After a few days with my #Nexus5x, it was failing to load images in Instragram, webpages, and pre...

[G+_Jason Durrance]

After a few days with my #Nexus5x, it was failing to load images in Instragram, webpages, and pretty much everywhere. I was very disappointed so I ended up wiping it and starting over. This time I didn't try to restore anything from my prior 5x backups or my Droid Maxx. I've only installed a handful of apps, but it's working much better and more responsive. However, I haven't enabled security (fingerprint and pattern) yet. It's odd that I still haven't received the small OTA update so I might have to sideload it. 

 

I'm seriously torn about unlocking the bootloader and/or rooting. It's weird that I wanted my first Nexus for the control that #Verizon and #Motorola wouldn't provide in the Maxx along with the reliable software updates that were also missing on my old phone, but now I worry about losing #AndroidPay. It's not like Android Pay is something I even use more than for fun once a month or so. It's just that I don't want to lose future functionality by unlocking the bootloader now. 

 

Any thoughts or comments on unlocking the bootloader now or waiting to see what comes of further developer/enthusiast tinkering with the 5x?

[G+_Mark Stronge]

Unless you are wanting to install a custom ROM, I wouldn't bother.

[G+_Joseph Cappellino]

So, here's my stance on this. If you ever plan on doing anything custom, you should unlock your bootloader. Unlocking your bootloader does not stop Android Pay from working (mine is unlocked). That being said, rooting does disable it. But, from what I hear, you can set it up first, and then root. But, since having a fully supported Nexus device (ie - not the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon), I haven't been compelled to root it. I do however unlock the bootloader so that I can flash updates faster without factory reseting.

[G+_Kev Nowers]

Thank you for your responses. I'm not sure if I had fully-formed my thoughts going into the original post, but was just frustrated in filtering through the information on what is lost and gained by unlocking the bootloader on the current generation devices like the Nexus 5X. So I have used ROMS on my prior HTC and Moto Razr Maxx phones and would have (and probably kept my phone longer) on my Droid Maxx, but no one has hacked it to that level yet. I primary used/wanted ROMS to get updates, remove carrier bloat, etc. - many of the things that the Nexus line (hopefully) offers. 

 

I don't intend to be loading custom ROMS since I should be getting Google Updates/not waiting for a carrier to release and approve them and not sure I want to experiment with unstable releases. However, I do sometimes still run into customizations that I want that can only be done with root access such as UI tweaks, deeper Tasker actions, backups, etc. I just fear losing better built-in features that are blocked by these new checks against unlocked and/or rooted devices. 

 

Since I have been out of the rooting/ROMing arena for a season, I'm looking for a feel from more experienced individuals if the rooting is worth it still compared to the better options that Android is getting as it matures versus locked out features such as Android Pay and encryption. 

 

Thanks again, I really appreciate this community for great knowledge and great people!

[G+_Joseph Cappellino]

Again, I haven't felt the need root my device since having a stock Nexus device. Additionally, the main reason to root would be to use xPosed, but that is still a bit wonky on ART. So, for me, the benefits of rooting are outweighed by the benefits of not.

[G+_Kev Nowers]

I'm leaning that way for the time being. Thanks Joseph Cappellino?