Is it worth it to root still? - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4

I just got this phone, after having an SII for a while, the SII I rooted and put about every rom made, lol I had fun, but to be honest, many roms were missing features.
I'd like to Root, to be able to remove a lot of bloat that came with this phone, including "look out"
The main reason I want to root though, is to be able to tether my unlimited data plan.
Other features like titanium back up and some other rooted only apps.
I don't want to put a rom on it, I'm happy with the stock rom, but what about when updates come? like 4.3 or something, I wouldn't be able to update it right?

fastfed said:
I just got this phone, after having an SII for a while, the SII I rooted and put about every rom made, lol I had fun, but to be honest, many roms were missing features.
I'd like to Root, to be able to remove a lot of bloat that came with this phone, including "look out"
The main reason I want to root though, is to be able to tether my unlimited data plan.
Other features like titanium back up and some other rooted only apps.
I don't want to put a rom on it, I'm happy with the stock rom, but what about when updates come? like 4.3 or something, I wouldn't be able to update it right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
depends on your carrier and what they throw in the updates. safe way is to stick with what you got till the next release is known to be rooted.

whether running a custom rom or just rooted, you should be able to unroot and revert to stock by following the guides on here, and then you can update with OTA. otherwise, it probably wouldnt be too long of a wait for roms based on any new updates to come out.

I couldn't have this phone or any phone for that matter without root anymore. The touchwiz roms made by the devs here are soooo much smoother than the stock touchwiz on the phone. The better battery life and customization are always an upside as well.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

Truly, this is a question that only you can answer. Especially since you have posted you have experience, the determination is really up to you to make.
Thread closed

Related

New to Samsung Epic and just have a question or 2

I am coming from WinMo to the Epic. I am noticing a lot of bloatware on this phone and am wondering if rooting it and installing a custom rom the only way to remove these programs? I mean there is a lot of literal crap on this device from Sprint. Any help would be appreciated, I read through all the forums I could think of and even went to the wiki and read.
You can use "one click root",then get a program called "sdx app remover".
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
thank you very much
jonny4 said:
I am coming from WinMo to the Epic. I am noticing a lot of bloatware on this phone and am wondering if rooting it and installing a custom rom the only way to remove these programs? I mean there is a lot of literal crap on this device from Sprint. Any help would be appreciated, I read through all the forums I could think of and even went to the wiki and read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SDX app remover will work, but another option is to root, then download titanium backup from the market. I use the free version and it's great. Using this app, you can make backups of you apps and app data (1 at a time, in a batch, or even set overnight schedules). This comes in handy whether flashing roms, if a program gets corrupted, or even if you download an update to a program that doesn't work and want to restore the prior one. Also, if you go to the backup/restore tab, you can see all apps on the phone. If you press on the app, it brings up options, one of which is uninstall. If rooted, you can uninstall anything (just be careful).
Welcome to the epic.
I had the same thought with my heroc long ago. But the stock rom minus bloat still is garbage compared to even the worst custom rom. With this epic was never a question...custom rom 30 mins after I got it.
You can always Odin back to stock...but you never will
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I guess I am worried about messing something up, I only started putting custome rom's on My touch Diamond after I knew I was looking for a new phone in the last 3 months. Is there just a bsaic Android 2.2 rom for the Epic, so I could start from scratch with my apps?
I would recommend Bonsai, but they seem to be busy screwing themselves over. Let's just say its a great rom, but they are making some pretty dumb moves in the PR category.
BTW, if there was
literal crap on this device from Sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then you should have contacted the health department.
so i am noticing some of these roms will root for me. I am looking at the bonsai thread, is it an all in one package. i am new to android rooting. i know on winmo i had to first unlock then run a ruu from my desktop.
You can use odin too load pre rooted roms. Which will give u cwm. Then u can change roms at your own discretion with out a pc. Look at the ratings and read the posts before u load a rom. Id also suggest bonsai 4.0 seems to the the most stable. And I have tried all of them.
Unless you do not care about pic msging and gps in which case definately check out cm7 aplha 3. Its androi 2.3 gingerbread .
one more question, if i don't like this how do i go back to stock rom, with winmo i just reflash old one.
maghig said:
BTW, if there was literal crap on this device from sprint then you should have contacted the health department.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this. My keyboard thanks you for the mountain dew bath.
I have decided I actually like the Samsung ui but I can;t stand how many apps there are, I have 2 freakin Facebook apps because I can't remove the original and the newer one doesn't update the old one. So best thing to do is root and try and remove the stock apps I guess.
I already said this and no one answered. if something goes wrong, how do I go back to stock sprint rom? with winmo i just re run the rom package on my pc.
Just use ODIN. It's always right at the top of the Dev section.
thx, wanted to make sure that is the right thing, like i said i am a nOOb
I was in your shoes a month or so ago.
When I finally had enough time and bravery to mess around with the phone, I rooted and proceeded to brick my phone.
This bricking taught me a valuable lesson and its that the epic is very hard to permantly screw up. I also came from a winmo device before being hogtied and violated from palm and sprints marketin team but wounds healed and feelings of anger and sadness faded away when the epic decended from sprints hallowed halls. (Gg sprint marketing team on another successful campaign...)
Hope isn't lost and I would advise you to become used to your phone with the OTA updates (it should be at ec05) because unless you know what gains you are receiving from flashing a new rom, then it would be a pointless endevor.
Lurk more in the dev forums and play with your phone. If you have a question then ask and hopefully you will find a rom to fit your needs.
Sent from my Epic4g using the internet.
I was rushed and wanted to further clarify a little on what I posted above.
The epic you have now OP should be on 2.2.1 EC05 Froyo if it's not that way now. This is the current update pushed from sprint and I personally had no problems with it. The amount of bloat you see vs the bloat you can't (CIQ...and others *too lazy to google or search*) is a factor to consider while deciding if rooting and customs roms are for you.
I know you mentioned Touchwiz and like you, I enjoy it. Rooting and flashing a rom can remove this but many of the current roms offer a version with TW either as default or baked in. This shouldn't be of concern because you will not notice much difference between stock TW and that provided in a rom other than how "snappy" it is.
I also recommended lurking in the dev forums, and I meant that. I'll look at the first page of a thread such as the ACS rom thread in dev. After seeing what's offered, go to the last page and work backwards, noting any issues or problems people are having. Do understand that people are more likely to post a problem than give praise so do not let those post steer you away, but just use caution and take notice of what's recommended to fix it.
Although this may seem long winded, I feel that a majority of people similer to myself will either conclude that rooting is hard and not mess with it, or become lost in the ever changing acronyms, root utilities, and overall direction to successfully root their device.
What makes matters even worse is that some roms can be so complicated to install and troubleshoot that the information you need to continue isn't already clear enough to you to correctly ask a question or troublesoot. You will see this reflected in post where phones are reurned to the store after it fail to boot.
So to restate what I think would be your best option (and others who find themselves looking to root and flash custom roms), you should lurk and study the dev forums along with general. Make sure current version of froyo is on your device from the OTA update (EC05 is current and you can check by Settings/About Phone/ and scrolling down towards the bottom. Become knowledgeable about what your phone can do, then if you decide that a new rom will make for a richer experience, then follow guides handed down from the roms themselves to help make sure you successfully root and flash your phone.
It can be a headache but it's worth the pain when you finally finish.
Sent from my Epic4g using the internet.
jonny4 said:
thx, wanted to make sure that is the right thing, like i said i am a nOOb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jonny4,
I,too, was in your shoes. I registered on this forum just to reply to your post.
I've had my Epic 4G for a little over a month and I've already tried several different kernels and ROMs. I've found that a good resource for learning how to flash your Epic is YouTube. There's a guy on there with the username "randyshear." He had an Epic 4G and made a ton of how-to vids about installing ClockworkMod Recovery, making Nandroid backups, and flashing various ROMs. Before my Epic 4G, I had never had an Android phone, so I was VERY new to the whole thing. Fortunately for us, the phone has been out for a while and many options exist. I recommend checking out randyshear's vids. He posts download links to all the ROMs he tries out. I've been using the Genocide 0.3a kernel that undervolts and overclocks the CPU to 1.2 GHz and I've flashed ViperROM Apocalypse 4.0.4 with EXT4. The phone has never been faster!
Make sure you get ClockworkMod on the phone and make a backup. Also, just to be safe, back up your microSD too. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, it's actually really fun to try out different ROMs to see how your phone responds. Good luck!
EDIT: I recently flashed my Epic with SyndicateROM Frozen 1.1.0 (EC05 Froyo) with the Twilight Zone kernel and I was completely blown away! FASTEST ROM/KERNEL COMBO I have seen yet!
here is basically what i hate. i just killed a bunch of apps and 3, Clock, amazon mp3, and qik video, that I have never used or setup are already running again. It is absolutely stupid that a program that has never been used or setup can run itself, reminds of me of spyware or malware, and because Samsung locks out removing of said apps it is annoying. I would be happy with the basic rom if all these extra apps weren't running or installed. I may try what the first person suggested. I know WinMo had a bunch of crap apps installed in the Sprint rom but at least those did not run on their own. I do appreciate everyones help, really and I guess if I plan on rooting I should probably do it within my return policy.

Un-Rooted, And Holding Off Until The Update...

Had my SGSII for about 3 months now. Rooted the 1st week I brought it home. I've been flashing ROMs left and right, trying to find that certain one that best fits my lifestyle.
I've landed on the Darkside, and found my flavor there.
Because of "all this talk" about ICS, and only going (OTA) to unlocked un-rooted phones. I've successfully un-rooted, and went back to stock.
With all the benefits of having a phone rooted (nandroid backup, uninstalling bloatware), i ended up asking myself "WHY". Why do I really need to be rooted. The only time i ever do a nandroid backup is when I flash a new ROM. After much consideration, I ended realizing that the ONLY main reason I want my phone rooted is to re-place the Gmail.apk in the system's folder to a modded Gmail.apk - so I can put my unread count widget on my home screen.
Yeah yeah yeah.. i know there is a apk in the market named "Google Unread Count 2.0", but it doesn't read your unread count email in real-time. It takes a few minutes for the widget to update.
Other, than that there really is no pressing reason to have my phone rooted.
Now for the OTA update waiting game..
lawalty said:
Had my SGSII for about 3 months now. Rooted the 1st week I brought it home. I've been flashing ROMs left and right, trying to find that certain one that best fits my lifestyle.
I've landed on the Darkside, and found my flavor there.
Because of "all this talk" about ICS, and only going (OTA) to unlocked un-rooted phones. I've successfully un-rooted, and went back to stock.
With all the benefits of having a phone rooted (nandroid backup, uninstalling bloatware), i ended up asking myself "WHY". Why do I really need to be rooted. The only time i ever do a nandroid backup is when I flash a new ROM. After much consideration, I ended realizing that the ONLY main reason I want my phone rooted is to re-place the Gmail.apk in the system's folder to a modded Gmail.apk - so I can put my unread count widget on my home screen.
Yeah yeah yeah.. i know there is a apk in the market named "Google Unread Count 2.0", but it doesn't read your unread count email in real-time. It takes a few minutes for the widget to update.
Other, than that there really is no pressing reason to have my phone rooted.
Now for the OTA update waiting game..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not?... yet better question.
lawalty said:
Had my SGSII for about 3 months now. Rooted the 1st week I brought it home. I've been flashing ROMs left and right, trying to find that certain one that best fits my lifestyle.
I've landed on the Darkside, and found my flavor there.
Because of "all this talk" about ICS, and only going (OTA) to unlocked un-rooted phones. I've successfully un-rooted, and went back to stock.
With all the benefits of having a phone rooted (nandroid backup, uninstalling bloatware), i ended up asking myself "WHY". Why do I really need to be rooted. The only time i ever do a nandroid backup is when I flash a new ROM. After much consideration, I ended realizing that the ONLY main reason I want my phone rooted is to re-place the Gmail.apk in the system's folder to a modded Gmail.apk - so I can put my unread count widget on my home screen.
Yeah yeah yeah.. i know there is a apk in the market named "Google Unread Count 2.0", but it doesn't read your unread count email in real-time. It takes a few minutes for the widget to update.
Other, than that there really is no pressing reason to have my phone rooted.
Now for the OTA update waiting game..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To each their own but there are many more reasons to root other than a Gmail.apk. If your waiting on an OTA ICS update you will be waiting awhile longer. But again to each their own.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
lawalty said:
Had my SGSII for about 3 months now. Rooted the 1st week I brought it home. I've been flashing ROMs left and right, trying to find that certain one that best fits my lifestyle.
I've landed on the Darkside, and found my flavor there.
Because of "all this talk" about ICS, and only going (OTA) to unlocked un-rooted phones. I've successfully un-rooted, and went back to stock.
With all the benefits of having a phone rooted (nandroid backup, uninstalling bloatware), i ended up asking myself "WHY". Why do I really need to be rooted. The only time i ever do a nandroid backup is when I flash a new ROM. After much consideration, I ended realizing that the ONLY main reason I want my phone rooted is to re-place the Gmail.apk in the system's folder to a modded Gmail.apk - so I can put my unread count widget on my home screen.
Yeah yeah yeah.. i know there is a apk in the market named "Google Unread Count 2.0", but it doesn't read your unread count email in real-time. It takes a few minutes for the widget to update.
Other, than that there really is no pressing reason to have my phone rooted.
Now for the OTA update waiting game..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gonna be a loooooooooong wait my friend.
Btw, I can't imagine android without root, (rooted since the g1).
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Nothing wrong with stock...stable, fairly fast. But don't hold your breath for ICS...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
I find it amusing that the only justifiable reason for you to root is a modded gmail
There are so many reasons to root it's not even a question of "why".
How about Carrier IQ? Or full control over Theming? Custom Kernels, build.prop, CWM Touch Recovery? You can't be serious about a gmail notification being the sole reason for rooting.
Oh and btw, if you haven't learned this yet, you may want to pay attention:
Once the update starts rolling out to the general public, the official version will be leaked on xda and you will be able to flash through CWM. I'm sure within days there will also be a rooted stock version as well. This will be well BEFORE you get the OTA.
So, if you want to give up control of your device just to wait longer for something that hasn't even officially been announced yet, more power to you. Say hi to Carrier IQ for me
u not the only I haven't rooted my sgs2 yet, waiting on the official ics update.
What is the point of this thread? Who cares if you root or not.
MrKnitty said:
u not the only I haven't rooted my sgs2 yet, waiting on the official ics update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who said it's even coming to your phone, just because Samsung said it's now being sent OTA does NOT mean you will get it. The fact that you have a carrier branded phone means that Tmobile will get it's hands on it first then do it's wonderful (sarcasm) magic and bloat it with there apps like Tmobile TV and so on. Then IF they choose to make it available they will send it there's NO time frame on that. All I have to do it's point out the Tmobile's version of the Samsung Galaxy S, the Vibrant, which NEVER got Gingerbread like the other Galaxy S phone that did. Samsung announced and released an OTA for the Galaxy S but Tmobile in there infinite wisdom chose NOT to release it to the Vibrant. So just because Samsung announced and is sending a OTA ICS does NOT mean you're going to get it. You will have to WAIT for your carrier IF and when they announce it, PERIOD!
Though it may only he available to stock unrooted users, its often a matter of a few days to get an rooted stock rom up so thats not an issue for me
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
iLeopard said:
Though it may only he available to stock unrooted users, its often a matter of a few days to get an rooted stock rom up so thats not an issue for me
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should read the thread before posting...someone already said what you said.
"Once the update starts rolling out to the general public, the official version will be leaked on xda and you will be able to flash through CWM. I'm sure within days there will also be a rooted stock version as well. This will be well BEFORE you get the OTA."
ingenious247 said:
I find it amusing that the only justifiable reason for you to root is a modded gmail
There are so many reasons to root it's not even a question of "why".
How about Carrier IQ? Or full control over Theming? Custom Kernels, build.prop, CWM Touch Recovery? You can't be serious about a gmail notification being the sole reason for rooting.
Oh and btw, if you haven't learned this yet, you may want to pay attention:
Once the update starts rolling out to the general public, the official version will be leaked on xda and you will be able to flash through CWM. I'm sure within days there will also be a rooted stock version as well. This will be well BEFORE you get the OTA.
So, if you want to give up control of your device just to wait longer for something that hasn't even officially been announced yet, more power to you. Say hi to Carrier IQ for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Within hours there will be a stock Deodexed rooted tar and CWM zip.. I know this because I'm going to be doing it lol. Have my ics working folder ready to rock.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Wtf... This guy trying to make a documentary of his personal phone desires..as said previously who cares what you decide to do with your phone...we don't need to be informed your un rooting and waiting... If that's what you choose do be it but y in the hell would you think we need to know, or much less care
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
personally, i like the ability to get into the rooted side of es file explorer to modify the build prop, change lcd density, insert init.d script edit for better battery life. hell, how about undervolting the kernel with oc apps to get upwards of 24 hours out of a single charge? also, while the tmo roms are good, they cant hold a candle to the 2.3.5 roms from ATT...i dont know what it is but those roms run like a dream on this snapdragon soc.
final thought - I love tmo, dont get me wrong, but if you think that tmo will be the first to get ics ota then maybe you know something i dont. considering that, i hypothesize that ics (or even cm9) will be available for flashy goodness long before its ever beamed to our phones.
ingenious247 said:
I find it amusing that the only justifiable reason for you to root is a modded gmail
There are so many reasons to root it's not even a question of "why".
How about Carrier IQ? Or full control over Theming? Custom Kernels, build.prop, CWM Touch Recovery? You can't be serious about a gmail notification being the sole reason for rooting.
Oh and btw, if you haven't learned this yet, you may want to pay attention:
Once the update starts rolling out to the general public, the official version will be leaked on xda and you will be able to flash through CWM. I'm sure within days there will also be a rooted stock version as well. This will be well BEFORE you get the OTA.
So, if you want to give up control of your device just to wait longer for something that hasn't even officially been announced yet, more power to you. Say hi to Carrier IQ for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good point.. I forgot about the Carrier IQ.
cbinvb said:
personally, i like the ability to get into the rooted side of es file explorer to modify the build prop, change lcd density, insert init.d script edit for better battery life. hell, how about undervolting the kernel with oc apps to get upwards of 24 hours out of a single charge? also, while the tmo roms are good, they cant hold a candle to the 2.3.5 roms from ATT...i dont know what it is but those roms run like a dream on this snapdragon soc.
final thought - I love tmo, dont get me wrong, but if you think that tmo will be the first to get ics ota then maybe you know something i dont. considering that, i hypothesize that ics (or even cm9) will be available for flashy goodness long before its ever beamed to our phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i also forgot about undervolting.. another good point.
bobby3306 said:
Wtf... This guy trying to make a documentary of his personal phone desires..as said previously who cares what you decide to do with your phone...we don't need to be informed your un rooting and waiting... If that's what you choose do be it but y in the hell would you think we need to know, or much less care
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah... what a troll. If u don't like my thread, then git!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Nope not a troll, just don't see where what you personally do with your
phone matters to anyone else...another pointless waste of space thread started
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
ingenious247 said:
I find it amusing that the only justifiable reason for you to root is a modded gmail
There are so many reasons to root it's not even a question of "why".
How about Carrier IQ? Or full control over Theming? Custom Kernels, build.prop, CWM Touch Recovery? You can't be serious about a gmail notification being the sole reason for rooting.
Oh and btw, if you haven't learned this yet, you may want to pay attention:
Once the update starts rolling out to the general public, the official version will be leaked on xda and you will be able to flash through CWM. I'm sure within days there will also be a rooted stock version as well. This will be well BEFORE you get the OTA.
So, if you want to give up control of your device just to wait longer for something that hasn't even officially been announced yet, more power to you. Say hi to Carrier IQ for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relax... You sound like he stood you up on a date
I also havent rooted since getting my replacement phone... The phone is great without it and 75% of the roms and themes are the same thing just a dif battery mod or kernel (not many choices on this phone) I just think rooting isnt that big of a deal anymore since phones are becoming more powerful
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
bobby3306 said:
Nope not a troll, just don't see where what you personally do with your
phone matters to anyone else...another pointless waste of space thread started
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To each their own. Opinions are like armpits. Everyone has them, and some (like your comments) simply stink.
If you don't have anything to give to benefit, then get the [email protected]#k out of my thread, and stop trolling, or i'll report you.
I mean it.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Guys I put a case on my phone today. I know some of you guys don't use them but I don't see why you don't.
algorhythm said:
Guys I put a case on my phone today. I know some of you guys don't use them but I don't see why you don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what kind of case?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Any real reason to root?????? Any advantages

