3 CyanogenMod alternatives compared
CyanogenMod is indisputably the most popular custom ROM for Android smartphones. But some alternatives also offer exciting advantages and additional features. In this practical tip we present the three ROMs Paranoid Android, MIUI and AOKP.
Paranoid Android - ROM with hybrid mode between smartphone and tablet
Paranoid Android uses CyanogenMod as a base, but offers some additional features. A special feature is the hybrid mode, with which you can decide for each app whether it should be shown in the tablet or smartphone view. This quickly proves itself on smaller tablets or so-called phablets.
- Also exciting are the "Pie Controls", which replace the classic menu buttons (see screenshot). You can personalize them extensively.
- For optimal adaptation to the screen size, the ROM offers its own setting menus for scaling and various view modes.
- Thanks to the many own background images and color settings, Paranoid Android can be customized to your personal preferences.
MIUI - Android with a new design and exciting tools
MIUI is also a well-known name when it comes to modified Android versions. The user interface is visually refreshed in many places and reminds a little of Apple's iOS operating system or "Touchwiz" from Samsung. There are many practical functions for this.
- MIUI has a number of its own apps. Simple everyday helpers such as a compass, stopwatch or calculator are reconditioned in the system design and are included in the installation.
- You also have online access to a large number of themes that can be easily used in the settings. So you can optimally adapt the design to your wishes.
- Also useful is "KuaiPan", your own cloud storage that you can use in the MIUI-ROM. The only requirement is that you create a user account with the provider Xiaomi.
AOKP - extensive settings for experienced users
The abbreviation stands for "Android Open Kang Project" and is also an important name in the field of custom ROMs. AOKP is primarily aimed at experienced users who want to make detailed settings on their Android system.
- The setting menus in AOKP are extremely extensive and can be overwhelming for beginners. From the vibration level to the color of the menu bar, there is hardly a setting that you cannot adjust.
- You even have full control over the hardware: you can change the clock rate of the CPU or determine the behavior of the working memory.
- Nevertheless, the developers do not forego an appealing look and provide a large wallpaper package.
In the next practical tip, we will clarify whether you can also install a custom ROM on the Sony Smartwatch 2.