Related
I've finally got to the stage where I am completely hacked off at having to keep uninstalling apps due to running out of space in the internal memory.
I'm hoping to do it all in one hit, and what I want is recommendation for a decent, stable ROM - I don't want to have to chop and change, reflashing ROM after ROM.
I used to do this with my old Dream, and it was fun when I had the time, but things have changed for me now and I need a reliable phone.
What I need: Apps2SD, stability
Nice to have but not essential: Better battery life (underclocked kernel?)
Dream stuff, but not at the expense of first two: Speed increase, Froyo goodies
I don't care about SenseUI one bit - in fact I've pretty much removed/replaced nearly every trace of it on my phone, by using Launcher Pro and non-Sense apps/widgets.
However, I'd like to know if it's possible to keep the text selection function contained within the standard browser on my phone? It also works the same in DolphinHD, which leads me to believe it's integrated into the Sense framework? I don't know if I can get that with Froyo though.
If I do go for a Froyo ROM, I'd like to know what won't work. I gather video recording is broken - don't care about that. Is there anything else that don't work?
Any advice or recommendations, pretty please!
If you go to the roms dev section and look at all the roms chefs have cooked you will figure out which ones you prefer and which ones you may like. The chef will either tell you what doesnt work and later if you read the comments members will provide additional feedback.
There is no 'best' rom each one has + and -
I've searched, trawled and read through so many threads and cannot make my mind up which way to turn (I'm so indecisive). There is so much choice (which is a good thing in some ways and not so good in others) but it's confused the hell out of me. I could flash various ROM's and kernels all the while having to restore my data each time and run it for a while to see if it is suitable for my needs. This seems to the moderators general consensus for those asking what the 'best ROM' is (Understandable). But this (having to flash ROM's and kernels each time) is tedious and there is always some element of risk that you could end up with a bad flash the more you do this.
So here I am asking. Please note I am *NOT* asking which the best overall ROM is. I understand perfectly well that there is no best ROM and each ROM has different functionality and features that are suited to different peoples needs. I am asking which ROM suits *MY* needs. If moderators decide that I am asking what is the best ROM then I guess I will have to try harder to argue my case.
I don't mind if it's GB, ICS or JB - obviously I would *LOVE* to have a JB ROM but it's still in its infancy and has certain issues simply because there is and never will be an official JB ROM for my phone (Thanks Sony!).
My current setup is a 2011 Arc S currently running JJ Hybrid 3.1 (still) and ArcKnight kernel (forget which build).
I am not overly interested in fancy GUI's, themes, extra functionality or overclocking, although it would nice to have them 'just so long as they don't impact on performance and stability'.
Things I want.
#Rooted with CWM is a given obviously
#As lag free as possible (It takes several seconds to launch Contacts at present and laggy key presses in the phone dialer annoy)
#Good battery performance
#Increased memory
#Bloatware removed
#Removal of or fixed/tweaked default apps (For some reason the default browser sucks CPU/battery dry and I have disabled it on current ROM).
#Smooth 720p video (is this even possible either in the FW or through a mod?)
#Good camera performance (Use a mod?)
#Status bar with quick toggles and notifications
#Good WIFI, 2G,3G/HSDPA performance (especially if 3G is tweaked as I get poor signal in some places)
#Bravia engine (1 or 2?)
#Correctly functioning hardware including LED's/Side LED/Buttons/Sensors (brightness, rotation etc)
#STABILITY (as little bugs as possible basically)
#Easy upgrade path between builds (not having to wipe data each time although I realize this is sometimes required)
#WIFI tethering
I don't care much for HDMI output but if it works it's a bonus. Things like USB OTG and USB mass storage would also be useful but not essential.
I think that's all of it. If moderators still feel this is a 'best ROM' thread feel free to contact me privately to cast your warnings. Hopefully though they will see this is a bit more specific than that and actually asks more pertinent questions rather than a blanket 'which ROM is best' question.
Thanks for reading
I can't comment on a rom, but for camera, most definitely Cybershot mod . Pictures look amazing
jman2131 said:
I can't comment on a rom, but for camera, most definitely Cybershot mod . Pictures look amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I will look into it. Seems it's only for ICS ROM's but if there is an ICS ROM that meets the above criteria I will check it out.
For me, right no, Atomic Gb 3.0 Xtreme Silencer is going to update it to 3.1 now, so u can flash it. It is the most complete ROM now for me, with almost everything u said in ur list
Download it here
Hi.
While this may not be a best ROM thread as you say, its just as equally annoying. You've listed what most of us want from a ROM, and as you say you've read this that and the other then its time to pick one and flash it. If you think the process of flashing custom ROMs is tedious then learn how to mod, tweak a stock ROM to your own liking then you won't need to rely on others to tell you what to flash.
Sent from Myushi
luiseteyo said:
For me, right no, Atomic Gb 3.0 Xtreme Silencer is going to update it to 3.1 now, so u can flash it. It is the most complete ROM now for me, with almost everything u said in ur list
Download it here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is video recording and playback and the camera?
XperienceD said:
Hi.
While this may not be a best ROM thread as you say, its just as equally annoying. You've listed what most of us want from a ROM, and as you say you've read this that and the other then its time to pick one and flash it. If you think the process of flashing custom ROMs is tedious then learn how to mod, tweak a stock ROM to your own liking then you won't need to rely on others to tell you what to flash.
Sent from Myushi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
deadman3000 said:
How is video recording and playback and the camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did u read that? Flash and test yourself
We can't say, what fits you, we don't know your life. You know it the best, you should find the perfect one.
XDA is not a place, where people are slaves, stop being lazy and do something yourself aswell.
Look at ROM's overviews, features, functions, read comments (if you want to know more about the ROM) etc.
