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I have the Galaxy S5 and the Note 4 and I'm trying to decide which to keep. I love that the S5 has root and bootstrap recovery. I'm getting EXCELLENT battery life on the S5 with a custom ROM, but haven't tested much with the Note. So is the Note 4 so good of a device that fellow XDAers would use it even if we never achieve root? I think I've found ways around most of the things I use root for, mostly to debloat and to mount encrypted drives (truecrypt files, an excellent app called EDS). The disable feature seems to works fine and I can encrypt files on my sd card natively even though if something happens to my phone the contents are toast! What do you guys think?
Not missing root at all. Sure, I'd like to hide the att logo, and the nfc and alarm icons. But this phone runs so good I have no desire to root it.
harlenm said:
Not missing root at all. Sure, I'd like to hide the att logo, and the nfc and alarm icons. But this phone runs so good I have no desire to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That says a lot considering you've been on xda as long as me! I've been modding my phone since windows mobile 3.
not really missing root, but you can put your money on it if it releases ill root it!
First phone I started messing with was a Treo 650
harlenm said:
First phone I started messing with was a Treo 650
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had an Audiovox xv6600!
Im getting angry without ROOT!!!
I cant switch my signal from LTE to 4G...which unthrottles me!!!!
I also cannot use tethering... !!! NEED ROOTT!!
I would love to have root again. However, not for the same reasons that I normally want root.
This device is powerful and works great out of the box. But I would like to be able to remove unwanted apps. Data didn't matter because we should all be on att and able to get 30gb of data. Also tethering cons with my plan so no rooting necessary.
N4 is such a killer device. Rooting it will only enhance its ability
Definitely miss root.
Xposed framework..
Adfree
Tibu
You know.. The important stuff
fbauto1 said:
Definitely miss root.
Xposed framework..
Adfree
Tibu
You know.. The important stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do miss xposed. Root would make a great device that much better.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
Miss it a LOT. Xposed spoiled me in so many ways......so much in fact if we don't have root soon I'm going back to my Note 3 until I can get my Nexus 6
Honestly, Samsung has done a good job as well as Google. I miss root a little but not nothing like I used too.
I picked up the T-mobile Note 4 to use on AT&T specifically b/c of this. For me, using a large screen phone only makes sense if you can actually see more content on the screen instead of the same amount, just bigger.
It makes no sense to me that between the Note 4 and S5, you actually see the same amount of content per browser screen, everything is just larger. So lowering the dpi is a must for me - I'm currently running at 480 and it's perfect. The phone status bar and the browser address bar are far more vertically compact, letting me see more content on the page. Things like Google Now widgets are not obnoxiously large, notifications are much more compact and more can be seen per screen.
Running adaway and wanam are secondary but I could live without them.
I do miss root but only for the custom dpi settings to make everything on the UI smaller. I bet with the crazy high pixel density, it'd look amazing.
Other than that, I don't feel like root is really needed... Maybe for blocking ads...
dawheat said:
I picked up the T-mobile Note 4 to use on AT&T specifically b/c of this. For me, using a large screen phone only makes sense if you can actually see more content on the screen instead of the same amount, just bigger.
It makes no sense to me that between the Note 4 and S5, you actually see the same amount of content per browser screen, everything is just larger. So lowering the dpi is a must for me - I'm currently running at 480 and it's perfect. The phone status bar and the browser address bar are far more vertically compact, letting me see more content on the page. Things like Google Now widgets are not obnoxiously large, notifications are much more compact and more can be seen per screen.
Running adaway and wanam are secondary but I could live without them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the signal on the T-Mobile note? Also what did you use to SIM unlock?
My Note 4 is being delivered tomorrow. I can tell you right now if it's not rooted by the time the Nexus 6 becomes generally available I'm almost 100% making the switch.
TiBu and CIQ removal. If only TiBu can "restore" without root, that would make my day.
---------- Post added at 11:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 AM ----------
frieked said:
My Note 4 is being delivered tomorrow. I can tell you right now if it's not rooted by the time the Nexus 6 becomes generally available I'm almost 100% making the switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See ya!
Well it was fun while it lasted but I just got a OnePlus One invite so the Note 4 is going up for sale and I'll be banking the $300+ difference in price and enjoying the much more open approach to smartphones.
Don't miss root. Can use carbon for backups, everything else wasn't that important to me.
adblocking is about all I miss, although most apps/games have a paid version that disabled ads, so thats not even THAT much of a problem. I thought I would miss root but after using this phone since day 1, its been smooth sailing and to be honest, if I rom'd this phone with something non-touchwiz, I would miss some TW features.
So ive had a lot of questions from friends and family about my S7 Active; lots of rumors and false info too. Ask me anything.
UPDATE - Tried old AT&T 'phone' APN settings that worked with my S4 for tethering, they do not work on S7 Active, even with tethering provisioning disabled.
The camera is excellent, has approximately 11-11.5 stops of dynamic range (in RAW, obviously), and the OIS is fantastic. Very sharp (again in RAW) optics as well; about up there with my ancient Nikon D300 with the excellent 18-200VR lens attached in terms of sharpness, BARELY less dynamic range, and the OIS works just as well as the Nikon VR lenses i own; highly impressed actually. VERY good low light, very low noise and no discernable noise pattern. I have not shot anything in JPEG; I usually drag a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera with a Panasonic Lumix OIS 12-35 f2.8 lens around as well as my Nikon D300 with assorted stabilized zooms and prime optics as well, as i shoot and film everything in RAW (i filmed and shot ads, corp videos, music videos, etc professionally for several years). The S7 Active does NOT shoot RAW video, but one might be able to downsample 4k footage to a decent bitrate 1080p with very good results and much higher bitrates to play with. Dynamic range is limited in JPEG from what ive seen, although HDR more works pretty decent for a cell phone, in both video and photo modes. OIS is ALWAYS on, and AF tracking works pretty good; about the same as 3D Tracking on the Nikon D300, just a hair slower. AF is fast and accurate, nowhere near DSLR's, but WAY faster than most phones, and WAY faster and more accurate than 'Focus' push on the Blackmagic Pocket cam, but thats to be expected from a camera you usually rig up and manually pull focus on anyways.
Tethering is natively accessible in the stock ROM, i have an (ancient) grandfathered unlimited data plan through AT&T, and i have full access to APN information and settings, and am wondering if tethering may be enabled natively with the stock ROM. I have disabled all bloatware (via paid app), tweaked and tested it out since launch day; it really does easily last about 30 hours with moderate use once tweaked; with most useful options enabled (even S-voice, NFC, Always-On Display and GPS). I also have access to a totally vanilla, unmodified/untweaked S7 Active that i bought for my parents (coming from a launch day AT&T Sammy S3) to compare with; GSAM battery stats etc, for a wholistic 'Out Of Box' vs tweaked comparison.
Ideally, and mostly for app/settings backup/misc tweaks, id like to see the S7a rooted, but i dont feel its entirely needed, all things considered. Mine is now pending SIM unlock via AT&T (obviously) and i have all bloatware disabled, greenified, and tweaked for even better battery life as well as a simple, smooth, one page launcher/one page dock to keep things nice, neat and clean.
I upgraded from a rooted/ROMed/SIM unlocked Galaxy S4 with an ancient S4 Goldeneye Int'l ROM that i heavily modified, only because i kept getting SIM NOT INSTALLED errors and GPS refused to lock on after i dropped it (for only the second time i might add, after 3 years), with an Anker 5200Mah battery/cover, and i absolutely love it. Being able to rinse it off without fear and let it get bumped about is a relief; i really took great care to keep my old S4 in excellent shape and not damage it. For the first time, i bought a case (TPU) and screen protector, as i intend to keep it for at least 3 years; same as the S4; i just dont plan to baby it, as i bike, kayak, am active in motorsports, horseriding, camping, skydiving, and just about anything else i can do. Normally, i would stuff my S4 into a ziplock with paper towels or foam around it when doing anything 'risky'; its nice to have a phone thats decently durable again; my first phone was a Nokia 5165; it survived being backed over by my ancient 1983 Mazda RX-7, having the antenna chewed on for hours by a bored German Shepard, as well as thrown down a staircase by a crazy high school ex-girlfriend; i missed its rugged durability, though not the ex'es mood swings, though i am far more careful now, both with my phones and romantic choices.
I have been modding phones since WinMo 5.0 and Pineapple for iPhone 3G; from the HTC Hermes/AT&T 8525, HTC 8925 TyTN II/Kaiser, iPhone 3G, Moto Atrix 4g/Olympus, Sammy S3 and Sammy S4; ROMs, add-ons, hacks, tethering, misc tweaks, and all means of assorted risky business to make my mobile better suited to my lifestyle and what i want out of it. I travel a lot for work, sport, and vacations.
This appears to be the first fully featured, ruggedized flagship with no compromises (aside from locked to GSM and initially via AT&T only), but otherwise i have found no real faults. I prefer plastics and rubber over glass and metal; they tend to last longer and survive far better than pretty/elegant/unique metal/glass designs. I paid for it outright, and AT&T kindly sent me the SIM unlock code 2 days after i requested it, for free, as i am travelling to France, Greece, and Russia shortly to visit family and friends. I had a few friends who have had S4, S5, and S6 Actives and loved them, although 2 did manage to crack the screens dropping them. Based on recent youtube stuff, i cant see that happening as frequently with the S7 Active due to the plastic laminated screen, though it will scratch easier.
I will not attempt to test its durability, so dont ask. Plenty of youtube and misc reviews do that and far more; i think its kind of useless, redundant, and wasteful to intentionally subject anything to needless duress just to 'test' out its capabilities, so please dont ask about that. Anything else is a total go; from adoptable storage to wifi and APN testing, i am totally game.
UPDATE
just to clarify some specs, the screen is actually a laminate of polycarbonate plastic on top of Gorilla Glass 4, so while it is much improved in terms of shatter resistance, it is MUCH more prone to scratches, i highly recommend a glass screen protector so you dont scratch up the polycarb screen. I bought a SuperShieldz 2 pack for $8 that works great. the laminate plastic is NOT removable, so once scratched, its there permanently. A cheap case isnt a bad idea either, i bought a clear Cimo TPU cover for $8 for the hell of it.
I have never broken a screen yet, but i had dropped my phones a few times, never used screen protectors or cases/covers either, but figured for a few bucks, considering im much more into kayaking, hiking, biking, and skiing now (funny how more income=more toys and more fun), why the hell not? its a big device as is; but i have been consistently seeing 30 hours of battery life between charges, which is enough to get me through 2 days of moderate to heavy use in areas with terrible signal and no wi-fi.
Adoptable storage really isnt needed; it CAN be done, but there's no going back besides a factory reset if you want things to work properly. I tried it for 3 days, and eventually reset and went back to external portable storage, and transferred all apps, data, pics, etc to ExtSD as well as scripted an auto transfer of all videos, pics, downloads, etc from internal to external storage nightly onto the 200GB microSD card i bought. Also, im paranoid about wearing out the micro USB port as i did (twice) with my S4, so i bought a Samsung Fast Wireless Charger. Its just as fast as the regular, wired fast charger you get in the box, plus its basically just a tilted disc cradle with a Fast Charger plugged into it; same cable and power brick as the S7 Active charger you get in the box. I bought a second, black one i intend to hack down and stealth install into the center console of my Mazda RX-8 above the transmission tunnel behind the shifter so i can hide the wires.
how do you delete a screenshot on the galaxy s7... or how can I remove the gallery app so I have more control over what I can delete or store....Yes I'm a noob and I dont want to root the phone if I can help it... any hepl will be appreciated... Cheers
Can you extract Activity Zone Apk from system? You don't need root permission to copy. I want to know if it is possible to run on regular S7.
