Database Users

A Nougat ROM for modest needs?

Hi. I moved to an S5 with PB1 a year and change ago, and just a few weeks ago to QB2. I've been very pleasantly surprised at how much better MM is than LP (battery life, voice commands, a few other things), and it has me pondering whether to go further.
I'm rooted now, see a few threads talking about Nougat, but they still look a little bleeding edgy to me. I'm not a developer and won't be staying at a Holiday Inn tonight. I don't have power needs so don't want to press forward to somewhere that the juice would be worth the squeeze for me. But if the OS in general works much more nicely like the bump I just experienced, I'm interested.
I rooted my phone years ago, while on an s3, because it was getting slow, I wanted to debloat, and there were a few apps I wanted to use for long distance motorcycling that worked better with root for letting me trigger various things to open or close. I stuck with root on the s5 and I still use the apps needing root a bit but haven't been doing as much of that tinkering and customizing as I thought I might. I'm not sure if I care all that much about root anymore, though I've got it. I just want things to work smoothly.
So is there a nice stable Nougat that I can get to without a lot of work to keep it running and workaround glitches?

Yo can only go to Nougat if you have a unlock bootloader. If not, here is the guide.... https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve.../testers-required-easier-root-method-t3561529.
If you have a unlock bootloader, here is one of the best ROM's to install https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...opment/rom-resurrection-remix-n-klte-t3510376 .
You will need Open Gapps with that ROM also.

HolyHog, thanks for your reply. I've got an unlocked bootloader and TWRP recovery on stock MM QB2 c/o this method and jrkruse. I appreciate the caution and the links.
I've seen your various posts pushing Resurrection Remix and know you're a big fan of it. It's right for you. From what I said, do you think it's right for me?

BigBird9906 said:
HolyHog, thanks for your reply. I've got an unlocked bootloader and TWRP recovery on stock MM QB2 c/o this method and jrkruse. I appreciate the caution and the links.
I've seen your various posts pushing Resurrection Remix and know you're a big fan of it. It's right for you. From what I said, do you think it's right for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is very stable and has many fine tuning tweaks baked right into the settings. I have tried all the available versions and found RR to be the best by far. I do own a copy of Nova Launcher to tweak it even more. I also use Verizon Messages for texting & MS Outlook for emails. Outlook handles multiple email accounts the best for my needs.

Best stable ROM?

Hi all,
Sorry, I never know whether I should post this kind of thing in the General section or Troubleshooting...
I'm looking for up-to-date advice. What, in your opinion, is the most stable and smooth custom rom available. I'm looking for something as recent as possible, preferably Nougat +, but could be MM if necessary.
The phone is going to be used by my mother-in-law so doesn't need any fancy customization, just reliability and performance.
Thanks!! :good:

If you want something really stable with excellent camera go for munjenis nougat rom

colaigor said:
If you want something really stable with excellent camera go for munjenis nougat rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. I presume I can find that rom on xda?
--------------
Is it this Lineage rom?:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-z1-compact/development/rom-t3657384

Yup thats it

I used munjenis los 14.1 and switched to AICP 13.1 Oreo. It has up to date patches and is in my opinion currently the best up to date rom. Camera is also fine for me.

hi all! i tried oreo yesterday and all of google (esp. play store & play services) didn't work. tried older versions via apk but no success. without play store makes no sense. anyone an idea why it works for jho55 but not for me (d5503)? and jho55, why did you switch; only for newer version or other reasons? could you give me d/l link to the exact aicp rom u used? at aicp rom it says that there is an issue with oreo on z1c and video recording; does that work on your device? thx&greets, volkbaad
EDIT: found out myself now that i need gapps, too in order to take benefit of google. i work a lot on pc's but up to now not on android, esp. custom roms. it's a bit confusing at first sight; but i'm learning...

It is very important that you follow the instructions posted in the thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/so...development/rom-aicp-13-1-o8-1-amami-t3755554
I am using the rom because I want to have the newest security updates, a fresh android, root access(adblock, firewall). Video recording is working for me.

jho55 said:
It is very important that you follow the instructions posted in the thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/so...development/rom-aicp-13-1-o8-1-amami-t3755554
I am using the rom because I want to have the newest security updates, a fresh android, root access(adblock, firewall). Video recording is working for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IT WORKS!!!
At first try I used GApps "super" (14.5.81; 900 MB) and guess I didn't clear all cache and data. This obviously ended up in a mess with old Google Play files and new OS. Second time I cleared system, data, cache and dalvik cache before flashing new ROM, rebooted into normal OS and back into (TWRP) recovery before I flashed GApps "micro" (14.8.xx; 300 MB). "Super" and "mini" had some apps which were unfunctional; and if included in package you cannot uninstall and manually reinstall them, so smaller GApps version is safer.
This time the new install became functional w/o any problem. There was even no need to search and installe older version of GApps, as reported elsewhere.
Maybe this is helpful for other Z1C owners. In the thread mentioned above seemingly not every necessary detail is mentioned.

I think the instructions are pretty straight forward from there it says "How to flash:".

