What is a Custom ROM?

(සිංහලෙන් කියවන්න මෙතැනින්.)

What is a Custom ROM?
(ROM = Read Only Memory.)

It's a Modified version of Android including the kernal, the heart of the OS. They are not the official updates/versions for your device. Because they are created by many other software developers all over the world.

What is Stock ROM?

It's the android Android version/OS that comes with the device when you buy it.

Since the android is an Open Source Operating System, users can modify the stock android version, add things, remove unvanted softwares, and also you can replace the Stock ROM with installing/flashing Custom ROMs.

To install a Custom ROM you have to delete/erase/replace the stock ROM. It's like installing Windows on your PC. You can download a suitable ROM as a zip file.

Popular Custom ROMs.
CyanogenMod
MIUI
AOKP
Omega
Android Revolution HD

You can't use ANY Custom ROM for ANY Phone Model. Since there are many differences between same branded phone models.
eg: Samsung Galaxy S2 : Samsung Galaxy S5.

You can get many advantages with a custom ROM than the Stock ROM. Such as,
improved performance,
More efficiency,
Smooth effects,
More customizable,
Low memory consumption,
Improved (better) battery life,
Free up the space (because developers has removed the unwanted things)
And many things...

Why need a Custom ROM?

You can get all the advantages above with a top rated Custom ROM, and also you can upgrade to a newer version of android that has not yet been released for your device. You can upgrade if never release an update/upgrade by developers.

*****Important*****
  • Install Custom ROMs if it's suitable for your device. (ROM should be created for your device model)
  • There will be some errors when in ROM flashing process (installing process). So select a ROM with Positive feedbacks.