Which Phone Brand is Currently Best for Installing Custom ROM Aside From Pixel?

The Elite Landscape of Custom ROM Development

In the dynamic world of Android customization, the Google Pixel has long stood as the undisputed king for custom ROM enthusiasts. Its bootloader unlock capability, seamless integration with the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), and overwhelming developer support make it the default recommendation. However, for users seeking an alternative—a device with equally robust development, superior hardware specifications, or a different design philosophy—the question becomes critical: which brand currently holds the second-place crown? We have analyzed the market from the perspective of a power user, focusing on bootloader accessibility, kernel source availability, community size, and the longevity of software support.

Based on our extensive analysis of the custom ROM ecosystem, OnePlus remains the most consistent and user-friendly alternative to the Pixel line. However, Xiaomi (specifically its POCO and Redmi sub-brands) offers the most extensive variety of devices with unparalleled developer interest. For users prioritizing hardware innovation and deep software integration, Nothing is rapidly emerging as a top contender. This comprehensive guide will dissect these brands to determine the ultimate choice for your next custom ROM installation.

OnePlus: The Flagship Alternative for Seamless Customization

OnePlus has built its brand identity on the foundation of the developer community. Originally launched with the tagline “Never Settle,” the company targeted tech enthusiasts who demanded clean software and high performance. While OxygenOS has evolved significantly from its early days, the underlying hardware remains exceptionally friendly to the custom ROM scene.

Bootloader Unlocking and Official Support

The primary hurdle in custom ROM installation is the bootloader. OnePlus devices, with the exception of carrier-locked variants sold in the United States, feature a straightforward and official bootloader unlock method. This process does not void the warranty in most regions and does not require waiting periods or complex workarounds. We consider this a mandatory feature for any brand aspiring to be “developer-friendly.” The ability to fastboot flash partitions easily allows for the quick installation of custom recoveries like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) or OrangeFox, which are prerequisites for most ROM flashing.

The OxygenOS Advantage

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a OnePlus device is the proximity of OxygenOS to stock Android. Unlike heavy skins such as MIUI or One UI, OxygenOS is lightweight. This means that porting custom ROMs, particularly AOSP-based builds like LineageOS, is less prone to bugs. The proprietary hardware blobs (binary large objects) provided by OnePlus are generally stable and well-documented by the company. Consequently, when a new custom ROM is released for a OnePlus device, it is often more stable and feature-complete compared to ports on other brands.

Community and Longevity

The “OnePlus community” is not just a marketing phrase; it is a tangible ecosystem. Developers often prioritize OnePlus devices for new Android version updates. For instance, when Android 14 was released, official LineageOS builds for recent OnePlus models appeared quickly. Devices like the OnePlus 8T, OnePlus 9, and the more recent OnePlus 11 have received immense support. The resale value of OnePlus phones also ensures that users can find devices with active development even years after release.

Xiaomi: The Powerhouse of Variety and Developer Interest

If OnePlus is the polished alternative, Xiaomi is the wild, vibrant hub of custom ROM development. Specifically, the POCO sub-brand and the Redmi series have captured the market share of users who want flagship-level specs at a budget price, paired with an almost limitless potential for software modification.

The POCO and Redmi Phenomenon

POCO, a subsidiary of Xiaomi, exploded in popularity due to devices like the POCO F1. This device became legendary in the custom ROM community for its Snapdragon 845 processor and incredibly low price point. While the brand has matured, the spirit remains. Devices like the POCO X5 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are consistently among the most discussed devices on forums like XDA-Developers.

Why is this important for the user? High user demand translates directly to developer attention. If a device has millions of units sold, developers have a larger pool of testers and users to support their work. For Xiaomi devices, you will find a wider variety of ROMs than anywhere else. Are you looking for a gaming-optimized ROM? A debloated, battery-sipping build? A ROM with the latest Android version ahead of schedule? You will find it in the Xiaomi ecosystem.

The Bootloader Unlock Hurdle

We must address a specific caveat with Xiaomi: the bootloader unlock process. Unlike OnePlus, Xiaomi requires users to create a Mi account and wait a specific period (historically 72 to 168 hours) before unlocking the bootloader. This can be a deterrent for impatient users. Furthermore, the unlock tool software is occasionally updated, which can cause temporary compatibility issues. However, once unlocked, Xiaomi devices are extremely open. The company generally does not void the warranty for unlocking, a significant policy point that cements its position as a top choice.

Kernel Source Availability

Xiaomi is commendable for releasing kernel sources for their devices in a timely manner. This is a legal requirement for any device using the Linux kernel, but many manufacturers delay or release incomplete sources. Xiaomi’s adherence to GPL compliance allows developers to build highly optimized custom kernels. This leads to better performance and battery life in custom ROMs compared to stock MIUI. The synergy between custom ROMs and custom kernels is where Xiaomi devices truly shine.

Nothing: The New Challenger with Stock Android Roots

Nothing is the newest brand on this list, but it has quickly garnered a reputation for being “developer-centric.” Spearheaded by Carl Pei (co-founder of OnePlus), the company philosophy mirrors the early days of OnePlus.

The “Stock Android” Appeal

The Nothing Phone (1) and Nothing Phone (2) run on “Nothing OS,” which is an incredibly close approximation of stock Android with very minor aesthetic additions. Because the skin is so light, the barrier to entry for custom ROM developers is incredibly low. In fact, the official Nothing Launcher is even available as a standalone APK for other devices, signaling the company’s confidence in the Android ecosystem.

For users, this means that custom ROMs for Nothing phones are exceptionally stable. The transition from stock to a custom ROM is seamless because the underlying architecture is so similar. The Nothing Phone (2), with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, has received excellent support from the community. Official builds for popular ROMs like LineageOS and crDroid are already available, which is impressive for a device in its price bracket.

Community Engagement

Nothing actively engages with the modding community. They have been known to provide early access devices to key developers and maintain a transparent dialogue regarding software updates. This proactive approach ensures that when a new Android version drops, Nothing devices are near the front of the line for custom ROM updates.

Sony: The Legacy Choice for AOSP Purists

While Sony’s market share has diminished in recent years, their Xperia line remains a favorite among a specific subset of developers: those who love pure AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Sony has a long history of supporting the open-source community, sometimes even more than Google.

AOSP and Sony’s Open Program

Sony maintains the “Sony Open Devices” program, which provides the necessary software and tools to build and flash AOSP directly onto their devices. In many cases, Sony releases an “AOSP” build for their flagship phones right on their developer website. This is an official, Google-sanctioned build of Android, stripped of Sony’s Xperia UI.

For a user who wants the absolute closest experience to a Pixel without buying a Pixel, a Sony Xperia phone running a custom AOSP build is arguably the best experience. The hardware is usually premium, featuring high-refresh-rate displays and excellent cameras (though camera optimization in custom ROMs is always a challenge).

The Unlocking Process

Unlocking the bootloader on a Sony device is a straightforward web-based process. You visit the Sony developer website, enter your device IMEI, and receive a unlock code. However, a major downside is that unlocking the bootloader on Sony devices often permanently disables DRM keys. This can result in a noticeable degradation in camera and audio quality, as Sony’s proprietary processing relies on these keys. This trade-off is significant and must be considered before purchasing a Sony device for modding.

Asus: The Enthusiast’s Flagship

Asus has made a concerted effort to court the enthusiast market with its Zenfone series. The Asus Zenfone 9 and Zenfone 10 are compact Android flagships that have garnered a cult following.

The Unlock Tool App

Asus provides an official “Unlock Bootloader” app on their support website. While this tool has had its ups and downs (sometimes being temporarily removed due to security concerns), it offers a semi-official route to customization. The process is generally cleaner than Xiaomi’s but not as seamless as OnePlus.

Performance and Support

The custom ROM scene for Asus Zenfones is strong, though not as voluminous as Xiaomi or OnePlus. However, because Asus uses near-stock Android (ZenUI) and high-end Qualcomm chipsets, the ROMs that do exist are of very high quality. The smaller community size often means developers are more in touch with users, leading to very stable, polished builds. For users who want a smaller form factor device that still packs a flagship punch, Asus is a prime candidate.

Brands to Approach with Caution

To provide a complete picture of the landscape, we must identify brands that are generally hostile or difficult for custom ROM installation. While it is sometimes possible to unlock these devices, the experience is often fraught with bugs, broken hardware features, or complex hurdles.

• Samsung: The Snapdragon variants in the US/China are permanently locked. The Exynos variants globally can be unlocked, but this trips Knox. Tripping Knox permanently disables Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, and often Samsung Health. Furthermore, the encryption methods used by Samsung are unique, making custom ROM development extremely difficult. Most “custom ROMs” for Samsung are actually ports of the stock firmware rather than clean AOSP builds.
• Motorola: While Lenovo (Motorola’s parent company) has a bootloader unlock program, it is frequently unavailable for carrier variants and sometimes for global models as well. Furthermore, Motorola devices suffer from severe hardware fragmentation, meaning that a camera or audio driver working on one model often does not work on another, even within the same series.
• Realme / Oppo: These brands (part of the BBK conglomerate alongside OnePlus) have a very complicated unlock policy. The unlock tool is often buggy, and the required “Deep Testing” application is a convoluted process that varies by region and model. Support for custom ROMs is present but lacks the consistency found with Xiaomi or OnePlus.

The Verdict: Which Brand Should You Choose?

After evaluating the bootloader accessibility, kernel source transparency, community size, and software stability, we can crown a winner and identify the best alternatives based on user needs.

The Overall Winner: OnePlus

For the majority of users, OnePlus remains the best phone brand for installing custom ROMs aside from Pixel. The combination of an easy, no-wait-time bootloader unlock, warranty-friendly policies, and hardware that is nearly identical to AOSP standards ensures the smoothest experience. You are less likely to encounter bugs, and the installation process is often as simple as flashing a zip file. If you want a device that feels like a “super Pixel” with better hardware, buy a OnePlus.

The Budget & Variety King: Xiaomi / POCO

If your budget is tight or you simply want the maximum number of ROMs to choose from, Xiaomi is the champion. The sheer volume of development means you can keep a Xiaomi device for years and never run out of new software to try. The 72-hour wait for unlocking is a minor annoyance in exchange for the immense flexibility you gain.

The Modern Purist: Nothing

If you want to support a brand that embodies the spirit of the open-source community and desires a hardware-software experience that feels futuristic yet minimalist, the Nothing Phone (2) is the best choice. It bridges the gap between mainstream appeal and developer freedom.

The Niche Expert: Sony

For the tinkerer who wants official AOSP support and is willing to sacrifice some hardware features (like DRM) for a pure Android experience, Sony Xperia devices offer a unique proposition that no other brand matches.

Preparation and Final Recommendations

Before purchasing a device specifically for custom ROM installation, we advise checking the “XDA Forums” for that specific model number. A device might be excellent for modding in general, but a specific carrier variant could be locked.

Once you have your device, ensure you have the necessary tools. We recommend using Magisk for rooting after installing your custom ROM, which allows you to pass SafetyNet and use banking apps. You can find comprehensive guides and modules for this process on our site, Magisk Modules.

For the ultimate custom Android experience that rivals or exceeds the Google Pixel, we confidently recommend the OnePlus 11 or OnePlus 12 for flagship performance, and the POCO F5 for mid-range dominance. These devices represent the pinnacle of the non-Pixel custom ROM ecosystem, offering power, freedom, and a thriving community.

Deep Dive into the Custom ROM Ecosystem

Understanding “Project Treble” and its Impact

When we discuss modern custom ROM installation, we must mention Project Treble. This is an architectural change introduced by Google in Android 8.0 Oreo. It separates the operating system (OS) implementation from the vendor-specific hardware support (the vendor image). This means that generic system images (GSI) can run on any Treble-compatible device.

This is where brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus shine. Because they provide robust support for Treble specifications, users can often install a GSI (Generic System Image) of the latest Android version even before an official custom ROM is released. This allows users to flash a pure Android 14 image onto a device that is currently running Android 12, provided the kernel is compatible. Brands that mess too heavily with the framework (like Samsung or Huawei) often break Treble compatibility, making GSIs difficult or impossible to use. Thus, choosing a brand that adheres to AOSP standards ensures you can utilize the full power of Project Treble.

The Importance of Kernel Sources

We touched on kernel sources earlier, but it bears repeating why this is a “make or break” factor. An Android ROM is essentially a collection of apps running on top of the Android framework, which runs on top of the Linux kernel. However, the kernel communicates with the hardware—the camera, the fingerprint sensor, the battery, the screen.

If a manufacturer releases incomplete or delayed kernel sources, developers are essentially coding in the dark. They have to reverse-engineer how the hardware works. This leads to:

1. Broken Hardware: You might install a ROM with a working camera but a broken flashlight. Or working Wi-Fi but a non-functional Bluetooth.
2. Battery Drain: Without proper kernel drivers, the CPU might not idle correctly, leading to the “battery drain from hell.”
3. Safety Risks: Developers might have to use hacked-together drivers that could compromise system stability.

OnePlus and Sony are exceptional here. They have public repositories (often on GitHub) where developers can pull the exact kernel source for their specific device model. Xiaomi is generally good, though sometimes they delay sources for a few weeks after a device launch. Asus and Nothing also maintain decent repositories. This transparency is a major reason why these devices receive long-term support years after they are no longer sold new.

The Role of Magisk and Root Management

While the custom ROM provides the operating system, the modern user almost always requires Root Access for deep customization. Rooting allows you to modify system files, remove bloatware at a system level, and use apps that require elevated privileges.

The standard for rooting today is Magisk. Unlike the old SuperSU method, Magisk allows for “systemless” root. This means it does not actually modify your system partition. Instead, it injects the root binary into the boot image. This is crucial because:

1. SafetyNet: It allows you to hide the fact that your phone is rooted from apps that check for integrity (like banking apps or Netflix).
2. OTA Updates: You can often accept Over-The-Air updates on a custom ROM and simply re-patch the new boot image with Magisk to retain root.

When we recommend brands, we consider how easy it is to root them. On OnePlus and Nothing, patching the boot image is usually flawless. On Xiaomi, you must disable “MIUI Optimizations” in the developer settings sometimes to avoid bootloops after rooting, which adds a layer of complexity.

Camera Processing: The Final Frontier

A common complaint with custom ROMs is that the camera quality degrades. This is not because the camera hardware is bad, but because the post-processing software (the computational photography) is proprietary.

• Google Pixel has the advantage here because their GCam software can be ported easily.
• Xiaomi users often use a “GCam Port” or specific XML configs to get close to stock quality.
• OnePlus devices usually have decent camera quality on custom ROMs because the drivers are stable, though they often lack the Nightscape and specialized filters of OxygenOS.
• Nothing is actually quite good at this; their hardware sensors are well-supported by standard Android camera APIs.

If photography is your primary hobby, sticking to a Pixel or using a Xiaomi device with GCam ports is the best strategy for retaining high-quality photos while enjoying a custom ROM.

Specific Device Recommendations for 2024

To help you make a purchasing decision, we have curated a list of specific devices that represent the best in class for custom ROM development right now.

Flagship Tier: OnePlus 12 / 11

These devices offer the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (12) and 8 Gen 2 (11) processors. They are powerhouses that handle any custom ROM with ease. The community support is already massive, and the bootloader unlock is painless. If you have the budget, this is the safest bet.

Mid-Range Tier: POCO F5

The POCO F5 is a rebranded Redmi Note 12 Turbo. It features the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, which is essentially a downclocked Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This chip is a beast for emulation and gaming. The custom ROM scene for the P