Is this phone for trying new ROMs and how easy is rooting for this phone? - Moto G5 Plus Questions & Answers

Hello i am considering this phone to buy on amazon india prime sale today.
So my questions to you guys are:
how is the community support here? I need a phone in which i can experiment and try new things.
How easy is to root this phone?
Also timely update from moto is anothre question? How often fast is moto giving updates?
Any other advice would you like to give me ?

1) In the US, Amazon sells 2 versions, a normal version, and a with ads version. The with ads version can't be rooted or flash Roms, so pay the extra and get the non ads version
2) there is a toolkit that someone made to root it easy. If you want to do it manually, it's just a few commands from your computer while the phone is in fastboot, nothing too complicated.
3) if you use custom Roms, Moto updates don't matter. If you stay on stock, assuming you don't buy the cheaper with ads version, Moto seems to be releasing updates to you guys within a month or two of the security patch. Not horrible, in my opinion. If you get a custom room like Lineage, you are ALWAYS on the latest patch!
4) it's a great phone. I really like mine a lot. No complaints here, other than a few odd software things, all of which were solved with updates or custom Roms. If you end up buying, get the bugger phone. In the us we have a 4gb and a 2gb version, I believe you guys in India have a 2gb and 3gb? Either way, spring for the higher ram version, it's worth the extra cash!

Thank you for taking time and answering me that sums it up. The only thing left now is if i am buying amazon ads version. I will contact amazon since i am not able to find it out on product page. Thanks.

Related

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.

All things root and Bootloader?

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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.)
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or a Exynos S7.
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Binary100100 said:
Or a Exynos S7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xVermicide said:
exactly this. except for some reason I thought exynos variants are lacking certain bands/features on American networks. could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

Worth it

Hi i'm thinking of getting the Verizon S8 during the black friday sale, my question is:
1. From people who own it is it generally a good phone and are y'all happy with it?
2. I saw the thread about rooting the US. Snapdragon version i'd like to know if there's anything different/would stop me from rooting since ill be getting it on Verizon? PS. ill be activating it on Verizon but buying it at BestBuy in case that makes a difference.
Thanks for your help
kelu1997 said:
Hi i'm thinking of getting the Verizon S8 during the black friday sale, my question is:
1. From people who own it is it generally a good phone and are y'all happy with it?
2. I saw the thread about rooting the US. Snapdragon version i'd like to know if there's anything different/would stop me from rooting since ill be getting it on Verizon? PS. ill be activating it on Verizon but buying it at BestBuy in case that makes a difference.
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally knowing what I know now I'd be looking at a different phone. These things are carrier owned locked bootloader with no unlock on the horizon. The root method sucks with it being so long and complicated, reminds of the Sony Xperia days. Plus you lose 20% battery and there's no fix because locked bootloader. The list can go on but why bother I think you'll get the point. Have fun
I would suggest you OnePlus 5T if you want root, custom roms ecc. But if you want a freaking georgous screen that stretches at it's maximum, a great camera, and overall great build and design I would suggest S8. I have not rooted it yet, and personally I don't find the need to do it. Regarding the looks I can change through substratum or through custom themes(which just install as a normal apk but change even the notification bar). As far as speed goes it is pretty good, been using it for 5months and never noticed a big lag that bothered me.
kelu1997 said:
Hi i'm thinking of getting the Verizon S8 during the black friday sale, my question is:
1. From people who own it is it generally a good phone and are y'all happy with it?
2. I saw the thread about rooting the US. Snapdragon version i'd like to know if there's anything different/would stop me from rooting since ill be getting it on Verizon? PS. ill be activating it on Verizon but buying it at BestBuy in case that makes a difference.
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a great phone, with an amazing screen, it´s super fast, has good batterylife and a great camera. All of it even with a stock Samsung ROM.
That said, if you are used to rooting your phones and installing different Custom ROMs and Mods, maybe the US S8 isn´t right for you. It´s a real hassle to root and it can only be charged to 80% after root. The ROM and Mod development is very slowly picking up with Flashfire, although I´m confident we will see some more ROMs in the future, since the installbase is quite big.
So, the Phone is great on it´s own, but I personally wouldn´t buy the US Version, if I would want to use Custom ROMs or Mods.
As everybody said its a great phone as it is . No need for root and custom roms . But if you are really into these things then don't buy it from any carrier .

