Questions about firmwares

[KaosStorm]

Phones bought from specific carriers have specific firmwares attached to them, but most of the time they come with the earliest version and carriers (the lame ones, at least) never update to the most recent one.

What exactly do you lose if you try to flash an open firmware into these type of phones? Sim-locked? Bricked? I've been wondering this for quite some time and haven't been able to find a direct answer to it.

 

[AlkiDweller]

The object is to not lose anything and gain something and more often than not, that's exactly what happens. Bricking your phone usually only happens when you don't follow instructions, but often that's recoverable.

The problem is when the person that's writing the instructions isn't making their profession writing instructions.

 

[KaosStorm]

So, by exchanging firmwares you don't really lose any compatibility you have with your carrier?

 

[Crashdamage]

So, by exchanging firmwares you don't really lose any compatibility you have with your carrier?

Yes, you can. You must install firmware intended for your phone and carrier.

Linux user #266351. Android since v1.0

 

[!on]

Might be an idea to get it unlocked first, then look into flashing an un-branded firmware. I don't think flashing a firmware will unlock it.

You could go the custom firmware route, this is good if there are no more updates for your device. You probably need to root first as some of these custom roms have things that require it. Have a look in the sub-forums specific to your phone model re: rooting & custom roms. They're not all compatible & most are a work in progress, however, devs keep working on them & you can keep checking up on their progress as the bugs get ironed out*.


* Yes, some may have bugs. This usually applies to the latest custom roms being ported over to older phones. The devs update them frequently (nightly builds, etc..), the earliest of which are for the nerdy & impatient . These people provide feedback about bugs & the rom builds get better.

IMO it's probably best to sit back & read the threads, watch the development until such a time you can't hold back any longer!