Android Custom ROM’s are one of the benefits of Android being completely free and open source project. While there are many Custom ROM’s available and they open up many new options and possibilities, here at Geek Prison have compiled this complete guide detailing all you need to know about Android Custom ROM’s and best options available.
What Are Custom ROM’s :
ROM and Kernel are two basic terms you should be aware of when you want to get yourself . ROM is the acronym for Read Only Memory and is the basic memory where Operating System of your Android Device is loaded. ROM can also be said as the OS of your device. Kernel is the core interface between your devices Software and Hardware, it is the tool by which your Hardware and Software communicates.
Stock ROM’s are those OS which comes pre loaded on your device and is officially available on your device. As Android is an open source project developers all over the world can download and customize the OS and provide their modified or custom versions which are also called as Custom ROM’s. They are completely free and easily customize-able.
Advantages of Custom ROM’s :
Custom ROM’s are very popular for the variety of options and features. Let’s have a look on what are advantages of Custom ROM’s.
Frequent Updates :
While Official ROM’s get very few updates and also at a huge gap in between due to the red tape processes it has to go through before getting a green signal for release, their Custom ROM counterparts get update at a very frequent rate. In fact the team behind CynogenMod releases updates almost every other night called nightlies.
All Custom ROM’s have a huge fan following who download the Beta versions and provide real time feedback for development of the Custom interface and some even fix the bugs as it is completely open source. The update can also be installed very easily OTA.
Better Features Than Stock ROM’s :
Custom ROM’s are also faster, more efficient, and use less memory. The developer can also optimize the Kernel and provide better utilization of the hardware resources.
Some undervolted Custom ROM’s can even provide a much better battery performance.
Faster Upgrades to Later Versions :
If you have a somewhat older device and want to add the flavor of the latest Android version than chances are you can do so with a Custom ROM of that Android OS even before the official release. Very often we report leaked version of a new ROM which often gets downloaded by a developer and what we get is a Custom ROM of latest Android version even before the official release.
Also if your device does not support any version of Android than there also many successful ports of the Android of your device.
These are some of the popular features of Custom ROM’s which have made them immensely successful.
Disadvantages Of Custom ROM’s :
You can brick your device :
Bricking a device means making it completely useless and stoned. While the chances of getting your device getting bricked is very less as proper tutorials and stable downloads are available.
Complete Delete :
In order to install any Android Custom ROM, you will have to perform a clean wipe and you will loose all data. Ofcourse you can also create a backup and restore later. And also if you have any Cloud service than even backup wont be necessary.
Warranty Getting Void :
This is a major problem as the manufacturer of the device can completely void the warranty of the device as you have broken the seal by loading an unofficial OS on the boot loader. However we recommend our readers to get a carrier based warranty which are completely cover every damage and even cover Rooted devices or devices with Custom ROM’s.
Bugs :
As the Custom ROM’s are having many alpha and beta versions they may have many bug on release, but so do most of the Android OSes. However the talented team of developers behind Custom ROM’s immediately release the update which fixes the bug and hence solve any possible error.
Conclusion :
Considering the advantages and the disadvantages we consider Custom ROM far more beneficial for Android users. There are many bugs and errors on release but they do get fixed ASAP and even official releases have many issues.
TOP and BEST Custom ROM’s for your Android device :
Getting the right custom ROM for your Android device is also many crucial, there are some Custom ROM for your device and depending on your Model and version the availablity of Custom ROM can vary. However these are the list of top and best Custom ROM’s for your device.
1. CynogenMod :
CynogenMod is by far the most popular Custom ROM available for Android devices. CynogenMod supports a variety of Android devices and also provides a variety of options and features such as lockscreen gestures, browser incognito mode, support for themes, DSP Equalizer, FLAC support etc.
It is currently in version 7.1 (stable) the Custom ROM is based on Android 2.3.7. Click here to know more about CynogenMod and supported devices.
2. MIUI :
MIUI (pronounced mee-yoo-eye) is the second most popular Custom ROM for Android devices. The ROM is basically famous for the amazing interface and probably best in the market. The features of the ROM are enhanced notifications, smart dialing and enhanced apps for Gallery, Camera and Music.
Go to MIUI Official Website for more information and supported devices.
3. DarkyROM :
DarkyROM is also a very popular option for Android devices. They support the latest and greatest Samsung Android devices (i.e. the Galaxy S and Galaxy S II) by taking the stock TouchWiz UI, removing some of the bloatware that comes with it and then adding their own features.
For more information go to Official Website.
4. Device Specific, AOSP Based Ice Cream Sandwich ROM’s :
As ICS was released just few days ago these releases are somewhat unstable, but considering ICS they are the most significant update for Custom ROM’s and support major top Android Smartphone’s. The Android Open Source Project-based ROMs for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich provide pure Android experience. The USP of these ROM’s are no bloatware, no extra apps, just the purest Android experience available.
However as these ROM’s are not stable now but as time goes by and developer get used to the all new Android 4.0 ICS we can expect it to be the next big thing in Custom ROM’s.
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