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...
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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).
Click to expand...
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.

Getting Z2 soon, but really afraid from SONY updates ..

Hey guys
I am going to change my phone and i was going to get XPERIA Z3 but i realized that there is no major difference between Z2 and Z3 that worth the 300$ difference
this phone will be my first phone from sony and the first android phone after 2 iOS years
I was really convinced untill i checked the sony update history .. the phone is at 4.4.4 until now and some people told me it will get the Android L after 1 month and it will not have any major difference .. they told me that sony is the worse company in sending updates to their devices
HTC one m8, motorolla x,g and even the samsung S5 got android L and still no idea about sony
what do you think? i am really worried

First off - the Z2 is a great phone. Its much nicer than the S5 and even the M8 imo.
The Moto G/X got their updates to Lollipop fast because they use a practically Stock version of android, and even then, they (are/were) owned by Google - so naturally they'd get swift updates.
Sony's 5.0.x build is due soon enough, and the Z2/Z3 will be the first to get it from what I've read recently.

If L is your biggest concern for a phone, don't buy it until it's been released for said phone. Then you have nothing to worry about.

geegs8 said:
If L is your biggest concern for a phone, don't buy it until it's been released for said phone. Then you have nothing to worry about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually it is not my biggest concern i am more worried about other problems like self cracking - heat but i depend on luck when getting the phone
btw i am not worry about L .. my worry is the updates after L and sony support for the phone .. i don't like using a powerful outdated phone .. hope you got what i mean .. i told my self I can use CM but even CM hasn't released there CM12 to z2 yet hehe

Bn Waheed said:
. i don't like using a powerful outdated phone .. hope you got what i mean ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand, but updates are something not really in our control. Sony is definitely not the worst company with updates. It's a great phone, I have no regrets randomly buying it as my first android without knowing too much about androids at all. Pretty proud of my choice, actually The dev community here is great so I wouldn't worry about it. I've had no issues with my phone at all. Don't be worried, be excited

Bn Waheed said:
actually it is not my biggest concern i am more worried about other problems like self cracking - heat but i depend on luck when getting the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to rely on luck, a tiny minority of devices have any issues.
Bn Waheed said:
btw i am not worry about L .. my worry is the updates after L and sony support for the phone .. i don't like using a powerful outdated phone .. hope you got what i mean .. i told my self I can use CM but even CM hasn't released there CM12 to z2 yet hehe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most devices haven't seen L yet, and you won't be seeing an official CM12 until after that as they need drivers to be available for camera etc before committing to a stable release, Sony have committed to releasing L for all the Z devices back to original two year old Z phone that's more than most manufacturers have.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app

geegs8 said:
I understand, but updates are something not really in our control. Sony is definitely not the worst company with updates. It's a great phone, I have no regrets randomly buying it as my first android without knowing too much about androids at all. Pretty proud of my choice, actually The dev community here is great so I wouldn't worry about it. I've had no issues with my phone at all. Don't be worried, be excited
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
concerning about dev community i saw some good roms and i heard that i can't root 4.4.4 without unlocking bootloader .. what are the Disadvantages result from unlocking bootloader? i made a search on google but didn't find the answer
thank you man
ghostofcain said:
You don't need to rely on luck, a tiny minority of devices have any issues.
Most devices haven't seen L yet, and you won't be seeing an official CM12 until after that as they need drivers to be available for camera etc before committing to a stable release, Sony have committed to releasing L for all the Z devices back to original two year old Z phone that's more than most manufacturers have.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can understand now .. and knowing that the original Z will be updated made me optimistic .. but what do you thing about that article ? i know there were similar news a year ago .. but if it's true will that affect their support for the phone?

