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Hey there,
I recently posted here about looking for a new phone on a budget. I'm happy to say that after a few weeks I've narrowed down my options to a shortlist of 10, using gsmarena to compare specs. I'm now at a point where I need to fill in the final gaps, but I'm unable to do so without an intimate knowledge of the devices, Android or the Android rooting scene, none of which I have, so so am at the mercy of the community for any further help.
I need to know whether each of the below phones satisfies two specific criteria.
These are the phones that I'm looking at:
- Honor 8
- Honor 8X
- Honor 9 Lite
- Honor 9
- Honor Play
- Huawei P20 Lite
- Motorola Moto G6
- Moto G6 Play
- Motorola Moto G5S
- Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite
For each of them, I'd like to know...
1. Whether it supports split-screen multitasking. Odd as it sounds, one of my biggest reasons for moving to Android is the ability to use YouTube while using other apps, so the phone I buy needs to support it. Based on my research, I have a feeling this is entirely independent of hardware, and that all of these phones should support a high enough Android version to use split-screen, but I'd like to confirm this.
2. The state of the modding/rooting community for the device; how much the phone supports modding and how active the community around it is. The other reason for moving to Android is the ability to customise things to my heart's content, based on the criteria outlined here. Does the phone in question support Magisk, TWRP, Treble, ElementalX? Are there any modding-related that I should know about it?
Once in again, thanks to anyone who's read through this properly and can answer these questions, it's much appreciated.
Thanks
If you want a rootable phone, drop all Huawei phones from your list
Haven't played with custom ROMs in a while., but I used to have LOS - first on a Samsung Galaxy S4 and then on a Lenovo P2. Recently I've been looking for what phone to buy next, to have good LOS support, and I've seen that mainly older phones are officially supported (with few exceptions, Pixel and Oneplus). How come is that? Have the developers switched to some other ROM? Is there something else which is reliable but more broadly supported? Please let me know.
IMO you should have asked this question to devs of LOS.
The number of devices supported by LOS has increased over time, with 157 for 17.1 as of April 1, 2021.
BTW:
Any ROM must be compatible to mobile device's hardware. Thousands of different brands / models actually exist which have different features what requires to have related hardware what requires to provide drivers that interact with the hardware.
I also think devs of LOS neither have the money to buy all these thousands of mobile devices nor the time to develop a specific edition of LOS for all these.
That makes sense. Thanks for your reply
Hi!
So i have a Pixel 2, not receiving security updates anymore for over a year and it's probably time to do something about it. Never flashed it or any other phones for that matter. I use exclusively Linux (I don't have access to any Windows machines). My wife has a Pixel 3, so it'll probably need the same 'fix', though she uses a lot of apps for the play store, I don't much.
A few questions to start:
- is play store access kept?
- Any stupid-proof guide to do that with my lack of experience?
- Which ROM should I go for?
I use mainly some chat apps, Google 2FA, my banking app, some IOT original apps for setup with home assistant, google photos which i could probably replace (not a photo guy).
Thank you for your help in the matter.
I would say that Lineage OS would be your best bet but I would caution that some bank apps are very particular and you may want to think about moving onto a new phone if you are serious about longevity.
Ultraman1966 said:
I would say that Lineage OS would be your best bet but I would caution that some bank apps are very particular and you may want to think about moving onto a new phone if you are serious about longevity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. If you need working SafetyNet, your best bet is to continue to use a stock ROM. Since Pixel devices are only supported for 3 years, you may want to consider upgrading to a new device. I upgraded from the P2 to the P5, and upgraded my wife's P3 to the 5a. Google often has sales associated with new device releases; we paid $400 for my wife's 5a, then got a $73 credit for her P3.
I am also a newbie and was really interested in crDroid or ProtonAOSP. Does anybody have an opinion on that?
[ROM][12.1][walleye] crDroid 8.4 GAPPS [AOSP][OFFICIAL][09.04.2022]
*** Disclaimer I am not responsible for any damage you made to your device You have been warned crDroid is designed to increase performance and reliability over stock Android for your device also attempting to bringing many of the best features...
forum.xda-developers.com
ANDROID 12L ROM ❯ 12 July 2022 ❯ ProtonAOSP 12.4.1
ProtonAOSP Android 12 ROM for Pixel 2 XL - Maintained by @EnesSastim ProtonAOSP is a minimal Android fork (custom ROM) focused on UI/UX and performance, with a touch of privacy. Screenshots are attached. What's not working: You tell me...
forum.xda-developers.com
So after My Poco F1 finally died a sudden death after lasting me well over 4 years. Thanks to the Ressurection Remix ROM and removing the great deal of bloatware that came with the phone straight out of Factory, the ROM made all the difference and totally transformed the phone. ROMs are something I've always ran on all the phones I've owned. This until now with the Google Pixel 6a.
With this phone, I've quickly bought it the minute the price dropped in great deal today down to under £200. From what I can tell though, there doesn't seem to any Custom ROMs or Kernel Upgrades. Why is this? From what I've read, Google plan to continuously release various upgrades to this phone for some time to come.
How is the ROM in General? Does it run without a whole bunch of bloatware?
Thanks and I look forward to your responses.
How about https://grapheneos.org/releases ?
I don't use anything
That uses automatic update where you can't turn it off
We weren't allowed to use a Microsoft system at work, although I am now retired and the last time I used a Microsoft system was in the '90s '94 to be exact
Why would anybody use this system
I just use Google system. I modify it the way I want it to be and I'm all good
piperx said:
I don't use anything
That uses automatic update where you can't turn it off
We weren't allowed to use a Microsoft system at work, although I am now retired and the last time I used a Microsoft system was in the '90s '94 to be exact
Why would anybody use this system
I just use Google system. I modify it the way I want it to be and I'm all good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you ought to lay off the stuff represented in your avatar. Its turned your brain to mush.
bupeapoop said:
So after My Poco F1 finally died a sudden death after lasting me well over 4 years. Thanks to the Ressurection Remix ROM and removing the great deal of bloatware that came with the phone straight out of Factory, the ROM made all the difference and totally transformed the phone. ROMs are something I've always ran on all the phones I've owned. This until now with the Google Pixel 6a.
With this phone, I've quickly bought it the minute the price dropped in great deal today down to under £200. From what I can tell though, there doesn't seem to any Custom ROMs or Kernel Upgrades. Why is this? From what I've read, Google plan to continuously release various upgrades to this phone for some time to come.
How is the ROM in General? Does it run without a whole bunch of bloatware?
Thanks and I look forward to your responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are plenty, just not necessarily on XDA.
There are no ROMs like ArrowOS or Pixel Experience available for this particular phone I've noticed? Is there a particular reason why this is the case?
ctfrommn said:
There are plenty, just not necessarily XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know of any in particular that you would recommend? XDA has always been my number one resource when it comes to ROMs.
Im biased as I build one, so I would just choose whichever best suits your needs,
There are a few custom ROMs here on XDA
[ROM][13][Unofficial][Bluejay] crDroid v9.0 [01.15.2023]
*** Disclaimer I am not responsible for any damage you made to your device. You have been warned. crDroid is designed to increase performance and reliability over stock Android. You will find many custom features implemented from the Android...
forum.xda-developers.com
[Kernel][13][Official][Bluejay] DarkKernel (April 30, 2023)
DarkKernel Built on Ubuntu 22.04 Based off the March 2023 security update (the latest Android 13), and will be kept updated with the latest security updates DISCLAIMER: You cannot sue me for any damages regarding flashing this kernel or using...
forum.xda-developers.com
[ROM] ► [13.0] ► Nitrogen OS Beta
Android OS version: 13.0.0_r41 For devices: Google Pixel 6a Authors build: xyyx Source code: https://github.com/nitrogen-project Developers: xyyx Thanks: ezio84, beanstown106, maxwen and etc. Google Apps: included Recovery: aosp SELinux in...
forum.xda-developers.com
[ROM][bluejay][A13] iodéOS = LineageOS 20 + MicroG + adblocker [04/04/2023]
Introduction iodéOS is a privacy-focused operating system powered by LineageOS and based on the Android mobile platform. iodéOS aims at protecting the user's privacy with a built-in adblocker and by freeing the smartphone from snitches. The...
forum.xda-developers.com
[ROM][13.0_r43][OFFICIAL] Evolution X 7.9 [05/18/2023]
Evolution X 7.9 for the Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro & 6a [oriole][raven][bluejay] Living, Breaking, Keep Evolving. Pixel UI, customization and more, we are Evolution X! - Team Evolution X - @joeyhuab (Founder/Lead Developer) @RealAkito (Project...
forum.xda-developers.com
[Discontinued][ROM][13.0][Unofficial][Bluejay][Lineage OS 20.0][Feb-13-2023]
Official support is now here! You can flash right over your old installation if you are coming from this ROM (no factory reset needed). https://download.lineageos.org/bluejay Lineage OS 20.0 - Unofficial - Pixel 6a Hi all. I noticed that...
forum.xda-developers.com
And some others like DivestOS, CalyxOS and GrapheneOS that have their own websites.
And you'll find more ROMs on various Telegram channels (don't ask me to post the link here. It's not allowed)
96carboard said:
How about https://grapheneos.org/releases ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of interest, have you used Graphene OS with your Google Pixel 6a? And if so, how did you find it compares to the original ROM?
craigacgomez said:
There are a few custom ROMs here on XDA
[ROM][13][Unofficial][Bluejay] crDroid v9.0 [01.15.2023]
*** Disclaimer I am not responsible for any damage you made to your device. You have been warned. crDroid is designed to increase performance and reliability over stock Android. You will find many custom features implemented from the Android...
forum.xda-developers.com
[Kernel][13][Official][Bluejay] DarkKernel (April 30, 2023)
DarkKernel Built on Ubuntu 22.04 Based off the March 2023 security update (the latest Android 13), and will be kept updated with the latest security updates DISCLAIMER: You cannot sue me for any damages regarding flashing this kernel or using...
forum.xda-developers.com
[ROM] ► [13.0] ► Nitrogen OS Beta
Android OS version: 13.0.0_r41 For devices: Google Pixel 6a Authors build: xyyx Source code: https://github.com/nitrogen-project Developers: xyyx Thanks: ezio84, beanstown106, maxwen and etc. Google Apps: included Recovery: aosp SELinux in...
forum.xda-developers.com
[ROM][bluejay][A13] iodéOS = LineageOS 20 + MicroG + adblocker [04/04/2023]
Introduction iodéOS is a privacy-focused operating system powered by LineageOS and based on the Android mobile platform. iodéOS aims at protecting the user's privacy with a built-in adblocker and by freeing the smartphone from snitches. The...
forum.xda-developers.com
[ROM][13.0_r43][OFFICIAL] Evolution X 7.9 [05/18/2023]
Evolution X 7.9 for the Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro & 6a [oriole][raven][bluejay] Living, Breaking, Keep Evolving. Pixel UI, customization and more, we are Evolution X! - Team Evolution X - @joeyhuab (Founder/Lead Developer) @RealAkito (Project...
forum.xda-developers.com
[Discontinued][ROM][13.0][Unofficial][Bluejay][Lineage OS 20.0][Feb-13-2023]
Official support is now here! You can flash right over your old installation if you are coming from this ROM (no factory reset needed). https://download.lineageos.org/bluejay Lineage OS 20.0 - Unofficial - Pixel 6a Hi all. I noticed that...
forum.xda-developers.com
And some others like DivestOS, CalyxOS and GrapheneOS that have their own websites.
And you'll find more ROMs on various Telegram channels (don't ask me to post the link here. It's not allowed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing all these useful links. Tomorrow, I'll the time an go through each of these ROMs and see where there any that seem to tickle my fancy. As it stands though, it seems Google have done a pretty good job with this overall interface so I may end up sticking with it for a little while and see how I like iit.
If you want something similar to RR, I'd recommend crDroid.
Stock ROM is fine if you don't need any "extra" features.
Lada333 said:
If you want something similar to RR, I'd recommend crDroid.
Stock ROM is fine if you don't need any "extra" features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, are you happy using the Stock ROM? Or have you changed it up and moved to a Custom ROM like crDroid?
For the first time ever, I'm half tempted to stick with the default ROM purely for the following reassurance that all Pixel 6a Users will continue receiving Android versions until July 2025 and Security until July 2027. That in itself is a reason to stick around.
bupeapoop said:
Out of curiosity, are you happy using the Stock ROM? Or have you changed it up and moved to a Custom ROM like crDroid?
For the first time ever, I'm half tempted to stick with the default ROM purely for the following reassurance that all Pixel 6a Users will continue receiving Android versions until July 2025 and Security until July 2027. That in itself is a reason to stick around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh. I used to have a 4a up until like 3-4 months ago. I used the stock ROM on that for about a year and a half, I think. Had absolutely no issues. Before my 4a, I was using a OnePlus 3T where I fell in love with RR.
Sure, after switching to the Pixel and to its vanilla software, I missed like 3 features from RR, but I kinda forgot about them after a few weeks. When I eventually did flash RR on my 4a (or, since there was no RR for newer Android versions, crDroid), I think I just did it for the sake of modding my device. Afterall, besides the uselessly large amount of features in RR/cr, there are a few that I rely on. Not to mention rooting and using ACC.
On my 6a, I initially wanted to stick to using the factory ROM for a good while as well, but I ran into some issues after upgrading to A13, where some apps (especially navigation apps) had to be re-launched 2-4 times before they had access to mobile data, so I could actually use them to help me move around the city I live in. I asked around and was told that a factory reset should fix my issues. I saw that there was active development of crDroid for the 6a, and if I had to factory reset and had to set up all my apps again, why not switch to crDroid with all its neat features, and why not root to be able to use ACC right then and there?
TL;DR: The factory ROM is more than enough for day-to-day use. It's safe, it's stable, it's (mostly) reliable (YMMV, random issues seem to happen to random people randomly, no pattern, really). If there was a way to limit the maximum charge level and rate of the battery on the stock ROM, I would probably not root nor move to a custom one (or at least not until Google stop supporting the 6a).
bupeapoop said:
Out of interest, have you used Graphene OS with your Google Pixel 6a? And if so, how did you find it compares to the original ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use grapheneos on 6Pro, and have set up similar on 7Pro for my wife and for a friend. I can't compare to original mess of gooble, since all 3 devices only booted on it long enough to hit the switch to enable bootloader unlocking.
GrapheneOS is absolutely the best option there is when you're looking for security and privacy, and with just a little bit of imagination, all of the g-cloud nonsense can be replaced by a self-hosted Nextcloud.
Seems custom rom is on the way?(Is any developers take interest on it?🥹
GitHub - MiCode/Xiaomi_Kernel_OpenSource: Xiaomi Mobile Phone Kernel OpenSource
Xiaomi Mobile Phone Kernel OpenSource. Contribute to MiCode/Xiaomi_Kernel_OpenSource development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
Over a year since the code was released for the 12 pro and nothing.
The source codes are incomplete for some devices (Confirm by devs I contacted)and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen can also be a problem because no rom also for Samsung or One Plus.
NOSS8 said:
Over a year since the code was released for the 12 pro and nothing.
The source codes are incomplete for some devices (Confirm by devs I contacted)and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen can also be a problem because no rom also for Samsung or One Plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could not found any AOSP based ROM for Snapdragon 8Gen1/2. So keep using my OnePlus 9 Pro x Evolution X. (and miss my hard bricked Pixel 6 Pro )
Aquariuslt said:
I could not found any AOSP based ROM for Snapdragon 8Gen1/2. So keep using my OnePlus 9 Pro x Evolution X. (and miss my hard bricked Pixel 6 Pro )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI: Zenfone 9 has a couple that came out a month or two ago. 8 Plus Gen 1
Veiranx said:
FYI: Zenfone 9 has a couple that came out a month or two ago. 8 Plus Gen 1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like Asus is the last bastion of hope, maybe Nothing phone 2 will come and save us all ?
Jbrimb said:
Looks like Asus is the last bastion of hope, maybe Nothing phone 2 will come and save us all ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps those other phones simply don't have developers to volunteer their time. I am eventually lumbering my way towards ROM development and am interested in the hardware of the 13.
Coming from a Snapdragon 870 (Poco F3, still solid) that has a host of other custom ROMs for me to practice with.
Veiranx said:
Perhaps those other phones simply don't have developers to volunteer their time. I am eventually lumbering my way towards ROM development and am interested in the hardware of the 13.
Coming from a Snapdragon 870 (Poco F3, still solid) that has a host of other custom ROMs for me to practice with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally have an X3 pro, a bit less solid and I'd like an amoled screen
But i'm afraid I'd would be disappointed if i switched, coming from a phone with so much roms (I even have installed windows 11 on it)
Actual Windows 11?! Or is it a home screen replacement for android?
Veiranx said:
Actual Windows 11?! Or is it a home screen replacement for android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah actual Windows 11 for Arm64, I've also installed it on my one plus 6. It's available for a few android devices : https://renegade-project.tech/en/state
There has been some work for poco f3 as well i think
Xiaomi Shows No Interest in Releasing Kernel Source Code of its Devices
Xiaomi is having a good time in all the smartphone markets over the world releasing numerous devices. It is popular for producing budget-friendly phones. It has a great user base in the Indian market…
www.thecustomdroid.com
but
newer platforms all use GKI, which means it's identical between devices, even if the SoC vendors are different.
Not sure that they are obliged to release source codes for vendor kernel modules, those are proprietary.
The fuxi-oss-t branch has removed by xiaomi and dont know reason
Aquariuslt said:
The fuxi-oss-t branch has removed by xiaomi and dont know reason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's back
LordTonoicu said:
It's back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link?
GitHub - MiCode/kernel_devicetree at fuxi-t-oss
kenrel devicetree project for xiaomi kernel opensource - GitHub - MiCode/kernel_devicetree at fuxi-t-oss
github.com
Edit: i guess they just renamed it from fuxi-oss-t to fuxi-t-oss
LordTonoicu said:
GitHub - MiCode/kernel_devicetree at fuxi-t-oss
kenrel devicetree project for xiaomi kernel opensource - GitHub - MiCode/kernel_devicetree at fuxi-t-oss
github.com
Edit: i guess they just renamed it from fuxi-oss-t to fuxi-t-oss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T=>Tiramisu android 13
LordTonoicu said:
GitHub - MiCode/kernel_devicetree at fuxi-t-oss
kenrel devicetree project for xiaomi kernel opensource - GitHub - MiCode/kernel_devicetree at fuxi-t-oss
github.com
Edit: i guess they just renamed it from fuxi-oss-t to fuxi-t-oss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's different from archived one. https://github.com/Mandi-Sa/micode-fuxi-t-oss
I will never understand why people ask for AOSP roms so much. Google's material you aesthetic is horrible, and customization is sorely lacking. The best of xiaomi is MIUI.
sakun-ice said:
I will never understand why people ask for AOSP roms so much. Google's material you aesthetic is horrible, and customization is sorely lacking. The best of xiaomi is MIUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a matter of taste.
I also 'hated' miui 11/12 back in the years, but after i tried miui14 now on x13 i must admit, that pretty much good and fluid UI now. I like it now.
sakun-ice said:
I will never understand why people ask for AOSP roms so much. Google's material you aesthetic is horrible, and customization is sorely lacking. The best of xiaomi is MIUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the main advantages, not to mention the additional settings, is that you can use an Android version that is no longer provided by Xiaomi.
For customization from A12, it's ugly.
Aquariuslt said:
It's different from archived one. https://github.com/Mandi-Sa/micode-fuxi-t-oss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now indeed is added back https://github.com/MiCode/Xiaomi_Kernel_OpenSource/tree/fuxi-t-oss