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.
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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.
Related
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
Hi, I just got my g2 from the free promotion thingy and im pretty much new to andriod. Should I stay on stock froyo or use cyanogen? And what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
I would root it. There are tons of things that are advantages, such taking some of the crapware that comes bundled on the phone, ability to put themes on your phone, and you get added features with cyanogenmod and other roms out there. The features you can check out for yourself, which can be found on changelogs, YouTube videos, forum post, etc. Spend some time, read that roms' forum thread and learn a few things along the way.
Sent from my HTC Vision
It can be a tough decision.
First of all I am coming from a g1 that was running the latest stable cyanogenmod so the G2 has been an amazing phone stock. It is super fast and the display is seriously amazing. I did root it because I wanted to check out the cm7 nightlies and also the stable cm6.1.1.
First of all I actually like some of the apps that came pre-installed on the g2. Quickoffice is amazing and an excellent ppt, pdf, doc viewer. I did miss that on cyanogen and I also preferred the stock 2.2 scheme and app drawer. However these are the main differences. Everything else is very similar just with added functionality. You can manipulate every aspect of the UI including the power widget on the notification bar (my personal favorite). You can also overclock your cpu to squeeze some more performance out (up to 1.8ghz but I hear 1.4 is safer). You can also use your current data plan for tethering instead of having to pay extra.
But all in all if you don't require or need this functionality, just stay stock. The stock experience is excellent. I come from the G1 culture where we rooted just so we could stay relevant and get some decent speed on our long forgotten phones. That was the only reason I rooted before and quite possibly the only reason I'll root in the future.
I went back to stock to get my quick office back and I really don't mind the loss of functionality (for now) however I do miss the cool radio tuner.
Quickoffice is in CyanogenMod...
Anyway, root your phone and flash CyanogenMod. The stock experience is great and all but so many things just work better with CyanogenMod.
When you root, you obtain so many more capabilities. How would you like to remove every single advertisement you see? Well you can't do it unless you root.
There are so many more things but I just can't get into it. You'll sit here all day reading my post. Just take me word for it and root. You won't go wrong but READ READ READ all instructions and understand them before you do anything.
Yes, it is risky but only if you're stupid and/or rushing. Make sure you have the correct files and always make a backup. I keep them in a special place on me computer. I still have my stock backed up for if I ever have a problem.
It's a fun thing to get into. You learn a lot and will continue to learn. If you don't find out something new everyday with your G2, there's really no reason to have it, IMHO...
Sent from me CM7 Nightly HTC Vision using XDA App that needs a thanks button implemented
Cyanogen is stock 2.3.2 with tons of extra features and extremely stable. Stock is 2.2.1 with a ton of bloat and no extra features. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
Root and flash cyanogen mod, awesome decision.
I am coming from a rooted G1 and I got my G2 from the free promotion and I rooted because I can't do without it. Once you have root, you won't ever want to go back. I rooted my G2 in the first 30 minutes that it was out of the box. Only down side that I can think of is that you can't have an inteligent conversation with a service rep. xD
You can get root and stay on the stock software/ROM but I don't recemend it, the whole Android experiance changes the moment you install a custom ROM.
The manufacturer and carrier has locked the phone down so much that they basically own the phone, they locked down the potential of the device so much that once you have root you'll be amazed about how much stuff you can now do on it.
YOU bought the phone, its YOURS, NOT the carrier's, NOT the manufacturer's but YOURS, why not make it so?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
I would also recommend that you check out some of the Desire Z/Sense ports (I'm using Virtuous). They're quite clean in terms of bloatware, but you get alot of extras, such as a superior camera/music player app, plugins (Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn, etc), and more. You can still use ADW Launcher or Launcher Pro for your homescreen/app drawer.
root. install cyanogen. Obtain FM Radio = win
btate0121 said:
root. install cyanogen. Obtain FM Radio = win
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine last Friday and I rooted just to get rid of the bloatware and for overclock.
The FM radio is a bonus... that's sweet.
Does rooting still void the warranty?
I waited until my warranty had run out with my G1 before I rooted it. Just afraid the phone'll break or so and I wont have any options.
metamet said:
Does rooting still void the warranty?
I waited until my warranty had run out with my G1 before I rooted it. Just afraid the phone'll break or so and I wont have any options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, yes. However, it's pretty easy to flash a stock ROM back on if you break something.
I preordered my G2 after a long, rooted 2 years on the G1. When I first got the G2, I said I wouldn't root because it didn't need it. My G2 did everything the G1 did but much, much faster. Then I got tired of not having full control of my phone. I had apps I would never use running in the background plus numerous other things that I just had no control over. Then, the brilliant developers found root and I haven't looked back.
I have a lot of people with unrooted android devices around me and they are always blown away by what I can do with my G2. For me, rooting turned my smartPHONE into tiny PC that does calls.
I have a guy I work with who just picked up the new nexus. He was showing it to me and commented on the GB light when you hit the bottom of a page. Well he griped that he wanted the overscroll bounce back. I then showed him that with root and cyan, you can have both. He wasn't ammused as he is afraid to root.
I say read up on everything that is involved with rooting and flashing custom bits. When you feel comfy with it. Unlock that bish and make that G2 your own.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Again, I had an S5 and I can easily remove and add toggles. But can't find it on the 6P. I want to add NFC toggle. I'd rather not get an app. I do have "system UI tuner" activated and in there is something looks like a customization menu but I can't get it to actually work.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
E46M3 said:
Again, I had an S5 and I can easily remove and add toggles. But can't find it on the 6P. I want to add NFC toggle. I'd rather not get an app. I do have "system UI tuner" activated and in there is something looks like a customization menu but I can't get it to actually work.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a custom rom and embrace the power of real customization.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
micmars said:
Flash a custom rom and embrace the power of real customization.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the point of getting the 6P if it needs to be rooted? I'm starting to think pure Android is maybe overrated.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
E46M3 said:
What's the point of getting the 6P if it needs to be rooted? I'm starting to think pure Android is maybe overrated.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, perhaps for you it is.
Where, pray tell, does it say that your device needs to be rooted? Did you think that buying a Nexus 6P would simply imbue your phone with whatever feature you decided Google should have, that Samsung did...and the dev community has provided for you, free of charge?
Why stop there? Why not ask for Blink feed? I mean, HTC has it, why didn't Google provide that?
You're on a site devoted to custom roms, rooting, and making more from the stock experience.
So what are the advantages of a pure Android experience? Let's see...
1. Almost all roms built from stock or AOSP will function flawlessly, sans crapware installed by Samsung, LG, HTC, whatever
2. Swiftly unlock, root, etc
3. Go back to stock and still get a better experience than bloated devices from other manufacturers with carrier branding.
You want the toggle, flash a rom. Try a rom like Cataclysm if you want a close-to-stock experience...but it's going to need root if you want those features.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
micmars said:
Well, perhaps for you it is.
Where, pray tell, does it say that your device needs to be rooted? Did you think that buying a Nexus 6P would simply imbue your phone with whatever feature you decided Google should have, that Samsung did...and the dev community has provided for you, free of charge?
Why stop there? Why not ask for Blink feed? I mean, HTC has it, why didn't Google provide that?
You're on a site devoted to custom roms, rooting, and making more from the stock experience.
So what are the advantages of a pure Android experience? Let's see...
1. Almost all roms built from stock or AOSP will function flawlessly, sans crapware installed by Samsung, LG, HTC, whatever
2. Swiftly unlock, root, etc
3. Go back to stock and still get a better experience than bloated devices from other manufacturers with carrier branding.
You want the toggle, flash a rom. Try a rom like Cataclysm if you want a close-to-stock experience...but it's going to need root if you want those features.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously I don't want the unnecessary bloatware from Samsung but I get your point. I should flash a custom ROM to make it more customizable. TBH, I have never rooted my phones and maybe I'm a bit nervous about doing it. Maybe afraid of bricking it. What are some of the advantages of using a custom ROM? I guess I'm a noob in this regard. Thanks!
E46M3 said:
Obviously I don't want the unnecessary bloatware from Samsung but I get your point. I should flash a custom ROM to make it more customizable. TBH, I have never rooted my phones and maybe I'm a bit nervous about doing it. Maybe afraid of bricking it. What are some of the advantages of using a custom ROM? I guess I'm a noob in this regard. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent...yeah, you'd be surprised by the number of folks who have asked this question in their head and didn't have the temerity to simply ask...so good for you. Seriously...I lurked for a bit, and then hit a few of the noob friendly threads and just asked all kinds of crazy stuff. I'm one of those measure 10x, cut once types.
