Develop Bugs

Any real reason to root?????? Any advantages

My GS3 is still 100% stock, I have not even installed the T-mobile pushed update yet, I keep postponing it. So I'm 100% ICS 4.0.4 stock out of the box. I've added a bunch of widgets and stuff like that, but I have not rooted.
I had been using an iPhone(s) for the last 4+ years, dabbling with the occasional Android device, until I got the GS3 from T-mobile, and getting 4G speeds is amazing, especially after being in EDGE LIMBO on the iPhone for so long.
So the core of my question is WHY ROOT. Rooting is NOT like Jailbreaking an iPhone, since it seems like I can pretty much do 99% of anything with the phone without rooting. To me, seems that rooting only offers the AdBlock feature and WiFi tether option, then the ability to flash roms - and it seems like Flashing roms on this device can introduce problems like loss of IMEI and I've seen some reports of 4G no longer working or slowing down from the stock speeds.
Forgive me, because I know iPhone chatter gets peoples blood boiling over here, but that's what I have to compare against, my experience with rooted android devices are pretty limited.
SO: Without making this message long and boring - What are the serious advantages to rooting? And is it worth it? And at the risk of sounding like a jerk, I'm not a phone noob, just an android noob. I've had smart phones for A LONG TIME, all the way back to the Nokia Symbian phones...................
Some information if anyone cares, and just in case this info influences the information.
I'm in T-mobile USA. I've got the unlimited data/1st 2Gb at 4g plan.
Stock out of the box GS3 16gb model (32gb sdcard)
Primarily a Widnows user, but my MacBook air is dual bootcamped - but I use Windows 7 99% of the time
On my previous android phone (LG Thrill/optimus) which I rooted, the adblock thingy prevented me from viewing many of my emails which I do browse - like Newegg, Amazon, Groupon. They were all considered spam/ad's I guess?
I don't *THINK* having a Wifi hotspot would be something I'd ever use, but you never know.
My T-mobile plan was ancient until last year when I switched to a more modern plan that offered 4G instead of only t-zones, and I do not have the hotspot option - so I can't do hotspot without rooting (at least I think I can't)
Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of rooting, just wondering if there is any significant advantage? While I like the idea of flashing roms, most of the time I'm not a fan of beta testing stuff... like I heard CM10 was awesome, but apparently there were issues with the camera app not working 100% of the time........ that's not acceptable to me, especially since I have a new grandbaby and snap TONS of pictures now a days.
On another phone I had, which was a Samsung galaxy S 4g (small tiny t-mobile phone) and as I recall the LG thrill too, by modifying the build prop you could increase the hsdpa+ settings and get better data access at faster rates.......? Not sure if there is any way to get faster data speeds on the GS3?
Well, I guess that's enough for now............................. Any help would be appreciated.

I found jailbreaking iOS to be pointless. But feel the opposite about rooting Android. But the thing I like the most about Android doesn't even require root; flashing new firmware. Today I'm running CM10, tomorrow I'm running AOKP. Because I can. Rooting facilitates my addiction.
If you root, Android is your playground. Titanium Backup is amazing if you like to flash new firmware (I use it differently from CWM nandroids). Root Explorer gives you total control over your file system. AdFree to block ads, as you mentioned. Terminal Emulator (all the fun commands require su). Making a fully touch-based game work with an XBox360 controller.
Maybe rooting isn't right for you. But it takes two minutes and has zero downsides. Back up your IMEI before you start flashing (Terminal Emulator > su > reboot nvbackup).

With root u can control things like cpu speed, and voltage table (and if you have a custom kernel you can overclock)
You can also freeze apps you don't need, access files you normally wouldn't be able to like /etc/hosts to block ads.
You can also install some fun apps that require root like dsploit and droidsheep lol
Rooting opens up your phone to do a lot more.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

Thanks
Aerowinder said:
I found jailbreaking iOS to be pointless. But feel the opposite about rooting Android. But the thing I like the most about Android doesn't even require root; flashing new firmware. Today I'm running CM10, tomorrow I'm running AOKP. Because I can. Rooting facilitates my addiction.
If you root, Android is your playground. Titanium Backup is amazing if you like to flash new firmware (I use it differently from CWM nandroids). Root Explorer gives you total control over your file system. AdFree to block ads, as you mentioned. Terminal Emulator (all the fun commands require su). Making a fully touch-based game work with an XBox360 controller.
Maybe rooting isn't right for you. But it takes two minutes and has zero downsides. Back up your IMEI before you start flashing (Terminal Emulator > su > reboot nvbackup).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info in Ur signature Hun, I found it very helpful

Hmm. optimization and longer battery life of custom ROMs. Uhh expirement with changing radio to get better signal.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

ayeitschris said:
Hmm. optimization and longer battery life of custom ROMs. Uhh expirement with changing radio to get better signal
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Click to collapse
Don't need root for either of those.

Aerowinder said:
Don't need root for either of those.
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Technically no.. but rooting usually comes hand in hand with those things.
Sent from my SGH-T999

It gives you more options. Such as switching between touchwiz ROMs and CM10/AOSP/AOPK. Flashing custom kernels & radios for better performance/battery life.

So you can back up your stars in bad piggies. And delete stupid system apps.

***REMOVE BLOATWARE****....main reason I rooted ..and still stock LOL

To gain full control over the android device.

With everything else said above I'd like to add "the ability to install custom members apps that do more" and other apps in the app store that require root such as call blockers which I love.

Not really. I've been back and forth between stock and pretty much every rom. Currently I got tired of f'ing with my phone and I'm on stock and I plan to stay there until CM10 is stable and has better battery life.

When I first got my s3 I to didn't see a huge gain in rooting since they came out with apps like Foxfi that allow wireless tethering without root and having the latest ICS was great but having the options too use titanium backup to backup all of my apps and their data and upload it to a cloud service and using other root apps like CPU sleeper and ROM tool box to under clock my CPU so I can save my battery rooting your phone is just for more convenient controls over the normal if you feel like you don't need to root then don't you still have a great phone
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

maxcaos said:
When I first got my s3 I to didn't see a huge gain in rooting since they came out with apps like Foxfi that allow wireless tethering without root and having the latest ICS was great but having the options too use titanium backup to backup all of my apps and their data and upload it to a cloud service and using other root apps like CPU sleeper and ROM tool box to under clock my CPU so I can save my battery rooting your phone is just for more convenient controls over the normal if you feel like you don't need to root then don't you still have a great phone
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
You need some punctuation in your life.
I've tried a few custom roms on this phone, don't really see a need for them though. They all have one issue or another with them. Might go back to stock to compare battery life.

kitsunisan said:
You need some punctuation in your life.
I've tried a few custom roms on this phone, don't really see a need for them though. They all have one issue or another with them. Might go back to stock to compare battery life.
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One sentence paragraphs and fragments, really?

psykhotic said:
One sentence paragraphs and fragments, really?
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Click to collapse
Really.

Well i rooted mine because I wanted to disable a few bloatware, and also some apps in market will not fully function without root. I'm not much of a flashaholic, I've stayed with just a rooted stock..
I'm just sayin!

Flashing wicked v6 is worth rooting alone. Also for better phone performance as said earlier. But devices are finally getting good enough where you dont need to root necessarily. This is the first phone Ive had in a while where I didnt root immediately because it was very nice stock.
Sent from my Wicked Galaxy S3

[Q] Can I get a ROM that WORKS???

To anyone that knows of a ROM that is 100% functional INCLUDING S PEN!
The ROM I have now doesn't have a working radio so I can't even use my data plan to download anything (sometimes doesn't even wake back up when it goes to sleep). The home internet is constantly blinking in and out, making downloading large files tedious; so if you are positive you know a ROM that has everything functioning (as if it just shipped from the factory!) and de-bloated then please please, do tell!
I'd like this to be a one-shot download kind of thing rather than having to download a mess of things, once I get something that works again then I don't care how many ROMs you suggest.
PS: Are the Note II ROMs naturally huge??? I have seen some as high as 1GB

PorscheHusky said:
To anyone that knows of a ROM that is 100% functional INCLUDING S PEN!
The ROM I have now doesn't have a working radio so I can't even use my data plan to download anything (sometimes doesn't even wake back up when it goes to sleep). The home internet is constantly blinking in and out, making downloading large files tedious; so if you are positive you know a ROM that has everything functioning (as if it just shipped from the factory!) and de-bloated then please please, do tell!
I'd like this to be a one-shot download kind of thing rather than having to download a mess of things, once I get something that works again then I don't care how many ROMs you suggest.
PS: Are the Note II ROMs naturally huge??? I have seen some as high as 1GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried reading through the development section for comments as to what works and what doesn't for each ROM? There are loads that work. And yes, many are quite large.

Android Revolution by Mike1986 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1925402) works flawlessly and is as you described. Near stock but completely debloated and optimized for better battery life and faster. Version 10.0 was just released yesterday with some updates.
If i ever need to use a Samsung ROM, i always use Android Revolution as i know it simply works.
Samsung ROMs are normally around 800 MB to 1 GB, completely normal.

apd said:
Have you tried reading through the development section for comments as to what works and what doesn't for each ROM? There are loads that work. And yes, many are quite large.
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Click to collapse
The lot I have found actually didn't have a log at all, so I assumed everything worked, like SpaceX2 I searched the entire thread for reported issues and didn't find anything so I went ahead to get it then run into this mess I'll try to look harder next time (if my internet plays nice)
Moonbloom said:
Android Revolution by Mike1986 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1925402) works flawlessly and is as you described. Near stock but completely debloated and optimized for better battery life and faster. Version 10.0 was just released yesterday with some updates.
If i ever need to use a Samsung ROM, i always use Android Revolution as i know it simply works.
Samsung ROMs are normally around 800 MB to 1 GB, completely normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it a go then! and I just wanted to be sure they were supposed to be that large, the SII I had had ROMs around 300-500 avg so when I saw SpaceX2's 900-something and another at 1.4GB my eyes nearly popped out of my skull and jaw slapped a hole in the floor LOL
but just to be clear, the S-Pen functions are normal then? Reason I got this phone was to do my illustrations on the go (Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop stuff) and if I can't us it then it was a waste lol

PorscheHusky said:
The lot I have found actually didn't have a log at all, so I assumed everything worked, like SpaceX2 I searched the entire thread for reported issues and didn't find anything so I went ahead to get it then run into this mess I'll try to look harder next time (if my internet plays nice)
I'll give it a go then! and I just wanted to be sure they were supposed to be that large, the SII I had had ROMs around 300-500 avg so when I saw SpaceX2's 900-something and another at 1.4GB my eyes nearly popped out of my skull and jaw slapped a hole in the floor LOL
but just to be clear, the S-Pen functions are normal then? Reason I got this phone was to do my illustrations on the go (Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop stuff) and if I can't us it then it was a waste lol
Click to expand...
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Yes, all S-Pen functions are in the ROM.

Moonbloom said:
Yes, all S-Pen functions are in the ROM.
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Click to collapse
Alright! Thanks for that bit! Headed over to try downloading now!
One last thing, might you know of any download managers I could get? Chrome doesn't have one and when the internet blinks I have to start all over again

Why not stick to stock? Custom roms are nice if you are looking for certain features, but they often come at the expense of being less compatible with certain apps and for the note specifically, you lose apps like s-note.
Sent from my iPad 4th gen using Tapatalk 2

A number of reasons really...
EP2008 said:
Why not stick to stock? Custom roms are nice if you are looking for certain features, but they often come at the expense of being less compatible with certain apps and for the note specifically, you lose apps like s-note.
Sent from my iPad 4th gen using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
A number of reasons, really.
~While stock is wicked fast and no doubt stable, too many apps run in the background. I did a memorydump once and at any given time (after its sat idle for about 2min) there are usually 40-50 or more apps running in the background.
~Want to be able to continue using Google Wallet (started using it on my Nexus 7 and instantly fell in love). This Isis crap that the carriers are forcing us to use seems like the works of a halfwitt jacked up on drugs and their rollout methods are awful.
~Apparently the stock ROM with all the bloat/branding sucks up the onboard memory like it's going out of style. I don't even use most (if any) the carrier junk but I can't delete them. Thats where de-bloated and slimmed-down-to-essentials ROMs come in for me
~Ability to fully customize how I want MY phone to look and react rather than be just another carbon copy with the rest of the crowd. You wouldn't believe how many people, that have gotten a good look at my old SII w/ SBean AOKP, oooh & ahh over some visual features I could do that they couldn't, especially with battery readouts rather than guessing what percentage you're at with that vague battery bar.
That's just scratching the surface but come-ooooon! This is XDA, what are the majority of us here for anyway?
The Revolutions ROM mentioned above sounds promising and the fellow said all the stock things worked, including the phone's signature ability, the Wacom digitizer and S Pen. Without that working, thats like selling me a factory fresh Porsche but minus all the bits that make it go

Moonbloom said:
Android Revolution by Mike1986 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1925402) works flawlessly and is as you described. Near stock but completely debloated and optimized for better battery life and faster. Version 10.0 was just released yesterday with some updates.
If i ever need to use a Samsung ROM, i always use Android Revolution as i know it simply works.
Samsung ROMs are normally around 800 MB to 1 GB, completely normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it normal that the installation keeps freezing around the bit about efs backups?

Man i stupid threads like this.
"Waaa waaa my FREE rom doesnt work boo hoo...."
First off if I was a dev and saw this thread id be like "fu then enjoy your stock rom bish"
Its one thing if a rom is bricking your phone cuz the dev did no tests bit seriosly , your title really is unfair.
You shoukd read a luttle more about custom roms as this is the nature of "custom roms".
Why dont you make your own rom??
Oh dont know how?
Dont have the time?
EXACTLY
the roms are free and the devs work for free, so dont bash them when things dont go the wsy you want.
/rant
Much respect to all devs who put out ANY ROM.
Now diaf.

Need Help
Hi.....all....i just got this amazing phone last 2 weeks, and this is really good phone. And i just root it too.
I wanna change the custom ROM with Omega ROM, and change the Kernel too.
My question in here is : I can flash the custom ROM ?? Or i must unroot first ? And sorry, i really newbie about that, flashing or wht.
Thanks for advice
NB : I feel my baterry drain faster with the new firmware of that (

freakboy13 said:
Man i stupid threads like this.
"Waaa waaa my FREE rom doesnt work boo hoo...."
First off if I was a dev and saw this thread id be like "fu then enjoy your stock rom bish"
Its one thing if a rom is bricking your phone cuz the dev did no tests bit seriosly , your title really is unfair.
You shoukd read a luttle more about custom roms as this is the nature of "custom roms".
Why dont you make your own rom??
Oh dont know how?
Dont have the time?
EXACTLY
the roms are free and the devs work for free, so dont bash them when things dont go the wsy you want.
/rant
Much respect to all devs who put out ANY ROM.
Now diaf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wake up on the wrong side of the bed elsewhere, chum. Maybe if youve read my above comment to the other bloke of why I want what I do then you might get a clue.
Asking for something that actually works as intended is not that much to ask for.

PorscheHusky said:
Is it normal that the installation keeps freezing around the bit about efs backups?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your signature reads "Galaxy Note II (T889)" and AFAIK Revolution HD and this whole section really is about the GT-N7100. Could you please clarify this point?

PorscheHusky said:
A number of reasons, really.
~While stock is wicked fast and no doubt stable, too many apps run in the background. I did a memorydump once and at any given time (after its sat idle for about 2min) there are usually 40-50 or more apps running in the background.
~Want to be able to continue using Google Wallet (started using it on my Nexus 7 and instantly fell in love). This Isis crap that the carriers are forcing us to use seems like the works of a halfwitt jacked up on drugs and their rollout methods are awful.
~Apparently the stock ROM with all the bloat/branding sucks up the onboard memory like it's going out of style. I don't even use most (if any) the carrier junk but I can't delete them. Thats where de-bloated and slimmed-down-to-essentials ROMs come in for me
~Ability to fully customize how I want MY phone to look and react rather than be just another carbon copy with the rest of the crowd. You wouldn't believe how many people, that have gotten a good look at my old SII w/ SBean AOKP, oooh & ahh over some visual features I could do that they couldn't, especially with battery readouts rather than guessing what percentage you're at with that vague battery bar.
That's just scratching the surface but come-ooooon! This is XDA, what are the majority of us here for anyway?
The Revolutions ROM mentioned above sounds promising and the fellow said all the stock things worked, including the phone's signature ability, the Wacom digitizer and S Pen. Without that working, thats like selling me a factory fresh Porsche but minus all the bits that make it go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you. I was into custom ROM's for many devices, but I found the problems with incompatibilities to be too much of a hassle to use on "daily driver" devices - especially my phone, which I use for business.
Now, I use Titanium to freeze bloatware and system apps that I don't want running. I use the Xposed framework mod to get unlimited multiwindow apps on my Note2 as well as add other features like per-app settings (dpi, full screen, resolution, etc.). I use a Nova Launcher instead of touchwiz, and several other tweaks on my stock firmware.
I found this to be the best option for ME, because the stability on my phone is perfect, battery life is great and I know that all apps will work properly.
Good luck on your quest to find the best rom - you'll likely have to try a bunch before settling down
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 2

Androssama said:
Your signature reads "Galaxy Note II (T889)" and AFAIK Revolution HD and this whole section really is about the GT-N7100. Could you please clarify this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive me if I am wrong but aren't they the same thing?

PorscheHusky said:
Forgive me if I am wrong but aren't they the same thing?
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Click to collapse
They're not, the T-Mobile Note II has a dedicated forum at http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1877
GSM Arena says : The device will have a model number SGH-T889 and will reportedly pack the same specs as the international Galaxy Note II (except for the LTE connectivity, of course). Feel free to check out our preview of the Note II for more details on the device.
The most common problem after crossflashing is losing signal. You have to flash a compatible ROM now, maybe even restore your efs partition.

<insert rageface X~infinity>
Androssama said:
They're not, the T-Mobile Note II has a dedicated forum at http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1877
GSM Arena says : The device will have a model number SGH-T889 and will reportedly pack the same specs as the international Galaxy Note II (except for the LTE connectivity, of course). Feel free to check out our preview of the Note II for more details on the device.
The most common problem after crossflashing is losing signal. You have to flash a compatible ROM now, maybe even restore your efs partition.
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Click to collapse
FFFFFFFFFFFFffffffffffff!!!
Excuse me while I go sit in the corner of shame with this lovely cone shaped hat atop my noggin that reads 'jackass' on it >.<!
What you just said was both relieving and bothersome at the same time LOL. I'll give it a-go and THEN maybe I can finally get some sleep and rest easy knowing the thing should be working again!
I may just go back to Stock ROM for now and sit with it for a while until I dig deeper into Android; have been wanting to get away from Windows lately

EP2008 said:
I hear you. I was into custom ROM's for many devices, but I found the problems with incompatibilities to be too much of a hassle to use on "daily driver" devices - especially my phone, which I use for business.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. I would rather not mess with a custom ROM and the attendant incompatibilities on a daily driver device.
Now, I use Titanium to freeze bloatware and system apps that I don't want running. .
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Click to collapse
The version of Titanium that does not require root allows you to "freeze" bloatware? What exactly do you mean by that? In other words, what does "freeze" mean in this context specifically?
I use the Xposed framework mod to get unlimited multiwindow apps on my Note2 as well as add other features like per-app settings (dpi, full screen, resolution, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xposed framework also doesn't require rooting the device? My Note2 just got updated (I'm with Rogers in Canada) with the multi-window feature and I would love to add a bunch of apps to this multi-window coolness. Can you please shed some more light on what I need to do here? Thanks
I use a Nova Launcher instead of touchwiz, and several other tweaks on my stock firmwareI found this to be the best option for ME, because the stability on my phone is perfect, battery life is great and I know that all apps will work properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love Nova Launcher. I use it as well. TIA

CayenneGTS said:
I'm in the same boat as you. I would rather not mess with a custom ROM and the attendant incompatibilities on a daily driver device.
The version of Titanium that does not require root allows you to "freeze" bloatware? What exactly do you mean by that? In other words, what does "freeze" mean in this context specifically?
The Xposed framework also doesn't require rooting the device? My Note2 just got updated (I'm with Rogers in Canada) with the multi-window feature and I would love to add a bunch of apps to this multi-window coolness. Can you please shed some more light on what I need to do here? Thanks
I love Nova Launcher. I use it as well. TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is required of you want to get the most out of your device. If you want to "freeze" apps on an unrooted device, go to your application manager in your device settings, click on the system app you want to "freeze" and select disable. If you don't see the disable button, then click Uninstall updates first. Use this with caution as freezing or disabling important apps may cause problems.
Xposed requires root, but it doesn't mess up your system like some hardwire mods which replace system files can do.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2

Have you noticed...

Everyone wants to unlock their bootloader so they can run a custom ROM, the supposed purpose being to improve performance and gain new features. But then, once they get the new ROM on there, they keep posting about all the problems they are having, and how this, that or the other doesn't work as well as stock. After goofing with every, and I mean EVERY ROM available for the Razr M, IMHO there's absolutely no reason to use a custom ROM if you are expecting "like stock" performance. It's fun, it's addicting, it can get crazy sometimes, but don't expect it to ever be "Final". More than likely, it will be abandoned the moment a new phone or Android version comes along, and you'll be left with all those unsolved FCs and "almost works" features left hanging. Sad, really.
And then there's the whole "let's take the stock ROM from some other phone entirely and try to make it work on our phone" thing. I totally don't get that. If you like the Necco Choco-Android-o-rama's OS so well, why not just buy that phone instead? I'm just sayin'...
Rooting? That's totally different. I don't know what they do in other countries for bloatware, but Verizon certainly loads up some stinker software here in the US. Tell me, unless you're really into that sort of thing, why would the average shmoe care about Zappos? I certainly don't! And, if I wanted an app for NFL football, I'm perfectly capable of picking one from Google Play, yeah? Same with all the Amazon shtuff. Yeah I get it, advertising helps cover manufacturing costs, and all that jazz. Sure they do it to every new PC from Brand Name X too, but at least you can uninstall it. So rooting is sort of revenge for hogging my limited storage space and then limiting my ability to do anything about it.
And since I'm on this rant anyway, please... PLEASE!!! No more of this "Let's see if we can make our Android look like an iPhone" crap. Or worse, "Windows 8 Phone" crap! - Ewww! That's like taking a Jaguar and trying to make it look like a Ford Pinto... you might manage it, but who the heck would want it?
This rant has been a Public Service Announcement. The thoughts and views expressed herein are not to be considered... period. :silly:

You said it!
I linked to this from my restore where I have a commentary section.

I totally agree. Don't flash ROMs if your going to complain. Its one thing to report to the devs and quite another to ***** about it. And good on ya for the entire rant.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

I really hope the motox stock can be ported.
It would be a big event if he & others did it.
I thank them on each post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2412427

I originally rooted and unlocked my bootloader on this phone because of the screen shake issue that a Motorola introduced in an update if that didn't happen I may not of rooted the phone its stock ROM has such a good layout its no wonder so many complain. I however knew what I was getting into. Rule of thumb to new flashers backups are your friend and don't piss off the developers.

I like stock... de-bloat it and its good to go... just wish I could find something to mod the navi bar... remove the recent apps button replace it with the menu button and change color of it...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

well, the main reason why folks are not as excited about the new ROMs, is b/c there are not any ground-breaking features on the 4.2.2 or 4.3 operating systems. When I got my first android, I had Froyo. Folks were dying to get to Gingerbread in order to vastly increase performance/battery life.
the deal with Jelly Bean, is that the upgrade from stock 4.1.2 to 4.2.2 or 4.3 is minimal at best - and the changes are mostly aesthetics (although, I read that 4.3 has better bluetooth connectivity). but mostly, 4.2.2/4.3 are primarily geared towards tablets.
the race is on now to see what KitKat can bring to current phone users.
in terms of improvements, just as radorix said, these custom ROMs eliminated the shakes that I was getting on 4.1.2. so for me, while that was not a huge deal, it's enough for me to go custom.
personally, I like the tiles layout of 4.2.2 as well as the AOKP customization, so I'll stick with that for now given that my battery life/performance is stock-like.

*claps* You said it. The Razr M has actually been the first Android phone I owned where I've kept the stock ROM. I think it does fine with 4.1.2 atm, and if I really wanted a change I'd probably just theme it.

The only thing that matters to me is stability and speed. I like a fast phone and I like to o/c, push the phone. I like to test things and try to understand its problems rather than build myself because I don't have the time. If I can find the right medium between speed and stability it becomes my dd, naturally. But stock was built for a reason and every now and then I go back to 4.1.2 because I miss some of the features. Like the far left quick settings menu and Circle Clock. Why have to find a work around to add all these features and fixes to a reimagined custom OS that causes more problems when its already working? We wouldn't have anything to work with if we didn't have the source to start at!

Couldn't agree more. I've had 9 different android devices in the past 4 years. Only ones I haven't rooted are my Sony tablet s (original, don't even get me started with their abandonment of this thing, hey let's leave bugs, make a seemingly unlockable boot loader, not share any code, abandon it after realizing all the bugs exist, then support everything we make after it) and my original nexus 7. I too came back to a stock debloated deodexed ROM for the RAZR M.
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

JPHoller said:
Couldn't agree more. I've had 9 different android devices in the past 4 years. Only ones I haven't rooted are my Sony tablet s (original, don't even get me started with their abandonment of this thing, hey let's leave bugs, make a seemingly unlockable boot loader, not share any code, abandon it after realizing all the bugs exist, then support everything we make after it) and my original nexus 7. I too came back to a stock debloated deodexed ROM for the RAZR M.
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Not the only Sammy device they've dropped. Heard of the Galaxy Player 4.2?
Oh and ezknives, you do realize the menu button is completely redundant right? Considering it pops up if needed and isn't even supported/required for Holo apps
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

sloosecannon said:
Lol. Not the only Sammy device they've dropped. Heard of the Galaxy Player 4.2?
Oh and ezknives, you do realize the menu button is completely redundant right? Considering it pops up if needed and isn't even supported/required for Holo apps
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for me... with-in various apps it does not... when on different ROMs and I removed the multitasking feature and replaced it with a menu key I was able to utilize features that was other wise inaccessible... like deleting messages in Facebook app for instance... that cannot be done without a menu button or opening your browser and requesting the desktop site... I just need my menu key its never there when I need it...and I don't know what halo apps are nor use it I don't believe...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

ezknives said:
Not for me... with-in various apps it does not... when on different ROMs and I removed the multitasking feature and replaced it with a menu key I was able to utilize features that was other wise inaccessible... like deleting messages in Facebook app for instance... that cannot be done without a menu button or opening your browser and requesting the desktop site... I just need my menu key its never there when I need it...and I don't know what halo apps are nor use it I don't believe...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holo means apps designed for android 4.0+.
It's the ICS+ ui style. There should be a way to access the menu without a dedicated button - either built-in or by telling the system it's a legacy app that needs the settings button to appear
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

netizenmt said:
Everyone wants to unlock their bootloader so they can run a custom ROM, the supposed purpose being to improve performance and gain new features. But then, once they get the new ROM on there, they keep posting about all the problems they are having, and how this, that or the other doesn't work as well as stock. After goofing with every, and I mean EVERY ROM available for the Razr M, IMHO there's absolutely no reason to use a custom ROM if you are expecting "like stock" performance. It's fun, it's addicting, it can get crazy sometimes, but don't expect it to ever be "Final". More than likely, it will be abandoned the moment a new phone or Android version comes along, and you'll be left with all those unsolved FCs and "almost works" features left hanging. Sad, really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh. I disagree. I've been running CM since it went official and I haven't had any complaints. I experience much-better-than-stock performance and battery life, plus it is way more customizable. I love it!

allc0re said:
Meh. I disagree. I've been running CM since it went official and I haven't had any complaints. I experience much-better-than-stock performance and battery life, plus it is way more customizable. I love it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried it again. Froze on reboot, wouldn't let me into recovery, same BS as all the 4.3 versions. And I wrote the book, well thread, on how to install it, so yeah I wiped etc.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

i'm enjoying better than stock performance on the stable 4.2.2 branch, and i built a custom kernel for CM10.1 for better performance. I tried the 'stock' life and its boring lol. The custom ROM features and better performance are what makes it worth it in my view. 4.3 will be even better as work is continually being done on it, and it hasn't been out that long. Also, I think we need to give appreciation to the devs for giving us options as far as what we can run on this phone compared to being stuck with only one choice.

CM is getting good. Recently the "display freezing" issue got fixed, also more fixes for cardock audio and wifi. It simply takes a while to get it all done properly (with that what's left is SIM I/O and HDR (works with Moto X camera application)).
@netizenmt: Booting to recovery is not affected by the ROM you have installed, so you screwed up the installation at some point.

Skrilax_CZ said:
CM is getting good. Recently the "display freezing" issue got fixed, also more fixes for cardock audio and wifi. It simply takes a while to get it all done properly (with that what's left is SIM I/O and HDR (works with Moto X camera application)).
@netizenmt: Booting to recovery is not affected by the ROM you have installed, so you screwed up the installation at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you offer a build for a Bluetooth phone user that has the SD swap working?
One that might quiet this thread?

netizenmt said:
I just tried it again. Froze on reboot, wouldn't let me into recovery, same BS as all the 4.3 versions. And I wrote the book, well thread, on how to install it, so yeah I wiped etc.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few tricks to getting 4.3 installed and running but it will never happen if u just quite and go back to stock before u get it up and running correctly. I had a terrible time getting 4.3 to boot, keyboard forcing close, stability etc but I figured all that out and wouldn't think of going back to stock. The amount and way if partions the internal drive alone will keep me from ever going back to stock.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

stanlalee said:
There are a few tricks to getting 4.3 installed and running but it will never happen if u just quite and go back to stock before u get it up and running correctly. I had a terrible time getting 4.3 to boot, keyboard forcing close, stability etc but I figured all that out and wouldn't think of going back to stock. The amount and way if partions the internal drive alone will keep me from ever going back to stock.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You actually just made my whole point.
While it's cool you had time, patience, skill and effort to resolve your issues with 4.3, that's not the point of this thread. So do I. The point is, if you think you're going to slap one of these ROMs on and everything is going to work like stock, forget it. If that's what someone expects, they should stick to stock.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

To Root or Not To Root. THAT is the question.

Here is a delimma I haven't had since I first bought my G1 (before root was even discovered): Should I root this device?
I'm looking for genuine opinions here. I've owned a G1, MT4G, Galaxy S3, and now the Note 3 and out of all of them, the Note 3 is the only one where I actually have no intention of installing Stock Android (as I'd lose all the features that made me want the Note to begin with). On those older devices, I wanted to OC to speed up the devices or use them for tetheing. TouchWiz on the GS3 annoyed the hell out of me as it seemed unnecessary, it's at least justified on the Note. But now I don't need them for tethering and I don't need to overclock this device, despite the fact that I want to anyway and I don't intend on installing a Stock ROM. What incentives are there to rooting now?
Right now all I can think of is GMD. I'm looking for someone to re-inspire me to root again.

AGx-07_162 said:
Here is a delimma I haven't had since I first bought my G1 (before root was even discovered): Should I root this device?
I'm looking for genuine opinions here. I've owned a G1, MT4G, Galaxy S3, and now the Note 3 and out of all of them, the Note 3 is the only one where I actually have no intention of installing Stock Android (as I'd lose all the features that made me want the Note to begin with). On those older devices, I wanted to OC to speed up the devices or use them for tetheing. TouchWiz on the GS3 annoyed the hell out of me as it seemed unnecessary, it's at least justified on the Note. But now I don't need them for tethering and I don't need to overclock this device, despite the fact that I want to anyway and I don't intend on installing a Stock ROM. What incentives are there to rooting now?
Right now all I can think of is GMD. I'm looking for someone to re-inspire me to root again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting is fine at this point. However, as twrp causes an all but irreparable error, you might want to wait for a reliable recovery before installing any modded roms.
Charlie

AGx-07_162 said:
Here is a delimma I haven't had since I first bought my G1 (before root was even discovered): Should I root this device?
I'm looking for genuine opinions here. I've owned a G1, MT4G, Galaxy S3, and now the Note 3 and out of all of them, the Note 3 is the only one where I actually have no intention of installing Stock Android (as I'd lose all the features that made me want the Note to begin with). On those older devices, I wanted to OC to speed up the devices or use them for tetheing. TouchWiz on the GS3 annoyed the hell out of me as it seemed unnecessary, it's at least justified on the Note. But now I don't need them for tethering and I don't need to overclock this device, despite the fact that I want to anyway and I don't intend on installing a Stock ROM. What incentives are there to rooting now?
Right now all I can think of is GMD. I'm looking for someone to re-inspire me to root again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason I rooted last night was to install Ad Block, Titanium Backup to freeze some bloat and run Chainfire's region lock removal. I agree with you though, I bought the Note for the SPen features so an AOSP rom would take that away. There is 1 custom ROM already that retains TouchWiz and SPen features that I am debating on trying. I'm still on the fence of installing a custom rom since its very early into development for the device.

I would say rooting imho is mandatory. It doesn't matter how big he screen is Samsung always makes the stuff on it way to large for my use. I have to modify the DPI and use Xposed to remove many of the status bar icons or I would never be able to have enough room on the status bar and notification pull down. I also uninstall some of the bloat, enable call recording, use isis, and more. I don't run a custom rom I just run a DeOdexed stock rom and do everything I need manually for now.

I'm not going to "convince" anyone per say, but just keep following the forums until something forces you to root again. I for one missed Titanium Backup since it can backup everything, I've tried Helium, but for some reason it just wouldn't backup ES File Explorer and Beautiful Widgets on my S4. These are just normal apps and I don't know why it wouldn't work. Also, removing bloat and adding more apps for the Pen Window feature.
I'll be rooting once my 14 days are passed and start flashing again once the recovery's restore feature is working properly again. I don't root to overclock, I root so I can customize my phone even more and add features which wasn't added for stock. Also, I miss the auto GPS on/off by Secure Settings. It requires root and I can't use it just yet!

I still say root, there's a lot of things you can only do with root even on stock. You can block ads, adjust dpi, delete bloat, and manage files better. You can also use the command line for a lot more things when rooted. You can also install the xposed framework to get some of the unofficial ROM benefits on the stock ROM like per-app DPI, something very useful on a high resolution, big screen like Notes have.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app

I am planning on rooting for the sole purpose of restoring my FF3 saved game. I lost a saved game once when my SGS3 bricked (SDS) and am just about where I was when I lost that one.

CalcProgrammer1 said:
I still say root, there's a lot of things you can only do with root even on stock. You can block ads, adjust dpi, delete bloat, and manage files better. You can also use the command line for a lot more things when rooted. You can also install the xposed framework to get some of the unofficial ROM benefits on the stock ROM like per-app DPI, something very useful on a high resolution, big screen like Notes have.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted for the sole purpose of installing AdAway. The stock ROM is so awesome I really don't see me wanting a custom one. I love this beast.
Sent from a Galaxy Note 3 far, far away....

Root is definitely mandatory for me. I can install the custom font that I use, get rid of ads (which is 100% worth it for me), I can delete apps I don't want, not just freeze them, and customize the device how I want.

I root because I want to own my device.. it's mine I m it's administrator.. not my provider .. not Samsung. . ME..
With that said Samsung s stock roms are solid just like aosp is.. The true need for root has diminished a lot in last 12 months .. I root because I can.. I completely understand there is no real need for it but to deny warranty on those who root is plain wrong... just my 2 cents
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

DAGr8 said:
I root because I want to own my device.. it's mine I m it's administrator.. not my provider .. not Samsung. . ME..
With that said Samsung s stock roms are solid just like aosp is.. The true need for root has diminished a lot in last 12 months .. I root because I can.. I completely understand there is no real need for it but to deny warranty on those who root is plain wrong... just my 2 cents
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I root to make it 100% mines! I also do it to under clock a step... Not much into OC'ing anymore. This will probably be the first ROM I stay close to stock with minus some of those extra mods and tweaks that separates my Note 3 from the average consumer...

Rooting can let you easily backup and restore application data.

I root to enable all apps in multi window. So i can watch mnf and candy crush
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

Rooting
I personally like the idea of rooting. I'm spending my own hard earned money on this mobile device and I should be able to do what the hell I want with it. I will also root to get rid of Carrier IQ and when I am tired of TouchWiz.

you should only root under the following conditions.
1. check your personality that you are not a person who rush things!
2. do 10 hour reading about rooting, how to root on your device, its benefits, and its drawback
3. after rooting, you should spend at least 1 hour reading about the rom/mod you want to install
4. optional. have a device warranty with cell provider. they will always change a soft brick phone with you telling them it just died.

HughesNet said:
I would say rooting imho is mandatory. It doesn't matter how big he screen is Samsung always makes the stuff on it way to large for my use. I have to modify the DPI and use Xposed to remove many of the status bar icons or I would never be able to have enough room on the status bar and notification pull down. I also uninstall some of the bloat, enable call recording, use isis, and more. I don't run a custom rom I just run a DeOdexed stock rom and do everything I need manually for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wouldn't happen to know if there is a deodexed stock rom out there for the SM-N900W8, would you?

c_est_la_vie said:
You wouldn't happen to know if there is a deodexed stock rom out there for the SM-N900W8, would you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but I don't know anything about that model.

When I got my note, I took it home, opened the box, insert battery, hit the three keys to download mode, plug phone into my pc and Odin root, reboot and bam first time using my note.

[Q] CM on Note 8 - stable?

Just curious if anyone is running Cyanogenmod (n5100) on their Note 8. couple quick questions....
1. Is it stable?
2. Anything not work? Any bugs?
3. People talk about the sPen stuff or whatever on the Note 8. Is it worth keeping the stock ROM for some of that Samsung stuff?

mannypants said:
Just curious if anyone is running Cyanogenmod (n5100) on their Note 8. couple quick questions....
1. Is it stable?
2. Anything not work? Any bugs?
3. People talk about the sPen stuff or whatever on the Note 8. Is it worth keeping the stock ROM for some of that Samsung stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only for the sPen and the double window thing. I dont care about the bloatware that comes included. In fact I just bought it for the sPen feature.

MrMorrissey said:
Only for the sPen and the double window thing. I dont care about the bloatware that comes included. In fact I just bought it for the sPen feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I donno what peeps here are calling bloat ware... Samsung apps are some the the finest available on Android. Google apps are just about needed for secondary apps and extras.
Out of the many apps I removed or disabled, I personally could not find much improvement with storage or RAM consumption.
The only issue that I found from an app is Googles Music Player, and 4.2.2 and earlier OS not able to fully categorize RAM used with over 45GB of MP3 files. I think it has to do with how many folders and mp3 files are stored. Any way Music Player will consume battery power not what peeps call bloat ware.
Too many developers and so called know it alls will point out bloat ware as an issue, when the issue is how things are configured and used.
I have tried custom ROMs and found nothing better than a properly setup Stock ROM. Sad to say for the Note 8.0.
If need be safe root and install TI backup pro and Xposed framework with plugins, to have the power of most custom ROMs and to remove all you want. If you need to send in for repair, just do a factory reset and be done with it. Simple and effective without need to jump though hoops in flashing and dealing with Triangle away and looking for proper OEM firmware. Plus you can always update through Kies or Settings as if nothing was touched. )
Sorry for the long rant, just tired of peeps pointing at bloatware being an issue with devices. The issue is proper implementation and usage. Take it from me, having an engineering degree in applied science in technology. I find it easier to pick at the problems people create than to deal with the limitations of pushing out new tech without proper testing. That is why I never applied for Google, MS, or many other big named companies. Samsung tablets seem to have less issues with what they load than many other competitors. Google may complain about customizations, but as long as they work that is all I care about. So many who do complain about bloatware are probably Google biased.

mannypants said:
Just curious if anyone is running Cyanogenmod (n5100) on their Note 8. couple quick questions....
1. Is it stable?
2. Anything not work? Any bugs?
3. People talk about the sPen stuff or whatever on the Note 8. Is it worth keeping the stock ROM for some of that Samsung stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put CM 11 on my note 8.0 n5110 (not the n5100) as I love CM11 on my note 2. However, although the CM 11 on my note 2 seems like a polished final product with no issues whatsoever (although it's only a nightly), definitely CM11 on my note 8.0 seemed like it was still a work in progress.
1. Yes, it is stable for everyday things.
2. Often (about once every other day) an app would disappear from the homepage. I would then have to put them back. I could not remove unwanted preinstalled apps from my homepage (like the camera app for example). Usually you would grab the app and bring it to the top of the screen and it would be removed. For some reason there was no way to remove them. Usually there is a simple way to "close all" the opened apps by going to the pull-down menu. This was missing my nightly.
3. The pen works perfectly on CM11. Of course, there is no "air gestures" like on stock. For me, I just use the spen as a pen: for drawing, sketching, and taking notes (like using my favorite app LectureNotes). For such things, the pen works fine. In my opinion, it's well worth getting CM11 --- besides for the things mentioned in 2 (and other small things) the note 8.0 runs amazingly smooth, like the dream tablet I always wanted.
BTW, later I moved to Omnirom on my note 8.0 and I'm still using it and I am liking Omnirom even better than CM11 (which in my personal opinion is much better than the stock rom).