Sent from my SM-G930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
nooob1963 said:
how do you delete a screenshot on the galaxy s7... or how can I remove the gallery app so I have more control over what I can delete or store....Yes I'm a noob and I dont want to root the phone if I can help it... any hepl will be appreciated... Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easiest and cleanest way without root is to utilize Package Disabler Pro in the Google Play store, and disable 'Gallery'. You can also enable private mode on the folders or albums you dont want to see (i did this to avoid seeing ad based albums, system albums, as well as album covers for music that i have on a 200GB MicroSD card).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en
goTouch said:
Can you extract Activity Zone Apk from system? You don't need root permission to copy. I want to know if it is possible to run on regular S7.
Sent from my SM-G930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it does not require root to copy, i am sure i could snag it for you, how would i go about doing so? PM me and i will snag it and send it to you.
The activity button is awesome to have actually; its why i went for the S7 Active over the regular S7; programmable to 3 different apps (short press, double press, long press, or you can disable them individually). Mine is set to Camera (short) and a free flashlight app (long) with double press disabled (i rarely use activity zone).
I have a new unlimited plan with AT&T, just switched from Verizon, and I am having trouble getting any tethering working. I even tested FoxFi and several other apps from the store.
Do you have any solutions?
Does the phone use a custom rom other than the standard samsung s7 (edge) rom? I noticed the model number is different and ofc it has the extra button...
So, will at&t update this phone with all the (limited) updates samsung provides? And if we were to get root access, will we be able to install the roms for s7?
Other question: Why doesnt this phone work with the gear VR platform? (what are the differences?)
thx!
EnduringGuerila said:
I have a new unlimited plan with AT&T, just switched from Verizon, and I am having trouble getting any tethering working. I even tested FoxFi and several other apps from the store.
Do you have any solutions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy tether pro works flawlessly for me. I also use a vpn so att hopefully have a harder time telling I'm tethering
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using XDA-Developers mobile app
Slade8525 said:
The easiest and cleanest way without root is to utilize Package Disabler Pro in the Google Play store, and disable 'Gallery'. You can also enable private mode on the folders or albums you dont want to see (i did this to avoid seeing ad based albums, system albums, as well as album covers for music that i have on a 200GB MicroSD card).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en
If it does not require root to copy, i am sure i could snag it for you, how would i go about doing so? PM me and i will snag it and send it to you.
The activity button is awesome to have actually; its why i went for the S7 Active over the regular S7; programmable to 3 different apps (short press, double press, long press, or you can disable them individually). Mine is set to Camera (short) and a free flashlight app (long) with double press disabled (i rarely use activity zone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please upload the apk somewhere where I can download it too? Thank you in advance.
"Galaxy S7 Active - Ask me anything"
How long are your toe nails?
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using XDA-Developers mobile app
EnduringGuerila said:
I have a new unlimited plan with AT&T, just switched from Verizon, and I am having trouble getting any tethering working. I even tested FoxFi and several other apps from the store.
Do you have any solutions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are tethering apps and VPN options, but i havent tried them out just yet. Tethering with the rooted/unlocked/ROM'ed S4 was a quick launch button away, and was awesome because i could manage portfolios for clients right on their own computer or tablet at a golf course or at a race track or wherever. my clients LOVED when i did that for them lol.
I dont REALLY need it anymore as i switched careers and only hold majority stake in my brokerage, and no longer deal with clients regularly, and am taking summer and fall off for adventures, but ill look into it as eventually ill want to use my laptop or ipad again somewhere without wifi.
Arthasdude said:
Does the phone use a custom rom other than the standard samsung s7 (edge) rom? I noticed the model number is different and ofc it has the extra button...
So, will at&t update this phone with all the (limited) updates samsung provides? And if we were to get root access, will we be able to install the roms for s7?
Other question: Why doesnt this phone work with the gear VR platform? (what are the differences?)
thx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ROM appears to be different, is activity zone and activity button functionality all built in. I doubt we will get root access, frankly, but i dont think its really needed, once i have a solution worked out for tethering i'll be quite happy.
baseband - G891AUCU1APE7
kernel - 3.18.20-7999892
[email protected] #1
Mon May 16 14:08:53 KST 2016
build - MMB29M.G891AUCU1APE7
As for Gear VR, it WOULD work, its the physical size of the device that is the main constraint, although a buddy modified his VR to work with it. I have no interest in VR so havent bothered. Ill ask him to send some pics.
Vismis said:
Easy tether pro works flawlessly for me. I also use a vpn so att hopefully have a harder time telling I'm tethering
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you pay for your VPN, and have you ever gotten pinched/texted from AT&T with easy tether pro? i desperately miss this from the unlocked/rooted/ROM'ed S4!
arnes_king said:
Can you please upload the apk somewhere where I can download it too? Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your PM's
BCSC said:
"Galaxy S7 Active - Ask me anything"
How long are your toe nails?
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol all are uniformly extending approximately 1mm past the end of the toenail bed
root s7 with stock rom
How can i root my sm-g891a?
doubtful root will be achieved.
Hi Slade8525, I got my S7Active few weeks ago, because I was very attracted by the 4000 mAh battery.
The problem is... I can't get even a full day! I found Android System sucking >30% of the battery, is this something happening also in your device?
Unfortunately I couldn't find any battery analyzer that will break down the drain by package, so I always have Android System and Android OS as the mayor battery offenders...
Licantrop0 said:
Hi Slade8525, I got my S7Active few weeks ago, because I was very attracted by the 4000 mAh battery.
The problem is... I can't get even a full day! I found Android System sucking >30% of the battery, is this something happening also in your device?
Unfortunately I couldn't find any battery analyzer that will break down the drain by package, so I always have Android System and Android OS as the mayor battery offenders...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Android System is closer to 15% and thats with literally EVERYTHING turned on (GPS, wifi, NFC, Bluetooth etc); with it stripped down and all excess services (google app, svoice, etc) its closer to 8%.
Try backing up apps, install GSam battery monitor (not root version), and let it run for 2-3 days to figure out whats eating your battery. Also check out Apk Disabler Pro for Samsung; i'll post the list of disabled services from mine if you like. Aside from that, some clever work in Tasker and Greenify and you should hit 30 to 40 hours with decent SOT out of it.
May want to try a factory reset and start fresh; ive done it twice already, to learn what combo's work best or cause issues. its a pain but was worth it.
Hi there,
Where did you get your set from and is it unlocked?
Thanks!
ROOT
Hello,
I think you've already answered this, but where can I find a root file for my Samsung Galaxy S7 Active ?
I think I saw that file is archived somewhere, I am a new user, do you have a link to these files ?
Thank you.
Matt.
Could you post pics of modified vr for s7 active? Also, will s7 roms be compatible with the s7 active? Only thing I believe could be issues would be with the quad core processor (where the s7 has an 8 core), battery size, and tactile buttons.
MattHoyZ said:
Hello,
I think you've already answered this, but where can I find a root file for my Samsung Galaxy S7 Active ?
I think I saw that file is archived somewhere, I am a new user, do you have a link to these files ?
Thank you.
Matt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Friend tried to install a rooted S7 (non-edge, USA Qualcomm 820) ROM and it simply bootloops, he managed to get it back to stock (ill try to find the stock S7 Active ROM for Odin/brick purposes and post a link). Root has not been achieved for S7 Active and likely never will, sadly.
chesterchen said:
Hi there,
Where did you get your set from and is it unlocked?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T store in USA (bought 5 total actually; folks, myself, GF, and for 2 relatives in Europe). I requested that AT&T unlock them, and as they were paid for outright, AT&T sent the correct unlock codes for each unit. S7 Active is ONLY available in USA through AT&T, however WILL work on any international GSM carrier or USA GSM carrier ONCE it is SIM unlocked. Again, if you pay for it outright, are in good standing with AT&T, they will unlock it no questions, no problems, and no additional costs. They can also be unlocked, for a price, by certain websites that you could find by doing a google search, id prefer not to refer or name companies.
TD68 said:
Could you post pics of modified vr for s7 active? Also, will s7 roms be compatible with the s7 active? Only thing I believe could be issues would be with the quad core processor (where the s7 has an 8 core), battery size, and tactile buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SOME nationally available and all int'l S7/S7 Edge have the Exynos octa-core; all AT&T S7, S7 Edge, and S7 Active have Qualcomm 820 quad core processor. I will try to get pics of my friends modified VR; he just left overseas for work. S7/S7 Edge ROMs will lead to endless bootloops (ie have to ODIN back to stock) and it is likely there will never be root or ROM options for these phones, which is unfortunate.
I played with an S7 and S7 Edge; the programmable active button is awesome, there are no cut corners on specs (do get a glass screen protector asap though), and the battery i average 40 hours with Greenify, a tasker screen-off kill-open-apps task, and bloatware (including all facebook crap) disabled. i leave S-voice on, Google App on, wifi on about 50% of the time, and GPS always on.
Thx. Also could we use kingroot?
My rear camera glass cover shattered after just 1 week for no apparent reason (never been dropped) in a perfect circular pattern. Any way it can be replaced without paying the insurance cost? Can't find parts online anywhere.
Got this phone almost 2 years back and waiting ever since for a proper root. I can't believe this phone didn't get an unlocked bootloader inspite of all the efforts and bounties. At&t is really stubborn it seems. Never going to buy an at&t device. New things now. Sold the Note 4 for around 220$ here in India ( 15,000 INR )
And got the oneplus 3. Never thought I'd move from Samsung to oneplus but I've gotta admit it's a splendid phone. Amazingly fast. Got a display brighter than note 4 ( surprisingly ) Even the fingerprint scanner is so much faster than the Note 4. And best part I just had to put 120$ more for it. You know the best part? The oneplus 3 bootloader is unlockable and can be rooted on DAY 1 itself.
So adios to the Note 4 community. Until next time.
You gave up because of root? Why do you need it so much? Marshmallow isnt even a big update on any phone. Also one plus 3 has no sd card slot,lower screen res, crappy camera...you gave that up just because there is no root?
jerses said:
You gave up because of root? Why do you need it so much? Marshmallow isnt even a big update on any phone. Also one plus 3 has no sd card slot,lower screen res, crappy camera...you gave that up just because there is no root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean to be honest here the oneplus 3 has 16mp camera and as a Note 4 owner the Note 4 definitely sufferers camera quality in low lighting.
As for the 1080p screen a lot people give oneplus a hard time. Honestly it was a great decision for them because is uses less graphic performance which means it can load a game faster than it would on a 2k screen and it's not much of a difference. They still both look beautiful!
Oneplus comes with 64gb of memory and come factory unlocked and the bootloader is unlocked and Oxygen OS is better than Stock Android. People will make custom roms and it will see an AOSP rom of Android N and root way before its even thought of coming to the Note 4.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
I still don't understand how people use Android without root! Why do they use Android without root! I mean there are plenty things you are missing, but first thing, how you are going to install AdAway without root? Do you like a phone with lots of ads? That's like cancer for a phone!
