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Hi. Had an HTC Tattoo untill a month ago, when I decided it was time to upgrade my hardware, especially considering ICS was on its way and I had had enough with my pre-historic, resistive 2.8 inch screen, 256MB 528MHz freak android phone.
So I decided to buy an ARC S (LT18i), only to later find out the latest oficial firmware was still 2.3.4 (if I'm not mistaken) when I was already on 2.3.7 CM on the tattoo.
So I decided to ditch the official firmware and seek a custom ROM more up to date. That's when the nightmare begun. On the tattoo I only had to flash the latest CM release. On the ARC S there are several different BB, Kernels and ROMs. From what I've read (and I've read a lot!) some are better on LT15i, others are better on LT15a, others on LT18i and some on LT18a. Talk about android fragmentation. On this device there's fragmentation of the hardware itself.
So my question is: Which BB, Kernel and ROM combination is best for my LT18i, with the best stability, the latest 2.3 available, no battery drain issues and everything working (wifi, GPS, 3G, etc.)? The bootloader is unlocked and I have root.
Thanks in advance.
P.S.: Wouldn't it be easier for everyone if there was a sticky with a poll regarding this question for every ARC/ARC S model?
It is a little messy in the development section, and it doesn't help that there's no section for the other Sony Ericsson phones (so they all got thrown into here), but there's really not that many choices once you get familiar with everything.
For ICS:
CM9 - Use CM9 Kernel
MIUI - Use Included Kernel
SE Official Beta - Use Stock ICS Kernel
Customized/Modded SE Official Beta - Use DoomKernel ICS or Stock ICS w/ CWM
For Gingerbread:
Stock ROM - Use Stock Kernel
MIUI - Use Included Kernel
CM7 - Use CM7 Kernel
Customized/Modded Stock ROM - Use DoomKernel or Stock Kernel or anything else
Also, with respect to ROMs and kernels on here, there is no difference between the arc and arc S.
To answer your question though, I would recommend Arconium (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1325640), which is a minimally modded stock rom.
Latest baseband is recommended and stock kernel currently has the best battery life.
Hi DemonicHawk and thanks for your prompt answer.
Yes, the development section for the Arc is quite confusing, especialy when compared to the one I was used to for over 2 years. I really appreciate your help, but from what I've read so far, if I'm not mistaken, every option you've mentioned has it's drawbacks. The following comments I've made to the options you've mentioned are based on everything I've read so far. It's possible they're wrong (at least I hope so...)
For ICS:
CM9 - Use CM9 Kernel --- Based on SE ICS Beta, which is buggy (GSM DATA - buggy - for some networks works for some does not work), has worse performance in games and video playback and has battery drain issue.
MIUI - Use Included Kernel --- Miui is intended to be an IOS look a like, which I refuse to have on my phone.
SE Official Beta - Use Stock ICS Kernel --- same problems refered in CM9 comments
Customized/Modded SE Official Beta - Use DoomKernel ICS or Stock ICS w/ CWM --- DoomKernel is also mentioned by several people as being buggy and having a battery drain problem (despite its many great features). Stock ICS has the problems mentioned earlier
For Gingerbread:
Stock ROM - Use Stock Kernel --- That's what I'm using but I'm getting frustrated with the lack of certain features I had on the Tattoo with CM 2.3.7
MIUI - Use Included Kernel --- Same comments as Miui ICS
CM7 - Use CM7 Kernel --- CM7 is far from fully working and full hardware support, although this would definetly be the one I'd chose if it was 100% working
Customized/Modded Stock ROM - Use DoomKernel or Stock Kernel or anything else --- same comments as the ones regarding ICS
Also, with respect to ROMs and kernels on here, there is no difference between the arc and arc S. --- Not entirely true. For instance, regarding StockPlus Kernel, it is more or less established that the kernel works great on LT15, but causes battery drain on LT18.
Am I wrong?
Yes, the kernels do seem to be a hit/miss in terms of battery life, hence my suggestion of just sticking with the stock kernel if you want the best battery life. Is there a specific feature you're looking for that isn't present in the stock rom?
Unfortunately, this is the current state of custom ROMs for SE phones, in that many are lacking in comparison to the stock ROM in terms of stability/performance/battery life and sometimes even core features/functions.
Personally, I'm using the latest CM9 (which is not 100% based on the official beta), and performance/stability is quite good, though it still needs some work in some core areas (video playback and video recorder I believe) though I don't use those much to be affected.
