First Custom ROM for Poco X2 is here, Paranoid Android Quartz by arter97 is released with Android 10 and lot of Customisations.
Poco X2 was released back in February and Xiaomi also sent several developer units to the members of Android Developing community at XDA. arter97 was one of them, and he is the first developer to release a Custom kernel as well as a Custom ROM for Poco X2.
If you are a long time Android user, you must know about the Custom ROMs and the benefit they bring over Stock ROM. Poco X2, in particular, is running on MIUI 11, a Custom Android skin by Xiaomi, however, it is not the favourite OS of everyone. Many Xiaomi users always go the Custom ROM path to get a much better, light and Stock Android experience. Also, Custom ROM brings a lot of features and Customizations, and then the support for Magisk modules and Xposed modules which can totally change the way you use Android.
Table of Contents
Download the ROM
Download Paranoid Android Quartz
- Always Check the Official XDA thread of the Custom ROM before flashing it.
- As this is an alpha build, Bugs and hiccups are expected.
- arter97 kernel is included by default.
- Open GApps nano is included.
- Magisk is included by default.
- Lawnchair is included by default.
Status: Alpha
OS: Android 10
Maintained by: arter97
Issues:
- SELinux is permissive.
- The SafetyNet check will fail.
- Fingerprint sensor only works by tapping on it instead of pressing down the power button.
- 2 front-facing cameras will show as 2 separate holes.
- No other breakages were spotted in terms of hardware functionality.
About Paranoid Android Quartz
Paranoid Android Quartz is based on Code Aurora Forum Android base, which is optimized for Qualcomm platforms and has a higher degree of performance, battery life, and functionality compared to the Android Open Source Project platform.
The developers behind Paranoid Android Quartz claims that they are working hard to fix the existing bugs, and implementing and improving features, performance, and stability. They also talk about the dedication to providing a user experience with the stability that you can expect from stock ROMs with best-in-class performance and features to help you get the most out of your device.
About the Android 10
Android 10 is the latest version released by Google with a lot of new improvements in much-needed areas. With an increased focus on Privacy, the new Dark Mode and the improved Gestures, Android 10 brings a lot of long-awaited features.
Dark Mode
Dark Mode was a very requested feature and Google gave Dark mode in some of its Apps before. System-wide Dark Mode is finally here in the Android 10. It can save a lot of battery life especially if you are using an AMOLED screen. It also goes on your eyes.
Privacy Features
A more powerful set of Privacy features is not just necessary for the user but for the big companies too because of the hefty fines they are getting by Government.
The Permissions are now very strict and will ask if an app can use a particular thing like GPS or a Sensor every time, only when the app is open or it can’t use the Sensor at all. You can find the new Permissions manager in the Setting which will list all the apps using a specific sensor or service.
New Gestures
Android 10 finally brings a New Gestures system that can replace the traditional Three-button navigation system and Android Pie’s navigation bar.
Although the Gestures are inspired by iOS’s gesture (It is the same), the Gestures are now usable and are easy to use.
New Theming options
Theming options were found on Beta 2 version of Android 10 and are expected to come with the release of the Pixel 4 launch.
Focus Mode
Focus Mode is a feature introduced to curb your Phone addiction. The main point of this feature is that you can select a bunch of apps that are distracting and you can stop them all for a duration of time. At that time, there will be no notifications and you won’t be able to use the app.
The New share menu is now ordered alphabetically and the suggested apps appear on top of the list. It is a big relief as the previous Share menu was a complete mess.
Live Captions
Live caption is a feature that will display captions on a video played offline or with the Video player. It looks like a very good feature for Deaf and people with difficulty in hearing. Also, it can come in handy at night when you don’t want to wake the person sleeping next to you.
How to flash Paranoid Android Quartz on Poco X2
Instructions are taken from Official XDA thread of ROM
Pre-requisite
- Stock recovery is required. Restore stock recovery if you have TWRP installed.
- PC with the latest fastboot is required. Download fastboot from here.
- Download the ROM form Above and Extract the Image files to adb folder in C: drive. adb folder will appear after installing the ADB and Fastboot.
Step 1: Enter the FastbootD Mode
- Connect the Poco X2 to PC via USB cable
- Enter fastboot mode by holding down the Volume-down and Power button upon rebooting.
- Go to adb folder, Shift+Right click of the mouse and then click on “Open Powershell window here”
- Enter fastbootd mode by entering the following
Code:
fastboot reboot fastboot
The device will show “FASTBOOTD” with yellow font.
Step 2: Flash the Image Files
- Flash the images by entering the following:
Code:
fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot flash vbmeta_system vbmeta_system.img fastboot flash product product.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash boot boot.img
This will take about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Boot to Recovery and Wipe Data
- Enter recovery by entering the following:
Code:
fastboot reboot recovery
- Use the stock recovery and wipe data
- Reboot and enjoy
First boot will take some time so be patient. And that’s it, you have flashed the Custom ROM for Poco X2.
If you are facing any problem or got a question, leave a comment below.