[Q] New Droid user, looking to install a ROM - Droid RAZR M Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi folks, I'm new to this forum/site, just looking for a few pointers. I've been using a BlackBerry Curve (8330) since 2008- it's been a great phone and hasn't ever significantly let me down. However, I was given a phone about a year ago (Verizon Motorola Droid Razr M, XT907) and it's just been sitting in a closet here since I got it. Decided to finally get with the times and would like to start using it, hence why I'm here.
I'm wanting to put a custom ROM on it, though really don't know where to start. There appears to be several different ones, not sure how each differs from the next. I have experience installing a custom OS on my BlackBerry but am completely in the dark with Droid phones. Came across a few sticky threads on how to go about installing ROMs and such, just looking for suggestions at this point I guess.
I reset this Razr M to factory stock- twice just to be sure. My main goal is to remove all the unnecessary bloatware that comes pre-installed on this thing (if possible)- Amazon Kindle, Amazon MP3, Audible, Backup+ Media, NFL Mobile, etc. I won't be using about 75% of the preinstalled applications.
The phone as it sits in front of me-
System Version
98.30.1.XT907.Verizon.en.US
Model Number
DROID RAZR M
Android Version
4.1.2
Baseband Version
SM_BP_101032.021.32.80P
Kernel Version
3.0.31-gef7deb8
[email protected] #1
Build Number
9.8.1Q-94-1
Build Date
Thu Sep 26 12:22:41 CDT 2013
So, my question(s) are mainly- Does it matter which version I'm running in order to be able to install a custom ROM on here?
Would like to eventually root this, though not a priority at the moment. Is it required to be able to put a custom ROM on it?
I see KitKat being mentioned often along with JellyBean and Ice Cream Sandwich, something or other. No idea what any of those are. Could someone elaborate a bit?
Thanks much in advance, apologies for being the n00b.

ProoN said:
Hi folks, I'm new to this forum/site, just looking for a few pointers. I've been using a BlackBerry Curve (8330) since 2008- it's been a great phone and hasn't ever significantly let me down. However, I was given a phone about a year ago (Verizon Motorola Droid Razr M, XT907) and it's just been sitting in a closet here since I got it. Decided to finally get with the times and would like to start using it, hence why I'm here.
I'm wanting to put a custom ROM on it,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to install a custom rom you need an Unlocked bootloader and custom Recovery like TWRP
though really don't know where to start. There appears to be several different ones, not sure how each differs from the next. I have experience installing a custom OS on my BlackBerry but am completely in the dark with Droid phones. Came across a few sticky threads on how to go about installing ROMs and such, just looking for suggestions at this point I guess.
I reset this Razr M to factory stock- twice just to be sure. My main goal is to remove all the unnecessary bloatware that comes pre-installed on this thing (if possible)- Amazon Kindle, Amazon MP3, Audible, Backup+ Media, NFL Mobile, etc. I won't be using about 75% of the preinstalled applications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing a Custom Rom will be installed over stock, and will not contain bloatware.
If you just want to remove Bloatware, all you need is Root access.
The phone as it sits in front of me-
System Version
98.30.1.XT907.Verizon.en.US
Model Number
DROID RAZR M
Android Version
4.1.2
Baseband Version
SM_BP_101032.021.32.80P
Kernel Version
3.0.31-gef7deb8
[email protected] #1
Build Number
9.8.1Q-94-1
Build Date
Thu Sep 26 12:22:41 CDT 2013
So, my question(s) are mainly- Does it matter which version I'm running in order to be able to install a custom ROM on here?
Would like to eventually root this, though not a priority at the moment. Is it required to be able to put a custom ROM on it?
I see KitKat being mentioned often along with JellyBean and Ice Cream Sandwich, something or other. No idea what any of those are. Could someone elaborate a bit?
Thanks much in advance, apologies for being the n00b.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see [GUIDE][FAQ][KK] How to Root, Boot Unlock & More by ATTACK
Likely best option is Flash 4.4.2 (182/183.46.10 )Firmware with RSD Lite then unlock bootloader
read 2. BOOTLOADER UNLOCKING
then read it again
then ask more Questions, if needed.

