Database Users

[Q] 4.2 rooted or 4.4 update?

So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...

scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
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I own both an I337 and an M919 and, given the flexibility of the M919, I was able to try both official and leaked 4.4 TW releases mainly for the I9505. Based on those experiences I would say take the update. 4.4 update should be noticeably faster.
In regard to keeping root, I'm hoping SuperSu Pro's Survival mode works.

I'd say go with the update if you don't care about root. The only problem is Knox is more locked down, also more bloat/crap ware on the new update. I do love the camera on the lockscreen, plus the album artwork on the lock screen is a big + for me. I don't know if art is implemented into the gs4 but it does make a difference but the only thing is, is that most apps are not optimized for it yet.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda premium

So should I revert the few changes I have done? IE, I've killed startup apps with ES Task Manager and (obviously) disabled the software update checker.

I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.

As far as experience goes, I say wait and keep your options open. I like the freedom of a clean rom, free from bloat and clutter of apps that i dont use. Not to mention a battery life that exceeds far beyond a regular un-rooted device. Visit the numerous threads of other people's experiences. I'm rooted and have been able to try out different rooms from 4.2 to 4.4. Accepting an ota will unroot your device without anyway of reverting back. Good luck with your decision.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
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If you're on the not locked down version, then you shouldn't take the update. It will lock your bootloader and that device will never see an AOSP ROM again. You should wait for something like StockUp to be updated to the new 4.4 or use any of the many other 4.4 ROMs available. If you really want to get one with the stock update and locked bootloaders, I'm sure someone would love to trade.

aiwapro said:
I'm on the original/not locked down 4.2.2. What do I need to do, to accept the update? I too found that I don't use Root much, but T.B. would be nice to have. I have clockword installed now as a bootloader, so maybe I need to revert to stock bootloader somehow. Previous OTA's have failed.
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We were able to get the MK2 tar files rather quickly after the OTA release and will hopefully be able to get the 4.4 tars just as quickly. If that's the case you will be able to flash all partitions, except the bootloader, to run the 4.4 ROM and keep your unlocked bootloader. I would not give up the unlocked bootloader if I were you.

scottiemedic said:
So with the inevitable release of KitKat tomorrow, I have the quandary of upgrading or not. I understand the 4.4 will kill my root, but I really haven't used the root option due to interceding life getting in the way since I rooted it (originally I was going to use Ti Backup and go from there, but have never bought it). So losing root is not a huge deal breaker one way or another currently.
With the leaked build, does it look like a good update to do or has the current ROM users of KitKat feel it's not worth it? I'd like to get some input to help make up my mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.

Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL

crazy_dragonlady said:
Hello everyone!
I have been thinking about getting myself one of these lovely phones but after reading what y'all have been saying about the locked bootloader I'm not sure I want to... I won't be able to actually get a phone until next week so I'm assuming it will come already pre-loaded with this update??
I would like to be able to root this phone just like I did my old ET4G from Sprint... would this be an option if I was to get one next week?
Just an FYI I will be on the AT&T network.
ttfn
CDL
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Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5

jd1639 said:
Get a nexus 5. You'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 5
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AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL

crazy_dragonlady said:
AT&T doesn't offer that phone... unless I'm just not seeing it LOL
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They don't but it works fine on att. Very easy to root and mod. No locked bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 5

John The Rhino said:
Sounds like you are not someone that really uses or needs root like us flashaholics. I love having complete control over my devices. The extraordinary battery life, increased performance, extra capabilities like tethering and so forth. If I want to delete an un-wanted app or service ( At&t navigator anyone) or try a new rom I can. With a stock rom with locked boot loaders (really an oxymoron for "open source" Android isn't it?) you have what you get, like it or not. It's sad they load these awesome devices up with so much performance killing bloat ware. It's like buying a new corvette & then attaching a loaded u-haul trailer to it. What's the point of having it if you can't use it as intended? Anyway my 2 cents worth. Choose your path wisely grasshopper, as there's no turning back.
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I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).

scottiemedic said:
I guess I've just never gotten any real good info on WHAT my rooted GS4 can do. I'd love to extend battery life and tether, but without really knowing all the possible downfalls, I've never pulled the trigger on like system apps, bloatware, etc. You know of a good resource for slightly technical people with clear definitions of what certain programs do and what can and can't be deleted?
I think at the time I rooted (I'm a MF3 S4), there was no 'unrooting' or flashing to stock, and therefore have been reluctant. I know I don't spend enough time on here learning, my 5 and 2 year old suck all my extra time away.
I'd love to maximize my phone to it's greater abilities, just overwhelmed I guess on where to start as I'm perfectly happy on 4.2 (I owned 3 iPhones before getting this one, so I have limited Android experience, but I recently also got an ASUS TF300 and rooted and ROMed my Kindle Fire almost 2 years ago to CM9).
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Hey man, no worries. The reality is I would much rather play with my kids (if I had any) than an electronic device. So it's nice to know your priorities are right. There's few picture worthy moments we get from our phones, but kids provide such memories constantly. For everyday use, stock is fine & was for me for a little while. You are doing the right thing by waiting until you know more before you do something wrong & brick your phone. This is the place where you can learn how to root, install Safestrap recovery & flash incredible custom rom on your mf3 S4 when you are ready.

Just purchased a MXP and have questions

While I wait for the arrival of my MXP I have some questions for the community so that I can hit the ground running. First thing, I'd like to unlock my boot loader but I was just curious if there is a way to re-lock it afterwards just in case I need to send in for repairs or something along those lines? Also wondering about VOLTE support. I see some roms that state they have it working but is this a stock feature or do I need to use a custom ROM to get VOLTE to function? Also is there any known method of rooting without unlocking the boot loader just in case re-locking it is not possible? Thanks for the help everyone.
I am coming from a g920a. That phone is torture for someone like me who likes stock Android and rooted devices. Probably the worst phone I have ever had. Can't wait to get my hands on my MXP and leaves this piece of junk behind!

I'm on Verizon and I can confirm it supports advanced calling, which is VoLTE as far as I know but it might require turning it on at the provider level.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

I haven't messed with VoLTE yet so I can't answer those questions, but as for your others: The bootloader can be relocked, but the unlock method involves submitting an unlock request code to motorola, and they immediately email you an unlock key, along with a warning about voiding your warranty, so even relocking it does not unvoid your warranty. HOWEVER, it only voids your warranty for software issues. If it's a hardware problem unrelated to the bootloader being unlocked, they'll still handle it, and accidental drops and things are still covered if you buy an accidental damage warrenty. Also, as far as I know there is still no way to root without unlocking the bootloader.

10 characters

squallz506 said:
Volte is only available on stock roms.
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I thought this had been fixed on AICP based ROMS?
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

countryfolk07 said:
I thought this had been fixed on AICP based ROMS?
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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Whoops, yeah I guess they fixed it down the line. Sorry, I've been enjoying stock+xposed too much to follow custom development.
Edit: also root without bootloader unlock will likely never happen. We have a root method already, so there's no incentive to find another method.

The answer you seek was right in the first page of this forum....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-style/general/moto-x-style-how-to-unlock-bootloader-t3192140
That being said, I would consider waiting until after Marshmallow drops before you unlock your bootloader so as not to interfere with any OTA's. Conventional wisdom is that it is coming within the next few weeks as the "test drive" has already started and a "soak test" should follow shortly.

yeah i know it can be unlocked I already read that post. I would not have gotten this phone if the boot loader was not un-lockable. That's the whole reason I am moving away from my AT&T Galaxy s6. I was just trying to clarify if re-locking made any difference as far as the warranty is concerned. I appreciate the answers guys. Just trying to determine if I should keep it stock or use a custom ROM out of the box. Sounds like I will go stock for the time being. Now as far as unlocked boot loaders interfering with OTA's? Is this really a thing? And wouldn't somebody just post the OTA image on the forums when its ready anyway?

timde9 said:
yeah i know it can be unlocked I already read that post. I would not have gotten this phone if the boot loader was not un-lockable. That's the whole reason I am moving away from my AT&T Galaxy s6. I was just trying to clarify if re-locking made any difference as far as the warranty is concerned. I appreciate the answers guys. Just trying to determine if I should keep it stock or use a custom ROM out of the box. Sounds like I will go stock for the time being. Now as far as unlocked boot loaders interfering with OTA's? Is this really a thing? And wouldn't somebody just post the OTA image on the forums when its ready anyway?
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Well as to it being a thing, I certainly can't say for sure. But what reason is there to unlock the bootloader if you're not going to root? And once you do that, you almost certainly will not get OTA's. What am I missing? Is there another reason you are looking to unlock?
The one thing I don't know is if there a some type of a "tamper flag" that would require something like triangle away.
You don't think you could just do a fastboot oem lock?

Sorry to give you the wrong impression but I fully intend to root and also install Xposed and all that good stuff. There are a lot of things I need that require these things such as BubbleUPNP's audio cast feature, and of course the all powerful AdAway and YouTube AdAway in addition to Titanium Backup and Viper4Android etc. I normally use that stuff every day and so dealing with my last phone was like living in Android Hell. All the great hardware but software that was hopelessly mangled un-rootable and just sad for such a powerful device as the s6. Being able to have these things back is my number one reason for buying this phone so you best believe that's the very first thing I will do once it comes in lol. The only reason I am so concerned about the warranty is because I have needed it in the past for several other devices and so don't want do something that is un-doable. But from the sounds of it this will only affect me if the software causes the defect and I am fairly confident I can fix anything software related all by myself. Mostly only concerned about hardware defects and if they will still be covered that is just perfect.
And already I am feeling the difference here in this part of xda. The forums for the g920-a are like calling out into the dessert, and in no time at all you guys have address my major concerns. Thanks again

timde9 said:
Sorry to give you the wrong impression but I fully intend to root and also install Xposed and all that good stuff. There are a lot of things I need that require these things such as BubbleUPNP's audio cast feature, and of course the all powerful AdAway and YouTube AdAway in addition to Titanium Backup and Viper4Android etc. I normally use that stuff every day and so dealing with my last phone was like living in Android Hell. All the great hardware but software that was hopelessly mangled un-rootable and just sad for such a powerful device as the s6. Being able to have these things back is my number one reason for buying this phone so you best believe that's the very first thing I will do once it comes in lol. The only reason I am so concerned about the warranty is because I have needed it in the past for several other devices and so don't want do something that is un-doable. But from the sounds of it this will only affect me if the software causes the defect and I am fairly confident I can fix anything software related all by myself. Mostly only concerned about hardware defects and if they will still be covered that is just perfect.
And already I am feeling the difference here in this part of xda. The forums for the g920-a are like calling out into the dessert, and in no time at all you guys have address my major concerns. Thanks again
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I'd still recommend waiting at least a couple of weeks to see if Marshmallow shows up!
I'm coming to the MXPE from a OnePlus One which I have to say was one of the funnest phones I've ever owned. I wasiunlocked, rooted and flashing CM12.1 nightlies about twice a week.
I thought I would miss it, but so far so good on the MXPE without rooting. We'll have to see what happens after MM drops. I'd like to get it rooted, but I haven't done nearly the amount of modding you've done.
Good luck with your phone. I can honestly tell you it's a really nice device!

While its tempting to wait for marshmallow to show I cannot live without root any longer. I have already been without it for months because of this damn s6. I'm sure someone will upload the OTA as soon as it's available so I'll just flash it when the time comes.

timde9 said:
Sorry to give you the wrong impression but I fully intend to root and also install Xposed and all that good stuff. There are a lot of things I need that require these things such as BubbleUPNP's audio cast feature, and of course the all powerful AdAway and YouTube AdAway in addition to Titanium Backup and Viper4Android etc. I normally use that stuff every day and so dealing with my last phone was like living in Android Hell. All the great hardware but software that was hopelessly mangled un-rootable and just sad for such a powerful device as the s6. Being able to have these things back is my number one reason for buying this phone so you best believe that's the very first thing I will do once it comes in lol. The only reason I am so concerned about the warranty is because I have needed it in the past for several other devices and so don't want do something that is un-doable. But from the sounds of it this will only affect me if the software causes the defect and I am fairly confident I can fix anything software related all by myself. Mostly only concerned about hardware defects and if they will still be covered that is just perfect.
And already I am feeling the difference here in this part of xda. The forums for the g920-a are like calling out into the dessert, and in no time at all you guys have address my major concerns. Thanks again
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Well if you're an xposed user you should root immediately with no concern about the 6.0 OTA, since xposed doesn't work on 6.0. I'm not moving to 6.0, myself, until xposed is released for it. I use xposed modules everyday and am not giving it up, not even for doze mode.

That's kinda how I am feeling as well. I can achieve similar results to doze with the xposed app amplify with enough tweaking so its not a big deal.

H820 OTA Update Aug 18

E: The Unsolicited OTA Update, or Why I'm Leaving This Phone. See post 3 for details.
I got a notice that there is an update for at least the ATT 820 variant of the G5 today. I'm not going to flash it until someone else does or we have a changelog, I dont want to ruin any potential root capabilities we might be looking into at the moment. Does anyone have any information on it? Guessing it's an attempt to close up some of the QuadRooter vulnerabilities, but that's just a guess.
Any info here?
E: Contacted both LG and ATT. Supposedly it's just to enable wifi calling and nothing else, but they didn't offer a changelog or anything so I'm not going to flash it as I don't care about that functionality.

I updated for the hell of it.
3 out of 4 vulnerabilities have been patched. Along with this, I've immediately noticed they added the normal launcher with app drawer. Much nicer.
Figured I'd take one for the team on this one...so if you want root, I'd suggest blocking this update as long as possible.

Update time. So, I didn't initiate the update. I didn't want to install it at all. I look down at my phone this afternoon and it says update on progress... Nice. OK, fine whatever.
Now there's a persistent notification in the pull-down whenever you don't have mobile data enabled. And you can't get rid of it unless you turn on mobile data.
Sorry, but **** this. I'm getting rid of the phone. This is ridiculous.
Screenshot attached. Returning the phone and probably just going to get another G3 that I "upgraded" from. Pity, I liked this phone, lots of potential but I can't handle no root, bootloader lock, ads, ads, ads, ads, and persistent notifications. I just honestly don't see how anyone can handle a phone without root and adblock these days. I also can't understand how if a consumer spends $600+ for a device that they cannot do whatever they wish to it. Brick it, throw it in the ocean, root it. Imagine if computers all came with a locked administrator account. Absurd.

Lol i will never root my device, last time i did, i ****ed it up, so i am happy with my stock lg g5, i will never root anyphone

I'm also not digging the H82011K OTA as it rendered my favorite data saving app unusable.
I was very happy with my rooted/rom'ed G3 until a bad CM13 nightly fried the motherboard. Now I've been suffering the life of G5 over a month and while it's not terrible (Adguard helps) it's just not the same. I'd still like to repair that G3 someday if I ever get the time/ patience to get around to it...

Nowadays people don't root often your phones because the software is getting better. If this is your first priority, you should get something like the Oneplus 3.

jreed3786 said:
3 out of 4 vulnerabilities have been patched. Along with this, I've immediately noticed they added the normal launcher with app drawer. Much nicer.
Figured I'd take one for the team on this one...so if you want root, I'd suggest blocking this update as long as possible.
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mrhizzo said:
Nowadays people don't root often your phones because the software is getting better. If this is your first priority, you should get something like the Oneplus 3.
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Really wondering which oem (and when ?) will jump first on kernel_version 4.x with possible "Live Patching"...

oF2pks said:
Really wondering which oem (and when ?) will jump first on kernel_version 4.x with possible "Live Patching"...
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As far as "Live Patching" is concerned, I hope none of them do - ever. If I wanted my devices hijacked and tampered with behind my back I'd use Windows 10. This sounds bad for freedom within the Android community (why many chose it over iOS in the first place).

PHYCLOPSH said:
I'm also not digging the H82011K OTA as it rendered my favorite data saving app unusable.
I was very happy with my rooted/rom'ed G3 until a bad CM13 nightly fried the motherboard. Now I've been suffering the life of G5 over a month and while it's not terrible (Adguard helps) it's just not the same. I'd still like to repair that G3 someday if I ever get the time/ patience to get around to it...
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Shouldn't take more than a half hour. I replaced the broken screen and digitizer on my G3 after I dropped it on its face. Pretty easy really, the hardest part of getting the screen off was just getting the adhesive separated from the screen > body. Not bad at all. The board would be easier, it comes out as a piece.
Reason I downgraded to a G5 from my G3 is because even though the replacement screen was LG branded, it still had quirks... I'd be typing something and suddenly "This is a sentence I'm typinng aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
Super annoying. But honestly, not as annoying as the newest G5 update + ads ads ads ads...

To Root or Not Root

For many of us the thing that moved is to Android was just the shear ability to customize the crap out of your device. The ability to go one step further and install custom ROMs to further perfect your experience was also a huge plus.
However, these days I find the need to root my device become more of a hobbyist venture than something that actually makes my experience better. I'm curious to know who are the rooters and who are not? Does anyone still have any real purposes for rooting their device is it more of a "just because I can deal"

I am not rooting. Been there, done that. I know people will say well why get a nexus or Pixel if you aren't going to root?
I like stock android with fast updates.

I don't think its "more of a hobbyist venture than something that actually makes my experience better" when I've used root/xposed to wrangle stupid google play services wake locks.
But that said I'm not trying to lock myself out of safetynet anymore so, so long root (for the time being).

Ability to modify is biggest selling point of this device IMHO. Without it, this phone is bested by other phones in almost every category. Believe me, this phone is not like any of the other google inspired devices of the past. At only one point could nexus really compete with flagship devices. Without development the phone is good... maybe even really good... but with development this phone will be GRRREAT (in my best Tony the Tyger voice).

Bruce lee roy said:
Ability to modify is biggest selling point of this device IMHO. Without it, this phone is bested by other phones in almost every category. Believe me, this phone is not like any of the other google inspired devices of the past. At only one point could nexus really compete with flagship devices. Without development the phone is good... maybe even really good... but with development this phone will be GRRREAT (in my best Tony the Tyger voice).
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Well everyone has their opinions. I am just gonna disagree that the ability to modify is its biggest selling point. It's a small small small portion of the public who buys phones for this reason.
The Galaxy S7 is its biggest competition and the only objective thing people can say is better is the waterproofing.

Amen to that brother. Tired of all the issues and bugs and slow updates that come from rooting. Biggest reason that I went for the Pixel. That and tired of all the BS extra crapware added by the manufacturers and carriers. Pixel does not have that.
---------- Post added at 05:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:06 PM ----------
HeCareth said:
Well everyone has their opinions. I am just gonna disagree that the ability to modify is its biggest selling point. It's a small small small portion of the public who buys phones for this reason.
The Galaxy S7 is its biggest competition and the only objective thing people can say is better is the waterproofing.
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Funny enough you say that. I saw a test recently where a Pixel was tested with full immersion in a bucket of water for 30 minutes and did fine. They did a second test for 45 minutes and then it started having a little problem with garbled sounds at times. But other than that it seems to be better sealed than they mark it as.

I'm the same as far as not really needing to root. In the past I'd mod the crap out of my phones, then it became a hassle. So then I'd just root for titanium backup and a couple other root apps and unlocked hotspot. Now with this phone, I find I don't even want to root. I like it the way it is
I keep an eye on the dev section to see if something pops up thatll make me want to root, but this time around im not as gung ho as I used to be. The only thing I really want is an unlocked hotspot. I NEVER have any luck with any of the hotspot/tether apps in the app store. If someone can get one of those apps working and let me know how they did it, id be eternally grateful. Or if there were a way to unlock hotspot without root, that would also be swell

its 100% on how you plan to use it. Stock experience is fantastic - the phone is fast as hell. Personally I always like to tweak everything about the phone so im rooting it (currently just miss snapchat) but I stayed on stock for a bit while I had it and it was still great. If you dont plan on tweaking the small things and dont want to deal with manually updating and possibly a soft brick or two, go for it and you wont regret.

magnumtripod said:
I'm the same as far as not really needing to root. In the past I'd mod the crap out of my phones, then it became a hassle. So then I'd just root for titanium backup and a couple other root apps and unlocked hotspot. Now with this phone, I find I don't even want to root. I like it the way it is
I keep an eye on the dev section to see if something pops up thatll make me want to root, but this time around im not as gung ho as I used to be. The only thing I really want is an unlocked hotspot. I NEVER have any luck with any of the hotspot/tether apps in the app store. If someone can get one of those apps working and let me know how they did it, id be eternally grateful. Or if there were a way to unlock hotspot without root, that would also be swell
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I hear you it is always a balance of do the tweaks outweigh the small hassles of rooting and modding. Before the answer was pretty clear. Now not so much.

HeCareth said:
I hear you it is always a balance of do the tweaks outweigh the small hassles of rooting and modding. Before the answer was pretty clear. Now not so much.
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Exactly, and this phone is so freakin fast. I'm came off a galaxy S5 and the difference is night and day.
I also read somewhere that rooting has a good chance of breaking Android Pay, which I used for the first time the other day. It was lightning fast and was cool to try, so I'd hate to lose it

magnumtripod said:
Exactly, and this phone is so freakin fast. I'm came off a galaxy S5 and the difference is night and day.
I also read somewhere that rooting has a good chance of breaking Android Pay, which I used for the first time the other day. It was lightning fast and was cool to try, so I'd hate to lose it
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That's the biggest issue with rooting. Apps these days because of security issues are not allowing root. In addition to that even the best ROMs like Cyanogen still take forever to provide a stable OS update.

HeCareth said:
That's the biggest issue with rooting. Apps these days because of security issues are not allowing root. In addition to that even the best ROMs like Cyanogen still take forever to provide a stable OS update.
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I thought I read there was a way around breaking it if you decide to root, but right now that's just one if those things I really don't even want to think about. Too many details for something that's not really important

I really want to root and ticker with my phone but I need my phone for running a business so I need a very stable phone. I really miss tinkering. I like supporting the XDA community by testing software but sadly my job requires my phone to be on its game.

I only mis adaway actualy. Not rooting for the first time since i got a smartphone (hd2).
Maybe in a later stage

Azerox said:
I only mis adaway actualy. Not rooting for the first time since i got a smartphone (hd2).
Maybe in a later stage
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Try AdGuard, it requires you to use local vpn but it works well and does not require root. You will need to purchase the premium service if you want to block ads across apps outside of the browser.

Adaway!
I also used to ROM and mod the heck out of my phones. I really don't see the need with a pixel and nougat. I still find rooting necessary though due to the incredibly annoying and time consuming ads on web pages. I was pained with popups, pop unders, and all other manor of java script ads until root came.
That said, I also really like FiSwitch (it works better with root) and a few things from xposed (like forcing Google dictation or immersive screen with gestures and no buttons) but I've been fine without it.

