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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
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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 ,
Okay So I Got a Play few days back so I was wondering which rom to flash ( Gaming Performance is the highest priority) and after reading through various Threads about best ROM for gaming , these 3 seemed to be most popular. So I would like to know which on out of NXT ( Lite or 1.3 ) , Stock (if stock then 2.3.2 or 2.3.3 or 2.3.4 ) and Slim Bean should I chose ( or u prefer and why ) and ofcourse with which Kernel DoomKernel or Lupus ?
Also I would like to know what are advantages of one over another or if some features any of those roms lack. For example I read Nxt rom doest play 720p video well ? or anything specific that Stock can do but custom roms cant ?
Thanks
NXT = faster + beautiful + 720p = best rom
I'd stay away from stock rom. It's too bloated. For gaming nxt 1.3 + lupus + seeder. For JB and best daily use (not gaming) I'd stick with turbo jb kernel + PAC. Although GB is the best for gaming because of game compatibility and touchpads.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 05:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:19 PM ----------
DooMKernel is good but it's a bit outdated imo.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
olokos said:
I'd stay away from stock rom. It's too bloated. For gaming nxt 1.3 + lupus + seeder. For JB and best daily use (not gaming) I'd stick with turbo jb kernel + PAC. Although GB is the best for gaming because of game compatibility and touchpads.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 05:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:19 PM ----------
DooMKernel is good but it's a bit outdated imo.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
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How install seeder in NXT??????????????
There's a thread with it in general xPlay board. Just install the apk.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
Stock + removed bloat > CFW.
There can not be a single topic found without problems when it comes to CFW.
Do not get me wrong, I like CFW but I stay away from it unless it offers something I want.
Sure overclocking would be nice, however the battery life is short enough as it is for now.
Then another problem is, with so many CFW's around it is almost impossible to get proper help.
Example post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2099039
Person A points out a problem.
Person B tells to overclock.
Person C tells its bullsh!t.
Person A is left without a proper answer.
Kind regards, Stefan.
..
olokos said:
I'd stay away from stock rom. It's too bloated. For gaming nxt 1.3 + lupus + seeder. For JB and best daily use (not gaming) I'd stick with turbo jb kernel + PAC. Although GB is the best for gaming because of game compatibility and touchpads.
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Click to collapse
When I say stock rom I obviously mean after removing Bloatware from it . And lupus and seeder can be added to it too right ? After all those tweaks is Nxt still better than stock ?
Thaevil0ne said:
Stock + removed bloat > CFW.
There can not be a single topic found without problems when it comes to CFW.
Do not get me wrong, I like CFW but I stay away from it unless it offers something I want.
Sure overclocking would be nice, however the battery life is short enough as it is for now.
Kind regards, Stefan.
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Yep I dont think so CFW offer something i wan especially except they free up much more Ram which is important for gaming , thats the only reason i am swaying towards NxT rom. Also I think u can use kernel with custom room so you can keep it underclocked most of the time which can save battery and just overclock for gaming ( correct me if i am wrong though) .
The only reason i asked this was that apparently Nxt roms seems faster than stock and free up more RAM but acc to other threads many are going back to stock :s, or prefer stock somehow ... and i was just wondering what advantages does it have over Nxt or is it that stock is more stable ? Also i could use Lupus with stock right ? Also if i decide to go for stock is it better to go for 2.3.2 or 2.3.3 earlier rather than 2.3.4 ?
Thanks.
xdark ics v0.2 + doomkernel v3
nick.knack said:
The only reason i asked this was that apparently Nxt roms seems faster than stock and free up more RAM but acc to other threads many are going back to stock :s, or prefer stock somehow ... and i was just wondering what advantages does it have over Nxt or is it that stock is more stable ? Also i could use Lupus with stock right ? Also if i decide to go for stock is it better to go for 2.3.2 or 2.3.3 earlier rather than 2.3.4 ?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
I'd also be very interested in getting an answer on this if someone more experienced can input their views???
I've recently unlocked my bootloader and installed NXT 1.3 + doomkernel, stock clock frequencies.
I was previously on unbloated stock rom (rooted+lock bootloader)
Dont notice that much difference in games, better on somes like NFSMW, worse on others like GTA VC
I've also noticed that overclocking makes my performances worth than stock clockspeed on those 2 games (more freezes) while overclocking seems much better with emulators (fpse and N64oid)
Well I'm thinking about switching back to stock but I'd also like to get more feedbacks on this.
If you are new stick to the NXT, it work best. I have lots of issues with SlimBean like apps moved to sdcard disappeared after rebooting and corrupt file transferring with USB MSC mode. Its probably my fault for not using the right kennel or something. But once I figured out to work around the issues I prefer it since it's the fastest Jelly Bean rom I've used with lots of internal storage spaces.
The reasons why I prefer JB are:
-smoothest os interface, with ICS and gb there is a lag in animation
-like ICS, faster web browsing performance than GB
-more up to date look and compatible with CyanogenMod9/10 themes
-like ICS, can log out of your Google account without factory resetting
-some programs isn't compatible with GB
- official support of Google Now
Sent from XDA app
but can you have a stock rom (stripped down of bloatware ofcourse) plus a custom kernel? like LuPus or something? or if i'm running a stripped down stock i have to be stuck using default kernel? tbh i would prefer a custom kernel for OC'ing and what not but like to keep a completely stock rom (minus the bloatware)....
If you managed to flash Lupus kernel before then I assumed you've been to the development section. Seek for kernels made for GB, lupus and doom are popular ones.
Sent from XDA app
nope i've flashed nothing to date. but thanks for the info.... was just trying to understand what the best setup i should go for
While I was having lag problems with nxt 1.3 + doomkernel, I've switched to nxt le/stock kernel and gotta say it's flawless in every games so far, much better than stock.
My problems were related to the kernel I guess, bad config/governor or something.
I'm gonna stick to this if it doesn't drain my battery to much
The first twk are good for gaming the lady one slimbean has a nice look, fast and takes up very little space but not so good for gaming
sent from my r800x using xda app
ROM: Extreme Ics
Kernel: Lupus v9
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.
Hello all, im searching for a Jb (or ics but i would like to try jb) that can give me overall speed and smoothness, stability, no force closes of apps because of the lack of ram,no compatibility issues and no problems with buttons on emulators. I use my xperia play mostly for emulators and general use and i dont care about running latest games ... im not completely satisfacted about general use of stock. 71 gingerbread that im running now and i would like to try something good based of yours experiences. Thanks everyone
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
Reiven89 said:
Hello all, im searching for a Jb (or ics but i would like to try jb) that can give me overall speed and smoothness, stability, no force closes of apps because of the lack of ram,no compatibility issues and no problems with buttons on emulators. I use my xperia play mostly for emulators and general use and i dont care about running latest games ... im not completely satisfacted about general use of stock. 71 gingerbread that im running now and i would like to try something good based of yours experiences. Thanks everyone
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
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We can't help you find a ROM these thread always get closed because there isn't one ROM that suits everyone, like I'm running pacman right now but I might decide to with slimbean v5 and my own tweaks to it or I might ftf back 2.3.4 GB for gaming its basically trial and error on what you want and what you like
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Just one question why do you want to upgrade to Jelly ?
Thank for answering, i would like to upgrade to jb because i would like to have the latest features and to use apps that arent compatible with gb, since i dont use phone for heavy gaming but just emulators i would like to know about experience of users who are on jb, im not asking for the best rom available like other people do, but i just asked about wich rom is more suitable for my use since i only need system smoothness, no force closes and no problems with buttons in emulators
Also i dont really like the memory management of gb on stock and customs, i have occasional force closes and with ram tweaks the situation is worse
Thanks again
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
Reiven89 said:
Thank for answering, i would like to upgrade to jb because i would like to have the latest features and to use apps that arent compatible with gb, since i dont use phone for heavy gaming but just emulators i would like to know about experience of users who are on jb, im not asking for the best rom available like other people do, but i just asked about wich rom is more suitable for my use since i only need system smoothness, no force closes and no problems with buttons in emulators
Also i dont really like the memory management of gb on stock and customs, i have occasional force closes and with ram tweaks the situation is worse
Thanks again
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
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For me I searched for a uptodate ROM that have good performance and a good look so there might be better performing ROMs but whitout a nice look (if you want goo performance you need to give up from the look, for me I searched for a balanced roms good look good performance).
If you really want all the new stuff I suggest you to go with Jelly ROMs.
I currently have Miui v5 3.8.16 with dolby which is a very nice ROM Google now works perfectly many features great look and feel, but it's not the best with games (it's acceptable, it's worth for 1 try).
There are some great performing ROMs with different look like there is the: Xperia Z Jelly Bean withe a nice Xperia Z look.
If you prefer the stock android look then CM10.0 FreeXperia Project it's updated every weak or so, very good performance lot of customization ( there is this Project Jellyzeu which is stopped, same stock jelly bean as cm 10.0 but whit out the cm features, this is pure stock very good performance.),
If you would try ICS ROMs I suggest you ICS Original nice Sony ICS look and good performance too.
