yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] klau1:
Can someone elaborate how Android is being locked down?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
Well to start, all of our fastboot commands are removed. So without those... Yeah.. options are slim to none.. at least until an eng boot is released. Keep waiting guys. ZERO developments and I believe we are down to ONE developer now...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] croat.hvar:
I just got my Galaxy S9+ from ATT. Before it upgraded to the latest Oreo version, it had an option to Unlock boot-loader within the developer options. I am pretty sure that previous version can be a baseline for unlocking boot-loader. Did anyone explore this option?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] sicfast:
My droid turbo 2 had that option, but it never actually unlocked the bootloader. I'm not sure why it's even there.

Sent from my stupid Note8
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
No. Fastboot commandS are STILL stripped... WAIT FOR THE ENG BOOT YO BE RELEASED! ITS THE ONLY WAY! NO OTHER WAY WILL WORK. HELL, WE MAY NEVER EVEN SEE THE ENG BOOT. ROOT IS ***NOT*** RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER GUYS/GALS. WE ARE EXACTLY WERE WE WHERE DAY ONE OF THE S9 RELEASE. NOWHERE. WITHOUT. THE. ENG. BOOT.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] croat.hvar:
It's sounds like I should return this phone while i still can. I can't stand this Samsung Crapwear. My Essential phone is light years ahead of this junk. The only thing I love about Galaxy S9+ is the hardware design.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] x31234:
if I am understanding this thread correctly, there is no root option for anyone on verizon, att or tmobile right now?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] nrage23:
I have both phones as well. Nothing about the Essential is light years better than the S9+. The Essential is a cool phone and basically stock android. The S9+ has better hardware, better build quality and a way better camera. If you have to have root then the PH-1 is the obvious choice. Thanks to substratum support to get a full black theme I do not need root so I much prefer the S9+.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] force70:
Lol are you really surprised?

sent from my S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Scott:
Actually the Fastboot commands are NOT removed! They were never included in the first place because Samsung does not use Fastboot! They use "download mode" instead of the fastboot mode.

You have never been able to issue commands in the Download mode so nothing has changed there over any previous Samsung phone.

There is at least one engineering boot loader on the forum already. Does anyone know if this has been looked into?

Also, I don't buy for 1 minute that without an ENG boot that you cannot root this phone. A proof of concept was done by a security engineering firm on a completely stock and locked Pixel 2 XL and they rooted it like it was nothing.

EDIT: Here is the white paper: https://conference.hitb.org/hitbsec...id 8 with a Kernel Space Mirroring Attack.pdf

Here is the video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=2zGTEv-iUOY
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] storm68:
Just curious if the LAF way has been looked into....
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] croat.hvar:
If by a pile of crap features in samsung camera you call better then you are insane. Yes the phone looks visually better but the software is horrible. I used essential with google modded camera and photo quality provided is beyond superior to this crap. Essential camera is able to produce better portrait pics and auto mode is way more superior. All the other stuff like animojies is horrific. I took several pics with multiple people in a frame and the phone kept on focusing on the background. In portrait mode the faces get all smudged and background blur looks like it was done by a beginner in Photoshop.

This phone needs a vanilla Google android and a Google camera mods. The rest is pile of crap that I all successfully either deleted on my phone or had uninstalled.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Wesker888:
The only thing I want from rooting is to correct the PS3 controller button mapping, I use usb otg to connect my ps3 controller and my s9plus recognizes it and it works, but the problem is the buttons are all messed up, triangle swapped with circle and square swapped with cross.

I can get an app to remap button but that requires root, or I can modify a file named vendor_054c_product_0268.kl, but that require root.

Whoever wrote the firmware to add the Ps3 controller support messed up the keys, but I guess there are not enough gamepad users to have an impact on the developer to roll out a firmware update to correct the problem. Or is there any other way I can correct the button mapping without root?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] nrage23:
You obviously have no objectivity so I will leave this alone.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Kcrick:
Willing to help any way I can to obtain root. I have the s9+ on Xfinity Mobile
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
No need to post the same in multiple threads... If you want to help, start reading and researching yourself. Don't ask HOW you can help, if you have NO experience. Rooting this beast is NOT a walk in the park. Don't even believe we are 5% of the way there yet.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] HACK3DANDR0ID:
ENG BOOT is available in this section of the forum....LINK : https://xdaforums.com/galaxy-s9-plus/how-to/sm-g965u-sm-g965u1-eng-boot-files-t3765767
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Chibisuke1219:
And word on the rooting process I understand that we have a eng boot but it seems that ppl are having issues with it so I just wanted an update on what's going on is there still anyone working on it?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] force70:
You could maybe read the thread linked above your post.

sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
Because almost every other day it's asked where the status of Root is. If anything changes it will be posted here first. No need to ask every other day. Especially if you're a newbie without any coding skills just waiting for it to be released. You could see it as being rude, I see it as being direct.

Asking for root here, is equivalent to asking yourself when you're going to find that next $5 bill laying on the ground.... Could be today, next week, or never. Asking will not make it come faster.

With that said, once root is released. You will most definitely know and it will be posted everywhere.

And if you've been on XDA for a while, you know to NEVER ask for an ETA.

ONE GUY is working on it. ONE.

TLDR: Root is a long ways away. Want to help ? Research Android coding, Linux, Samsung's new file system, what each partition does, be familiar with adb, how to use Odin, repack your own firmwares without error, etc.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
And YOU CAN talk about root... I've seen ZERO tips or what others have tried/achieved. ONLY SEE "when's root coming?".... That's the problem mate... ABOSOLUTELY ZERO HELP from this community. If one person should be complaining about it, it should be me. Not you guys, who are waiting for root, not trying anything, just asking WHENS IT COMING.

I've been working on this with others, they left. Now it's just me. ?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Scott:
Do you have any sort of strategy on rooting? I'm curious as to what you have done so far?

Have you looked at any of the March CVE's to see if they are still a possible vector because our phone does not have that patch?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
Still in the process. I work on it maybe 6 hours a week.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Scott:
Ok, I will be honest with you... I dont know alot about programming, Im just a ROM and Kernel dev. I honestly dont know enough about the specifics he is showing in the technical document. However, I didint know how to make an Android ROM about x number years ago so... Anything is possible. The exploit was fixed in the March security patch. Our security is only Feb I think. I know its not March...

This video is proof it can be done....

[youtube]2zGTEv-iUOY[/youtube]

And here is how he did it:

Mirror Mirror: Rooting Android 8 with a

Kernel Space Mirroring Attack

Now, if we want to get serious about root... This is where I think we should start.

I wish [MENTION=2376614]jcase[/MENTION] was around so he could maybe give us a clue where to begin in something like this. Like a tool kit for newbs to get started. Or maybe do it for us 'cause the guy is just bad ass all around.

EDIT: Also, here are the CVE's specifically affected: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2018-03-01

As you can see this media framework but is listed as Critical and it affects a lot of phones. I do think this is an entry point. I just no skills to enter at this time.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] jcase:
Currently working 40+ hr a week, and running a moderate sized Apiary every spare minute. Perhaps come winter when it isn't bee season I will poke phones again.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] woodman:
Thread cleaned

Several points, please:

- don't ask for ETAs because it is considered disrespectful, devs are providing work for free here on XDA, on their free time

- don't push the devs and respect them, they will release something when done, no need to ask for it, they will post updates if it comes

- for those who are unhappy, you can learn Android, development, coding and rooting process yourself and help by contributing for real here

- stay on topic as much as possible

Please read and follow the XDA forum rules, here: https://xdaforums.com/announcement.php?a=81

Thank you

Wood Man

Senior Moderator
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] storm68:
I know that over at the v20 thread there's a guy named [MENTION=1089164]running[/MENTION]naked that has been doing stuff being they are in same boat. Maybe he can give a few pointers.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Scott:
I'm already talking to him in the Pixel 2 XL root thread.

His tools and methods are unique to LG. They would not be of value in this situation.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] storm68:
This..............

https://xdaforums.com/android/software-hacking/root-recovery-root-device-magisk-t3779454
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Scott:
It requires the ability to write to the device which we do not have.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] R0YB0Y:
Any Updated News on Root For SnapDragon S9/S9+ ??

Just Hoping Anyone Has Any News or Progress About Root Coming To SnapDragon Variant of The S9 or S9+ Thanks!! :confused:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
This.......

Man when will people learn? We didn't just start doing this yesterday. We've tried all the obvious stuff. Even the stuff that won't even work.

Leave the work to us guys. Yes, we hear about all the latest vulnerabilities, exploits etc etc... No need to post it here, like we haven't ever heard about it already.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
No. We. Don't.

NEVER ASK FOR ETA!!!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Scott:
Honestly, its perfectly fine when people try to help or make recommendations.

We have a line of site on a possible root / bootloader unlock for the Pixel 2 XL by using another devlopers tools, LG LAF. To be honest I am trying facilitate the exchange of partition data between the tool developer and the guys that have the randomly unlocked devices.

Now to the relevant part...

Interesting enough, I never heard of this LG LAF tool until someone posted it in the P2XL thread. We now have a glimmer of hope again with the P2XL.

