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The best custom ROMs for Android smartphones

AndroidPIT xiaomi pocophone f1 9778
© nextpit by Irina Efremova

If you want to use your smartphone for more than two years, you often only get reliable and up-to-date Android again with so-called custom ROMs. There are numerous other reasons for, but also some against modding your Android device via third-party firmware. Get to know the known custom ROMs here.

In this update, we are inspired by the news that Fairphone now sells its smartphones with pre-installed /e/OS. The professional custom ROM developer offers several different smartphones that are already equipped with the Google-free firmware when shipped. The focus of this effort is to replace Google services with privacy-friendly, open-source alternatives while maintaining user comfort.

The new section is at the bottom. There you can also find out why Android smartphones are hardly sold with a mod anymore. But don't give up: we have also updated the list of mod-friendly devices (manufacturers) and added more information.

Shortcuts:

What are custom ROMs? Android for rebels

The so-called custom ROMs are alternative, but Android-based software that you can install on your tablet or smartphone instead of the manufacturer's software. Apart from the arguments explained later, the reason for this step is that you as a user can feel like a real owner of your purchased device again. Finally, custom ROMs and everything that comes with them extends your control over what happens on and with the device.

For Android devices, custom ROMs mean a resurrection; one of the ROMs presented is appropriately called Resurrection Remix. This is because while manufacturers are bringing about planned obsolescence through the end of the update supply (often called End of Life), third-party firmware can make the devices usable beyond their scheduled end of life.

On the one hand, this is cheaper for you, because you only have to buy new smartphones at larger intervals. On the other hand, it's good for the environment, because the old device later ends up on the electronic waste for inefficient recycling and also has to be replaced later by a new device that is produced in an equally environmentally harmful way.

Are custom ROMs a dying hobby?

Good custom ROMs are characterized by an active community and support for many different devices. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer third-party firmware meet these criteria. Meanwhile, many smartphone manufacturers have addressed important criticisms of their original firmware and have taken custom ROMs away from important arguments. These would be:

  1. Previous security updates.
  2. Less pre-installed software.
  3. More control over the user interface.

But after two to four years, security updates will be over. If you persistently want to continue using your smartphone, you have to accept security risks or, at the latest then, replace the software at great expense.

Disadvantages of custom ROMs

But then additional reprisals are waiting for the mod-ready users.

  1. The first hurdle is the bootloader, which cannot be unlocked in some devices. Huawei smartphones are notoriously affected by this lockdown, so that their devices can no longer be used responsibly after four years at the latest.
  2. The next hurdle is closed source packages. Sony, for example, allows opening the bootloader, but disables the camera function. Moddern has occasionally succeeded in saving the functionality. However, this step is often accompanied by a significantly reduced photo quality in the modded device.
  3. When modding, closed-source components such as the camera drivers are often stored in the vendor partition. This must be updated in parallel to the custom ROM. Some ROMs already include corresponding components in their images. However, if the vendor does not supply the corresponding basic packages, ROM production is also at an end.
  4. There are also reprisals at the app level. Protection mechanisms such as SafetyNet block the execution or even the installation of apps and games. Well-known examples are Pokémon GO, Super Mario Run, Snapchat, Netflix, and numerous banking apps. Some of these hurdles can be overcome with Magisk.

The best custom ROMs for Android at a glance

  Lineage LineageOS for microG CarbonROM Dirty Unicorns Paranoid Android Resurrection Remix pixel experience
Updates Download in the settings, installation via TWRP Download in the settings, installation via TWRP Weekly, via OTA in the settings As App Integrated in the settings Integrated in the settings Not tested
Vendor Image Separate Separate Integrated Separate, own server Integrated Separate, same source Not tested
Root access Optional as Zip ADB only as opt-in; optional as Zip No No No ADB only, opt-in Not tested
SafetyNet / Pokémon GO No / Yes n.a. No / n.a. n.a. Yes / Yes Yes / Yes Not tested
Themes via substrate via Substratum; not available without Play Store via substrate via substrate Per Color Engine or via substrateum Via substrate Not tested
Special features
  • Trebuchet Launcher
  • Privacy Management
  • Volume Profiles
  • Better camera app
  • Better music app
  • Screen recorder
  • F-Droid with extension preconfigured for automatic updates
  • Google-free replacement services
  • Remainder as Stock-Linear
  • Pixel launcher
  • Carbon fibres
  • Turn off OLED pixels to save power

No browser

Dirty tweaks:

