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Sensless or Stock Android

Hey guys I have been doing quite a bit of searching through the forums and still have a couple questions about custom roms and rooting. Forgive the noobness but the droid incredible is my first android device and I only recently got it.
1. My first question is what is the simplest way (rom + root I assume) to get a stock version of android on my incredible? Also what rom would you recommend (I have seen a pretty big list but know nothing about them)?
2. What is the difference, if any, between a kernel and a rom? Ive seen both words used a lot and have seen kernels that are stock and roms that are as well. Which would I use between the two?
I know these questions may be dumb but I have been searching for a couple days and have gone through hundreds of threads trying to find the definitive answer (there were some benefits though, I use launcher pro and the droid x's keyboard now) any help would be appreciated.

1. You are right in assuming that the quickest (and only) way to get a stock version of Android on your phone is to root your phone and install a custom recovery that will allow you to flash a rom. It is not really possible for me to recommend a rom because rom's are all about personal preference and my preference may be different from yours. That being said, if you are interested in stock Android, check out Cyanogenmod. The biggest thing right now is that for the Incredible, Cyanogenmod is the only true stock Android that is compiled from AOSP (Android Open Source Project) however it is still in its early stages for our device, so it's still buggy. The other roms are modified versions of our stock sense rom, so some of the roms are modified to have the bulkier parts of of the Sense UI removed, but it is still a Sense rom.
2. I'm not going to profess to be extremely in the know about kernels, but a kernel is the go-between for the hardware and the os/applications. If you want to learn more about kernels, you can read the wikipedia page about kernels found here. Basically what you need to know is that the rom is the operating system, so if you wanted to change the OS such as from Sense to Vanilla Android, you would flash a rom. If you wanted to change the way the system runs, such as if you want your processor to be overclocked or undervolted, you would flash a kernel.
Hope this helps.

That answered everything! Thanks for the reply and I will keep checking the forums for stock roms that seem stable!

Most stable rom for LG G3?

I have the Sprint LG G3. I'd like to run Lollipop or even KitKat on it. Stability is first and foremost, even before features. What would be a good recommended ROM? It definitely needs to be rooted.
If it is based off of stock, I'd like for it to be cleaned up with no bloatware/Carrier IQ. I tried BARIN before, but I ended up losing root after flashing that ROM, so I don't really want to try that one again.

CodeCompile said:
I have the Sprint LG G3. I'd like to run Lollipop or even KitKat on it. Stability is first and foremost, even before features. What would be a good recommended ROM? It definitely needs to be rooted.
If it is based off of stock, I'd like for it to be cleaned up with no bloatware/Carrier IQ. I tried BARIN before, but I ended up losing root after flashing that ROM, so I don't really want to try that one again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root without flashing a custom ROM and debloat from there (using something like Titanium Backup) or the AROMA script in the G3 app & theme section.
Also you didn't mention which variant you own. Kinda important before choosing a ROM.
Last thing, we don't usually recommend ROMs to avoid flaming but you can see which one is the most popular and read the last couple page of your chosen ROM to see what are its issues/bugs.

I tried first android HD at my g3 beast but it was eating so much battery,
Then I installed cloudy g3 rom which is so amazing ... nice smooth no bugs whatsoever and its based on stock,
Next I am going to try chupachups rom or blisspop rom or Resurrection Remix.
If someone can enlighten further then it will be great ... especially stability and battery wise.
Thanks.

CodeCompile said:
I have the Sprint LG G3. I'd like to run Lollipop or even KitKat on it. Stability is first and foremost, even before features. What would be a good recommended ROM? It definitely needs to be rooted.
If it is based off of stock, I'd like for it to be cleaned up with no bloatware/Carrier IQ. I tried BARIN before, but I ended up losing root after flashing that ROM, so I don't really want to try that one again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock Kitkat is by far the best at present. Just root it, get GS3 Toolbox and a couple of other xposed apps to suit yourself and you really do have he best experience.

Advice on stock vs custom ROM for non-technical person

Many people have a similar situation where you are wondering if you should keep stock or install a custom ROM on relative's phone, who is not a technical person.
I am wondering if it is better to keep the latest stock Android 4.3 on the Nexus (European version) or if I should upgrade it to a very stable almost stock custom ROM?
I will only be able to provide "maintenance" every 2 months.
My main goal of installing a custom ROM would be to keep it updated with the latest security patches, not so much to have the latest version of android running.
Is it so bad to keep 4.3 running on a phone when its user doesn't really need 4.4 or higher feature?

As you said, custom roms are more updated on security patches. Another reason that custom rom is better, is the additttional features offering. I have installed on many friends of mine custom roms without having any issues. On the contrary, if they change smartphone, they are seeking for those features on their new phone. When they realize that those features were custom things, they disappointed. The most custom roms have less bugs than the official build.

I would definitely recommend to flash custom ROM to your Nexus.
Our phone is really good maintained by our developers, so you can choose from many custom ROMs.
They will provide you more performace, better battery life and some nice features, that stock ROM can't offer you.
My personal option is the CM11 with custom kernel (Fancy, Franco or any other).
Don't try Lollipop ROMs now, because they are still unstable and have some bugs.

I had the same questions. Now though, after actually using a custom ROM I can confidently say that custom ROMs are the way to go.
The Galaxy Nexus wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for custom ROMs. They keep us updated to the latest android versions and not only that, but the features they add become essential to how you use your device.
And you're blessed to have a Galaxy Nexus. It's so easy to install custom ROMs on nexus devices.
Now that I've used them, I can't use my phone without them.

@leto78
I say go for it! Just make sure you evaluate the knowledge/needs of the end user first, and let that guide your choice.
Example 1 - you're looking for a ROM for a not-very-tech-savvy user, so you need it to be as stable and problem-free as possible. You'd probably be best served by a 4.4 ROM that's been out for a while and has a long development/history of improvement.
Example 2 - your end user is reasonably tech-savvy, knows their way around Android and knows about the different versions, and also knows not to freak out or call you yelling "you broke my phone!" if there is an issue. In this case, check the known issues/bug reports for the 5.0-based ROMs and pick one with the fewest "daily driver" related issues.

I agree with use of an aftermarket ROM just due to the frequent updates and security fixes the stock ROM isn't getting. All the aftermarket ROM's I've tried are solid for stability. If you want to stick with stock, I do recommend rooting it to address a couple bugs.
Sent from my LG-D852 using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] Not able to customize my LG G3

Hello friends,
I am quite new to this forum also new to rooting and using custom ROMs on my G3.
I have my G3 for about 8 months now and have already upgraded to android 5.0 (OTA). I want to customize my G3 as much as I can !!!
I have installed G3 Tweaksbox but its not working, it is giving me an error message "Xposed Framework is missing". I have read on some threads that Xposed has not been finalized yet for Lollipop and it is not advisable to install it. So I cannot go through G3 Tweaksbox for customizing my G3.
The second option was to install a custom ROM. For this, I have already rooted my G3 and already backed up my data. I was about to install BlissPop V3.5 when I came across a thread saying if I install a customize ROM, I will lose some cool features of my G3...like knock code, auto-focus and other specific features of LG.
I know you guys are expert in these things and therefore wanted your help on how to be able to fully customize my G3 without losing those cool features?
Your help will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Roy

There are two types of options in custom ROMs: Stock-based and AOSP/CM based.
Customizability:
Hands-down, AOSP wins the customizability contest. Many of the features you would need to use Xposed for in stock-based are already baked into AOSP.
Camera:
Stock-based lets you use the stock camera, the software and drivers for which are proprietary; it's might quick and accurate, even if it does not allow manual adjustments.
The default AOSP camera is okay. Many of us opt to replace it with a port from another device. The Motorola cam is nice and the M9 cam is fantastic (I'm working on a few tweaks to make it work better with the G3). Point is: the choice is yours.
Knock-on/off:
The knock-on code is an LG feature, so stock-based ROMs only.
Some AOSP ROMs allow you to knock on and knock off, but no pattern detection is incorporated with it.
QRemote:
This has been ported to AOSP and works great. The only thing that isn't there is having it in the pull-down menu.
So, it's a trade-off. There is no perfect ROM, unless you find something that is perfect for you. For me, although I sometimes miss the LG camera, the features and tweaking ability of a good AOSP ROM are a clear win. My suggestion is dump stock altogether, install a cleaned up stock-based ROM and play with it for a while. Then make a backup, wipe and install a good AOSP ROM like CyanideL or BlissPop to get a feel for that. Then stick with what you prefer. Heck, I've restored my Jasmine ROM just for the camera on one occasion!

Thanks epidenimus
Hi epidenimus thanks a lot. I think I will go with a stock based ROM that can still contain the g3 features . Another nice feature is the quick circle case all which I assume will still be there in the stock.
Can you suggest me which custom ROM to go for and where to get it?
Thanks again

NischalRoy said:
Hi epidenimus thanks a lot. I think I will go with a stock based ROM that can still contain the g3 features . Another nice feature is the quick circle case all which I assume will still be there in the stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not use quick circle cases, prefer something that can really protect the device. However, I can tell you that CyanideL (AOSP/CM) does have settings for it baked it, so it may well work in some of the AOSPs.
NischalRoy said:
Can you suggest me which custom ROM to go for and where to get it?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would need to know your variant (e.g. LS990, VS985, D851...) in order to point you in the right direction. You may start by looking in the more specific thread for that device, if there is one. Generally, the stock-based ROMs are specific to a variant; AOSP sees more porting to different variants and devices.

Thanks again.....I am using LG D855....international and unlocked

Are android custom roms still worth it?

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.