Azerox said:
I only mis adaway actualy. Not rooting for the first time since i got a smartphone (hd2).
Maybe in a later stage
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Take a look at this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-dns66-source-host-ad-blocker-root-t3487497

I'm ditching an s7 edge and plan to stay stock on the Pixel. I prefer fluid UX over gimmicky Samsung features.

bobby janow said:
Take a look at this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-dns66-source-host-ad-blocker-root-t3487497
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Better off going with AdGuard. This seems to have bugs with 7.0

HeCareth said:
Better off going with AdGuard. This seems to have bugs with 7.0
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Not for me. I'm running it on two devices both with 7.1. It was just posted as an option if anyone wants to try it. I have no reason to argue the value of either app. Whichever one works best for you is the one you go with.

Any hope in development?

In case you guys haven't figured it out yet, development, Imo, is dead. There isn't stable root, no rom development outside of slightly modded stuff to change your status bar and the most recent breakthrough was substratum... Which wasn't even meant for this phone but rather the s8 but it still works. Now I use and love substratum but I really want an aosp/pixel rom and stable root and Xposed but I don't think that any of this is coming ever. I could be wrong. But I'm tired of buying locked down Samsung devices because of this. This seems more like a rant but it's more of a psa to developers who wanna help the hopeless. Ya know?

RileyIssKing said:
In case you guys haven't figured it out yet, development, Imo, is dead. There isn't stable root, no rom development outside of slightly modded stuff to change your status bar and the most recent breakthrough was substratum... Which wasn't even meant for this phone but rather the s8 but it still works. Now I use and love substratum but I really want an aosp/pixel rom and stable root and Xposed but I don't think that any of this is coming ever. I could be wrong. But I'm tired of buying locked down Samsung devices because of this. This seems more like a rant but it's more of a psa to developers who wanna help the hopeless. Ya know?
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Click to collapse
I purchased this phone coming from an Iphone 6Plus, thinking I could definitely obtain root on the most sold android phone still in use. Nope. Pretty disappointing as I think it may be the best phone ever made.

RileyIssKing said:
In case you guys haven't figured it out yet, development, Imo, is dead. There isn't stable root, no rom development outside of slightly modded stuff to change your status bar and the most recent breakthrough was substratum... Which wasn't even meant for this phone but rather the s8 but it still works. Now I use and love substratum but I really want an aosp/pixel rom and stable root and Xposed but I don't think that any of this is coming ever. I could be wrong. But I'm tired of buying locked down Samsung devices because of this. This seems more like a rant but it's more of a psa to developers who wanna help the hopeless. Ya know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't do enough research before buying S7. Coming from Nexus 6p this is really foreign to me. I saw s7 had root but didn't look into the 2 different processors, all the different carriers (it doesn't matter on Nexus devices.)
Far as Development goes...its probably not going to happen unless someone finds a way to unlock the bootloader. Next best thing might be Safe Strap but afaik there's nothing in the works.
For now I'm making the best of it. I'm having a decent experience with the Eng kernel. Currently looking into the nonrooted Rom. My hope is I'll be able to make some changes (like installing viper) then switching to the stock boot.img and trying to make those changes stick. Supposedly it's possible but I'm still trying to get some guidance. Experimenting with this phone sucks because the process for root is pretty long then setting everything up THEN it might not work so back to square one.

Especially once done with purchase plan or contract (should you have one) and out of warranty. After that point, it's mine to do with as I please! (I know, should be able to do it whenever, but I'm playing by their rules for a minute.) So it's already BS for those who bought first few months and have paid off.
Personally, what is driving me crazy is battery drain. I'm running about 144k on AnTuTu, so no major complaints with performance, but plugging it in more than once a day sucks. Power drain when I'm not doing anything: sucks. I know it's all this useless crapware running in the background, even tho I killed some with Package Disabler Pro. Just addressing that would improve my mood. If AT&T is trying to ensure we'll all look very carefully at unlocked phones next time, they are doing a bang-up job.