fast restore of settings and apps, flashing becomes a non-chore.

If a new modem comes out - I flash it.
If a new kernel comes out - I flash it.
If a new ROM or an update to my current one comes out - I flash it.

The HD2 had (and still has) the most customisation of any device to come out. New ROM's across 11 different OS's come out very often. When I used this device as my main one I sometimes flashed every 2 to 3 days.

Same with my tablets. Have some chinese imports and an Asus Transformer. Flash flash flash :)
 
Mike Smit said:
lol - I am what you could call a Flash-a-holic dude :) Always looking out for better, faster, leaner, trimmer, etc... ROM's. With CWM for backups (in-case a flash is not worth it) and Titanium for fast restore of settings and apps, flashing becomes a non-chore.
Click to expand...
Same here.
 
Best Galaxy S2 modem for South Africa?

Mike Smit said:
lol - I am what you could call a Flash-a-holic dude :) Always looking out for better, faster, leaner, trimmer, etc... ROM's. With CWM for backups (in-case a flash is not worth it) and Titanium for fast restore of settings and apps, flashing becomes a non-chore.

If a new modem comes out - I flash it.
If a new kernel comes out - I flash it.
If a new ROM or an update to my current one comes out - I flash it.

The HD2 had (and still has) the most customisation of any device to come out. New ROM's across 11 different OS's come out very often. When I used this device as my main one I sometimes flashed every 2 to 3 days.

Same with my tablets. Have some chinese imports and an Asus Transformer. Flash flash flash :)
Click to expand...

Hi, My name is Metafuel.... and I'm a Flashaholic...
I was wondering whether any of you have discovered the best working modem for Vodacom, South Africa? I've tried a few, KE1, KG1, KG3, KG6, KH1 (currently on KH3) and none of them have been as great as the modem on my Galaxy S.

Would be great if someone out there with a i9100 has found a suitable version with a good balance between connection and battery. Thanks in advance for any replies.
 
metafuel said:
Hi, My name is Metafuel.... and I'm a Flashaholic...
I was wondering whether any of you have discovered the best working modem for Vodacom, South Africa? I've tried a few, KE1, KG1, KG3, KG6, KH1 (currently on KH3) and none of them have been as great as the modem on my Galaxy S.

Would be great if someone out there with a i9100 has found a suitable version with a good balance between connection and battery. Thanks in advance for any replies.
Click to expand...

I am currently on..
Baseband: I9100XXKH3
Kernel: Ninphetamine 2.1.3+
Build: Touch X-treme KG5.
On the Vodacom network.

Battery life pretty good. Normally on around 70% when I get home (18H00). Today I have been on my phone quite a bit (comes off charge at 08H00) and it is currently at 79%. Few calls, lots of browsing.

I am about to flash to Touch X-treme KH3 2.0. It is apparently much better.

I have also used DarkyRom and Villian Rom. Villian Rom is very nice but heavier on battery compared to Touch X-treme. Will let you guys know how Touch X-treme goes.
 
Last edited:
Thanks :)

Mike Smit said:
I am currently on..
Baseband: I9100XXKH3
Kernel: Ninphetamine 2.1.3+
Build: Touch X-treme KG5.
On the Vodacom network.

Battery life pretty good. Normally on around 70% when I get home (18H00). Today I have been on my phone quite a bit (comes off charge at 08H00) and it is currently at 79%. Few calls, lots of browsing.

I am about to flash to Touch X-treme KH3 2.0. It is apparently much better.

I have also used DarkyRom and Villian Rom. Villian Rom is very nice but heavier on battery compared to Touch X-treme. Will let you guys know how Touch X-treme goes.
Click to expand...

I haven't seen touch extreme before, may Flash that tonight :). I agree Villain Rom was a battery sucker - currently on Cognition 1.5 (KH3) there are few strange graphical glitches in the stock dialer and it seems to be using more battery heavy than Cognition 1.42. even though I've underclocked the CPU. I have 3G on all day, a few phone calls, plenty browsing and about 2 hours of gameplay in the evening -I get an average of 14 hours after a full charge.

Maybe my battery consumption isn't as bad as I thought. Would still love to fnd a good modem though. I may revert to the KE1 modem I received the phone with. My brother gets his GS2 next week - so I'm definitely going to rip his Vodacom Stock Firmware out to test with. Thanks for the fast response.
 
