[Q] Pro's/Con's of ROM/Root < Newbie! - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi Guys.
I have recentally swapped from my iPhone 4 to the Nexus 4. After Jail Breaking my iPhone and it messing it up bigtime, I always said I would not make any chnages to phone since.
Now I have my Nexus 4 I am ever so tempted to Root and ROM this phone due to increasing the battery life.
I am juts worried this will cause the same effect as Jail breaking e.g. Random turning off, and in General just a novelty and for bragging rights with no real purpose.
Questions -
1. Rom/Roots void warrenty are you able to undo this so if my phone breaks I would be able to get a replacment under warrenty?
2. As I only use my phone for normal use e.g. Internet, Facebook would their be any advantages getting it appart from battery (as it is currently poor)
3. I was tyhinking of getting ParanoidAndraid, how would this make my phone experiance better?
Cheers!

hellohappy22 said:
Hi Guys.
I have recentally swapped from my iPhone 4 to the Nexus 4. After Jail Breaking my iPhone and it messing it up bigtime, I always said I would not make any chnages to phone since.
Now I have my Nexus 4 I am ever so tempted to Root and ROM this phone due to increasing the battery life.
I am juts worried this will cause the same effect as Jail breaking e.g. Random turning off, and in General just a novelty and for bragging rights with no real purpose.
Questions -
1. Rom/Roots void warrenty are you able to undo this so if my phone breaks I would be able to get a replacment under warrenty?
2. As I only use my phone for normal use e.g. Internet, Facebook would their be any advantages getting it appart from battery (as it is currently poor)
3. I was tyhinking of getting ParanoidAndraid, how would this make my phone experiance better?
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first of all you posted it in the wrong thread. hehe.
1. you can undo this by removing root and relocking your bootloader. (I thing flashing a unmodified/original stock ROM will do the trick.)
2. Facebook app is a battery eater. Its better to use the web version. keep your brightness at the lowest if possible. turn off your data connection if you're not using it. other than that... that's the only thing I can suggest. download Juice Defender maybe?
3. There's a lot of customization that only ParanoidAndroid offers which the Stock ROM doesn't.

Android is already jailbroken, you can sideload apps simply by enabling a setting. Be aware, by doing this you open yourself up to Malware and all sorts of other potential nasties, unless you TOTALLY trust the source of the file you are installing. This is of course no different to iphone, where Cydia also has malicious content hosted on it (the press of course never talk about that problem).
Firstly, to do anything, you will need to unlock the bootloader, this will wipe the device, so it's best to do this before you load stuff on. From that point on, you can root the device, or load custom ROMS
I wouldn't personally bother with custom roms. None of them will ever be as stable as the official releases, and because it's a Nexus, none of them really offer any real advantages (most claim all sorts of unsubstantiated claims however, but ask the question - if it's so good, why aren't Google already doing these things....)

ijustzeke said:
first of all you posted it in the wrong thread. hehe.
1. you can undo this by removing root and relocking your bootloader. (I thing flashing a unmodified/original stock ROM will do the trick.)
2. Facebook app is a battery eater. Its better to use the web version. keep your brightness at the lowest if possible. turn off your data connection if you're not using it. other than that... that's the only thing I can suggest. download Juice Defender maybe?
3. There's a lot of customization that only ParanoidAndroid offers which the Stock ROM doesn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! Cheers! I only have 250mb on my contract so have to be so careful, dose it really use more on the app rather than online? Also is it the same with twitter?

CrazyPeter said:
Android is already jailbroken, you can sideload apps simply by enabling a setting. Be aware, by doing this you open yourself up to Malware and all sorts of other potential nasties, unless you TOTALLY trust the source of the file you are installing. This is of course no different to iphone, where Cydia also has malicious content hosted on it (the press of course never talk about that problem).
Firstly, to do anything, you will need to unlock the bootloader, this will wipe the device, so it's best to do this before you load stuff on. From that point on, you can root the device, or load custom ROMS
I wouldn't personally bother with custom roms. None of them will ever be as stable as the official releases, and because it's a Nexus, none of them really offer any real advantages (most claim all sorts of unsubstantiated claims however, but ask the question - if it's so good, why aren't Google already doing these things....)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, if its not worth loading ROM's sound I unlock the bootloader though? or if you dont load ROMs is there no point?
Just waiting for my Case to come now so I am able to take it outside!

Related

Really hard decision

Root or Not. Soooo hard
I've read how to do it and all the benefits and i really really want to but then again i read the "Broken phone " threads and it makes me indecisive.
When did you guys root your phone? (How long after receiving it)
What do you guys think?
Just did root on mine today, after almost 2 months. Couldn't resist any longer. So far so good. This thing is a lot faster, and noticeably smoother.
I waited a month... i let the phone get accustomed to my lifestyle and see if the normal use i give it would keep it intact and it was fine so i was satisfied enough to root it... personally i would just wait till the 14 day return period and after that go for it
and keep in mind, its like losing your virginity, once its gone its gone
I rooted mine from day one
within 1 hour of receiving the phone..
I still have not rooted mine... but I am ][ close to doing it!!
I've had the phone since a week after it was released and I have not rooted. So far there's nothing compelling enough to want me to switch.
There is absolutely ZERO reason to root unless you want some/all of the features in the CyanogenMod rom or want to try the Desire rom. (Look in Nexus One -> Development for their respective threads.)
Do you want/need either of those?
Paul22000 said:
There is absolutely ZERO reason to root unless you want some/all of the features in the CyanogenMod rom or want to try the Desire rom. (Look in Nexus One -> Development for their respective threads.)
Do you want/need either of those?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or if you want a nice speed boost.
wifi tether?
Paul22000 said:
There is absolutely ZERO reason to root unless you want some/all of the features in the CyanogenMod rom or want to try the Desire rom. (Look in Nexus One -> Development for their respective threads.)
Do you want/need either of those?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol...what??
I'm using Enoms TheOfficial ROM because it's more stable than Cyanogens. I use Cyanogens Kernel but that's it. There are so many reasons to Root. Cyanogen isn't a God like people make him out to be. He's a really good developer, don't get me wrong but his perception is a little over the top [which doesn't have anything to do with him personally, it's his followers].
Many reasons to root are underclocking, Tethering, Cyanogens Kernel that gives me around 300mb RAM free vs Stock being at around 120mb. Some apps require root like Nexus One Torch which is very helpful. I think the number one reason is to have a more reliable and stable ROM. Enomther and Cyanogen are good at working out the bugs and eliminating the excess coding.
I rooted my phone after 3 days because I wanted to make sure I didn't get one of the devices that had dust under the screen. After 3 days I was sure it was fine. Also I spoke with a Google employee that told me that they have had multiple instances that have had rooted devices replaced under warranty that had obvious hardware defects.
If you like to customize then rooting is for you, it opens up a whole new selection of mods/themes etc. I also found the speed increase even without overclocking to be pretty awesome
getting rid of amazon mp3 was enough to make me root
It's fairly simple and risk free in my experience

Root or No Root

Hey guys, I have been using smart phones for a while and usually get around great without rooting. I had the HTC Dream back in the day and couldnt use it without rooting, lol. I am upgrading from the G1 which has met the end of the road for me. What are the benefits of rooting? With the Vibrant which I will finally have on Tuesday, is it necessary? And if it is HIGHLY recommended, how do I go about rooting it?
i would say root it cause its really easy takes not even 5 minutes seriously lol but i would also root it cause there is lots of bloatware on this thing so many apps that arent needed
I am not generally a rooter but this one seemed so easy (and it is) that I did it.
I didn't root the phone to dig into the files, I did it just so I could install stuff that I couldn't otherwise install. It bugged me to see a cool app and then read "YOU MUST HAVE ROOT ACCESS". That's not a problem anymore.
You certainly don't lose anything by rooting so I would say go for it.
Any other disadvantages/advantages
really there are no disadvantages accept maybe warranty but i think theres a way to unroot so no probs but once everything starts picking up there will be way more advantages than disadvantages
Besides the fact of removing awful apps (Bloatware), you can use your phone to tether. Also you can use an app called SetCPU to overclock your processor to actaully use your 1GHZ processor which speeds your phone up, along with a ton of other root apps. Youll be able to flash custom ROMS, flash themes, etc. Not sure if there is a volume hack for the vibrant yet, but that has been a reason for past rooted phones as well.
I highly recommend it...
AdFree Android removes nearly all ads from websites and apps
reasons to root
1. Use apps that require root access (such as Titanium Backup and Drocap2)
2. Remove preloaded bloatware (who needs TeleNav when Google Maps Navigation is totally free?)
3. Full access to filesystem (useful for developers and general tinkerers)
reasons not to root
1. Always involves some risk (however small) of irreversibly damaging your device
2. Could void warranty or official support
3. Makes it easier for you to accidentally mess up your system.
I only rooted my mytouch and g1 phones so i can get apps2sd, wi-tethering, and overclockcpu.
however, since the upcoming froyo update will allow most of that, i chose not to root for the time being. the phone is very fast and stable for my current needs and has an ample amount of internal memory. the only other reason to root for me would be to flash roms/themes because of my dislike for Samsung's TouchWiz.
it depends on what you ultimately want to get out of your phone.
ryan562 said:
I only rooted my mytouch and g1 phones so i can get apps2sd, wi-tethering, and overclockcpu.
however, since the upcoming froyo update will allow most of that, i chose not to root for the time being. the phone is very fast and stable for my current needs and has an ample amount of internal memory. the only other reason to root for me would be to flash roms/themes because of my dislike for Samsung's TouchWiz.
it depends on what you ultimately want to get out of your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me i had the g1 loved to root however i switched to unlocked iphone and now im back with the vibrant , the vibrant does everything i want now and the ease of the rooting might have me root if froyo is delayed by Tmobile or something.
Understood, also from reading I dont think there is a way to unroot the phone at all is it? And another ? since you all are being so helpful, is there already an app to at least see what speed your processor is running at. i know that task managers arent really needed, but some of them showed ur cpu speed as well as the load on it. is that something that anyone had an interest in and found. thanks for all of you all's help
Hmm, still debating on rooting. Waiting for my Froyo update. Plus I want to port my Harley-Davidson theme I made for my G1 to Vibrant. Hopefully they don't use those CRAMS files on Vibrant, cause that is when I had to stop themeing my G1. CRAMS was too difficult to mess with. Is the signing file method gonna be the same as G1, or is there a different testsign file? Plus I hope to see my stock file, plus a thinned down, less bloatware file, and themeing templates. So many factors to consider.
I say ROOT! I've never rooted a phone till this one. I just couldn't stand all the bloatware that was in this phone. They just had to be removed. Now all I'm waiting for are some sick ass ROMs I've seen done for other devices to hit this one. I'm sure I'll need help doing so, but this community has been fantastic when help is needed.
Plus side for me is that I also have a 3 week old New still in the box Nexus One as a backup phone in case I screw this one up.
I rooted mine because people kept saying you could tether, but none of the tethering apps actually WORK. They install fine, and Wireless-Tethering says it's working, but the access point never shows up. And Wired-Tethering says the kernel isn't compatible.
So I'd like to hear from any rooted users who actually got them working AND successfully tethered a laptop with it.
talltexan said:
Same for me i had the g1 loved to root however i switched to unlocked iphone and now im back with the vibrant , the vibrant does everything i want now and the ease of the rooting might have me root if froyo is delayed by Tmobile or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if there's any delay on the froyo update, i'd blame it on samsung
I was hoping not to have to root the phone so soon - especially until I could reset it back and a recover like Amon's is available, but after a glorious couple of days of honeymoon, the lags are just killing the experience for me. And I don't think I have a choice now, but to root. I'll try a general reset and see if it works. I have another Vibrant that seems to be only slightly laggy. But I have to return that one and keep the problematic one :-(
Even moving icons on the desktop now takes almost 2 second. Linpack still clocks at 8.5. No problem at all playing a video - just OS operations. The camera froze for 5 minutes and I finally had to just restart the phone. Restarting the phone is not painful on this device though. Very fast.
At this time so early in Vibrant development.. it honestly doesn't really make much of a difference if you root early or root later. Just enjoy the phone for what it is as of right now until the modding community becomes settled in. Just be aware if there are any incoming OTAs if you are unrooted to make sure that the OTA didn't do anything that would change the rooting process.
- Recovery (ability to flash custom ROMs) is in the making
- Custom ROM developers -- in the makes soon
So here's the question. Should I go ahead and invest on a Vibrant (but work for it will begin when I get the Slide done) cont... about 7 hours ago via HTC Peep
If I keep getting the donations I am now, I can get the laptop along with the Vibrant, just considering the Vibrant first ...cont about 7 hours ago via HTC Peep -WesGarner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would personally go ahead and root it to unlock some essential applications and it takes <1 minute to do and its pretty simple. But there isn't any rush to root it now or later.. not at least CyanogenMod6 (Android 2.2) gets released for this beastly phone to have JIT.
nm found it
N8QDogg said:
Understood, also from reading I dont think there is a way to unroot the phone at all is it? And another ? since you all are being so helpful, is there already an app to at least see what speed your processor is running at. i know that task managers arent really needed, but some of them showed ur cpu speed as well as the load on it. is that something that anyone had an interest in and found. thanks for all of you all's help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the root method given so far, I think the only thing you have to do to unroot it is to remove Superuser Permissions. That's the only thing that the root procedure added to the phone.
I'm rooting my phone when I get it, just because to me (at least) it is a part of the true android experience. I'm just geek enough to like to play with my equipment! Hurry up T-Mobile!!!

[Q] Why should I root my Atrix? Request feedback from people with a rooted Atrix

As my question implies, can anyone break it down for me as to why it is a good move to root my phone? I'm on AT&T right now, with ADW EX home launcher. I'm happy with the overall speed. Can you list out some advantages of rooting? I'm not looking for the general reasons to root, I want reasons SPECIFIC to the Atrix on AT&T. Sideloading and Amazon app store are the only two reasons I have so far. What is the advantage in terms of battery life, speed, stability, overheating etc? What about compatibility with future motorola updates? Thanks!
sideloading and amazon app pretty much sums it up for now, and the ability to install psuedo roms like gingerblur and Gladiatrix
Oh. that brings me to the second point, rooting lets you remove bloat apps and install apps that need root, like this new app I'm trying called LBE Security Service.
Later on, when custom roms and kernels are made, you'll have to have Superuser access (root) before you can access those parts of the data.
Advantages in terms of battery life, speed, stability etc? It depends on the rom you load. Some roms may boast extended battery life/speed and if you install those, you would have those extra features. For now, since we have nothing of that sort, you will remain stock with root, but you'll be ready if/when something comes out.
Last word, I say root it. It lets you customize your android experience. You can install new fonts, remove that ATT bloatware, and you can sideload (try out betas, etc)
(Oops, real last word)
Compatibility with future updates? You'll probably have to flash with SBF to update from now on instead of OTA, but thats a preference anyway. In the end, you will be able to update fine, so don't worry about it. Though if you are lazy to do research and actually invest time into your phone, I say don't root it because theres no point. If you want to experience android in its fullest and customize as much as you can, ROOT is the only way.
Hope I hoped.
Rooting Advantages:
-Sideloading
-P-ROMS (basically an enhanced theme)
-Custom Themes
-Custom Apps such as Applanet(best app you'll ever come across)
-Battery life is extended a bit, nothing drastic though
-Speed seems be a bit better, nothing greatly drastic
-The heat production is pretty much the same
-Memory does free up a bit more (mostly in the P-ROMS)
-Bloatware removed (lots of useless ****)
Disadvantage
-issues with P-ROMS, sometimes when installing they work properly and sometimes they don't.
-Root access sometimes lost if unused for a long period of time.
I'd say wait until the bootloader either gets hacked or bypassed because you'll save yourself tons of heartache.
Mafisometal said:
-Root access sometimes lost if unused for a long period of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never heard that!
Well About root, you can make your phone really yours adding new features or customizing everything you want: You can add support for Cisco VPNs, enable hotspot and sideloading, change the clock speed of your phone processor, and so on!
chaitu45 said:
As my question implies, can anyone break it down for me as to why it is a good move to root my phone? I'm on AT&T right now, with ADW EX home launcher. I'm happy with the overall speed. Can you list out some advantages of rooting? I'm not looking for the general reasons to root, I want reasons SPECIFIC to the Atrix on AT&T. Sideloading and Amazon app store are the only two reasons I have so far. What is the advantage in terms of battery life, speed, stability, overheating etc? What about compatibility with future motorola updates? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont. No reason for you to root.
If you haft to ask a question like this than dont
Mafisometal said:
Rooting Advantages:
-P-ROMS (basically an enhanced theme)
-Custom Apps such as Applanet(best app you'll ever come across)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*P-roms are not just enhanced themes. They include tweaks and mods in them.
*Applanet promotes piracy and hurts the developers communities. Promoting it in XDA is prohibited by the way.
Mafisometal said:
Rooting Advantages:
-Sideloading
-P-ROMS (basically an enhanced theme)
-Custom Themes
-Custom Apps such as Applanet(best app you'll ever come across)
-Battery life is extended a bit, nothing drastic though
-Speed seems be a bit better, nothing greatly drastic
-The heat production is pretty much the same
-Memory does free up a bit more (mostly in the P-ROMS)
-Bloatware removed (lots of useless ****)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reported for promoting theft (Applanet)
Sent from WinBorg 4G via XDA premium app
CaelanT said:
Reported for promoting theft (Applanet)
Sent from WinBorg 4G via XDA premium app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Childish.
While I don't agree with people using App Planet and ripping of developers, he never said "download app planet and get all those awesome apps for free" or "you can steal em!"
He answered the guys question based on his beliefs and not ours. You can not fault him for telling the truth as he sees it.
DarrellRaines said:
Childish.
While I don't agree with people using App Planet and ripping of developers, he never said "download app planet and get all those awesome apps for free" or "you can steal em!"
He answered the guys question based on his beliefs and not ours. You can not fault him for telling the truth as he sees it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"(best app you'll ever come across)" is more than just a recommendation.
Why you think he told the OP applanet is the best he will ever come across? What is it applanet has to be that? think about it and be logical.
CyberPunk7t9 said:
"(best app you'll ever come across)" is more than just a recommendation.
Why you think he told the OP applanet is the best he will ever come across? What is it applanet has to be that? think about it and be logical.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have thought about it. The OP asked a question and to the person who answered, he answered honestly and told him what he thought.
Remember, our right is sometimes someone elses wrong, and vice versa. It all depends on perspective.
He may have said applanet, but he never said download it. All I am saying is it was childish for him to be reported for mentioning the app and that he uses it. It would be much the same as someone admitting the downloaded mp3s from a torrent site. Just because someone mentions one, it does not mean he is telling people to go to that site and download music he has not paid for and has no legal right to do it.
Besides are we not on a website that has software dedicated to screwing over our carriers and voiding our agreements with the carriers? You can not call foul on one person and not the others.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
DarrellRaines said:
I have thought about it. The OP asked a question and to the person who answered, he answered honestly and told him what he thought.
Remember, our right is sometimes someone elses wrong, and vice versa. It all depends on perspective.
He may have said applanet, but he never said download it. All I am saying is it was childish for him to be reported for mentioning the app and that he uses it. It would be much the same as someone admitting the downloaded mp3s from a torrent site. Just because someone mentions one, it does not mean he is telling people to go to that site and download music he has not paid for and has no legal right to do it.
Besides are we not on a website that has software dedicated to screwing over our carriers and voiding our agreements with the carriers? You can not call foul on one person and not the others.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with what you're saying on the general level and not just specifically our topic here.
All what we're saying plain and simple.. XDA does not allow warez/applanet topics.
You can find many closed topics like this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1022363
This could have been avoided. OP's questions were about rooting. Applanet does not even require it.
CyberPunk7t9 said:
I agree with what you're saying on the general level and not just specifically our topic here.
All what we're saying plain and simple.. XDA does not allow warez/applanet topics.
You can find many closed topics like this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1022363
This could have been avoided. OP's questions were about rooting. Applanet does not even require it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I know it's against the rules and I have a huge problem with people not paying for their apps.
I am just not a big fan of the pot calling the kettle black. Technically using pdanet or any of the free tethers to bypass our carriers system is the same as screwing a good developer out of money.
The fact that we will report someone for mentioning applanet while many still do other methods to screw someone over, well it seems childish. Maybe I should just shut up and move on, but then I would feel wrong for not saying something.
However on topic, if you don't know why you should root, then you shouldn't consider it. Rooting will not make your experience with your phone any better or worse. It just allows you to install a few apps such as the amazon store and those found here on XDA on your phone. Technically you can do more with it, but the pros do not often out weigh the cons. Unless you have a need, don't bother with rooting.
xredjokerx said:
sideloading and amazon app pretty much sums it up for now, and the ability to install psuedo roms like gingerblur and Gladiatrix
Oh. that brings me to the second point, rooting lets you remove bloat apps and install apps that need root, like this new app I'm trying called LBE Security Service.
Later on, when custom roms and kernels are made, you'll have to have Superuser access (root) before you can access those parts of the data.
Advantages in terms of battery life, speed, stability etc? It depends on the rom you load. Some roms may boast extended battery life/speed and if you install those, you would have those extra features. For now, since we have nothing of that sort, you will remain stock with root, but you'll be ready if/when something comes out.
Last word, I say root it. It lets you customize your android experience. You can install new fonts, remove that ATT bloatware, and you can sideload (try out betas, etc)
(Oops, real last word)
Compatibility with future updates? You'll probably have to flash with SBF to update from now on instead of OTA, but thats a preference anyway. In the end, you will be able to update fine, so don't worry about it. Though if you are lazy to do research and actually invest time into your phone, I say don't root it because theres no point. If you want to experience android in its fullest and customize as much as you can, ROOT is the only way.
Hope I hoped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the informative and thorough response. I'm an avid Android user since 1.5 and have rooted older Android phones many times. My intention with asking this question was to understand if the Atrix truly benefits from rooting or are users rooting it for bragging rights. The troubles I've faced with custom ROMs for previous android devices were many, ranging from innumerable patches and add-ons to multiple FCs regularly. Since the Atrix is my primary phone I would prefer stability in a custom ROM as opposed to features which I won't end up using often like HDMI mirroring (this is a personal opinion, i'm sure other users have other requirements).
chaitu45 said:
Thank you for the informative and thorough response. I'm an avid Android user since 1.5 and have rooted older Android phones many times. My intention with asking this question was to understand if the Atrix truly benefits from rooting or are users rooting it for bragging rights. The troubles I've faced with custom ROMs for previous android devices were many, ranging from innumerable patches and add-ons to multiple FCs regularly. Since the Atrix is my primary phone I would prefer stability in a custom ROM as opposed to features which I won't end up using often like HDMI mirroring (this is a personal opinion, i'm sure other users have other requirements).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO a custom ROM is not necessary. Stock Atrix + root + one of the launchers is more than enough. My phone is rooted so that I can enable sideloading/Amazon app store and also for Titanium backup to backup everything. The other 'fun' stuff like hdmi mirroring, hulu, etc are ok but not must haves.
edit: root also so I can put my ringtones in /system/media/audio/ringtones and not lose ringtone assignments every time the phone sdcard and sdcard-ext unmounts/mounts.
You do not need to have root permissions to remove ATT bloatware. With latest OTA, they removed root requirement to uninstall their software, but they haven't done anything to allow us side-loading. I hope that this will be addressed in the next OTA.
I am a new android user (Atrix first Android phone) and I have enjoyed the rooting experience. Root explorer is worth the price of admission imho and the other day I had a problem that I couldn't fix without a rooted phone. (now using autostarts to prevent music on my device playing automatically when the phone connects to my truck via bt). And I like the control I have over my phone since it is rooted (freezing apps, etc).
In regards to updates how hard it is depends on how you mod your phone. If you do the webtop hack you will have to put the oem files back prior to updating. If you have apps frozen I believe you need to thaw them. Other than that it is just a matter of preserving root (which means about 5 minutes using adb to hide root and then after you update restoring it; no big deal)
chaitu45 said:
As my question implies, can anyone break it down for me as to why it is a good move to root my phone? I'm on AT&T right now, with ADW EX home launcher. I'm happy with the overall speed. Can you list out some advantages of rooting? I'm not looking for the general reasons to root, I want reasons SPECIFIC to the Atrix on AT&T. Sideloading and Amazon app store are the only two reasons I have so far. What is the advantage in terms of battery life, speed, stability, overheating etc? What about compatibility with future motorola updates? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Control. You do not have it ATM. Rooting is exactly that, the most possible control you can gain over the phone, software wise.
#1 reason I rooted my atrix is simply to add a custom rom onto it. I don't like the look of the stock motoblur so I got rid of it asap.
i'm sure there are tons of reasons to root the phone but if you're afraid to do it because you might brick your phone or something there's a lot of tutorials that will guide you step-by-step on how to do it. I actually made a tutorial myself.
that's for the actual rooting process and if you need to downgrade your phone here's the other part of it. doing a fresh SBF Flash.
ok i'm not sure why my youtube links came out like that and i'm not sure how to fix it either any help from anybody?

[Q] Why people root there devices this days

So My question is as simple as that:
Why you rooted your phone ?
I`m an Linux administrator so I know what root account mean back in the days i rooted my phone because my android version was 2.1 and it wasn`t the most supported android version so I needed root in order to change the rom to 2.3 however I find CM really ugly and I know Samsung software is not the best possible but for me it works great.
So why you rooted your phone ? Is there a special reason why you want to skip OTA updates, To wait on Custom Rom developers to finally make your camera work as on the stock rom and your 3G to actually work ? Is CM rom really worth all the efforts in order to root your device ?
So why you rooted your phone ?
bnight said:
So My question is as simple as that:
Why you rooted your phone ?
I`m an Linux administrator so I know what root account mean back in the days i rooted my phone because my android version was 2.1 and it wasn`t the most supported android version so I needed root in order to change the rom to 2.3 however I find CM really ugly and I know Samsung software is not the best possible but for me it works great.
So why you rooted your phone ? Is there a special reason why you want to skip OTA updates, To wait on Custom Rom developers to finally make your camera work as on the stock rom and your 3G to actually work ? Is CM rom really worth all the efforts in order to root your device ?
So why you rooted your phone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. To be freedom
2. To remove all craps that we don't want and have a complete backup/restore solution
3. To tweak the phone, make it work faster and smoother
4. Add more features that is only done by rooting devices such as Adblocks (both web & apps), underclock...
4. To use CM/AOSP sources that have much longer support than Samsung (Think about 18 months later, Will SamSung still support your devices like Apple or Microsoft?)
bnight said:
So My question is as simple as that:
So why you rooted your phone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple answer is I want to control my phone, I don't want it to be controlled by my service provide.
I get my S5 in two weeks and it will be rooted, the o2 rom replace with a generic BTU rom (not bothered about knox), all previous phones I have had have been rooted, current S3, previous S2 and xperia X10.
There is more freedom, ability to customise it your way, replace ugly stock theme with your own theme, unlock features that are locked by Samsung or the service provider, removing unnecessary bloat ware.
Added functionality in root apps such as Titanium Backup, Root Explorer and improve battery life.
Root gives you freedom to do as you like with your device.
I use root for the following: ad blocking, removing camera sounds, Titanium backup, EFS backup (in some rare cases even with stock updates EFS problems arose), move apps to external SD card, mod some UI stuff (like the S Find/Quick Connect bar) and some less important stuff. So, that is a pretty extensive list if you ask me
greenify ..
Ad blocker. And most of the time u can run a newer version of android then what the phone came with.
sent from my thumbs
jaymccoubrey said:
Ad blocker. And most of the time u can run a newer version of android then what the phone came with.
sent from my thumbs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but not all the functions of your phone work that way.
Ad blocker sounds like a good idea for your data plan however I have 1 GB of data per month and unlimited after that but with lower speed and my actual data usage is like 200-300 MB per month with ads so this is not something that I really need and the apps that I use needs this ads in order to support them self.
About backup when my S4 mini LCD screen goes black I still had the ability to move my data via usb cable and Kies so when I take my S5 I spend probably 30 minutes to download back my backup from the S4 Mini and the only thing that I needed was to install my applications because of the newer android version of the S5.
However I do think that a lot of stuff is not working as it should be on custom roms.
The question should be: Why root a NEW Phone? As phones get older, manufacturer support ceases, one roots the phone to install new custom firmware.
xposed framework.
And with this new root method I don't have to worry about tripping KNOX and losing warranty.
bnight said:
To wait on Custom Rom developers to finally make your camera work as on the stock rom and your 3G to actually work ? Is CM rom really worth all the efforts in order to root your device ?
So why you rooted your phone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why oh why do people always just talk about cm based rom's. I root my device to provide custom rom's comparable to cm in terms of customisation whilst keeping everything Samsung based working.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Goldie said:
Why oh why do people always just talk about cm based rom's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because this is the most mainstream custom rom available.
As I say when I buy my phone I spend some time with his UI if I don`t like it I don`t buy the phone.
X-Note team rooted the galaxy s5 to have floating windows and note 3 features, multi dpi and a unique look
here the screenshots eh eh http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2724138
Inviato dal mio SM-G900F utilizzando Tapatalk
bnight said:
Yes but not all the functions of your phone work that way.
Ad blocker sounds like a good idea for your data plan however I have 1 GB of data per month and unlimited after that but with lower speed and my actual data usage is like 200-300 MB per month with ads so this is not something that I really need and the apps that I use needs this ads in order to support them self.
About backup when my S4 mini LCD screen goes black I still had the ability to move my data via usb cable and Kies so when I take my S5 I spend probably 30 minutes to download back my backup from the S4 Mini and the only thing that I needed was to install my applications because of the newer android version of the S5.
However I do think that a lot of stuff is not working as it should be on custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are custom roms with everything working, to say otherwise with no experience is untrue.
