Just received my Nexus today - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

and I'm really loving it so far. I got it with ICS on it, set it up and checked for system updates and behold... 4.1.1 is now installed. I really love the feel of JB. I came from a G2X and I've had to run all GB roms because all the ICS roms frankly sucked. Not devs fault so don't take that the wrong way. I think I'll leave it stock for a day or two to make sure the phone is good then I'll Root it and start playing. Anyways... glad to be here guys.

Welcome to the community, and I am glad you are enjoying your Galaxy Nexus.

Hey congrats I just received mine a few days ago from the play store too. I was just wondering, if I use the toolkit to unlock the bootloader all data will stay on the device correct? Just want to make sure before I go ahead and do it.

eagles20015 said:
Hey congrats I just received mine a few days ago from the play store too. I was just wondering, if I use the toolkit to unlock the bootloader all data will stay on the device correct? Just want to make sure before I go ahead and do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup your data anyway just in case. IN GENERAL, Play Store phones do not wipe when you unlock, but that data was based from the batch last April/May/June.

I agree with Harveydent backup just in case. I got mine a two weeks ago though and mine didn't wipe after unlock but better safe than sorry.
Sent via moon rays...

I just got my play phone last week. The tool kit DID erase all data, which was different than everything I read. So at least for me, doing the one click process in the tool kit to unlock, flash CWM, and root took me back to factory. Wasn't a big deal since I only set up my account and upgraded to 4.1.1. So didn't set me back.

How do I backup things without root privileges?

I already have the toolbox installed on my computer, I'm dying to start tinkering lol. just think it'd be wise to give it a day or 2 to make sure everything is good with the phone.

jnralp00 said:
I already have the toolbox installed on my computer, I'm dying to start tinkering lol. just think it'd be wise to give it a day or 2 to make sure everything is good with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried it but it's one of the tools in the toolbox

I've had mine for a few months...came from iOS, probably won't leave. Just installed JB and I'm loving the speed!

is it possible to fastboot boot cwm.img with a locked bootloader?

i got mine a couple days ago too! running vicious jellybean ROM because I have verizon, loving it!

welcome i also come from a o2x and know exactly how you feel:what:
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Related

Galaxy nexus questions.

