Haven't flashed/updated since I bought it...OK to TWRP? - Galaxy Tab S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Haven't flashed/updated since I bought it...OK to TWRP? - Galaxy Tab S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

On the Samsung devices I've had in the past, the boot loader was always a big deal when flashing new versions of android. I've had this tablet for a while now and haven't updated it since I bought it...and Odin flashed/rooted/installed TWRP on it.
From reading the megathreads, from threads, flashing threads, etc...it's not very clear if this is like the other Samsung devices I've had, or if this is like the EEEpad Transformer and Nexus 7 I had...and could move freely between android versions, stock roms...and nonstock ROMs, etc.
I'm running 5.0.2 and I play hearthstone competitively. I bought this for the display mainly, and now that I've loaded it with some crap, I'd like to flash a custom from/update. It seems my crap+samsungs crap saturates the ram quite well. Can I pretty much flash what I'd like? Or do I have to ODIN from stock to the latest build and then worry about number versions.
Also...I used to run an all that kept my TWRP version up to date. Goomanager I believe...but there are dozens of apps that claim to do this now...can I get a trusted suggestion?
Rooted on stock.
Android Version: 5.0.2
Kernel: 3.4.106 IronKernel V2.0 (mainly for s tweaks to boost audio)
Build LRX22G.T800XXU1BOC3

Please delete this thread and create a proper post not a Q&A thread.

Questions don't go in the Q&A section anymore?

Yes, but you have created the wrong type of thread, you have created a Q&A voting thread which is also not viewable with the xda app.

Related

[Q] I am a really Overwhelmed Ex-iPhone user (ROOTING AT&T SIII)!

Hello XDA!
I recently traded my iPhone 4S about 2.5 weeks ago. I am in love with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. I love the sleek style and touchwiz is much more active and more "fun" than iOS. I love the google integration and all the cool features out of the box.
Since I'm new to android I'm really overwhelmed in the amount of information available to "modify or root."
I was a constant jailbreaker and had over 50-100 tweaks/jailbroken apps. I would like to get the same functionality on the SIII.
I wasn't afraid of jailbreaking and it was a one-button press jailbreak.
With android there are so many different versions and terminology to jailbreak and so many instructions and updates and in general just a lot of stuff.
About my new phone:
- Samsung Galaxy SIII
- AT&T
- 8GB miroSD card
- Model: SAMSUNG-SGH-1747
- Android Version: 4.0.4
- Baseband Version: 1747UCLH9
- Kernel version: (IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION?)
- I have installed a couple of root apps that I didn't know where root apps and so they don't work obviously.
- Ones I installed: Lucky Patcher, Titanium Backup
- It's not rooted yet I haven't modified it at all besides themes and settings
The reason why I'm posting:
- Can anyone please tell me EXACTLY which updated guides I need to follow for my specific device?
- How can I backup my device? I'd like to keep all the apps (and app data), contacts, everything if possible.
- I read as much as possible but I'm still not sure which guide to follow and which steps I need to take as some are dated and not recent. I'm scared I'll mess up my phone what are the chances of messing up my IMEI, bricking, bad stuff happening.
- Anything else I should know?
- What are some popular ROMS I can install on my phone that are supported (preferrably with JB)?
- Can I always go back to my original settings and apps like a restore but with a backup?
- Once I root what BLOATWARE can I UNINSTALL on my AT&T SIII? How do I do this as well?
Thank you for your patience, I am definitely going to stick with Android (stock iOS sucks balls and android is so much more aesthetically pleasing) I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right and that there is a proper way to do this.

