Background
The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2, released in 2017, was an influential mobile device that redefined the smartphone design and technology. Thanks to its near zero bezel screen and other powerful specifications, the device was well appreciated by gadget lovers within a short time. However, in the course of time, most users tend to change their views and look for ways to further improve the experience by using other Android-based operating systems, also known as, custom ROMs. Customized ROMs give relief in overheating problems, extend usage by adding battery-saving options, and allow features that are usually absent in the default firmware. This review will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of ROMs as well as their relevance and popularity in the market of Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 smartphones.
What Are Custom ROMs
What is ROM Custom?
An altered Android O.S. version is known as a custom ROM. Those ROMs are created by developers who are not primary and add capabilities, features, and improvements that are absent in the stock release. People use custom ROMs in order to modify some features of the device, increase the speed of operation, or even install the up-to-date operating system on an already outdated device.
Custom ROMs: Risks and Rewards
Freedom of Choice: Custom ROMs usually allow for a high level of customization, from change of graphical interfaces to modification of systemsettings.
Speed: Most of the time, optimizations for speed are present in these custom ROMs; hence they can improve the general performance of the device.
New OS Features: Users can access the latest updates and features of the Android operating system even when the manufacturer cease providing updates.
Energy Consumption: Some batteries will last longer than others due to the inclusion of battery saving mechanisms within custom ROMs as opposed to stock ones.
Protection: Some modified ROMs provide better privacy and protection features than the ones built in the device.
Think about these factors before installing any custom roms
Warrantee Buster: Installing a custom ROM barder the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty.
Bricking Risk: There’s also a possibility of making the gadget pointless (bricking) if the process is not executed properly.
Problem of Stability: Stability may not be a guarantee when it comes to some of the custom ROMs as it is in the case with the official firmware, which may result to crashes or bugs.
Feature Disparity: Some of the built-in utilities found in stock ROMs such as those for enhancing the use of the camera or other applications may not be effectively recreated in custom ROMs.
Best Custom ROMs for Xiaomi Mi Mix 2
1. LineageOS
Overview: LineageOS is one of the custom ROM available in the market, It is very stable and backed up by a larger community.
Features:
Simple clean user interface that resembles the stock version of Android.
Frequent updates and security fixes.
Ability to customize through the options availed in the LineageOS settings menu.
Performance: Due to the various optimizations made in the OS, it is not unusual for a user to experience extended battery life and overall performance enhancement with the dotted OS.
2. Pixel Experience
Overview: As its name suggests, the Pixel Experience ROM is designed to serve the purpose and experience of using a Google Pixel smartphone to other devices.
Features:
Come with Google Pixel-native applications and launcher.
Timely provision of security patches.
Has the same UI and UX like that of Google Pixel phones.
Performance: This particular ROM is built to perfection, so its usage is very smooth even the way stock Android operates.
3. Havoc OS
Overview: Havoc OS is a fully integrated OS developed on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and comes with plenty of goodies.
Features:
Advanced operations customization using the Havoc user interface.
Different layout themes and custom designs.
Current version and availability of the fanbase.
Performance: Most users love this feature because it provides a good compromise between functionality and performance.
4. Resurrection Remix
Overview: Resurrection Remix is a mash-up of various ROMs features which results in both customization and performance unlike any other.
Features:
Many options for interface customization.
Improved performance and battery life.
Frequent updates and active support.
Performance: The user base is delighted at the fact that they can modify the operating system including many aspects of the devices to their liking.
5. AOSPExtended
Overview: AOSPExtended aims at users that wish to enjoy AOSP functionality with some extensions.
Features:
Style modification elements.
Performance Improvement Elements.
Renders Updates Regularly.
Performance: Generally, AOSPExtended is smooth and effective with satisfactory power consumption out of the user’s expectations.
Getting ready to install steroid information
Practical Preparation
Then the following amendment must be made prior to the installation of any custom ROM
Disaster Recovery: Never attempt to install any new software without backing up your entire system beforehand. Use TWRP applications to perform a nandroid backup and restore.
Bootloader Unlock Required: Locking the above means does not prevent the friending of custom images in the defined region. It is necessary to disable device security for flashware and wipe in most cases.
Apply CWM: CWM can be defined as a tailored recovery that enables the flashing of various ROMs and backups. Most root level users are encouraged to flash them and a few even install recovery suited for the device.
ROM and GApps Package: Make sure to get the custom ROM you wish to install along with its respective Google Apps or GApps package if applicable.
Practical Execution of The Above Topics
Step 1: Unlock Bootloader
How to Enable Developer Options on Any Phone: Go to Settings> About Phone and tap on the Build Number many times to activate Developer Options.
Then Go to Developer Options and Enable “OEM Unlocking.”
Connect to PC: Take a USB cable and attach your Mi Mix 2 to a computer.
Boot into fastboot mode. Switch off the device and this time hold the Volume Down and power buttons together to enter fastboot mode.
Unlock bootloader: Open command prompt and enter the command fastboot oem unlock to unlock the bootloader.
Step 2: Install TWRP Recovery
Download TWRP: Download the TWRP recovery image for Xiaomi Mi Mix 2.
Flash TWRP: Flash TWRP using command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (Change the twrp.img with the name of file you are flashing).
Boot TWRP: Once it is flashed successfully, boot into TWRP by selecting recovery option from the Fastboot menu.
Step 3: Wipe current Rom
Wipe Data: In TWRP, tap on “Wipe” button and then tap “Format Data” button to wipe current ROM.
