Changing the firmware on a parallel imported S3

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BuffyNZ

241 posts

Master Geek

#109304 17-Sep-2012 17:01

Hi Folks,

I purchased a parallel imported S3 that seems to have come from SF in France...

It has a whole lot of branded apps, which I have disabled, but the biggest headache is that the default mail app is disabled, and I can not seem to enable it.

This is a problem as I can't get access to exchange email sync.

So I am looking at changing the firmware, and am seeking advice on what to do for.

I am after stability more than anything else.

Any recommendations?

Recursion: See recursion.
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tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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#687260 17-Sep-2012 17:34

CM9.

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek

#687386 17-Sep-2012 20:13

Or even just get root access on the SGSIII and you can then 'replace' the system/app/email.apk with one that works.

jeffnz

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#687426 17-Sep-2012 21:09

if its full of bloatware then best to root and either flash stock rom. Given JB official is just about to be released would suggest going to that as no point flashing ICS now.

lot of information here , have a look and then a read of the roms forum that takes your fancy.

correction proper link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1674286

Galaxy S10

Garmin Fenix 5

nzgeek

618 posts

Ultimate Geek

#687680 18-Sep-2012 12:38

The best way to de-brand your phone is to flash an official stock firmware for another region. This requires a copy of the Odin software, and a copy of the firmware package you want to flash.

For the I9300, I'd recommend either a generic Euro firmware or the Vodafone NZ firmware. There is a Telecom NZ firmware, which should work ok, but you may not get as good of a signal.

Have a look at this thread on XDA for flashing instructions and a copy of Odin.

This is slightly different than what Jeff posted above. The link he posted is for customised firmware packages, which are usually based on the stock firmware but with apps added/removed and changes to the theme. My links keep the stock firmware, they only change which region's firmware you have on the phone.

BuffyNZ

241 posts

Master Geek

#687689 18-Sep-2012 12:56

Thanks for the advice Folks!

Before NZGeek posted I had already reflashed to CM9 RC2. :)

Went mostly easy, some problems with the instructions i was following around the installation of CWM, but everything else went well.

Took about 4 backups through various means.

uglyb0b

335 posts

Ultimate Geek

#687767 18-Sep-2012 15:22

Just out of interest why did you go with the cm9 release candidate? There are stable builds of cm9 and cm9.1 available, as well as cm10 nightlies.

BuffyNZ

241 posts

Master Geek

#687771 18-Sep-2012 15:29

When I checked, the stable CM9's didn't seem to have GT-I9300 release that I could find, I could only find it on the RC screen.

CM9 RC2 seemed to be the closest to stable that I could get.

Having said that, I just went and looked a bit harder and found the stable version.

Doh.

Unless I encounter problems I think will wait for cm10 stable before I re-flash.

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jeffnz

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#688373 19-Sep-2012 18:55

CM10 and AOKP roms have issue with memory so best stay away until samsung release official and they can fix it.

Galaxy S10

Garmin Fenix 5

josephal

29 posts

Geek

#688392 19-Sep-2012 19:33

Latest Omega Jellybean Roms v23-26 have been working well for me. JB runs very smooth compared to ICS, I went back to ICS for a look and only lasted less than a day. Haven't noticed any bugs on v26.

jeffnz

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#688394 19-Sep-2012 19:41

well they are all beta at this stage so have some bugs but not evident to everyone, I have noticed a couple but they are minor. Indie does a good rom in Omega and well patronised but bit bloated for me at moment so on Wanam Lite which suits me for now.

I flashed LI8 last night with Siyah kernal for beta JB which makes a bit of differance

Galaxy S10

Garmin Fenix 5