I completely understand OP's frustration, though I don't understand why he couldn't root, he seems India, and G version could be rooted, but whatever. I sold my i9500 just because there was no custom kernel for it, sorry no offence, but Android is meaningless without XDA support, I mean at least to me. But there will always be people who just install different apps and be happy with it and think that's great and achieving something
In any case its great to know that he is liking the OP3. You won't believe it I myself have read full reviews of GSMA and PA, and watched at least five or six Youtube review videos, just because I liked the phone. But the display of the phone seems pure garbage, seriously no sRGB, over 8000K temp? Hmm! Probably could be fixed over OTA, but still! The camera is bound to be better than Note 4, cause its a flagship phone from OnePlus which is released in 2016 in comparisons with a flagship phone which was released two years ago! And basically any OS close to stock Android bound to be better than TouchWiz I think, I am just so tired of it. However, after looking at the whole package, it feels like a different phone from a different league. My main sadness is even after looking at every possible company I could, I couldn't find a phone which suits my needs, darn!
Sold my wife's AT&T note 4 variant yesterday and we couldn't be happier with our new Tmo variant.. Screw you AT&T, never again! We can actually say we own this phone; in it's entirety. Should be illegal to sell locked down phones. You have stolen precious usage time from us and we will wait no more.. Bite me AT&T.. Root.. blah.. blah.. Viper4Android.. blah.. blah.. Ha! Ha! Ha! ( maniacal laugh).. Screw you!!!! (Mic drop)
In my opinion rooting a phone is a huge security risk. If someone gets a hold of your phone with an unlocked boatloader, they can get anything off the phone.
People write news stories and ads pay for those news stories. People write apps and ads pay for their time writing the app. If you block all ads, you are saying, you want everything for free, which is a little selfish, in my opinion. I don't think it is ethical to block all ads.
That said, some apps and sites' ads have gotten out of control, I uninstall nagging apps. I use samsung browser with the plugin to block some ads, but not all.
No root required.
My only need for root is to block some apps from getting excessive personal information which they have no right to anyway. But that is coming in marshmallow...
So... No need for root.
I lost my Att Note4 last Sunday and bought the N910T (Tmobile Variant) this week. I over payed for it ($200) the spen was missing but I knew it was genuine so I figured I'd pay to replace that and after getting home in the dark setting it up I noticed very very light screen burn in which is killing me now that I know that it's there. But I now have root. Running Dr. Ketan S7E/Note5 rom 6.0.1. Waiting on my Spen to get here next week.
To all those above
1) The camera quality is good. Not as good as Samsung's flagship s7 but it's pretty decent
2) You might be surprised after reading this just like I was but the op3's 1080p display beats the Note 4's 2k display. Its brighter, has vibrant colours. Just that 2k is a bit sharper. Nothing that u can notice. But overall the op3 display beat the Note 4. Compared with 3 note 4s. Also compared with s7 edge but yeah here the op3 display wasn't as good. But hey that's manageable for half the price.
3) I didn't give away the Note 4 only due to no root availability, but also coz SD 805 was getting old, and slow. You can't imagine how amazingly quick the op3 is. Especially the fingerprint hahaha seems like I've come from the 1990s in the Note 4 to this wonderful fast finger scanner on the op3. Everything. I repeat , everything is better on the op3 than the note 4
The processor
The smooth OS
The root availability ofcourse
The display ( surprisingly )
The design
The fingerprint scanner
The camera
And all this is after personal usage and comparisons
But yeah I miss expandable storage but 64gb is enough for me.
Hence. Its a win win situation for me
Plus you guys really don't know how important root is for an Android phone.
Shanghai.Knight said:
In my opinion rooting a phone is a huge security risk. If someone gets a hold of your phone with an unlocked boatloader, they can get anything off the phone.
People write news stories and ads pay for those news stories. People write apps and ads pay for their time writing the app. If you block all ads, you are saying, you want everything for free, which is a little selfish, in my opinion. I don't think it is ethical to block all ads.
That said, some apps and sites' ads have gotten out of control, I uninstall nagging apps. I use samsung browser with the plugin to block some ads, but not all.
No root required.
My only need for root is to block some apps from getting excessive personal information which they have no right to anyway. But that is coming in marshmallow...
So... No need for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anyone tries to misuse your phone u can root before hand and set up android lost as a system app.
The battery life too on the op3 is brilliant due to the light OS
I get 5.5 - 6 hours of SOT everyday.
jerses said:
You gave up because of root? Why do you need it so much? Marshmallow isnt even a big update on any phone. Also one plus 3 has no sd card slot,lower screen res, crappy camera...you gave that up just because there is no root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did after the first week of owning it when it came out. It's been sitting in its box unused ever since I couldn't remove the bloatware and prevent apps I want to use from accessing permissions they don't need (read: can't install Xprivacy)
EkriirkE said:
I did after the first week of owning it when it came out. It's been sitting in its box unused ever since I couldn't remove the bloatware and prevent apps I want to use from accessing permissions they don't need (read: can't install Xprivacy)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to tell you how to waste your money....
But you purchased a high end phone when it first came out (~$800) and have let it depreciate (worth about ~$200 now) without any use since because of root?
sodomanaz said:
Not to tell you how to waste your money....
But you purchased a high end phone when it first came out (~$800) and have let it depreciate (worth about ~$200 now) without any use since because of root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a gift. and yes. I should have sold it, absolutely, but I was hopeful.
Making the switch myself now. Was going to go note 7 but after hearing airlines are/will be banning its use and continued problems I decided to get an inbetweener in the oneplus 3.
The random restarts were just too much. I tried trouble shooting if it was an app and came up empty. The annoyance of having to use a password to simply see the time and current activities (calls,messages, etc ) when I wake was just too much. I would have given this phone a few more months but marshmallow update has made this useless for my work.
I could live without root but this last month has been far too annoying to deal with especially since I need constant contact with business, sleep or not.
I know this is a bit repetitive but this is my first Google phone. For me, after 4 generational Samsung's,, it feels like its already rooted. The past phones were the S3, S4, Note 4 & 5. It's been a while for me as far as rooting a Verizon Samsung, only because the Note 5 was locked out. All the others were rooted and it was fun, except for the bugs to contend with.