Wipe Cache & Dalvik: Go to “Wipe” > “Advanced Wipe” and tick “Cache” and “Dalvik Cache”.
Step 4: Install custom ROM
Transfer the ROM: Use a USB cable to transfer the downloaded custom ROM and GApps onto your device.
Install the ROM: In TWRP, click on “Install,” locate the custom ROM zip file, and swipe the button to proceed with the installation.
Install GApps: Follow the same steps and install the GApps package.
Step 5: Reboot
Reboot System: After the installation, return to the main screen of TWRP and go to Reboot > System.
Initial Setup: There will be a setup on your device as it is turned on for the first time, follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
Post-Installation Experience
Review of performance
Speed and responsiveness: There are more than a fair number of users who state that the speed and responsiveness increase when using custom ROMs, however, the device does not include any unnecessary software rendering. This enables the device to better take advantage of the hardware it possesses.
Battery Life: Most custom roms comes with various add-ins that adds to battery longevity. Most users report that it is not necessary to charge the device halfway through the day.
Customization: Custom ROM’s enables one to accessorize the gadget to their own tastes from themes, icons, and even how the navigation looks. This degree of course benefit the end user greatly.
Stability: There may be some bugs experienced by some users but usually stable ROMs like LineageOS and Pixel Experience do provide a stable experience with issues constantly being fixed thanks to updates.
Features and Usability
User Interface: Custom ROMs feature a streamlined and contemporary look, as well as allowing the addition of themes and icon sets.
Security Features: An increasing number of custom ROMs feature in their software enhancements such as Privacy Guard and App Lock that are geared towards improving user control over their data.
Performance Tweaks: Certain ROMs come with adjustable performance parameters built in, letting the user optimize CPU speeds for different levels of background activity.
Extra Features: Users can expect extra features such as gesture control, enhanced camera features, and better multimedia capabilities in some ROMs.
Potential Drawbacks
Risks Involved
Bricking the Device: When the steps of flashing a ROM are not followed or the wrong one is chosen there is a risk of bricking the device.
Loss of Features: Certain stock features such as MIUI camera enhancement applications may be absent or fail to function properly in custom ROMs.
Inconsistent Updates: Some custom ROMs which are popular among users tend to have regular updates but unfamiliar ROMs do not which can cause a threat to security and performance of the device.
Compatibility Issues
Hardware Incompatibility: Not every custom ROM is optimized for every device. For example, users may encounter the NFC, Bluetooth, or the camera not working properly on the Mi Mix 2 custom ROM if it has not been designed well.
App Compatibility: Other custom ROMs may have app incompatibility or lack of Google Play service which renders some applications useless.
Community Support and Resources
Online Communities indude
XDA Developers: This forum is one of the most helpful places for any custom ROMs. It delies information, guide, user experience and developments regarding the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2. Also, XDA is a good place for useful tips and tricks from helpful users about the problems faced.
Reddit: In subs like r/Android and r/Xiaomi where these users gather, such activities and assistance is provided. These subreddits often contain such members’ reviews of roms, their installation and photographs that are very helpful to people new to this practice.
Telegram Groups- many developers and custom ROMs have their own tion aides where they chat to provide support, feedback and new build and update notifications.
Documentation and Guides
Official Documentation: Most custom ROMs have a website or even a handbook that has information on how to install the rom among other details. These should always be the last treasuries checked before banging any `instructions’ into the device.
YouTube Tutorials: For people who learn better visually, there are YouTube tutorials that explain the whole process of installation in a more pictorial manner. Most Youtubers demonstrate their stories of installation address the problems encountered and how to go around them.
GitHub Repositories: For the developers and the technical people, GitHub repositories for different ROMs features a lot of content like change logs, issue trackers, development updates, etc. That helps a lot in keeping up with the work in progress and the contributions from the community.
The Actual Experiences of Users Across the World
Benefits
This section includes reports from many users who installed custom ROMs on Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 devices, and all of them are very positive. A few of them are listed below.
Performance Boost: Users often talk about speed and responsiveness improvements. This is because the bloatware found in stock ROMs is no longer available which means a better and faster experience. Battery Optimization: Many users have applauded the longer-lasting batteries saying that they are able to use heavy-duty apps throughout the day without having to charge the device. Enhanced Customization: Users who love to personalize their devices have enjoyed the ability to change the themes, icons, and features of their devices. Updated Features: Many users enjoy accessing the latest Android features and security patches which were not available to them earlier due to manufacturers’ constraints.
Drawback
Nonetheless, several others also faced issues, which are useful to know:
Bugs and Glitches: In spite of the fact that the majority of the custom ROMs available are working alright, some users have reported bugs in the system, this is especially true for newer or less popular ROMs. Such issues may include random reboots, application failure in operation, or even a certain connectivity feature such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth not functioning. Camera Performance: A number of users have pointed out that the camera capabilities in custom ROMs may not be as finely tuned as in the stock MIUI. For instance, AI features or certain camera modes may be disabled or not work properly.
Difficulty Level: For non-users who are adept at flashing a ROM, the whole installation process can be rather intimidating. This learning curve however, may put off some users from trying out any custom ROMs particularly if they are not very tech inclined individuals.
Summary
The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 device is already a few years old but still remains very powerful and great looking device. Users can in turn improve their experience by trying out custom roms as these will add new features, increase performance and improve the battery life. Be it LineageOS for a no-frills, stock Android feel or Pixel Experience for a sprinkle of Google – the list goes on.