Hey all, first off, please don't flame. I am totally unfamiliar with Samsung. I just got my mom a gnex for mothers day and am going to root it but I keep seeing all these thread posts saying Google wallet is broken scattered through the ROM threads. I don't know if I'm even gonna put a custom rom on her phone, I just want root for maintenance. And I really don't have time to seriously study tons of threads. If anyone could advise about
A( what is breaking wallet
B( if I unlock bootloader and put on custom recovery, do I need to restore to factory recovery to flash radio updates ?
Ç( if there is a ROM that is pretty stock but more importantly stable, it'd be super appreciated to hear about it.
I run AOKP on me Evo 4g, but the random reboots are quite frequent. Is it more stable here?
By the way, it's a sprint galaxy nexus. Thanks much for any pointers.
Looking for good kernel for battery more than performance. Also, it seems to me on Sammy, you can't flash radio updates on custom kernel or custom recovery. Am I reading wrong?
Much thank to any who take time to respond. Thanks.
sent from 2yr old Evo on ICS
Don't root and ROM your mother's Galaxy Nexus.
Jesus people. Leave it stock. Don't need to do maintenance, don't need to do anything. Leave it stock and you'll save yourself and her all kinds of trouble.
Point taken, but the thing is she's been dealing with a Samsung moment for >2yrs . The thing won't even hardly make phone calls anymore, takes about 45sec for SMS to open etc. She's always asking me if it can be fixed (cuz she knows I spend 24-7 on my Evo and xda). I always tell her I'd have to root it to really try to do anything (wipe caches, etc).. but i got her a gnex figuring if there's issues, I can fix for her easily (also got it for her cuz I figured if development on Evo LTE goes south, I'll trade phones with her.
Anyhow, was hoping for clarification about do I have to have stock recovery and ROM to update radios etc. On HTC Evo you don't, but it seems like I've seen talk of that here.
Thanks anyone.
Edit: and martonikaj, I'll keep your info in mind.
Just trying to figure where the partition checks are with Sammy. I thought I read that if your kernel is custom, you can't flash updated radios.
sent from 2yr old Evo on ICS
scottspa74 said:
Edit: and martonikaj, I'll keep your info in mind.
Just trying to figure where the partition checks are with Sammy. I thought I read that if your kernel is custom, you can't flash updated radios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand her frustration with her current device and your willingness to help, but you need to keep her device stock. You don't need to flash new radios to the device. Just leave it stock and you'll both be better off in the long run. The cons vastly outweigh the pros when considering rooting/ROMing a device of a completely novice/uninformed user that doesn't need any extra issues.
Just FYI, there is no check on the Nexus. You can be running whatever kernel and ROM you want and flash radios if your bootloader is unlocked. But again, this will never be necessary, the phone will work just fine on stock radios.
I super appreciate your input. You have answered questions I have. I am one of those who deeply feel that if your Android is not rooted, then you should buy a non Android device. It's Only yours if you control its dalvik and can wipe caches
Need recovery for that.
I'm not at all arguing with your point. And I appreciate the responses (but without #, it's only good for throwaway).
Thank you.
sent from 2yr old Evo on ICS
scottspa74 said:
I super appreciate your input. You have answered questions I have. I am one of those who deeply feel that if your Android is not rooted, then you should buy a non Android device. It's Only yours if you control its dalvik and can wipe caches
Need recovery for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome.
I'll agree on your point if your mom wants to read up on what root is, follow an XDA guide, learn how to use command prompt and Fastboot, and root her own device.
Until then, leave it stock.
Should have gotten her an IPhone lol.. I agree with you that every android should be rooted, but Moms don't need root they need something that just works . If a person is willing to do the research and learning about root themselves I always recommend android, if not stock or IPhone less headache for me
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
twizzler703 said:
Should have gotten her an IPhone lol.. I agree with you that every android should be rooted, but Moms don't need root they need something that just works . If a person is willing to do the research and learning about root themselves I always recommend android, if not stock or IPhone less headache for me
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone its just perfect as is it.. Id root her phone just to put adfree on it
The phone is not Samsung, i mean doesn't have touchwiz on it.. Its pure google
And. Forget about iphone
Galaxy Nexus AOKP m5 Franco kernel m3
msedek said:
The phone its just perfect as is it.. Id root her phone just to put adfree on it
The phone is not Samsung, i mean doesn't have touchwiz on it.. Its pure google
And. Forget about iphone
Galaxy Nexus AOKP m5 Franco kernel m3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Google will only mass release versions that are finished and user friendly. Don't root it, it won't make her experience any better.
I've rooted devices for a few not-quite-as-technically-savvy-as-me friends in the past, and I've always regretted it - as have they. You shouldn't own a rooted device unless you rooted it yourself and know how to operate it. Otherwise, it's just asking for problems and complications. I got so sick of the calls from friends in other countries, "Hey, you rooted my phone and now I can't install an update that my carrier is pushing. Fix it!" Or if it's not a cry for help, I'd catch blame for any little issue that randomly occurred on the device. "My phone just randomly rebooted itself, this is obviously because you broke it when you rooted it."
I can only imagine how much worse it would be with a mother.
If you absolutely need the ability to wipe cache and dalvik (not really an issue unless your flashing ROMs, which your mother won't be, but whatever), you can always do it through fastboot.
Again, what martonikaj said:
martonikaj said:
Don't root and ROM your mother's Galaxy Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

phone arriving on wednesday - first things to do?