So someone may point out useless tools or methods already tried but it only takes one single post to ignite something larger. Its always better to say "Yes, we have tried that" then to scorn someone who has perfectly good intentions.

But anyway... That's how I feel about it. As long as someone is not being derogatory, then it cannot hurt to post.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] storm68:
Thank you, well said. That post above you is seriously unnecessary. I'll dig some more but I honestly won't post to try and help anymore. I'll just do it for me. Thanks for the words though. Very much appreciated. Take care.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] HACK3DANDR0ID:
I attempted to file an insurance claim through Assurant (TMO insurance co.) because my S9+ feel out of my hoody and smashed the back of the device. They would not process my claim after a week, that i filed, so TMO is honoring the claim and i'm waiting on the replacement as we speak.

Is there anything you guys want me to try, that may or may not brick the broken device, before i send it back. The are considering it a warranty replacement, so if there is anything you guys want me to test before the broken device has to be sent back within 7 days....

By the way, i'm on BL version 2 with a SM-G965U.... I'm sure the new device will be on BL 1 and i dont mind testing on that either beings it will be on BL version 1....
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] R0YB0Y:
I Respect Ya Work Senior But Come on now

I Love When You Guys Get All Insulted like the shi@ your Doing is legit in the first place.

What does asking for the eta matter really?

Forum is Great and i have alot of respect for this forum but dont let your status get to your head. Where talking bout rooting a s9+ not Bank Robbin.. :silly:

But Hey Thanks For Your Reply ..It Answered My Quesiton
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] ahrion:
This thread has already been warned. Please don't ruin it for everyone.

Drop the topic.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lightninbug:
Mods, just lock this thread please. ✌️
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion] woodman:
Thread closed at OP's request.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
Anyone else notice blacks don't blend properly? I first noticed it with the gradient in the infinity wallpaper. It persists in movies too. The blacks don't blend and look pixelated. I've contacted Samsung support by email.View attachment 4451283View attachment 4451284View attachment 4451285View attachment 4451286View attachment 4451287View attachment 4451288View attachment 4451289View attachment 4451290
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Nine9•:
I saw same issue with my s9+ us unlocked. Its totally unacceptable....
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Devhux:
Saw a thread on Android Central with quite a few people commenting about it (not sure if I'm allowed to link to a separate forum).
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] psouza4:
What resolution are you running at? I changed from the default to max resolution and no issues here.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] GibMcFragger:
Are you running at the lower resolution? If so, that may be why. Displays never look good at anything other then their default resolution, in this case WQHD+. That would explain the gradient issues you are seeing.

I have watched several videos on mine so far, and blacks, etc look great. No gradient or banding issues.

In fact, this display is much better than my Note 8. The color is more accurate, and there is no pink tinge at the top and bottom edges. There is also far less color shift when viewing at an angle.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
Full resolution. WQHD+.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
PM please. I'd like to check that discussion out to.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
So today then...

Went down to my local Samsung Experience store, everything went fine in there. The rep took my phone out back and came back acknowledging a fault. She then explained that as its the S9+ Hybrid, they can't exchange in store. This can only be done by contacting customer services. The rep plugged the phone in to their system, ran diagnostics and created a support ticket for me to reference when calling.

So I dialled the UK based customer services. Explained the whole thing to them. They had issues pulling up the support ticket however took my details and went through the process, had been on the phone a good 20 minutes now already. The guy then told me I had to be put through to the online shop which is based in Manilla. Took about 5 minutes to get put through. The line was terrible, and it was a struggle communicating. Had to go through the whole lot again, another 15-20 minutes to be then told I had to be put through to their technical support! So I get put on hold and then...

*hung up tone* line went silent.

I was fuming. So had to start over. Back on to the UK number, quickly rushed through the whole thing again. She said that she would speak to Manilla herself first to explain, as for an exchange, I shouldn't be getting put through to technical support. Another 5 minutes of waiting for Manilla to pick up and I'm through again. Once again, rattled through the whole issue. End result:

I have to send back my device, which can take 3-5 working days to arrive. They then have to assess the device which will take another 3-5 days before they will send out the replacement.

I was not happy about this, as I've sent my old phone off to them as part of the pre-order deal already and I'll be without a phone for the duration. I also questioned why it has to be assessed when it's already been assessed in store. She just kept repeating the "procedure" over and over. I was getting frustrated and asked to speak to a manager as I felt that it was poor customer service. A manager came on but he repeated the same. They couldn't even explain to me, why I couldn't walk in to a Samsung store and get an exchange there and then. There was zero sympathy for a customer who'd spent nearly a grand on a phone, been a Samsung customer for years.

I've little choice now. I'm just annoyed that a huge company like Samsung won't go that extra mile for a customer. My phone is my business phone as well, I can't afford to be without it for up to 14 days. Spent over an hour on call to them as well. For a simple exchange. One whole hour for them to say, "stick the return label on, take it to DPD, we'll send you a replacement in 14 days".

Have been discussing this on Android Central as well,where there is a longer discussion with a lot of people experiencing the same issue. Whats irritated me is that one person there spoke to Samsung today and they're sending him out a replacement BEFORE he has to send his faulty one back. How is it different for two customers, yet same problem!?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
This problem is called "Black Crush", and was one of the many problems I experienced with my Pixel 2 XL.

It can be fixed through software updates, and the problem is only visible at low brightness, and that's why most of the people haven't noticed it.

I will put this video for you, is about the Pixel 2 XL, but is about the same problem and also they suggest an app to minimize the issue:

[YOUTUBE]vIt363ZtWtQ[/YOUTUBE]

;)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] ben-fisher-bro:
I wouldn't bother. I can almost guarentee your new phone is going to come back and do the same, it's an issue that came about in Android 8.0. My Nexus 6P did the same after that update.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
Thanks for this. Probably the most useful information I've found on the subject. The app is a good temporary fix until Samsung get an update out. The difference is immediarely noticeable.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
I'm glad it helped, honestly, is just a matter of time for Samsung to fix this, because in theory it should be really easy to patch.

;)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] th.android:
I have the same issue (S9+ Single SIM) and actually created another thread about this a week ago.

For people saying it's an Oreo problem, well my S8 got the official Oreo update and still doesn't have this issue.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] zizo90:
Actually here in Dubai, the dual sim variant cost me around $950 thats for the 64gb, and this issue is so visible that i cant watch any movie with dark scenes.

I hate replacements as its not guaranteed to get a better display, and apart from this issue i really like the phone, so im really frustrated and dont know what to do but wait for a fix.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
Pixel 2 XL has the very exact problem, and even worse, and people are still buying it.

;)

As I pointed out, you can install the app recommended in the video and try to improve it for yourself. A replacement won't do anything because is a matter of calibration, not the display itself.

;)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] zizo90:
As I pointed out, you can install the app recommended in the video and try to improve it for yourself. A replacement won't do anything because is a matter of calibration, not the display itself.

;)[/QUOTE]

I did try the app, it kind of solves the issue at the expense of contrast, better than nothing i guess. Lets wait and see what samy does.

Its kind of weird though, because otherwise the screen is flawless in my unit atleast, for the first time i got an Amoled screen with perfect white balance uniformity.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] coolguy949:
I think I have this issue as well. Last night while in bed I was watching a TV review on rtings and noticed what I thought was extreme video compression in one of their YouTube videos showing a test pattern. But then I looked at other images on the page and saw similar artifacting, compression or banding. This is very noticeable at low brightness. Even my gradient wallpaper from Samsung themes is showing tons of pixelation when transitioning to black toward the top at brightness below 40% or so. Do you guys see issues with these links below?

https://youtu.be/wg1tWXtH1zg (lots of smearing and compression here, looks horrible)

http://i.rtings.com/images/reviews/tv/sony/x900f/x900f-uniformity-local-dimming-large.jpg (I see a gray blob instead of a faint glow around the pattern)

My S7 edge never did this in over 2 years. It had a great display. I am not sure if my S9+ display is defective or if this a software issue. It seems like software but I am going to head to best buy and see if I can replicate it on another device. I am bummed I traded in my S7 and now can never get it back if this is a dealbreaker.

Is this the same issue you are experiencing?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
This is a calibration issue, and I'm sure it will be addressed soon because many people are presenting this issue, and with many units I mean most of them.

Is only noticeable in low brightness as you pointed out, and that's why many people don't even know they have it.

I leave an image here taken from Android Central forum:

S9+ in top, S8+ in bottom.

View attachment 4452852

:highfive:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] coolguy949:
Interesting. I just tested my S9+ alongside my coworker's S9 regular and his doesn't do this at all. Gradients and blends show up great with no crushing even at low brightness. Could this be isolated to this larger panel? I'm going to head to Best Buy today and see if I can replicate on their S9+.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Chris_c81:
Definitely. I checked it against my wifes regular S9 and hers doesn't have the problem.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] renton82:
I've checked just 1 hours ago and it wasn't still available... in download now... (11000 Kb/s) :D
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
Damn, I was afraid of exactly this, that they just put a better quality wallpaper and that's all.

:crying:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Toss3:
Oh crap.. :(
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] renton82:
Obviously....