Custom ROMs worth it? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi.
Had my N7 since launch and I've been a happy camper. But recently I've seen that it can lag a bit from time to time.
So I'm thinking of rooting and putting on a custom ROM. But do they really offer greater performance doing everyday tasks like surfing the net and stuff like that? I'm not a gamer so don't need extra performance in that area. I just want a bit more snappiness.
So is it worth it?
P.S. I already have the adb drivers on my PC for my Nexus S so will I need to install them again for the Nexus 7?
Also, what is the best root method?
Cheers.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

You can find rooting guides throughout the forum, it is very easy. All you need to do is unlock the bootloader, flash a recovery and then flash su from recovery.
Custom ROMs don't necessarily improve performance (although they can); the main gain will be features and tweaks. If you only care about performance, you might be fine staying on stock with a custom kernel.
I'm thinking you will need new drivers. I think it's easiest to get them from the Asus support site.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium

Related

Custom kernel queries

Hi there, just want to begin by saying how amazing this community is. I'm new to whole Android scene (just came over from iOS) but what a welcome it has been! I'm blown away by the amount of ways you can customize your Nexus 7, really puts the iPad to shame
So I've rooted my Nexus 7 and am now hoping to install a custom kernel...however I have quite a few questions pertaining to this procedure.
1) How do I install a custom kernel (ie Trinity)?
2) I'm looking to improve battery life without compromising performance, what kernel would you recommend for this?
3) Can I still get OTA if I have a custom kernel?
4) Can I revert back to stock kernel and if so, how do I do this?
Sorry to come across as a newb, I saw a lot of helpful threads on custom ROMs however I found the stuff on kernels a bit daunting...Hopefully this thread will be helpful for others as well
Thanks again everyone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
1. just flash it in recovery, dont wipe a thing.
2. trinity
3. kernels dont have anything to do with ota. if its still enabled in your rom then yes.
4. either fastboot flash a stock boot.img or just reflash your rom without wiping anything.
5.
Worth noting that when a new rom is installed it installs its own kernel so you'll have to reflash your kernel.
I also recommend faux for good battery life. Both that and Trinity are good.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda app-developers app

Should i modify it?

Hi, i'm a little bit scared about modifying it. Is there a real big difference in performance between the stock rom and a custom with a kernel at stock frequencies? And i've seen a lot of methods about unlocking/rooting it, but i am scared if i brick it... Is there a 100% safe method to unlock and root it? And i've heard about a problem with the buggy stock recovery, will i have this problem if i flash cwm?
Sorry for the huge number of questions and for my bad english
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Personally I found that there is not a great deal of difference between stock ROM and many of the custom ROMs out there. For me it is more to do with having the freedom to get tore into the tablet.
There is never a 100% guarantee that yo won't mess up when rooting and installing custom software, however the vast majority of users on here have managed to do it safely with the tools available.
If you are going down the path of rooting and customs, may I suggest you give the team EOS ROM a try coupled with Franco kernel. They work together like a dream. Also paranoid android ROM for something different . Though I found it to be a little slow for my liking.
Finally clemsyns elite kernel if you want crazy performance, but it does eat the battery
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Rooting is quite painless and reasonably safe if you follow the directions closely. The one click rooting methods, elsewhere in this forum...work well.
Myself, I prefer the stock rom. The custom roms might offer better performance, but can be buggy at times. although. I do switch back and forth to try them out. Remember, these roms
are all works in progress, so do not be surprised if something does not work the way you think
it should.
Thanks for the answers. I'm thinking about only rooting it. Will i receive the ota for a new update?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
As long as you keep the stock recovery you can keep doing ota updates
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
In my experience, OTA never worked to well.. but there are ways around it, for example... backing up your apps, then load a fresh updated factory image. then just restore your apps..
Titanium backup is one such app, but there are others .
So far no matter what I try I cant brick it oh I can get it stuck but theres always a way to fix it. And like some others here I have tried I believe every ROM out there. Not one really stands out "different" for ME then any other. Nexus root toolkit is by far the easiest to use for me. If your into battery life so far Stock wins hands down.
Unlocking and rooting the Nexus is really simple and pretty much foolproof. I'll admit there isn't that much of a difference between stock and custom ROMs because the N7 with JB is already a beast. I just like custom ROMs because you have the ability to make it faster if you want to (I have my CPU over clocked by 500 MHz and my GPU over clocked by 300 MHz thanks to clemsyn's elite kernel) the only reasons why I wanted to put a custom ROM on this was because I missed the 3 in 1 shutdown menu and the ability to remove the notification shae toggles, other than that I don't mess with much because JB is already buttery smooth. Gone are the days when you have to root, OC and install custom ROMs just to get good performance out of your device like I had to do with the OG droid.
I would definitely at least root the device for the time being. Aside from some customization options in a few custom ROMs I actually really enjoy stock on my N7... I would also take a look at ... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1905961 once you have it all ready to go... I found it made an improvement to my Wifi and GPS by a fair bit, no custom rom needed.

[Q] Would rooting/installing custom rom improve Nexus7?

I recently rooted and installed a custom rom on my phone and noticed huge improvements. Noticed my nexus was lagging on things that I would think shouldn't be that taxing on the device. Thought the OTA update to 4.2 would help but it didn't. Would rooting it get rid of that lag or is it just a nexus thing?
sourshin said:
I recently rooted and installed a custom rom on my phone and noticed huge improvements. Noticed my nexus was lagging on things that I would think shouldn't be that taxing on the device. Thought the OTA update to 4.2 would help but it didn't. Would rooting it get rid of that lag or is it just a nexus thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally because of the big change over from 4.1 to 4.2 i decided to go back to stock for awhile and wait for the bugs to be sorted.
Re-unlocked and rooted, flashed faux kernel and is the best experience i have had to date. Meaning the least lag. Stock and custom kernel. Just unlock - root and then flash kernel. :good:
Not a detailed description but if you need further advice just say so......Just means unlocking installing CWM and SU...Then flash kernel of choice. recommend faux..
I've tried out a rooted nexus 7 and to be honest didn't see a huge improvement so I've decided to wait until Key Lime Pie comes out and see if they sort out the bugs otherwise I will root.
Kind of discouraging
root doesnt automagically improve the devices performance, its what YOU do with root access. oh, and what lag? not the tiniest bit of lag on my device. custom rom/kernel, and some optimizations. couldnt be happier. btw, mostly whatl root does is let you use root apps. you dont need root to flash custom roms/kernels. but you do need an unlocked bootloader. with root, you can control that rom/kernel, get to the devices main file system, change whatever you want, and otherwise be in complete control of your device.
I get my nexus 7 today, after a hour I rooted it, just for ad block plus and the ability to customize the navbar. Love root.
Blixz said:
I've tried out a rooted nexus 7 and to be honest didn't see a huge improvement so I've decided to wait until Key Lime Pie comes out and see if they sort out the bugs otherwise I will root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There will most likely be more updates to 4.2 before Android 5.0 comes out.
I personally think it does make it better. It all really matters how you use your tablet and what you put in it like the Kernel you install. Roms it really doesn't matter really what you get but I have always been a big fan for CM since first getting the G1, nexus one, the HTC G2/Desire z and it has always been the fastest rom for me.
Sent on my rocken Nexus 7
simms22 said:
root doesnt automagically improve the devices performance, its what YOU do with root access. oh, and what lag? not the tiniest bit of lag on my device. custom rom/kernel, and some optimizations. couldnt be happier. btw, mostly whatl root does is let you use root apps. you dont need root to flash custom roms/kernels. but you do need an unlocked bootloader. with root, you can control that rom/kernel, get to the devices main file system, change whatever you want, and otherwise be in complete control of your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had thought you needed SU access in order to flash a custom rom. Or is that just to use CWM which needs SU? Anyways if you unlock you must as well root it.....yes....!
Yeah as a few people have already said root alone will do mouthing for performance faux kernel, as far as I'm concerned, is a great addition to this great tablet.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I actually get a lot of performance lag. Might be from alot of email sync but still it shouldn't have a half second delay after lock screen and moving between screens etc.
And I thought I would need to root to get my bootloader unlocked? I'm sure it's easier for the nexus than my HTC One X. Which was kind of a pain.
Yes using different roms and or kernels will make a massive difference to performance and or battery life but thats determined by which kernels and roms you use some are built for speed others for battery. If you had searched the forum you would have found this :silly:
Root will break some apps.
Just wanted to mention that unlocking your bootloader and rooting will break a few apps for the Nexus 7. I was all gung-ho to root my Nexus the first week I had it. Then I discovered I could no longer stream cable tv to it with Time Warner Cables app. Google Wallet also wouldn't let me link any cards to it's app while rooted or with an unlocked bootloader. A quick skim of the forum shows that rooting breaks streaming functionality on other subscription video apps as well. Depending on how you use your tablet, this might not matter to you. I ended up going back to stock for now, just because I wanted to use these apps. There is probably workaround, but I just didn't want the extra work....around. I think the Nexus 7 ultimate toolkit might let you gain temp root, I don't remember for sure tho.
Rooting will not effect performance at all. Your just gaining access to the root directory. It's what you do after that effects performance. Also just rooting does not effect the wallet app at all, this is wrong information. Wallet does a root check for security purposes and will show "unsupported device" within the app after rooting. Ignore that, it is just a root notification. Cards add correctly and it functions correctly. I can't speak on the other apps mentioned, but ill take a stab in the dark and start at user error
Custom roms will definitely increase performance. Stock 4.2.1 is a bit laggy, I recommend flashing liquidsmooth and see the difference!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I stream movies using Flixster with my rooted N7. It's simple if you are rooted with Supersu. I go to settings in the Supersu app and uncheck Enable Superuser. After I finish streaming, I go back and enable it again.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Understanding rooting in my brand new Nexus 4

Hi friends.
I just bought an Nexus 4, I always had iPhones and this is my first Android phone!
So, I am loving it but I am getting really annoyed with this whites that are not really whites!
I found in another threads (yes, I used the search a lot) that the screen can be calibrated by using the "Faux123 Kernel Enhancement Pro" app in a rooted phone. I also found this wonderful thread with a tutorial about how to root the phone.
My questions are:
- In this tutorial it shows how to flash the stock Android. In this spreadshet I found some configurations, but also saw a lot of people using "Faux" kernel. Why I would use this other kernel? Can I just use the stock one?
- After rooting the phone, if an update shows in my phone can I just update it?
- Is makes a difference if my phone have a difference revision (like being produced in January and not in October)?
I appreciate the help!
F0rB1z0n said:
Hi friends.
I just bought an Nexus 4, I always had iPhones and this is my first Android phone!
So, I am loving it but I am getting really annoyed with this whites that are not really whites!
I found in another threads (yes, I used the search a lot) that the screen can be calibrated by using the "Faux123 Kernel Enhancement Pro" app in a rooted phone. I also found this wonderful thread with a tutorial about how to root the phone.
My questions are:
- In this tutorial it shows how to flash the stock Android. In this spreadshet I found some configurations, but also saw a lot of people using "Faux" kernel. Why I would use this other kernel? Can I just use the stock one?
- After rooting the phone, if an update shows in my phone can I just update it?
- Is makes a difference if my phone have a difference revision (like being produced in January and not in October)?
I appreciate the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. as far as I know you can't configure the colors using the stock kernel.
2. as long as you're in stock kernel you should be able to update it OTA. (I think)
3. I guess not. I mean some rev_10 users here says that their phone isn't having any major issues while some rev_10 users does. same thing with rev_11.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
My suggestion is to take it slow, and don't root your phone unless if you have a legitimate reason for doing it. I have a Nexus 4 that's rooted because I wanted the CM10 quick setting panel, but my Nexus 7 is not rooted because I don't use any apps that require root on it. My first android phone was the I9000, and I had to root it because I needed to use Titanium Backup - the first few updates released by Samsung does a full wipe, so TB is a must have to backup app data.
Root is Android's equivalent of Window's Administrator User. It allows you to do things that a normal user account cannot do (hence Super User). To root your phone, you must unlock your bootloader first. Note that this is not the same as unlocking an iPhone. As a security feature, unlocking your bootloader will wipe everything on your phone, apps, photo, videos, music, younameit. Read the sticky guide on how to backup your phone before unlocking the bootloader.
1) Kernel is the interface between the software and the hardware. It's a bit like the drivers on the computer. Some kernels offer extra functionality, for example overclocking and undervolting. Again, if you don't need the extra functionality, you may as well stay with the stock kernel.
2) Updating OTA might remove root, but it won't lock your bootloader again. There are ways to retain root after an OTA update. I have no idea which thread the relevant information can be found, but the next time Google release another OTA, the threads will resurface again.
3) No difference.
You don't need a custom kernel to play with the colours ....
I'm on stock ROM and kernel and use faux clock app to change screen settings
Just requires root
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
italia0101 said:
You don't need a custom kernel to play with the colours ....
I'm on stock ROM and kernel and use faux clock app to change screen settings
Just requires root
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for correcting. I wasn't sure.

Why root and mod

ehi guys, just got a N4.
I'm wondering, why root , unlock and install a custorm rom on a Nexus 4, Google?
Just asking what good things i can have.
And if is difficoult to unlock and root to install custom roms on a 4.3.
Thanks everyone
Reasons here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czTkHe7-lXw
Instruction here if you want to try: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018179
If you have to ask why then maybe you don't need root. You might brick your device if you try to install custom rom and do it incorrectly, just try rooting first. You don't exactly "install custom rom on 4.3", but over the entire device itself, wiping out your previous stock Android 4.3.
sent from xda premium app
There is no reason. People just want to do it. Don't over analyze simple things.
ismethajametovic said:
There is no reason. People just want to do it. Don't over analyze simple things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might got that wrong here mate.
Mentioning a few examples, like making full backup of your device system or blocking ads , does it seem like rooting for fun or because someone wants to get more from his device?
Unleashed by my Nexus 4
davibs said:
ehi guys, just got a N4.
I'm wondering, why root , unlock and install a custorm rom on a Nexus 4, Google?
Just asking what good things i can have.
And if is difficoult to unlock and root to install custom roms on a 4.3.
Thanks everyone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is xda and no need to make a thread to ask that question... Not trying to be rude but there are 100's maybe 1000's of threads and reasons pros and cons that you can look at and draw up your own conclusion. Again no disrespect but the choice is yours and the reason both pro and con are out there.
Check Development and Check Themes and Apps for your good stuff
Good Luck :good:
Rooting is mandatory! For the extra functions for your device! The custom ROM thing! Give it a try! Been using CM since the GNex! But have been using and happy with stock for a while now. But with out exploring what custom ROMs offer, your always going to be wondering what the fuss is about! So give it a try! Once your rooted and a custom recovery is installed. Its as simple as copying a few over to your memory, and flashing. CM and PA are good starts but usually find custom ROMs are more of a drain on battery.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Themindbuddah said:
Once your rooted and a custom recovery is installed. Its as simple as copying a few over to your memory, and flashing.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need to be rooted to install a custom rom. (flashing the custom rom will give you root) You just need a custom recovery.

Categories

Resources