ello guys.
going from my 2 year old htc desire to this....
so...what are the first things to do with this galaxy nexus?
Vital apps needed?
specific things to do in the settings to make it run better?
it would be nice to make a guide to follow.
first thing ive done so far is buy a TPU S line case, and Expertshield screen protector.
If the battery life is rubbish i'll have to get the extension pack....but hardly anyone in the UK seems to sell them...lots of korea sales for genuine ones on ebay.
would a non-genuine thing still be as good?
heard of this dodgy issue with a 'yellowy' tint screen - what to do there? have to root the phone?
etc.etc...
Fast boot OEM unlock
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Unlock the phone a root it first because unlocking it will wipe the phone clean of EVERYTHING. So get that done first and the rest is up to you stay stock or flash a rom.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium
Here are my favorite apps on my Galaxy Nexus
-Chrome Beta
-Boid (Twitter)
-Tasks (Google Tasks)
-Weather Flow
-Intsagram
-Wolfram Alpha
-Icy Time (Timer and Stopwatch)
-Wallbase (Wallpapers)
Now that you have Android 4.0 you'll most likely fall in love with the Holo design guidelines. A list of some of the apps that use these guidelines can be found here and some good looking apps in general can here.
If you plan on rooting your phone or think you might want to in the future Unlock the bootloader, if you don't you will regret it, trust me. As for the battery life, I can get through the whole day with no problems while others complain that the battery life is bad, I suggest that you use the phone for a week before you get an extended battery.
There's a forum about the yellow screen issue here if you experience this at all then send it back as soon as possible despite the desire to play with your brand new toy.
If you have more questions just ask.
Sign for it
Take it out the box
Charge it
Press power
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
If you like miui and don't want to root. Miui launcher is now available as an apk. That's one of the first things I installed when I got mine. The stock launcher is pretty good too.
Mi Launcher
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1623026
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
try ur phone with everything stock for a few days, see if everything works, no reboots, overheating etc etc (might want to check if u got an OTA update though, coz there's a big difference for example between 4.0.1 and 4.0.4 in terms of stability)... if u're satisfied with stock , there is no need to root then , if u want to play around a lil u'll figure what to do urself.
p.s. i also owned a desire, but went through some devices in the middle before the gnex, nways, the desire can't be even mentioned in the same sentence with what u're getting now. welcome aboard
First things to do:
1) Unlock your bootloader, even if you never plan on rooting or flashing a custom ROM. Do this even before booting Android for the first time.
2) Check to see if you are running yakju or takju. If you are running a build other than those two (for GSM devices), flash one of them (by following the link in my signature). Run one of those two builds for a while, so that you get a feel for what a stock ROM is.
3) Everything else.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Keep it stock for at least a week, get to know the phone. Saves having to post about problems you're having on a custom rom just to find out its not the roms fault. This will also allow you to give real feedback when comparing roms as a opposed to these douches who flashed on day one n insist that rom x is better than stock
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
i will definitely run stock for a few weeks and get used to it all.
however i am one to fiddle, but im totally new to this phone world in terms of rooting, custom ROMS etc, never bothered before.
put it this way though......i dont own any apple products
can anyone point me to the best guide for rooting, and installing custom Roms?
also can anyone link me to a list of custom roms for the gnex, that are either finished or in development?
im just asking for the links because im very sure the question 'how do you root' has been asked a hundred times - i could google it - but i presume you guys will immediately know a link to the best and safest guide.
having a read through, it seems people have already tweaked the gnex for better things - better kernels? to get better battery life? etc.etc...
is that part of the firmware? is that what you get with custom roms?
i need to understand the basics first.
(im buying the phone sim free unlocked)
Everything you need is in the q&a and development sub forums where you found this one
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
schueyisking said:
i will definitely run stock for a few weeks and get used to it all.
however i am one to fiddle, but im totally new to this phone world in terms of rooting, custom ROMS etc, never bothered before.
put it this way though......i dont own any apple products
can anyone point me to the best guide for rooting, and installing custom Roms?
also can anyone link me to a list of custom roms for the gnex, that are either finished or in development?
im just asking for the links because im very sure the question 'how do you root' has been asked a hundred times - i could google it - but i presume you guys will immediately know a link to the best and safest guide.
having a read through, it seems people have already tweaked the gnex for better things - better kernels? to get better battery life? etc.etc...
is that part of the firmware? is that what you get with custom roms?
i need to understand the basics first.
(im buying the phone sim free unlocked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HERE you go
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23229558
Galaxy Nexus AOKP m5 Franco kernel m3
doesnt rooting or installing a new kernel void the warranty?
schueyisking said:
doesnt rooting or installing a new kernel void the warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always flash back to stock.
No warranty problems.
Backup your /efs partition... =o)
a week of stock? i don't last more than 3 hours, and that's if i'm trying to really be patient. within an hour of getting mine i had flashed the radios, bootloader, rom, and the kernel.
tspderek said:
a week of stock? i don't last more than 3 hours, and that's if i'm trying to really be patient. within an hour of getting mine i had flashed the radios, bootloader, rom, and the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you even know what stock ICS is if you only use it for 3 hours?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I just got my GN directly from Google and didn't do any unlocking of any sort. Just turned it on and added some apps I plan on using. Changed my homescreen and other screens/settings to fit my personal use and etc.
The phone is amazing without the need of unlocking.
Not really sure... the phone is already unlocked -.- (SIM wise)
pinoyplaya4life said:
[snip]
The phone is amazing without the need of unlocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you understand what unlocking means? We are talking about unlocking the bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader does NOT mean that you are changing anything related to the ROM. I does NOT mean that you are "rooting", and it does not mean you are planning to use a custom ROM.
All it means is that it gives you the ability to use fastboot commands. With this ability, you may be able to save some data off your device in case something happens and your devices' OS crashes. There have been a few reports on these forums of users who kept their bootloaders locked, then something happened and they couldn't boot their device. If their bootloaders had been unlocked, they could have at least saved their personal files (photos, music, etc) from the /sdcard directory. But, because their bootloaders were locked, too bad so sad, photos gone (they were not auto-backup to the cloud).
+1
Definitely unlock the bootloader - I learned the hard way on my N1 that getting an 'unlocked phone' is different from having a phone with an unlocked bootloader. (hunting down a bootloader locked root method so I can Titanium Backup 2 years of apps and data is a PIA).
Unlocking the bootloader on a brand new phone will not outwardly do anything to your phone other than add a little unlocked padlock to the bottom of your startup screen (the one with Google written on it).
I did 2 weeks ago what you're talking about doing now. It's super easy with the Galaxy Nexus Toolkit that mskip has created.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310
[EDIT] P.S. - don't worry about losing warranty when unlocking the bootloader - the above GNex Toolkit can get your phone back to stock and then re-lock the bootloader for you if you ever need to use the warranty.
efrant said:
First things to do:
1) Unlock your bootloader, even if you never plan on rooting or flashing a custom ROM. Do this even before booting Android for the first time.
2) Check to see if you are running yakju or takju. If you are running a build other than those two (for GSM devices), flash one of them (by following the link in my signature). Run one of those two builds for a while, so that you get a feel for what a stock ROM is.
3) Everything else.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Is there a simple root only that doesnt change ANYTHING else?

Is there a simple Root for the AT&T S3 that ONLY roots the phone, changes not a damn thing, will not lose apps installed already, not lose ANY function at all, and I mean nothing what so ever? Too many things I see says, Root works fine, but you might lose this or that even if its an obscure function...I want to leave at least for now my phone fully stock but rooted with a 99.9% chance of nothing going wrong or changed , like a 1 click.... Heh am I asking for too much?
What you are looking for is out there, however its not exactly 1 click. Also, there is always a risk when rooting your phone so keep that in mind. I would suggest reading as much as you can before jumping into anything. There are a lot of very helpful threads here, you just have to invest the time. Trust me, its better to feel confident when working on our phones, rather than brick a $600 phone! Good luck to you!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
I would take a look at this if I were you,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746665
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S III rocking Jellybean
Look for flash/non-trip
bravomail said:
Look for flash/non-trip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
You can easily root without deleting anything. mrRobinson put together a nice guide that will grant root access without tripping your flash counter. However, even if you do trip the counter, there is now a way to reset it.
here is the thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426
Ok thx, I was half joking with the 1 click, but would be nice , heh...
For a short bit I had a loaner Captivate so I put 2-3 different ROMs on there (Serenity was my fav) and messed with it a bit, but I had little fear as if I killed it , it was not a big deal, but this is the only Android experience I have, was rocking a iphone 3gs before the S3...
So do you think the mrrobinson method is the best/easiest or get the toolkit and use that for what Im trying to do right now? Im happy with how it is and Im sure I will mess with ROMs once the newness wears off, but for now just want to root to put Titanium on there and maybe get Google Wallet working as well.
wiz4769 said:
Ok thx, I was half joking with the 1 click, but would be nice , heh...
For a short bit I had a loaner Captivate so I put 2-3 different ROMs on there (Serenity was my fav) and messed with it a bit, but I had little fear as if I killed it , it was not a big deal, but this is the only Android experience I have, was rocking a iphone 3gs before the S3...
So do you think the mrrobinson method is the best/easiest or get the toolkit and use that for what Im trying to do right now? Im happy with how it is and Im sure I will mess with ROMs once the newness wears off, but for now just want to root to put Titanium on there and maybe get Google Wallet working as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i think it'd be the easiest for you and won't touch anything you've setup. Just flash the file in ODIN and you're set.
wiz4769 said:
So do you think the mrrobinson method is the best/easiest....... but for now just want to root to put Titanium on there and maybe get Google Wallet working as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too, don't want custom ROM yet.Yeah, this how I got mine rooted, every thing STOCK. Then got Tibu and G_wallet. :good:
Thanks to mrRobinson who made this possible :highfive:
pakxelaos said:
I too, don't want custom ROM yet.Yeah, this how I got mine rooted, every thing STOCK. Then got Tibu and G_wallet. :good:
Thanks to mrRobinson who made this possible :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this once I got home yesterday, worked like a charm with no issues, got titanium installed and working, now to mess with GW...Thx for the replies guys
Odin- / heimdall-free root
I just wanted to share that Noxious Ninja's Verizon Odin-Less method worked perfectly well on my AT&T phone. I have a Mac and Heimdall doesn't yet work on the SGS3, and I was having trouble getting my hands on a PC. This method required no flashing of any kind (although the first thing I did after getting root was flash CWM recovery and CyanogenMod.) Just needed to input the various shell commands by hand because obviously the .bat file didn't run on OS X.
Here is the thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792342

Galaxy Nexus GSM 4.1.2

Haven't heard any news of an ota to the gsm devices. Are they not getting it or am I not? I run a custom kernel and are rooted... but I have seen no news of a galaxy nexus ota.
Sorry if I missed the thread.
Thanks.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
It's out on Google's factory image site. You can easily manually flash it
Swyped on my Galaxy Nexus running AOKP with Franco Kernel
Thanks!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
The OTA hasn't started rolling for any GNex devices. There's an image if you're on takju, but no OTA.
Nexus S ota lower memory use! Much better performance.
Just installed Jelly 4.1.2 on Nexus S device last night. I'm posting here to provide my experience. This phone is running like a new, better device. It is using half, HALF the sys memory than before. So far just sweet goodness. I recommend this update to all. Absolutely no problems thus far. I've tried things it didn't like in the past and it just keeps chugging along. I swear, EveryThing is faster. Will test batt life today when I go out, then report. This is only a .01 update! WOW! Thank you Google. Thank you T-Mobile. F'in awesome job. That is all.
I found a cwm that flashed system a while back and used that to upgrade to this version.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
rdmoore said:
Just installed Jelly 4.1.2 on Nexus S device last night. I'm posting here to provide my experience. This phone is running like a new, better device. It is using half, HALF the sys memory than before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you getting that system memory number from? It sounds a little suspect.
Ya it is true. I have update my galaxy nexus to 4.1.2 and its is slightly better than 4.1.1
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
tofmiller... Very Slight exaggeration : )
I understand. This thing has what 334mb avail for apps to RUN not store. Before OTA update, was using task managers and restarts to keep around 50-70 mb free. After update, without intervention, phone says around 100 mb free. I exaggerated a bit but not that much. I find, also, the system keeps things freed up. I have not killed any apps or cleared cache since I got the OTA last night. I got the update in the afternoon then went to my 27" iMac to try to get a feel of how well things were going for others.Things looked sort of OK, but not much info so I decided to pull the trigger last night around 8pm Pacific. Proceeded to run it ragged. Streaming movies to my Mac via Wi-Fi, no problem. Played the only 3 games I have installed right now, no problem. Checked mem, 92 mb free! Made sure all apps were not running, only Skifta. It's been over 12 hours, no prob.
So, for me, this old dog got a shot of steroids. I'm thinking this will probably be last u/d for this device.(but that's what I thought about 4.1.1). If some app devs stay cool, don't think I'll get new device 'till after my contract fully expires. Was thinking about upgrading handset at earliest time. Couple months before end. Now... i can get better deal from carrier. Or jump ship to Big Red. Just wanted to put some helpful info out there because it looked like most people were side-loading this thing.
Been trolling for some time. Finally found something worthy of this outstanding site. Usually-"I'M NOT WORTHY"
Started with Nexus 1(now wife's) Bought rebuilt Nexus S because of running out of memory all the time.Pulled the T-Mobile Sim out stuck it in here and it immediately started d/l 4.04. Wow Really didn't expect that, now this... NEXUS BABY-- ALL THE WAY. Tablet next! Hope I helped. usually -I'M NOT WORTHY-
I'm on stock GSM 4.1.1 and I'm a little concerned I haven't gotten 4.1.2 OTA yet. Any ideas?
I thought the manual flash from the website wipes your data.
Mr. ruggersvpunk ? I can't believe i'm gonna say this....
Hello ruggervpunk ?
I'm usually (or used to be) quite impatient about these sort of things. I've been using a Mac since 1986(not the same one : ) and had to have the latest greatest thing. Over time I've learned a tiny bit of patience. I've found in almost every case it's best to wait a bit.. Smarter to let those without some restraint be the guinea pigs. This has saved my ass in recent years. So, I guess I would advise you to wait for the OTA. Things can go wrong when loading from a website. I've done it(with my wife's phone) and once I thought i bricked it. If not for the Grace of God and this site, it would still be in that state.
So sir? Try to wait. 1 it's totally worth it , I don't know who your carrier is but if you've received an OTA before, you'll get it again. Just got mine yesterday from T-MOBILE. So far, everything works better. Much better than an unexpected .01 update. This has done as much or more in performance than 4.0.4 to 4.1.1. Really. Give it a couple of days. Good things come to those who wait. That's just a guy in S.F. who loves gadgets advice.
Good Luck
Richard
It rolls out in phases. The factory image will wipe data. But there is a cwm file that updates boot and system. Its essentially the ota except larger since its the entire system.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
rdmoore said:
Hello ruggervpunk ?
I'm usually (or used to be) quite impatient about these sort of things. I've been using a Mac since 1986(not the same one : ) and had to have the latest greatest thing. Over time I've learned a tiny bit of patience. I've found in almost every case it's best to wait a bit.. Smarter to let those without some restraint be the guinea pigs. This has saved my ass in recent years. So, I guess I would advise you to wait for the OTA. Things can go wrong when loading from a website. I've done it(with my wife's phone) and once I thought i bricked it. If not for the Grace of God and this site, it would still be in that state.
So sir? Try to wait. 1 it's totally worth it , I don't know who your carrier is but if you've received an OTA before, you'll get it again. Just got mine yesterday from T-MOBILE. So far, everything works better. Much better than an unexpected .01 update. This has done as much or more in performance than 4.0.4 to 4.1.1. Really. Give it a couple of days. Good things come to those who wait. That's just a guy in S.F. who loves gadgets advice.
Good Luck
Richard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go figure, I sent that on the way to the gym, and when I just got home now, the OTA came.
Thanks!

