Database Users

New to Samsung

I've been around these forums for a good while now, having used older HTC devices in the past and more recently under my current moniker on Android devices. Having previously owned G1, G2 and Desire from HTC I'll be receiving a Samsung GSII tomorrow, having chosen it over the HTC Sensation.
Moving to a new device is always fun and enjoyable, but may be even more so moving to an entirely new manufacturer. I was just looking for any pointers and tips from the community on the best ROM's around for the GSII (seeing as there is currently no thread dedicated to listing them) and tips for use on stock firmware, while I do my reading. I've already read through the QA and had a browse through the dev forums (damn it seems like an entirely different site to the XDA I'm used to).
I've used Cyangogenmod for some time now, having run JesusFreke roms initially on my G1 in the early days, used many different variants of android, though liking a stock feel more than any skinned ROM. I've used and liked Oxygen, Villain Rom and even LeeDroid (on a Sense skinned ROM).
Any tips thoughts and pointers would be greatly appreciated.

In my case I also just bought the phone ,, almost,, about 4 weeks ago.
After about a week I decided to flash to litenin v5 with Odin. afterwards I changed kernel through clockworkmod to the ninpheta 2.0.5 kernel, I am getting great results I believe at least, and the ROM is very very very enjoyable (thanks litePRO), stable and battery sufficient with this kernel mentioned above for me.
I am using setcpu with the kernel Aswell so I can o/c u/c and u/v it,
i Haave had no problems at all,
Chainfire 3d nice app
Lcd density changer nice app
Root explorer nice app
Enjoy your phone,
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

And don't stress with the battery in the beginning it needs to set in
=)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Cm7 nightlys are pretty stable and fully featured, missing bluetoth audio and fm radio mostly.
As far as stock based roms I found villen rom and ninphetamine kernel to be a great combo, links to cm and vr+nin in my sig
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Stwzzz said:
In my case I also just bought the phone ,, almost,, about 4 weeks ago.
After about a week I decided to flash to litenin v5 with Odin. afterwards I changed kernel through clockworkmod to the ninpheta 2.0.5 kernel, I am getting great results I believe at least, and the ROM is very very very enjoyable (thanks litePRO), stable and battery sufficient with this kernel mentioned above for me.
I am using setcpu with the kernel Aswell so I can o/c u/c and u/v it,
i Haave had no problems at all,
Chainfire 3d nice app
Lcd density changer nice app
Root explorer nice app
Enjoy your phone,
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will have a look at the ROM, any specific benefits to it? As far as applications been using android since beginning and know what I use there. I would rather edit the file manually for screen density, I'm assuming it's the same file on Samsung devices?
Stwzzz said:
And don't stress with the battery in the beginning it needs to set in
=)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery life would be an issue with any ROM I look to use, is this a ROM specific bug?
veyka said:
Cm7 nightlys are pretty stable and fully featured, missing bluetoth audio and fm radio mostly.
As far as stock based roms I found villen rom and ninphetamine kernel to be a great combo, links to cm and vr+nin in my sig
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been looking over the CM nightlys forum on their sight and it does seem stable, though would like to try out others while I'm playing. Would miss the FM radio though (yes some of us still do listen!).
May have to have a look at Villain, is it the same dev as the GS1/Desire or a port of his ROM?

@OP- Welcome to GSII forum.
Well I can't advice you any Custom ROM's like CM or else as I have no inetrest in them, but if you want advice on Stock then you can use Chainfire Root. It is the simplest rooting process and keeping the kernel close to Stock. You could also try Ninphetamine kernel if you want BLN and Voltage tweaks. For all these just visit the Original Development section.
I would not advice you to use SetCPU and do some Undervolting tweaks as I am yet to confirm their effectiveness. But it's completely up to you.
Also for simple mods and tweaks just read the Q&A thoroughly, a lot of simple yet needed stuffs already discussed there.
Regards.

ithehappy said:
@OP- Welcome to GSII forum.
Well I can't advice you any Custom ROM's like CM or else as I have no inetrest in them, but if you want advice on Stock then you can use Chainfire Root. It is the simplest rooting process and keeping the kernel close to Stock. You could also try Ninphetamine kernel if you want BLN and Voltage tweaks. For all these just visit the Original Development section.
I would not advice you to use SetCPU and do some Undervolting tweaks as I am yet to confirm their effectiveness. But it's completely up to you.
Also for simple mods and tweaks just read the Q&A thoroughly, a lot of simple yet needed stuffs already discussed there.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the welcome (as you can see not really a big poster, more of a lurker).
Yeah I've read over the Q&A and some nice basic tricks there. Thanks for the advice on a start, with stock ROM's, really want root from day one to be able to do what I'm used on my device but just get used to using the Samsung interface, haing never experienced it before. Only ever used SetCPU in the early days on my G1/G2 when it was needed to run some of the later android versions. I really don't see the necessity of overclocking/underclocking a fast dual core CPU and with the advancements made in the android governor as it is.