Root only/ keep stock bootloader

I've been reading the various rooting threads for a couple of days and overall the process seems pretty complicated with many different Nokia 6 versions, and different tools to use, etc.
Is there a way to get root with just the stock bootloader? I only want to do a few sudo operations once in a while, not flash any ROMs. Is this possible somehow? I'm using TA-1003 with 8.0.0 + April security update.
Thanks
leekohlbradley said:
I've been reading the various rooting threads for a couple of days and overall the process seems pretty complicated with many different Nokia 6 versions, and different tools to use, etc.
Is there a way to get root with just the stock bootloader? I only want to do a few sudo operations once in a while, not flash any ROMs. Is this possible somehow? I'm using TA-1003 with 8.0.0 + April security update.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best bet is to return the phone. Nokia has made a really, really bad bet by locking the boot loader. I think that by getting burnt by windows, they decided to jump back into the frying pan again. They don't understand what "OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE" is. If they had a clue, they would not lock the boot loader. I returned mine because there will not be any active development or roms. I wanted the phone so I could root it, like you, and then unlock the sound features from the sound chip. So, don't bother rooting the phone, just return it or keep it stock.
In a year or two, Nokia will flop or get the idea that they want active development so people will buy their phones. It is a bad way to enter the market.
In principle I agree but I've used the phone for almost a year lol and sadly the power user community is really very small and so there's not much motivation for Nokia to make open phones. This seems especially true to me, since they're offering the phone as an Amazon prime adware phone, for example, so there is in fact a motivation to not open the phone, since it might let users remove the adware from their subsidized hardware... My 2mBTC

New S5e SM-T720, stay on stock or flash?

