xclusive36
Android Expert
Similarities & differences between the Metro PCS / T-Mobile Optimus F3, and the Virgin Mobile / Sprint F3:
boot.img (Kernel & Ramdisk): From what I can tell, they are interchangeable between both sides as long as you also include the aboot.img from that phone. For example, you can flash the Metro PCS boot.img onto the Virgin Mobile f3 but the aboot.img has to be included.
The kernel it's self could be swapped if it's repackaged with the other's ramdisk. <-- Haven't tested but should work.
To boot into recovery.
Metro PCS / T-Mobile:
Using the hardware keys, With the phone turned off Press and hold the Volume down button & Power button at the same time. A factory reset screen will pop up. Choose to factory reset and then you will boot into recovery.
To boot into recovery without a factory reset, you need to issue a 'reboot recovery' command from within android. You would need a terminal app installed. Type 'reboot recovery' without the quotes. An alternative would be to install a app that would boot you into recovery. (it does the same thing it's self)
Virgin Mobile:
Using the hardware keys, With the phone turned off Press and hold the Volume down button & Power button at the same time. When it tells you to let go of the buttons to boot into recovery, let go of the buttons.
If you issue a 'reboot recovery' command in any way or use an app to reboot into recovery or select 'reboot into recovery' including inside the recovery it's self, you will force a factory reset.
boot.img (Kernel & Ramdisk): From what I can tell, they are interchangeable between both sides as long as you also include the aboot.img from that phone. For example, you can flash the Metro PCS boot.img onto the Virgin Mobile f3 but the aboot.img has to be included.
The kernel it's self could be swapped if it's repackaged with the other's ramdisk. <-- Haven't tested but should work.
To boot into recovery.
Metro PCS / T-Mobile:
Using the hardware keys, With the phone turned off Press and hold the Volume down button & Power button at the same time. A factory reset screen will pop up. Choose to factory reset and then you will boot into recovery.
To boot into recovery without a factory reset, you need to issue a 'reboot recovery' command from within android. You would need a terminal app installed. Type 'reboot recovery' without the quotes. An alternative would be to install a app that would boot you into recovery. (it does the same thing it's self)
Virgin Mobile:
Using the hardware keys, With the phone turned off Press and hold the Volume down button & Power button at the same time. When it tells you to let go of the buttons to boot into recovery, let go of the buttons.
If you issue a 'reboot recovery' command in any way or use an app to reboot into recovery or select 'reboot into recovery' including inside the recovery it's self, you will force a factory reset.