Database Users

[Q&A][KK]Review of 2 roms, with tips and bugs and future suggestions

Introduction:
Everyone uses there android device differently, and as a result not everyone will be looking for the same features from a ROM, and as a result developers simply do not know what to do to satisfy the many needs of the andoid users.
what I aim to do with this thread is to provide a review of 2 of the best ROMs out there for our device (based on my opinion), and include some tips, bugs and suggestions for the future.
What I have here is a review of 2 android 4.4.2 ROMs for the xperia arc/s. the ROMs are VANIR AOSP and C-rom.
let's start with a introduction to VANIR AOSP:
Vanir aosp is a ROM built with the user who likes a degree of customization to there phone in mind. the devs behind it have decided to build a ROM completely based on what is important and necessary for the users. they added only those features that passed certain criteria and only those features were allowed to be put into the ROM build. any unnecessary features were not added.
The result is a light, super stable and lagless ROM that would be more than enough to please the android user.
THE GOOD:
-lots of customization options in settings
-very very stable
-very fast and all the time around 200mb free ram
-nice 'on the go mode' feature
-nice option for choosing boot animations
-dual panel mode for settings
THE BAD:
-only features the devs have picked are added to the rom, so if you have a feature you want but the dev thinks its not important it won't be added
-floating windows for apps cannot be moved
THE BUGS:
-sound manager forces close message every time I try to open it
-adding a new user causes a force close message to appear whenever trienf to open gallery
-swiping on the keyboard causes the aosp keyboard to force close
-screen recorder doesn't work (should just be removed from our devices completely, the arc will never be fat enough to screen record)
-camera video doesnt work (although ion kernel would be the problem)
C-ROM:
c-rom is a ROM that is simply mind blowing, the ROM just has every feature I can simply think off, and in some instances it had features I have never even heard off.
the dev behind it added every feature from android I can think off, all into one amazing rom, for those people who like to change every single thing on there phone.
THE GOOD:
-tons of customizations
-lots of free ram, around 200mb all the time
-super smooth
-good turn on and off speeds (experienced this with v5.9 not v5.6)
-movable floating windows
-on the go mode
THE BAD:
-opening apps in floating mode is a little tedious
-slightly high battery consumption
THR BUGS:
there are bugs in both versions of c-rom so here goes:
v5.6:
-multi user support doesn't work, causes tons of force close messages when switching to the new user
-no option for enabling widget support on the lockscreen (only way to get the option is by editing build.prop file, but that causes the high end graphics option to dissapear from the performance menu)
-sound recorder doesn't have a ui, so users can't launch it from drawer (vanir aosp has this)
-no dowbloads app from drawer, and hence I can't make shortcuts to the download manager because there sinply isn't icon for it.
-no option to opt out of c-rom stats, it came up once then disappeared, but I know the menu for it exists
-can't put apps into floating window mode with halo switched off (in vanir aosp you can do this)
v5.9 bugs:
-no camera (video) although could be due to ion kernel?
-kernel logo sometimes comes up while I am using the phone
-the button in the status bar that switches between the tiles and the notification view move out of alignment when pressed
-no save page option in the browser but the option is there?
-swiping on aosp keyboard causes it to force close
-no force high end graphics option in settings
-no sound recorder icon in drawer
-opening the advanced settings option in the performance control app causes a force close
-exposed module causes a bootloop (stuck on kernel logo)
-no option to opt out of c-rom stats
-multi user support works fine, but causes a force lose on all media apps, I.e. try opening gallery and it force closes
so as you can see both ROMs are each unique but they are considered (by me) the best ROMs for xperia arc.
some tips for everyone:
-downloads in kitkat are found under an app called 'documents'
-to enable widget support on lockscreen in c-rom v5.6 you need to modify build.prop file changing the low ram config option to false
-there is no sound recorder icon in the drawer, although the app is installed, if you want to record using it, create a new message and add an attachment, when picking the attachment pick sound recorder and that's it.
some suggestions for c-rom in the future:
-would be great if you could add a dual panel mode like in vanir
-a better way if opening apps in floating window
my final verdict though on both ROMs, is that they are both amazing ROMs, but I think the award has to go to c-rom, due to its vast number of customizations while being a stable and smooth ROM. Good job 3andala
I would like to also point out that, I am not disrespecting others developers who have made a kk ROM for xperia arc, I am simply giving my opinion on 2 ROMs that I really like and consider to be the best for my xperia arc.
my ultimate goal really from a thread like this is to maybe one day see all developers working on only one ROM, that would be the smoothest ROM, with the most features etc..... that everyone would use, and just simply have a ROM that takes the device to it's limits, a ROM that we can all say that its the most complete ROM ever made for the xperia arc, and there will never be a better rom for this device than this. anyone with me?
anyway that's it from me, I hope you liked what if provided and if I helped you let me know as it makes me happy.
P.S. is there any way of increasing the brightness of the notification LED? there are patches for this on ICS and jb but no patches for this on kitkat, so could anyone advise me how its done?

