Develop Bugs

To Root or Not To Root?

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
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

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
Click to expand...
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..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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

Stock Rom Mods

Hey! With all the scares of IMEI loss and all that, I don't feel the need to flash any custom roms. I was wondering if there are any mods for a stock rooted rom that can be applied? to give the feel of a custom rom without actually flashing any?

Good question and smart thinking. I have been extremely cautious with how I go about flashing things on this AMAZING device. So far I have flashed nothing! I can't find a single flaw that would make me want to flash a custom rom and risk losing funtionality. I have owned many smartphones and this is the first one that had me content with STOCK. We know that flashing enhances functionality when hard working devs come up with custom roms,kernels and mods, but come on?, how many devices have left you content with stock until more is learned about the device?

Not sure if you could get Google wallet by modding a stock rom. Tethering is possible
Sent from my GS3

Yes Google wallet can be had on the stock Rom with just root and a build prop edit, then install the modded Apk it's a sticky somewhere in these forums. And just installing a new launcher can allow you to change the look of a lot of the phone.. I for one flashed a bunch and still have my imei but maybe I'm just lucky.

divine1250 said:
Good question and smart thinking. I have been extremely cautious with how I go about flashing things on this AMAZING device. So far I have flashed nothing! I can't find a single flaw that would make me want to flash a custom rom and risk losing funtionality. I have owned many smartphones and this is the first one that had me content with STOCK. We know that flashing enhances functionality when hard working devs come up with custom roms,kernels and mods, but come on?, how many devices have left you content with stock until more is learned about the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed AOPK and couldnt be without my full working camera and phone. Functionality and especially the camera is important to me. I rooted mine though and installed the cwm recovery and flashed faux123 kernel. I love it. This is the first android phone I own and havent gone flash crazy with it.
Sent from my SGSIII with the XDA Premium App

the reason I have rooted all my other phones has mainly been to get the tether feature working, but FoxFi worked on my Note and is working on my S3...LauncherPro got rid of the TouchWiz, FoxFi took care of the tethering, not much left that it can't do stock...
I have been watching the threads and have nearly pulled the trigger a couple times, but I just can't think of any reason that I absolutely HAVE to root this one...

Besides.... supposedly we can expect a Jellybean update in the next month or two, if rumor's are correct.

elementaldragon said:
Besides.... supposedly we can expect a Jellybean update in the next month or two, if rumor's are correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was absolutely shocked when the rumors turned out to be true about the Note getting the ICS update as early as it did...I was expecting ATT to drag that out for months or not release it at all...maybe since Samsung has gotten to be such a powerhouse and Apple is losing ground almost daily, we might finally start seeing some love....

At wits end--Stick with SGS2 or abandon?

Hey all,
I'm pretty tired with the Sprint/Samsung shenanigans, and am seriously debating ditching this phone. The hardware is fine, but I haven't yet gotten the OTA ICS update yet (and don't seriously expect it to happen any time soon). For me, not having the latest Android OS is a major deal breaker--let's not go into why I didn't buy a phone with it when I had the chance, as I was basically lied to. With Jellybean now out, and still on GB, I'm pretty grumpy. I just want a clean, functional Google Android experience, and I don't feel like I'm getting it with the current, stock on SGS2.
I used to have an original Motorola Droid, and I'm familiar with the rooting/modding scene, but I've been away for a while and the learning curve appears to be really steep. Using Koush's ROM Manager software used to be so slick, but now appears to be largely useless for the SGS2. So, I'm feeling a bit discouraged.
TLDR / So, with basically no help/options from Sprint themselves, I'm faced with either spending a significant time reading & researching on rooting/modding my phone to ICS/JB, or possibly swapping it on the private market for a Galaxy Nexus. I imagine that, as a Google flagship phone, the Android OS experience is likely to be much better.
Anyone able to help? It'd be much appreciated.

