In Root, the Answer is!

Overview

It’s no strange things we get most of our features from application programs. Graphic editing, gaming, audio & video playing, theme & wallpaper, the list goes on. But what happens when an app isn’t supported on our Android version, or even some cool feature of such amazing apps?

How do I make my tablet run faster? How do I make my battery last longer? How do I snap photos in portrait (or whatever) mode? How does s/he get to have that layout on his launcher? Can I get that feature too? Arrrgh 😠! Why ain’t this app workin’ on me phone? I seriously can’t install that? The answer is in the root!

We can adjust our devices to utilize hardware in implementing the code that gives those features through a grant of administrative privileges; to ourselves, that is. Sometimes the features are restricted for a reason by OEM (like the feature not even being there at the time of implementation of an Android version, per se, or a limitation of the carrier, the application being potentially dangerous for the API level if activated, there’s some list for all of that, I’m sure), and at other times entirely unsupported by device hardware. But why not give it a try? Just to be sure, at least.

What is the 'Root'?

Root is basically an elevation of access level, meaning a device has root when it can perform operations that require superuser permissions. Wikipedia defines it as

"the process of allowing users of smartphones, tablets and other devices running the Android mobile operating system to attain privileged control (known as root access) over various Android subsystems...”

For being built on the Linux kernel, the Android platform has got much to offer in terms of features and functionality extendibility. And rooting and allows tapping into the powers of the Android framework at very intimate levels for this very purpose and…!

By rooting, a device becomes faster by overclocking its CPU, GPU or both; less slaggy by removing all that pre-installed bloatware the OEM or carrier rammed, which you might never even open, let alone use, during usage; more durable as a result of lesser strain; and your smartphone actually looks smart, for you can replace its OS with a new, upgraded version, or a very customized, highly enhanced often-unofficial OS (custom ROM) with all you could ever ask for on that screen. A device gets to run tasks that are entirely off-limits to a normal user, or would otherwise require manual intervention.

Beware!

Rooting has got laws too, due to these changes being carried out on ‘intellectual property’ and ‘proprietary right’ holders not wanting this or that, manufacturers wanting to reap profits off users, et cetera. This cache of issues is what makes rooting an actually illegal process in different parts of the world, and while manufacturers keep pushing against root with a barricade of OTA updates that restrict known methods from working on some device models, software isn’t always entirely devoid of bugs and these vulnerabilities in the system get constantly exploited as new methods of rooting a device. They aren’t completely wrong too; root could potentially bring harm to the device, or your data. For while you have the ability to do so much, some of device security is also left to your care. Can you be prudent enough to take charge of such responsibility?

There’s a lot of complications to root, and you ought to look at the internet for those before rooting; one such is the inability to get future OTA updates from your manufacturer. Although flexible as things get, you could find a workaround.

Rooting techniques:

There could be none, one or many ways to get a device rooted depending on its model, OS version, chipset, manufacturer compliance and other factors. Common methods include:

Use of Android Debug Bridge "ADB".
Systemless root via execution of scripts like mtk-su
Use apps meant for the job on your phone - CF-Auto-Root, Framaroot, King Root, Kingo Root, Magisk, OneClickRoot, Root Master, Towelroot

Functionality acquired via root

Ability to install different versions of Android OS
App & app data backup
Backing up of different phone partitions - Nandroid
Blocking of ads in apps
Boost in speed
Custom Kernel (arter97 Kernel, blu_spark, ElecraBlue Kernel, ElementalX, Franco Kernel, Optimus Drunk Kernel, Sultan Kernel) & Custom Recovery (CWM, Philz, TWRP) flashing
Custom ROM flashing (read this article)
Faster charging time
More durable battery - longer phone lifespan
More (stronger) features from apps
Task automation (Automate, IFTTT, Tasker)

If you're interested in root, I recommed that you read the articles here and more for compatibility. Finally, the NGNet team does not take responsibility for any damages (such as a bricked device) caused by root attempts arising from use of article hereof.

Further read:

NGNet

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