So you want to install custom ROM on Realme X smartphone? Then we got you covered. No more searching around because we’re going to list all the best Custom ROMs currently available for the Realme X. This phone was first announced in May 2019 by Realme and released in July 2019 with Android 9.0.(Pie) which was later upgraded to Android 10. (Q). Custom ROMs followed soon after and the community of developers continues to release many more for this model.
Custom ROMs have been around for a while now and are very popular. That’s because of the open-source nature of the Android OS. This means any developer can modify the code, recompile it, and re-release for a wide variety of devices. Such as the Realme X and others. Interested users can install Custom ROMs but first, let’s explore the pros and cons of custom ROMs.
Pros of Custom ROM
- Install custom themes, wallpapers or widgets which might include modified colors and icons, startup screens.
- Be able to root devices of course (check our post on Android rooting).
- Less bloatware e.g., removal of manufacturers’ pre-installed features.
- A mishmash of modems and kernels, selected for best battery life or performance.
- Options in menus ie reboot to recovery or fast boot mode instead of just rebooting the device normally.
- UI tweaks i.e place on/off controls in the status bar instead of using a widget.
- Extra system-level features i.e. in-built tethering
- Upgrade to a version of Android that hasn’t been or won’t be released for your device.
Cons of Custom ROM
- Non-Stock Android-based custom ROMs are often a bit experimental thus might lack driver support.
- Custom ROM can include any apps from the creator wanted and that’s bloatware.
- Custom wallpapers and themes may not be what you want; most ROM developers aren’t designers.
There’s always the possibility of bricking your device when installing a custom ROM. Make sure you know what you’re doing when you flash a custom ROM. Also never use a ROM designed for a different device and that’s why we’ve prepared a list for you. Flashing a custom ROM just like rooting will almost certainly void your device warranty. So be sure to check before you proceed.
TWRP Recovery
You need TWRP Recovery on your device to install custom ROM. Once you have installed TWRP. You can start the process of installing Custom ROM or any mods on your Realme X device.
There are many custom ROM flavors to choose from and not all of them are stable. Before installing any custom ROM first read the description to understand what features come with it.
Here’s our Custom ROM round-up for the Realme X smartphone.
Best Custom ROMs for Realme X
Mokee OS
This is an open-source Custom ROM based on AOSP first rolled out by a group of Chinese developers during the Jellybean era, Mokee ROM was China’s initial foray into the open-source world of Android development. Mokee OS brings a number of enhancements on top of those offered by stock Android that you will have to experience to believe.
AOSP Extended ROM
This is the unofficial build for the Realme X based on Android 9 Pie and has no known issues with the fingerprint scanner or Voice over LTE (VoLTE), unlike the others on the list save for a bug with the WiFi hotspot feature reported by some users. However, we’re glad that the developer has included a fix in the later releases.
CrDroid OS
CrDroid, code name RMX1921 is an AOSP-based custom ROM of the Lineage OS developed with enhancements such as customization options from AOSPA, Lineage, SlimROM etc.
Resurrection Remix ROM
This is one of our favorite ROMs and it is now available for the Realme X. The unofficial release is also based on Android 9 Pie and has some issues ie in its current state, you won’t be able to use Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and you might face some issues with the fingerprint. It’s also worth mentioning that there’s no keyboard included on this ROM so you’ll have to download a third-party keyboard to use it.
Download Resurrection Remix ROM
CandyROM
CandyROM beta is an Android 9 Pie-based ROM that packs a ton of features and other enhancements. You get access to everything from lock screen customizations options to status bar personalization features with this ROM. Known issues include: fingerprint scanner and video calling via LTE don’t work for now, but these issues should be addressed in upcoming updates.
HavocOS
Not a fan of stock Android? No problem, HavocOS is a great alternative for Realme X and comes with features and a ton of customization options. This AOSP based ROM has similar fingerprint sensor-related issues as above, so proceed with caution. SImilar to the Pixel Experience ROM, HavocOS is also based on Android 9 Pie and supports artem97’s custom kernel.
Pixel Experience ROM
Also based on Android 9 Pie, this allows you to retail the feel of stock Android on your Realme X device. Pixel Experience ROM includes all Google apps and Pixel exclusive features, but has some reported issues ie the in-display fingerprint scanner on the device will detect your finger, but the overlay may fail to work.
Best Kernel
arter97 kernel
It’s interesting to note that arter97 was among the first Android developers to receive a Realme X phone from the company and what followed was the first custom kernel for the Realme X. The artern97 kernel features a host of enhancements to the device that include, better memory management, UFS optimizations, WireGuard support, and many more. It’s worth mentioning that the artern97 kernel has been tested together with LineageOS 16 and it does not support OPPO’s stock ColorOS, despite that, it’s likely to work with other AOSP-style ROMs.
So if you decide to install any of the custom ROMs listed above please proceed with caution. We offer this list for informational purposes only, we’ll not be liable for any damages to your device that result from the use of these custom ROMs.
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