Try them, put them to the test in regular usage. Then you find one. We can't say, which one is good for you.
yeah he is right!
Atomic Gb is awesome !
xtremesilencer has done some great work to make it!
ohhh wait a min!
i am xtremesilencer that was a joke
and if you want to know about a rom then go to the thread or check the feedback
dont open new new threads !!!!!
I'm on ICS because of the mobile data manager (built in, doesn't work on gb) as i have a limited data plan.
I'm right now on the xperia t rom, it is really great, the battery lasts up to two days. (3-4 hours display on, around 10h mobile data and wifi is always on).
Using the stock 587 kernel. Never had such an amazing battery life
Sent from my LT18i using xda app-developers app
Whilst I understand the sentiment of 'try them for yourself' and 'you are just being lazy' and 'read the comments' etc. It takes *TIME* I don't need overclocking. I don't need all the fancy themes. I don't need a ton of tweaks other than those that meet the basic requirements I have listed.
As I said whilst there is a healthy development community on this particular device, it is hard work to find the right ROM. I have to go through the list of ROMS, kernels and mods in the thread stickied in 'General' (I noticed at least one ROM is missing from that list btw). On the whole it does not tell me a lot other than name, ROM, base (GB, ICS, JB) and then you have to spend a lot of time trying to find out all the info about the ROM by going to the ROM's thread, read about it's features, how to install it, which kernels work best with it, how to fix, patch or workaround any problems found (usually buried deeper into the thread with sometimes 'hundreds' of replies so you might not know about the patches and workarounds until you actually install it and when you ask in the thread someone says it was mentioned earlier in the thread which you now have to search through) etc etc ad nauseam.
I'm just looking for a shortlist of ROM's to try based on others opinions that meet my criteria.
I do also believe that there should be a sticky that instead of ostracizing members for asking 'which is the best ROM' as there currently is (which I know can be annoying for the moderators) instead should offer opinions and experiences. Which ROM's offer which features and how well they perform and yes, perhaps even a poll.
This would be the 'go to' thread for all those people (including myself) who are stuck for choice.
But perhaps this is too much work (I guess you could say to me I should do it then and keep it updated since I am so interested in it)...
The forum is chaotic as it is. But this is the nature of forums.
deadman3000 said:
Whilst I understand the sentiment of 'try them for yourself' and 'you are just being lazy' and 'read the comments' etc. It takes *TIME* I don't need overclocking. I don't need all the fancy themes. I don't need a ton of tweaks other than those that meet the basic requirements I have listed.
As I said whilst there is a healthy development community on this particular device, it is hard work to find the right ROM. I have to go through the list of ROMS, kernels and mods in the thread stickied in 'General' (I noticed at least one ROM is missing from that list btw). On the whole it does not tell me a lot other than name, ROM, base (GB, ICS, JB) and then you have to spend a lot of time trying to find out all the info about the ROM by going to the ROM's thread, read about it's features, how to install it, which kernels work best with it, how to fix, patch or workaround any problems found (usually buried deeper into the thread with sometimes 'hundreds' of replies so you might not know about the patches and workarounds until you actually install it and when you ask in the thread someone says it was mentioned earlier in the thread which you now have to search through) etc etc ad nauseam.
I'm just looking for a shortlist of ROM's to try based on others opinions that meet my criteria.
I do also believe that there should be a sticky that instead of ostracizing members for asking 'which is the best ROM' as there currently is (which I know can be annoying for the moderators) instead should offer opinions and experiences. Which ROM's offer which features and how well they perform and yes, perhaps even a poll.
This would be the 'go to' thread for all those people (including myself) who are stuck for choice.
But perhaps this is too much work (I guess you could say to me I should do it then and keep it updated since I am so interested in it)...
The forum is chaotic as it is. But this is the nature of forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, that's what most people would have to go through to actually find a rom that they would stick with. Luckily I tried 1 and never moved away because it was suffice. Here's a list to shorten the task, tremendously for you
Ultimate HD
Beautiful ICS
Jelly Sandwich - I've been using this one for months without changing. I'd recommend version 7.4 as it's stable and anything version 8 and above are a hassle to install and have ugly icons =/
Atomic GB - The only gingerbread based rom listed as opposed to ics so bear in mind the cybershot wouldn't work
I can't really comment on any of these roms' 'personal sufficiency' other than jelly sandwich, but these are the ones I would test if I were you good luck
well XDA is a dev site where devs share their creations for each other, they're not obliged to put them up here and frankly it takes a billion times more work to make a rom than to look through the ROM threads
Sent from my Xperia Arc S using xda premium
Xperia T ROM is the way to go!
I too was in the same state 3-4 months back and all I wanted was a stable & smooth ROM (better than stock, of course). So, I went thro most of the threads and based on the feedback of many, I narrowed down on Ultimate HD. Sure its a better ROM and I was happy using it for close to 2 months. But after prolonged usage, it started to lag. Only then, I started experimenting with multiple ROMs.
There are ROM u would start hating it immediately after installing it and there are which will make u to stick with it for a while. After testing bunch of ROMs, I finally landed on Xperia T ROM. Its not the most talked about ROM around, but definitely has its own fan following and Im definitely going to be one among them. It has all the MODs that I wanted (toggles, latest apps, cybershot, small apps etc...) and yet it offered smoothness and free RAM of close to 100 MB. Most importantly, it offered loads of options while installing (in Aroma Installer). So, you can pick and choose whatever u want. It is one of the few ROMs wherein Sound Enhancements in Walkman player and Online mode in Album works out of the box without any tweaking!
So, I suggest you to give it a shot. Im sure u wont regret it
Hmm. Just read that T ROM has broken wifi tethering. Also read that AOSP ROM's don't have in call mute? It's quite a bit involved installing that ROM by the look of things too. I will monitor the thread for a while though and ask about the in call mute feature.
Sometimes, it's not about the ROM, it's the mods you flash on the ROM. I have been using stock ROM for quite some time and I have flashed a few mods to tweak and improve the stock ROM. You can go to the Themes and Apps section to find these kind of mods.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
AW: [Q] Which ROM offers the following?
Use the stock rom and flash mods you want..
Your mixing everyrthing up, battery and performance, perfect stability and design....
Now that I have settled down with the hox, im ready to start installing custom stuff. However, since i am very busy with school work i dont really have time to explore myself (that comes summer time ) anyway i was hoping u guys could help recommend some different roms/mods that I can installt hat will suite my needs.I do like sense tho so I don't really want to go to vanilla android. Here are some things I would like:
1) toggles for wifi/data/brightness etc in notification pull down. either like how stock JB/ICS or the 2 finger settings pull down thing from JB. Is there any mod for like swipe across the top for brightness like in cyanogen?
2) autobrightness tweaks so its actually usable. right now auto is basically always on almost full brightness and its annoying.
3)any % battery mod and any way to get rid of beats/powersaver icons/ notifications?
4)any other battery tweaks/power saving mods would be helpful also. right now im getting like 12 hrs with wifi on and like 2-3 hrs of screen on
5) best swypesque keyboard? I like swype but the sense one is kidna inaccurate compared to the stock jb one i tried.
6) anything else i must have or a tweak that alot of people use etc.
7) any good free thd games that look/work well?
thanks in advance for any suggestions looking forward to this :fingers-crossed:
--
ps. can someone point me towards some guides to get started?
---
edit 2: i would also like lowered dpi/phtablet configuration, and has the multiscreen thing been ported from samsung? or maybe the qslide feature thing from LG
bump anyone? Also is there any mod/roms to lower dpi/ phablet configuration? On my g2x it was paranoid android.
Still nothing?? Can none helpa brother out?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Well your first issue is to root your mobile. Go on htcdev . Com and do it. After that use a tutorials from Android Development section of the but please - first read very carefully everything! If you have any questions- first ask them and after its clear to you proceed with next steps.
Try Blade ROM.
For your first question - its not presented at the moment in Blade, but it can be implemented in the future.
Keyboard - if you insist to be swypable- try slide it. It's payed...
The main good thing in Blade ROM is that the rom is stripped to the essential core and in addition there is a Aroma mods, and in which you can choose whatever you like it use mods, and tweaks and add ons.
Hope this will help you.
Regards.
BLADE Team Member
jorjino2000 said:
Well your first issue is to root your mobile. Go on htcdev . Com and do it. After that use a tutorials from Android Development section of the but please - first read very carefully everything! If you have any questions- first ask them and after its clear to you proceed with next steps.
Try Blade ROM.
For your first question - its not presented at the moment in Blade, but it can be implemented in the future.
Keyboard - if you insist to be swypable- try slide it. It's payed...
The main good thing in Blade ROM is that the rom is stripped to the essential core and in addition there is a Aroma mods, and in which you can choose whatever you like it use mods, and tweaks and add ons.
Hope this will help you.
Regards.
BLADE Team Member
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright thanks. i have rooted my g2x and nexus s so im not a total beginner however the process seems more complex for the hox. is blade still a sense rom?
PaKii94 said:
alright thanks. i have rooted my g2x and nexus s so im not a total beginner however the process seems more complex for the hox. is blade still a sense rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I Blade is a Sense Rom. However there is a "desensing", script, and which removes almost all of HTC stuff - launcher, widgets, lockscreen, and etc.
BLADE Team Member
Note: I tried viewing this thread in the XDA app on my phone - mistake! The formatting goes away on the app. If you actually want to read this thread (I'm blushing, really) I recommend hopping on a computer, or at least your browser on your phone.
Post 2: Stock Roms
Post 3: AOSP Roms
*** If you're going from a stock rom to an AOSP rom, read this ***
When you flash an AOSP rom it creates a folder marked 0 on your sdcard, and once it's created, you will ONLY be able to access files in the 0 folder, whether in the rom itself or in recovery. Here's a workaround.
1) Flash back to a stock based rom (If you haven't flashed an AOSP ROM yet you're already here)
2) Using a file explorer (and making sure "show hidden files" is checked) create a folder called 0 in the root of your sdcard if there isn't one there already. Cut and paste everything else in the root of your sdcard into that folder (the one called 0). You can copy and paste if you want but it'll be slower and you'll double the amount of space you're using.
3) Go ahead and reboot into recovery. Do a backup of your current setup and then install your new ROM
4) Everything should be where you expect it to be. If you choose to go back to a stock rom, you'll just have to flash the rom, cut everything out of the 0 folder and into the root of your sdcard, and then make sure you delete the 0 folder once it's empty so that TWRP can see everything it needs to.
Explanation:
I thought it'd be nice to have a central place to see what's what when it comes to sprint Optimus G roms. At first I did this to sort of keep my thoughts straight on the various available roms, but then I thought hey why not share with the community. Also we're coming up on finals week and I have a very special type of procrastination in which I clean, organize, make threads, or otherwise do anything remotely productive that is NOT related to studying. Also also, my intention is to update this post on a semi regular basis, as the development scene is a constantly changing (improving, I should say) place for this phone. That is, assuming people find this thread useful.
About me:
College student who loves his Optimus G. I typically check XDA way more than is healthy, and bounce back and forth between most of the wonderful roms available for this phone.
Thread Etiquette: (please read)
Apparently you're a classy bunch, so I don't think this section is necessary.
