How to Install One UI ROM on a Samsung Galaxy S7: Rooted vs OTA Route

Are you looking to enhance your Samsung Galaxy S7 with the latest One UI experience? There are two primary methods to achieve this: rooting your device and installing a custom One UI ROM, or waiting for the official One UI update from Samsung. Below, we'll guide you through both processes and the pros and cons of each.

ROOTING AND INSTALLING ONE UI ROM

If you have the technical skills and are comfortable with the risks associated with rooting your device, you can install a custom One UI ROM. This method offers you the opportunity to customize your phone to your liking and potentially get access to new features that are not available on a standard Android 7.0 Nougat or Android 8.0 Oreo. However, rooting voids your warranty and incurs risks such as potential brickage if something goes wrong during the process.

Steps for Rooting and Installing One UI ROM:

Root your device: This involves exploiting a vulnerability in the device's software to gain access to the system level, allowing you to make changes to the device's hardware and software. The rooting process will vary depending on your device model and specific ROM, so it's essential to follow a guide that is specific to your Samsung Galaxy S7 and the ROM you wish to install. Boot into recovery mode: This is usually done by rebooting the device and holding the volume up or down button in combination with the power button. The specific method depends on your rooting method and recovery tool used. Flash the One UI ROM: Once in recovery mode, use a tool like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) to download and flash the One UI ROM. Ensure you have the correct ROM for your device and have backed up all your personal data using a tool like Titanium Backup or similar. Reboot your device: After the installation is complete, reboot your device to start using the new One UI ROM.

WAITING FOR AN OTA UPDATE

The other option is to wait for Samsung to release an OTA (Over-The-Air) update for the One UI. This method is less risky since it's a standard update process that Samsung sends to all users who are eligible for it. If the OTA update for One UI comes in time and your device is flagged for it, you can simply enable the system updates and allow it to download and install the new software automatically.

Steps for Enabling OTA Updates:

Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings About phone, and tap the build number seven times to unlock Developer Options. Then, return to the main Settings menu. Enable USB debugging: Within Developer Options, enable USB debugging to allow your phone to download and install the update. Check for updates: Go to Settings System System updates to check for any available OTA updates. Install the update: Once an OTA update is available, you can install it by following the prompts on your device. Allow the update to complete and reboot your device.

Pro and Cons

Pros and Cons of Installing Custom ROMs:

Pros: Custom One UI ROMs can offer new features, improved performance, and enhanced stability. Cons: Rooting and installing custom ROMs can void your warranty, and the process is more complex and risky. There is also no guarantee that you will be able to flash the correct ROM for your device without bricking it.

Pros and Cons of OTA Updates:

Pros: OTA updates are a standard process, less risky, and typically do not void your warranty. They are seamlessly integrated into the Android ecosystem, ensuring compatibility with other devices. Cons: The OTA process is not always timely, and even if the update is available, it might not come in time. Additionally, you might miss out on specific features or optimizations that custom ROMs offer.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to root and install a custom One UI ROM or wait for an OTA update depends on your level of technical expertise and your tolerance for risk. Rooting and installing a custom ROM can bring new features and optimizations but requires effort and carries the risk of bricking your device. On the other hand, waiting for an OTA update ensures a more stable and less risky process, though you might wait longer and miss out on certain features.

Regardless of your choice, always ensure you have a backup of your important data before making any updates or installations. Consulting online guides and forum discussions can also be very helpful in the process.