Android is an open source operating system, whose source code can be taken and modified to install it on a smartphone. When Google releases a new version of Android, this is taken by the smartphone manufacturers Samsung, LG, HTC and others and personalized with a different launcher, icons and pre-installed applications.
Since Android is open source, there are not only mobile phone manufacturers, but also some capable developers who, unhappy with the heavy official versions, undermine the system by removing unnecessary applications and functions and adding more things to it.
They are the so-called " Custom ROMs ", derived from the " ROM Stock ", the original Google also called AOSP - Android Open Source Project which is installed on Nexus devices.
Custom ROMs are better than those installed in the various mobile models, free, without constraints, free, with infinite customization options, light and without bloatware (i.e. applications that not everyone uses every day, but not that can be removed because they are integrated in the system), always up to date and installable on almost all mobile models.
There are many ROMs available to choose from, but 10 are the best Android versions for each smartphone, installable with almost all recent and best-selling devices.
1) LineageOS is the ROM born from the ashes of Cyanogenmod, which was the best Android ROM available, simple, similar to the Google Stock ROM, light and without special effects.
The project seems to have resumed its pace of development in the last few months, therefore, even if for now the versions of LineageOS are almost all of the "nightly" type (that is in full development phase) for the future there are excellent hopes.
CyanogenMod was also the most mature Custom ROM of all, the one that existed for the longest time and available for almost all smartphone models, including older ones.
CyanogenMod was therefore the best choice for those who wanted a simple version, as similar as possible to the version installed in the Nexus and ideal for surviving on an older cell phone with little space and little memory.
For 2017, however, it may be better to move on to something else, waiting for LineageOS to become more stable.
2) AOKP (Android Open Kang Project) is the ROM for those who want more, for those looking to push their smartphone more.
While CyanogenMod is a sober and practical Android version, AOKP celebrates the freedom to edit and customize.
AOKP is light without bloatware applications, with a multitude of settings more than the original Android, with a minimalist appearance.
AOKP is compatible with many smartphones released in the last year and the most popular models, although often not in a permanent stable version.
3) Paranoid Android is the ideal choice for those who own a Nexus and OnePlus smartphone, for those who want to personalize their mobile phone in a radical way.
Paranoid Android introduces features on a completely different level, which looks almost like another operating system.
There is no official site for Paranoid Android, but a page on Google+ where to find all the information and where to download the ROM.
A distinctive feature of this ROM is the HALO interface, which brings each set of options into floating buttons on the screen that can be expanded with your finger.
4) PAC ROM (closed) had become the second most used in the world after Cyanogenmod, which immediately stood out for its versatility, for those who want the best of both worlds.
PAC ROM unites all in one and in fact PAC stands for ParanoidAndroid, AOKP, CyanogenMod.
PAC harmonizes all the settings of the three ROMs into something without creating confusion and gives way to enjoy the best features of AOKP and Paranoid Android, in the regular environment of CyanogenMod.
5) MIUI ROM is the most popular custom version of Android in China and the one pre-installed in many Xiaomi smartphones.
The ROM is supported by many mobile models and is perhaps the one with the most beautiful graphic aspect ever and includes many powerful tools to do anything on the phone.
6) OMNIROM is a ROM that brings a graphically beautiful version of Android to your phone, which makes each compatible device faster than it used to be.
This version of Android is compatible with different cell phone models, even if the download names are codenamed and not the commercial names of the various devices.
7) Carbon Rom, it can still be mentioned in 2017 even if the future of this project remains uncertain.
8) SlimRom is the lightest Android version, full of options to customize the system.
At the moment, SlimRom is one of the few ways to bring Android 7 to Nexus 5 and other mobiles that will never be officially updated.
9) BlissRom is an interesting and lively project, even if ROMs are currently only available for some smartphones such as Nexus.
10) Resurrection Remix is an open source project to which everyone can contribute for its development. Also for this reason, this is a ROM widely used in different smartphones, with excellent support for users in the forums.
As features, it could be said to include the best of the features of other ROMs, including Paranoid Android, Omni, Slim, and AOKP.
These 10 ROMs (which I have not tried all directly) work on every recent device and are also in Italian.
Having a Nexus 6, a Samsung Galaxy S7 or S8, a Sony Experia, an LG or an HTC or Huawei, you can install each of these ROMs by following the specific guides.
Cyanogenmod was the easiest to install (or better " Flashare ") and the most stable (but is now called Lineage OS, while versions like Paranoid Android or PAC Man Rom are good, although not compatible with many smartphones.
Installing an Android Custom ROM is quite easy as seen in another article, although, for each model, there may be variations in the procedure and it is important to first check their compatibility.
The reference forum for installing a Custom ROM is XDA Devolopers, in English, but complete with all the information to solve problems.
In general and in a nutshell, to install an Android Custom ROM, the mobile phone must have been unlocked with ROOT and the ClockworkMod Recovery Console installed.
Just then restart the device in recovery mode, delete data and cache and then install the Rom that has been copied to the SD card with the ZIP format.
Obviously this is not a guide but only a shortened guide to the general panorama.