I see there is a LTE Version of the SG2S. Does SA support this? I have been waiting forever for upgrade time, which is in 23 days :D should I continue waiting for LTE?
 
adam88 said:
I see there is a LTE Version of the SG2S. Does SA support this? I have been waiting forever for upgrade time, which is in 23 days :D should I continue waiting for LTE?
Click to expand...

As far as I know MTN Vodacom are looking into LTE. Though the LTE GS2 is only being released overseas currently. I stand to be corrected, but LTE will most likely only kick off in Sarf Efrica in 2012.
 
Hey all. Got me SGS2 yesterday and very stoked. A couple of questions from a first time Android user:

- Can one turn off the vibrate that occurs when tapping the keyboard and similar functions? Seems like a pointless waste of battery.
- Can anyone point me to a site that explains the file/folder structure of Android/Touch to a newbie like me?
- I'm currently just using the stock ROM etc. Is there a way to check what is using bandwidth and what is the best way to stop apps from auto updating/using bandwidth without my say-so.
- I'll be reading up on custom kernels and ROMs over the next few days, but have been interested in miui and liteningrom amongst a few others. Can someone perhaps give a brief overview of the pros and cons of the popular custom ROMs as compared to one another or does this exist elsewhere?
- Any useful tips or tricks for someone just starting off with their phone? Tweaks/settings/etc?

Looking forward to playing around with the device a bit more once I understand it.

Thanks
 
Refugee_ZA said:
Hey all. Got me SGS2 yesterday and very stoked. A couple of questions from a first time Android user:

- Can one turn off the vibrate that occurs when tapping the keyboard and similar functions? Seems like a pointless waste of battery.
- Can anyone point me to a site that explains the file/folder structure of Android/Touch to a newbie like me?
- I'm currently just using the stock ROM etc. Is there a way to check what is using bandwidth and what is the best way to stop apps from auto updating/using bandwidth without my say-so.
- I'll be reading up on custom kernels and ROMs over the next few days, but have been interested in miui and liteningrom amongst a few others. Can someone perhaps give a brief overview of the pros and cons of the popular custom ROMs as compared to one another or does this exist elsewhere?
- Any useful tips or tricks for someone just starting off with their phone? Tweaks/settings/etc?

Looking forward to playing around with the device a bit more once I understand it.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Welcome man. You just entered the world of the best mobile OS on the best mobile device :)

- Yes. Under settings / <your keyboard> / Vibrate Notification.
- DCIM are your pics/videos from camera, Folders that start with a "." are hidden system folders (I think). Rest are folders created by the various apps you install.
- 3G Watchdog is the most accurate I have come across for managing my data. Droidwall to disable individual apps from accessing your data connection at all.
- On the ROM front you will get differing opinions from everyone. Best is to spend time reading, reading and reading some more at XDA to get yourself familiar. Then just flash a ROM and try for a few days, back it up via CWM and flash another one. If you don't like the next one you can restore your previous one via CWM. You will eventually settle on one you like best.
- Most important apps for managing your phone (IMO). Titanium Backup, Tasker, Driodwall and MarketEnabler (gives you access to more apps than a standard SA account). You will need root though for some of them (read at XDA for a simple guide on rooting). I will extract a list of apps I have on my device to give you an idea on what to look for.
 
Welcome to ANDROID

Refugee_ZA said:
Hey all. Got me SGS2 yesterday and very stoked. A couple of questions from a first time Android user:

- Can one turn off the vibrate that occurs when tapping the keyboard and similar functions? Seems like a pointless waste of battery.
- Can anyone point me to a site that explains the file/folder structure of Android/Touch to a newbie like me?
- I'm currently just using the stock ROM etc. Is there a way to check what is using bandwidth and what is the best way to stop apps from auto updating/using bandwidth without my say-so.
- I'll be reading up on custom kernels and ROMs over the next few days, but have been interested in miui and liteningrom amongst a few others. Can someone perhaps give a brief overview of the pros and cons of the popular custom ROMs as compared to one another or does this exist elsewhere?
- Any useful tips or tricks for someone just starting off with their phone? Tweaks/settings/etc?