Bn Waheed said:
Hey guys
I am going to change my phone and i was going to get XPERIA Z3 but i realized that there is no major difference between Z2 and Z3 that worth the 300$ difference
this phone will be my first phone from sony and the first android phone after 2 iOS years
I was really convinced untill i checked the sony update history .. the phone is at 4.4.4 until now and some people told me it will get the Android L after 1 month and it will not have any major difference .. they told me that sony is the worse company in sending updates to their devices
HTC one m8, motorolla x,g and even the samsung S5 got android L and still no idea about sony
what do you think? i am really worried
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My brother have S5 and some friends have Note 3 and S4 also, i am only one who updated their devices when new update released.
what i have experience from last 18 months is, Samsung give the update for his devices before one month then sony but their software's have many lags. Sony give update one month late but that software is good for daily use.
When kitkat update released in 2014, i update note 3 to them and users start complaining about the software lags.
same in S4 also.
Now its upto you, that you want a software from samsung before one month then sony with lags, or one month late but good from sony
one thing more sony always change his UI and they look great, while samsung have always same UI which looks not premium.

Sony will get the updates eventually but the said phones will never get 20.7MP camera, clearaudio+, unique design....
Ps: about the software future update concernes; Sony may be late for some updates in their history but the fact that they are the only company who share AOSP code and update their kernels alongside the Nexus devices makes them one of their kind in the Android world. No other company updates kernels, just tune the new software for the old kernel. Considering this, once the phone cut off from the company's update list and ROMs like CM come as the only option for being up-to-date, Sony will shine again with their AOSP sharings and fully open source code (I can understand that they don't wanna share their camera code as they have got many of their softwares stolen in the past). Because the rival phones like HTC One M8, Galaxy S5 and LG G3 comes with many limitations and lack of sources for developers (and even some developer-blocking-software let alone limitations)
Sent from Xperia Z2

Bn Waheed said:
actually it is not my biggest concern i am more worried about other problems like self cracking - heat but i depend on luck when getting the phone
btw i am not worry about L .. my worry is the updates after L and sony support for the phone .. i don't like using a powerful outdated phone .. hope you got what i mean .. i told my self I can use CM but even CM hasn't released there CM12 to z2 yet hehe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I don't think that the self cracking is a widespread problem and that it only affects certain users in certain weather conditions and/or how they look after the phone (care or not, dropping constantly or not etc). I personally haven't experienced the overheating problem (which is said to happen in 4K recording mode (I did 15 mins of recording and when I exited recording the temp was on 60C if I remember correctly)). The only problem I have got with the phone is the off centred back camera (it is about 1-2mm to the top right) but it doesn't affect performance in any way.
Bn Waheed said:
concerning about dev community i saw some good roms and i heard that i can't root 4.4.4 without unlocking bootloader .. what are the Disadvantages result from unlocking bootloader? i made a search on google but didn't find the answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 4.4.4 there is no one click root solution, however it can be rooted while remaining on a locked bootloader. You have to flash the 4.4.2 firmware (this is called downgrading if you didn't already know ) with a program called flashtool. Then you have to root the 4.4.2 firmware and the install [NUT]'s dual recovery. Once you have rooted 4.4.2 and installed the recovery you have to flash a pre-rooted ROM (Niaboc79 has a pure stock pre-rooted ROM and also eXistenZ ROM (the latter is stock based and pre-rooted too)).
Disadvantages:
X-Reality/Super Vivid break
Noise Cancelling headphone algorithm breaks
Some camera algorithms break
Lost warranty
Lost DRM keys (unless the TA backup is made)
Advantages:
Install non-stock based ROM's like AOSP, MC, PacROM, etc.
Install custom kernels
I'm sure there is more advantages and disadvantages. @Envious_Data is a good person to ask about this, have I missed anything?

Correct @gamer649
Advantages and disadvantages of UB
Advantages:
Freedom
Easier to root
Custom kernels
Custom roms (not stock based)
Harder to Brick
Easier to install recovery
Epic mods like Multi-Rom
Disadvantages:
X-Reality Breaks
Lost Warrenty
Lost DRM Keys
Camera Quality (hit and miss, still same for me but worse for a freind)
Evidently less freedom
Noise Canceling works on UB for me but im on a stock firmware (flashed from FTF)
As we know we need to use flashtool to downgrade then we can root and use root to upgrade and keep root

Envious_Data said:
Noise Canceling works on UB for me but im on a stock firmware (flashed from FTF)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I unlocked my bootloader NC broke for me (I walk the same path to work each time I go) and I could hear the cars passing me whereas I couldn't before I unlocked it. However, I didn't reflash the stock ROM so that may have been a potential fix.
I'm still to unlock my bootloader again (because we now have the epic multiROM) cause I don't wanna lose my eXistenZ setup I'll probably cave in soon though.
Also, thanks for confirming what I said.

