We will start by explaining what a custom ROM is then why they are so useful.
- A stock ROM is the Android Version that has been created by the phone manufacturer and carrier that comes on your phone when you buy it.
- A custom ROM is its own standalone version of the Android OS including the kernel (the brain makes it all work) with apps, services and everything else needed to operate the device. The difference here is it usually has someones preferences and features not included in the stock ROM.
Why should you use a Custom ROM?
- Updated more often – custom ROM’s are usually updated with bug fixes and new features all the time. This is mostly because the dev that creates the ROM has no restrictions like the manufacturers and carriers do. Other people use these ROM’s and test them regularly reporting issues within the developer community allowing real-time fixes and updating.
- Better Performance – almost all custom ROM’s are faster and more efficient using less memory because carrier apps and other additions are ripped out. Developers also generally optimize the kernel to provide much better battery life than a stock ROM.
- Keeping Android Version Up to Date – you can easily upgrade to the current Android OS even if your carrier doesn’t plan on it. Leaked ROM’s are found for almost every device and ROM’s from other phones are sometimes ported over to your device.
We always use custom ROM’s if only for the fact that we can always keep up to date on Android OS and improve the battery life of our devices. We recommend that any user that has the option to unlock or already has an unlocked bootloader install custom ROM’s to improve their device.
Also not mentioned above most custom ROM’s allow you to install apps to the SD card which is not available in stock ROM’s.