  • Animations
  • OmniSwitch
  • Improved App-Switcher
  • App-Ops
  • Completely CAF-based
  • PA Browser
  • Shuttle+ Music Player
  • PIE-Controls (new design)
  • Burn in Protection for OLEDs
  • Privacy guard
  • Volume Profiles
  • Google Apps preinstalled
Equalizer AudioFX AudioFX MusicFX MusicFX Snapdragon Audio+ AudioFX not tested

LineageOS: the heir of CyanogenMod

Lineage inherits CyanogenMod. Popular features like equalizer, theme engine, or root access are available in a new form. Lineage is ideal for beginners, as the wiki offers a large pool of collected mod knowledge and Flash instructions.

cyanogenmod 13 home screen
Lineage has its own interface. / © NextPit

Lineage offers a compact launcher, a feature-packed camera app, and few pre-installed apps, ergo a lot of free memory and little ballast in RAM. Volume profiles mute or raise the volume of your smartphone under certain conditions. The privacy feature sends false data to apps whose permissions normally cannot be revoked. And best of all: Lineage makes old smartphones work again.

cyanogenmod 13 features
Lineage has adopted many CyanogenMod features; the equalizer (right) is unfortunately missing. / © NextPit

LineageOS for microG: Android without Google

Common to all custom ROMs is that they are delivered without Google apps. But if you wanted to use Android without Google anyway, you are not well served with this yet. Important souvenirs of the Google suite like location services, Play Store and anti-theft protection should not be missing. The microG variant from Lineage provides alternatives for some of these components. After their installation, you can update your smartphone with common LineageOS images.

CarbonROM

CarbonROM provides a custom ROM based on the latest Android for several OnePlus, Sony, Google, and Samsung smartphones. Carbon pursues a more compact approach and, apart from the fibres, the lineage camera and the Pixel Launcher mod, does without big extras.

carbon rom home update easter egg
CarbonROM receives weekly updates and provides a mod of the Pixel Launcher. / © NextPit

The included Quarks browser is just a WebView dummy waiting to be replaced by an alternative like Brave. A cool feature for OLED smartphones are smart pixels to turn off some of the pixels to save power.

carbon rom settings
The Carbon Fibres allow surface adjustments and OLED optimizations. / © NextPit

CarbonROM is working in January 2020 on the basis of Android 9 Pie and is available for several partly very old devices. Even the Samsung Galaxy S2 is still kept up-to-date. CarbonROM is one of the most secure custom ROMs for Android devices.

Dirty Unicorns

Dirty Unicorns has suffered a major loss of staff and can currently only maintain eight units. Downloads for several more are still available, but in its current state the once-great firmware is only a shadow of its former self. Unless you have a current Google Pixel.

Paranoid Android a.k.a. Quartz10

The once significant paranoid android is renaming itself. Under Quartz10 it provides firmware for OnePlus and Xiaomi devices in the forum of XDA-Developers. Corresponding announcements are coming in via Twitter. It is one of the oldest custom ROMs and was considered an important alternative to the Lineage predecessor CyanogenMod. In between it announced its end, now it is alive, but seems de facto inactive.

The own website and the download section are no longer up to date. Apparently the team is concentrating on the new project Quartz10.

Resurrection Remix

Resurrection Remix has a large user base, supports several devices and offers the most streamlined feature set. Several old Samsung, OnePlus and Google Nexus devices even get Android 9 Pie.

Pixel Experience

The young custom ROM Pixel Experience is aimed at fans of the Android interface as used by Google on the pixel devices. Google apps are already pre-installed. The device support is extensive and goes back to the OnePlus 2 from 2015. Android 10 is already available for some devices like the Nexus 6P or 5X.

Custom ROMs for Android properly rooting

While it was once taken for granted that custom ROMs offer root access, several third-party firmware vendors have outsourced super-user management. Instead, they refer to the Magisk tool, which is maintained separately from the custom ROM and is not installed as part of the system (systemless root). In addition to its own updates, Magisk also takes care of SafetyNet, so that you can use all apps without restrictions despite root access.

  • Read our article about Magisk

Google Apps (and alternatives) for custom ROMs

With the exception of Pixel Experience, the custom ROMs shown above are without Google apps. If you want to use either the Play Store or Google-dependent apps on the phone with third-party firmware, you will need either a separate Google apps package or the MicroG framework:

  • OpenGApps: Google apps and services in varying degrees for multiple CPU types and Android versions.
  • MicroG: replacement framework to make Google dependent apps work.

Backups and updates in custom ROMs with TWRP

If you want to install a custom ROM on your Android smartphone, we recommend using the Custom-Recovery TWRP. This open-source tool replaces the software on your smartphone with which the manufacturer installed your system updates. Since you will take care of the latter yourself in the future, you can safely throw down the manufacturer's software. Here you can find the TWRP image for your device with instructions how to install it. In TWRP you can...

