are they the same?

[pothole67]

Could someone tell me if the s4 mini sgh-1257m Canadian version and the s4 mini i9195 lte other countries version have the same parts? specifically the lcd and digitizer? Im looking for this item on ebay, Lots of the i9195 but very few 1257m. Thanks

 

[mdawdy]

I cannot answer the question, just note that it is I257 not 1257 ["eye", not "one"]

No one has been able to root the SGH-I257 model, so there must be some significant difference.

Mick

 

[Wm7Long]

...No one has been able to root the SGH-I257 model...

At least 1 poster at xda-developers.com has root'd his I257m, based on what he wrote:

>>>>>>>
...I am running rooted, stock touchwiz 4.4.2 with an SGH-i257m...
<<<<<<<

in this thread:
[REQUEST] Stock system/bin/bootanimation nee… | Samsung Galaxy S 4 Mini | XDA Forums

 

[mdawdy]

Unfortunately, V1cst3r has not been back here since that post. I have seen posts by one other member indicating he has a rooted SGH-i257M, but i have not seen anyone post what procedure they used. I would very much like to know.

We do have this thread by ExiLeX420 ...
[SGH-i257m][ROOT] A Newbs Guide To Rooting &… | Samsung Galaxy S 4 Mini | XDA Forums

but it is not just a root - the phone is rooted once you INSTALL CM11 (arco has it pre rooted for you) You have to install CM11 to get the root. I am wondering if there is a direct root-only procedure that these guys have used, or if they are using this one.

Mick

 

[Wm7Long]

I recall seeing posts on xda from a couple of I257 (can't recall if either had M at end) users who had obtain'd root in different ways. One used the same rootkitV1 by arco68 as I used on my 9190 model, and achieved root access but was not able to connect to his carrier's network! The other used an online method from a Chinese website known to plant spyware! Sort of makes the pre-rooted CM11 seem like a good choice, maybe even more desirable in a few months when Lollipop 5.0 can be had on S4 Mini via this route. It's doubtful that any official Lollipop will become available for our device. However, devs are already having success porting an early AOSP version of 5.0 to the 9195 (LTE) model as well as the 9190 that I have - very exciting!

 

[mdawdy]

I have seen those xda threads also. Haven't seen anything reliable enough for me to take the risk. Once my warranty is up in December i may try the one by ExiLeX420. But he was on 4.2, and i am now on 4.4.2, and will probably be on 4.4.3 by then. I do not know if that will be significant.

Mick