Bronos said:
Hello XDA!
I recently traded my iPhone 4S about 2.5 weeks ago. I am in love with the Samsung Galaxy SIII. I love the sleek style and touchwiz is much more active and more "fun" than iOS. I love the google integration and all the cool features out of the box.
Since I'm new to android I'm really overwhelmed in the amount of information available to "modify or root."
I was a constant jailbreaker and had over 50-100 tweaks/jailbroken apps. I would like to get the same functionality on the SIII.
I wasn't afraid of jailbreaking and it was a one-button press jailbreak.
With android there are so many different versions and terminology to jailbreak and so many instructions and updates and in general just a lot of stuff.
About my new phone:
- Samsung Galaxy SIII
- AT&T
- 8GB miroSD card
- Model: SAMSUNG-SGH-1747
- Android Version: 4.0.4
- Baseband Version: 1747UCLH9
- Kernel version: (IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION?)
- I have installed a couple of root apps that I didn't know where root apps and so they don't work obviously.
- Ones I installed: Lucky Patcher, Titanium Backup
- It's not rooted yet I haven't modified it at all besides themes and settings
The reason why I'm posting:
- Can anyone please tell me EXACTLY which updated guides I need to follow for my specific device?
- How can I backup my device? I'd like to keep all the apps (and app data), contacts, everything if possible.
- I read as much as possible but I'm still not sure which guide to follow and which steps I need to take as some are dated and not recent. I'm scared I'll mess up my phone what are the chances of messing up my IMEI, bricking, bad stuff happening.
- Anything else I should know?
- What are some popular ROMS I can install on my phone that are supported (preferrably with JB)?
- Can I always go back to my original settings and apps like a restore but with a backup?
- Once I root what BLOATWARE can I UNINSTALL on my AT&T SIII? How do I do this as well?
Thank you for your patience, I am definitely going to stick with Android (stock iOS sucks balls and android is so much more aesthetically pleasing) I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right and that there is a proper way to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey there welcome to XDA and more importantly to the world of android.
first off rooting can be relatively simple depending on the method you use. ive rooted mine twice using odin. i just followed the video here ON Galaxys3root . com all the things you need are in the description.
rooting your phone using this process will not wipe any data, contacts, pics, etc.
once you complete the root process and get rom manager installed it will allow you to make a back up of the current system with all your data like texts phone call logs etc.
the most popular roms are aokp based and cyanogen based roms. ( just look at threads with [ROM] before it ) roms are personal preference. if you flash a cyanogen based rom you will not have the features of touchwiz. stock based roms are always good too right not im just running stock i747uclh9 rooted.
going back to your original rom is simple all you do is boot to recovery (rom manager) and do a restore. before restoring you should wipe data, cache partition and dalvik cache. (dalvik is under the advanced menu.
removing bloatware just use no bloat free this will let you remove and also create a back up of all apps incase you have an issue.
for right now i personally just use ics based roms if you want to stick to stock since there has not been an att jb leak. however if you want jb i recommend cyanogen nighties basic jelly bean roms never had an issue personally.
if you have any more questions feel free to PM me.
IF THIS POST HELP YOU IN ANYWAY PLEASE CLICK THANKS

aboveusonlysky said:
hey there welcome to XDA and more importantly to the world of android.
first off rooting can be relatively simple depending on the method you use. ive rooted mine twice using odin. i just followed the video here ON Galaxys3root . com all the things you need are in the description.
rooting your phone using this process will not wipe any data, contacts, pics, etc.
once you complete the root process and get rom manager installed it will allow you to make a back up of the current system with all your data like texts phone call logs etc.
the most popular roms are aokp based and cyanogen based roms. ( just look at threads with [ROM] before it ) roms are personal preference. if you flash a cyanogen based rom you will not have the features of touchwiz. stock based roms are always good too right not im just running stock i747uclh9 rooted.
going back to your original rom is simple all you do is boot to recovery (rom manager) and do a restore. before restoring you should wipe data, cache partition and dalvik cache. (dalvik is under the advanced menu.
removing bloatware just use no bloat free this will let you remove and also create a back up of all apps incase you have an issue.
for right now i personally just use ics based roms if you want to stick to stock since there has not been an att jb leak. however if you want jb i recommend cyanogen nighties basic jelly bean roms never had an issue personally.
if you have any more questions feel free to PM me.
IF THIS POST HELP YOU IN ANYWAY PLEASE CLICK THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will this Jellybean ROM work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869300
Do you know if it has a lot of problems?
EDIT: Also does the root method at this website still work for my version which is UCLH9?
http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-r...gh-t999sgh-i747sph-l710-fail-proofnoob-proof/

Bronos said:
will this Jellybean ROM work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869300
Do you know if it has a lot of problems?
EDIT: Also does the root method at this website still work for my version which is UCLH9?
http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-r...gh-t999sgh-i747sph-l710-fail-proofnoob-proof/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, welcome to the android side of the world! Glad you decided to switch over! first things first, in order to root all you need to do is flash a root able kernel via Odin. Tutorial for this method can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426 Second, I would not recommend that rom as I just came from it and while it is very stable for a leak it is still quite buggy as it is built from a sprint leak. If you are that anxious to have a jellybean I recommend using aokp by task650 in the original development forum, however this will take away all of the touchwiz things that you said you liked so much. I am currently running kyanrom which I have used before and find myself returning to quite frequently because it is originally bone dry and he has whatever files you would like to add back you can add them through flashing zips. I am assuming you are wanting jellybean primarily for the Google now feature? If you will go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1823194 it is a thread by me on how to replace s voice with Google now and as far as I can tell it seems to be working just as well as with jellybean!
Lastly, have a bunny!
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(""_"")
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2

This is a little advice that has helped me and some friends of mine that have came from iPhone. Don't root and rom unless you absolutely have to or willing to pay the price to learn the ends and outs of it. Stock Android or in our case touchwized android can provide a complete satisfactory experience alone without rooting. But some tweaks and mods require root and if that can be bundled in a single rom then great. But if you have jail broken before or ever have to restore an iPhone firmware then rooting will be relatively easy, it's just learning how to self troubleshoot when something goes wrong.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2

Take a look at this post for rooting LH9:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32218479
The method is mrRobinson's thread (the one mentioned in a previous post) requires downgrading to an older stock version (LG1) so you would need to upgrade again after doing that. Also, people have reported problems downgrading from LH9 to LG1 without doing a factory reset.
Edit: The method in the post I referenced is roughly the same as the one from the galaxysroot site the OP mentioned.

Make sure when you root your device, that the files are for your current build, android version, carrier and etc. If one thing is out of place you can possibly brick your phone. I'm still learning myself. The most important thing is make sure that you read everything 3 times. Make a check list. It helps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 06:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:38 AM ----------
Bronos said:
will this Jellybean ROM work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1869300
Do you know if it has a lot of problems?
EDIT: Also does the root method at this website still work for my version which is UCLH9?
http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-r...gh-t999sgh-i747sph-l710-fail-proofnoob-proof/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best jellybean rom I think is ParanoidAndroid. It's CyanogenMod 10 based. CM10 is short hand.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

Hey guys when i switched to CWM recovvery and selected backup to external sdcard it said 'android.secure' couldn't be found skip backup of applications.
So it did not backup my app data, what should I do?

Titanium Backup. Make friends with it. In my opinion a must have for any Android device. For backing up everything you'd need when trying out roms to freezing/deleting (be careful with the latter) 'bloatware' (carrier nonsense) it will be a necessity. And life saver.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

hompsar said:
Titanium Backup. Make friends with it. In my opinion a must have for any Android device. For backing up everything you'd need when trying out roms to freezing/deleting (be careful with the latter) 'bloatware' (carrier nonsense) it will be a necessity. And life saver.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree with this more. TB is an amazing piece of software and a real lifesaver. Also, since we have external sd cards, make sure to change the settings in TB so your backups are saved on it (if you save it to your internal storage your backup might get wiped during a session of flashing another ROM). If you purchase TB Pro, it includes an option to save your backup to Dropbox (it's well-worth the money and supports the developer too).
OP, I was a longtime iPhone user (I've still got the 4S in a drawer) and I always jailbroke too. Android can be confusing at first, because the terminology is different and just because it's a different operating system. But if you read (and read and read as someone suggested earlier), you'll get the hang of it. Once you do, you'll realize how much easier it is to root and play than it ever was with jailbreaking an iPhone. Another plus...you aren't in constant fear of losing your jailbreak (or root, in this case) because of an update. :good:

