Help A few question about my Nexus

[Strontium_99]

Hi guys, I'm really sorry about this but I've got a few really really really noob questions to ask.

I've been give a Samsung Galaxy Nexus by my brother, which is really cool and all that, but just have a couple of questions about it please.

How can I tell what version Nexus it is?
I've look in the settings > About phone, but it doesn't say.

It's currently running Android 4.2.2. Can I/Should I upgrade this?

Also, it's running something called ParanoidAndroid 3.50. What's that? Can I/Should I upgrade that?

Like I say, sorry if these are stupid questions, but I'm pretty new to mobile devices and I'm like a kid with a new toy

Thanks.

 

[Winfried]

Paranoid Android and CyanogenMod are two of the alternative Android OS's:

https://plus.google.com/107979589566958860409/posts

Clash of the titans: CyanogenMod vs Paranoid Android

[Review] My thoughts on Paranoid Android, A Review, and Screenshots : Android

 

[clemson77on]

You've got a rooted phone with a custom ROM. To learn more about that, I suggest you check this link out. It's a great guide for understanding the ins and outs of rooting and flashing.

http://androidforums.com/verizon-ga...ot-restore-more-vzw-samsung-galaxy-nexus.html

If that is a Verizon phone, you're on the latest official version, 4.2.2. If it's a GSM phone, 4.3 is out for those.

 

[Strontium_99]

Thanks for the replies chaps. Very helpful.
#clemson77on I know I'm being totally thick here what's the difference between a Verizon phone and a GSM phone?

Told you I was a noob

 

[jhawkkw]

You've got a rooted phone with a custom ROM. To learn more about that, I suggest you check this link out. It's a great guide for understanding the ins and outs of rooting and flashing.

http://androidforums.com/verizon-ga...ot-restore-more-vzw-samsung-galaxy-nexus.html

If that is a Verizon phone, you're on the latest official version, 4.2.2. If it's a GSM phone, 4.3 is out for those.

The guide may provide the same steps, but do not use any files contained in it. OP, I see that your carrier is listed as Orange and location is UK. That would mean you would need to flash a GSM rom or image (codename yakju).

Try using my Guide to get back to stock. http://androidforums.com/android-system-mods-scripts-hacks/706533-guide-how-flash-nexus-factory-image-manually.html

 

[Tim K]

Sounds like you have a GSM phone. GSM is just the type of network your carrier operates on. Most of the world operates on a GSM (3G) network, whereas the US has both GSM (T-mobile / AT&T) and CDMA (Verizon & Sprint) networks. Devices are not cross compatible (though as 4G becomes the standard down the road more devices will be able to operate on other carrier's networks).

Android 4.3 is available for phones on GSM carriers, but as it was noted, your phone has a custom version of the 4.2.2 software (Paranoid Android).

Do some research about rooting, but if you don't care about any features of having root and custom ROMS, you can use the guide to flash the stock operating system and get 4.3 installed. One of the downsides of running a custom rom is that there are not automatic updates. If you want 4.3 you'll have to manually update the rom or install the stock OS.

My suggestion, considering you are a self described newbie.... install the stock rom.

 

[Strontium_99]

Thanks for the advice Tim. I'm not really after any new features to be fair, so I might leave well alone for the time being. At least I have a better understanding of how the standard and custom op systems fit together now. Big thanks.