@Envious_Data So if i unblocked my BL and lost these features and then re blocked it .. will these features work again?
and according to @gamer649 the first thing i need to do when i put my hands on the phone is a TA backup?
Lost DRM keys (unless the TA backup is made)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there any thread has some explanations for these sony stuff? i remember when i had note 2 it was just one click root on any FW

Yeah. There you go
REMEMBER TO UPLOAD BACKUP ON GOOGLE DRIVE, MAIL OR WHAT EVER, WHERE IT CAN BE KEPT SAFE
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598

gamer649 said:
When I unlocked my bootloader NC broke for me (I walk the same path to work each time I go) and I could hear the cars passing me whereas I couldn't before I unlocked it. However, I didn't reflash the stock ROM so that may have been a potential fix.
I'm still to unlock my bootloader again (because we now have the epic multiROM) cause I don't wanna lose my eXistenZ setup I'll probably cave in soon though.
Also, thanks for confirming what I said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well it doesnt work for me unless i flash certain FTFs
So the tiwanese 167 FTF had working Noise Canceling but no other one had
Bn Waheed said:
@Envious_Data So if i unblocked my BL and lost these features and then re blocked it .. will these features work again?
and according to @gamer649 the first thing i need to do when i put my hands on the phone is a TA backup?
is there any thread has some explanations for these sony stuff? i remember when i had note 2 it was just one click root on any FW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, certain apps and services are drm dependant
Unlocking your bootloader wipes your TA where your DRM keys are kept
X-Reality/super vivid and some Xperia Apps such as playstation
Downgrade>root>backup TA> enjoy
Optional > upgrade, unlock bootloader, flash recovery

lgv2800 said:
Yeah. There you go
REMEMBER TO UPLOAD BACKUP ON GOOGLE DRIVE, MAIL OR WHAT EVER, WHERE IT CAN BE KEPT SAFE
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that reminded me with the SHSH stuff for iphone 4 thank you man

Bn Waheed said:
@Envious_Data So if i unblocked my BL and lost these features and then re blocked it .. will these features work again?
and according to @gamer649 the first thing i need to do when i put my hands on the phone is a TA backup?
is there any thread has some explanations for these sony stuff? i remember when i had note 2 it was just one click root on any FW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The simplest way to get the features back is to restore the TA partition (which is the partition what houses all the algorithms to these features and the TA partition gets wiped upon a bootloader unlock and so does the internal storage). Restoring also relocks the bootloader at the same time so make sure you are on fully stock firmware and kernel before restoring the TA partition.
To take a TA partition backup you have to have rooted your phone first so it is worth downgrading. Also, you CANNOT use anybody else's TA backup on your phone as you WILL hard brick it. I'm not sure about any thread what explains this Sony jargon.

Envious_Data said:
Yes, certain apps and services are drm dependant
Unlocking your bootloader wipes your TA where your DRM keys are kept
X-Reality/super vivid and some Xperia Apps such as playstation
Downgrade>root>backup TA> enjoy
Optional > upgrade, unlock bootloader, flash recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great i can understand it now, many thanks
gamer649 said:
The simplest way to get the features back is to restore the TA partition (which is the partition what houses all the algorithms to these features and the TA partition gets wiped upon a bootloader unlock and so does the internal storage). Restoring also relocks the bootloader at the same time so make sure you are on fully stock firmware and kernel before restoring the TA partition.
To take a TA partition backup you have to have rooted your phone first so it is worth downgrading. Also, you CANNOT use anybody else's TA backup on your phone as you WILL hard brick it. I'm not sure about any thread what explains this Sony jargon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you i got the idea now .. so if TA partitions is safe, i am safe
i will back it up as soon as i get the phone

Bn Waheed said:
that reminded me with the SHSH stuff for iphone 4 thank you man
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Like downgrading the iPhone 4 with patched IPSW because the iboot exploit
Bn Waheed said:
great i can understand it now, many thanks
thank you i got the idea now .. so if TA partitions is safe, i am safe
i will back it up as soon as i get the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @gamer649 for explaining it quiet nicely

if you unlock your Bootloader your TA partition is permanently wiped
it will NOT come back if you relock it

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

Bootloader Unlocking Advantages?

I have never unlocked a device bootloader before so I am trying to get a little more knowledgeable on the topic. For this device, other than allowing it to be rooted, what advantages are there to unlocking the bootloader? Does it make the device harder to brick? Obviously it allows the installation of custom ROMS. For those that want to keep it stock, but want to root, is there any advantages to them having an unlocked bootloader? Thanks in advance for any advice.

For myself, its a no brainer. I use the xposed framework for minor tweaks and mods on the stock build. And just as well, I use titanium backup to remove unwanted system apps that come pre installed, and roll back app updates that I don't see fit. Per ex. If an app updates and has ads or removes features, I usually roll it back. Normally I flash a custom ROM and kernel, but this phone performs so well stock, it only needed minor tweaking in my opinion. Just my .02, but I like to be in control of a device I spend my hard earned money on.
If certain basic options were included in stock, I wouldn't even root, as I really don't need it. Its the simple customization and tweaks that make it all worthwhile.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

In my opinion, an unlocked bootloader is awesome. For the fact that in the off chance that something gets corrupted, you can go into fastboot and flash whatever to try and fix it.
And rooting, as well. Because of all the advantages rooting offers.

siralsmooth said:
For myself, its a no brainer. I use the xposed framework for minor tweaks and mods on the stock build. And just as well, I use titanium backup to remove unwanted system apps that come pre installed, and roll back app updates that I don't see fit. Per ex. If an app updates and has ads or removes features, I usually roll it back. Normally I flash a custom ROM and kernel, but this phone performs so well stock, it only needed minor tweaking in my opinion. Just my .02, but I like to be in control of a device I spend my hard earned money on.
If certain basic options were included in stock, I wouldn't even root, as I really don't need it. Its the simple customization and tweaks that make it all worthwhile.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MrPandroid said:
In my opinion, an unlocked bootloader is awesome. For the fact that in the off chance that something gets corrupted, you can go into fastboot and flash whatever to try and fix it.
And rooting, as well. Because of all the advantages rooting offers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree with all of that. Before my Moto X arrived I was running a Galaxy S4 rooted with Hyperdrive ROM. I refused to take the Lollipop update because it would kill root and it was not again attainable, except for King Root. King Root is out of China and I'm not even gonna go there as to why I wouldn't use that. The S4 I had didn't have a bootloader that was unlockable so it was Safestrap Recovery with a root exploit that had me gaining control. It's ridiculous to me that we don't have control of our devices anyway. Verizon is terrible, that's why I bought this phone as it is unlockable and rootable on Lollipop, and it's carrier unlocked. So if Verizon ticks me off too much I can jump ship.

Another thing, if Moto voids your warranty due to bootloader unlock, are most folks going with Square Trade for protection purposes? I know Moto says they will still honor your claim if it's a hardware issue not related to software, but should I trust them?

You can always return the device to stock prior to sending it in. Did that with my nexus 6 for the battery issue. Just play it right, you can always say you were going to but never followed through with it. The bootloader screen tells all. Moto isn't Samsung with the flash counter.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

On my previous devices (mostly nexus's) it's a no-brainer, it allows me to use custom ROMs. But on the MXPE, I like the stock ROM and moto features. But I still unlocked in order to get rid of ads, that alone is worth it for me.

The way I see it, a phone is a pocket sized computer. Do you want to be a user or an admin? As a user, you can only do what the manufacturer has loaded on the phone and what they allow you to update. As an admin, you can install Windows 10 or roll it back to Windows 7 if you want. Want to try Linux? Go install it. The sky is the limit if you're the admin. That's sorta how it is to have an unlocked bootloader on a phone. If you're not comfortable changing anything with your phone or restoring it if something goes wrong, leave the bootloader locked.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

siralsmooth said:
You can always return the device to stock prior to sending it in. Did that with my nexus 6 for the battery issue. Just play it right, you can always say you were going to but never followed through with it. The bootloader screen tells all. Moto isn't Samsung with the flash counter.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to unlock bootloader without going thru Motorola's process to get the unlock key? If not, they've recorded your serial number as unlocked.

All of the above are excellent points, so I won't rehash them, but the first thing that drives me to unlock and root with every phone and tablet I get, is Ads. Nothing bugs me more than popup ads. Unlock- Root -Adaway!
Also, there is a real sick visceral thrill to doing something stupid, bricking your phone and then suppressing panic to find a fix. When that unit boots back up ready to go - it's not better than sex, but it's pretty good.

mnlerer said:
All of the above are excellent points, so I won't rehash them, but the first thing that drives me to unlock and root with every phone and tablet I get, is Ads. Nothing bugs me more than popup ads. Unlock- Root -Adaway!
Also, there is a real sick visceral thrill to doing something stupid, bricking your phone and then suppressing panic to find a fix. When that unit boots back up ready to go - it's not better than sex, but it's pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't take it any longer, it's unlocked, TWRP'ed, and rooted. I feel so much better now! I'm once again in control and have all my apps with data right where they should be.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Welcome to the family. Lol
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

I applaud Moto for allowing this. Had a Sammy Note 3 and had to jump through so many hoops just to get a rom on the thing, sideloading bs and all that and then can't go over a certain update or root is lost, etc. Glad I bought this MXPE and about two days after purchase, rooted and unlocked the BL. Felt great to be back in control. Now whatever comes down the pike I can put on, take off without a hesitation. Great phone....

Sporttster said:
I applaud Moto for allowing this. Had a Sammy Note 3 and had to jump through so many hoops just to get a rom on the thing, sideloading bs and all that and then can't go over a certain update or root is lost, etc. Glad I bought this MXPE and about two days after purchase, rooted and unlocked the BL. Felt great to be back in control. Now whatever comes down the pike I can put on, take off without a hesitation. Great phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you can flash forward as well. There's some info and files in the General section for a fully working MM rom. I'm holding off until someone accomplishes a modified kernel, which will allow it to be rooted.
But yea, I was a die hard Sammy guy up until the S5. It got harder and harder to root and I finally bought a Dev Edition Verizon S5. I wasn't going to fork out $6-800 on a Dev Note 4. And with the S6/N5 and up they took away removable batteries (not a deal breaker) and sd cards, which was the final stray. No removable battery, no sd card, no unlocked bootloader (for Verizon at least) = no Sammy!
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

joshw0000 said:
And you can flash forward as well. There's some info and files in the General section for a fully working MM rom. I'm holding off until someone accomplishes a modified kernel, which will allow it to be rooted.
But yea, I was a die hard Sammy guy up until the S5. It got harder and harder to root and I finally bought a Dev Edition Verizon S5. I wasn't going to fork out $6-800 on a Dev Note 4. And with the S6/N5 and up they took away removable batteries (not a deal breaker) and sd cards, which was the final stray. No removable battery, no sd card, no unlocked bootloader (for Verizon at least) = no Sammy!
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I was a Samsung guy too, until the changes you mentioned. I stuck with my S4 and even that would've lost root if I updated to Lollipop. So I kept rolling with KitKat until I bought the Moto X Pure. Now I'm back to Moto and hoping the next iteration of this device comes with an AMOLED display.

robn30 said:
Yup, I was a Samsung guy too, until the changes you mentioned. I stuck with my S4 and even that would've lost root if I updated to Lollipop. So I kept rolling with KitKat until I bought the Moto X Pure. Now I'm back to Moto and hoping the next iteration of this device comes with an AMOLED display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't be loyal that long lol. I've had almost every phone Verizon offers. The only ones I've been able to use for longer than a month or so are the S5, M8, G3, M9, G4, and now the MXP. I like the Nexus line but I have a 128 gb sd card so even 64gb of internal isn't nearly enough for me to use comfortably.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

To Root or Not Root

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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