Related

[Q] New Sony Ericsson now what?

Hi everybody, got my 2nd Arc.
first one was directly from Sony Ericsson without any extra **** from ISP. But my second phone has some ISP software, and I can feel the phone is more slow then without.
So my questions my fellow forum subscribers.
What to do so I have the best and newest android room.
Is there any guides from a nOOb? I had seen there is a lot of threads in the develop sector, but its to difficult to know what to do???
So Pls kind people, give me some thumbs up to learn more about Android.
Thanks in forward
Immanuel DK
If you just started using your phone it can feel a little bit slow. But give it time it will get better after all the cache is build etc.
What do you want to do with your phone, right now you can root, root is getting acces to the system files and editing them, what you can't do normally.
I would say just play with the phone after there are some custom roms you can really start playing with android.
Well I just need a clean phone without any extra software from my ISP.
Its like JB an iPhone.
Clean stable ROM is what im looking for.
Right now there is no clean rom, you can only root and manually remove system apps. but be careful with this because it can brake other system applications.
now here it goes:
To unlock bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034087
To root the phone: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1042978
I think the best is to wait first on custom clean roms, like Cyanogenmod
Except, if it's a branded handset, you won't be able to unlock the bootloader, so that won't help...

[Q] .605 OTA root Questions

I had recently updated from Rooted .596 to .605 OTA.
Previous History:
Rooted Froyo - Bootstrap, Loader, and superuser.
Then upgraded Froyo ->.573 gb root leak (Kept for 1 year)
sbf Back to froyo 2.340 and then sbf to .340 (.596 build) (2days ago)
Currently: .605 OTA (I still have bootloader 30.04, Not Entirely sure why)
Goal: Gaining .602/.605 root and modding to Vortex Rc1.
I had recently tried the one-click rooting D3 (Psouza4's 1 Click Root) which was said to work for the DX.
When it goes on the first step to restart my phone, my phone goes straight into bootloader. It seems to get stuck there because it says it Waiting for Phone to restart. Which is step 1.
What should i do from now? Should I enter bootloader and sbf back to .602 and then try One-Click Rooting again?
My main goal is to have root and gain clockwork mod recovery and then intall Vortex rc1 for .602/.605. Unless someone recommends anything beter.
Also I have no idea whether my phone is considered deodexed or odexed.
I am new and can upload pictures if needed.
System Version:
4.5.605.MB810.Verizon.en.US
Phone Model:
DROIDX
Android Version:
2.3.3
Baseband version:
BP_C_01.09.13P
Kernel version:
2.6.32.9-g34b306d
[email protected]#1
Build number:
4.5.1_57_DX5-35
First, try running a factory reset in recovery, and if that doesn't work, SBF that thing.
rootzwiki . com/topic/5307-guide-root-or-unroot-your-droid-x/
(remove the spaces, it won't let me post external links until I have "approximately eight posts")
In summary, look up "Pete's Motorola Root Tool" (I believe it's the one I used, long ago). There's instructions for other operating systems in there too if you're on a different OS.
wiki . rootzwiki . com/Motorola_Droid_X is another decent source of data. After you root, I assume you're aware of how to install CWM, and from there you're set! I would suggest making a nandroid backup before flashing any new ROMs.
While I love and respect XDA forums for their awesome content for android, they are very greatly lacking in DX support, I would peek around rootzwiki a little, as that is where most of the DX developers post their stuff (as far as I can tell).
As for your phone being deodexed/odexed, if you don't know, then it's odexed. That, of course, will be fixed with any ROM you install, though you can simply install a stock deodexed rom if you want. Being odexed is hardly an issue though, it's a very small performance drag, nothing compared to the general bloat of stock DX apps.
