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

  • captobvious on 13/09/2016 - 12:26
    +12

    Anyone is up for a root big or small.

    captobvious on 13/09/2016 - 12:26 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • [Deactivated] on 18/09/2016 - 10:49
      +1

      Quick roots are the best

      • StewBalls on 18/09/2016 - 15:02
        +1

        for the purpose of PokemonGO.

        I don't think OP's doing any rooting…

  • shapers on 13/09/2016 - 12:39
    +3

    i probably charge too much for a root to mention it on ozbargain

    • nxllson on 15/09/2016 - 08:03

      Meanwhile roots are free l0l

      • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2016 - 16:05
        +3

        There are never free roots.

        You pay or you pay either way your screwed.

        • nxllson on 16/09/2016 - 16:21

          There are free root programs out there.

  • ProjectZero on 13/09/2016 - 12:57
    +3

    These so called "dormant" apps were still checking for updates!

    You can probably disable them via the apps setting in your phone, I've disable apps I don't use before and they don't show up or use data, give that a try.

    for the purpose of PokemonGO

    You're gonna wanna keep it unrooted then… Niantic push an update that stops rooted phones to play apparently…

    AFAIK, no mobile comes rooted, you will have to root the phone yourself. You will need to look up guides for that as each phone is different. They're not really that hard since most of it is automated by the tools are out there. Just a warning, Samsung is annoying when it comes to rooted phones, they will no longer provide warranty for a phone that is previously rooted so unless you wanna void the warranty, just don't root them or go for other phones like the nexus series or perhaps Motorola.

    • MasterScythe on 13/09/2016 - 13:38

      Thats OK, so long as root is installed, once my chages are done I can slide the root option back to off.
      I just need it ON to make the changes and install a propper firewall.

      • ProjectZero on 13/09/2016 - 13:59

        With regards to that, Samsung makes changes to their hard (based on what i've read) when you trip their KNOX protection during rooting. This change is supposed to be irreversible as well so I wouldn't recommend rooting Samsung products when you are still in warranty period.

        I've also never unrooted a phone so I am unsure how it works when you said you can just turn it off after you've uninstalled the apps.

        • MasterScythe on 13/09/2016 - 14:01
          +1

          Oh, that I'm quite sure on.
          I'm a network security professional with some software dev experience.

          Basically with a CyanogenMod rom (and countless others) there is a switch in the developer options for ROOT, and you can turn root acess on or off.

          Android is a type of UNIX. Really the only difference, is that while ROOT is on, you're logging in as "ROOT" and your UI is accessing root user stuff.

          Once you switch it off and reboot, you 'log in' as a normal user again. Doesn't undo the changes :)

          Though yes, KNOX is a hardware bit-flip, I have a Galaxy Note4, that's why it's not modified yet; I'll want to re sell it shortly.

        • lonix on 15/09/2016 - 05:43
          +2

          @MasterScythe:

          SuperSU

          Or any root app is more like sudo for mobile

        • jackary on 18/09/2016 - 16:21

          @MasterScythe: This comment is misleading. Try disabling root and using Android Pay, for example. You'll get a root warning.

        • MasterScythe on 19/09/2016 - 09:13

          @jackary:
          IS that because it's checking for installed software? Or is it looking for a certain file signature?
          I've not looked into how Android Pay secures a device\payment.

        • jackary on 19/09/2016 - 10:28

          @MasterScythe: A little of both :) most root checks verify some portion of the system partition. In future with systemless root and/or tools like magisk this may be less of an issue - but it is for now!

      • kywst on 13/09/2016 - 16:46
        -1

        Try King Root. netfilter iptables are already on your phone.

        • scrimshaw on 14/09/2016 - 12:12
          +1

          Kingroot not recommended. Only install if you absolutely cannot install SuperSU and you don't mind having your data sent to a server in China.

          https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/3vmspw/thoughts_re…

        • kywst on 14/09/2016 - 19:48

          @scrimshaw: suppose we just have to wait for an open source root solution as iktnl suggests. Not so sure itknl understands but points for trying. Then again, most didn't know the difference between KingRoot and KingoRoot.

          1) Root device with no sim/wifi
          2) sniff network for connection attempts
          3) iptables -A OUTPUT -d IPADDRESS -j DROP
          4) netfilter saves the day

          Old mate said he was a security professional … surely he is adept to deal with a challenge else join the botnet conspiracy.

        • MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 11:45

          @kywst:

          That's not a bad idea.
          I already have an extensive iptables filter I'd like to add anyway.

          And I have a 'honeypot' haccess point at home that logs EVERYTHING, so i'm even set up for that step.
          Tempting….. tempting……

    • syousef on 16/09/2016 - 14:45
      +1

      LOL. They did that did they? Hahahaha. I'm glad I'm no longer playing. They don't own me or my device. I'll damn well root it if I please.

      • ProjectZero on 16/09/2016 - 15:39

        Apparently there is a way around it but that involves $$$ as well lol.

        • syousef on 16/09/2016 - 16:03

          I'll save my money and my sanity. Haven't and will never spend a cent on that crap.

  • xyron on 13/09/2016 - 13:03
    +5

    no phones come rooted out of the box…the easiest to root would be the nexus series, followed by sony's xperia line.

    • ProjectZero on 13/09/2016 - 14:00

      Not if you have the xperia Z3, then you're screwed… need to jump through quite a few hurdles if you want a usable camera last I checked since I own one lol.

      • MasterScythe on 13/09/2016 - 14:02

        Thats fine, I dont use the camera :)
        …I have a camera for that!

  • bobbified on 13/09/2016 - 13:05

    Try The Daily Planet…

  • alz on 13/09/2016 - 13:19
    +1

    Hey babe, do you root?

    alz on 13/09/2016 - 13:19 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
  • supnigs super skids on 13/09/2016 - 13:23

    Run Kingo root. Works good

  • MasterScythe on 13/09/2016 - 14:55
    +1

    Im thinking I'll grav a OnePlus ONE

    • windwai on 14/09/2016 - 14:27
      +1

      Nexus may still be your best option.
      I am not sure if cyanogen mod support Android N in Snapdragon 800 series as there is no offical support.

      • StrayfireX on 15/09/2016 - 11:34

        Cyanogen should be fine, they have it working on the Nexus 5*.

        *Except it's super buggy, particularly given that Qualcomm hasn't released official Nougat drivers. Most functions don't work yet, but they will probably work eventually, though the ROM itself won't be as stable as say a Marshmallow CM ROM because of the lack of official drivers

  • CyberMurning on 13/09/2016 - 14:57
    -2

    yeah root all the way down

  • MasterScythe on 13/09/2016 - 16:30
    +4

    You know what,
    I'm just going to go off and (profanity) sook about this.
    It's complete and utter bullsh|t.

    Im a grown man almost in damn tears of frustration.

    I spent 6 months looking for a phone. In the end I thought "Man, screw it, I'll buy a flagship model!"
    I don't game, so 'top of the line specs' weren't important. I just wanted good hardware.

    I got the Galaxy Note 4, and it's garbage.
    GPS drops with even the slightest indoor experience and TouchWiz must be the most un-intuitive piece of software I've ever had the displeasure of using; and I used to develop for Symbian!
    GPS is considered a 'required feature' of modern phones, so yes, I can expect it to work.

    So once I ordered this Xiaomi I thought my worries were over.
    The this god damn "Account doesn't match" error comes along, Ive now spent over 16 hours (2 full business days) reflashing, wiping, removing MI accounts, recreating them, and it STILL wont verify the device.

    I now have over $500 worth of GARBAGE. One can't do reliable GPS, and one can't install a trustworthy ROM (ive noticed chinese IPs all over the shop with the stock ROMS).

    I'd just buy a Lumia, since their operating system is at least pleasant to use, but I can't play PoGo on it, and really, that's the only reason I moved from Blackberry.

    I think it's time I realize that phones are just a "toy" these days.
    No one seems to care about making a call on them, or having reliable internal radios; as long as it can facebook people seem to stop caring.

    For now, I've taken my sim card out, and it'll be staying in my pocket. No phone deserves this glorious SIM.
    It's been with me since 2003… never let me down, forever cut smaller and smaller.

    (profanity) our tech market, its bullshit. Non data-assisted GPS' from 2005 is more accurate than a FLAGSHIP phone?! its unacceptable.
    And having to IMPORT phones because we're a pathetic country in the eyes of tech? Yeah, thats embarassing too.

    • supnigs super skids on 13/09/2016 - 16:49
      +9

      FFS.. It's a phone. Run a root tool from the internet if you want it rooted.. Use a real gps if it's really required.. Get on with it, everything shouldn't be thus dramatic.

      • MasterScythe on 13/09/2016 - 18:23

        More so I want an unlocked bootloader, advice?

        • supnigs super skids on 13/09/2016 - 18:44
          +3

          Have you tried google?

        • MasterScythe on 14/09/2016 - 08:33

          @supnigs: Yes.
          Any other advice?