Now for the meat of the post! I will not be reviewing ICS roms. Mainly because you have two choices, imperium and lifeless, and their respective jelly bean forms are reviewed here. Plus you should probably upgrade to jelly bean, it's better in most ways. If you need to root, unlock, etc, look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2050582
Remember, IRC is your friend. If you run into troubles and need immediate aid, go to http://webchat.freenode.net/ and join the channel #lg-optimus-g . They're very friendly over there. Also, there are guides to help you out all over the place on the forums.
Recoveries
Somebody wanted me to say a few words about recoveries, so here goes. We have two options, TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and CWM (Clockwork Mod). TWRP is touch enabled, while CWM requires use of volume keys and power button to navigate. Additionally, we're officially supported by TWRP. I'm not so sure about CWM (I don't even know if they do official support,etc).
Honestly, I don't see any reason to not use TWRP. Most users opt for TWRP for its touch friendliness, and ease of use. It also has a nicer UI in my opinion. I used CWM way back on my Optimus S, and it got schtuff done, but I think most of the roms and everything here are tested by flashing through TWRP. So unless you have some special reason for wanting CWM, I'd choose TWRP if I were you.
Thanks to all the devs/testers/users who made these roms possible!
Stock Based
Rom Name: Stock
Developer: Everyone's favorite South Korean electronics manufacturer, LG! (Samsung,pffff)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176365 (in case you need to flash back to stock)
Brief Description: Not much needed here. Everybody's pretty familiar with this one!
Pros: It's what LG and Sprint want for you. They think this is just the bees knees, and if you think they have your best interests at heart, keep it! Most of the actual pros I'll discuss in lifeless.
Cons: Bloat, primarily. I've yet to meet the person who actually uses Sprint Zone. The messaging app is kind of buggy, I've heard, though since the JB update I haven't encountered much.
Major Bugs: None as far as I know.
Rom Name: Lifeless
Developer: AdriVelazquez
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2083320
Brief Description: Essentially (stock) - (bloat) + (tweaks) = lifeless. If you seek (stock)-(nearly everything that isn't necessary) check out imperium. If you like stock but don't like all of the Sprint/LG nonsense, this could be the one. And if it's worth anything to you, this is probably the rom that you'll find on my phone most of the time.
Pros:
- Aroma Installer allows you to get a VERY customized rom experience. Choose boot animation, preinstalled apps, which bloat you like, launchers, tweaks, sotkeys
- Liberty Evolved kernel optional. For most up to date version, see note at end of section.
- You can get just about as close to or as far from stock as you'd like while still being stock. If you don't think you can as far from stock as you'd like to be, consider Imperium (also stock based) or an AOSP rom.
- Performance/battery options like eco-mode and power saver.
- Pretty customizable lockscreen, with the cool dewdrop animation.
Cons: (note that these aren't really faults of the rom itself, it dos what it purports to do quite admirably)
- Still looks like stock, which is only a con if you hate the stock look. The notification pull-down menu is still cluttered. The settings app is still goofy looking.
- 4.1.2, not 4.2. So no lockscreen widgets, or any other advantages that 4.2 has to offer.
Major Bugs: None. One of the more bug-free roms, and if that's something you value, you should seriously consider this.
Rom Name: Imperium Initiative
Developer: Lokifish Marz
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2111607
Brief Description: This is basically stock totally stripped down and outfitted to look like AOSP. Conceived and manifested at a time when there wasn't any taste of AOSP available for our Optimus G, this rom did a good job emulating AOSP. However, it is stock based, however little it may look it. The developer behind it, Lokifish Marz, wanted me to mention that it's not really a rom, it just plays one on TV. In his words, it's "more a lightweight tuned base and series of mods for other devs and tinkerers to build and test on for their own ROMs and kernels". (If you want more info, his post is on the second page.)
However I'm going to leave it listed as a ROM, since I think that's what most users (myself included, up until mere hours ago) view it as. ROM or not, I think it's the most "barebones" option available.
Pros:
- Liberty Evolved Kernel included, though not the most up to date version. See note at the end of this section.
- AOSP look and feel, for the most part
- Relative stability of a stock based rom
- Quite nearly zero bloat
- Itsy bitsy (<500 mb) size. For reference, the stock ZVB rom is over a gig.
- Has a fun martian theme, right down to the background and boot image.
- Total feature list (copied from thread)
Almost all bloat and Google apps have been removed
AOSP/CM calculator, calendar and email replaces LG calculator, calendar and email
ES Explorer replaces LG file browser
AOSP lockscreen
AOSP 4.2 Keyboard
Jelly Bean Softkeys (change qemu.hw.mainkeys=0 to qemu.hw.mainkeys=1 in build.prop to disable)
Google Wallet
Android Tuner as system app
ROMstats added (server currently down)
Removed OTA service
Removed Connection Optimizer
Removed Qualcomm location enhancer
GPS tweaks
Liberty-Evolved v1.13 kernel (thanks Evolutionmods)
Camera tweaks (thanks _Epic)
Thermal mod (thanks Adri)
Awesome Beats Audio (Acid Audio was a major source of issues in the previous release)
Tuned to provide better battery life
Wifi scan changed to 300
Network tweaks (included tweaks for all network types the hardware supports)
Over 200,000 AdBlock hosts built in
build.prop edits and cleaning
Has my personal "loki" init.d script
Imperium standard issue default wallpaper
Martian Imperium boot animation with device info, build info and credits
Frees up tons of RAM and space in /system
Tons of other tweaks I can't remember
Cons:
- If there are any stock features you DO like, you might have to jump through hoops to reimplement them on this rom. Lifeless has the edge in that you can selectively remove things upon install.
Major Bugs: Again, fairly bug free as far as I know. While I ran it I had no major issues.
Note/Plug:
Liberty Evolved Kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2181976
Developer: EvolutionMods
I highly recommend this kernel. It's very stable, still in active development, and can only help. It's currently for stock based roms only.
There's now an alternate kernel for those running AOSP.
Houcha kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2246163
I haven't really used it yet but it's always nice to have choices!
AOSP-Wide Bugs: These bugs apply to every AOSP rom, aka any rom in this post.
-Camera focus: Some camera daemon keeps running when it shouldn't, or doesn't run when it should, or something. But that's immaterial, the end result is that after closing and reopening any camera app, autofocus will not work. There's a workaround that involves running a script every time you need to use a camera app. This is the biggest bug for me, and is what keeps me on stock in spite of the Play Music problems.
-Audio over headset: Some users have reported audio problems when on the phone and using a headset. On the phone meaning in a call.
-GPS: If GPS isn't working, flashing a stock rom, getting a GPS lock, then flashing back should fix the problem
AOSP Based
- AOSP based. It's the general consensus that since AOSP is maintained by Google, it is the pure android experience and is what Google thinks their operating system should be. Google's motives are for the most part believed to be more for the end user's benefits, as carrier and manufacturer modifications are either (a) well meant but poorly implemented or (b) commercially motivated and irritating. Google wants its OS to be the best in the world, and many think that it is
Rom Name: CyanogenMod 10.1 (Unofficial)
Developer (for our phone): Shellnutt2 (Other people are certainly involved, I'm just listing whoever's name is on the thread, this goes for all roms)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2189788
Brief Description: A source build (thanks jblazea50) of probably the most famous rom in the android world, though that may be debatable. AOSP goodness, plus some extras. Stable for the most part, and actively being worked on by our fabulous devs.
Pros:
- General advantages of running CyanogenMod can be found here http://www.cyanogenmod.org/about/features
- Reader's digest version? Customizable user interface, lockscreen, very themeable, powerful equalizer, and more...
Major Bugs: None. Only minor bugs, and they're being steadily ironed out.
Rom Name: EOS 4.0
NO LONGER UNDER ACTIVE DEVELOPMENT: This is not to say it's not a serviceable rom, but if you're looking for updates, look elsewhere.
Developer: teamEOS/rlasalle15
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219393
Brief Description: Another AOSP based rom, that concentrates on stability. Implements some features of CyanogenMod, and some of its own. Maintained by teamEOS. (If it matters, this is my AOSP rom of choice)
Pros:
- Full feature list, copied from original thread
NX Gesture Navigation Bar
Custom Quick Toggles Tiles with Brightness & Volume Seekbars
Softkeys Long-Press Actions
Custom Navigation Bar Ring Quick Launch Targets
EOS Status Bar Toggles
Navigation Bar Color w/ Project Glass (Auto-Transparency, not the Google Project Glass )
Status Bar Color
Battery Indicator Mods
Clock Mods
T-Mobile Theme Engine
Hide System Bars
Performance Settings
Volume keys switch depending on rotation. So the volume up key is always either on the top or to the right of volume down. (Toggle-able)
Default Volume Control Stream (Ring or Media)
Advanced power menu with reboot options.
Eos Control Center
MORE...
- Reader's Digest version? Very themeable, like CM 10, EOS control center includes performance and UI tweaks all in a central place. The volume keys switch according to the orientation of the phone, resulting in a more intuitive volume control. Reboot options include reboot to recovery and bootloader, which is convenient if you spend a lot of time in recovery. Personally I'm paranoid about holding buttons down all the time, I don't want things to break or loosen or whatever, so software tweaks like that make me happy.
- You can turn off the screen off animation, which is something I like to be able to do. I couldn't figure out how to do this on CM10.1, please PM me or something if you know how and I'll amend this. When it's late at night and my room is dark, it's irritating to have the brightness very low but the screen off animation flashing very brightly.
Major Bugs: None aside from universal bugs.
Rom Name: AOKP (CAVEAT - I have not personally tried this rom. Take my opinions with a large grain of salt. Actually I've tried not to put my opinion in this part at all, just reporting what I've read)
Developer: spleef
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2235291
Brief Description: Stands for Android Open Kang Project. Another fork of AOSP, with its own special features and modifications. It's now a source build, boots up fine, runs well. Being very actively developed, so for the latest and greatest check the thread.
Pros:
- General AOKP features can be found here http://aokp.co/
Cons:
- Again, has its own feature set, but if you're looking for particular features then make sure you do your research and check out all of the roms available.
Major Bugs: None in addition to the universal ones.
Rom Name: Liquid Smooth
Developer: spleef
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2373267
Brief Description: LiquidSmooth is an aftermarket firmware based on the Android Open Source Project.
Dedicated to providing users with smooth, stable and fast ROMs. A Lightweight modified AOSP base, and then add the features you crave! (Quoted from thread)
What makes this ROM special?
It seems like the main differentiator with this ROM is how smooth it is, or purports to be. I tested it for a day or so, and found that it was indeed smooth, though I've yet to find a stuttery ROM for this phone. What I did notice was that there seemed to be a different set of animations, which may make things seem even smoother. It's hard to quantify smoothness, and what's smooth for me could be even smoother for you. Or less smooth. Or of comparable smoothivity. Smoov. Anyhow. Try it out.
Detailed Features:
SaberMod GCC 4.7
-O3 Optimizations
ARM Optimized String Handling Routines
Linaro and Code Aurora Optimizations
Customizable lock screen buttons/sliders
Chronus & Dashclock widgets
Customizable hardware and software keys
Transparent navbar and status bar
Customizable navbar ring
Navigation bar widgets
Customizable power menu
Notification power widget
Customizable quick settings panel
Status bar mods
Theme engine
Quiet hours
Volume rocker music controls
Full Rotation
Customizable battery and notification light
Don't enable GPS if the requesting app is blacklisted.
