Almost too embarrassed to ask....

[highjakker]

.....but what is the difference between rooted and unrooted and what are the benefits?

 

[greydarrah]

Here's a good explanation:

http://www.androidcentral.com/root

 

[RHChan84]

Root is giving yourself superuser access to your phone. With rooting, you can change ROMs, install apps that need superuser permission like screen shots, free wifi tether, uninstalling bloatware, and overclocking your device. There are others but those are the most common.

 

[RUSH]

Many people are quick to tell you how great it is to root your phone. What about how awesome it would be without added complications. Rooting is what most people consider adding extra features to the phone. Which could be a nice thing if you're the type of person that love to explore your phone capabilities.

As usual there are always "Pros and Cons" to almost everything. Sometimes the "Con outweighs the Pros", and vice versa.

The final decision solely remains on what you're looking to get out of modifying your phone. The posted link above should give you a clearer view on what rooting is.
Note: Rooting also Void the phone warranty.

Good luck on any decision you make. O

 

[xliderider]

Rooting can also be undone before taking the device back for warranty issues.

For me, the number one reason for rooting is to have the ability to make full backups of everything on my device.

 

[DrivetheGreen66]

Rooting can also be undone before taking the device back for warranty issues.

For me, the number one reason for rooting is to have the ability to make full backups of everything on my device.

Agree with this about the full backups.

Another point in my experience is the chance to play and tinker will all the custom roms until you find one that you like and also works well with your phone.

 

[highjakker]

thanks for all the answers. they were very insightful and helped clear alot of questions i had and was slightly embarrassed to ask. hopefully other noobs can read this and get better informed!

 

[MysticMi]

I wondered this myself so thank you for all the information.