          I also tried using my GPS.
          I have a bluetooth GPS which was FLAWLESS on the Blackberry.
          It doesn't seem Android supports bluetooth GPS?
          So yes, I tried a "real GPS" also.

        • supnigs super skids on 14/09/2016 - 11:16
          +1

          @MasterScythe:

          I used Kingo or king root. Then from play store tcwm or something loader. Then flash any custom firmware.

          Or root and install purify and then remove bloat from Samsung. Prefer to been Samsung build for note because of spen support

          I don't know about Bluetooth gps. But buy a offline gps. They were like $50. Don't use the phone as one. I admit note 3 I had was crap as gps.

        • Draxxx on 17/09/2016 - 10:06

          Root your Note4. (profanity) Knox. Who cares are you going to be returning it to Samsung? Unlikely. So just do it. Fix your radios, install Cyanogen, and relax.

        • educalifa on 17/09/2016 - 19:48

          @MasterScythe:

          Android does support bluetooth GPS but I think it's up to the app developer to allow it or not… I use racechrono, an app that is basically a GPS laptimer you can run on your phone (I race bikes) and it has an option to choose what gps you want to use, internal or bluetooth. I obviously use bluettoth as the the frequency of the internal gps is pathetic and it becomes ridiculously unreliable at speed.

    • Nutrino on 13/09/2016 - 17:11

      You mad bro?

      • MasterScythe on 13/09/2016 - 18:22

        Incredibly! I purchased two different flagship devices, from two different companies, and they both have major problems.

        While one was cheap, the other was over $1000 when new. This shouldn't be a thing.

        • Godric on 16/09/2016 - 18:25

          Lob us your note 4 I'll gladly use it

    • bchliu on 15/09/2016 - 00:59
      +1

      LOL.. GPS drops when you're indoors.. Good luck finding something that doesnt unless you live in a glass house.

      • MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 09:17
        +2

        Inside a large westfield shopping centre, under a bloody ton of brick;
        Blackberry doesnt drop GPS signal.
        iPhone doesnt drop GPS signal.
        $40 ZTE Android 'throw away' Doesn't drop GPS signal.

        Thanks for the luck, but I've already found a bunch of them. Just expected a flagship to be able to match the $40 coles phone.

        • bchliu on 15/09/2016 - 09:28
          +1

          OMG.. you seriously are deluded and show no understanding of difference in GPS, AGPS and other location methods. LOL..

    • airzone on 15/09/2016 - 01:17
      +3

      For someone who spent 6 months looking for a phone, I'm surprised you didn't already know this… 2 minutes in xda-develoeprs would likely have shown.

    • ozeebee on 15/09/2016 - 19:11

      My Wileyfox Swift 4G comes with Cyanogenmod out of the box. Not sure if it can be delivered to Aus.

    • Extide on 15/09/2016 - 22:47
      +1

      I recently bought the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 a couple of weeks back and was in the exact same position as you are right now: Got the SMS saying that I was allowed to unlock the bootloader, then proceeded to get the "Couldn't verify device" error every time I tried. So then began trying to flash every rom Xiaomi had on their website trying to get it to work, before finding out from one of the forums that even though I had received permission from Xiaomi, I STILL had to wait a few more days before I could actually unlock the bootloader. So for the next 4-5 days, as soon as I'd get home from work, I'd run the Unlock tool until it finally decided to unlock for me - had CM13 installed not long after.

      • morgs640 on 16/09/2016 - 02:35
        +1

        You can unlock without Xiaomis permission details on miui forums

    • greatlamp on 16/09/2016 - 06:58

      There is a difference between not having root, and an unlocked bootloader. A locked bootloader will prevent you from replacing the operating system on your phone.

      Root just allows root functions on your existing operating system.

      As far as I know most samsung phones do NOT have a locked bootloader. (exception the s7 &s7 edge USA model) . Xiaomi does.

      Follow these instructions and install TWRP on your note

      http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/development/twrp-2-8-…

      This will allow you to download and install roms and flash them on your phone.

      Look on xda forums and download the most popular roms for your note 4. If the gps issue is a software problem, someone has already solved the issue probably.

      I recommend using roms based on the original samsung software , not ASOP or 'pure android' as there are usually bugs which come up

      Edit: if you really just want root apparently the chainfire autoroot support note 4 http://www.theandroidsoul.com/root-galaxy-note-4-sm-n910f-us…

    • KLoNe on 16/09/2016 - 17:47

      Samsung? Serves you right. TouchWiz is literal garbage.

    • competecarrot on 17/09/2016 - 10:53

      Should have bought a Nexus

    • antler on 17/09/2016 - 12:41

      And this is the reason I switched from Android to iOS. At the end of the day, the time wasted is not worth it.

    • veej on 18/09/2016 - 14:11
      -1

      Complains about phones being toys while looking for a phone to play Pokemon Go on.

      Seriously?

      On top of this you also complain about not really having data but keep buying smart phones which are known for chewing data.
      If you don't want random data usage buy a brick.

      I'm starting to wonder if you are really in the profession you claim to be in since you seem to be for lack of a better term, dense.

    • outlander on 20/09/2016 - 16:37
      +1

      I understand the frustration. It's like every piece of tech you buy has something wrong with it these days. Seems like before you buying anything now, you have to google a million search terms.
      "Galaxy note 4 gps problem?"
      "galaxy note 4 battery problem?"
      "galaxy note 4 call dropping problem"

      Shits unbelievable. Most of it comes down to saving maybe $20 on components.

    • Speckled Jim on 20/09/2016 - 17:55

      And having to IMPORT phones because we're a pathetic country in the eyes of tech?

      What are you prepared to pay for a locally assembled phone? 50% more? Because that will still require tax breaks, subsidies and other Government leg-ups just to establish.
      Endlessly waiting for both houses to pass legislation to enable it (our pollies poisoning the well of good-will by pissing in it, as usual) and nobody will touch it.

      Yeah, thats embarassing too.

      Exactly. We're a friggin joke.

  • spackbace on 13/09/2016 - 20:21

    You sure you're a grown man? I mean, so much whinging, Pokemon Go, etc…

    Makes me wonder

    • MasterScythe on 14/09/2016 - 08:34
      +6

      Well, I suppose 30 is still young.
      Fine, I'm a "Young Adult". Still got a few years of growing yet.
      Everyone's entitled to a whinge.
      Do you think my points are invalid?
      Should a $1000+ phone not have OK GPS?
      Should an unlock service provided by the company not work?
      Should someone with a family not be allowed to enjoy Video Games anymore?

      • bchliu on 15/09/2016 - 01:10
        -2

        I question whether you understand how GPS works.
        or even understanding PokeGo's GPS algorithms are a load of shit.
        or necessity of why root access isnt built into phones by default.

        World doesnt revolve around you only to satisfy everything you need. You might need to get over yourself and learn to accept that. Hence why almost everyone here thinks you're a kid.

        • MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 09:13
          -3

          Sorry but that's utter bullshit mate.

          That sort of social justice warrior attitude doesn't hold any power when you're talking about an issue that affects only the single user.

          This is MY phone, therefore I am GOD, I am the ONLY person MY phone needs to please.

          Are you trying to defend my poor technology against myself? boo hoo, poor phone.
          No one is forcing this on other people, I'm asking for a freedom of choice, not a change in defaults.

          If you're the type who says "My technology shouldn't please me" then by all means, continue to fight for the majority and attack the little man who wants a tailored experience.

          I however come from an Open Source background, where technology is meant to be a tool you use, not a tool you simply 'put up with because its not right'. If its not right, you re code it.

          If you don't see, how irreversibly locking a bootloader on a piece of technology that you personally paid for is wrong, then you're certainly not of an open source mindset.

          In addition, it's a very 'sneaky' way to lock down an Operating System that IS meant to be open.

          If I buy something, I should be able to use it how I want, otherwise its akin to renting.

          Which part of the GPS do you need me to 'prove' to you?
          It's a satellite based 2 dimensional triangulating system, with a Z axis provided by a Barometer (if available), its not hard to understand how a GPS works.

          PoGo doesn't have any special tricks to its GPS, it relies on GPS data provided by the hardware. It can apply smoothing or averaging, but it can't change how the hardware sees the triangulated signal.

          Would you care to please explain how PoGo's algorithms are a load of shit?

          But the biggest, most important part of your post:
          Can you please explain to me why its a NECESSITY that phones dont offer the option to toggle ROOT by default, I somply must know why you feel this is a necessity; that's a very strong sentence

        • bchliu on 15/09/2016 - 09:26

          @MasterScythe: haha.. Narcissistic arent you?
          As many many people have already told you on this forum it is extra levels of security to help stop basic malware from taking over your device. This is regardless if you grabbed the APK from Google Play or from a warez site. It is a recommended security standard for all operating systems for at least 15 years now (before you were born) that root/admin access is requested, not freely given to anyone anywhere.
          Root access can severely brick your phone if you are not sure of what you are doing (eg. deleting the bootstrap). It is in the best interest of companies and warranties to have these files protected away from users in order to minimise the amount of incidents that it may cause. Not to mention that 99% of the population can do 99.99% of their tasks through the standard access levels as opposed to giving "God" access that introduces risk on behalf of both the manufacturer and a layman customer/user.

          Furthermore, have you not realised that GPS signals do not go through anything more than 30cm of solid non-transparent matter? If you are in a building, GPS will NOT work properly and the Assisted component of the GPS needs to kick in to accommodate by using approximations from WIFI or Cellular triangulations. That is why unless you want to change to a glass house, then dont bother with GPS working "well" indoors. The best GPS manufacturers in the world will tell you exactly the same thing.

        • MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 09:55

          @bchliu:
          Narcissistic? How so?
          Narcissism basically requires there to be other people in the world.
          Between ME and MY phone, there are a total of 0 other people.
          It's not really possible to be a narcissist on the equivalent of a deserted island.

          Basic levels of security? Can you give another example?
          While It's true that operating systems by default run at a user level, I can't think of another that disallows the OPTION to be an administrator, for administrator tasks. (possibly iOS?)

          Windows allows the option to run as Administrator, or even grant Administrator rights TO user accounts.
          Unix\Linux has always had the option of allowing a super user.
          MacOS allows super user access also.
          Symbian by default has you as a Root User.
          MeeGo prompts for 'admin tasks' but allows.
          WindowsPhone8\10 allows admin login (requires some tricks, but they don't explicitly block it)
          Blackberry allows Admin commands via command line.

          I'm at a loss, can you give me one example please where I have to request a hardware company to provide Root\Admin, as opposed to simply prompting me, the user\owner of the product?

          Can you explain why you feel this is "a necessity"?

          I repeat from a above:
          Would you care to please explain how PoGo's algorithms are a load of shit?

          I don't know how you feel time works; can you explain how 15 years ago is before the birth of me?
          I don't understand how time works in your mind.

          Now, I'll happily concede that using the term "GPS" was incorrect of me.
          I was using the term to refer to the function of the phone\device, more so than the triangulating technology.
          I should have said "GPS functionality" to indicate I didn't care HOW it did it, just that it located me (at all).
          You're right, GPS wont work within a building.
          A-GPS, and Celular Triangulating should however; and does not.

          Now, are we going to have a discussion or are you going to try and 'belittle' the opponent from lack of a decent rebuttal?

        • fruit on 15/09/2016 - 13:02

          PokeGo's GPS algorithms

          The phone's GPS chip does all the stuff not Pokemon Go.

        • fruit on 15/09/2016 - 13:03

          @bchliu:

          Root access can severely brick your phone

          Or just a have protected recovery mode, but still allow root.

        • bchliu on 15/09/2016 - 13:04
          +1

          @MasterScythe: Narcissistic when everything in this world apparently revolves around you.. Despite your opinions and matters arent exactly relevant to the larger majority of the populace. By your writing style that "Its MY phone, its MY opinion, its MY blah blah" whilst realistically not caring about the real reasons that can often protect other people.

          Your examples are given to Computer Operating systems that are purchasable over the counter, comes with an install media onto a blank machine if required. This is very different to phone where people do not install it themselves and is seen more as a "Black box" device where certain things are not meant to be touched for 99% of the every day Joe population. Granted, the line is getting more blurry by the generation and that upgrades need to happen on both desktop OS'es as well as Mobile OS'es. But the usage of these are still widely different that you do not carry your computer with you all the time to make emergency calls from as an example. That is why it is more important to lock down mobile operating systems than a desktop, where you can easily reinstall it back on whenever something goes wrong.

          Belittling? I dont consider it. Just speaking to a kid in the same way adults do to make you realise the world does not revolve around you and that phone makers do not make phones especially to fit your requirements only. They have a business to run, customers to service and their shareholder's interests to protect from risks. Its called proper business responsibility and ethics. Thats why Apple does everything they can to patch their IOS to stop jailbreaking (that takes advantage of vulnerabilities) and why a number of the Android manufacturers lock down the boot loaders to stop at least the essential components from being wiped or misused.

          If you still cannot understand this, then I suggest you do some courses on management before you write any more.

        • bchliu on 15/09/2016 - 13:07

          @fruit: Nope. There are algorithms to try and stablise and average out discrepancies in GPS signals between misaligned satellite locks. This is required by the game to move the character if (A)GPS signal was not fully detected within a given time and range. You can check this by comparing Maps to PokeGo and you'll see the locations may be slightly different and how it updates the map will be dependent on this.

