[Samsung Galaxy SL i9003] rgxHost:
Samsung Galaxy SL i9003 Full DDLF2 Performance and Battery Duration Guide (Clean Flashing; Rooting; Custom Kernel and ClockWork Mod Recovery)

Greetings everyone!

As promised i've updated this tutorial (sorry for the 6 Months delay).

Download this Tutorial (*.pdf File) http://www.mediafire.com/view/ay0kfbtcd2ap6dm/rgxHost_i9003_DDLF2_Complete_Tutorial.pdf

Device: Samsung Galaxy SL i9003

ROM(s): Full DDLF2 (XWKPG or XXKPE) (Note that Deodex file won't Work for XWKPG or XXKPE)

Target: Get Best Battery Duration; Good System Performance and Less Bloatware as Possible. (Including EXT4 for some Extra Performance)

Using: Universal ClockWork Mod Recovery and Custom Kernel (By BCK)

Log:

* Fixed some improper steps;

* Added some recommended aplications and tips that can enhance the performance and fix some system bugs (i.e: Preventing the Full RAM Crash and Restart issue);

* Added Links for XWKPG or XXKPE ROMs wich seem to be unavailable elsewhere.

* Changed the Tutorial Method to work with almost every Rom while supporting DDLF2 Rom (Including How to Perform a Clean Install / Flash)

[Special Thanks to]:

"XDA_Bam": (For his simplest combined CWM + CF-ROOT and Kernel file. Made everything a lot easier).

"sgatechwork": For the Best Gingerbread Rom cooked for our i9003. (And if i'm not mistaken he also owns the credit of the Deodexing Files)

[To Download Before Proceeding]

:: Your Gingerbread Stock Rom ::

DDLF2 FULL (Original Thread): http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2329200

Mirror Link: http://www.mediafire.com/download/u96833iufz64auo/DDLF2_Full_(PIT,BOOTLOADER,PDA,PHONE,CSC).zip

[DDLF2 DEODEX] (Mirror Link): http://www.mediafire.com/download/m44e62zsryvcvlo/Deodex_DDLF2_Cwm.zip

[DDLF2 Delete Unwanted Files]: (Mirror Link) http://www.mediafire.com/download/h2aby5sf3pyhpt5/DeleteUnwantApp_Cwm-New.zip

Other Roms

XWKPG (Mirror Link): http://www.mediafire.com/download/27006o6h38kecc2/I9003XWKPG_I9003DBTKP2_DBT.zip

XXKPE (Mirror Link): http://www.mediafire.com/download/72ah13hizi7aok6/XXKPE.zip

:: BAM Universal CF-Root (Incl: CWM + CF-ROOT + Custom Kernel) ::

Original Thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1355675

Mirror Link: http://www.mediafire.com/download/5ejxf1xznub8eaz/PDA_BCK_CWM_universal_beta15.tar

Note: Since i couldn't get some links for original threads, Files and/or ROM's i'm providing my own links for them.

If by some reason i may be violating any terms, please let me know by sending me a message indicating wich file or files are causing any problem, and or to wich thread(s) they should be pointing to.

Furtherwards the files i'm providing were downloaded from the original sources including Sammobile. (wich sometime get their links unavailable). They are EXACTLY the same as their source and are intended to be kept that way.

[WARNING]

By proceeding with the following tutorial you aknowledge that i will not be held responsible if your device gets bricked or gets any other sort of damage.

Although the intent of this tutorial is to help people out and have the most for their devices. Just proceed accordingly.

Always Remember to:

- Make a Backup of your EFS;

- Never mess up with ODIN checkboxes;

- Never Unplug your device whenever it is flashing;

- Have ClockWork Mod Recovery (or TWRP Recovery) so you don't end up without knowing how to restore your device;

- Read all the steps carefully.

TUTORIAL

[BEFORE PROCEDING]

Note: If you Miss your device Drivers Please Install Samsung Kies First.

1. [BACKUP YOUR EFS FOLDER]

For Best Results Create a EFS Backup as: *tar / *.tar.gz / *.img / and a direct copy of the EFS Folder.

Thread on how to Backup and Restore your EFS: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2329937

Note: There are some application at Google Play that can also do it for You. (i.e: Galaxy SL Unlock or GSII_Repair, etc)

2. [BACKUP YOUR SD CARD]

Formatting your External SDCard is important, but not required.