My GS3 is still 100% stock, I have not even installed the T-mobile pushed update yet, I keep postponing it. So I'm 100% ICS 4.0.4 stock out of the box. I've added a bunch of widgets and stuff like that, but I have not rooted.
I had been using an iPhone(s) for the last 4+ years, dabbling with the occasional Android device, until I got the GS3 from T-mobile, and getting 4G speeds is amazing, especially after being in EDGE LIMBO on the iPhone for so long.
So the core of my question is WHY ROOT. Rooting is NOT like Jailbreaking an iPhone, since it seems like I can pretty much do 99% of anything with the phone without rooting. To me, seems that rooting only offers the AdBlock feature and WiFi tether option, then the ability to flash roms - and it seems like Flashing roms on this device can introduce problems like loss of IMEI and I've seen some reports of 4G no longer working or slowing down from the stock speeds.
Forgive me, because I know iPhone chatter gets peoples blood boiling over here, but that's what I have to compare against, my experience with rooted android devices are pretty limited.
SO: Without making this message long and boring - What are the serious advantages to rooting? And is it worth it? And at the risk of sounding like a jerk, I'm not a phone noob, just an android noob. I've had smart phones for A LONG TIME, all the way back to the Nokia Symbian phones...................
Some information if anyone cares, and just in case this info influences the information.
I'm in T-mobile USA. I've got the unlimited data/1st 2Gb at 4g plan.
Stock out of the box GS3 16gb model (32gb sdcard)
Primarily a Widnows user, but my MacBook air is dual bootcamped - but I use Windows 7 99% of the time
On my previous android phone (LG Thrill/optimus) which I rooted, the adblock thingy prevented me from viewing many of my emails which I do browse - like Newegg, Amazon, Groupon. They were all considered spam/ad's I guess?
I don't *THINK* having a Wifi hotspot would be something I'd ever use, but you never know.
My T-mobile plan was ancient until last year when I switched to a more modern plan that offered 4G instead of only t-zones, and I do not have the hotspot option - so I can't do hotspot without rooting (at least I think I can't)
Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of rooting, just wondering if there is any significant advantage? While I like the idea of flashing roms, most of the time I'm not a fan of beta testing stuff... like I heard CM10 was awesome, but apparently there were issues with the camera app not working 100% of the time........ that's not acceptable to me, especially since I have a new grandbaby and snap TONS of pictures now a days.
On another phone I had, which was a Samsung galaxy S 4g (small tiny t-mobile phone) and as I recall the LG thrill too, by modifying the build prop you could increase the hsdpa+ settings and get better data access at faster rates.......? Not sure if there is any way to get faster data speeds on the GS3?
Well, I guess that's enough for now............................. Any help would be appreciated.
I found jailbreaking iOS to be pointless. But feel the opposite about rooting Android. But the thing I like the most about Android doesn't even require root; flashing new firmware. Today I'm running CM10, tomorrow I'm running AOKP. Because I can. Rooting facilitates my addiction.
If you root, Android is your playground. Titanium Backup is amazing if you like to flash new firmware (I use it differently from CWM nandroids). Root Explorer gives you total control over your file system. AdFree to block ads, as you mentioned. Terminal Emulator (all the fun commands require su). Making a fully touch-based game work with an XBox360 controller.
Maybe rooting isn't right for you. But it takes two minutes and has zero downsides. Back up your IMEI before you start flashing (Terminal Emulator > su > reboot nvbackup).
With root u can control things like cpu speed, and voltage table (and if you have a custom kernel you can overclock)
You can also freeze apps you don't need, access files you normally wouldn't be able to like /etc/hosts to block ads.
You can also install some fun apps that require root like dsploit and droidsheep lol
Rooting opens up your phone to do a lot more.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Thanks
Aerowinder said:
I found jailbreaking iOS to be pointless. But feel the opposite about rooting Android. But the thing I like the most about Android doesn't even require root; flashing new firmware. Today I'm running CM10, tomorrow I'm running AOKP. Because I can. Rooting facilitates my addiction.
If you root, Android is your playground. Titanium Backup is amazing if you like to flash new firmware (I use it differently from CWM nandroids). Root Explorer gives you total control over your file system. AdFree to block ads, as you mentioned. Terminal Emulator (all the fun commands require su). Making a fully touch-based game work with an XBox360 controller.
Maybe rooting isn't right for you. But it takes two minutes and has zero downsides. Back up your IMEI before you start flashing (Terminal Emulator > su > reboot nvbackup).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info in Ur signature Hun, I found it very helpful
Hmm. optimization and longer battery life of custom ROMs. Uhh expirement with changing radio to get better signal.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
ayeitschris said:
Hmm. optimization and longer battery life of custom ROMs. Uhh expirement with changing radio to get better signal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't need root for either of those.
Aerowinder said:
Don't need root for either of those.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically no.. but rooting usually comes hand in hand with those things.
Sent from my SGH-T999
It gives you more options. Such as switching between touchwiz ROMs and CM10/AOSP/AOPK. Flashing custom kernels & radios for better performance/battery life.
So you can back up your stars in bad piggies. And delete stupid system apps.
***REMOVE BLOATWARE****....main reason I rooted ..and still stock LOL
To gain full control over the android device.
With everything else said above I'd like to add "the ability to install custom members apps that do more" and other apps in the app store that require root such as call blockers which I love.
Not really. I've been back and forth between stock and pretty much every rom. Currently I got tired of f'ing with my phone and I'm on stock and I plan to stay there until CM10 is stable and has better battery life.
When I first got my s3 I to didn't see a huge gain in rooting since they came out with apps like Foxfi that allow wireless tethering without root and having the latest ICS was great but having the options too use titanium backup to backup all of my apps and their data and upload it to a cloud service and using other root apps like CPU sleeper and ROM tool box to under clock my CPU so I can save my battery rooting your phone is just for more convenient controls over the normal if you feel like you don't need to root then don't you still have a great phone
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
maxcaos said:
When I first got my s3 I to didn't see a huge gain in rooting since they came out with apps like Foxfi that allow wireless tethering without root and having the latest ICS was great but having the options too use titanium backup to backup all of my apps and their data and upload it to a cloud service and using other root apps like CPU sleeper and ROM tool box to under clock my CPU so I can save my battery rooting your phone is just for more convenient controls over the normal if you feel like you don't need to root then don't you still have a great phone
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need some punctuation in your life.
I've tried a few custom roms on this phone, don't really see a need for them though. They all have one issue or another with them. Might go back to stock to compare battery life.
kitsunisan said:
You need some punctuation in your life.
I've tried a few custom roms on this phone, don't really see a need for them though. They all have one issue or another with them. Might go back to stock to compare battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One sentence paragraphs and fragments, really?
psykhotic said:
One sentence paragraphs and fragments, really?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really.
Well i rooted mine because I wanted to disable a few bloatware, and also some apps in market will not fully function without root. I'm not much of a flashaholic, I've stayed with just a rooted stock..
I'm just sayin!
Flashing wicked v6 is worth rooting alone. Also for better phone performance as said earlier. But devices are finally getting good enough where you dont need to root necessarily. This is the first phone Ive had in a while where I didnt root immediately because it was very nice stock.
Sent from my Wicked Galaxy S3

[Q] Custom ROM on GN2

Hello all,
First post, although I've been a fan of XDA for several years and have never signed up for an account as I have typically googled to find all my answers. I signed up yesterday to ask a perplexing question to me today. I've installed custom ROM's on my last couple smart phones and loved them for all the reasons I know many people on this site do. Now I got a GalaxyNote 2, I rooted it and installed CM10 - thrilled I must say...kudos to Skip for the great GN2 toolkit!
Then I found out that the multi-view and S-Pen from my research don't work on AOSP ROM's. What then would be the benefit of a ROM on GN2? Or have I not done enough homework to find the missing links? I did find this thread for mult-view but I'm not comfortable proceeding with it. I understand Papyrus works for S-pen.
To me with a phablet this big. These 2 solutions would keep me from staying rooted and return to stock. Yet, I truly love the speed and simplicity of CM10. Without all the Vendor bloatware - but that just gives me an overgrown smartphone... what am I missing?
Thankful for any/all your insights and suggestions.
Jason
I would try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2170142
It's asethically based off AOSP but has all of the great TW features. It's, hands down, my favorite ROM out at the moment.
JRL70 said:
Hello all,
First post, although I've been a fan of XDA for several years and have never signed up for an account as I have typically googled to find all my answers. I signed up yesterday to ask a perplexing question to me today. I've installed custom ROM's on my last couple smart phones and loved them for all the reasons I know many people on this site do. Now I got a GalaxyNote 2, I rooted it and installed CM10 - thrilled I must say...kudos to Skip for the great GN2 toolkit!
Then I found out that the multi-view and S-Pen from my research don't work on AOSP ROM's. What then would be the benefit of a ROM on GN2? Or have I not done enough homework to find the missing links? I did find this thread for mult-view but I'm not comfortable proceeding with it. I understand Papyrus works for S-pen.
To me with a phablet this big. These 2 solutions would keep me from staying rooted and return to stock. Yet, I truly love the speed and simplicity of CM10. Without all the Vendor bloatware - but that just gives me an overgrown smartphone... what am I missing?
Thankful for any/all your insights and suggestions.
Jason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JRL70 said:
Hello all,
First post, although I've been a fan of XDA for several years and have never signed up for an account as I have typically googled to find all my answers. I signed up yesterday to ask a perplexing question to me today. I've installed custom ROM's on my last couple smart phones and loved them for all the reasons I know many people on this site do. Now I got a GalaxyNote 2, I rooted it and installed CM10 - thrilled I must say...kudos to Skip for the great GN2 toolkit!
Then I found out that the multi-view and S-Pen from my research don't work on AOSP ROM's. What then would be the benefit of a ROM on GN2? Or have I not done enough homework to find the missing links? I did find this thread for mult-view but I'm not comfortable proceeding with it. I understand Papyrus works for S-pen.
To me with a phablet this big. These 2 solutions would keep me from staying rooted and return to stock. Yet, I truly love the speed and simplicity of CM10. Without all the Vendor bloatware - but that just gives me an overgrown smartphone... what am I missing?
Thankful for any/all your insights and suggestions.
Jason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!! I feel the same way, I love this phone's functions and don't want to lose any but I have been using cyanogenmod since the g1 days. Guess I will be waiting until they get a fully functional version going
I would try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2170142
It's asethically based off AOSP but has all of the great TW features. It's, hands down, my favorite ROM out at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you update apps? There was a comment that one app couldn't be updated or it would cause issue??
Thanks for the quick posts... I found this... http://droidviews.com/2013/best-custom-roms-for-sprint-galaxy-note-2-sph-l900/
MIUI seems to be a decent ROM and has S-Pen and multi-view built in... Now I have a couple options!
I feel a bit better...
I'm downloading that AOSP Touch Wiz ROM right now to give it a go. Could be a better solution to my stock rooted MA7 with Apex Launcher Jelly Bean theme.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
JRL70 said:
... I rooted it and installed CM10 ... I found out that the multi-view and S-Pen from my research don't work on AOSP ROM's. What then would be the benefit of a ROM on GN2? Or have I not done enough homework ...These 2 solutions would keep me from staying rooted and return to stock. ... what am I missing? ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, yes, you didn't do enough research. No biggie.
You have to remember, CM is still in beta and has a few things that do not work yet. If memory serves me well, they're listed in the first post for CM.
The multiwindow aspect of the GN2/GS3 is built into the framework for touchwiz and android. So, it's not likely something we'll see very soon in CM. I think they may be waiting for Google to implement into Android.
I don't know about the Spen. That may be more specific to the phone more than touchwiz, and that may be just something the devs are waiting for Samsung to release details on, or some dev to more reverse engineer.
Lastly, you don't have to unroot to be stock. A lot of people, such as myself, are rooted, but run stock roms. I run deoxidized versions to I can use the mutliwindow and have the 4-1 reboot. I like having root for some important apps, for me, require it, such as Titanium Bakcup, WiFi tether, and Busybox. It's not that hard to get rid of bloat when you're rooted. Just make a nandroid incase you delete something you shouldn't have.
lovekeiiy said:
First, yes, you didn't do enough research. No biggie.
You have to remember, CM is still in beta and has a few things that do not work yet. If memory serves me well, they're listed in the first post for CM.
The multiwindow aspect of the GN2/GS3 is built into the framework for touchwiz and android. So, it's not likely something we'll see very soon in CM. I think they may be waiting for Google to implement into Android.
I don't know about the Spen. That may be more specific to the phone more than touchwiz, and that may be just something the devs are waiting for Samsung to release details on, or some dev to more reverse engineer.
Lastly, you don't have to unroot to be stock. A lot of people, such as myself, are rooted, but run stock roms. I run deoxidized versions to I can use the mutliwindow and have the 4-1 reboot. I like having root for some important apps, for me, require it, such as Titanium Bakcup, WiFi tether, and Busybox. It's not that hard to get rid of bloat when you're rooted. Just make a nandroid incase you delete something you shouldn't have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your insight. I appreciate it. Also in my research, I read information where Android told Cyanogen to stop incorporating Multi-view and S-pen into their ROM's so we will have to see if that happens and the features ever come to light. CM's always in Beta... yes their Beta for GN2 is new - I get it and will have to see what happens. in the interim.. I'm looking for help from the members to find a working rom. Perhaps you can suggest the rom that you are using... sounds interesting and I'd much rather flash something that the dev's on here have cleaned up than try to do it myself... and yes, I do support with donations
Personally, I'm just running a deoxidized stock rom with Perseus kernel. The rom did have the bloat. I just deleted stuff I didn't want with Titanium backup, after making sure to back it up; it's a CYA move. I have goofed and deleted something that cause Google Play not to function. You kind of figure out what you can't and can delete without issue.
Right now, the stock rom does what I need and most of what I want. I haven't found anything I couldn't do because of stock. It would be nice to have hybrid functionality, but it's not a deal breaker. I personally haven't seen anything on AOSP that is a must have. Being rooted, must have.
I do like CM and thought it was a lot better than the stock rom when I was still using my Evo4G. I'm just waiting for CM to have everything working, other than the Spen and mutliwindow, before trying it out.
I would love to have something like Boot Manager so I can have mutliple ROMs loaded. When I had it on my Evo, I usually had three--stock, CM, and some experimental alpha or early beta. I haven't really seen anyone do a bare minimum stock rom. Those are nice, than you can just add the other feature you like instead of trying to get rid of what you don't.
SPen and multi window are samsungs intellectual property, ie they are proprietary code that an after market firmware can't incorporate with violating copyrights. Google won't let CM use the multiview feature, yet, as it is being incorporated into AOSP so they will have it in a future release. Googles already pushed the MV commits upstream its just not activated yet. There are other options if you're saavy enough to merge code and compile a rom for yourself such as cornerstone by onskreen, their code has gone fully opensource now so you can clone their git into yours and merge it with an AOSP rom of your choice then do the necessary modifications to the code and compile it.
I like to break stuff!
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So far I've only run into two apps that are unable to update or having problems after an update. If you update youtube, you won't be able to sign in, which sucks. The calendar app won't update, also. I've tried deleting it and installing it from the market, but that still doesn't work out. Other than those two, everything else is fine. Dev did a great job
mboogy said:
So far I've only run into two apps that are unable to update or having problems after an update. If you update youtube, you won't be able to sign in, which sucks. The calendar app won't update, also. I've tried deleting it and installing it from the market, but that still doesn't work out. Other than those two, everything else is fine. Dev did a great job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running the AOSPNoWiz 1.4 right now and you also can't use your Samsung account without getting FC for Scloud.sync. I disabled my Samsung account and it went away.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

To Root or Not To Root. THAT is the question.

Here is a delimma I haven't had since I first bought my G1 (before root was even discovered): Should I root this device?
I'm looking for genuine opinions here. I've owned a G1, MT4G, Galaxy S3, and now the Note 3 and out of all of them, the Note 3 is the only one where I actually have no intention of installing Stock Android (as I'd lose all the features that made me want the Note to begin with). On those older devices, I wanted to OC to speed up the devices or use them for tetheing. TouchWiz on the GS3 annoyed the hell out of me as it seemed unnecessary, it's at least justified on the Note. But now I don't need them for tethering and I don't need to overclock this device, despite the fact that I want to anyway and I don't intend on installing a Stock ROM. What incentives are there to rooting now?
Right now all I can think of is GMD. I'm looking for someone to re-inspire me to root again.
AGx-07_162 said:
Here is a delimma I haven't had since I first bought my G1 (before root was even discovered): Should I root this device?
I'm looking for genuine opinions here. I've owned a G1, MT4G, Galaxy S3, and now the Note 3 and out of all of them, the Note 3 is the only one where I actually have no intention of installing Stock Android (as I'd lose all the features that made me want the Note to begin with). On those older devices, I wanted to OC to speed up the devices or use them for tetheing. TouchWiz on the GS3 annoyed the hell out of me as it seemed unnecessary, it's at least justified on the Note. But now I don't need them for tethering and I don't need to overclock this device, despite the fact that I want to anyway and I don't intend on installing a Stock ROM. What incentives are there to rooting now?
Right now all I can think of is GMD. I'm looking for someone to re-inspire me to root again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting is fine at this point. However, as twrp causes an all but irreparable error, you might want to wait for a reliable recovery before installing any modded roms.
Charlie
AGx-07_162 said:
Here is a delimma I haven't had since I first bought my G1 (before root was even discovered): Should I root this device?
I'm looking for genuine opinions here. I've owned a G1, MT4G, Galaxy S3, and now the Note 3 and out of all of them, the Note 3 is the only one where I actually have no intention of installing Stock Android (as I'd lose all the features that made me want the Note to begin with). On those older devices, I wanted to OC to speed up the devices or use them for tetheing. TouchWiz on the GS3 annoyed the hell out of me as it seemed unnecessary, it's at least justified on the Note. But now I don't need them for tethering and I don't need to overclock this device, despite the fact that I want to anyway and I don't intend on installing a Stock ROM. What incentives are there to rooting now?
Right now all I can think of is GMD. I'm looking for someone to re-inspire me to root again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason I rooted last night was to install Ad Block, Titanium Backup to freeze some bloat and run Chainfire's region lock removal. I agree with you though, I bought the Note for the SPen features so an AOSP rom would take that away. There is 1 custom ROM already that retains TouchWiz and SPen features that I am debating on trying. I'm still on the fence of installing a custom rom since its very early into development for the device.
I would say rooting imho is mandatory. It doesn't matter how big he screen is Samsung always makes the stuff on it way to large for my use. I have to modify the DPI and use Xposed to remove many of the status bar icons or I would never be able to have enough room on the status bar and notification pull down. I also uninstall some of the bloat, enable call recording, use isis, and more. I don't run a custom rom I just run a DeOdexed stock rom and do everything I need manually for now.
I'm not going to "convince" anyone per say, but just keep following the forums until something forces you to root again. I for one missed Titanium Backup since it can backup everything, I've tried Helium, but for some reason it just wouldn't backup ES File Explorer and Beautiful Widgets on my S4. These are just normal apps and I don't know why it wouldn't work. Also, removing bloat and adding more apps for the Pen Window feature.
I'll be rooting once my 14 days are passed and start flashing again once the recovery's restore feature is working properly again. I don't root to overclock, I root so I can customize my phone even more and add features which wasn't added for stock. Also, I miss the auto GPS on/off by Secure Settings. It requires root and I can't use it just yet!
I still say root, there's a lot of things you can only do with root even on stock. You can block ads, adjust dpi, delete bloat, and manage files better. You can also use the command line for a lot more things when rooted. You can also install the xposed framework to get some of the unofficial ROM benefits on the stock ROM like per-app DPI, something very useful on a high resolution, big screen like Notes have.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
I am planning on rooting for the sole purpose of restoring my FF3 saved game. I lost a saved game once when my SGS3 bricked (SDS) and am just about where I was when I lost that one.
CalcProgrammer1 said:
I still say root, there's a lot of things you can only do with root even on stock. You can block ads, adjust dpi, delete bloat, and manage files better. You can also use the command line for a lot more things when rooted. You can also install the xposed framework to get some of the unofficial ROM benefits on the stock ROM like per-app DPI, something very useful on a high resolution, big screen like Notes have.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted for the sole purpose of installing AdAway. The stock ROM is so awesome I really don't see me wanting a custom one. I love this beast.
Sent from a Galaxy Note 3 far, far away....
Root is definitely mandatory for me. I can install the custom font that I use, get rid of ads (which is 100% worth it for me), I can delete apps I don't want, not just freeze them, and customize the device how I want.
I root because I want to own my device.. it's mine I m it's administrator.. not my provider .. not Samsung. . ME..
With that said Samsung s stock roms are solid just like aosp is.. The true need for root has diminished a lot in last 12 months .. I root because I can.. I completely understand there is no real need for it but to deny warranty on those who root is plain wrong... just my 2 cents
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
DAGr8 said:
I root because I want to own my device.. it's mine I m it's administrator.. not my provider .. not Samsung. . ME..
With that said Samsung s stock roms are solid just like aosp is.. The true need for root has diminished a lot in last 12 months .. I root because I can.. I completely understand there is no real need for it but to deny warranty on those who root is plain wrong... just my 2 cents
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I root to make it 100% mines! I also do it to under clock a step... Not much into OC'ing anymore. This will probably be the first ROM I stay close to stock with minus some of those extra mods and tweaks that separates my Note 3 from the average consumer...
Rooting can let you easily backup and restore application data.
I root to enable all apps in multi window. So i can watch mnf and candy crush
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
Rooting
I personally like the idea of rooting. I'm spending my own hard earned money on this mobile device and I should be able to do what the hell I want with it. I will also root to get rid of Carrier IQ and when I am tired of TouchWiz.
you should only root under the following conditions.
1. check your personality that you are not a person who rush things!
2. do 10 hour reading about rooting, how to root on your device, its benefits, and its drawback
3. after rooting, you should spend at least 1 hour reading about the rom/mod you want to install
4. optional. have a device warranty with cell provider. they will always change a soft brick phone with you telling them it just died.
HughesNet said:
I would say rooting imho is mandatory. It doesn't matter how big he screen is Samsung always makes the stuff on it way to large for my use. I have to modify the DPI and use Xposed to remove many of the status bar icons or I would never be able to have enough room on the status bar and notification pull down. I also uninstall some of the bloat, enable call recording, use isis, and more. I don't run a custom rom I just run a DeOdexed stock rom and do everything I need manually for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wouldn't happen to know if there is a deodexed stock rom out there for the SM-N900W8, would you?
c_est_la_vie said:
You wouldn't happen to know if there is a deodexed stock rom out there for the SM-N900W8, would you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but I don't know anything about that model.
When I got my note, I took it home, opened the box, insert battery, hit the three keys to download mode, plug phone into my pc and Odin root, reboot and bam first time using my note.

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