Develop Bugs

[Q] Considering Verizon - Are they really bad with rooting?

Hey Guys,
I'm really considering switching to Verizon, but I've heard they're very bad with locking down phones and rooting. Clearly you guys are all here, so they can't be that bad right?
Can you give me the lowdown on if expecting root for the Retail Note 4 is crazy? (Developer Edition isn't an option as I can essentially get the retail Note 4 for free through a family member) I'm so used to having root with things like Titanium Backup and Tasker. Not being able to use Tasker is almost a deal breaker for me.
Also, what am I sacrificing by not having an unlocked bootloader on the retail version?
Thanks for any input, help, and feedback !

No unlocked bootloader means no custom kernals, and more or less just stock roms that are tweaked a little. We would love root, but right now with Verizon it doesn't look like it will come soon. Especially with Android L coming soon (hopefully?). All in all though I love Verizon's service and will gladly sacrifice root for now. I'm sure it will come....eventually.

Don't look for root anytime soon, if ever

Yes, they are really that bad. I'd jump to another carrier in a heartbeat if the coverage was as good, but in my area I have little choice (YET!). If signal is comparable wherever you are, I'd think twice about switching.

Ugh. Thanks for the replies guys.
Tough decision for me. Currently with Sprint and they are so terrible here.
The Edge program w/ the 10 GB family plan and $150 port credit, basically is getting me a Note 4 for free.
Appreciate the replies again. I need to research what sacrifices I'm making without root.

I'll probably take my note 4 back and grab the LG g3 while it's still available from verizon. I don't know why but seems like when verizon finds out that certain devices can be rooted and unlocked they discontinue them. I purchased the HTC OneMAX when they came out last year, and I rooted unlocked and s-off in about a week. That device is only a year old but verizon has discontinued it like 3 or 4 months ago, jeez I wonder why.
Sent from my new: Verizon Note 4
Retired Devices: Galaxy note, Galaxy note 2, Galaxy note 3, HTC OneMAX.

couragedragon said:
Ugh. Thanks for the replies guys.
Tough decision for me. Currently with Sprint and they are so terrible here.
The Edge program w/ the 10 GB family plan and $150 port credit, basically is getting me a Note 4 for free.
Appreciate the replies again. I need to research what sacrifices I'm making without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just switched from Sprint as well. Today was my first day with my Note 4 on Verizon from my Note 2 on Sprint. Service is amazing! I actually was not aware that root was hard to get on Verizon? This sucks, but I can sacrifice root for this amazing service!

Subiegsr said:
Just switched from Sprint as well. Today was my first day with my Note 4 on Verizon from my Note 2 on Sprint. Service is amazing! I actually was not aware that root was hard to get on Verizon? This sucks, but I can sacrifice root for this amazing service!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what happened to me. Horrible Sprint signal, loving having good 4G everywhere for the first time EVER. Once I had the Note 4 and discovered how long it might take to root it I considered turning it back in and getting an S5 instead. So hard to go back to a screen that small now though!

couragedragon said:
Hey Guys,
I'm really considering switching to Verizon, but I've heard they're very bad with locking down phones and rooting. Clearly you guys are all here, so they can't be that bad right?
Can you give me the lowdown on if expecting root for the Retail Note 4 is crazy? (Developer Edition isn't an option as I can essentially get the retail Note 4 for free through a family member) I'm so used to having root with things like Titanium Backup and Tasker. Not being able to use Tasker is almost a deal breaker for me.
Also, what am I sacrificing by not having an unlocked bootloader on the retail version?
Thanks for any input, help, and feedback !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I'm on Verizon Retail non-rooted version. Tasker is working fine and I'm using Local Password Lock Plug-in and it's making the lock time changes on the fly.
Yes I do miss titanium back up to freeze those apps they don't allow us to turn off. (disable)

aclays said:
That's what happened to me. Horrible Sprint signal, loving having good 4G everywhere for the first time EVER. Once I had the Note 4 and discovered how long it might take to root it I considered turning it back in and getting an S5 instead. So hard to go back to a screen that small now though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the s5 already rooted with verizon? Imo, the s5's processor is already outdated using the snapdragon 801, instead of the 805 like the note 4. Don't mind the smaller screen size that much though.

I took the plunge and no regrets as well. Service is way better, and you can't beat a "free" Note 4.
I found this awesome thread and thought I would link it here in case someone reading this didn't know about it.
What do you miss about root? Let's find workarounds!
Great stuff in there.

I want to buy a T-Mobile G4. Some questions.

I am planning on going to the T-Mobile store later today to pick up a new G4, but first I wanted to ask some questions.
First, how long do you think I'll be waiting until I can root/flash ROMs/etc? I can live without these things for a while, but not forever!
Second, are the touchscreen and other issues something that I should seriously consider before getting this phone, or are they not that big of a deal? Are you guys all happy with the battery life?

So far I have not found any issues. It's been great on my end. Root will come.. It always does
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

I bought the T-Mobile version from eBay and received it on Saturday. So far no issues. The only gripe I have is slow charging while using the phone, but I just ordered some quick chargers so I should be good.
Sent from my LG-H811 using XDA Free mobile app

Thus far I am pretty happy with mine. I have noticed that it sometimes interprets a quick swipe as a press (thus opening an app I did not intend) and that, at least on mine, the digitizer may not go all the way to the edge of the screen. The leftmost 1/8" or so of the screen does not appear to register touch input. The right side isn't great either, but does seem better. I have not heard anyone else mention it though, so hopefully it is just my unit.
The only other gripe I have about it for now is that the viewing angle on the screen is pretty narrow. If you aren't looking at the display straight on it tends to get washed out.

danielhep said:
First, how long do you think I'll be waiting until I can root/flash ROMs/etc? I can live without these things for a while, but not forever!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should never get a phone with the hope of it getting root. It's a bad idea. Root is getting harder and harder to achieve especially with dmverity implemented (Variants of the Note 4 after 9 months still do not have root and most likely never will without a bootloader exploit.) Bootloader exploits are almost non existent. Unfortunately the Tmobile version of this phone has a locked bootloader. You have to also think how long you will have the phone. Are you willing to wait half or more of it's usable life for root?
Get a phone with an unlocked bootloader, then you will never have to worry about it. Get the G4 815 for example or a nexus. I'm running 5.1.1 on my note 3 which would be impossible with a locked bootloader. Unlocked bootloaders will give you a much longer lifespan.

Happy with mine as well, although I'm using MetroPCS SIM on my phone.
My advice really, hold on to your Nexus 5. I think its gonna be a while before you see any ROMS or unlock the boot loader. I can't go back go my Nexus 5 cause this phone is awesome. It was an impulse purchase.
If ROMS and having the phone fully unlocked for development, please don't buy it. Also the more I use this phone, the more I believe that CM12.1 even when it does hit the LG G4, it will be not running at its full potential. Some little things that Stock has, better camera app, the tap lock and unlock screen, lock screen quick view, I mean little things that the CM12.1 Rom will be missing unless it has access to all the drivers of the phone.
I've never forgiven LG for what they Did to the G2X. This phone is awesome and will have best experience with the Stock ROM. Its Not AOSP, I wish it was but it won't.
Just wait. The main reason I got it was because removable battery and SD card. Can't wait for ZeroLemon to release the batter for LG G4.

mircury said:
You should never get a phone with the hope of it getting root. It's a bad idea. Root is getting harder and harder to achieve especially with dmverity implemented (Variants of the Note 4 after 9 months still do not have root and most likely never will without a bootloader exploit.) Bootloader exploits are almost non existent. Unfortunately the Tmobile version of this phone has a locked bootloader. You have to also think how long you will have the phone. Are you willing to wait half or more of it's usable life for root?
Get a phone with an unlocked bootloader, then you will never have to worry about it. Get the G4 815 for example or a nexus. I'm running 5.1.1 on my note 3 which would be impossible with a locked bootloader. Unlocked bootloaders will give you a much longer lifespan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the international version have all the same bands? I really want to have band 12. WiFi calling is also important to me.
I wanted to buy it through T-Mobile also so I could get it on EIP, but I could just finance it through my parents too.
Where can I buy the international version?
What do you think the probability is that the T-Mobile version will get rooted?
Thanks
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

vmartinez39 said:
Happy with mine as well, although I'm using MetroPCS SIM on my phone.
My advice really, hold on to your Nexus 5. I think its gonna be a while before you see any ROMS or unlock the boot loader. I can't go back go my Nexus 5 cause this phone is awesome. It was an impulse purchase.
If ROMS and having the phone fully unlocked for development, please don't buy it. Also the more I use this phone, the more I believe that CM12.1 even when it does hit the LG G4, it will be not running at its full potential. Some little things that Stock has, better camera app, the tap lock and unlock screen, lock screen quick view, I mean little things that the CM12.1 Rom will be missing unless it has access to all the drivers of the phone.
I've never forgiven LG for what they Did to the G2X. This phone is awesome and will have best experience with the Stock ROM. Its Not AOSP, I wish it was but it won't.
Just wait. The main reason I got it was because removable battery and SD card. Can't wait for ZeroLemon to release the batter for LG G4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you like the stock ROM? I'm used to using CM but I think I'd be okay with stock too. What is your experience?
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

I think root will come out by end of summer. If your wanting root soon then don't get the G4. Personally I just suck it up and deal with it.
I've even had horrible dirty bad thoughts of selling my G4 and waking up with a ZenPhone 2 in my hands. Should I pull the trigger? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VWKKEYO/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_7YoIvbGEVV1H6
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

danielhep said:
How do you like the stock ROM? I'm used to using CM but I think I'd be okay with stock too. What is your experience?
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock ROM isn't awful. I came from SlimKat (based on CM) and there are definitely some features that I miss (Long press back to kill & double pressing back to switch the the most recent app mostly). But after installing Nova and reducing the DPI (via ADB) it is very workable. I am still holding out hope for root, but with how great the camera is I am not sure I would flash back to an AOSP ROM.

danielhep said:
I am planning on going to the T-Mobile store later today to pick up a new G4, but first I wanted to ask some questions.
First, how long do you think I'll be waiting until I can root/flash ROMs/etc? I can live without these things for a while, but not forever!
Second, are the touchscreen and other issues something that I should seriously consider before getting this phone, or are they not that big of a deal? Are you guys all happy with the battery life?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touch issues are fixed by the keyboard update. Just be sure to do all the updates available and you should be right as rain there.
Battery life, I get 28+ hours while streaming Spotify through BT speaker for 12 hours, an hour voice calls, as well as a bunch of other goofing around on the device. It's not Note 4 life, but it's far better than any most other phones I've had.
Root/unlock will come, but it could be a while. Honestly, I like the phone well enough stock to not really be all that worried about it. While I'm sure that some devs could make this a bit snappier by debloating it, the stock UI really is pretty snappy and nice.
Camera is also fantastic. Fast action shots come out clear....close up shots have TONS of detail.
---------- Post added at 01:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------
MicroMod777 said:
I think root will come out by end of summer. If your wanting root soon then don't get the G4. Personally I just suck it up and deal with it.
I've even had horrible dirty bad thoughts of selling my G4 and waking up with a ZenPhone 2 in my hands. Should I pull the trigger? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VWKKEYO/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_7YoIvbGEVV1H6
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ZenPhone looks nice. I'll bet it's great overall, but I doubt that it'll fully compare to this one in screen quality or camera

Th3Bill said:
ZenPhone looks nice. I'll bet it's great overall, but I doubt that it'll fully compare to this one in screen quality or camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but I can't stay locked down without root forever while they wait for the bounty to get to $15k. I give it another few weeks for root, or I'm thinking of jumping ship to the ZenFone 2.

MicroMod777 said:
True, but I can't stay locked down without root forever while they wait for the bounty to get to $15k. I give it another few weeks for root, or I'm thinking of jumping ship to the ZenFone 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that rooted? Checked it out...not much development going no over there...have like 1 ROM thread that was started back in March with not much since.
I'll chill here...looking forward to what does come when this device gets unlocked.

Th3Bill said:
Is that rooted? Checked it out...not much development going no over there...have like 1 ROM thread that was started back in March with not much since.
I'll chill here...looking forward to what does come when this device gets unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I'd rather wait too, or maybe I can just have both! Wifey will probably kill me! lol

MicroMod777 said:
Yea, I'd rather wait too, or maybe I can just have both! Wifey will probably kill me! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the specs, I'm tempted to try to convince my wife...though I doubt that would go over well for me either haha

Th3Bill said:
Looking at the specs, I'm tempted to try to convince my wife...though I doubt that would go over well for me either haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to pay a whopping $317 just to get my hands on a G4 through tmo's financing department. At least my monthly payments on it are very low.
But it will cost me $322 shipped for that ZenFone 2! I just want to play with it! lol

The phone is great, few things though, the root and subsequently the ROMs will be limited especially when compared to a nexus or even an S6, I have owned every nexus since the Galaxy nexus and I also owned the LG g3, which was a great phone, but development even to this day just never compared and that's mainly because of the carrier specific versions. So if you really like to try all kinds of different ROMs I suggest getting the Nexus 6 although I would say this phone is much better in my opinion but I miss and will continue to miss the variety of ROMs and customizations from my Nexus 6 as well as the screen and front facing speakers. Biggest benefit over the nexus 6 is the camera as well as the size/design/weight. As far as the battery I highly highly suggest using nova launcher instead of the stock LG and disable the LG apps if you can makes the battery life way way better, also get the free battery and SD card that will help to Haha.
Sent from my LG-H811 using XDA Free mobile app

My only real complaint about this phone is the lack of root.

MicroMod777 said:
True, but I can't stay locked down without root forever while they wait for the bounty to get to $15k. I give it another few weeks for root, or I'm thinking of jumping ship to the ZenFone 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are they waiting on the bounty to hit $15k or until they can get a solid app with no errors that they can charge for?
I think it's more about the app.

mircury said:
You should never get a phone with the hope of it getting root. It's a bad idea. Root is getting harder and harder to achieve especially with dmverity implemented (Variants of the Note 4 after 9 months still do not have root and most likely never will without a bootloader exploit.) Bootloader exploits are almost non existent. Unfortunately the Tmobile version of this phone has a locked bootloader. You have to also think how long you will have the phone. Are you willing to wait half or more of it's usable life for root?
Get a phone with an unlocked bootloader, then you will never have to worry about it. Get the G4 815 for example or a nexus. I'm running 5.1.1 on my note 3 which would be impossible with a locked bootloader. Unlocked bootloaders will give you a much longer lifespan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said sir,
I screwed up and bought a Note 4 because of the deal I was getting ($400 outright), I immediately put away my flashaholics LG G2, and head to XDA only to see the At&t Note 4 has no ROMS, Kernels, or TWRP. Could not be more disappointed, a phone that should be a beast is hampered by no root. I would never touch the G4 or any other phone without full permanent root available in first 90 days of retail release. You are better off waiting to see what the new 2015 Moto X, Nexus ??, and OnePlus 2 will offer.

[Q] Expectations of US G4 root/unlocked bootloader?

I'm about to upgrade my Verizon account, and I'm trying to decide between the LG G4 and HTC One M9. Right now, rooting and bootloader unlocking are possible on the M9. Difficult; but possible. However, the G4 still lacks carrier-specific forums on XDA. I know that the G4 was only released on Verizon at the beginning of this month, but I would have expected to see more movement on its development by now.
Is it reasonable to think that the G4 will ever have root or bootloader unlock on Verizon? The G3 has an all-in-one toolkit, but that took a whole year. Then again there are rumors on here that LG might open up bootloader unlocks for all variants.
I want to want this phone so bad, but it's dead in the water if I'll be stuck on stock firmware without root for 2 years. Is it still just too early to expect anything and the hacks will likely flow soon? Or are things really moving slow? I'm not asking for an ETA. I'm just wondering if there's reasonable hope for anything to happen.

I'm in the same boat as you, but on at&t. I am planning on buying the G4 tomorrow. I think root will be here before too long; jcase has rooted the at&t variant but hasn't released the method, presumably because it is unsafe. I figure the worst case scenario is I get the G4 and wait it out, if no root by fall, sell the phone and buy the new Nexus 5 or whatever they'll call it.

flamadiddle said:
I'm about to upgrade my Verizon account, and I'm trying to decide between the LG G4 and HTC One M9. Right now, rooting and bootloader unlocking are possible on the M9. Difficult; but possible. However, the G4 still lacks carrier-specific forums on XDA. I know that the G4 was only released on Verizon at the beginning of this month, but I would have expected to see more movement on its development by now.
Is it reasonable to think that the G4 will ever have root or bootloader unlock on Verizon? The G3 has an all-in-one toolkit, but that took 2 years. Then again there are rumors on here that LG might open up bootloader unlocks for all variants.
I want to want this phone so bad, but it's dead in the water if I'll be stuck on stock firmware without root for 2 years. Is it still just too early to expect anything and the hacks will likely flow soon? Or are things really moving slow? I'm not asking for an ETA. I'm just wondering if there's reasonable hope for anything to happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G3 tool kit took 2 years? Wasn't the g3 released one year a go?

creaky said:
I'm in the same boat as you, but on at&t. I am planning on buying the G4 tomorrow. I think root will be here before too long; jcase has rooted the at&t variant but hasn't released the method, presumably because it is unsafe. I figure the worst case scenario is I get the G4 and wait it out, if no root by fall, sell the phone and buy the new Nexus 5 or whatever they'll call it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His root is for all variants.
Sent from my G4 using your mom

frigidazzi said:
G3 tool kit took 2 years? Wasn't the g3 released one year a go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, you're right. I was thinking 2013 for some reason.

creaky said:
I'm in the same boat as you, but on at&t. I am planning on buying the G4 tomorrow. I think root will be here before too long; jcase has rooted the at&t variant but hasn't released the method, presumably because it is unsafe. I figure the worst case scenario is I get the G4 and wait it out, if no root by fall, sell the phone and buy the new Nexus 5 or whatever they'll call it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd forgotten about jcase's news. I guess mostly I was just worried by the lack of carrier-specific forums. I've never seen it take this long for a flagship phone before.
I have 2 more weeks to make my choice. I may go your route.

We will get Root and Bootloader access, it is just a matter of time since the devs (or rather some of them) already have it and are working on making a safer method to do it.
As far as a direct unlock from LG, that is never going to happen. They have personally stated they have no plans to do the unlocker for any of the "older models" of the G4 (So no AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, etc.).
While I do understand your concerns as Root is very important to most of us and it seems like an eternity waiting for it, but trust me, this device can certainly hold its own just based on its own merits.......Yes Root will be nice and bring forth welcome modifications and removal of bloatware, but in the mean time the phone is still an incredible piece of technology and is also a great feel in the hand.
Overall I would say get yourself the G4, you will not be sorry.

Z3ldaFan88 said:
We will get Root and Bootloader access, it is just a matter of time since the devs (or rather some of them) already have it and are working on making a safer method to do it.
As far as a direct unlock from LG, that is never going to happen. They have personally stated they have no plans to do the unlocker for any of the "older models" of the G4 (So no AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, etc.).
While I do understand your concerns as Root is very important to most of us and it seems like an eternity waiting for it, but trust me, this device can certainly hold its own just based on its own merits.......Yes Root will be nice and bring forth welcome modifications and removal of bloatware, but in the mean time the phone is still an incredible piece of technology and is also a great feel in the hand.
Overall I would say get yourself the G4, you will not be sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a pretty heavy root app (and custom recovery) user. I like making regular nandroid backups. I use Titanium Backup all the time for so many different functions. I love my root-enabled Tasker profiles and apps like VideoReg Pro with save-to-SD capability. Plus, a bootloader unlocked phone just means so many more ROMs and a much simpler process to try them out.
I agree it's an amazing phone (hardware), but the software side of things is even more important to me. Thus my dilemma.

flamadiddle said:
I'm a pretty heavy root app (and custom recovery) user. I like making regular nandroid backups. I use Titanium Backup all the time for so many different functions. I love my root-enabled Tasker profiles and apps like VideoReg Pro with save-to-SD capability. Plus, a bootloader unlocked phone just means so many more ROMs and a much simpler process to try them out.
I agree it's an amazing phone (hardware), but the software side of things is even more important to me. Thus my dilemma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fully understand, trust me I am the same way. I got my G4's on 6/17 and this is the longest I have ever owned a smartphone without Bootloader & Root Access.......It really sucked for me at first (as I did not know it was still locked down when I got it and had I known that before hand I honestly would have gone for the Moto N6 instead) after a week or so with the G4 though I am super happy with my decision and now I just see Root as being the eventual icing on an already fantastic cake.

Z3ldaFan88 said:
I fully understand, trust me I am the same way. I got my G4's on 6/17 and this is the longest I have ever owned a smartphone without Bootloader & Root Access.......It really sucked for me at first (as I did not know it was still locked down when I got it and had I known that before hand I honestly would have gone for the Moto N6 instead) after a week or so with the G4 though I am super happy with my decision and now I just see Root as being the eventual icing on an already fantastic cake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That helps me feel a little better. Glad I'm not the only one.

flamadiddle said:
That helps me feel a little better. Glad I'm not the only one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could be of some assistance for you, and nope you are most certainly not the only one buddy, haha.
If you have any other questions about the device or how various apps or things run on it feel free to PM me and I will gladly answer any/all questions you might have.

Z3ldaFan88 said:
We will get Root and Bootloader access, it is just a matter of time since the devs (or rather some of them) already have it and are working on making a safer method to do it.
As far as a direct unlock from LG, that is never going to happen. They have personally stated they have no plans to do the unlocker for any of the "older models" of the G4 (So no AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, etc.).
While I do understand your concerns as Root is very important to most of us and it seems like an eternity waiting for it, but trust me, this device can certainly hold its own just based on its own merits.......Yes Root will be nice and bring forth welcome modifications and removal of bloatware, but in the mean time the phone is still an incredible piece of technology and is also a great feel in the hand.
Overall I would say get yourself the G4, you will not be sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not just the carriers either. They told me they have no plans to unlock my 815 TW version that has no ties to any carrier either.

frigidazzi said:
It's not just the carriers either. They told me they have no plans to unlock my 815 TW version that has no ties to any carrier either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, I see. I was not sure on those as I do not have one at my disposal so I had no reason to ask about it. Thank you for the information on the matter though.....I guess the H815 is just special?? Seems like it is the ONLY one LG is willing to "Fully Support".

Z3ldaFan88 said:
Ahh, I see. I was not sure on those as I do not have one at my disposal so I had no reason to ask about it. Thank you for the information on the matter though.....I guess the H815 is just special?? Seems like it is the ONLY one LG is willing to "Fully Support".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Mine is H815. But it's the TW version... The H815 Europe version without any carrier ties is the only one that can unlock. I wish I had known this all when i ordered it .

frigidazzi said:
Well Mine is H815. But it's the TW version... The H815 Europe version without any carrier ties is the only one that can unlock. I wish I had known this all when i ordered it .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You and me both, buddy. I ended up with the US991 because I was dumb and did not check the root status before I bought the G4 (Don't get me wrong I love the phone and everything, just should have done my research is all)

We technically already have root. It's just a matter of being safely packaged and released. I give it another month or 2 before we see a long hand method on how to root our phones without bricking them.
In all honesty the G4 is far superior to the m9 in just about every way, aside from the forward facing speaker of the m9.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

megamanfre said:
In all honesty the G4 is far superior to the m9 in just about every way, aside from the forward facing speaker of the m9.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That’s debatable. I prefer the smaller screen and resolution myself. I'd rather not sacrifice CPU/GPU cycles and battery life for pixels I can't even see. I mean, the G4 has 4x the pixels of my 24" monitor. That's just stupid
Then there's the snapdragon 810 in the M9 that some say is horrible, and others say is amazing. And yes, the stereo speakers would be nice.
If the M9 had a removable battery and the G4's camera, I wouldn't even be here. The camera is really important to me though, and the M9's looks like a toy compared to the G4's.

flamadiddle said:
That’s debatable. I prefer the smaller screen and resolution myself. I'd rather not sacrifice CPU/GPU cycles and battery life for pixels I can't even see. I mean, the G4 has 4x the pixels of my 24" monitor. That's just stupid [emoji14]
Then there's the snapdragon 810 in the M9 that some say is horrible, and others say is amazing. And yes, the stereo speakers would be nice.
If the M9 had a removable battery and the G4's camera, I wouldn't even be here. The camera is really important to me though, and the M9's looks like a toy compared to the G4's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh the G4 is deff display overkill. And I'd be with the m9 personally if the camera was on par with the G4 and s6, even without a removable battery.
I went with the G4 for the camera and sd card. I have kids and taking a million pics of them are more important than hearing my ring tone and music louder without a Bluetooth speaker.
I prefer a largerish phone after my s5 and the G4 didn't really feel much larger aside from width a little.
Plus I got a free battery and 32gb SD card, so there's that too.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

megamanfre said:
Oh the G4 is deff display overkill. And I'd be with the m9 personally if the camera was on par with the G4 and s6, even without a removable battery.
I went with the G4 for the camera and sd card. I have kids and taking a million pics of them are more important than hearing my ring tone and music louder without a Bluetooth speaker.
I prefer a largerish phone after my s5 and the G4 didn't really feel much larger aside from width a little.
Plus I got a free battery and 32gb SD card, so there's that too.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Yeah, we have pretty much the same requirements. Those kids move so fast, an average phone camera just won't cut it anymore. I'm tired of blurry pictures
I've used every Samsung Galaxy flagship until now. Forget Samsung and their Apple-chasing, anti-user policies. I need an SD card dangit!

Some phones take longer to get root than others, but being how this is LG's flagship, and LG has a growing followship, there will be root very soon. Just be patient! This phone kicks butt. I typically root to get easy tethering, ad removal, and bloatware removal, but this phone is damn good out of the box WITHOUT root! get it and don't look back! you won't regret it.

[Q] I was thinking of upgrading to the G4 from G3

I'm on Verizon with a rooted LG G3 on 12B (KitKat because Lollipop was terrible) and I was thinking on upgrading to the G4 but there doesn't seem to be much going on as far as development.
All I need is to root the G4, Install TWRP, and enable the HotspotProvisioning.apk hack.
Can this be done on the G4?
Thanks,
-Joe

csimo said:
I'm on Verizon with a rooted LG G3 on 12B (KitKat because Lollipop was terrible) and I was thinking on upgrading to the G4 but there doesn't seem to be much going on as far as development.
All I need is to root the G4, Install TWRP, and enable the HotspotProvisioning.apk hack.
Can this be done on the G4?
Thanks,
-Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of now, no. The good thing is root is basically guaranteed, multiple roots actually, meaning once one is patched there is a high probability of another one right after! (according to one of the devs working on this) and a medium chance of a bootloader unlock on the way soon, at least they plan to and there's a lot of good devs working on it so I would personally see it coming eventually. If I were you however, I would wait it off a bit and see what happens, there is also one more factor in play though. According to some other people the newest LG G4 updates will some how "disable downgrading", meaning disable the ability to downgrade your OS, not sure how this would come into play with an unlocked bootloader or what thats supposed to mean, maybe someone else can explain that to you better but from what I understand it just means it will make root/downgrading harder or impossible(downgrading impossible). My point there is in that case it may be better to buy one before that update becomes wide spread but hey, as stated, someone else could explain this better and correct me here if I'm wrong. Alsooo, with a non-root trick somewhere in the Q&A section of the VZW LG G4 forum you can bypass the "Pay us moneyz or no hotspot 4 u" Verizon gig and get the mobile hotspot tether thing via that without having to deal with the crap.

S1L3nTShaDoWz said:
Alsooo, with a non-root trick somewhere in the Q&A section of the VZW LG G4 forum you can bypass the "Pay us moneyz or no hotspot 4 u" Verizon gig and get the mobile hotspot tether thing via that without having to deal with the crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a link to that root-free hotspot hack in my signature. Keep in mind that it isn't working for everyone - still trying to figure out why. Worked great on my verizon G4 and my dad's sprint g4.
The G4 is a fantastic phone. I'd buy one up from Best buy right now as they are $549 and you get a $100 gift card for free. Also, if purchased before the end of July, you'll get a free second battery, external battery charger, and leather back. By purchasing sooner than later you'd also probably get a device that hasn't been updated yet - therefor reserving your ability to root when the methods are released in the coming weeks. The Devs have stated that they've found many root methods, so I would bet that you could still root even after taking (or purchasing a preinstalled) OTA update. Also, the anti-rollback code shouldn't matter once we have an unlocked bootloader and can flash our own ROMs.

I came from a rooted G3. In my opinion, it isn't worth upgrading or buying the G4. There are to many issues. Battery life sucks. The G4 is not that much better than the G3. I paid full price for the phone to keep my unlimited plan.
With all that said, I knew there were problems when I bought it. I wanted the free battery and SD card. I think the new promo is even better. It was killing me not to have the new LG. Would I do it again? Yep Will I buy the G5 with all its problems when it comes out? Yes.

Thanks for the replies. I love the G3 but I like to have the latest stuff. Sounds like I need to wait for more development on the G4.
Thanks,
-Joe

FoxFi also works on the Verizon G4.

G7 Unlocked (LG710ULM) Verizon/TWRP/MAGISK compatible?

I waaaaaaaaaant this phone, if it's Verizon compatible, works properly with their bands, AND is TWRP/Magisk-able, then this is finally the perfect phone I've been looking for since my old V10 died. (The HTC U11 was... until I found out the specs lied and it did not work with verizon)
So..... can I have the US unlocked LG710ULM, or one of the other models, fully working** on Verizon, rooted with recovery?
**fully working, meaning all VZW bands, no connectivity/call/sms issues, and ideally VoIP/VoWiFi

christiebunny said:
I waaaaaaaaaant this phone, if it's Verizon compatible, works properly with their bands, AND is TWRP/Magisk-able, then this is finally the perfect phone I've been looking for since my old V10 died. (The HTC U11 was... until I found out the specs lied and it did not work with verizon)
So..... can I have the US unlocked LG710ULM, or one of the other models, fully working** on Verizon, rooted with recovery?
**fully working, meaning all VZW bands, no connectivity/call/sms issues, and ideally VoIP/VoWiFi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In all fairness youre asking about a phone thats been released 3 days in the wild [emoji4]
LG makes it fairly clear the phone supports all bands in one device. Although not Verizon, I have full services running on ATT with VoLTE, WiFiCalling, HDVoice and VVM. Unlike my previous HTC devices where we had to spoof imei's to activate services, this one turned on like butter. Since VZW carries a G7, the ULM IMEI should activate all features on your plan.
We do not currently have bootloader unlocking on the ULM (yet), nor do we have TWRP for this version. There are not KDZ files to crossflash for this version that i know of.
As for root, oddly for myself its not as urgent as previous devices. The blaotware is almost non-existent and aside ad blocking and a few more convenient features, there isnt a mission critical need for me on this handset.
Ive not owned an LG before, looooonnnnggg time HTC guy. To me, this device is a much more refined user experience than HTC sense. A lot of things i would have rooted to fix dont need it on the G7. Honestly im a bit shocked. I dont like vanilla android but this LG UI is pretty good. Few sense features i miss like secure messaging, but i can totally live without them. The G7 hardware design is more thought through than HTC, its a remarkable, unremarkable phone. Oh and the display has to be the best LCD ive ever used IRL. 15w fast wireless charging is also a bonus.
TLR - very impressed with the phone. Full carrier services on ATT. UI is better than others. Too soon for root but hopeful for sometime in the near future.
Unless your use case absolutely requires root now, get the phone. I was hesitant but this has turned out to be the best phone ive ever owned.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

datafoo said:
In all fairness youre asking about a phone thats been released 3 days in the wild [emoji4]
Unfortunately, being good on AT&T doesn't guarantee it'll be good on Verizon-- but it's hopeful. And I could have sworn I'd read it was released LAST month, been out a month or so by now
well, either way, I won't be able to get it until next month, anyways, so hopefully by then there'll be at least some indication someone's going to be rooting it.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

christiebunny said:
datafoo said:
In all fairness youre asking about a phone thats been released 3 days in the wild [emoji4]
Unfortunately, being good on AT&T doesn't guarantee it'll be good on Verizon-- but it's hopeful. And I could have sworn I'd read it was released LAST month, been out a month or so by now
well, either way, I won't be able to get it until next month, anyways, so hopefully by then there'll be at least some indication someone's going to be rooting it.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone was released in early June but the ULM model didn't start shipping to anyone until July 11th, hence a couple of days. It has only been physically available for 3 days. Devs cant root what isnt available [emoji4]
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I also want to buy this version very much，but LG didn't add this device to the unlocked bootloader list.I am worried that this version does not support unlock bootloader.

datafoo said:
In all fairness youre asking about a phone thats been released 3 days in the wild [emoji4]
LG makes it fairly clear the phone supports all bands in one device. Although not Verizon, I have full services running on ATT with VoLTE, WiFiCalling, HDVoice and VVM. Unlike my previous HTC devices where we had to spoof imei's to activate services, this one turned on like butter. Since VZW carries a G7, the ULM IMEI should activate all features on your plan.
We do not currently have bootloader unlocking on the ULM (yet), nor do we have TWRP for this version. There are not KDZ files to crossflash for this version that i know of.
As for root, oddly for myself its not as urgent as previous devices. The blaotware is almost non-existent and aside ad blocking and a few more convenient features, there isnt a mission critical need for me on this handset.
Ive not owned an LG before, looooonnnnggg time HTC guy. To me, this device is a much more refined user experience than HTC sense. A lot of things i would have rooted to fix dont need it on the G7. Honestly im a bit shocked. I dont like vanilla android but this LG UI is pretty good. Few sense features i miss like secure messaging, but i can totally live without them. The G7 hardware design is more thought through than HTC, its a remarkable, unremarkable phone. Oh and the display has to be the best LCD ive ever used IRL. 15w fast wireless charging is also a bonus.
TLR - very impressed with the phone. Full carrier services on ATT. UI is better than others. Too soon for root but hopeful for sometime in the near future.
Unless your use case absolutely requires root now, get the phone. I was hesitant but this has turned out to be the best phone ive ever owned.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Dude, thank you so much for this. I’ve been killing myself over buying this phone for a while now. I always root my phone to only: remove in app ads and from YouTube and remove useless bloatware. That’s literally why I’ve always rooted my phones. But now, this cleared it out a little. T-Mobile currently has a deal of get one and get the other one free. I’m gonna get two of them lol

K-alz said:
Dude, thank you so much for this. I’ve been killing myself over buying this phone for a while now. I always root my phone to only: remove in app ads and from YouTube and remove useless bloatware. That’s literally why I’ve always rooted my phones. But now, this cleared it out a little. T-Mobile currently has a deal of get one and get the other one free. I’m gonna get two of them lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW dns66 is a non root vpn app from fdroid that allows you to encrypt and choose your own dns server as well as ad blocking servers (because its rerouting only dns requests).
It is a lifesaver for adblocking and dns privacy. No root needed.
I went with substratum/andromedia/paid theme to clean up the LG look. Macrodroid with adb hack has given me back most of my automation. 3c toolbox allows me to backup apps/data without root but im sure there are other methods.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

datafoo said:
BTW dns66 is a non root vpn app from fdroid that allows you to encrypt and choose your own dns server as well as ad blocking servers (because its rerouting only dns requests).
It is a lifesaver for adblocking and dns privacy. No root needed.
I went with substratum/andromedia/paid theme to clean up the LG look. Macrodroid with adb hack has given me back most of my automation. 3c toolbox allows me to backup apps/data without root but im sure there are other methods.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know I’m gonna be DMing you soon, right? I wanna do whatever you did, but I’m a little rusty. I haven’t been in the forums for at least two years now. So be ready to guide an idiot through those things. Lmao
I’m getting those two phones TODAY. I’ve been using an iPhone and I’m about to have brain cancer. Finally pulling the trigger.

I'm also unfortunately stuck with Verizon as a carrier (work phone). I've been lucky to unlock all of my devices up to this point, but the current crop of phones it doesn't seem promising at all. I'm certainly not a flash-a-holic, but i do prefer to run custom roms and have full control over my device.
Came across this thread while doing research on the current offerings from Verizon and so far your post @datafoo is the most convincing to switch. I too have been an HTC guy for a while. I love my 10 running LeeDroid but the battery is finally starting to go. It's been a great work horse for the last 2 years though.
Just wanted to post and say thank you guys for your opinions on this phone. I'm going to poke around a bit more, but i think I'll be pulling the trigger later today. Really hope we do get unlocked boot loader at some point!!!
Void4ever

K-alz said:
You know I’m gonna be DMing you soon, right? I wanna do whatever you did, but I’m a little rusty. I haven’t been in the forums for at least two years now. So be ready to guide an idiot through those things. Lmao
I’m getting those two phones TODAY. I’ve been using an iPhone and I’m about to have brain cancer. Finally pulling the trigger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I paid too much as an early adopter, the ULM unlocked version is on sale everywhere it seems, I don't regret it at all.
Feel free to hit me up, I'm a little slow to respond at times simply due to workload but i'll respond as time permits.
void4ever said:
I'm also unfortunately stuck with Verizon as a carrier (work phone). I've been lucky to unlock all of my devices up to this point, but the current crop of phones it doesn't seem promising at all. I'm certainly not a flash-a-holic, but i do prefer to run custom roms and have full control over my device.
Came across this thread while doing research on the current offerings from Verizon and so far your post @datafoo is the most convincing to switch. I too have been an HTC guy for a while. I love my 10 running LeeDroid but the battery is finally starting to go. It's been a great work horse for the last 2 years though.
Just wanted to post and say thank you guys for your opinions on this phone. I'm going to poke around a bit more, but i think I'll be pulling the trigger later today. Really hope we do get unlocked boot loader at some point!!!
Void4ever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I felt like I needed to root my HTCs. I still don't feel a hard need to do it on this device. I would really like to see the unlocked bootloader and magisk on here but it's just not as mission critical on this version. Carrier models may have more bloatware and need it more but the ULM is pretty trim as it is.
I do like the stability of a non-rooted phone. No random reboots, predictable battery life. Get the ULM version as it should have all the bands for VZW and most all the bands for everyone else in case you switched carriers.
I'm still really happy with mine. The most remarkable, unremarkable phone I've ever owned.

I'm guessing no change yet, and not rootable, still?

christiebunny said:
I'm guessing no change yet, and not rootable, still?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, not yet at least, we are working on options though

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
nope, not yet at least, we are working on options though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, now?? I ordered a VZW version last night. Hoping to be able to root it one day.