Custom ROMs are one of the best advantages of rooting Android. With a custom ROM, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits – and yes, a few downsides.
Why would you install a custom ROM? Should you install a custom ROM? Here are a few important things to remember about Android custom ROMs.
What is a ROM?
A custom ROM is a file package which contains the core version of Android and additional customized code.
If you use a Samsung or HTC device, you’re already using a custom ROM: Samsung’s custom ROM is called TouchWiz while HTC’s is called Sense.
More specifically, custom ROMs include a kernel, the OS, and the core device functions. The kernel acts like a driver and facilitates communication between your hardware and software. The OS is the UI designed to run on a Java Virtual machine – specifically, Dalvik.
All technical jargon aside, there are two broad types of custom ROMs: the custom ROMs you receive through Over The Air (OTA) updates from your manufacturer and the custom ROMs you can download from independent third parties online – which is what most people think of when they consider custom ROMs.
Advantages of using a custom ROM
Receive the latest Android updates sooner: One of the most frustrating things about Android is hearing about new versions of Android but not being able to download those updates for months. How many Android users can’t download KitKat yet? Custom ROM developers modify the latest versions of Android as soon as they’re announced, which means you can enjoy the benefits of the latest Android updates
Alternative UI: There are thousands of good custom ROMs out there. Some of them look very similar to the latest versions of Android, while others totally change the way you use your phone. If you’re tired of using the typical Android UI, then you may be able to find a new and improved UI that suits your needs.
Improve performance and battery life: In many cases, custom ROMs are more optimized than your existing Android software. When Samsung releases a new version of its Touch Wiz UI, for example, it’s optimized for performance on the Galaxy S5 but not necessarily the S4 and S3. With custom ROMs, you can find a ROM customized to your unique device. That means better performance, better battery life, and a wide range of other benefits.
Good support options: Today’s most popular custom ROMs include CyanogenMod, AOKP, and Paranoid Android, among others. All of these custom ROMs are as well-supported – if not better supported than typical versions of Android. You may receive more frequent updates, for example, and find more helpful resources online.
Disadvantages of custom ROMs
Like anything you do to Android, there are pros and cons of installing custom ROMs. Here are some important disadvantages to be aware of before you install a custom ROM on your device:
-May void warranties: Typically, rooting your device and changing your OS voids its warranty. However, you can also reset your device to original factory settings with relative ease to hide the fact that you rooted your device. This is becoming harder and harder to do, but it’s still an option.
-Custom ROMs may not work for all devices: Custom ROMs are typically tested on the most popular devices. However, they may not work on less popular devices or devices with unique builds.
-Need to root: If you haven’t already rooted your Android, then you’ll need to do that before installing a custom ROM.
Other than that, there are few downsides to installing a custom ROM. You’re still using the same core Android OS – you’re just accessing a different top level of that OS.
If you want better performance, more frequent updates, and the latest features, then installing a custom ROM may be a good idea for you. Root your Android using One Click Root today!