I'm hoping someone can give me the general consensus on whether flashing ROMS for this device vs staying on stock is best. I'm not currently up on the state of Samsung bloatware, if it's gotten better or worse. I found an open box at BB for $300. I'd say excellent condition. I'm getting it for my 12 year old daughter. I suppose the main concern is the general stability of flashing, say Lineage, and the lag that Samsung has, or at least used to have, as they age.
Thanks much!
orangepowerpokes said:
I'm hoping someone can give me the general consensus on whether flashing ROMS for this device vs staying on stock is best. I'm not currently up on the state of Samsung bloatware, if it's gotten better or worse. I found an open box at BB for $300. I'd say excellent condition. I'm getting it for my 12 year old daughter. I suppose the main concern is the general stability of flashing, say Lineage, and the lag that Samsung has, or at least used to have, as they age.
Thanks much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was going to use the tablet myself, I'd certainly flash a custom ROM and get root access. But for a 12yr old girl, I'd stay with stock and know she'd be getting the latest security updates. It's not like this was an 8 or 16gb tablet where getting rid of bloatware would be a major concern. It has plenty of storage and RAM to handle that. Just my two bits.
I only hand my son tablets / phones that can run custom ROMs (Lineage in particular). This way I can control what goes on them, what software, what he sees. I guess you could do similar things with a rooted stock device, but still. The other half of that is, most of the devices I give my son are old enough they aren't getting security updates from the manufacturers anymore. In those cases the only way to get security updates of any sort is to run custom ROMs.
Having rooted my tablet and also installed twrp I would certainly not do it for someone else to use
I would suggest buying package disabler pro and disabling all bloatware and Bixby.
When you use 'disable bloatware' on package disabler, it disables storage on sd card. So you just need to look through the disabled list and re-enable external storage.
Other than that small bug it is excellent.
ExTall said:
Having rooted my tablet and also installed twrp I would certainly not do it for someone else to use
I would suggest buying package disabler pro and disabling all bloatware and Bixby.
When you use 'disable bloatware' on package disabler, it disables storage on sd card. So you just need to look through the disabled list and re-enable external storage.
Other than that small bug it is excellent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you noticed a performance improvement? I see that it is slow for ordinary use such as social networks, the web and reading books.
miangelgabriel said:
Have you noticed a performance improvement? I see that it is slow for ordinary use such as social networks, the web and reading books.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really say as I installed package disabler pro when I first had the tablet as I hate apps like bixby.
My tablet has always seemed plenty fast to me
Regards Extall
Not much bloatware on One UI.
Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk
miangelgabriel said:
Have you noticed a performance improvement? I see that it is slow for ordinary use such as social networks, the web and reading books.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read books with $29 dollar chinese knockoffs. How long does it take to turn a page? My very first tablet had an Antutu of about 900. This one about 185,000. I was still able to "surf the net" with that first one. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm beginning to doubt that. I think it is in the MIND of the beholder. How anyone can consider this tablet slow for surfing or social networking, just blows my mind. "OH, but my latest and greatest iPad is just SOOO much better."
I can't remember having an Android device since my OG Droid that I didn't root and flash. I'm going to skip that for this S5e, for the first time. Everything I do with it these days, my head isn't bumping into it's 'ceiling', so to speak. My SM-T580 was a different story (thank goodness for @followmsi and @srgrussso among others), and custom paid off very well.
Then again, maybe I'm just getting old.:laugh: :highfive:
orangepowerpokes said:
I'm hoping someone can give me the general consensus on whether flashing ROMS for this device vs staying on stock is best. I'm not currently up on the state of Samsung bloatware, if it's gotten better or worse. I found an open box at BB for $300. I'd say excellent condition. I'm getting it for my 12 year old daughter. I suppose the main concern is the general stability of flashing, say Lineage, and the lag that Samsung has, or at least used to have, as they age.
Thanks much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Verizon LTE version and even with the Verizon preinstalled apps it doesn't take up a lot of space. I have the 64GB version and I had PLENTY of space for all of my apps. I put a 512GB microSD card in it so I don't have any space issues.
I rooted the SM-T725 few months ago when i got it but this was the 3rd time i had problems booting up and the twrp backup didn't work this time so i just cleaned it and i use stock now and i removed bloatware with ADB. I use only open source software no more google. But that just my way, if you want to root go with it but if its just to remove bloatware just use ADB.
Android 10 coming this june/july and probably android 11 will come to this tablet too because samsung does 2 major android updates to the device they release. If they don't you can unlock the bootloader and install android 11 in the future if a developer make it of course but i doubt it because galaxy tab s6 lite is coming soon so i don't know the future of this tablet.
S5e
OhioYJ said:
I only hand my son tablets / phones that can run custom ROMs (Lineage in particular). This way I can control what goes on them, what software, what he sees. I guess you could do similar things with a rooted stock device, but still. The other half of that is, most of the devices I give my son are old enough they aren't getting security updates from the manufacturers anymore. In those cases the only way to get security updates of any sort is to run custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got this SM-T720 & was planning on putting Lineage 17.1 (OFFICIAL) on it.
Got the firmware, Magisk, TWRP all downloaded.
But on TWRP's site it says you have to root before installing a "rooted TWRP" image?
What's with this?
Not asking for a full tutorial but seriously TWRP can't just be flashed in Odin then vbmeta multi-
disabler, WIPE, then flash ROM + Magisk?
Any help will be greatly appreciated. My posts elsewhere are days old & no replies....
zach
I just got this tablet yesterday. I've had several previous Android tablets and phones and I've always rooted them. So far, I haven't run into anything that makes me want to root this one. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is a battery protection setting that allows you to limit charging to 85%. Normally, you have too root to do that. I may find a need to root somewhere down the road, but right now I'm hoping to get by with stock and unroofed.
Can you keep dex on other ROMs?
coolbeans2016 said:
Just got this SM-T720 & was planning on putting Lineage 17.1 (OFFICIAL) on it.
Got the firmware, Magisk, TWRP all downloaded
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done it a few times and I would recommend following the maintainers instructions, LuK1337's Instructions . Dont skip anything, dont add anything, dont wipe anything that isnt listed, follow them exactly.
This tablet is picky. Magisk can be flashed in TWRP, but from what Ive found many modules can't, they will make the tablet fail to boot. Most modules can only be flashed in Magisk. My recommendation would be to get it booting before adding modules or even Magisk for that matter.
I'm using mine as stock, and this seems plenty fast for the 2 weeks I've owned it. Slow to read books? That sounds like an app problem - moon reader on a 2018 Fire HD 8 didn't have a problem reading books. How slow is the Fire 8? If I was in plex, hit the home button, and started netflix it was about 10 seconds from the press of the home button until netflix was responsive.
Besides, do you really want to have to fix your kid's devices when they inevitably have a problem?
**Edit** I also have a question. Are there any security issues when flashing roms or rooting on this like with the phones with KNoX and not being able to use secure folder and such? Im guessing if I flash a ROM I'd also be losing access to this right? (samsung apps and secure folder) Thank you!
Ughh Im kind of regretting buying this tablet now..did I make a mistake? From what Ive seen on here, it sounds like its best not to root it. Ive found that on some newer devices, irts best not to root them to avoid unnecessary problems because some just dont work well with root and magisk, especially if a lot of the modules arent going to work. I mean I dont really have any reason to root this except for not being able to use / change the themes. I cant believe they dont have the theme store on this tablet! I'm so bummed thats one of the good things about samsung phone that I miss.

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