Silentknyght said:
Hey all,
I'm pretty tired with the Sprint/Samsung shenanigans, and am seriously debating ditching this phone. The hardware is fine, but I haven't yet gotten the OTA ICS update yet (and don't seriously expect it to happen any time soon). For me, not having the latest Android OS is a major deal breaker--let's not go into why I didn't buy a phone with it when I had the chance, as I was basically lied to. With Jellybean now out, and still on GB, I'm pretty grumpy. I just want a clean, functional Google Android experience, and I don't feel like I'm getting it with the current, stock on SGS2.
I used to have an original Motorola Droid, and I'm familiar with the rooting/modding scene, but I've been away for a while and the learning curve appears to be really steep. Using Koush's ROM Manager software used to be so slick, but now appears to be largely useless for the SGS2. So, I'm feeling a bit discouraged.
TLDR / So, with basically no help/options from Sprint themselves, I'm faced with either spending a significant time reading & researching on rooting/modding my phone to ICS/JB, or possibly swapping it on the private market for a Galaxy Nexus. I imagine that, as a Google flagship phone, the Android OS experience is likely to be much better.
Anyone able to help? It'd be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For ICS official version then safe kernel/recovery All flashed in ODIN under the PDA slot
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721229
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767421
There is a JB Rom out but its not fully stable yet. after you have the custom kernel/recovery then you can flash to a custom ROM. The ROMs in my sig, I've had awesome experience with as everything works, not laggy and looks a hell of a lot better than stock. But I would stick with SGS2. I love this phone.

huh

Silentknyght said:
Hey all,
I'm pretty tired with the Sprint/Samsung shenanigans, and am seriously debating ditching this phone. The hardware is fine, but I haven't yet gotten the OTA ICS update yet (and don't seriously expect it to happen any time soon). For me, not having the latest Android OS is a major deal breaker--let's not go into why I didn't buy a phone with it when I had the chance, as I was basically lied to. With Jellybean now out, and still on GB, I'm pretty grumpy. I just want a clean, functional Google Android experience, and I don't feel like I'm getting it with the current, stock on SGS2.
I used to have an original Motorola Droid, and I'm familiar with the rooting/modding scene, but I've been away for a while and the learning curve appears to be really steep. Using Koush's ROM Manager software used to be so slick, but now appears to be largely useless for the SGS2. So, I'm feeling a bit discouraged.
TLDR / So, with basically no help/options from Sprint themselves, I'm faced with either spending a significant time reading & researching on rooting/modding my phone to ICS/JB, or possibly swapping it on the private market for a Galaxy Nexus. I imagine that, as a Google flagship phone, the Android OS experience is likely to be much better.
Anyone able to help? It'd be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you would like a iPhone
Seriously though. This is xda plenty of stable ics builds including cm9 and aokp to satisfy any need all found in development section :thumbup:
Rooting is easy. Just takes some reading and comprehension skills that we all should have
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

I think gb way more stable, faster, more responsive, and has better battery life. Ics is not going to give you any thing better than you already have it might even make it worse. I'm considering downgrading to gb calkulin 3.0 and looking for a nexus aswell... If you need ics one click ff18 is the safest and easiest way to get it.. Coming from other phone its hard catching up aswell im still afraid of flashing because I have no insurance or a way to replace my phone BUT there are many excellent roms out there you just have to be carefull and you will be fine

g_ding84 said:
For ICS official version then safe kernel/recovery All flashed in ODIN under the PDA slot
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721229
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767421
There is a JB Rom out but its not fully stable yet. after you have the custom kernel/recovery then you can flash to a custom ROM. The ROMs in my sig, I've had awesome experience with as everything works, not laggy and looks a hell of a lot better than stock. But I would stick with SGS2. I love this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Humor me, here. My reading comprehension is fine, but I appreciate confirmation of steps. From stcck EL29, I assume:
1. Flash official ICS version linked: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721229
2. Flash safe kernel/recovery, AGAT_v0.4.0, linked: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767421
3. Then what...? A choice to stay on stock rooted ICS or to flash any other rom? If I should choose to flash to a different rom, or a JB rom when they're more stable, will the safe kernel/recovery avoid all the nonsense of flashing back to EL26, etc.?
EDIT: Also, is CWM still necessary, or has it been obsoleted? It seems like with ODIN / Mobile ODIN, there is no need for CWM to flash new mods. Is this correct?
Thanks again.

