Related
i was wondering whether the custom roms are significantly different than the stock roms provided by google. is it really worth to flash custom roms or use stock jelly bean 4.1.1???
It's really up to you to decide whether they are worth flashing. if you are satisfied with what google provides with JB then they are not worth the effort otherwise if you want MORE like some extra performance, extra customization, features, themes then i should say they are well worth the effort.
Personally i love them even though i don't use all of them but still appreciate the work of every DEV. Think its great to have choice and that wouldn't have been possible without DEVS.
Currently Stock 4.1.1, looking forward to CM10.
ZaQX10 said:
It's really up to you to decide whether they are worth flashing. if you are satisfied with what google provides with JB then they are not worth the effort otherwise if you want MORE like some extra performance, extra customization, features, themes then i should say they are well worth the effort.
Personally i love them even though i don't use all of them but still appreciate the work of every DEV. Think its great to have choice and that wouldn't have been possible without DEVS.
Currently Stock 4.1.1, looking forward to CM10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if i root my stock ics, wont i get any official updates via ota??
You will still get ota updates as long as you don't switch ROMs
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
This ROM >>> [ROM] [OTA] [GSM] [JB] JRO03C 4.1.1: Rooted & Busybox Deodexed Odexed (7/10/12) for me it's better than 4.1.1 Stock ROM from Google.
Stock ROM from Google drain much battery life of my Gnex.
mohaimed said:
if i root my stock ics, wont i get any official updates via ota??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK to be able to install official OTA you need to be stock. If you are rooting the phone you are going to install some mods/tweaks obviously? In that case before trying to install OTA you need all files modified/ replaced by those mods/tweaks to be stock. You can use GNexToolKit (development section for link and detail) to achieve that. (not tried that myself but easiest i guess). Always be sure to backup your data.
mohaimed said:
i was wondering whether the custom roms are significantly different than the stock roms provided by google. is it really worth to flash custom roms or use stock jelly bean 4.1.1???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% personal choice. Some like it each way.
Hi All,
My Xperia Arc ( LT15i) is super slow.
Its much slower than my old HTC Desire.
I have done a Factory reset and a fresh update but still slow.
I am on Android 4.0.4 and using stock Rom build 4.1.B.0.587
Please advise any workaround.
If nothing, I'll try to root it and install AOSP Jelly bean rom.
I do not care if I have Jellybean or ICS, I just want the phone to be fast.
Does the custom roms really make a big difference ?
Thanks .
There are many custom roms for xperia arc/s which are faster than ICS and GB.
They are stable/alpha/beta roms. That is your wish to decide to install which ROM.
Look at the following thread - complete guide about kernel/roms/root/guides........
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188
Hit "Thanks" if anyone helped you.:good:
Xperia Arc LT15i
Rooted/Bootloader Unlocked
Running Jelly Bean - FXP139/CM10
I've tried Milans ICS, it's quite fast.
timescape ui is really laggy. do vanilla android like cm9/10 or aokp will do
cm9 --- interactive governer, overclock to 1.6ghz through settings -do not use task killers, they are pointless and eats some resource away even if they do get the job done
yes 1.6ghz is safe, i have this setting for a while
although cm9/10, aokp kernel drain a more battery than stock firmware
abhayks said:
Hi All,
My Xperia Arc ( LT15i) is super slow.
Its much slower than my old HTC Desire.
I have done a Factory reset and a fresh update but still slow.
I am on Android 4.0.4 and using stock Rom build 4.1.B.0.587
Please advise any workaround.
If nothing, I'll try to root it and install AOSP Jelly bean rom.
I do not care if I have Jellybean or ICS, I just want the phone to be fast.
Does the custom roms really make a big difference ?
Thanks .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The custom JB roms are really fast compared to ICS.
I've also got a LT15i; here's a quick overview of the steps needed to get JB on your phone.
unlock the bootloader (there's an official sony website to talk you through this)
flash a decent baseband (use this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1688049).
Flash a rom of your choice - I suggest the latest AOKP from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1859518
Things you have to know: -
How to get flashtool installed on your computer, and your computer connected to your phone.
unlocking your bootloader loses your DRM.
So my advice is read up on the stuff you need to know (if you haven't found out all this stuff already).