You think you know, but you have no idea...
First things first...
Did you understand what you were really doing when you were jailbreaking your iPhone?
What was going on in the background, how the jailbreak was working, what was involved in the jailbreak process or even what the different types of jailbreaks were e.g. userland vs. bootloader (hardware level) exploits [are you familiar with the term "exploit"].
If you think what I am talking about is confusing and if you weren't aware of these things, you might want to avoid rooting and/or flashing custom ROMs.
Android as a platform is much more open than iOS, so lots of features and functions don't require rooting or flashing custom ROMs.
Before I purchased my GS3, I was a die hard iPhone owner, year after year since the first iPhone (with the exception of the recently released 6th gen iPhone and a few diviations here and there to blackberry and old Android phones).
Before I even considered messing with my Galaxy, I read, read some more, and then a little bit more. Regardless of all the reading I did, I had a moderate level of understanding of what I was doing and how my actions were affecting my phone.
All the advice in the world won't save you from bricking your phone if you don't have a general understanding of what these tools are doing to your phone.
In the iOS jailbreak community, the developers behind the tools leverage Apple's fall-back restore features to nearly eliminate the possibility of bricking your phone. But that is also inherent to the platform since there aren't custom ROMs available to install to an iPhone (for many reasons).
To summarize,
It sounds like you need to learn a little more about the world you've been playing in previously before you start playing in the Android world.

mathewrice said:
First things first...
Did you understand what you were really doing when you were jailbreaking your iPhone?
What was going on in the background, how the jailbreak was working, what was involved in the jailbreak process or even what the different types of jailbreaks were e.g. userland vs. bootloader (hardware level) exploits [are you familiar with the term "exploit"].
If you think what I am talking about is confusing and if you weren't aware of these things, you might want to avoid rooting and/or flashing custom ROMs.
Android as a platform is much more open than iOS, so lots of features and functions don't require rooting or flashing custom ROMs.
Before I purchased my GS3, I was a die hard iPhone owner, year after year since the first iPhone (with the exception of the recently released 6th gen iPhone and a few diviations here and there to blackberry and old Android phones).
Before I even considered messing with my Galaxy, I read, read some more, and then a little bit more. Regardless of all the reading I did, I had a moderate level of understanding of what I was doing and how my actions were affecting my phone.
All the advice in the world won't save you from bricking your phone if you don't have a general understanding of what these tools are doing to your phone.
In the iOS jailbreak community, the developers behind the tools leverage Apple's fall-back restore features to nearly eliminate the possibility of bricking your phone. But that is also inherent to the platform since there aren't custom ROMs available to install to an iPhone (for many reasons).
To summarize,
It sounds like you need to learn a little more about the world you've been playing in previously before you start playing in the Android world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man thanks for the advice!
I figured it out eventually. I just had to read and actually try Rooting. I now know most of the terminology of android. It's pretty straightforward. Of course there are some errors. But seriously Android is absolutely unbelievable (especially 4.1.1 and JB) have features I could only dream of getting supported on the iPhone.
If I do get errors there is usually a fix or something I can look up on how to avoid it. If a day comes when I do brick I should be alright if I do brick AT&T should be able to replace it for me. I've been a loyal customer to them and my family included.

I highly recommend this guide to rooting. I used it just a few days ago and it worked perfectly.
I tried AOKP and CM10 but have actually settled on this stock ROM for now. I like being able to maintain the 'motion' features which aren't standard on the others. Google Wallet works well too which is a big plus for me. There should be an update in the next 24 hours to "Milestone 5".

That'd the same one I'm using.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Titanium Backup
Spend those dollars on this App its worth every penny. Read all the FAQs under the links others already gave you.

[Q&A] [rom] [test] [validus v7.0] [5.0.2]

Q&A for [rom] [test] [validus v7.0] [5.0.2]
Some developers prefer that questions remain separate from their main development thread to help keep things organized. Placing your question within this thread will increase its chances of being answered by a member of the community or by the developer.
Before posting, please use the forum search and read through the discussion thread for [rom] [test] [validus v7.0] [5.0.2]. If you can't find an answer, post it here, being sure to give as much information as possible (firmware version, steps to reproduce, logcat if available) so that you can get help.
Thanks for understanding and for helping to keep XDA neat and tidy!

Downloading. Now tell how it goes. Thank You.
---------- Post added at 09:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:36 AM ----------
Great job. Installed without any problem. Keep well.

