To Root or Not To Root? - Samsung Epic 4G Touch

Coming from an Evo 4G that I had rooted right after I got it... ran a ton of different ROMs and that phone seemed like it needed to be rooted to really make it run right... I'm finding that I really don't see any benefit to rooting this phone (other than free tether)...
So, am I missing something? What are these improvements in these custom ROMs that are making it worth it to root... this thing is so freakin awesome already I just can't think of anything else I need...

There are tons of perks in the custom ROMs: themes, TSM-mod, cm7, MIUI, faster lighter ROMs, debloated, Rouge recovery to name a few. If you flashed roms on the EVO im sure its just a matter of time until you dive into the ET4g dev section.

ignore this

phatmanxxl said:
There are tons of perks in the custom ROMs: themes, TSM-mod, cm7, MIUI, faster lighter ROMs, debloated, Rouge recovery to name a few. If you flashed roms on the EVO im sure its just a matter of time until you dive into the ET4g dev section.
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What's "TSM-mod" and "Rogue recovery".. Or more precisely, what are the advantages of them?
I've looked around at the Dev section but the phone's been out long enough that it's hard to find threads that actually explain what all this is.. it's just assumed that I already know...
I know, I know.. use the search fxn... you dont have to flame me... I'll find out on my own

blakjak220 said:
Yeah, I'm not saying I can deny the "flash bug" for long... but I'm so impressed with the phone as is that I'm content for now I guess...
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If your impressed now, just wait till you start flashin'.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium App

Reason to flash=MIUI.
Calkulin's rom is great for a boost of performance on a stock rom as well...

Honestly, if you're happy with the phone as is, then maybe you should just leave it as it is until something comes along that makes you change your mind. Having a stock/unrooted phone is not a sin

blakjak220 said:
What's "TSM-mod" and "Rogue recovery".. Or more precisely, what are the advantages of them?
I've looked around at the Dev section but the phone's been out long enough that it's hard to find threads that actually explain what all this is.. it's just assumed that I already know...
I know, I know.. use the search fxn... you dont have to flame me... I'll find out on my own
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Click to collapse
Tsm is like Cyanogen settings from the cm7 roms, but compatible with Samsung ROMs, Rogue recovery is clockwork recovery but redone, the options are grouped better, better theme, a lot less pain in the ass to use.
Oh yea check out qbking77's videos, he does a lot of how to's and reviews of ET4g ROMs, great stuff.

cds0699 said:
Honestly, if you're happy with the phone as is, then maybe you should just leave it as it is until something comes along that makes you change your mind. Having a stock/unrooted phone is not a sin
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I completely agree. That's what I do with my phones. It also gives you time to get really comfortable with the new device as I know quite a few things change going from an htc phone to a samsung device. I generally will use the phone as is out of the box until I find something I can't bear, don't like or if there is actually a defect of some sort in the software. At which point, I check xda and see if there are fixes for said problems. If there are fixes and you're comfortable, root it and give it a shot. I'd suggest Calkulin's as it kinda seems like the go to rom for just about everyone on here, then maybe venture into the abyss. I'd suggest staying away from modems and other mods until you understand them and are comfortable.

I agree as well, nothing wrong rocking a completely stock phone. There are times I run a stock (debloated) rom just for a change.

I'm running a rooted with no fancy rom phone here. The only reason I haven't flashed a rom yet is because my first phone had GPS problems and this one doesn't. And plus, my evo with 3.0 rom has its own issues too. So I just don't want to jinx it. My wife's phone has the GPS problem. Thinking about bringing it in to the store for a replacement.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

Root? Root... ROOT!!!!!!

phatmanxxl said:
Tsm is like Cyanogen settings from the cm7 roms, but compatible with Samsung ROMs, Rogue recovery is clockwork recovery but redone, the options are grouped better, better theme, a lot less pain in the ass to use.
Oh yea check out qbking77's videos, he does a lot of how to's and reviews of ET4g ROMs, great stuff.
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Click to collapse
Thanks man, for the info and the referral. I'm comfortable enough with rooting and tech that it's just a matter of learning the different names for things, as it all goes by something different over here.
And thanks to everyone else for their input... I think I'm just gonna run it stock until I find something I can't live with.. Because right now, I love this thing.

Ok, scratch that.. I rooted yesterday.. just couldn't help myself, I need to be able to tweak the notifications toggles...

Like a drug, its good stuff you probably don't like nascar anyways either or kies or the allinone messenger battery sucker or the.... well ya dig..?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

Mynaga said:
Like a drug, its good stuff you probably don't like nascar anyways either or kies or the allinone messenger battery sucker or the.... well ya dig..?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Click to expand...
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Dig.........

blakjak220 said:
Coming from an Evo 4G that I had rooted right after I got it... ran a ton of different ROMs and that phone seemed like it needed to be rooted to really make it run right... I'm finding that I really don't see any benefit to rooting this phone (other than free tether)...
So, am I missing something? What are these improvements in these custom ROMs that are making it worth it to root... this thing is so freakin awesome already I just can't think of anything else I need...
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Click to collapse
To be perfectly honest with you the way to go is stock rooted. None of the TW roms are really offering anything so much more exciting than stock TW. But definitely root it. On the practical side you can use the Wireless Tether app (if needed) block ads (a big thing for me) and access all files through Root Explorer. IMO those are reasons enough to root. In a nutshell, if you root your stock ROM you aren't really altering it and it is super easy to revert to non-rooted so there really is no downside as far as i can tell.