So if you have the patience, load up Arconium with the stock rom and wait for the official ICS update, or start weighing your priorities in terms of features/function.
The 2.3.7 features I miss the most are selecting text automaticaly copies it to clipboard and swipe to clear notifications. Though the first one isn't a must have it is usefull and time saving. But the lack of the second is realy annoing to me. For instance, if I install three or four apps from the market and I had calender notifications already, I can't just dismiss the ones I don't care about and keep the important ones. I either have to keep them all or desmiss them all and go back to the calender, find the appointments and reschedule them.
I also miss CM specific features, such as volume rocker changes music track / radio station when screen off, control screen brightness by sliding on status bar and profiles.
So I was really looking forward to having CM on the Arc, but it seems it's not going to happen soon, because of the video issues you've mentioned. Video recording and playback are paramount features for me since I also bought the phone to be able to record videos of my daughters, especially my now 3 months old.
All things considered, I'll keep Stock and wait for final ICS, hopefully with root and hope CM support for the ARC overcomes current issues.
Thanks a lot for your help!
I can sympathize with this feeling.
After I experienced a few of FC of Arc Gingerbread stock ROM phone app and nagging 'data traffic is disable' notifications, I decided to unlock bootloader of my wife's ARC.
Different custom's ROM has its own kernel and they are not compatible to each other. I had a few blank screens or boot loops because of that. FXP ROM was not helpful in hiding boot.img in zip file, and it has different kernels from FXP 113 to 115.
After used a few of ICS ROMs, We now reluctantly use FXP 115 ICS in Arc. Both of us like CM notification dropdown widget buttons (sleep button is a must) and % battery in notification bar. We also like CM/google phone and people apps, it returns to last state to easily to get to favorite contacts so they can be easily dialed.
One minor thing about ICS FXP 115 is that battery drain is a tad worse than the custom ROM based on stock (ARC S beta ICS), and Sony stock ROM's camera interface is prettier and FM radio app is working while FXP 115 does not have FM radio yet. Both ROM's flash player in web page does not work very well. It plays video for about 10 minutes then whole browser frozen up, It has to be killed to function again.
All my devices are Android based, but for my wife next phone, it is probably something else like her tablet.
The only way to be sure on this, i think, is to test yourself because everybody uses the phone differently, but personally i like jjdoctor's hybrid cocktail with doomkernel ics v4 I have had no fc and its good on the battery.
I just bought the ARC S and it's still on stock..can u guide me how to unlock bootloader and root and how to install CWM??I am very thankful for u..PEACE
I suggest like others that the best way to find the best ROM for you,is to actually try out the different roms before you pass judgment based on others comments. I came from the HTC hero and like anything I found there was a learning curve， but once you'd got it down pat that it was easy. I have lt15i I really love it., I've used many roms, the ics beta roms miui stock roms cm 7 and 9 ics lite all are great for there own reasons.
Remember when you use custom roms that the people who crated them do it boot for the money but because they want a better phone so be fearful give them a go before you complain about the roms
Isn't Cm7 for arc gb 2.3.7? Also I'm pretty sure the issues with video aren't a problem with cm7 most of the issues you spoke of in Cm 9
Also just to put things into perspective for you, the HTC hero has very few roms and even less open source no camera support for example
Sent from my Xperia Arc using XDA
wallimo said:
I suggest like others that the best way to find the best ROM for you,is to actually try out the different roms before you pass judgment based on others comments. I came from the HTC hero and like anything I found there was a learning curve， but once you'd got it down pat that it was easy. I have lt15i I really love it., I've used many roms, the ics beta roms miui stock roms cm 7 and 9 ics lite all are great for there own reasons.
Remember when you use custom roms that the people who crated them do it boot for the money but because they want a better phone so be fearful give them a go before you complain about the roms
Sent from my Xperia Arc using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am really thankful for ur help..but still u didn't mention the rout to unlock bootloader and root and install CWM?I am on v.62 Arc S
Sorry about that, I won't go into detail but I'll recommend two guides. Because its been covered so to save time read these! Good luvk
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1133650
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034087
If you have trouble pm me and I'll try and help!
Hey there ppl, i'm getting a arc s tomorrow as my second device (just for calls and text). And i want to know what ROM are you folks using and why.
Please give me feedback, if you can, such as battery drain, camera work, kernel, smoothness, usability, performance (games, WiFi, sound quality, general behavior) and anything else you might find interesting.