Therefore you may not perform a Backup but removing SDCard before Flashing is advised.

[FLASHING THE ROM]

Note: This guide refers methods for "ClockWork Mod Recovery" (CWM)

1) Remove your SDCard (if you've not done it already)

2) Reboot Into CWM or TWRP Recovery (If you don't have it search for the Proper Recovery for your Device)

Booting into "Recovery"

(Press and Hold) Vol. Up + Home Button + Power Button (Release after the 1st Logo is Shown)

3) Under CWM Recovery Select under the following Menus:

<"Main Menu"> :: "Wipe Cache Partition"

<"Advanced"> :: "Wipe Dalvik Cache" (then return to 1st Menu)

<"Mounts and Storage"> :: "Format Cache"

<"Mounts and Storage"> :: "Format Data"

<"Mounts and Storage"> :: "Format System"

<"Mounts and Storage"> :: "Format DataData"

<"Mounts and Storage"> :: "Format SDCard"

<"Mounts and Storage"> :: "Format EMMC"

4) Return to Main Menu and Perform a "Factory Reset".

5) Remove USB Cable and Reboot your device into "Download Mode".

Booting into "Download Mode"

(Press and Hold) Vol. Down + Home Button + Power Button (Release only when it Loads under "Download Mode")

6) Open Odin

7) [ODIN] Under [PIT / OPS] Load your "*.pit" File (i.e: "latona_20110114.pit")

8) Restart Your Device. Once You Get the "Black Screen", Remove the Battery and Boot into CWM.

9) [ODIN] Load Rom Files

Note:If you come from other a Custom Rom, you may have to Flash Original Firmware 1st.

Note: Always Double Check if you're Loading the Files (Bootloader, PDA, Phone/Modem and CSC) in the proper Place.

Note: While the operation is running Do NOT Remove your USB Cable or Disconnect Your Battery untill you see the "PASS!" message on the top left corner.

Note: To prevent Flash Failures; always use High Quality USB Cables; and before pressing Start Put down your device and don't touch it untill the operation is complete!

You may check Loaded Files example bellow (for Full DDLF2 ROM).

i.e:

[BootLoader]: "APBOOT_I9003DDLF2_CL1153545_REV08_user_low_ship.tar.md5"

[PDA]: "CODE_I9003DDLF2_CL1153545_REV08_user_low_ship.tar.md5"

[Phone]: "MODEM_I9003DDLE1_REV_00_CL1149304.tar.md5"

[CSC]: "GT-I9003-MULTI-CSC-ODDLF2_RST.tar.md5"

10) [ODIN]

Note a) If you come from Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean or KitKat (Custom) Roms; it is advised to select "Re-Partition" Checkbox.

Note b) Make sure you have not Selected/de-Selected any Checkboxes (except the one refered at "a" above).

Never change anything if you don't have no idea what they are for.

Specially "Phone EFS Clear". This will literally kill the ability to use your device as a Phone.

Also note that Only a Box or Samsung Service can restore your IMEI if this ("Phone EFS Clear") happens to be Selected.

11) Now that you've Double Checked Everything put Down your Device, Press "Start" and Read the Next Step.

12) When your device completes the procedure above, wait for it to load the 2nd Boot Logo (Usually Animated).

Note that the device may load automatically under recovery to Access, Install and Configure CSC.

If it doesn't then: once the 2nd Logo Starts, count to 3, remove your Battery and Boot your Device under Recovery (Not CWM at the Moment - Reason found Bellow).

This will make sure that the CSC is Installed and Properly Configured (Except if there are any issues with your device, or if you've skipped any of the operations mentioned above).

Note: If you've Flashed Stock Firmware: Know that after you Flash Stock Firmware You lose "ClockWork Mod Recovery". Therefore you must flash it again.

So let's Flash CWM with CF-Root and Custom Kernel (ClockWork Mod Recovery; with Root Permissions and Custom Kernel).

[FLASHING CWM, CUSTOM KERNEL AND ROOT THE DEVICE] (1 File Steps)

1) Remove USB Cable; Power Off your Device and Boot into "Download Mode".

2) Connect your USB Cable, Reset Odin Settings and Under ["PDA"] Load the Following File: "PDA_BCK_CF-root_universal_beta15rc8.tar"

Thread for PDA_BCK_CF-Root_universal: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1355675

3) Put Down your Device and Press Start.

4) Once Completed you now have (A rooted Device with Custom Kernel and CWM Recovery).

Your device shall Reboot into CWM Recovery; if it doesn't Reboot it into Recovery and Perform a Factory Reset Again.

Just to clarify: By Performing this "Factory Reset" (Again) you prevent some Errors like:

- Phone Lagging (Specially While Sliding Between Application Pages)

- Getting some configs from previous flashing

Although some sort of lagging will always be present sometimes.

Remember that this is not an ICS, JB or KK Rom nor LoLaTiOn GingerBread that runs ultra fast!

Those Roms are freaking Good (besides some bugs here and there) and i could only recommend them if you use your phone in a "Always Connected to Charger" State.

i.e: your Car as a Multi Functional Stereo; Mp3 Player; GPS and Phone.

Still You will Kill for sure your Battery! (Eventually... Mine Got Fat! Too Much Fast Food (i mean Fast Roms! =) )

P.S:

No disrespect for their work wich i apreciate so much

. (I'm sure you understand what i mean)

[REMOVING BLOATWARE] [Deodexing] (

ONLY For DDLF2

)

There are some different ways to accomplish this.

I'm pointing 2 easiest ways, since i didn't get into Deodexing (for Experts) myself.

Remember: This Deodexing tutorial is only for DDLF2 ROM !!! (Wich i USe by the way)

1st Method:

Download "DeleteUnwantApp_Cwm-New.zip" copy to your SDCard and Flash Under CWM Recovery.

This will delete some pre-selected applications. Maybe the safest method for completely inexperienced people.

2nd Method:

1) Copy "Deodex_DDLF2_Cwm.zip" to your SDCard

2) Boot your Device into Recovery (You can now use CWM Application to do it)

Note: Within the application you can boot either to Recovery or Download Mode.

3) Under CWM Recovery Select: Flash ZIP from SDCard; Go to the Folder where you've previously copied "Deodex_DDLF2_Cwm.zip"

Select it and flash it.

4) After it completes the operation, reboot your device and Install "ES File Explorer". (Found on Google Play)

Note: Or just open your favourite File Explorer. Although i made this tutorial for specific applications. (Including "ES File Explorer")

Reason: The applications i mentioned don't give me issues... (Errors or Bugs), and they are extremely usefull somehow and/or fast (with the lowest resource consumption as possible).

5) On the Top Left Corner you have a "List" Button.

- Enable: "Root Explorer" and press that Label Text to pop-up some extra options.

- Select: Mount R/W

- Set "/system" as RW (After you remove undesired applications Place it back under RO)

Note:

"RW" Stands for: "Re-Writable"

"RO" Stands for: "Read Only"

6) Go back to the "List" Button and Select "Library" > "APP"

7) On the Top Click where you see "User Apps", and select: "System Apps"

8) Remove the Applications that you don't use.

Note that not everything can or shall be removed!

Some are part of the system itself.

Best thing to do is to note down the application names that you dont like.

Here's a List of some Applications you can Safely Remove:

- Google Maps;

- Talk;

- Gmail (Email Apk);

- Layar;

- Calculator;

- Samsung Apps;

- ThinkFree Office;

- *Youtube;

Note: I wouldnt remove "youtube" if you will youse it later. If you remove it and try to install Youtube from the Market (at least with DDLF2 Rom) the system will Crash on Minimize Video and Reboot.

Other Custom ROMs by some unknown reason run YouTube Perfectly.

9) Removing Several System Applications at Once:

- Press and Hold one of the Applications you want to remove (This will Enable Multiple Selection);

- Then Select the others;

- Press the Garbage Bin on the Bottom ("Uninstall")

- Confirm that you wish to Uninstall and Wait for the Application to Complete.

- Skip Errors / Force Close(s)

Note: It is possible that the device Restarts during this operation.

If so, re-check the application you want to Uninstall.

10) Once Completed Restore "/system" to Read Only ("RO").

On the Top Left Corner you have a "List" Button.

- Go to: Tools.

- You may leave Root Explorer Option Enabled if you prefer that way.

- Press "Root Explorer" Label Text to pop-up the extra options.

- Select: Mount R/W

- Set "/system" as RO

11) Done! ...or if you want to go further into perfecting...

12) The following steps are not necessary... Personally i do them anyway just to ensure the system will Work Properly without the Applications i've Removed.

- Reboot Under CWM and Perform a "Factory Reset"

- Reboot to System and Test Everything.

[PREPARING YOUR SYSTEM FOR EVERYDAY USE] + [INSTALLING RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS] + [TWEAKING THE DEVICE]

"Some Information" ("Installing Tweaking Applications")

Like mentioned before this tutorial aims for a balance between Performance and Battery Duration.

As some of you already know Gingerbread is amazing for Battery Duration, although it's not the fastest Rom and unfortunly it has also a terrible Task Manager.

Therefore i'm including some applications to tweak your device so you can achieve the balance that you can't find in any other Custom Rom.

i.e: Cyanogen based Roms who Consumes a Lot of battery.

"Applications List" ("Installing Tweaking Applications")

Im not going to talk about every single one as this tutorial aims mostly for Performance and Battery Duration.

Bellow you'll find a brief description of some things you can do with the following applications.

- "CPU Master Pro" (Not Free - Unfortunely) or Similar Application that can set CPU Frequency Profiles like (Charging; Screen Off; In Call; Low Battery and Temperature Over-Heat)

- "SGS Tools" (Mostly for advanced users) This application can Remove Boot Sounds; and fix your GPS Location so it locates faster. Has also a ".prop" Editor, and some aditional advanced features in there! Just Freaking usefull!

- "Twilight" (Screen Dimmer) (Red Light Dimmer; with Profiling Options. Very Good and Free Application)

- "Busybox" or "Busybox X" (Not 100% necessary, but Recommended. Some applications require their installation)

- "ES File Explorer" (For me the Best File Explorer. Fast; Usefull; Visually Pleaseant)

- "Task Manager" (To Improve your device Performance. Your device seems not to reboot anymore when it uses all ammout of RAM. You simply won't let it happen!)

- "Nemus Launcher" (Fast Fast Launcher! With low Resource Consuption)

- "XDA Free" (Your Favourite Forum Application! Where you can rate and thank this thread wich gave me some hours of work; post your questions (read Forum Rules 1st is Important); ask for support; make new buddies; etc...)

"Setting Up Applications"

CPU Master Pro: (Paid)

Ok this will be "al gusto" (configured the way you prefer), but i'm going to point some of my own tips.

If you want to do further research follow this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1767797

If you want to take a shotcut...

Then here's some resumed info. (So you can manage your profiles perfectly).

:["Scalings"]:

"Scalings" manage the CPU Behaviour.

Therefore they will help you get the most performance and battery duration.

There are several scalings (including custom Scalings), but i'm going to point out the one's who can really make some havoc and productive effect for the everyday user.

["Smartass v2"]: Is the balance between Battery Duration and Performance.

["Performance"]: Gets the most response as possible.

["Conservative"]: Usefull whenever you need to use your device for longer periods, and/or when you don't have a charger nearby for a long time.

"Setting up CPU Master Pro" Profiles

Open the app Go to Profiles Tab:

The Profiles bellow are the ones who can save some severe battery duration.

Set these profiles "Screen Off" and "In Call"

"Screen Off"

Min Freq: 300 Mhz

Max Freq: 300 Mhz

Scaling: "Conservative" or "Smartass v2"

Note: If you need your device to wake up faster change Max Freq. to: 600 or 800 Mhz.

Both work pretty well, they just differ on battery duration and wake up response.

"In Call"

Min. Freq.: 600 Mhz

Max. Freq.: 600 Mhz

Note: If you go Bellow 600Mhz you may end up in making a longer phone call since your device wont respont so fast. (Usually Lagging)

- Memmory Manager (JRummy) (Partially Free)

- Open the Application and set it to "Moderate" (Higher Values can Crash the System).

- Set it to "Apply on Boot"

Note: The after this i never had the "Full Ram Bug (Crash and Restart) issue anymore."

Note: This application has more usefull features although under the paid version only.

Either way you will notice a better performance just by changing to Moderate.

[OTHER] Script to Increase Battery Duration

Info: This thread bellow will something similar to the CPU Master Pro Profiles.

If you cannot find a better solution for CPU Master Pro Application, then you might want to try this. (Follow the thread link bellow)

Original Thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2371715