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Nexus 5: Why Root?

I got a Nexus just over two weeks ago, I used to be a pretty big fan of rooting and trying out different kernels and ROMs back when I had an HTC Explorer.
I got a Nexus 5 here in Pakistan without warranty so if I end up bricking the device, I ain't getting a new one. The day I got it, I rooted it and installed a Snapshot build of Cyanogenmod(weird that they didn't have a stable build).
I must admit that while performance was pretty much the same, the camera shutter speed became much much faster. But this came at the expense of two things.
First of all I lost HDR mode and second I lost face detection. So I reverted back to Stock, and later realized that the latest version of Google Camera also removes face detection. Someone also told me that HDR was dependant on what kind of GAPPS you used.
I also heard of more ROMs like LiquidSmooth, AOKP, Paranoid Android, that I was told to try out.
But anyways there we're a dozen other camera improvements and mic distortion fixes that I am tempted to try. But I hate moving my data and it's especially difficult because I don't have a SD Card on Nexus.
Are the ROMs and kernels worth it? Oh and what about the camera, video and mic improvement fixes are they worth it or did Google add all those features into Android 4.4.4?
Thanks for any help I receive!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

salmanahmad22 said:
I got a Nexus just over two weeks ago, I used to be a pretty big fan of rooting and trying out different kernels and ROMs back when I had an HTC Explorer.
I got a Nexus 5 here in Pakistan without warranty so if I end up bricking the device, I ain't getting a new one. The day I got it, I rooted it and installed a Snapshot build of Cyanogenmod(weird that they didn't have a stable build).
I must admit that while performance was pretty much the same, the camera shutter speed became much much faster. But this came at the expense of two things.
First of all I lost HDR mode and second I lost face detection. So I reverted back to Stock, and later realized that the latest version of Google Camera also removes face detection. Someone also told me that HDR was dependant on what kind of GAPPS you used.
I also heard of more ROMs like LiquidSmooth, AOKP, Paranoid Android, that I was told to try out.
But anyways there we're a dozen other camera improvements and mic distortion fixes that I am tempted to try. But I hate moving my data and it's especially difficult because I don't have a SD Card on Nexus.
Are the ROMs and kernels worth it? Oh and what about the camera, video and mic improvement fixes are they worth it or did Google add all those features into Android 4.4.4?
Thanks for any help I receive!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. you do not need root to try different roms and kernels. all you need is a custom recovery(unlocked bootloader).
2. all root is is the permission to change system files. without root, you cant do it.
3. and all your is it worth it questions.. is it worth it to YOU? to someone its worth it, to someone else it is not. you decide.
4. get it out of your head that cm is the "best" rom. cm is just the most well know, thats it. its far from anything called the best.

If you've rooted before, then you already know your answer.

For CyanogenMod, snapshot is basically the new stable BTW. You only lost those HDR+ and face unlock because you must have flashed a GAPPS package that didn't contain those; not the fault of the ROM at all. Custom ROMs and kernels are worth it if they provide features that you want. I don't think there's much wrong with camera, video and mic currently.

To become a happy flasher on XDA!

korockinout13 said:
For CyanogenMod, snapshot is basically the new stable BTW. You only lost those HDR+ and face unlock because you must have flashed a GAPPS package that didn't contain those; not the fault of the ROM at all. Custom ROMs and kernels are worth it if they provide features that you want. I don't think there's much wrong with camera, video and mic currently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find nothing at all wrong with the camera, it's quite stellar actually.
But having used the increased shutter speed on Cyanogenmod I was really impressed by the hidden potential.
Have any of you flashed the mic distortion, camera and video improvements made by someone with the name of Jishnu?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Why root? How about root to enjoy 100%the potential of your device
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I think OP got his question reversed. Should be:
"Why buy a Nexus 5 if you're not going to root?"
:angel:

Lethargy said:
I think OP got his question reversed. Should be:
"Why buy a Nexus 5 if you're not going to root?"
:angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer: just to troll you

Because google screwed up the stock ROM that comes on the nexus 5
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Rooting means installing a new kernel, right ?
I want to change the font of my nexus 5.

Sagar Khanapurkar said:
Rooting means installing a new kernel, right ?
I want to change the font of my nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Rooting means rooting. Installing a new kernel means installing a new kernel.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk < Yes, I want you to know that I'm using a mobile client

You root to grant yourself... Root. Not sure it gets more simpler than that. You shouldn't own a development device if you're not interested in Android development.

TheLastSidekick said:
You root to grant yourself... Root. Not sure it gets more simpler than that. You shouldn't own a development device if you're not interested in Android development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus line is certainly no longer considered solely a development series of devices. Its a consumer device with enhanced development capabilities. So to suggest that those thousands of customers who have no intention of developing are wrong to own a Nexus product is nonsense.

Bilhouse said:
The Nexus line is certainly no longer considered solely a development series of devices. Its a consumer device with enhanced development capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a consumer device, because anyone who purchases it.. Is considered a consumer. However, the device is tailored to developers. Even allowing the bootloader to be unlocked and Google essentially handing you the keys to do so.

TheLastSidekick said:
It is a consumer device, because anyone who purchases it.. Is considered a consumer. However, the device is tailored to developers. Even allowing the bootloader to be unlocked and Google essentially handing you the keys to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Not everything sold through an open channel is considered a consumer device. Its considered a consumer device because its main product positioning now is to offer an affordable, carrier unlocked device with high spec hardware. Actually the Nexus tablets illustrate my argument perfectly as they are heavily advertised and offered through a larger retail presence.
The ease of unlocking the bootloader, rooting and flashing on Nexus devices as well as delivering new versions of Android certainly are an important aspect in regards to its use in Android development. But its no longer the only key focus.
Heck if we base it on those principles than the OnePlus ONE is even more of a 'development device' than the Nexus. Not only does it feature CM11S, it is also easy to unlock, root and flash other custom ROM's. In fact unlocking the bootloader is clearly stated NOT to void your warranty, whereas with the Nexus it is stated in more ambiguous terms that it 'may' void your warranty.
But those 400-500,000 people waiting for an invite for a OnePlus sure aren't intending to develop on it for the most part. Just like the Nexus line they are after a cheap, high powered, unlocked handset.
Regardless, my initial point was to address your nonsensical elitist attitude when making the statement that the OP shouldn't own a device if he isn't intending to develop on it or isn't an Android developer in the first place. That my good Sir is a crock of bull****.

I would like to root my nexus 5, but I want Android L, which means I have to un-root it again just to get Android L.
Right ?

Sagar Khanapurkar said:
I would like to root my nexus 5, but I want Android L, which means I have to un-root it again just to get Android L.
Right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it means you have to flash the developer preview.

Lethargy said:
No, it means you have to flash the developer preview.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want official Android L. Is it possible to receive official Android L while my phone is rooted ?

Sagar Khanapurkar said:
I want official Android L. Is it possible to receive official Android L while my phone is rooted ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can receive OTA when rooted. Read "OTA Help-Desk" thread, which you can get to via my signature.
There is NO official Android L at this time.

[Q] Should I manually debloat or use a 3rd party stock rom?

Hi,
I need som advice, and sorry If this is the wrong sub forum, for any admin please move the thread if that's the case.
I am waiting for two Xperia Z3 for me and my wife to arrive. I am currently using Samsung S2 (w/ CyanogenMod) and she is currently using iPhone 4s. Two of the main reasons we opted for Z3 was the waterproofness, battery life as well as the camera.
If I have understood it correctly, we will lose some camera functionality if we were to flash it with a non-stock based rom. My impression is also that battery life often works better due to the tuned hardware drivers etc in stock based roms.
So what we are after:
At least as good battery life as in stock rom
Removal of unneccersay bloatware
As good camera features as in stock rom
If possible, enhanced privacy and security features
Root
How would you guys choose? To go for some third party rom or use stock rom but debloat it with TianiumBackup, adb or similar?