Looking forward to playing around with the device a bit more once I understand it.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Hey! Congrats on your new SuperPhone. In answer to your questions.
  • To Turn off Vibrate on KeyPress: If using the Standard Samsung KeyPad - Click Menu (left hand side of the home button) - Click "Settings" - Click "Sound" - Unselect "Haptic Feedback" near bottom of list.
  • To Turn off Vibrate on KeyPress: If using the Swype KeyPad - Click Menu - Click "Settings" - Select "Language and Keyboard" - Select "Swype Settings" - Untick "Vibrate on Keypress"
  • WRT Folder Structure - Not sure what you mean here.
  • Custom Roms - These differ quite considerably from another and I generally read the first 4 pages of the roms post and the last few pages to get a general idea on the Roms benefits or lack thereof. MIUI is based on the Original Google Firmware and is generally less bloated and as close to the original Android System as Google intended. Most of the other Roms are based on Unofficial releases of Samsungs Android Firmware and offer diffrent benefits depending on the developer. Most Custom Roms have the "Bloatware" Removed and custom themes and Power toggles. In the end it's personal preference as to what suits you. Have fun and flash away untill you find the Rom that suits your needs.
  • As for 3G consumption - 3G watchdog is a great app for discenrning where your data goes. To avoid unnecessary data consumption: Click Menu - Click "Settings" - Click "Accounts and Sync" - Unselect "Background data" - though this will stop you receiving emails and Market updates. So it's best to turn it on when needed and off when not. You can also Hold the Power button down untill the Power Off menu shows. From here you can switch 3g on or off quickly when needed.
  • A great tip I use regularly to adjust the screen brightness on the fly is - Swipe your finger along the Notification bar at the top - Start at the right and swipe to the left to lower the brightness or viceversa to increase it.
    in contacts - Swipe left on a contact to dial - Swipe right to send an sms.
  • or Macro photo's - in camera app - Click the cog icon. Click "Focus Mode" Click "Macro"
  • To take a screenshot - Press "Home" and the Power button simultaneously
Before flashing a new rom - Go to "settings" - "About Phone" - and make a note of your Baseband version - mine says i9100**KH3. Google CF-Root in this case it would be CF-Root KH3. Follow the instruction flashing the phone to get root. Once the flash is successful you should have CWM recovery. Open CWM from the App drawer and click "Backup". This will back up the Stock Service Provider firmware you have on your phonein case you need to send it in for repair -or revert back to the original stock.
I hope this helps - I'll add more tips as I remember them. Enjoy your phone - and as a extra tip - Install Lookout Security from the Market and set up the necessary info. This way if you ever lose your phone you can control and track it from any PC or another internet enabled phone.
 
Last edited:
metafuel said:
Hey! Congrats on your new SuperPhone. In answer to your questions.
  • To Turn off Vibrate on KeyPress: If using the Standard Samsung KeyPad - Click Menu (left hand side of the home button) - Click "Settings" - Click "Sound" - Unselect "Haptic Feedback" near bottom of list.
  • To Turn off Vibrate on KeyPress: If using the Swype KeyPad - Click Menu - Click "Settings" - Select "Language and Keyboard" - Select "Swype Settings" - Untick "Vibrate on Keypress"
  • WRT Folder Structure - Not sure what you mean here.
  • Custom Roms - These differ quite considerably from another and I generally read the first 4 pages of the roms post and the last few pages to get a general idea on the Roms benefits or lack thereof. MIUI is based on the Original Google Firmware and is generally less bloated and as close to the original Android System as Google intended. Most of the other Roms are based on Unofficial releases of Samsungs Android Firmware and offer diffrent benefits depending on the developer. Most Custom Roms have the "Bloatware" Removed and custom themes and Power toggles. In the end it's personal preference as to what suits you. Have fun and flash away untill you find the Rom that suits your needs.
  • As for 3G consumption - 3G watchdog is a great app for discenrning where your data goes. To avoid unnecessary data consumption: Click Menu - Click "Settings" - Click "Accounts and Sync" - Unselect "Background data" - though this will stop you receiving emails and Market updates. So it's best to turn it on when needed and off when not. You can also Hold the Power button down untill the Power Off menu shows. From here you can switch 3g on or off quickly when needed.
  • A great tip I use regularly to adjust the screen brightness on the fly is - Swipe your finger along the Notification bar at the top - Start at the right and swipe to the left to lower the brightness or viceversa to increase it.
    in contacts - Swipe left on a contact to dial - Swipe right to send an sms.
  • or Macro photo's - in camera app - Click the cog icon. Click "Focus Mode" Click "Macro"

I hope this helps - I'll add more tips as I remember tehm. Enjoy your phone - and as a extra tip - Install Lookout Security from the Market and set up the necessary info. This way if you ever lose your phone you can control and track it from any PC or another internet enabled phone.
Click to expand...