Stock notification shade and quick settings for MIUI

We all know that one of the biggest problems of MIUI is the notification shade and quick settings (expand with two fingers and bad quick reply and more...).
Well, there is a solution.
There is an app called "material notification shade" that overlays the MIUI notification shade and quick settings and gives you the stock notification shade and quick settings experience (OREO or NOUGAT) like in AOSP/Lineage based roms (see screenshots below), It support all the same functions of the stock notification and quick settings (quick reply and one finger to expand notifications...).
Tried it myself and its very nice and smooth and it is good for people that like some parts of MIUI but want to have a stock android experience.
Link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.treydev.mns

@omerbagi10 Nice finding man. Im sure folks will like it. Helal olsun. ?

Or u can install a MIUI theme... line Android N/Pixel N and u will have a mimic without any overlay app...
Android N mtz file
http://en.miui.com/thread-239494-1-1.html
Pixel N mtz file
http://en.miui.com/thread-462325-1-1.html
Cheers

lesscro said:
Or u can install a MIUI theme... line Android N/Pixel N and u will have a mimic without any overlay app...
Android N mtz file
http://en.miui.com/thread-239494-1-1.html
Pixel N mtz file
http://en.miui.com/thread-462325-1-1.html
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But a theme still has the MIUI notification shade functions that we dont usually like, this app lets you have all the functions and looks of the stock notification shade and quick settings.

Then why use MIUI instead of a stock android ROM available here ?
Or maybe u want the best of the both worlds ???

lesscro said:
Or maybe u want the best of the both worlds ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what I've written in the beggining!! :laugh:
"Tried it myself and its very nice and smooth and it is good for people that like some parts of MIUI but want to have a stock android experience."

Ok, i m get out !!! Sorry to disturb ur thread !
:angel:

[ROM][UNOFFICIAL][8.1.0] Liquid Remix [SANTONI][VOLTE]

Liquid Remix is an android 8.1 project from the old lead of Liquid smooth and XDA dev Dabug123! Liquid Remix is a new age mix of all the best ROMs out today with an added flavor from the old smooth days. All features are open source and will always stay that way as the community is the most important thing to our project.
Downloads
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=673956719939817754
Features
Liquid Lounge
Buttons
Volume rocker
Volume key answer
Volume up in do not disturb
Swap volume rocker orientation
Playback control
Volume keys control media volume
Volume key cursor control
Volume rocker wake
Enable hardware keys
Hardware keys rebinding
Long press button actions
Gestures
Double tap to sleep
Three finger detection
Screen off power button torch
Lock screen
Lock screen shortcuts
Lock screen weather
Media cover art
Lock screen charging info
Fingerprint authentication vibration
Miscellaneous
Alarm blocker
Wakelock blocker
App ops
MTP instead charging
Wake up on charging
Show CPU info
Navigation bar
DUI
Navbar buttons
Enable soft keys
Notifications
Heads up
Battery lights
Notifications light
Toast app icon
In call vibration options
Power menu
Power menu when locked
Power
Restart
Advanced restart
Screenshot
Screen record
Flashlight
Airplane
Settings
Lock down
Users
Sound panel
Quick settings
Brightness slider
Brightness icon
No quick settings when secured
Quick pull down
Smart pull down
Dark system UI style
Custom header image
Recents panels
Clear all button
Clear all location
Immersive recents
Hidden apps
Status bar
Status bar items
Brightness control
Selector notification
Warning color
ADB notification
Network traffic
Liquid logo
Notification ticker
Camera
Music
Flashlight
Extras -> Haptic feedback
Security
Screen pinning
Apps with usage access
Sound
Media,alarm,ring volume
Volume steps
Do not disturb preferences
Ringtone sounds
Other sounds and vibrations
Display
Tap to wake
Device theme
Quick settings options
Columns
Columns landscape
Rows
Quick bar scroll
Show labels
Brightness slider in footer
Quick settings tiles
ADB network
Caffeine
Heads up
LTE
NFC
PiP
Screen record
Screenshot
Reboot
Sound
Weather
Thanks :
DirtyUnicorns
GZOSP
Abc roms
Nitrogen
Lineage
Omni(Without max headers would never come alive!)
Jayrod for graphics
Aicp
Team Ghost
Anyone else I forgot let me know
Sources
Device:- https://github.com/TeamGhosts/android_device_xiaomi_santoni
Kernel:- https://github.com/abhirajsinghofficial/Kernel
XDAevDB Information
[ROM][UNOFFICIAL][8.1.0] Liquid Remix [Santoni], ROM for the Xiaomi Redmi 4X
Contributors
Abhiraj Singh
Source Code: https://github.com/LiquidRemix
ROM OS Version: 8.x Oreo
ROM Kernel: Linux 3.18.x
Version Information
Status: Stable

Does it Gcam works in this version? What About Gapps and installation mode?

All the best im using this rom since last night overall awesomw battery backup
Gcam bith work potrait mode front or rear cam
keep up the good works

It has been updated? I have the last build from yesterday, but here the build its 20180206 or its another version? And btw, this rom is awesome. It's really smooth and battery is great. I'm using clarity 2.0 kernel too.

evanlocked said:
All the best im using this rom since last night overall awesomw battery backup
Gcam bith work potrait mode front or rear cam
keep up the good works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which version of GCam are you using? Settings?

edall said:
Which version of GCam are you using? Settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gcam 5.1 with manual focus

evanlocked said:
Gcam 5.1 with manual focus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The One linked in nitrogenos thread (mega link)?

edall said:
The One linked in nitrogenos thread (mega link)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup bro

Where the gapps ? Ver. 8.0 pr 8.1?

john1991albert said:
Where the gapps ? Ver. 8.0 pr 8.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8.1

I have tested all previous build of Liquid and they were real FC fests, with Google framework and system UI crashing every 5 seconds or so, but this one is actually usable. No FC in about 2 hours. Thank you.

Kajuru said:
I have tested all previous build of Liquid and they were real FC fests, with Google framework and system UI crashing every 5 seconds or so, but this one is actually usable. No FC in about 2 hours. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I'm still facing those FCs

That is a bit strange, for me this rom is perhaps the best. I have not tried all oreo rom obviously, but among the ones I did, this is really good. I don't even feel the need to rollback to miui.

Ohkie.
One of the best and stable rom.
Smooth
Lot of customisation
Good battery yet (will test it more)
Gcmod5 working (front and back portrait mode working)
Will teat more!
Thanks developer. I appreciate your work bro. ???
Edit: beautiful rom seriously, great battery backup,fast charge enabled
Just don't like the stock data traffic monitor ? + no option to place the clock on left side of status bar ?
No problems found
No reboots
Substratum working too
Just the SU App don't show up but the rom is easily rooted.
Haven't tested any custom kernel yet.
Edit: battery drain at night about 10%
Something wrong with back button.
Still love this rom

moonchild said:
Unfortunately I'm still facing those FCs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery still at 40%, but it's stable, I'd say. I had exactly 1 random reboot the first time I ran Kmod for WhatsApp, but other than that it's fine. BB seems almost as good as NOS/AEX.

LonerDarke said:
That is a bit strange, for me this rom is perhaps the best. I have not tried all oreo rom obviously, but among the ones I did, this is really good. I don't even feel the need to rollback to miui.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think this rom is better than Nitrogen OS?

Kajuru said:
Battery still at 40%, but it's stable, I'd say. I had exactly 1 random reboot the first time I ran Kmod for WhatsApp, but other than that it's fine. BB seems almost as good as NOS/AEX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The mobile is heating up a lot during charging.
And double tap back button bug is not fixed yet.

Lemmy554 said:
Do you think this rom is better than Nitrogen OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think, yes. NitrogenOS is good too, but right now I'm using this rom + clarity 2.0 kernel, and I'm getting more battery backup than NOS + LH kernel. Also games like asphalt xtreme runs better for me in this rom.
Obviously games use more battery, but for normal usage it's really good.

LonerDarke said:
I think, yes. NitrogenOS is good too, but right now I'm using this rom + clarity 2.0 kernel, and I'm getting more battery backup than NOS + LH kernel. Also games like asphalt xtreme runs better for me in this rom.
Obviously games use more battery, but for normal usage it's really good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your opinion :good:

Will it become official by any chance ?

Is Pie Beta Worth It?

Hi! I have a Zenfone Max Pro M1, and I really want to update it to Pie. The only thing that's holding me back is the lack of Gcam. Should I update it now and loose Gcam, or should I wait for a stable version that may include Cam2Api?

VictorPLopes said:
Hi! I have a Zenfone Max Pro M1, and I really want to update it to Pie. The only thing that's holding me back is the lack of Gcam. Should I update it now and loose Gcam, or should I wait for a stable version that may include Cam2Api?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 3 bugs
1. Cam2API not enabling/Gcam not working.
2. PUBG HD not working.
3. Audio output via Headphone is slightly lower than Oreo builds.
Apart from that everything is as stable as Oreo if not better.
Choice is yours if you can cope with those bugs or not. For eg. for a non-gamer like me those bugs hardly matter, Pie is good for daily driver for me.

Review
Zenfone Max Pro M1 Pie Beta Review Points
Cons.
GCAM not working, even after the hal3 enable command.
Audio output via headphones is slightly lower.
Pie navigation bar has overlapping icons and recent app slider is not optimised.
PUBG not available in HD settings.
If you are in roaming, the icon on status bar will have overlapping icon for 'R' and '4G'.
Split-view in not easy access. Now from the recent apps screen you have to tap-hold the app icon above the app card and then select split-view to enter the split-screen.
Pros.
Apps opening slightly faster.
Animations are better.
Once the system is free of bugs, the whole thing will work better then Oreo.
Till then wait for the stable release and stick to Oreo.
Personally I miss GCAM, rest I don't mind.
P.S.

Saransh808 said:
Zenfone Max Pro M1 Pie Beta Review Points
Cons.
GCAM not working, even after the hal3 enable command.
Audio output via headphones is slightly lower.
Pie navigation bar has overlapping icons and recent app slider is not optimised.
PUBG not available in HD settings.
If you are in roaming, the icon on status bar will have overlapping icon for 'R' and '4G'.
Split-view in not easy access. Now from the recent apps screen you have to tap-hold the app icon above the app card and then select split-view to enter the split-screen.
Pros.
Apps opening slightly faster.
Animations are better.
Once the system is free of bugs, the whole thing will work better then Oreo.
Till then wait for the stable release and stick to Oreo.
Personally I miss GCAM, rest I don't mind.
P.S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more issue is night light is not working although it's present in the developer option. Screen brightness seems too much for night.
Apps opening seems faster because animations scales set to . 5x default in the developer section.

Sayan44 said:
There are 3 bugs
1. Cam2API not enabling/Gcam not working.
2. PUBG HD not working.
3. Audio output via Headphone is slightly lower than Oreo builds.
Apart from that everything is as stable as Oreo if not better.
Choice is yours if you can cope with those bugs or not. For eg. for a non-gamer like me those bugs hardly matter, Pie is good for daily driver for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't play Pubg and I don't listen to music, my only real concern is Gcam. I just wanted to know if the update compensates the lack of Gcam, but thank you very much, because I didn't know about the audio bug! ?

Saransh808 said:
Zenfone Max Pro M1 Pie Beta Review Points
Cons.
GCAM not working, even after the hal3 enable command.
Audio output via headphones is slightly lower.
Pie navigation bar has overlapping icons and recent app slider is not optimised.
PUBG not available in HD settings.
If you are in roaming, the icon on status bar will have overlapping icon for 'R' and '4G'.
Split-view in not easy access. Now from the recent apps screen you have to tap-hold the app icon above the app card and then select split-view to enter the split-screen.
Pros.
Apps opening slightly faster.
Animations are better.
Once the system is free of bugs, the whole thing will work better then Oreo.
Till then wait for the stable release and stick to Oreo.
Personally I miss GCAM, rest I don't mind.
P.S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I could deal with all those bugs, but I really like Gcam. If it was available on this Beta, I would not think twice before updating. But thank you very much for the information!

Vibration problem

There's a way to port miui to other custom rom? I don't like the 90% of custom rom vibration (only pe/pe+ has vibration like miui) and so I'm forced to comeback to miui because for me vibration is very important. I hope that someone can help me.

I have the same issue, MIUI uses a different set of vibration strength, nice to read that PE has the same as MIUI, i think it's a limit of some custom ROMs or just an ignored but important detail (like the lockscreen or recents panel rotation always enabled...), i'm following this thread too.

No one can help me?