Database Develop

Bounty for root?

Anyone else interested in putting together a bounty for rooting this phone? I'd be willing to put a good amount of money towards it and I think pooling together would be a good incentive. I'm already missing being able to use xposed modules, plus I want to get rid of the bloatware.

I would offer money towards someone rooting the phone, but it could take literally months before it happens.

I'm absolutely fine with it taking months, just so long as it happens eventually. Even though considering the Note 4, it probably won't.

It would have to be a pledge thread and must be tracked and OP updated on a timely fashion with running total pledge. No off topic conversations at all just pledges or removal of pledges. It is a lot of work.
Keep us moderators in this section in on the loop. ?
Edfunkycold
Have a great day!

Worked for the S5 haha. I'm down. I'd put probably $50 on root $100 on BL even though I know it's a pipe dream xD

Almost have to laugh at these bounty threads for root. You should of known buying an at&t or verizon galaxy would have a virgin tight locked bootloader. If you wanted root you could of bought an unlocked s6 or a tmobile varient. Not bashing just saying its a rerun every new galaxy release.

I'm coming from an M8 after giving up my S4 and hadn't thought to buy T-Mobile branded and then carrier unlock it and alas I am now in far too deep. Still love the phone, just Miss all my xposed modules

I'm interested in this. It's been confirmed now that the bootloader is locked. Could someone setup an official thread?

I dont know if it will help the root process but here is the info that is shown on the recovery and download menus.
Download menu
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Top of Recovery menu - sorry for the flash it was the only way my camera would focus
Bottom of Recovery menu
sorry for the quality of the images I don't have steady hands.

fix-this! said:
Almost have to laugh at these bounty threads for root. You should of known buying an at&t or verizon galaxy would have a virgin tight locked bootloader. If you wanted root you could of bought an unlocked s6 or a tmobile varient. Not bashing just saying its a rerun every new galaxy release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Truer words have never been spoken. I wouldn't expect to ever have root on an AT&T S6. Plan on staying on the operating system that you have, which may be a good thing anyway. I've had Samsung phones for a few years and the ROMS that worked best were the stock ones. Like it or not, they built the phone and the software they built for it works best.

dmb219 said:
Truer words have never been spoken. I wouldn't expect to ever have root on an AT&T S6. Plan on staying on the operating system that you have, which may be a good thing anyway. I've had Samsung phones for a few years and the ROMS that worked best were the stock ones. Like it or not, they built the phone and the software they built for it works best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree 100% basically if you buy Samsung you should stick with touchwiz, but it sure would be nice to get a couple xposed modules, just to turn off the persistent wifi notification and a few other things.

Xposed for lollipop does not work on samsung phones atm. Doesn't sound like the dev has a whole ton of time to address. . So no rush on rooting for that.

I wish there was something like a kernel exploit so that it would be at least possible to soft root it.

Good luck. You'll need to buy an unlocked boot loader to have root nowadays with AT&T. I'm guessing it might be a bit harder to get with a Exynos processor since dev support isn't a big as SD SoCs. I'm still waiting for Root for my Note 4 AT&T model. I will never buy another device through AT&T again. But here's the hill you guys will be facing.
1. Android Exploit
2. Kernel Exploit
3. A Dev to link them together into a working package.
Now #3 in the least of them all and even that will require a talented individual or two. As for #1 and #2, well you just have to keep your eyes on websites such as http://seclists.org/ and https://nvd.nist.gov to see if any exploits are found by security groups.
Good lucks guys, I really hope to see someone stick it to AT&T this time.

I think I'm going to return my AT&T version, found out I can get a full refund, and then I'll buy the international version.

I gave up my unlimited data plan to say F.U. to AT&T and their locked bootloaders.
Leave now while you still can.
T-Mobile wants you.
Service isn't as good but dAMMIT you can root your phones. Never have to wait longer than a week for root on the TMO phone releases.

I wish I knew more about what has to be done in order to get root because as an android user I just simply miss the little tweaks you could achieve with root. I also want to get rid of this ridiculous bloatware. I don't even use instagram so why the **** is it on my phone and always asking to be updated? I just miss being able to do things like stream all of my phones audio to a dlna source to listen to my music by the pool or in the speakers hardwired into my home. I will be willing to put $30 in if we are seriously considering a bounty which I hope we do because more incentive for it to be achieved is obviously good.

Wiseor said:
I wish I knew more about what has to be done in order to get root because as an android user I just simply miss the little tweaks you could achieve with root. I also want to get rid of this ridiculous bloatware. I don't even use instagram so why the **** is it on my phone and always asking to be updated? I just miss being able to do things like stream all of my phones audio to a dlna source to listen to my music by the pool or in the speakers hardwired into my home. I will be willing to put $30 in if we are seriously considering a bounty which I hope we do because more incentive for it to be achieved is obviously good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do your research before buying! It would save you all some frustration. I enjoy Samsung's take on Android, find the phone fast enough, and can disable most of the bloat and ignore the 1 or 2 apps that I cant. If root comes for the AT&T version that would be great and I'd take full advantage of that, but it's enjoyable enough without it to a lot of people, and not worth complaining about. It's not like any of this is a surprise, just do your research before you make the purchase.

knigitz said:
Do your research before buying! It would save you all some frustration. I enjoy Samsung's take on Android, find the phone fast enough, and can disable most of the bloat and ignore the 1 or 2 apps that I cant. If root comes for the AT&T version that would be great and I'd take full advantage of that, but it's enjoyable enough without it to a lot of people, and not worth complaining about. It's not like any of this is a surprise, just do your research before you make the purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was fully aware it had a locked bootloader as I was expecting it and to think otherwise would be nonsensical. It's just I buy through my business as the monthly rates are cheaper so I have no option to go but at&t and this was the phone I wanted. I just think it's pointless to have so much bloat ware and a tightly locked bootloader. Not to mention I simply don't have the money to buy off plan. Just rely on Knox to get rid of someone's warranty if they root but atleast give the customer the option. Don't get me wrong I could live without it and touch wiz isn't as bad as it used to be but I love the community that comes with rooting and customization and you don't really appreciate it until it's gone. That and I also have a few paid apps that require root. I don't like talking off topic so I think we should get back to what this thread is about and seriously debate whether a bounty is worth it.

x3phyr said:
I think I'm going to return my AT&T version, found out I can get a full refund, and then I'll buy the international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I can buy the international version and that will work fully on AT&T? Is the boot loader unlocked on those? I have the money so this sounds like it may be a good option for me.

Questions Before Buying XZ1 Compact

I’m about to purchase a XZ1 Compact and have some questions before jumping onboard the Xperia bandwagon;
1a) The phone supports UMTS 1700/2100, Bands 4, 7, 13 and 66, all of which are what I need for Freedom Mobile (Wind) compatibility. As far as I know, LTE switching on the Freedom network is buggy unless the phone is flashed with the larger XZ1 firmware. Does this void warranty?
1b) If I receive an OTA update to Android 8.1 for the phone and it’s already had it’s firmware flashed, will I need to reflash the firmware from the XZ1?
1c) Does a factory reset also reset the flashed firmware?
1d) Any video tutorials on how to do this? Visual There’s this reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/freedommob...uide_xpost_rsonyxperia_modifying_xz1_compact/ But an on-screen step-by-step would be best.
2) Does EIS still work in 3rd party camera apps like Camera FV-5? If so, is the quality in third party apps on par with Sony’s stock application?
3) Does the use of Nova Launcher allow me to swap app icons to stock Android icons?
4) With the nearing Mobile World Congress next month and some rumored devices, what is the chance of a XZ2 Compact being announced next month? I’m feeling like if I bite the bullet now and get the XZ1 Compact, I might regret if a successor was announced soon.
5) When connecting the phone to a Mac, does mounting the MicroSD card on Macs display it as an external drive or do I still have to use Android File Transfer?

ungraphic said:
1a) The phone supports UMTS 1700/2100, Bands 4, 7, 13 and 66, all of which are what I need for Freedom Mobile (Wind) compatibility. As far as I know, LTE switching on the Freedom network is buggy unless the phone is flashed with the larger XZ1 firmware. Does this void warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making modifications to the firmware, especially involving flashing firmware from a different model, definitely voids warranty.
If you ever need warranty service, just flash clean original stock firmware, and you should be good to go.
1b) If I receive an OTA update to Android 8.1 for the phone and it’s already had it’s firmware flashed, will I need to reflash the firmware from the XZ1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll likely be unable to install OTA updates since your firmware would be modified (assuming you followed the guide). You will still get update notifications though, but attempts to install will fail.
If you do wish to update, you'd probably have to manually do so using Xperia Companion or a third-party tool like flashtool or newflasher, then apply the modifications again.
1c) Does a factory reset also reset the flashed firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it stays on the same version, just with all your data wiped.
1d) Any video tutorials on how to do this? Visual There’s this reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/freedommob...uide_xpost_rsonyxperia_modifying_xz1_compact/ But an on-screen step-by-step would be best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubt it, sounds like an extremely niche use case.
2) Does EIS still work in 3rd party camera apps like Camera FV-5? If so, is the quality in third party apps on par with Sony’s stock application?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure, but given how locked down their camera is and Sony's love for keeping proprietary stuff off-limits, I won't bet on it.
4) With the nearing Mobile World Congress next month and some rumored devices, what is the chance of a XZ2 Compact being announced next month? I’m feeling like if I bite the bullet now and get the XZ1 Compact, I might regret if a successor was announced soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm willing to bet good money on "NO". History has shown the compact variant usually announced and released in the bottom half of the year on a yearly basis.
So you'd be enjoying the latest and greatest compact for at least another six months.
EDIT: Welp, just heard a rumor that may cause me to lose my bet, so I'm going to redact my previous comment.
According to the rumor, they might be announcing a new compact at MWC 2018, which is about a month from now. However, suppose they do, it'll probably be weeks if not months until it's actually released and available, so you'll have to decide if it's worth it to wait that long, there's also the possibility that the rumor is false.
The way I see it, the XZ1C is a top of the line phone, a newer model isn't going to suddenly make it obsolete, it will still perform like a champ.
Not to mention the trend of Sony removing features from their phones compared to the previous generation, the rumored new compact might be gimped even more than the XZ1C, maybe it'll lose the headphone jack or something, hard to say.

ungraphic said:
I’m about to purchase a XZ1 Compact and have some questions before jumping onboard the Xperia bandwagon;
1a) The phone supports UMTS 1700/2100, Bands 4, 7, 13 and 66, all of which are what I need for Freedom Mobile (Wind) compatibility. As far as I know, LTE switching on the Freedom network is buggy unless the phone is flashed with the larger XZ1 firmware. Does this void warranty?
1b) If I receive an OTA update to Android 8.1 for the phone and it’s already had it’s firmware flashed, will I need to reflash the firmware from the XZ1?
1c) Does a factory reset also reset the flashed firmware?
1d) Any video tutorials on how to do this? Visual There’s this reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/freedommob...uide_xpost_rsonyxperia_modifying_xz1_compact/ But an on-screen step-by-step would be best.
2) Does EIS still work in 3rd party camera apps like Camera FV-5? If so, is the quality in third party apps on par with Sony’s stock application?
3) Does the use of Nova Launcher allow me to swap app icons to stock Android icons?
4) With the nearing Mobile World Congress next month and some rumored devices, what is the chance of a XZ2 Compact being announced next month? I’m feeling like if I bite the bullet now and get the XZ1 Compact, I might regret if a successor was announced soon.
5) When connecting the phone to a Mac, does mounting the MicroSD card on Macs display it as an external drive or do I still have to use Android File Transfer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, so many questions.
It's the best compact that Sony have made.
Buy it.

Both Xperia Companion and Android File Transfer will mount the internal storage and the SD card in an application-specific window. To the best of my knowledge, you cannot mount the phone and SD card directly in the Mac Finder, as you can using Windows Explorer.

mhaha said:
Making modifications to the firmware, especially involving flashing firmware from a different model, definitely voids warranty.
If you ever need warranty service, just flash clean original stock firmware, and you should be good to go.
You'll likely be unable to install OTA updates since your firmware would be modified (assuming you followed the guide). You will still get update notifications though, but attempts to install will fail.
If you do wish to update, you'd probably have to manually do so using Xperia Companion or a third-party tool like flashtool or newflasher, then apply the modifications again.
No, it stays on the same version, just with all your data wiped.
Doubt it, sounds like an extremely niche use case.
Not sure, but given how locked down their camera is and Sony's love for keeping proprietary stuff off-limits, I won't bet on it.
I'm willing to bet good money on "NO". History has shown the compact variant usually announced and released in the bottom half of the year on a yearly basis.
So you'd be enjoying the latest and greatest compact for at least another six months.
EDIT: Welp, just heard a rumor that may cause me to lose my bet, so I'm going to redact my previous comment.
According to the rumor, they might be announcing a new compact at MWC 2018, which is about a month from now. However, suppose they do, it'll probably be weeks if not months until it's actually released and available, so you'll have to decide if it's worth it to wait that long, there's also the possibility that the rumor is false.
The way I see it, the XZ1C is a top of the line phone, a newer model isn't going to suddenly make it obsolete, it will still perform like a champ.
Not to mention the trend of Sony removing features from their phones compared to the previous generation, the rumored new compact might be gimped even more than the XZ1C, maybe it'll lose the headphone jack or something, hard to say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! There was some news today that the 'compact' is supposed to be a budget model with a taller 5" screen and still with bezels. Here's the news:
https://www.gsmarena.com/an_189_son...have_been_certified_by_the_fcc-news-29402.php
Reddit discussion:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/7uay7u/189_sony_xperia_compact_certified_by_the_fcc/
Mockup new phone compared to XZ1 Compact:
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"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
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Given the sizing, I'm out. I'd wait if it kept the form factor but increased the screen size... OR kept the screen size and shrunk the phone. Also, not a fan of 18:9 ratio.

Petition: Give Android 11 for Note9!

Samsung said that all flagships after and including the S10 will get 3 years of Android OS updates. It's a bit unfair for us Note9 and S9 users so I created a petition to Samsung asking them to reconsider adding the S9, S9+ and Note9 to the 3 year major updates support program as well. Here's the link: https://www.change.org/p/samsung-give-android-11-oneui-3-0-to-galaxy-note9-s9-phones
The more people that sign it the better chance we have of Samsung acknowledging it!

koragg97 said:
Samsung said that all flagships after and including the S10 will get 3 years of Android OS updates. It's a bit unfair for us Note9 and S9 users so I created a petition to Samsung asking them to reconsider adding the S9, S9+ and Note9 to the 3 year major updates support program as well. Here's the link: https://www.change.org/p/samsung-give-android-11-oneui-3-0-to-galaxy-note9-s9-phones
The more people that sign it the better chance we have of Samsung acknowledging it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The petition won't do anything. I truly hate being that person but there's no way in this world or the next that a petition on xda will make Samsung ad an older device to their new statement. It's not smart for their business, gives them no real benefits or anything. You gotta realize they aren't thinking of the handful of us who still hold onto the 9 series of phones whether it be S or Note... Their business is to sell new electronics not to keep old ones on life support that they keep recharging every so often.

KingVekxin said:
The petition won't do anything. I truly hate being that person but there's no way in this world or the next that a petition on xda will make Samsung ad an older device to their new statement. It's not smart for their business, gives them no real benefits or anything. You gotta realize they aren't thinking of the handful of us who still hold onto the 9 series of phones whether it be S or Note... Their business is to sell new electronics not to keep old ones on life support that they keep recharging every so often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry, I know we 99.9% won't get it. Just decided to explore how this works and made it as another xda user requested it. I'm ok with 2.5 as I just want wireless DeX - other stuff is a bonus that's in 2.5.

Please stop. Please.

I feel like a petition might work for an iPhone, because, well, you either have an iPhone or a thousand variants of an Android phone. Having one of two out of those thousand variants doesn't amass to a whole lot of people, certainly not enough for Samsung to actually do something about it. Good luck, though. I did sign it. But again, it's more than likely a lost cause. The three year deal didn't start until AFTER the Note9.

Feels like we need to have this same conversation once every smartphone generation. Recap:
Breathing life into old electronics is not good business. Samsung is a business, they're in it for the money. Introducing new features for old phones will not sell new hardware; if anything, it will cause Samsung to sell less new hardware. Less sales means less revenue. That's why it's bad for business.
Developing software for additional platforms consumes more resources; resources which could be used for advancing development of newer hardware, and better software for said newer hardware. Again, why waste resources into something that will cause you to sell fewer next-gen phones?
Let me reiterate. Samsung is a business. They will not make poor business decisions to benefit users who hang on to old hardware instead of buying new hardware. End of story.

@oddbehreif As I said before I don't have much hope but seeing how the S10s got 3 years support and the Note10 Lite is THE SAME PHONE as the Note9 and will get Android 11 I decided to make this. I'll be perfectly happy with OneUI 2.5 as I'll get wireless DeX then but it's fun to see how change.org works and to spam the link on every Samsung or smartphone tech video and watch the numbers rise.

It will not working.

one UI 2.5 will be updated! Android 11 is not possible!

pichai said:
one UI 2.5 will be updated! Android 11 is not possible!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android 11 is not possible!

manne48 said:
Android 11 is not possible!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android 11 may be unlikely to be provided to Note 9 by Samsung, I am not sure your statement that it's not possible (technically ?) is correct.
I may have misunderstood the context of your post.
My understanding is Samsung have indicated it will be providing Android 11 to all Note 10 / S10 and later, I believe one of these included phones has essentially the same hardware so obviously possible.
Finally I believe Note 9 is project Treble compatible / compliant so this would indicate it's technically possible and not as difficult as pre -Treble phones to be provided future Android updates

paul_59 said:
Finally I believe Note 9 is project Treble compatible / compliant so this would indicate it's technically possible and not as difficult as pre -Treble phones to be provided future Android updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why they should give it to us as well.

paul_59 said:
Android 11 may be unlikely to be provided to Note 9 by Samsung, I am not sure your statement that it's not possible (technically ?) is correct.
I wish that our N9 became the Android11 version;imagine,with a new battery and an aktual system we can use this rely good,amazing phone for more then 2-3 years.I`m using this phone now for 1.5 years;at first with Android 8 than 9 and now 10.It should be possible to get 11!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Dude, we already have Treble support on this. When the new GSI drops, just install that.
I've seen many of these petitions and none worked.

We will just hope that some dev will port the SM-N770F update to the SM-N960F/G96xF family
Android 11 update now rolling out to Galaxy Note 10 Lite
The One UI 3.0 update based on Android 11 is now rolling out to select Galaxy Note 10 Lite units. ...
www.sammobile.com

I dont wanna spark any hope in sight, but, either this is typical Samsung negligence from their side, or they mistakenly took this upon.
They have an app called GPU Watch, which is pretty much a FPS Real Time counter for people who game.
If you head in their app's website, there's a table showing support for the app's version and SDK. Weirdly, Note9/S9 are on the Android R list as well.
Here's a screenshot:
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"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
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"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
How does one make sense of this?

Opinions and guidance on what to do with new device

Hi
I am fairly new to this. I flashed some iPhones in the beginning when they arrived Europe, but haven't done anything like that since. I want to try my ways around this s10 when it arrives in a few days.
I want to use the tech of this phone, but I still want to clean it up as much as possible to get rid of as much proprietary software as possible.
Where do I start and what are the advantages and disadvantages of installing your own ROM (hope I use the terminology right)?

Welcome to XDA
Stay with Android 10 or 9. I run stock N10+'s and simply use a package disabler and Karma Firewall. I like Samsung's UI so I don't disable everything in sight. It's not necessary or even desirable. I deal with problem apps on a case by case basis. I also lock down OTA updates completely, upgrades tend to break things especially after Android 10.
My current stock Android 9* load is over 1.5 yo, still fast, stable and fulfilling its mission with minimal maintenance. Functionality, stability and ease of maintenance are some of the reasons I run stock. Plan and simple though I not willing to risk bricking a valuable device to yield a time sucking device that likely will need extensive troubleshooting.
Also worth noting is if you root you will trip the Knox efuse. Can't go back from there. You'll lose some of Knox's core features like Secure Folder or Samsung Pay if they're any value to you. I don't use these.
Of course many here do root, design and run custom roms. If you choose to do so, XDA is like a candy store for you
*this stock version has proven to be fairly secure in spite of no updates... unless you do something stupid.

blackhawk said:
Welcome to XDA
Stay with Android 10 or 9. I run stock N10+'s and simple use a package disabler and Karma Firewall. I like Samsung's UI so I don't disable everything in sight. It's not necessary or even desirable. I deal with problem apps on a case by case basis. I also lock down OTA updates completely, upgrades tend to break things especially after Android 10.
My current stock Android 9* load is over 1.5 yo, still fast, stable and fulfilling its mission with minimal maintenance. Functionality, stability and ease of maintenance are some of the reasons I run stock. Plan and simple though I not willing to risk bricking a valuable device to yield a time sucking device that likely will need extensive troubleshooting.
Also worth noting is if you root you will trip the Knox efuse. Can't go back from there. You'll lose some of Knox's core features like Secure Folder or Samsung Pay if they're any value to you. I don't use these.
Of course many here do root, design and run custom roms. If you choose to do so, XDA is like a candy store for you
*this stock version has proven to be fairly secure in spite of no updates... unless you do something stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
First thing that comes to mind is: Oh, is NFC not gonna work?
Is it the s10 that you got? What do you like the curved screen? I am having second thoughts on choice of modell because of that. Everything else is perfect though.

larshallen said:
Thanks!
First thing that comes to mind is: Oh, is NFC not gonna work?
Is it the s10 that you got? What do you like the curved screen? I am having second thoughts on choice of modell because of that. Everything else is perfect though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFC, not sure about as I never use that feature anyway. Banking apps can be an issue.
Note 10+, my weapon of choice.
The curve screen is ok once you understand how to use for side screen apps like One Handed Operation plus and Edge. Doesn't interfere watching vids but occasionally gets in the way with cut/paste.
The square display corners and the AMOLED display plus it's 7mm thickness are some of its physical features I like. No cam hump like the N20U.

The other answers are good of course, so I'll try to spare everyone an essay and sorry if you've mentioned something already despite me reading the above. I'll also try to order this by what I personally think is the most important info.
1. Exynos and Snapdragon.
Two versions of the S10 series (and others):
Exynos -> non-USA (mostly) | SD -> USA.
-- Exynos is more open and has less disadvantages to modifications --
These refer to the two different CPUs across regions. This is important regardless of any major modifications like installing a custom ROM (I'll get to that). Even on this forum, people will post apps that they've made and state which model it's for. Apps that make use of S10 specific hardware like Camera apps (e.g. GCAM) may have one or two versions for the CPUs.
You said you ordered the phone, so I recommend you look up what CPU it is given its origin (seller might have gotten it elsewhere too).
2. Difficulty. This is not to discourage, just inform.
Samsung phones are relatively difficult to extensively modify.. in fact the company is known for being malicious about this; very annoying to be honest and people shouldn't tolerate it (but this is a political tangent with lots of varying opinions, haha).
Depending on your level of computer literacy making changes will go from seeming impossible and freaky... to just sometimes being tedious and irritating. Expect to make a mistake and have to factory reset the phone if you go hard in mods...
3. Knox (mentioned above). In simple terms, think of the Knox as an internal switch that flicks on if you make changes 'outside' the official Samsung ROM (i.e. One UI). Mainly rooting and custom ROMs. This is a permanent change.
It tells (only Samsung apps..), so general rule is it only matters if you care about Samsung apps as many will throw a tantrum over "tripping the Knox" :^(
IMO: It makes no difference unless you really do care about say using the Samsung pay app instead of Google pay. Honestly everything I can think of is done just as well or better by other companies. And it's a phone from 2019, not a Mustang (haha) so it's going to be worthless very soon, so don't stress and just do what you think you'll have more fun with.
4. Everything else! You'll have to look things up as it's extensive. Rooting = making yourself the highest user (aka admin / super user). Custom ROM = community built different versions of the Android OS, with ASOP (Pixel like) being the most common (yes there are non-android ROMs, but that's not in this scope, haha). Side-loading apps = installing .apk files you find on the internet instead of the Google Play Store or other major stores (won't trip Knox). Theming the official One UI ROM can be done with Samsung's theme park software, or with apps known as Hex and Synergy.
Enjoy!! Hope this post helps.

Oh and Custom Recovery = ... In simple terms a BIOS like software (what you can use when you start a computer to install an OS), you use these on phones for backups and installing Custom ROMs. Samsung has an official one called 'download mode' that you can use with either PC software Odin or Heimdall.
And pro-tip: if you change app settings to black (not just dark) where possible you'll save battery thanks to the amoled screen.
And do try to disable Samsung apps where possible even without modifications to the OS, they do drain battery power over time and you will see a difference if you compare several months from now.
Oh and not all SD versions are exclusive to the USA.. but that is mostly the rule. As a heads up.

With Samsung's many free icon packs and themes at the Galaxy Store you can customize your device, a lot and easily.
Use the Good Lock family of apps to customize the pull down notifications and more.
This is what my N10+ looks like on One UI with the free Galaxy Store add ons.
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blackhawk said:
NFC, not sure about as I never use that feature anyway. Banking apps can be an issue.
Note 10+, my weapon of choice.
The curve screen is ok once you understand how to use for side screen apps like One Handed Operation plus and Edge. Doesn't interfere watching vids but occasionally gets in the way with cut/paste.
The square display corners and the AMOLED display plus it's 7mm thickness are some of its physical features I like. No cam hump like the N20U.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would banking apps be an issue?

blackhawk said:
With Samsung's many free icon packs and themes at the Galaxy Store you can customize your device, a lot and easily.
Use the Good Lock family of apps to customize the pull down notifications and more.
This is what my N10+ looks like on One UI with the free Galaxy Store add ons.
View attachment 5502931View attachment 5502933
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great advice. Thanks

Grimslade said:
Oh and Custom Recovery = ... In simple terms a BIOS like software (what you can use when you start a computer to install an OS), you use these on phones for backups and installing Custom ROMs. Samsung has an official one called 'download mode' that you can use with either PC software Odin or Heimdall.
And pro-tip: if you change app settings to black (not just dark) where possible you'll save battery thanks to the amoled screen.
And do try to disable Samsung apps where possible even without modifications to the OS, they do drain battery power over time and you will see a difference if you compare several months from now.
Oh and not all SD versions are exclusive to the USA.. but that is mostly the rule. As a heads up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there good versions of Odin or Heimdall on Mac as well? I do not have a PC.
Saving battery with black setting on AMOLED is a freaking great advice!
I would mostly like to find a SD-version with 256 gb drive and 8 gb RAM of the s10e. I live in Europe though and I can’t find it, at least not reasonably priced. But if do find this version I guess I can gCam it, yeah?

Grimslade said:
The other answers are good of course, so I'll try to spare everyone an essay and sorry if you've mentioned something already despite me reading the above. I'll also try to order this by what I personally think is the most important info.
1. Exynos and Snapdragon.
Two versions of the S10 series (and others):
Exynos -> non-USA (mostly) | SD -> USA.
-- Exynos is more open and has less disadvantages to modifications --
These refer to the two different CPUs across regions. This is important regardless of any major modifications like installing a custom ROM (I'll get to that). Even on this forum, people will post apps that they've made and state which model it's for. Apps that make use of S10 specific hardware like Camera apps (e.g. GCAM) may have one or two versions for the CPUs.
You said you ordered the phone, so I recommend you look up what CPU it is given its origin (seller might have gotten it elsewhere too).
2. Difficulty. This is not to discourage, just inform.
Samsung phones are relatively difficult to extensively modify.. in fact the company is known for being malicious about this; very annoying to be honest and people shouldn't tolerate it (but this is a political tangent with lots of varying opinions, haha).
Depending on your level of computer literacy making changes will go from seeming impossible and freaky... to just sometimes being tedious and irritating. Expect to make a mistake and have to factory reset the phone if you go hard in mods...
3. Knox (mentioned above). In simple terms, think of the Knox as an internal switch that flicks on if you make changes 'outside' the official Samsung ROM (i.e. One UI). Mainly rooting and custom ROMs. This is a permanent change.
It tells (only Samsung apps..), so general rule is it only matters if you care about Samsung apps as many will throw a tantrum over "tripping the Knox" :^(
IMO: It makes no difference unless you really do care about say using the Samsung pay app instead of Google pay. Honestly everything I can think of is done just as well or better by other companies. And it's a phone from 2019, not a Mustang (haha) so it's going to be worthless very soon, so don't stress and just do what you think you'll have more fun with.
4. Everything else! You'll have to look things up as it's extensive. Rooting = making yourself the highest user (aka admin / super user). Custom ROM = community built different versions of the Android OS, with ASOP (Pixel like) being the most common (yes there are non-android ROMs, but that's not in this scope, haha). Side-loading apps = installing .apk files you find on the internet instead of the Google Play Store or other major stores (won't trip Knox). Theming the official One UI ROM can be done with Samsung's theme park software, or with apps known as Hex and Synergy.
Enjoy!! Hope this post helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I think I will reorder the phone, like suggested in the last message. I have noticed that I am annoyed by the idea of having a curved edged screen. So I will go with the s10e instead, I think. But I don’t like the fact that it has less RAM. I have an idea that I will use the MHL-support and use the phone as a simple workstation and my feeling is that 8gb RAM will get me much further on a project like that. What’s your opinion on this?
2. The question lingers in me if rooting the device is necessary. I would surely like to get rid of bloatware and optimize the phone for longevity and then I am curious about integrity in terms of sharing information. What is really necessary and how far can I go without rooting?
3. Can you verify that NFC and Phone Pay-options still work if KNOX is switched? This is vital information for me.
4. Good info.
Addition: You have mentioned gCam and I wonder if gCam can be used on both SD-version of these phones AND Exynos?

Oh come on, man you're picky Mr Fancy "I don't like curved phones"... I was just about to ask what the hell are you doing? And recommend the Oppo X rollable, but I guess "screw me" right? Pffft. Whatever. Fine... I don't care.
I'm messing around obviously. Lol. You do you.
Banking apps can be an issue if you root your phone (people can confuse this, but keep in mind that's not the same thing as a custom ROM). It completely depends on the bank, I've used three [Australian] banks on a rooted phone that I didn't bother hiding (this is known as passing the safety-net, means Google can't detect you've rooted the phone and as I said I wasn't bothering at that point).
And it's not that hard to pass the safety-net anyway.
Rooting a phone can be quite glamourous (haha) but it does require some technical literacy to maintain it at a level with no disadvantages.
You can install a custom ROM and not root it. For example, Pixel Experience is highly regarded and it will pass the safety-net by default, just as if you bought the phone with it installed by default.
Honestly though if you are concerned I'd suggest just sticking with the default ONE UI rom.. at least for a couple of weeks and then decide if you want to use a custom ROM.
I can't in good faith recommend a recent Samsung phone if you're interested in modifications and it's your first time doing so.. they're arguably the most aggressive manufacturer with regard to all this.
HOWEVER, if you're simply worried about bloated system apps, you can get a boost with legitimate apps like CCleaner that help automate force stopping them. And that's with no modifications. You can use what's known as ADB commands which is essentially just hooking it up to your Mac and granting yourself slightly elevated user access. I'm pretty sure you can even uninstall some proprietary apps that you couldn't otherwise.
- Yes, Heimdall works on Mac.
- as for a workstation though, are you referring to using DEX? If so, I'd stick to ONE UI. DEX is proprietary and it currently isn't included in any non-ONE UI ROM.. I believe custom ONE UI ROMs have DEX, but you'd have to double check.. again at that point though I really seeing you having a bad time given your lack of experience... Jesus man, slow down you hectic maniac!! Ha, no, you can do whatever you like but it's just a friendly word of warning. I mean, that's why you posted this on the first place, right?
Yes, you can use desktop mode on other phones and ROMs but it's not a mainstream official process, you have to set it up and tinker yourself, in constrast to ONE UI in which it is literally propriety software that's covered in the cost of your Samsung phone.
... Let me put it in perspective, if you root your phone at times it's like using Linux PC, you'll even very likely have to come across having to use a command line (and this is especially the case with recent Samsung phones). Android does use the Linux kernel after all, and you're forcing your way into root (admin) access. Just a custom ROM without root is a bit easier, but you'll have to decide if something like Pixel Experience is a better fit for you than ONE UI. Which is going to a bit of effort that I personally see as unnecessary stress for someone who's just bought a new phone. You know my opinion anyway, I'd say chill for a few weeks first.
What else?... Oh! GCAM and Snapdragons.. I haven't looked into it, but I can at least tell you that if there is a SD fork it will not be the same .apk installer as the Exynos one.
I would recommend Exynos models... "Would"... I mean, I'm not going to because I don't want to argue with obsessed nerdy weirdos that spend way too much time writing gigantic messages on tech forums, ewww ...... Oh wait
.. hope this is informative!! Now if you excuse me... I'm off to rethink my life and cry myself to sleep.... Again!
Cheers.

Ah forgot to answer about NFC. In short yes. You'd just have to make sure whatever ROM you use has NFC support. And it very likely would so long as you install one that's been designed with your phone model in mind... That's what these forums are for!
The only maniacal company that checks for Knox is Samsung. So you can't use Samsung's pay app with a Knox tripped or other brand of phone. But!! That doesn't stop you using Google Pay. You just have to follow a guide on hiding that you've rooted the phone, IF of course you do root it.
Wow.. it is a lot of info huh? But I think that about covers it.

I'll write you later, bro! You are funny.

Question Xperia 10 IV, Trust on First Use

Howdy, everyone. I picked up an Xperia 10 IV (model No. XQCC-72) and I’m having trouble with the WiFi.
My work uses WPA2 enterprise encryption, but doesn’t issue any kind of certificate.
Here’s my understanding of the situation:
As-of later builds of Android 11, Google disabled the ability to select “Do no validate” when connecting to these networks.
However, they implemented a replacement system called Trust on First Use (ToFU) that shipped with Android 13.
Well, my Xperia is on latest build of Android 13 that’s available; but ToFU isn’t an option. I can select to use system certificates, or to install a certificate of my choice, and that’s if.
ToFU works perfectly fine on an old Pixel 4a that’s running Android 13; so it’s definitely not a problem with the WiFi. Seems to be entirely limited to the Xperia
Does anyone have any suggestions? Or even confirmation if this is a bug limited to my device; rather than a conscious choice made by Sony to disable ToFU? The company phones where I work are iPhones, so there’s no chance of them updating the WiFi to work with Android’s more stringent security requirements anytime soon.

MEGAS XLR said:
Howdy, everyone. I picked up an Xperia 10 IV (model No. XQCC-72) and I’m having trouble with the WiFi.
My work uses WPA2 enterprise encryption, but doesn’t issue any kind of certificate.
Here’s my understanding of the situation:
As-of later builds of Android 11, Google disabled the ability to select “Do no validate” when connecting to these networks.
However, they implemented a replacement system called Trust on First Use (ToFU) that shipped with Android 13.
Well, my Xperia is on latest build of Android 13 that’s available; but ToFU isn’t an option. I can select to use system certificates, or to install a certificate of my choice, and that’s if.
ToFU works perfectly fine on an old Pixel 4a that’s running Android 13; so it’s definitely not a problem with the WiFi. Seems to be entirely limited to the Xperia
Does anyone have any suggestions? Or even confirmation if this is a bug limited to my device; rather than a conscious choice made by Sony to disable ToFU? The company phones where I work are iPhones, so there’s no chance of them updating the WiFi to work with Android’s more stringent security requirements anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, i also have this problem
have you found a solution?
only solution i seemed to have found was using a custom rom

DrDrag0n said:
Hello, i also have this problem
have you found a solution?
only solution i seemed to have found was using a custom rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing yet. I just installed a recently released update, and still no TOFU. I tweeted to the official Xperia twitter about implementing the feature, since there isn’t any kind of feedback hub.
I hope they activate it at some point. I’d like to get an Xperia 1 V as my next main phone, but not being able to connect to my workplace WiFi is a dealbreaker.

MEGAS XLR said:
Nothing yet. I just installed a recently released update, and still no TOFU. I tweeted to the official Xperia twitter about implementing the feature, since there isn’t any kind of feedback hub.
I hope they activate it at some point. I’d like to get an Xperia 1 V as my next main phone, but not being able to connect to my workplace WiFi is a dealbreaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the 1 iii, it is an amazing phone. The 1 V will no doubt be incredible.
i have found using custom roms did make TOFU appear but Sony really should support this stock. Especially since android 13 should have it enabled by default

DrDrag0n said:
I have the 1 iii, it is an amazing phone. The 1 V will no doubt be incredible.
i have found using custom roms did make TOFU appear but Sony really should support this stock. Especially since android 13 should have it enabled by default
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would use a custom ROM if I could, but as of yet there’s nothing for the 10 IV that I could find. And I’m not savvy enough to make my own.
Sony is one of the few, possibly only companies that make a phone with flagship specs, that also supports expandable storage and still has a headphone jack. But they just had to cripple it by leaving out a feature that’s baked into Android by default.
I don’t know if they left it out for some reason on purpose, or if it accidentally got disabled during development and nobody’s brought it to their attention yet.
I may never know.

MEGAS XLR said:
I would use a custom ROM if I could, but as of yet there’s nothing for the 10 IV that I could find. And I’m not savvy enough to make my own.
Sony is one of the few, possibly only companies that make a phone with flagship specs, that also supports expandable storage and still has a headphone jack. But they just had to cripple it by leaving out a feature that’s baked into Android by default.
I don’t know if they left it out for some reason on purpose, or if it accidentally got disabled during development and nobody’s brought it to their attention yet.
I may never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im going to tweet them as well and hope someone sees it. It should be enabled by default so there is potential that for security reasons in A11 and A12 they hard coded TOFU being disabled and forgot to add it back in

MEGAS XLR said:
I would use a custom ROM if I could, but as of yet there’s nothing for the 10 IV that I could find. And I’m not savvy enough to make my own.
Sony is one of the few, possibly only companies that make a phone with flagship specs, that also supports expandable storage and still has a headphone jack. But they just had to cripple it by leaving out a feature that’s baked into Android by default.
I don’t know if they left it out for some reason on purpose, or if it accidentally got disabled during development and nobody’s brought it to their attention yet.
I may never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-unofficial-pdx225-13-lineage-20-for-sony-xperia-10iv.4562485/?
If you are not sure if your model is supported just ask in that forum also same in regards for TOFU.

sieghartRM said:
Have you tried https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-unofficial-pdx225-13-lineage-20-for-sony-xperia-10iv.4562485/?
If you are not sure if your model is supported just ask in that forum also same in regards for TOFU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can’t believe I missed the thread for that Lineage OS port. I sure feel like a dope.
I’ll give it a shot when I have some time to mess around, but that’ll probably fix it. I’m running Lineage OS on an old Pixel 3a, and TOFU works perfectly. So this is promising

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This is the reply from Sony. Some corporate copy-and-paste nonsense that isn’t even related to what I asked.

I looked through the unofficial LineageOS thread, and there seems to be some audio and camera bugs. Plus the ROM is distributed in a .bin format; which Windows really doesn’t want to work with and I don’t feel like digging out an old PC with Linux on it at the moment.
I think I actually did see that unofficial build of LineageOS before; but didn’t want to deal with the hassle that comes with an unofficial build for a fairly niche device.
I might just keep my eye on it for now but leave my Xperia as stock. Who knows, maybe we’ll get TOFU in a year when Sony puts out an update to Android 14.
It’s not a huge deal for me; I picked this thing up cheap on a whim. Both to gauge modern Sony phones (I haven’t used an Xperia since I got the very first model in the lineup, the Xperia X1, back in 2008) to see if I’d want to use one full time, and to eventually put Sailfish OS on it if Jolla decides to support it. My primary iPhone connects to improperly secured WPA2 networks, so it’s not the end of the world for me.
I do hope Sony eventually gets it together and fixes this problem. My iPhone is starting to show its age and I really like the design and feature set of the Xperia 1 series; but I can’t reasonably spend that kind of money on a phone that won’t even connect to the WiFi at work.