If you have been following the Android aftermarket development scene for a while, you must have heard of custom ROMs. Custom ROMs are essentially third-party operating systems that can replace the stock ROM or skin that comes pre-installed on your phone. While manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi have done an excellent job of improving the look of Android, there are still many devices interested in custom ROM development.
Once Google submits the new version of the source code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the modding community begins working to make the latest version of Android accessible to more devices in the form of custom ROMs. Thus, there are many Android custom ROM distributions available. If you are eager to try a native Android experience on a shiny new Android phone or simply want to breathe new life into an old device in your closet but can’t decide on the perfect candidate, then this guide is for you. You can find some of the most popular custom ROMs in the Android space below.
LineageOS
To be honest, the LineageOS project doesn’t really need an introduction at this point. As the true successor to the legendary CyanogenMod project, LineageOS is a lightweight ROM with minimal added features, making it a highly performant and versatile variant of Android. Official LineageOS builds are standardized according to device support requirements, ensuring all basic hardware functions (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, camera, NFC, etc.) work when replacing the factory-installed software with the LineageOS.
No wonder the XDA community loves LineageOS, as it has set itself as the gold standard in the world of custom ROMs.
Pixel Experience
If you are a die-hard Android fan and want to experience stock Android like on Google’s own Pixel devices, you must check out the Pixel Experience project. This custom ROM comes with all the Google apps and Pixel goodies, such as a ready-to-use launcher, wallpapers, icons, fonts, and boot animations.
The developers also offer a ‘Plus’ variant of the ROM, which includes some additional customization options not found in the basic release.
Paranoid
Like LineageOS, the Paranoid Android project (also known as AOSPA) has a rich legacy. For many different reasons, it used to be a top competitor in the Android ROM space—innovative features, a smooth user interface, revolutionary camera apps, and so on. If you are a fan of the stock Android look but genuinely appreciate the beauty of random customization options, I highly recommend you give this custom ROM a try.
Evolution X
Are you an average Android enthusiast looking for a Pixel-esque ROM that also offers some useful UI/UX customizations? Check out the Evolution X project. This ROM comes pre-installed with Google apps and Pixel goodies and features various customization options, such as status bar visibility toggles and game mode quick setting tiles.
Arrow OS
The ArrowOS project started with the sole goal of keeping things simple, clean, and tidy. The developers added only a few tweaks on top of AOSP, aiming to provide smooth performance and longer battery life. The end result is a lightweight ROM that offers better performance and reliability than standard Android.
dotOS
For those unfamiliar with dotOS, it stands for “DroidOnTime” and is based on AOSP. However, unlike other AOSP-derived ROMs, dotOS is known for its unique user interface and innovative features. In short, if you want a native Android experience with plenty of additional features, dotOS is the way to go.