I just bought a Tab S 8.4 and rooted it. I've had other Android devices before, like the Nexus 7. I tried to uninstall some bloatware but the system reinstalled it all. I'm looking for a custom ROM like CleanROM for the Nexus 7 - with less bloatware or at least the ability to choose which apps I want to keep.
Thanks for any suggestions .
You will find them in the development section
ashyx said:
You will find them in the development section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I know that this is more of a DIY project. Besides, devs get the same questions all the time. Still, I was hoping to get a hint or two. But, I've had time to do some exploring, and I'm finding lots of useful info.
What will you using your device with the rom for and i can suggest some
I've used several ROMs and it really comes down to your preferences.
You generally have the really-custom ROMs based off Cyanogenmod OR heavily-modified stock Touchwiz ROMs.
For the former, I can say that BlissPop is pretty nice: BlissPop. I've been using this for the past month without any problems until I switched a few days ago.
I do find that most ROMs based off Cyanogenmod really perform very similarly to each other and have mostly the same features.
For stock, I am currently using this: IronROM.
It's pretty nice, has the benefit of things like the fingerprint sensor and such whereas CM stuff will not. A lot of the bloat from the stock ROM has been removed. I'm also trying out @UpInTheAir 's custom kernel with it although it's not strictly necessary to do so. Touchwiz has come a long way from the horrible monster it used to be, especially with ROMs like these.
One thing to note is that the CM stuff will likely be based off AOSP and on Android 5.1.1 whereas the stock stuff is still 5.0.2. Quite honestly, I don't see much of a difference in day-to-day use.
koimr said:
I've used several ROMs and it really comes down to your preferences.
You generally have the really-custom ROMs based off Cyanogenmod OR heavily-modified stock Touchwiz ROMs.
For the former, I can say that BlissPop is pretty nice: BlissPop. I've been using this for the past month without any problems until I switched a few days ago.
I do find that most ROMs based off Cyanogenmod really perform very similarly to each other and have mostly the same features.
For stock, I am currently using this: IronROM.
It's pretty nice, has the benefit of things like the fingerprint sensor and such whereas CM stuff will not. A lot of the bloat from the stock ROM has been removed. I'm also trying out @UpInTheAir 's custom kernel with it although it's not strictly necessary to do so. Touchwiz has come a long way from the horrible monster it used to be, especially with ROMs like these.
One thing to note is that the CM stuff will likely be based off AOSP and on Android 5.1.1 whereas the stock stuff is still 5.0.2. Quite honestly, I don't see much of a difference in day-to-day use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. From what you are saying, IronROM looks like a good choice for me. Basically stock, but debloated. In the meantime, I have found some threads on debloating and on freezing some unnecessary apps. I have been carefully experimenting with that, and so far I'm happy with the results. The odd thing is this: if I uninstall some app like Dropbox or Samsung Apps, my device just reinstalls it right away. So, it's either freeze the unneeded apps or go to a ROM that doesn't have them.
Uninstaling unneeded apps would help with storage space on my 16GB S, but I also have a 64gb SD card and I know about Link2SD. So storage isn't a deal-breaker.
Thanks also for the kernel suggestion. When I had a Nexus 7, I used a custom kernel (Elemental X) and it worked very well.
I'll be using my S for reading, videos, light gaming, email, and some Internet browsing. My usage could increase if I find myself preferring my S to my other options!
Those apps that come back can be deleted. They are contained in the hidden partition. The folder is called preload. Delete anything in there and they won't come back.
ashyx said:
Those apps that come back can be deleted. They are contained in the hidden partition. The folder is called preload. Delete anything in there and they won't come back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That solves that mystery. Is the preload folder typical of Samsung devices?
ashyx said:
Those apps that come back can be deleted. They are contained in the hidden partition. The folder is called preload. Delete anything in there and they won't come back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only Preload folder I have found so far contains only some images and sound samples, and possibly a screen saver. Maybe I can't access the hidden partition from Root Explorer or ES File Explorer?
In the stock rom there are 2 images that contain loads of crap, cache.img and hidden.img
Between the 2 is why you end up with preinstalled stuff that isn't in the system.img
I will have to check when I get chance to see which one of those has the apks and where it puts it.
Usually it's only the carrier branded roms that have this bloat.
Install a non carrier rom and it shouldn't have it.
Anyway if you download system app remover (ROOT) it should list these apps and let you get shut of them.
ashyx said:
In the stock rom there are 2 images that contain loads of crap, cache.img and hidden.img
Between the 2 is why you end up with preinstalled stuff that isn't in the system.img
I will have to check when I get chance to see which one of those has the apks and where it puts it.
Usually it's only the carrier branded roms that have this bloat.
Install a non carrier rom and it shouldn't have it.
Anyway if you download system app remover (ROOT) it should list these apps and let you get shut of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried system app remover before I started this thread, but the apps would get reinstalled. But I found a solution. I used TiBu to convert some system app bloatware to user apps. I rebooted and then uninstalled them. They stayed uninstalled. That appears to be my answer!
Related
[Q] Advice/Help on removing "locked" or un-uninstallable apps that I do not want
Ok, so.... Flashed CM 10.1. Did not like it at all. I have always been happy with the stock rom and realized through this process that what I really wanted was a stock ROM that I could remove all the nonsense that is imbedded and that runs and drains my battery life. I want to have complete control over my OS.
So, my main question is: Having read differing opinions on how to remove the so called bloatware(I like some of the stuff that is built in), what is the best way to go about it?
I obviously can root and flash my phone and can install CWM and have Odin installed and have done all that stuff. What I am looking for is a complete solution/method to removing the apps that I do not want. A lot of times the so called bloatware free ROMS have taken out too much and do not have what I am looking for so I am almost looking to create a custom stock ROM in a way by being able to delete the stuff that I do not use at all.
Do you use Titanium Backup?
jasvncnt1 said:
Do you use Titanium Backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
You can flash the bloated version of your carrier's rom, get root and use Titanium Backup to either uninstall or freeze (paid version) the apps you don't want.
Thanks! Done. Exactly what I needed.
Had already reverted back to the bloated version with something like this in mind and actually paid for the pro version. I think this is the first time I've ever paid for an app.
Now to make a list of all the things running that I don't need/use and uninstall them.
Hi all,
I got a nexus 7 for Xmas. It's my first Android device but I did have a Dell axim a number of years ago and played around with roms.
I am a happy iOS user but wanted to have a look at Android as it is quite mature now.
So I have rooted my nexus and I wanted ask a few questions
1 I have created a backup using rom manager. Is this a nandoid backup?
2 is it necessary to get rom manager pro? What does the paid version do extra?
3 are any roms available that are based on 4.4 or is it too early?
4 what is the best network media streamer? I have xbmc on my apple TV and I know I can install on my nexus. But should I or are there better options?
5 how do you transfer movies to the nexus? Via USB to the movie folder?
Thanks for any tips. Apologies for the noob questions!
I never used Rom manager so I cannot help you with those questions.
Regarding the other ones, there are many Roms based on 4.4 to 4.4.2 KitKat and for 4.4.2 I would recommend Clean ROM 2.6. Boosts performance and leaves the Tablet almost stock.
The only media streamer I know is XBMC so I cannot recomend anything else.
Once rooted you can drag and drop videos to anywhere you like I believe.
I use Archos Video Player to stream smb shares from my pc. It makes thumbnails for you and has a nice ui.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks all.
Just found that sky go doesn't work on rooted devices. I thought this was a iOS jailbreak issue!
Any workarounds for this problem for Android?
In superSu hide the root, some apps then work, others remain disabled as is probably a DRM issue which os mire likely because of the unlock
Enviado desde mi Nexus 5 mediante Tapatalk
OK thanks. Very annoying though! I will see if I can find a solution
jago.taylor said:
Hi all,
I got a nexus 7 for Xmas. It's my first Android device but I did have a Dell axim a number of years ago and played around with roms.
I am a happy iOS user but wanted to have a look at Android as it is quite mature now.
So I have rooted my nexus and I wanted ask a few questions
1 I have created a backup using rom manager. Is this a nandoid backup?
2 is it necessary to get rom manager pro? What does the paid version do extra?
3 are any roms available that are based on 4.4 or is it too early?
4 what is the best network media streamer? I have xbmc on my apple TV and I know I can install on my nexus. But should I or are there better options?
5 how do you transfer movies to the nexus? Via USB to the movie folder?
Thanks for any tips. Apologies for the noob questions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 Yes
2 I would get Rom Toolbox, instead. More features.
3 Lots. Check out the N7 development threads.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Thanks. I'll take a look at rom toolbox.
I have a more general question about whether I really need to root my device. I think I can still install roms without being rooted. Correct?
I find it annoying that apps such as sky go detect rooted devices and you end up in a battle to get these apps working!
when do you need to root? What is the use case (apart from side loading pirated apps that I am not interested in)
Thanks
Welcome to Android...
jago.taylor said:
Thanks. I'll take a look at rom toolbox.
I have a more general question about whether I really need to root my device. I think I can still install roms without being rooted. Correct?
I find it annoying that apps such as sky go detect rooted devices and you end up in a battle to get these apps working!
when do you need to root? What is the use case (apart from side loading pirated apps that I am not interested in)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is an essential part of the Android experience, especially if you want to use everything Android has to offer. You will not be able to flash custom ROMs without having Root. Now I have Rom Manager Pro and I can tell you that when I first started out with Android that app what a lifesaver for me. However, now that I have a bit more experience with ROMs and Recovery Manager I would urge you start learning how to use your recovery manager. Did you install a custom recovery manager when you rooted your Nexus device? If you did not look into installing TWRP Recovery Manager. You can do everything from that Recovery Manager that you can pretty much do with Rom Manager such as make backups. The one great thing about Rom Manager is that it will identify your device and list some Nice ROM's that are available for your specific device. As for root again, some of the best apps available for Android require Root access. Apps like "complete linux installer" which allows you to put Linux on your tablet. Another great app is "titanium backup" this is an app that you will definitely want to buy the pro version. Support your developers! Titanium backup allows you to make a nice backup of all your apps and your user data. Gotten to level 40 on dead trigger 2? An update breaks your favorite app...with Titanium Backup you could restore an older version of an app and even restore your status within a game such as bringing you back to level 40 in the example of dead trigger 2 that i used...which has cloud but it was an example!
Oh one app you should seriously get for your stock Nexus 7 ROM is "quickboot". Quickboot which needs ROOT allows your to reboot your tablet, reboot into recovery mode, and reboot into the bootloader with just one click of a button. This app will truly come in handy on a regular basis...
Now you asked about ROMs...
Of course we have to mention Cyanogenmod! This is being considered the "Cadillac" of ROM's and seems to be a very favorite choice among people starting out with Android to among the most advanced "power users" of Android.
I have tried "Ice Cold Rom Project" and i like that ROM very much...
Another ROM that I can't wait to try out is the "unofficial" OmniROM Project for the Nexus 7. Now this ROM is supposed to support Multi-Windows. Have you seen the Multi-Windows commercials for the Galaxy S4? Supposedly the "unofficial" OmniROM project has made that available for the Nexus 7 and i can't wait to try it out! I will be flashing this Monday...
Here is a link for that ROM on XDA -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2533936
Lastly...
You mentioned that one of your apps is not working correctly because your device is rooted? While this has never happened to me personally I don't doubt that it could happen but not exactly sure why root access would cause an app to stop working. Here is something you could try...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amphoras.hidemyrootadfree
That link above is to an app called "hide my root" that one is the paid version but there is a free one just do a search on the Google Play Store. What it does is hides root or blocks root for taking place for a given period of time. If root really is the problem for that app then this might help as you can block root and then try starting the app...
Well congrats on coming over to Android! I think once you get the hang of things you will never go back to the iOS (maybe!). Android is such an amazing project and operating system but it would not be a quarter of what it is without all of these people here on XDA. The people here are what make Android great and what make the open source community great!. Keep playing with Android and don't worry about taking risks with your tablet. If you make a backup of your ROM you can always flash back your stock ROM as long as you can boot into your Recovery Manager. If you can't there is a way to push a stock ROM to your tablet with ADB. It is almost impossible to brick your Nexus device but still don't make ridiculous mistakes such as not making your backups!
Oh...
Yes you can transfer data from your tablet to your PC in a number of ways. One way is with a USB cable but you need to have the correct drivers installed. Do a google search for USB drivers for your Nexus device and you will find the correct ones you need. Another option that you could use is FTP. The Google Play Store has some great "FTP SERVER" apps which allow you to turn your tablet into an FTP Server. You could then download an FTP client on your PC such as "FileZilla" and log into your Android Tablet and start transferring or downloading files.
I hope this has been helpful for you...
-droidshadow
Thanks driodshadow
I have rom manager, Clockworkmod touch and titanium backup installed. Now I see lots of references to twrp. Is twrp doing the same job as Cwm? Is twrp a better solution?
Looks like I will try to stay rooted but I need to find a Solution to this issue with sky go. I have read that hide my root does not fix sky go. Root detection is getting better!
Thanks again for all your help
jago.taylor said:
... rom manager, Clockworkmod touch and titanium backup installed. Now I see lots of references to twrp. Is twrp doing the same job as Cwm? Is twrp a better solution?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer TWRP and Rom Toolbox. Too many problems with RM, CWM, and TB.
Sent from my Nexus 7
PhilipTD said:
I prefer TWRP and Rom Toolbox. Too many problems with RM, CWM, and TB.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually find CWM better than TWRP, though I will admit I like the TWRP layout and design better. TWRP asked me for a password when I tried to restore after a softbrick on my N7, I couldn't access my TWRP backup even though I could get into the relevant directory.
After some research I found that this was due to how the boot-loader had been unlocked, however I did it correctly (actually followed an XDA tutorial just to be sure), so I have been a bit put off TWRP because when I really needed it, it didn't work.
purephysics said:
I actually find CWM better than TWRP, though I will admit I like the TWRP layout and design better. TWRP asked me for a password when I tried to restore after a softbrick on my N7, I couldn't access my TWRP backup even though I could get into the relevant directory.
After some research I found that this was due to how the boot-loader had been unlocked, however I did it correctly (actually followed an XDA tutorial just to be sure), so I have been a bit put off TWRP because when I really needed it, it didn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe give it another try. You can make a CWM backup first, just in case.
I used CWM, RM, and TB on my N1 from the beginning, without problems. Then, a couple of years ago, they all started to wonk out from time to time, so I switched to TWRP and Rom Toolbox. Never have a problem. But maybe I should give the others another try, too.
Sent from my Nexus 7
PhilipTD said:
Maybe give it another try.
I used CWM, RM, and TB on my N1 from the beginning, without problems. Then, a couple of years ago, they all started to wonk out from time to time, so I switched to TWRP and Rom Toolbox. Never have a problem. But maybe I should give the others another try, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've decided to stick to CWM on my N7, mainly because I know it and I wanted a recovery I was familiar with while playing around with stuff like Xposed modules. I did like TWRP, I'll probably flash that on my phone over CWM and see how that goes.
I swear by Rom Toolbox, major props to the Dev(s) for that bad boy.
Hi all
I just got my 8.4 Tab Pro and need some advice before I apply my usual tweaking. Sorry if something similar has been discussed in other threads, I was not able to find definite answers to my questions.
As with all my Android devices I'd like customize the Tab Pro to minimize load, remove bloat and basically have the most control over it as possible.
- I rooted the Tab Pro with Towel without triggering Knox. So far so good. From what I read though, installing a recovery mod and/or a custom rom, Knox will still be triggered. What if I use an 'optimized' (debloated, tweaked) stock rom, is there a way no to have Knox in the way?
- If there's no way to prevent Knox from triggering: Any advice on which processes/apps can be safely removed and which (eg build.prop) tweaks would make sense for this device?
- Is there an overview which shows available Firmwares and maybe even changelogs? I'm a bit confused by all the different available codes and their corresponding origin countries.
That's it for the moment, thanks in advance
as soon as you flash a custom recovery, you will trip Knox. There is no way around that at the moment.
you can freeze quite a bit of the stock apps to get the device to run smoother. check your settings -- apps, and go to the running tab. Note which apps you don't use that are running in the background, and then freeze them with Titanium backup or similar program. Note some apps have multiple APK's that need to be frozen.
mike-y said:
as soon as you flash a custom recovery, you will trip Knox. There is no way around that at the moment.
you can freeze quite a bit of the stock apps to get the device to run smoother. check your settings -- apps, and go to the running tab. Note which apps you don't use that are running in the background, and then freeze them with Titanium backup or similar program. Note some apps have multiple APK's that need to be frozen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hah, looks like my Auto-Correct trolled me with "Knox", nice one :silly:
Corrected it..
Thanks for the reply, that cleared it up for me with the trigger.
Regarding the other topic though: I'm aware how one can identify and disable unnecessary apps, I was hoping to find (for example) some kind of a list like the one Rom Cleaner uses where stock Samsung bloatware is identified- which would make it a lot easier to work on with the ridiculous amount of stuff included in the device.
Not sure if there is such an app yet for the tab pro..
I made a list of apps I froze in the battery life thread, here's a link to the post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54229116&postcount=26
Keep in mind, I started off with a rom without the All-Share APK's, and without the Knox APK's (there are several of each).
since that post, I have also frozen S-finder and Security Manager Service. Started getting random reboots, so I re-installed Security Manager Service, and it seems to have fixed the reboots.
Nice, thanks for that- that'll be a good start.
Any ideas regarding the different available firmwares?
I'm on ND3, which seems to work for me. Using Freeza's nearly stock rom for now and all seems well. haven't tried any of the CM based roms on this tablet yet though.
Hello guys. One year ago i installed skydragon ROM and everything was ok. But now id like to reinstall my Rom to newer one. But i dont remember how i did it so could anyone help me? I actualy started to have some problems. My screen turns itself on randomly, pages refreshes or falls to main desktop randomly. If i use safe mode it is ok so its probably some of my applications. But i want to reinstall my phone so its like a new one(its ok with a custom rom ,i just need some recommended roms) so please if anyone could help me, i would be so happy.
FTWDiesel said:
Hello guys. One year ago i installed skydragon ROM and everything was ok. But now id like to reinstall my Rom to newer one. But i dont remember how i did it so could anyone help me? I actualy started to have some problems. My screen turns itself on randomly, pages refreshes or falls to main desktop randomly. If i use safe mode it is ok so its probably some of my applications. But i want to reinstall my phone so its like a new one(its ok with a custom rom ,i just need some recommended roms) so please if anyone could help me, i would be so happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup all of your data, whether it be twrp or titanium
download the rom of your choice, id suggest leedroid or android revolution for you as they are close to stock
copy to phone, wipe data and flash in twrp recovery (im assuming you have it as you have skydragon installed)
then restore your data through titanium.
You may have issues if your firmware is out of date, however I have not updated mine for a long period and it is still working fine. There are plenty of threads that can direct you through the process.
Thanks alot. And what types of custom roms exist? I mean how do are they different? And i read on other forum that i have to do something with kernel? But i totaly forgot what is that
And id like to ask, if i can somehow backup my apps settings and saves from games for example?
FTWDiesel said:
Thanks alot. And what types of custom roms exist? I mean how do are they different? :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some ROMs are GPE (Google Play Edition) or AOSP; both mean no Sense. Others are Sense based, but with various tweaks, customization options, etc. But you need to read the ROM threads to see the differences; and how they relate to your needs and preferences.
FTWDiesel said:
And i read on other forum that i have to do something with kernel? But i totaly forgot what is that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you have the Sprint or Verizon M8, you don't need to do anything with the kernel. The kernel installs automatically when you flash a ROM.
What does no Sense mean?
FTWDiesel said:
What does no Sense mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sense is HTC's "skinning" or customization of the Android OS. They add their own version of some apps, modified the launcher, icons, etc. as a means to differentiate their devices from the competition.
Not everyone likes that, so there is also a Google Play Edition of the M8, which is an Android version close to "pure" Android such as on Nexus devices. GPE ROMs are based on the official HTC released GPE version OS (although custom GPE ROMs may have tweaks and customizations of their own).
While AOSP ROMs such as Cyanogenmod and others are compiled from source code, and constitute "original work". But again, they don't have Sense customizations, and are close to "pure" Android.
Okay, thanks alot
So i flashed the newest skydragon ROM but after i installed it and used recovery(from twrp or what is the name) i recovered my data (apps etc) but my notification bar and home button wasnt there. I tried to flash it many times but it was the same.
FTWDiesel said:
So i flashed the newest skydragon ROM but after i installed it and used recovery(from twrp or what is the name) i recovered my data (apps etc) but my notification bar and home button wasnt there. I tried to flash it many times but it was the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you check the Skydragon thread to see if its a reported issue (and if so, there may be a fix posted)? That should always be the first thing to check when encountering issues after a ROM flash.
It sounds like you migrated user data using TWRP? I don't personally recommend it, as it often leads to issues, especially if the ROM is significantly different/updated than what you were using before.
Does the issue occur if you clean flash the ROM (default wipe in TWRP, then flash the ROM) and do not restore user data?
Ye the error isnt there if i dont recover my data. But i want to have apps etc there. So is there some way to backup them? Also sms, phone calls etc.
FTWDiesel said:
Ye the error isnt there if i dont recover my data. But i want to have apps etc there. So is there some way to backup them? Also sms, phone calls etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always use the app Titanium Backup to migrate my app data. IMO its also well worth the few $ for the paid pro key, to enable the batch functions (you can backup/restore all your user apps with just a few taps). Titanium is a very useful and reliable tool for ROM flashers.
Restore the data with TWRP, then back up your user apps and app data with Titanium. Wipe in TWRP. Then reboot and restore the apps in Titanium, and all should be good.
You can also use Titanium to backup and restore your SMS (backup app data "Dialer Storage") and call log ("Contacts Storage"). But be careful about restore any system data, since that is usually when the bugs pop up.
Okey, thanks alot. I'll try it today.
Hello, i tried the titanium backup but i have many many apps there and it wanted me to confrim every one one by one when installing which is pretty annoying while i have many apps. Also i thought about other roms, but i cant find here on xda developers any "comparing stats" or something. And mostly i cant find where are some cons and pros of the roms. Only last update notes... im really dumb or idk, cant really find anything.
Also i want to ask if its possible to remove car mode somehow? Cause my phones somehow sometimes thinks that im in a fckin car and uses car mode which interrups my app or refreshes page or light my screen..
Hi. What is the most recommended ROM to get Android 7 or 8 or 9, which ever works + being stable with less bugs. Mostly doing it for outdated apps that won't run on the old 4.2.2 version, so no need of many features that are just buggy. And can I get a step-by-step tutorial for first time rooting, currently on original software?
The web has some good tutorials but from 2015 and with Odin perhaps the version of Android is not that high?
xdaprogramm said:
Hi. What is the most recommended ROM to get Android 7 or 8 or 9, which ever works + being stable with less bugs. Mostly doing it for outdated apps that won't run on the old 4.2.2 version, so no need of many features that are just buggy. And can I get a step-by-step tutorial for first time rooting, currently on original software?
The web has some good tutorials but from 2015 and with Odin perhaps the version of Android is not that high?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root with Kingoroot....
HemanthJabalpuri said:
Root with Kingoroot....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I found something to use, here is a more general question regardless of the ROM:
Samsung apps like Camera, Gallery, and most importantly the interface of contacts, displaying apps they use seems better than what is in new versions of Android roms that comes without them. Is there a way to bring that probably the same way you install Gapps?
https://www.wikihow.com/images/thum...28px-Back-Up-the-Samsung-Galaxy-S4-Step-6.jpg
Kind of looks more tidy as Contacts and you can delete Contacts from SIM card, some ROMs seem to not have the option only to import from SIM
xdaprogramm said:
I think I found something to use, here is a more general question regardless of the ROM:
Samsung apps like Camera, Gallery, and most importantly the interface of contacts, displaying apps they use seems better than what is in new versions of Android roms that comes without them. Is there a way to bring that probably the same way you install Gapps?
https://www.wikihow.com/images/thum...28px-Back-Up-the-Samsung-Galaxy-S4-Step-6.jpg
Kind of looks more tidy as Contacts and you can delete Contacts from SIM card, some ROMs seem to not have the option only to import from SIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be able to run any Samsung apps, they only run on Samsung stock ROM, AFAIK. Though you may be able to find an app that copies the look of Samsung app. Yes, even smallest Gapps will come with a contacts manager. Make sure any back ups you do are in a common format or are done with an app you can install on new rom, Samsung might use their own backup format (I forget exactly it was so long ago i did it!) many apps like Whatsapp store their data eg photos in seperate folder which you will need to back up also. I like to use MyPhoneExplorer to back up contacts, photos & individual folders locally to PC, if you don't want to use cloud, and better than using external SD card (newbies have been known to wipe their external SD cards in error with TWRP.
There are very few if any serious bugs on ROM's these days that will cause you problems in daily use, but obviously research each ROM. Though some lesser known apps occasionally cause issues. Battery life is much better on current ROM & you will get latest security patches on 8 & 9. One of them is best, maybe 8 for you.