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
bnight said:
Because this is the most mainstream custom rom available.
As I say when I buy my phone I spend some time with his UI if I don`t like it I don`t buy the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my point. Maybe I should rephrase. Custom rom's aren't all source built.
As you say you spend a lot of time with its UI. This is why we made you able to change every aspect of that should you desire rather than just one or two preset themes.
All whilst keeping the Sammy S5 stuff and adding some extra cool stuff like hardware key mapping etc...
You should try it... It will give you the freedom to style your UI how you like whilst still keeping touchwiz and without breaking the stuff you mention. You don't even have to install xposed
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
OP has a valid point - these days top tier smartphones are rather well-designed and tested.
I had to exchange 2 Samsung Galaxy Note 3's due to hardware failure. If I have rooted than I would have incurred a major loss due to void warranty. Now I am using an S5 and have no longer have the intention to root.
Having the privilege to exchange/take back your device is critical due to the hundreds of components in your device that could potentially malfunction.
bnight said:
So My question is as simple as that:
Why you rooted your phone ?
I`m an Linux administrator so I know what root account mean back in the days i rooted my phone because my android version was 2.1 and it wasn`t the most supported android version so I needed root in order to change the rom to 2.3 however I find CM really ugly and I know Samsung software is not the best possible but for me it works great.
So why you rooted your phone ? Is there a special reason why you want to skip OTA updates, To wait on Custom Rom developers to finally make your camera work as on the stock rom and your 3G to actually work ? Is CM rom really worth all the efforts in order to root your device ?
So why you rooted your phone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I'm a little surprised by this question considering you are a Linux admin. You should know full well the benefits root provides in terms of being able to do anything you need to configure the OS to suit your needs.
I was perfectly happy with the S5 without root, however I am very happy to now have it. It allows me to do simple, yet helpful things such as unlock the tethering features for unlimited users, changing soft key configurations, enabling writing to the SD card by 3rd party apps, and eliminating annoying pop ups such as the headphone volume notification. Among many many more things. Bottom line, as others have stated, it lets you use your phone as you please. Simply a better experience.
ROMs aren't even part of the equation when we are talking specifically about root.
mediumsteak said:
OP has a valid point - these days top tier smartphones are rather well-designed and tested.
I had to exchange 2 Samsung Galaxy Note 3's due to hardware failure. If I have rooted than I would have incurred a major loss due to void warranty. Now I am using an S5 and have no longer have the intention to root.
Having the privilege to exchange/take back your device is critical due to the hundreds of components in your device that could potentially malfunction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your paying for insurance yes, no reason why the phone couldn't have been lost or stolen. Fixing your voiding warranty issue
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Goldie said:
Why oh why do people always just talk about cm based rom's. I root my device to provide custom rom's comparable to cm in terms of customisation whilst keeping everything Samsung based working.
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they are the most popular type of ROM
1. To restore/backup apps and their saved data when changing new phone or after factory reset. So I dont need to play the games from zero again. I use titanium backup
2. To allow/disallow which app can access internet. I use android firewall.
3. To block annoying adds from app. I use Addaway
4. To see battery statistic, checking which app causing battery drain, wakelock, wakeup. I use betterbatterystats or wakelock detector
5. To modify some xml system parameter or modify theme/look. Example: cannot write to external sd card just modify the xml.
6. Too change minimum cpu frequency or other features.
Maybe there is more. Root is very important to me.
Sent from GT-I9500
dragon135 said:
1. To restore/backup apps and their saved data when changing new phone or after factory reset. So I dont need to play the games from zero again. I use titanium backup
2. To allow/disallow which app can access internet. I use android firewall.
3. To block annoying adds from app. I use Addaway
4. To see battery statistic, checking which app causing battery drain, wakelock, wakeup. I use betterbatterystats or wakelock detector
5. To modify some xml system parameter or modify theme/look. Example: cannot write to external sd card just modify the xml.
6. Too change minimum cpu frequency or other features.
Maybe there is more. Root is very important to me.
Sent from GT-I9500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For your first point did you try to use KIES for taking backup of your phone or there was a new application in the S5 called smartswitch which I didn`t used just because i migrated from S4 Mini and used my KIES backup.
Blocking adds is good idea if you are on a limited data plan (I`m not) but this brings the other question for what exactly people use more then 1GB of mobile data ?
For me the battery life of the S5 is really good lately I put a software that drain my battery as hell but I usually keep the number of apps to minimum and even with all functions like network access and stuff turned on battery easy last a day or two so no issue there.
Changing some of the system bhaviour like writing to SD Card is actually important as for example my file manager is not working as it should be now but besides that don`t really see the reason to root your device.
I have tethering as a function on my phone but I doubt I will use it ever for more then 2-3 devices at a time and I think the current limitation is 8 devices.

I'm Sticking to Stock, Why Don't You?

I have been using my Nexus 6 ever since I abandoned Apple. I owned every iPhone from the 3GS to the 6. I picked up my 64GB Cloud White from Amazon when they were $250 and haven't looked back since. I've always been a big techy and can't believe I stayed on boring IOS so long.
That said, when I first got my Nexus 6 of course I started trying out some custom ROMs. Pure Nexus ended up being my favorite. I just liked being able to mod my status and nav bar really. It was fun trying out ROMs, Kernels, etc. It was all new to me.
Now, I've come to the point where it just doesn't really matter to me. I prefer Android to IOS regardless. The damn App drawer is enough to make me never go back. I like stock Android the way it is. I also like using and having the ability to use Android Pay. So I roll stock. I take my OTAs and Security updates as they come and call it a day.
So, why do you prefer custom ROMs / Kernels and having ROOT to stock Android? Like, what are your deal breakers that pull you from stock to rooted / custom ROMs and Kernels?
EDIT:
Thank you all for your responses. I was in no way trying to down people for modding out their own property, I was actually looking to see why some people feel root / roms are required. I just read through all of the responses and I seen quite a few that I didn't even know about or think of. Interesting.
Techbyte said:
I have been using my Nexus 6 ever since I abandoned Apple. I owned every iPhone from the 3GS to the 6. I picked up my 64GB Cloud White from Amazon when they were $250 and haven't looked back since. I've always been a big techy and can't believe I stayed on boring IOS so long.
That said, when I first got my Nexus 6 of course I started trying out some custom ROMs. Pure Nexus ended up being my favorite. I just liked being able to mod my status and nav bar really. It was fun trying out ROMs, Kernels, etc. It was all new to me.
Now, I've come to the point where it just doesn't really matter to me. I prefer Android to IOS regardless. The damn App drawer is enough to make me never go back. I like stock Android the way it is. I also like using and having the ability to use Android Pay. So I roll stock. I take my OTAs and Security updates as they come and call it a day.
So, why do you prefer custom ROMs / Kernels and having ROOT to stock Android? Like, what are your deal breakers that pull you from stock to rooted / custom ROMs and Kernels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly due to the locked down nature. You have to remember where you are. This site was made by and for developers that take what they are given and want to make it better. You will find that most people here dont run stock software on anything. Be it their router, PC, PS4, X1 or anything else they can get their hands on.
Personally Android pay is not big for most of us. It is unsecure and not really handy when you have to carry your wallet anyway.
In the end it is all about choice. Many of my homescreen set ups require root to run.
The biggest thing for me is to theme it. Android stock just looks too ugly for me to even think about using.
Techbyte said:
... from stock to rooted / custom ROMs and Kernels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Layers and blacked out apps of the TBO-team.
For better readability and battery life I prefer a black/dark background.
Without root this configuration is not possible.
A child knows that a white background on devices with an amoled display causes battery drain. Apparently Google does not know that .
For the same reason you rooted and rom'd in the first place: customizations.
I'm quite picky on how everything is laid out and stock android doesn't give me most options that current roms like pure nexus offers while still having amazing performance.
Simple things like rearranging the quick drawer wasn't even available on stock until marshmallow came out while custom roms could do it way before then.
Dpi settings and xposed modules are enough for me to root.
roms/kernels, and so on.. not really important to me. sure, they are nice to have, but not a necessity. the only thing thats necessary to me is root. not because of what 98% of you are thinking, but for what root actually is, to have access to all the administrative rights. stock or custom rom, as long as i am #1 in deciding the fate of my device.
simms22 said:
.....to have access to all the administrative rights. stock or custom rom, as long as i am #1 in deciding the fate of my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like that. The principal. But the majority accepts the fact of paying a lot of money for a device with reduced functionality.
NLBeev said:
I like that. The principal. But the majority accepts the fact of paying a lot of money for a device with reduced functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the majority also do whatever their neighbor(or friend, family member, and so on..) does, just because. im not in the majority, nor do i ever want to be.. :angel:
simms22 said:
the majority also do whatever their neighbor(or friend, family member, and so on..) does, just because. im not in the majority, nor do i ever want to be.. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ill drink to that!:good::good:
At this point the biggest reason for root for me now, is app backups. Google has gotten a better, but being able to back up my apps and data for easy restore is a must. Sat what you will about Apple, but since day 1 you could plug your iPhone into iTunes and make a complete backup of it.
but who was xposed? almost unlimited customizations, need root but you can do it over a stock base
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
I use stock ROMs, but custom kernels for access to kcal color control especially. I read a lot on my nexus including at night, and I like being able to control light color (which relates to eye strain and can affect sleep) with precision. Reading apps have gotten better about offering at least some blue light-free reading modes, but back when they didn't, I got accustomed to having complete control and it's too late for me to settle for Amazon's presets or anyone else's, I can achieve the same color experience no matter what app I use (incl browsers, news readers etc). Second, I prefer the LED for notifications. Third, I like undervolting. Fourth, titanium backup for multiple reasons, but if an app update ever breaks something, I don't have to sweat it, I can roll that back to a working version no trouble.
Add blocking is important to me.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Pie controls, adjustable screen dpi, adjust screen colors and vibration strength, skip songs with volume button, titanium backup, custom recovery. I'm sure there are more but those are the ones I can think of right now. I just like tweaking the device to make it a more effective tool.
I use a light stock rom and lean kernel which is close to stock as well. Just gotta have root and xposed.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Let me answer with another question. Do you expect people, especially in a place like XDA, to be content with locked down device?
I have my own hobby project, to make my own custom rom, so that's why I'm not stock, but the only thing I really need is to have root.
All the changes I made were mostly to put my stamp on it, to make it mine, but I've also fixed some stupid things like you can only invoke the Clock application from the status bar if there's a scheduled alarm, instead of tapping any clock or date fields.
Also I brought back the old Electron beam screen off animation, because that was cool. Now I can choose between None, Electron Beam, and the new Color fade. And allowed the dismiss all button, of course.
I don't for the same reason I use Arch I want what I want and no more.
I recently rooted again, primarily because I missed the flexibility that comes with rooting. Deleting apps that you never use. Clear themes. Ad Blocking. If my credit union had Android Pay, I would probably still be stock unrooted.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Tethering without blowing up my data... I am looking at you Verizon. Gotta give the man a finger. Root coz I can.
Plus ads. If they come up with a way to filter the ads and allow tethering without forcing me to pay extra I would I would gladly stay stock.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Katt50 said:
I recently rooted again, primarily because I missed the flexibility that comes with rooting. Deleting apps that you never use. Clear themes. Ad Blocking. If my credit union had Android Pay, I would probably still be stock unrooted.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on dp3 and rooted with su2.74. I was able to load cards in android pay and it passed that safety net app. I'm going to try and make a purchase tomorrow. If it works, hooray for DP3.
I used Android pay on rooted N. I hope they leave that feature available with root in the final release.
I'm currently running stock N preview 3 but when I was running rooted it was mainly to access the notification led.
Sadly I have a few streaming apps that refuse to work while rooted and I got tired of fighting them.

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