[Q] Is there a genuine, legitimate reason to root

I've had my E4GT for about 2 or 3 weeks now, I received the OTA update to FI27 last week, and overall I'm pretty happy with it (I was happy before the update though, but to be honest because I only had the phone a few days I haven't noticed a difference ).
I rooted my last phone, which was a Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V, but that was because Virgin loaded it with a bunch of bloatware and there was a very good ROM that removed all of it, improved battery life, etc etc.
But with this phone, I don't find I have any issues with battery life, I have plenty of space on my phone with way more apps installed than I had on the Optimus, it runs smoothly, and the only complaint I have is that my LED notification light isn't working correctly, which I know can be fixed with an app.
So, to all the people that have rooted and know what else this phone can do, is there a good reason other than "you can install lots of different custom roms" that I should root my phone? What else will I be able to do with it? What benefits will I see? Installing different ROMs doesn't mean much to me. Even though I did that on my old phone, there was a real reason to do it: I could install more than 4 apps on it (and I kept that same ROM on it the entire time). I don't have that issue with this phone, so why should I?
Thanks
I personally consider customization, removing bloatware, and tweaking to your own liking genuine and legitimate reasons. You also have Ad blocking & WiFi tether though.
You shouldn't if you are happy with it.
I rooted for those reasons..
-Tired of stock look. Install new roms.
-Use apps needing root like titaniun backup.
-Get rid of stock apps.
I didnt root for almost 2 months. I was eager to try ics leaks before ota so I eventually rooted.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
someguyatx said:
I personally consider customization, removing bloatware, and tweaking to your own liking genuine and legitimate reasons. You also have Ad blocking & WiFi tether though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this is what I don't really understand. What sort of customization and tweaking can be done to the phone? What are the effects of it?
BluesRulez said:
You shouldn't if you are happy with it.
I rooted for those reasons..
-Tired of stock look. Install new roms.
-Use apps needing root like titaniun backup.
-Get rid of stock apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you really only need Titanium Backup if you are gonna be rooting though? The bloatware I can deal with as the phone hasn't (yet) told me that I don't have enough space to stop me from installing new apps.
mewikime said:
I've had my E4GT for about 2 or 3 weeks now, I received the OTA update to FI27 last week, and overall I'm pretty happy with it (I was happy before the update though, but to be honest because I only had the phone a few days I haven't noticed a difference ).
I rooted my last phone, which was a Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V, but that was because Virgin loaded it with a bunch of bloatware and there was a very good ROM that removed all of it, improved battery life, etc etc.
But with this phone, I don't find I have any issues with battery life, I have plenty of space on my phone with way more apps installed than I had on the Optimus, it runs smoothly, and the only complaint I have is that my LED notification light isn't working correctly, which I know can be fixed with an app.
So, to all the people that have rooted and know what else this phone can do, is there a good reason other than "you can install lots of different custom roms" that I should root my phone? What else will I be able to do with it? What benefits will I see? Installing different ROMs doesn't mean much to me. Even though I did that on my old phone, there was a real reason to do it: I could install more than 4 apps on it (and I kept that same ROM on it the entire time). I don't have that issue with this phone, so why should I?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no reason for you to root. You are happy that's good.
XDA's 4,697,117+ Members are just nuts. We're unhappy with our stuff and insist on making it less useful to us.
Nothing to see here....
Seriously if you need to ask and don't want to investigate for yourself then rooting and certainly these forums are not for you.
I root because
- Hate Touchwiz look
- Customization
- Themes
- Battery Saving options
- AOSP (AOKP)
- JELLYBEAN
- Better reception and data
You may be happy with bloat. I do not want battery resources going to apps I will never open. I like battery life. I like optimization. I like customization. If you don't see a need then don't do it. But if your phone ever drowns don't complain that you lost all your game data or texts and stuff. With titanium backup I can even set a schedule to back up those items for me at whatever time to my sd card. So if my phone drowns I pop my as card into my new phone and its all there. Also make nandroids when I receive my replacement its like my phone never died. Its all exactly how I had it.
sent from my BAD A$$ Epic touch
I run stock 90% of the time.
My main reason to root at least after FF18
-Tethering
-Tethering nothing more
I said after FF18 because on Gingerbread there's no need to root for tethering thanks to FoxFi but since ICS, Sprint block it and they are working on a new version for ICS when they found a way again I'm back to Stock.
Do what you want!
That is what is most important.
If there was any legitimate reason, it would be because you want to.
Otherwise you are just following what someone else says. Of course, there are very good reasons for both. The one thing I am told a lot by people on the other end of the phone conversation consistently, is that there seems to be feedback and they hear themselves a lot(- since I started Modding). What do I care, I hear everyone just fine. But I do care. I use my phone for work a lot. NOW, someone else is going to post after this that you can play with modems and what not to clear this up... which is true. And also you can reflash and do this & do that. What if the person using the phone just wants simplicity.... stay stock! Do not pass go. It takes tweeking, fine adjustments, research and ROM updates(The almighty Search box on XDA is awesome) and time to figure some of this stuff out. And ALSO it doesn't hurt to have an interest in android, Apps, ROMs and so on and so on.
Sometimes either the manufacturer or the carrier sends out updates that just don't work well. I like having the ability to keep it working properly, not working the way Sprint thinks is best for me.
You have only had your phone for a month. I have had mine for about a year, and others here have had it longer. If you are trying to convince us not to root, you should spend your time on the Sprint message boards instead of here.
Your happy that's what matters. Your choice
Sent from my HTCEVOV4G using Xparent SkyBlue Tapatalk 2
It comes down to personal choice. Android is customizable right out of the box. It is even more so once you root and get under the hood.
Agreed with all that say it's your choice. Also your habits are very important. One of the reasons why I love Android is that I can literally change my software whenever I want. I was running AOKP 2 days ago, M'ICS the day after. Now today I'm on stock rooted FI27.
Honestly though, this phone is really good out of the box. I had the LG Optimus V for over a year as well, and the only way to get that phone to perform was to root it and put a custom ROM on it. It was actually a great phone for being low end. I had said that when I upgraded to this phone that I wouldn't root it, but that didn't last long. Really though, you can easily get the performance you're looking for on this phone without rooting it.
I rooted for UV/OC ability.
And I really didn't like touchwiz, but I accidentally found that it comes stock with both the ICS launcher and TW launchers, so that was a plus.
I'm on a stock rom running agat's source 6.5 kernel. Runs great. Only thing better would be if I could find an optimized stock rom (much like Sprint Lovers on the OG Evo 4G.)
I'm rooted because I like to tell my devices what to do.
I guess rooting might make more sense if you've ever been an administrator or if you've ever ran any Linux machine.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Tethering and titanium backup. There is no way to truly backup data without root and on something as accident prone as a smartphone that's a necessity.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
mewikime said:
Don't you really only need Titanium Backup if you are gonna be rooting though? The bloatware I can deal with as the phone hasn't (yet) told me that I don't have enough space to stop me from installing new apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't reliably backup say your angry bird progress without TiBu or the like and being rooted. Sure for this specific series of apps there have been applications made to back up the save progress but they have proven often at times to be unreliable.
Maybe your favorite app gets pulled from the market, lets say flash. Too bad you didn't back up the APK. Of course for flash you can download the apk from adobe still so not a great example but you get the idea.
But overall something like Titanium Backup comes in handy if you ever need to format the phone. Like say the OTA to ICS, problems for unrooted users were easily solved by a factory reset (except for that brick bug triggered by factory reset...). Nice to be able to restore all your user apps with all their settings and save data.
I rooted so I could use a PS3 controller back on gingerbread. As time goes on many things that required root like taking screenshots have become officially available in Android or OEM firmware. Question is you want to be able to do completely normal and reasonable things up to a couple years ahead of Google catching up? Surely if someone locked down your windows PC so you couldn't do things you take for granted you would wish for root access.
I waited about 5 months before I finally rooted my phone. My old phone was rooted and I liked CM7 and MIUI but with stock ICS on this phone I was getting amazing battery life and I was using GO Launcher and it looked great. The only thing I hated was the black status bar and it could only be changed if it was rooted.
There are a lot of roms for our phone but I really missed the CM7 rom I had on the old optimus S. It supported status bar transparency and I could change the color of the status bar and status bar text. It looks like no rom for our phone has that feature. Right now I'm on MIUI which has a great looking UI but battery life isn't nearly as good as the unrooted FH13. I get the best battery life with CM9 which is still a lot less than before when it wasn't rooted. My phone used to last around 60 hours with very light use and now I could only get around 48 hours with CM9 and maybe 30 hours with MIUI. But I'm still happy with it since I get tons of beautiful themes and new features and I like to try new roms and it keeps me busy lol.
Rooting allows you to have full control of the device whether its software or hardware. I agree that this phone is just fine stock. It just works and its fast.