Add permission that allows cancelling notifications from other apps.
Notification cancellation fixes
Ensure install-during-restore is like install-then-restore
libdrm: fix bad strncpy / snprintf calls
Make contacts app aware of blacklist being disabled
Frameworks: a bit taste of android 4.3
Frameworks: add reset option to clock color and cleanup
Frameworks: activate qs and notifications toggle for navring
Correctly release lockscreen lock on tile destroy
Add an option to allow a (subtle) notification vibration during calls.
NotificationManager : Fix security exception
Frameworks: privacy guard fix UI freeze
Prevent notification acces via HALO on protected lockscreens
HALO: keep apps in recents
HALO: halo can save last position now
HALO: Minimal Style
HALO: Master Switch
HALO: Custom Colors
SMS: add middleware layer
Add Statusbar Quick Peek
Frameworks: Privacy Guard
Profiles: Add bluetooth triggers
FIx: Phablet UI NavBar in landscape
Profiles: Add 2g/3g connection option
Profiles: Add a profile picker activity
Speed up statusbar/notification drawer
Use sticky broadcast to convey torch state
Keep notification LED on while daydreaming
Add Settings shortcut to Interface Settings Activity
WebSettings: Move Liquid tag to the end of the user-agent
Show application's package name in the "App info" screen
Settings: fixed HALO options so now they stick and function
Close notification panel when swiping away the last clearable
Frameworks: Reduce Navbar, Navrings, Slimpie observer footprints
Don't bring home to the front if we're opening a floating activity
Profiles: Fix turning bluetooth on/off when its in intermediate state
Settings: Rename 'Power sounds' to 'Charging sounds' and add summary
custom PIE features
smart capture and true shot camera features
And Many More...
Disclaimer: I am merely human. I make mistakes. This guide is by no means comprehensive. If you see an error I've made, inform me! Through PM or thread response, whichever you deem more appropriate (though if you think a post wouldn't be constructive, I recommend a PM). But please do so politely. To borrow a phrase that a fellow XDA'er seems to be fond of (crwolv) and that I have become fond of as a result (fondness by association?), let's all be couth. I really really really dislike personal attacks that I see in the forums, and while I'm by no means immune to getting upset and posting in that state, I think resolving issues with another user is a great use for the PM feature.
This is sort of similar to this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2173532
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
I can't adequately express in writing the noise of frustration that I just made. But upon further thought, this is at least slightly different in that it goes into more detail? In the time it took me to type this, I've calmed down, decided this thread is not completely redundant. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
_Epic said:
This is sort of similar to this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2173532
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so, as this is a review. I'd hate to see this closed cause it's great to know what to expect from a ROM and others troubles.
Great job with the reviews! I'm running CM 10.1 now
CM10.1 isn't a port. It is based on source.
stevek216 said:
I can't adequately express in writing the noise of frustration that I just made. But upon further thought, this is at least slightly different in that it goes into more detail? In the time it took me to type this, I've calmed down, decided this thread is not completely redundant. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't mean any harm or "noise of frustration" that you made. Carry on!
EDIT: Just an FYI, mods will probably see this as a ROM opinion thread, which they don't like. I just don't want you to be surprised if it does get locked.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
Good stuff. While those of use who flash frequently know already most of what is going on with these ROMs, this will here very helpful to new members as they arrive.
Thanks for your time.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
_Epic said:
I didn't mean any harm or "noise of frustration" that you made. Carry on!
EDIT: Just an FYI, mods will probably see this as a ROM opinion thread, which they don't like. I just don't want you to be surprised if it does get locked.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oof. I hope not! I tried to keep it pretty factual. But what happens, happens. I didn't know opinion threads were frowned upon. And of course I know you didn't intend frustration
I dont know about everybody else but I actually enjoyed reading the reviews of all roms.
I hope you continue to update the first post everytime a rom updates, so we can stay up-to-date
Thanks for taking the time for a review. This should help new users coming in, as well as explain what's going on with these Roms so you don't have to read through 1000 posts.
Very well done
This was a great overview of the choice of options we have. very well written and through. I don't know about anyone else here, but I really hope we get a team nocturnal release. i loved the sony ui!
Great review
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
I appreciate the effort and time you put into this. When something big goes down such as when cm 10.1 became available, it doesn't take too long to get way behind and then have to sit and read through pages of posts. This will be a good source. Thanks
What about custom recoveries? TWRP and CWM are rather varying in functionlaities, layout, input methods ect.
TWRP vs CMW
Haven't used cwm for awhile, but twrp easy to use plus has touch screen interface. Last time I used cwm it wasn't as easy. But as with anything, it slop depends on your preferences.
Just thought I'd drop in and clarify something about Initiative. It really isn't a ROM, it's just packaged as such for ease of distribution. Like Initiative on other devices, it more a lightweight tuned base and series of mods for other devs and tinkerers to build and test on for their own ROMs and kernels. That's part of the reason it's called "Initiative". Except for a couple things, there is little difference between "Initiative" and "Agent". Also except for the bug fixes it tends to only get updated when the stock base changes.
BTW, thanks for the review/guide. It's something a lot of newcomers really need when playing with their new toy.
Lokifish Marz said:
Just thought I'd drop in and clarify something about Initiative. It really isn't a ROM, it's just packaged as such for ease of distribution. Like Initiative on other devices, it more a lightweight tuned base and series of mods for other devs and tinkerers to build and test on for their own ROMs and kernels. That's part of the reason it's called "Initiative". Except for a couple things, there is little difference between "Initiative" and "Agent". Also except for the bug fixes it tends to only get updated when the stock base changes.