I know it's a lot to ask butt can you help a fellow member?
Currently i find myself inclined to use stock with some mod's like cam and sound, what would you advise?
Thanks for your time
Jjdoctors rom
Fast smooth stable everything is awesome
Sent from my LT18i using XDA
Arconium Miui, fast and everything is working, good battery life with stock kernel
I tried EVERY rom on this forum for Arc S, and I choose Arconium Miui (arconium ICS is better but arconium miui looks cooler)
If you are going to use it for calls and text then better try Arconium ICS with ICS-Tweaked(ROM) keyboard (the best keyboard)
I'm currently looking for best battery life atm i'm just testing CM7.2, Still needs daily charging, performance is really good though.
I have read that Arconium gb + doomkernel is best for battery life or JJ hybrid
JJ's v2 ICS Rom
i m using JJ's v2 rom.. stable-fast-superb
i m using JJ's v2 rom too
Right now I'm using Semc Debrand Engine | V4.1 |.. Smooth UI, great gaming but poor battery life. Arconium GB with Advanced stock kernel is great for battery!
Didn't like ICS much. It is like an unfinished ROM from Sony IMHO. GB is still great for recording videos and gaming.
I'm back on stock ICS. I'll give CM9 a go when they iron out some more bugs. Hopefully Sony will release all the sources required for this to happen soon. I can't do without a working video camera and relatively decent battery life.
Currently CM7.2(I believe it's the latest nightly...). It's a good rom, and I used it on my last phone for a year. It has good performance and looks good(hundreds of themes). But I'm still kinda missing MIUI. I've been jumping between those two, and can't decide whether I want good performance(CM) or a beautiful UI(MIUI).
I've tested tons of roms and decided to switch back to the stock 2.3.4 while waiting for the final release of CM9.
i guess i'll stick with 2.3.4 for now, thanks for the advices i'm gonna give a go a some at those ROM's a decide. Once again thanks mates
currently testing Team Xperia ICS V2.5, and I love it. just need to sort it so it gives me correct lt18i, instead of normal arc, then I will be happy as larry.
Although GB is far better than ICS at the moment
this is the best for me
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1623915
Sent from my Xperia Arc S using XDA
Cynaogen mod 7.2 119v
Wysyłane z mojego LT15i za pomocą Tapatalk 2
Arconium MIUI
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1565475
with ArcKnight Kernel V8
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1597771
also tried JJ Hybrid, very good also.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1537717
M using cm 7.2 its best no bug n best performance in gaming thts wt i need
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
now,best rom for Arc S?!!!
i want install custom rom...
help?
Arconium ICS..it suit with me very well..
Doomed's arconium 2.3.4 android. Lots of tweaks and optimisations.
Based on sony's stock but definitely better
Hi guys, im using Arconium Miui with doom kernel v4. The reason why im using this is because its different and nt the usual mixes of the same ics rom.I was on Arconium ICS was great so following Doomed's developments and Doom lords kernel's. Aparently Arc Night kernelr is awsoem aswell, i wanted to try it but cant seem to download it because it jsut refreshed the download page, think its my dam browser.But for now Arconium Miui and Doom kernel. Cant wait for Doomlord to post an update for the kernel =)
Hi everyone!
I have a unlock BL and I'm looking for a ROM that fits this requirements:
- No bloatware at all
- Not special apps
- Rooted
- With only one gallery app
- Battery percentage at status bar
- Wifi, data,... icons at status bar (only one tab if possible)
I just flash Arconium ICS and i don't like.
I don't care if is GB, ICS or JB. Only need a good one, simplest.
Try xperia ultimate hd kernel ,thats an awesome rom
][alfak][ said:
Hi everyone!
I have a unlock BL and I'm looking for a ROM that fits this requirements:
- No bloatware at all
- Not special apps
- Rooted
- With only one gallery app
- Battery percentage at status bar
- Wifi, data,... icons at status bar (only one tab if possible)
I just flash Arconium ICS and i don't like.
I don't care if is GB, ICS or JB. Only need a good one, simplest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want smoothness and are okay with a stock Android experience, you can go for Cyanogenmod 10 or any CM10-based ROM. There are quite a few around here. If it's an appealing UI you want, however, and additional features, such as Bravia, XLOUD, HDMI, etc., you can opt for one of the many ICS-based ROMs. XPERIA Ultimate HD, Viper XPERIA, Iced Bean, Smart XPERIA, all are good choices, as are many others. Frankly, there's no "one ROM is greater than another." What might appeal to one, might not appeal to another. It takes barely, what, 10 or 15 minutes to install a ROM. I suggest you play around with a few and see which tickles your fancy.
CM10 looks like your only choice. Highly recommended with Fusion kernel.
I recommend racing bean, for my it is on of the best in what concerns to smoothness, performance and looks (since it is cm10 based) happy flashing
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Jet70355 said:
I recommend racing bean, for my it is on of the best in what concerns to smoothness, performance and looks (since it is cm10 based) happy flashing
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u know binch mark isn't every 4hing
monemmostafa said:
u know binch mark isn't every 4hing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, user experience is the most important thing for a smooth freak like me. And i actually tried almost every rom in arc's forum before i stick to racing bean. But out of curiosity which is the best rom for you and why?
Slim Bean 3.2.0
Imo it's superior to Super Jelly Bean at the moment, but SJB has a big update coming up next week.
I've tried Ultimate HD but no ICS based rom will ever be as smooth as JB. The only reason to got with ICS would be the camera support, but I'm using CameraMX in JB and everything is just perfect. :victory:
Just try the ROMs out yourself, no point asking around as everyone will have different opinions.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
There are no 'opinions' wether a rom runs smoothly or not. Either it does or it doesn't. And some do better than others.
All I say is that JB clearly has smoother animations due to the real project butter.
CustomKernal+Original ROM
][alfak][ said:
Hi everyone!
I have a unlock BL and I'm looking for a ROM that fits this requirements:
- No bloatware at all
- Not special apps
- Rooted
- With only one gallery app
- Battery percentage at status bar
- Wifi, data,... icons at status bar (only one tab if possible)
I just flash Arconium ICS and i don't like.
I don't care if is GB, ICS or JB. Only need a good one, simplest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Buddy try this
1> Install custom Kernal
2> Download any of the original rom and flash it
I was amazed , I got all apps and faster phone.
I wanted to change a rom for my Xperia Arc,but I can't play Puzzle & Dragons(Japanese Version) after I changed the rom.:crying:
So is here some rom that can overclock but it can play Puzzle & Dragons?
I found that Puzzle & Dragons will check is the phone is rooted and the ramdisk
Sorry for my bad English.....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2097137
It's not right to compare ROMs, but I can give you some advice.
Don't go for stock ICS, it will lag. CSR Racing still lags even after I tweaked my phone on stock ICS.
GB ROMs would be better for gaming as they don't take up as much resources as compared to ICS ROMs.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
Try super jelly bean. I am using it and it's good for gaming...
Sent from my Xperia Arc S
Do not ask such questions again. It is against the Rules. Go to the ROM threads and check out by your self, read the ROM descriptions and user reviews. That helps better.
These discussions are forbidden on XDA, because there is no best.
1/ Other developers dont want to see someone saying their work is not as good as someone elses.
2/ Whats best for someone else may not be the best for you.
Conclusion: Try all them out and see which one is best for your needs.
--wedgess
Thread closed and what he said ^^^^^^^ Thank You.
Hy guys, I know in these days all attention is on KK, but I want to ask you, what GB ROM is one of the best between performance / fast / easily / battery life / nice looking. Never used a GB ROM on my ARC S, and I want to try one or few! Please, guys recommend one of the best
My eyes are on:]x-stronger_final|stable|fast|simple ver. & advanced ver. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2271747
AtoMic GB 8.0 By XtReMeSiLeNcEr - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2340089
Xperia Plus Version 10.1 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2077316
Gin2KitKat v3.0.0 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250691
Arconium 8.2 - Peak Performance http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1325640
Here is my answer:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2097137
Mod, please close thread.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
I dont know if its allowed, but i bet that you wont be able to find any sustantial difference in performance in whatever GB ROM you choose.
Its basically reduced to what pleased you more in style/add-ons
Just try one and see it for yourself.
Looks like I need to pull out that quote:
"Different people have different opinions on different ROMs because each person has a phone for different reasons."
Some use it for playing games, some use it for social activities, some use it for taking pictures.etc.
There won't be a ROM that can satisfy everyone's conditions for a ROM, so picking a ROM would be based on what you do with your phone. If you want good quality photos, stick with stock based ROMs. If you want to play games, use GB.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた