Do I need rooted device for proper backup apps ?

[MamTor]

All the decent backup apps seem to state they need a rooted device to backup application data.

Is this really true ? Are my options really only:

1) Factory built, non-rooted phone = can only backup contacts/SMS
2) Rooted phone = can install 'proper' backup software that backs up installed Apps, Data, Photos, Bookmarks ?

Is there no middle ground ?

I'm very reluctant to root my phone, as it works perfectly, and I don't want to mess with it. However, I'm paranoid about losing it, and all my data.

 

[sitlet]

Without root, you can backup Texts with SMS Backup and Restore. Contacts should be backed up to Google, as well as Calendars. Music, photos, videos, are all on the SD card, so those can be backed up by copying them to a computer.

You can backup apps without root, however you cannot backup the app's settings and data, i.e. game saves, etc. To fully backup the app and it's data, you need to be rooted.