Related
Highly unlikely there will be a root for the AT&T version but lets see... Post any "root" progress or discussion here...
This post should be titled Pigs Flying Progress.
Not to be rude, but we can come back to this thread a year from now on a non-rooted AT&T Note 5.
Why?
Because it's locked hard core. Most people will just buy a non att version and unlock it. Sucks for the few that didn't want to pay $1200 for the phone. I just want root to remove crap and a custom kernel no rooms for me.
Any idea who said it is locked hardcore? Did somebody actually try?
I tried it today. I used pumpkin, apple, sunflower, even tomato seeds. No roots yet.
luciferiusXI said:
Any idea who said it is locked hardcore? Did somebody actually try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Knox locked for now tell someone cracks it or a unlocked bootloader is leaked.
http://www.idigitaltimes.com/samsun...d-features-att-and-verizon-models-wont-468357
That article is rubbish. I believe there simply aren't any good hackers working on this project. Autoprime has always rooted lots of impossible devices, but unfortunately there isn't any interest on this one. Those that are interested have no knowledge, therefore cut it short and just say that root is impossible.
Just know that in the future if you want a rooted device don't go through AT&T, I think that's been pretty clear for awhile now.
whmgreen said:
Just know that in the future if you want a rooted device don't go through AT&T, I think that's been pretty clear for awhile now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing is impossible
luciferiusXI said:
Nothing is impossible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to share in your optimism, but you likely never owned the AT&T note 4...still waiting on a root there a year in.
whmgreen said:
I would like to share in your optimism, but you likely never owned the AT&T note 4...still waiting on a root there a year in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I owned but my theory is different. I believe that we can't achieve root because there aren't any more great developers working on the att note series. Number of developers kept decreasing every year. Most of the good ones grew up, found real jobs, have family and stuff and no free time to mess with the phones. Note 1 and note 2 had great developers then Note 3 was slow then Note 4 had 0 developers and same situation with Note 5. So at this point there only are themers left out there but no real developers. Anyways even if there was root on this device I doubt I would root it. First time I am very happy with stock rom experience on an android phone.
luciferiusXI said:
I owned but my theory is different. I believe that we can't achieve root because there aren't any more great developers working on the att note series. Number of developers kept decreasing every year. Most of the good ones grew up, found real jobs, have family and stuff and no free time to mess with the phones. Note 1 and note 2 had great developers then Note 3 was slow then Note 4 had 0 developers and same situation with Note 5. So at this point there only are themers left out there but no real developers. Anyways even if there was root on this device I doubt I would root it. First time I am very happy with stock rom experience on an android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually fine with not rooting either the note 4 or note 5, they are both very fast after some light tweaking. The argument that there isn't enough developers is fair, but I believe there isn't more development because these phones are very hard to crack. You can hack a temporary root for the note 4, but I doubt that will be possible with the note 5. Either way these are superior phones to those a few years ago which were barely useable without root.
I'm not feeling the need to root this phone. My wife has my LG G3 (T-Mobile variant on AT&T). That was my phone prior to the Note 5. It was plenty quick on AOSP (not very quick on a stock-like ROM). Playing with it after using the Note 5 and it surprises me the LG feels slow. The Note 5 is plenty of snappy.
My only gripe...no Titanium Backup and no Ad Blocker. I've got Firefox as the browser and an ad blocker plugin for that but for the other apps I don't have any luck. I know there's AdGuard but don't feel like using that one.
Nosferatu. said:
I'm not feeling the need to root this phone. My wife has my LG G3 (T-Mobile variant on AT&T). That was my phone prior to the Note 5. It was plenty quick on AOSP (not very quick on a stock-like ROM). Playing with it after using the Note 5 and it surprises me the LG feels slow. The Note 5 is plenty of snappy.
