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[HELP] To root or not to root

Hello,
I am using Nexus 5 on stock Android 6.0 Marshmallow (MRA58N).
I read that Xposed framework is finally working on 6.0 (as well as GravityBox).
So I decided to give a try, but I realized that I need to root my device first. Then I started reading about custom kernels. Then I started looking through all the great custom ROMs that are availble at XDA....
Which option is the best for now for Nexus 5? Are those custom ROMs really that good compared to stock 6.0?
So I can't make my mind, what should I do?
1. Stay on stock (bo-o-o-o-o-oring)
2. Root and install Xposed
3. Get a custom ROM
What I want - more customization, 100% stability, good performance, good battery.
Can you guys give me some advice?
P.S.: I have a lot of experience with custom ROMs, I installed a lot of that on my HTC Desire and even installed Android on my HTC Touch Cruise (that came with Windows Mobile). On my Nexus 5 I tried MIUI and I loved it, but every time I still comeback to the stock Android.

1 or 2 or a few layers roms like Chroma I guess (I didn't tried). CM based roms aren't stable enough for now.
Xposed and Gravitybox are at early stage so if you need 100% stability, stay on full stock.

Primokorn said:
1 or 2 or a few layers roms like Chroma I guess (I didn't tried). CM based roms aren't stable enough for now.
Xposed and Gravitybox are at early stage so if you need 100% stability, stay on full stock.
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Click to collapse
thanks for a quick reply!
what about battery life on custom roms or kernels? can you actually feel the difference?

BazingaOG said:
thanks for a quick reply!
what about battery life on custom roms or kernels? can you actually feel the difference?
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Click to collapse
Nope but you can feel it by using custom apps like Amplify.
Custom roms and kernels don't really help for battery life. FYI http://elementalx.org/the-truth-about-kernels-and-battery-life/

Advices about ROM and Kernel

Hi all,
I know this question was asked a lot of times but I was away from this community for a lot of time so I need some info.
I'm using Back-to-Note v13.1 and Arter kernel last version.
I'd like to update my device but I'm not sure what rom+kernel combo to flash.
I need stability and a really good battery life, extreme performance is not my main goal since normal one is enough.
Thanks a lot!

Stock ROM.... when do you people finally understand. If you need root, just change the kernel and stay on stock ROM. The stock ROM is the fastest and smoothest with highest battery life.

I can understand and accept your point of view but a well developed Custom ROM is way better than Stock ROM.
Right now, the only stock one I'm interested to is the official MM release!

Stock ROMs faster than Custom ROMs?

Hello everyone, greetings!
My question is are stock ROMs faster in loading and launching apps than custom ROMs
I'm asking this because I'm currently on RR 5.8.2 and I'm starting to feel that Stock 6.0.1 feels faster(sometimes).
What are your thoughts on this?
Yours Respectfully,
-Mackx

MackxtheAndroidGeek said:
Hello everyone, greetings!
My question is are stock ROMs faster in loading and launching apps than custom ROMs
I'm asking this because I'm currently on RR 5.8.2 and I'm starting to feel that Stock 6.0.1 feels faster(sometimes).
What are your thoughts on this?
Yours Respectfully,
-Mackx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
You could give a try to LineageOS 14.1 ROM.
I find it better than the Stock 6.0.1.

MackxtheAndroidGeek said:
Hello everyone, greetings!
My question is are stock ROMs faster in loading and launching apps than custom ROMs
I'm asking this because I'm currently on RR 5.8.2 and I'm starting to feel that Stock 6.0.1 feels faster(sometimes).
What are your thoughts on this?
Yours Respectfully,
-Mackx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In many cases, yes... the stock ROM is faster, more efficient, and more battery friendly. Moto might do a lot of things wrong, but they know how to optimize a ROM and kernel.

Yes, is better.

Is lineage os something better?

Stock ROM 6.0.1 is only faster if you are using another customer Marshmellow ROM. However Custom Nougat ROMs are alot faster than stock Marshmellow ROM. This is for simple reason that Nougat is better than Marshmellow. I have tried most of them and also I went back to stock for few weeks and I was feeling Stock ROM is working in slow motion as compare to Nougat ROMs . However battery consumtion and optimisation is far better on stock ROM as compare to any other custom ROM.

Lineage is simply nougat and stock is simply MM. speed-wise I would have to run a lot of tests to find out which is faster. I run Lineage because it works (for me) and it gets the security updates, which MM does not. Have no idea about RR.

chungomungo1 said:
Stock ROM 6.0.1 is only faster if you are using another customer Marshmellow ROM. However Custom Nougat ROMs are alot faster than stock Marshmellow ROM. This is for simple reason that Nougat is better than Marshmellow. I have tried most of them and also I went back to stock for few weeks and I was feeling Stock ROM is working in slow motion as compare to Nougat ROMs . However battery consumtion and optimisation is far better on stock ROM as compare to any other custom ROM.
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So you mean to say battery drains faster on custom Roms?

libert19 said:
So you mean to say battery drains faster on custom Roms?
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I think people play a lot more with their new toy (custom rom) so the display is on a lot more and this will kill any battery. It's not the rom, but the user.

libert19 said:
So you mean to say battery drains faster on custom Roms?
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Yes... That is correct

acejavelin said:
Yes... That is correct
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Click to collapse
Given the same type of use I find that Lineage is ever so slightly better on battery than stock 6.0, but I would expect that as N is supposed to be ever so slightly better than M.
Example - daily use, I used to run stock 6.0 M down to 85 regularly and N is generally 90 or 88%. XT1540/US/ATT/GoPhone. There are days where I only run LinOS down to 97%.
current lineage-14.1-20170323-nightly-osprey-signed.zip with nano arm 7.1 gapps

libert19 said:
So you mean to say battery drains faster on custom Roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does alot fatser on custom ROMS. I have tried most of the ROMS in this forum . Battery is best in Stock Marshmellow ROM. The only ROM which is closest to stock is nearly pure Nougat ROM https://forum.xda-developers.com/2015-moto-g/development/osprey-aosp-caf-7-1-1-t3576936
Try this one has best battery life . also make sure you read Q&A on bottom of the page for further battery saving of above ROM Thread
Lineage OS is also a good for Battery as compare to most of other Nougat Roms https://forum.xda-developers.com/2015-moto-g/orig-development/rom-unofficial-cyanogenmod-14-t3466246

chungomungo1 said:
Yes it does alot fatser on custom ROMS. I have tried most of the ROMS in this forum . Battery is best in Stock Marshmellow ROM. The only ROM which is closest to stock is nearly pure Nougat ROM https://forum.xda-developers.com/2015-moto-g/development/osprey-aosp-caf-7-1-1-t3576936
Try this one has best battery life . also make sure you read Q&A on bottom of the page for further battery saving of above ROM Thread
Lineage OS is also a good for Battery as compare to most of other Nougat Roms https://forum.xda-developers.com/2015-moto-g/orig-development/rom-unofficial-cyanogenmod-14-t3466246
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Do you guys calibrate battery after flashing new roms?

Hi All,
My experience has been a little different from others here. My phone usage is lesser compared to others in general. So I am writing based on that:
On Stock MM 6.0.1 on Osprey I used to get 4-5 days on a single 100% charge.
On Custom Nougat 7.1.1 (GzRom Tesla) with similar usage pattern as above I consistently get 8-10 days with a single 100% charge.
Also custom roms feel way faster than stock roms.

chinchin85 said:
Hi All,
My experience has been a little different from others here. My phone usage is lesser compared to others in general. So I am writing based on that:
On Stock MM 6.0.1 on Osprey I used to get 4-5 days on a single 100% charge.
On Custom Nougat 7.1.1 (GzRom Tesla) with similar usage pattern as above I consistently get 8-10 days with a single 100% charge.
Also custom roms feel way faster than stock roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that's a lot, can you link me to rom thread?
Edit : Got it

libert19 said:
Do you guys calibrate battery after flashing new roms?
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whart is battery calibration?

chungomungo1 said:
whart is battery calibration?
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A thing of the past... "Calibration" today is nothing special, just let the battery drain until it shuts down on its own and then fully charge. That's all they mean.

acejavelin said:
A thing of the past... "Calibration" today is nothing special, just let the battery drain until it shuts down on its own and then fully charge. That's all they mean.
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Click to collapse
Thanks

acejavelin said:
A thing of the past... "Calibration" today is nothing special, just let the battery drain until it shuts down on its own and then fully charge. That's all they mean.
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Click to collapse
Does it matter or not?

libert19 said:
Does it matter or not?
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Click to collapse
Not really... I've rarely seen it make any real difference unless you have an issue where it doesn't seem to be charging fully or it's shutting down at more than 3%

Z5 custom kernels.... which one are out there?

Hellou !
I am curious to which kernel are out there for z5?
Curently settling for nougat rom, .106 exactly and androplus kernel .43, .42 results in bootloop, is there more kernels to find in active development?
Curious for other custom roms too. (let say stock mm,...)

stipi69 said:
Hellou !
I am curious to which kernel are out there for z5?
Curently settling for nougat rom, .106 exactly and androplus kernel .43, .42 results in bootloop, is there more kernels to find in active development?
Curious for other custom roms too. (let say stock mm,...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the last nougat there is not a kernel. There is a lot of custom roms but there are LOS based so are not stock. With those roms you can use a modified kernel.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73841170&postcount=2216

Thank you for heads up, i kinda feel you, z5 is a great, but horrible phone in one. I hate it in mid day when battery dries but love it mornings when i bake egs with it
But thanks to you and other devoted devs z5 goes through, just barely thogh, i will remain Sony user but next model i buy i will check twice and then recheck again.

Coming full circle

Well, I have owned my XT1625 for one year and four months. After countless runs with both custom Nougat and Oreo ROMs I am back on rooted stock (December -13 version) with ElementalX kernel. To put it simply, everything just works. Period. No issues with the camera or GPS. Performance is great and battery life is as good or better than any custom ROM I have tried bar none.
Guess the grass isn't always greener.

I've had a similar experience with the June, September and December 2017 stock Motorola ROMs. I've found the rooted stock ROM to be quick, and with the ElementalX kernel/EX Kernel Manager, I can tune the CPU down to not run as hot (1344 MHz or 1094 MHz/1209 MHz ) magisk 15.3 runs invisibly and stably too.
Whilst it would be nice for ElementalX to be updated to the Sept 2017 kernel code, it still runs well, and the only thing I miss - themes - is hopefully coming in the Oreo update with Substratum/Andromeda support

echo92 said:
themes - is hopefully coming in the Oreo update with Substratum/Andromeda support
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Still you can use with substratum legacy support, it makes no difference than installing in system. Right?

echo92 said:
I've had a similar experience with the June, September and December 2017 stock Motorola ROMs. I've found the rooted stock ROM to be quick, and with the ElementalX kernel/EX Kernel Manager, I can tune the CPU down to not run as hot (1344 MHz or 1094 MHz/1209 MHz ) magisk 15.3 runs invisibly and stably too.
Whilst it would be nice for ElementalX to be updated to the Sept 2017 kernel code, it still runs well, and the only thing I miss - themes - is hopefully coming in the Oreo update with Substratum/Andromeda support
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Click to collapse
True that echo92! There are several other little tweaks to the UI and bars that I miss (advanced boot for one). But I enjoy being able to use my GPS or take a pic/video without it crashing. I truly hope we do see an stock Oreo update. But even if we don't I am content to stay on my current setup until I replace my phone.

I had my time with CM and Lineage ROMs but if someone wants stability and functionality the only option is the stock.
Root as noted above.

I'm on December patch but with September modem, with December my phone remains in 3G on closed builds.
Now I'm with 4G all day.

echo92 said:
I've had a similar experience with the June, September and December 2017 stock Motorola ROMs. I've found the rooted stock ROM to be quick, and with the ElementalX kernel/EX Kernel Manager, I can tune the CPU down to not run as hot (1344 MHz or 1094 MHz/1209 MHz ) magisk 15.3 runs invisibly and stably too.
Whilst it would be nice for ElementalX to be updated to the Sept 2017 kernel code, it still runs well, and the only thing I miss - themes - is hopefully coming in the Oreo update with Substratum/Andromeda support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please link me how you rooted and installed Magisk? I've tried few times but magisk was a major issue... and I had to install a different "su" app, otherwise bootlooplooplooploop...

imonkeys said:
Could you please link me how you rooted and installed Magisk? I've tried few times but magisk was a major issue... and I had to install a different "su" app, otherwise bootlooplooplooploop...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To flash magisk on stock I think you need a custom kernel like ElementalX. Correct me if I'm wrong.

DECHTECH said:
To flash magisk on stock I think you need a custom kernel like ElementalX. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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Click to collapse
Yup. only "stable" way to root is by flashing a different kernel.
Also came back full circle and agree that it's sadly the only way to get a fully functional phone. Additional features can be added through xposed but it breaks some vital apps for me. So it's #Stock+Root all the way for me.

imonkeys said:
Could you please link me how you rooted and installed Magisk? I've tried few times but magisk was a major issue... and I had to install a different "su" app, otherwise bootlooplooplooploop...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As DECHTECH and halifage have mentioned, you need a custom kernel or a reliable way to disable DM verity on the stock kernel to flash magisk. Else, if you try to flash magisk onto an unmodified stock Motorola kernel, you'll trip the anti rooting protections and cause a bootloop.
The straightforward way is to flash ElementalX v 1.04 kernel in TWRP (or the vegito kernel) before flashing magisk or SuperSU. Here's a general procedure if you want a guide https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72496111&postcount=270. It is a bit old, but the general steps have worked on stock ROMs up to December 2017 in my experience. Of course, if you've already unlocked, no need to do it again
I don't know if you could use magisk (at least v14/15) to patch the stock boot kernel to remove DM verity, and so be able to root on a modified stock kernel, something to try. However, ElementalX and vegito give you plenty of options to tune your device if you do wish to, which the stock kernel may not provide. As always before flashing anything, make a backup in TWRP.

echo92 said:
As DECHTECH and halifage have mentioned, you need a custom kernel or a reliable way to disable DM verity on the stock kernel to flash magisk. Else, if you try to flash magisk onto an unmodified stock Motorola kernel, you'll trip the anti rooting protections and cause a bootloop.
The straightforward way is to flash ElementalX v 1.04 kernel in TWRP (or the vegito kernel) before flashing magisk or SuperSU. Here's a general procedure if you want a guide https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72496111&postcount=270. It is a bit old, but the general steps have worked on stock ROMs up to December 2017 in my experience. Of course, if you've already unlocked, no need to do it again
I don't know if you could use magisk (at least v14/15) to patch the stock boot kernel to remove DM verity, and so be able to root on a modified stock kernel, something to try. However, ElementalX and vegito give you plenty of options to tune your device if you do wish to, which the stock kernel may not provide. As always before flashing anything, make a backup in TWRP.
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Click to collapse
Ok, thanks a lot.
I've unlocked, but when the update stock come out in December I put everything back to stock wit locked bootloader.
Now I suppose I would loose all my data...

I think this thread is answering my question, but I just got an XT1625 (non-Amazon) with Marshmallow on it. As soon as I fired it up, I had the OTA update notification for Nougat. Rather than upgrading, I just went ahead and unlocked and rooted because it seemed much easier on 6 than 7. Sounds like this may have been the right call, but am I missing out on anything by keeping MM?

For everyone who is reverting to stock due to issues on custom ROMs: I'm currently running AICP Nougat paired with the Vegito Kernel and rooted, but I have ZERO bugs, the ROM is super smooth and battery life is awesome. Everything seems to just work.
I ponder as to what issues people have on custom roms. Oreo has some issues but most nougat LOS and AOSP based ROMS work fine without small issues, at least for me on my XT1642.

DECHTECH said:
For everyone who is reverting to stock due to issues on custom ROMs: I'm currently running AICP Nougat paired with the Vegito Kernel and rooted, but I have ZERO bugs, the ROM is super smooth and battery life is awesome. Everything seems to just work.
I ponder as to what issues people have on custom roms. Oreo has some issues but most nougat LOS and AOSP based ROMS work fine without small issues, at least for me on my XT1642.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My main issue with the custom ROMS is battery life. I ran AICP for a couple of months and it was one of the most stable. But stock still provides me better battery life. The issues I have had with various Nougat Custom ROMs are related to performance when gaming, cameras not working 100%, losing access to some of the apps I run, and, as mentioned, battery life. Not all of them have all of these issues but they all have at least one. Since I can get the access to all of my apps and what I want to customize and modify through my current setup as well as the best battery life I will stick to it.
As I said in my initial post, it is not a decision I made lightly. Only after trying almost every custom Nougat ROM and 3 different Oreo ROMs did I come back to Stock. It was a 16 month journey. In all fairness, in the beginning I got better battery life on the custom ROMs. But that is not the case with the latest available stock.
In comparison, on my Samsung T813 Galaxy S2 Tablet, the custom ROM I use blows stock out of the water with all features.

CM14.1 builds had better battery life compared to LineageOS and Oreo based custom roms. That's what I observed over more then one year.
Proof: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4Zy8uoEfFKLLXF4VkVJNHlOdTQ that was cm-14.1-20161224-NIGHTLY-athene.zip

strongst said:
CM14.1 builds had better battery life compared to LineageOS and Oreo based custom roms. That's what I observed over more then one year.
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Which makes no sense because Lineage was based on CM wasn't it? And CM is no more.

pastorbob62 said:
Which makes no sense because Lineage was based on CM wasn't it? And CM is no more.
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Sure I know that lineage was based on cm, but why could be cm not be better in terms of battery life? Only why cm is dead?
I only posted this to make clear that not every evolution of software is good(here in terms of battery life).

strongst said:
Sure I know that lineage was based on cm, but why could be cm not be better in terms of battery life? Only why cm is dead?
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Click to collapse
It could be better than Lineage and Oreo based ROMs. I just don't think it is better than the current setup I am now running. What is the latest version of CM currently available? Late 2016. In my book that makes it dead for newer devices. The code in Lineage is essentially CM and any pure CM is outdated as far as security and features.
strongst said:
I only posted this to make clear that not every evolution of software is good(here in terms of battery life).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. But I have seen no proof that CM battery life is better than what I am now getting now with the latest stock/ElementalX setup. In fact I do not recall ever getting better than about 1.8% drain per hour overall with CM. I am currently getting 1.1% drain per hour overall.
Also, I can't access your link because I don't have the permissions.

pastorbob62 said:
It could be better than Lineage and Oreo based ROMs. I just don't think it is better than the current setup I am now running. What is the latest version of CM currently available? Late 2016. In my book that makes it dead for newer devices. The code in Lineage is essentially CM and any pure CM is outdated as far as security and features.
True. But I have seen no proof that CM battery life is better than what I am now getting now with the latest stock/ElementalX setup. In fact I do not recall ever getting better than about 1.8% drain per hour overall with CM. I am currently getting 1.1% drain per hour overall.
Also, I can't access your link because I don't have the permissions.
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Sorry: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4Zy8uoEfFKLLXF4VkVJNHlOdTQ
Latest version is the one I posted above. I know your setup and usage behavior is different. But for my setup and usage behavior good old cm14.1 was better then everything today and also stock nougat for example. That it's outdated is known and i don't advertise to install cm14.1 anymore :good:

strongst said:
Sorry: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4Zy8uoEfFKLLXF4VkVJNHlOdTQ
Latest version is the one I posted above. I know your setup and usage behavior is different. But for my setup and usage behavior good old cm14.1 was better then everything today and also stock nougat for example. That it's outdated is known and i don't advertise to install cm14.1 anymore :good:
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Click to collapse
:good::good::good::good::good: