"Custom ROMs" For Android: Information & Instructions

The operating system of a smartphone is colloquially called a "ROM" (Read Only Memory). The manufacturer usually installs this directly on the device, comparable to the preinstalled operating system of a desktop computer. Android operating systems created or improved by the community are called "Custom ROM".

• While it is relatively easy to install a new operating system on a PC, this was not originally intended for smartphones.
• This is because the operating system and its apps have to be adapted to the hardware of the mobile device and the manufacturers themselves are interested in using their own system (binding customers to their own ecosystem).
• Custom ROMs are generally not completely new operating systems, but are based on the AOSPs (Android Open Source Code) provided by Google.
• Incidentally, the smartphone and tablet manufacturers who use the code mentioned also adapt the software accordingly for their own devices.

While some swear by the software of their favorite manufacturer like Samsung or HTC, some are more satisfied with the stock Android supplied by Google and less bloated. Others would like more adjustments or even a leaner system than Google's - for example with very few or no Google applications to reduce battery consumption and storage space requirements. Alternatives are the so-called "Custom ROMs". Which one you should take depends heavily on your own needs and the mobile device used.

Custom ROMs: advantages and disadvantages

advantages	disadvantage
Hardly or no "bloatware"	Often loss of warranty
More options with integrated root rights	Manufacturer-specific functions are usually missing
More performance and adjustments	Risk from faulty software
More themes and designs selectable	Root access risk
The battery lasts longer
Faster updates (including security updates)
Updates even after the software updates of the manufacturer have been discontinued

Communities often work on the original software and detoxify it without losing the rudimentary functions of the respective device. These are usually only available for high-end devices, but also for popular mid-range and low-priced devices. Special functions such as the fingerprint sensor or the "Double Tap To Wake" function can still be used without restrictions. Cross-device "Custom ROMs" such as "CyanogenMod", "Resurrection Remix" or "Lineage OS" usually come with restrictions such as a non-adapted camera software. The result can be worse image results.

If you choose a "Custom ROM", you should read in the English-language forum XDA-Developers. There developers announce their "Custom ROMs" and post instructions on how to install them. In the comments you can see if and how well the respective ROM works.

You can find out about popular "Custom ROMs" on the following pages:

• Slim with the most essential functions: Lineage OS
• Customizable without end: Resurrection Remix
• One of the most popular "Custom ROMs": CyanogenMod

Do the test! Which Custom ROM best suits you?

Custom ROMs: Test which suits you best (test)

Which Custom ROM suits you?

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