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I've been using my Note8 for 5 months already.
I miss many functionalities I would have if I could root the Note8, but I am reluctant as I know Samsung Pay will not work never again on this terminal.
The truth is that I would root it but here are the pros/cons:
Pros:
CPU downgrade (more battery juice)
Add apps to the ultra-power save mode (I definitely would use this mode more)
Get rid of bloatware (but on the other hand now I can just deactivate it)
Could use Titanium Backup to backup my apps
Cons:
Cannot use Samsung Pay never again
Would loose the stability/security of the stock ROM.
In fact, the banks I work with use Android Pay (and not Samsung Pay).
The main department store in Spain (El Corte Inglés) support Samsung Pay, but there is a silly issue that makes me not to use it. To clear the parking ticket you can do it directly with the 'old card', whereas if you pay with Samsung Pay in the store, after you have to go to customer service, wait the queue and have your parking ticket cleared. It's just silly and makes me not to use Android Pay in this store.
So, would you root your device or keep it stock?
So I still didnt root my phone too mainly because Samsung Pay. In Germany there is also no banks that supports it (Apple and Google Pay are also not out) but I have after 7 months found a swiss bank that supports it and yet i have to test it out.
ptolomeo said:
I've been using my Note8 for 5 months already.
I miss many functionalities I would have if I could root the Note8, but I am reluctant as I know Samsung Pay will not work never again on this terminal.
The truth is that I would root it but here are the pros/cons:
Pros:
CPU downgrade (more battery juice)
Add apps to the ultra-power save mode (I definitely would use this mode more)
Get rid of bloatware (but on the other hand now I can just deactivate it)
Could use Titanium Backup to backup my apps
Cons:
Cannot use Samsung Pay never again
Would loose the stability/security of the stock ROM.
In fact, the banks I work with use Android Pay (and not Samsung Pay).
The main department store in Spain (El Corte Inglés) support Samsung Pay, but there is a silly issue that makes me not to use it. To clear the parking ticket you can do it directly with the 'old card', whereas if you pay with Samsung Pay in the store, after you have to go to customer service, wait the queue and have your parking ticket cleared. It's just silly and makes me not to use Android Pay in this store.
So, would you root your device or keep it stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cons:
I never use Samsung Pay so for me there is no problem
About stability/security yes you need be more careful about security but if you use phone as normal person and not open thing which you dont know what is it you not have any issue btw you can flash custom romalmost all devs update his custom roms with latest security patches and firmwares
So i dont see reason why not root i root my phone week ago now i searching for good Oreo custom rom
About Pros:
You can do many godo thinks with root special if you have twrp you can flash good custom roms, mods etc.. i root my phone only for Zero Camera Mod in future i will flash custom rom too.
I'm came from a rooted Moto X Pure and loved all the stuff root gave me. When I got the Note 8, I decided not to root it and see how it goes. So far, I see no real reason to root at this point. Yeah, I'd love to be able to backup via TiBu, along with freezing or uninstalling apps, but overall, I see no real other benefit. The battery and speed of the Note is so good that I don't really worry about it.
I don't use any NFC pay services so I could care less about Samsung Pay. Every Android I've had was rooted. I purchased Exynos overseas instead Snapdragon domestically with the intent to root. When I first got my Note 8 in Aug/Sep I tried to see how long I could go without rooting. I didn't even make it a full 2 days.
Back in day I rooted mainly for themeing & ad blocking, in the past years themeing is not even on my list for reason to root. With the Note 8 root is not even needed for themeing.
I root to enable features that can't be on a stock phone, use apps that require root, debloat/disable/uninstall anything without needing an additional app, able to use TiBu like I've always have but not only that, the ability to backup things other than apps. Snapdragon does have root but it's not just root that I want, custom recovery/TWRP is a must for me too. Most of the time, thanks to our devs, performance is also improved.