On the Pixel , I ridded myself of all the apps that I wanted to and I'm using Nova to get the feel that I want. I should of pointed out that I'm a performance seeker. The camera need is important but not a deal breaker. Figure it this way on any top level phone, at this point, the camera is great. Lucky for us the Pixel 2 series is #1.
After all this laid out, what would be the gains for rooting.?
Thanks
pbman1953 said:
I know this is a bit repetitive but this is my first Google phone. For me, after 4 generational Samsung's,, it feels like its already rooted. The past phones were the S3, S4, Note 4 & 5. It's been a while for me as far as rooting a Verizon Samsung, only because the Note 5 was locked out. All the others were rooted and it was fun, except for the bugs to contend with.
On the Pixel , I ridded myself of all the apps that I wanted to and I'm using Nova to get the feel that I want. I should of pointed out that I'm a performance seeker. The camera need is important but not a deal breaker. Figure it this way on any top level phone, at this point, the camera is great. Lucky for us the Pixel 2 series is #1.
After all this laid out, what would be the gains for rooting.?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having run the P2XL on stock, and root, I will say this. The most important thing to me is the ability to make the phone truly mine! I like flashing custom kernels, mods, themes, roms, and have the ability to block adds and make backups. Having said that, I will also say that the device is more than capable on full stock. So, it all depends on what you want to do. That's the real question. ?
I've had about 6 Android phones and three Android tablets since 2010 when I got the OG Droid. I was a crack flasher, I would change ROMs every few days, customizing every little thing. Every phone since then (HTC the one with beats heaphones, Samsung Note 4, Motorola Moto X and Nexus 6) and my Asus Transformer, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Google Pixel C were rooted as soon as I was able to do so, no matter what it took. The HTC phone required a hardware mod to make it S-Off and I bricked it hahaha, so that goes to show you the trouble I'll go through to get root.
I got my Pixel XL 2 about two months ago and kept it stock for a month, which was odd coming from a rooted and ROMd Nexus 6, but I didn't miss much. After about 1.5 months I decided to root it, flash a ROM and a kernel, but the process is now more of a PITA due to no longer having a standard partition layout. The security warning is during boot up is also annoying.
The only thing I really needed root for anymore was for ad blocking and theming, custom kernels and ROMs are cool, but after 8 years somethings change.
Since Substratum no longer requires root and I can block ads using AdGuard (even though it is a pay service), I decided to go back to stock....and I don't miss root.
Viper and no ad youtube with background playback. At least thats what Im getting advantage of.
All of the above plus fully enjoying XDA!
It depends what you want to do with your phone. I'm on fully stock since I got my P2XL and don't plan on rooting it any soon. I use blokada for ad blocking, I don't use any themes for quite some time but I do miss my custom fonts.
I guess I'm getting old lol, as I used to root all of my devices from day one for the past 9+ years!
Gas pains and a wtf headache. Rooting ain't what it used to be.
Not too much with me. I root and flash just to do it. Stock without root is pretty good the way it is. That's my opinion. There's some mods you can use but I don't get into those, so I guess it depends on the individual.
I don't really feel the need to root/rom anymore because stock has basically all the features I need now. This also makes it a PITA when it comes time to update. Themes and ad-blocking would be probably the biggest reason for me to rom, but the latter is still possible without root.
Root access
DarkSilentSC said:
Viper and no ad youtube with background playback. At least thats what Im getting advantage of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which app do you use to block youtube ads?
A use adaway and it works great most of the time but youtube.
Eiad Ajam said:
Root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:laugh::laugh::laugh:
quera said:
Which app do you use to block youtube ads?
A use adaway and it works great most of the time but youtube.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need Magisk module.
Search up YouTube vanced in Magisk. Download that and you should be good to go.
Root and Magisk are nice, but day to day usage is a lot more seamless without them. Custom ROMs are also pretty amazing, but stock feels very polished and I no longer crave custom ROMs like I once did.
I've also found a lot of functionality I previously looked for via Root/Magisk/ROMs by using modified and/or 3rd party apps which will work rootless, for everything from videos to music to browsing and dealing with ads
pbman1953 said:
I know this is a bit repetitive but this is my first Google phone. For me, after 4 generational Samsung's,, it feels like its already rooted. The past phones were the S3, S4, Note 4 & 5. It's been a while for me as far as rooting a Verizon Samsung, only because the Note 5 was locked out. All the others were rooted and it was fun, except for the bugs to contend with.
On the Pixel , I ridded myself of all the apps that I wanted to and I'm using Nova to get the feel that I want. I should of pointed out that I'm a performance seeker. The camera need is important but not a deal breaker. Figure it this way on any top level phone, at this point, the camera is great. Lucky for us the Pixel 2 series is #1.
After all this laid out, what would be the gains for rooting.?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back in the day, I rooted my phone mostly because I wanted an AOSP ROM on phones that had custom skins like LG, HTC, and Samsung. Then when the Nexus phones came out, it was more about overclocking, and kernels to get every last ounce of performance. Now that hardware has matured, I'm totally happy with my Pixel 2 XL as it is. With the Pixels having multiple partitions, it's not as easy as it used to be, and in my opinion not really worth it. Yes, there a few kernels out there for this phone, but I've not seen a night and day difference in performance like we used to back in the day. The fact is, the stock kernels are really pretty good as is.
I can't stand how they went all white. So I do it for ads and themes. And I know you can theme non rooted with Andromedia, you ask me that stupid, anything goes wrong you don't have a recovery.
My Pixel 2 XL is my first phone in years I'm using stock and unrooted.
And I still don't miss it yet. I'll probably stay stock/unrooted and continue enjoying OTA updates as intended
I guess I'm staying put with satock. So ghat's that's main reason why on a Samsung you nees rooting to cleanup the junk apps and Google you don't.
I've never had battery performance like I do with this phone.
Thanks to all!
Aside from all the other reasons mentioned in this thread, Xposed and GravityBox is reason enough for me to root.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
raidflex said:
I don't really feel the need to root/rom anymore because stock has basically all the features I need now. This also makes it a PITA when it comes time to update. Themes and ad-blocking would be probably the biggest reason for me to rom, but the latter is still possible without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree on the first part. Personally i used to root to get a better battery and performance but with this phone's smoothness and battery life I don't think I'll ever root again.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
From what I know of Samsung phones(I have never owned a Samsung), the moment you root Knox kicks in or something. I am on the iPhone X now. Wanted to moved to the Pixel 2 XL but many Pixel owners have told me to wait for the Pixel 3 since the 2 is plagued with issues apparently. Thanks for your input!
sacredsoul said:
From what I know of Samsung phones(I have never owned a Samsung), the moment you root Knox kicks in or something. I am on the iPhone X now. Wanted to moved to the Pixel 2 XL but many Pixel owners have told me to wait for the Pixel 3 since the 2 is plagued with issues apparently. Thanks for your input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pixel 2 xl has no issues.
And yes exynos sammy devices have root, twrp etc etc. Stay away from NA snapdragons they are locked and will not get unlocked. They might see root but it wont be great and there will be issues with it like on the S7 and S8.
The chinese and latin America snaps are unlockable but hardly see and form if development so kinda of useless anyway
Knox is useless anyway but yes it gets tripped and that breaks a few things such as samsung pay and secure folder.
sent from my Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
If you like to use custom ROMs and mods on your device stay away from Sammy devices with Knox.
force70 said:
My pixel 2 xl has no issues.
And yes exynos sammy devices have root, twrp etc etc. Stay away from NA snapdragons they are locked and will not get unlocked. They might see root but it wont be great and there will be issues with it like on the S7 and S8.
The chinese and latin America snaps are unlockable but hardly see and form if development so kinda of useless anyway
Knox is useless anyway but yes it gets tripped and that breaks a few things such as samsung pay and secure folder.
sent from my Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really disappointing to me. I'm in NA and was planning on taking advantage of my carrier's buy one get one free deal on the S9 but to the best of my knowledge (immodes)tmous only has the snapdragon version available.
Is the no unlock and root thing also true of the snapdragon s8? Because honestly the bogo was really the only thing that was making me opt for paying an extra $120 for what is functionally the same phone. Aside from FM radio, a tiny soc upgrade, and adding dual aperture to the rear camera, the S9 is just the S8 with a repositioned fingerprint scanner moved just enough so as to need whole new cases lol
Sent from my XT1686 using XDA Labs
force70 said:
My pixel 2 xl has no issues.
And yes exynos sammy devices have root, twrp etc etc. Stay away from NA snapdragons they are locked and will not get unlocked. They might see root but it wont be great and there will be issues with it like on the S7 and S8.
The chinese and latin America snaps are unlockable but hardly see and form if development so kinda of useless anyway
Knox is useless anyway but yes it gets tripped and that breaks a few things such as samsung pay and secure folder.
sent from my Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really disappointing to me. I'm in NA and was planning on taking advantage of my carrier's buy one get one free deal on the S9 but to the best of my knowledge (immodes)tmous only has the snapdragon version available.
Is the no unlock and root thing also true of the snapdragon s8? Because honestly the bogo was really the only thing that was making me opt for paying an extra $120 for what is functionally the same phone. Aside from FM radio, a tiny soc upgrade, and adding dual aperture to the rear camera, the S9 is just the S8 with a repositioned fingerprint scanner moved just enough so as to need whole new cases lol
Sent from my XT1686 using XDA Labs
agentfusion said:
This is really disappointing to me. I'm in NA and was planning on taking advantage of my carrier's buy one get one free deal on the S9 but to the best of my knowledge (immodes)tmous only has the snapdragon version available.
Is the no unlock and root thing also true of the snapdragon s8? Because honestly the bogo was really the only thing that was making me opt for paying an extra $120 for what is functionally the same phone. Aside from FM radio, a tiny soc upgrade, and adding dual aperture to the rear camera, the S9 is just the S8 with a repositioned fingerprint scanner moved just enough so as to need whole new cases lol
Sent from my XT1686 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes NA snap S8 also locked down, this has been the case since the S7 so nothing new the last few years.
In this case gotta pay to play bro, literally. I just got my exynos S9 plus though and couldn't be happier despite my wallet being a bit lighter lol.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
force70 said:
Yes NA snap S8 also locked down, this has been the case since the S7 so nothing new the last few years.
In this case gotta pay to play bro, literally. I just got my exynos S9 plus though and couldn't be happier despite my wallet being a bit lighter lol.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, well then, screw it. I'm getting the S9 buy one get one free then. If I'm stuck with stock I might as well get something good out of it, like a free phone lol
Sent from my XT1686 using XDA Labs
force70 said:
Yes NA snap S8 also locked down, this has been the case since the S7 so nothing new the last few years.
In this case gotta pay to play bro, literally. I just got my exynos S9 plus though and couldn't be happier despite my wallet being a bit lighter lol.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So between the S9 and Pix2, which would you recommend?
DenisEhm said:
So between the S9 and Pix2, which would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hard to say i havent had the s9 plus very long.
So far Id say camera are close and so is battery life which is a shocker.
S9 plus more comfortable to hold and it certainly visually more appealing.
Speakers are louder and sound better on the S9 plus and the screen just kills the pixel.
And the main reason i got it, good ole sd card slot, i was running out of space on my pixel.
I really love the pixel but now after using the s9 plus i wont miss ut as much as i thought. Also for a google device being out as long as the pixel has been the development scene for it sucks as compared to all the nexus devices ive had. Thats big deal breaker for me
Most definitely s9 over pixel, pixel 2 XL IS OVERATED. ITS JUST THE CAMERA THATS GOOD. Even though s9 is also extremely good, better in low light. Touchwiz is way better than stock. You dont even need to root phones nowadays and honestly wouldn't recommend it.
stevenl23 said:
Most definitely s9 over pixel, pixel 2 XL IS OVERATED. ITS JUST THE CAMERA THATS GOOD. Even though s9 is also extremely good, better in low light. Touchwiz is way better than stock. You dont even need to root phones nowadays and honestly wouldn't recommend it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adaway, SD Maid, Titanium backup. Pretty decent reasons to root I think.
True, but doesn't that trip knox? Will I still be able to samsung pay, pass etc? Basically is there a lost of function?
I won't settle on a phone I cannot root. Recommending not rooting is one thing, but to state that it is not needed, I disagree with. Perhaps the majority of people don't use it, but for me its a critical option to have. Data recovery, data filtering of web traffic, removal of limitations set by carrier. Lets not forget the volume loudness notification that is still present on the s9, my biggest personal pet peeve from Samsung. I could go on and on.
stevenl23 said:
Touchwiz is way better than stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you like your phone laggy and bloated - I don't know anyone who does.
You dont even need to root phones nowadays and honestly wouldn't recommend it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ummm, put the crack pipe down, how are you planning to block annoying ads in apps and remove manufacturer and carrier bloatware without root? - seriously, don't drink & post, these are the type of moron statements that show up when you do
WTF? said:
Only if you like your phone laggy and bloated - I don't know anyone who does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No lag in TouchWiz these days
WTF? said:
ummm, put the crack pipe down, how are you planning to block annoying ads in apps and remove manufacturer and carrier bloatware without root? - seriously, don't drink & post, these are the type of moron statements that show up when you do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of non root adblockers available, and package disablers that are also non root
Time you educated yourself instead of insulting people
stevenl23 said:
Most definitely s9 over pixel, pixel 2 XL IS OVERATED. ITS JUST THE CAMERA THATS GOOD. Even though s9 is also extremely good, better in low light. Touchwiz is way better than stock. You dont even need to root phones nowadays and honestly wouldn't recommend it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Detection* said:
No lag in TouchWiz these days
Plenty of non root adblockers available, and package disablers that are also non root
Time you educated yourself instead of insulting people
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm ... no
there are no effective adblockers on the level of AdAway that can block ads in all of your apps, as well as in youtube videos etc. - you need to "educate yourself" - the sheer design of the Android OS limits what an ad blocking app can do without root privileges, same goes for removing bloatware. You must be thinking of browser based ad blocking such as u-block, etc., which is the least of my worries. If root wasn't a critical thing, XDA wouldn't even be a thing. And TouchWiz is just less laggy than it used to be, but still nothing like the same phone with stock Android, not to mention high memory usage and additional processing adds heat and sucks down battery life. - Man, that crack pipe is really getting a workout today!
WTF? said:
Ummm ... no
there are no effective adblockers on the level of AdAway that can block ads in all of your apps, as well as in youtube videos etc. - you need to "educate yourself" - the sheer design of the Android OS limits what an ad blocking app can do without root privileges, same goes for removing bloatware. You must be thinking of browser based ad blocking such as u-block, etc., which is the least of my worries. If root wasn't a critical thing, XDA wouldn't even be a thing. And TouchWiz is just less laggy than it used to be, but still nothing like the same phone with stock Android, not to mention high memory usage and additional processing adds heat and sucks down battery life. - Man, that crack pipe is really getting a workout today!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so I guess you've never heard of VPN adblockers then, strange that as there are a few on the XDA forums developed by devs here, and surprise surprise, they block ads in apps and browsers alike
An example of a non root adblocker that blocks ads everywhere
https://blokada.org/index.html
And Package disablers remove bloatware and any system app you want without root just fine
A word of advice:
1. Stop with the insults or you'll be reported
2. Go learn about what you're talking about, you're just making yourself look bad
The guy you quoted originally is correct, Root is almost unnecessary for most these days, last phone I rooted was my S5, I had a non rooted S7 and now S9 since then, no root and never missed it
I think root is a must adaway tb Hotspot hack audio mods I can go on what a rooted device can do I kick myself every day for buying a locked phone.. Yea there's ways to block ad non rooted but to truly modify your phone to be your own does require root. No dogging on ppl who don't want root to each there own
WTF? said:
Ummm ... no
there are no effective adblockers on the level of AdAway that can block ads in all of your apps, as well as in youtube videos etc. - you need to "educate yourself" - the sheer design of the Android OS limits what an ad blocking app can do without root privileges, same goes for removing bloatware. You must be thinking of browser based ad blocking such as u-block, etc., which is the least of my worries. If root wasn't a critical thing, XDA wouldn't even be a thing. And TouchWiz is just less laggy than it used to be, but still nothing like the same phone with stock Android, not to mention high memory usage and additional processing adds heat and sucks down battery life. - Man, that crack pipe is really getting a workout today!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have unlocked S9, sure there's like 1 or 2 apps that i don't want, i can just disable them. If you use samsung internet, you can download the adblock addon which works perfectly. For youtube i just need to download youtube vanced for an ad free experience. Sorry mate, but i really like how secure folder and samsung pay works. Also i like getting my monthly security updates and minor tweaks and stuff without hassle. Rooting isn't necessary and the disadvantages outweigh the advantages in my opinion.
All you guys preaching that root isnt needed...wth are you doing here on this site then lol?
Its a development site (or used to be anyway) for gods sake...your preaching to the wrong crowd for the most part.
Now dont get me wrong, everyone is absolutely entitled to have an opinion and their own preferences of course, but really.... trying to convice the majority here root isnt needed lol....your definitely on the wrong site people.
Maybe iphones are more your speed (jk) lol.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE