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I used to root all my devices, my S2, my note 2, but not my note 3, and here's why.
1. I used to hate TouchWiz, but now with all the new features like air gestures, S pen features, smart stay, IR blaster, etc, and the updated more "Realistic" look to it, i will have no need to switch to AOSP, even if it is smoother, i have 3gb RAM anyways (Oh GOD do I LOVE the 3gb of ram!!)
2. Dam KNOX!! Y U DO DIS!! Y U VOID MY WARRANTY!?
3. I own a Rogers note 3, and a mac. No way to root it yet with a rogers note 3 and a mac
4. I will lose features if i switch to AOSP, and if i switch to another TW custom ROM it would most likely have some bugs that the stock one doesn't have.
5. DAT CAMERA.
6. Bricked phone once, softbricked a couple of times, and let me tell you, first time i bricked, i couldn't sleep for 2 whole nights. And always paranoid when rebooting phone that a bootloop would happen or something.
7. No need to overclock or change kernel, i am more than happy with my high-end device right now thank you very much.
8. Worry-free!!! I will never have to worry again!! Sometimes i think to myself why i always root my phone and mess something up, and always have to heimdall back to stock.
9. I own a GALAXY GEAR!! Switching roms may risk making my gear UN-USABLE!! Which SUCKS!! paid 300+ bucks for this thing!!!
10. I am plenty happy with my phone and don't plan to mess it up anytime soon. I love my stock Note 3, and my Galaxy gear too
Smh. Some of these things you have no idea about.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
SkizzMcNizz said:
Smh. Some of these things you have no idea about.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed...i mean half the stuff he mentions has no bearing on root whatsoever...and to keep
Knox when we don't even have the option to run the encrypted dual boot partition makes no sense. Plus i also have a gear, and its also rooted...i take it he either has never rooted or has no clue what rooting actually does. He mistakes romming with rooting, and makes it seem like rooting is somehow capable of breaking functions like bluetooth???
Not trying to be a jerk, but posting this list is irresponsible and counter to the foundation xda is built upon. Your basically posting this as a justification for not rooting, but why, why not just not root...what's the point of this post at all?
Many noobs or first time rooters will see this and be confused thinking your mistakes and errors that caused the brick, or mixing up root and rom are the norm or cause for concern, and neither are true.
strait up...root does nothing more than "root" level access, or basically full access to your device aallow in you the OPTION to remove apps or customize your device. It in no way breaks bluetooth, or affects your launcher (touchwiz) as is being alluded to.
Mega
This phone is pretty damn powerful even with a ton of bloatwares running in the background. I can see that this might be the reason why some don't feel the need to root and modify their note 3. But if you say avoiding root because you want to keep your phone perfectly functional, then I don't understand the reasoning here. Root doesn't render the phone useless, it is what you do after you root it that bricks or damages it. You can root this phone and keep all the S functions you want, add more stuffs to it and the phone will still be perfectly functioning, but of course it is a personal thing.
I personally rooted this phone, modified a lot of things before I even put the new sim card in and activated it. This phone is pretty powerful by stock, but I like to mess with it, and I usually read up a lot of posts before I do anything crazy, and I always have odin next to me when I do it. So far nothing is damaged and the phone is running xnote with all the S functions running smoothly.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Sounds like someone needs to do a little research that's all.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
One word.
Kingo
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
You will change your mind
If for nothing else then just to remove all the bloat. After I removed all the bloat my ram usage has been around 1gb out 2.xx gb. And my battery life has been GREAT. I get 7 hours+ with about 24+ standby.
Here is my script http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2587899 (if you change your mind
I've been doing this since finding rsd lite was like warez and you had to do hex edits, and rooted day one. I think my phone is more functional and has enough customization to make it as individual as I am. It's your choice to root or not, but I agree with the post above you might give the newer members the wrong idea.
Not sure what value this thread has now that it has been said...nor what it has towards development.
Thread closed.
Hello XDA!
I'm about to purchase a note 4 tomorrow from Wind mobile here in Canada. I would have preferred the nexus 6 but its just not available with wind as of yet.
So my questions regarding the note 4 are:
1) The Note 4 variant would be SM-N910W8, will it allow rooting?
2) Does Samsung allow unlocking the bootloader to install custom roms or is just a root sufficient to do that.
3) I've heard of something called knox, and how it will trigger once you root the note 4. Will this have any adverse effects on app functionality such as tap2pay etc..? I know the warranty will be void, but if something goes wrong with the device its a 50/50 chance of getting it repaired replaced.
4) My reason of preference for the N6 was stock android, is there a ROM currently that is AOSP based?
5) Is there a specific thread i can go to find roms for my variant?
5) Is there a way to return back to a virgin note 4 (unrooted, stock ROM)? And even when that is done, will knox still reflect the trigger as 0x1?
6) Lastly, i havent been much of a fan of samsung because i felt they were pushing out "cheap phones" And i must admit, ever since they came with the metal band with their alpha and note 4. Ive taken a great liking to them. So my question (I do only expect general replies) , How are you guys/girls liking your note 4 so far?
Thanks in advanced!
(P.S sorry if some of the questions are stupid, i researched and dug around as much as i can but couldnt find definitive answers)
Rooting restriction is carrier based. Some carriers lock down from rooting, others dont.
Knox is a one way trip. Once tripped it stays that way. It is effectively a fuse.
Had my N4 for two weeks and am loving it. Came from a rooted S4. Not really missing root that much. Wish I could still turn GPS on and off with Tasker and wish I had better access to the SD card. Not big deals though. There is another thread here about non-rooted solutions to many things people want root for.
Might become more an issue in a couple years if Samsung/Verizon fails to do timely updates.
Best advice to new N4 users is learn to use the S Pen. It is what makes the N4 stand out.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
1. No it doesnt allow rooting. get a 910U - so far it seems the least hassle.
2. no rooting.
3. yes once you try to root your warranty is void. for all purposes assume you will never get root. then again, you dont need root. in fact having no root and knox is much better. you can have a dual personality phone which works very well.
4. irrelevant. if you get the note 4 expect to run factory.
5. no. you cant have root.
6. you need a full case to hold it. its a thin glass panel. ive got an iblason armorbox for it. also would recommend buying the wireless back and wireless chargers. cables are too much of a hassle on this phone.
My recommendation would be little biased towards Samsung given my last four phones were all galaxy. I never had to root Note 3 but I rooted Note 4 in few days of owning it. Google must have thought let's give some punch to Samsung by disabling write access to external SD giving excuse of security as Samsung is the only high end phone manufacturer that still has it. And one of the most used function that was very important to me was copying files off network share to SD which no longer worked. Only for this I rooted.
I buy Note series not for amoled or big screen or good battery life or running AOSPs. I buy for SPen. I snap, print screen, doodle and write catchy text and share, adds that special touch. And that Microsoft One Note supported inking in android, I am loving it even more.
Note 4
Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated!
While it seems most of you use the note 4 for its main purpose of being a multitasking phone. I on the other end just need the good camera, screen and battery. Everything else is gimmicks (for me atleast). However, this opinion of mine could be due to the fact that ive never owned a note before.
I did see some guides of being able to root the SM-N910W8 with CF auto root, as well as a way of bringing devices back to stock as i can see form this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/general/ref-stock-firmware-kernel-modem-recovery-t2920452
Now, is that really the case or is there somehting im not seeing?
you can NEVER bring it back to stock. the efuse blows once you root. Do NOT root a note 4 until youre familiar enough with knox to make the choice
By stock i dont mean resetting the knox fuse. I mean, if I am on a cusotm rom, i can bring it back to stock for warranty purposes (which I know after the knox fuse is blown, is a hit and miss)
So my question still stands, will I be able to root my phone based on the thread i mentioned above and be able to return it to stock afterwards, or is there something im not seeing there.
qwertyman007 said:
Hello XDA!
I'm about to purchase a note 4 tomorrow from Wind mobile here in Canada. I would have preferred the nexus 6 but its just not available with wind as of yet.
So my questions regarding the note 4 are:
1) The Note 4 variant would be SM-N910W8, will it allow rooting?