As to the benefits, if you chose to simply root your device and flash zero custom roms, it gives you these benefits...
1. Kill advertising in apps, on your browser, etc
2. The ability to use your device as a portable hotspot without getting into a hard limit from your cellphone provider (don't overdo it, but it's awesome)
3. The ability to put themes on your phone that don't have Google's horrible White UI...I mean, this phone has an amoled display that makes black look as deep black as you'll find, yet Google made all of these ugly white backgrounds. You may find yourself wanting to try all kinds of themes
4. The ability to backup your entire device exactly as it is now, without having to restore so of your apps, etc.
5. The ability to do things like clear all recents using an app like Chainfire offers in the play store, instead of swiping every dang one of them
6. The ability to own your device instead of being stuck with plain vanilla Google
I'm sure there's more, but that's a quick punch list, taking a minimalist perspective.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
micmars said:
Excellent...yeah, you'd be surprised by the number of folks who have asked this question in their head and didn't have the temerity to simply ask...so good for you. Seriously...I lurked for a bit, and then hit a few of the noob friendly threads and just asked all kinds of crazy stuff. I'm one of those measure 10x, cut once types.
As to the benefits, if you chose to simply root your device and flash zero custom roms, it gives you these benefits...
1. Kill advertising in apps, on your browser, etc
2. The ability to use your device as a portable hotspot without getting into a hard limit from your cellphone provider (don't overdo it, but it's awesome)
3. The ability to put themes on your phone that don't have Google's horrible White UI...I mean, this phone has an amoled display that makes black look as deep black as you'll find, yet Google made all of these ugly white backgrounds. You may find yourself wanting to try all kinds of themes
4. The ability to backup your entire device exactly as it is now, without having to restore so of your apps, etc.
5. The ability to do things like clear all recents using an app like Chainfire offers in the play store, instead of swiping every dang one of them
6. The ability to own your device instead of being stuck with plain vanilla Google
I'm sure there's more, but that's a quick punch list, taking a minimalist perspective.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the interest of full disclosure, you should also be aware of the downsides to this stuff. The primary one being that it is very easy to make changes to the system partition that will prevent you from being able to successfully apply OTA updates. Once /system has been modified, you will have to either flash back to stock to accept the OTA or just flash the new build after downloading it from Google. There is also the risk that you will brick your phone, although that risk is VERY low if you can follow instructions. I personally find the benefits to vastly outweigh the drawbacks, but you should at least know that there are some drawbacks, namely the OTA thing. Once you flash a few times and get over the uneasiness of not knowing what you are doing, it is really quite easy and quick.
NPOA556 said:
In the interest of full disclosure, you should also be aware of the downsides to this stuff. The primary one being that it is very easy to make changes to the system partition that will prevent you from being able to successfully apply OTA updates. Once /system has been modified, you will have to either flash back to stock to accept the OTA or just flash the new build after downloading it from Google. There is also the risk that you will brick your phone, although that risk is VERY low if you can follow instructions. I personally find the benefits to vastly outweigh the drawbacks, but you should at least know that there are some drawbacks, namely the OTA thing. Once you flash a few times and get over the uneasiness of not knowing what you are doing, it is really quite easy and quick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, but to split hairs, that's in the interest of thoroughness, since that which you've written is included in the OP of every thread on these forums. Indeed, Google publishes instructions for exactly how to unlock and update your device on their own site.
I think that it's wise to aver that one should learn before doing, and that includes knowing the risks of rooting.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
If you turn on developer options you can customize them a little but not a lot. Meaning adding 1 or 2 more options and disabling a few. Can also turn on battery level on the notification bar.
micmars said:
Excellent...yeah, you'd be surprised by the number of folks who have asked this question in their head and didn't have the temerity to simply ask...so good for you. Seriously...I lurked for a bit, and then hit a few of the noob friendly threads and just asked all kinds of crazy stuff. I'm one of those measure 10x, cut once types.
As to the benefits, if you chose to simply root your device and flash zero custom roms, it gives you these benefits...
1. Kill advertising in apps, on your browser, etc
2. The ability to use your device as a portable hotspot without getting into a hard limit from your cellphone provider (don't overdo it, but it's awesome)
3. The ability to put themes on your phone that don't have Google's horrible White UI...I mean, this phone has an amoled display that makes black look as deep black as you'll find, yet Google made all of these ugly white backgrounds. You may find yourself wanting to try all kinds of themes
4. The ability to backup your entire device exactly as it is now, without having to restore so of your apps, etc.
5. The ability to do things like clear all recents using an app like Chainfire offers in the play store, instead of swiping every dang one of them
6. The ability to own your device instead of being stuck with plain vanilla Google
I'm sure there's more, but that's a quick punch list, taking a minimalist perspective.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm kinda confused, what's zero custom ROMS? meaning no ROMS? Or is that a name of a ROM? I thought rooting a phone means flashing a ROM.
NPOA556 said:
In the interest of full disclosure, you should also be aware of the downsides to this stuff. The primary one being that it is very easy to make changes to the system partition that will prevent you from being able to successfully apply OTA updates. Once /system has been modified, you will have to either flash back to stock to accept the OTA or just flash the new build after downloading it from Google. There is also the risk that you will brick your phone, although that risk is VERY low if you can follow instructions. I personally find the benefits to vastly outweigh the drawbacks, but you should at least know that there are some drawbacks, namely the OTA thing. Once you flash a few times and get over the uneasiness of not knowing what you are doing, it is really quite easy and quick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up!
tnerb123 said:
If you turn on developer options you can customize them a little but not a lot. Meaning adding 1 or 2 more options and disabling a few. Can also turn on battery level on the notification bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did that, and I tried to turn on and off features but it doesn't reflect in actual pulldown. No matter what I turn on or off, everything stays the same in the pulldown menu.
E46M3 said:
I'm kinda confused, what's zero custom ROMS? meaning no ROMS? Or is that a name of a ROM? I thought rooting a phone means flashing a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you look in the Android Development section of these forums, you'll find stock, pre-rooted roms with almost zero features...just root added.
Or, you could just flash the SuperSU zip, and have a completely stock rom and still do all of those things I referenced.
So no, rooting doesn't necessitate you flashing a custom rom.
Some think that stock with root is the very best user experience.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
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 stuck to the stock ROM. MRA58K ended up being my favorite. I just liked having the Marshmallow update before everyone else. It was fun trying out the latest features in Android. It was all new to me.
Now, I've come to the point where I like the features in custom ROMs over stock. I prefer Android to IOS regardless. The damn App drawer is enough to make me never go back. Stock Android is good, but the things that can be achieved with root and/or custom ROMs is so much better. I don't necessarily need to use Android Pay, but it can be achieved with systemless root on stock and some custom ROMs anyway. So I run a custom ROM. I know how to use fastboot and TWRP so I can either flash a new ROM or fastboot flash stuff and call it a day.
So, why do you prefer stock ROMs / Kernels and not having ROOT to custom ROMs? Like, what are your deal breakers that pull you from root / custom ROMs and Kernels to stock Android?
Dopamin3 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 stuck to the stock ROM. MRA58K ended up being my favorite. I just liked having the Marshmallow update before everyone else. It was fun trying out the latest features in Android. It was all new to me.
Now, I've come to the point where I like the features in custom ROMs over stock. I prefer Android to IOS regardless. The damn App drawer is enough to make me never go back. Stock Android is good, but the things that can be achieved with root and/or custom ROMs is so much better. I don't necessarily need to use Android Pay, but it can be achieved with systemless root on stock and some custom ROMs anyway. So I run a custom ROM. I know how to use fastboot and TWRP so I can either flash a new ROM or fastboot flash stuff and call it a day.
So, why do you prefer stock ROMs / Kernels and not having ROOT to custom ROMs? Like, what are your deal breakers that pull you from root / custom ROMs and Kernels to stock Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to root my phone for two reason. 1) I liked stock android over the other skins that LG, Samsung, and the like put on their phones, and 2) I liked to run custom kernels to squeeze every last bit of performance out of my single core phones. Fast forward to 2015. I have a Nexus 6, so I have stock Android out of the box with all the benefits that come with a Nexus phone. Also with modern hardware, a custom kernel really doesn't offer enough of a performance increase for me to warrant adding root and all the things that come with flashing a custom ROM. I used to love to tinker, but now at the end of the day, I just want my phone to work, and stock Android on my Nexus phone does all I want it to do.
as always, with Android, its all about choice.
and, even though stock Android blows away anything on the IBone, the reality is that at least 80% of the users on XDA are using custom roms, or at least rooted.
