Help I need some help understanding Rom's, Kernels, and Firmware and Regions

[redgabe]

Hi all,

I have a I9100 that I bought in the middle east. I'd like to "flash" new Rom/Kernel/Firmware on it and get rid of a lot of the bloatware. I guess my first questions is whether there are stock Samsung I9100 Rom/Kernels/Firmware out there without using a Carrier edition. Right now I have Partner from Israel. Surely a stock Samsung edition is better than a carrier edition? Is there any advantage to a specific Carrier edition? Does my phone need to be tied to a region? Also, any help explaining the difference between Rom/Kernel/Firmware would be great. Thanks so much

 

[ironass]

Hi all,

I have a I9100 that I bought in the middle east. I'd like to "flash" new Rom/Kernel/Firmware on it and get rid of a lot of the bloatware. I guess my first questions is whether there are stock Samsung I9100 Rom/Kernels/Firmware out there without using a Carrier edition. Right now I have Partner from Israel. Surely a stock Samsung edition is better than a carrier edition? Is there any advantage to a specific Carrier edition? Does my phone need to be tied to a region? Also, any help explaining the difference between Rom/Kernel/Firmware would be great. Thanks so much

OK... last question first.

In the sticky at the top of this forum, entitled, "Samsung Galaxy S2 Guide" is a section called, "Common Terms/Acronyms you may encounter:" which details the fundamental differences.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...s2-guide-updated-18-jan-2012-4-55-pm-gmt.html

Also see the sticky, "Samsung Galaxy S2 Root Guide", in the All Things Root, part of the forum, here:-

http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s2-...ot-guide-updated-19-33-gmt-jan-17-2012-a.html

For a breakdown of the firmware codes and the language packs supported by each one, see here:-

http://samfirmware.com/samsunglettercode.htm

Briefly, the 3 ways to update your firmware are:-

1. Using the Samsung Kies PC Suite that will give you the latest firmware for your location and operator (if branded). Download here:-

http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/usefulsoftware/KIES/JSP

2. By flashing the latest firmware, generic, without being rooted and using Odin. See here:-

[ROM+Guide]Official i9100 Firmwares KG, KH, KI, KJ, KK1/2/5, KL1/2/3, LA2 Download - xda-developers

3. By rooting your phone and choosing different ROM's, kernels and modems to suit you and your needs. It also allows you to remove, "bloatware" and gives you the most control over your phone. See here:-

http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s2-...t/482994-rooting-galaxy-s2-dummies-guide.html

Grab a coffee and start reading.

Hope this helps.

 

[redgabe]

Thanks so much, I have a lot of reading to do and have already done some. But I still have some more questions. Should I change the Firmware and the kernel? Going back to my original question, are there stock (non-carrier) firmwares out there from Samsung and are they better to use. Cheers

 

[1981]

I would like to chip in too with a similar Q. I request advise.
I am using my SGS2 now in India. Its actually UK-O2 but unlocked. 2.3.3 version. still with the O2 startup logo and all.
Now while I try to update using the option in settings, it says no update available.
I hear 2.3.6 is out now. is it coz m in India now? or coz its unlocked or something?
I dont wanna try the procedure ROOTING.
thn my only other option is through the app KIES rite??
thank you

 

[ironass]

I would like to chip in too with a similar Q. I request advise.
I am using my SGS2 now in India. Its actually UK-O2 but unlocked. 2.3.3 version. still with the O2 startup logo and all.
Now while I try to update using the option in settings, it says no update available.
I hear 2.3.6 is out now. is it coz m in India now? or coz its unlocked or something?
I dont wanna try the procedure ROOTING.
thn my only other option is through the app KIES rite??
thank you

If Kies is saying that you have the latest version then you have the latest version released for your handsets location and operator.

Your other alternative, if you do not wish to root. is to follow suggestion 2 in my post above and update to the latest generic, unbranded firmware given for your region..

 

[sam142000]

I would like to chip in too with a similar Q. I request advise.
I am using my SGS2 now in India. Its actually UK-O2 but unlocked. 2.3.3 version. still with the O2 startup logo and all.
Now while I try to update using the option in settings, it says no update available.
I hear 2.3.6 is out now. is it coz m in India now? or coz its unlocked or something?
I dont wanna try the procedure ROOTING.
thn my only other option is through the app KIES rite??
thank you

You can update via Odin too!!
I live in India and I flashed 2.3.6 via Odin!!

 

[1981]

You can update via Odin too!!
I live in India and I flashed 2.3.6 via Odin!!

thanks. ODIN is something similar to ROOTING? which could brick the phone?? or is it easy and safe like OTA updates or KIES.
btw hows 2.3.6 compared to 2.3.3. any cosmetic changes to the UI too?
might I ask why you choose ODIN over KIES to update the version.

 

[sam142000]

thanks. ODIN is something similar to ROOTING? which could brick the phone?? or is it easy and safe like OTA updates or KIES.
btw hows 2.3.6 compared to 2.3.3. any cosmetic changes to the UI too?
might I ask why you choose ODIN over KIES to update the version.

Odin is a software used for rooting and upgrading firmwares. It will not brick the phone "IF" you do it properly and flash the proper firmware.
As compared to 2.3.3 there are a few minor cosmetic changes, but my battery life improved drastically after upgrading to 2.3.6
I chose Odin because I was reading in the forums that people in India are getting 2.3.6 on their S2s via Kies but my computer wasn't showing any updates so I just got a little restless.
Suggestion: First get thorough knowledge about the PROs & CONs of using Odin and flashing firmware before actually doing it.

 

[ironass]

Thanks so much, I have a lot of reading to do and have already done some. But I still have some more questions. Should I change the Firmware and the kernel? Going back to my original question, are there stock (non-carrier) firmwares out there from Samsung and are they better to use. Cheers

If you are using option 2 in my original post, then the firmware comes preloaded with its own official kernel.

If you select option 3, the world is your oyster and you are free to choose from a range of ROM's, Modems and kernels and flash the very latest versions.

As for the stock (non-carrier) firmwares... you obviously didn't click on my link in item 2, which in post #2 gives you a whole range of official, unbranded, firmwares.

 

[1981]

Odin is a software used for rooting and upgrading firmwares. It will not brick the phone "IF" you do it properly and flash the proper firmware.
As compared to 2.3.3 there are a few minor cosmetic changes, but my battery life improved drastically after upgrading to 2.3.6
I chose Odin because I was reading in the forums that people in India are getting 2.3.6 on their S2s via Kies but my computer wasn't showing any updates so I just got a little restless.
Suggestion: First get thorough knowledge about the PROs & CONs of using Odin and flashing firmware before actually doing it.

finally upgraded to 2.3.5 from 2.3.3 through KIES. my SGS2 in O2-UK branded one which I am using in India now after unlocking.
but so far there seems to be not much visual differences from 2.3.3. hoped for a lil new looks though