Related
Here are some files I found if there is a specific directory you need to see I'll try to get access to it all you need to do is post the dir here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-k10MX8t9TXN0lsSGpteFRBQnc/view?usp=docslist_api
Best of luck! We T-Mobile S7 owners are crossing our fingers.
Adaway will make this phone perfect.
I've rooted every phone I've had, there's always been a reason I needed it. I got to say though, I can't find an everyday reason to really need it on my edge.
Kris
FatKris said:
I've rooted every phone I've had, there's always been a reason I needed it. I got to say though, I can't find an everyday reason to really need it on my edge.
Kris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you don't want freedom so you don't want Xposed via flashfire so you don't want Titanium Backup those are just some things I need root for idk about you but even if I didn't need those things I would still do it just because I can.....
Ghost Dragon said:
So you don't want freedom so you don't want Xposed via flashfire so you don't want Titanium Backup those are just some things I need root for idk about you but even if I didn't need those things I would still do it just because I can.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there's pros and cons to everything...
I love rooting, always have but this is the first time in a long time that I can't root and it's actually not so bad.
Granted I'd love to be able to installing ROMs, remove ads and bloat and have all these tweaks and tricks but it's sort of like... been there, done that.
If you root your phone now, you can NEVER use Samsung Pay... EVER on your device. Even if you restore stock firmware. That's actually a big issue now with mobile payments being a common thing.
I kind of like having my phone much more secure and safe to do important financial transactions and access important accounts (just like I do on my iPhone) without fear of lax security while using rooted/custom software.
I think moving into the future, flagship phones like Samsung's Galaxy line(s) won't risk bad press or the potential for bad press by allowing the modding community to easily gain root access and customize their software.
They have more to lose than gain by doing that, especially with their rivalry with Apple being so neck and neck now.
I think people like us on XDA who love rooting will have to purchase devices from up and coming OEMs if we still want to root, either that or Nexus devices.
HNIC215 said:
I think there's pros and cons to everything...
I love rooting, always have but this is the first time in a long time that I can't root and it's actually not so bad.
Granted I'd love to be able to installing ROMs, remove ads and bloat and have all these tweaks and tricks but it's sort of like... been there, done that.
If you root your phone now, you can NEVER use Samsung Pay... EVER on your device. Even if you restore stock firmware. That's actually a big issue now with mobile payments being a common thing.
I kind of like having my phone much more secure and safe to do important financial transactions and access important accounts (just like I do on my iPhone) without fear of lax security while using rooted/custom software.
I think moving into the future, flagship phones like Samsung's Galaxy line(s) won't risk bad press or the potential for bad press by allowing the modding community to easily gain root access and customize their software.
They have more to lose than gain by doing that, especially with their rivalry with Apple being so neck and neck now.
I think people like us on XDA who love rooting will have to purchase devices from up and coming OEMs if we still want to root, either that or Nexus devices.
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Click to collapse
1. So you would sacrifice freedom for convenience
2. Geohots court session with Apple made it legal to jailbreak aka root phones so why exactly would they get "bad press"
3. Android is open source so what Samsung is doing is kind of breaking the law of Android destroying the very foundation and purpose of it's creation
Ghost Dragon said:
1. So you would sacrifice freedom for convenience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean that's the thing with security in this day and age. No?
In order to have it, you must sacrifice the freedom (to an extent) to mod and install 3rd party software. While I personally love what XDA stands for, does and has to offer - I mean I love rooting and customizing my phones but I certainly can understand the other perspective in regards to security. XDA might be full of great individuals who are trying to improve the software experience for users, however, there are plenty of other 3rd parties who have ill intent.
It's the same reason why Apple is so strict with system access on iOS.
Samsung is trying to be their equal - in terms of quality, security and everything else.
In order to maintain that level of security in the midst of a global, albeit slow, roll out of Samsung Pay, they have to limit access to their system as well.
Which is why, like I said in my previous comment, if you EVER root a Samsung phone then you can NEVER use Samsung Pay on it.
To a lot of folks, especially those coming from the iPhone, Mobile Payments, Mobile Banking and security in general is a very important feature for them to have.
If not, it furthers the stereotype that Android is less secure than Apple. Which doesn't sit well with the plethora of users who don't care about rooting - we at XDA after all are really a niche group of users when looking at the grand scheme of consumers.
Ghost Dragon said:
2. Geohots court session with Apple made it legal to jailbreak aka root phones so why exactly would they get "bad press"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They would get "bad press" if something were to compromise the security of their devices - anywhere in the world. Especially if that compromise impacted the potential safety and security of their Mobile Payment system.