Then backup your SD card to your computer.
Then do the steps (1-3) to get the latest AOKP rom. This rom is officially in testing, but it is stable and fast.
Good luck.
P.S. I'm using Baseband 77, but most people recommend baseband 72.
I'm using Lupus kernel, but you should start with the kernel included in the AOKP rom.
After you are comfortable with CWM backups, you can experiment a bit more without worrying too much about data loss.
(more good luck )
bruce16878 said:
I've tried Milans ICS, it's quite fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so my friend...
I have switched from cm10 to Milan ICS for 2 day and i am dissapointed
I change because i want to use a stable rom and every functions r working great
But my decision is wrong, stock ics is the most stable but i can't play any games without lag :banghead: Ram is low and it very annoying
P/s: i miss my cm10
Hit thank button if i helped u
CM 10 with Lupus Kernel and besttt fix is rock solid.
Fast, stable (no random reboots) and everything works.
And u dont need 1,6 Ghz. 1 Ghz is enough on CM 10.
Go to arconium gb rom
Possible to root without unlocking bootloader
Thanks all for such nice advise.
I am not new to rooting, had a rooted HTC Desire for 3 years
Though, I do not want to miss on the DRM ( if it has any use ).
Is it possible to root without unlocking bootloader ?
I think it is but would be great if you nice people can advise me of the advantages and disadvantages of rooting without unlocking.
I would go with CM or AOKP.
Edit: As mentioned by ironlady, does AOKP/CM drain more battery than stock ?
Why ? I would assume that with all the extras of the stock, more batter should be consumed.
AOKP/CM are almost nearing AOSP and are no frills, why they drain more battery ?
This was my observation with HTC Desire. The HTC Sense based roms always consumed more battery than AOSP.
Thanks again.
Abhay
abhayks said:
Thanks all for such nice advise.
I am not new to rooting, had a rooted HTC Desire for 3 years
Though, I do not want to miss on the DRM ( if it has any use ).
Is it possible to root without unlocking bootloader ?
I think it is but would be great if you nice people can advise me of the advantages and disadvantages of rooting without unlocking.
I would go with CM or AOKP.
Edit: As mentioned by ironlady, does AOKP/CM drain more battery than stock ?
Why ? I would assume that with all the extras of the stock, more batter should be consumed.
AOKP/CM are almost nearing AOSP and are no frills, why they drain more battery ?
This was my observation with HTC Desire. The HTC Sense based roms always consumed more battery than AOSP.
Thanks again.
Abhay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I don't know what DRM is for - something about "digital media rights"
(It hasn't affected playback of movies or sounds on my phone.).
It is possible to root without unlocking bootloader, but then you can't have an AOKP/CM rom.
You need the unlocked bootloader to flash the custom kernel required by these roms.
(
Flashing a kernel requires running "flashtool" from a computer. before flashing the kernel you must copy the rom to your phone's SD card.
After you flash the kernel, boot the phone and press the "volume down" button when the buttons light up.
This gets you into CWM recovery where you can flash the rom
)
I'm pretty sure that the battery drain depends on how you set up the kernel. If you over-clock, then more battery drain. If you under-clock then better battery life.
After all of this two more points of advice: -
If you try CM10, then use the Lupus kernel, and instructions posted by "besttt" to set up your phone nicely. This is a more tricky install.
If you try AOKP, then install it normally as described in the 1st post of the thread
(the custom kernel is a file called "boot.img" in the rom. You need to extract the file, and flash it with flashtool when you're ready to install the rom).
This is an easier install.
Enjoy
hi..
still on rooted stock GB R800i with locked BL... having plans on flashing CFWs...
i just wanna ask if what is the best ROM / Kernel combination..? preferably bug-free.., light and with the least compatibility issues known...
thanks..
additional question...
what ROM should i go for..? GB or ICS based...? what are the pros and cons..?
I'm currently using NXT by Krisdee. It's smooth and fast, and I haven't encountered any bugs yet. The pros of GB are that they are generally more stable, and support more games (EA stopped supporting ICS or something). I personally like using ICS. It has some nice features, like the data traffic monitor, and I prefer the overall look of ICS. But if you want gaming (though touchpads do work on ICS I think), battery life, and generally a more stable rom, go for GB.
you mean to say that all things are working on the NXT ROM..? i mean wi-fi, camera and others..? i've read some ROM reviews and users reported bug stating that their cam is not working or is unable to tether..
qtjecs said:
you mean to say that all things are working on the NXT ROM..? i mean wi-fi, camera and others..? i've read some ROM reviews and users reported bug stating that their cam is not working or is unable to tether..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a solution to fix "cannot connect to camera" error. Go to settings > quick panel settings > widget buttons, untick LED flashlight, and done. As for tether, it works for me, maybe they did something wrong during the installation. As long as you follow the instructions, you'll have a bug free and stable rom without problems.
If you're a hardocore gamer , i'd recommend sticking to any GB rom , as you'll have a better lag-free gaming experience
for a good GB Rom i'd recommend either NXT 1.3 by Krisdee , or DiXperia 2 by Dikej
I myself prefer ICS for the extra features and better UI , and bear in mind that i don't use my phone for gaming as much as i did before so i don't know how much you'll compromise your gaming experience by using ICS
examples for good ICS Roms : Stock ICS by MarkPhyton "doesn't have any bugs AFAIK" , and the one i'm using now is ICS Pureness ported by Sechko , i prefer it for the better theming and less bloat to deal with
a good non-stock ICS rom is AOKP rom and MIUI By ComicDan , i had no issues dealing with both of them , but i just preferred Stock based Roms
NXT Rom 1.3 is the best rom available now, lucky u don't have to unlock bootloader and change kernel to have it.
Only one bug: when recharge the phone while it"s off, the phone turns itself on. Just this one
Dany XP said:
NXT Rom 1.3 is the best rom available now, lucky u don't have to unlock bootloader and change kernel to have it.
Only one bug: when recharge the phone while it"s off, the phone turns itself on. Just this one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that's a bug. Every rom does that, and it gives you the advantage that you would still be able to turn on your phone if your power button broke.
Hooba91 said:
If you're a hardocore gamer , i'd recommend sticking to any GB rom , as you'll have a better lag-free gaming experience
for a good GB Rom i'd recommend either NXT 1.3 by Krisdee , or DiXperia 2 by Dikej
I myself prefer ICS for the extra features and better UI , and bear in mind that i don't use my phone for gaming as much as i did before so i don't know how much you'll compromise your gaming experience by using ICS
examples for good ICS Roms : Stock ICS by MarkPhyton "doesn't have any bugs AFAIK" , and the one i'm using now is ICS Pureness ported by Sechko , i prefer it for the better theming and less bloat to deal with
a good non-stock ICS rom is AOKP rom and MIUI By ComicDan , i had no issues dealing with both of them , but i just preferred Stock based Roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi i tried miui rom devoloped by cosmicdan. now its removed due to the bugs. i want to go for the ICS pureness by sechko. but the fact is i cant flash a kernel with CWM. only the kernel image is loading and nothing more. i tried "lupus ics beta and doomkernell" what should i do? do i need to go to the stock kernel again? can you tell me how to get into the pureness....
Lol, you need to flash it on your pc.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
You don't flash kernels via CWM, it's done via your pc, you can search the forums on how to flash a kernel
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
surely
surely
SURELY " MIUI Australia " is the #1 => made by " Dan " magical man
after that , markphyton's official rom
after that , sechko's ICS and miui
in the end trueancesor
If you really want a bug free rom why dont you stick with stock. Who can make a better rom other than the manufacturer?
Hi guys, I need help!
I've change my rom into a custom rom but I just knew that skype is incompatible with this tipe of roms. So I want to change to the original. I installed the firmware in sammobile, installed Odin, Ancora.ops, I've made everything allright, but I don't know why my phone ask me for a password and it isn't from my sim card.
Can you help me? Or please just make a custom rom that make skype compatible with...
Thank you!
miiechy said:
Hi guys, I need help!
I've change my rom into a custom rom but I just knew that skype is incompatible with this tipe of roms. So I want to change to the original. I installed the firmware in sammobile, installed Odin, Ancora.ops, I've made everything allright, but I don't know why my phone ask me for a password and it isn't from my sim card.
Can you help me? Or please just make a custom rom that make skype compatible with...
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as far as i know, skype is compatible with every rom, custom or kitchen...anyway, i suggest you to install 2 specifics roms, depends of what do you need:
1) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2482038 if you want to keep updated with the last versions of android (kit kat isn't so stable, nowdays). This is based on android 4.3.1, it's for daily usage, stable, smooth and very good battery drain. Anyway it's not a finished version, so it will be need for updates sometimes (p.s. i have this rom with skype perfectly working)
2) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1990795 if you want a complete rom, with no bugs and completely updated, when you flash it that's it, no updates more. This too is stable, smooth and has a very good battery drain, the only difference with the previous rom that i said is that it's based on android 4.1.2 and it need no more updates. (p.p.s before of the 4.3.1, i had this rom, and skype was working as well as on the 4.3.1)
so choose one and enjoy your galaxy wonder
jam90 said:
as far as i know, skype is compatible with every rom, custom or kitchen...anyway, i suggest you to install 2 specifics roms, depends of what do you need:
1) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2482038 if you want to keep updated with the last versions of android (kit kat isn't so stable, nowdays). This is based on android 4.3.1, it's for daily usage, stable, smooth and very good battery drain. Anyway it's not a finished version, so it will be need for updates sometimes (p.s. i have this rom with skype perfectly working)
2) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1990795 if you want a complete rom, with no bugs and completely updated, when you flash it that's it, no updates more. This too is stable, smooth and has a very good battery drain, the only difference with the previous rom that i said is that it's based on android 4.1.2 and it need no more updates. (p.p.s before of the 4.3.1, i had this rom, and skype was working as well as on the 4.3.1)
so choose one and enjoy your galaxy wonder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used almost all custom roms and with all of them skype crashed when I leave it (not close it). Now I'm using EHNDROIX III because some people said that it's one of the most stable (and REMICS too), but it's slow.
I'll follow your advice, thanks! If I have any problem, I'll post it here.
miiechy said:
I've used almost all custom roms and with all of them skype crashed when I leave it (not close it). Now I'm using EHNDROIX III because some people said that it's one of the most stable (and REMICS too), but it's slow.
I'll follow your advice, thanks! If I have any problem, I'll post it here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see that! but...a "thanks" button will be more usefull to me XD
i'll wait for news!
jam90 said:
Glad to see that! but...a "thanks" button will be more usefull to me XD
i'll wait for news!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, sorry, I didn't know! I clicked "thanks" button already!
I'll install the rom that you advice for me!
Dear folks,
a few months ago I brought my Nexus 5x and consigering that I was using my Samsung Galaxy S3 before a new world opened for me instantly. Now I have the Android version on my phone that is current right now actually. I have a clean user interface to interact with and the most satisfying point is that I am not forced to use my phone with such an amount of bloatware as it was the case with samsung.
In the past I used my GS3 only with custom roms like cynaogenmod (R.I.P.) because of this ugly and laggy touchwiz. With this way I was able to consume the new android versions aswell and profit from the pure stock android experience I newer was allowed to consume with samsungs software trash.
Now I owned my N5x and things changed. Now it is self-evident, that I can experience stock android. My device doesn't lag with any task anymmore and I got not too much unnecessary apps preinstalled. Well I rooted my device and finally got the best android experience since I use smartphones. No more wishes unfulfilled.
That got me thinking...
I really loved the fact, that I was able to flash any rom on my previous phone that I wanted to and I was not willing to use my phone without these. But now when I got my nexus I do not see the advantages of custom roms anymore.
I do not need to flash a custom rom to get stock android.
I do not need to flash a custom rom to get the newest android version. The opposite is even the case since the nexus devices get every update first.
Thank to the community behind the nexus series even the additional features of some custom roms aren't an argument anymore considering the fact, that most features came out as a flashable zip file for the stock roms or I use substratum or xposed (when it finally arrives in nougat :angel: ).
So I considered wether I should give lineage OS for the N5x a try or not and I do not see the point why I should flash it. I would not get anything in addition, that I miss now I guess.
So what du you think, guys? Are android custom roms still worth it? Why should I flash a custom rom? Why do you do it? Let me know in the comments.
If you are happy with stock, why change it??
I use custom ROM just for ease of theming. And some shuttle customisations.
Lineage OS does not include theming, so i won't go for it. If you want to experiment, try something with OMS7 theming baked in. My daily driver is ABC ROM.
I used the stock ROM for a very long time, and was very happy with it. In fact, switching to a custom ROM saw very little difference, esp in look/feel of the OS. You are absolutely right that the main reasons for a custom ROM are negated by the fact that we're running a stock android that gets updated very frequently.
That said, I will say that after using a custom ROM/kernel, I don't really want to go back to stock. I could if I need to, and would work fine, but there are a number of small things that I am using that I really like. I get MUCH better battery life on a rooted ROM with kernel. I can set up custom profiles for doing what I need to do, when I need to do it. Some of the Magisk camera modules for these are great, and recording video is much better (60fps with EIS). I also don't like having my /data encrypted, as I feel like it slows the phone down for no reason.
So yeah, stock is fantastic, but there are small things that do make it worth it.
tobir97 said:
Dear folks,
a few months ago I brought my Nexus 5x and consigering that I was using my Samsung Galaxy S3 before a new world opened for me instantly. Now I have the Android version on my phone that is current right now actually. I have a clean user interface to interact with and the most satisfying point is that I am not forced to use my phone with such an amount of bloatware as it was the case with samsung.
In the past I used my GS3 only with custom roms like cynaogenmod (R.I.P.) because of this ugly and laggy touchwiz. With this way I was able to consume the new android versions aswell and profit from the pure stock android experience I newer was allowed to consume with samsungs software trash.
Now I owned my N5x and things changed. Now it is self-evident, that I can experience stock android. My device doesn't lag with any task anymmore and I got not too much unnecessary apps preinstalled. Well I rooted my device and finally got the best android experience since I use smartphones. No more wishes unfulfilled.
That got me thinking...
I really loved the fact, that I was able to flash any rom on my previous phone that I wanted to and I was not willing to use my phone without these. But now when I got my nexus I do not see the advantages of custom roms anymore.
I do not need to flash a custom rom to get stock android.
I do not need to flash a custom rom to get the newest android version. The opposite is even the case since the nexus devices get every update first.
Thank to the community behind the nexus series even the additional features of some custom roms aren't an argument anymore considering the fact, that most features came out as a flashable zip file for the stock roms or I use substratum or xposed (when it finally arrives in nougat :angel: ).
So I considered wether I should give lineage OS for the N5x a try or not and I do not see the point why I should flash it. I would not get anything in addition, that I miss now I guess.
So what du you think, guys? Are android custom roms still worth it? Why should I flash a custom rom? Why do you do it? Let me know in the comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st mate welcome to stock community of android, that happen when you buy a nexus(pixel now) , stock rom is perfect!! i change time to time roms, now i use stock/lockbooloader. there 2 reasons,well if you like more..... the are 2 tipes of ppl...
lets start form the basic.
1) why you pick a nexus? the most classic answer to this is.... cose i like the stock experience(true that is great) and cose is the only devices that take 1st and fastest updates for 2 years(true that too )
2) and now comes the question. sould i root my nexus? and why i do this, the phone feels great, is fast and not lag at all.
the answer to this is cose with an unlockbootloader a new world opens to custom roms,kernels,mods/apks/themes. yes the icons and feels is more or less the same... but is not the same 100%!!
so in your case think what realy you want from a custom rom before you unlock the bootloader, the reason that some times i root my nexus is 3....1)cose i like to have a tone of customaze in settings/nav bars/themes etc 2) i like the daily or weekly updates God i love the icon in notification bar when i see it LOL.. 2)and finally some better battery life with a custom kernel!!
so next time think what you want from a custom rom!!
i have test a lot of them!!
if you like customized settings etc LOS(lineage os) is not good! los is stable/daily rom with daily updates/support with some extras in settings but not big deal, is close to stock when it comes to customized!!
full customazed roms and good for daily use is DIRTY UNICORNS D.U // RESURACTION REMIX A.K.A RR // TESLA,VALIDUS ROMS // BLISS ROM // AND OFC PURE NEXUS P.N
but other roms like android ice cold project a.k.a A.I.C.P and Mokee rom is good fast or daily support updates.
p.s sry for my bad english!! i hope to help you!
crazyates said:
I used the stock ROM for a very long time, and was very happy with it. In fact, switching to a custom ROM saw very little difference, esp in look/feel of the OS. You are absolutely right that the main reasons for a custom ROM are negated by the fact that we're running a stock android that gets updated very frequently.
That said, I will say that after using a custom ROM/kernel, I don't really want to go back to stock. I could if I need to, and would work fine, but there are a number of small things that I am using that I really like. I get MUCH better battery life on a rooted ROM with kernel. I can set up custom profiles for doing what I need to do, when I need to do it. Some of the Magisk camera modules for these are great, and recording video is much better (60fps with EIS). I also don't like having my /data encrypted, as I feel like it slows the phone down for no reason.
So yeah, stock is fantastic, but there are small things that do make it worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cant use custom kernel on stock rom? or mods like the 60 fps recording? I thought you could
I always use custom roms because of the personalization. Not themes but features, some of them are great. Also updating is so easy just download zip and flash from recovery.
Stock rom OTAs encrypt data and install stock recovery and I dont like that, also It is said custom roms are smoother. I still have to try pixel rom though, which is based on stock rom
I wrote this question for my pixel last week. It's probably bc I've been flashing for a long time but it's nice when things work correctly which sometimes doesn't happen with custom ROMs. For me I've been happy with stock but with a custom kernel and root. I still use root and a customer kernel cleans up the performance but stock rom is good for me.
Javi22 said:
You cant use custom kernel on stock rom? or mods like the 60 fps recording? I thought you could
I always use custom roms because of the personalization. Not themes but features, some of them are great. Also updating is so easy just download zip and flash from recovery.
Stock rom OTAs encrypt data and install stock recovery and I dont like that, also It is said custom roms are smoother. I still have to try pixel rom though, which is based on stock rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you mis-read what I meant earlier, or (more probably) I wasn't clear. When I meant "stock", I meant 100% stock, meaning stock ROM, stock kernel, locked bootloader, no root, etc.
If you used a stock ROM with a custom kernel and Magisk, you could get a lot of those same things, I'm sure. There are still small reasons why I like Pure Nexus ROM, tho, like the battery bar tweaks (removing the icon and having a thin bar on the top), night mode, the Pixel launcher, etc. Plus, I don't have to have the FULL gapps suite, I can only have what I want installed.
crazyates said:
I think you mis-read what I meant earlier, or (more probably) I wasn't clear. When I meant "stock", I meant 100% stock, meaning stock ROM, stock kernel, locked bootloader, no root, etc.
If you used a stock ROM with a custom kernel and Magisk, you could get a lot of those same things, I'm sure. There are still small reasons why I like Pure Nexus ROM, tho, like the battery bar tweaks (removing the icon and having a thin bar on the top), night mode, the Pixel launcher, etc. Plus, I don't have to have the FULL gapps suite, I can only have what I want installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok ok then, I understand now haha, I might miss read no problem
Enviado desde mi Nexus 5X mediante Tapatalk
Coming from flashing ROMs and kernels on an HTC EVO, Galaxy S2, S3, and S5, it was nice to finally be on stock and not feel the need to do it anymore. I was going to after a few months but updates really improved the experience for me compared to it's original release.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
I won't buy a phone that doesn't have the ability to run custom roms. Particularly, CM / Lineage. So for example, the Pixel is out.
1. I get to choose what starts up with during boot up.
2. I get to stop unnecessary apps from running in the background. Guess what I don't want an app running if I don't have it open. Turns out my wife doesn't either for most of her apps. Do you need apps chew through mobile data or tracking your every move even though you don't have them open?
3. I block many apps from data / wifi entirely. They can't load junk like ads, phone home etc.
4. I easily block various applications from my data, as needed. A game does not need access to my contacts, etc.
5. There is still a lot of customization that can be done in the custom roms in regards to layout and such that is not in stock roms.
I realize that some of those things can be done in the stock ROM once you are rooted, or there are work around ways to do sort of do these in other ways without root, however many those are just some of the things I can list off the top of my head that you can only sort of do or only partially do in stock form.
(It's been a long time since I've run a stock ROM, so let me know if it's changed, I could be off base?)
We're not talking kernels, but once you starting tweaking the kernel, plus keep all the crap from running in the background you can get decent battery life out of this phone.