BTW, thanks for the review/guide. It's something a lot of newcomers really need when playing with their new toy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updated the OP to reflect this. Among other things. And you're welcome.
Vibrate is way better on AOKP now with Trickster MOD
Sent from my Optimus G using xda premium
My wife has the Galaxy S3 (AT&T) and I have the Galaxy S3 (Sprint). I've googled for best ROMs, but not everyone has the same criteria to judge 'best'. I'm looking for the best ROM with the following features (numbered most to least important) that supports both of our phones:
High Stability (bug-free)
Compact size (minimal bloatware)
Active development (support)
Good battery life
Good Performance
Recommendations would be much appreciated. Please specify why you recommend a particular ROM. Thanks in advance.
flroots said:
My wife has the Galaxy S3 (AT&T) and I have the Galaxy S3 (Sprint). I've googled for best ROMs, but not everyone has the same criteria to judge 'best'. I'm looking for the best ROM with the following features (numbered most to least important) that supports both of our phones:
High Stability (bug-free)
Compact size (minimal bloatware)
Active development (support)
Good battery life
Good Performance
Recommendations would be much appreciated. Please specify why you recommend a particular ROM. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i would say the custom TouchWiz roms for your sprint one i don't know about the AT&T one though........
Anyone else?
flroots said:
Anyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the at&t and sprint s3 android development forums.
Check the titles for TW VS aosp, os version, blah, blah.
Read the Ops for specifics.
I also look for roms with a lot of chatter in the thread, and roms that appear to be regularly updated.
The problem with ur question is that if u get 20 answers you'll get 17 different roms...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
g_money said:
Use the at&t and sprint s3 android development forums.
Check the titles for TW VS aosp, os version, blah, blah.
Read the Ops for specifics.
I also look for roms with a lot of chatter in the thread, and roms that appear to be regularly updated.
The problem with ur question is that if u get 20 answers you'll get 17 different roms...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I have been doing something like that. With respect to my Sprint (L710) variant I have installed and tested these four:
SlimKat (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2400593)
modified Stock (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2741413)
CM11 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2030660)
Gummy (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2563973)
Do they represent a good cross section of available ROMs or am I missing a bunch of good ones? In particular, I disqualified the second option since several apps couldn't write to extsdcard even though I have installed and executed SDFix. SDFix is not required for the first option and it does everything I want. I also tried CM11, but it seems to have more bloatware than SlimKat and no obvious advantages. Gummy kept giving me FC's on various gapps apps. In summary SlimKat has floated to the top. My only complaint is that I had to tweak the dpi, but the texdroider app fixed that. What are some good options that I'm overlooking?
flroots said:
Thanks. I have been doing something like that. With respect to my Sprint (L710) variant I have installed and tested these four:
SlimKat (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2400593)
modified Stock (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2741413)
CM11 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2030660)
Gummy (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2563973)
Do they represent a good cross section of available ROMs or am I missing a bunch of good ones? In particular, I disqualified the second option since several apps couldn't write to extsdcard even though I have installed and executed SDFix. SDFix is not required for the first option and it does everything I want. I also tried CM11, but it seems to have more bloatware than SlimKat and no obvious advantages. Gummy kept giving me FC's on various gapps apps. In summary SlimKat has floated to the top. My only complaint is that I had to tweak the dpi, but the texdroider app fixed that. What are some good options that I'm overlooking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on the TW side there is Wicked X 8.0/Barebones and Tribute rom and AOSP you can try CarbonRom or some of the newer roms like Broken OS, GrapheneROM a optimized CarbonRom, Spirit Rom, TMS3-Dark_Droid-3
6th_Hokage said:
on the TW side there is Wicked X 8.0/Barebones and Tribute rom and AOSP you can try CarbonRom or some of the newer roms like Broken OS, GrapheneROM a optimized CarbonRom, Spirit Rom, TMS3-Dark_Droid-3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll check those out. I forgot to mention, but another criteria is that any candidate ROM must be available on both the Sprint and AT&T variant of the Galaxy S3. I've eliminated quite a few on that basis.
Update: Based on a bit of Googling it appears as follows:
Wicked X -> Sprint only
Tribute ROM -> Sprint only
Carbon ROM -> both Sprint and AT&T
Based on that I'll investigate Carbon ROM and if it seems appropriate, give it a try. I just checked out Carbon ROM for Sprint. It appears the forum petered out back in February and the download links are broken. Think I'll pass on that one. Also, I hesitate to try the newer ones you mentioned since my most important criteria is stability (ie, bug free). Thanks again.
flroots said:
Based on that I'll investigate Carbon ROM and if it seems appropriate, give it a try. I just checked out Carbon ROM for Sprint. It appears the forum petered out back in February and the download links are broken. Think I'll pass on that one. Also, I hesitate to try the newer ones you mentioned since my most important criteria is stability (ie, bug free). Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind there are quite a few ROMs (including Carbon) for our device, that are very active on Google+ and not here.
I would say broken os rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3-sprint/development/4-4-4-brokenos-t2890496
mattzeller said:
Keep in mind there are quite a few ROMs (including Carbon) for our device, that are very active on Google+ and not here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.
Thisismyringtone said:
I would say broken os rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3-sprint/development/4-4-4-brokenos-t2890496
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm trying BrokenOS. So far it seems fine, but I haven't noticed many differences from SlimKat. Can you offer any pros or cons that would help me decide?
I do see that it offers both the Nova and Google Now launchers. Nova has an extensive settings page which includes a handy backup and restore feature. I can't find anything similar with Google Now? I can't even change the grid (icons per row and column). Am I missing something?
flroots said:
Thanks. I'm trying BrokenOS. So far it seems fine, but I haven't noticed many differences from SlimKat. Can you offer any pros or cons that would help me decide?
