It was recently announced that the Samsung Galaxy S4 Exynos 5 Octa version (GT-I9500) had been rooted before making it to shelves but it appears that root method does not actually work. However, it looks as though a working root for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505) has become available.
The method was revealed by xda Elite Recognized Developer "Chainfire" and is reported to have been tested successfully. The root should also work with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Exynos 5 Octa version, though rooting that variant seems to be problematic at the moment.
According to the "xda-developers" blog, the root method for the Exynos 5 Octa version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 was not actually tested, which wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that the Galaxy S4 features the Knox security system, which foils the method.
"In many cases, like previous versions of the Galaxy series, that [rooting without testing] is OK because the way to root Samsung devices has been the same via repacking Samsung's firmware package with su and then flashing via ODIN," the blog states. "While that old way worked, it doesn't work on the new S4 as XDA Recognized Developer Odia proved in a thread similar to the original 'root' thread."
Instructions for rooting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 are available through the source link below. As always, remember to BACK UP YOUR DEVICE.
Disclaimer: iTech Post will not be held responsible for any damages to your device. All of the utilities in the guide belong to the owners or the developers. Use at your own risk. Please also note that this guide is for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 version (GT-I9505). DO NOT try this on any other device.
Source: XDA-Developers Forum.
