[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jitz:
[DISCUSSION] Root safety, phone migration solutions & alternatives to Titanium Backup

So, I've finally received a shiny and new S8 (Exynos).

And quickly enough, I searched XDA & Google to see if there's a stable root solution.

The main reasons I'd like root (& TWRP recovery) for are:

Topmost priority: to properly migrate my apps & data from my current phone (S6) using Titanium backup, so I can start using the new one as my main device.

Giving me the option to choose a custom ROM, when/if I'll find the right one for me.

You can never know when you'll need an app that requires root access.

Having the option to always have a full image backup of the entire device (TWRP).

Debloating the device by freezing/removing unwanted apps (freezing them with Titanium Backup)

I remember that I had to root my device in order to record phone calls (which is very important for me) - I'm not even sure what its like with the S8, but this could also be a reason to root.

After reading, and watching several videos, I understand that there are quite a few things to be worried about:

The chance of bricking your device, as the current rooting solution is immature (Is it? this one scares me the most)

Losing secure folders/Samsung Pay/Samsung Health, etc. (I'd hate to lose Secure Folders - but I'm sure that I can find alternative solutions, I'd prefer not to lose Samsung Pay & Samsung health, but I can live without them).

Losing warranty - not even sure if that's true, read here: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/...iphone-rooting-android-does-not-void-warranty (Although I can live without the warranty, always rooted my phones while knowing I'll lose warranty).

I also read this discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS8/comments/6bgu7n/psa_do_not_attempt_to_root_your_s8s8/

Since I really want to migrate to the new phone, I've looked for options to safely copy the data without having root:

CloneIT: Didnt migrate the apps' data.

Helium: Apps were backuped, but couldnt restore them. many of my apps are not supported by Helium.

Smart Switch: Not even sure if it can migrate apps' data or not, but unfortunately - it didnt even run properly on my S6, once installed - there's a splash screen coming up, that vanishes after couple of seconds. I've read posts of other users complaining about this very same behavior. couldn't find a solution to make it run. it works find on the S8.

I googled, and found that there are a bunch of companies that sell complete migration tools (that require PC/Mac), did anyone check any of these, and can share a honest review?

None of them is free for use/download.

Here are some that I've found (there are more out there):

https://www.phonetransfer.org/

https://www.recovery-android.com/android-data-backup-restore.html

https://www.coolmuster.com/mobile-transfer.html

https://www.gihosoft.com/mobile-phone-transfer.html

https://www.android-data-recovery.org/phone-transfer

https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/

I've always rooted my phones, so being root-less is a bit new to me. should I just take the chance and root it?

Both Android and TouchWiz are quite mature now, allowing us to enjoy a smooth and slick operation - when combined with the powerful hardware the S8 is equipped with, right out of the box.

What are your reasons for rooting?

How did all of your migrate your phones? started everything from scratch?

If not - how did you migrate from your previous phone?

Is the current rooting solution safe enough? And if its not - and we'll wait until a 'safe' rooting solution is out - how can we keep our apps & data continuously (in my case: S6--> Non rooted S8 --> Rooted S8)?

Does any of the paid solutions I listed above really work?

Would love to hear your thoughts and advises.