^The google edition ROM is basically Jellybean 4.2 optimized from Google. That's why people say that the Nexus line is the "pure google exp". When Samsung pumps out its phones they are running the 4.2 platform but optimized for Samsung, meaning they mod it to suit themselves. Things like the S4 features like smart screen and such won't actually work normally on a Google Jellybean OS because its Samsung's.

You might as well just get a normal Samsung S4, learn how to root it, learn how to put a custom ROM as well and go from there. The reason why is because custom ROMs can run with Google JB with lots of different mods and tweaks and also better performance. While you're at it you can actually learn how to root and mod phones so that in the future if you like what Samsung has to offer, you can just simply do whatever you already know.

Go on xda developers forum and you can actually see in threads what other developers has to offer for the S4 as in modifications.

any word on if this version of the S4 has more storage due to less bloatware?

So is it the same thing as if I buy a normal s4 and flash it to to the Google edition s4? Isn't that basically the exact same thing?

The google edition of the s4? Straight out of the box the s4 Google Edition has around 12gb of free storage. So you get about 3 gbs more then a carrier version.

AWS unlock

[RADIO]I337/I337m {AWS Unlock}[CAN][USA][MEX]23/06/2013 - xda-developers
Posted via RS Mobile

another way around the bloatware instead of flashing a custom rom is to root the phone and uninstall the bloatware.

Pretty much. The only difference is that the JB from Google will be basic and flawless and official Google. Whereas other ROMs that run on Google JB platform will possibly have bugs due to extras and mods. I'm pretty sure you can find a pure Google JB copy though just not by Google.

it is the same..

there's a few people that did a system dump and made it into a ROM.. just gotta download the ROM and flash it..

it'll be the same as the Google Edition GS4 from the play store.


There are ROMs that are modded and some that are completely stock.

Okay guys, thanks for the info. But I went ahead and got the normal s4 today from fido. First smartphone and I am loving it so far. So what do I do now? can you guys link me guides on how to flash / root whatever I need to do to make it fast and optimized?

1) Choose a ROM from here.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2166 i9505 = i337M.. same hardware specs.. so no worries
2) Download the ROM and put it into your External SD card.
3) Install a custom recovery that is supported for your ROM
4) Turn off phone.. go into Recovery mode to check if your Custom Recovery is working or not (Hold Vol Up + Home + Power button.. Let go all buttons when you see Galaxy S4 Screen.. You'll see "Recovery Booting")

Installation instruction for ROM..

1. Boot to Recovery (Volume Up + Home + Power button)
2. Wipe data dalvik and cache
3. Install .zip
4. Reboot phone and have fun

ringhk tested the S4 Google Edition 4.3 rom, Antutu shows the performance actually dropped lol and it eats battery quicker

Antutu
Samsung GALAXY S4 (Google Edition) 19672
Samsung GALAXY S4 (TouchWiz Edition) 23844

http://www.ringhk.com/editor/news/20...droid43_10.jpg

Quadrant
Samsung GALAXY S4 (Google Edition) 11687
Samsung GALAXY S4 (TouchWiz Edition) 12119

http://www.ringhk.com/editor/news/20...droid43_14.jpg

¶W¡u°®²b¡v¡B¶W¬yºZ¡D$ì¥Í Android ª© GALAXY S4 ·¥³tÅéÅç¡I | RingHK.com -- ¥þ´ä NO.1 ¤â¾÷¸ê°Tºô¯¸

[ROM][4.3] Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition [Deodexed][ZipAlign] - xda-developers

This 4.3 ROM benchmarked at 26429 on AnTuTu..

probably something wrong with the ROM he flashed.

Since its your first smart phone, I just leave it alone and just use it. See what you like and don't like before you start flashing with it. Besides since you're new there's always a chance you might mess it up.

Damn thanks a shit ton! I have a few more questions though.

Do I have to root my device before I flash? If so, what root method do you recommend? Will everything in the i9505 forums apply to the i337 model as well?

What custom recovery would you recommend for the i337m? Also what google edition rom/kernel do you recommend? There is so many to choose from I can't tell what is the difference. Thanks a lot man!

Oh I also forgot I don't have an external SD card.

Root it with Mottochopper which should be in the forum for Rogers S4. Yes you do need to root it and play around with it

I would probably use my free time to look up rooting and ROM while using the s4 for now because there are apps like different launchers and stuff to mod your stock device as well

Yep I just rooted with mottochopper and that was easy =p What should I do now? I downloaded titanaium backup and mod manager. Currently backing up my phone with ClockwerkMod recovery. Should I begin to flash? Don't know which one to choose from..

Using m3dd0g's Google Edition ROM.. Pretty happy with it so far

https://imageshack.us/a/img32/7132/6y47.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img41/6703/wrq4.jpg

Stock on 4.2.2 Google Edition ROM

https://imageshack.us/a/img834/1925/4j79.jpg


Installed Acid Audio Mod with Beats and Music FX..
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/2266/5qbv.png

a lot more fun than iOS that I'm used to! :D
Posted via RS Mobile

Nice! So you can flash to any flash from the i9505 model with our canadian models?

I am using the one from the At&t xda forums and I'm loving it so far. It feels a lot more smoother. However this being my first smartphone I haven't really used TW much so I can't comment. There doesn't seem to be a lot of configuration for the google editions.

Is there a way to get a better keyboard? I want something with numbers on top of the QWERTY. Also how is your battery life on it so far? Me turning off almost all features is getting about 5 hour~ ish screen time. I'm using greenify to.

https://imageshack.us/a/img823/6159/ou29.jpg https://imageshack.us/a/img13/5618/ntkp.jpg

4.3 has been rooted on xda.

http://www.xda-developers.com/androi...-of-chainfire/


Just flashed to 4.3.. Very responsive

iphone user here, is the s4 significantly better than the s3 or is it very close? (compared to pre launch of the s4 - based on the trailers and specs.)

1080p 5" vs 720p 4.8"

speedwise..

http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/a...ntutu-gs-4.jpg

stock gs4 vs stock gs3

using clean rom and proper optimization, the s3 users can skip s4 and wait for s5 or note4. Except the benchmark numbers, i hardly can notice the diff, hope google will continue to write better codes for.android

well my s4 is bricked from water damage, put it in rice for 3 days, then took it to a repair shop which says "We place the phone in a special patented machine for 24 hours. This removes any corrosion and prevents further corrosion for up to 100 years! We then put the phone back together and start working on any issues it may have." 2nd highest rating on yelp for phone repairs. Left it with them for 3 days. Went back no luck. Immediately took it to Crystal Mall repair shop. Same deal. It turns on but it stays on boot screen.

Any advice?

yeah, keep phones away from water.

but seriously, other than trying to Odin the stock firmware back on, sell it for parts i guess.