C. Scott Brown / Android AuthorityCustom ROMs used to be a popular choice among Android enthusiasts, but in recent years, the hype has died down. With better software updates, polished UIs, and powerful hardware, many have found custom ROMs to be less necessary. However, the community still exists, and in 2024, you can still find many Android phones and tablets with official LineageOS builds. So, what keeps so many people interested in modified operating systems when others have moved on? To find out, I installed custom ROMs on two of my Android devices.
One of the main reasons to install a custom ROM remains the same — it can extend the life of older devices that have been abandoned by manufacturers. For example, phones like the LG V40 or OnePlus 7 Pro no longer receive official updates, but the enthusiast community has kept them alive with LineageOS builds up to Android 14. Performance and responsiveness are also major factors to consider when installing a custom ROM, as even older devices can struggle with modern Android software. Additionally, installing an alternative OS without Google services can help improve privacy and battery life.
In my tests with a Poco X3 and Xiaomi Pad 6, both devices felt noticeably faster and smoother after installing custom ROMs. The overall usage experience was much improved, with apps opening quickly and multitasking becoming more seamless. Custom ROMs like LineageOS and CrDroid offer additional features and customization options that are not present in stock ROMs. Despite some challenges with Play Integrity and app compatibility, custom ROMs can still provide a more tailored experience for users who are willing to experiment with their devices.
Ultimately, the decision to install a custom ROM in 2024 depends on your needs and tolerance for potential issues. While some challenges exist, such as Play Integrity issues with certain apps, custom ROMs have evolved considerably and can offer a unique and improved experience for users who are willing to explore alternative software options.