IIIIkoolaidIIII said:
Thanks for the welcome (as you can see not really a big poster, more of a lurker).
Yeah I've read over the Q&A and some nice basic tricks there. Thanks for the advice on a start, with stock ROM's, really want root from day one to be able to do what I'm used on my device but just get used to using the Samsung interface, haing never experienced it before. Only ever used SetCPU in the early days on my G1/G2 when it was needed to run some of the later android versions. I really don't see the necessity of overclocking/underclocking a fast dual core CPU and with the advancements made in the android governor as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, I am impressed, you are the first person to say like that. Needless to say you are absolutely right. I can't believe how many people are jumping for SetCPU and Voltage tweaks without knowing what they are doing.
And yes root is a must, Sammy could've already rooted it while shipping and would have saved two minutes of us
Regards.

Well the lite v5 just works great , I had no issue what so ever , battery no issues, IM at 25 % now after 17 hours with quite heavy use, not much push, but frequent checking of different social ****, whatsapp and viber always connected , 35 mins of streamin live footy on the train home ,spotify about 2 hours, quite heavy use on the internet some downloads. , ,
5 hours wifi 12 hours 3g.
I am satisfied,
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

IIIIkoolaidIIII said:
Been looking over the CM nightlys forum on their sight and it does seem stable, though would like to try out others while I'm playing. Would miss the FM radio though (yes some of us still do listen!).
May have to have a look at Villain, is it the same dev as the GS1/Desire or a port of his ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont really listen to music on the move, so same goes for FM
Its the same dev group as from the G1/desire I think, ninpo kernel is the "official" VR kernel, theres updates in the dedicated thread.

go t revolution ROM best for you lots of graphic and flaming and WELCOME
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

Revolution is by mt opinion far from The best, tested it and.... Nay
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

The gingermod is interesting if you like minimal but not castrated rom.
It's ASOP look, and samsung app free except where it count : browser, camera, video.
The 0.3 is good to test, lasted 0.5 got some issue.

Which kernel is the best?

Hello!
Like the topic says I wonder which kernel you guys thinks is the best! Which one got best battery life and smoothest and yeah you know! And which ROM do you use your kernel with? Personally I think matr1x is the most stable kernel out there when overclocked. But Air kernel with pixel 1.60, nothing is smoother!
Share your opinions plz! have a nice day!
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

bedalus made us a nice comparison of kernels, i suggest reading his thread and checking out the comparisons http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1441905
but personally, i think that the trinity kernels are on the very top of the food chain

simms22 said:
bedalus made us a nice comparison of kernels, i suggest reading his thread and checking out the comparisons http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1441905
but personally, i think that the trinity kernels are on the very top of the food chain
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely check out that link. Some great information in it relating to kernels.
As for myself, nearly every single time I try a kernel other than matr1x, I get stability issues. Then again, I've only given a few ICS kernels a go thus far. I am a fan of Air Kernel at this current time. It has been stable and fast for me.

Stock kernel !...
because without stock kernel there is no custom kernel..

skizzled said:
Definitely check out that link. Some great information in it relating to kernels.
As for myself, nearly every single time I try a kernel other than matr1x, I get stability issues. Then again, I've only given a few ICS kernels a go thus far. I am a fan of Air Kernel at this current time. It has been stable and fast for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here Skizzled... big fan of Matr1x, but am driving the Air Kernel 3.5_65fps. It has performed very well and has good battery life for me.
Steviemac

I prefer the aniDroid hardened but... b4 & b5 are so unstable.
Now i'm using air.
And waiting for stable anidroid hardened.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA

Using Air 3.6 with only voodoo right now.
Fast and stable for me till now :thumbup:
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA

My favorite ROM is AOKP and for my phone steve.garon's kernel seems to be the best option for stability, battery life, and smoothness.

Using simple kernel here.. Adds voodoo sound and BLN without compromising on stability cause everything else is stock. I find ics on the nexus smooth enough already

Using air_kernel_v3.6_65fps+blue now.
Fast and stable for me. rom: GummyNex 0.8.2. work perfect for me!!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1469842
In my opinion, Air Kernel is the best
Matr1x kernel is not working properly with my nexus S, because of undervolt setting.
Simply, it does not boot.

air_kernel_v3.6_65fps+blue with Pixel 1.6 Lite Touch. Best ICS based Kernel/ROM combination for Stability and battery life I have tested so far. But, I normally end up switching back to Oxygen Rom eventually. I know it is GB based but who can beat a fast ROM which can get you uptimes in excess of 1000 hours with no need to reboot.

I use matr1x-cfs 18.0 and so far, everything seems to be fast and stable. The only times my phone reboots is when I play around with the already undervolted kernel.
Other than that, it's fast and I don't see a point of switching to other kernels unless they provide a feature that's not in matr1x.

Matr1x is the best for me battery life and performance.
Sent from my Nexus S

Matr1x kernel for me is always at or near the top can't go wrong with Matr1x the only time I don't use the kernel is if I'm on Peter Alfonso Bugless Beast Rom other than that its Matrix!!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

Take a look at Thalamus' kernel... for me it's the best balance between stock kernel and modded ones. Battery +75% (approx.) and no reboot at all!
You'll find it (current version: 3.0.23_r1) at this page.

Nuhetri v3.0.1 and airkernel v3.6 with voodoo colors! working flawlessly!

I've been on many different Kernels but in the end I always go back to Matr1x. It worms the best for me

bertans said:
Take a look at Thalamus' kernel... for me it's the best balance between stock kernel and modded ones. Battery +75% (approx.) and no reboot at all!
You'll find it (current version: 3.0.23_r1) at this page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I just downloaded to give a spin I hope it work well on my Nexus S4G!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

buglessbeast+matrix best combo for battlife and performance

Best kernel for gaming

Hey y'all, I'm looking for a DA,n good kernel for gaming, I am currently using m kernel, on clean ROM. Any of you have a good kernel for this, or even a good kernel/ROM combo you use
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

trinity kernel. but thats just my opinion, as you will probably get every other kernel listed here from others opinions. its best to just try out different kernels and find what you and your device like.

simms22 said:
trinity kernel. but thats just my opinion, as you will probably get every other kernel listed here from others opinions. its best to just try out different kernels and find what you and your device like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally would recommend Trinity now too. No offence simms22 but it used to not be the smoothest of experiences But this has changed dramatically and I am now playing around with it on stock ROM and it feels just as smooth as the stock kernel but with much greater performance and tweaking abilities.

Currently the best custom rom?

any ideas here guys? i really wanna flash a custom rom, but which one is currently the best?

italia0101 said:
any ideas here guys? i really wanna flash a custom rom, but which one is currently the best?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends what you're looking for in a ROM. There are a lot of different ROMs that are currently available depending on what you want. Whether it's a stock feel (AOSP ROMs), customizability (AOKP, PA), CM10 of course, and more. I highly doubt anyone has tried all of the ROMs that are out there so go into the dev sections and do some reading and see what you like! :good:

Really too subjective of a question to ask. "Best" is the ROM that contains everything you're looking for.

The best custom ROM for me is CM 10.1's nightly builds. The best custom Kernel for me is franco.Kernel. Both together = awesome (for me)

Thanks guys . I realise its a subjective view but thanks for replying
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Whatever ROM you choose, I second using Franco kernel :good:

I've been running a CM10.1 nightly with no custom kernel, its been pretty solid. I might have to check out Franco's kernel though, I'd like to try out undervolting for better battery life and heat at some point.

brGabriel said:
Really too subjective of a question to ask. "Best" is the ROM that contains everything you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've always understood this, but never really knew where to look. Is there some place that has a list of all the kernels and ROM projects and what their goals are. User reviews would be pretty handy as well.

As others have stated, this is very subjective. For example, I'd recommend AOKP. Not because it's the best per se, but because it's the one I'm using and I'm quite happy with it.

scottws said:
Is there some place that has a list of all the kernels and ROM projects and what their goals are. User reviews would be pretty handy as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a list here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003731
But you will have to read up a little on each one for specific features, bugs, and user reviews. Many ROMs with lots of features sound great but in practice aren't the most stable. Most bugs get ironed out in time by our great dev's, but its something to consider. When in doubt, flash & check it out!
For the record I use schnip's AOSP ROM w/ Tablet UI + Franco.kernel = clean, fast ROM with tablet interface. Can't ask for much more.

brGabriel said:
This is a list here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003731
But you will have to read up a little on each one for specific features, bugs, and user reviews. Many ROMs with lots of features sound great but in practice aren't the most stable. Most bugs get ironed out in time by our great dev's, but its something to consider. When in doubt, flash & check it out!
For the record I use schnip's AOSP ROM w/ Tablet UI + Franco.kernel = clean, fast ROM with tablet interface. Can't ask for much more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I was considering using this combo and I just wanted to know if the native OTG support still functions after you flash the franco.kernel?

dust. said:
Hey I was considering using this combo and I just wanted to know if the native OTG support still functions after you flash the franco.kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly couldn't tell you since I don't own an OTG cable but you can flash franco's kernel and test it. If it doesn't work just reflash the ROM (without wiping) and you'll revert to the original kernel without losing any of your apps and data.

brGabriel said:
There is a list here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003731
But you will have to read up a little on each one for specific features, bugs, and user reviews. Many ROMs with lots of features sound great but in practice aren't the most stable. Most bugs get ironed out in time by our great dev's, but its something to consider. When in doubt, flash & check it out!
For the record I use schnip's AOSP ROM w/ Tablet UI + Franco.kernel = clean, fast ROM with tablet interface. Can't ask for much more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's so good about Franco.kernel?
I'm on AOKP with KTManta and have solid performance.

Pharmbob said:
What's so good about Franco.kernel?
I'm on AOKP with KTManta and have solid performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personal preference. Nothing more

Pharmbob said:
What's so good about Franco.kernel?
I'm on AOKP with KTManta and have solid performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to be by far the best kernel for dealing with the throttling issue that exists with our device so far...

Installed aokp . loving it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

At this point, I've gotta give it to AOKP. Lots of customizability and very smooth and quick. Rotating 180 degrees has no noticeable lag for me.

Paranoid Android is one of my all time favs in order to maximize your tablet space by altering app DPIs etc (not that you need to with a tablet this large). MMuzzy's ROM is a nice AOSP replacement which is what I'm on currently. As far as kernels go, it's really up to personal preference. I'm on KTManta (ktoonservative) and it flies though sometimes I get the lockscreen (black) of death - not waking up from lockscreen. I bought Franco's app ages ago before I got a tablet and can vouch that he also builds a strong/stable kernel.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

If anyones interested i made a AOKP video http://youtu.be/VNxdhF-nvec

Android user since more than 2 years with now owner of my first Nexus, needs tips to

Hello guys, I have just bought a Nexus 4 and I'd really apreciate your help as I want to become a more advanced Android user.
I've installed 'PA' as my first 'custom ROM', which many Nexus 4 users recommended me. And I quite like it. Though I don't really see much use of Hybrid properties! I mean I quite like the ROM/UI as it is by default. The other feature being 'Pie controls' which I really don't find handy enough and don't you think it slows down the reaction time I mean it's gesture based! (long clicking then gesturing the finger towards desired key takes more time ). The one feature I liked the most is 'Halo'. It's sheer beauty of Android UI and multitasking.
I've installed Franco's kernel. My previous android phone had locked bootloader so I'm not really familiar with the kernel thing. Still I am quite surprised that it doesn't have much governors and I/O schedulers which I was familiar with because of XDA.
I've flashed the animation mod. Though PA comes with Awsome Beats I flashed NexusLouder soundmod but I don't really see any difference. (Please tell me what I'm doing wrong)
So can you guys tell me your fav Custom ROM + Custom Kernel formation with your average screen on time?
Any specific mods I should try out?
Any Nexus related tips and tricks?
Should I underclock and/or undervolt?
Any not so popular but very interesting apps?
Thank You in advance!

ajinkya4793 said:
Hello guys, I have just bought a Nexus 4 and I'd really apreciate your help as I want to become a more advanced Android user.
I've installed 'PA' as my first 'custom ROM', which many Nexus 4 users recommended me. And I quite like it. Though I don't really see much use of Hybrid properties! I mean I quite like the ROM/UI as it is by default. The other feature being 'Pie controls' which I really don't find handy enough and don't you think it slows down the reaction time I mean it's gesture based! (long clicking then gesturing the finger towards desired key takes more time ). The one feature I liked the most is 'Halo'. It's sheer beauty of Android UI and multitasking.
I've installed Franco's kernel. My previous android phone had locked bootloader so I'm not really familiar with the kernel thing. Still I am quite surprised that it doesn't have much governors and I/O schedulers which I was familiar with because of XDA.
I've flashed the animation mod. Though PA comes with Awsome Beats I flashed NexusLouder soundmod but I don't really see any difference. (Please tell me what I'm doing wrong)
So can you guys tell me your fav Custom ROM + Custom Kernel formation with your average screen on time?
Any specific mods I should try out?
Any Nexus related tips and tricks?
Should I underclock and/or undervolt?
Any not so popular but very interesting apps?
Thank You in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Illusion it really fast and its the best ROM to me hands down. I can get 4-5 hours screen time with matrix kernel
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Hey congratulations for your nexus haha
There's already a "which rom is everyone using" thread under "nexus 4 general"
There are not many "tips" you will figure out the most by yourself and there is even a pretty good FAQ on the paranoid android g+ page, they link to their page in their thread
I prefer faux kernel never had any problems but that's a matter of taste if you know what underclocking over clocking and undervolting is you will figure out yourself what you need as a daily driver and what isn't for you.
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 4 mit Tapatalk 4 Beta

If you don't want or need Hybrid mode then I would also look into CyanogenMod. For me it's just the right amount of customizations and a large Dev community creating kernels and other mods for it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I would love if you guys suggest me mods, I'd love to experiment!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

For someone who has never owned a Nexus device, I say this. Give it some time to soak in. Enjoy the 100% stock experience on amazing hardware.
Personally I find it strange that android users simply default to installing a custom ROM on a brand new device. Stock has come a long way. Give it a go before taking the leap into your capable device
(Maybe it's just me though)

Cm10.1 stable Franco kernel 4-5 hours SOT
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I would advice you to try SentinelRom with its stock kernel. I heard it provides most longlife battery.
Then try to use it with Semaphore kernel

SpartusTana said:
For someone who has never owned a Nexus device, I say this. Give it some time to soak in. Enjoy the 100% stock experience on amazing hardware.
Personally I find it strange that android users simply default to installing a custom ROM on a brand new device. Stock has come a long way. Give it a go before taking the leap into your capable device
(Maybe it's just me though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I understand what you're saying and agree with you. I used stock for almost 2 weeks, but I was very used to with quick settings panel that I had to switch to other ROM, on the top of that I found Halo very amusing so made the switch with no regrets!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Alex_Dreyk said:
I would advice you to try SentinelRom with its stock kernel. I heard it provides most longlife battery.
Then try to use it with Semaphore kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never heard of the ROM and kernel you mentioned. Well no surprise there as I am new to Nexus 4! Thanks I will surely try those.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

ajinkya4793 said:
Yeah I understand what you're saying and agree with you. I used stock for almost 2 weeks, but I was very used to with quick settings panel that I had to switch to other ROM, on the top of that I found Halo very amusing so made the switch with no regrets!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah then I apologize. I've seen quite a few people who just ignore stock out of the box and go straight to flashing a custom ROM.

I prefer AOKP (official) because, toggle setup and navbar height; Faux kernel for some mild undervolting, sound enhancements, and color adjustments. I keep everything else as close to stock as possible.
Sent from a neXus device

ajinkya4793 said:
Never heard of the ROM and kernel you mentioned. Well no surprise there as I am new to Nexus 4! Thanks I will surely try those.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Infekxion said:
I prefer AOKP (official) because, toggle setup and navbar height; Faux kernel for some mild undervolting, sound enhancements, and color adjustments. I keep everything else as close to stock as possible.
Sent from a neXus device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I have used Franco's kernel and I liked the way it changed my screen quality and I used to get 5 hours of screen on time which was sufficient. Haven't tried Faux's kernel yet but I have been told that Faux and Franco share some kind of rivalry. How is Faux's kernel different from Franco's? Is there any other kernel which takes good things from both the kernels?

shadte his
Can you guys tell me which stable ROM has the best customizations? I tried Carbon and it was pretty good, but there are some bugs. Can you guys suggest me some other ROM, should be stable and rich in features. i have heard good things about Xylon ROM!

ajinkya4793 said:
Well I have used Franco's kernel and I liked the way it changed my screen quality and I used to get 5 hours of screen on time which was sufficient. Haven't tried Faux's kernel yet but I have been told that Faux and Franco share some kind of rivalry. How is Faux's kernel different from Franco's? Is there any other kernel which takes good things from both the kernels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is sort of a rivalry and Franco kernel is great but I personally have had better luck with Faux, that and it runs smooth on all my devices.
Sent from a Galaxy device

I like the Faux/AK hybrid kernel. It has a good combination of performance and battery. As for Mods, check the themes & apps section. There are mods to change your halo, lockscreen lock, softkeys.