Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

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So I've ditched the privacy foil - while it darkens the screen on the sides, it also dampens the colors and brightness. But it does offer good protection - my phone fell one time when I put it on the table and didn't look, and there wasn't enough space, and it fell on the screen, that's somewhat close to where the pant belt is, and nothing broke, so the TPU foils (more expensive ones at least) do offer good fall protection. It was somewhat tricky with fingerprints so I reapplied it since it used electrostatic instead of adhesive and it worked normally after that.

I got this one instead:
https://olx.ba/artikal/42037503

It adheres.
To apply this, use the wet wipes and dry it off (like any other screen protector), and if your TPU foil didn't arrive with a tool for straightening and taking out the bubbles, use a credit card.

Now my advice for bubbles: once you've used the straightening tool or credit card and no more bubbles can be removed, press hard with your finger where the bubble is for around 10 seconds to remove it. Repeat for every bubble.
They will reappear, so repeat for every one that reappears. They will reappear slower as you do this, and eventually stop reappearing. That's the way I used with this new Caisles Bull TPU screen protector (it has an adhesive I think) and removed every single bubble after about 10 minutes of doing this.

And the fingerprint sensor works without issues, though you do have to re-add them after applying a screen protector.

    There's another useful program for rooted users: VPN Hotspot.

    https://github.com/Mygod/VPNHotspot/releases

    This allows you to create 3 hotspots (all with an ability to share your VPN through your hotspot if there are problems): WiFi repeater (share/extend your WiFi network through your hotspot, useful for old devices to extend your existing WiFi network), temporary hotspot and normal hotspot. It successfully triggers on with 6 GHz mode on my S21U, and can share both 2.4 and 5 at the same time, though I cannot confirm 6 is working.

    Also supports USB tethering, bluetooth tethering and ethernet tethering.

    Plus has a DHCP workaround if your devices are having issues getting an IP address.

      So I've tried multiuser mode in Firefds kit. It allows 0-10 users.

      This adds a new option in Settings -> Accounts and backup. It's called Users, and it allows you to add Guests and Users.

      It works.

      To switch back, simply reboot or pull down the notification bar all the way down, and you'll find a yellow icon with a silhouette of a human head which allows you to switch users. If there's no icon, reboot and it will appear.

      Works flawlessly.

      It also allows restricting guests from phone calls and deleting guest apps and data upon exit.

        For those rooted with Magisk on stock OneUI: install LSPosed and search for Firefds kit in LSPosed.

        It supports various Android versions, including 14.

        Not all options work on S21 Ultra, and some options require reboot, but most work, and most don't require reboot. Also disable API call protection in LSPosed.

        What this allows you is to customize your OneUI, such as adding seconds to the clock, showing date and month in status bar, advanced reboot menu, disable confirmation when rebooting, hide persistent charging notification and adding multiuser support.

        There was no bootloop for me.

        This is for all Samsung OneUI stock ROMs, not only S21 Ultra. And not only Android 14, but all through 9 to 14.

        And you can save and restore backups. They are located in internal storage/Android/data/sb.firefds.u.firefdskit/files/FirefdsKitBackup

          My S21U refuses to activate hotspot in 6 GHZ mode. 2.4 and 5 work, but when 6 is selected it simply refuses to turn on, like it doesn't support it. Or if it's on and I switch, it turns off and stays off.

          Any advices here?

            vjx012, 03 Apr 2024For those wondering about the shitty implementation of Lift... moreThere's another app: KinScreen.

            This allows only tilt by degrees, and not motion sensor to turn it on. Or by uncovering the proximity sensor (with option not to use it if screen off for more than 60 minutes by default or if tilt is less than 10 degreea), for example if it's in your pocket and you take it out.

            https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teqtic.kinscreen

            Fine-tuning the angle and all that requires a one-time payment of $4.96. Default is 45. But it too turns the screen on quickly.