My only gripe...no Titanium Backup and no Ad Blocker. I've got Firefox as the browser and an ad blocker plugin for that but for the other apps I don't have any luck. I know there's AdGuard but don't feel like using that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind posting a link of the adblocker pluginfor firefox?
luciferiusXI said:
Do you mind posting a link of the adblocker pluginfor firefox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install Firefox from Play Store
Then go to: Settings --> Tools --> Addons
Search for uBlock Origin
Done
This is the direct link if you can't find it...
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/android/addon/ublock-origin/?src=search
whmgreen said:
I'm actually fine with not rooting either the note 4 or note 5, they are both very fast after some light tweaking. The argument that there isn't enough developers is fair, but I believe there isn't more development because these phones are very hard to crack. You can hack a temporary root for the note 4, but I doubt that will be possible with the note 5. Either way these are superior phones to those a few years ago which were barely useable without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getting mine tomorrow, what light tweaking do you mean?
iSwiftical said:
Getting mine tomorrow, what light tweaking do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disabling apps with package disabler pro, turning off unneeded sensor stuff, and things like hd voice (since it's not in my area anyways).
hello,
apologizes for making a thread for this if its already been answered however just wondering if there is any working root method for the n910v? i see quite a few seeing that it has to be the dev edition. so im curious, is there any working instructions for unlocking the bootloader? since it being locked is the reason for lack of root access...thanks in advance and also another quick question is, are there any good roms for the verizon s3? want to install something else on it. again thanks
Friend, just a brief scan will tell you that the answer to your question is no. There is no bootloader unlock for the Verizon Note 4 n910v. Allegedly devs are working on something, but given that it's been out for over a year and nothing has happened yet, I would wager that we will never see it happen in our lifetime. It took me a while, but I've learned to live without rooting my Note 4.
I'm still within the 14 days to return or exchange my Note 4, but I've made the decision to keep it, even though it might never get root, and I've rooted everything I've had. Once I made the decision to buy the unlock code for FoxFi, it made the decision easier, considering all I really needed root for was the tether feature. If for some reason FoxFi stops working again, I can always use my S4 for the same purpose. Do I wish I could get rid of the ads in some of my apps, sure, but they're apps that I can always find better versions of. Plus, if I really need more room for games and such, I can use my Tab 3 that is rooted.
I personally think that the Note 4 without root, with Nova launcher Prime is an awesome phone that I will keep till it dies! My phone kicks butt, better than any of my previous phones!
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk
outcasted2003 said:
I personally think that the Note 4 without root, with Nova launcher Prime is an awesome phone that I will keep till it dies! My phone kicks butt, better than any of my previous phones!
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you running on 4.4.4?
no root is very, very unpleasant. for example, i can't pull my authenticator credentials. worst, i can't secure the device. vz can pull anything on me, which means i am vulnerable to social and financial loss.
Personally, I USE ADW Launcher EX.
Root would be great for themed OS'S and getting rid bloatware.
will4958 said:
I'm still within the 14 days to return or exchange my Note 4, but I've made the decision to keep it, even though it might never get root, and I've rooted everything I've had. Once I made the decision to buy the unlock code for FoxFi, it made the decision easier, considering all I really needed root for was the tether feature. If for some reason FoxFi stops working again, I can always use my S4 for the same purpose. Do I wish I could get rid of the ads in some of my apps, sure, but they're apps that I can always find better versions of. Plus, if I really need more room for games and such, I can use my Tab 3 that is rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i just got my note 4 about a week ago lol so i could return it. but i like the device itself. just annoyed that i cant delete some of the bloatware and **** that comes preinstalled lol oh well. guess ill keep an eye out for any one who might just find a way of rooting. thanks to all who commented. i figured by what i was reading that there is no current root =/ but oh well.
Please correct me if I'm wrong but I just got my new (used on ebay) LG G5 Sprint phone that was going to be an upgrade from my Galaxy S5 that I'm currently pretty happy with, but who does not want a newer faster phone?
Pros: Downloaded OTA Nougat
Pretty snappy phone and for $200 used it's a pretty good deal.
Cons: no free wifi tether, and you can't use PDA net foxit as a workaround on Nougat (Android 7.0)
No root available for the sprint version of the LG G5 (LS992) version.
My biggest reason to root is the unlocked tether via wifi, this seems to be even harder on Android 7.0 no matter the model of phone.
I do like sprint since I'm on a really good SERO plan with unlimited data for $50/month, and they have one of the better data roaming prices if I'm to lazy to change out my sim while I travel abroad. But there is no way I'll pay extra to unlock the wifi tether, then as a last resort I'll just go back to my old Samsung galaxy S5
Here are the questions:
What other new(er) sprint phones can currently be rooted? thinking of replacing this one for the HTC 10 or Galaxy S5, S6 Edge, but only if I can at least get free wifi tether, by preferable rooting and installing a custom ROM or by using PDA NET.
Is there a any workaround to enable free tether on Nougat? like PDA net? One option I was considering is keep my G5, downgrade to
Android 6.0 and just download pda net.
Also, since we can't root the GS is there a workaround to get rid of all the bloatware??
Any thought?
Thanks!!
Love my HTC 10. No Nougat yet but it should come any time now. If the Pixel worked on Sprint I'd consider it, but it has no microsd storage.
Lots of people like the V20, too. Heck, I still like my G3, though I could be persuaded to let it go...
SilverZero said:
Love my HTC 10. No Nougat yet but it should come any time now. If the Pixel worked on Sprint I'd consider it, but it has no microsd storage.
Lots of people like the V20, too. Heck, I still like my G3, though I could be persuaded to let it go...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you can root your HTC 10, sprint version?
nordicflyer said:
And you can root your HTC 10, sprint version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. HTC allows official bootloader unlocking, and the 10 forum has a cool post with tutorial videos for the whole process. I'm running tether, adblocking, and some xposed modules, but I'm switching to a Magisk ROM this week. No Nougat yet but tether and ad control is more important to me.
Me personally I found an used Galaxy S6 on Amazon for only $200 that I'm about to buy. I had one before but gave it up due to the battery life, but right now I miss having root dearly. I'll just use that while sitting back waiting for the crop of 2017 phones to pop up.
Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk
piscesjoey said:
Me personally I found an used Galaxy S6 on Amazon for only $200 that I'm about to buy. I had one before but gave it up due to the battery life, but right now I miss having root dearly. I'll just use that while sitting back waiting for the crop of 2017 phones to pop up.
Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be selling my LG g5 and deciding between the Galaxy S6 Edge or HTC 10, unless someone figures out how to root it in the next few days....such a pain that I have to sell the phone, but it's my own fault that I did not do my research before I bought it. I just assumed that all Androids had roots....
So if anyone want's a nice LG G5 running Nougat let me know
SilverZero said:
Love my HTC 10. No Nougat yet but it should come any time now. If the Pixel worked on Sprint I'd consider it, but it has no microsd storage.
Lots of people like the V20, too. Heck, I still like my G3, though I could be persuaded to let it go...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://newsroom.sprint.com/blogs/de...gle-pixel-works-on-the-sprint-network-too.htm
BR7fan said:
http://newsroom.sprint.com/blogs/de...gle-pixel-works-on-the-sprint-network-too.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that's right. I even read this a few days ago. Even so, microsd is my non-negotiable feature.
BR7fan said:
http://newsroom.sprint.com/blogs/de...gle-pixel-works-on-the-sprint-network-too.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are all the pixel phones also CDMA?
Would the wifi tether work on these phone even with nougat?
nordicflyer said:
Are all the pixel phones also CDMA?
Would the wifi tether work on these phone even with nougat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not entirely sure.
I have LG G5 (wife) and HTC 10 (me)... Installing root/s-off on HTC is relatively painless. Not much to complain about the HTC 10, seems to do everything well. I average about 4hous of screen on time with Viper rom (last 6.0.1 version) Those that are running their 7 roms seem to think its an improvement still.
Only got the LG g5 because we were able to upgrade at Best Buy for less than $1 and Sprint was doing away with upgrades on contract
Ok might seem like a silly question but I am gonna ask anyway. To me reading around I don't see root and unlocked bootloader really coming avab for this Verizon S8+
Right now I have the Moto X Pure rooted and I m the type I kinda like to have a rooted phone. Just been doing this a very long time and set in my ways.
How are you all that own this phone running unrooted. I mean I guess I could play around and use an unrooted phone but it's been a while.
Give me your opinions...
For adblocking I use adhell and it works great. Other than that, I guess I have lost interest in root. Only thing I really hated was ads
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
mrbracht said:
For adblocking I use adhell and it works great. Other than that, I guess I have lost interest in root. Only thing I really hated was ads
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
Yea I use adblock (rooted) now but I really think I would miss Titanium Backup, Root Explorer, and MyBackup and they all work well with a rooted phone.
I guess I will wait to see if root comes around and when the price drops on the phone.
.
kendive said:
Thanks for the reply.
Yea I use adblock (rooted) now but I really think I would miss Titanium Backup, Root Explorer, and MyBackup and they all work well with a rooted phone.
I guess I will wait to see if root comes around and when the price drops on the phone.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was the same as you for years. I always rooted my devices and used the same apps that all required root. But now I really don't miss rooting and have accepted the fact that I can replace TB with SmartSwitch, use RE without accessing the root file system, etc.
I keep an old Nexus 7 (2013) on hand for those times I need to feed my addiction to SuperSU!
screw this give us root
martybg said:
screw this give us root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I am staying away from this phone unless it gets root.
ChadH42 said:
I was the same as you for years. I always rooted my devices and used the same apps that all required root. But now I really don't miss rooting and have accepted the fact that I can replace TB with SmartSwitch, use RE without accessing the root file system, etc.
I keep an old Nexus 7 (2013) on hand for those times I need to feed my addiction to SuperSU!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question for ya. When using SmartSwitch, does it actually switch app and the data for each app so it is as if I lose nothing? That's the one main reason I use TiBu. Thanks in advance.
ChadH42 said:
I was the same as you for years. I always rooted my devices and used the same apps that all required root. But now I really don't miss rooting and have accepted the fact that I can replace TB with SmartSwitch, use RE without accessing the root file system, etc.
I keep an old Nexus 7 (2013) on hand for those times I need to feed my addiction to SuperSU!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SmartSwitch doesnt do app data.
http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/skp/faq/1094130
Q4: Can Smart Switch backup or restore application data (like game progress data or chatting logs)?
A: Smart Switch mobile doesn’t support application data backup/restore. Smart Switch backs up the application list only
stajam said:
Quick question for ya. When using SmartSwitch, does it actually switch app and the data for each app so it is as if I lose nothing? That's the one main reason I use TiBu. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not see above
kendive said:
Ok might seem like a silly question but I am gonna ask anyway. To me reading around I don't see root and unlocked bootloader really coming avab for this Verizon S8+
Right now I have the Moto X Pure rooted and I m the type I kinda like to have a rooted phone. Just been doing this a very long time and set in my ways.
How are you all that own this phone running unrooted. I mean I guess I could play around and use an unrooted phone but it's been a while.
Give me your opinions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my first phone ever that is not rooted. I have been using the nexus line for so long i am loving all these extra features that actually work.
My root list has kept shrinking over the years. do i miss it... sure... do i love this new phone... OH YEAH.
What about Viper audio? Is that possible without root? I just ordered a S8+ the unlocked version and am a bit concerned not seeing much on root. I see there are bounties out there for it and a lot of work being done towards root and possible BL unlocking, but who knows when it will come available. I did the incredible trade deal, hard to pass up, trading in a old note 3. But I need tethering out of the box, want Viper audio and use TiBu all the time. This needs to get rooted ASAP! Or I may send it back or sell it.....
Sporttster said:
What about Viper audio? Is that possible without root? I just ordered a S8+ the unlocked version and am a bit concerned not seeing much on root. I see there are bounties out there for it and a lot of work being done towards root and possible BL unlocking, but who knows when it will come available. I did the incredible trade deal, hard to pass up, trading in a old note 3. But I need tethering out of the box, want Viper audio and use TiBu all the time. This needs to get rooted ASAP! Or I may send it back or sell it.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck. I don't see this phone getting root. :crying:
I'm keeping my Moto X Pure as my daily driver for now. Thought about getting a Note 4 to play around with...
.
I regret buying my unlocked s8+. Don't get me wrong it's a beast of a phone. But I'm like the OP I need root! So I'm probably gonna sell my s8+..
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
BigM69 said:
I regret buying my unlocked s8+. Don't get me wrong it's a beast of a phone. But I'm like the OP I need root! So I'm probably gonna sell my s8+..
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phone you getting instead?
Like many others on the thread, I have Moto X Pure on vzn. Great phone. Im looking to upgrade, and NEED root.
What are my options... besides waiting for pixel 2?
Cowbell_Guy said:
What phone you getting instead?
Like many others on the thread, I have Moto X Pure on vzn. Great phone. Im looking to upgrade, and NEED root.
What are my options... besides waiting for pixel 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I got this damn s8+ I used the nexus 6. I used the N6 for 3 years absolutely still love that phone! I don't know man I'm thinking about the nexus 6p. The s8+ is a good phone I just need root and bootloader needs to become unlockable for me to keep it.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
kendive said:
Ok might seem like a silly question but I am gonna ask anyway. To me reading around I don't see root and unlocked bootloader really coming avab for this Verizon S8+
Right now I have the Moto X Pure rooted and I m the type I kinda like to have a rooted phone. Just been doing this a very long time and set in my ways.
How are you all that own this phone running unrooted. I mean I guess I could play around and use an unrooted phone but it's been a while.
Give me your opinions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too came from a rooted Moto X Pure and personally I don't mind being unrooted. Sure I miss being able to use custom roms and having adaway and titanium backup but personally it's not that bad. I really like my S8+ and I would not go back lol.
blackra1n said:
I too came from a rooted Moto X Pure and personally I don't mind being unrooted. Sure I miss being able to use custom roms and having adaway and titanium backup but personally it's not that bad. I really like my S8+ and I would not go back lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will keep my rooted Moto X Pure just ordered a Note 4 to play with. There is no phone that great for me to use unrooted...
It sucks to not have root. Haven't had root since my Dev edition Note 4. Have had root on every phone previous since my original HTC Incredible smartphone way back when.
I do miss Titanium backup. And Ad Away. Those two things are by far the two that I miss the most. Helium worked well enough on my Note 7 and S7 Edge once I migrated to that from the banned Note & (that I held on to until the very last I could - into February). But Helium does NOT work worth a crap on the S8+. Quite a few apps would not migrate at all with any data, so I lost data on some apps. I found work arounds for most of them, but not all of them. And I use Adhell, but it's not nearly as good as Ad Away. But again, it's not a real big deal overall. Would love root but not expecting it to happen.
Totally agree with you guys!!!! Regret trading in my ROOTED s7 to get the s8+, Now if that's not a ****ing tool of a move I don't kno what is!!!!
I miss adaway, EXTREMELY BAD, I miss patched YouTube apps "no ads" & I ESPICIALLY, prob most of all over adaway I miss Arise
---------- Post added at 10:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:51 AM ----------
OMG I just about blew a load allover myself, only 2 be again let down... ****ING US VARIANTS!!!!
http://www.stechguide.com/twrp-recovery-for-galaxy-s8-and-galaxy-s8-snapdragon-variant/
I am contemplating buying Google Pixel 3 XL (Google Edition), and have questions. I am currently on Vzw's original unlimited data plan (grandfathered). My current og Pixel XL has magisk, which I installed, as well as the module for hotspot/tethering. And just for the record, the og Vzw unlmited data plan does not come with the hotspot. You have to pay for that separately which I do not want to do! ^wink^
Is this same magisk module available on Pixel 3 XL so that I can turn on the hotspot without having the actual service?
