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Ask Slashdot: Are Custom Android ROMs Still a Thing?

Posted by msmash on from the where-do-things-stand? dept.

Thelasko writes: Reading Kashmir Hill's series Goodby Big Five on Gizmodo made me consider switching to a custom Android ROM like LineageOS again. The Gizmodo articles make it seem that most phones are so locked down it is almost impossible to do. My last experience with custom ROMs confirmed that to be true for me. Is anyone having success? Why is LineageOS making builds for 185 devices if no one can use them?

2 of 166 comments (clear)

  1. Absolutely still a thing by schklerg · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I run it on my One Plus & Samsung tablet. I will not buy a device that doesn't let me root it & run Lineage. It also enables me to run adaway & block trackers and other stupid parts of the android ecosystem which I do not like. I may eventually move to Purism & LibreOS though. Privacy respecting technology is unfortunately not mainstream, but it matters to some of us.

    --
    Be Excellent To Each Other
  2. Re:Unlocked Bootloader by ctilsie242 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Community support is important. I have obtained phones and unlocked the bootloader... only to find that there are no ROMs available, and the only real option you have is to use a factory ROM with Magisk, so you continue to receive updates. This is better than nothing, but the best thing going is LineageOS.

    I wish XDA would have a list of phones, which would be maintained/updated often (at least monthly) of phones to buy that are easily unlockable or rootable. That way, someone doesn't buy a Huawei device and then wonder why they can't do anything with it.