As for what you should install, Vortex is a pretty solid stepping stone, very popular, and ridiculously stable with great battery life. I would suggest testing the waters with Liberty/CM7/MIUI/CM9/AKOP/Rubix(when it comes out)/anything else you can find. Liberty/Rubix/Vortex are all very similar, with subtle, mostly thematic differences, you should definitely go through them. CM/MIUI/AKOP are all 2nd-init (I believe, but that's a story for another time anyways) and come with tons of random/awesome features, but sometimes at the cost of others (camera quality [if it was even an option] was the biggest "flaw" in my opinion). I hope this is helpful and isn't too rambly.
Best of luck in your endeavors, and don't forget nandroid backups, and keeping SBF handy just in case. Let me know if you encounter any other errors.

Bring my Droid X Up To Date?

So, I've got a Droid X I am planning on giving over to a friend of mine. Its too old and I'm too busy to bother much with selling it, plus he's a good guy and his current phone is like the saddest thing ever (a half broken ZTE piece of garbage held together with tape and running like Android 1.6). I haven't messed with the Droid X in over a year, and because of its locked bootloader, I know its somewhat complicated, with "2nd init" ROMs and the like.
At this point I'm not too sure what I'm looking at with it. I goofed around last night and got it somewhat up to date, with an AOKP-ICS ROM on it. It was already rooted and I have CWM on it as well, so its not a bad starting point.
The phone doesn't have any data / phone plan attached to it at all, which is usually OK in the short term since I can get it on WiFi, but now the WiFi just isn't working. I can SCAN for WiFi networks, but when attempting to join any, the phone immediately gets kicked back off the network.
Tested it on like 3 different networks. What's weird is it was working fine last night.
I'm showing a Baseband Version of BP_C_01.09.13P and a Kernel Version of 2.6.32.9 built on August 20th, 2011.
Build version says IMM761.
Mod Version says aokp_shadow_build-39,
The CWM I have installed on the phone is only 2.5.0.8! That seems really old, but again I don't wanna update it if it'll break things
I would like to update it as much as I can but I know I need to be careful so as to avoid breaking things.
Any advice is appreciated. I planned on putting the most functional / stable ICS ROM I could find onto it, which I would imagine is a matter of some debate. Is there some really good ROM I should look at, like a "final" build of CM9 or AOKP for this phone?
I would start off by SBFing back to .602, just to get a clean start and root.
Check that everything is working then flash Recovery Using Droid 2 Bootstrapper.
I don't believe there are many Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs that are fully working.
I highly recommend Vortex Reloaded (VXR), though. It is a fully working Gingerbread ROM with excellent battery life.
From there, you can update ClockworkMod Recovery to the latest version using ROM manager.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Need to downgrade the Os from 5.0 to 4.4

Hey there, I've recently bought a Nexus 7 with the latest os already installed on it, which has made it run slower with every passing day.
I did a bit of googling and found that a lot of people had issues with their Nexus 7s after they upgraded to the latest os.
So now I'm wanting to downgrade to the previous os and I read in an article on Androidcentral that said getting a custom rom would be the best way to go to (I'm guessing) either get a previous os or get a streamlined version of the one I already have.
So I need help finding the best rom for my purposes, I'm very new to this sort of thing, in terms of roms,flashing and downgrading os and such so any help would be greatly appreciated, as I'd love to be able to use this tablet St something other than the speed of smell lol.
@EddieHades welcome to the community. First of all it's always the best method using a custom ROM, but make sure you have unlocked bootloader. If you don't have unlock bootloader then you've to do it first, make sure you've backed up all your data. Second choice if you want to stick with stock rom. Then just go to this link and download your preffered stock ROM as per your device, make sure you've downloaded proper images. Then download Nexus Root Toolkit and flash that image and you're good to go.

Can't Install Every Rom for this Phone? (XT1575)

The are only a few roms that actually install but then some roms say they were flashed successfully but when i reboot the system it just bootloops.
I Currently have Slim Rom i'm pretty sure and it's 1 of the only roms that actually booted.
So if anyone can help that would be very helpful.