I'm also a newbie to Android! Got the call from MTN this morning saying that I can come collect my SGS2!:D and I think this would help me substantially:D
 
Adijcbs said:
I'm also a newbie to Android! Got the call from MTN this morning saying that I can come collect my SGS2!:D and I think this would help me substantially:D
Click to expand...

Same here, im confused as hell about some of the steps and XDA can get a bit too technical. I think Kreepo mentioned a few brief guides on flashing, rooting, roms etc will apease us noobs.. so all you experienced guys please help with a few new threads with some details :)
 
Thanks Mike Smit & Metafuel :) You're probably saving me hours of internet trawling.

Very handy. I must say, I enjoy the intuitive interface. Moving things around and so on is so smooth and logical.
 
Refugee_ZA said:
Thanks Mike Smit & Metafuel :) You're probably saving me hours of internet trawling.

Very handy. I must say, I enjoy the intuitive interface. Moving things around and so on is so smooth and logical.
Click to expand...

Pleasure man :)

You are just getting into things. It does not stop. You end up addicted to your device :)

There are 4 of us that sit together in the office all running Android. Me = GS2, 2 guys Desire HD (one of them my old Desire HD :)), and the other a Touch HD. And neither one of us has a phone that looks the same as the next guy. The customisation capabilities of AAndroid is extremely impressive. You make your device look exactly as you want it.

Do check out SPB Shell 3D for an awesome launched (R100 - but worth it). And to get rid of the really k@k lockscreen of TouchWiz, install Agile Lock Free. Enjoy :)
 
It's a pleasure. Like Mike said Theming and customising is a huge benefit with Android and no two phones ever look the same. My wifes phone looks completely different to mine, my Galaxy S looks completely different to my GS2.

Though I found SPB Shell 3D a little too expensive for waht it was. I purchased it and used for a day before switching back to OpenHome. I haven't checked back recently to see what or if it's been updated.

With OpenHome 6 - you have resizable widgets, customised icons, total theme enhancements, folders for App shortcuts (iPhone style) wish I could fiind the link on the market for you, but it's currently being elusive.

Top 10 Apps I install on my SGS2 after flashing a New Rom.

1. Titanium backUp (I use the Pro version for the ability to sync everything with dropbox) - Requires Root for true usability
2. OpenHome 6.0 (and my customised theme)
3. Dropbox-
4. SetCPU Pro (for Overclocking and Underclocking, Undervolting) - Requires Root and compatible kernel
5. Pulse ( Catch up on all my news in one place while having my morning coffee)
6. File Expert ( excellent Folder and File manager with the Ability to Unrar, Unzip and a host of other really useful functions.) - Requires Root for true usability
7. 3G Watchdog (already covered)
8. Chainfire 3D + Qualcomm plugin & Nvidia Plugin ( enables otherwise unplayable games for Tegra devices to be played on the SGS2) - Requires Root and compatible kernel
9. HDR camera (I'm always taking photos and this is an excellent extra tool for shooting that impressive photo)
10. Go Widgets ( a selection of free really awesome themeable widgets covering everything from Calendar to Twitter)

That's my 2c worth. Hope it helps.
 
metafuel said:
It's a pleasure. Like Mike said Theming and customising is a huge benefit with Android and no two phones ever look the same. My wifes phone looks completely different to mine, my Galaxy S looks completely different to my GS2.

Though I found SPB Shell 3D a little too expensive for waht it was. I purchased it and used for a day before switching back to OpenHome. I haven't checked back recently to see what or if it's been updated.
Click to expand...

I did the same dude. Purchase it a while ago and ended up dumping it. They were quiet for a looonnnggg time with no updates then released an update about 2 or 3 weeks ago. It is awesome. They have done a lot of work on Shell 3D. Check it out :)

I saw a YouTube vid of the version they are doing for tablets. It is beyond freaking sexy. Cannot wait to get that on my Transformer.
 
I'll give it another try tonight. Have a bunch of Vodacom Night Owl data hanging around and hate wasting it. I'll re-download SPB Shell and give it another chance. I'm yet to get a Tablet, I'm still not 100% convinced I'm not going to use it for anything except gaming.
Not a bad thing - but I already have a PS3, an Xbox and a PSP gathering dust - My GS2 is just much handier to pick up and play when my wifes watching StyleNetwork :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X