            And you can set a time limit to save battery - by default, it turns itself off if screen off for more than 10 minutes. Also can set not to turn the screen on before 10 seconds have elapsed by default in case you turn it off and immediately want to put it in your pocket.

            No need for payment unless you want a slighter tilt or less/more time screen off before it's off.

            It also supports screen on constantly if tilted between 45 and 90 degrees by default. Or when using certain apps. And can turn the screen off 10 seconds after tilt below 45 by default.

            It's the most comprehensive screen control app available.

              For those wondering about the shitty implementation of Lift to Wake (it turns on far too slowly) there is a fix: download a free app from the Play Store called Pick to Wake.

              https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.growtons.pick2wake

              This app allows you to set sensitivity. So you set it to high, and it will start to turn screen on earlier, with the result that the screen is on much sooner. This will make slight bumps turn the screen on, but since a much slighter tilt will wake up the screen, it will start to turn on earlier than stock, with the result that, when you bring your phone to a 90 degree tilt (relatively speaking) relative to your eyes, it's already on.

              It's also easier and faster to disable Lift to Wake in the app than to slog through settings to turn it off.

              It can also detect low battery and turn itself off when battery is low. And has a widget and notification that instantly turns off your screen and disables fingerprint once tapped (like Lockdown mode; you have to watch an ad for this, but only once, and after that it's on forever).

              Turn off Samsung's Lift to Wake beforehand if deciding to use this.

                For those wondering how to increase volume steps (especially important if you have a high-powered DAC/AMP like Shanling UA3 or iFi GO Bar instead of just a connector to 3.5): install Sound Assistant from Galaxy Store.

                Magisk module won't work. You need the app. But no need to reboot.

                Install, open it, and under Change step volume increase or decrease the steps, the lower value means more steps.

                One word of caution: once you trigger Knox there is no OTA. KnoxPatch can restore Knox features like Secure Folder but not OTA.

                For that, you have Frija. Download it, enter your model (without /DS if you have the dual-sim model), your CSC (country specific code) and S/N or IMEI (dial *#06# to get IMEI and S/N) and you'll find the latest official firmware. It will download and decrypt it. Extract the archive and flash it with Odin. BL_ for BL, AP_ for AP and so on.

                You'll find two CSC files: CSC_ and HOME_CSC_. Put either into Odin's CSC slot. But know this: CSC_ wipes your data, while HOME_CSC_ does an upgrade without wiping data.

                You can use Frija + Odin to download latest firmware for any supported country. Google online for which country is CSC code. This way, you can force a newer firmware if your bootloader is locked and you haven't received an OTA notification. Since this is official firmware, this should not trigger Knox and can be flashed without unlocking the bootloader (or OEM unlocking). This is the way you can restore a bricked device too, and how service centers fix software-bricked phones.

                But I digress. UHQ +ViPER4Android + JamesDSP + jetAudio gives amazing audio systemwide and that's why I need root. Shamiko for banking apps and PlayIntegrityFix for contactless payments and passing Google Integrity (aka SafetyNet, which is being phased out). The only integrity test you won't pass is MEETS_STRONG_INTEGRITY but don't need that to add cards for contactless payments - this will be triggered by an unlocked bootloader (among other things) so can't pass that.

                  Sam799, 01 Apr 2024You're welcome! The pre installed screen protectors ca... moreOkay thanks, but I'm interested in film/foil screen protectors rather than glass because they don't break when dropped on screen. They are not plastic, but more durable material (I forgot which). I'd rather buy local where I'm not sure there is Whitestone, it arrives in 24 hours, less risk of glass breakage during transport, plus foil doesn't break and can cover the whole screen without that ugly cutout if it falls. I'm not in the habit of dropping my phone but would hate to pay 20-30 USD every time I drop it on my screen. I have a good experience with Bull Explosion Proof foil on my S10+, screen didn't break after a knee-high fall, no bubbles and fingerprint worked.

                  This is the foil on a local site I'm talking about (I'm interested in privacy version that darkens the screen):
                  https://olx.ba/artikal/50666642

                  So what is their drop resistance? Yes it's worse, but is it good enough?

                  About cases, I recommend looking for armor/hybrid cases that combine hard rubber with hard plastic. Had that kind on my S10+, dropped about 6 times from knee or more height on hard floor and back didn't break. The only more durable ones are those that screw on and come with glass in front but they make the phone bulky and durable.

                  This is the exact one I have on my S21U. I refuse to use a phone without this kinda case in case I drop it and the back glass breaks:
                  https://olx.ba/artikal/35379382

                  I can really vouch for these kinda cases about resistance from drops with 3 phones that had I had with them.

                  Here's the same type on eBay:
                  https://www.ebay.com/itm/385423445043

                    vjx012, 01 Apr 2024Okay, thanks. How good is the preinstalled screen protec... moreYou're welcome! The pre installed screen protectors can't be trusted to falls as it can only protect the screen from minor scratches. So if you want some solid screen protection you can go with UV glass protectors as they're more reliable especially whitestone dome.

                      Sam799, 01 Apr 2024You need to remove the pre installed screen protector first.Okay, thanks.

                      How good is the preinstalled screen protector? I'd rather keep it until scratches or something since it has no air pockets and all that. Does it offer good protection against falls compared to good aftermarket film/foil screen protectors?

                        vjx012, 31 Mar 2024I've brought a brand-new S21 Ultra, 512 GB version wit... moreYou need to remove the pre installed screen protector first.

                          I've brought a brand-new S21 Ultra, 512 GB version with 16 GB of RAM for 450 USD. Still had foils on it, back and sides.

                          Needed 512 because no SD slot. And with Shanling UA3 I can use 3.5mm headphones.

                          My question is this: can I apply another screen protector (a high-quality privacy screen protector that darkens the screen on the sides, it's a foil/film type, not glass) while the factory-bundled screen protector is still applied? Or do I have to take off the bundled screen protector beforehand?

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                            • Aszi
                            • xjH
                            • 31 Mar 2024

                            Aszi, 30 Mar 2024Sometimes, the photos took on the main cam is blurred. Even... moreMy bad hahaha. Not good to cover the laser. You cant use the macro shot.
                            2nd option i did was i installed the camera assistant. I turned on the 'prioritize focus over speed'. Now, there's no blurred shots anymore :)

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                              • Aszi
                              • xjH
                              • 30 Mar 2024

                              Sometimes, the photos took on the main cam is blurred. Even at daylight. At last, I know what to do. I put a cover/sticker on the laser part. And viola! The photos are always on focus and with much better sharpness.

                                OneUI 6.1 will bring advanced battery protection features to S21U. It's still installed in 6.0, only it's hidden. The feature was included with Android 14.

                                Here's how to activate it: https://techtrickz.com/mobile/enable-samsung-one-ui-6-1-battery-protection-on-galaxy-phone/

                                Basically, install Activity Launcher from Play Store, search for battery pro, tap Device Care, and the only activity will be Battery protection. Tap it to open it. Then you can enable and choose options, including Adaptive, which keeps the battery at 80% until you wake up. You can even make a shortcut for it on the home screen.

                                  Geometry dash 2.2 , 28 Mar 2024Does it support android 15?Android 15 will be the last update for this phone since it was launched with Android 11 & according to the 4 years of update policy 15 would be the last with one additional year of security update.

                                    Jeeei, 22 Mar 2024Why? Is it bad? Probably because this phone is a few years old at this point. But in my opinion the S21U is still a good buy.

                                      Geometry dash 2.2 , 28 Mar 2024Does it support android 15?It has two more updates left I believe (1 OS, 1 security)

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                                        • Geometry dash 2.2
                                        • Kec
                                        • 28 Mar 2024

                                        Does it support android 15?