Do Any Big Names Offer ROOT?

MasterScythe on 13/09/2016 - 12:15

Hi people.
So the more I use modern phones the more I hate them.

My phone path went from Nokia to Blackberry, and I recently decided to put the Blackberry Passport aside for the purpose of PokemonGO.

So I got a Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
There is a widely accepted "poor GPS reception" issue; it works, perfectly fine in, say, a car.
But the second you go even slightly indoors (under an awning) it drops.
The phone is not "Faulty" its well known, and from internet searching probably only 20% of users have any better luck.

I was willing to accept this, until I realised the ROM that comes with a Samsung is 'locked'.
Im left handed, and the apps draw is on the Right. This makes one handed operation impossible. My thumb doesn't stretch that far.

THEN I found I can't uninstall some apps. (the HELL?!)
People told me not to worry, so I installed "NoRoot Firewall" and found the apps I can't delete trying to access mobile data.
I dont HAVE any mobile data really, I get charged for it; yet I don't disable it for the sake of MMS.
These so called "dormant" apps were still checking for updates!

OK feck that, Android was meant to be an OPEN platform.

I ordered a Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro Special Edition (band 28 support).

I got the SMS approving me to unlock the boot loader to put CyanogenMod on, which I've used extensively before, but the software fails with "incorrect account" and after another day or two of googling, I find out that this is a known issue, and a large majority can't actually unlock the boot loader at the moment.

So I'm still stuck without a phone I trust.

OK, long story short;
Does ANYONE offer a phone with ROOT access up front?

Even big brands like Samsung have proven I can't trust them not to send random data; I really dont care if its just checking for updates, I didn't OK it.

any help is appreciated.

Mobile

Comments

- MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 09:23
  
  The lack of SD card hurts, but I'm not entirely opposed to it; I'll take a look.
  Thanks!
  - OptimisticPessimist on 15/09/2016 - 15:50
    
    Well, yes that is one misstep that the Nexus phones have.
    
    I too, also prefer having a MicroSD card slot, than resorting to cloud services.
    
    Perhaps this will remedy that issue somewhat http://www.meenova.com/.
    They offer various connectors to suit your device/usage and it does offer a degree of flexibility/convenience in that you won't need to power down your device to remove your MicroSD card (for some devices like my Note 2), and can access your files/etc from any other device.
Serapis on 15/09/2016 - 00:49

+1

Would not recommend any manufacturer offer root access by default AT ALL due to 99% of smartphone users being inept at protecting their phone / devices from being hacked.

That aside I've had multiple Samsung Galaxy devices up to the current s7 and I've never encountered any of the problems you mentioned, with/without root access so I'm assuming all this is user error / ineptitude.
- MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 11:39
  
  -1
  
  I think you'd find a lot who disagree with you, i'm sorry.
  If my PC told me I wasn't allowed to say, install a firewall, without taking it back to the manufacturer, I'd be pissed.
  
  Can you imagine the flack the computer industry would cop if you wanted to, say, install a video game (and therefore Direct X, which requires root\admin) but were told, "no you're a user, you cant possibly know what Direct X is"?
  It'd be CATASTROPHIC.
  
  That's the (type of) issue I'm hitting right now.
  I can't seem to edit iptables in command line, my paid Antivirus (AVAST!) requires ROOT to do its firewall duties, plus a few other things.
  
  I'm finding applications I can't uninstall. (on a PC you'd call that malware, or at least 'bloat').
  
  I completely respect your right to have a different opinion, and I'm genuinely glad you're happy with how the current trend is going;
  I however, am not happy with those restrictions.
  We can agree to disagree.
OzJD on 15/09/2016 - 01:23

+2
Various manufacturers now offer the ability to unlock their bootloader easily, but the only devices that are really easy are Nexus devices.

fastboot oem unlock

Using the above command will unlock the following devices:

(HTC) Nexus One

(Samsung) Nexus S

(Samsung) Galaxy Nexus

(LG) Nexus 4

(LG) Nexus 5

(Motorola) Nexus 6

(ASUS) Nexus 7 (2012)

(ASUS) Nexus 7 (2013)

(HTC) Nexus 10

(HTC) Nexus 9

fastboot flashing unlock

Using the above command will unlock the following (newer) devices:

(LG) Nexus 5X

(Huawei) Nexus 6P
- [Deactivated] on 16/09/2016 - 07:05
  
  I think OP has throughly confused the issue. The note 4 does not have a locked bootloader
[Deactivated] on 15/09/2016 - 05:40

+1

i don't think you are what you really think you are.

if you wanted a specific task or feature i.e root then you would know that no company offers root access.
some companies offer to unlock bootloader but ive been reading that it will void warranty and they have some security checks to confirm that the device was has has been in the past.

now going back to your GPS issue indoors I don't know how you think a GPS system will work indoors flawlessly.
I have a variety of devices from different brands and Operating systems and 1 maybe 2 devices can lock on but need AGPS to work. (seriously speaking if you want it for pokemon go then your not playing the game right)

I don't know what plan your on that offers no data but you need to ge that sorted unless its a company sim then I can understand, if you don't want data then just turn data off in the settings, if done right you should still get MMS's.
also you are a lefty and is having a cry about the touchwiz….. why not install another launcher that is customisable for your lefty ways? surely it cant be that hard?

Now going back to your BB, can you side load pokemon go onto it??? I haven't seen you state that so im just asking.

PPS, ZTE fit 4g might be the handset for you, ZTE have baked into the OS a permissions control system that lets you give or take permissions away from apps. BUT BUT BUT it can cause instability to some apps.
- MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 09:33
  
  Thanks for the reply; I'll bullet point for you :)
  
  -if you wanted a specific task or feature i.e root then you would know that no company offers root access.
  I'm sorry, I don't understand, How would I know this?
  Also, it looks like the OneplusOne might by default in the developer menu, thanks to being cyanogen from factory.
  Also, since apple lost their court case to 'deny warranty to jailbroken phones' you might hit resistance trying to warranty a rooted phone, but if you go through any of the government assistance (ombudsman, fair trading, whoever is relevant at the time) you'll come out on top. Been there, done that.
  
  -now going back to your GPS issue indoors I don't know how you think a GPS system will work indoors flawlessly.
  Well, no, it wont be flawless, but using AGPS, GLONASS and Celular data, I'd expect it to be able to triangulate me down to about 500m. Other devices can.
  
  seriously speaking if you want it for pokemon go then your not playing the game right
  How so?
  When I walk under a tree, or find a pokemon in the shed, or under a parking lot, Id like it to work; I'm open to advice though, how is better to play it?
  
  I don't know what plan your on that offers no data but you need to ge that sorted
  Why? Its a plan from 2003; Unlimited calls and texts and 2GB of data for $14 a month. As above, its not that I dont have data, its that its allocated to my monthly tasks already, so a spare 100MB or so just isnt there.
  Company provided 4G hotspot provides any extra I need.
  
  you are a lefty and is having a cry about the touchwiz….. why not install another launcher that is customisable for your lefty ways? surely it cant be that hard?
  Funny that huh; it seems to be! A launcher kinda fixes the home screen, but menus still rely on the top right a lot, and so do the hardware buttons (i can't find the 'reverse buttons' command). Besides, I shouldnt have to.
  
  Now going back to your BB, can you side load pokemon go onto it??? I haven't seen you state that so im just asking.
  Yes I can, It installs fine but it wont launch. It requires google play services and 4.4.4 or higher IIRC, since BBs emulator is one version before, and has no play services, it fails launch.
  
  Thanks for the reply :)
  - smpantsonfire on 15/09/2016 - 11:09
    
    +2
    
    I call bull on the 2003 plan with 2gb data.
    - MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 11:20
      
      Virgin mobile.
      The plan itself has 200MB included data.
      
      They then offered a "switch to us, and get 2GB bonus for the life of your plan" (this was about 2006? 2007?)
      I ported out in store, then ported back within 5 minutes.
      
      Due to the speed, they didnt get a chance to properly decomission my number\plan.
      As such, I got an antiquated plan, WITH the bonus 2GB of data allowance.
      I get $10 off for the life of my plan also, because I initially BYO'd my own phone.
      
      Call bullshit all you like, it doesn't change the facts!
    - [Deactivated] on 15/09/2016 - 13:19
      
      +1
      
      Fisrt point.
      
      If you want a phone or device to carry out a specific task then one would think that looking into it is required.
      
      Second point.
      
      Glonass is the gps equivalent and used in russia.
      Agps isnt that crash hot in precice location it just helps you to get a lock… remember a mobile tower covers a large area.
melbstheburn on 15/09/2016 - 07:55

+1

Moral of this story is don't leave BlackBerry, if you want an android one get a BlackBerry Priv. Posted from my BlackBerry Classic
- MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 11:23
  
  Hehe, amen to this!
smpantsonfire on 15/09/2016 - 11:04

+9

Network security and software dev and you can't figure it out? Somethings wrong there. You don't have any data? Yeah right.

Sorry I interrupted, keep whinging.
- MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 11:23
  
  Thank you for apologizing.
  And correct, as stated several times, basically ever MB on this plan is accounted for.
  An extra 10MB I could probably do reliably, buy I always use basically spot on 1.9~2.1GB a month.
  And as stated SEVERAL times, thats all my quota.
  
  Sorry they dont teach phones in CCNA, contracts used to allow for blackberries (due to BIS\BES), and more recently, windows phones.
  Most Android and iPhone's dont allow a company to disable the camera; so they instantly get blacklisted.
  
  Care to help me 'figure it out'? Or just going to be a prick?
  - supnigs super skids on 15/09/2016 - 14:11
    
    +1
    
    I've been following all suggestions to you and you are here not for help but to whine and attention seek.
    - MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 14:12
      
      -1
      
      So all the comments where I've said "Thanks for that, I'll look into it"
      or "Good idea, I'll give that a shot"
      What are they?
    - supnigs super skids on 15/09/2016 - 14:19
      
      +1
      
      @MasterScythe: geeze..exactly..lol
stephendt on 15/09/2016 - 11:10

These guys do.

https://ninderrycomputers.ecwid.com/

Not a big name, a little more expensive than what you could do yourself, but probably worth it and you get support
- MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 11:28
  
  Hey, they're managing to unlock the Xaiomi's, it's probably worth me emailing them to see which custom flash they're finding reliable.
  
  Because they're sure as hell not unlocking those boot loaders 'officially' at the moment.
fruit on 15/09/2016 - 13:05

Use Sunshine: http://theroot.ninja/ US$25
cannedhams on 15/09/2016 - 14:38

+1

To be honest I find myself agreeing with the OP 100%. It is perfectly straightforward to go out and buy a CPU and bits and bobs and stick whatever software you damn well please on it. You can frick around with the kernel all you like. But not a single phone manufacturer offers the same capability.

Basically what is a phone? It has a radio on it. There's not much it can do that any other computer can't.

There must be plenty of very security conscious people out there who hate the fact that they basically have to trust phone manufacturers to not try and sneak something into the operating system of a phone.

I personally would like to see a mod box type platform phone where both hardware and software version could be readily customised by the end user.
- MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 14:51
  
  More specifically, its straightforward to go out and buy a pre-boxed DELL laptop, with software and OS pre-installed;
  And STILL have the OPTION to install 'Administrator tools'.
  
  No point in muddying you're example by restricting it to 'DIY computers' it applies to pre-configured PC's also.
  - cannedhams on 15/09/2016 - 21:45
    
    I remember a palmtop phone that Nokia made I think it was called the n990, basically a phone with a Linux based os quite similar to the one that sharp used to put on their zaurus palmtop PCs.
    
    A pity that Nokia was basically crap at supporting any given handset for longer than 5 minutes as I really thought that was a good concept.
    - McFly on 15/09/2016 - 22:41
      
      http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_n900-2917.php
- dazweeja on 15/09/2016 - 15:33
  
  Google offers this on all their Nexus devices. A simple command to unlock. Source code available. I wrote a new governor, compiled the kernel, and put it on my phone just because I could.
  
  And the Nexus 6P is great hardware too. The new Pixel (Nexus) phones by HTC which will be released next month will probably be even better.
  - MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 15:55
    
    You're really starting to sell me :)
    Thanks!
    
