ROM Comparisons: Hacked vs AOSP (Cyanogen) vs MIUI
December 6, 2011 in Android 101, Featured, Video, Wireless 101
In case you are just looking for information on a certain type of ROM, jump ahead in the video to:
- 0:53 for Hacked ROM overview
- 6:28 for ASOP ROM overview
- 13:06 for MIUI ROM overview
So you have a rooted device and you see a ton of different ROMs you can choose from…but you do not know what the differences are? This is a common problem and many people feel overwhelmed when making their first few ROM selections. We are going to discuss the most commonly found types of ROMs so you will know what to expect from each one.
Obviously we could not touch on every aspect of each but we have covered the highlights of all three major ROM types.
Hacked (or Modded) ROM:
- Modified manufacturer’s ROM
- Usually maintains same look and feel as stock device (to a point)
- Overclocking is available and performance is generally better than stock
- Limited customization and theme options in comparison with other ROMs
- The basic Hacked ROM is typically debloated (free of excess software added by the carrier or manufacturer as found when purchased)
- Click here for link to ROM used in video
AOSP ROMs (CyanogenMod):
- Built from Google’s source code
- Manufacturer’s overlay is not present (bloatware is gone of course)
- Exceptional customization and theme options built in to the ROM
- Resembles a “Nexus” device – Almost a pure Google experience
- If the build is stable, performance should be superior to stock device (even without overclocking…but of course overclocking is typically available)
- Click here for link to ROM used in video
MIUI (Chinese ROM):
- Unique ROM design which is an AOSP ROM with a custom overlay
- No app drawer in stock launcher – feels more like Apple’s iOS
- Exceptional customization and theme options (perhaps the most)
- Biggest negative – occasionally you will see Chinese text in places
- Again, If the build is stable, performance should be superior to stock device (even without overclocking…but of course overclocking is typically available)
- Click here for link to ROM used in video
Note: Every device will have a different level of support from developers. Not all devices will run better with one style of ROM versus another. Some devices may never see one or more of these types of ROMs.
Talesin BatBat said on January 3, 2012
Just a note, CM7 doesn’t only have those four toggles in the notification area. Those are just the four default toggles. To add/remove/reorder those, just go to Settings->CM Settings->Interface->Notification Power Widget->Widget Buttons (or Reorder). Admittedly much more difficult to find without some exploration (I’d prefer a long-press on it to jump right to the options screen), but quicker and more compact than the MIUI toggles screen.
Really only has space for about eight before it starts getting TOO cramped, but that’s fine by me as Silent/Airplane mode selection is available in the CM power button long-press menu, leaving Bluetooth, Wifi, GPS, Wifi-Hotspot, Illumination Level, and LED Flashlight in the tray with plenty of space even for fat fingers.
Mohd owais said on February 12, 2012
how can i Move all Android applications n their data to SD card after Rooting/unrooting the mobile.plz help
Mohd owais said on February 12, 2012
how can i Move all Android applications
in micro sd/extrnl memory crd nt in phne memory or intrnl memory
after Rooting/unrooting
Thomas said on May 3, 2012
First of all, How do you load a rom when rom manager doesn’t have my phone ( Acer liquid express E 320) in it, and second of al: download links aren’t available