You should use a stock based rom, they are really good and mostly debloated. If you need debloat with titanium, but mostly it is not needed.
Also do not unlock bootloader, you loose drm.keys and many features. Once deleted you cannot restore them. It is possible to restore some parts, but it is complicated.

nimonimo said:
Hi,
I need som advice, and sorry If this is the wrong sub forum, for any admin please move the thread if that's the case.
I am waiting for two Xperia Z3 for me and my wife to arrive. I am currently using Samsung S2 (w/ CyanogenMod) and she is currently using iPhone 4s. Two of the main reasons we opted for Z3 was the waterproofness, battery life as well as the camera.
If I have understood it correctly, we will lose some camera functionality if we were to flash it with a non-stock based rom. My impression is also that battery life often works better due to the tuned hardware drivers etc in stock based roms.
So what we are after:
At least as good battery life as in stock rom
Removal of unneccersay bloatware
As good camera features as in stock rom
If possible, enhanced privacy and security features
Root
How would you guys choose? To go for some third party rom or use stock rom but debloat it with TianiumBackup, adb or similar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have two Z3s (Dual). I've unlocked bootloader on one of them before root was available. For now I stick with stock Roms that are prerooted already and debloat using Titanium. I use Nova launcher which gives me pure Android look and some extra features. I don't notice any significant difference between Z3s with unlocked bootloader or without. Photos look comparable in quality (I admit, I'm half blind anyway). Once Sony stops updating Roms, I'll unlock bootloader on second Z3 and start using cooked Roms.

Xiaomi MI - Flashing, Rooting and Xposed

Hello XDA,
I have some questions for you which I would appreciate the utmost if you could answer and explain them to me!
So, I am a OnePlus Two owner and have been for the past year an unconditional OnePlus fan and of course, client. However, I have been told Xiaomi MI’s line is quite solid and the reason I don’t hear much fuss about it is because I live in Portugal and as far as I have understood, Xiaomi is just focusing on their Big Chinese market and leaving the international markets without their influence, yet.
However, as an Android big big enthusiast, I have been in the ROM and in the Root indispensable world and I am just loving it.
Getting quicker to the point, I am really excited about the Xiaomi Mi5 launch and about it’s possible chip, Snapdragon 820, that was announced today! What a flaming dragon it is!
I really didn’t know anything special about Xiaomi as a company so I went to a store here in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, which sells some of their products and asked some questions about it. I was impressed on how well he talked about the overall quality regarding their products.
I am considering buying one if it meets the Flagship real “killer” specs it is rumoured to have. However, after watching and reading some reviews about it, I am just not happy about their too Chinese and Apple-like UI, MIUI. Not even a launcher could save that awful UI (sorry for those of you who like it, I really respect it)!
So here are the questions that I would really really love to see clarified as there is some lack of information on the internet about it (with OnePlus there’s no chance I would need to create a thread asking questions like the ones I’m asking you below):
1. Can I flash CyanogenMod in a MI’s Smartphone? I know the answer is Yes! However, how and why does it differentiate from the process for example, with the flashing on a OnePlus device?
2. From the question above I ask specifically: Before flashing via fastboot TWRP, how come don’t I need to unlock the bootloader? What am I missing?
3. After being able to install CyanogenMod in my Xiaomi, can I install Xposed? Could it be Rovo89’s official 64 bit Xposed ? Or another one? (This because I know xposed with MIUI has to be something special,but I’m asking, after installing CM)
4. How is the rooting process? From what I've seen in multiple threads, No SuperSU is needed. How come? How will I give root permissions for each app the way I'm used to without SuperSU? (everywhere it says you need only to go to dev options and activate the option:" Root Access: Just apps").
5. If I manage to do both things above, will I have, let’s say, an experience like the one I have with my Oneplus device with a smartphone with better specs (Xiaomi MI5) ? Or I will have some problems in terms of compatibility?
Thank you for your time reading this. I would really appreciate if someone could answer me all of the questions, and if you happen to know just one or two, just put the number of the question and answer please.
Thank you once again and have a good day

@linuxxx ?

@Bitti09 ?

1)If there is official/unofficial CM support for a certain "mi" device like the mi3 or the mi4 then you'll most likely be able to flash it like any other custom roms. And I am pretty sure there will be CM support(official or unofficial) for the upcoming Mi5.*
2)I am not sure if MI devices come with unlocked bootloader, but I was able to flash twrp by booting into the bootloader and then flashing the recovery through fastboot commands. So I assume it's unlocked by default.
3)For Miui there's a modified xposed called "wsm" tools. Though you can run xposed fine as well. (From my experience) And if you flash CM then you'll be able to use the xposed version that is working for that CM rom.*
4)Well there are two versions of Miui rom. Stable and Developer version. The developer version comes pre rooted and can give root permission to apps from the security app. Though you'll be able to flash SuperSU as well through twrp and SuperSU is actually more easier to use in my experience.
5)You mean flashing CM and using Xposed? That's actually uncertain. Compatibility issues such as crappy camera or poor sound quality might arise. You can't be sure about that.*
Sent from my MI 4W using Tapatalk

Thanks mate! I am more clarified now. So, I should stay in OnePlus right? I would only go to Xiaomi if I had the same easy and accessible flashing process with the Xiaomi as I have with the OnePlus 2.. I mean, the afterstory. I really want stock Android and for that the best will be CM13 at the time probably, doesn't matter, could be CM12 too. But if doing it may encounter me some major bugs I think it's not worth the hassle of selling my phone to by another one for now.

As I have said, it's uncertain. You may or may not face serious bugs. And stock camera almost always performs better than a custom Rom. But sooner or later, a stable version or one with the least amount of bugs will be released. For example some of the custom Rom solution for the Mi4 are rock stable now and they're all aosp based.
Sent from my MI 4W using Tapatalk

custom rom recomendation / is it worth it?

i wanted to ask you to give me a recommendation for a custom rom that is the most stable with no bugs for the xperia XZ premuim device, keep in mind that the gps/glonass and the camera are a must for me and i want them to work properly, and is it worth it to change the stock rom. thank you

Honestly, I'm not really familiar with anything above android 8 but most of the custom roms with android 9 (and higer) have a working camera (it's not comparable to stock because of the loss of drm keys)

CookieCream said:
Honestly, I'm not really familiar with anything above android 8 but most of the custom roms with android 9 (and higer) have a working camera (it's not comparable to stock because of the loss of drm keys)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for the reply sir, and one final question, is the gps accuracy get afected by custom rom or it is the same?

it should be the same. i heard that from android 9 and onwards the accuracy should be better compared to any oreo/nougat rom.
Which means around 95% accuracy. Not the best comparing it to stock but it should work. It also depends on your modem/antenna band (for some odd reasons)

CookieCream said:
it should be the same. i heard that from android 9 and onwards the accuracy should be better compared to any oreo/nougat rom.
Which means around 95% accuracy. Not the best comparing it to stock but it should work. It also depends on your modem/antenna band (for some odd reasons)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you sir

Custom ROM

Hi,
I currently main an S10e besides my "project phone" Mi Note 10. On that phone I just installed az AOSP-based custom ROM (Android 13), which I really do like. So, I am thinking on flashing the S10e (Exynos) with a custom ROM too (PixelExperience 13).
My question is that is there anyone who flashed custom ROM instead of the OneUI 4.1 on the S10e? Is it better performance, battery and features-wise (under features I mean e.g. Cameras being most important.)? Can it be used as a daily as well as OneUI?
Thanks for the answers.
P.s. sorry for my bad English.

somatoth said:
Hi,
I currently main an S10e besides my "project phone" Mi Note 10. On that phone I just installed az AOSP-based custom ROM (Android 13), which I really do like. So, I am thinking on flashing the S10e (Exynos) with a custom ROM too (PixelExperience 13).
My question is that is there anyone who flashed custom ROM instead of the OneUI 4.1 on the S10e? Is it better performance, battery and features-wise (under features I mean e.g. Cameras being most important.)? Can it be used as a daily as well as OneUI?
Thanks for the answers.
P.s. sorry for my bad English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Performance will definitely be better. I ran Lineage OS on my A52 4G for a little while, and it was much faster than OneUI 5. Also, many custom ROMs don't come with nosy Google apps pre-installed, which is a plus (although you can install them yourself if you want them). Some things to remember are that the camera support will not be as good as stock (so do your research on how good support is for your device), and that phone calls will not work with custom ROMs on any Samsung device. Let me know if you have any questions/concerns.

ethical_haquer said:
that phone calls will not work with custom ROMs on any Samsung device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoIP doesn't work. Normal calls do just fine.
@somatoth You might want to have a look at
OneUI 5.1 for Exynos Galaxy S10 series.

ethical_haquer said:
Performance will definitely be better. I ran Lineage OS on my A52 4G for a little while, and it was much faster than OneUI 5. Also, many custom ROMs don't come with nosy Google apps pre-installed, which is a plus (although you can install them yourself if you want them). Some things to remember are that the camera support will not be as good as stock (so do your research on how good support is for your device), and that phone calls will not work with custom ROMs on any Samsung device. Let me know if you have any questions/concerns.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! What camera app was included?

Swordfishx86 said:
VoIP doesn't work. Normal calls do just fine.
@somatoth You might want to have a look at
OneUI 5.1 for Exynos Galaxy S10 series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sorry. I should have clarified, I meant that VoIP doesn't work, but depending on where you are, it could mean you won't be able to call at all, because many service providers have recently stopped their service with devices that don't have VoIP capability. So here in the U.S. I essentially can't call at all, because no major carriers here work without VoIP. But it all depends on where you are and what carrier you use.
EDIT: Read this thread page for more info on this (many posts talk about VoIP and calling support).

somatoth said:
Thanks! What camera app was included?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lineage OS has probably the best camera support of any custom ROM at the moment, as they just recently released version 20, which featured a brand-new default camera app, Aperature. I have used Aperature before, and compared to alternatives such as Open Camera, It is much better. For example, the camera apps that most custom ROMs ship with, including Lineage OS 19, don't even support all of the cameras, only the main shooter. Also, the overall quality of the photos are better with Aperature. That being said, the camera quality will still not be as good as stock. Currently, if you want to run Lineage OS on your device, there is the official Lineage OS 19 version (based on A12): Lineage OS page, XDA thread; and the unofficial Lineage OS 20 version (based on A13): XDA thread. Let me know if you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them.

Thanks! Do you know by any chance, is there a good Gcam port for Exynos devices? On my Xiaomi phone which I flashed with OctaviOS, there are lots of available but that is a Snapdragon model... And the only thing (besides that I am new to flashing on Samsung) is the camera (which is absolutely fine) and battery performance (which already sucks a bit on the S10e) that keeps me on OneUI.

somatoth said:
Thanks! Do you know by any chance, is there a good Gcam port for Exynos devices? On my Xiaomi phone which I flashed with OctaviOS, there are lots of available but that is a Snapdragon model... And the only thing (besides that I am new to flashing on Samsung) is the camera (which is absolutely fine) and battery performance (which already sucks a bit on the S10e) that keeps me on OneUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the Gcam port look here. Yes, battery performance will definitely be better with a custom ROM. Let me know if you have questions about flashing it, as I have an A52 4G that I flashed Lineage OS to and then re-flashed OneUI to (because of VoIP, otherwise I would stay on Lineage OS 100%).

Thanks. It's sad that this camera isn't as good as the stock one, so I might stay at OneUI as you have flashed back.

somatoth said:
Thanks. It's sad that this camera isn't as good as the stock one, so I might stay at OneUI as you have flashed back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can see a comparison between the stock camera app and Gcam on your device here. The results from Aperature, if you install Lineage OS 20, will be the same or better. Like I said, the only reason I switched back was because where I am, I need VoIP. Otherwise, Lineage OS was much better than the stock OneUI, and I can't wait to go back to Lineage OS again after I get a different phone for calls.