Database Develop

Locked BL Consequences

Could someone please explain the consequences of having a locked BL? Especially wrt to the Moto X? Also, what is this SS that everyone keeps talking about?
TIA

I've been in your situation before and couldn't find help or answers, phone makers sign there software with a signature when it boots so when the phone loads it looks for that signature and won't load unless the os had that signature. When your boatloader is locked it means you can't install custom roms or fully root your phone, people have to find an exploit to root it, like case's rockmymoto exploit. SS is safe strap and it is a workaround for installing custom roms on a locked boatloader phone.
Sent from my XT1055 using xda app-developers app

charlie-n said:
I've been in your situation before and couldn't find help or answers, phone makers sign there software with a signature when it boots so when the phone loads it looks for that signature and won't load unless the os had that signature. When your boatloader is locked it means you can't install custom roms or fully root your phone, people have to find an exploit to root it, like case's rockmymoto exploit. SS is safe strap and it is a workaround for installing custom roms on a locked boatloader phone.
Sent from my XT1055 using xda app-developers app
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So basically then, something like the AT&T moto x can be rooted by using the rockmymoto exploit, but custom ROMs have to be made specifically to support SS?
Seeing as how I dont think development for the Moto X isnt going to take off on a major scale (like, say the Nexus), it would make no difference having a locked or unlocked BL, am I right?

anirudh412 said:
So basically then, something like the AT&T moto x can be rooted by using the rockmymoto exploit, but custom ROMs have to be made specifically to support SS?
Seeing as how I dont think development for the Moto X isnt going to take off on a major scale (like, say the Nexus), it would make no difference having a locked or unlocked BL, am I right?
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well there are several roms out there for unlocked BL currently. The reason to have a unlocked BL: if you want to flash roms a lot, if you want to make sure that you always can have root (sometimes exploits for a FW won't come out), and if you want complete control over your phone.
Much less dev will be done for SS roms because people are finding it difficult to build them I believe. I only use SS to keep root and take newer otas, or run roms like eclipse that are based off of stock FW, then just trimmed down with added features and lots more.
If you have the money, having an unlocked BL is nice because you don't need exploits for roots and other things. I would go with one if money wasn't an issue purely for that fact. Not sure how they are getting OTAs right now, but sometimes unlocked BLs also get OTAs quicker than locked BLs. And they can always flash the OTA if there is a leak. You can also always downgrade your device to a different FW if you want with an unlocked BL.

jayboyyyy said:
well there are several roms out there for unlocked BL currently. The reason to have a unlocked BL: if you want to flash roms a lot, if you want to make sure that you always can have root (sometimes exploits for a FW won't come out), and if you want complete control over your phone.
Much less dev will be done for SS roms because people are finding it difficult to build them I believe. I only use SS to keep root and take newer otas, or run roms like eclipse that are based off of stock FW, then just trimmed down with added features and lots more.
If you have the money, having an unlocked BL is nice because you don't need exploits for roots and other things. I would go with one if money wasn't an issue purely for that fact. Not sure how they are getting OTAs right now, but sometimes unlocked BLs also get OTAs quicker than locked BLs. And they can always flash the OTA if there is a leak. You can also always downgrade your device to a different FW if you want with an unlocked BL.
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Money isnt the issue here. The thing is the Moto X isnt available in my country, but someone is selling their AT&T moto on local ebay. I jumped ship from using android for so many years to an iPhone 5 (my current phone) because I just wanted a phone I could use. Kinda grew tired of flashing ROMS and kernels all the time. The Moto X hits the sweet spot with the perfect size and stutter free operation. To me, this is the perfect android phone. All I need is root and a custom launcher. That is available for the AT&T phones I believe? And as you said, ECLIPSE is available for me to flash if I feel like.
Other than that, apps like lightflow and others dont differentiate b/w locked and unlocked BLs, do they?

anirudh412 said:
Could someone please explain the consequences of having a locked BL? Especially wrt to the Moto X? Also, what is this SS that everyone keeps talking about?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight from the man himself in regards to SafeStrap.
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/104161-recovery-locked-safestrap-recovery-v365-2013-11-13/

Any locked BL users care to give their 0.02 about life with a locked BL? :silly:

anirudh412 said:
Money isnt the issue here. The thing is the Moto X isnt available in my country, but someone is selling their AT&T moto on local ebay. I jumped ship from using android for so many years to an iPhone 5 (my current phone) because I just wanted a phone I could use. Kinda grew tired of flashing ROMS and kernels all the time. The Moto X hits the sweet spot with the perfect size and stutter free operation. To me, this is the perfect android phone. All I need is root and a custom launcher. That is available for the AT&T phones I believe? And as you said, ECLIPSE is available for me to flash if I feel like.
Other than that, apps like lightflow and others dont differentiate b/w locked and unlocked BLs, do they?
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before you pull the trigger make sure the phone will work in your area. IDK about all of the other country phone stuff, but I have seen people posting about what lte bands and radios each different model of the moto x can support. Also, some models you can flash other carriers FW on them, some you can't. And if you buy some models with for some carriers, you can unlock the BL then move it to ATT or whatever service you are using. Like i said, IDK about all of that so that will take some reading and investigating on your part.
I also don't know about lightflow, but basically once you have root, all rooted apps should be able to do what they do. I personally know of nothing that requires an unlocked BL to work (besides flashing roms, kernals, radios, or other stuff). Just root. I'm assuming lightflow is like any other app that requires root. Don't believe any app should ever be changing anything to your bootloader (besides exploits that come in the form of an app).
Im on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.

jayboyyyy said:
before you pull the trigger make sure the phone will work in your area. IDK about all of the other country phone stuff, but I have seen people posting about what lte bands and radios each different model of the moto x can support. Also, some models you can flash other carriers FW on them, some you can't. And if you buy some models with for some carriers, you can unlock the BL then move it to ATT or whatever service you are using. Like i said, IDK about all of that so that will take some reading and investigating on your part.
I also don't know about lightflow, but basically once you have root, all rooted apps should be able to do what they do. I personally know of nothing that requires an unlocked BL to work (besides flashing roms, kernals, radios, or other stuff). Just root. I'm assuming lightflow is like any other app that requires root. Don't believe any app should ever be changing anything to your bootloader (besides exploits that come in the form of an app).
I'm on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.
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Click to collapse
Lol, it just occurred to me I wouldn't need lightflow on the MotoX, it doesn't have a notification light
Either way, even if I do have an unlocked BL, flashing AOSP is out of the question as I wouldnt want to miss out on Active Notifs and always listening G Now. Stock ROM with a few tweaks is all I need.
Under ideal situations (read global release of perhaps the best android phone to date), I wouldn't be in this predicament.