  • Create complete backups as system image
  • Install and update custom ROMs
  • Install and update vendor images
  • Update TWRP
  • Install GApps or alternatives
  • Installing Magisk and rooting the smartphone

The best smartphones for custom ROMs

Few smartphone manufacturers make it easy for you to replace the standard software with an Android-based custom ROM and to return in case of a failure. In the new table we show the most important features:

Smartphones for Custom ROMs

  Bootloader Stock Firmware Guarantee
Google Pixel 3a Open Download Remains
Fairphone 3 Code Not yet Remains
OnePlus 7T Open Download Remains
Poco F1 Open Download Remains

These producers and Xiaomi are generally considered to be highly cooperative in the modding process. Samsung and Motorola smartphones can also be equipped with custom ROMs, but the way back to the factory firmware is more complicated.

If you find such devices on eBay, you can equip them with up-to-date software in the long run. So you can get an up-to-date smartphone for a few bucks.

Buying Modified Smartphones with Custom ROM

Fairphone 3

The Dutch company Fairphone asked its community which partner it should choose for a Google-free Android alternative. The fans chose the eFoundation. Their /e/OS combines Lineage OS, the microG framework for Google interfaces, the app shop Aurora for almost all Play Store apps and an in-house, anonymous and open source synchronization solution for contacts, calendar, and emails.

AndroidPIT fairphone 3 Outside
With the Fairphone 3, you have all options. / © NextPit

Fairphone owners can also switch to /e/OS later. In the /e/OS shop you can buy the Fairphone 3 for the normal price of 479,90 Euro and you get a two-year warranty there as well. If you don't like /e/OS, you can't replace the firmware with the Google-Android yet. But Fairphone will provide suitable images "soon".

Samsung smartphones with /e/OS

The eFoundation also lists many Samsung smartphones in their shop, including Samsung. Unlike the Fairphone 3, these devices are not new but premium refurbished; however, they do have a one-year warranty. A look at the forum reveals that the camera quality is not as high as with Samsung's original firmware - which could, of course, be installed without any problems.

I had tried to use a Galaxy S9 with /e/OS. The attempt failed, because I would have had to do a downgrade for the change. However, the Odin interface does not allow this. I will repeat the attempt with a Google Pixel and present the ROM in more detail in the upper section.

The eFoundation also plans a service to send smartphones to professionals who will do the flash process for you and be liable for errors.

That's it. Why?

In 2014, the founder of the LineageOS predecessor CynogenMOD had landed a seemingly brilliant coup. Together with an Indian business partner, he succeeded in launching smartphones with CyanogenMOD pre-installed and renamed CyanogenOS. The latter had Google apps pre-installed.

However, Google discovered a breach of its license agreements and ordered by a court that those devices may not be sold with Google services pre-installed. In addition, the closed-source services may not be included in CyanogenMOD bundles; therefore, they still need to be downloaded and flashed separately.

From a commercial point of view, this was a slap in the face with death for everything to do with cyanogen. The founders left scorched earth and deleted all data. A forum administrator copied the remains and, together with the community, independently created the Lineage succession.

Without the right to Google services, it is difficult to sell smartphones with pre-installed custom ROM. The current Huawei situation shows how disastrous this is for even the best smartphones on the market. It is a niche market. Although it is incredibly important in terms of its data protection implications, few people recognize it.

Conclusion

Custom ROMs revitalize old smartphones and give manufacturers a run for their money. CarbonROM and Pixel Experience are in different ways the best custom ROMs on the market. Give your old Smartphone a second chance or get full control over your new device. Often smartphones with custom ROMs are faster, richer, and safer by the missing feature.

As great alternatives to Google services mature, another important layer is added: custom ROMs can better protect your privacy. Such offers have also become commercially successful. The profit benefits everyone.

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Eric Ferrari-Herrmann

Eric Ferrari-Herrmann
Senior Editor

Eric has been with AndroidPIT since 2014. He’s writing articles and reviews for the German website. Topics are mostly privacy and new technology but there's also the occasional piece on environmental sustainability.

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  • 1
    Ben Sip Dec 23, 2021 Link to comment

    I have been programming android apps since the days of Eclipse but I have never installed a custom ROM. I tried CarbonROM today and it was fantastic.


  • marco sarli 39
    marco sarli
    • Admin
    May 15, 2020 Link to comment

    Intersting information. I wish repair shops would offer this service. Or do they ?

    Sorin


  • 49
    storm May 14, 2020 Link to comment

    Seems also that TWRP has some big issues with phones that shipped with android 10 from the start. ext4 super partition permissions and new file hierarchy mostly. Root may be ever more elusive.

    Sorin


  • 49
    storm May 14, 2020 Link to comment

    The issue now is how many makers disallow unlocking the bootloader or place lengthy waits on the request. Its just a silly attempt at locked-in obsolescence.

    Similarly we need makers to release source code for ROMs and modem/camera drivers too. Or there is no functional long term support.

    Sorinmarco sarli


  • 5
    Peter_Jeftic May 10, 2020 Link to comment

    OK


  • 1
    urxdaif Jan 24, 2020 Link to comment

    hay i got a archos ser what rom works with it


  • 1
    Anuj Jan 25, 2019 Link to comment

    Anyone out there interested in a project that involves building a custom Android ROM and doing some fun stuff with audio?


  • Albin Foro 30
    Albin Foro Nov 27, 2018 Link to comment

    I have one device I'd vaguely like to change from Android 4.3 JB - would be largely for the fun - but the only good reason would be to overcome restrictions on App2SD functionality that were introduced after Gingerbread. The Acer tablet has a perky Intel processor but only 8GB of internal storage, so don't want to wipe that out with a massive new Android. But if a mod could restore the grand old days of full, fast, unencrypted microSD use I'd be interested. It's a good working device still in active use so I'm not about bricking it just for the heck.

    Dean L.SorinDeactivated Account


  • 2
    iliyas.malik Oct 23, 2018 Link to comment

    Sir, would you recommended a "Panasonic p55 max" for compatible ROM??? Plzzzz Sir...i hope that, it will be very soon for me...√√√
    Have a Glorious blessed Tuesday be with youu All!! 🌹☕🌹👍✔


  • 1
    Ratan P H Oct 22, 2018 Link to comment

    Lineage OS is very good, but ever heard of pixel experience ROM? It supports many devices and feels more clean than los, stock like


  • 1
    yazaruka Jul 4, 2018 Link to comment

    nice my MI4 is really outdated since most dev retired the only custom rom updates is lineage 14.1 and no news for oreo, but there is also mokee 8.1 what do you think about mokee?


  • 1
    FU NDA Jun 10, 2018 Link to comment

    Paranoid Android sucks. Home button doesn't work. Installed it twice.


  • 27
    Sorin Apr 21, 2018 Link to comment

    It's the ideal time to play with custom ROM on an old phone that now has Android 2.2.2. Yes, it is very old and almost nothing goes on ...

    Dean L.Deactivated Account


  • dave Counts 6
    dave Counts Apr 19, 2018 Link to comment

    What happens if you try one and it doesn't work/load is the device bricked? Or is there a way to revert back to last know good boot?


    • andersmmg 1
      andersmmg Jul 19, 2018 Link to comment

      the only way is if you made a backup beforehand. when flashing a custom rom you should always back up your current working setup


  • 20
    Reg Joo Apr 19, 2018 Link to comment

    Love custom roms, except for one thing. When development stops, it really stops, for a particular phone. The developers will lie, and tell you the updates coming, but they just want you to keep interest. I had to tell posters on another site, that was it for dev on a phone, but they posted I didn't know what I was talking about. 8 months later, nothing, but there are posters that still will say updates are coming.

    Dean L.Sorin


    • PRETTY FLACKO 1
      PRETTY FLACKO May 14, 2018 Link to comment

      Before you install custom rom download unbrick file from xda forum for your device. In case you brick your device you can easily bring your device back. Sorry for late answer


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Apr 17, 2018 Link to comment

    You do realize there are Samsung based custom roms as well not just AOSP?

    And again a rehash of old articles. Considering the cost of a Samsung phone (and quality) I would never use a AOSP based rom on such a great device.

    In fact I now have a S8+, and have no intention of putting on a custom rom Sammy based or not.

    Dean L.Deactivated AccountSorin


  • Ahmet KÜÇÜK 2
    Ahmet KÜÇÜK Nov 28, 2017 Link to comment

    Would you recommend a BlackView R7 compatible CUSTOM rom please


  • Ahmet KÜÇÜK 2
    Ahmet KÜÇÜK Oct 11, 2017 Link to comment

    Would you recommend a BlackView R7 compatible CUSTOM rom please


  • Labib Khan 2
    Labib Khan Oct 3, 2017 Link to comment

    Where is Resurrection Remix?


    • William Bolyard 1
      William Bolyard Dec 27, 2017 Link to comment

      While it is the best rom for someone who really wants to take advantage of all its options it takes a long time to set up and to test out all the options... Overall, it is the best


      • Brittany McGhee 21
        Brittany McGhee Dec 27, 2017 Link to comment

        Thanks for sharing your thoughts, William!

        iliyas.malik


      • 7
        thenext Feb 3, 2018 Link to comment

        thanks


  • Ahmet KÜÇÜK 2
    Ahmet KÜÇÜK Aug 26, 2017 Link to comment

    Would you recommend a BlackView R7 compatible rom please


    • Ahmet KÜÇÜK 2
      Ahmet KÜÇÜK Oct 11, 2017 Link to comment

      Would you recommend a BlackView R7 compatible rom please


  • Ahmet KÜÇÜK 2
    Ahmet KÜÇÜK Aug 26, 2017 Link to comment

    Would you recommend a BlackView R7 compatible rom please


  • Francois Bechet 1
    Francois Bechet Jun 9, 2017 Link to comment

    Please correct this article because dirty unicorn now countains a equalizer!


  • Shankar Prasad Nandi 18
    Shankar Prasad Nandi Feb 15, 2017 Link to comment

    I don't understand the basic idea behind custom ROMs. Do we need them just because of variety? If they really prune android to its bare minimum, how are they different from stock Android which we get on Pixel? And since they seem very hastily thrown together, I'm surprised they aren't buggy.

    Sorindave Counts


    • 19
      Glostermeteor Feb 15, 2017 Link to comment

      Custom ROMs are good for devices that manufacturers have stopped updating. They allow you to get the latest version of Android on an older device.

      Sorindave CountsShankar Prasad NandiDwarfer66


      • Shankar Prasad Nandi 18
        Shankar Prasad Nandi Feb 15, 2017 Link to comment

        That is a good point for custom ROMs. Apple definitely seems to be doing a good job rolling out updates promptly and keeping almost all devices still being used actually equipped with the latest iOS. Steve Jobs' fascination with complete control of the end-user experience does seem satisfying at times. Most Android users, on the other hand, are stuck with older versions of the operating system.
        One thing, however. The targeted market of custom ROMs doesn't just consist of users with pretty old devices which are no longer getting system updates. Hobbyists who like tinkering with and modifying their phones are a part of this market too.

        Sorin


      • Bastian Siewers 66
        Bastian Siewers Feb 15, 2017 Link to comment

        Yes, they are, and the main reason for using Custom ROMs are features. Most CRs offer so much more than any stock Android version. You can basically tinker around with everything, while it takes some time it's also a lot of fun :)

        SorinBrittany McGhee


      • Shankar Prasad Nandi 18
        Shankar Prasad Nandi Feb 16, 2017 Link to comment

        Thanks. Although I am fascinated by custom ROMs, sadly I can't find a proper one for my Samsung Galaxy A7 model SM-A700FD. I want a proper one, not just a nightly indie modification. If you can suggest something, I'll be grateful.

        Sorin


      • Bastian Siewers 66
        Bastian Siewers Feb 16, 2017 Link to comment

        Well, there are smartphones that are greatly supported by the community and others sadly are not. The A7 is one of those phones that do not really interest the community :(

        navinSorin


      • 1
        Nagarjuna B Mar 27, 2018 Link to comment

        It appears there's a Resurrection Remix ROM for this, I cant post link but a quick google search will land you onto xda-developers forum page, the page says its official RR ROM, but not sure why the download link to official resurrection remix was not there!
        "God bless the Custom ROM community.."


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Feb 15, 2017 Link to comment

    For me Echoe Rom Nougat is the best TOUCHWIZ rom, screw Aosp style roms they are so boring. There is now way I would use an aosp stlye rom on my s7 edge.

    Sorin


  • 2
    blausand Jan 20, 2017 Link to comment

    Cory, nobody cares about ten year old minor UI features like dim bars.

    What possibilities to start a life without vendor lock-ins comes with each ROM team?
    - StockyROM for example, introduced a wizard that lets you decide exactly what to kick off BEFORE the first login.
    - CyanogenMod's team had a love affair with microsoft venture capital - and no code audit afterwards. Can their code be trusted in any way?
    - Which ROM brings native support for free standards such as CalDAV or CardDAV for synchronizing with your own cloud?
    (Hint: Apparently, none as of now. Sadly, even alternative software repositories such as F-Droid have to be installed manually.)
    - Explain the negative meaning of "original firmware" against the meaning of "stock". Original means none less than "completely hijacked"!


  • 2
    blausand Jan 20, 2017 Link to comment

    This article is bullocks, really.

    Author completely fails to nail the different motivations behind the teams.
    On top, this tells lies like a general "need" for Google Apps. Living without is a basic motivation for custom ROMs.
    Sorry i can't deliver better (as of yet).


  • Gohar Ali 3
    Gohar Ali Dec 29, 2016 Link to comment

    PC-Man Is Best Roms

    Sorin


  • Mehzabin Priya 2
    Mehzabin Priya Dec 14, 2016 Link to comment

    I thing OmniROM is the best for advanced user.

    iliyas.malik


  • sandeep venkat 1
    sandeep venkat Oct 28, 2016 Link to comment

    I want a custom rom for infocus m330
    Is there any custom rom out there please need it badly


    • Eddie O'Connor 1
      Eddie O'Connor Apr 23, 2017 Link to comment

      You might try some of these?
      Try - needrom or these others....search their sites and find your device. (Since I can't post the actual links just add the ",com" to the end of them when you search!

      androidmtk
      leakite
      kriztekblog


  • 1
    RATHISH Oct 18, 2016 Link to comment

    My phone is intex aqua hd power .there is no update for my phone. Then how can my phone with lollipop version .i got my phone before 1year till now i didn't get any update.pls help me. I need custom ROM for intex aqua hd power _v08_indian.


  • 1
    Shravan Deshetty Oct 16, 2016 Link to comment

    I need a ROM for Intex Aqua Star 2 (8GB) please any one help me out !!!!

    I don't a ROM in my phone unfortunately deleted


  • 1
    Jaime Melton Oct 5, 2016 Link to comment

    I have a rooted Samsung Note 4, what is the best Camera friendly ROM as I am running CM13 which is very unfriendly with my camera and I am a photography hobbiest and going crazy with my phone resetting everytime I want to get a good pic and have missed so many awesome shots,Please help...


    • 19
      Glostermeteor Feb 15, 2017 Link to comment

      Try Snap Camera HDR from Play store it improves quality of pictures massively compared to the CM13 camera app

      iliyas.malik


  • 7
    thenext Sep 25, 2016 Link to comment

    thank you for article


  • 1
    ahtiahti Sep 24, 2016 Link to comment

    Pokemon go


    • 7
      thenext Oct 17, 2016 Link to comment

      lol


  • Joseph Clinton 1
    Joseph Clinton Sep 23, 2016 Link to comment

    Miss the "old time".


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Sep 23, 2016 Link to comment

    And still all the custom roms you go on about are crappy ASOP or CM roms, there are PLENTY of custom Touchwiz based roms as well.

    What is the use of using ASOP or CM roms on a samsung phone, when you could just go and buy a phone with it on already?

    Sorin


  • Rahul KS 1
    Rahul KS Jul 5, 2016 Link to comment

    I have a Nexus 5 marshmallow build non rooted. Currently I am finding issues with battery drain. Can anyone suggest me a good ROM ?


    • 3
      Mahendra Putra Jul 23, 2016 Link to comment

      resurrection remix maybe


    • Nato Boram 1
      Nato Boram Dec 4, 2016 Link to comment

      Cyanogenmod


  • 12
    lianne john Jul 4, 2016 Link to comment

    Quite informative!

    thenext


  • Aristides Meletis 1
    Aristides Meletis Jul 4, 2016 Link to comment

    Custom roms that are reported to The article are The least outdated.... And stopped development. While pure nexus roms or ressurection Remix thrives from The beginning of marshmallow version paranoid And omni roms Just recently outdated their roms... You should search for other newer roms And developers...


  • 4
    Reyn Jul 4, 2016 Link to comment

    Good for me.

    thenext


  • 2
    Gustavo de Oliveira Jun 18, 2016 Link to comment

    No rom for Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)

    thenext


    • 7
      Faizan Jul 4, 2016 Link to comment

      lol it's Samsung. no developer wants to go near that.

      thenext


      • 3
        Mahendra Putra Jul 23, 2016 Link to comment

        why?

        thenextSergey Moraru


      • 7
        Sergey Moraru Sep 23, 2016 Link to comment

        Because it's Samsung, my friend. S.A.M.S.U.N.G. There is no better explanation, unfortunately.


      • Bojan M. 23
        Bojan M. Sep 23, 2016 Link to comment

        That's bullshit, there are plenty of custom roms for Samsung devices. Better said, no developer wants to go near this specific model. As is case with anything custom, you get anything at all only if your device is high end or very popular or in some very rare cases, there are some enthusiasts that have love for some specific lower specs/popularity device.

        SorinManuel


      • 7
        thenext Oct 17, 2016 Link to comment

        Lol


  • Pratham Tharwani 1
    Pratham Tharwani Jun 14, 2016 Link to comment

    Paranoid Android is back!


  • Mehul Chirania 1
    Mehul Chirania Jun 9, 2016 Link to comment

    Mokee and Bliss are the best ROMs out there. The stability, customization & features are mind blowing.
    Using Falcon(moto G) & Hammerhead(N5).


  • Navjot Singh 1
    Navjot Singh May 21, 2016 Link to comment

    CyanogenMod is the best ROM. i have Moto G2nd and using CM 13.


    • 2
      Claude Speed Mar 4, 2017 Link to comment

      And LineageOS


  • 2
    shubham meshram May 7, 2016 Link to comment

    Can you tell me how to root oneplusone running on 6.0.1


  • 3
    Micah Owensby Apr 25, 2016 Link to comment

    Check out BrokenOs. It's got a Slim base, but optimized for performance and customization. An absolutely sick ROM.


  • Alex 17
    Alex Apr 23, 2016 Link to comment

    Cyanogen Mod ROM is the best,It has got all those cool features and themes and crazy customization and stuff,I own a Yu Yureka Plus Phone which runs with inbuilt cyanogen OS and the problem with Cyanogen is you wont get Updates so often other than that Cyanogen Rocks!

    SorinCJ Brown


  • Adev123 2
    Adev123 Apr 23, 2016 Link to comment

    The problem with these roms is often the camera app/driver. I have a Galaxy S3 with CM13, it's a great rom, but the camera sucks.


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Apr 23, 2016 Link to comment

    All ASOP/CM recommendations as usual, what about custom TW roms, Asop/CM are fine if you like boring looking roms, but for me there are only 2 I recommend - CarHDRom (fully themed), and Echoe Rom.

    I have tried ASOP/CM based roms on my S4, deleted within a day due to looking crap (and yes I had used themes).

    Sorin


    • 19
      Moni Mihailov Apr 23, 2016 Link to comment

      Alliance ROM is awesome ( ͡o ͜ʖ ͡o)

      Dwarfer66


  • Parvind Chahal 21
    Parvind Chahal Apr 23, 2016 Link to comment

    miui is best rom


  • 1
    Najmul Fathoni Dec 22, 2015 Link to comment

    update costum rom for asus zenfonr c :'(


  • Gaming Finder 1
    Gaming Finder Dec 10, 2015 Link to comment

    Give Miui Rom, Miui Roms look good


  • 1
    Nuthan Hegde Nov 30, 2015 Link to comment

    you missed resurrection remix THE BEST ROM ;>


  • 1
    Kyle Tomlin Nov 18, 2015 Link to comment

    >tfw nothing is updated to Note 5 920p (if someone knows one or is able to find one, that'd be gr8)


  • Emmanuel Espinosa 5
    Emmanuel Espinosa Nov 14, 2015 Link to comment

    I always go back and forward TW - CM some days i feel like customizing for wich i use CM based ROMS and when im in the mood for stability i go back TW ... its really up to what you find useful i guess and some times just to keep up on the updates...


  • Bojan M. 23
    Bojan M. Nov 12, 2015 Link to comment

    "CyanogenMod is the Volkswagen of custom ROMs"

    These days this is not a compliment :D

    SorinDwarfer66


  • Daremo Sensanome 7
    Daremo Sensanome Nov 12, 2015 Link to comment

    it seems that OAKP is outdated, or the link is wrong. For Samsung Note 3 hlte are offered ROMS from 2014.
    I feel that Note 3 hlte is still a great device... now even better since i installed SOKP ROM for 5.1.1... no pain in any attempt.
    I did try CyanogenMod, unfortunately always by bad results. I understand that CM is a great team probably i was just unlucky.
    I recommend strongly to install SOKP.Definitively get rid of the annoying bloatware of Samsung.

    Leland Whitlock


    • 1
      Ryan Jan 16, 2016 Link to comment

      Where can I find the SOKP ROM? I to have a note 3 and still love the device. Used CM awhile back but always had issues with updating.


  • 49
    storm Nov 12, 2015 Link to comment

    I've attempted PAC ROM once and it boot looped me. Not exactly sure what the problem was as others with my hardware ran it successfully.

    Sorin


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Nov 12, 2015 Link to comment

    I myself only like to use Touchwiz based custom roms, I find ASOP and CM quite boring. On my S6 edge and Tab S, I have tried a few ASOP and CM based roms but still go back to either CarHDRom or Echoe Rom.

    Sorin


  • Paritosh Sapre 2
    Paritosh Sapre Oct 3, 2015 Link to comment

    SOKP [sonic open kang project] dude..! That's the best! Do mention it in other articles.

    Daremo Sensanome


  • 1
    t.swildens Jul 16, 2015 Link to comment

    does the paranoid android ROM works for every phone.and does it work with android 5.0. If it works can you give me a link to download it.
    Because i want it on my Lenovo K3 note


  • 5
    Nishant gauns Mar 18, 2015 Link to comment

    Pac man rom is the best for me!!!


