Introduction
I have been an Android user since I bought the HTC Hero on its release, and my journey through the Android ecosystem has led me to a point where using a custom ROM is a necessity. In this article, I share my personal experiences and reasons for using an Android custom ROM, discussing the benefits of enhanced customisation, increased device lifetime, improved performance, stronger security, and increased privacy.
Enhanced Customisation and Personalisation
One of the most compelling reasons I switched to a custom ROM is the freedom it affords me in customisation. Stock Android, as provided by device manufacturers, is often laden with bloatware and pre-installed apps that I rarely use. With a custom ROM, I can strip away these unnecessary layers and build a system that is tailored exactly to my needs. I enjoy the ability to modify system settings, install customised kernels, and even tweak the interface to suit my aesthetic preferences. This level of control is something I could never achieve with a standard ROM.
Improved Performance and Battery Life
Using a custom ROM like LineageOS has allowed me to adjust every minute detail of my device’s performance. I can disable background services that drain the battery and reduce system resource usage, resulting in a leaner, faster, and more responsive device.
Stock ROMs often come burdened with manufacturer-specific modifications that can slow down the device and waste energy. In contrast, a custom ROM usually has a more streamlined and efficient codebase. Since I am able to remove or disable unwanted features and apps, my device experiences noticeably faster boot times and smoother transitions between applications. Battery life has also improved significantly; by eliminating unnecessary processes, I now get a longer screen-on time and reduced overall power consumption.
This performance boost is critical for me as a developer who relies on my phone for both work and personal tasks. The enhanced speed and responsiveness allow me to multitask more effectively. Moreover, the regular updates from the custom ROM community ensure that my device remains optimised and bug-free, a stark contrast to the slower, less frequent updates from stock ROMs.
Stronger Security and Privacy
Perhaps the most important factor driving my choice is security and privacy. Custom ROMs often come with advanced security features that are absent in stock versions. I am particularly concerned about the amount of data that comes pre-installed on many Android devices. Stock ROMs typically include numerous apps and services that track user behaviour and collect data for advertising purposes. By opting for a custom ROM, I can remove these invasive applications, thus reducing my digital footprint.
Custom ROMs also allow for more granular control over permissions and background data access. For example, with LineageOS, I can adjust privacy settings to a level that is simply not possible with stock Android. This increased control means that I can disable telemetry and data sharing features that I find intrusive. In an era where privacy concerns are paramount - exacerbated by revelations about data harvesting and surveillance by major tech companies - using a custom ROM gives me the peace of mind that my personal data is secure.
Google - The Fox in the Chicken Coup
Even worse than the bloat installed by manufacturers is the spyware installed by Google themselves. It’s called Google Play Services and it is on every Android phone sold today. It is hugely invasive and essentially steals your personal data that Google can use to train AI and/or sell. It cannot be uninstalled or disabled. Its tentacles are all over every function you perform on your phone.
Did you know for example, that Google scans every photograph you take and decides if it is appropriate? It’s been reported more than once how law enforcement was called because someone had taken a photo of their toddler and it was treated as paedophilia.
Also, did you know that the notifications that pop-up on your phone are not localised to your phone? They are routed via Google servers and their contents read. So if you get a text message via an encrypted messenger app and leave on the preview in notifications, Google knows exactly what was in that message. The encryption is worthless. Always disable notification previews.
Say ‘No’ to Planned Obsolescence
Many Android manufacturers only provide one or two OS updates. When you no longer receive updates, your device can become vulnerable to malware risks as essential security patches are no longer applied. Manufacturers could easily provide you with the latest OS update but they do not want to, as you will then not be buying their latest overpriced phone.
Custom ROMs expand the lifetime of your phone. My current phone had its last update from the manufacturer 2 years ago. However, I have the latest version of Android on it and it is extremely fast and usable because I installed a custom ROM. I expect to get at least 7 years use from this phone and any subsequent phone I buy. Maybe even longer when the EU enforces manufacturers to sell phones with removable batteries in the near future.
Community and Continuous Improvement
The vibrant community around custom ROMs is another aspect I deeply appreciate. Online forums, GitHub repositories, and dedicated websites provide a wealth of knowledge and support for users like me. Whenever I encounter an issue or wish to tweak a specific feature, I know that a community of passionate developers is there to help. This collaborative environment not only accelerates the learning process but also contributes to continuous improvements and innovations in the ROM itself.
The collective effort means that custom ROMs are constantly evolving. They incorporate the latest security patches, performance optimisations, and new features at a pace that far outstrips the traditional update cycle of stock ROMs. In many ways, being part of the custom ROM community has enriched my overall experience with Android, as it encourages a hands-on approach and a deeper understanding of the technology behind the device.
Conclusion
My decision to use an Android custom ROM is rooted in a desire for greater customisation, improved performance, enhanced security, and most of all - enhanced privacy. The freedom to tailor my device exactly to my needs, combined with the faster performance and longer battery life, makes it an ideal choice for both professional and personal use. Moreover, the supportive community and continuous improvements ensure that my device remains at the cutting edge of what Android technology can offer.
For me, the switch to a custom ROM is not just about adopting the latest operating system - it’s about reclaiming control over my privacy and not being a slave to the planned obsolescence of big tech.