Lol. I never questioned your reading comprehension. Yes that is the correct steps. As for agats safe kernel/recovery I use it all the time. It has the brick code (eMMC wipe) removed/disabled. Then after that yes flash whatever custom rom you would like. Flashing the EL26 kernel is I believe for leaving CM9 and AOKP to another rom. TW based.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

Silentknyght said:
Anyone able to help? It'd be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a safe, easy and quick method for the SGS2 (assuming Sprint's Epic 4G Touch):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1342728
That said, I'm going back to GB. I have 2 Epic 4Gs and both drop wifi after a few minutes (off at sleep not enabled). Plus, Google seems to have become a bit more invasive in ICS for my taste.

g_ding84 said:
Lol. I never questioned your reading comprehension. Yes that is the correct steps. As for agats safe kernel/recovery I use it all the time. It has the brick code (eMMC wipe) removed/disabled. Then after that yes flash whatever custom rom you would like. Flashing the EL26 kernel is I believe for leaving CM9 and AOKP to another rom. TW based.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... I did both. I'm not really happy with Touchwiz, and I'd really prefer an Android experience closer to a Google flagship phone. Any recommendations? Is there a similarly easy & straightfoward way to do it, or only the "back to EL26" (or similar) rigamarole?

Silentknyght said:
Thanks... I did both. I'm not really happy with Touchwiz, and I'd really prefer an Android experience closer to a Google flagship phone. Any recommendations? Is there a similarly easy & straightfoward way to do it, or only the "back to EL26" (or similar) rigamarole?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should really check out QBking77's videos on youtube. Go to his Epic 4g Touch channel. Any situation you can think of when flashing, he shows you step by step on how to do it (or undo it) with links to all the required files.

oksoood Muller's
s9amme said:
You should really check out QBking77's videos on youtube. Go to his Epic 4g Touch channel. Any situation you can think of when flashing, he shows you step by step on how to do it (or undo it) with links to all the required files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I did have Frankenstein's Ego 4.5 on my E4GT for a while, but when I tried to switch to AOKP Milestone 6, somehow it bombed out while following QBKing77's vids. So... hence, I'm here, asking questions, and exploring options.
I'll give it another try later tonight when my kid's asleep.
Thanks, again. :good:

Mobile ODIN is my friend. Keep the direct boot kernel on your sd card. I also use it to flash agats kernels. No yellow triangle as well. I know how ya feel. I got two kids. Lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

I don't like Touchwiz either but basically it is just a launcher skin. Install a new launcher like Nova or Apex and you'll be very close to a vanilla Android experience and you'll never even see all the TW crap. Uninstall the bloatware with Titanium backup and you might not mind TW based roms at all.

If you want an alterative to TW look, I recommend The Blu Kuban ROM (ics). Most of the TW elements are removed and it feels like a completely different phone. All the stock apps are themed too and its very customizable on how you want it to look. Lots of helpful people in the faq ROM thread as well if you are unsure of anything.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

Silentknyght said:
Thanks... I did both. I'm not really happy with Touchwiz, and I'd really prefer an Android experience closer to a Google flagship phone. Any recommendations? Is there a similarly easy & straightfoward way to do it, or only the "back to EL26" (or similar) rigamarole?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For an aosp rom(non twiz) I recommend aokp, it has tons of extra settings for customization and the cm9/10 themes work with theme manager in aokp. If you wanna flash straight to aokp, Odin el26+cwm.tar from your PC (or mobile Odin) boot to recovery volume+ & power, flash aokp.zip wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache & dalvik cache, flash aokp.zip again, wipe both caches flash gapps.zip, reboot to android
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device

If you are on the official ff18 build to get the ICS look and feel go to settings, and then go to applications, then select all, then go down to twlauncher, and press clear default, when you hit the home key on your phone a menu will come up select the first option if you like it make it your default.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Thanks, everyone, for your help. I ended up installing CM9 Alpha 6, using the Mobile-Odin w/ the Directboot CWM method. Fairly painless, and more to the point, the look & feel is really close to what I desired.

CM9?
Hi guys im on stock FF18 and I would really like to try stock ICS because it looks fluid and looks good. How do I install CM9 from having stock FF18 unrooted? I have tried to research this but a lot of the guides out there are only for EL29. Thanks guys Im pretty new to this.

Is Custom Rom worth it?

I've been running stock for the few months I've had this phone but keep wondering if flashing a custom rom is worth the effort? Is there one that's the best?

acheney1990 said:
I've been running stock for the few months I've had this phone but keep wondering if flashing a custom rom is worth the effort? Is there one that's the best?
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Click to collapse
Yes it is and no there's not. It's all down to personal preference and only you know what you like best.

It depends on your preference. Ever since safetynet, custom roms have been a nightmare with security issues or being up to date with making it pass.
Also, having a Google device, you'll be giving up running the latest software updates as you would have to wait for when the developer has the time to integrate it.
Android has matured much since it's induction and the use of EZ Root for a one-click root as it now has ways to customize it in a functional matter in ways that you needed a custom rom for.
If you enjoy changing colors or themes and are willing to sacrifice security and some functionality, then you have your answer.
To me honestly, it's no longer worth it. Having to scour the forums every time there's a bug, troubleshooting issues, or for updates takes way too much time that I no longer have. I just want a phone that does eveything I need to simplify my everyday life, not make it complicated. Don't care for red, blue, green status bars or settings app, or having a custom boot animation for a device that never needs a reset. Function over form for me.

acheney1990 said:
I've been running stock for the few months I've had this phone but keep wondering if flashing a custom rom is worth the effort? Is there one that's the best?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've flashed most all of the popular ones, and while I like most of the features they offer, I have settled on plain ol stock + root with some substratum themes to darken things up. I don't think it's particularly difficult to flash a custom rom now that I've pretty much got the A/B partition thing figured out, but I like to update my device the day a new factory image comes out, then just flash twrp and root again, and I'm up to date in about 20 minutes time with no data loss. But it's like P70shooter said...it's really up to your personal preference, and what your looking for :good:

I haven't flashed any ROMS recently, but it's because of the reasons mentioned before. They don't offer enough benefit over stock + rooted to be worth losing GPay and monthly updates. Root access basically let's you tweak any part of the phone to your liking anyway.
I think ROM developers realize this and it's contributing to a scarcity of quality ROMs anyway.

I've thought about this also. But Stock is so good on this Phone. That just Rooting to use Edge Sense to change squeeze actions and TWRP, black Bootmation. I'm good. Plus installing custom ROMS isnt easy with the A B partion stuff. Stock + Root:good:
G

p70shooter said:
Yes it is and no there's not. It's all down to personal preference and only you know what you like best.
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Click to collapse
P70shooter, are u the maker of the screwd ROM on angler?

AquariOS had been Rock solid for me, and I know @Badger50 would agree. I get his position about the updates process though so your best bet in my opinion is to try one and see what your own opinion is. The squeeze thing is missing from custom roms, so if you dig that you might miss it. I'm still on Feb. Update and might just hang here for the summer unless I get bored. Lol again I would at least try one before you decide...

shooterlgk said:
P70shooter, are u the maker of the screwd ROM on angler?
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That's not me I'm afraid. I use to be the maintainer for Candy on angler but now I'm just a tester and thread bouncer for AquariOS.

I've tried most the ROMs available and I find stock with gravity box is the perfect combo for me

rickysidhu_ said:
I've tried most the ROMs available and I find stock with gravity box is the perfect combo for me
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Absolutely agree

I like Stock rooted and Custom Roms! Now if only we had Dual boot... A=Stock B=Custom

galaxys said:
I like Stock rooted and Custom Roms! Now if only we had Dual boot... A=Stock B=Custom
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Click to collapse
That my friend would be the "Bees Knees" :good:

Not worth it anymore. Haven't unlocked bootloader or did anything since the first pixel release.

I've tried most of the custom roms as well. Most of them have some nice touches that I use. However, the one thing missing for the last several months on all custom roms is verizon wifi calling. You should try them out yourself and decide.

I used to run Gravity Box when I had xposed installed on a previous device, but from what I understand, it's not possible to use xposed and pass safety net....is that still true?

skaforey said:
I used to run Gravity Box when I had xposed installed on a previous device, but from what I understand, it's not possible to use xposed and pass safety net....is that still true?
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That's right

I've been a big time custom ROM user, flashed them as often as I could on previous phones. Stock+root+xposed does every single thing I need on the p2xl though.

has anyone noticed that display quality seems better on custom roms?
specifically Carbon rom vs Stock for me.
screen looks more bright and clear.

It really depends on your usage. I used to flash custom roms on all of my devices, primarily for themes and debloating. Up until the Nexus 6, it was well worth it. However, with Google's monthly security patches, maintaining a custom ROM is a lot more work. If you use custom themes, expect to have to disable themes every time there are app or rom updates, then reapply. With a busy work schedule, it simply became too much of a hassle and to be honest, stock ROMs have gotten a lot smoother.