Reasons why I'm rooted
Titanium backup, roam control, extended toggles, root explorer to push custom themed apps to /system/app. When rooted you can do almost anything with your phone that comes to your mind. There's a pic of the super super handy extended toggles that I can't live with out.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
leaderbuilder said:
There is no reason for you to root. You are happy that's good.
XDA's 4,697,117+ Members are just nuts. We're unhappy with our stuff and insist on making it less useful to us.
Nothing to see here....
Seriously if you need to ask and don't want to investigate for yourself then rooting and certainly these forums are not for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
byrdcfmma said:
You have only had your phone for a month. I have had mine for about a year, and others here have had it longer. If you are trying to convince us not to root, you should spend your time on the Sprint message boards instead of here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't trying to imply that anyone who has rooted this phone is nuts, you shouldn't have done it, and that it's less useful. I was asking what are some specific advantages to rooting, how does rooting make it more useful, as at the moment I have had no issues with the operation of the phone, but I don't know the full extent of what it can do when rooted, and I thought that these forums would be the place to get such answers from experienced rooted users who have had their phones for a year and know more than I do. I should have worded my initial question differently to explain that better.
hrffd said:
I root because
- Better reception and data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is interesting to know. At home I get 1 bar of reception if I'm lucky, dropped calls, and no 3G data. I had to ask Sprint for an Airave. When I leave my street but am still in the general neighbourhood I get no service again. Is reception improved by root-only apps or certain ROMs?
patrao_n said:
You may be happy with bloat. I do not want battery resources going to apps I will never open. ... But if your phone ever drowns don't complain that you lost all your game data or texts and stuff. With titanium backup I can even set a schedule to back up those items for me at whatever time to my sd card. So if my phone drowns I pop my as card into my new phone and its all there. Also make nandroids when I receive my replacement its like my phone never died. Its all exactly how I had it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for telling me that. It's not that I'm happy with them, I just haven't yet had my phone tell me I can't install a new app. When that happens no doubt I wouldn't be pleased. I assumed that because I hadn't opened the bloatware apps that they weren't using battery resources so it's good to know that they do, and that this is a good reason for rooting and removing them. Your reasons for using Titanium backup were something I hadn't thought of as well.
Omar04 said:
I run stock 90% of the time.
My main reason to root at least after FF18
-Tethering
-Tethering nothing more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, good to know. As I said, I've had the phone a couple of weeks and only now with a lower workload have I really had time to sit and contemplate what to do with my phone, and look into what it does and what it can do. I have the paid EasyTether app but I haven't used it on this phone yet. I also saw that it comes preloaded with Sprint Hotspot app.. I take it then that EasyTether won't work on this phone with current stock setup?
mjs2011 said:
Agreed with all that say it's your choice. Also your habits are very important. One of the reasons why I love Android is that I can literally change my software whenever I want. I was running AOKP 2 days ago, M'ICS the day after. Now today I'm on stock rooted FI27.
Honestly though, this phone is really good out of the box. I had the LG Optimus V for over a year as well, and the only way to get that phone to perform was to root it and put a custom ROM on it. It was actually a great phone for being low end. I had said that when I upgraded to this phone that I wouldn't root it, but that didn't last long. Really though, you can easily get the performance you're looking for on this phone without rooting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if I did root, I'd do what I did with the OV and stick with the same ROM for a good time. Again, not to insult those that do (see above reply), but I don't think I'd have the balls to run different roms on a daily basis in fear of bricking it and also because once I've found something I'm happy with I'm usually okay not to look any further!
Mattix724 said:
I'm rooted because I like to tell my devices what to do.
I guess rooting might make more sense if you've ever been an administrator or if you've ever ran any Linux machine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, no. No Linux experience here except for a tiny bit of stuff on my seedbox, installing 7zip and using Putty to unzip iso's and stuff.
I'm going to spend the next couple of days reading the various forums, looking at what ROMs are available, what they do, etc etc, checking out what apps that require root access I'm missing out on.. one has piqued my interest already: Root Call Blocker. But I use my phone to make calls, make texts, check emails, surf the web a bit, and let the kids play a few games on it. So this is why I was wondering if there were any other benefits for me to do this.

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