Develop Bugs

[DISCUSSION] Android OS (Kernel) Battery and RAM usage

Hey there!
I have a ZE551ML (2.3GHz/64GB/4GB). Like most of the Zenfone 2 users, I have had two major issues on this phone. The battery drainage and the RAM leakage, both caused by the dreaded Android OS.
Earlier we blamed it on the 5.0 Stock Lollipop firmware, hoping it will get fixed with Marshmallow. But now on the beta MM, I continue to have the same issues (I cleaned flashed).
But thanks to Marshmallow's new Memory manager, I saw that the kernel has taken up almost 1GB of the RAM. (For comparison, the OnePlus One MM drains around 200MB). And I'm sure, whatever causes this to happen is also the culprit behind the Android OS battery drainage.
Now maybe, we could blame it on the Intel CPU, since most apps are optimized for Snapdragon devices. But then, wouldn't it affect all the Zenfone 2s with Intel CPUs? Why is it that some have excellent kernel performance?
Since I'm not a developer, I couldn't dig more into the situation, but I hope some developer will see this and help us out. It's a wonderful phone except for the Kernel hogging up the battery and the RAM.
That's all folks!

I leave stock for CyanogenMod about 1 month (right before beta tester receive MM test) and I think kernel isn't a big problem. The problem is the UI. And it bloatware. I have to disable almost every bloatware (since I didn't root)
Android 5.0 itself having memory bug that using a lot of RAM for animation, turn off transition animation in developer setting to mitigate this problem, and it can be fix with an optimize. But I don't know why ASUS don't fix it.
And another RAM hogging is ZenUI Launcher. A lot of useless function that you don't really need, and it may use up to 300mb of RAM. And it may make kernel use more RAM. Try to use a different lightweight launcher for a while (1 day or maybe few day).
When you reboot your phone, ZenUI Launcher using 30-40mb of RAM, but the more you use, the more it hogging your RAM. You can really tell it by using for a while and after running some casual apps like Facebook or Messenger, ZenUI launcher will have to reload everything, and gaming, it usually have to reload the game when I have to listen/make a phone call or reply a message.
Sometimes you receive some warning/suggestion like: "Something leaked? Protect your privacy now!", and this is the most useless and tricky function when it suggest you to install CM Security or something Security which is actually quite useless and it may/will steal something from your phone.
I'm using CyanogenMod, and it kernel source provided by ASUS. And developers make it great. There are some bugs, but acceptable and usable. When I go to CM, I could play games and use Facebook or do something elsse at the same time which I couldn't do at stock.
ASUS could make their phone better, but no, they have to sell something, and it's the next generation. The Zenfone 3. They have to make people thinking: "My phone is slow, I have to buy a new one, and yeah, I like this ZenUI, and Zenfone 3 is here, price also pretty good, I will get that Zenfone 3".

Stock ROM or Nougat custom ROM?

Hi to everyone, recently I acquired (as a gift) this device (a RIO-L03, probably I'll change it soon, it's a "temporal" device). The performance and the battery are pretty good by my standards, but I don't like EMUI in overall. It is worth it flash a custom ROM for more performance/experience or just stay here in Marshmallow with EMUI? What are the advantages and inconvenients?
Thanks in advance, people.

Well, It depends on wha you're looking for.
I have my L03 and it was running MM B340 (it was supposed to solve whatsapp notification problems) but as time passed by It started to have some issues with apps like twitter, FB, Instagram and Whatsapp (Forced Closes). Furthermore, I commenced to experience some lag on my phone, even when just one app was running. In the end I decided to flash a N rom (AOSP Extended 4.4) and I can tell you is a lot better then the MM. Faster, easier to use, with no lag and battery life is greater. The only thing I can complain about is the CAMERA. This is, you lose your native camera app (huawei cam) by flashing in the ROM the Google cam. It's not as good as the original one and GC doesn't contain as many functions as the Huawei one.
Customization is amazing. And the possibility to root it is really easy.
However, you said it is only temporary and it might take more time to flash than the time you'll have this phone. So you keep it, you won't regret having a N rom. You change it, enjoy it as it is.
Regards.

JJulious said:
Well, It depends on wha you're looking for.
I have my L03 and it was running MM B340 (it was supposed to solve whatsapp notification problems) but as time passed by It started to have some issues with apps like twitter, FB, Instagram and Whatsapp (Forced Closes). Furthermore, I commenced to experience some lag on my phone, even when just one app was running. In the end I decided to flash a N rom (AOSP Extended 4.4) and I can tell you is a lot better then the MM. Faster, easier to use, with no lag and battery life is greater. The only thing I can complain about is the CAMERA. This is, you lose your native camera app (huawei cam) by flashing in the ROM the Google cam. It's not as good as the original one and GC doesn't contain as many functions as the Huawei one.
Customization is amazing. And the possibility to root it is really easy.
However, you said it is only temporary and it might take more time to flash than the time you'll have this phone. So you keep it, you won't regret having a N rom. You change it, enjoy it as it is.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for being the only person who reply, seriously. I've considered too much that option because, as like you, the phone has started to lagging and certanly it lost a bit of smoothness in overall (especially in menus like Settings or just in basic apps like WhatsApp). I can't complain too much about the camera because it just expendable for me, same with root. (I mean, I like Xposed/Magisk but I prefer just the personalization of AE with Substratum and still playing Pokémon GO and LL!, lmao). Again, thanks for your time, and I'll change to AOSP Extended soon. (Further, I'm going to give this phone to my mother, hopefully she's gonna have a fluid and solid experience)
Cheers.

Very thanks for this informative post! where is the best rom rootless for my RIO-L03?

i need ur support for custom rom
please
i need ur support that i downloaded more than rom for devise g8
and try flash it Rom from t wrap but appear error 7
more time
Although i try to solve this error but failed
please help me

Z2 Plus overall usability review with custom roms and bugs, battery life, heating etc

Hi Z2 plus users.
After lot of analysis and research, I finally ordered Lenovo Z2 plus today. Got a great deal.
8k INR / approx 125 USD
I have the option of getting Redmi Note 4 as well at approx 150 USD / 10k
I have gone through lot of videos on youtube with different custom rom reviews of Z2 plus, pros, cons etc.
My main concerns are:
- Battery Life
- Heating issue
- Overall usability without digging into custom rom installations and updates very frequently. I will install custom rom but would like to use it as daily driver for few months at least before I look for new updates etc. (Time is the issue - Don't get much of it these days to do all the research and experiments )
With custom roms like AICP, Jaguar - how is the battery life in terms of SOT?
How is the heating issue with custom roms which this phone is infamous for?
I saw a review from Indian tech reviewer on youtube suggesting Jaguar R14 is very stable and good rom for this. But I see some complains and users posting different issues in Jaguar rom thread.
Kindly suggest, if it will be good to go for this phone now (after 1.5 yrs of it's launch)?
Can I expect to use it as daily driver without any significant issues for next 2-3 years with custom roms?
At present which custom rom will you suggest with regards to Battery life and heating issue resolution?

some inputs here will he really helpful

saurav_k said:
some inputs here will he really helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try aex/paranoid/citrus and see what suits you best!

rohanvartak said:
Try aex/paranoid/citrus and see what suits you best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have the device yet and that is my dilemma whether to accept it or return it.
Does these roms also have overheating issues?
How is the battery life on these?

CitrusCAF 3.5 by miju12 seems very stable(dont flash custom kernel unless you know what you are doing) and have favourable review from the users.
and Lenovo z2 is better choice anyway

looks okay
Got mine today as well. Same deal as the OP (around $120). First thing done was an upgrade to Nougat. Sept 2016 manufacturing and there was still 30% charge left . Device did heat up during upgrade as it was on charge. Haven't observed any major heating since. I have upgraded (or downgraded) from a oneplus 2 so my criteria of heating may be somewhat biased. A 5 inch display does seem smallish though.
Geekbench 4 was 1720, 3999 which is par for SD820. So no throttling etc.
Just wondering what is so broken about stock ROM ? What's not going well with everyone on ZUI ? I did tweak the DPI to my liking - other than that ROM feels pretty much stockish android. I mean I have heard so much hate about stock ROM for this device?
Edited - Ok I am starting to see oddities. 1. Double notifications (any fixes?)
And the usual follow up questions -
- Does the U touch specialization / gestures (swiping etc) work on the custom roms for this device ? Edited - Yes I guess.
- Would unlocking bootloader reset the device ? If yes, might as well do it before setting up apps etc. Edited - Yes it would like any other device.

Just wondering what is so broken about stock ROM ? What's not going well with everyone on ZUI ? I did tweak the DPI to my liking - other than that ROM feels pretty much stockish android. I mean I have heard so much hate about stock ROM for this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using Rooted ZUI (I believe that’s what the stock rom is called) for a few weeks now (Xposed now, but that’s been just a few days). At first I thought I would keep it stock rooted and get all the things I need with Xposed, but the Notification drawer and Lock screen is getting on my nerves. All notifications are ICS Style, i.e. they are not expandable and they have no quick action (except USB connection to PC which lets u choose cam/file mode). Lock screen has this weird image in the middle which just sits there doing nothing. Notifications doesn't get displayed in lockscreen (weirdly I am getting 1 calendar notification there, but nothing else). I tried enabling lockscreen notification for a lot of apps, but it seems to just allow calendar and nothing else.
The U-touch is awesome BTW, but wont let me start Google Assistant voice through it (I like being able to set alarms through it)

Magisk Mods:Taking Phone towards "ULTIMATE"

****MAGISK_ROOT_NOT_REQUIRED_SUPERUSER_DISABLED****
In this thread I am going to share my magisk Mods which I am currently using in a hope that these will help others to get a extraordinary experience.
<Disclaimer:"I am not responsible for anything bad happening to it cell because of it wrong doings "./>
<All these Mods are tried on BEST OF ALL ROMS upto date i.e. HAVOC OS. so recommended also/>
<Before starting:: to change the looks of my phone I use oxygen os tweak that thread of mine is located in below thread::
https://forum.xda-developers.com/max-pro-m2/themes/feel-oxygen-os-t3928782
/>
For Optmizing kernel and Ram management
NFS injector and FD.AI mod
Now you might be wondering why I used two Ram and kernel optrimizers instead of one the reason is that NFS aims for Optmizing cell for overall fluid experience be it in heavy games like pubg or asphalt 8
while FD ai realtime optimizer i.e. it optmizes Ur cell on the basis of how it is used so as to provide faster app openings ,fluid animations and more ? life and best part is it will keep Ur phone improving day by day based on type of user.
U will not able to understand it completely until you not experience it.
Next up is PIXIFY(slim)
This mod activate all this pixel goodies on your phone such as screen call etc. without putting more load on phone.
Next up is SONY DUMMY.
this mod help you to get all Sony apps available in playstore without much hustle but you have clear playstore data once after reboot.
IF YOU ARE USING ANY MOD WHICH YOU THINK IS BEST THEN DO SHARE BELOW TO MAKE THIS CELL
ULTIMATE FOR ALL.

Nitin890 said:
****MAGISK_ROOT_NOT_REQUIRED_SUPERUSER_DISABLED****
In this thread I am going to share my magisk Mods which I am currently using in a hope that these will help others to get a extraordinary experience.
<Disclaimer:"I am not responsible for anything bad happening to it cell because of it wrong doings "./>
<All these Mods are tried on BEST OF ALL ROMS upto date i.e. HAVOC OS. so recommended also/>
<Before starting:: to change the looks of my phone I use oxygen os tweak that thread of mine is located in below thread::
https://forum.xda-developers.com/max-pro-m2/themes/feel-oxygen-os-t3928782
/>
For Optmizing kernel and Ram management
NFS injector and FD.AI mod
Now you might be wondering why I used two Ram and kernel optrimizers instead of one the reason is that NFS aims for Optmizing cell for overall fluid experience be it in heavy games like pubg or asphalt 8
while FD ai realtime optimizer i.e. it optmizes Ur cell on the basis of how it is used so as to provide faster app openings ,fluid animations and more life and best part is it will keep Ur phone improving day by day based on type of user.
U will not able to understand it completely until you not experience it.
Next up is PIXIFY(slim)
This mod activate all this pixel goodies on your phone such as screen call etc. without putting more load on phone.
Next up is SONY DUMMY.
this mod help you to get all Sony apps available in playstore without much hustle but you have clear playstore data once after reboot.
IF YOU ARE USING ANY MOD WHICH YOU THINK IS BEST THEN DO SHARE BELOW TO MAKE THIS CELL
ULTIMATE FOR ALL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did pixify activate Call Screening for you? I tried the full version and it wasnt activated. Which Rom are you on?? Also would like to recommend Viper4Andorid

Brezinger101 said:
Did pixify activate Call Screening for you? I tried the full version and it wasnt activated. Which Rom are you on?? Also would like to recommend Viper4Andorid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes screen call is not available for now on custom roms

After 2 days 9f putting all sorts of stress on Phone I can now say NFS injector and FD AI mod make a difference. I find phone much more responsive. The best part is even after heavy pubg playing for 5hrs, the phone remained Cool and performed exceptionally well. I m using arrow OS by bauuu. Go for it guys.

I only use NFS injector for my phone currently because its is stated that to not use any other kernel tweakers.
while at that, my experience with only NFS injector is pretty good.
battery is cool even on heavy gaming session

XZ1 Compact Fw's: PROs & CONs

Help me to create mini FAQ.
Stock
PROs:
CONs:
AOSP
PROs:
CONs:
crDroid [AlexKarimov]
PROs:
1 - Fast: Very responsive and loads quick. Example: stock used to delay when using google maps at all the wrong times. This ROM is lightning quick and I never miss a turn or exit.
2 - Stable: I've had only one or two random reboots but it's very rare.
3 - Customization: There is a high level of customization in this ROM. A LOT of options. At this point, I can't even tell you what I'm missing.
Bonus: Stock launcher is very nice. I usually upgrade to Nova for one reason or another but this has almost all the same features as Nova.
CONs:
1 - Data speed: I hesitate to put this here because I'm not sure if it's my ROM or incorrect APN settings(I don't remember stock so I've had to experiment). I've played around with different APNs and found one that works really good but data speed still seems a little slower than stock but only on Play Store for some reason.
Pixel Experience
PROs:
CONs:
LineAge OS 15.1
PROs:
CONs:
LineAge OS 16
PROs:
CONs:

I've had crDroid for about 2 months now, here's what I've observed:
crDroid
PROs:
1 - Fast: Very responsive and loads quick. Example: stock used to delay when using google maps at all the wrong times. This ROM is lightning quick and I never miss a turn or exit.
2 - Stable: I've had only one or two random reboots but it's very rare.
3 - Customization: There is a high level of customization in this ROM. A LOT of options. At this point, I can't even tell you what I'm missing.
Bonus: Stock launcher is very nice. I usually upgrade to Nova for one reason or another but this has almost all the same features as Nova.
CONs:
1 - Data speed: I hesitate to put this here because I'm not sure if it's my ROM or incorrect APN settings(I don't remember stock so I've had to experiment). I've played around with different APNs and found one that works really good but data speed still seems a little slower than stock but only on Play Store for some reason.
General Impression: I love this ROM! It has just about everything I want(minus a few tweaks that are in AEX) but any drawbacks I've found are very minimal compared with the benefits.
Thank you for this comparison. I've recently purchased a second xz1c and just loaded AEX on it, so I'll give some impressions in a few weeks on that.

AlexKarimov said:
I've had crDroid for about 2 months now, here's what I've observed:
Thank you for this comparison. I've recently purchased a second xz1c and just loaded AEX on it, so I'll give some impressions in a few weeks on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for review! Together we can bring up neat comparision of xz1 FW's!

Stock fw
pro:
Good battery life and has ultra stamina mode. Also Sony stock apps and audio tuning if you are into that kind of stuff. With combining firmware bits you can get volte and fingerprint working in US T-mobile.
con:
September 2019 is the last security patch, since then multiple vulnerabilities have been found including bluetooth "Bluefrag" vulnerability.

Lineage OS 17
Overall very clean and snappy rom. It's currently my daily driver.
Pro:
-Android 10.0 and everything that comes with it:
Built in gesture navigation
Re-worked permission management
New launcher/recents menu
-average battery life
-stock camera
-passes safetynet check
-trebuchet launcher with app lock functionality
-very stable, so far I have had no random reboots or anything of the sort.
Con:(not a lot)
-does not have picture preview after picture was taken on back camera in stock cam
-stock cam cannot save to sd card

Thanks for sharing your findings! Would you recommend LOS 16 or 17 over stock fw? How stable is it and how's the battery life? I have stock oreo and don't want to update due to the complaints. I've experienced some lag and restarts lately but I wonder if the long process of unlocking bl and flashing custom fw is worth it.

moist_line said:
Thanks for sharing your findings! Would you recommend LOS 16 or 17 over stock fw? How stable is it and how's the battery life? I have stock oreo and don't want to update due to the complaints. I've experienced some lag and restarts lately but I wonder if the long process of unlocking bl and flashing custom fw is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big thanks also from me to MDomokos for sharing the experience.
I'm also very interested in answers for the questions posted by moist_line.

moist_line said:
Thanks for sharing your findings! Would you recommend LOS 16 or 17 over stock fw? How stable is it and how's the battery life? I have stock oreo and don't want to update due to the complaints. I've experienced some lag and restarts lately but I wonder if the long process of unlocking bl and flashing custom fw is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using LOS 16.0 for 2 weeks with 47.2.A.11.228 stock firmware. Working perfectly and no problems with any app (no GAPPS installed and only using openSource apks such as: Signal, Telegram, K-9, QKSMS, OsmAnd, etc...)
Battery life, better than with stock Android 8.0 ( i never used Android 9 from Sony, just when i updated firmware to reboot and install LineageOS )
Since i'm working from home, is true that my XZ1C uses wifi all the time, but anyways, 3 days of battery is awesome

moist_line said:
Thanks for sharing your findings! Would you recommend LOS 16 or 17 over stock fw? How stable is it and how's the battery life? I have stock oreo and don't want to update due to the complaints. I've experienced some lag and restarts lately but I wonder if the long process of unlocking bl and flashing custom fw is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using Lineage OS 17 by modpunk for the last three weeks and it's been very reliable. I have nano Gapps installed and get about 7% of battery used per hour with the screen on, and about 0.4% of battery drained per hour in stand by mode as reported by Franco Kernel Manager. Battery life for me is a bit worse than stock as there is no fine control over battery modes such as with stamina mode. I can get two days battery life with about 5 hours of screen on time, though I limit my charging to between 85%-15% which makes it a bit shorter.
I like the android 10 gestures as it frees up more space on the screen and I also like the new permission management for location. And I can't live without adaway which requires root.
I personally am happy with unlocking the boot loader and there is no significant difference besides when initially turning on the phone it shows a boot loader unblocked message. And the newer security patches are worth it in my opinion.
There is a easy to follow PDF guide that can explains all of the steps in the thread about DRM Key backups. https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1-compact/development/devonly-exploits-temp-root-to-backup-t3795510
I'll link it here if I find it.
But I wouldn't recommend it if you are planning on selling your phone in the near future.
Edit:
Found the PDF https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78255334&postcount=382
Make sure to read all instructions thoroughly and donate to developers if possible.
Hope this all helped.