2) Does Samsung allow unlocking the bootloader to install custom roms or is just a root sufficient to do that.
3) I've heard of something called knox, and how it will trigger once you root the note 4. Will this have any adverse effects on app functionality such as tap2pay etc..? I know the warranty will be void, but if something goes wrong with the device its a 50/50 chance of getting it repaired replaced.
4) My reason of preference for the N6 was stock android, is there a ROM currently that is AOSP based?
5) Is there a specific thread i can go to find roms for my variant?
5) Is there a way to return back to a virgin note 4 (unrooted, stock ROM)? And even when that is done, will knox still reflect the trigger as 0x1?
6) Lastly, i havent been much of a fan of samsung because i felt they were pushing out "cheap phones" And i must admit, ever since they came with the metal band with their alpha and note 4. Ive taken a great liking to them. So my question (I do only expect general replies) , How are you guys/girls liking your note 4 so far?
Thanks in advanced!
(P.S sorry if some of the questions are stupid, i researched and dug around as much as i can but couldnt find definitive answers)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Note 4 with Bell so to answer your questions:
1) Yes. This is true for all Canadian carriers AFAIK.
2,4) Should be sufficient with just a root. I haven't been around for a week so I haven't caught up on new developments yet. I didn't see much in the way of AOSP last I looked.
3) This I can't answer but I know for example there is an XPosed module that will allow applications like GOOD to continue to work even with KNOX tripped/removed.
5) The W8 is similar to the 910T. I'm actually running DynamicKat with the KTNote4 Kernel. When you install DK part of the install script checks if your phone is a 910T or a 910W8 and installs the correct kernel. I had an issue with my initial flash of it bootlooping but I used the Stockish kernel from twistedumbrella that I had flashed when I still running stock rooted and backed up the boot image so I restored that boot image and it booted, then I flashed KTNote4 myself. Check here http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-tmobile/development and here http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-tmobile/orig-development for roms/kernels.
6) Yes you can just flash a stock rom (should be floating around somewhere) but Knox will still be tripped.
7) Overall I'm absolutely loving it. I came from an S3 that I was running CM11 on with KT's kernel (seriously, his kernels are amazing!) and I liked it for a really long time but it started to get really sluggish and it just can't handle multitasking the way I'd like it. I do still notice slow downs, and the phone does still get pretty hot sometimes, but that's the price you pay for multi-tasking. KTs kernel certainly isn't perfected (granted I'm on a build from 2 weeks ago) and sometimes it will randomly reboot and bootloop at the splash screen but once I clear cache it boots right up. Usually only does this once it's been pretty hot for a while. I love the multitasking windows, that's exactly what I want. The one thing that threw me off the most was the DPI. It's a big phone, I don't need everything on it to be gigantic. So I did end up using the XPosed module App Settings to scale the DPI down to 480 from 640. There are a couple quirks when doing that, like the task switcher is smaller (since it was designed for 640 DPI) and there are a couple apps that you have to set back to 640 as well like the camera but you can always fix those as you find them.
I'm a firm believer that Android is a dev's playground. I could not use this phone happily without root. In fact, I rooted it the same night I got it within a couple hours. I bought the phone outright since I would have had to change my plan if I wanted to early upgrade and my plan is too good to do that. Happy modding!
Just use Autoinput. Can trigger GPS.
Sent from my SM-N910F using XDA Free mobile app
I've rooted my last 3 phones, and for the longest time, considered it an essential step in the true Android experience.
But let's be honest, rooting is a bit of a PITA. You risk destroying your warranty, which worries me with a phone that I got on launch day. You have issues with OTA updates. If you load a custom ROM, you're blowing away all your settings each time you load an update. There's more, but I won't keep going.
Of course, there are a LOT of benefits, too. Most of them, however, are ways around annoying little nits that I have, and with this phone, I find fewer of those nits, and far fewer items that are larger than nits. With the improvements in Android and with a good launcher, I can completely hide away all of the annoying Sprint and Samsung apps.
If I rooted this phone, these are the benefits that I think I could realize are: Getting rid of the volume warning (nit), changing my boot animation (nit), Titanium backup (which I don't really need if I'm not constantly loading a new ROM), better ad blocking (nit), the ability to remove unwanted apps (bit of a nit, but it would be beneficial to reclaim the ram and storage space), and probably the biggest - wifi hotspot (which I rarely use, but I will miss if I don't have it).
I'm curious if anyone else thinks this same way about this phone. Are there other serial rooters who are not rooting the S6?
well, first thing I did with my S6 was to load custom recovery and custom ROM
Still on the same boat, don't want to trip knox by installing a custom recovery or custom kernel and not knowing what ping-pong root really does is a little worrisome.
When considering whether to root or not your S6, remember that there is a debloat method which doesn't require root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/general/safe-to-debloat-s6-threads-t3090383.
I agree with OP: as time passes by and Android evolves there are less and less "serious" reasons to root a phone.
Pingpong is pretty safe(warranty wise) and it's easy to reflash your stock rom. I usually never root on first day but now I saw no reason not to.
Having had a rooted phone since the days of cupcake I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I got my Xperia Z2 before it was rootable with a locked bootloader and in those few months I discovered I could live without titanium backup if I wasn't flashing roms left right and centre but I hadn't realised how pervasive ads had become in the mobile world and it was something that really bugged me, as the non-root blocking methods didn't give me much joy, so when root was finally achieved I knew I couldn't live without ad-blocking.
Fast-forward a year and I was holding off the S6 for the precise reason of not being able to root without tripping knox (which given the track record of my S2, S3 & S4 all needing to be repaired under warranty I cannot afford to do), but I ended up getting it thanks to breaking my Z2, with the hope of something like pingpong coming soon enough. This time again I found it painful dealing with the ads again but to add to that there's the frankly rubbish battery in this phone compared with my old Z2, and I was having little joy zapping all the wakelocks until I got root and greenify.
So TLDR, can't live without proper ad-blocking and greenify is essential for the S6 if you actually want to have a reasonable amount of functionality without carrying around a charger.
As for me, I like rooting so I can remove bloat, freezing an app is not the same as removing it and I can't stand ads. Do what you like, I have never had issues with warranties even with knox tripped. I have had the S, S3, S4, and now the S6 and I have never had to use the warranty, which expires after the first year anyway.
ipaq_101 said:
As for me, I like rooting so I can remove bloat, freezing an app is not the same as removing it and I can't stand ads. Do what you like, I have never had issues with warranties even with knox tripped. I have had the S, S3, S4, and now the S6 and I have never had to use the warranty, which expires after the first year anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, Samsung offers 2 years warranty, here in Europe anyway.
I have rooted pretty much every single android phone I have owned and with the superb debloater app I have zero need for root now and unless Samsung do something which is very invasive I cannot see any reason to root in the future,
That and the fact I have heard of stories of ping pong root tripping knox on some devices is worrying.
I rooted every phone which I had on the first day and never had problems with warranty but the phones hasn't knox. My note 3 was rooted too but there wasn't any reason sending to repair.
Now with the s6 I don't need the root.
The Rom is debloated for. There was only Microsoft and Vodafone apps. I use them both so no reason to debloat.
Thread cleaned, please keep it nice and friendly
Whiskey
Forum Moderator
I haven't and wont root this phone. I use adblock browser which gives me a perfect ad free browsing experience. I use zero apps which bombard me with annoying ads I can't ignore, I have plenty of space on my phone, and custom Rom's won't make it faster or more stable or improve battery life so personally there's no point.
I go back and forth with the idea of rooting. Right now, there's no method for my build - so, I want to root. Previously, when there was a method for build - I didn't root. I'm kinda of the similar thought as the OP...is there really a need to root anymore? The majority of the reasons/features we rooted our phones for in the first place are now part of Android. If I do root, it will be to get the maximum benefit out of using Greenify and TB.
I've rooted all my previous android devices and this is the first phone that I don't feel like I need rooting. I did go through the process with PingPong-root so that I could clean up some apps but after I couldn't get OTA's I went and restored it to factory settings. With Nova Launcher and the ability to inactivate most of the apps I don't use I don't see the need of rooting it just yet..
