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I found one on Craig's List and my girlfriend desperately needs a new phone. I plan on sticking to stock OS and not rooting or customizing it because it's for her and I don't want to risk bricking her.
I just want to know, how reliable is this phone?
Personally, this is my last Samsung phone. So... I wouldn't recommend it.
Essenar said:
I found one on Craig's List and my girlfriend desperately needs a new phone. I plan on sticking to stock OS and not rooting or customizing it because it's for her and I don't want to risk bricking her.
I just want to know, how reliable is this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a Captivate for my gf and she loves it, but the stock OS pissed her off due to lagging and bloatware.
We installed Cognition 2.3b8 which was very easy and now she really loves it as her daily driver. All you do is put an update.zip for Clockwork on the root of SD. Reboot into oem recovery, reinstall packages twice to get to Clockwork, then wipe data and flash Cognition. Couldn't be easier.
Honestly, if you can find a Nexus One for AT&T (if you have AT&T the T-mobile version will be Edge only!! You need an AT&T Nexus One) I think that's your best bet, but with a little bit of modding and care the Captivate is a great phone. My gf LOVES the giant screen and beautiful display.
That said, the more I learn about it the more pissed off I am with Samsung. Different revisions, ODIN, Kies, Download Mode, etc. Rooting this thing is way more complicated than it needs to be. I'm running a MT4G and SOOOO glad I didn't buy the Vibrant. Shudder...
The only problem I've ever had with my cappy is the GPS, which, after reading the GPS fixes thread has been absolutely perfect.
To me this is the perfect phone. Fast, reliable, pretty. I don't even want anything faster anymore. If phones peaked in speed right now and started focusing strictly on battery life (I get about 1.5-2 days right now, I'd like to get 3-5), I'd be perfectly happy with that.
Craig's List? Buyer beware!
Here is where I am at:
This phone is probably not the best choice if you are planning on giving it to your wife without a custom ROM. If you plan on giving it to you wife with a ROM it is a good choice regardless of what ROM you choose however it is better if you use one that is as close to stock as possible: cognition, perception, or Andromeda (1.00).
cappysw10 said:
Craig's List? Buyer beware!
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I've got several great phones off CL. Do your due diligence as a buyer and you'll be just fine.
If you can get it for a decent price, then go for it.
Here's a simple pro & con list:
Pros
-Super AMOLED screen makes pictures and videos gorgeous
-1 GHz Processor that can be overclocked to 1.28GHz (stable) and undervolted to improve battery performance
-The xda devs are constantly providing the Captivate support that Samsung has failed to give us.
-Did i mention the Super AMOLED screen? Yes, yes I did.
-Swype makes texting a lot more fun to type on the phone once you get past the 1-minute learning curve
Cons
-Developed by Samsung and so the customer support for the phone is terrible
(see: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=913045)
-The stock AT&T Rom is filled with bloatware that takes up space and attempts to get you to spend more money on AT&T services.
-AT&T has disabled the ability to sideload apps (install apps from outside of the market) on the stock ROM, and so you won't be able to install third-party apps if/when you come across them.
-No official 2.2 froyo release from Samsung, despite promises from them as well as AT&T to have it released by the end of 2010 (this is when the store rep told me to expect the update when i bought my phone. derp).
-Some GPS Issues
Conclusion based on my personal opinion.
Overall, I love this phone and I'm glad I chose it over the iPhone 4 due to the ridiculous customization available. However, if not for the xda devs creating amazing custom ROMs, I would have probably returned it for the original Jesus phone.
My advice? Get the phone, pick out a launcher from the market (LauncherPro, ADW Launcher, or for the minimalist: Zeam) and grab handcent while you're at it. Then give her the phone and she should be happy with it.
More advice? Sure. Root the phone, flash Cog 3.02 onto it with the firebird 2/Glitterball kernel and JK4 modem.
Sorry if this post seems a bit jumbled and scattered. I'm currently doing about 4 different things at once and posting from my Computer Class at the local community college haha
Dont' buy it. GPS problems, shutdown issues, and, based on the general lack of reliability so far, probably more issues to come as the phone ages. If it weren't for the beautiful display and the custom ROMs here on xda I'd have little good to say about my phone. Since you don't plan on modifications the screen is really all you'd get. Does that screen outweigh the hardware problems I've noted?
Phateless said:
Rooting this thing is way more complicated than it needs to be.
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SuperOneClick -- The program is called "SuperOneClick". That is literally all it takes to gain root on a SGS phone. So, personally, I think rooting is not nearly as complicated as it could be!
yourname146 said:
SuperOneClick -- The program is called "SuperOneClick". That is literally all it takes to gain root on a SGS phone. So, personally, I think rooting is not nearly as complicated as it could be!
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Click to collapse
Let me rephrase that. Custom ROMs are more complicated than they need to be. I've used SOC on my MT3G, works well. It's ODIN, Kies and manually flashing modems and kernels that annoys me. I've flashed radios and roms on my mt3g and I'm comfortable with fastboot and adb so I'm not a total noob. HTC just seems simpler to me, but maybe that's because I'm used to it.
The only beef I have had with this phone is the GPS issue. otherwise it's a great phone. Beautiful screen, sleek design and fast with a good ROM such as Cognition.
I've decided I'm either going to get her a Nokia N900 or an iPhone (some variation). I can't put a phone in her hands with such a gamble on the GPS (There's no guarantee the fix works and no way to identify which Captivates will work and won't work). Especially since this phone is purchased used and won't have a warranty on it.
I wish her sister would make up her mind about AT&T. If she decided to stay with AT&T I could just buy her something new. If she decided to leave AT&T, I could buy her a new Android device with another carrier.
Essenar said:
I've decided I'm either going to get her a Nokia N900 or an iPhone (some variation). I can't put a phone in her hands with such a gamble on the GPS (There's no guarantee the fix works and no way to identify which Captivates will work and won't work). Especially since this phone is purchased used and won't have a warranty on it.
I wish her sister would make up her mind about AT&T. If she decided to stay with AT&T I could just buy her something new. If she decided to leave AT&T, I could buy her a new Android device with another carrier.
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Click to collapse
I can tell you from experience, **** AT&T! T-mobile has buy one get one free for MT4G right now, I have no clue why on earth you would want to stay with AT&T.
Seriously, I have been with T-mobile for 5 years and I'm in love with their service. Every time I call I get an AMERICAN rep on the phone in 5 mins tops.
pizz0wn3d said:
If you can get it for a decent price, then go for it.
Here's a simple pro & con list:
Pros
-Super AMOLED screen makes pictures and videos gorgeous
-1 GHz Processor that can be overclocked to 1.28GHz (stable) and undervolted to improve battery performance
-The xda devs are constantly providing the Captivate support that Samsung has failed to give us.
-Did i mention the Super AMOLED screen? Yes, yes I did.
-Swype makes texting a lot more fun to type on the phone once you get past the 1-minute learning curve
Cons
-Developed by Samsung and so the customer support for the phone is terrible
(see: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=913045)
-The stock AT&T Rom is filled with bloatware that takes up space and attempts to get you to spend more money on AT&T services.
-AT&T has disabled the ability to sideload apps (install apps from outside of the market) on the stock ROM, and so you won't be able to install third-party apps if/when you come across them.
-No official 2.2 froyo release from Samsung, despite promises from them as well as AT&T to have it released by the end of 2010 (this is when the store rep told me to expect the update when i bought my phone. derp).
-Some GPS Issues
Conclusion based on my personal opinion.
Overall, I love this phone and I'm glad I chose it over the iPhone 4 due to the ridiculous customization available. However, if not for the xda devs creating amazing custom ROMs, I would have probably returned it for the original Jesus phone.
My advice? Get the phone, pick out a launcher from the market (LauncherPro, ADW Launcher, or for the minimalist: Zeam) and grab handcent while you're at it. Then give her the phone and she should be happy with it.
More advice? Sure. Root the phone, flash Cog 3.02 onto it with the firebird 2/Glitterball kernel and JK4 modem.
Sorry if this post seems a bit jumbled and scattered. I'm currently doing about 4 different things at once and posting from my Computer Class at the local community college haha
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Click to collapse
This is a very fair and accurate assessment.
Absolutely get this phone if you're comfortable rooting the phone and installing custom ROMs, launchers, etc. The phone will run markedly better than stock and will be a dream to use.
If you're not technically inclined, and need rely on $am$ung and AT$T for your firmware updates, get a different android phone. Updates are either never coming or will be over half a year behind and quite possibly bugged and broken even if you do get them.
kingtz said:
This is a very fair and accurate assessment.
Absolutely get this phone if you're comfortable rooting the phone and installing custom ROMs, launchers, etc. The phone will run markedly better than stock and will be a dream to use.
If you're not technically inclined, and need rely on $am$ung and AT$T for your firmware updates, get a different android phone. Updates are either never coming or will be over half a year behind and quite possibly bugged and broken even if you do get them.
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Click to collapse
Thanks
I feel like I should mention that I'm now using Exists Suckerpunch kernel and it's... Well... Amazing. OC/UV support with speedmod's battery battery tweaks is pretty much the best thing ever. And exists (pretty cool guy, eh made my favorite kernel ever and doesn't afraid of anything) updates so often I barely have time to find and complain about any bugs that happen to slip past.
This phone is quite captivating indeed.
Herp derp Captivate XDA App
Phateless said:
I've got several great phones off CL. Do your due diligence as a buyer and you'll be just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too. That said out of the box the Captivate is a very frustrating phone to use. The GPS is spotty and You won't have full access to it's super fast Gee Bees unless you install a custom ROM.
I ended up getting her an iPhone. I know guys, I know.
To be honest, I didn't feel comfortable giving her a phone with spotty GPS as this will be her primary GPS unit.
Reading the custom rod and GPS thread gave me no assurance that doing the fix and rooting with a custom rom would fix the issue.
I have enough problems dealing with my MyTouch 4g that you may see me on a Bionic or iPhone with Verizon anyway.
But thanks for the advice. I may root and mod her sisters Captivate to score points because I heard she has had for warranty replacements lol.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
gunnyman said:
Me too. That said out of the box the Captivate is a very frustrating phone to use. The GPS is spotty and You won't have full access to it's super fast Gee Bees unless you install a custom ROM.
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Click to collapse
Totally agree.
Essenar said:
I ended up getting her an iPhone. I know guys, I know.
To be honest, I didn't feel comfortable giving her a phone with spotty GPS as this will be her primary GPS unit.
Reading the custom rod and GPS thread gave me no assurance that doing the fix and rooting with a custom rom would fix the issue.
I have enough problems dealing with my MyTouch 4g that you may see me on a Bionic or iPhone with Verizon anyway.
But thanks for the advice. I may root and mod her sisters Captivate to score points because I heard she has had for warranty replacements lol.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I've been keeping my eyes open for an iPhone4 for my gf as well for the same reasons you mentioned. There's also an AT&T iteration of the Evo coming soon. That might be a good device for her.
Phateless said:
I got a Captivate for my gf and she loves it, but the stock OS pissed her off due to lagging and bloatware.
We installed Cognition 2.3b8 which was very easy and now she really loves it as her daily driver. All you do is put an update.zip for Clockwork on the root of SD. Reboot into oem recovery, reinstall packages twice to get to Clockwork, then wipe data and flash Cognition. Couldn't be easier.
Honestly, if you can find a Nexus One for AT&T (if you have AT&T the T-mobile version will be Edge only!! You need an AT&T Nexus One) I think that's your best bet, but with a little bit of modding and care the Captivate is a great phone. My gf LOVES the giant screen and beautiful display.
That said, the more I learn about it the more pissed off I am with Samsung. Different revisions, ODIN, Kies, Download Mode, etc. Rooting this thing is way more complicated than it needs to be. I'm running a MT4G and SOOOO glad I didn't buy the Vibrant. Shudder...