I vote root. Mainly for Ti backup, debloating, and most importantly Xposed (disappointed when I found out it doesn't work yet). I haven't done much debloating since there isn't a nice list like every other phone I've ever had.
You gotta fund out what bootloader your on cause Samsung now blocked root.
I don't see any point in rooting the Note 8. I'm happy with the battery life so no need to tweak anything here. I don't need low power mode or apps that can run in this mode. Bloatware is not an issue for me, everything I don't want is deactivated and memory is not really an issue for me either.
My Note 8 is a great tool and it just works fine. I would not risk that by using other ROMs etc, because I don't see a point here either. So I won't root it.
I rooted my devices since the S3, but now, many many things that only root could give you control over in the past, now can be done with stock or via apps, the pros of rooting were far more desirable that the cons, but now, things are different, samsung pay is active in my country and I find it very useful, what I painly miss is, Viper4A, only, but, as I use it only at home with a full size sound system, I use my note 4 for listening music, so, I will not root my note 8
The only reason to root my phone could be the zero camera mod. That's all... completely unnecessary in this phone. Think about it (at least in my case) : i installed some fancy apps, and since of them was very cool, but 2 o 3 weeks later it just become in another unnecessary gadget. Custom roms are that... in my humble opinion. Cheers
I just can't see a reason to root. Note offers a lot of functionalities that, in the past, are reached by some stock roms. In term of battery I agree that stock rom could be better. Loosing Knox and Samsung pay is not a clever decision. Imagine a scenario involving warranty.
Note is a portable PC and have everything in my opinion
Saafir said:
Let's not forget you can debloat using adb. No root required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you freeze and defrost bloat?
For me the only reason to root is to have a local firewall while VPNing. The only effective noroot firewalls use the VPN service and if you do that you can not simultaneously block while also connecting to a VPN service to secure DNS or access remote network resources that are not internet exposed.
Unless you are a software developer there is no need to root an modern android device these days. As most android OEMs are doing a good job refining android for their respective devices.
I've rooted the 25 or so Android phones I have had over the years, but, this is the first Android phone I have not rooted; I couldn't care less about samsung pay, or Knox, or warranty, since warranty has NEVER been an issue for me, even on rooted phones.
But, with this Snapdragon version, there aren't really any custom roms to flash, or many mods that require root, and, the phone is fast as hell with the stock rom, so, as long as I can install themes to change the look, I have zero desire to root this phone.
iceepyon said:
Unless you are a software developer there is no need to root an modern android device these days. As most android OEMs are doing a good job refining android for their respective devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or unless no phone offers the features that you need.
iceepyon said:
Unless you are a software developer there is no need to root an modern android device these days. As most android OEMs are doing a good job refining android for their respective devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so my friend. Some of us can't stand the white ****ty-looking icons and letters on the top bar, like battery, date etc.. they are dull and boring. Rooting is about the only way to change that at this time. Having access to 3minittbattery or other advanced ways to change/theme Android is key even if you are not a developer. Also, I have yet to find a decent backup utility like Titanium in any OEM. Most backup apps will only back up your Apks but no data unless you have root. So when you change phones, you loose all/most data. It's hard to believe that after 10 years, Android still cannot backup data in all your apps without root. For someone like me who likes to have the latest phones, it means at least twice a year you loose all data unless you have root. When you pay close to 1K for a phone, you expect to be able to have it your way. Otherwise, why not just follow the i-sheep where everything in the ecosystem is already pre-done for you? This is why many of us root. We don't want to be part of the i-sheep family.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Sinxe note 2 i was a rooter in all series.. for the first time i kept a phone as stock.
Well knox or secure folder.. is the best reason to have this phone. And i am using it for privacy things.. with double accounts.. u can have a hidden whatsapp with different number in secure folder... This was important for me.
Samsung pay! Another fact.
Disabling bloatwares are possible wo root.
I dont need any kernel or performance tweak. Samsung sid fine...
Even i am not a fan of theming. With Nova i am really satisfied..
For camera tweak. I downloaded apk pixel 2 exynos modify from xda.. which does better job then stock..
With adblock issues lucky patcher is still good wo root..
Titanium backup?? I let google to upload everything.. so data backup no more need on my sd..
Also using a firmware that is so stable is another benefit. There is no crash. No headache. Now i see not complicating things is better..
Besides i have nexus with root.. and for my case.. rooting note 8 is not huge benefit for me...
m_carleone82 said:
Titanium backup?? I let google to upload everything.. so data backup no more need on sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except Google does a ****ty job of backing up and restoring. Also, I don't just use Ti backup when setting up a new phone, I use it to backup my most used apps before updating them. Half the time updates brings on issues, removes features, or just break the app all together.
Meh!! I'm over tinkering with phones. Been doing it for many years. At the end of the day they still take and make calls , send and receive mms sms emails,and apps for whatever I want to do. These days most modern phones pack enough grunt , I don't find a need to modify. The fun in it for me has become same old, same old. I do however come back here in hope that some one has pulled a rabbit out of the hat with something new and magical. There's more fun things for me to do like travel the globe.
For the young ones it still will be new and exciting, so keep having fun!
And yes my cat is still around, little older and a little slower. Still very beautiful.
Hey folks,
I just bought 3 Moto X4 Android One phones directly from Google Fi for my wife & kids to replace their aging Samsung J3 phones (2016). I'm prepping their phones now before wrapping (screen protector, bumper cases, Micro SD cards stuffed with music, charging the batteries, etc). I couldn't find the latest factory image to flash directly, so I've been installing the updates one by one (6 hours & counting, sheesh!)
The question I'm asking is: should I updated them to the latest version of Oreo (OPWS28.3.5), then root with Magisk & disable OTA (by removing the update app with a root uninstaller)? Once I hand over the phones, I will probably never be able to do any maintenance on them (one of my girls is in college, the other is a teen and needs her privacy). The main reason for rooting is to install AdAway. However, I don't want them to have issues with apps that detect root (such as Netflix, Pokemon Go, banking apps, etc).
Or I can hand over the phones as-is and they will have to deal with ads.
I want them to have the latest security updates, however I also want them to have a pleasant browsing experience like I have on my rooted Pixel 2.
Thoughts?
Same question here.
Retail version.
Wondering if I should root now or wait for pie. I've never owned a phone this long without rooting it (2 months! Lol). But been happy with it so far.
I just miss the customization features.
And losing space on internal fast (from a/b I've read).
So wait or go for it now?
Blokada is a good alternative to AdAway, it routes the whole wifi and mobile traffic through a hosts file like a vpn but without connecting to another server. Just whitelist Play Store and Google Drive (if it's used), in my blacklist is only MVPS enabled.. and yeah it works really great
https://blokada.org/
stovo06 said:
And losing space on internal fast (from a/b I've read).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know about this...after looking it up, I found it's called Seamless Updates, and its a real pain for ROM developers. I was wondering why the ROM scene on the Pixel 2 was so small as compared to, say the Nexus 5. Well, its a good thing I got them 32GB micro SD cards, they will need it for the insane amount of photos they take lol
Zokhii said:
Blokada is a good alternative to AdAway, it routes the whole wifi and mobile traffic through a hosts file like a vpn but without connecting to another server. Just whitelist Play Store and Google Drive (if it's used), in my blacklist is only MVPS enabled.. and yeah it works really great
https://blokada.org/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great tip!!! Thanks, I'm going to go try it out now.
To get the latest OTA update on a rooted X4, I flashed the most recent available firmware (from Sept or Oct I believe; it doesn't have to be the absolute latest as updates are inclusive, but a full Android version change is probably another story), let the OTA come in, then re-pushed recovery and root. All in, it took under an hour. If your kids do not quite have the technical prowess to do this, I would suggest leaving them un-rooted. They will get very annoyed at the "OTA update available!" notification that never goes away.
Hopefully the alternative ad blocker Zokhii suggested works out for you.
booting into TWRP will break the ota update
Installing adblocker is a pretty stupid reason to root if you're going to hand the phone to some people that have never even heard of XDA before. I've been on this site for... what? At least 6 years now. I *program* on the six phones that I have. And *I* haven't rooted my phone because I haven't needed to. I just use the Brave Browser that has adblock built-in. That's a wrap.
Just hand them the phones with a bow on top and hope nobody gave you a tie.
Brave Browser doesn't block in-app banner ads, which can be a security risk on par with "handing a rooted device over to a novice" because there are plenty of malicious ads using socially-targeted messages designed to trick the user into giving up personal or account information. And although it can be argued that it's best to just teach people to not click on ads, I'd rather spend the time teaching them other things like how to be a responsible
administrator.
How does that meme go with the Joker? " Give someone a Windows laptop with adminstrative privileges & no one bats an eye, give someone a rooted Android device & everyone loses their mind".
I ended up installing Blokada & it seems to do a great job of blocking most ads ( doesn't block Facebook Messenger ads, but then neither does Adaway).
Don't do it..once you unlock the bootloader it can't be relocked.
The only reason I unlock a bootloader and root are for custom ROMs. There simply isn't enough development for this phone to justify the hassle IMO.
A30N said:
Brave Browser doesn't block in-app banner ads, which can be a security risk on par with "handing a rooted device over to a novice" because there are plenty of malicious ads using socially-targeted messages designed to trick the user into giving up personal or account information. And although it can be argued that it's best to just teach people to not click on ads, I'd rather spend the time teaching them other things like how to be a responsible
administrator.
How does that meme go with the Joker? " Give someone a Windows laptop with adminstrative privileges & no one bats an eye, give someone a rooted Android device & everyone loses their mind".
I ended up installing Blokada & it seems to do a great job of blocking most ads ( doesn't block Facebook Messenger ads, but then neither does Adaway).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do believe... for your family... a warranty would be FAR more useful than an adblocker...
And have you actually USED Brave lately? I use it everyday... (in fact... I'm using it right now) and *I* haven't seen any banner ads. I think it does a pretty good job.
A30N said:
Didn't know about this...after looking it up, I found it's called Seamless Updates, and its a real pain for ROM developers. I was wondering why the ROM scene on the Pixel 2 was so small as compared to, say the Nexus 5. Well, its a good thing I got them 32GB micro SD cards, they will need it for the insane amount of photos they take lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not a dev, however, I thought this a good thing.
Yes it eats Data. Yes, it's different and most likely scares people (developers) off (it sure scared me before I began reading about it).
But it can really save your ass from what I've read. Any issues and you can jump back to the previous ROM. I am guessing this is what gives us Project Treble support (unofficial I think but still have it).
Plus I have a 128 gig external and they are super cheap. And I am reading about the next falgships having 1Tb of storage?
A30N said:
Hey folks,
I just bought 3 Moto X4 Android One phones directly from Google Fi for my wife & kids to replace their aging Samsung J3 phones (2016). I'm prepping their phones now before wrapping (screen protector, bumper cases, Micro SD cards stuffed with music, charging the batteries, etc). I couldn't find the latest factory image to flash directly, so I've been installing the updates one by one (6 hours & counting, sheesh!)
The question I'm asking is: should I updated them to the latest version of Oreo (OPWS28.3.5), then root with Magisk & disable OTA (by removing the update app with a root uninstaller)? Once I hand over the phones, I will probably never be able to do any maintenance on them (one of my girls is in college, the other is a teen and needs her privacy). The main reason for rooting is to install AdAway. However, I don't want them to have issues with apps that detect root (such as Netflix, Pokemon Go, banking apps, etc).
Or I can hand over the phones as-is and they will have to deal with ads.
I want them to have the latest security updates, however I also want them to have a pleasant browsing experience like I have on my rooted Pixel 2.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In pie update u can easily block ads by changing default dns with adguard dns. No need for root and third party app :fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Definitely read the FAQs thread for one stop shop info. You can flash latest Android Pie image with locked bootloader and once you unlock bootloader, twrp can be installed along with Magisk anytime no matter which version of firmware you're on.
But to your original question, rooting is up to you. We're a small audience compared to the mass phone users that just need a phone. I'm a must have root. Once your unlocked bootloader, install twrp, and root, it breaks official OTAs. You'll have to wait for full image to become available to flash minus the "erase userdata" to update and keep all internal data.
Over the weekend, I purchased a Galaxy S10. It’s the Verizon variant and as such wont get root. I’m actually not interested in root as my last phone was missing the last few years updates as I did the Ron Popiel, “Set it and forget it”. I’m all good there and am rather happy with it since I had an S5 running Lollipop.
Before upgrading, I asked some questions regarding whether I needed root as my main desire was to be able to use ad blocking software and block ads in applications. I was told to use Blokada. I’ve installed it and it’s not doing what I expected. What it does:
1. It installed a VPN which I keep having to turn on and off.
2. It does not block ads in all applications.
3. It prevents some apps from working: Spectrum, NFL…
Coming from AdAway, I was looking for a program that ran in the background and simply blocked ads. This program does not and now that it installed a VPN, It’s going to cause trouble for me when I want to use the corporate VPN to access my work computer. Besides, not being unobtrusive, the fact that it’s using a VPN means that whoever built the program now has access to my data stream.
Does some know if maybe I’ve misconfigured the program or if there is another program that I should use to achieve seamless background operation.
Maybe all I need is alterative DNS servers so ads won’t load. I’m not sure what to do.
Use Blokada or Adguard, or at least that's what I've used. I actually use paid version of Adguard but the other works fine
https://blokada.org/index.html
I'm using AdGuard DNS with a Quick Settings toggle I've made with Tasker to enable and disable it on the fly.
No app needed, it's fast and works like a charm even in apps or YouTube.
I need to disable it for public WiFi with login to make the login sites work, only. If I'm logged it I re-enable it.
I was using AdAway before but I wanted to try a rootless phone after I had issues with my USB Port and I like it.
I just tried Blokada again. I found that I could use the DNS frature and be protected from ads, but spectrum tells me, "VPN Unsupported". how do I get around this and not use VPN to block Ads?
Hey there!
After 2 years I'm finally switching from a great OnePlus 7 Pro to a brand new Galaxy S21 Ultra (US, Snapdragon, unlocked).
I rooted my OP7 the first day I got it, it was pretty straightforward - OnePlus made things easier too - and keeping it updated wasn't a big deal. Maintenance was smooth. I really didn't lose any security service, all my banking and payment apps worked flawlessly.
On the other hand, I've never rooted a Samsung before, but I keep reading that it's a bit of a pain.
So I wanted to ask to those of you who already rooted the S21 how it's going. Any app/service you had to leave behind so far? Any complications or difficulties?
Cheers!
US Snap Dragon chips now have a locked bootloader countrywide in newer Samsung Galaxy phones.
no TWRP or root without going thru a paid bootloader unlock service
Yeah, I know there's no TWRP for Android 11 yet. That's why I haven't updated my OP7.
Well, sounds like this countrywide lock is a real big pain then
I'm not an S21 owner nor American, I've just seen this in the S20FE forums, that's how US networks want Samsung to do stuff.
_JuSteR_ said:
Yeah, I know there's no TWRP for Android 11 yet. That's why I haven't updated my OP7.
Well, sounds like this countrywide lock is a real big pain then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not being able to reliably unlock the BL is why I haven't gotten a S21 Ultra. I'm now looking at the Sony Xperia 1 III.
I also have a 7 Pro
tech_head said:
Not being able to reliably unlock the BL is why I haven't gotten a S21 Ultra. I'm now looking at the Sony Xperia 1 III.
I also have a 7 Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something I read on an xda news page about treble said Sony put in lots of work on getting their vendor layer perfect for treble so GSIs should work with all features on Sony phones. everyone seems to not want you leaving their ecosystems such they are.
tech_head said:
Not being able to reliably unlock the BL is why I haven't gotten a S21 Ultra. I'm now looking at the Sony Xperia 1 III.
I also have a 7 Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. I'm not looking at the phone you mentioned, but I'll probably be sticking to the Pixel devices moving forward. It just stinks that Google hadn't had a proper Pixel 5 release (due to the government secretly pinning the lawsuit that was for Apple against Google instead, causing them to lose around $170M USD) and so I went to the S21U...
While I like the phone, I probably definitely won't be going back to Samsung for my next phone.
_JuSteR_ said:
Hey there!
After 2 years I'm finally switching from a great OnePlus 7 Pro to a brand new Galaxy S21 Ultra (US/Snapdragon).
I rooted my OP7 the first day I got it, it was pretty straightforward - OnePlus made things easier too - and keeping it updated wasn't a big deal. Maintenance was smooth. I really didn't lose any security service, all my banking and payment apps worked flawlessly.
On the other hand, I've never rooted a Samsung before, but I keep reading that it's a bit of a pain.
So I wanted to ask to those of you who already rooted the S21 how it's going. Any app/service you had to leave behind so far? Any complications or difficulties?
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went from a OnePlus 7T to the S21 Ultra. The flasher in me went crazy the first month or two. I kept looking for ways to unlock and root etc. Regretted my decision. BUT THEN, after exploring and research, I found that I could get rid of ads across the whole phone. Including in app ads. I could theme. I could do basically everything I wanted WITHOUT root. After gradually moving all my passwords to Knox, it's grown on me. I'm very content. Samsung UI has come a long way imo
Just think about what you want out of being rooted. Research and find outnif you can accomplish the same without root and then go from there.
How do you block app ads? @BlaaaaazedUp
Thx
if tripping KNOX is worth it, then can go ahead
Sithlordpt said:
How do you block app ads? @BlaaaaazedUp
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind losing more battery than normal (and losing a tiny bit of browsing speed depending on your setup): AdGuard - which isn't on the Play Store. But if you want to block those ads without any issues, you'll need AdAway with root.
I rooted my OnePlus 7 Pro for adblocking (adaway + minminguard), Battery Charge Limit and some small UI improvements and app debloat - Oxygen OS doesn't require that much though. I can't say the same about Samsung.
At the moment, on my S21 I'm just using adaway VPN, which works fine but not consistently. I also tried SystemUI Tuner to remove the VPN icon from the status bar - I can't believe there's no system option for that - but it stops working when you restart the phone.
I really don't know what KNOX is for and I don't know what tripping it implies.
Other than that, I'm really forcing myself to get used to the squircle icons across the UI
Samsung removed the fastboot mode from all their devices. How is that supposed to be open source and developer friendly? No more Samsung for me. Never again. Xiaomi is much more open source and developer friendly and much cheaper. Bye bye Samsung! Good riddance.
_JuSteR_ said:
I rooted my OnePlus 7 Pro for adblocking (adaway + minminguard), Battery Charge Limit and some small UI improvements and app debloat - Oxygen OS doesn't require that much though. I can't say the same about Samsung.
At the moment, on my S21 I'm just using adaway VPN, which works fine but not consistently. I also tried SystemUI Tuner to remove the VPN icon from the status bar - I can't believe there's no system option for that - but it stops working when you restart the phone.
I really don't know what KNOX is for and I don't know what tripping it implies.
Other than that, I'm really forcing myself to get used to the squircle icons across the UI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Good Lock to remove any icons from statusbar and edit all the things you want, including control center, app switcher style, keyboard effects, lockscreen, clock, etc.
It's a very powerful tool.
I just found a mint 9 Pro for $900.
Still with OnePlus.
I've been rooted for 2 weeks with a hong kong model G9880, unlocking the bootloader was pretty smooth only the firmware download and extra steps to root Samsung devices are much more complicated compared to OnePlus phone including OTA updates.
Everything I've been using was without any problems so far, I've tested Samsung Health and Samsung Pay wasn't working, but not a big deal for me as I use Google Pay. Samsung DeX is working fine also. I don't like Samsung apps as I don't want to stick with them too long.
For me it was worth it to root and trip Knox, because root is a feature for me as I'm pretty nerdy about controlling things and making things my own. I mostly use root for: Tasker automation for limiting battery charging, disabling services, and so much more automations, Adaway, (LP), EdXposed: PrivacyLua, AllTrans, theming Gboard themes, disabling navbar buttons and replace them with FNG and One Hand Operation+ (now using Nova doesn't have issues with swipe gestures, yaay!), Greenify to doze apps, DarQ to make almost any apps dark mode, SD maid (rooted) for disabling apps that start up on boot, Panda Mouse Pro for mapping keyboard in games without mouse and keyboard support (activation with root doesn't need a computer and adb anymore), also i can access ADB in Termux without a computer and without LADB, and so much moooree.. I could go on all day.
After rooting, all tweaking it is SO MUCH pleasure and so smooth to use and it all depends on the user if you're satisfied the way you use your phone. Tripping KnoX may decrease sale price if you're going to sell your phone in the future but I've read they still accept your phone as a trade-in for another phone so it's great. Of course some things can also do without root but with a hassle.
I'm coming from OnePlus 8 Pro and I chose S21 Ultra for DeX mode and when I use screen mirroring I can output 120hz for gaming and bought a monitor for that.
You don't neet adguard or root to block ads. Use the global dns in settings. Use adguard dns or a custom ad blocker such as nextdns. Both are free.
i'd like to get some insights on this too. i've been with android since froyo (yes, i'm old ) and i've rooted everything i've had from day 0, whenever possible. i'm on my 3rd month with the s21u and still stock as i find most of the things i need or do have workarounds for root (like changing out macrdodroid over tasker). so to those who've rooted, did you guys gain batt improvements? this might be a clincher for me
davie9x said:
I've been rooted for 2 weeks with a hong kong model G9880, unlocking the bootloader was pretty smooth only the firmware download and extra steps to root Samsung devices are much more complicated compared to OnePlus phone including OTA updates.
Everything I've been using was without any problems so far, I've tested Samsung Health and Samsung Pay wasn't working, but not a big deal for me as I use Google Pay. Samsung DeX is working fine also. I don't like Samsung apps as I don't want to stick with them too long.
For me it was worth it to root and trip Knox, because root is a feature for me as I'm pretty nerdy about controlling things and making things my own. I mostly use root for: Tasker automation for limiting battery charging, disabling services, and so much more automations, Adaway, (LP), EdXposed: PrivacyLua, AllTrans, theming Gboard themes, disabling navbar buttons and replace them with FNG and One Hand Operation+ (now using Nova doesn't have issues with swipe gestures, yaay!), Greenify to doze apps, DarQ to make almost any apps dark mode, SD maid (rooted) for disabling apps that start up on boot, Panda Mouse Pro for mapping keyboard in games without mouse and keyboard support (activation with root doesn't need a computer and adb anymore), also i can access ADB in Termux without a computer and without LADB, and so much moooree.. I could go on all day.
After rooting, all tweaking it is SO MUCH pleasure and so smooth to use and it all depends on the user if you're satisfied the way you use your phone. Tripping KnoX may decrease sale price if you're going to sell your phone in the future but I've read they still accept your phone as a trade-in for another phone so it's great. Of course some things can also do without root but with a hassle.
I'm coming from OnePlus 8 Pro and I chose S21 Ultra for DeX mode and when I use screen mirroring I can output 120hz for gaming and bought a monitor for that.
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Good to know. Is there any difference between the Hong Kong and US version?
I used to root my phones for quite the same reasons. I stopped using Greenify ages ago though, I don't think it's necessary on modern phones. And I'm not 100% sure about EdExposed as it slowed down my OP7 Pro a bit.
How do you find yourself with Samsung and system updates? Is it a stress to update and re-root?
tiliarou said:
You don't neet adguard or root to block ads. Use the global dns in settings. Use adguard dns or a custom ad blocker such as nextdns. Both are free.
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Agree. I'm using AdAway VPN based ad blocker at the mo, but for sure it comes with some cons. It's definitely slower than using the root based version. When I switch networks - from wifi to mobile for instance - it always takes some time to reestablish the connection. Sometimes I have to force close AdAway, if i want to use internet again. I'm slowly getting used to it btw
Using adaway vpn is almost as using the built in android dns setting, although adaway app as more features.
These features can be replicated within nextdns and then you never have to worry about anything. Except if you us public open WiFi network like in malls or airports where sometimes custom dns aren't allowed.
I just got my Galaxy S23.
Previously I've always rooted all my phones. But my previous phone is old, so much may have changed in the last six years. So I'm trying to decide whether to root the S23 or not.
What are some pros and cons with rooting the Galaxy S23?
If you want to have full control over your device, root is the way.
I, for example, want to have VPN and firewall on to controll which app and how can connect to internet, combining also with adblock and I simply has no other way to achieve that.
Also I found it outrageous not to have full control over device I paid for.
Cons are that you will loose Samsung Pay and Pass. The rest of the Samsung goodies is patchable to get working through Knox patch. And you won't be able to get to pre-unlocked state cause your Knox status will be permanently changed. And also you will have to install all updates manually. And, obviously, your warranty will be void.
pesa44 said:
If you want to have full control over your device, root is the way.
I, for example, want to have VPN and firewall on to controll which app and how can connect to internet, combining also with adblock and I simply has no other way to achieve that.
Also I found it outrageous not to have full control over device I paid for.
Cons are that you will loose Samsung Pay and Pass. The rest of the Samsung goodies is patchable to get working through Knox patch. And you won't be able to get to pre-unlocked state cause your Knox status will be permanently changed. And also you will have to install all updates manually. And, obviously, your warranty will be void.
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Good response. Thank you!
No need to root nowadays, you can install any apps, modded apps by just allowing unknown sources.
Apps such as Spotify mod to get somewhat access to premium, Youtube Vanced...don't require root access.
Also apps such as Greenify, adBlocks offer non-rooted mode - even if not as powerful it isn't a deal breaker.
But mostly losing access to the Pay apps (Samsung Pay...) is a big issue to me and there is no way back!
I used to root my devices but really I don't feel like it's necessary anymore.
I'm yet to hear about an app, customisation that would motivate me enough to root my phone.
pesa44 said:
Also I found it outrageous not to have full control over device I paid for.
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Lol, you forget that people thinking this is probably less than 1% of the people. The rest of the people just want a phone that works.
Not having root access is a security and safety thing, as being able to change root files could end up with people bricking their phone if they don't know what they're doing.
Personally, I feel the same as @ValouSydney
Currently, there's barely any need for root as all good apps/features are already available within android and the play store.
This is the first phone I won't be rooting as I want to be able to use Samsung pay, use my banking app etc and update without issue.
the comments are misleading, you dont lose access to banking apps or wallet. Its only Samsung pay. Just use google pay.
I made a post about lspatch, which is supposed to be xposed without root. hope it gets traction
bipindr123 said:
I made a post about lspatch, which is supposed to be xposed without root. hope it gets traction
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Thanks for sharing this - any suggestions of modules to install that are worth using?