Good
Like it. Runs smooth, everything that is said to work, works. But some bugs, aside that from gr8Nole's CM12. For example, I can't change keyboard, settings just crash when I'm trying to.
UPD: fixed in 21.01 version

net::ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME
I am still playing around with this rom when I have time. So far to my surprise, everything is working nice as it should. The only problem I have come across so far though is when I click certain links, they dont seem to parse/click correctly. Several times when click a URL I get the error: net::ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME An easy way to recreate it is to go to this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053 (SuperSU on XDA) and scroll down and click on the Download: SuperSU on Google Play (free) link while using the rom. I would post it here, but I am typing from a PC right now and have to be quick. The link loads just fine on the PC too. I have done this in the past with 4.4.4 roms and last I recall it was working properly. When searching Google for the error, everything relates to code, which is out of my knowledge. A couple forums with people having issues were all unresolved or were told to restart, but it makes no difference. Now it doesn't do this all the time, but it has happened several times which makes it a small annoyance mostly, and assuming it should not do this at all. Hopefully I am not the only one having this issue and it can be fixed. Let me know if there is any other info I can provide.

Hmmm, I cant recreate the issue here...all links open fine...ibopen everything with chrome....what are you using? I find that some links wont open properly with the stock browser...

Is there no t315 support? I can't find any lollipop ROM for my tab 3 t315

No, sorry...we need the device to build for it...as of now we only have a sm t310 ...

I don't mind testing ROMs if you want to develop some I want lollipop for my device lol

Its not a matter of what you want, or what you are willing to do....I am not the dev....or a dev period...I'm going by what they are telling me to tell you.....no device = no build....blind builds are a pain and headache for devs....sorry

Hey Aries...
Thanks for getting back. I felt like a noob when I realized I was using the stock browser. I just been use to PA gapps in the 4.4.4 builds totally replacing the stock browser with Chrome. Since we are using Banks with Validus, is there some way I can manually inject or replace the stock browser with chrome? If it is a pain in the ass or not possible, is there a way to remove the stock browser once Chrome is installed? The same situation applies with the Nova launcher. I slightly prefer the Apex launcher and have the pro version on Google play. In the 4.4.4 roms, I was able to use Root uninstaller to remove leftover stuff I will never use in 4.4.4 roms, but it fails to remove it in LP. It is possible the Root uninstaller app isnt updated for LP, and may test some alternatives. It is just a minor issue figure I would ask to see what your thoughts were on it. If I could somehow replace nova and the stock with Apex and Chrome so when I flash it, it would be great as it is already there without the extra apps I will not use.
Aside from that I finally had some time to flash the latest build 1/31? and it is nice. I ended up doing a clean install since I was not vested much into the previous build anyway. When going through the primary setup, typing the Google account name, etc. It closed unexpectedly and told me it did, but it was at the end. Not sure if it was just a hiccup, but it saved my info from what I can tell and still works great. The dark theme is a perfect fit too. I look forward for future updates and will continue to use them.

Rawb0Ss said:
Hey Aries...
Thanks for getting back. I felt like a noob when I realized I was using the stock browser. I just been use to PA gapps in the 4.4.4 builds totally replacing the stock browser with Chrome. Since we are using Banks with Validus, is there some way I can manually inject or replace the stock browser with chrome? If it is a pain in the ass or not possible, is there a way to remove the stock browser once Chrome is installed? The same situation applies with the Nova launcher. I slightly prefer the Apex launcher and have the pro version on Google play. In the 4.4.4 roms, I was able to use Root uninstaller to remove leftover stuff I will never use in 4.4.4 roms, but it fails to remove it in LP. It is possible the Root uninstaller app isnt updated for LP, and may test some alternatives. It is just a minor issue figure I would ask to see what your thoughts were on it. If I could somehow replace nova and the stock with Apex and Chrome so when I flash it, it would be great as it is already there without the extra apps I will not use.
Aside from that I finally had some time to flash the latest build 1/31? and it is nice. I ended up doing a clean install since I was not vested much into the previous build anyway. When going through the primary setup, typing the Google account name, etc. It closed unexpectedly and told me it did, but it was at the end. Not sure if it was just a hiccup, but it saved my info from what I can tell and still works great. The dark theme is a perfect fit too. I look forward for future updates and will continue to use them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep stock browser and chrome on both my devices but if you want to remove it you can...validus has system app remover built in...go to developer settings and its right at the top....remove whatever system stuff you don't use or want there browser is in there..then reboot...simple....or you can use apps like titanium backup or rom toolbox pro to do the same thing....I prefer rom toolbox as it does tons of stuff....great app to buy...
As for nova you can remove it the same way if you want to....or just install apex and set it as your default launcher under Home in settings menu...