I debated the same thing... to root or not to root? I rooted and i am glad i did!

I held off for a while too but miui and the xplode roms are awesome. Just something different.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

Well I rooted and flashed Calk's ROM... within 5 minutes it was having freezes and what not so I said screw it and restored my nandroid of stock... I'll be stayin here for a while.
Edit: not saying anything bad about Calk's work... It prolly would've been resolved with a wipe and clean install and some tweaking but I'm just wanting fast stability right now and stock TW is super fast and my battery life is awesome

Related

Rooting...good idea or bad??

So im thinkin to root my phone what u guys think should I?? What are the perks of doin it as well??
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Rooting is up to u man. If u want to do it. As far asks what u get it depends on what u flash. If u just want root then u have access to your /system partition. Use apps that require root permission. With a custom recovery U can flash custom kernels for overclock and undervolt purpose. You can flash custom ROMs.
Sent From My Evo Killer!!!
I would say no right now, to be honest.
I had a ton of troubles finding the right downloads to get it rooted. In the end, I rooted and installed Starburst and wasn't really impressed; I feel like there was nothing to even be able to edit. It was like running the stock ROM with a new lockscreen.
I'd hold off until development increases on this device. I'm probably going to unroot mine.
rooting is lots of fun, IF you know what the hell you are doing, BEFORE you start the process
Most problems that people have come from NOT READING and learning about it before they do it..
Just like anything else in life, if you don't read about it, and learn about it BEFORE you decide to do it, you will have problems.
It just blows my mind how many people get a phone, and root it and start flashing stuff without having any idea what they are doing, and then freak out when some thing goes wrong, and post frantic "please help me" stuff all over the internet..
Take the time to learn about it BEFORE you do it, and ask your questions BEFORE you start messing with your phone..If you won't do that, can't do that, or aren't smart enough to understand what you are reading, then don't root; this is a fantastic phone even if you never root it..
I was pessimistic aswell and took the plunge last night. Running Starburst its not the greatest but MUCH better than stock. Battery life is ludicrous. And much more fluid and responsive... My main reason was battery life and oh boy dose it help!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
See I rooted my evo 4g and I mean I liked it for the fact that I could do hella roms and I could overclock it cuz my friends had updated newer phones and just blowing me out the water with speed so I did it it was nice now in just stuck with this one cuz im not sure if its smart right now to do ya know
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Starbust rom does not come with theme. U have to apply it urself. There are alot of themes out there. SB its main point is to save battery and it did a great job.if u like to customize, remove bloatwares or tweak ur phone, root ur phone.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
I like viperom
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You can always reverse a root. it makes your phone even more functional than it already is.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
I say follow suit and hold off until development actually hatches.
I aint rooted, and will continue to do so until AOSP.
Sent from my SPH-D710 Galaxy S II [suck it]
ipetloudog said:
I say follow suit and hold off until development actually hatches.
I aint rooted, and will continue to do so until AOSP.
Sent from my SPH-D710 Galaxy S II [suck it]
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THE root method will be the same.
Yeah, I just unrooted, actually.
I had a lot of fun going from ROM to ROM on my EVO4G, but right now there's just not enough out there for me to run away from the stock ROM. Once development really gets going, and maybe once Cyanogen hops on board with something legit, I'll root again.
..plus, I'm probably going to have to turn this phone in, so I had to unroot. I'm having this weird battery issue where it doesn't charge while the phone is on (well, it charges, but suppppppper slow and the phone gets hot as hell)
Speaking of that, if anyone reads this, any ideas on if I'll be able to get a brand new phone? I had to turn in my Evo once or twice, and they gave me a refurb both times. Screw that, I paid like $450 for this phone only 3ish weeks ago. There's no way I'll take a refurb.
Totally up to you dude. I am rooted myself and so far it's been great. Running Starburst latest ROM with OC. Great stuff so far.
saj1jr said:
Yeah, I just unrooted, actually.
I had a lot of fun going from ROM to ROM on my EVO4G, but right now there's just not enough out there for me to run away from the stock ROM. Once development really gets going, and maybe once Cyanogen hops on board with something legit, I'll root again.
..plus, I'm probably going to have to turn this phone in, so I had to unroot. I'm having this weird battery issue where it doesn't charge while the phone is on (well, it charges, but suppppppper slow and the phone gets hot as hell)
Speaking of that, if anyone reads this, any ideas on if I'll be able to get a brand new phone? I had to turn in my Evo once or twice, and they gave me a refurb both times. Screw that, I paid like $450 for this phone only 3ish weeks ago. There's no way I'll take a refurb.
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Phone is pretty new you may get lucky and there are not enough refurbs out there to give you back a new one
Shimmy808 said:
Totally up to you dude. I am rooted myself and so far it's been great. Running Starburst latest ROM with OC. Great stuff so far.
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I agree its totally up to the person but not like rooting and then unrooting is you difficult.... Hey may favorite line I have read in xda is "It aint yours till you root it" - words to live by....lol
Rooting is pretty easy on this phone, but I know there are not a lot of Devs compared to like the Evo 3d. The Devs we do have are all like pros at developing though, so they will be able to update and bring new things frequently. I rooted on Starburst's rom and I love it, because it's so Stock that it seems like its still and E4GT, but so different that I know its more smooth.
So im sewing u guys all like this starburst rom....I think I will wait lil bit longer to root when more roms comes out
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Convince me to root!

So far I have zero complaints about this phone, there are some ui things I would like fixed, and I know can be fixed via rooting, but they just don't seem to be enough to push me over the edge. I have files downloaded and ready to go, but just can't seem to take the plunge. I thought I had my first los today, but the phone recovered as soon as I was back in signal(if it hadn't that would have done it).
So why should I root?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
You can always revert back to the stock kernel if you have an issue (or have them that frequently that you can't stand it). Anybody who thinks that once you root there is no way to go back is an idiot. "lol, I got no LOS then I rooted and even though I put stock kernel back its all [email protected] lol" not true.
I got 2 LOS in the first week stock...rooted...got a bit more than usual, but nothing crazy. Flashed stock kernel back, still rooted, didn't have another for a few weeks until I flashed a new kernel...flashed back, have had none...etc etc etc, YMMV, but, umm, I don't think you have anything to be afraid of. Just know what you are doing...don't just flash stuff and figure it out later. Know why you want something and how to 'put it back'...also having/making a USB jig would be a good idea, but not necessary.
You can get them for like $3 on amazon or build one with a microUSB cable and $1 worth of stuff from radioshack.
I don't know about you but I certainly didn't get this phone to NOT mod it.
I didn't get the phone to keep it stock, not really worried about los, it recovers after flying for 2 hours with no signal, rooting shouldn't make much difference., planning on using viperom and lostkernel.
Maybe tomorrow I will root
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
flyboy1100 said:
I didn't get the phone to keep it stock, not really worried about los, it recovers after flying for 2 hours with no signal, rooting shouldn't make much difference., planning on using viperom and lostkernel.
Maybe tomorrow I will root
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I can tell you is that read the directions and understand ODIN for all of the ODIN stuff you do. That is one of the ways you can brick the fnck out of this phone...not paying attention in ODIN. Don't write a partition if you are not told to...and try to only use it to flash a kernel+CWM and flash everything else from CWM if and when possible.
If you aren't worried about LOS (and it is real and under the right circumstances it'll effect every phone...reboot...no big deal...if it is flash a pulled stock kernel) then go for it.
I haven't tried ViperROM on this phone yet, but, I can tell you from my time with the E3D that kid knows what he's doin'....I'm sure this ROM is no different and I've heard nothing but great things about the LoST kernel.
If you don't want to root, don't. Why would anyone want to pressure you?
Sent from my extra sensory space modulator while performing the slippery cricket
Tell us how it goes. You won't be disappointed.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
If U need convincing, you probably don't need it.
Sent from my Galaxy S2
Someone convince me to strangle my puppy. I love him and all and he is very well mannered but if you guys can talk me into strangling him, I will.
ravizzle said:
If U need convincing, you probably don't need it.
Sent from my Galaxy S2
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I agree. You root cause u want to. If u want someone to convince u then maybe u shouldn't.
Sent From My Evo Killer!!!
I don't understand why some people view this almost like losing their virginity, trying a drug or robbing a liquor store. It's a very well understood technical process with very specific pros and cons that are also very well understood.
Yep. First android phone for me, and I bought it with the full intention of making it MY phone. After all, they are basically an additional limb for most people, no? (I'd say if you're registered with xda that is most likely the case! ) So you might as well go balls to the walls, right? If you're not into that kind of thing, then keep it stock! This phone is AMAZING just sitting at the home screen...it looks awesome! It is a great piece of technology, with plenty of great features and capability, and will serve you very well whether its rooted or not. Good luck with whatever you do!
buggerritt said:
If you don't want to root, don't. Why would anyone want to pressure you?
Sent from my extra sensory space modulator while performing the slippery cricket
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Click to collapse
Not looking for pressure. I will probably root it tomorrow or next week
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Because all the cool kids are doing it!
I broke down and did it yesterday when someone said viper ROM solved his app freezing due to using a ton of CPU usage bug. So far, so good.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
OP if you are on EG30 baseband could you extract the modem.bin file for us so we could test it?
I would just stay stock. Honestly, no offense to the developers, but there is just nothing substantial out there. If you want a couple of different themes, you could consider rooting, but other than that every ROM I have flashed provided close to nothing really.
I mean, what? Battery percentage mod? Removed CIQ? "Speed" tweaks? A reboot option?
Nothing made this phone faster or more efficient than stock touchWiz. There is no real difference except that people like to flash, so they would flash anything.
Sorry. That's just my take on it.
Wait for MIUI or CM.
I gotta say i miss root, I was finicky on rooting my epic 4g ad once I did, oooh lord I never looked back , of course I've stumbled into troubles but following directions, I got back on track and learned a few this gs along the way, now what's stopping me on rooting the ET4G is not having the actual way to go back to full true stock,like we were able to do on the epic 4g with using Odin, giving you a factory full stock phone , or any older device, since we don't have true stock roms and kernels, unless I'm wrong g of course and I've been missing out! If so direct me!
Kikoshi said:
I gotta say i miss root, I was finicky on rooting my epic 4g ad once I did, oooh lord I never looked back , of course I've stumbled into troubles but following directions, I got back on track and learned a few this gs along the way, now what's stopping me on rooting the ET4G is not having the actual way to go back to full true stock,like we were able to do on the epic 4g with using Odin, giving you a factory full stock phone , or any older device, since we don't have true stock roms and kernels, unless I'm wrong g of course and I've been missing out! If so direct me!
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Click to collapse
We have stock roms to ODIN, but it's not factory stock. We have the factory stock kernel that was pulled from a stock phone. What we lack is an OEM RUU to make it 100%-in-every-way-stock.
That said, I have trashed my 4G and wifi somehow on multiple occasions due to rampant recklessness on my part. I just factory-wiped (apparently...I don't remember that part but I must have) and flashed the ODIN rooted stock (with stock kernel) and it fixes everything every time.
daneurysm said:
We have stock roms to ODIN, but it's not factory stock. We have the factory stock kernel that was pulled from a stock phone. What we lack is an OEM RUU to make it 100%-in-every-way-stock.
That said, I have trashed my 4G and wifi somehow on multiple occasions due to rampant recklessness on my part. I just factory-wiped (apparently...I don't remember that part but I must have) and flashed the ODIN rooted stock (with stock kernel) and it fixes everything every time.
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Click to collapse
So then you recommend rooting this early?
i rooted so i could have wifi tethering and control over CPU speeds (via setcpu) in addition, there's some neat functionality that starburst ROM allows:
- better lock screens
- motion controlled silencing of phone
- battery % viewing
some people care about the speed tweaks (i haven't noticed any speed increase) and ciq (i don't really care for this), but there are several reasons to root. that being said, if you don't need the additional functionality of the phone, then preserve your phone's warranty!
Yea I'd say stay stock in terms of the ROM and kernel, but hell yea why not root? Right now I'm running stock kernel with CWM (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1305099) and the stock ROM with root and busybox (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1282415) and I love it. I was running Midnight ROM but I went back to stock to see if that helped the LoS issues at all. If you're like me and really just want control over the hotspot feature and CPU underclocking (things of that nature) then def go stock rooted fo shoski.