I'm not decided yet. For me it's either AICP 13.1 (oreo) or 115ek's LineageOS 15.1 (Oreo). Both are very stable and suitable for every day useage. And they are maintained in regards to security updates
Pro AICP: some really nice features and add-ons (e.g. theming, nice recent apps solutions, extended phone settings and customizations etc.). Together with some optimzing apps (LSpeed, SysConfigPatcher) battery consumption is ok
Pro LOS 15.1: in my opinion a tad faster and and more efficient in reagrds to battery consumption; rather reduced, but I kind of like that
munjeni's LOS version is great (had that running for over a year) but a bit aged now

I've had LOS 14.1 installed for a while and it seems pretty good, however it seems to have some significant bugs. The big one is that Google Duo doesn't work properly- the mic doesn't work so calls are pointless. Dues anyone else have this problem? Or can anyone give me a ROM where Duo definitely works?
Mic volume in general is pretty quiet.

Duplicate: DELETED

Which custom ROM to use on a Canadian SM-G920W8 model

If this post or just part of it was usefull to you, please give a thank you, it's just one click below this post and encourages authors to keep their threads up to date.
What is this thread for?
To all those wondering what to install on their old Samsung Galaxy S6, abreviated "S6". This thread will tell you what you need to know concerning available ROMS for the Canadian W8 model of the S6.
There are 5 major guests in the Samsung Galaxy S6 Android world:
Versions 5.x.x named Lollipop abreviated "LL"
Versions 6.x.x named Marshmallow abreviated "MM"
Versions 7.x.x named Nougat abreviated "NG"
Versions 8.x.x named Oreo abreviated "O"
Versions 9.x.x named Pie abreviated "P"
Versions 10.x.x named 10 abreviated 10
Basic things you must know:
Stock ROMs which are kept as is with only deknoxed but still stock won't show you much besides keeping your phone as it is with the freedom of installing what you want.
AOSP ROMs are usually the most debloated ones and best ones. LineageOS IS an AOSP based ROM.
Debloated ROMs: There seems to be a lot of different levels of debloating. High, Partial, Light. When using a Custom ROM, you usually want to remove most of the stock stuff and install the things you desire after. But in this ROM world, when debloating, authors often rebloat them with some of their prefered apps and mods. So Debloated ROMs are mainly to say that stock apps were removed.
Kernels are not ROMs, just saying AND, they need to be installed with the PROPER version of the ROM you are installing AND must fit AOSP or Stock because they will not work and you will get bootloop.
Aroma installer which permit to choose options during the ROM's installation. These take soo much space and are huge files to download. They boost the ROM's file size. Of course, you can choose what you want during the install process, but most ROMs are over 1Gb in size which is enormous while a non-aroma file can be way under 700Mb and do the job perfectly.
LL (v5.x.x):
These are just old, your cell phone can handle much more up to date roms AND stock roms are already way passed these versions.
MM (v6.x.x):
If you need well working, functional and complete ROMs, there's a few of these which have been tested and work very well. I'd go back without hesitating if I were not too greedy on later versions,
NG (v7.x.x):
There has been a lot of apps and mods that have been made stable from NG ROMs. A system on this would be considered a good in-the-middle installation. Not too old but not too young. There is also a custom framework app out there permitting some nice handling and modding that is considered stable for this version of Android. BUT, there's a bit BUT here. There is v7.0 and 7.1.x. 7.1.x seem to have audio issues, at least, the AOSP ROMs I tested.
0 (v8.x.x):
OK! I have read sooo many articles concerning battey problems in this ROM and I have also lived the battery problem myself with a custom ROM in this version. Oreo would be the system which crosses the line between old and new, merging from MM and NG to PIE.
P (v9.x.x):
Well, you are now up to date. BUT, We are now going well over S10 models of the Samsung Galaxy nowdays so a ROM in this version working bugfree is a bit of a dream, at least, for now. Problem encountered from these ROMs are audio, camera and wifi. Camera app is just nonesense with very poor audio quality. Users talk about bluetooth audio problems and echos during calls. Frequent application crashes notably when using camera, for example in messenger. BUT, the good is a cleaned up interface with a nice fresh modern feel.
10 (10.x.x):
Please refer to Pie (v9.x.x). Pretty much the same things happen.
I decided to give you a list of ROMS I have tested and believe should still stay alive for those questionning what the best ROM is for your needs or dreams.
Links to my suggested custom ROMs:
LL (5.x.x):
• None (just don't install any of these, too old)
MM (6.x.x): Only one stands out which I used for years and has a very nice position in recommended mods.
• XtreStoLite 3.3.1: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...xtrestolite-deodexed-mod-edition-1-0-t3094423
XtreStoLite has made me happy for years. If you want a stable ROM with what the S6 looked like during it's glorious days, that's the ROM to install.
NG (7.x.x): Most of these ROMs seem to be stock ROMs with not so much debloation so huge file sizes and Samsung's connection wizard AND all the Google Apps you did not ask for. I fell on 1 which boasts being HIGHLY debloated.
• OdexLite 4.2: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...rom-odexlite-rom-920f-920i-925f-925i-t3550706
If you do not install any of the Samsung or Google apps in the aroma installer, this is a highly debloated rom. I'm mentionning it here because I managed to instal it once but not a second time. Some users have reported a boot loop which makes the ROM below pretty much safe for install compared to this one. Because of a first successfull try, I still list it here, but I suggest Ultimate Nougat below. If you want to try and have time, then I suggest to try OdexLite if you are willing to test out and see for yourself.
• UlTiMaTe NouGat V3.1:https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...elopment/rom-ultimate-nougat-s8-port-t3681259
I managed to make it work after wating for about 15 minutes for my phone to boot initially. It is not as much debloated as OdexLite but is a bit more flexible for adblock and Magisk since you are offered to install or not in the Aroma Installer. This actually is a flaw I found in OdexLite where some applications detect Magisk and AdBlock so they make certain options unavailable. With this version, you can install AdBlock and Magisk after and get apps to work flawlessly. System is stable and a good solution if you want, what I consider, a semi-debloated acceptable ROM. Many users also mentioned that mobile and LTE networks work flawlessly with this ROM.
O (8.x.x): None (I just di not try any of them after my battery problem)
P (9.x.x): 2 Came out of the lot and work strait out of the box. OK, WORK is a big word here, be prepared for a few issues. BUT, battery life is good, not too many apps and some fun customized options.
• LineageOS 16.0: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...opment/rom-unofficial-lineageos-16-0-t3880888
Used it for a few months without major issues besides the common Pie ROM issues notably camera and audio issues and some WiFi problems.
• ViperOS 6.3: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...elopment/rom-unofficial-viperos-v6-3-t3921301
I was pretty surprised by this ROM. It's basically Lineage OS 16 with extra Viper mods for extra customizations and configuration with, as a user stated, the extra no audio during calls problem. I still consider the Viper addons as bloatware but at least, there's no Samsung apps.
10 (10.x.x): I stopped at Pie. Same issues when reading the ROM threads so I have not even tried any of them because I overuse camera and video calls, who doesn't during COVID-19?
Recommended and usefull apps:
AdAway: https://f-droid.org/packages/org.adaway/
Removes many inapp ads, not those in full screen, but removes lotsand most of them.
Magisk: https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445
Adds root access to your apps if you don't have it pre-enabled in your ROM
OpenGApps: https://opengapps.org/
Installs Google Play and other Google stuff on your phone
Xposed Framework: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=58828974#post58828974
Adds numourous other possibilities to customize your phone. NOTE: Please allow an extra boot time after installation.
Xposed Modules: https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules
Launchers and other apps:
Launchers will give more style to your phone. From changing icon size to drawer's background color, you may want to have a look at launchers for a more customized experience. 2 Launchers held my attention. There's not too many out there that are worth the download even with an above 4/5 star rating. Some of them even show ads which is ridiculous for a launcher as you will see ads popup just in the middle of nowhere.
Microsoft Launcher: My prefered launcher. Has everything you need, notifiction dots, decent customizations and works with icon packs. It lacks a few customizations such as folder colors and opacity, but that left asside, I still think it is the best out of all of them considering that it is totally FREE.
Nova Launcher: The only problem with THIS launcher is that you need the paid version to enable notification badges on your icons.
Evie Launcher: Well it's one or the other, Nova permits lots of customizations with background colors but no badges. Evie permits badges but no background colors or status bar customizations. But, very fast and simple.
MX Player: I've tested a few, one of the best. Reads almost anything, fast and highly customizable. Some may say VLC would be nice but VLC showed a few lags here and there and ended up not reading some files MX read OR had more time with videos accros the network, MX Player does a very nice job.
Options you may want to change:
Enable programmer's options and disable all animations for a faster response time in apps.
Enable USB Debugging and set USB mode to File Transfer or Media Transfer Protocol.
Final Notes: I love the Pie experience but I had to resigne and go back to Nougat for stability and the camera which I use very often. It took me a while to find a reasonable Nougat ROM because I was going to resigne and go back to XtreStoLite. If you plan on testing, Facebook and Google accounts are your best friends to save your stuff so you don't need to restart your games or retype your contacts.
The chosen one: ULTIMATE NOUGAT
I hope this will help people make a choice on what to install for Canadian W8 phones. Do not hesitate to post your comments on your experiences and if you have suggestions or more information on tests you did with other ROMs not mentionned here.
Additional Bloatware you may not need
Now this is for modders who may come upon some bloatwares installed. When installing Ultimate Nougat, I decided to uninstall apps I do not use and found combersome and irritating for me. Here is the list of package names that can be removed which include App Lock, Weather and other widgets. If you are not sure of what you are doing, please do a Google Search on the package names to make sure you are uninstalling something you really do not need. In my case, I chose to uninstall these packages. You may want to get a package name virwer to know where these have been installed to remove them.
I use Total Commander with root permissions and I delete them. When I delete these packages, the phone boots properly and I get no messages or service stopping errors so I consider this my safe to remove list.
List of packages that I removed in the "system" folder (you need root permissions or use TWRP to delete):
Spoiler: KNOX
app/KNOXStub
app/KNOXStore
app/KnoxAttestationAgent
app/KNOXAgent
app/KLMSAgent
app/ContainerAgent
app/ContainerEventsRelayManager
app/KnoxFolderContainer2
app/KnoxRemoteContentsProvider
app/KnoxAppsUpdateAgent
app/KnoxFolderContainer
app/KnoxSetupWizardClient
app/KnoxSwitcher
app/MyKNOXSetupWizard
app/KnoxMigrationAgent
app/KnoxSetupWizardStub
app/SamsungDLPService
app/BBCAgent
app/SecurityLogAgent
priv-app/MyKNOXSetupWizard
priv-app/KLMSAgent
priv-app/SPDClient
priv-app/SKMSAgent
container
tima_measurement_info
framework/knoxsdk.jar
framework/knoxvpnuidtag.jar
etc/secure_storage/com.sec.knox.store
etc/secure_storage/com.sec.knox.store!dex
Spoiler: AUDIO
media\audio\ringtones\A_Rustling_in_the_Trees.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Basic_Bell.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Basic_Tone.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Beep_Once.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Beginning.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Bunny_Hopping.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Chimes.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Crossing_a_River.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Dance_Party.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Day_by_Day.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Drifting_Downstream.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Ecliptic.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\First_Light.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Fresh_Morning.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Mystic_Tone.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Ocean_Voyage.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\One_Step_Forward.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Prelude.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Scampering_Tone.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Somewhere.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Ticktac.ogg
media\audio\ringtones\Warm_Greetings.ogg
media\audio\notifications\Beep_Once.ogg
media\audio\notifications\Good_Time.ogg
media\audio\notifications\Run.ogg
media\audio\notifications\S_Harmonics.ogg
media\audio\notifications\S_Opener.ogg
media\audio\notifications\S_Temple_Bell.ogg
media\audio\notifications\Sweet_Favour.ogg
media\audio\notifications\Whisper.ogg
media\audio\notifications\Hello.ogg
media\audio\notifications\Peanut.ogg
media\audio\notifications\S_Bubbles.ogg
media\audio\notifications\S_Charming_Bell.ogg
media\audio\notifications\S_Dew_drops.ogg
media\audio\notifications\S_Knock.ogg
media\audio\notifications\S_Tickety_Tock.ogg
Spoiler: SAMSUNG
app/SamsungSans
app/VirtualTour_N_OS
app/VideoTrimmer_Dream
app/VideoEditorLite_Dream_N
app/VideoCollage_Grace_N
app/SlowMotion_Dream_N
app/EasterEgg
app/EasyOneHand3
app/GameOptimizer
app/WallpaperBackup
app/Weather2017_SE
app/WeatherWidget2017_SE
app/SmartRemote_zero
app/SmartSwitchAgent
app/SecFactoryPhoneTest
app/SecurityProviderSEC
app/STalkback
app/OneNote_Compact_Samsung
app/GearManagerStub
app/SecMemo3
app/AllshareFileShare
app/AllshareMediaShare
app/SBrowser_5.0
app/SPrintSpooler7
app/CloudGateway2017
priv-app/DiagMonAgent
priv-app/GalaxyAppsWidget_Phone
priv-app/SamsungPayStub
priv-app/SamsungBilling
priv-app/GalaxyApps_3xh
priv-app/GalaxyCare
priv-app/GalaxyThemes
priv-app/PowerPoint_SamsungStub
priv-app/SamsungAccount_Dream
priv-app/SamsungCloud
priv-app/HealthService
priv-app/LegacySmartManagerProvider
priv-app/SamsungPass_1.1
priv-app/VoiceNote_5.0
priv-app/Word_SamsungStub
priv-app/ThemeCenter
priv-app/SecLiveWallpapersPicker
priv-app/SHealth5
priv-app/SmartManager_v5
priv-app/SmartManager_v5_DeviceSecurity
priv-app/EasyLauncher2_Zero
priv-app/SVoicePLM
priv-app/SVoiceLang_EnglishPack_US_1.0
priv-app/SVoiceLang_FrenchPack_1.0
priv-app/SamsungMagnifier3
priv-app/SecEmail_N
priv-app/SecureFolderStub
priv-app/EasySetup
priv-app/GameHome
priv-app/GameTools
priv-app/OneDrive_Samsung_v2
etc/sysconfig/samsungaccount.xml
etc/sysconfig/samsungauthframework.xml
etc/sysconfig/samsungemail.xml
etc/sysconfig/samsungfidouafasm.xml
etc/sysconfig/samsungfidouafclient.xml
etc/sysconfig/samsungpushservice.xml
framework/gamemanager.jar

I just picked up a used SM-G920W8 as a backup until I get my Pixel 2 XL back. I plan to keep it as a backup phone but also as a music player for around the house, on trips and at the gym. The battery life is pretty poor!
I was hoping to put a custom ROM and was wondering if you'd be able to give me some guidance. So many posts on this forum are from 3 years ago and I'm not sure what is valid anymore. After seeing your post, and thank you, I would suspect you have a good deal of experience with this Canadian version of the S6.
My questions are:
What is the process to get TWRP on my device?
Can any of the other ROMs you tried but didn't run be made to work if we flash a custom kernel after flashing the ROM?
In your OP the problems you say you have, are those with your current Unofficial Lineage ROM? I'd hate to have the camera issues.
Thanks in advance.

Installing TWRP with ODIN
blyndfyre said:
I just picked up a used SM-G920W8 as a backup until I get my Pixel 2 XL back. I plan to keep it as a backup phone but also as a music player for around the house, on trips and at the gym. The battery life is pretty poor!
I was hoping to put a custom ROM and was wondering if you'd be able to give me some guidance. So many posts on this forum are from 3 years ago and I'm not sure what is valid anymore. After seeing your post, and thank you, I would suspect you have a good deal of experience with this Canadian version of the S6.
My questions are:
What is the process to get TWRP on my device?
Can any of the other ROMs you tried but didn't run be made to work if we flash a custom kernel after flashing the ROM?
In your OP the problems you say you have, are those with your current Unofficial Lineage ROM? I'd hate to have the camera issues.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A simple Google search makes it easy to find but, having a thread like this one , I believe that your questions are relevant. So...
Question #1 (getting TWRP on your phone): 2 links to start with ODIN to make the flash and TWRP, the thing you need to install:
ODIN (remove spaces in the following link): ww w.droid views.com/download-odin-tool-for-samsung-galaxy-devices-all-versions/
TWRP: https://twrp.me/samsung/samsunggalaxys6.html
Follow the instructions on the ODIN website. ODIN is used to flash your phone to have TWRP installed. Also note that this process is pretty critical as it can brick your phone so be carefull and follow the instruction properly. I have flashed TWRP a few times without any problems on my side.
Question #2 (Installing a custom kernel):
I have not tried this and did not adventure myself into installing any such thing. I tend to stick with original stuff to make sure to not brick my phone. AND seeing that many custom ROMS for Pie are not out yet and also seeing the battery problem with OREO, this simply means that noone has ever found anything stable yet for this device. I don't believe that installing another kernel may make things work better. But this is just an opinion and since I did not try any custom kernel, I don't believe to have the best answer for you concerning this.
Question #3 (Camera issues with custom ROM):
Samsung Galaxy S6 is made to work with Marshmallow abreviated as MM in certain threads and posts. So anything after MM is a risk, stable or not. I had XtreStoLite for many years and I had absolutely no problems until some apps just said that MM was not supported anymore. That's pretty much the only reason I decided to install something new. I also noticed that Nougat is still very popular but have not found any Nougat ROMS that were not too heavy or simply unavailable for my Canadian phone. But, if you install any MM ROMS, your are mostly not going to have any problems. You could try OREO roms and fall in luck and find someone that figured out how to elliminate the battery issue but in my case, I tend to stick myself to the latest ROMS and live temporarly with my problems until an update fixes it as I don't have too much stuff on my phone that makes me take the reinstallation as a waste of time. I can install over 15 custom ROMS in one day while only 3 or 4 Windows during the same period, I believe that trial and error in this case is worth it. There are few stable builds that correspond to my criterias which are very few custom apps and lightweight that are less than 650 mb ROMS. Most roms go over 2 Gb while som maintain between 1.2 to 1.7 gb which I find pretty huge to my opinion seeing I can get a fully working rom for 550 mb.
I hope this helps a bit. I'm not one of those geeky people with all the technological knowledge to explain or understand the nuances of kernels and roms. I'm not a developper nor a ROM creator myself so just following the installation processes proposed makes me a simple user. I applaud those creating custom kernels and roms from scratch with nothing but their knowledge without any installation instructions until they figure out by themselves how to explain their procedures, these people are the real fun guys or girls that make us use our phone to their outmost potential without any controls giving us the freedom to use the full unlimited functionalities of our android phones.

Just so you are aware the Canadian s6 is the same as the T-Mobile version, so any separate Rom download or fixes for the T-Mobile s6 apply. Any Oreo or Pie rom will have custom kernel prepackaged, as Samsung never released those on this device.

@Rouwdyboy Well that's a very constructive comment. Thank you, this may open up some possibilities and other tests on my side once I get some time again. Thank you for your comment!

@green3water5 how did you get a Canadian S6 to work? Wow!
Other than my S6 being edge, my SM-G925W8 installs LineageOS 16.1 fine but there is no cellular data at all. Calls go through but there's no sound...
I have a suspicion that the installer installs the zeroltexx version of the ROM which is causing the issue.
I guess the only thing that can differ from my installation to yours is Twrp, so which version of Twrp do you use?
Thanks (in advance)

Jeffreyyou said:
@green3water5 how did you get a Canadian S6 to work? Wow!
Other than my S6 being edge, my SM-G925W8 installs LineageOS 16.1 fine but there is no cellular data at all. Calls go through but there's no sound...
I have a suspicion that the installer installs the zeroltexx version of the ROM which is causing the issue.
I guess the only thing that can differ from my installation to yours is Twrp, so which version of Twrp do you use?
Thanks (in advance)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to admit that I do not use my cell phone using cellular data. I constantly need wifi to use GS Wave for VoIP calls. I have not tested cellular data but I do know that MOST Pie ROMS have sound issues and some Nougat ROMS also. The sound issue is pretty redundant but in my case, using GS Wave, I do not encounter those bugs. The only problem I encounter, I have already mentionned above, BUT, I have updated my first post to warn people of possible sound problems when using cellular data. I'm sorry that I'm not of big use for your problem but thank you for your reply!

I have updated my tests and added my point of view on ViperOS.

Calls
I have no sound in phone calls, everything else is working fine.
i tried to see if there was something like "persist.vendor.audio.fluence.voicecall=true" in the build prop to edit, hoping to fix the issue.

After testing out and other numourouse trials and errors. Here's my new comments on ROMs for G920W8 models. Hope this helps. I rewrote the entire thread content for clearer explanations.

Jeffreyyou said:
@green3water5 how did you get a Canadian S6 to work? Wow!
Other than my S6 being edge, my SM-G925W8 installs LineageOS 16.1 fine but there is no cellular data at all. Calls go through but there's no sound...
I have a suspicion that the installer installs the zeroltexx version of the ROM which is causing the issue.
I guess the only thing that can differ from my installation to yours is Twrp, so which version of Twrp do you use?
Thanks (in advance)
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Click to collapse
I have the exact same problem as you do. I tried many roms and so far, none kept the data ON execpt Resurrection Remix 7 (zerofltecan) for about... 3 hours.
But, when I go back to stock, mobile data comes back.
@green3water5 I sent you a private message AND THEN found that thread. Sorry to have bothered you, will keep writing in here

coolmat said:
I have the exact same problem as you do. I tried many roms and so far, none kept the data ON execpt Resurrection Remix 7 (zerofltecan) for about... 3 hours.
But, when I go back to stock, mobile data comes back.
@green3water5 I sent you a private message AND THEN found that thread. Sorry to have bothered you, will keep writing in here
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Click to collapse
That's why I chose to use OdexLite which is a Nougat based ROM. Oreo and Pie seem to be too recent to have perfect functionalities seeing that S6 is way outdated today. So seeing Pie ROMS work seems, for now at least, a bit more dreamy than reality. Nougat has passed pretty much all possible tests and seeing most of them being abandonned by their authors, I think that most problems may have been resolved and that other issues which may raise are probably corrected with Oreo and Pie ROMs. But again, I do not use cellular lines as I use voip through wifi connections so I cannot suggest anything more than my experience as a computer technician concerning roms and softwares installed on old systems. We are now at the S10 phone, 4 versions higher with Pie starting to be the default system sold on recent phones.
My experience so far with OdexLite without cellular data: I have nothing but good to say. I've had no camera issues, no sound issues, no wifi issues and no problems installing anything I wanted. Up to now, it's the best and most stable ROM I've installed after XtreStoLite. Of course there are small things that I liked in Pie like theme changes and some keyboard changes but nothing compared to how fluid and stable the system is compared to Oreo and Pie ROMs I had tested.
And I am not bothered by any messages. Thank you for your usefull comment.

green3water5 said:
That's why I chose to use OdexLite which is a Nougat based ROM. Oreo and Pie seem to be too recent to have perfect functionalities seeing that S6 is way outdated today. So seeing Pie ROMS work seems, for now at least, a bit more dreamy than reality. Nougat has passed pretty much all possible tests and seeing most of them being abandonned by their authors, I think that most problems may have been resolved and that other issues which may raise are probably corrected with Oreo and Pie ROMs. But again, I do not use cellular lines as I use voip through wifi connections so I cannot suggest anything more than my experience as a computer technician concerning roms and softwares installed on old systems. We are now at the S10 phone, 4 versions higher with Pie starting to be the default system sold on recent phones.
My experience so far with OdexLite without cellular data: I have nothing but good to say. I've had no camera issues, no sound issues, no wifi issues and no problems installing anything I wanted. Up to now, it's the best and most stable ROM I've installed after XtreStoLite. Of course there are small things that I liked in Pie like theme changes and some keyboard changes but nothing compared to how fluid and stable the system is compared to Oreo and Pie ROMs I had tested.
And I am not bothered by any messages. Thank you for your usefull comment.
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Click to collapse
I was not able to install OdexLite, it always bootloop, but I was able to install Ultimate Nougat and I can confirm that it's the first ROM that mobile data works. So what I deduct is that Canadian providers locked mobile data (LTE) to Android 7 (Nougat) for SM-G920W8. I can't remember where I read that before, but it's not the first time I see that people had to update in order to get mobile data for it to work.
Sadness...

@coolmat Thank you for this very usefull comment. Even though I do not really understand why you get a bootloop with OdexLite, you still managed to get a Nougat ROM to work. If this resolved your issue for LTE network, I glad that Ultimate Nougat worked for you. And I think we just need to be patient and wait until there is more serious work for Pie ROMs until someone finds out how to resolve the network and other issues we have.

Added Ultimate Nougat in the list of Tested Nougat ROMs. Thanks to @coolmat for this little info. Tried the installation another time and rom worked.

**EDIT: I'm editing this because some people might not scroll more... Don't install this ROM. As green3water5 stated (below) it is in beta and after further testing, there's a big issue where rebooting kills it.
Guys, I just found the BEST ROM for the SM-G925W8! It's Android PIE and mobile data WORKS REALLY WELL!!!. (When you install, install the "US Variant")
This ROM is faster than all the other PIE, OREO, NOUGAT, and STOCK! It's faster than my S8 lol.
**MiUi camera, don't use stock
The ROM is also for the Note 5 and other S6 variants, hence 2GB size.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/development/rom-floyd-n7fe-port-v1-0-t3882804

JeffYou said:
Guys, I just found the BEST ROM for the SM-G925W8! It's Android PIE and mobile data WORKS REALLY WELL!!!. (When you install, install the "US Variant")
This ROM is faster than all the other PIE, OREO, NOUGAT, and STOCK! It's faster than my S8 lol. This ROM gets an A+ (or as we Ontarians say "level 4+")
**MiUi camera, don't use stock
The ROM is also for the Note 5 and other S6 variants, hence 2GB size.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/development/rom-floyd-n7fe-port-v1-0-t3882804
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Click to collapse
It states that the ROM is under Beta. Did you compare the sound recording of tha camera compared to the other ROMS I listed. Does the camera work flawlessly with Facebook Messenger and other apps asking for camera?

green3water5 said:
It states that the ROM is under Beta. Did you compare the sound recording of tha camera compared to the other ROMS I listed. Does the camera work flawlessly with Facebook Messenger and other apps asking for camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, my bad. Don't install the ROM. I used it all night and it worked great but if you boot it the second time, it will shutdown/reboot right after booting into the OS ( kind-of like a bootloop(?) ).

Did not work on SM-G920W8...

coolmat said:
I was not able to install OdexLite, it always bootloop, but I was able to install Ultimate Nougat and I can confirm that it's the first ROM that mobile data works. So what I deduct is that Canadian providers locked mobile data (LTE) to Android 7 (Nougat) for SM-G920W8. I can't remember where I read that before, but it's not the first time I see that people had to update in order to get mobile data for it to work.
Sadness...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here...

Recommendation

NEED rom Recommendation Battery+Performance+Customization (if possible)
Doesn't matter if its oreo or pie based
Currently On Stock Oreo January Security patch
Performance is Not Good,Battery hardly survives
3hrs on screen Time

3 hours screen on time - battery needs replacement. Its just 10 bucks. Get a new battery for 10 bucks and swap it or get used to run everywhere around with a powerbank connected to your phone.
I got 2 days with fresh battery and latest stable LineageOS image clean installed (with ./flash-all.sh and TWRP)

@abdullahk6809
Alright, so i figured it would be easier to post via my computer rather than my phone.
TLDR : If you don't want to read all of this then stick with 8.1 roms for the best battery life and no issues. Cr droid and Resurrection Remix both posted their final 8.1 builds and both have run flawlessly for me. The same goes for AICP and AFAIK they are still merging up stream changes though minor with their weeklies.
As far as 9.0, we do not have official support, so it's still being worked on to get the best experience/no issues. AICP 9.0 has worked out the best for me with 9.0 then followed by Resurrection Remix.
There is a huge thing you need to be aware of if you're not already, that being our 9.0 roms currently use two different types of encryption. AOSIP, AICP, Resurrection Remix, CR Droid all use full disk encryption. (FDE) which is the same encryption we have always used. For that you just use the offical TWRP. All of the 9.0 stock roms currently are using file based encryption(FBE) and for that you need to use a specific TWRP that was made for it, and if you are currently on FDE (which you are) you need to format data after flashing the rom, meaning you will WIPE ALL OF YOUR INTERNAL. IF you decide to go back to an 8.1 rom, or try one that uses FDE, you will need to do the same process. Switch back to the offical TWRP, and format data after you flash the rom. If you go to FBE and stay on it, then you do NOT need to format data/switch twrp going one from FBE rom to another FBE rom, or updating the current rom.
So when choosing what to flash, you need to read the OP of each rom and know which encryption it uses, or it will not boot. Roms that run FBE AFAIK always have the twrp needed linked in the OP.
With 9.0, as i said, it is still a work in progress since we have lost official support. So if you read the threads some people are reporting issues with calls, Volte, issues with whatsapp etc.. So read the threads at least the last 15 or so pages to see if people are currently having issues. Like i said previously i could tell you to go flash x rom, because it works the best for me. But then you have issues because you use whatsapp and can't send voice messages or w/e and i don't use it. With people using the device for different reasons, you need to take time to see what works for you versus just a one word answer that will work for you.
A lot of people are having issues with 9.0 because of battery life, but I do not see a huge decrease in battery life, but i don't use battery killing apps like face book, whatsapp, or play games or anything. If you really are only getting 3 hours SOT you might want to see what is using your battery via better battery stats or gsam, because it's possible apps could be doing it, and no rom will change that. If you find out that no rouge apps are really killing your battery, as was just stated, depending on how old the device is, you might need a new battery. This phone is a good device but they used pretty ****ty components on it, thanks China. I myself have not had battery issues but i bought my device like three or four years ago, some devices are older.
Anyways, that's about all i can really offer for advice, i don't spend nearly as much time on this forum as i used to because i end up getting into confrontations with people that spread misinformaation, or refuse to follow simple courtesy that are not rules such as asking for eta's etc..
If you end up having any questions i might be able to answer, send me a PM. It might take me some time to respond as i don't use the app as much as i used to, but i'm always willing to answer even the dumbest question when asked via private message.

Lawlrus said:
@abdullahk6809
TLDR : If you don't want to read all of this then stick with 8.1 roms for the best battery life and no issues. Cr droid and Resurrection Remix both posted their final 8.1 builds and both have run flawlessly for me. The same goes for AICP and AFAIK they are still merging up stream changes though minor with their weeklies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Lawlrus, I'd just like to have a stable rom. Like you said 8.1 rom might be my best choice, but RR has stopped updating the 8.1 version so what I worry about is it's lacking security patches.
So would you suggest some roms that's stable and and getting updates as well ?
What I might need is :
1. dark theme 2. night light (blue light filter) 3. probably fling nav bar

Is it worth upgrading from 7.1.1?

I spent a good few years rooting my Android phones, installing ROMs, etc. Quite a while ago I stopped, due to being pretty happy with the performance of this phone, and lack of time/interest in doing it any more. Consquently my phone is running 7.1.1 and ony has a security patch date of September 2017
I realise this is not a good state of affairs. I'm not a coder or anything like that, and I've forgotten most of what I learned about the specifics of this phone a long time ago. If I want to install a new ROM, it's going to mean a lot of reading to bring myself back up to date.
So, aside from my dire security situation, is there actually anything that is going to make my life better by installing an Android 9 or 10 ROM, over and above 7.1.1? Or is it just window-dressing? I'm looking to keep this phone for a while longer yet, and have just ordered a new battery for it, so I thought a software refresh might also be nice. I just wondered whether anyone wanted to offer an opinion on whether it's worthwhile, given it will involve a lot of work for me since I'm so rusty!

Why not just upgrade to stock pie and wait for the Android 10 update coming next year. You don't need to root to get more up to date software.
I've decided it's not worth rooting anymore because I want working Google pay, no bugs, etc. There isn't really anything I need root for and the stock oxygen os is perfect in my opinion.

350Rocket said:
Why not just upgrade to stock pie and wait for the Android 10 update coming next year. You don't need to root to get more up to date software.
I've decided it's not worth rooting anymore because I want working Google pay, no bugs, etc. There isn't really anything I need root for and the stock oxygen os is perfect in my opinion.
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Just re-read my initial post and I wasn't clear. My phone is rooted/ROMd already. This is why I'm so far behind with software updates, because I got sick of flashing updates all the time. I have a couple of apps that require root, such as an ad-free Youtube with background play (which I'd really like to keep), and Titanium Backup. Aside from those, my phone doesn't really need to be rooted I guess.

I pay a monthly fee to have those features on YouTube. I couldn't go without background play anymore. I would almost root just for that.
As far as if it's worth it, security updates are probably a good idea. I don't recall any major things that Android 9 has that 7.1.1 didn't when I first got the phone a couple of years ago.
I have my banking info to worry about though so I stay stock and keep updated (over the air updates the easy way).

setspeed, I don't know what ROM you are rocking there but for me, on official, pure Oxygen OS I don't find it at all hard to update:
- I download the ROM, Magisk uninstaller, latest Magisk, latest TWRP (I noticed that some blu spark version works best with decryption).
- boot into TWRP
- flash ROM, magisk uninstaller, Makist, TWRP
- boot into sys and re-download whatever Magisk modules I had installed
OxygenOS is only updated every month or so, this procedure takes 10 - 20 minutes at most, so this is not really too much for me to do.
I cannot pin point you the exact big improvements being introduced since 7.1.1, but you can trace the important ones on Wikipedia.
On another note, not having security updates since September 2017 is like walking in front of the shooting range and expecting not to get shot.

setspeed said:
I spent a good few years rooting my Android phones, installing ROMs, etc. Quite a while ago I stopped, due to being pretty happy with the performance of this phone, and lack of time/interest in doing it any more. Consquently my phone is running 7.1.1 and ony has a security patch date of September 2017
I realise this is not a good state of affairs. I'm not a coder or anything like that, and I've forgotten most of what I learned about the specifics of this phone a long time ago. If I want to install a new ROM, it's going to mean a lot of reading to bring myself back up to date.
So, aside from my dire security situation, is there actually anything that is going to make my life better by installing an Android 9 or 10 ROM, over and above 7.1.1? Or is it just window-dressing? I'm looking to keep this phone for a while longer yet, and have just ordered a new battery for it, so I thought a software refresh might also be nice. I just wondered whether anyone wanted to offer an opinion on whether it's worthwhile, given it will involve a lot of work for me since I'm so rusty!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, i'm basically in the same situation and i make a post just today for the same reason. I want to update and unroot. What can i do? i'm at oreo 8.1.0 and os 5.1.1. Maybe is better first lock the bootloader and then make the OTA? but even if all go smooth which i doubt, how can i restore my backup without titanium without the root? is a f...ing mess

Just dirty flash the latest Oxygen OS (full zip). Then wipe the cache and you should be good to go. That's basically what I've been doing for quite some time with every update (plus Magisk).

daniel_loft said:
Just dirty flash the latest Oxygen OS (full zip). Then wipe the cache and you should be good to go. That's basically what I've been doing for quite some time with every update (plus Magisk).
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that's probably the worst suggestion i've ever heard. You suggest to dirty flash from nougat/oreo to pie and do it straigh away...maybe even with a twrp 2 years old. Sounds good man..then i good to go..to a store and buy a new phone