Ariesdroid said:
I keep stock browser and chrome on both my devices but if you want to remove it you can...validus has system app remover built in...go to developer settings and its right at the top....remove whatever system stuff you don't use or want there browser is in there..then reboot...simple....or you can use apps like titanium backup or rom toolbox pro to do the same thing....I prefer rom toolbox as it does tons of stuff....great app to buy...
As for nova you can remove it the same way if you want to....or just install apex and set it as your default launcher under Home in settings menu...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome about the built in app remover! I will check out rom toolbox pro too. Now I can tweak away and get it setup. I cant wait to play with it later...

The best room I've ever seen! Fast and stable! good job!
Is working on it CF-AutoRoot ?

kolodziej25 said:
The best room I've ever seen! Fast and stable! good job!
Is working on it CF-AutoRoot ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not following what you're asking...Validus is rooted with superSU...It gets flashed when you flash the ROM...

Indeed, but I'm stupid!

Testing & Maintenance of Validus roms for Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 SM-T311
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 SM-T311.
And I am always ready to experiment on my tab.
So i can test the roms developed for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 SM-T311 and find the bugs and can maintain Validus for this device but i cant build the roms.
And i am also ready to learn how to develop a rom if you people are ready to teach me.
So please develop this great rom for this device model also.
Thank You.

Leela Krishna said:
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 SM-T311.
And I am always ready to experiment on my tab.
So i can test the roms developed for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 SM-T311 and find the bugs and can maintain Validus for this device but i cant build the roms.
And i am also ready to learn how to develop a rom if you people are ready to teach me.
So please develop this great rom for this device model also.
Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have already stated many times that team validus only builds for devices we own and operate...sorry. If you learn to build ROMs our source is openly available along with cm source...

Crashing of System UI
The ROM's quite smooth till now, except for the crashing of the System UI whenever the theme is changed.
It's a minor issue and can be considered a negligible one. Other than this, I find the customization options a bit limited than what the other ROMs like SpiritRom (for v4.4), offered.

ishu.saviourfmankind said:
The ROM's quite smooth till now, except for the crashing of the System UI whenever the theme is changed.
It's a minor issue and can be considered a negligible one. Other than this, I find the customization options a bit limited than what the other ROMs like SpiritRom (for v4.4), offered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many features will be added back over time....no lollipop ROM has all those features yet...

Nice port, only chrome is a bit bugy and a game like crossy road does no t work.

[Q] TabPRO 10.1 T520 - Rooting & Build Compatibility Question

Hey folks!
I'm trying to research rooting procedures & tutorials and am running into a problem regarding 4.4.2 builds and compatibility. (I'm relatively tech savvy but have never rooted a device)
I have a T520 with Kitkat 4.4.2 build no. KOT49H.T520UEUANI1. The issue is that it seems this build has been available since last year, and somehow it is apparently the latest update (when I check for updates, it tells me this is the latest).
Now, as I understand it when using software like Odin to assist rooting, build compatibility is very important. I cannot find a tutorial with my particular build, or any information on its compatibility with Odin et al. The latest tutorial I can find for a T520 Root is for build KOT49H.T520XXUANAE ( I intended to link the URL but cannot as I'm a new user with less than 10 posts - if you'd like it, I can try typing it out manually). This particular tutorial was last updated on March 23rd of this year, so I assume this build is a later build than the one I am currently running.
It is also very possible I'm simply not comprehending basic information properly, so if there is any clarification or advice you can offer, I'd be happy to take it! Off the top of my head, I see builds mentioned such as KOT49H.T520XXUANI1 and I wonder if the "XX" is just a placeholder for various letters - it seems to be present in many builds, so it makes me curious. Anyhow, I'm very interested in rooting my device but obviously don't want to brick it in the process.
Also, I apologize if this is not the appropriate thread or forum to post in - it seemed the most recently active and relevant at the time of my posting and I didn't seem to find any appropriate answers in the suggested threads mentioned before posting this.
Thanks for reading!
-T

The "XX" is a region code (stands for some regions in Europe). IMO, the only thing matters is the last 3 digits of the build which shows the build date.
Also, as long as you don't care about Knox and warranty, isn't rooting Samsung stuff as simple as flashing a recovery via Odin and flashing SuperSU from there?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]

The "XX" is a region code (stands for some regions in Europe). IMO, the only thing matters is the last 3 digits of the build which shows the build date.
Also, as long as you don't care about Knox and warranty, isn't rooting Samsung stuff as simple as flashing a recovery via Odin and flashing SuperSU from there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Region code or the like was my suspicion, thanks for clarifying
Regarding the simplicity of rooting a Samsung device, I've never rooted a device of any kind before but from what I can tell - if following a tutorial - it does seem pretty simple. Also, I'm pretty certain my warranty has expired, so that and KNOX is of no concern.
Otherwise, because I'm new to the process of rooting, I want to make sure I'm on the right page, so to speak. If I can gather as much basic information about it as I can, and understand the context of that information, then I hopefully won't make an otherwise avoidable mistake. The build number compatibility was a little fuzzy to me.
Basically, I just need to make certain that whatever I use to root it is compatible with my tablet's build. From what I've gathered, that is one thing I should be certain of before beginning. That said, if yourself or anyone else can point me to something compatible with build KOT49H.T520UEUANI1, that would be be super helpful.
Also, thank you for taking the time to reply!
-T

I don't think you need to care that much about build number. Grab a custom recovery (latest TWRP recommended) for your device, flash it with Odin, and flash latest SuperSU package from it (it has almost universal compatibility).
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]

Has anyone done a stability/basic functionality comparison of ROMs ?

I have been hanging around XDA for past 1 week or so, and have spent numerous hours in understanding Android/rooting/ROMs etc. As a software engineer, i had the basic background, to catch up on Android platform, which is new to me. Having covered everything here from "Intro to XDA/beginners" to Phone specific details, here is some questions, as i tread carefully into Android tinkering.
I have held onto an aging Tmobile S4, trying to avoid buying a new phone. Still running stock m919uvsfqa1 baseband (OTA early 2017). This was ok, since I do not play games / stream video / run social media apps etc. After 4 years of running acceptably, this phone started misbehaving in 2017. No hardware or software changes other than the factory reset to wipe data/cache (in last few days). Restored all apps/data, using Samsung smartswitch (I will write a guide on this later, as a thank you & give back, to XDA community). Phone seems to be revived after this factor reset/restore. I have 3 questions :
If i am only interested in stability / integrity / functionality in phone, should i stick to stock kitkat 4.4.4 (OR) should i risk it and upgrade to Oreo based LineageOS 15.1 (which i found on xda as End-of-Life) ?? (OR) any other custom rom recommendations (like marshmallow SlimRom) ? In my limited knowledge in reading various threads on XDA, i find only these two roms mentioned for stability.
In any case, i am considering rooting with CF-Auto-root, to get SuperSU and remove bloat/ads...... Perhaps i can install antivirus apps, since i won't be running the latest security patches available in Oreo (if i run older versions of custom ROM). Would you advise this for a Software engineer, who is newbie to Android ? (OR) simply play it safe and stick to the bloatware/stock ? (Note: I have already gone through guides on "what apps to install after rooting".)
CF-auto-root will stick to stock recovery. Is there any benefit for me in installing TWRP ?

New Nexus Owner Question

Hello,
I won a Nexus 7 at auction and didn't realise how old it was, it has a cracked screen so changing the screen. Hardware I can do and have done for many years however having a look at things like roms is leaving me a bit confused. As far as I know it has the stock android that came with it.
What would I need to install to bring it up to the latest version? When I say latest I mean what is the newest version of whatever rom( I think they are called) that will give me an up to date working tablet rather than one using android from many moons ago.
Thank you for any help

You would need to install TWRP to flash custom roms and i think u should take a look at the Unlegacy rom

Would one of the builds on this page be suitable? - https://builds.unlegacy-android.org/aosp-8.1/flo/
Once I install it am I still able to use the Play store etc? I have several paid for games and apps I would like to use.
Thanks

Develop Bugs

welcome