If you want to stay stock, good for you; if you want to stay stock and rooted, that's even better.
But if you dont know why most folks want to root, then you might be frequenting the wrong web forum..
Dont kid yourself; the VAST MAJORITY of members on XDA come here for custom roms, custom hacks, custom anything and everything..
I already have the Federal Government telling me what is good for me and what will make me happy, I'd rather not have Google do the same with a stock ROM.
I've ran many custom roms, but I'm not on my Nexus 6. I like the stock rom. I'm happy with just root and custom recovery on my stock setup. Device runs great and I get great battery life. I can use the root apps I want and that's enough for me.
Here is a much more important question:
I don't post repeated things in separate threads to keep the forum clean. Why don't you?
Here is your original post on the present thread:
Dopamin3 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 stuck to the stock ROM. MRA58K ended up being my favorite. I just liked having the Marshmallow update before everyone else. It was fun trying out the latest features in Android. It was all new to me.
Now, I've come to the point where I like the features in custom ROMs over stock. I prefer Android to IOS regardless. The damn App drawer is enough to make me never go back. Stock Android is good, but the things that can be achieved with root and/or custom ROMs is so much better. I don't necessarily need to use Android Pay, but it can be achieved with systemless root on stock and some custom ROMs anyway. So I run a custom ROM. I know how to use fastboot and TWRP so I can either flash a new ROM or fastboot flash stuff and call it a day.
So, why do you prefer stock ROMs / Kernels and not having ROOT to custom ROMs? Like, what are your deal breakers that pull you from root / custom ROMs and Kernels to stock Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And here is a substantially identical thread at http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/im-sticking-to-stock-dont-t3383517
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?
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.
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Click to collapse
Am I missing something or is this some kind of joke?
I'm cooking my own, as for how much it is custom, that's another question. Since it's a hobby project for me, and since I code for a living, and have family and kids, I don't even touch the code every weekend.
najoor said:
Here is a much more important question:
I don't post repeated things in separate threads to keep the forum clean. Why don't you?
Here is your original post on the present thread:
And here is a substantially identical thread at http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/im-sticking-to-stock-dont-t3383517
Am I missing something or is this some kind of joke?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I smell a "Spambot"
najoor said:
Here is a much more important question:
I don't post repeated things in separate threads to keep the forum clean. Why don't you?
Here is your original post on the present thread:
And here is a substantially identical thread at http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/im-sticking-to-stock-dont-t3383517
Am I missing something or is this some kind of joke?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LMAO! Dopamin3 is most definitely not me, but I see where his choice of thread title and having the Nexus 6 made you think that. Purely coincidental I assure you. I have one account and this is it.
EDIT: Wait, wtf? I posted before I read the thread. He straight up copy and pasted one of my posts. Just added a little to it. Oh Wow. No wonder.... Still not me though.
Techbyte said:
LMAO! Dopamin3 is most definitely not me, but I see where his choice of thread title and having the Nexus 6 made you think that. Purely coincidental I assure you. I have one account and this is it.
EDIT: Wait, wtf? I posted before I read the thread. He straight up copy and pasted one of my posts. Just added a little to it. Oh Wow. No wonder.... Still not me though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh... right.
Why would anybody do that, especially for something as pointless as THIS?
doitright said:
Uh... right.
Why would anybody do that, especially for something as pointless as THIS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea. Maybe he seen my post and was in a similar situation. First time jumping from iPhone, picked up the Nexus 6 on that Amazon sale. I am sure they sold thousands of them. I could care less to be honest. I just responded because that is not me.
It's been said by others above, but the fact is that the monthly security updates and getting the latest Android (well, maybe not the final release of N, but still), there just isn't as much reason for a custom ROM for me. I use Helium Backup, which works pretty well without root, and backup/restore was one of the few reasons I would root previously.
I have it OEM unlocked, custom recovery, but no root. Things seem to "just work", and I can't be bothered with the idiosyncrasies of running a custom ROM especially on a Nexus phone.
Custom roms since joining XDA, it's what I enjoy and I would miss the "high" otherwise!
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).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.