jayboyyyy said:
Im on a lock BL fyi. Had the money for the dev but once root came out for the phone, I decided to go with subsidized. All I wanted was root. And it seems kitkat will have a root exploit made by jcase so im not worried about the future either.
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May I take the liberty of asking which phones have you used before? I have read a few threads and the general consensus is that this phone is smoother than the 'so-called' flagships like the GS4 and the One. Would you happen to agree? As I said before, I just need a phone that works without lag. I am not a heavy user by any means. Texting, whatsapp and a few occasional games like the Clash of Clans. The GPU is quite capable from what I have heard

anirudh412 said:
May I take the liberty of asking which phones have you used before? I have read a few threads and the general consensus is that this phone is smoother than the 'so-called' flagships like the GS4 and the One. Would you happen to agree? As I said before, I just need a phone that works without lag. I am not a heavy user by any means. Texting, whatsapp and a few occasional games like the Clash of Clans. The GPU is quite capable from what I have heard
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ya the phone is just as quick if not quicker than those flagship phones. while its hardware is not "superior" the code behind everything and the processors set up how they are make it just as snappy as those other phones. I never owned either of the two you described but I have played with them all for enough time. You won't be disappointed with the phone at all. A lot of people think it is the best android phone generally that has been released. I;'m in that boat. Closes equivalent to an apple product (flow , feel, etc) that I have used. Those other phones are great as well. Id go htc one over sg4. I was about to buy those phones but then held out to see when/if the moto x was going to be released. Glad I did. went with this phone over those. The size of the phone is perfect for me. I don't like huge screens that barely fit in my pcoket. Battery life is solid (i dont use this things for 6 hours a day like others, not sure how they generate an income ha). the features are amazing and change how you use your phone. Truely the first phone I have seen that released some cool features that were extremely useful and not just eye candy. Google backing moto is a big plus too, you know that if anyone is going to get good treatment, it will at least have to be moto. take the plunge, no chance you will regret it.

jayboyyyy said:
ya the phone is just as quick if not quicker than those flagship phones. while its hardware is not "superior" the code behind everything and the processors set up how they are make it just as snappy as those other phones. I never owned either of the two you described but I have played with them all for enough time. You won't be disappointed with the phone at all. A lot of people think it is the best android phone generally that has been released. I;'m in that boat. Closes equivalent to an apple product (flow , feel, etc) that I have used. Those other phones are great as well. Id go htc one over sg4. I was about to buy those phones but then held out to see when/if the moto x was going to be released. Glad I did. went with this phone over those. The size of the phone is perfect for me. I don't like huge screens that barely fit in my pcoket. Battery life is solid (i dont use this things for 6 hours a day like others, not sure how they generate an income ha). the features are amazing and change how you use your phone. Truely the first phone I have seen that released some cool features that were extremely useful and not just eye candy. Google backing moto is a big plus too, you know that if anyone is going to get good treatment, it will at least have to be moto. take the plunge, no chance you will regret it.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. Moto X, here I come :highfive:

To root or not to root?

Hi everybody,
I’ve prereserved my Note 9, and while waiting for the release date I’m scrolling through the news and forums just to get teased a bit more
A question I’m asking myself though, is: do I really need to root this phone? I’ll lose some functionalities by rooting it (samsung pay/android pay, safetynet apps, knox...) but I’ll surely miss others too (adaway, xposed, tweaks...)
I always rooted all my devices unconditionnaly, like it’s part of my default setup, but do you guys think it’s still needed those days? Is there really a benefit, or can you live without root?

I use to be an avid 'root my phone asap' kinda guy, but the main reason was for wireless hotspot. It's included in most plans now, so I don't feel the need to. I liked getting a cleaner build, less bloatware. To each there own, but with a locked bootloader here in the US it may be a while as you'll need a unlocked version. Carriers here will have it locked down.

the first thing i'm going to do with the phone when i get it is rooting it, hopefully there is a working twrp and there is no oem timeout for unlocking the bootloader.
i can't live without adaway and titanium backup.
releasedate is thursday next week in sweden, can't wait, i have preordered the 512gb model in blue.

Not worth it anymore. Used to be mandatory when Android wasn't as feature rich and mature, but no reason for me to anymore.

In my case root would be needed only for app data transfer from the old phone. After that I don't see the need of root.
Anyway.. how about knox fuse trip and warranty?
Is this still a thing today? Was it in Note 5 7 8?
I know it was in Note 4. But what about later models?

I used to root, but not any more. I get the US unlocked version to cut down on the bloatware. Samsung has made it sooo easy to theme and skin the phone that it's pointless to root for that. Samsung pay is awesome and I use it more and more every day. Smart Switch has taken the place of Titanium back up, and it's free and very simple to use. Also with the 512gb version I ordered , not too worried about the few programs that I dont like but are included.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs

I used to root the second i got a device, however since the 8 and also with the 9 i dont bother any more, all the reasons before were to get better battery life slim down etc, i just use package disable pro now and im done. Besides no point in tripping knox loosing secure folder and faffimng around to get google pay working etc. I love to tinker but the benefits are just not there any more imho

Most probably first phone i will not root. especially for warranty purpose with the know feature

Thanks for the input Now that I have some answers I can give my insights too. I think I'll (be able to) wait a few days before being tempted to root it, but I'm pretty sure there will be a day, especially when Samsung will drop updates and I'll have to use custom ROMs if I want to stay up to date or maybe get the Note 10 port
The things I would miss if I don't root are: Adaway, TWRP (flashing and full backup/restore), MyBackup Pro, debloating, Xposed probably, Viper4Android maybe.

I have been a root on day one guy myself forever. Interesting that people here have not mentioned the privacy issues with all my carrier's supplied bloatware. That crap goes immmmmediately. That was the main reason for rooting for me.

Flame Red said:
I have been a root on day one guy myself forever. Interesting that people here have not mentioned the privacy issues with all my carrier's supplied bloatware. That crap goes immmmmediately. That was the main reason for rooting for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ultimately, you don't necessarily have to root to debloat. You can just flash and use TWRP for this. Although when you boot into TWRP it triggers Knox and you lose those related functionalities.

This will be the second phone im not gonna root. First was the pixel 3 i need samsung pay in my life and plus im getting the locked sprint version. Im scared tho i really do want a clean build. Going with sammy since the s6. I dont want a phone with a notch so i figure i use my upgrade this year

I will always root the 1st day. Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP, custom roms with 3minit battery, ability to customize volume buttons, VIPER4ANDROID, sooo many more reasons why. Stock is boring and dull. No reason to be on XDA if you are not rooting and using developers creations.

Brava27 said:
I will always root the 1st day. Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP, custom roms with 3minit battery, ability to customize volume buttons, VIPER4ANDROID, sooo many more reasons why. Stock is boring and dull. No reason to be on XDA if you are not rooting and using developers creations.
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Click to collapse
Viper4android is the only reason I still root.

Taebom said:
Viper4android is the only reason I still root.
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Yup. Sounds so much better!

I personally stopped rooting since the Note 7 / S7E. I now find Samsung experience to offer me more than enough to keep from rooting. I've rooted all my phones since from the Dream G1 to Galaxy S1, Note 2, to the Note 4.

I root day 0 or I don't buy. Phone is worthless without Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP.

i'm leaning towards no root. but it may be difficult to swallow at first, i think i've rooted the last 4 galaxies i've had... before that was a Nokia. I will undoubtedly miss ad-away, and i've made good use of Xposed on my recent Note5, but many people mention TitaniumBackup and i just don't use it much anymore. I have done a couple full backups with TWRP and used restore from it a couple times, but lets face it... those are things i wouldn't need if a hadn't broke something in a Root function in the first place! All in all, hoping for the best without Root - I want Knox intact. If you guys don't hear from me in the next week or two, i drowned in advertisements.

I've not rooted since my note 5, after being an instant root and Rom girly. It was previously much more needed, but these days not at all for me.
Best things I've found about not rooting -
- No worries at all about trading in, selling on, warranties, insurance etc.
- No worries about keeping the system ROM up to date, and over the air updates are sooooo easy
- No glitches or issues with radios and hardware etc from non standard roms
For me, the level that the current software and hardware is at has wiped out the need for rooting and flashing custom roms

Dayzee said:
I've not rooted since my note 5, after being an instant root and Rom girly. It was previously much more needed, but these days not at all for me.
Best things I've found about not rooting -
- No worries at all about trading in, selling on, warranties, insurance etc.
- No worries about keeping the system ROM up to date, and over the air updates are sooooo easy
- No glitches or issues with radios and hardware etc from non standard roms
For me, the level that the current software and hardware is at has wiped out the need for rooting and flashing custom roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS!
I'd rather have the option, but, no such animal for US Samsung devices.
I can deal w/o it on Samsung devices, thanks to Package Disabler Pro & the ad blocking app Block-This.
Is it a perfect substitute for root?
No, but, this gives me the best of what's important to me with the minimum of compromises.
No interest in non-Samsung based ROMs for this phone, why bother picking up a Note to strip it of its unique features........
Currently using a VZW Note 5 using Package Disabler Pro & Block-This..... Doing just fine, the pragmatic part of my twisted mind (on life support, LOL) tells me to save my money & wait until next year, but, I bought this particular phone in great condition @ a great price, to use solely as a trade-in for T-Mobile"s $500 bill credit.....
Sent from my Galaxy Note 5 using XDA Labs

Do people even work on the locked up US Snapdragon variants?

All I read is negative on the topic of the US Snapdragon Galaxy S10 receiving root/an unlocked bootloader as I understand Samsung has kept these variants locked since the S7 series.
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
And if it is completely impossible, why is this? Are people actively working on it/is there any potential we will receive root in a way similar to the SamFails exploit for the S8 series?
Of course, I'm just a consumer. I'm not exactly sure what goes into this. It would be helpful to gain some insight on what is and is not possible for my S10.
Kind of disappointed I'm unable to afford a Canadian or other foreign variant because I do payment plans. But I really would love the feeling of having root again. I really do miss it.

CrackyRaps said:
. I really do miss it.
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Click to collapse
But why?

CrackyRaps said:
All I read is negative on the topic of the US Snapdragon Galaxy S10 receiving root/an unlocked bootloader as I understand Samsung has kept these variants locked since the S7 series.
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
And if it is completely impossible, why is this? Are people actively working on it/is there any potential we will receive root in a way similar to the SamFails exploit for the S8 series?
Of course, I'm just a consumer. I'm not exactly sure what goes into this. It would be helpful to gain some insight on what is and is not possible for my S10.
Kind of disappointed I'm unable to afford a Canadian or other foreign variant because I do payment plans. But I really would love the feeling of having root again. I really do miss it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have purchased another phone, because it's not going to happen on this one.

raduque said:
But why?
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Because I enjoyed the extra features associated with it?
Superuser, flashing a ROM, even just getting rid of certain bloatware or using a PS3 controller with bluetooth.
There's just a bunch of small things that I miss being able to do, but Samsung has been progressively locking their **** up more and more.
Why does it matter why I want it?

raduque said:
But why?
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Tel864 said:
You should have purchased another phone, because it's not going to happen on this one.
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Click to collapse
This is the sort of thing I'm talking about. I don't know how you can definitively say this other than for the fact that nobody seems to even be giving a ****.
And that's how it goes, nobody gives a **** until it's figured out.
I'm sure a lot of people had the same exact mindset when the S8 got root without tripping Knox, but it got it eventually.
Maybe if more people had been working on it, it would've come about much earlier than it did.
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.

CrackyRaps said:
This is the sort of thing I'm talking about. I don't know how you can definitively say this other than for the fact that nobody seems to even be giving a ****.
And that's how it goes, nobody gives a **** until it's figured out.
I'm sure a lot of people had the same exact mindset when the S8 got root without tripping Knox, but it got it eventually.
Maybe if more people had been working on it, it would've come about much earlier than it did.
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.
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Click to collapse
Wait wait wait lets clear this up. the s8 got root within a month or two of it being out. However, this was NOT because "people worked on it hard enough" It was because an engineering boot/build got leaked. This was not matter of working to root the thing then they had a magic breakthrough due to hard work. It was rooted because of the leaked engineering build.
I hope that they end up having the same thing happen there too, I really do. However, I would not keep your hopes up. Samsung is very good about locking their devices down when they want to. The level of dedication and work that a team would have to put in would have to be the equivalent or bigger than the team samsung has working to lock these things down. The problem with that? any team that has that time and money is not going to be working to root a samsung device. they are going to be taking paid jobs and if they did find a security flaw to exploit, they would probably turn it into samsung for a payout.

CrackyRaps said:
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.
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Click to collapse
LOL, welcome to the real world, because things can be made impossible to break into. I'm still amazed at people buying a phone they know can't be rooted, get buy it anyway.

Hey guys I agree with the OP of this thread. I am by no means a dev but want to try and help where I can. I posted a thread on galaxy s10+ forum regarding the eng bootloader from Pakfirmware. If you are interested check it out https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/eng-bootloader-t3914050

ait1071 said:
Hey guys I agree with the OP of this thread. I am by no means a dev but want to try and help where I can. I posted a thread on galaxy s10+ forum regarding the eng bootloader from Pakfirmware. If you are interested check it out https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/eng-bootloader-t3914050
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Click to collapse
Good dialog here. One question, is the Exynos version the same in every way as the Snapdragon, especially the having the same 3G/4G LTE Bands?
If so, why not just buy the Exynos version Unlocked from an overseas website?
The only disadvantage would be if they fail to include the newer bands like 23, 66,71,14....etc...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

CrackyRaps said:
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
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Click to collapse
That locked down phone is a selling point. They'll sell far more phones to people that don't care about rooting... and that's before the corporate and government sales.
Can it be unlocked? It's possible. It could happen today, or it could take two years like the Verizon Note4 and require such a convoluted process that many people will screw their phones up in the attempt. In the case of the Note4, it took so long that many developers had long moved on to newer devices.
Are there people working on the unlock? Undoubtedly. But I've found that this work goes on quietly, less the unwashed masses try incomplete methods and end up making their phones useless. (I hesitate to use the term "bricked," because that implies a phone that cannot be fixed by anyone. It is an overused term on these forums.)
I used to flash two or three ROMs a day back when I first got an Android phone in the Droid Incredible days. Perhaps it's my age, but most of the ROMs I flashed had issues I don't want to mess with anymore. While the One UI isn't a perfect experience, the only possible enticement I could see to root my phone would be a full nandroid backup.
And if they do find a way to root, I'll be in the thread laughing my ass off at the idiots who don't know what they're doing and can't follow directions "brick" their phones. A word of wisdom: don't try to be the first. Let others screw up and get the process refined.

CrackyRaps said:
Because I enjoyed the extra features associated with it?
Superuser, flashing a ROM, even just getting rid of certain bloatware or using a PS3 controller with bluetooth.
There's just a bunch of small things that I miss being able to do, but Samsung has been progressively locking their **** up more and more.
Why does it matter why I want it?
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Click to collapse
It doesn't matter. I was genuinely curious. You might gain a few little things, but you break everything that uses Knox. Samsung Pay, S-Health, Secure Folder, apps like Adhell and Disconnect Pro. Oh, and you NEVER get those back even after un-rooting, so you have to sell it for a significantly lower price because the device is crippled.
Samsung is locking their devices down so they can provide a secure environment for US Government and company use. 97% of the consumer market appreciates the lock down as well, because it's more difficult for malware to use an exploit to gain root and use that to steal passwords, pins, numbers and so on.
If you want to be able to unlock a devices bootloader, add root access and flash community roms, you need to get another device. If you still want to root a Samsung, you need an Exynos device. But again, see my first paragraph.

If you really want to have root then probably the best thing is not to buy a phone till root has been made available. For certain type of phones this is unlikely to ever materialize. The situation is not unique to Samsung, particularly Samsung phones with Snapdragon; as also Huawei phones have become increasingly difficult/impossible to unlock and root.

P20 Pro Bootloader unlock code 2020, is there ANYWHERE i can get one?

So is it possible to get get the unlock code to a CLT-L29 in 2020?
I was backing up pictures with USB, and cable was loose and fell off, and for some reason that made my P20 remove all media on my phone.
Due to limitations in EMUI 9 i cant use any deepscan, but might work on EMUI 8, but my phone wont show the allow PC remote hisuite app window to appear, so its a bust.
Next i wanna try ROOT, but need unlock code to root.
Has anyone any way of getting this code? that know it works? dont feel like spending 50$ on a fake page/service.
// Fredrik

frodrick79 said:
So is it possible to get get the unlock code to a CLT-L29 in 2020?
I was backing up pictures with USB, and cable was loose and fell off, and for some reason that made my P20 remove all media on my phone.
Due to limitations in EMUI 9 i cant use any deepscan, but might work on EMUI 8, but my phone wont show the allow PC remote hisuite app window to appear, so its a bust.
Next i wanna try ROOT, but need unlock code to root.
Has anyone any way of getting this code? that know it works? dont feel like spending 50$ on a fake page/service.
// Fredrik
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Click to collapse
Officially or unofficially, no.
However there is one method which involves opening the phone, this is going to remain the only method unless a team tries to work it out which I highly doubt.
Crap I know, not a lot you can do pal. Most people have jumped ship. Can't see anyone who mods their phone buying Huawei ever again. I certainly won't.

dladz said:
Officially or unofficially, no.
However there is one method which involves opening the phone, this is going to remain the only method unless a team tries to work it out which I highly doubt.
Crap I know, not a lot you can do pal. Most people have jumped ship. Can't see anyone who mods their phone buying Huawei ever again. I certainly won't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll never walk alone!

dladz said:
Officially or unofficially, no.
However there is one method which involves opening the phone, this is going to remain the only method unless a team tries to work it out which I highly doubt.
Crap I know, not a lot you can do pal. Most people have jumped ship. Can't see anyone who mods their phone buying Huawei ever again. I certainly won't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither would i too. Tired of all the waiting and issues that i had with huawei, to the point where i will be switching to Iphone.
I will say it again for huawei : Great hardware, **** software.

The Restless Soul said:
Neither would i too. Tired of all the waiting and issues that i had with huawei, to the point where i will be switching to Iphone.
I will say it again for huawei : Great hardware, **** software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPU is crap too, but I agree for the most part.
Never again
OnePlus mate, get the 8, I wouldn't buy apple personally.

dladz said:
GPU is crap too, but I agree for the most part.
Never again
OnePlus mate, get the 8, I wouldn't buy apple personally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i am done with Android in general. Google's been removing features each update and honestly, the **** optimization that Android has regarding multitasking is so bad....how could Apple use 4gb of ram to keep so many apps easily?
Oneplus, yeah, they have their opimizations here and there, but i don't want to go set up the app background limit or some other stuff just to get it fictional (according to dontkillmyapp.com)
Either way, i will see what will happen in the future. If oneplus 8 comes with true water resistance and wireless charging, then sure as hell i might switch to it. If not, then i am going for Apple (i'd rather pay a kidney and know i got a functional device that will have 5+ years of updates)
Still it's sad that Huawei doesn't co-op with the xda community by letting us test harmony OS, develop apps and report bugs, but oh well...

I am also very interested in what op 8 brings but i would be slightly more skeptical. Well sure, if dev support and performance are the only factors go get it. Keep in mind that Oneplus (7 serie) is also known for terrible ram management. Another thing worth to consider is camera. Compared to huawei, samsung, pixel or iPhone it is just ok. If you have time please read op 7t pro review on xda. It's long but worth to read.
Btw. You're totally right about root and development today. It's not that fun anymore, unlocking bl often breaks functionality of crucial apps (like paying with phone) and magisk hide doesn't help it all.
(besides even op 7t pro doesn't have fully working twrp yet).
As for the iPhone. Price is still scary and storage/battery capacity is a joke. Only iphone 11 pro max gets decent size battery... and beats android handsets on this field About ios it's all about t personal preferences.

There is method called BLK, it costs about 30 dollars to get BLK key and two guys who know how to do it will help you with getting bootloader code for free. You can contact them at huaweihax on telegram

forever_lol said:
I am also very interested in what op 8 brings but i would be slightly more skeptical. Well sure, if dev support and performance are the only factors go get it. Keep in mind that Oneplus (7 serie) is also known for terrible ram management. Another thing worth to consider is camera. Compared to huawei, samsung, pixel or iPhone it is just ok. If you have time please read op 7t pro review on xda. It's long but worth to read.
Btw. You're totally right about root and development today. It's not that fun anymore, unlocking bl often breaks functionality of crucial apps (like paying with phone) and magisk hide doesn't help it all.
(besides even op 7t pro doesn't have fully working twrp yet).
As for the iPhone. Price is still scary and storage/battery capacity is a joke. Only iphone 11 pro max gets decent size battery... and beats android handsets on this field About ios it's all about t personal preferences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, you get what you pay for. I am not an apple fanboy since i never got a chance to fully test an iphone or any apple product, but honestly, after testing an iphone 11 pro in a store (as well as iphone 11 which, for an hd screen, it looks pretty good), i'd take the risk with the prices just for a phone that will hold me very well for more than 5 years. Storage wise, i always do cleanup on my phone and, on my p20 pro, i barely used the 128gb storage (sits somewhere under 32gb). About battery, for a 3000mah battery, it holds longer than my p20 pro, which is amazing! Yeah, the max pro is better but it is too big and large to even fit in my pocket. But either way, i will see what iphone i should get.
I wish ANDROID OEM's would keep up with apple and bring up at least 5 years of OS updates, especially when they have their own services.
And thank you for agreeing with me regarding my opinion about bootloader unlocking. It is pretty much useless and Google may just disable the adb command in the near future. Why sacrifice 80% of the phone's features for a custom rom?

puszekkk said:
There is method called BLK, it costs about 30 dollars to get BLK key and two guys who know how to do it will help you with getting bootloader code for free. You can contact them at huaweihax on telegram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..... Interesting, has anyone on these forums had any success with this method?
(other than the thread by @XTutorials https://forum.xda-developers.com/huawei-p20-pro/how-to/finnaly-t3972825 - which i noted with interest but nothing much seemed to come of it)
Could really do with hearing some success stories - I don't mind sabotaging the phone by getting the cover off and losing water-resistance.... but I'd want to be reasonably sure it was going to work :laugh:

What is the features that everyone wants from unlocking bootloade on this phoner? I've had an unlocked bootloader since i bought this phone, however never seen any great benefit apart from ad blocking. Been running stock for 6 months now though. I came from a long list of HTC devices where modding was fun and actual features added. I just don't see any major benefit of doing this on this phone. Basically no Devs development. If you wanted closer stock Android, not sure why anyone would have bought Huawei in the first place. Maybe im missing some super feature, if so, please tell me.

purple patch said:
What is the features that everyone wants from unlocking bootloade on this phoner? I've had an unlocked bootloader since i bought this phone, however never seen any great benefit apart from ad blocking. Been running stock for 6 months now though. I came from a long list of HTC devices where modding was fun and actual features added. I just don't see any major benefit of doing this on this phone. Basically no Devs development. If you wanted closer stock Android, not sure why anyone would have bought Huawei in the first place. Maybe im missing some super feature, if so, please tell me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much "xdatards" complaining at every huawei post that they no longer provide bootloader unlocking. I mean, samsung and other big oem still don't allow it or it does but breaks the entire software and they barely have any custom roms (not talking about xiaomi or oneplus)
Either way, i won't be surprised if Google removes the bootloader unlock command from adb in the next big android update.

purple patch said:
What is the features that everyone wants from unlocking ......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I'm not interested in any phone restricted to EMUI - whilst it's not a terrible iteration of Android it's still too restrictive by half (e.g. the low maximum headphone volume really pee'd me off!)
I don't understand all the excitement of EMUI updates on these forums - whatever Huawei churn out next it will probably be more restrictive rubbish. IMO the only hope is Lineage 16.0 - I'm running that on a View 10 and it's a good daily driver (although a little tricky to install and maintain)
But you're right: Q: Why buy a Huawei if you're interested in stock Android experience?
A: It was a mistake with hindsight....!

JJ2017 said:
Personally, I'm not interested in any phone restricted to EMUI - whilst it's not a terrible iteration of Android it's still too restrictive by half (e.g. the low maximum headphone volume really pee'd me off!)
I don't understand all the excitement of EMUI updates on these forums - whatever Huawei churn out next it will probably be more restrictive rubbish. IMO the only hope is Lineage 16.0 - I'm running that on a View 10 and it's a good daily driver (although a little tricky to install and maintain)
But you're right: Q: Why buy a Huawei if you're interested in stock Android experience?
A: It was a mistake with hindsight....!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They already blocked the bootloader unlocking thing in emui 10, just like how every android oem will do in their next major update.
I start to think that Apple is no longer the **** company now when it comes to mobile market, it's the android oem. Let's be fair : you pay 1k for a phone that becomes irrelevant in 2 years, becomes slowers because of those so called "security updates", no custom rom support (even though custom roms are pretty much dead at this point, barely any builds coming up), and other software related issues.
What the hell is innovation if software is the main point of a product? Those so called "Isheeps" are so right with android's terrible update platform and optimization. 12gb of ram for what? Just for specs to flex with.
Everybody should switch to Iphones at this point.
Huawei tried to kill apple but honestly, with their broken promises, i start to think that maybe the android ban is a good reason for Huawei to start respecting customers and coop with them. After all, they want to be on top...

The Restless Soul said:
Well, i am done with Android in general. Google's been removing features each update and honestly, the **** optimization that Android has regarding multitasking is so bad....how could Apple use 4gb of ram to keep so many apps easily?
Oneplus, yeah, they have their opimizations here and there, but i don't want to go set up the app background limit or some other stuff just to get it fictional (according to dontkillmyapp.com)
Either way, i will see what will happen in the future. If oneplus 8 comes with true water resistance and wireless charging, then sure as hell i might switch to it. If not, then i am going for Apple (i'd rather pay a kidney and know i got a functional device that will have 5+ years of updates)
Still it's sad that Huawei doesn't co-op with the xda community by letting us test harmony OS, develop apps and report bugs, but oh well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screw Huawei, they deserve it.
As for Apple, it's exactly the same with Mac OS Vs windows, windows has to work on a plethora of hardware combinations, as does android, osx and iOS have very very very limited hardware combinations, bare in mind how much android has caught up, it's not noticeable any longer, in fact a lot of phones have surpassed apple in so many ways. Oneplus and Pixels namely.
I've lived with Apple once, that was enough
---------- Post added at 02:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 AM ----------
The Restless Soul said:
They already blocked the bootloader unlocking thing in emui 10, just like how every android oem will do in their next major update.
I start to think that Apple is no longer the **** company now when it comes to mobile market, it's the android oem. Let's be fair : you pay 1k for a phone that becomes irrelevant in 2 years, becomes slowers because of those so called "security updates", no custom rom support (even though custom roms are pretty much dead at this point, barely any builds coming up), and other software related issues.
What the hell is innovation if software is the main point of a product? Those so called "Isheeps" are so right with android's terrible update platform and optimization. 12gb of ram for what? Just for specs to flex with.
Everybody should switch to Iphones at this point.
Huawei tried to kill apple but honestly, with their broken promises, i start to think that maybe the android ban is a good reason for Huawei to start respecting customers and coop with them. After all, they want to be on top...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you getting this from?? Samsung, OnePlus, Google, lg, have all kept the door open for bootloader unlocking or did I miss something?
---------- Post added at 02:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:34 AM ----------
JJ2017 said:
I don't understand all the excitement of EMUI updates on these forums - whatever Huawei churn out next it will probably be more restrictive rubbish. IMO the only hope is Lineage 16.0 - I'm running that on a View 10 and it's a good daily driver (although a little tricky to install and maintain)
But you're right: Q: Why buy a Huawei if you're interested in stock Android experience?
A: It was a mistake with hindsight....!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol about the updates, for many it's the potential prospect of having anything other than EMUI and or any limitations being lifted and or the poor optimizations becoming better than the trash that we've had to get used to.
---------- Post added at 02:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:36 AM ----------
purple patch said:
What is the features that everyone wants from unlocking bootloade on this phoner? I've had an unlocked bootloader since i bought this phone, however never seen any great benefit apart from ad blocking. Been running stock for 6 months now though. I came from a long list of HTC devices where modding was fun and actual features added. I just don't see any major benefit of doing this on this phone. Basically no Devs development. If you wanted closer stock Android, not sure why anyone would have bought Huawei in the first place. Maybe im missing some super feature, if so, please tell me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium.
AOSIP ROM
True ad blocking
Xposed
Magisk mods
Snapchat mods
Ability to remove zram (massive boost in gaming and device speed)
Root optimizations
Root apps
Kernels
TWRP mods
True dark mode (something I've been using for several years not this awful crap they're calling a feature nowadays)
I could be here all day long.
Removing the shackles, gives you freedom, it's your choice what you do with it.
This is the essence of android, which is why people are annoyed at Huawei primarily amongst other awful decisions.

dladz said:
Where are you getting this from?? Samsung, OnePlus, Google, lg, have all kept the door open for bootloader unlocking or did I miss something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibility to unlock bl is limited to regional releases in case of LG or Samsung. Lastly i check there was no way to unlock bl on lg g8 (flagship 2019). LG update policy is the most stupid ive ever experienced. Regarding galaxy s serie - there are still regional variants (eg american carrier branded) where unlocking bl is not available.
As for the perks you mentioned... I am afraid not of them are available / fully working today. I am not a gamer so only adblock is sth really useful to me, but it's not a deal breaker.
Couple of years ago root meant sth. Gave you freedom and didn't bring any negative consequences. It's no longer the case. I think root scene will be dead within couple of years.
It's a shame that htc is dead. Their flagships were equipped with top notch hw and devs support was among the best on xda.

Unlock bootloader on samsung : Knox ****s the entire phone up
Unlock bootloader on lg : impossible on some phone variants
What i was talking about is that all companies like to copy eachother, no matter how small or big it is. Take a note with the disappearance of the headphone jack : Apple did it first and then everybody did it too. Huawei got the in display fingerprint scanner and reverse wireless charging : Samsung copies it.
Now with emui 10, Google can as well block the unlock command because then companies will copy this "feature".
Actually, since the iphone 11 pro release, Apple caught up with the competition of flagship devices.
I understand you regarding oneplus being a good comapany that allows bootloader unlocking. But the thing is : you unlock it you loose some important daily driver features like banking apps (which i use). Oneplus, by the looks of it, did it so well with the speed and optimization, however i'm not sure how well they did it with ram management. Either way, when it comes to overall support and less headaches, Apple does it better. "it just works!"
Still, let's see what 2020 brings up. Huawei might redeem themselves this time. If not, then say goodbye because i don't give more chances.
---------- Post added at 09:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:52 AM ----------
forever_lol said:
Possibility to unlock bl is limited to regional releases in case of LG or Samsung. Lastly i check there was no way to unlock bl on lg g8 (flagship 2019). LG update policy is the most stupid ive ever experienced.
As for the perks you mentioned... I am afraid not of them are available / fully working today. I am not a gamer so only adblock is sth really useful to me, but it's not a deal breaker.
Couple of years ago root meant sth. Gave you freedom and didn't bring any negative consequences. It's no longer the case. I think root scene will be dead within couple of years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, the root community is pretty much dying since summer 2019 (imo). Most rooting apps can be used with adb (like appops and shizuku). Either way, like i said, i won't be surprised if Google blocks unlocking in the adb command.
Also, Huawei can root their phones using service mode, but nobody has access to their service software, yet.

I think we will disagree on this. I cannot remember everything I use root for, but things do pop up from time to time.
It's just easier with root.
Android will always have root and if not then it's the end of android, i really wouldn't bother anymore.
What I mentioned still works btw, and yes you do trust the efuse chip on some devices, but so what, it's worth it.
Losing a banking app? You use it yes but that's you lol, I would trade that off for root.
Apple is still a closed eco system and always will be I honestly cannot see android ever being that way, if it is then bye bye android.
This is my opinion and it's staying that way lads, sorry but that's me.

dladz said:
I think we will disagree on this. I cannot remember everything I use root for, but things do pop up from time to time.
It's just easier with root.
Android will always have root and if not then it's the end of android, i really wouldn't bother anymore.
What I mentioned still works btw, and yes you do trust the efuse chip on some devices, but so what, it's worth it.
Losing a banking app? You use it yes but that's you lol, I would trade that off for root.
Apple is still a closed eco system and always will be I honestly cannot see android ever being that way, if it is then bye bye android.
This is my opinion and it's staying that way lads, sorry but that's me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Google completely killed rooting, ppl will still buy them. XDA rooting is a niche market now days. Rooting, custom ROMs etc was fun while it lasted. I still love android eco system, way superior to iDevices. iPhones can be jailbroken too, not as closed as you might think.

purple patch said:
If Google completely killed rooting, ppl will still buy them. XDA rooting is a niche market now days. Rooting, custom ROMs etc was fun while it lasted. I still love android eco system, way superior to iDevices. iPhones can be jailbroken too, not as closed as you might think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite a defeatist attitude of you. ask me, jailbreak didn't work on the latest OS, it's cat and mouse, not the same thing as root, not the same OS, your comparing oranges and apples.
Google won't do that, not being naive either, time will tell. I didn't think unlocked multipliers on CPUs would still be around today, yet here we are with a dedicated line for both AMD and Intel, GPU had now followed suit as had RAM.
Google isn't dead, they're just getting started, closing off a massive part of what made them famous in the first place isn't something they're going to embrace, that's the likes of Huaweis job.
Time will tell, right now it's open and there's nothing to suggest otherwise, besides the backlash should it happen.
If it did happen I would have no hesitation to buy apple, at that point android would have lost their ace up their sleeve, because I'm a small minority who thinks that doesnt mean I'm wrong, not wanting to follow the masses is a good thing, and going by Google's hiring techniques they'd agree.

Question Should I Unlock the bootloader?

First off, yes i have searched thru the forums for an answer but none of those that I found are direct to my questions...
I just placed an order for S21 Ultra Exynos. Should be arriving within the next 2 days or so..
My questions are: (this will be my first Samsung phone)
1) Is one UI good enough? or is it worth it to flash a custom from (previously I used to flash custom from for better battery life and also advance customization.
2) If I unlock the bootloader, will I still receive firmware updates?
I'm basically buying this particular phone for its excellent battery life, camera, and performance.
And also because Samsung promised 3-4 years for firmware updates. I believe this phone will last for at least 3 years.
And I'm thinking of unlocking the bootloader on day 1 itself before even setting up anything. That way I would save my time from losing stuff by resetting after unlocking BL.
3) and also, did anyone get the Samsung care+ extended warranty? Is it worth it?
I have never broken a phone before in my life thus far. But since this is gonna be the most expensive phone I have ever bought, I would prefer to secure my investment. (another reason why I'm considering not to unlock bootloader/root as of yet).
Thank you soo much.
Have not done rooting for a long time. Lost touch will all this stuff.
Hence the noobie questions.

1. One UI is quite good. There aren't a ton of custom ROMs out there for this phone. Even the most popular ones that exist are still based on one UI.
2. and 3. contradict each other. If you're bothered about warranty AT ALL, don't unlock your bootloader. You can never return to 100% stock on Samsung. Knox will remain tripped so bye bye warranty. Unless of course your country has laws allowing this and you can fight Samsung. They tend to deny warranty if you've modified your phone software. YMMV. I don't have Samsung Care so I don't know about that.
Since you asked for suggestions, mine would be not to be hasty and play around with the device to see if you need to unlock/root/flash etc.
Rooting on day 1 just so you can avoid having to set up phone again is pretty lazy and dangerous. Especially since you've been out of the game for a while.
Baby steps buddy. Better safe than sorry.

enigmaamit said:
1. One UI is quite good. There aren't a ton of custom ROMs out there for this phone. Even the most popular ones that exist are still based on one UI.
2. and 3. contradict each other. If you're bothered about warranty AT ALL, don't unlock your bootloader. You can never return to 100% stock on Samsung. Knox will remain tripped so bye bye warranty. Unless of course your country has laws allowing this and you can fight Samsung. They tend to deny warranty if you've modified your phone software. YMMV. I don't have Samsung Care so I don't know about that.
Since you asked for suggestions, mine would be not to be hasty and play around with the device to see if you need to unlock/root/flash etc.
Rooting on day 1 just so you can avoid having to set up phone again is pretty lazy and dangerous. Especially since you've been out of the game for a while.
Baby steps buddy. Better safe than sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn´t it sad, that we spent more than 1000 bucks on a device, that in the end, we will never truly own?
I´ve been thinking about this issue since i got my Note 9 (3 years ago)...
The balance between, what we want the device to do for, and what we are allowed to do in the device, without losing support in case of hardware failure...
I, mainly, used to root for 3 reasons: 1 - Ads removal from software; 2 - Control/modification of the system files and 3 - Easy backup and restore with TWRP
And as we all are aware, a few changes in a system file, can avoid the installation of a third party software (e.g. Call Recording) so it seems to be more efficient to root... but then come the brands claming that we can´t do it because that would ruin the user experience that they planned for the device...
The Knox feature as been buffed up to a point that is increasingly harder to install a custom recovery. Something that a few years ago was a solution for a big number of users, now its just a work for those "geeks" that live for the challenge... The risks of brincking a VERY EXPENSIVE device are becaming bigger than the advantages that we would get with root... I guess we are playing into brands plans...
To be fair, brands also understood that they would have to give what users wanted if they wanted to avoid software alterations (except maybe Apple, who just gives what Apple consideres users should have)...
Customizations and bigger control of the software are trends that are growing up in Android skins (like OneUi).
I got my S21 Ultra a few weeks ago, and normally it would rooted and with a custom recovery by now, but the problems i faced with that in my Note 9, are still present in my mind... and i don´t want to face them again...
I manage to get my basic needs with some non-root software, and with GoodLock and Bixby Routines and can do almost everything i would do with the root... Still can´t avoid to have to install a third party software to record calls, something that could be done better with the native system, but that´s it...
In the end, you do you...
Just keep in mind the risks, and be ready to take responsability when something goes wrong... and the possibility of that happen is getting bigger every time they launch a new device...
RSGI

RSGI said:
Isn´t it sad, that we spent more than 1000 bucks on a device, that in the end, we will never truly own?
I´ve been thinking about this issue since i got my Note 9 (3 years ago)...
The balance between, what we want the device to do for, and what we are allowed to do in the device, without losing support in case of hardware failure...
I, mainly, used to root for 3 reasons: 1 - Ads removal from software; 2 - Control/modification of the system files and 3 - Easy backup and restore with TWRP
And as we all are aware, a few changes in a system file, can avoid the installation of a third party software (e.g. Call Recording) so it seems to be more efficient to root... but then come the brands claming that we can´t do it because that would ruin the user experience that they planned for the device...
The Knox feature as been buffed up to a point that is increasingly harder to install a custom recovery. Something that a few years ago was a solution for a big number of users, now its just a work for those "geeks" that live for the challenge... The risks of brincking a VERY EXPENSIVE device are becaming bigger than the advantages that we would get with root... I guess we are playing into brands plans...
To be fair, brands also understood that they would have to give what users wanted if they wanted to avoid software alterations (except maybe Apple, who just gives what Apple consideres users should have)...
Customizations and bigger control of the software are trends that are growing up in Android skins (like OneUi).
I got my S21 Ultra a few weeks ago, and normally it would rooted and with a custom recovery by now, but the problems i faced with that in my Note 9, are still present in my mind... and i don´t want to face them again...
I manage to get my basic needs with some non-root software, and with GoodLock and Bixby Routines and can do almost everything i would do with the root... Still can´t avoid to have to install a third party software to record calls, something that could be done better with the native system, but that´s it...
In the end, you do you...
Just keep in mind the risks, and be ready to take responsability when something goes wrong... and the possibility of that happen is getting bigger every time they launch a new device...
RSGI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree. The trend for Android devices aping the Apple philosophy is disturbing. But for lack of good alternatives, we are left without too many choices. OnePlus seemed to be doing well on this front but lately they've also gone rogue. So we have to live with what we have, whether we like it or not...

guyderam said:
I'm basically buying this particular phone for its excellent battery life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so who's gonna tell him?
To be perfectly honest, the battery life is the only gripe I have with this phone. It's quite mediocre for a 5000mAh battery. Of course everyone's usage is different, but I expected better battery life. If you're not a "heavy" user you should be fine though!!
As for bootloader unlocking: I've had 2 S21 Ultras. I had the first one unlocked for a dumb reason, wanted to flash some magisk module to enable all lenses in Google Camera ports basically. Which is kinda funny because now with OneUI 4.0 all the lenses are available in GCam
back to the actual topic, now that I have my second S21U, I don't see a reason to unlock the bootloader. From what I've seen there's only one or two Exynos custom ROMs that are regularly updated. That's the first thing. The 2nd thing is, I just don't wanna trip Knox again and void my warranty.
For me unlocking the BL is not worth it (at the moment). You should consider the pros and the cons of unlocking and hopefully it'll be easier to decide then.
With that being said, enjoy your S21 Ultra, man.

jericho246 said:
Okay so who's gonna tell him?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thank you so much for the feedback guys.... got my questions answered. Doubt ill be doing anything for now. Gonna use it as it is and see how it goes.
Sadly yes, androids used to be fully customizable and this was the main reason people used to buy them. Unfortunately, phone companies seem to be making it harder and harder for us to do anything to our phones anymore these days.
Oh well....

guyderam said:
Thank you so much for the feedback guys.... got my questions answered. Doubt ill be doing anything for now. Gonna use it as it is and see how it goes.
Sadly yes, androids used to be fully customizable and this was the main reason people used to buy them. Unfortunately, phone companies seem to be making it harder and harder for us to do anything to our phones anymore these days.
Oh well....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But really, what do you want to do with your phone that's not already in-built. I was thinking the same but over the years Android (and it's custom OEMs) have gotten a lot better with companies baking a lot of the magisk modules (their versions) into their ROMs...I didn't root my OnePlus 7Pro, neither the S21U..don't see the need to (at least for the time being)...

A few things, updates are forfeited after root and also be aware Android 12, One UI 4.0 is far from stable. If it hasn't been preinstalled you should consider ignoring the update until the numerous bugs are addressed. I've had a number of S Series devices, only the S8+ was a Exynos variant, all others had the Snapdragon SoC's and never had a warranty issue. I wouldn't buy the Samsung Care+ but it's like any other insurance, you hate paying for it but happy you did if you ever need it. Unless you're a power user battery life shouldn't be an issue but if it is you can review numerous posts for corrective solutions. Based on what you've shared it's probably best you hold off on unlocking the bootloader, to me there aren't many compelling reasons when one considers all the consequences. I think you'll be OK with the stock device.

I consider myself as a relatively advanced user and was always playing rooted with all of the S devices I had. There were always workarounds for root detection by apps and samsung itself BUT now things have changed and I regret having rooted my S21.
As samsung is enforcing its restrictions against root, I find myself (while being rooted) unable to connect my GW4, unable to use latest Samsung Health app, unable to use Samsung Pay and lately even the samsung account keeps disconnecting for "security reasons" several times a day... What a mess !
As previously said, returning to stock with locked bootloader won't give a 100% functional device as the tripped Knox will still be there preventing you from using some samsung apps and features !
If it gets more complicated, I only have 2 choices : get a "virgin" S21 or say goodbye to Samsung.
With that said, you now know where you're going if you choose to go that way