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I'm sorry, but I think some of you can agree with me on this. I will ask a question at the end, but for now, just... Samsung. So we hear that Android L is READY for thesince 4 but the carriers haven't decided to release it, even though the LG G3 just got the update...
Then, I hear that Samsung has the update ready and "done" for the S5 and Note 3. But no Note 4?...
And THEN I hear that Samsung is STILL working on the coding for Android L for the note 4! Best part, Samsung does not do a SINGLE thing to announce to its viewers what there doing for Android L, there just going off on there own little path doing what they want. The S6 Is coming out soon, why would update the S5 first then the note. Note users just got this phone, because it came out in October.
Honestly, I don't know about you guys but I feel completely put off and disrespected. I mean really, they have ZERO announcements for Android L and YET they update other phones before there Note 4 which just came out.
I've been waiting eager for this update since December, and nothing. People said soon in January, and nothing. And I was eager for the end of February. Nothing. This is getting to a point where I feel like users are going to start become irritated with this company.
So do you guys have any concrete evidence that gives a hint towards the update? I apologize for my rant, but all of its true and a lot of people I know who own the note 4 are just as fed up as me :/
I won't defend or make apologies or gripe about the delay. There was a rumor that the Oculus/Samsung Gear VR kernel developers were holding up the release of Note Lollipop. My guess is that were tweaking trying to resolve crashes and heating issues.
I also hear rumors of streamlining the update process but you also have carrier bloat and Google releasing Lollipop later. I do hope the bloat is reduced on all the aspects but I also want my S-Pen to function.
Now I will complain about the following:
KitKat was not so perfect for Google or Samsung. I didn't like the limitations on sdcard media or inability to follow links or the attempts to run apps within apps and hose the proper back and recent app jumping. There were fixes for that use Xposed framework modules. At any rate, if lollipop is more if the same, I'm in no rush to jump to lollipop without Xposed fixes for Samsung devices.
I hope Samsung listens and doesn't keep caving to Google's will like they did with the menu button. I'd hoped they would have continued the option to keep menu or recents like they initially did with the s5. I looked closely at the s5 when it came out and there was a lot to like. I checked the menu/recents swap feature and walked away confident that Samsung did a good thing pleasing all with the swapability and black background in menus but I heard that went away with updates so I'm not so encouraged going forward without without Xposed. Please ban the white background themes already.
I have a Note 8 on 4.4.2 and this on 4.4.4 which forced me to use Xposed to switch the menu and home buttons back to the classic Samsung way on the Note 4. Can't understand why Google thinks recents key is so great when you could just program a long press to switch back and forth between the two most recent apps. Oh yeah, they broke that too, meaning I have to install two Xposed modules to fix that; I did. Shame on you Google; shake on you Samsung for following after trying not change.
Edit: Just a little off topic but just watched the s6 unpack and I'm not liking the departure from removable battery. It's good that they didn't forget about fast charging with the move to wireless charging built-in but the glass back? Fingerprints? LOL! Apart from the best Amoled screen, 14nm processor, faster/efficient and cutting edge camera, Samsung is losing some of it's uniqueness and character. Admittedly, I rarely remove my battery or rear cover with the battery lasting all day. May take some getting used to the idea but I was hoping the rear cover would be removable and battery pull and replace still a user option. Fixed memory options wouldn't be bad if the price doesn't bite. Faster memory without the permission restrictions limiting apps and read write workarounds would be gone. Maybe it's only the one percent that really cares about the chassis changes and the components and specs will offset?
talk about update is here---
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-sprint/general/sprint-note-4-lollipop-leaks-t3021018
Don't blame Samsung. They've already released lollipop for some time. We are waiting on Sprint. Other carriers have pushed out the lollipop update for the note 4 a few of weeks ago
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
I know that t mobile s5 has 5.0 i havent heard about any of the U.S. carriers getting the update to note 4
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Im not in any hurry for the OTA 5.0 . I use the Hybrid-X rom and it works much smother than the stock rom did, waaay tooo many bugs in the stock rom that was delivered with the Note 4 (at least the sprint version). I have Lolipop on my Nexus 7 but do not see what all the hype is about, no major pluses or upgrades for what I use my devices for. I can wait for Lolipop to show up then get turned into an even better rom!
beezar said:
Don't blame Samsung. They've already released lollipop for some time. We are waiting on Sprint. Other carriers have pushed out the lollipop update for the note 4 a few of weeks ago
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
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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?
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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)
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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.
Im completely lost in this samsung world having been on the Nexus and Pixel for many years and coming from a pixel 2. I am mainly buying for the video camera capabilities and just discovered the modified camera app that shoots in higher bitrates and extra features etc... but you need root. Looks like Rooting the S8 snapdragon just didnt go so well from what I can see. So Im thinking maybe the exynos version is for me however I have no clue how that works in the US and Tmobile or what I need to look out for. Or maybe you can root and unroot your snapdragon phone and not worry about the 80% battery problem. IDK. I just want to root for that one single app which seems like a lot but probably worth it when it comes.
Wrong place
I could have sworn I posted in the questions section. Have no idea how it got here or maybe I just clicked wrong. Sorry. Can a mod move it please?
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
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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
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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?
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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
I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S5 running rooted OS 5 (Lollipop). I’ve had the phone 4 years and it does most of the things I want, all-be-it, a bit slow at times. I’m using it on a grandfathered Verizon unlimited data plan because I use between 25 and 40 GB of data per month. Now that football season has started, streaming games will use more data. Anyways…
I’ve run into a few problems that are going to eventually force me to upgrade to a new phone and I’d like to address them before I make a decision as to which phone to get.
1. Applications have started telling me that there is a new version and I need to upgrade to use them. When I try to upgrade, the store tells me that the latest version is not compatible with my phone. The NFL mobile App is the one I really want to be able to use that I can’t.