Baseband Version is M8992_1255331.29.01.88.09R
LGAGaming said:
The are only a few roms that actually install but then some roms say they were flashed successfully but when i reboot the system it just bootloops.
I Currently have Slim Rom i'm pretty sure and it's 1 of the only roms that actually booted.
So if anyone can help that would be very helpful.
Baseband Version is M8992_1255331.29.01.88.09R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are running stock Nougat baseband. Most of the ROMs here were designed to work on the MM baseband so they will not work. Read through the forums here at XDA and you will see which ones you can effectively flash.
aybarrap1 said:
You are running stock Nougat baseband. Most of the ROMs here were designed to work on the MM baseband so they will not work. Read through the forums here at XDA and you will see which ones you can effectively flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I thought that it was the marshmallow as I seen a thread that said it was the marshmallow baseband
aybarrap1 said:
You are running stock Nougat baseband. Most of the ROMs here were designed to work on the MM baseband so they will not work. Read through the forums here at XDA and you will see which ones you can effectively flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to get The Marshmallow BaseBand?
LGAGaming said:
Is there a way to get The Marshmallow BaseBand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite sure what's meant by your own meaning of Baseband. Your more than likely going to be answered by people still using the phone in different degrees of knowledge.
The experienced with a real practical application of this XT1575 device mostly have moved on to another device by now - but will any left on it be answering you. I'm glad to see @aybarrap1 has answered.
@stevejohnson42 uses the XT1575 too, and reports here and there of his flasholic tendencies on this device - might be helpful in any Nougat based ROM's to use the search box there and see if he's added anything in it.
Custom ROM Marshmallow development was always greater cause the XT1575 stayed on the Marshmallow OS for so long and because of Motorola not releasing Nougat sooner for it.
There are some Custom ROMS based on Nougat - just read their OP's to understand what's being required to using each one of them...
Nougat ROMs built for a Stock Nougat Kernel and Modem.
To answer your question without you going into a Blackhole in having to know more about your device in getting it back to good ground - I OFFER THIS-
Only way I know is to buy a XT1575 device that's never taken the servers Nougat OTA or has been ADB flashed to Nougat OS...
This as in ADB flashed questioned basically being understood by the device still having the bootloader status to LOCKED - as DEVICE LOCKED, the STATUS will still show 0, and it's software status of OFFICIAL.
Note: The Status Code will always show 2 = (relocked) or 3 = (unlocked), and it can never go back to 0 = (device locked), if it's ever been unlocked by a Motorola token code obtained from their site.
Otherwise you need an image of the Bootloader screen of the device up for sale.
THAT'S THE ONLY WAYS TO KNOW AND A SELLER SHOULD SUPPLY THIS AS A GUARANTEE AND/OR AN IMAGE SHOWING YOU FIRST...
OR YOU BUYING FROM A SITE AND ASKING THESE QUESTION OF THE XT1575 SELLER FIRST BEFORE THE PURCHASE AND THE SITE (LIKE EBAY) HAS A GUARANTEE IN THAT AD - TO FALL BACK ON...
To check this yourself-
1. Using (vol down + power button) put the device in bootloader mode where all of this is visible / should read as follows - see images also.
(A) - totally Stock non-rooted Marshmallow Baseband should read as - M8992_1255331.29.01.88.02R SUPER_NA
as taken from my Marshmallow XT1575 build MPHS24.49-18-16 devices Bootloader.
(B) - Shows the very same thing with device from the ABOUT PHONE in settings.
(C) - Rooted Custom Rom Nougat Baseband M8992_1255331.29.01.88.09R - from the ABOUT PHONE in settings / using the NuclearROM.
(D) - M8992_1255331.29.01.88.09R SUPER_NA - from the Bootloader Mode on same device - using the NuclearROM.
PS: I'm thinking, changing to a different Android build changes the Baseband build as well being applicable to the OS build version.
Warning:::
No don't ever do a complete ADB MM downgrade flash - if wanting to OTA back up to Nougat at some future point after already being on the Nougat OS.