    Edit: Maybe I can manage to wait a couple of months and hope for a microsd….
jaimex2 on 15/09/2016 - 16:28

OnePlus
ryanjsoo on 15/09/2016 - 16:29

The HTC 10 comes with an unlocked bootloader, at least those ordered straight through HTC, not sure about other carriers. HTC`s warranty also supports rooted devices which is nice.
- MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 16:32
  
  $800……. Ouch…
  Still very glad to know they're out there!
  
  I'll add to my short list of "if it shows up cheap" lol.
MeesusEff on 15/09/2016 - 18:06

I am not savvy with all this technological talk but i see 'root' and 'pokemon go' , didnt they just release an update that bans rooted phones from playing?
- McFly on 15/09/2016 - 21:21
  
  Yep. They could have at least given a warning!
  - Gomo on 15/09/2016 - 22:43
    
    You can still Bypass it using methods on andriod devices :) I did it on my phone and was able to keep playing however it caused a BUG with my Bluetooth.. so I figured I would rather have functioning Bluetooth then Pokemon Go! Plus that's what my spare unrooted phone is for anyway ;)
niner on 15/09/2016 - 18:28

Just buy a Samsung S7 Edge and enjoy the good times.
- stephendt on 16/09/2016 - 17:08
  
  The Galaxy S7 Edge is alright but hardly developer friendly
dsp26 on 15/09/2016 - 20:33

Download KingoROOT for desktop and be done with it
Gomo on 15/09/2016 - 22:41

I have the Redmi Note 2, Paid roughly $180 Delivered for it, it's rooted unlocked and works perfect for me :)
Diji1 on 15/09/2016 - 23:14

OK feck that, Android was meant to be an OPEN platform.

Google Android was created by Google, a business that makes almost all of it's money off serving advertising to the tune of 50 billion dollars last year, to collect data about every single thing connected to the device most importantly you. That's why there's a plethora of cheap, crappy devices running a crappy operating system that really doesn't work properly and "encourages" you to always be connected and have the device in an on state: it's really not worth anything to Google if it isn't.

Also all you had to do was go into the Play Store settings and turn on "only update on wifi" or similar option.
usbc activist on 15/09/2016 - 23:27

I read news on android authority that asus officially gives you the option of rooting the phone by following the instructions provided on their website. Same is the case with xiaomi.
[Deactivated] on 16/09/2016 - 06:11

+1

Why did you "give up" your research, buys a phone, then expect it to go well?

Do you expect your toaster to be able to install the firewall you want? If you are oming from old Nokia/black berry, having fancy software is a privilege, not a right.

Didn't Google before buying a phone is pretty bad in my book, especially calling yourself you work in IT. Especially when you have special requirements like custom firewall installs, instead of $10-20 extra a month for extra gb.

With built in android settings to block mobile data for each app, you are so tight to spend the extra few bucks to allow android itself to download updates or talk to Google?

Much easier to choose a better phone plan in my book
- MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 09:05
  
  -2
  
  Well, if you really must 'put me on the couch' I'm a compulsive researcher.
  After the first 6 months or so of looking into which CPU, who makes what NVRAM, which audio chip is used, who makes the wireless card, I got to the point of "It can't be this hard right? I'll just buy the biggest companies flagship and for once, trust the consumer isn't an idiot".
  Bad move, and lesson learn't.
  Next time, its a full research and whitesheet job again.
  
  For people who have used 'modern android' phones, that might be common sense. By the only android phones I've used are the Galaxy Note 1 and 2, and an Alcatel PIXI 4, (and about 10 different types of android box, or mini-computer, which all offered ROOT logon). I just assumed android would have matured since Gingerbread. But Once again, you're right, more research required next time.
  
  Blocking mobile data was still seeing hits on the firewall at home. Any ideas?
  And yes, of course I'm "That Tight" I'm posting on OzBargain! That's a silly question.
  
  Can you find me a better phone plan? Most are over $20 a month, and really, I don't use all my calls as it is.
  I notice Vaya have offered $26 for 3GB. So an extra 50% my current allowance.
  I might look into that; do people rate Vaya highly? I've been with virgin since 2003.
  
  So yep, you're right. More research was required.
  But thats why I'm here, asking for advice.
  But it seems like the common trend is to tell the user "Your needs are wrong", not to sell me a product that suits my needs.
  It's a shame really :(
  - McFly on 16/09/2016 - 09:34
    
    do people rate Vaya highly?
    
    Facepalm!
    Not having a go at you, it's just that you've opened up a whole new can of worms!
    FWIW, been with them for years - works well for me (except that time they turned off my data for no particular reason.)
    - MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 09:36
      
      Yeah I put my parents on them, and its been fine, but they don't use any data.
      They have that 1GB just in case they open something, so they don't get charged.
      I dont think they've complained.
    - Kangal on 18/09/2016 - 11:46
      
      @MasterScythe:
      Vaya… I was with them, crappy service, and crappy customer support.
      Not just me, A LOT of complaints from many customers.
      A few, like McFly, are happy to get a good service.
      
      Switched over to Jeenee 2 years back, never been happier!
      
      MasterScythe, I call bull on your "research" too.
      If you really did decide to go "biggest flagship" you would've gone with a Nexus 5X/6P.
      It would've only taken you <30 mins of Google-ing to find out the issues about the Note 4/Note3Pro.
      
      Long-term phones: Nexus (5X or newer) or iPhone (5S or newer).
      
      All other phones??
      (Android flagships, Chinese Androids, Windows 10 Mobile, Tizen, UbuntuPhone, SailfishOS, BBX, Symbian).
      Don't expect long-term support, or quick support, or good support, or All of the above/any support whatsoever.
RocketSwitch on 16/09/2016 - 09:17

+2
MS, this is what I do.

I research the best phone for me. I then go to XDA to see if it can have its bootloader unlocked and rooted etc.

So I don't make the same mistakes as others, I read several threads there on the processes I'm following.

I then purchase the phone. Making sure the phone hasn't got issues (which I look for in XDA). This phone was a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Not one issue.

Then got a second phone, Nexus 5X.

Unlocked bootloader

Rooted

GPS works everywhere

Ads gone

Xposed

Pokemon GO works

Now, to avoid frustration, you just need to go to XDA and life will be good.
- MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 09:23
  
  Thanks for this mate :)
  
  I'm very active on XDA actually.
  Ive compiled some stuff in the past for 'android sticks' which don't have the same restrictions as a phone, I now have learnt.
  
  My mistake was going there while already 'tired of the hunt'. I made sure I -COULD- unlock the boot loader, ROOT it, and have a custom Rom.
  Both the phones I tried can tick all those boxes…. with a billion hoops, hacked bootloaders, tripping KNOX, blah blah blah.
  
  You're right, finding a phone like a Nexus or a OnePlus would have been ideal before hand. :)
  
  Nexus 5X looks good, the 6P looks better (I have a vision disability, so big is good). If I can find a similar phone with a MicroSD I'd be happy.
  
  How are you finding PoGo to run on your rooted phone since the last update?
  - RocketSwitch on 16/09/2016 - 09:53
    
    PoGo runs the same as before they blocked rooted devices (Nexus 5X). Only issue now is that I have to switch root off when I go in-game, and switch it on when I need it. So not really an issue as I don't need root on all the time and waiting for the Xposed module for IVs to work again (thanks to systemless Xposed).
    
    However, I haven't updated on my Galaxy Note 3, because without having the Xposed module to check IVs after you catch, it ruins the enjoyment of the game for me (as I transfer anything less than 90). So still on the previous version which runs fine. Note 3 really is like the Nexus 6P but with a MicroSD, so I'm waiting to upgrade to the next equivalent, maybe Note 7 when the noise settles. That means more research :)
    - MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 10:03
      
      Excellent, thats what I expected of it.
      Thanks for that mate, I was hoping that was the case.
      
      IIRC I'll only need root when updating iptables\firewall\system apps. The chanegs will remain even with root disabled, so it should be fine
    - RocketSwitch on 16/09/2016 - 10:36
      
      @MasterScythe: Yep exactly right, you shouldn't have any issues when there's no root :)
MadMaxBargainRoad on 16/09/2016 - 12:42

There isn't and will not be any phones come with default ROOT access. If you have any remote idea about I.T security you should know why.

There are plenty of bootloader unlock-able phones on the market. Once, rooted you can do anything you want if you know how to do them.
- MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 12:48
  
  I've been doing some research; turns out any phone that uses CyanogenOS as their default, does.
  
  So now we're both a bit wiser on it :)
  
  Examples are Lenovo ZUK range, and the OnePlus range :)
  - MadMaxBargainRoad on 16/09/2016 - 12:58
    
    Rofl no they don't. They will allow you to unlock the bootloader that's it. Giving root access by default is like asking for lawsuit.
    - MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 13:07
      
      Can you explain how so?
      Every other OS on the planet gives it, they're not being sued.
      I assume you have a law background to make such a bold claim, may I ask what law you'd expect lawsuits to stem from?
      
      And yes, I know a great deal about IT security.
      One thing I know for sure; locking the owner out of the admin account on the hardware they own, will result in hell breaking loose.
      Even if they're a "noob" Tell the Executive team they CAN'T have the access they want? No no no, professional suicide.
      
      Also, CyanogenMod, and Cyanogen OS, BOTH have this menu:
      http://cdn.androidbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/CM-Roo…
    - MadMaxBargainRoad on 16/09/2016 - 13:55
      
      @MasterScythe:
      
      One thing I know for sure; locking the owner out of the admin account on the hardware they own, will result in hell breaking loose.
      
      Nothing is loose. Look at all iOS, Android, WP users. All power users find their own way to jailbreak/root their phones. You probably just need a tech savvy person to help you out.
      
      And yes, I know a great deal about IT security.
      
      No you don't; at least not commercially as you show the lack of understanding of basic principles.
      
      Also, CyanogenMod, and Cyanogen OS, BOTH have this menu.
      
      CyanogenMod I don't care as a community project with millions of bugs. Cyanogen OS? No. I have owned Oneplus One before. Your screenshot proves nothing as every other 15 years old can load ASOP on their phone and press 'power+vol down'.
    - kywst on 16/09/2016 - 14:11
      
      +1
      
      @MasterScythe:
      
      And yes, I know a great deal about IT security.
      One thing I know for sure; locking the owner out of the admin account on the hardware they own, will result in hell breaking loose.
      Even if they're a "noob" Tell the Executive team they CAN'T have the access they want? No no no, professional suicide.
      
      You're losing credibility with each post. I think your credentials have been overstated but that's just me. Professional suicide would be telling the executive "yes" and having it backfire in a bad way.
      
      Every other OS on the planet gives it, they're not being sued.
      
      Some *nix server based images will default root but think about it … when you install Windows and create your account it is a mere user. The same is true for desktop Linux distributions. The problem here though is you don't understand what Android is so I'll throw you a bone. Android Stack
      
      Android ≠ Linux.
    - MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 14:11
      
      @MadMaxBargainRoad:
      Nothing is loose. Look at all iOS, Android, WP users. All power users find their own way to jailbreak/root their phones. You probably just need a tech savvy person to help you out.
      
      iPhone isn't an open source product, so the comparison isn't valid.
      Neither is Windows Phone, however it does give you admin\root access, so that proves my point.
      
      No you don't; at least not commercially as you show the lack of understanding of basic principles.
      
      Which principals?
      It's very easy to make a sweeping statement such as this, yet you conveniently dont provide any specifics; also ignoring that iOS and some Android devices are about the only OS' in existence that block the hardware owner, having admin rights.
      Please expand on this comment.
      
      Do you have a work number I can contact? I'd love to have a chat with you about security principals you feel are crucial in a mobile device.
      
      CyanogenMod I don't care as a community project with millions of bugs.
      
      Can you clarify what you're attacking here? Is it this single open source project?
      Which would you prefer me to reference, because I'm sure I can find others.
      Parts of stock android even operate under GNU GPL version 2, and are community driven, so just let me know and I can correct my reference for you.
      
      Your screenshot proves nothing as every other 15 years old can load ASOP on their phone and press 'power+vol down'.
      
      If screenshots aren't sufficient, What proof would you like provided, I'd be happy to meet up so you can show me the menu doesn't exist on your device.
    - MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 14:19
      
      @kywst:
      
      Thanks for replying rationally, I appreciate the mature approach :)
      I haven't actually stated any specific credentials, so, I'm not worried about them being 'over stated', however thanks for the concern. I'm deliberately avoiding the online "I have a masters in" "Oh yeah, well I have a PHD in" debate, because no one ever backs up their claims, its just relentless.
      
      I can understand the backfire scenario, but in practice, it never holds up.
      
      Most recent example was a Director General for a specific department wanting access to all users personal drives.
      We pointed out its against policy, he simply shows back up with a letter he wrote giving himself permission.
      and… well… he's the Director General. There is no higher to go to…..
      Its very silly, but, hey, its 'His Department' or 'His Company', or 'His Asset'. If he wants to break it, so long as you give the appropriate warnings (and record that), you're safe.
      
      Some nix server based images will default root but think about it … when you install Windows and create your account it is a mere user. The same is true for desktop Linux distributions.
      
      I realize now my title might be misleading; sorry about that!
      I agree from a security standpoint the default user should be, a user.
      What I'm against, and looking to achieve, is there not being an admin to use.
      
      For example;
      If DELL started shipping their servers, or even desktops, and telling me that every time I want to install a system tool I had to log it through them, and they'd likely say "no, we dont like that tool, haha"
      I'd drop their contract so fast they wouldn't even see it coming.
    - MadMaxBargainRoad on 16/09/2016 - 14:50
      
      @MasterScythe: Right, sure I want to meet up some crazy dude on the internet.
      
      Initially I thought you were just a noob but then I realise you are in full denial of reality. Ima save my breath and let you keep whinging.
    - MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 15:08
      
      -1
      
      @MadMaxBargainRoad:
      
      So when presented with the burden of proof, you collapse under it.
      Nice integrity. I'm sure it'll get you far in life.</sarcasm>
bananabendera on 16/09/2016 - 15:08

+1

To my knowledge the Kate (Redmi Note 3 Special Edition) can have the MIUI Dev ROM flashed (which is pre-rooted) without having the boot loader unlocked as it is an 'official' ROM. Download here: http://en.miui.com/download-301.html#449 . The MIUI forums also have instructions for flashing here: http://en.miui.com/a-232.html . Unfortunately Cyanogenmod seems a while off. I'm happy I went with the standard edition.
- MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 15:10
  
  Thanks for that; yep Kate is what I have here.
  I do have the dev rom on right now, but the latest one MIUI 8 isn't showing root access or any toggles I can find.
  
  Kenzo CyanogenMod works fine with the Kate modem flashed; its all about the boot loader…..
  - bananabendera on 16/09/2016 - 15:17
    
    Damn shame if that's the case. This video: https://youtu.be/dL4VHoqEK_4?t=10m17s shows how to enable it usually, but you might need to unlock the bootloader. If all else fails just make an XDA thread after searching. Good luck.
cantanga on 16/09/2016 - 18:14

I believe Geeksphone offer phones that come unlocked, rooted and just have the base android operating system. It' looks like you can now chose a variety of OS's if android isn't to your fancy. It's been a while since I've looked into them properly so I may be wrong.
www.geeksphone.com
[Deactivated] on 16/09/2016 - 19:49

+1

Buy an iPhone and shut up
Zuba on 16/09/2016 - 19:59

elephone
JTTheMan on 16/09/2016 - 20:03

-2

After reading all of the above I am so glad I have an iPhone and a life!
You can see where the slogan "it just works" comes from.
You might not want to hear it but you really need an iPhone.
Kangal on 16/09/2016 - 20:34

Google's services are one of the worst offenders when it comes to background tasks, constant syncing, and draining mobile data.
So just that fact alone tells you something…. the Android platform is akin to the Wild Wild West.
Not only do you have Google's services that "bloat" a very light-but-powerful OS, but you have the OEM's services running as well… and those can be even worse.
Not to mention, you have Android Apps that behave in a similar manner.
And to top it off, all of this churning is done in a Virtual Machine.

If you want a good experience* on Android, there is no option.
Okay, well, there is one option.
You buy a phone with the best source, drivers, documentation, unlockable bootloader, root access and community support.
Then you customise it from inside out:
custom recovery, toggle root, custom kernel, custom governor, custom rom, customised permissions, and select list of apps.

That's the software side of it. As you can see, software is REALLY important.
You'll also need hardware that's good to start with.

BUT..!!
You also have to make sure it runs a 64-bit chip and Vulkan API for future-proofing.
Also you'll want to future-proof it, by getting a device which has a SoC that comes from a company that will provide future service driver upgrades.

Before you had the option of going with Samsung, OnePlus, etc etc.
But today, you really only have one choice: Nexus.
So its either a Nexus 5X/6P, or the next Nexus 5P/6X/Pixel phone.

…so how does that process compare to Windows 10 Mobile??
Pretty favourably, because Windows 10 Mobile is so far behind in maturity and support its hilarious.
And there really isn't any other alternatives.
You can look into Tizen, Firefox OS, UbuntuPhone, Sailfish, Symbian, Blackberry… but they're even worse* than Windows.

So what else choice do you have?
The iPhone.

It's got everything you want.
Good hardware (eg GPS), less background tasks, Future-proofing, App ecosystem (PoGo).
Sure its expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Overall, you want a premium ~~smart~~superphone experience.
And if you want that, you must pay the price.
You need to spend and get an iPhone.
OR… you need to spend the effort on your Nexus device.

PS OzBargain is a site with a great community that try to help each other.
However, it doesn't seem like you are not looking for help.
And if you do want help with your situation, you will either get a Nexus 5X (or better) or a iPhone 6S (or better).
I made a rant about this before, in case you're interested in it:
…there's really no Android phones left to get besides Nexus, unless you're okay with certain greedy shortcomings (that shouldn't be).
Nillionaire on 17/09/2016 - 01:27

MKBHD - On the "Perfect Smartphone"
mranderson978 on 17/09/2016 - 09:05

I think, possibly, the best value root is to get married.
The initial costs are high, but only if you elect to go for a big party.
Aside from that it's a bargain!
bs0 on 17/09/2016 - 20:58

Updated my Note 4 to marshmallow today, and rooted it again, it wasn't too difficult, you should give it a go.
- supnigs super skids on 18/09/2016 - 12:07
  
  But are you highly skilled in IT, network security, software development and an Cisco associate?
  - MasterScythe on 18/09/2016 - 12:13
    
    That's not the right question; and how is it even relevant?
    The right question is did you manage to do it without tripping KNOX?
    
    Whats the point of having a 'secure enterprise partition' if it disables it.
    Its one of the key features of these newer samsungs!
    - supnigs super skids on 18/09/2016 - 12:18
      
      So you're still at it again.
      
      Mobile Odin and it's maker.
    - MasterScythe on 18/09/2016 - 12:19
      
      @supnigs: I beg your pardon? I dont understand.
      AFAIK Odin has a very high risk of flipping the knox bit.
    - bs0 on 18/09/2016 - 14:47
      
      Yep, 100% will trip Knox. But my Knox was already tripped anyway. I don't really care - my phone is just about out of warranty. And from my understanding, it doesn't affect how I use my phone, except let Samsung know whether it has been rooted or not. If you have apps that check for Knox, and don't let you open the app if Knox has been tripped, I think you can restore stock ROM and it's fine. Otherwise some apps can spoof Knox too
  - bs0 on 18/09/2016 - 14:42
    
    Nope, not in any of those fields at all. Had help from my roommate (he has windows, i have a Mac) and we sought of just googled everything and read through a number of guides. I've only done this once before, about 12months ago.
devs on 22/09/2016 - 17:14

lol if a phone comes rooted out of the box its probably running malicious firmware. So no, a phone does not come pre-rooted nor should you hope that it does.

Are you stuck with the Note 4? If you are, then why not just go ahead and root it, and not worry about tripping KNOX? If you can return it on whatever grounds, get a OnePlus 2 or 3, or a Nexus 5X/6P.

Not to be rude, but if you wanted a dev friendly phone, you should have done a little bit of research prior to see which phones have the best community support from a dev/custom ROM perspective.

I've found the One Plus and Nexus series to be the best in that regard.

Source: Running a rooted Nexus 6P stock ROM with ElementelX kernel and Xposed.

Do Any Big Names Offer ROOT?

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