For the vast majority, unlocking a bootloader simply means flashing a custom ROM. And you can’t blame those users as well. Most of them get bored after using the same modified skin with tons of bloatware apps. So flashing a custom ROM is something they opt for. These ROMs completely transform the way one uses the device. From changing the UI to adding tons of additional features, from improving the battery to making the device more stable, there is nothing more that one could ask for. But with tons of Custom ROMs already out there, and many more getting released every month or so, one question that remains to be answered- which ROM should one give a try? Well if you are also concerned regarding this, then look no further. This guide is made just for that. It contains a detailed review of the top 5 custom ROMs based on Android 9.0 Pie. So let’s begin with the list.
1. LineageOS 16
This one probably needs no introduction whatsoever. Amongst the most famous ROMs out there, it has definitely carried forward the ‘lineage’ that the first-ever custom ROM (Cyanogen Mod) left behind in the year 2016. Not only does it manage to score exceptionally well on the features and customizations front, but it is among the most Stable ROM out there in the market. As a result, it has been successful in meeting the expectations and demands of the vast majority of users.
Some of the features of this ROM include:
2. Pixel Experience
The name speaks for itself. It has definitely taken out a leaf or two from the Pixel devices. This is evident from the fact that it provides a ‘near-pixel experience’. It is further supported by the fact that it offers a Pixel launcher, fonts, boot animation, wallpapers, etc- all in sync with Pixel devices. That’s not all. Google Apps, Services and Frameworks come pre-installed in this ROM. This is the reason why you don’t need to flash a GApps package.
Another point worth mentioning is the fact that this ROM could proudly boast of being the most minimalistic one. As a result of having just the bare minimum and necessary apps, it is able to provide an exceptional battery life. Add to the fact that it provides among the smoothest User Interface (UI), it is surely up-scaling the charts of best custom ROMs.
3. Resurrection Remix
Whenever we hear about ‘customizations and features’, the first ROM that comes to the mind is ‘Resurrection Remix’. It may as well hold the unique distinction of having the maximum number of features. But that doesn’t mean it has compromised on the stability front. It also receives weekly updates and regular security patches. This further improves its performance and also makes it more stable and secure. If you need any proof regarding the features it provides, just jump straight into its Customizations tab. On the onset, you will be able to customize various sections of your device. These include the Status bar, Recent Menu, Quick Settings, Navigation Drawer, Lick Settings, etc. What is more intriguing is the fact that inside these sections, you have tons of other features as well. Last but definitely not the least, it also supports different types of gesture navigations.
4. HavocOS
This ROM is right next to the ‘Resurrection Remix’ in terms of features that it has to offer. Based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and inspired by Google Pixel, this ROM has very intelligently managed to incorporate the features of various other ROMs. These include the Nitrogen ROM, CrDroid, Omni Rom, and the MSM-Extended project. As far as the UI is concerned, it looks eerie similar to the Pixel Experience ROM. This is due to the fact that it chose not to deviate much from the stock Android Pie experience.
With features from so many ROMs, many expected it to be a tad slower. But that is not the case at all. It provides the same speed and user interface as the other ROMs in this list. Although not as famous as the Resurrection Remix, but it is only due to the fact that the latter’s existence is way longer in the Custom ROM community. And as far as stability is concerned, both of them appear to be on par with each other.
5. CrDroid
This ROM always seems to bemuse the author. It has nothing to do with the features it provides, but the fact that it hardly gets the attention and credit that it deserves. Having a plethora of features and tons of customizations to choose from, it is slowly but surely catching up with the leader, i.e. Resurrection Remix.
Following in the footsteps of Resurrection Remix and Havoc OS, it manages to provide more than average battery backup without compromising on the features. Since it is based on the Lineage OS, stability issues are now a thing of the past. The number of features that this ROM has incorporated within itself could be judged by the fact that they have dedicated an entire page for the same over at GitHub. This brings us to the end of the guide on the Top 5 Custom ROMs based on Android 9.0 Pie (2019). Do try out these ROMs and let us know your experience. Also, did we miss any ROM here? Or should a particular ROM be excluded from this list? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below. Moreover, if you need any instructions on how to flash them on your A/B partition devices, refer to our detailed guide. Happy Flashing!
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