I have SGS2 currently 2.3.3 I9100XXKE7 and I haven't upgraded because I am waiting for original UK ICS upgrade.
There is a plethora of ROMS and Themes available on XDA and its very hard to decide what to choose so I am putting my questions here.
1. What is the difference between theme and ROM.
2. I only want to change the look and feel (icons etc) so what do I use, Theme or ROM?
3. What criteria do I use to choose a theme/ROM.
4. Is there a comparison chart/sheet online?
1) A rom is the "nuts & bolts" of the Android operating system (together with the kernel, and to a lesser extent the modem), a theme is a "skin" that goes over that.
2) Different roms will likely have different icon sets. You can also get themes for most roms which can change these icons and the look of the rom from that provided by whomever made the rom.
3) Criteria ? It's entirely up to you. You need to try out different roms and/or kernels until you find one that works well for you/gives you what you want. You won't have the same experience as me with a given rom/kernel because you use your phone differently, your phone isn't setup the same as mine and our phones will have come out of the factory slightly differently.
4) No, there isn't (or at least one that's been updated recently). There are too many roms for SGS2 to have a readable comparison of all of them in one place (I recall seeing a half-arsed list months ago that was light on detail but I don't have a link. Do a search & you may find something). If you have a look at the thread for each corresponding rom in the development section of the board, you will normally find the features in the first post or two on the first page of the thread. You can often get a good read of what a rom does/doesn't do by reading say, the first 10 pages of the thread & the last say 20 pages. This will give you an idea of other users' experience with the rom as well.
Essentially you're asking people for their opinions, and the stock standard answer you're going to get from people on here 9 times out of 10 is to try roms for yourself.
MistahBungle said:
1) A rom is the "nuts & bolts" of the Android operating system (together with the kernel, and to a lesser extent the modem), a theme is a "skin" that goes over that.
2) Different roms will likely have different icon sets. You can also get themes for most roms which can change these icons and the look of the rom from that provided by whomever made the rom.
3) Criteria ? It's entirely up to you. You need to try out different roms and/or kernels until you find one that works well for you/gives you what you want. You won't have the same experience as me with a given rom/kernel because you use your phone differently, your phone isn't setup the same as mine and our phones will have come out of the factory slightly differently.
4) No, there isn't (or at least one that's been updated recently). There are too many roms for SGS2 to have a readable comparison of all of them in one place (I recall seeing a half-arsed list months ago that was light on detail but I don't have a link. Do a search & you may find something). If you have a look at the thread for each corresponding rom in the development section of the board, you will normally find the features in the first post or two on the first page of the thread. You can often get a good read of what a rom does/doesn't do by reading say, the first 10 pages of the thread & the last say 20 pages. This will give you an idea of other users' experience with the rom as well.
Essentially you're asking people for their opinions, and the stock standard answer you're going to get from people on here 9 times out of 10 is to try roms for yourself.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for a detailed answer
Just a followup question before I go on looking at Themes on XDA
Does a stock ROM allow custom Themes?(Phone is already rooted)
Or
I need to install a custom ROM first?
lol
Pick a rom you like first !!! Make sure it fits your needs and 100% stable before you worry about themes lol
Go launcher does themes as do many alternate launchers
A good read - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1473577
Related
Hey all,
I'm not sure if others would see the value in this at all, but I think it'd be handy to maybe have a sticky thread with all the Custom Hero ROMs that are available and the features in each, as well as maybe the latest revision Notes.
If the scene for the Hero becomes anywhere near as big as the Dream/Magic one apart from trying all the ROM's it's quite difficult to know what each does, how it differs from the other offerings, and weather its built for speed (glorious speed), features or experimental to show off new features in upcoming firmware, etc.
Am I barking up the wrong tree here, or does anyone else think this may be a handy feature?
I think this is a good idea (providing we do get a large number of roms). I struggle to read through the dream rom forums.
This would be....
...awesome.
good idea. we have 2 ROMs now I read in one of the post someone else is going to be building another one too.
Yea, I was going to try my hand at a little ROM cooking as well, though I'm not sure if I'll be able to produce anything that Modaco/Drizzy can't. Will see when I work out all the parts of the ROM and how to sign it etc.
Failing that, for the time being, when they release new versions I'll try my hand at updaing this forum thread to suit the latest versions and show difference between the two (or more)!
Having a stickied thread that lists custom ROMs and their features and descriptions as well as links to them would be very welcome yes. I've tried Modaco 2.1 and DDR v2.0 already and Im sure I'll try many more as they appear.
*** I posted this in the HD2 TMo US forums, but I think it will be a quicker reply here ***
So, I have had my HD2 for a few days now (5), and I am thinking of flashing a custom ROM this morning. Here is what I am curious about...
Question 1: Will the stock flip clock/weather be replaced? I am, for some reason, a HUGE fan of the stock flip clock and the weather animations (sun rays, lightning, etc), and I don't want to loose that. Is it included with most cooked ROMs, or would I lose it? I know there are different versions, but I really like the look of the stock one, and it's size, format, etc.
Question 2: I have added a number of programs and registry tweaks since I picked it up last week. From my experience flashing Android ROMs, I am fairly sure I will loose all the apps I installed, but that's no biggie. What about all the registry tweaks to speed up the device though? Are those included in most cooked ROMs, or will I have to do them again... or, will I even need them with fast ROMs? There was one to raise the DPP from 16 -> 24, which I liked a lot.
Question 3: What is the fastest and most inclusive ROM for a US-TMo HD2? I know that aesthetics are subjective, but what about pure performance, and the number of tweaks and additions added? Especially ROMs that already include apps like CHT and BsB, and maybe Reg Editors?
Also, I know I need to do HSPL first, but do I do that while the stock ROM is in place? Will that wipe the ROM, or will I do the HSPL then boot normally into my stock ROM?
I know that's a lot to ask, but I would REALLY appreciate the help. I come from modding Android phones and am new to WM6.5+, so while I am constantly reading to learn, there is a LOT to learn, so I want to make sure I am getting into something I will be happy with, rather than regret...
Thanks !!!
VisualOddity said:
*** I posted this in the HD2 TMo US forums, but I think it will be a quicker reply here ***
So, I have had my HD2 for a few days now (5), and I am thinking of flashing a custom ROM this morning. Here is what I am curious about...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably shouldn't double post this
Question 1: Will the stock flip clock/weather be replaced? I am, for some reason, a HUGE fan of the stock flip clock and the weather animations (sun rays, lightning, etc), and I don't want to loose that. Is it included with most cooked ROMs, or would I lose it? I know there are different versions, but I really like the look of the stock one, and it's size, format, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most ROM's have Sense interface, this will give you the flip clock, but there are other mods, like Cookie and MaxSense, that take it up to the next level
Question 2: I have added a number of programs and registry tweaks since I picked it up last week. From my experience flashing Android ROMs, I am fairly sure I will loose all the apps I installed, but that's no biggie. What about all the registry tweaks to speed up the device though? Are those included in most cooked ROMs, or will I have to do them again... or, will I even need them with fast ROMs? There was one to raise the DPP from 16 -> 24, which I liked a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you flash a new ROM, you phone is wiped. However, most roms' contain performance tweaks already, and have some apps installed. Every ROM is differant, you need to see what each offers.
Question 3: What is the fastest and most inclusive ROM for a US-TMo HD2? I know that aesthetics are subjective, but what about pure performance, and the number of tweaks and additions added? Especially ROMs that already include apps like CHT and BsB, and maybe Reg Editors?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recomend Energy ROM the 21XXX Series. It works fine on T-Mobile, but read teh first few posts, to get an idea of whats included. You will also want to do a task 29 before flashing the ROM. Read the stick thread in this forum, for a link to the task29 thread. Also read teh last 10 pages of the NRG thread, on how best to flash your phone. You will need to HSPL the phone, and you may (but not required) want to change your radio. Again read the thread for details.
Also, I know I need to do HSPL first, but do I do that while the stock ROM is in place? Will that wipe the ROM, or will I do the HSPL then boot normally into my stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPL will not wipe your phone, and needs to be done prior to flashing a custom ROM
I know that's a lot to ask, but I would REALLY appreciate the help. I come from modding Android phones and am new to WM6.5+, so while I am constantly reading to learn, there is a LOT to learn, so I want to make sure I am getting into something I will be happy with, rather than regret...
Thanks !!!
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Click to collapse
You will want to read, read and read before asking more questions, as many questions you have have been asked and answered many times. I suggest you read the first few posts in a rom thread, a few times, if not sure, and the last 10-20 pages, to get an idea of what has changed, or issues people have. And, only after reading (The FAQ Section is important) ask your questions, if not answered. Again, NRG offers many versions, so give them a try, you will be happy!
I should add, there is a post floating around that has the t-mobile apps (Visual voice mail is probably the only one you need) that you can install onto any NRG build. NRG also cooks up a TMOUS specific build, but that has some added bloatware, and is often updated last.
Please read the Sticky/ tutorials laying around this forum.
In regard to stuffs that you fancy on th estock ROMs (weather animation, etc), please go to the cooked ROM's page and ask people around, or even the chef, they'll answer you.
Please go to CleanEX ROM's page HERE, and try a ROM that suits your application. Well, it suits me.
Thread moved to Q&A.
Hey people, I want to know what is the best rom that the majority thinks is the best ICS rom with the best battery life. There were so many roms to choose from and I am unable to decide which one to settle for. Maybe xda should create a chart for the top 10 best roms for S2? Sorry for sounding off like a noob.
Or a chart of the top 10 daily noobs.
There is no such thing as the "best ICS rom with best battery life". You have your phone setup differently to everyone else, you use your phone differently to everyone else and your phone came out of the factory slightly differently to everyone else's.
A rom that runs well for me might not run well for you.
I suggest you go the development sections of the forum & read the first few pages and the the last 10-20 pages of the particular threads devoted to different roms. That way you will get an idea of the features/pluses/minuses of each rom, and also see other users' experiences with that rom.
Then you can test different roms for yourself to find one that works best for you.
Edit to add - How bout you do the community a service, test a few dozen rom & make the 'top 10' list you're after instead of expecting other people to do it ?
Just try one until you find one you like
Closed
So what would you say is the perfect rom
you know in battery life
looks
speed
cpu usage
performance ability
etc.
post what you think is the perfect rom and please send link so i can see it
( tonight i going to flash a rom no matter what )
If you find the 'perfect rom' please let me know
I suppose it depends on how you use your phone and for what things.
I am personally using D4 Rom (CM9 based) & I love it. Fast, stable with good battery.
As said above Rom preference changes from person to person!
If you want to know my personal fav, it is CheckRom!
Click on the image in my sig it will lead you to the site!
There is no such thing as the "the perfect rom". You have your phone setup differently to everyone else, you use your phone differently to everyone else and your phone came out of the factory slightly differently to everyone else's.
A rom that runs well for me might not run well for you.
I suggest you go the development sections of the forum & read the first few pages and the the last 10-20 pages of the particular threads devoted to different roms. That way you will get an idea of the features/pluses/minuses of each rom, and also see other users' experiences with that rom.
Then you can test different roms for yourself to find one that works best for you.
Given how easy it is to make/restore a Nandroid backup in CWM, there is no substitute or excuse for you trying out a bunch of roms yourself. Asking other people to make these decisions for you is laziness.
MistahBungle said:
There is no such thing as the "the perfect rom". You have your phone setup differently to everyone else, you use your phone differently to everyone else and your phone came out of the factory slightly differently to everyone else's.
A rom that runs well for me might not run well for you.
I suggest you go the development sections of the forum & read the first few pages and the the last 10-20 pages of the particular threads devoted to different roms. That way you will get an idea of the features/pluses/minuses of each rom, and also see other users' experiences with that rom.
Then you can test different roms for yourself to find one that works best for you.
Given how easy it is to make/restore a Nandroid backup in CWM, there is no substitute or excuse for you trying out a bunch of roms yourself. Asking other people to make these decisions for you is laziness.
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Click to collapse
This
Closed
I know, there are huge lists of roms that are available for the Xperia Neo, but I have a long list of requirements and thought that you might be able to help me out with something that I would probably need multiple weeks for.
General information:
The exact name for my smartphone is 'Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V'.
I don't have any warranty on my phone anymore. (I got it on xmas in 2011 and I had 24 month warranty.)
I rooted it in 2012 (april approximately)
I lost the backup between millions of files on my old computer. (It still exists though.)
I can't remember what I used to root it, but it was rediculously simple.
I installed an Anit-Theft app on it in 2011. 'Avast Internet Security & Antirirus' and I remember it sayin something like it will hide itself as system app and protect itself etc. I'm not sure if I remember the password...
What I expect from the custom rom:
It must support all the components (including HDMI, USB, WIFI, GPS, 3G, cams...).
It should be as small as possible (on disc and RAM)
but there shouldn't be any critical or extremely annoying bugs.
low CPU usage
control over the CPU clock (to get more battery time)
I only want necessary software to be installed on the device by default. (atm there are about 100 apks that are clearly not necessary)
I hope I didn't forget anything.
The reasons:
I want more battery time. (Yes I already turned my screen darker, bought a bigger battery and closed background processes)
I hate it to have a mess on my device.
I hate it to have no control over it.
I need more internal discspace. (Thanks to bad developers like WhasApp's and the 100 unnecessary preinstalled system apks. I think I don't even have 200MB available on my internal storage.)
Lesser lag and responding times (especially for the keyboard)
Best regards and thanks in advance,
ferivon
here is the list of roms & kernels http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1316394 have lots of different kind roms & kernels select one accordingly which suites your need .. one thing there is no best rom or kernel out there , try all select the one enjoy full freedom .. welcome to xda
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2097137
No rom is fast or best. It depends on users choice. Try each rom and see whats best for you. Dont create such threads in future. Its baseless
Sent from my Xperia Neo V using Tapatalk 2
I did not ask for the best rom. Read the whole post before answering in future.
Btw: When I registered here, a message showed up, implying that it is okay to ask for roms with specific features as long as you don't ask for it in a dev section.
However, enough offtopic, I asked for the rom that would fit my needs the best.
I hope you don't seriously want me to test every rom that is compatible with my phone. Not sure if you knew it, but there are humans that have a 'real life'. I can't just put a new rom on my device and test it for 10 minutes to see if it fits my needs. It takes a lot of time to see if the rom is stable bug-free etc. And now imagine I would do this for like 50 roms. It would take me years...
It doesn't necessarely need to be the one that fits my needs 'the best'.
I just thought that someone here has some experience with most roms and that you could at least give me a smaller list of possible roms.
Or maybe you just happened to know one specific rom that is very good and fitting my needs?
I read a message or something like that when I registered here. And it implied that it is okay to ask for roms with specific features as long as you don't ask for it in a dev section.
best regards,
ferivon
You better try latest updated ROMs use recommended kernel mentioned in rom thread, no further discussions
Sent from my Xperia Neo using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Let me clear up somethings... You need hdmi so you will have to stick to ics or gb... And in general all roms try to provide you the best experience... By having an unlocked boatloader you can install a custom kernel and thus getting control on processor... All roms generally aren't bloated... So I would say any stock based rom ll suit you...
Sent from my Xperia Neo V using Tapatalk 2
ferivon said:
I did not ask for the best rom. Read the whole post before answering in future.
Btw: When I registered here, a message showed up, implying that it is okay to ask for roms with specific features as long as you don't ask for it in a dev section.
However, enough offtopic, I asked for the rom that would fit my needs the best.
I hope you don't seriously want me to test every rom that is compatible with my phone. Not sure if you knew it, but there are humans that have a 'real life'. I can't just put a new rom on my device and test it for 10 minutes to see if it fits my needs. It takes a lot of time to see if the rom is stable bug-free etc. And now imagine I would do this for like 50 roms. It would take me years...
I read a message or something like that when I registered here. And it implied that it is okay to ask for roms with specific features as long as you don't ask for it in a dev section.
best regards,
ferivon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to test every ROM anyways and
DO not refer "the life" here...respect the developers, they do have their lives even after making these ROMS for You....
If you are intelligent enough to read the general and development threads.... and know the ROM bases(AOSP,cyno,PACMAN,etc) from good developers....I can bet you ...you will find a ROM good or even best in less testing...because many ROMS on ICS based are premium icing on the cake...
do check the rating on the right side of the thread
Ok, thank you all.
Try different roms before deciding what is best
For me carbon rom works good for 4.4.2. Waiting for update to 4.4.3