[Galaxy Tab S General] sithi.w:
Asking opinions on advisability of rooting Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE (Snapdragon)

I believe this is the thread I should post to. Pardon my intrusion if I am wrong.

Hi, I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4, and would like to ask for some info/suggestions regarding the rooting and flashing of TWRP. This device (bought second hand from a trip to Japan) has a model number of SC-03G and uses the Snapdragon 800 Chipset. This SC-03G model is also known as SM T707D; or 'Docomo' (a Japanese mobile phone network operator) Galaxy Tab S 8.4.

FYI: The product info page is at

https://translate.google.com/transl...tilization/product/sc03g/spec.html&edit-text=

Background Info.

First of all, from my information gathering, I understand that:

A) The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 was normally shipped with the bootloader unlocked, except for certain models that the network operators, (e.g. AT&T, Verizon, etc.) that required Samsung to ship the devices with a locked bootloader. For a Docomo Tab S 8.4 (SC-03G), I'm not sure the bootloader was shipped locked or unlocked. But I have found TWRP for the device, and some versions of LineageOS (a few versions of LineageOS 15.1, and a few days ago, even 1 version of LineageOS 16.0, which I believed must stand for Android Pie). All these led me to believe that the SC-03G comes with an unloked bootloader, or there must be a way to unlock the bootloader. Otherwise, who would create such afore-mentioned custom ROMs.

B) At CF-Auto-Root Repository, there lists a CF-Auto-Root file for SC-03G based on the Build ID of MMB29M.SC03GOMU1CQG2 (a Marshmallow 6.0.1 firmware, one version earlier to the latest Build ID).

My device has the latest Build ID of MMB29M.SC03GOMU1CQL1, and if I want a precisely corresponding

CF-Auto-Root file, I can even create it at the new CF-Auto-Root page:

https://desktop.firmware.mobi/. (My build ID is one of the seven Build IDs available to choose for creating CF-Auto-Root files here)

The fact that my device is listed among the supported devices led me to be even more inclined that the risks of my rooting and flashing TWRP should be at least acceptable. (I'm fully aware of Paragraph C) below).

C) At https://desktop.firmware.mobi/device:93/firmware:14590/cfar, it is stated that:

C1) If your bootloader is not unlocked, depending on the device, it may be automatically unlocked (wiping all data), flashing may fail, or the device may brick altogether.

C2) Flashing the full stock firmware resolves most problems. When stuck, consult your device's forum at XDA-Developers.com.

D) What I intend to do.

Based on my experience of rooting and flashing ROMs (Galaxy S3; Galaxy Note 10.1, prior to the 2014 edition; LG G3, after OTA updated from KitKat to Lollipop; Marvell PXA1088-based, MTK-based, and even Intel Atom-based CPUs), and on both the Paragraphs C1 (Even if I have a locked bootloader, flashing may merely fail; or may brick the device. On the other hand, Docomo may not have required Samsung to lock the bootloader) and C2 (Flashing the full stock firmware resolves most problems, which my experience interpretes that these include most cases of bricking) above; I am inclined to conclude that rooting my SC-03G by either:

D1) Flashing CF-Auto-Root via Odin, or

D2) Flashing TWRP via Odin, followed by flashing Magisk via TWRP

has associted acceptable risk. I therefore intend to go ahead with either D1 or D2.

:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:​

Before proceeding with my intension, I however would like to ask for some information / opinion

Question 1. Whether my understanding that my understanding that the associated risk should be acceptable is plausible?

Question 2. Between

Q2a) Rooting via flashing CF-Auto-Root via Odin, then flashing TWRP via Odin (for purposes of ROM backup, data recovery, and flashing custom ROMs), and

Q2b) Rooting via flashing TWRP via Odin, followed by flashing Magisk via TWRP.

which way should be better? (i.e. less risky, more likely to be achieved, more stable results)

Of course. I understand and firmly believe that you must take no responsibility and/or deemed to be blamed for whatever happens to my device based on your information / suggestions given to me.

Remarks:

The tools and procedure I plan to use:

1) TWRP for SC-03G, kindly posted on the Internet by a Japanese developer. (I can't find the TWRP specific to my device from the official 'TWRP.me' page as it lists TWRP for Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE as for the model 'klimtlte'; which ,according to my Internet search, specifies that the 'klimtlte' model uses a Samsung Exonos Chipset.)

2) Odin software to flash the TWRP.

At this moment, I'm inclined to use TWRP and Magisk (There are Magisk modules, and I can also use Exposed modules). But all your kind suggestions are welcome, and be considered.

:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:​

Thanks for your kind answers. :highfive: :highfive: :highfive: