First smartphone coming soon... need some advice!

[Schwartzwold]

Hello!

I have purchased my first smartphone recently, a Nexus 5 and it will be arriving tomorrow. I need some advice and clarifications on a few topics if anyone could be so generous as to answer them for me.

Forgive me if these questions seem a bit silly or "Gosh, everyone knows that!" but I am completely new to mobile OS's and software.

Well, first should I unlock the bootloader and root the device immediately? I don't plan to flash any custom ROMs right away, I would first like to get used to stock Android before trying out different ROMs.

Upon some research I've done, it seems rooting the device right away will allow me much more control over settings, as well as, access to certain apps that require root access. So, I assume I should probably do this right away before I load any information or data onto the phone?

Regarding the bootloader, if I don't plan to flash any custom ROMs anytime soon should I bother doing this? I'm concerned about security risks from leaving it unlocked.

Moving on, can I replace that Google Hangouts feature with another messaging app? I would like my messaging software to be completely independent of any tie-ins with Google+.

Finally, is there any just general advice you can give someone like me who has used a basic cell phone (makes calls, receives texts) his whole life and never used a smartphone? Are there any apps in particular that are widely regarded as essential? I don't know if stock Android lets you create an OS image for backup but that's an example of something I consider essential.

Well, thanks for reading my post and any advice or feedback you provide I greatly appreciate.

Minor Note: I bought a Nexus 5 largely for it's price and stock Android. I'm going to combine it with the 5gigs of data at HSPA+ 42 or LTE speeds, unlimited text, and 100 minutes of talk a month T-Mobile plan for $30/month. I'm a pretty cheap guy huh?

 

[s44]

Unlock the BL. Don't root. You can't unlock/relock without wiping the device, so do it first.

Yes, you can replace any stock app with any other app.

Get a better calendar app (stock still sucks) and a calendar widget. And Tapatalk for reading AT.

You don't really need backup images, but if you want you can start by flashing TWRP either through fastboot or after rooting and using the GooManager app.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Finally, is there any just general advice you can give someone like me who has used a basic cell phone (makes calls, receives texts) his whole life and never used a smartphone?

Stay away from Candy Crush lol.

 

[Tom]

Yes, the very first thing you should do is possibly void your warranty for no reason..

Just use it the way it comes. If for some reason you have to unlock the bootloader someday its not a tragedy if you "wipe" an Android phone. Most stuff is backed up to your Google account anyway. And apps you buy from the Play store are always there, you don't have to buy them again.

I'm sure there's other reasons but the main reasons I know of why people root is because the provider of their phone, Verizon, Sprint, etc; is slow to get the latest Android version, or load the phone up with unwanted apps.

Neither of those applies to your Nexus 5.

As far as what it can do for you, it can be a pretty good personal assistant. A great way to locate places. A decent camera. A great handheld gaming system. A level. A flashlight. A translator. a Zillion things.

 

[s44]

void your warranty

l2Nexus

 

[poofyhairguy]

I'm sure there's other reasons but the main reasons I know of why people root is because the provider of their phone, Verizon, Sprint, etc; is slow to get the latest Android version, or load the phone up with unwanted apps.

The top 10 reasons I root my phone/tablet the first day I have it:

1. Ad blocking with adaway
2. Titanum Backup to backup my apps
3. Give Tasker the power it needs to be really awesome
4. Connect my Six Axis controller via bluetooth
5. Greenify and max my battery life
6. WiFinspect rocks
7. Install StickMount to manage my OTG connected drives
8. Use Foldermount to move large folders (game textures, my download folder, etc) to the SD card
9. Enable Wireless ADB in case I break it
10. FauxSound if the kernel support it

 

[Schwartzwold]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I really appreciate the feedback.

Yes, the very first thing you should do is possibly void your warranty for no reason..

I was not aware that doing either unlocking the bootloader or rooting the phone would void the warranty. If so, I'll strongly take that into consideration as a con.

I want to be clear though that I would not root the phone for no reason whatsoever. I was under the impression that a lot of useful functionality was blocked until administrative privilege was gained.

However, if there really is no sensible gain from doing either of these tasks I will certainly heed your advice and leave the phone the way it is!

 

[nOOky]

Yea, I'd say tweak the phone as stock and see how it works out for you. Look for apps and have fun with it. It's not like the phone comes with a ton of bloatware the way you'll get it.

Rooting it can void the warranty, but if it's your first smart phone don't expect it to make it into some magical device, it's actually pretty useful just the way it comes.

Have fun with it.

 

[Schwartzwold]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I've decided to just leave the phone the way it is for awhile to get used to the Android OS. My only regret is that I wish it came with support for a microSD card and a removable battery.

Thanks all!

 

[zerogear]

Recommendations for Nexus 5 -- Get a backup battery -- or a battery case.

 

[s44]

I was not aware that doing either unlocking the bootloader or rooting the phone would void the warranty.

It won't. It's a Nexus.

 

[zerogear]

Technically anything like unlocking boot loader doesn't void warranty -- It's what you DO with the bootloader that *may* void the warranty. For example, if you unlock the bootloader (On HTC, for example if you unlock the phone and it's the hardware that is broken, it's still under warranty.), however if the phone is broken as a result of the unlocked bootloader (let's say you flash the wrong kernel for the phone, and it's bricked, the warranty is void.)

 

[Tom]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I really appreciate the feedback.



I was not aware that doing either unlocking the bootloader or rooting the phone would void the warranty. If so, I'll strongly take that into consideration as a con.

I want to be clear though that I would not root the phone for no reason whatsoever. I was under the impression that a lot of useful functionality was blocked until administrative privilege was gained.

However, if there really is no sensible gain from doing either of these tasks I will certainly heed your advice and leave the phone the way it is!

Note that I didn't say it would void your warranty, I said possibly. You can always ask Google for clarification.

Here's reality as I believe it. It does void your warranty. So hackers make it possible to undo the hacks, so a user can be a liar and tell Google the phone's never been messed with.

That's part of the deal of hacking. If you hack and your an honest person, you accept that you voided your warranty. If you're word isn't worth much to you, you can lie about it when you need the warranty.

You can weigh whether the hacking is worth the cost of the phone, or its worth the cost of a little bit of character.

 

[mnewsham]

Note that I didn't say it would void your warranty, I said possibly. You can always ask Google for clarification.

Here's reality as I believe it. It does void your warranty. So hackers make it possible to undo the hacks, so a user can be a liar and tell Google the phone's never been messed with.

That's part of the deal of hacking. If you hack and your an honest person, you accept that you voided your warranty. If you're word isn't worth much to you, you can lie about it when you need the warranty.

You can weigh whether the hacking is worth the cost of the phone, or its worth the cost of a little bit of character.

Unlocking the bootloader is really the only thing that might void the warranty, but relocking the bootloader is pretty easy (as is unlocking it).


That said, in order to root or install custom ROMs you need to unlock the bootloader.

 

[Capt Caveman]

If it's your first smart phone, just use it as is and go from there.

And I also recommend getting a battery pack charger. Wish I got one sooner.