Lame question about rooting

[emoeskaite]

Hey,
I always went with Google branded phones so far for a simple reason - they get an update asap.

Therefore I'm not very knowledgable about rooting phones because I never really needed it.

Can somebody tell me what rooting really is; is it gonna allow me to install the newest version of clear Android, meaning 4.1.2 with no carrier loaded crapware, etc ?

Also how difficult is it to root a phone and how risky is it to brick it?

I'm asking cuz I'm thinking of buying this phone if new Nexus doesn't appear at VZW....

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Android Central Forums

 

[Paul627g]

Unlocking and rooting your SGSIII isn't has tough as you would think. Sure its not as simple as a Nexus device but its very doable for most.

First we have a great guide here.

http://forums.androidcentral.com/ve...ck-bootloader-verizon-galaxy-s3-sch-i535.html

Second after reading thru, asking questions if need be you should be good to go from that thread.

Rooting in short after unlocking the bootloader will allow you access to areas of the device that the manufacture & carrier feel you shouldn't have access to. Basically "system" level access. The operating system, all its files like your ring tones, wallpapers, sounds, stock applications & the dreaded bloatware can all be changed or removed once this is applied. Plus you will also have options like a true full system backup or individual application backup PLUS associated user data/setting with these apps which you can't do on a stock/unrooted device. This is handy if your a Angry Birds or Temple Run player and don't want to loose all that hard earned levels/achievements for example.

Bricks, they aren't very common IF you follow the guides provided and ALWAYS ask questions if your unsure. That is the part we can't stress enough is if in doubt, stop and ask.. Don't just move forward thinking ahhh if something screws up I'll just figure it out then.... It could be too late at that point..

Latest version of Android, sure.. The US carriers may say its going to be weeks to months before the SGS III receives the official Jelly Bean 4.1.x update but the rooted community has already been running it for quite some time and the custom ROMs keep improving and becoming more stable and bug free by the day. Also once you do root, don't worry about missing out on those OTA updates. Usually within hours to a few days your favorite ROM developer will have the OTA update goodies baked into their ROMs for you to enjoy.

Hope this helps answer some questions you had. Good luck and enjoy!