I do see that it offers both the Nova and Google Now launchers. Nova has an extensive settings page which includes a handy backup and restore feature. I can't find anything similar with Google Now? I can't even change the grid (icons per row and column). Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the base of the rom is based off of slim not sure though. Well broken os is very smooth and fast never had any force closes battery life is great on it.
For the Google launcher it doesn't have anything really you can customize. So no you aren't missing anything there. I would say to use nova.
CarbonRom is back up here is the link for the D2LTE which will work for both your S3's and here is the Change Log if you want to check it out.....
Thisismyringtone said:
I'm pretty sure the base of the rom is based off of slim not sure though. Well broken os is very smooth and fast never had any force closes battery life is great on it.
For the Google launcher it doesn't have anything really you can customize. So no you aren't missing anything there. I would say to use nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That helps.
6th_Hokage said:
CarbonRom is back up here is the link for the D2LTE which will work for both your S3's and here is the Change Log if you want to check it out.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I see your link if for Nightlies. As mentioned, my first criteria is stability so I'm probably not interested in them. Is there an operational site with a stable version?
flroots said:
Thanks. I see your link if for Nightlies. As mentioned, my first criteria is stability so I'm probably not interested in them. Is there an operational site with a stable version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the official site.....the reason they are nightlies is because the developers add and remove features all the time it's in the channel log..but the basic functions of the phone always work.....so they are stable nightlies....
Thanks for all the feedback. I've tentatively selected SlimKat. It's the slimmest of all tested and seems fully functional. BrokenOS seemed nice as well, but it was slightly less slim, much less active development, and didn't offer any noticeable advantages. I'd still be interested in recommendations. As mentioned, a candidate must be available for both the Sprint and AT&T variant.
6th_Hokage said:
That's the official site.....the reason they are nightlies is because the developers add and remove features all the time it's in the channel log..but the basic functions of the phone always work.....so they are stable nightlies....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I had some time this morning, so I installed the latest Carbon ROM nightly. Here are my comments so far based upon limited testing:
Closer to stock than SlimKat (eg, dpi, icon size, etc)
Google Now toolbar top of all home screens
Calendar not included in ROM nor gapps (so installed Google Calendar from Play Store)
Titanium Backup Pro complained about installed SuperSU (so flashed Update-SuperSU by Chainfire)
SuperSU app tends to hang (temporarily clear via reboot)
Several icons appear on Lock Screen (they seem to taken from notification screen)
Fully functional so far (with exception of SuperSU)
Less slim than SlimKat (Nandroid 951MB vs 783MB)
flroots said:
My wife has the Galaxy S3 (AT&T) and I have the Galaxy S3 (Sprint). I've googled for best ROMs, but not everyone has the same criteria to judge 'best'. I'm looking for the best ROM with the following features (numbered most to least important) that supports both of our phones:
High Stability (bug-free)
Compact size (minimal bloatware)
Active development (support)
Good battery life
Good Performance
Recommendations would be much appreciated. Please specify why you recommend a particular ROM. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see...that is the problem...BEST can only ever be opinion...they are all the BEST for the people using them if you check the individual development threads.
Battery performance will vary from user to user....ROMs have little to no effect on battery performance...it is how you set up the kernel and your usage/preferences/signal and such that affect it..not the ROM.
You can only learn about stability by reading the development thread. There may be an app or dirty flash or lemon phone that makes something unstable for one person and not for the other 1000's of users of that ROM..and maybe that one guy comments here and not the other 1000.
Again performance is kernel related and the settings in the kernel....learn how to ajust your kernel settings mostly through trial and error.
Active development...you just need to check the first page of the development section...the ones on the top page with most replies are the most active.
So that leaves compact in size...search through them for the words debloated and look at the download size.
The rest will be mostly opinion and things you will need to learn by trial and error.
Googling for best ROMs will turn up garbage as again there is no baseline...did everyone start with a clean flash? Was the download good? Is there decision for BEST based on ludicrous items like color? Included launcher? You may as well be asking what's the best curtains to use in my living room? You will get everything from price, to color, to thermal blocking, to texture, to cleanability.....all relative to the person using them.
Hope this helps and explains why you will never find a useful best rom thread and kudos for actually listing some criteria.
KennyG123 said:
You see...that is the problem...BEST can only ever be opinion...they are all the BEST for the people using them if you check the individual development threads.
Battery performance will vary from user to user....ROMs have little to no effect on battery performance...it is how you set up the kernel and your usage/preferences/signal and such that affect it..not the ROM.
You can only learn about stability by reading the development thread. There may be an app or dirty flash or lemon phone that makes something unstable for one person and not for the other 1000's of users of that ROM..and maybe that one guy comments here and not the other 1000.
Again performance is kernel related and the settings in the kernel....learn how to ajust your kernel settings mostly through trial and error.
Active development...you just need to check the first page of the development section...the ones on the top page with most replies are the most active.
So that leaves compact in size...search through them for the words debloated and look at the download size.
The rest will be mostly opinion and things you will need to learn by trial and error.
Googling for best ROMs will turn up garbage as again there is no baseline...did everyone start with a clean flash? Was the download good? Is there decision for BEST based on ludicrous items like color? Included launcher? You may as well be asking what's the best curtains to use in my living room? You will get everything from price, to color, to thermal blocking, to texture, to cleanability.....all relative to the person using them.
Hope this helps and explains why you will never find a useful best rom thread and kudos for actually listing some criteria.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I understand what you are saying, however, I have found the comments to be useful especially in terms of narrowing down the number of candidates to evaluate. In the final analysis, I must do my own research. At the moment, my personal favorite is SlimKat and I use it as a baseline for comparing others.