LineageOS: what is it and which phones support this custom ROM
- Igor Almenara
- 26 de jan. de 2022
- 4 min de leitura
Atualizado: 2 de fev. de 2022
Due to its open-source layout, Android can be designed in several different distributions — and many of them are free for anyone to download and install. In another article, Canaltech showed that there are alternatives in addition to Android and iOS that come installed on devices straight out of the box, LineageOS being one of the most famous. But what exactly is it?
“A free open-source operating system for multiple devices, based on the Android platform”, describes the official page. The more tech-savvy must know this Custom ROM as a viable option to give more years of support to devices abandoned by the manufacturers themselves, but it is not restricted to this single use.
LineageOS is, like One UI (Samsung) and MIUI (Xiaomi) an Android distribution, but built under the collaboration of programmers. The ROM is the spiritual successor to the classic CyanogenMod, an alternative system also based on the Google OS's. The previous project, abandoned due to management problems in the old team, was reformulated in 2016 to be mostly composed of community contribution and to this day LineageOS remains firm and frequently provides updates for compatible phones.
In 2021, the distribution reached version 18.1. The update brought Android 11, released in 2020, to more than 60 cellphone and tablet models.
LineageOS: a vanilla Android with advantages
LineageOS phones take advantage of Google Play Services like any other device, so Search Giant's platforms and apps are compatible with it. On the other hand, there is no trace of manufacturers or phone carriers in the alternative OS, so it can be said that it is cleaner than the more popular solutions.
Its native applications are restricted to the basics, such as AudioFX (sound equalizer), calculator, calendar, clock; contacts; dialer, and file manager. In visual style, LineageOS doesn't lag far behind other systems: there's dark mode, and accent colors can be chosen either manually or automatically pulled from the wallpaper (which might remind you a bit of Android 12).
In terms of security and privacy, LineageOS also stands out. The distance between the collaborative project and the giant Google allows it to have its own methods of protecting the user. Security patch packages are shipped monthly for supported devices, which is already better than many major smartphone manufacturers.
In this sense, longevity is also one of the most important points. As mentioned before, LineageOS can give years of lifetime to old models and provide updates that the manufacturers themselves are not interested in developing. Devices left with only the promise of one or two updates have access to the latest Android features and security packages for years to come with the custom ROM.
How to download LineageOS
While it seems advantageous for specific use cases, installing LineageOS is no easy task. It is necessary to have a good level of computer knowledge, a PC to follow the process, and to know the fundamentals of how the cell phone behaves when installing a new operating system. So it is not recommended that you do this on your main mobile without studying the subject in depth.
From the official LineageOS page you can download both the operating system and the additional packages needed to implement one feature or another on the device. No registration is required.
All downloads are completely free and it is good practice to have your cell phone charged regardless of whether it is being charged via a USB cable. In addition, the process can take some time and, if you are not careful, personal files can end up being left behind. So it's good to make a backup of everything important before starting the process.
Another key warning is that this process may violate the store's and manufacturer's warranty terms. Installing a custom ROM may result in permanent damage or the device becoming unusable. It's good to keep this in mind before deciding to migrate to LineageOS.
Which phones are compatible with LineageOS?
The list of devices compatible with LineageOS is extensive and includes models from manufacturers not known in Brazil and officially discontinued units. With that in mind, CT filtered the list of the most popular brands in the country. If you are interested in trying the system, check if your cell phone/tablet appears in the selection:
Asus
ROG Phone 2
Zenfone 2
Zenfone 3
Zenfone 5z
Zenfone 6
Zenfone Max M2
Zenfone Max Pro M1
Zenfone Max Pro M2
ZenPad 8.0
Motorola
Edge
Moto E5 Plus
Moto G5/G5S
Moto G6
Moto G7 and Moto G7 Play/Plus/Power
Moto One Power
Moto X
Moto Z2 and Moto Z2 Play/Power
Moto Z3 Play
LG
G Pad 7.0
G Pad 8.0/8.3
G5
K10
V20
Optimus L70
Nokia
Nokia 6.1
Samsung
Galaxy A3
Galaxy A5
Galaxy A7
Galaxy J7
Galaxy Note 8
Galaxy Note 9
Galaxy S7/S7 Edge
Galaxy S9/S9+
Galaxy Tab S
Galaxy Tab S2
Galaxy Tab S5e
Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Sony
Xperia 10/10 Plus
Xperia Tablet Z2
Xperia XA2 and XA2 Plus/Ultra
Xperia XZ2/XZ2 Compact
Xperia XZ3
Xperia Z3/Z3 Compact
Xiaomi
Mi 3
Mi 4/4c
Mi 5
Mi 5s/5s Plus
Mi 6
Mi 6X
Mi 8/8 Lite
Mi A1
Mi A2
Mi MIX
Mi Mix 2/2S
Mi Note 3
Redmi
Redmi 7
Redmi K20
Redmi Note 5 Pro
Redmi Note 6 Pro
Redmi Note 7/7 Pro
Redmi Note 8/8T
The complete and up-to-date compatibility list can be accessed on the official LineageOS page.
Should you install LineageOS on your mobile?
In the vast majority of scenarios, no. Going deeper into customizing a device is not a simple task like installing a new app. It takes time, knowledge, and a lot of attention, so it's not for everyone.
However, if the task is within your reach, it's good to think carefully before starting the installation. If it's for pure curiosity and on a forgotten device at home, fine, it won't hurt to try new things and understand how the custom ROM installation process happens. However, this sheer will should not be taken into account if the integrity of your flagship smartphone is at stake.
In this case, if you have sufficient technical knowledge and a device without updates from the manufacturer, it may be a good idea to try LineageOS — but remember: do it at your own risk.
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