Thanks in advance.
statustray said:
I am contemplating buying Google Pixel 3 XL (Google Edition), and have questions. I am currently on Vzw's original unlimited data plan (grandfathered). My current og Pixel XL has magisk, which I installed, as well as the module for hotspot/tethering. And just for the record, the og Vzw unlmited data plan does not come with the hotspot. You have to pay for that separately which I do not want to do! ^wink^
Is this same magisk module available on Pixel 3 XL so that I can turn on the hotspot without having the actual service?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should just be able to bring that module over to the 3 xl, magisk works just fine. Magisk modules, for the most part, aren't device dependent.
What module is it? Is it still in the magisk repo or do you have the zip?
ffchampmt said:
You should just be able to bring that module over to the 3 xl, magisk works just fine. Magisk modules, for the most part, aren't device dependent.
What module is it? Is it still in the magisk repo or do you have the zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The module is called: Tethering Enabler, and the version I have is 14.0.0, and was created by stangri. I am unsure if it is in the Magisk repo or not. But I originally got it from within magisk's downloads area within the app.
Thanks in advance.
statustray said:
The module is called: Tethering Enabler, and the version I have is 14.0.0, and was created by stangri. I am unsure if it is in the Magisk repo or not. But I originally got it from within magisk's downloads area within the app. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Modules are usually device agnostic... but there's another consideration. Module implementation has just completely changed within Magisk v19.0 and module developers must now recode using a specific API or risk being incompatible in the near future. The module you mention is not currently listed under "downloads" in Magisk settings, and his XDA thread has not been active for a while. Someone else modified his work (stargzrr11) and released v.15.0 but that was April of last year.
statustray said:
I am contemplating buying Google Pixel 3 XL (Google Edition), and have questions. I am currently on Vzw's original unlimited data plan (grandfathered). My current og Pixel XL has magisk, which I installed, as well as the module for hotspot/tethering. And just for the record, the og Vzw unlmited data plan does not come with the hotspot. You have to pay for that separately which I do not want to do! ^wink^
Is this same magisk module available on Pixel 3 XL so that I can turn on the hotspot without having the actual service?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the exact same concern... I have the og unlimited vz plan also.. tethering will work fine.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pi...ative-tethering-rooted-pixel-3-t3858662/page1
v12xke said:
Modules are usually device agnostic... but there's another consideration. Module implementation has just completely changed within Magisk v19.0 and module developers must now recode using a specific API or risk being incompatible in the near future. The module you mention is not currently listed under "downloads" in Magisk settings, and his XDA thread has not been active for a while. Someone else modified his work (stargzrr11) and released v.15.0 but that was April of last year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi v12xke,
Thanks for that info and link
scram99 said:
I had the exact same concern... I have the og unlimited vz plan also.. tethering will work fine.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pi...ative-tethering-rooted-pixel-3-t3858662/page1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you scram99,
Excellent link with instructions. I appreciate ya!
Now on the lookout for 128GB Pixel 3 XL (Google Edition).
statustray said:
Thank you scram99,
Excellent link with instructions. I appreciate ya!
Now on the lookout for 128GB Pixel 3 XL (Google Edition).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my 128gb Google edition Pixel 3XL about a month ago.
I too am on Verizon's unlimited plan (but I'm on the new one $80 a month).
I haven't even unlocked the bootloader yet because everything I used to use root for can now be done without it.
AdBlock, themes, tethering, Vanced YouTube, all can be done without root.
The real incentive to unlock the bootloader on a GE variant immediately is not rooting. It is so in the event you later decide to root, you won't be forced to completely wipe the phone. It also opens the door to dozens of tools you can use later on in case you get into trouble, including Google's own recovery images they publish every month. If a person never intends to unlock or root their phone, they can save themselves HUNDREDS of dollars buying the Verizon variant and switching to the carrier of their choice (if they wanted to). You buy a GE for the privilege of being able to unlock the bootloader and have ultimate control your phone. Lastly, non-root ad blockers are very limited in what they can do when compared to a root ad blocker.