  • Terie Mumby 7
    Terie Mumby Mar 18, 2015 Link to comment

    I'm an AOKP user since September. Love it. But I wanted to try Lollipop. So I backed up my AOKP and flashed Lollipop.. Which I really like. I did a backup of lollipop and re-installed the AOKP backup with no issues. However.. Re-installing the lollipop backup didn't go so smoothly. I ran into all sorts of things. I tried this several times on my nexus 4 and 7 with the same results. I like Lollipop so much I decided to stick with it still hanging on to my AOKP backup for later. I noticed straight away that it was tricky finding the TWRP backup folder. It also was doing weird things to the ability to write to the internal memory. I had to keep wiping my gadgets clean to reinstall Lollipop and get it to work. If anyone knows how to fix this I'm all ears. I like the ability to flip back and forth between roms.

    SorinLeland Whitlock


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Mar 18, 2015 Link to comment

    What about the Touchwiz based roms? There are plenty of great ones out there for i9505 like Echoe v44 (4.4.4 & 5.01), CarHDRom (4.4.2 & 5.01) is a great themed rom. You only ever put on ASOP or CM based roms.

    CM is not as good as they used to be, they don't apply fixed that are reported (just look at the forums).

    SorinLeland WhitlockScott Adam Gordon


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Mar 18, 2015 Link to comment

      @Geoff, these sound like great suggestions, I'd like to give them a go and add them in at a later date.

      I'll definitely keep Echoe and CarlHD in mind.

      SorinDwarfer66


      • Scott Adam Gordon 31
        Scott Adam Gordon Mar 18, 2015 Link to comment

        And yeah CM is definitely changing, but it still stands as one of the most well-supported and talked about ROMs, and I think for new users its one of the "safest" entry points.

        But I take your point ;)

        SorinLeland WhitlockDwarfer66


      • Mehul Pandita 10
        Mehul Pandita Nov 12, 2015 Link to comment

        Hey Scott, I want to put CyanogenMod on my old but dear Samsung Galaxy S2. Can you please guide as to how to do that? Thanks in advance!!!

        Sorin


      • 1
        Gael Fortier Nov 12, 2015 Link to comment

        I have CyanogenMod 12 on my samsung galaxy s2 and... well .... if i dont plug it to the charge, the phone will crash when cm will boot... i do not recommend u to put a custom os on ur galaxy s2.


    • 49
      storm Nov 12, 2015 Link to comment

      Two issues with Touchwiz ROMs. First carrier compatibility. I ran a number of Touchwiz ROMs particularly for T-Mobile wifi calling compatibility. And I ran some without it in a more generic format.

      In the first case, you're trapped with how fast your carrier is updating Touchwiz add ons. This limits the number of ROM choices and how fast updates trickle down. With the early lollipop roms, there were a lot of battery issues across the Touchwiz spectrum. Waiting for the carrier to pass along fixes was brutal.

      Even on the more generic TW ROMs, the rollout of features and fixes was slow. You mostly saw updates when the next flagship was released and the bloatware was rolled into ROMs for older phones.

      With Samsung only giving you 18 months or so of official ROM support, TW compatibility can be limited and slow to appear.

      The Lollipop battery and related heating issues drove me into the ARMs (there's a pun there) of Slim and the arter97 kernel. That kernel compatibility made a huge improvement in my phone experience for 2015 and the 5.x ROMs.

      SorinClaude SpeedLeland Whitlock


  • 1
    giannis dolopoulos Mar 17, 2015 Link to comment

    please answer me! i have alcatel c9, exist rom to install in my phone? i have 4.2.2


  • Darwin J. V. 3
    Darwin J. V. Sep 8, 2014 Link to comment

    Great article but what can you say about Paranoid ROM? It's one of the only ROM I never tried since I never owned a device that has support it or has Paranoid ROM development. I hear this ROM all the time but always been curious about it. Thanks.

    Leland WhitlockMagneto


    • 49
      storm Nov 12, 2015 Link to comment

      Paranoid was a great ROM for my Galaxy Nexus. And they kept the updates running a long time.

      Sorin


  • Steven Adkins 2
    Steven Adkins Sep 8, 2014 Link to comment

    You forgot Hyperdrive 18.1 Rom very stable and very very customizable with themes.

    Leland Whitlock


  • 3
    Radoi Emanuel Sep 8, 2014 Link to comment

    I use OmniRom from some months now and I like it much more than the Cyanogenmod (which was lagging aaaall the time) and other custom roms

    Leland Whitlock

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