2. My phone is constantly complaining that it’s out of internal storage. I’ve tried removing apps to free up space, but then I begin the “install, use, remove” game. Ick.
3. Apps have started telling me that they are not compatible with rooted devices. Thanks Spectrum. I read into hiding the fact that the phone is rooted from apps, but that requires an app which is not a good solution as you can see in #2 above. Is rooting still necessary with newer devices as I keep the OS stock and root just to have the app access?
My thought is to get a new phone and maybe not root the thing. I’m only rooting at this point to be able to run AdAway, Titanium Backup and remove bloatware. Over the years, I’ve seen folks talk about how most of the things that folks originally needed root for are now achievable without root. With the exception of titanium backup, I might be able to live without root.
1. Somewhere I saw a thread about ad blockers and using an ad eliminating DNS as an alternative. I looked into it, but couldn’t figure out how to modify the settings for DNS on the S5. Is it possible on new phones running the latest OS?
2. I know that my phone came with 16GB internal storage and that the S9 has 64GB which should be more than plenty, but is it really and can I move apps to the card, blah blah blah? I’m asking because I’m not familiar with the newer versions of android and it seems that with the jump to version 6, the external card became less useful, hence one of the reasons I didn’t upgrade.
3. The real concern is that I will need to move apps and data to my new phone. I would normally use titanium backup to achieve this but if I decide not to root, I’m kind of at a loss for how to do this. It’s been so long since I messed with this type of stuff. What is the best non root way to achieve this?
Is the S9 the phone I should be looking at or is there something else? My main disappointment with the S5 was the camera in low light. Beyond that I’ve been very happy. What do folks think I should be looking at?
Consider the A8 (2018) too - it's a brilliant little phone. A little slower than the S9, but better battery life. The screen on the A8 is spectacular - I honestly think the colours pop more than on the S9.
I used to root all my phones, haven't bothered with the current Samsungs, no need. I use AdBlock on Samsung Internet browser and it's been fine. PackageDisabler Pro removes bloatware. I didn't have any real issue with 32GB internal storage on the A8, and of course you can put in a microSD card.
As for apps and data transfer to a new Samsung phone, you can use Samsung SmartSwitch (https://www.samsung.com/us/smart-switch/).
Regarding AdBlock on Samsung Internet browser:
I'm guessing thatAdBlock just blocks ads on websites. I use Adaway to adjust the host file on the phone. This removes ads from everything including apps. Hence, I never have to pay for premium ad free apps.
Will AdBlock work for apps too or do I actually need AdAway which requires root?
Regarding Smart Switch, the site says: To transfer app data, please note that your both devices should be Galaxy S6 or later, and have Marshmallow OS. What happens with an S5 on Lollipop?
beavermjr said:
Regarding AdBlock on Samsung Internet browser:
I'm guessing thatAdBlock just blocks ads on websites. I use Adaway to adjust the host file on the phone. This removes ads from everything including apps. Hence, I never have to pay for premium ad free apps.
Will AdBlock work for apps too or do I actually need AdAway which requires root?
Regarding Smart Switch, the site says: To transfer app data, please note that your both devices should be Galaxy S6 or later, and have Marshmallow OS. What happens with an S5 on Lollipop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://blokada.org/index.html
No root, blocks ads system wide (apps etc too), free
Thanks for the info about AdBlock. I can live with this without having root.
Does anyone know if Smart Switch, works with an S5 on Lollipop?
You can use Samsung SmartSwitch to transfer over apps and data. I used it to move from my S5 to an S8 over a year ago. If the app installs to your phone (and the software to your PC), you should be okay. The formal requirements on Samsung's site are for Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) or later.
I had no need to root my S8 (and now my S9). On the S9 AdHell3 is working to block ads. I used a version of SABS on the S8. Package Disabler Pro allows you to disable/remove bloatware without root.
I haven't used the S9 camera much, but it's supposed to be better in low light than the S8.
I'd think it a no brainer to move to the S8 or S9. The curved edges are nice, but frustrating with screen protectors and cases, especially compared to the S5. The S9 is not a huge leap from the S8, but it can have good deals now, and if the camera matters a lot to you, might be worth it.
You might want to see what deals crop up over the holidays in particular, such as for Black Friday in a couple months. Labor Day had some great ones.
My number one complaint about the new phones is the non-removable battery. The case is glued together. The battery itself is glued in. If you have problems with swelling, dying battery, etc., you cannot easily solve it on your own. Any battery issue can mean it's time for a new phone altogether.
It's great to know that I don't need to root in order to do the things I want to with the phone. It kind of sucks though that we don't get full access to the operating system. Then again, if I don't need it, then why gripe? Right? Anyways...
You mention deals and I like the sound of savings in my pocket. But, I'm one of the few that have the gUDP and usually cant take advantage of deals without changing the plan which I will not do. At this point the option is to buy a new phone for full retail or a used one at some partial discount because it's used. I'd rather get a new phone and know that the phone will work vs taking my chances with a used one.
At this point, I've decided to wait for the S10 to be available before upgrading. I would like a 5G compatible phone since I buy a new phone every 4 years or so. I'm not into getting a new phone until I have to... which is now. It mostly comes down to the cost of phones being so high. Secondarily, I like to do the Ron Popeil... set it and forget it. I don't need the latest features. I need a phone that does what I want consistently over time. And if I don't root the phone, I can take OTA upgrades. My phone's last update was in 2015 and it tells me its roaming half the time. Also... some apps no longer work with Lollipop. And don't get me started on lag and lack of internal storage.
I read that S10's good chance will NOT be 5g ready. It's a hardware thing not software.
But on a funny side note. It has also been reported some people phones after pie update have been showing 5g symbols even though they do not have 5g.