        • bchliu on 15/09/2016 - 13:08

          @fruit: Does your Grandma know how to install this on her smartphone? not for 99% of the population in any respect..

        • fruit on 15/09/2016 - 13:09

          @bchliu: iPhones provide this…

        • MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 14:45
          +1

          @bchliu:

          Are you thick?

          "Narcissistic when everything in this world apparently revolves around you.. Despite your opinions and matters arent exactly relevant to the larger majority of the populace. By your writing style that "Its MY phone, its MY opinion, its MY blah blah" whilst realistically not caring about the real reasons that can often protect other people."

          What? In the world? Gee, large brush much?
          I don't think my one little phone constitutes THE WORLD mate, but that's your call I guess….

          WHY do you need to protect OTHER people from MY phone?
          You're not making any sense.

          If you were arguing that ROOT User shouldn't be the default log-in, because users who just 'buy and use it' might damage it, I'd agree, 110%!
          But you're not.

          Your arguing that we shouldn't be able to have a device tailored to our needs.

          Your examples are given to Computer Operating systems

          Windows Phone, Ubuntu Phone, Symbian, MeeGo and Blackberry are PC OS's?!?
          What the hell PC's are you using?!?
          You're either very selective in your reading, or scared to approach this logically now that you've dug such a deep hole.

          While Windows Phone is a full Windows 10 kernel, and Ubuntu phone is also a full kernel; Symbian, Meego and BB are not. They're dedicated mobile OS's that are ROOT login by default.

          This is very different to phone where people do not install it themselves and is seen more as a "Black box" device where certain things are not meant to be touched for 99% of the every day Joe population.

          Calling you out on this one.
          Ignoring the fact that most PC buyers buy their machine pre-configured…

          Everyone with a slightly old Samsung has installed their own OS. Marshmallow. Often OTA, too.

          Sure, its simple, and much a '1 Click affair' but so is installing Windows 10 these days.
          No dice on that one sorry.

          As for BLACK BOX device; once again, are you nuts?!

          Windows Phone and Blackberry can do 'office tasks', PDF, picture\video editing, Facebook & twitter without any additional apps, sure, but without 'custom apps' iphones and even Android are basically useless. (outside of a phone call\sms, granted)

          An EFTPOS machine is a black box device, a NFC reader, is a black box device, a Calculator is a black box device.

          How you link ANY modern mobile phone to being seen as a 'black box device' is beyond me.
          What industry have you seen them used this way?

          But the usage of these are still widely different that you do not carry your computer with you all the time

          Your assertion that people don't carry their PC with them everywhere in the age of smartphones is also laughable.
          I genuinely know, personally, 3 people who don't own a PC.
          They do everything from word edit, accounting, to internet, to music, to video stream, from their 'phone'. Really, "PDA" is the more appropriate term, and I'd call a PDA a computer ANY day.

          Technological similarities (CPU, ram, etc) ignored, the line between computers and phones stopped a long time ago.

          How many times a day would an End User ask you to install a mail client, an office suite, a video player, a PDF viewer, and god knows what else on their phone?
          In my Industry, its daily.
          And these are normal every day folks; the type who would call an 'Android Phone' a " Samsung phone" regardless of brand.

          Do you not find this? What industry are you finding this is different in?

          Belittling? I dont consider it. Just speaking to a kid in the same way adults do to make you realise the world does not revolve around you and that phone makers do not make phones especially to fit your requirements only.

          You once AGAIN, fall back to name calling. Rather embarrassing Ben.
          Look, lets make a deal eh? Next time I'd down in Sydney, I'll come and shake your hand and you can apologize for the incorrect assertion, OK?

          As for the next part, make phones especially to fit your requirements only., that's once again a long draw of the bow buddy.

          You're asserting that allowing a single user to access root, even if complicated to do so (such as Sony's way), is modifying it for my requirements only?

          Once again a desperate 'blame game' approach, suggesting that having the OPTION would somehow ruin it for everyone else?

          Grasping at straws, mate.

          They have a business to run, customers to service and their shareholder's interests to protect from risks. Its called proper business responsibility and ethics.

          So, Sony, a very big player, who offers a variety of Unlocking options, lack all the above?
          Care to explain how?

          Normally there is just a very specific 'we wont provide support' clause, which si completely acceptable, and away you go.

          Please, share with me the practices that are so wrong, I'm genuinely interested.

          If you still cannot understand this, then I suggest you do some courses on management before you write any more.

          Despite being a manager; Bluntly, No. You're wrong.
          And I'm not basing that on my opinion either.

          Consider the companies who offer unlocking, the likes of Sony, Huawei, Xaiomi (if it was working), LG, and no doubt others…
          Oh, GOOGLE, for CHOOSING to use an OPEN SOURCE operating system; thats another one!

          I think they, combined, know a little bit more about business management than either of us, wouldn't you?

        • MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 14:48

          @fruit:
          He's dug too deep of a hole now.
          Even with a big player like Apple having a better solution (recovery partition), he's going to 'know better'… you just watch eyeroll

      • overlord on 16/09/2016 - 14:09

        BS. This is like getting a new smart LED TV and complaining about analogue signal reception is same/worst than your 20 years old CRT TV.

        • MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 14:20

          How so?

        • overlord on 16/09/2016 - 14:52

          @MasterScythe: GPS on SS N4 must be better than the other phones that you listed. The chipset in SS N4 has better GPS sensitivity due to better clock management and thermal tracking/compensating. If you still can receive good GPS signal under "tons of brick" please report that to ACA.

        • MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 15:00
          +1

          @overlord: Yes, exactly.
          While the word 'must' implies some form of absolute requirement, as a consumer, I do expect my $1000+ phone to be better than my $49 one. Ya-huh.

          If you still can receive good GPS signal under "tons of brick" please report that to ACA.

          Well, with some devices I can (the functionality, not pure satelite tracking).

          ACA tend to want failure stories, not success ones :P They ain't gon' give two shits about finding a $49 phone with a great GPS, lol.

          What I'm implying is that new technology, should be better than old.
          Yes my new TV should get better reception than my old TV, assuming an advancement in that technology.
          If it's going backwards, don't put the new chip in, use the old functionally better one.

        • overlord on 16/09/2016 - 16:01

          @MasterScythe: I see your points. But sometimes "do not work at all" is better than "partially working" especially for GPS application, indication of no GPS signals is better than giving wrong location/direction guidance.

  • flickr on 14/09/2016 - 09:15

    If you are previous Blackberry user, why don't you try to use iPhone? It is stable (since they limit what you can do with your phone). It definitely support Pokemon Go. GPS never fail me. Smaller compared to Galaxy devices, so one handed operation is possible. Generally, I think we can trust Apple more compared to Google since they do not make money by collecting user data (personal opinion).

    • MasterScythe on 14/09/2016 - 09:38

      Thanks for that;
      You know I've actually considered that.

      There are two problems.
      I'm not rich, so the price is restrictive. I'd have to forgo about 6 months worth of 'activities' to get a modern one.

      Also, since I dont really have a data allowance on my plan, I understand a lot of features are limited without an apple ID; where as on android, I just click my APK, it installs, I continue with life.

      Though if they become competitive with price, I'd totally give then a long hard look at.

      • flickr on 14/09/2016 - 09:45

        iPhone SE is cheaper than a note 4 from my quick search here. It is correct that you are limited without an apple ID, but then again, you won't be able to play Pokemon Go without good data allowance in either Android or Apple devices. Lots of sim card deal in OzB offering good data, so you might just grab one of that and live a happy live.

        • MasterScythe on 14/09/2016 - 09:59

          I do technically get some data.
          I get 2GB a month, but it's used almost exactly each month from remote desktop and PUTTY into my servers.
          So I can have some data, but anything more than say, 200MB a month unaccounted for would mean going over quota.
          The blackberry was good, it stayed offline until I opened an online tool.

          Have apple provided a way to increase storage on those yet? I carry a few disk images for servers in case of hardware failures, and they're about 11GB each. Im using a 256GB microSD at the moment?
          I just don't want to carry extra things.
          I'm quite good at SMD soldering, so if its a hardware hack to add it, I can do that.

        • flickr on 14/09/2016 - 11:59

          @MasterScythe: In my case, I always need to carry key to my office, so I have Samsung Bar USB drive and attached it to my key. It is inexpensive, very slim, sturdy, has USB 3 with good read/write speed. This will decrease the time you spent backing up the server compared to storing data on your phone. Also, if you use your data mainly for remote desktop to your server for work purposes, you can search for SIM card with bigger data allowance and claim it on your tax return.

        • airzone on 15/09/2016 - 01:29

          @MasterScythe: I hope those disk images you're carrying around are encrypted.

        • MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 08:55

          @airzone: Heh, nope.
          If someone wants a blank windows server install so badly, they can have it.

          The VPN and various licensing lives in my head, so really all they'd get is a service-configured server with roles predefined. Meh.

          Problem with carrying a USB stick means I need a PC to do any work. Where as I can FTP a disk image from my phone to the deployment server from any wifi spot with it on a phone. Just handy.

      • jimdim on 16/09/2016 - 11:40

        No data allowance, yet you intend to play pokemon go?

        • MasterScythe on 16/09/2016 - 11:43

          Mobile hotspot ftw.
          I just don't take it with me unless I'm planning to play.

          Main internet at home is OVO 4G.

          $50 for 50GB a month.

    • bchliu on 15/09/2016 - 01:11

      LOL.. the iPhone is even further away to his requirements than Android is. Considering the hoops required to Jailbreak (root) his phone every time a patch comes out.

  • Speckled Jim on 14/09/2016 - 10:58

    Look into a Huawei. Rooted/CyanogenMod very easily back in the day. Total control!

    • scrimshaw on 14/09/2016 - 12:14
      +3

      Back in the day, yeah, there were using Snapdragon processors, now they run HiSilicon Kirin which is their home-baked processor and they are not that keen on letting people modify their kernels.

      Up till now still no news of CM support for Huawei P9 or P9 lite for example.

      • Speckled Jim on 15/09/2016 - 11:58

        Gee that's disappointing. Glad I accidentally dodged that bullet when considering two handsets recently.

        My other half snagged a new cheapie from a recent deal here (Alcatel this time). I honestly haven't looked into rooting it as she doesn't do much with it.
        But 6.0.1 is annoying as hell in some respects, so…

  • moar bargains on 14/09/2016 - 15:10

    So what are you after for a phone? GPS working well, ability to root (or remove bloatware?), and ability to play PoGo? And ability to control data usage?

    You could look at a Moto G3/G4? I have the G3, and while I haven't tried to root it, it comes with very little bloatware as is, and there appear to be plenty of guides on Google to root.
    I turn my data on and off easily, so it only uses it when I want, or you can restrict data usage by app.
    GPS seems to work fine for me (usual problems if you're buried in concrete, but otherwise usually quick and responsive). 2gb ram so it can play PoGo.
    Only consideration is that Android 6.0 encrypts your SD card for exclusive use in the device, so you may need to carry your server images elsewhere.

    And it's heaps cheaper than flagships.

    • moar bargains on 14/09/2016 - 16:09

      Also, my phone auto connects when there's an incoming MMS, so I don't have to bother turning on my data for it.

      • MasterScythe on 14/09/2016 - 16:28
        -1

        Wow, that's a neat feature. the Note4 that I currently carry does not.
        It just shows a "download" button, and if you click it, nothing happens until you turn data services back on.

        That said, I prefer the way it works on my end.
        If I turn data off, I expect it to STAY off, NO EXCEPTIONS.

        What am I looking for?
        Well I'm an IT professional of 14 years, so I'm looking for a phone that doesn't pretend I'm a child.

        I want to be the admin of my phone, remove apps configure as I see fit.
        I want to be able to use a decent number of programs. (there's a reason I dont daily drive Linux at home, despite being efficient).
        I want it to be completely trustworthy (I've seen IP logs on my firewall going to odd places with no apps running; most are samsung servers…. though this will come with ROOT access and the ability to edit iptables)

        I want to be able to modify it on a low end level (nothing more than what cyanogen offers though; voltages\overclock, root on\off, modify the status bar).

        and considering the same HARDWARE can be had for sub $300, I wont want to pay a premium to a company for the benefit of using something that shouldn't have been locked in the first place.

        The only exception was BBOS10, which was so configurable and just "did EVERYTHING" out of the box, that I never even added one app.

        • moar bargains on 14/09/2016 - 18:14

          Fair enough. Sounds like Android is going to be your best bet, just a matter of finding one that suits.

          I'd definately suggest you have a look at the Moto g3 (AKA Moto G 2015). Can be had for less than $300 and can install CM apparently.

        • MasterScythe on 15/09/2016 - 09:20

          @therog1:

          I will look into that now, thanks for the suggestion :)

  • Slippery Fish on 14/09/2016 - 16:31

    If no1 else will say it… Tiger Woods offers root.

    • Serapis on 15/09/2016 - 00:42

      Backdoor root… then Jail break after

  • OptimisticPessimist on 14/09/2016 - 23:53
    +1

    As mentioned by ProjectZero, windwai and xyron; perhaps take a look at the Nexus range of devices.
    The Nexus 6P doesn't have the latest hardware, but it's still a very capable device, with extensive support over on XDA.

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