The main differences between jailbreaking and rooting a mobile phone are:
- Jailbreaking refers to bypassing restrictions on iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. Rooting is for Android devices.
- Jailbreaking typically allows installing unauthorized apps, tweaks, themes etc. Rooting also enables gaining administrative control over the Android OS.
- Jailbreaking requires exploiting vulnerabilities in iOS in order to disable code-signing enforcement. Rooting Android often uses an allowed backdoor to enable root access.
- Jailbreaking voids the warranty on iOS devices. Rooting Android devices does not always void the warranty.
- Jailbreaking tools are not natively allowed on iOS devices. Some Android phones allow officially supported rooting.
- Jailbreaking is focused on removing Apple's restrictions on customization and 3rd party app installation. Rooting is focused on full control over the OS.
- Security protections can be weakened on both jailbroken iOS and rooted Android devices. But jailbreaking arguably lowers iOS security more.
In summary, the core purpose is similar - expanded user control. But jailbreaking targets Apple's walled garden while rooting focuses on total Android customization. Both enable security risks for enterprises.