Reasons to root?

I have never rooted a phone before(well technically I rooted an HTC Inspire, which I was asked to do, but I did nothing on it involving the Root). What are some reasons I should root, and can anything go wrong during the root process? Just putting this out there, I will not be flashing any ROMs, as I know there is a chance that the device can be bricked While flashing if something goes wrong, and I do not have a spare phone to go back to if something does go wrong.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
If your not going to use customs ROMs having root access will allow you to delete any app you desire including all the preloaded sprint ones. You will also be able to download and use any apps that require root for enhanced functionality. Beyond that, there's not a whole lot of difference you'll see.
In the early days, people would do root only to adjust memory values on phones like the g1 and hero. There were a lot of settings you could tweak on a stock phone to make it better with the addition of root. Now with today's technology and phones like the E4GT, alot of those tweaks are unnecessary. The ones that are helpful are lower level and best done by a ROM dev or someone who knows what they are changing. Custom ROMs will have these included usually.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Removing bloatware that wastes ram and flash storage space, certain apps are smoother (tasker, some launchers, and custom lockscreens for example), ability to block ads, better backup capabilities, ability to underclock the cpu for those times you need to squeeze extra battery life out, and so on.
If none of this sounds important, then don't root. It can be a little bit of a puzzle getting back to stock sometimes, but it is extremely extremely hard to do something to your phone that is not reversible at this point. Note this statement is not true for all phones, especially newly released phones. But it is true for the epic touch.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Yeah.. I second what the guy above said..lol.
Wasup King..
I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck
playya said:
I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck
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Click to collapse
The truth can sometimes be cruel..lol. +1 to Playa..
The best thing about rooting for me is adblocking, I cant believe how many apps and things are bundled with intrusive ads.
Indrid Cole said:
The truth can sometimes be cruel..lol. +1 to Playa..
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Just trying to keep it real up in herrrrre! Ya Ya!
someguyatx said:
The best thing about rooting for me is adblocking, I cant believe how many apps and things are bundled with intrusive ads.
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Click to collapse
Just another app that root brings to the table:
Roam control lets you force into roam when you are stuck with one bar on Sprint.
Godsend for me!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
playya said:
I third the guy above the guy above me and second the guy above him... My thoughts are if you have to make a thread asking others should I root when the basic community offers all the info on the profit or lost of rooting then I say leave your phone alone.
Do yourself a favor and get an extended battery and download foxfi and you will be just fine. Most of us... ok all of us in here are flash-a-holics and can't help ourselves that's why we do it... Do some reading in here take a look at rom pics and see if you really really really like something...
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
EggosEvo said:
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
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Click to collapse
The brick usually come from flashing to gb from ics using ics repacked kernels. There is always some risk/chance of brick from a bad flash, but El26 with cwm is fairly safe and the last kernel to have offical cwm. That is the only kernel i will use to flash anythin. I flash new roms every week. I have flashed to and from ics with no issues.
Sent on HyDrA using Tapatalk 2
EggosEvo said:
I have seen several ROMs I love the look of, including AOKP, CM9, and Caulkin's ROMs. My only issue with ROMs is the fact that things can go wrong with flashing, and they can brick the device. And from what ive heard, there is an increased chance of bricking when flashing an ICS ROM while on GB. I have no backup device to go to if something like that does happen, so thats why Im staying away from flashing for now.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend you have been misinformed.... There is a risk in everything we do so like I said if worried don't do it. If you take some more time and read you will see that the tar files are pretty brick proof and problems have occurred when flashing roms on ICS and using an ICS recovery. Most developers have stopped using CWM in ICS roms.
Clearly you need to do a lil more reading if you want to root but like suggested just relax and wait for the OTA and you will be OK.... One more thing all instructions say to flashEL26 kernel which is GB to flash anything ICS..... so flashing ICS rom while on GB is wrong
EggosEvo said:
I have never rooted a phone before(well technically I rooted an HTC Inspire, which I was asked to do, but I did nothing on it involving the Root). What are some reasons I should root, and can anything go wrong during the root process? Just putting this out there, I will not be flashing any ROMs, as I know there is a chance that the device can be bricked While flashing if something goes wrong, and I do not have a spare phone to go back to if something does go wrong.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
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Click to collapse
1. Titanium Backup: remove those pesky system apps that Sprint really thinks you need.
2. File explorers: Being able to modify system folders to change things like the boot animation, etc.
3. Ad blocking: The ability to block ads (moral issues notwithstanding... but some apps have no paid version to get rid of the ads.)
4. Once you've rooted, it's just the beginning. You may change your mind about flashing and rooting your phone is the first step in learning more about your phone and the AndroidOS in general.
I have not seem anyone mention that it's also about the about the damn principal of the matter... why shouldn't you have root access for a device you bought? Also if you ODIN back to EL26 to flash, carefully read all instructions posted with the rom, and wait a day or two after the release and check the comments to make sure there hasn't been some sort of inexplicable rash of bricks thanks to the rom you won't have any problems to speak of... other than not being able to fathom how much better something like AOKP is than stock touchwiz gingerbread
Thanks to everyone. I've decided that I will root when the official ICS launches for my phone.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Personally, I root to follow fledging developers open their ROMs. It is exhilarating to see the new stuff that people come up with and the creativity that ensues because of it.
Also enhancing my phone experience with free hotspot access and customization doesn't help. However if none of these interesting you I wouldn't recommend it.
Reason to root
I root because it can be done. It's that simple. To me, it feels like regardless of the magnitude of what you can or cannot do while rooted, or how easy or difficult it may be to root your phone, a skilled user should have access to everthing your phone is capable of.
Plus, I feel like I'm "sticking it to the man", which is an added bonus!
My main reason for rooting was to remove the bundled software that comes with the phone. But I love that fact that I don't have any ads either! If u decide to root, download AdFree from the market & u'll realize just how many "free" apps use adware

Any stable ROMs to upgrade to?

Hey everyone,
I've been doing lots of ROM homework since the ICS update popped up on my stock but rooted 2.3.6 on tmo. Anyway I decided to freeze that device updater and pick a rom since it sounds like so many people were having issues with stock ICS. However, all the other ICS roms that have come out seem to be lacking functionality with bugs and other problems. Do these really hinder? For instance, I've been eyeing Darkside evo 3 since it seems the best but it sounds like everyone still has app hangs. AOKP has random reboots and call echo, no video cam various other roms have a mixture of those problems. If everyone is reporting problems, I ask myself "What can those ICS roms do that my GB can't that makes it worth it?" Or on the other hand, is the vast majority happy and don't bother to post their happiness and I only hear of the problems which are minority?
I ask because I get really frustrated if things don't work, especially when they did before. I get about 2 days of battery life now anyway and if I can't extend, I don't see much point. If darkside is legit, or another ics rom, should I go ahead and flash v7 or wait till v8? Also, I'm leaving the country on the 7th for a few months so I'd like something stable before then, especially when my phone is practically going to be my mobile computer.
It's really up to u what u would like... Me personally want to try them all that's way I can make my own decision... For example I was running eaglesblood and went to darkside eco. Then came the Ics update which took my root. Rerooted and flashed juggernaut which by the way is a beast. But since I not one to sit back and just settle, I jumped on infamous... There's a lot to learn from each ROM but if u want the tools are there. Don't settle. Always something is getting fixed or updated but whatever u do thank the devs... Without them we wouldn't have any of this happening.
As I said juggernaut is a beast in it's own right, I never had any issues with it. But once I flashed infamous I was super impressed of how fast all worked. Nothing has yet to f/c or give me any issues. The key to doing this is just follow instructions to a T. That's my best advice. Im new to this too but every dev def does their best to answer question as fast as they can.
Darkside 3v7 with venom kernel has been as stable as can be for me.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
If you don't wish to tolerate any issues then i would stick with stock. The name of the site is xda-DEVELOPERS.
infamous
think i'm in the same boat as the op. want to try a custom rom instead of official ics. i tried to flash infamous v2.5 from gb 2.3.6 but i got the dreaded boot loop. flashed it multiple times with no different result so i'm restoring my nandroid backup right now.
i read the whole infamous thread and everyone seems to say it's super stable so i'm not sure what i might have done wrong.
tgdontap said:
think i'm in the same boat as the op. want to try a custom rom instead of official ics. i tried to flash infamous v2.5 from gb 2.3.6 but i got the dreaded boot loop. flashed it multiple times with no different result so i'm restoring my nandroid backup right now.
i read the whole infamous thread and everyone seems to say it's super stable so i'm not sure what i might have done wrong.
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Click to collapse
you have to do exactly as op directs... im looking to switch here today with the new chimera rom. only issue i had was now with the infamous 2.4.5.1 radio signal is lost. imma research on that later. love infamous but im so always ready to try new things i wana see what the fuzz about chimera is. just recheck your steps and enjoy. took me on the first try to get infamous. but again best of luck on whichever rom you decide to use. everything will have hang ups here and there. its developing, it happens. nothing is perfect but if you know any ways to make it so then implement your own time and start creating your own.
its best i can recommend. then again everyone is entitled to their own opinion.:good:
If you want stable with good support the only one to go with is Cyanogenmod 9.
If you want the second best ROM and the one I use its Root Box Rom.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Stay away from chimera , infamous, and of course juggernaut. Anything else your good. Don't let them fool you especially with the "opinion" BS. They are the same ones rushing for "first!" Bull**** On the OP and now starting with the "::good::" OR let them say that **** is good and you can listen...you can always re-flash another from not listed above good luck brother
volcomguyaz said:
Stay away from chimera , infamous, and of course juggernaut. Anything else your good. Don't let them fool you especially with the "opinion" BS. They are the same ones rushing for "first!" Bull**** On the OP and now starting with the "::good::" OR let them say that **** is good and you can listen...you can always re-flash another from not listed above good luck brother
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Click to collapse
intended in full pun, i did say it was my opinion due to its what i have used, im currently on or wanna try. i didnt put a gun to his head stating he has to get any rom in particular. those are the ones i had flashed and tried out. how can i opiniate on any rom that i havent flashed myself..... does it make any sense? in regards of going for first? what does that even mean? as stated above, i only gave my opinion on working roms that i used. intended in full is the fact that the individual that asked the question asked for the responders personal opinions. so with that said i'll extend my freedom of speech to say, this site is for developers that help us out to get the maximum of our devices, if your a developer then create your own and publish it. dont bash nobodies work. their time invested is FREE. only thing they have its the donations we make. with that said i bid you well and happy flashings