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Click to collapse
Really??? Rooting this is as easy as switching off your phone and rebooting. With all the easy stuff available right here in this forum and tons on the net... it is a breeze to root and flash a custom ROM.
just wanted to know of there are others out there?
I've had my note over a year, the only thing i did was ota update to ics, and that's it.
my previous device was the Dell streak, which was an excellent phone, good looks but no power, and i done plenty of tinkering with that, rooting, flashing roms, overclocking etc
but the note does everything i want, haven't felt the need to mess with it, i honestly could use this device for many years, i plan to buy a few oem batterys, and I'm all set, the battery that came with it is still going strong though
I did not feel need to root too for the first year I owned Note. Previous two Android, I used to swap ROMs frequently and was never fully satisfied. Note in Stock is everything I ever wanted. Then came ICS and famous brick bug. I had to root to flash safe kernel. Finally rooted, played around with different ROMs but nothing satisfied me. Back to stock with safe kernel. With root, the only app that I am using taking its advantage is 'DROID Wall'.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
I've never rooted mine as Sky Go app won't work!
Apart from safe kernel for JB flashing, opening JB multiwindow to every app and calibrating the S-Pen, haven't had the need to root for anything else.
I agree that stock unrooted rom has been the best option for me since the begining. I don't agree with the idea of "only rooting gets you the most of your Android", as many users don't ever find any need for it. For them (for us) it is only an obligation in order to solve problems.
Enviado desde mi GT-N7000 usando Tapatalk 2
gregianos said:
I've never rooted mine as Sky Go app won't work!
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Click to collapse
that was one reason i gave up my streak, but even if sky go doesn't work, you can use xbmc, i use both, because there's no 3 kick offs in UK that are shown live
if xbmc was available when i had my streak i probably wouldn't have upgraded to note
I have a question. Why cant we (flashaholics) settle down on one rom?. I my self am very content with my sonic rom, Nottach xposed, and other mods but am always looking for something bigger better newer. Why? Why I ask. Its a freakin phone. Make phone calls, text, surf the net and watch videos. Why do we constantly keep looking for other roms to flash even though the very rom we are on works perfectly and fills our needs. Im just wondering because I see the same people in various rom threads always flashing different roms. Two or 3 a week. Look. Im not saying its bad, I'm just trying to understand the need to look for the something better all the time. I my self am looking at other roms wondering how they are when I think the end result would be the same just minor differences. Just a thought.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA
primo523 said:
I have a question. Why cant we (flashaholics) settle down on one rom?. I my self am very content with my sonic rom, Nottach xposed, and other mods but am always looking for something bigger better newer. Why? Why I ask. Its a freakin phone. Make phone calls, text, surf the net and watch videos. Why do we constantly keep looking for other roms to flash even though the very rom we are on works perfectly and fills our needs. Im just wondering because I see the same people in various rom threads always flashing different roms. Two or 3 a week. Look. Im not saying its bad, I'm just trying to understand the need to look for the something better all the time. I my self am looking at other roms wondering how they are when I think the end result would be the same just minor differences. Just a thought.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if it's a need for something better at all - as most roms and etc are not so much better than one another and more so just different and bring a different experience.
I'd say it's just more of a hobby that people get in to because it's fun. Playing around with different themes, tweaking kernels for performance than battery life, switching from AOSP features to TW ones, playing with that roms unique feature than playing with another's, setting up a new home screen setup, etc etc.
Some people like collecting stamps, some people like tweaking and upgrading their car, and we just like pimping out our phone and trying new things!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
inlineboy said:
I don't know if it's a need for something better at all - as most roms and etc are not so much better than one another and more so just different and bring a different experience.
I'd say it's just more of a hobby that people get in to because it's fun. Playing around with different themes, tweaking kernels for performance than battery life, switching from AOSP features to TW ones, playing with that roms unique feature than playing with another's, setting up a new home screen setup, etc etc.
Some people like collecting stamps, some people like tweaking and upgrading their car, and we just like pimping out our phone and trying new things!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Its an addiction! lol im downloading one right now
jamal717 said:
Its an addiction! lol im downloading one right now
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Addiction for sure. Plus alot of people are trying to find their "ideal" android experience. As stock falls way short. I remember the samsung captivate I had, daily flashing!! For me now I just want a bug free setup so I dont flash like I used to. Usually only flash when I notice the phone is acting up or I mess something up ...
miketucky350 said:
Addiction for sure. Plus alot of people are trying to find their "ideal" android experience. ...
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Click to collapse
I was with you to this point, but I couldn't disagree more on this: ...
As stock falls way short.
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Not saying you're "wrong" because this is all opinion, but from my perspective, Jelly Bean hits the mark big time. In the nearly five years of Android, since rooting the G1, this is the first time I wasn't in a major hurry to get on a custom ROM. For me it's not the "Stock vs. Custom" aspect that drives me, but rather that stock unrooted keeps so many of the existing capabilities on lockdown. This phone and this OS kept me happy for a good minute.
That said, like others have mentioned, I love to tinker and there is no question that many custom ROMs improve on the Stock experience, even the JB stock experience.
But after the EVO, I kind of settled into comfortable favorites. Ran Calkulin's ROM for about 6 months and then MIUI (which is one ROM, but new every week) from when it first ported through the EVO3D and up until I got the SGSII. Flashed a few ROMs and then settled on the BluKuban and am now running that on my SGSIV.
I guess my flashing bug was pretty much tamed by 2010, but I definitely understand people who are flashoholics. I was one and it was like having a new phone every week. That was the appeal for me anyway.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Compared to the many here, I would say I'm definitely not a "flashaholic." I do, however, enjoy tinkering with my phone very much and "modding" my phone has now overtaken the modding needs I used to have for my car.
I like trying out new kernels, mods, and apps that enhance the useability, speed, reliability, performance, and battery longevity of my phone. I ask myself sometimes why I spend so much time doing this stuff and for me, it's for several reasons:
1. For me, smartphones are still relatively new (got my first smartphone last year in May, a S2) and therefore exciting. Like the media says, "A mini computer that fits inside your pocket." It's just so cool~!
2. Before I got into modding my car (and my wifey's and my mom's), I was really into the modifying and overclocking (watercooling) PC scene. Smartphones have rekindled my passion for technology and my nerdy side reemerged. When I was becoming bored and feeling kinda indifferent about the slowdown in the PC industry, the rise & dominance of smartphones have reignited my passion to learn something new and be excited again after each breakthrough in mobile technology.
3. I like to keep my phone up-to-date with the newest and greatest from Google and the many amazing developers.
primo523 said:
I have a question. Why cant we (flashaholics) settle down on one rom?. I my self am very content with my sonic rom, Nottach xposed, and other mods but am always looking for something bigger better newer. Why? Why I ask. Its a freakin phone. Make phone calls, text, surf the net and watch videos. Why do we constantly keep looking for other roms to flash even though the very rom we are on works perfectly and fills our needs. Im just wondering because I see the same people in various rom threads always flashing different roms. Two or 3 a week. Look. Im not saying its bad, I'm just trying to understand the need to look for the something better all the time. I my self am looking at other roms wondering how they are when I think the end result would be the same just minor differences. Just a thought.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I feel you pain.. Seems to me you are like me and trying to chase that perfect rom. I had a galaxy Nexus for sprint and hated waiting for my roms to be ported. I would also check xda and when i see the thread title updated i got excited and downloaded immediately. I never backed up w/ apps like TB so always had to start fresh and honestly my gnex was never setup for easy access.(like when i need directions for maps it has ten pop ups slowing me down). Then i went on to mods kernels and others and was always wiping and flashing. I stuck to cm 10.1 because its self nightly updater. I was so excited with my S4 that i didn't think of rooting it till day 2. I wanted to root, run stock and install apps like cerebrus, af wall, and adaway but im coming on to day 20 and i haven't rooted it. I know if i root my phone will run slower and if it bugs, blame the root then i'll never feel happy and start flashing roms then get stuck in the loop again. NO! I almost considered getting an iphone 5 just so i can stop but didn't. Samsung is a big company and right now their rom is working for me. Im now hooked on cases. lol
Long story short,(incase you dont want to read ^)
You're not alone. Galaxy S4 is a damn good phone but like every other device, it has flaws. Try to get use to stock because even if "perfectRom" is released you'll find yourself going back buggy roms.
Or you can have someone password block xda and fight with the moderators and go cold turkey for 60 days. I know they say 30 but lets be safe.
all of the above is correct, if you just want a phone, get a iphone, if you want to play with things, roms/themes etc, then this is the phone, I personally did not buy a $500 phone to make a call with.
BECAUSE IT'S LIKE TECHY CRACK!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! *starts twitching in the kernel & mod forums*
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
I started flashing when I was 21, my first Android phone (and first phone I rooted), was an Optimist V. That phone was just okay, until I read about rooting and over clocking. I studied for hours of the proper ways to root and what were the best ROMs, and instantly fell in love. It was like a brand new next gen phone! That phone ran so smooth, and had some of the best developers I had ever seen to this date.
Fast forward 5 years, and I have had all the Nexuses (not 5x or 6p) since the V. I used to be a flashaholic; loved over clocking, and debloated ROMs. Since the 6, I've flashed a couple ROMs, but I've gone from 2-3 a month to 2-3 the past year. One thing I've noticed is, they aren't that different. I'm not a features guy, I like simple, and that's what 6.0 brought to the table. I don't really see any huge benefits anymore. Flashing new and updated ROMs has started to become a chore. The phone runs great no matter what I'm using, and the truth, stock runs better than most custom ROMs now.
So to conclude, is flashing even worth it anymore? Sure I can run a ROM and have a huge benchmark score, but that ROM will crash on certain apps more often, and doesn't actually run the basic apps I use any smoother. Stock is so fast now, that it is basically why I won't upgrade to 6p, since I don't use the camera at all.
What do you think? Am I alone on this thought process, or am I just getting old and boring?
nikeman513 said:
I started flashing when I was 21, my first Android phone (and first phone I rooted), was an Optimist V. That phone was just okay, until I read about rooting and over clocking. I studied for hours of the proper ways to root and what were the best ROMs, and instantly fell in love. It was like a brand new next gen phone! That phone ran so smooth, and had some of the best developers I had ever seen to this date.
Fast forward 5 years, and I have had all the Nexuses (not 5x or 6p) since the V. I used to be a flashaholic; loved over clocking, and debloated ROMs. Since the 6, I've flashed a couple ROMs, but I've gone from 2-3 a month to 2-3 the past year. One thing I've noticed is, they aren't that different. I'm not a features guy, I like simple, and that's what 6.0 brought to the table. I don't really see any huge benefits anymore. Flashing new and updated ROMs has started to become a chore. The phone runs great no matter what I'm using, and the truth, stock runs better than most custom ROMs now.
So to conclude, is flashing even worth it anymore? Sure I can run a ROM and have a huge benchmark score, but that ROM will crash on certain apps more often, and doesn't actually run the basic apps I use any smoother. Stock is so fast now, that it is basically why I won't upgrade to 6p, since I don't use the camera at all.
What do you think? Am I alone on this thought process, or am I just getting old and boring?
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Click to collapse
I'm 44 as of last month, have been with android since day one in 2008, and have owned all the nexus devices up to the n6, yet I still flash. how else am I going to get a kernel to load? custom ROMs I don't flash much, I find what I like then stay with it. but that's all your choice, you don't ever have to flash anything, again its YOUR choice.
Depends on what your intended outcome is. If you want stable stock, Samsung runs android which you can still customize without the need to root, etc.....Android is still much more customization than Apple without having to do the jailbreak etc. I prefer the ability to theme, customize, and have a kernel I choose.
For me personally, there are "never" too many features in a ROM. I like ROMs that have so many features they are coming out of your ears, but I'm very particular about how I have things set up.....for someone else who may just need the basics then I can certainly see that being the case.
nikeman513 said:
I started flashing when I was 21, my first Android phone (and first phone I rooted), was an Optimist V. That phone was just okay, until I read about rooting and over clocking. I studied for hours of the proper ways to root and what were the best ROMs, and instantly fell in love. It was like a brand new next gen phone! That phone ran so smooth, and had some of the best developers I had ever seen to this date.
What do you think? Am I alone on this thought process, or am I just getting old and boring?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are old and boring..
nikeman513 said:
So to conclude, is flashing even worth it anymore? Sure I can run a ROM and have a huge benchmark score, but that ROM will crash on certain apps more often, and doesn't actually run the basic apps I use any smoother. Stock is so fast now, that it is basically why I won't upgrade to 6p, since I don't use the camera at all.
What do you think? Am I alone on this thought process, or am I just getting old and boring?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as a senior developer (and I'm about one year senior to simms22 ), I can tell you that I'm not interested in flashing again. I've switched from TW to cm, Temasek and some variants on my Note 3, and finally bought a N6 instead of the Note 4, just because of the possibility of development.
So now I have a hobby, I've got my own Android (yay me!), and after merging in the latest security patch I flash the system.img once a month.
If I find something to modify or develop, well then I flash it a lot, but I haven't done anything big since the beginning of January when I've restored the good old CRT effect on shutting off the screen. And about three weeks ago I adapted CMFileManager to work with AOSP based roms, as a root explorer. But that's that so far.
I used to flash a lot when i had the LG G2 but since owning the N6 i tried a few roms but now on the same rom since a few months. Only do a clean flash once a month to install the latest version of it. btw, 44 years old was some time ago for me
TMG1961 said:
I used to flash a lot when i had the LG G2 but since owning the N6 i tried a few roms but now on the same rom since a few months. Only do a clean flash once a month to install the latest version of it. btw, 44 years old was some time ago for me
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Click to collapse
as old and aged as im been feeling the past few years, ive found that on xda there are a hell of a lot of children. BUT, on xda, i am also considered not very old. as there are even more adults that are much older than i am
simms22 said:
as old and aged as im been feeling the past few years, ive found that on xda there are a hell of a lot of children. BUT, on xda, i am also considered not very old. as there are even more adults that are much older than i am
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I think i belong to the older generation here on xda, but not sure about that. But 54 is still young, just need to convince my body of that....lol
TMG1961 said:
I think i belong to the older generation here on xda, but not sure about that. But 54 is still young, just need to convince my body of that....lol
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I gave up on convincing my body that its still young. I found out I'm diabetic just a few years ago, and now my body feels as though I'm in my 60s! but, most importantly, my mind believes that I'm 25. so, I keep on living my "25" year old life, regardless of what my body is telling me :angel:
simms22 said:
I gave up on convincing my body that its still young. I found out I'm diabetic just a few years ago, and now my body feels as though I'm in my 60s! but, most importantly, my mind believes that I'm 25. so, I keep on living my "25" year old life, regardless of what my body is telling me :angel:
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Even though my body thinks its about 125 I try to be as active as i can. My mind is still in its early twenties. And as far as flashing roms goes, well i find that a lot of them are very similar, so not much sense in changing a lot.
nikeman513 said:
I started flashing when I was 21, my first Android phone (and first phone I rooted), was an Optimist V. That phone was just okay, until I read about rooting and over clocking. I studied for hours of the proper ways to root and what were the best ROMs, and instantly fell in love. It was like a brand new next gen phone! That phone ran so smooth, and had some of the best developers I had ever seen to this date.
Fast forward 5 years, and I have had all the Nexuses (not 5x or 6p) since the V. I used to be a flashaholic; loved over clocking, and debloated ROMs. Since the 6, I've flashed a couple ROMs, but I've gone from 2-3 a month to 2-3 the past year. One thing I've noticed is, they aren't that different. I'm not a features guy, I like simple, and that's what 6.0 brought to the table. I don't really see any huge benefits anymore. Flashing new and updated ROMs has started to become a chore. The phone runs great no matter what I'm using, and the truth, stock runs better than most custom ROMs now.
So to conclude, is flashing even worth it anymore? Sure I can run a ROM and have a huge benchmark score, but that ROM will crash on certain apps more often, and doesn't actually run the basic apps I use any smoother. Stock is so fast now, that it is basically why I won't upgrade to 6p, since I don't use the camera at all.
What do you think? Am I alone on this thought process, or am I just getting old and boring?
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Honestly... Roms have never been THAT different. On my last few phones (thunderbolt, S4, moto x, Nexus 6), I have just found a rom that had the features I wanted, was stable and offered updates and stuck with it.
The whole flashing multiple different roms a month doesn't have much point other then people looking to do something with their phone... and it never really has.
You don't want any extra features, so if you had an early nexus you probably wouldn't need to flash either.
But still, if you want to choose what quick tiles you have, if you want to customize what you have in your status bar, if you want additional lock screen options, if....
The easiest way is to flash a rom.
1. You are all spring chickens. I was born before WWII.
2. Flashing roms has gone downhill for me since the ultimate excitement of JellyBean and JBSourcery! But still worth it.
I am finding that with AOSP roms many of my apps FC while they work perfectly with stock based ROMs. That's what I liked about Cataclysm. Now it looks like that is dwindling away. Future is looking bleak if I want to use Android Pay so I pass on that. Looks like stock, rooted with maybe Gravity Box is at the end of the tunnel.
wtherrell said:
1. You are all spring chickens. I was born before WWII.
2. Flashing roms has gone downhill for me since the ultimate excitement of JellyBean and JBSourcery! But still worth it.
I am finding that with AOSP roms many of my apps FC while they work perfectly with stock based ROMs. That's what I liked about Cataclysm. Now it looks like that is dwindling away. Future is looking bleak if I want to use Android Pay so I pass on that. Looks like stock, rooted with maybe Gravity Box is at the end of the tunnel.
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well, gravity box is a no go for me. but, android pay means nothing to me as well. for me its aosp all the way, with root. everything else i need i can do myself with root access and access to the filesystem. anyways, i was going to thank you because of your age, but im outta thanks
I always used the stock based roms and for me they work. I dont use android pay..it isnt even available in The Netherlands, i dont use gravity box. I am now on stock lite rom from Danvdh and it works great for me, no bugs, good battery life and no things in it that i dont use.
Not unless you want to get arrested! Nyuk nyuk nyuk....
Yes! use a custom rom...
But as you see here ppl are different...here is my view and person I am.
You buy a Mustang GT, BMW M3, Dodge Charger SRT, etc... you can leave it as is which is fine. Then there are those guys who will take the best of the best and push a bit more...when the N6 was released this flagship phone was the best of its time.
Again....a WHOLE lot of people will be fine as is but a custom rom (the RIGHT rom) is going to give you that edge the stock N6 is not going to give you...those abilities to do more for the enthusiast! I run Pure Nexus by Beans and the tweaks in the rom are clean and give the N6 added power and edge over the standard N6. If you don't care about the power just to move titles, clock, change button actions, on and on it's all there in the RIGHT rom.
So you have to pick type person you are...as for me my Dodge Charger SRT has the power modifications, the system\cpu flashed, under carriage mods, suspension and engine modifications to give we way more that normal SRT...so the same with the N6 if you are that person.
But again it's a choice and my N6 benchmarks proves the difference since I am a power user...no games, etc just a high-end busy, traveling 43 old corp engineer that ask a lot out of my phone.
nikeman513 said:
I started flashing when I was 21, my first Android phone (and first phone I rooted), was an Optimist V. That phone was just okay, until I read about rooting and over clocking. I studied for hours of the proper ways to root and what were the best ROMs, and instantly fell in love. It was like a brand new next gen phone! That phone ran so smooth, and had some of the best developers I had ever seen to this date.
Fast forward 5 years, and I have had all the Nexuses (not 5x or 6p) since the V. I used to be a flashaholic; loved over clocking, and debloated ROMs. Since the 6, I've flashed a couple ROMs, but I've gone from 2-3 a month to 2-3 the past year. One thing I've noticed is, they aren't that different. I'm not a features guy, I like simple, and that's what 6.0 brought to the table. I don't really see any huge benefits anymore. Flashing new and updated ROMs has started to become a chore. The phone runs great no matter what I'm using, and the truth, stock runs better than most custom ROMs now.
So to conclude, is flashing even worth it anymore? Sure I can run a ROM and have a huge benchmark score, but that ROM will crash on certain apps more often, and doesn't actually run the basic apps I use any smoother. Stock is so fast now, that it is basically why I won't upgrade to 6p, since I don't use the camera at all.
What do you think? Am I alone on this thought process, or am I just getting old and boring?
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Most "custom roms" are either CM or some-fork-of-CM. That means, generally, adding more problems than you solve.
I agree that AOSP and factory are pretty solid. My use of custom builds was mainly related to the screwball trash factory images and lack of updates that you get with the various non-Nexus phones. With a Nexus, you get a solid experience and frequent updates to the newest Android, which means less need for complete system replacements.
Yet there are a few, relatively small, changes that are useful. Root, and a couple of home-brew adjustments, that really put a power user polish on it.
---------- Post added at 05:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:24 PM ----------
parcou said:
But again it's a choice and my N6 benchmarks proves the difference since I am a power user...no games, etc just a high-end busy, traveling 43 old corp engineer that ask a lot out of my phone.
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Benchmarks prove nothing, except that it can get a higher score in benchmarks. This does not translate to real-world benefits. On top of that, just because you can hit a bigger number on benchmarks does not mean that it does so safely, for instance, I've heard of a lot of people disabling thermal throttling in order to get higher benchmarks. That will, in the least, reduce the life of the device and cause stability problems. Worst case, it could fry your SoC.
doitright said:
Benchmarks prove nothing, except that it can get a higher score in benchmarks. This does not translate to real-world benefits. On top of that, just because you can hit a bigger number on benchmarks does not mean that it does so safely, for instance, I've heard of a lot of people disabling thermal throttling in order to get higher benchmarks. That will, in the least, reduce the life of the device and cause stability problems. Worst case, it could fry your SoC.
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I disable thermal throttle every single boot up, every single time. I've had my n6 since Nov 2014 BTW. with thermal throttle off, and pushing it extremely hard, my n6 never ever goes over 75C. and I've tried to hit 100C(thermal shutdown), but just can't. my n5 would hit it in seconds my n6 will not ever hit it. so I see any effect of keeping thermal throttle disabled over the past year and a half? nope. my battery life is still awesome, I lose a percent every hour and a half. my performance is still awesome, as my phone scores highest in benchmarks. and my user experience is still incredible, as I get no lags, nor any other negatives. sure, maybe I'd see something from keeping thermal throttle off, if I used the device for 5+ years or so, but I won't.
doitright said:
Most "custom roms" are either CM or some-fork-of-CM. That means, generally, adding more problems than you solve.
I agree that AOSP and factory are pretty solid. My use of custom builds was mainly related to the screwball trash factory images and lack of updates that you get with the various non-Nexus phones. With a Nexus, you get a solid experience and frequent updates to the newest Android, which means less need for complete system replacements.
Yet there are a few, relatively small, changes that are useful. Root, and a couple of home-brew adjustments, that really put a power user polish on it.
---------- Post added at 05:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:24 PM ----------
Benchmarks prove nothing, except that it can get a higher score in benchmarks. This does not translate to real-world benefits. On top of that, just because you can hit a bigger number on benchmarks does not mean that it does so safely, for instance, I've heard of a lot of people disabling thermal throttling in order to get higher benchmarks. That will, in the least, reduce the life of the device and cause stability problems. Worst case, it could fry your SoC.
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Click to collapse
I agree and benchmarks not my key focus I could left out only have done once since 2014. I am a power user and side by side with other N6 users they difference is noticeable based on how we do corp work not games. As stated earlier, depends on person if that's their choice but get choice with this fladship phone and with Pure Nexus gives a new feel to phone. Not all developers are like Beans the tweaks make the difference.
simms22 said:
I disable thermal throttle every single boot up, every single time. I've had my n6 since Nov 2014 BTW. with thermal throttle off, and pushing it extremely hard, my n6 never ever goes over 75C. and I've tried to hit 100C(thermal shutdown), but just can't. my n5 would hit it in seconds my n6 will not ever hit it. so I see any effect of keeping thermal throttle disabled over the past year and a half? nope. my battery life is still awesome, I lose a percent every hour and a half. my performance is still awesome, as my phone scores highest in benchmarks. and my user experience is still incredible, as I get no lags, nor any other negatives. sure, maybe I'd see something from keeping thermal throttle off, if I used the device for 5+ years or so, but I won't.
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On that basis, sounds like it probably wouldn't throttle even if you didn't disable it, so why even bother?
Also, "pushing it" with single-threaded workloads may not get the temperature that far up.
I promise you that a heavy multi-threaded workload WILL make it as hot, fast, regardless of the binning.
i want the new look. and enjoy new features. i have never seen a boot loop. so i cant take risk of that. though everyday bugs are okay. as i have other devices. id be okay? as in from boot loops or soft or hard bricks? Thanks.
No, definitely not. I don't know what your Android experience is, but from your comments and the "junior member" tag (not a reliable indicator, I know), plus the fact that you've never had a bootloop (lucky!) I'm guessing that it's not much.
I've had Nexus devices for several years and I'm sort of comfortable with upgrading and fixing, so I tried the Android N preview. I lasted about a week. Far too many things were broken - many apps have not been upgraded, and probably won't be until we're far closer to the final release.
So unless you want to ruin your day-to-day experience with one non-working app after another, have patience and wait at least until the second preview, and even then wait to read in these forums about how many problems still remain.
As to new features and new look - minimal, and not worth the aggravation, in my opinion.
But there you go - others may have a different opinion - you'll have to decide for yourself, of course.
akholicc said:
i want the new look. and enjoy new features. i have never seen a boot loop. so i cant take risk of that. though everyday bugs are okay. as i have other devices. id be okay? as in from boot loops or soft or hard bricks? Thanks.
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I'd say a minimum for checking out the preview is:
-leave the bootloader unlocked
-Know how to flash a factory image on a per image basis (no flash-all.bat)
-Have 0 critical data on the thing, if you wipe it you lose nothing you care about. Keep in mind even camera photos, sms history, small things like that. (btw N preview is very very buggy trying to take pictures on any app I got force closes everytime I opened google camera, lcamera, or open camera)
When the marshmallow preview came out I put it on my N5, it was just a table weight at the point when the preview came out as I had my N6. Now with the N preview I went and charged ahead putting it on my daily use device, and it "worked" but a LOT of apps weren't working correctly, many games Bloons monkey city, hill climb racing, etc crashed randomly or didn't open at all, some other apps like Dish anywhere, yahoo messenger, google camera, UPS, etc didn't work either. MXplayer was running every video in super safe Software decoding mode.
The transitions and animations were pretty awful on stock kernel, only kernel I found to work well was 2.95GHz Elementalx (running on ondemand and yes I noticed slightly smoother performance because ondemand shoots to max frequency under any load) or Elite Kernel with Blu-active governor (highly recommend elite though smoothest kernel I've seen.) And under any kernel the device ran much hotter than Marshmallow, I could only get 2.5 hours of mid brightness SD youtube over wifi from 100 to 0 battery (I can easily exceed that with a stock N5...) and again device ran hot on stock kernel doing that.
SOoo if your N6 is your sideline phone go for it, it'll dirty flash over stock and I didn't see any improvement from clean flashing :/. But seriously this preview is more buggy than the first Lollipop preview was imo.
Long story short I'm back on Marshmallow PureNexus + Elite kernel. Much smoothness and back to my cool running 4 hour screen time every day phone that sleeps like a baby . (granted that could just be more of not running stock but I went from Marshmallow xposed gravitybox stock rom and N was buggier w/ more random reboots and freezups.
Make sure to read the sticky`s thread (in my signature) for usefull and lifesaving threads about flashing etc etc and getting some basic knowledge you will need before you tinker with your phone, after that unlock the bootloader and backup important files just to be sure and then enroll to the google beta thread.
-Edit- first backup off course and then unlock the bootloader. Btw for a first release its quite stable and fluent, the 2nd release should come within a week i guess.
dahawthorne said:
No, definitely not. I don't know what your Android experience is, but from your comments and the "junior member" tag (not a reliable indicator, I know), plus the fact that you've never had a bootloop (lucky!) I'm guessing that it's not much.
I've had Nexus devices for several years and I'm sort of comfortable with upgrading and fixing, so I tried the Android N preview. I lasted about a week. Far too many things were broken - many apps have not been upgraded, and probably won't be until we're far closer to the final release.
So unless you want to ruin your day-to-day experience with one non-working app after another, have patience and wait at least until the second preview, and even then wait to read in these forums about how many problems still remain.
As to new features and new look - minimal, and not worth the aggravation, in my opinion.
But there you go - others may have a different opinion - you'll have to decide for yourself, of course.
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thanks man. so i guess i should wait for more stable build.
StykerB said:
I'd say a minimum for checking out the preview is:
-leave the bootloader unlocked
-Know how to flash a factory image on a per image basis (no flash-all.bat)
-Have 0 critical data on the thing, if you wipe it you lose nothing you care about. Keep in mind even camera photos, sms history, small things like that. (btw N preview is very very buggy trying to take pictures on any app I got force closes everytime I opened google camera, lcamera, or open camera)
When the marshmallow preview came out I put it on my N5, it was just a table weight at the point when the preview came out as I had my N6. Now with the N preview I went and charged ahead putting it on my daily use device, and it "worked" but a LOT of apps weren't working correctly, many games Bloons monkey city, hill climb racing, etc crashed randomly or didn't open at all, some other apps like Dish anywhere, yahoo messenger, google camera, UPS, etc didn't work either. MXplayer was running every video in super safe Software decoding mode.
The transitions and animations were pretty awful on stock kernel, only kernel I found to work well was 2.95GHz Elementalx (running on ondemand and yes I noticed slightly smoother performance because ondemand shoots to max frequency under any load) or Elite Kernel with Blu-active governor (highly recommend elite though smoothest kernel I've seen.) And under any kernel the device ran much hotter than Marshmallow, I could only get 2.5 hours of mid brightness SD youtube over wifi from 100 to 0 battery (I can easily exceed that with a stock N5...) and again device ran hot on stock kernel doing that.
SOoo if your N6 is your sideline phone go for it, it'll dirty flash over stock and I didn't see any improvement from clean flashing :/. But seriously this preview is more buggy than the first Lollipop preview was imo.
Long story short I'm back on Marshmallow PureNexus + Elite kernel. Much smoothness and back to my cool running 4 hour screen time every day phone that sleeps like a baby . (granted that could just be more of not running stock but I went from Marshmallow xposed gravitybox stock rom and N was buggier w/ more random reboots and freezups.
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Click to collapse
thanks for detailed reply sir. i decided to wait untill some stable build comes. as i dont know anything about flashing. im too afraid to even try. :crying: thanks though:good::good:
If you do decide to register for the N preview, you'll eventually get an OTA update which will apply the N over your existing M and you'll lose nothing.
BUT...
I think I've read a couple of threads where people have accepted the OTA and it hasn't worked, and they hadn't unlocked their bootloaders and therefore have no phone at all. As a bare minimum, if you're going to try the preview, you should unlock the bootloader so that you have at least a fighting chance of installing a new ROM if there's a problem.
Normally root prevents OTAs, but strangely it worked fine on my rooted N6. Maybe the systemless root fooled it...
BUT...
If you unlock the bootloader, you'll lose all your data - it wipes the phone, so back up photos, SMS, etc.
And if you're not confident about doing this, then I stick with my original answer - don't touch N at all until the final factory release around October.
(P.S. A plea to everyone in these forums. Don't reply to a simple 1-page thread post copying the entire post to which you're replying. I've already read the original - I don't need to read it again. Copy the original post only where necessary - e.g. if it's on a previous page. And even then copy only the point to which you're replying, not the entire post. The result will be clearer and shorter threads which will be more enjoyable to read.)
i'm going to wait for the factory release. Thanks again. and sure no problem ill keep that in mind.
These are horrible answers
These are horrible answers by people who themselves don't know enough about the subject to give any advice, for example, the first gentleman referred to your XDA member status to partially determine your knowledge on the subject. Consider mine, i have a senior member account, and i have now started this one which i use when i want to have some quiet time. It is annoying that there are some who think that after they have learned to flash a ROM on their Nexus device (the easiest device to flash) that they are part of some exclusive club in which their first duty is to deter any would be members from ever wanting to join. These people should be praising you for your interest, not deterring you from it.
That being said, here is my opinion on your question, you have a Nexus device so you probably have some sort of interest in Android or AOSP in general, so start learning all that you can about it. You're main focus should be in researching your bootloader unlock, fastboot, ADB, and your custom recovery of choice... (My preference is TWRP). Once you have your custom recovery in place and have made a full backup with it, there is little you can do to ruin your device, just make sure to never touch the recovery partition again until you are a little more knowledgeable. Once you feel like you have done the research you need, than take a crack at it. We all had to take the leap at one point or another. It isn't rocket science, these people are not smarter than you are, and its no big deal if you aren't happy with the new version, worst case scenario is you wipe and re flash. You said you have other devices in case yours has a hiccup and takes a day or so to come back, so just have fun with it. Good luck and feel free to pm me if you need any info or help.
S1CAR1US said:
These are horrible answers .
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I agree.. I never signed up for the beta program(unless flashing N automatically enrolled me).. At the minimum unlock the bootloader.. Learn what you can and give it a shot. My experience with N has been almost perfect. All the apps I use work, I've installed my magpie transparent theme, camera opens normally, not one unintended reboot. I like N a lot. I came from pureNexus rom. Losing a device or two might come with the learning experience(I lost one Evo & Evo Lte) but I have more knowledge because I learned along the way. Go for it!!
its very easy..
if you want a N ota(all the N previews), then sign up. if you could care less about otas, then dont sign up. all signing up will do is let you get a N ota.
Uh oh..another 'horrible answer' coming up!
Depends. How badly do you NEED your phone? Do you use it for important business? Can you afford it to be 'down' for any length of time? What are your expectations..root?Adaway?TWRP? etc. Will your desired themes/layers/tweaks work on N? I cannot answer these questions for you, and no one else can. It's all a balancing act between risk and stability..some of us live on the edge, some should have no shame in waiting for stability.
And this may help people to decide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/help/unlock-bootloader-t3356276
If you don't know what you're doing, just don't do it. Simple.
Slight deviation from the topic but can i accept the N ota if I am stock rooted? Will it work and will I lose root?
Depends on the root. I was rooted with (as I remember, may be wrong) SuperSU v2.67 and to my astonishment the OTA worked. You will lose root, but it's simple to restore.
But read the warnings above - unless you're really experienced and can fix your phone the risk outweighs the small benefits, in my opinion, especially if you do it now when the second preview will be available shortly.
And whether you do or not, unlock your bootloader so that if you have problems you have at least a fighting chance of recovering your phone.
And note - UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER WIPES YOUR PHONE.
Thanks for the detailed response. My bootloader is unlocked already so at least that bit us done. I rooted just before the April update came out. Happy to lose root and try to get it back once the ota has been installed as there isn't much I use it for anyways.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Heck yes. That is the joy of having a Nexus
I'm still running preview 1 and it's cool and all but, the lag gets pretty frustrating. I would at least wait until preview 2 if you're really feeling it.