I decided that I couldn't live without rooting. Those "Nits" drive crazy and I like the freedom. But I have pretty much decided to not put any custom Roms on. No matter what I end up with bugs that just aren't on the Stock Rom.
I unrooted a few days ago to fix Google now (I broke it somehow) and am having a hard time redoing it. Other then modding the themes..I can't find another reason. Most of the time I break stuff anyways lol so might be better if I dont!
Sheldor1967 said:
I decided that I couldn't live without rooting. Those "Nits" drive crazy and I like the freedom. But I have pretty much decided to not put any custom Roms on. No matter what I end up with bugs that just aren't on the Stock Rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's the only way I do it. I just root the stock rom and get rid of the ads. Backup my apps with titanium backup. All the usual things that I can't do with a non rooted phone.
With regards,
Beston94
My biggest reason I'd consider rooting is AirAudio -> Airport Express devices.
I need root as I use the automation app tasker an awful lot. I haven't purchased an s6 yet but it is something I am debating. It is between the s6 and N6 but either way I will be rooting whichever I choose
---------- Post added at 04:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:14 PM ----------
Sheldor1967 said:
I decided that I couldn't live without rooting. Those "Nits" drive crazy and I like the freedom. But I have pretty much decided to not put any custom Roms on. No matter what I end up with bugs that just aren't on the Stock Rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which method did you opt for with regards to rooting?
Flashed TWRP and the rooted from there. Knox is tripped - O-Well. I did it before the other methods were available...
I've noticed that root, roms, etc are limited to certain S6 Edge+ models - typically not the G928A. However, I have factory unlocked this phone, and look forward to trying to remove all the AT&T I can... For lack of better words, is there a way to change this device now so it is not only seen as a different model, but can then be rooted and have custom roms installed etc?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using XDA-Developers mobile app
Sadly no bro. I've gone as far as to pay for the package disabler just to see if I could do anything fun with our brand of phone but it's a no go.
No mods, no help.... nothing for the G928A phones. It's the unrootable phone and no one is even trying to develop a root for this phone. You can add a few fun things to it that requires some root but the phone it's like having a fancy paper weight. Kind of sucks, wish a dev would tell us why.
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
ProFragger said:
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely nothing has changed on root (only possible due to ENG kernel) and bootloader unlock (which is not yet possible).
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No idea about all models. For the t-mobile one, please check: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-t3414718
You can use the search feature in xda for finding out
CravingMender9 said:
Absolutely nothing has changed on root (only possible due to ENG kernel) and bootloader unlock (which is not yet possible).
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No idea about all models. For the t-mobile one, please check: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-t3414718
You can use the search feature in xda for finding out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bud, thanks for getting the ball rolling on these questions. If you could add some more information, I'd appreciate it :
If we still don't have a way to Root or Unlock bootloader, how are these ROMs (Echo, Tek, and other stock ROMs) available with root? And how are these flashed? Are we somehow bypassing the BL by using FlashFire?
Can you also educate me on the U Firmware and why people install it and is it reverseable?
Lastly, if I got a T-Mobile variant for example, installed these ROMs Tek, Echo, etc, can I return to Stock completely and return to T-Mobile, by any chance for them to take it back? Thank you again!
for the t mobile variant, I was able to flash the U firmware and flash back to stock t mobile. NOTE: I did not flash the U bootloader. I kept the T mobile bootloader just be sure I could flash back to stock t mobile(APK1). I'm sure this method would work with other carriers as well. so what ever variant you have, make sure you stay on that BL and only flash the U firmware CSC and AP. As for the CP(modem) I would flash your carriers latest CP file. That's what worked best for me with the U firmware. Currently I'm using the latest nougat BETA
Thank you very much for your response, bud. One last follow up question: Since all the US variants are rooting based on the ENG Kernel, is there really a benefit of getting one variant over another, for rooting or etc purposes?
P. S. May I ask why you flashed the U Firmware? What are the advantages of it? ?
ProFragger said:
Thank you very much for your response, bud. One last follow up question: Since all the US variants are rooting based on the ENG Kernel, is there really a benefit of getting one variant over another, for rooting or etc purposes?
P. S. May I ask why you flashed the U Firmware? What are the advantages of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The u firmware basically does not include all of the software that is usually included with the phone. For example.. Tmobile with their software on it, Verizon att etc... Makes the phone a bit snappier especially if you were to root. Even tho I hope for a more stable root still. I am rooted at the moment. Wish they didn't recall the note 7 because the root on that was better
ProFragger said:
Hi Friends,
Hope you're all having a great new year. So last time I was lurking the S7E forums, we had a leaked Engineering Bootloader that was used to acquire root on all US Snapdragon models, albeit, with a lot performance issues and etc.
I came here to glance as well as all other variant forums for the SD model and now we have Root for every model, with even ROMs being baked like the Echo ROM for Verizon, Sprint, AT&T models, usually the toughest to achieve these things on. I'm trying to read through the forums, but I fear I'm missing the details, that will help me pull the trigger for getting the device or not.
Can one of you very experienced, knowledgeable, and kind members educate me on the latest?
1. Do we have unlocked Bootloader and Root for all US carrier S7Es? How is it done? I use people using Flashfire. So no TWRP?
2. Does this process still trip Knox and render Samsung Pay to never be used again on the device?
3. If I bought the Verizon variant, for example, can I root, unlock Bootloader, and etc, and then return to stock, to return to the store in case I don't like the phone?
4. Xposed Framework working for all models?
Much appreciate your responses, any and all of them in advance! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confused. At least, you were.
We do not have an "unlocked Bootloader" and we never did. We had an engineering kernel. That engineering kernel allows certain commands that enabled us to acquire root access. But without that kernel, the system (with the original kernel or boot partition) checks for any changes in the /system partition. If any are found it triggers a bootloop. So basically, if you want root we MUST have the engineering kernel. Unless someone else finds another way that's just the way that it is.
Personally, I unrooted and went back to stock. Root was okay at first but with the lack of development, Samsung Pay and the fact that Android 7+ will probably not be seeing root... well... time to accept the fact that Samsung owns the phone even though we bought it. What else can we do?
nitroevo said:
The u firmware basically does not include all of the software that is usually included with the phone. For example.. Tmobile with their software on it, Verizon att etc... Makes the phone a bit snappier especially if you were to root. Even tho I hope for a more stable root still. I am rooted at the moment. Wish they didn't recall the note 7 because the root on that was better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Binary100100 said:
You're confused. At least, you were.
We do not have an "unlocked Bootloader" and we never did. We had an engineering kernel. That engineering kernel allows certain commands that enabled us to acquire root access. But without that kernel, the system (with the original kernel or boot partition) checks for any changes in the /system partition. If any are found it triggers a bootloop. So basically, if you want root we MUST have the engineering kernel. Unless someone else finds another way that's just the way that it is.
Personally, I unrooted and went back to stock. Root was okay at first but with the lack of development, Samsung Pay and the fact that Android 7+ will probably not be seeing root... well... time to accept the fact that Samsung owns the phone even though we bought it. What else can we do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your helpful responses fellas. I understand root is not perfect, but for some folks like me, Xposed seems to be worth the trouble. For Samsung Pay, I intend to use the Gear S3 one day ?.
Final question, since all US Snapdragon models are using the engineering kernel to root and etc... Is there a benefit of getting one carrier variant, over another? For example, Verizon is usually the cheapest. Is it wise to get that, with the U Firmware, to use on AT&T? Thanks!
ProFragger said:
For Samsung Pay, I intend to use the Gear S3 one day .
Final question, since all US Snapdragon models are using the engineering kernel to root and etc... Is there a benefit of getting one carrier variant, over another? For example, Verizon is usually the cheapest. Is it wise to get that, with the U Firmware, to use on AT&T? Thanks!
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Let me know if that works out for you then.
I just purchased the S2 Classic (on T-Mobile) and use Samsung Pay quite a bit. But I can tell you that it does open Samsung Pay on the phone and if you are rooted, Samsung Pay will not work at all. So I'm not sure if it will work at all for you even with the S3.
In regards to your other inquiry, I haven't tried the U firmware. I read something about data issues, no wifi calling (which is pretty important to me), no hotspot (which is also really important to me) but I heard that it is really fast. Not sure how much of that is still a problem but you should probably read up on it before doing anything first. But the rooting method is all the same between carriers I believe. All require the engineering kernel and breaks Samsung Pay along with a couple of other apps.
Just make back ups, have a stock firmware available to flash with ODIN just in case and remember that it's almost impossible to brick this device (because we don't have an unlocked bootloader.)
Binary100100 said:
Let me know if that works out for you then.
I just purchased the S2 Classic (on T-Mobile) and use Samsung Pay quite a bit. But I can tell you that it does open Samsung Pay on the phone and if you are rooted, Samsung Pay will not work at all. So I'm not sure if it will work at all for you even with the S3.
In regards to your other inquiry, I haven't tried the U firmware. I read something about data issues, no wifi calling (which is pretty important to me), no hotspot (which is also really important to me) but I heard that it is really fast. Not sure how much of that is still a problem but you should probably read up on it before doing anything first. But the rooting method is all the same between carriers I believe. All require the engineering kernel and breaks Samsung Pay along with a couple of other apps.
Just make back ups, have a stock firmware available to flash with ODIN just in case and remember that it's almost impossible to brick this device (because we don't have an unlocked bootloader.)
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Click to collapse
Thank you again for a helpful post. So the S3 has a dedicated MST/NFC chip in it, that allows for Samsung Pay to work from the watch, it's done through the Gear app. That's what I have read.
About the rest of it, again, curious to see if there is one US variant, superior to another in terms of Root capabilities or bands and radios available and etc? Can anyone confirm this for me?
Thanks!
ProFragger said:
Thank you again for a helpful post. So the S3 has a dedicated MST/NFC chip in it, that allows for Samsung Pay to work from the watch, it's done through the Gear app. That's what I have read.
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So does the S2.
When I was setting up the Samsung Pay on my watch it said that it had to download an update.
Then I went through the setup process through my phone which was from the Samsung Pay app.
You go to "Add card" on your watch and it opens Samsung Pay on your phone.
You click "Next" and it displays your Samsung account information.
Then it takes you to a screen that says "Setup complete" telling you that you're ready to use it and at the bottom says "Add card"
You do that all from the Samsung Pay app on your phone which leads me to suspect that if you root your phone, you won't be able to use Samsung Pay on your watch.
People on this thread that you have to set it all up first, remove the Samsung Pay app on the phone but leave it on the watch. If it's all done correctly then it should work. Just make sure you get it all set up first.
Next thing that I'm going to try is using my watch in "Standalone" with my phone out of bluetooth or wifi range. See if that still works.
ProFragger said:
About the rest of it, again, curious to see if there is one US variant, superior to another in terms of Root capabilities or bands and radios available and etc? Can anyone confirm this for me?
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
As far as I know, the U firmware permits use of some other bands that aren't normally used. Not sure which ones though.
Binary100100 said:
So does the S2.
When I was setting up the Samsung Pay on my watch it said that it had to download an update.
Then I went through the setup process through my phone which was from the Samsung Pay app.
You go to "Add card" on your watch and it opens Samsung Pay on your phone.
You click "Next" and it displays your Samsung account information.
Then it takes you to a screen that says "Setup complete" telling you that you're ready to use it and at the bottom says "Add card"
You do that all from the Samsung Pay app on your phone which leads me to suspect that if you root your phone, you won't be able to use Samsung Pay on your watch.
People on this thread that you have to set it all up first, remove the Samsung Pay app on the phone but leave it on the watch. If it's all done correctly then it should work. Just make sure you get it all set up first.
Next thing that I'm going to try is using my watch in "Standalone" with my phone out of bluetooth or wifi range. See if that still works.
As far as I know, the U firmware permits use of some other bands that aren't normally used. Not sure which ones though.
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Thanks for the correction/education on the S2, bud, much appreciated. I wonder if the rooted phone works with the S3, because Samsung has allowed many other non Samsung phones to know work with the S3? But I could be wrong, I thought it was open like that with the S2 as well, no? Looking forward to your testing, hope there is a breakthrough in there! ?
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
xVermicide said:
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
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Or a Exynos S7.
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
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exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
xVermicide said:
if you want root and customizability and roms, just don't get this phone. you will be very disappointed with the performance once you root and it gets so much worse with Xposed. not worth it at all, you will have better performance and speed from a 4 year old phone that has an unlocked bootloader and strong development. I mean my Nexus 5 (from 2012) had better performance than my rooted S7. it sounds like you do want roms, and if you want roms then AOSP/Cyanogenmod is the way to go. there will probably never be any AOSP or CM ROM on the QC S7/E so you're better off getting an older galaxy model that does have a great development community and unlocked bootloader. or just get a OnePlus or Nexus or something.
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Click to collapse
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
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xVermicide said:
exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
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Very helpful inputs guys, thank you! If I were to be honest with myself, I don't want AOSP/CM/Lineage, especially on a Samsung phone, so unlocked bootloader is not a deal breaker for me. However, I think root is cool for me for doing some SystemUI tweaks, Xposed and etc. Exynos was an option I was exploring, but lack of warranty, no Samsung Pay, and the price are enough to keep me at bay. I think I just need to put my big boy pants on and try to use a phone without rooting it. Something I have yet to do in EVER using an Android phone since about 10 years ago, and I have never ever used or bought an iCrap... I mean... an iPhone !
ProFragger said:
Very helpful inputs guys, thank you! If I were to be honest with myself, I don't want AOSP/CM/Lineage, especially on a Samsung phone, so unlocked bootloader is not a deal breaker for me. However, I think root is cool for me for doing some SystemUI tweaks, Xposed and etc. Exynos was an option I was exploring, but lack of warranty, no Samsung Pay, and the price are enough to keep me at bay. I think I just need to put my big boy pants on and try to use a phone without rooting it. Something I have yet to do in EVER using an Android phone since about 10 years ago, and I have never ever used or bought an iCrap... I mean... an iPhone !
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Get a One+ 3T good development and really nice phone if you want root. Root is dead on Samsung phones and so are ROMs.
So by reading thru this thread, I assume having a T-mobile S7E (G935T) rooting is pointless and really not available the way I'm used to it coming from a Note 4. That's kind of a bummer... I've been using Android and have always had ROOT and all the goodies that come with it. And I recently starting really enjoying my Note 4 with all the cool development in Note 7 ported roms oh well... I wonder if the S7E is enough of an upgrade to keep my interest as stock?
I see there is a G935U firmware, but that seems a bit hit and miss? But I'm just starting to read up on all this... :good:
ShrekOpher said:
Get a One+ 3T good development and really nice phone if you want root. Root is dead on Samsung phones and so are ROMs.
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Believe me bud, if Oneplus 5 or even 3T had an SD Card, I'd already have that phone, but thanks for your wisdom !
Araltd said:
So by reading thru this thread, I assume having a T-mobile S7E (G935T) rooting is pointless and really not available the way I'm used to it coming from a Note 4. That's kind of a bummer... I've been using Android and have always had ROOT and all the goodies that come with it. And I recently starting really enjoying my Note 4 with all the cool development in Note 7 ported roms oh well... I wonder if the S7E is enough of an upgrade to keep my interest as stock?
I see there is a G935U firmware, but that seems a bit hit and miss? But I'm just starting to read up on all this... :good:
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You and I both man... The last few years, I have lived off the mercy of T-Mobile and their BLs being unlocked. But Samsung sure done them all in ! Even the International unlocked ones disable Samsung Pay (forever, mind you!) if Knox is tripped, which I believe it is, when rooted and TWRP'd.
As I understand it,
Android pay / Samsung pay is why they frown on rooting now. I can understand it, though I don't agree with it.
The first time someone's financial information is compromised, and they've ever used one of the "pay" methods, on a rooted device the pr nightmare that would ensue would make the note 7 fiasco look like child's play.
"Samsung unsecured device compromises persons credit card information today, while Apple is still secure" I can see the headline.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7E