datrapstar said:
dont bash nobodies work. their time invested is FREE. only thing they have its the donations we make. with that said i bid you well and happy flashings
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Click to collapse
So true. Sorta want to put this in my signature. I was thinking the same thing. Whether ROMs are good or bad is mostly opinion, unless they don't boot or something. I tried most of the ROMs mentioned above and honestly, even though I'm not using any of them now, they were all okay. Just didn't fit my preferences.
datrapstar said:
you have to do exactly as op directs... im looking to switch here today with the new chimera rom. only issue i had was now with the infamous 2.4.5.1 radio signal is lost. imma research on that later. love infamous but im so always ready to try new things i wana see what the fuzz about chimera is. just recheck your steps and enjoy. took me on the first try to get infamous. but again best of luck on whichever rom you decide to use. everything will have hang ups here and there. its developing, it happens. nothing is perfect but if you know any ways to make it so then implement your own time and start creating your own.
its best i can recommend. then again everyone is entitled to their own opinion.:good:
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Click to collapse
yeah, i followed the exact instructions in the infamous thread. finally got it to work when i used the darkside superwipe prior to flashing the rom. had just been doing the "wipe data/factory reset" option in cwm recovery prior to that.
so far it's great. really smooth. not sure i'll ever take time to learn the programming skills necessary to do any software development so i'm glad there are lots of people here doing it for me. :good:
i just flashed chimera vs hercules and im speachless....it has sooooo many tweaks enabled by user that it just blows your mind.. *just stating my opinion* ill be back later and will let you know how is the vanilla ROM...so far im still loving this chimera with all hits user options but i have to try as many as i can so i can give a true opinion. might ned to do a lil radio research but other than that im deff making chimera my ride or die!!! happy flashings!!:laugh:
datrapstar said:
i just flashed chimera vs hercules and im speachless....it has sooooo many tweaks enabled by user that it just blows your mind.. *just stating my opinion* ill be back later and will let you know how is the vanilla ROM...so far im still loving this chimera with all hits user options but i have to try as many as i can so i can give a true opinion. might ned to do a lil radio research but other than that im deff making chimera my ride or die!!! happy flashings!!:laugh:
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Click to collapse
Agreed. I had to revert back to Tuesday since I couldn't disable the touch key lights.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Thanks for the input. Now if info of problems by version could be consolidated to see what I might be getting myself into, to weigh the pros and cons easier...
bripod said:
Thanks for the input. Now if info of problems by version could be consolidated to see what I might be getting myself into, to weigh the pros and cons easier...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
between the 3 ROMs i addressed the only issue i have had its i lost my 4g on chimeravshercules. but imma do some research and find radios to flash unto it and see if that helps my issue. other issue i seen is the desktop f/c but since yesterday it has only happened twice. its lightning fast for the most part and i LOVE the fact that i can customize as i want.as for juggernaut v5.0, itsa beast no issues i seen and for infamous the only prob i had was it installed team win recovery v*** which i dont care much for. reverted back to my backup and reflashed and worked great again. so until i get the vanilla ROM thats all i can input.:victory:
Im using Mr. X stock tmobile ics version, very stable and i havent had a problem with it so its been my dd since it came out. You should try it out...All you need to do is read the OP carefully and do what it says.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
racerx250 said:
Agreed. I had to revert back to Tuesday since I couldn't disable the touch key lights.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Out of curiosity... How is Tuesday better than an ics rom? Not knocking it trust me. I just wanted some info please. Also I hear he is working on an ics version as well
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
If your still in gb go with beastMOD 5.0. Hands down the best rom on gingerbread, followed by juggernaut 5.0. If you want a stable ics rom go with DARKSIDE v7. Amazing rom.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
AOKP is working out some final kinks, but once it is done I think it will be the best.
Same boat here. ICS is just trash for me. My calls suck on low signal and wifi calling has a 3-4 second delay and thats with stock. I did all clean installs to ICS and wiped and wiped and wiped and it didn't change a thing. I tried Darkside before the official ICS drop and wifi calling was worse but regular calls were better. I was hoping AOKP would be ready by now. I'm going to have to go back to GB. I don't really want to but I can't really use my phone as a damn phone most of the time. I guess the trade off is having it look cool and making calls with GrooveIP at home.
May try Darkside and Beastmod before restoring GB stock rooted. I really really want to keep Apex.
Update-
Darkside is nice. Camera is better, wifi calling echo is gone too. Getting the weird dialing out after calls drop though.

Is there an equivalent ROM?

I found this ROM:
http://www.gearengine.it/?page_id=2
...and would LOVE to run it on my AT&T GSIII but it says they're running it on the international version. I was planning on giving it a shot anyway but, while I'm working on rooting, I'd ask a few questions.
Think it'd work on the AT&T version?
If not, is there an equivalent ROM that will?
I want to keep ALL the stock functionality...camera wise, hardware wise (NFC, Bluetooth, etc) yet still getting the customization that that ROM afforded (I loved the Aroma installer, the inverted apps, etc) while running an overclock/undervolt kernel so I can juice this thing!
What are you guys running?!
One word of advice would be not to flash an international ROM on your AT&T device. I think that would lead to a brick.
Do some reading in the development sections to familiarize yourself with the basics.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
CamFlawless said:
One word of advice would be not to flash an international ROM on your AT&T device. I think that would lead to a brick.
Do some reading in the development sections to familiarize yourself with the basics.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. I actually just commented in a thread before coming across this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2056655
Foxhound was flashed to their device, and their device was hard bricked. Please do not flash i9300 ROMs to US device variants.
I am currently running cm10.0.0 stable. It runs like a dream, not one issue with it so far. I would not recommend the new cm10.1 nightly builds until the data problem is fixed however.
LOL!!!
Well...this website was down for a few and I though ah hell, why not.
smh
Never actually heard of anyone hard bricking a phone. Awesome. This rounds out my Android experience nicely. Just as dude says, it doesn't do a damn thing. No power, not light, no vibration, nothing.
I can't believe there's no way to fix something like this. I'm all around amazed...I must say.
But yea...so...AT&T I go in the morning to test my acting skills I guess. *shrug*
And the Aroma installer was SO COOL!!!! What a shame...
Had I known the consequences could be so dire...
rmp5s said:
LOL!!!
Well...this website was down for a few and I though ah hell, why not.
smh
Never actually heard of anyone hard bricking a phone. Awesome. This rounds out my Android experience nicely. Just as dude says, it doesn't do a damn thing. No power, not light, no vibration, nothing.
I can't believe there's no way to fix something like this. I'm all around amazed...I must say.
But yea...so...AT&T I go in the morning to test my acting skills I guess. *shrug*
And the Aroma installer was SO COOL!!!! What a shame...
Had I known the consequences could be so dire...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very sorry to hear your luck =( Good luck at AT&T... Don't let this deter you from future ROM flashes, just make sure you are flashing the correct GS3 variant. If you are on AT&T your device is model# i747 and the codename is d2att when flashing ROMs.
I didn't need too many acting skills, I just told them I woke up in the morning and my phone would no longer turn on. They swapped it out pretty quickly =) My hard brick came from a CWM flash when I was inexperienced at flashing. (I came from an iPhone... bleh). I had used a terminal emulator and used some commands to install CWM. Big mistake. I then followed Cyanogenmod's WIKI on installing CWM and it worked like a charm. =)
Of course, in my opinion, nothing beats TWRP recovery installation... Step 1: Download Goo Manager from the PlayStore. Step 2: Click menu and "Install OpenRecovery Script" Step 3: Wait for your phone to reboot into recovery =)
Well now that I'm done with my tangent, I think I'm heading to bed for the night lol. Good luck at the AT&T store tomorrow! ...and have a Happy Holiday! =)
RPelham said:
Very sorry to hear you luck =( Good luck at AT&T... Don't let this deter you from future ROM flashes, just make sure you are flashing the correct GS3 variant. If you are on AT&T your device is model# i747 and the codename is d2att when flashing ROMs.
I didn't need too many acting skills, I just told them I woke up in the morning and my phone would no longer turn on. They swapped it out pretty quickly =)
Again, good luck, and have a Happy Holiday!
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Click to collapse
Hey...it's all good man. I've been in the Android game since the G1 and STILL I'm getting firsts. LOL!!! I will ALWAYS hack, tinker and tweak. That's the fun of it...this included.
I KNEW it was the wrong version. However...what I DIDN'T know was the likely outcome! Had no idea. Only ever heard of hard bricks as a mythical monster-like sorta thing. Through my G1 days, GS days, HTC Doubleshot, HTC One S and AAAAAAAAAAALL the devices I've rooted and ROM'd in between (my tablets and who knows how many friend's devices), I've never seen or had a true hard brick happen. Had a close call sorta with the ex-wife's GS, but I fixed it.
Honestly didn't think this was something that could ACTUALLY happen!!!
We'll see what happens.
Thanks everyone!!
rmp5s said:
Hey...it's all good man. I've been in the Android game since the G1 and STILL I'm getting firsts. LOL!!! I will ALWAYS hack, tinker and tweak. That's the fun of it...this included.
I KNEW it was the wrong version. However...what I DIDN'T know was the likely outcome! Had no idea. Only ever heard of hard bricks as a mythical monster-like sorta thing. Through my G1 days, GS days, HTC Doubleshot, HTC One S and AAAAAAAAAAALL the devices I've rooted and ROM'd in between (my tablets and who knows how many friend's devices), I've never seen or had a true hard brick happen. Had a close call sorta with the ex-wife's GS, but I fixed it.
Honestly didn't think this was something that could ACTUALLY happen!!!
We'll see what happens.
Thanks everyone!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been with Android through the GS1, GS2, and now GS3. I totally agree with you. I have done some really stupid stuff, but have always been able to fix the problem, mostly from help from this forum.
It may be just me, but it seems that it is a lot easier to brick the GS3 than its predecessors. Not from personal experience (knock on wood), but from reading through these forums.
Let us know what happens at the AT&T store. As an aside, does anyone ever know what happens in the long run when you turn in a hard brick to AT&T and get it replaced? I would imagine that once they JTAG it they would see that it was flashed. Could they charge you for the device?
cjranucci said:
I have been with Android through the GS1, GS2, and now GS3. I totally agree with you. I have done some really stupid stuff, but have always been able to fix the problem, mostly from help from this forum.
It may be just me, but it seems that it is a lot easier to brick the GS3 than its predecessors. Not from personal experience (knock on wood), but from reading through these forums.
Let us know what happens at the AT&T store. As an aside, does anyone ever know what happens in the long run when you turn in a hard brick to AT&T and get it replaced? I would imagine that once they JTAG it they would see that it was flashed. Could they charge you for the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a fantastic question. I was concerned about that myself the first time it happened. From my experience I was never charged when I went into the store to do the exchange. No bills came later in regards to it either. I think its pretty safe, but I wouldn't make any guarantees.
I also agree with you in that the GS3 seems a lot easier to brick than other phones I've dealt with.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Well...they gave me another one. Couldn't get another red one like I wanted since they didn't have any in stock which kinda sucks so I got the blurple one. Looks cool.
Obviously, I can't agree with the comments on the GSIII's resistance to bricking since I had something happen with this device that I've never seen or even HEARD of anyone doing. lol But it's all good. Time to start tinkering again.
Think I'm going to go the CM10 route since that is apparently a good ROM. However...does everything work with it? NFC and all? And...is there an OC/UV kernel that is compatible with that ROM?
As far as what they do with it after, I don't really know. I had to take it back to Best Buy since that's where I got it and it was so soon after getting it. I only had the thing...for...like...4 hrs when it got killed. lol I would imagine that they have the resources to easily fix a device that has had this happen. If they didn't replace it, I was just going to make a JIG for it (http://www.androidnova.org/unbrick-your-hard-bricked-smartphone/).
Thanks for all the help, guys!!!
Well...I didn't kill it. lol
So...first setup I tried:
ROM - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766684
Kernel - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1756776
My ratings, out of 10?
Look and feel: 7...I only give it so low since it's EXACTLY the same as the HTC One S ROM I was running. This is usually a good thing but I was wanting something different.
Functionality: 4...every time I send a text, the damn thing says it didn't send! But it does! Very strange, very annoying, very unusable.
Customizability: 12...it's an AOKP ROM...with the Nova launcher...there are a mind bending number of options. I love it!
Quadrant score: 3...What the hell is an overclocked, current gen phone juiced to over 2.1GHZ doing getting ~3600 pts in quadrant? EXTREMELY disappointing.
Final words: Running Android 4.2...awesome. I love being cutting edge, but there isn't anything really awe-inspiring about it aside from the Jelly Bean 4.2 but the text messaging problem is just insurmountable.
Next is going to be this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1949025
Going to keep the kernel and we'll see what happens! I'll let you know!
Glad it worked out. =) Just a heads up 4.2 has a lot of common bugs with it being so new. That texting problem is among many. Bluetooth issues, USB MTP issues, internal/external storage swapped, mobile data and WiFi issues to name a few.. I'd recommend sticking to 4.1 unless you don't mind the above annoyances. =p They will get ironed out soon enough I'm sure. =)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
That ROM flat out didn't work...it booted and everything but the keyboard kept giving me an FC. No bueno.
Back to the other I go!
Can anyone recommend a ROM that is as customizable as the AWESOME AOKP ROMs but still retain a bit of the Samsung-ness? Like...I like having the burst shot in the camera, the cool gesture and motion stuff they have, etc. Is there a middle ground?
rmp5s said:
That ROM flat out didn't work...it booted and everything but the keyboard kept giving me an FC. No bueno.
Back to the other I go!
Can anyone recommend a ROM that is as customizable as the AWESOME AOKP ROMs but still retain a bit of the Samsung-ness? Like...I like having the burst shot in the camera, the cool gesture and motion stuff they have, etc. Is there a middle ground?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Checkout NexusMOD in the development forum. Its a touchwiz ROM with AOSP messaging and email. You can still run Nova Launcher if you want, and holo locker if you don't want the TW lock screen.
I'm still tinkering and trying different ROMs. Downloading LiquidSmooth right now, can't find the NexusMOD one mentioned and I just tryed to flash an AOKP ROM and it wouldn't flash.
I SO BADLY want the 4.2 to work. I LOVE it!!! The Camera (wish it had HDR and multi shot modes, though), the stock messenger, LOCK SCREEN WIDGETS...it's just awesome.
I'm with you all the way rmp5s(except the bricking part), I want this ROM sooo bad. It's stockish which I like, yet has a lot of mods, any word yet on it coming to I747?

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