Why Do You Need a Custom ROM for the Google Pixel?
There are plenty of reasons that you might want a custom ROM for your Google Pixel. In addition to fixing common Google Pixel problems, custom ROMs also add additional features to make your device function even more smoothly and effectively. With a custom ROM, even older devices can rival the functionality of new releases. Custom ROMs also allow you to install applications on the SD card, which the stock OS does not allow. They can even help improve the quality of calls made from a phone because they allow for the user to increase their base-band and signal.
Before Installing Custom ROMs for the Google Pixel
Though custom ROMs for the Google Pixel are worthwhile, it’s important to be aware of the risks. For one, rooting, which is necessary for installing a custom ROM, voids the warranty of the device. Second, if something goes wrong, the user may end up losing all their data and it’s nearly impossible to reverse this. Therefore, before you begin installing a custom ROM, make sure you have done the following:
Installed TWRP Recovery on your Google Pixel,Rooted your Pixel,Backed up every single piece of necessary data.
Now that you know the basic details about custom ROMs for the Google Pixel, it’s time to dig deeper! I’ve sorted out ten of the best custom ROMs for the Pixel to help you find the best one for you.
1. The Pure Nexus Project
One of the most popular and adored ROMS, the Pure Nexus project, offers a rather wider range of customized features as compared to the Pure Vanilla Android version. This project is very fast and light due to the absence of bloatware or unused changes. There is a full-fledged theme engine and it’s based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Among these features are the screenshot technique of the 3-finger swipe, option to turn off the camera shutter sound, volume key media control, and plenty more entertaining and useful features.
Pros:
A large ROM with theme support via substratum in the current timeGApps supportIncludes Pixel-style software keys and Pixel launcherIncludes notification tray customization and notification light control
Cons:
Does not support many devices. It’s primarily developed for Pixel and Nexus devices. There might be an unofficial build for other devices, but nothing definiteVolume control options not updated
2. The Hexa Project
The Hexa Project is based on CyanogenMod 14.1, which is an unofficial ROM that managed to extend its code by including the Lineage OS. Like the ROM above, the Hexa Project is also based on the Android 7.1.1 Nougat. OTA updates are possible in the recent updates of this Android version, which allows for a smooth update to the ROM itself. The features in this ROM that stand out the most are signature spoofing, gestures anywhere, and in-built pie controls.
Pros:
Inbuilt gesture commands optionPie control built into the systemOffers signature spoofingFamiliar interface to users who’ve used CyanogenModAllows for smooth updates
Cons:
A possible bug may cause the camera HDR to stop working.Users might need to wipe cache before flashingPossible touch bug
3. WETA
WETA is another custom ROM based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat. This ROM concentrates on stability and audio more than any other feature or function. This ROM even disables the warning that the stock OS gives when volume is turned up too high, effectively ensuring greater enjoyment of your audio with fewer distractions.
Pros:
Great for users of Google Pixel who love listening to music or watching moviesExcellent alternative to purchasing expensive headphonesIncludes battery mods, center clock, navigation bar tuner, QS tile options, and slider toggle for adjusting brightnessTuner mods
Cons:
Needs a charged battery for flashingNeeds TWRP Recovery on your PixelA complete data backup is essential avoid loss
4. Bliss ROM
Again based on Android Nougat, Bliss ROM is super smooth and fast. It offers a vast variety of both, not only customization but also functionality. Stability is an important part of this software as is great speed. The stability levels are astonishing, given that Bliss ROM is still in the alpha state. Part of this stability is especially appealing as the ROM can thus be used as a daily diver. It’s important to note, however, that this ROM is only available for the Pixel XL.
Pros:
Several tweaks and customization settings availableSystems animations for opening up and closing down activities availableAbility to move between apps with added easeAbility to change toast animation as per your wishAmazing effects that work on several kinds of listsAbility to customize navigation buttons according to color and visibility
Cons:
Limited support for other kinds of hardware
5. OctOS ROM
OctOS ROM consisted of two ROMs initially. One was an AOSP version, which they eventually decided to discontinue. The other one was LineageOS, with which they chose to continue their development. This custom ROM is updated weekly and is also based on Android 7.1.1. Nougat. Similar to some other ROMs, this ROM is also in the Alpha build stage.
Pros:
Known as being stable and suitable for daily usageIncludes several coveted features like the OmniSwitch, Pixel Launcher, Tentacles Settings, etc.Based on Lineage, it provides a familiar setup to users of that ROM/modOffers GApps support
Cons:
Development team for ROM doesn’t take responsibility for any bricking of the device or for loss or compromise of informationMight still have unknown bugs
6. Carbon ROM
CarbonROM is an extremely light ROM. It is based on AOSP ROM and is updated regularly. Being free of bloatware, this ROM makes your experience on Google Pixel a lot easier. It offers a lot of stability and delivers frequent updates with the latest security and bug fixes.
Pros:
Development team dedicated to providing ROMs with several features in an honest and transparent mannerFrequently updatedWide hardware support and frequent fixesA burgeoning community online that can provide specific and detailed answers to any question or confusion
Cons:
Team doesn’t take any responsibility for any after-effects of the ROMNot much time spent on XDA support
7. Resurrection Remix OS
Resurrection Remix OS is highly popular and loved among the Android community as it is of high quality and keeps delivering new ROMs. There is frequent updating of the OS and they keep the software up-to-date and the security in check. Similar to the Pure Nexus Project, it has a theme engine along with new developments that make it an attractive custom ROM.
Pros:
Several unique customizations available right out of the boxFrequent updatesDetailed check on securityMany attractive changes to take the smartphone experience to the next level
Cons:
Several bugs in the system, but there are also many bugfixes that could deal with the issueCustomizations are not built right into the settings
8. Paranoid Android
Paranoid Android is based on the latest version of Android 7.1.2 Nougat. Its updated from its 2017 version, brings many new features including Pie Control mode, custom camera binaries, themes support, OTA updates, gesture support, and immersive mode. The immersive mode allows any app to be opened in a full-screen mode. This custom ROM can also use Substratum, which replaces the color engine in the themes support area.
Pros:
Results in an excellent battery lifeExcellent camera qualityEnables usage of several kinds of camera apps, including Camera NX, OOS camera, and Snapdragon CameraIncludes HAL switcherEnhances performance and speed of operation
Cons:
Some complaints of random disconnectsSome reports of data not working properly or lagging without reasonMight cause overheating on certain chargers
9. Lineage OS
Lineage OS is based on the famous early custom ROM called CyanogenMod. The company owning CyanogenMod withdrew this OS. Since it was so loved by the Android community, many were left disappointed with this decision. Very few trusted that any OS could take its place and offer similar features. However, Lineage OS stepped in and presented an Android mod very similar to CyanogenMod.
Pros:
Kept up the aesthetics, conventions, and overall experience of stock Android systemsAdds on several customization optionsA voluntary Google Apps package includes stock apps as well as Google Now LauncherGives user granular control for their personal dataReliable, polished experienceHigh budget behind this ROM, ensuring higher quality
Cons:
Might present a security risk through the necessity of rootingMight result in certain stability problemsCould void device warranty after rooting
10. AOSPExtended ROM
Once Android 8.1 Oreo was rolled out, Google also launched the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Now, AOSP Extended ROM is based on this AOSP source code which includes special features selected from numerous other projects. Since it’s based on AOSP, this custom ROM is super smooth and has little to no lags in its running. For the future, the developers of AOSP Extended intend to add new tweaks to make the experience even better! AOSP Extended offers features such as status bar, lock screen customization, theme support, AOSPA Pie, and much more.
Pros:
Provides a highly enjoyable customized interfaceEnables an enhanced level of control over data and navigation
Cons:
Some issues reported when running Google Maps and Google CalendarDeveloper or manufacturer not responsible for any crashing or bricking of device
Your Turn!
So here we have it, your best options for custom ROMs for the Google Pixel. Be sure to fulfill all the prerequisites before you install and start using one. For good measure, try to get an experienced custom ROM user to help you out as well. Undeniably, your experience will be unlike the basic Android experience, in the best way possible! Which one of these custom ROMs for Google Pixel will you choose? Get it now and share your favorite option to help everyone in your community get a better Android experience.