Which rooting or allowing access to certain parts of the system may or may not do. Which is a big deal to them, their investors and most of their consumers (who aren't aware or concerned about rooting).
Android already has an unfair stereotype/label that it is less secure compared to iPhone.
Ghost Dragon said:
3. Android is open source so what Samsung is doing is kind of breaking the law of Android destroying the very foundation and purpose of it's creation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung doesn't care about what people like us on XDA think. People like us, who love to root and have the freedom to do whatever it is they want to their phones or to the software on their phones. As much as I hate to say it, we are a niche group.
I would love a developer edition of the S7/S7 Edge, that enables us to do all the wonderful things that the amazing and talented developers at XDA create for us. I would also love to be able to continue to use Samsung Pay and access and carry out important financial transactions through my mobile device.
Alas, that's not the case. So we have to choose between a bootloader locked version of the S7/S7 Edge or no S7/S7 Edge at all.
I think this phone is amazing and after years of nonstop rooting and customizing ROMs I don't mind sacrificing that aspect of customization in order to have a secure phone that I can do all the same things I can do on my iPhone 6s Plus.
Do I miss it sometimes? Sure
However, it's not the end of the world for me and the S7 Edge is still the best Android phone I've ever owned or used (I've owned alot too).
It is the "iPhone" of the Android world in terms of premium look/feel and quality and I think that is exactly the correlation that Samsung wants more consumers to have and think.
I was using Samsung Pay on my S6 Edge, and I decided to root it, unlock the bootloader, and flash a new ROM on it. 2 days later, someone had all of my personal info, all the info for a credit card I had on file and was using on my phone, and ran up $6000. I got a text from the bank to verify a purchase which I didn't make, and I responded that I did not make the transaction, but someone had enough information about me to call the bank, verify all of my information along with the purchase. I'm not saying the unlocking and flashing allowed someone to access this information, but it's a fairly large coincidence. Moving forward, any device that I use for financial transactions and such will remain stock, and if I root a device and flash it, it will be a separate device that doesn't contain any confidential information.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using XDA-Developers mobile app
Rolldog said:
I was using Samsung Pay on my S6 Edge, and I decided to root it, unlock the bootloader, and flash a new ROM on it. 2 days later, someone had all of my personal info, all the info for a credit card I had on file and was using on my phone, and ran up $6000. I got a text from the bank to verify a purchase which I didn't make, and I responded that I did not make the transaction, but someone had enough information about me to call the bank, verify all of my information along with the purchase. I'm not saying the unlocking and flashing allowed someone to access this information, but it's a fairly large coincidence. Moving forward, any device that I use for financial transactions and such will remain stock, and if I root a device and flash it, it will be a separate device that doesn't contain any confidential information.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my point...
This is what makes so many consumers out there trust Apple because, whether true or not, they feel safe with Apple.
Samsung - being Apple's equivalent in the Android world - wants that same recognition and consumer trust.
I can't blame them either.
In this day and age, it is simply the world we live in, security is paramount for businesses and consumers alike.
I been rooting all my phones and my wife's phones for about 5-6 years and can say this phone is perfect jus the way it is. Since launch I had the gs7 edge and not once have I got the urge to root this beautiful device. And I'm sure I speak for most of us here that we can't go 2 days with a new phone without gaining root, flashing roms or xpose etc. For me it's more than jus keeping security. Samsung jus made a phone worth keeping stock, finally.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using XDA-Developers mobile app
I've rooted every single android phone I've owned. I was one of the first people to run CyanogenMod on my Droid when some crazy no-named guy named Koush appeared out of nowhere and said SPRecovery that we had ALL had wasn't "real" recovery and created his own recovery in order to flash the real CyanogenMod ROM. Later this recovery would be called Clockwork Mod. I remember flashing .sbf files that replaced everything on the phone just for a silly custom boot logo. I used to kang features and themes from N1 threads on here, back when that was really the only phone on XDA. I used to build ROMs and custom themes and all that craziness. I remember when changing the clock color was unbelievably complicated. Google integrated many features first pioneered by devs into their main product that these phones all run on now. Taking away our ability to do that may very well slow the development of Android. It defeats the purpose of open-source. If you wish to forgo the freedom of root for the security of KNOX, or Samsung Pay, or whatever feature that conflicts with root, you're free to do so, even if rooting is possible. And manufacturers have always warned against rooting because it takes away from the security features they worked hard to include, and none have ever been held accountable for someone rooting a device before. It wouldn't be any different now. I guess, in summary, they really have nothing to lose by allowing root. Even if I have no real reason to root, I still would like the option to do on a device that I shelled out $700+ for. Rooting never was for everybody. But because some developers were nice enough to simplify the process to the point a chimp could do it. Literally. People that probably shouldn't root, did it anyways, but then felt that they shouldn't be responsible for their own actions. But for those of us that don't need our hand held throughout the entire process of owning a device, having the freedom to treat our property as we like doesn't seem like it's asking all that much. Especially for a device that runs on open-source software...
(Good God, I rambled a lot longer than intended. Sorry about the novel)
52brandon said:
I've rooted every single android phone I've owned. I was one of the first people to run CyanogenMod on my Droid when some crazy no-named guy named Koush appeared out of nowhere and said SPRecovery that we had ALL had wasn't "real" recovery and created his own recovery in order to flash the real CyanogenMod ROM. Later this recovery would be called Clockwork Mod. I remember flashing .sbf files that replaced everything on the phone just for a silly custom boot logo. I used to kang features and themes from N1 threads on here, back when that was really the only phone on XDA. I used to build ROMs and custom themes and all that craziness. I remember when changing the clock color was unbelievably complicated. Google integrated many features first pioneered by devs into their main product that these phones all run on now. Taking away our ability to do that may very well slow the development of Android. It defeats the purpose of open-source. If you wish to forgo the freedom of root for the security of KNOX, or Samsung Pay, or whatever feature that conflicts with root, you're free to do so, even if rooting is possible. And manufacturers have always warned against rooting because it takes away from the security features they worked hard to include, and none have ever been held accountable for someone rooting a device before. It wouldn't be any different now. I guess, in summary, they really have nothing to lose by allowing root. Even if I have no real reason to root, I still would like the option to do on a device that I shelled out $700+ for. Rooting never was for everybody. But because some developers were nice enough to simplify the process to the point a chimp could do it. Literally. People that probably shouldn't root, did it anyways, but then felt that they shouldn't be responsible for their own actions. But for those of us that don't need our hand held throughout the entire process of owning a device, having the freedom to treat our property as we like doesn't seem like it's asking all that much. Especially for a device that runs on open-source software...
(Good God, I rambled a lot longer than intended. Sorry about the novel)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Preach on brotha!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Loving this phone so far. Great battery life! Don't really care about root atm.
Hi everybody, i have a problem about system os update. I do not want to update my os, it's very stable now. But note 8 OS, constantly warning me to update
Is there a way to cancel to update signals ( specially top on the settings widget, it's so annoying )
I did not try the bk package disabler. My friend says that program consumes to much battery, is it true ?
thank you,
ixuss40 said:
Hi everybody, i have a problem about system os update. I do not want to update my os, it's very stable now. But note 8 OS, constantly warning me to update
Is there a way to cancel to update signals ( specially top on the settings widget, it's so annoying )
I did not try the bk package disabler. My friend says that program consumes to much battery, is it true ?
thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using BK Disabler and do not consume to much battery..BK Disabler is the most safe way to stop os update.
android-incredible said:
Im using BK Disabler and do not consume to much battery..BK Disabler is the most safe way to stop os update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much, i will try to bk package disabler.
Be aware that you are subject to serious security vulnerabilities if you don't update your firmware. Some recent flaws let an attacker take over your phone without your having to do anything (you don't have to download anything or visit a sketchy website or whatever). Malware can be installed that steals your passwords, reads or sends emails or texts from your phone, turns on and streams from your mic or camera, etc.
It would be one thing if they provided information as to what was in the update, but there is never any info. Just a mysterious update that is forced on your device, even if you turn off automatic system updates. It really pisses me off when I spend $950 on a piece of equipment, and I get no say in what goes on it. Basically, I don't even own it. I'm just paying to use it, twice. So yeah, I'd also like to disable all this crap, and decide for myself what I install and when.
VoidWarranty said:
It would be one thing if they provided information as to what was in the update, but there is never any info. Just a mysterious update that is forced on your device, even if you turn off automatic system updates. It really pisses me off when I spend $950 on a piece of equipment, and I get no say in what goes on it. Basically, I don't even own it. I'm just paying to use it, twice. So yeah, I'd also like to disable all this crap, and decide for myself what I install and when.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are just looking at it wrong. Security updates/bug fixes are for your benefit. Not to break your device. They usually tell you what the update is or provide a more info link. But if you are curious just look it up. They aren't hiding anything. Your carrier is the one who finalizes and issues the update, it will be on their website. I am on T-Mobile and I have to check manually for an update before it will check the server. I know other carriers are different though. Some just push it. But either way it's stuff you are going to want. Especially since the next update is going to be Oreo. If you really don't want updates though it's not that hard to disable. Just figure out whatever app is responsible for checking the server and freeze it. Its all in your hands...
Gizmoe said:
I think you are just looking at it wrong. Security updates/bug fixes are for your benefit. Not to break your device. They usually tell you what the update is or provide a more info link. But if you are curious just look it up. They aren't hiding anything. Your carrier is the one who finalizes and issues the update, it will be on their website. I am on T-Mobile and I have to check manually for an update before it will check the server. I know other carriers are different though. Some just push it. But either way it's stuff you are going to want. Especially since the next update is going to be Oreo. If you really don't want updates though it's not that hard to disable. Just figure out whatever app is responsible for checking the server and freeze it. Its all in your hands...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on AT&T. They used to give you the option to look at info about the updates. They quit doing that a long time ago. I also haven't had much luck finding info on my own. I'm well aware that there are often security updates included. The point is, you have no idea what they are forcing you to install, and they no longer give you a choice. Or at least they try not to.
And, although I hate to sound like a conspiracy theorist, and I know there is no evidence to support the popular claim that manufacturers and carriers purposely slow down your device to push you to buy new products, these companies exist for one purpose, which is to make money. How many times have businesses been caught doing things they claimed they weren't doing? Most recently Apple was caught slowing down older devices, though arguably with good reason.
And what if I'm perfectly happy with my device on Nougat, and don't want Oreo? The point is, the choice should be mine alone, and I should be provided the information to make that choice. I'm the one shelling out almost a grand for a device that will probably last 2 years, if I'm lucky. Hell, I paid $700 for a laptop, probably 4 or 5 years ago, and it still works like new. It just doesn't have all the latest technology, but it still functions as intended when I purchased it. So forgive me if I'm a bit sceptical about my mobile device that slows down in less than a year, and is designed with no easily replaceable parts, like a battery. They want you to keep buying new ones. That's how they grow their business and make a profit.
VoidWarranty said:
I'm on AT&T. They used to give you the option to look at info about the updates. They quit doing that a long time ago. I also haven't had much luck finding info on my own. I'm well aware that there are often security updates included. The point is, you have no idea what they are forcing you to install, and they no longer give you a choice. Or at least they try not to.
And, although I hate to sound like a conspiracy theorist, and I know there is no evidence to support the popular claim that manufacturers and carriers purposely slow down your device to push you to buy new products, these companies exist for one purpose, which is to make money. How many times have businesses been caught doing things they claimed they weren't doing? Most recently Apple was caught slowing down older devices, though arguably with good reason.
And what if I'm perfectly happy with my device on Nougat, and don't want Oreo? The point is, the choice should be mine alone, and I should be provided the information to make that choice. I'm the one shelling out almost a grand for a device that will probably last 2 years, if I'm lucky. Hell, I paid $700 for a laptop, probably 4 or 5 years ago, and it still works like new. It just doesn't have all the latest technology, but it still functions as intended when I purchased it. So forgive me if I'm a bit sceptical about my mobile device that slows down in less than a year, and is designed with no easily replaceable parts, like a battery. They want you to keep buying new ones. That's how they grow their business and make a profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has been well known in the tech industry for years that Apple slows devices. They just finally got caught and now it's gonna back fire. I have never read of Samsung doing the same. They are a hardware company at heart. Apple just sells phones. They NEED people to buy the new ones. Just look at how fragile their stock is with one flagship not doing well. They are too dependant on brand loyalty and conspicuous consumption. They have a motive. I haven't seen any reports over the years of Samsung doing the same. Samsung has many revenue streams and sell more phones world wide at numbers that dwarf Apple. I dont think they put any thought into slowing devices. There is no motive there. But if you are paranoid all the same. Then i suggest buying unlocked phones and running custom firmware.
Hi everybody,
I’ve prereserved my Note 9, and while waiting for the release date I’m scrolling through the news and forums just to get teased a bit more
A question I’m asking myself though, is: do I really need to root this phone? I’ll lose some functionalities by rooting it (samsung pay/android pay, safetynet apps, knox...) but I’ll surely miss others too (adaway, xposed, tweaks...)
I always rooted all my devices unconditionnaly, like it’s part of my default setup, but do you guys think it’s still needed those days? Is there really a benefit, or can you live without root?
I use to be an avid 'root my phone asap' kinda guy, but the main reason was for wireless hotspot. It's included in most plans now, so I don't feel the need to. I liked getting a cleaner build, less bloatware. To each there own, but with a locked bootloader here in the US it may be a while as you'll need a unlocked version. Carriers here will have it locked down.
the first thing i'm going to do with the phone when i get it is rooting it, hopefully there is a working twrp and there is no oem timeout for unlocking the bootloader.
i can't live without adaway and titanium backup.
releasedate is thursday next week in sweden, can't wait, i have preordered the 512gb model in blue.
Not worth it anymore. Used to be mandatory when Android wasn't as feature rich and mature, but no reason for me to anymore.
In my case root would be needed only for app data transfer from the old phone. After that I don't see the need of root.
Anyway.. how about knox fuse trip and warranty?
Is this still a thing today? Was it in Note 5 7 8?
I know it was in Note 4. But what about later models?
I used to root, but not any more. I get the US unlocked version to cut down on the bloatware. Samsung has made it sooo easy to theme and skin the phone that it's pointless to root for that. Samsung pay is awesome and I use it more and more every day. Smart Switch has taken the place of Titanium back up, and it's free and very simple to use. Also with the 512gb version I ordered , not too worried about the few programs that I dont like but are included.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
I used to root the second i got a device, however since the 8 and also with the 9 i dont bother any more, all the reasons before were to get better battery life slim down etc, i just use package disable pro now and im done. Besides no point in tripping knox loosing secure folder and faffimng around to get google pay working etc. I love to tinker but the benefits are just not there any more imho
Most probably first phone i will not root. especially for warranty purpose with the know feature
Thanks for the input Now that I have some answers I can give my insights too. I think I'll (be able to) wait a few days before being tempted to root it, but I'm pretty sure there will be a day, especially when Samsung will drop updates and I'll have to use custom ROMs if I want to stay up to date or maybe get the Note 10 port
The things I would miss if I don't root are: Adaway, TWRP (flashing and full backup/restore), MyBackup Pro, debloating, Xposed probably, Viper4Android maybe.
I have been a root on day one guy myself forever. Interesting that people here have not mentioned the privacy issues with all my carrier's supplied bloatware. That crap goes immmmmediately. That was the main reason for rooting for me.
Flame Red said:
I have been a root on day one guy myself forever. Interesting that people here have not mentioned the privacy issues with all my carrier's supplied bloatware. That crap goes immmmmediately. That was the main reason for rooting for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ultimately, you don't necessarily have to root to debloat. You can just flash and use TWRP for this. Although when you boot into TWRP it triggers Knox and you lose those related functionalities.
This will be the second phone im not gonna root. First was the pixel 3 i need samsung pay in my life and plus im getting the locked sprint version. Im scared tho i really do want a clean build. Going with sammy since the s6. I dont want a phone with a notch so i figure i use my upgrade this year
I will always root the 1st day. Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP, custom roms with 3minit battery, ability to customize volume buttons, VIPER4ANDROID, sooo many more reasons why. Stock is boring and dull. No reason to be on XDA if you are not rooting and using developers creations.
Brava27 said:
I will always root the 1st day. Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP, custom roms with 3minit battery, ability to customize volume buttons, VIPER4ANDROID, sooo many more reasons why. Stock is boring and dull. No reason to be on XDA if you are not rooting and using developers creations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Viper4android is the only reason I still root.
Taebom said:
Viper4android is the only reason I still root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Sounds so much better!
I personally stopped rooting since the Note 7 / S7E. I now find Samsung experience to offer me more than enough to keep from rooting. I've rooted all my phones since from the Dream G1 to Galaxy S1, Note 2, to the Note 4.
I root day 0 or I don't buy. Phone is worthless without Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP.
i'm leaning towards no root. but it may be difficult to swallow at first, i think i've rooted the last 4 galaxies i've had... before that was a Nokia. I will undoubtedly miss ad-away, and i've made good use of Xposed on my recent Note5, but many people mention TitaniumBackup and i just don't use it much anymore. I have done a couple full backups with TWRP and used restore from it a couple times, but lets face it... those are things i wouldn't need if a hadn't broke something in a Root function in the first place! All in all, hoping for the best without Root - I want Knox intact. If you guys don't hear from me in the next week or two, i drowned in advertisements.
I've not rooted since my note 5, after being an instant root and Rom girly. It was previously much more needed, but these days not at all for me.
Best things I've found about not rooting -
- No worries at all about trading in, selling on, warranties, insurance etc.
- No worries about keeping the system ROM up to date, and over the air updates are sooooo easy
- No glitches or issues with radios and hardware etc from non standard roms
For me, the level that the current software and hardware is at has wiped out the need for rooting and flashing custom roms
Dayzee said:
I've not rooted since my note 5, after being an instant root and Rom girly. It was previously much more needed, but these days not at all for me.
Best things I've found about not rooting -
- No worries at all about trading in, selling on, warranties, insurance etc.
- No worries about keeping the system ROM up to date, and over the air updates are sooooo easy
- No glitches or issues with radios and hardware etc from non standard roms
For me, the level that the current software and hardware is at has wiped out the need for rooting and flashing custom roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS!
I'd rather have the option, but, no such animal for US Samsung devices.
I can deal w/o it on Samsung devices, thanks to Package Disabler Pro & the ad blocking app Block-This.
Is it a perfect substitute for root?
No, but, this gives me the best of what's important to me with the minimum of compromises.
No interest in non-Samsung based ROMs for this phone, why bother picking up a Note to strip it of its unique features........
Currently using a VZW Note 5 using Package Disabler Pro & Block-This..... Doing just fine, the pragmatic part of my twisted mind (on life support, LOL) tells me to save my money & wait until next year, but, I bought this particular phone in great condition @ a great price, to use solely as a trade-in for T-Mobile"s $500 bill credit.....
Sent from my Galaxy Note 5 using XDA Labs
As the title says, I purchased Moto E5 unlocked and flashed with TWRP/crDroid/Magisk on eBay. The seller has a great rating and sells a lot of different phones with custom Roms and claims to spend a lot of time customizing the Rom's settings and also with Magisk modules. I can't help but wonder what if this guy isn't honest, what if he's installed Mal/spy/stalker ware on my phone?
I've downloaded Avast, Malwarebytes, Incognito to run but could not find any rootkit detectors for Androids, just Linux, Mac, IOS, Windows. I know the phone is rooted but I understand rootkit's hide malicious Mal/spy/stalker wares.
I imagine the seller wouldn't risk his eBay ratings (99.6 since 2000) by installing malware on the phones and if he was, someone would have noticed already. Besides just redoing all this guys work, re-flashing TWRP/crDroid/Magisk, customizing settings etc... (which I can do but would rather not), can anyone recommend any apps for detecting rootkits, malware etc..., I'm not really going to feel safe on this phone without running a VPN or re-flashing.
Thanks
re2ore said:
As the title says, I purchased Moto E5 unlocked and flashed with TWRP/crDroid/Magisk on eBay. The seller has a great rating and sells a lot of different phones with custom Roms and claims to spend a lot of time customizing the Rom's settings and also with Magisk modules. I can't help but wonder what if this guy isn't honest, what if he's installed Mal/spy/stalker ware on my phone?
I've downloaded Avast, Malwarebytes, Incognito to run but could not find any rootkit detectors for Androids, just Linux, Mac, IOS, Windows. I know the phone is rooted but I understand rootkit's hide malicious Mal/spy/stalker wares.
I imagine the seller wouldn't risk his eBay ratings (99.6 since 2000) by installing malware on the phones and if he was, someone would have noticed already. Besides just redoing all this guys work, re-flashing TWRP/crDroid/Magisk, customizing settings etc... (which I can do but would rather not), can anyone recommend any apps for detecting rootkits, malware etc..., I'm not really going to feel safe on this phone without running a VPN or re-flashing.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is he risking his feedback when obviously you can't tell if any undesired apps are installed. The bigger question is was this a second thought, after already buying what you thought was sooo cool?
Can't resell it now, what if whoever you sell it to discovers these apps or I meant scripts. Apps can easily be found, where scripts are baked in, and they blame you for spying. Can't give it away either, that's all the more reason for giving away a free phone. Looks like you're stuck with it! Have fun being an exhibitionist! Muuuuaahhhh
Thanks for the advice Taly's dad. Be well and be kind and good things will happen for you.
First off, yes i have searched thru the forums for an answer but none of those that I found are direct to my questions...
I just placed an order for S21 Ultra Exynos. Should be arriving within the next 2 days or so..
My questions are: (this will be my first Samsung phone)
1) Is one UI good enough? or is it worth it to flash a custom from (previously I used to flash custom from for better battery life and also advance customization.
2) If I unlock the bootloader, will I still receive firmware updates?
I'm basically buying this particular phone for its excellent battery life, camera, and performance.
And also because Samsung promised 3-4 years for firmware updates. I believe this phone will last for at least 3 years.
And I'm thinking of unlocking the bootloader on day 1 itself before even setting up anything. That way I would save my time from losing stuff by resetting after unlocking BL.
3) and also, did anyone get the Samsung care+ extended warranty? Is it worth it?
I have never broken a phone before in my life thus far. But since this is gonna be the most expensive phone I have ever bought, I would prefer to secure my investment. (another reason why I'm considering not to unlock bootloader/root as of yet).
Thank you soo much.
Have not done rooting for a long time. Lost touch will all this stuff.
Hence the noobie questions.
1. One UI is quite good. There aren't a ton of custom ROMs out there for this phone. Even the most popular ones that exist are still based on one UI.
2. and 3. contradict each other. If you're bothered about warranty AT ALL, don't unlock your bootloader. You can never return to 100% stock on Samsung. Knox will remain tripped so bye bye warranty. Unless of course your country has laws allowing this and you can fight Samsung. They tend to deny warranty if you've modified your phone software. YMMV. I don't have Samsung Care so I don't know about that.
Since you asked for suggestions, mine would be not to be hasty and play around with the device to see if you need to unlock/root/flash etc.
Rooting on day 1 just so you can avoid having to set up phone again is pretty lazy and dangerous. Especially since you've been out of the game for a while.
Baby steps buddy. Better safe than sorry.
enigmaamit said:
1. One UI is quite good. There aren't a ton of custom ROMs out there for this phone. Even the most popular ones that exist are still based on one UI.
2. and 3. contradict each other. If you're bothered about warranty AT ALL, don't unlock your bootloader. You can never return to 100% stock on Samsung. Knox will remain tripped so bye bye warranty. Unless of course your country has laws allowing this and you can fight Samsung. They tend to deny warranty if you've modified your phone software. YMMV. I don't have Samsung Care so I don't know about that.
Since you asked for suggestions, mine would be not to be hasty and play around with the device to see if you need to unlock/root/flash etc.
Rooting on day 1 just so you can avoid having to set up phone again is pretty lazy and dangerous. Especially since you've been out of the game for a while.
Baby steps buddy. Better safe than sorry.
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Click to collapse
Isn´t it sad, that we spent more than 1000 bucks on a device, that in the end, we will never truly own?
I´ve been thinking about this issue since i got my Note 9 (3 years ago)...
The balance between, what we want the device to do for, and what we are allowed to do in the device, without losing support in case of hardware failure...
I, mainly, used to root for 3 reasons: 1 - Ads removal from software; 2 - Control/modification of the system files and 3 - Easy backup and restore with TWRP
And as we all are aware, a few changes in a system file, can avoid the installation of a third party software (e.g. Call Recording) so it seems to be more efficient to root... but then come the brands claming that we can´t do it because that would ruin the user experience that they planned for the device...
The Knox feature as been buffed up to a point that is increasingly harder to install a custom recovery. Something that a few years ago was a solution for a big number of users, now its just a work for those "geeks" that live for the challenge... The risks of brincking a VERY EXPENSIVE device are becaming bigger than the advantages that we would get with root... I guess we are playing into brands plans...
To be fair, brands also understood that they would have to give what users wanted if they wanted to avoid software alterations (except maybe Apple, who just gives what Apple consideres users should have)...
Customizations and bigger control of the software are trends that are growing up in Android skins (like OneUi).
I got my S21 Ultra a few weeks ago, and normally it would rooted and with a custom recovery by now, but the problems i faced with that in my Note 9, are still present in my mind... and i don´t want to face them again...
I manage to get my basic needs with some non-root software, and with GoodLock and Bixby Routines and can do almost everything i would do with the root... Still can´t avoid to have to install a third party software to record calls, something that could be done better with the native system, but that´s it...
In the end, you do you...
Just keep in mind the risks, and be ready to take responsability when something goes wrong... and the possibility of that happen is getting bigger every time they launch a new device...
RSGI
RSGI said:
Isn´t it sad, that we spent more than 1000 bucks on a device, that in the end, we will never truly own?
I´ve been thinking about this issue since i got my Note 9 (3 years ago)...
The balance between, what we want the device to do for, and what we are allowed to do in the device, without losing support in case of hardware failure...
I, mainly, used to root for 3 reasons: 1 - Ads removal from software; 2 - Control/modification of the system files and 3 - Easy backup and restore with TWRP
And as we all are aware, a few changes in a system file, can avoid the installation of a third party software (e.g. Call Recording) so it seems to be more efficient to root... but then come the brands claming that we can´t do it because that would ruin the user experience that they planned for the device...
The Knox feature as been buffed up to a point that is increasingly harder to install a custom recovery. Something that a few years ago was a solution for a big number of users, now its just a work for those "geeks" that live for the challenge... The risks of brincking a VERY EXPENSIVE device are becaming bigger than the advantages that we would get with root... I guess we are playing into brands plans...
To be fair, brands also understood that they would have to give what users wanted if they wanted to avoid software alterations (except maybe Apple, who just gives what Apple consideres users should have)...
Customizations and bigger control of the software are trends that are growing up in Android skins (like OneUi).
I got my S21 Ultra a few weeks ago, and normally it would rooted and with a custom recovery by now, but the problems i faced with that in my Note 9, are still present in my mind... and i don´t want to face them again...
I manage to get my basic needs with some non-root software, and with GoodLock and Bixby Routines and can do almost everything i would do with the root... Still can´t avoid to have to install a third party software to record calls, something that could be done better with the native system, but that´s it...
In the end, you do you...
Just keep in mind the risks, and be ready to take responsability when something goes wrong... and the possibility of that happen is getting bigger every time they launch a new device...
RSGI
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Click to collapse
Agree. The trend for Android devices aping the Apple philosophy is disturbing. But for lack of good alternatives, we are left without too many choices. OnePlus seemed to be doing well on this front but lately they've also gone rogue. So we have to live with what we have, whether we like it or not...
guyderam said:
I'm basically buying this particular phone for its excellent battery life
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Okay so who's gonna tell him?
To be perfectly honest, the battery life is the only gripe I have with this phone. It's quite mediocre for a 5000mAh battery. Of course everyone's usage is different, but I expected better battery life. If you're not a "heavy" user you should be fine though!!
As for bootloader unlocking: I've had 2 S21 Ultras. I had the first one unlocked for a dumb reason, wanted to flash some magisk module to enable all lenses in Google Camera ports basically. Which is kinda funny because now with OneUI 4.0 all the lenses are available in GCam
back to the actual topic, now that I have my second S21U, I don't see a reason to unlock the bootloader. From what I've seen there's only one or two Exynos custom ROMs that are regularly updated. That's the first thing. The 2nd thing is, I just don't wanna trip Knox again and void my warranty.
For me unlocking the BL is not worth it (at the moment). You should consider the pros and the cons of unlocking and hopefully it'll be easier to decide then.
With that being said, enjoy your S21 Ultra, man.
jericho246 said:
Okay so who's gonna tell him?
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Thank you so much for the feedback guys.... got my questions answered. Doubt ill be doing anything for now. Gonna use it as it is and see how it goes.
Sadly yes, androids used to be fully customizable and this was the main reason people used to buy them. Unfortunately, phone companies seem to be making it harder and harder for us to do anything to our phones anymore these days.
Oh well....
guyderam said:
Thank you so much for the feedback guys.... got my questions answered. Doubt ill be doing anything for now. Gonna use it as it is and see how it goes.
Sadly yes, androids used to be fully customizable and this was the main reason people used to buy them. Unfortunately, phone companies seem to be making it harder and harder for us to do anything to our phones anymore these days.
Oh well....
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Click to collapse
But really, what do you want to do with your phone that's not already in-built. I was thinking the same but over the years Android (and it's custom OEMs) have gotten a lot better with companies baking a lot of the magisk modules (their versions) into their ROMs...I didn't root my OnePlus 7Pro, neither the S21U..don't see the need to (at least for the time being)...
A few things, updates are forfeited after root and also be aware Android 12, One UI 4.0 is far from stable. If it hasn't been preinstalled you should consider ignoring the update until the numerous bugs are addressed. I've had a number of S Series devices, only the S8+ was a Exynos variant, all others had the Snapdragon SoC's and never had a warranty issue. I wouldn't buy the Samsung Care+ but it's like any other insurance, you hate paying for it but happy you did if you ever need it. Unless you're a power user battery life shouldn't be an issue but if it is you can review numerous posts for corrective solutions. Based on what you've shared it's probably best you hold off on unlocking the bootloader, to me there aren't many compelling reasons when one considers all the consequences. I think you'll be OK with the stock device.
I consider myself as a relatively advanced user and was always playing rooted with all of the S devices I had. There were always workarounds for root detection by apps and samsung itself BUT now things have changed and I regret having rooted my S21.
As samsung is enforcing its restrictions against root, I find myself (while being rooted) unable to connect my GW4, unable to use latest Samsung Health app, unable to use Samsung Pay and lately even the samsung account keeps disconnecting for "security reasons" several times a day... What a mess !
As previously said, returning to stock with locked bootloader won't give a 100% functional device as the tripped Knox will still be there preventing you from using some samsung apps and features !
If it gets more complicated, I only have 2 choices : get a "virgin" S21 or say goodbye to Samsung.
With that said, you now know where you're going if you choose to go that way