To be clear "It's not recommended to downgrade" and allow a Moto X Pure device in taking the Nougat OTA again.
Once bootloader.img and gpt.bin are updated, there is no reverting back without the serious and the likely risk of a hard-bricked device. Only remedy at this time is a mainboard replacement. Confirmed in this threads post #75 .
A COUPLE POINTS - I'd like to make:
I've always clean flashed my XT1575 in custom roms and to going back in a stock Nougat OS - point being, I have never had any problems thereafter...
Another thing I'm thinking with an LOS based ROM - writes / changes some partitions parts that only with your ADB flashing back to the factory Official Stock Nougat can fix - changing everything back to an original partition structure.
- TWRP only backups a few partitions on the device, so partitions out of it's reach never gets restored back to an original stock environment with a TWRP backup when you do a restore using it/one made thereafter.
OTHER Reading you might want to do:
#30
#61
#73
#147
#179
#184
Baseband
I'm far from being a real practical experienced user in a XT1575 device but, I share in what I've taken a grasp of.
Hope this helps
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LGAGaming said:
Is there a way to get The Marshmallow BaseBand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I never got around to replying. @ResistanceIsFutile did a pretty good job explaining things as far as I can see. I just flashed stock Nougat within the last month with the intention of staying on stock rooted. I don't know if it is possible to downgrade any parts successfully but from what little I read a month ago on it, I did not remember anything staying how to do so.
LGAGaming said:
The are only a few roms that actually install but then some roms say they were flashed successfully but when i reboot the system it just bootloops.
I Currently have Slim Rom i'm pretty sure and it's 1 of the only roms that actually booted.
So if anyone can help that would be very helpful.
Baseband Version is M8992_1255331.29.01.88.09R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As @aybarrap1 has pointed out already, you are running a stock Nougat baseband,
Meaning you've also upgraded fully to the Nougat OS on your device.
Possibly, for someone new to the XT1575 on Nougat OS it's a good place to stay and get acquainted.
There's nothing wrong with Nougat. Root and TWRP are possible, as well advancing us further than what the Marshmallow OS offered.
I can understand Custom Rom wise, your wanting to "Is there a way to get The Marshmallow BaseBand?" but, consider that's just water under the bridge now - never to be the same for you. In anything you'd do to achieve this would just put your device in a Mixed-State, and where an advanced user would be better adapted of dealing with that.
That's why in my 1st. post to you I was trying to encourage you to read more, let it go awhile and sink-in, and read some more getting a mental picture as you understand the depth of everything related.
Or simply sell off your now XT1575 Nougat OS device and what to look for in a stock-locked bootloader of a Marshmallow OS XT1575 device and stay there not taking an OTA of Nougat.
Even in some Custom Rom's built for a Stock Nougat Kernel and Modem there have been changes related to the TWRP version needed to be used of them.
Here gives abit about that information.
I use the NucleaROM on one XT1575 and kind of bias towards it as I've stayed with it in my first flashing of a custom rom when OTAing up to Nougat that is after failing with LOS of the jumbled up thread for clark it uses.
[ROM][OFFICIAL] LineageOS 14.1 Nightlies for the Moto X Pure 2015 (clark)
Trying to decipher this LOS thread posts of Official versus Unofficial builds, versus using Modems of MM and Nougat and talking about LOS 14.1 and 15.1 builds along the way and all the different involved posts of each Official - Unofficial unlabeled subjects there of all the posts.
It's no place for an inexperienced user to go and easily understand it.
These are the posts https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75763876&postcount=1303%22]https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75763876&postcount=1303 that clearly pointed out the specific information in details that helped me to know of the differences to the posts while I was active in that thread.
I like the NucleaROM because it's being based on LOS, then I can and do - do it without Google for the most part. I've not flashed any g-apps what so ever, play store is not a concern for me to use - there are other less invasive places that don't have the requirements Googles PS imposes. (F-Droid)
Even running a root file explorer I don't see anything Google related - with the way I've installed NR
Besides running an apk through Virus Total gives me peace of mind.
Android is by Google and that's were G stops with me...
NucleaROM - (root - g-apps), all are optional for the two NucleaROM builds out.
Note:It's the wakeblock app or it's folder that is mandatory to do something with in NucleaROM.
In disabling it's app in phone settings (Apps) after 1st. boot, or removing it's folder in NucleaROM's root directory via TWRP before your very 1st boot into OS where you initially setup the OS.
Did any of this help?
aybarrap1 said:
I don't know if it is possible to downgrade any parts successfully but from what little I read a month ago on it, I did not remember anything staying how to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't take this as Gospel and I don't advise it since we're Post Nougat now.
As it was Pre-Nougat - but, still don't hold me to it...
A stock firmware downgrade (in the terms of) Recovery, Kernel and OS may be performed without any noticeable adverse affects.
This was prior to Nougat, every OS update changes something with a deep impact.
So I'd advise you to check in whatever thread of a Custom Rom using Marshmallow base that your interested in. To finding out any facts before hand. Notably kernel and modem related THERE IN downgrading from Nougat to using it...
As too with what's been said - Once bootloader.img and gpt.bin are updated - there is no reverting them back (DOWNGRADING) without a serious likelihood in risk to having a hard-bricked device. You'd need to skip those parts in the downgrade commands used of your flashing sequence.
I have no real world practical application of experience doing this - just reading about it or book knowledge - that ain't squat to help in a time of trouble if that's what it yields...
ResistanceIsFutile said:
Don't take this as Gospel and I don't advise it since we're Post Nougat now.
As it was Pre-Nougat - but, still don't hold me to it...
A stock firmware downgrade (in the terms of) Recovery, Kernel and OS may be performed without any noticeable adverse affects.
This was prior to Nougat, every OS update changes something with a deep impact.
So I'd advise you to check in whatever thread of a Custom Rom using Marshmallow that your interested in. To finding out any facts before hand. Notably kernel and modem related THERE IN downgrading from Nougat to using it...
As too with what's been said - Once bootloader.img and gpt.bin are updated - there is no reverting them back (DOWNGRADING) without a serious likelihood in risking to having a hard-bricked device. You'd need to skip those parts in the downgrade commands of your flashing sequence.
I have no real world practical application of experience doing this - just reading about it or book knowledge - that ain't squat to help in a time of trouble if that's what it yields...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. As I mentioned earlier, I had planned on potentially using custom ROMs but I have decided to stay stock rooted. I just don't get that much into customization so a custom ROM just doesn't make sense for my purposes.
There's a change in the wind with Oreo...
aybarrap1 said:
Thanks. As I mentioned earlier, I had planned on potentially using custom ROMs but I have decided to stay stock rooted. I just don't get that much into customization so a custom ROM just doesn't make sense for my purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your happy with the stock Nougat - as I've said there's nothing wrong with it.
I get it and respect your decision to do just that in staying with a stock Nougat.
Custom ROMs aren't merely for customization's, back in the day especially with the array of cheaper devices it was the norm though. To make it in ones liking of a polished look or for performance enhancements.
The added themes and applications preinstalled by a manufacturer were reduced to almost nothing. This saved a lot of memory space and increased the device's performance, then with being able address the questionable UI design decisions that a manufacturer had made.
Besides with the XT1575 Moto X Pure, you needn't worry much about Motorola's manufacturers bloat and being skinned to something hideous and repulsive. By that, I mean your not dealing with and like the other manufacturers (tweaking Androids OS) add/remove/change the interface and apps to make it their own highly styled branded system.
Customization's was a way to truly make a phone your own and still is...
After installing a Custom ROM on Android you are the Admin of your Device which means no Objections, no Restrictions, and basically nothing hampering you as your free to do anything with your Android device.
But, customization's is only one facet in the equation to consider with a custom rom.
Taking a view of all devices in the realm of Custom ROM's offered to each (not just an MXP), there's something more also to be gained.
Updates:
One of the most frustrating things about owning an Android device is waiting for your manufacturer to push an update to your phone, so you can get the latest features. The newer versions of Android are not only interesting because they bring new features but, also because they fill security gaps.
Often times manufacturers will even cut support for your device entirely (thinking of Motorola's support for the MXP). This leaves you stuck with a phone on an older version of Android and less secure. The solution is a custom ROM on the newest or a newer Android version for it.
Privacy and Security:
The recent alarming News surrounding data collected by OnePlus devices (along with a second claim that the company has denied), having highlighted the amount of trust we have to place in our phones by the manufacturer itself now.
This doesn't apply more to budget phones in that they may have security problems. And even the world’s second largest smartphone manufacturer, Huawei, has recently found its US ambitions blocked by US security agencies over concerns about it's spying.
And even once you get past this, every Android user is handing over vast amounts of personal data to Google and others (App's) every single day.
[[Like I pointed out in post #7, I like the NucleaROM because it's being based on LOS, then I can and do - do it without Google for the most part. I've not flashed any g-apps what so ever.]]
Lineage OS has numerous privacy controls built in, including a Privacy Guard that restricts how apps can use your data. Plus, you can use it without Google apps if you prefer !
A custom ROM can help address your security and privacy concerns. ROMs are, or should be open source. The code is available for anyone to scrutinize. Even if you don’t have the skills to analyze it yourself, you can be assured someone will flag any privacy concerns to it's custom rom using community.
Other Benefits:
Then one can benefit possibly with Performance, Battery Life. In some cases, you might even be able to unlock new functions or find features from newer flagships ported back to older devices. These are the types of phones that rarely get updated, and are often not as well optimized as their higher end siblings.
Disadvantages:
Sure Custom ROMs have their own, it's not going to be a sunny days walk in the park everyday. Expect some rain too, like in adding an app, tweaking hidden settings of the Android's OS and like-
"many phone cameras have dual lens setups nowadays, fancy HDR effects, and high frame rate 4K video. They all need special tools to drive them, and these are all part of the phone’s manufacturers firmware. There’s no one app that you can simply lift and install on another device. Nor can you replace all of the cameras functionality with a third-party camera app."
Closing thoughts:
One of the biggest draws of custom ROMs used to be that you could install the stock Android experience on any device. You could replace the bloated software from Samsung, Huawei, or HTC and other manufacturers with a ROM based on the open source version of Android. Throw in the suite of Google apps, and you’d have something akin to a pure Android device. This is the principle around which Google’s Nexus phones were built. {In reality, Android is but one of the parts of your phone's software today, not the total sum of those parts as manufacturers hardware needs it's own drivers to function.}
But, that makes the stock Android no longer the best version of Android, even Google admits this. The best parts of the company’s Pixel phones aren’t Android. The camera app, Google Assistant, and the fast streamlined launcher are all proprietary software. They’re developed and owned by Google. In fact, on the product pages for the Pixel phones, Android barely even gets a mention there.
Custom ROMs can be wonderful for older devices but, before you decide to change your device's original manufacturers firmware you should familiarize yourself with the disadvantages of the process.
Custom ROMs are perfect for those who love a good challenge. But if this doesn't sound like you then you won't like custom ROMs. Between the devices need for security updates that custom roms can offer. Comes a need to unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery, gain system root and dealing with unstable versions being pushed to a device, and having an active ROM maintainer.
Those are some of the things where your patience could reach its limits fast.
Not forgetting, third-party firmware (as in custom roms) comes with very few or no Google apps. The Play Store application has to be installed again if you use that source for you add-on apps.
Then hardware specific software (drivers) to make a devices hardware function properly.
So is it Your device because you've paid for it, or is it a manufacturers device with their own branded apps, style and the flair they choose for you of the price you've paid for it.
It's Your choice and decision to change it or not... :good:
PS: Devices that started to ship with OREO installed will change the custom rom landscape.
There's a change in the wind with Oreo...
Project Treble has some interesting implications for the revival of the custom ROM scene.
XDA community members are excited about the prospect that we may be edging closer to a time where Android software can be easily ported across a range of devices.
Other developers have also already shown off a single system image capable of booting on different devices with different processors.
ResistanceIsFutile said:
Not quite sure what's meant by your own meaning of Baseband. Your more than likely going to be answered by people still using the phone in different degrees of knowledge.
The experienced with a real practical application of this XT1575 device mostly have moved on to another device by now - but will any left on it be answering you. I'm glad to see @aybarrap1 has answered.
@stevejohnson42 uses the XT1575 too, and reports here and there of his flasholic tendencies on this device - might be helpful in any Nougat based ROM's to use the search box there and see if he's added anything in it.
Custom ROM Marshmallow development was always greater cause the XT1575 stayed on the Marshmallow OS for so long and because of Motorola not releasing Nougat sooner for it.
There are some Custom ROMS based on Nougat - just read their OP's to understand what's being required to using each one of them...
Nougat ROMs built for a Stock Nougat Kernel and Modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much to add - I share @ResistanceIsFutile comment - once you have updated - don't try to go back to earlier modem / baseband on this phone
Here is another collection that gives you choices and very clear which version to use for
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-style/development/collection-random-projects-t3662970
Personally - I flashed the stock ROM that is here ( make sure you have correct variant before doing ) :
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-style/general/xt1575-moto-x-pure-edition-factory-t3704142
to move from Marshmellow modem - as noted above ; much more development on the original modem -- but I had a nagging issue with the Fly Delta app that could be duplicated but not something developers of custom ROMs should have spent time on - going to Nougat stock cleared it - then I went to NucleaROM almost immediately and everything worked fine
I have never tried - but , by searching xda-- you will find many active developers noting it is a good way to brick the phone .. I do not pretend to fully understand -- but have learned long ago to do research , carefully read OPs and safest to follow instructions of those who have much greater knowledge than me .
The phone is still my daily driver - I am currently on rooted stock that was installed by the method noted in the thread above. I have been on NucleaROM as DD and a good ROM ..and have flashed many posted by obsolete1. I have found with many back to back clean flashes - reflashing stock can eliminate issues that you might run into ( don't remember them all - but do recall having an issue wiping phone once )
Also - check carefully what TWRP to use - some of the ones using the Nougat modem require the unofficial TWRP that Hashbang developed for the earliest ROMs that worked on it.
We had a pretty good run on this phone and it appears there still might be a few developers looking at it .. but I understand ; most of them have moved on to other phones or the reality of life has required them to leave development for awhile
Regards
@ResistanceIsFutile
Thanks for the run down and I'm quite aware of many of these things. The MXPE in itself is a great phone with the few added features for Moto being actually somewhat useful.
I am not overly concerned with updates. If I were I would get a pixel or Android one phone.
Prior to the MXPE I had carrier branded phones and found custom ROMs to be quite useful in terms of bloat and better performance.
@aybarrap1
Only meant it peaceably - didn't mean by steps on any toes or persuade - crowd you or anyone at all.
The Moto X style/pure devices age has probably 3rd, 4th even 5th generation owners by now that have no ideal what we're talking about at times.
I then see it as a funneling effect, when I answer one it spreads out to others not knowing, especially in a threads topic as this. If you prefer I'll answer generally and not address anymore to you - I'm easy and would like to make friends on XDA - not loose any prospects.
I like and see your posts as helpful as I hope mine are, and it's encouraged to answer if you can at any experience level on XDA. So please forgive any misunderstanding or intentions on my part.
Thank you.
Everything is beneficial but not useful to all
@ResistanceIsFutile
Thanks. Reading back I see how the "tone" came across. I'm good and only intended to put out my reasons. I do have to say it is good you post this info as it was posts like yours that helped me a lot when I first started looking into rooting and custom ROMs some many years ago (LOL...7 or 8 years only but in terms of phone tech that is a very long time).

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