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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.

And They Wonder Why G4 Sales Suck...

LG says no plans for G4 Android 5.1.1 update at the moment
Are we going directly to Android M? When I had my G3 we had the same issue, no 5.1.1
Given all of the issues with Lollipop, this may be a blessing in disguise but
the negative publicity from this may further impact the already poor sales.

Actually
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?

fpsq said:
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are no where unless someone's keeping it hush hush. I check daily too.

The xda and tweak people are just s handfull of users ... Most buyers are regular and they don't even know xda .... If you want a phone that get every update then buy a Google phone, or a iphone. If you want a unlocked bootloader now then buy a Samsung. If you don't want those phones , then stop whining and buy a G4 or any other phone with Android on it instead of complaining. Sales are not depending on if a bootloader is unlocked or not !
Verstuurd vanaf mijn LG-H815 met Tapatalk

fpsq said:
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...

dontpannic said:
... but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
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Really? [emoji58]
Sent from my G4 whilst wishing for root

dontpannic said:
but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
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Click to collapse
Ads. Mothereffin' ads everywhere. In apps, in web pages, on YouTube. Blocking ads alone is worth gold.

Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!

dontpannic said:
Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
GravityBox is a HUGE one. It controls the look and behavior of everything on your phone.
Downloads2SD for remapping hardcoded folders like Downloads from internal storage to the SD card.
DisableFlagSecure for taking screenshots in apps that forbid it.
XHangouts for configuring image quality and other things in Hangouts.
NotifyClean for suppressing annoying system notifications that cannot normally be disabled.
The list can go on, I'm sure others use a lot more than this.

I am also missing a few features that I can only use with root. AdAway, AirAudio to stream my sound to other devices, etc...

siraltus said:
Really?
GravityBox is a HUGE one. It controls the look and behavior of everything on your phone.
Downloads2SD for remapping hardcoded folders like Downloads from internal storage to the SD card.
DisableFlagSecure for taking screenshots in apps that forbid it.
XHangouts for configuring image quality and other things in Hangouts.
NotifyClean for suppressing annoying system notifications that cannot normally be disabled.
The list can go on, I'm sure others use a lot more than this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyones usage is different remember - I just want to use a phone and from previous experience with my S4 introducing xposed to it turned it into a buggy mess, I don't want that happening to this phone.

dontpannic said:
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
99% agree with you there. I got this device for the ability it has without any root/unlock. Fully agree that Xposed has never done anything good for me in my experiences...usually end up having bugs and ending up factory resetting rom I'm on.
Also confused as to why people expect that the G4 would already be unlocked or rooted. This device has been out for just over 3 weeks, fellas. Sure, there are other manufacturers (HTC which I LOVE save for their inability to understand that a good camera is a requirement in 2015) that are able to be unlocked like 30 seconds after you open the box. LG is NOT that way. The G3 was a pain in the butt last year for this from what I understand and this device is running a newer processor and supposedly more secure version of android.
In the end, I would like to have root, so I can get rid of the T-Mobile stuff...and yeah, while I can DISABLE it, that doesn't get rid of it, it's just lying dormant...I still have a disabled app taking up space on my device.

siraltus said:
Ads. Mothereffin' ads everywhere. In apps, in web pages, on YouTube. Blocking ads alone is worth gold.
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Click to collapse
Yes this times 1000. Plus getting rid of bloat (although the LG does not have nearly as much as my Samsung devices had) plus I really want to be able to use Titanium Backup again.

Also...Not sure why everyone is so set on being on the latest version of Android at all times. I learned my lesson on that the hard way. Last device I was on was the Note 4. We were extremely irritated that we were getting Lollipop so late compared to all the other Sammy devices. Boy was I wrong to wish for it. It came with more bugs than new features, most of which made the device nearly unusable to me, resulting in my spending $280 to get the device half paid off so I could JUMP to the G4.
Rather than rolling out a new version of Android, I'm sure many users would prefer that LG work on the number of bugs that some users have experienced thusfar. That being said, 5.1 seems to be doing me pretty well for this device for me

A free wifi tethering method would be nice to have again.

I don't see the link between 5.1.1 and bad sales. If someone refused to get G4 because they won't update it to 5.1.1, I find this hilarious. 5.1.1 is a maintenance update, nothing major as I am aware, so LG can include the most important fixes from the latest available android version through OTA update, and there is no need to show you the latest android build number. 5.1 can include everything 5.1.1 got.

dontpannic said:
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you even used Xposed recently? Root itself is fantastic, and does not harm usability. You can use apps like Greenify and Titanium Backup to remove apps and improve battery life, modify the tethering provisioning check to use the hotspot, etc. I also use Xposed on 5.1.1 and on 5.0, 4.4, etc., and I don't have any issues at all. the 10+ modules I use never have problems.
I'm keeping my rooted G3 until we can root the G4, as I need root in some form or another.

dontpannic said:
Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!
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Click to collapse
The phone is is great all on its own but I am looking forward to no ads and a tweaked Rom to hopefully get rid of the awful lagging and missed touch issues

Give the devs time. There's a lot of money pledged in the bounty board which should attract some top devs, so short of JesusFreke coming out of retirement I doubt it'll be in the next month.

Actually revisited
fpsq said:
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you purchase the open EUR H815 handset, you can officially unlock the bootloader through LG's Dev website, and from there install TWPR and flash SuperSU for root.
This method is not (yet?) available to other models, however.
You're correct that there are currently no unofficial methods to unlock the bootloader or root the device, yet.

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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Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.

Unimpressive support for our G4 (where is the love?)

I know everyone here have the same sentiments, coming from Xperia Neo and Samsung S4, custom roms and kernels are everywhere you'll be hard press on choosing which one you'll flash. Heck you can flash at your hearts content. Even my Lenovo K860 have support but looking at 6 months after our G4 has been release few support for custom roms and kernel can be seen. We've even struggling to unlock our bootloaders, comparing to the recently released Nexus 6P maaaan their threads are flouring with development that made me think I have chosen the wrong flagship. Praying that maybe next year things will change, the promise of LG for more unlocked device will see its fruition.

i love this phone over my s4 and s6, BUT, and thats a big but, the missed touches is infuriating and i cant recommended it at all cause of it.

Simply i feel boring with G4. It's prefect phone but android without root or unlocked bootloader ! This jail. No blocks ad no customs roms no etc... Some time i thinking i take the wrong choice ?
Sent from my LG-H818 using Tapatalk

yes...
i'm very frustrating with this phone because it's impossible to update to MM and root with locked bootloader .... :crying:
it's horrible ,i'm disapointed ... :crying:
A MM succesfuly flashed is better than LP ....with his auto-grenify optimisations ,privacyguard....etc..and have more battery life and more touchscreen responsive...etc...
Android 6 is a good update of 5 ...but near the same thing of base.
.but i need root .
And LG firmwares are very good compared to Samsung for example...
but for customs ,in the past with GB/JB/KK ,i loved them....but i don't like at all CM politics of development with "eternal" nightlies developments with theirs too much merged ,revert parts...and when when they fix things there are other(s) bug(s)...and recursings bugs....
It's a complete regession too,with his known photo/videos apps and others compared to stock for hights devices like G4/S6/XperiaZ ...etc...
And for the future : with MM and news bootloaders more and more securised (due to "bad" criminals hackers ) ,if manufacturers will decide to don't unlock theirs devices ===> it's the end of the story of all developments ...obscur future
Now ,it seem that Chainfire and others completely fail to root these news locked devices...total unsucces at this time.... and that feel bad omen.

Why does it need support? I run stock and all parts of my phone work just fine.
Zero issues. Works as LG/Google intended.
You guys are just trying too hard. Maybe just try using your smartphone as it was intended? Seriously some of you are over analysing this and spending too much effort on it.
Just relax. It's all good.

I think this is complaining on a very high level. Things appear to be working fine out of the box. I don't understand why you would complain about not enough "modding".
And maybe you should've checked the threads on the android forums before you bought the G4, whose development seems to be so important to you. So why you didn't do that in the first place?
I'd recommend doing a few searches and information gathering before you buy a ~500€ phone, if development is such a big thing for you

daglesj said:
Why does it need support? I run stock and all parts of my phone work just fine.
Zero issues. Works as LG/Google intended.
You guys are just trying too hard. Maybe just try using your smartphone as it was intended? Seriously some of you are over analysing this and spending too much effort on it.
Just relax. It's all good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed
I'm stock but rooted, I love this phone, it's smooth, snappy, the screen is absolutely amazing.
These days I will only flash a quality ROM, not just any old ROM simply because it exists, those days are behind me. If that's what people want then yes, they should have bought a Nexus device, as that's kind of it's main reason for being!
I will admit the bootloader situation is not good for a large proportion of users, and that may be the top reason why it isn't being taken up by many devs. Claiming it voids the warranty is misplaced as isn't that the case with every major manufacturer ? The exceptions being Nexus devices and cheap Chinese handsets (and good luck with warranty in that case anyway!)

Tbh if I want a phone that just works I would rather buy an iPhone.
If this is everything you need then YOU have bought the wrong phone.
Btw. whats wrong with the development?
There is an working offical CM13 Version with daylie updates. And even some modded CM Versions.
We have an outstanding offical CM Developer who is fixing bugs as soon as they appear.
And modded stock Roms.
LG offers an official bootloader unlock and will (as stated a lot in the forums) repair hardware failures regardless of it.
So grab your balls, unlock and enjoy.
I did and do not regret.
And blame LG for the devices that can't be unlocked but not the community or development.
I'm coming from S4 and believe me that was pure pain.
Btw. googy_anas joined the community so expect custom Kernels soon.

Cozmos23 said:
LG offers an official bootloader unlock and will (as stated a lot in the forums) repair hardware failures regardless of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, well if that was indeed the case then i'd be particularly interested in doing a bootloader unlock and flashing CM13. Perhaps a dumb question, but how do LG know whether the bootloader has been unlocked? When i had the original 2013 Moto G, unlocking the bootloader produced this horrible warning screen at startup, is it something similar on the G4?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

Cozmos23 said:
So grab your balls, unlock and enjoy.
I did and do not regret.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen brother
P650SE said:
unlocking the bootloader produced this horrible warning screen at startup, is it something similar on the G4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, on bootloader it says:
Code:
---------------------------------------
Bootloader State: Bootloader Unlocked!
---------------------------------------
Overlayed on top left in terminal font

Yeh there is a message at boot on the upper left corner.

yes...it's sure that you have reason
This G4 is fantastic too ,yes...
For me ,i just want to root this MM ...
But for to unlock a bootloader ,it's a own choice of persons and we have nothing to say about that...
The real question is : what are LG laws about warranty exactly ? like root, the hardware is not affected by this warranty or the phone is considered as "lost" in case of problem ?

andypiznti said:
i love this phone over my s4 and s6, BUT, and thats a big but, the missed touches is infuriating and i cant recommended it at all cause of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Scout around the forum and flash the latest KDZ for your region. That fixed my H815 twn of all the lag and missed touches.
Follow_and_Feel said:
I think this is complaining on a very high level. Things appear to be working fine out of the box. I don't understand why you would complain about not enough "modding".
And maybe you should've checked the threads on the android forums before you bought the G4, whose development seems to be so important to you. So why you didn't do that in the first place?
I'd recommend doing a few searches and information gathering before you buy a ~500€ phone, if development is such a big thing for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As @P650SE said I would have bought an iPhone if out of the box experience were my sole reason in buying a phone. I agree that it's somewhat my fault in not looking first at the forum before I purchased my G4 but I saw the thing and it just struck me as my soul mate. It's just feel that the phone is specially made just for you. I missed the old days when few phones would come out and the support for those phones were superb. I love my G4 no doubt but looking at Nexus 6P thread got me jealous , oh also if you'll looked at LG V10 thread same goes for the people there few support vs the 6P. I'm not a dev or modder my self, I'm a flash addict you can say so forgive me if I offended you. I assume to much buying a flagship from LG maybe a nexus for me after 2 years

i feel it comes from the fact that lg locked up them selves so hard that people who dont have the int version just wont work had for it.
this is were the lg g4 falls.
i dont understand why the lg g4 oem camera can not be moved as is to a cm based

innocence07 said:
Scout around the forum and flash the latest KDZ for your region. That fixed my H815 twn of all the lag and missed touches.
As @P650SE said I would have bought an iPhone if out of the box experience were my sole reason in buying a phone. I agree that it's somewhat my fault in not looking first at the forum before I purchased my G4 but I saw the thing and it just struck me as my soul mate. It's just feel that the phone is specially made just for you. I missed the old days when few phones would come out and the support for those phones were superb. I love my G4 no doubt but looking at Nexus 6P thread got me jealous , oh also if you'll looked at LG V10 thread same goes for the people there few support vs the 6P. I'm not a dev or modder my self, I'm a flash addict you can say so forgive me if I offended you. I assume to much buying a flagship from LG maybe a nexus for me after 2 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense here, bro. Everything cool. I can somehow understand what you're talking about. Still I think that this phone is awesome as it is out of the box. Actually you don't need to mod it, but I'm a flashaholic myself and I have no doubts, that development is kinda lame compared to other devices.
But you can't compare it to a Nexus 6P or 5X, since these are original android phones and, with that in mind, they surely have the most developers and most development out there.
It's like comparing the development of a VW Golf to a Mercedes Benz (Not talking about the expense, but about interested people, market shares etc.) and, not at least, developing for an original android phone might be easier and more worthy for developers (I'm not a developer myself, just guessing).
So don't be dissapointed. I think what's going on in the G4 threads is still enough for any person who likes to mod.
At least for h815 version. If you don't have the international model, ok, you're f**ked :laugh:

i think that we all have found this "love" ...

overflamed said:
i feel it comes from the fact that lg locked up them selves so hard that people who dont have the int version just wont work had for it.
this is were the lg g4 falls.
i dont understand why the lg g4 oem camera can not be moved as is to a cm based
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same reason why most LG apps or apps from other manufacturers cannot be easyly ported. They are locked into the framework.
Afaik codeworkx said that it has to be reverse engineered which he tryed but its impossible for him to do that.
Thats why he modded the open camera instead.
We could start a bounty maybe it will attrackt some people who can do that.

it's completely useless to tweak and search to "optimise" phones with all olds tricks (external build.prop ,zip and others...) ,it's persistent in the mind of some peoples..
it was true at the begining with E/F/GB/JB systems but now the modern android versions really already have best evolutions inside....and phones are very very powerful.
I have tried things with KK but i NEVER see REAL difference ...(placebo effects ? )but in some cases it's the opposite (laggs,drains, buggs...)
Now for "geeks" like ours ,,some people continue to be fan of customs (for the style)....and others (more and more peoples in this case ! ) just want to root ...and some of these ones for xposed .
And we all represent a very big minority of phones users because generaly the consumers but a devise and normaly "just" use it without changes...a phone correctly do calls, sms ,web ,social , some games ...without all that .

Cozmos23 said:
The same reason why most LG apps or apps from other manufacturers cannot be easyly ported. They are locked into the framework.
Afaik codeworkx said that it has to be reverse engineered which he tryed but its impossible for him to do that.
Thats why he modded the open camera instead.
We could start a bounty maybe it will attrackt some people who can do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think all custom rom users will join

Pixel 2: To root is moot...?

I've been reading posts on this forum for some weeks now and have a question/discussion of sorts I'm hoping relevant users can reason out for me.
A substantial segment of Google Nexus/Pixel users are people who hate bloatware and OEM skins. That's fair enough. What I don't quite understand however, is why some/many of these users seek to root the Google products and install custom mods.
By that standard, what exactly is wrong with using any random OEM phone if the things that are so undesirable can be removed via root anyway? For example if one criticizes Samsung for TouchWiz/Samsung Experience, why not remove it with a custom rom? It's like the real problem is the name Samsung itself.
I'm not opening this line of inquiry to try and insult anyone for reference, rather I'd like to understand the thinking behind (my) confusion. At face value however, it kind of seems like there are people who absolutely must have a Google device because Google "made" it, not because they actually want Google's Android experience.

TokyoGuy said:
I've been reading posts on this forum for some weeks now and have a question/discussion of sorts I'm hoping relevant users can reason out for me.
A substantial segment of Google Nexus/Pixel users are people who hate bloatware and OEM skins. That's fair enough. What I don't quite understand however, is why some/many of these users seek to root the Google products and install custom mods.
By that standard, what exactly is wrong with using any random OEM phone if the things that are so undesirable can be removed via root anyway? For example if one criticizes Samsung for TouchWiz/Samsung Experience, why not remove it with a custom rom? It's like the real problem is the name Samsung itself.
I'm not opening this line of inquiry to try and insult anyone for reference, rather I'd like to understand the thinking behind (my) confusion. At face value however, it kind of seems like there are people who absolutely must have a Google device because Google "made" it, not because they actually want Google's Android experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's easier to root a pixel/Google device over a Samsung device. If you get the SD variant and root it you lose Sammy pay permanently, not to mention battery is capped at 80%. Most phone companies deny warranty for root, Google doesn't. (Think one plus doesn't either). Another bonus is if one day I'm tired of rooting my 2 xl I can just get the latest Android version. That's not the same with most other phones after a year.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Another thing is the custom ROM support. Google actually releases sources that are able to be used by developers to make custom ROMs, where as Samsung doesn't release/release the most up-todate sources. Leaves developers with nothing to work with.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I can only speak for myself but my routine with every new phone includes these and others I'm forgetting in no particular order...
Root, TWRP, custom kernel, custom Rom, theme, viper, titanium backup, change to default Wi-Fi calling. Lux, others.
Some of the features i desire:
Full strength vibration
Unlock phone with fingerprint after reboot
Kill wakelocks
Center clock
Complete nandroid backups
Backing up apps with data in TBU
Removing camera sound (available stock now)
Advanced reboot menu
Color profiles
I definitely see rooting as a necessity for me.

Viper4android is a must for me so I root.

ADDS!....ADDS!....ADDS!
Fonts
TiBu
KCAL
V4A
Kernel control
Wake locks
Just because I can
Oh....and ADDS!
That's why I root :good:

I use Root for many of the above! It's a XDA addiction!!

Most us phones now come locked tighter than a virgin. The bootloaders use to be unlockable with most carriers unfortunately that is not the case anymore. I will never buy another Samsung phone as long as I live because of the bootloaders being locked. Google phones are easily unlockable as they are geared towards developers and it makes things easier for them having root.

I've been away from Samsung for a few years now. I guess Safe-strap is no more?? Man there was some mad skills on the S5 verizon forum. Lol

CyberpodS2 said:
I've been away from Samsung for a few years now. I guess Safe-strap is no more?? Man there was some mad skills on the S5 verizon forum. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safe-Strap was flippin awesome on the S5! I still have mine as a backup with all kinds of good stuff on that bad boy. Thanks for the memory! :good:

TokyoGuy said:
I've been reading posts on this forum for some weeks now and have a question/discussion of sorts I'm hoping relevant users can reason out for me.
A substantial segment of Google Nexus/Pixel users are people who hate bloatware and OEM skins. That's fair enough. What I don't quite understand however, is why some/many of these users seek to root the Google products and install custom mods.
By that standard, what exactly is wrong with using any random OEM phone if the things that are so undesirable can be removed via root anyway? For example if one criticizes Samsung for TouchWiz/Samsung Experience, why not remove it with a custom rom? It's like the real problem is the name Samsung itself.
I'm not opening this line of inquiry to try and insult anyone for reference, rather I'd like to understand the thinking behind (my) confusion. At face value however, it kind of seems like there are people who absolutely must have a Google device because Google "made" it, not because they actually want Google's Android experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting a google device does not void the warranty.

TokyoGuy said:
I've been reading posts on this forum for some weeks now and have a question/discussion of sorts I'm hoping relevant users can reason out for me.
A substantial segment of Google Nexus/Pixel users are people who hate bloatware and OEM skins. That's fair enough. What I don't quite understand however, is why some/many of these users seek to root the Google products and install custom mods.
By that standard, what exactly is wrong with using any random OEM phone if the things that are so undesirable can be removed via root anyway? For example if one criticizes Samsung for TouchWiz/Samsung Experience, why not remove it with a custom rom? It's like the real problem is the name Samsung itself.
I'm not opening this line of inquiry to try and insult anyone for reference, rather I'd like to understand the thinking behind (my) confusion. At face value however, it kind of seems like there are people who absolutely must have a Google device because Google "made" it, not because they actually want Google's Android experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I don't want to have to fight with questionable hacks to unlock the bootloader, and I don't want to have to depend on someone else (who probably doesn't know what they're doing) to help out with writing the software that isn't being provided as AOSP needed to make the device fully functional.
I want a no-hacks UNLOCKED device that is PROPERLY supported by AOSP. No 2-bit mickey mouse code that crashes and randomly reboots.

Who the hell wants to pay for a device to have it come loaded with crap you never asked for or wanted??? Not me. Who wants to run these heavily modified launchers with extensive frameworks that slow down your device??? If you pay for something shouldn't you have full control of said item??? The bloatware over the years has become unbearable and the storage usage keeps increasing year by year it's insane that you cannot uninstall Facebook without root on 95% of these devices. I don't care 1 single bit about Facebook and most of the other crapware they attempt to push upon us. Google gives you options for a pure AOSP experience. I am glad I stuck with the pixel I almost passed it up because of poor customer service from Google but this device is everything I want and need. Fastboot is essential to me. I went from the s6 edge with an unlocked bootloader to the S7 edge and that absolutely sucked. The only option was package disabler or using the engineer bootloader to obtain root. It sucked so bad the kernel would chew right through the battery in no time flat I had no choice but to roll back to stock and disable things. I cannot imagine going back to that it was terrible. The thing that burns my bridge is the US variants only came without an unlock method the international variants we're easily unlockable. I will never buy another Samsung phone ever they suck.