You should try Cm10 free xperia project. Actually this is the best one for me. I have tested alot of JB roms and this is my guard for now. Stable and smooth UI (you can try use Pure audio and PurePerformances pack's,and the ROM is flying away! - search at Android Software and hacking general development) at newset build FXP237 touchpads are not working,but at 235 works.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with various jb and ics roms,i will try them, also i would like to know, does jelly bean and project butter makes the difference on overall speed and smoothness than ics on our device? If you want, everyone who upgraded or who revert to gingerbread can post his experience and impressions and tell me if its happy or no after upgrading to ics or jb/reverting to gb
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
i tried many ics and jb roms here and after a while everytime i reverted back to stock based roms and now finally again to real stock with my own mods.
in games performance in jb and ics was the same for me. daily usage is smoother in jb but ics has the touchpads so for me in focus on gaming CM9 was the right one.
i reverted back go GB in the end because generally it was slower everywhere. GB is snappy, you tip the finger, the action happens. i have so much stuff installed and the heaviest games still run as on the first day.
even emulators. i use retroarch mostly and pcsx runs just perfectly under GB - one of the most problematic games colin mcrae rally 2.0 runs beautifully. under ics / jb the gpu drivers are not that good and refresh rates aren't reported right - results in some kind of stuttering. can be fixed but not perfectly.
or compare crazy taxi or most wanted (with opponents and heavy stages -> hint to reviewers here who just show a single lap without anything on the street) - they lag like hell under ics or jb - perfectly fluid on GB - this is the deal breaker for me. definitely.
Interesting, i didnt know about stuttering, i tought that the updated adreno drivers will let gpu gain more 3d performance, anyway with jb there are problems with touchpad or even with gamepad? Jb kernel supports unlocked data partition? Personally i ve tried some ics roms but i finded a bit heavy and laggy in general use then gb so i returned on gb, have to try if project butter makes really the difference, jb should be an improvement over ics
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
I bought an Xperia T that runs on jelly bean.... its horrific I removed over 100 preinstalled apks and it still idles at 350mb RAM usage
My desktop pc dosnt even use that much. the battery only lasted 5 hours max. and there's no solution for the locked bootloader
I chucked that thing in one of my draws and bought a second hand Play
With my Xperia mini pro I was a big fan of cm7
But with the play I couldn't get the touch pads to work (need for modern combat 4 if anyone knows how to fix that id love to know)
So I tried gin2jellybean ROM with lupus kernel (think its gingerbread that looks like jellybean)
battery's awesome (24 hours still on 95%) touch pads work,
There are some things id like to change and I miss allot from cm7 but overall very happy with it :good:
Rom decision
The best rom really depends to your taste.
I suggest that you try to read the roms on our android development and choose what do you need and like.
Also it is better on gb but for ICS and JB you will need too focus on gaming or looks.
At the moment I am using Nexplay by Cyberscopes and currently observing it.
Overall the best rom will really depends on you.
Use xplay Honami rom by smokerman... Fastest ics rom I've ever used...
Sent from my MT25i using xda app-developers app
Try Gin2jellybean then. I know its on GB but its very fast, it has so much free RAM and it has JB look and feel. Thanks to being on GB it has no compatibility issues, all buttons work and playing on this Rom is awesome experience
Sorry if my reply offended you (I know you wanted Rom on JB) but this is very interesting option.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
Hi, I'am looking for rom that is for gaming, my play is for only gaming no media/phone features needed. Most important for me is good battery life, gaming is mostly emulators, snes, n64, ps1.
suggestions?
ramhead said:
Hi, I'am looking for rom that is for gaming, my play is for only gaming no media/phone features needed. Most important for me is good battery life, gaming is mostly emulators, snes, n64, ps1.
suggestions?
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xElite Gamer - (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2366002)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2102404 < this ROM is good for you if you want just gaming nothing else.
But in General, i'd recommend any GB rom since Gamin performance will always be good whether theres media/phone features or not.
Xplay21 said:
xElite Gamer - (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2366002)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2102404 < this ROM is good for you if you want just gaming nothing else.
But in General, i'd recommend any GB rom since Gamin performance will always be good whether theres media/phone features or not.
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ty for suggestion I think I go for gb based rom.
What recovery you guys suggestion? CWM, recoveryX?
ramhead said:
ty for suggestion I think I go for gb based rom.
What recovery you guys suggestion? CWM, recoveryX?
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Click to collapse
I'd stay stick with CWM
Stock rom debloated seemed the best for me I ran the UK FW that was ported for cdma after taking all apps (I kept the timescape because I liked the look) overclock to 2.06 Max and 368 min with doomlords cdma kernel
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
My Exp
I suggest in if you use ICS, you can use :
- Ice Cream Speed (The Fastest ICS i ever meet with Lupus GB+ICS v7)
- True Ancestor Final (Use Lupus GB+ICS v1 is the smoothest one (my opinion))
- Xperia Play Z Beta (Nice view and have great performance, and support Xperia Play Launcher)
For GB
- xEliteGamer
- Gin2Kitkat
- Xperia NXT
- True Ancestor