LineageOS 21 review | SUSTAINABLE software support!

Eke out a few more years from your favorite phone all thanks to LineageOS 21...
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Timestamps
--
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Why choose LineageOS?
01:56 - New boot animation
02:13 - Improved light mode
03:05 - Device setup flow
03:39 - Updated calculator app
03:59 - Gallery app improvements
04:55 - Aperture overhaul
06:29 - Jelly browser changes
07:30 - Contacts, messages and dialer changes
08:08 - UI tuning and changes
11:01 - Should you install LineageOS on your device
--

[@amaljoe367]

I miss true compact phones like Pixel 4a. Thanks to lineage for keeping it alive

[@joaocbbc]

Bro, 4a is basically the same size as a S24 vanilla; just 3mm shorter and with a worst screen to body ratio

[@StromBugSlayer]

I had the original Moto Defy. Now THAT was a compact phone. 4.21 inches tall.

[@RealWorldReview]

@@joaocbbc I think it's been like that since the S21. People still don't wanna move away from the S10e or Pixel 4a/5 lol Zenfone 9/10 is the only worthy upgrade

[@syncronate]

​@@joaocbbcwhat about s23?

[@workdesu]

​@@joaocbbc​ s23/24 is compact but something like pixel 4a or the s10e feels better. the last of this form factor is asus zenfone 10..but that is getting discontinued 🙃

[@Amsteffydam]

I miss the days of CyanogenOS

[@greenrain720p]

i miss hyperonOS

[@avinashkhandre0321]

CyanogenMod*

[@azenyr]

Those were good days but don't think they were better than what we have now. I have an old Samsung at home with CyanogenMod 7.2 or whatever on it (boot animation is legendary btw) but let me tell you using it today its the clunkiest, ugliest and shittiest UI and ROM. Old custom ROMs were not polished AT ALL. It screams "fisherprice project". I guess we are now used to much more polished software anyway

[@oddhap]

I had a phone with cyanogen mod installed from factory (Wileyfox swift). I loved the frequent software updates.

[@ohmahnav4176]

I believe nothingOS is doing somewhat of a similar job... Even better I would say as stock Android as a whole has improved a ton.

[@tiagom]

Next calyx os! And graphene! This is a series of videos you should do! Setup, advantages and disadvantages! PLEASEEEE! So many people don’t know about these options!

[@JR-uy2nd]

And /e/OS. Another ungooled ROM that has support for apps from the play store by an in house store. It is older than these two and has support for much more phones.

[@blasiankxng]

graphene is GOLDEN. if only Google allowed for us to have access to assistant & tap to pay. we only just got the ability to use Android auto lol

[@tiagom]

@@blasiankxng graphene now has android auto???? That is new! Any downsides?

[@blasiankxng]

@@tiagom to having android auto on graphene? I haven't encountered any lol

[@tiagom]

@@blasiankxng i have searched now, android auto on sandbox gms sounds good

[@kukembena8853]

I realy love that Linage OS has been totally free over the years giving life to older andriod devices, they're the best ❤❤❤

[@estiennetaylor1260]

If it's worth it for you. Go support developers who's maintaining it. Nothing is free

[@shallex5744]

except for the proprietary drivers and firmware

[@nolenjohnson]

LineageOS developer relations manager here - we accidentally put the light mode QS item in the changelog - I will go remove that! We opted not to bring it back this go around because when merging monthly patches, it massively conflicted each and every month, especially in the quarterly releases. It held up every months security bulletin, so we opted to not bring it forward - if someone wants to port the feature in a less intrusive manner somehow (if even possible) we are ore than willing to review it!

[@aravindhcodes]

Hey man, I appreciate your work although I don't benefit from it since I own a Realme X2. I was just wondering why Lineage doesn't have any Realme devices in its lineup and if I could use a GSI version on mine. 🤔

[@nickiascerinschi206]

Thoughts on CrDroid?

[@mohammadsalauddin7524]

Thank you for your contribution. Please add face lock option on pixel 4xl

[@Shirwatel]

please sir a quick question if you don't mind, does LineageOS supports my Mi 9T PRO (aka K20 PRO) ?

[@mfmr200]

​@@Shirwatelgo check on the official website, stop being lazy

[@carlislenightingale8853]

Staying strong to my Essential PH-1 in 2024 with LineageOS 21.

[@crczr]

Wow!! It must be 7-8 years old now if I'm not mistaken. Did you ever have to get the battery replaced?

[@carlislenightingale8853]

@@crczrNo, still on the original. My battery is at 80% degradation but I still get 1 day of battery ljfe out of it with the Universal Android Debloater - however I am not a phone guy who uses it much.

[@j.grrreeaat]

Anyone knows where I can get a new OEM ph-1 battery? The knockoffs are horrible!

[@carlislenightingale8853]

@@j.grrreeaat I also wish to find :)

[@fiscalizacaoletterboxd]

bro change that shit wtf

[@mp5wes]

Planning on putting this is my first project phone. Never done anything like this before so cross fingers I don't mess up! 🤞

[@alvarojflorez]

I have it installed on a OnePlus 5T that I use as a secondary phone and it's been working pretty much perfectly.

[@Scarbir]

Fantastic for the longevity of phones. So much love for this! Hope the Xiaomi 12 Lite will be supported later on as well.

[@adnvdn]

I'm using LineageOS on my Poco F1 and Xiaomi Mi Pad 4. Love the stability and community support.

[@lesliestearns9447]

I absolutely love seeing reviews on the newest options and what is really better for us without all the sales pitches. Thank you !

[@Mamoonabm]

2:13-3:04 If you're experiencing QS panel not being in light mode at all and you need it to be in light mode then you can use AOSP/PixelXpert mods or better QS (both require root with magisk, I think one of them requires shizuko/shizuku too)

[@metalankle]

I have a Google Pixel 3A XL that was stuck on Android 12, and now with this it has Android 14 and it works very well. I am happy with the change and with the installation of Google services, it's like not much has changed. Do it, dare and be free.

[@tobi1751]

Hey, very cool video. But I still wonder how you can backup your data to import it into LineageOS. Is this possible or is there an alternative?

[@watchout5508]

My s21 will still receive Android 15 but thats the last. Maybe by the time A15 is outdated and unsupported this Lineage software will be a no brainer, but for now Im happy with my OneUi, thanks!

[@deRykcihC]

It's nice seeing them pushed out the a14 of lineageOS but sadly the official devices supported are even lesser now, I jumped to PixelOS or PixelExperience just because my devices got dropped or discontinued from the devs, despite the hardware is still fairly new. I know there are unofficial builds but they are often unstable from my past experience. I wish more contributors join the project. Also anyone who knows which magisk module to enable Google Pay on unlocked BL devices? I tried all the latest and greatest available SafetyNet fix but they are not working.

[@Arrozconchopsticks]

I have 3 old android phones running this. Glad that we still have this option. Wish my main phone had it.

[@JR-uy2nd]

My xperia 1ii is running LOS 21 like a champ. LOS with some magisk modules is the best and the most stable ROM a phone can have. Long live LOS!

[@c.m.7037]

what maps app do you use?

[@ViciousTurducken]

Great video! GrapheneOS review next?

[@BlackLionPT]

I've been using for over 8 months CRDroid (on a Poco F1), based on LineageOS, and so far it's great. I've used custom roms since i got android, mostly LineageOS and Pixel Experience, but i found CRDroid fits my needs perfectly, and regular security updates are a plus :)

[@shikharadhikari756]

Watching on lineage OS

[@HShango]

Meh

[@udaysingh9_11]

Same here on my galaxy s9

[@udaysingh9_11]

@@HShango 🤡

[@HShango]

​@@udaysingh9_11 keep crying

[@shikharadhikari756]

@@HShango why need to cry lol

[@watuzi]

Thank you, I'm gonna try this on my crusty old Motorola G7 phone.

[@poggiali54]

new subscriber : is there a brand & model of mobile that is best suited to Lineage 21 OR will any hardware be appropriate ? PS Up the Tigers !!!

[@roifilham29]

been dailying this ROM on my pixel 3, such a breath new life for otherwise obsolete phone (last official update was 2021) Yes the performance has degraded, but for basic task (phone, messages, browser, maps, even camera) it's still very useful. That's why long software support will always be welcomed.

[@jantube358]

The Pixel 3 works perfectly fine even with Android 11

[@roifilham29]

​@@jantube358 i know, but new features will always be welcomed. camera/mic indicator, scrolling screenshot, notification permission, clipboard history, etc.

[@rythmater]

You shouldn't expect any security. Especially since the Pixel 3 hasn't gotten a proper firmware update in years. Many aftermarket OSes, besides weakening the security model in some way, like Lineage requiring an unlocked bootloader, which disables verified boot. They also implement a lot of hacks to get the device functioning on an Android release it was never designed to run on to work around numerous regressions, some of which definitely cause security holes that the maintainer may not know about. Upgrading to a recently support device like the Pixel 8a should be a priority, if you want proper security.

[@thosko98]

@@rythmater Still better security than running the stock ROM to be fair. For an unlocked bootloader to matter the hacker needs physical access to the phone. I think Graphene OS allows relocking the bootloader once it's been installed, so if you go that route it's a nonissue.

[@christianacosta4013]

haven't installed a custom rom since 2015 but decided to do it this year. Love pixel phones but the battery life is not great. Flashing this on my pixel 8 has been the best decision so far

[@JohnnyBouchier]

Thank you. I will try this on my Pixel Pro 8.

[@mantej]

I would really love if they develop official build for lg v phones.

[@tadghcr2175]

Mostly switched to a dumbphone for various reasons. Excited to put Lineage on my smartphone in a year or two (I keep it just in case).

[@tparadox88]

How many people who have the ability and interest to install a custom ROM are going to take whatever browser they're given?

[@CrCrdcrmn]

Great content. I may try this on my 4a 5g.

[@johnathanblade1]

I want to see this kind of content! 🙌🏿

[@Stricks823]

Congrats, I wish more main tech news sites talked about custom roms, kernels etc maybe if you guys put people talking about it more people will use them and MAYBE Google won't kill them like it's currently doing

[@pirateluffy01]

How is Google killing custom ROMs

[@Stricks823]

@pirateluffy01 in case you have noticed they are taking baby steps to kill them or to be more precise for people to stop using them cos that way they can then say that they didn't, people just lost interest in them, every week they are coming up with something new to make it harder to use them, from the top of my head, they are blocking fingerprints (we need to always be changing then and this won't last forever, once they are all gone it's basically over), the devices were uncertified when ever a specific word was detected in a string of the kernel, and more recently rooted devices can't use RCS but this are only the ones that I can remember cos I am/was affected by them

[@xIJudaS]

@@pirateluffy01 They're blocking some functions for rooted devices

[@MJones-pixel]

Where can you find that wall thx

[@cguralol]

I like lineage os, but I've been using evolution x on my secondary device and I'm loving it

[@who_is_arnob]

I love how tech enthusiasts always use 4a for experiments 😂 I am using one, love it ❤

[@henriquemagalhaes3062]

is it worth to try on moto G7? don't know if the snapdragon 632 could handle this os

[@wasiquewadood1404]

Does esim on pixel 5 work using this eom? Can you also set color to natural and adaptive on this eom?

[@BradleyLarcher]

Bring on all the custom ROM coverage. Lineage looks good, tempted to flash it

[@d.j.manjares9830]

Watching on my Essential Phone with LineageOS 21, lovely.

[@justinharnett]

Do the photos get backed up to a cloud service somewhere?

[@mario5683]

Interesting video. Could you make a step by step video on how to install Lineage OS on a Pixel 4a? Thanks!

[@HasanHusain-gn9bd]

what cellphone do you use?

[@MrDecreate]

for Pixel 3, can it be installed from pixel experience ROM A13? where it says to ensure that the device is currently using Android 12 firmware.

[@NickFlack]

everytime update need dirty or clean flash?

[@Cavi587]

LineageOS isn't good just because of extended lifespan, it's good because by default it removes the worse spyware from Android, called google apps and google services. But Graphene OS is even better because of it's hardened security and focus on privacy. Reject big tech corpos from devices as critical for most people as a smartphone that's always near you.

[@Shockload]

I like how you still use your Pixel 4a, such a good phone

[@rafmargaryan2569]

Who can give feedback on pixel 4/4xl on Los21? How’s battery life and performance (can it survive 2024-25 without struggling)? Is it better than in stock pixel experience? And is it a way to download the pixel camera on lineage? And what about the banking apps and google pay

[@ssemambyamustafa8546]

I pixel like feel can be got from PixelOS. A very light weight battery friendly ROM. OTA updates

[@StromBugSlayer]

Just installed Lineage OS 21 for the first time on my old Moto X4. I decided not to root it first, and I did end up sideloading one of the Google app packages so I could access the Play Store. So far so good. It seems stable and pretty smooth, although the adaptive brightness has been a little finicky. As far as the Lineage Apps go, I'm using the Calculator and Contacts, but for everything else I'm sticking with Google apps. (One item you omitted from your review was the Lineage calendar app, and I'd be interested to know your experience using it). I have not had the 2 tone quick settings problem, and my volume sidebar still comes from the right side. Embarrassingly, I now have THREE different camera apps on the phone: The Lineage Cam app, the Google Cam app, and the Moto Camera 2 app. We'll see if memory requirements or user experience help me make a decision...

[@cgoxo]

Are payments app working fine??

[@StromBugSlayer]

@@cgoxo I don't normally use it, so I haven't tried.

[@user-xz7to5zg8b]

Does Lineage Os have built-in app lock feature? I'm thinking of switching to Linage Os form another custom rom but I dont want to lose app locker.

[@crczr]

How come Moto Camera 2 is there in the Lineage OS?? Or you download and installed it later on?

[@idcrafter-cgi]

the lack of clocks is that google didn't put any in AOSP which means LOS or others need to make their own like with most system apps.

[@mosdefmike]

Have they fixed the problem of RCS not working? That's a deal breaker for me in the US.

[@sebeg_the_tea_boii]

Check this. Xiaomi Redmi 3S. Cheap budget device from 2016. Started with Android 6 and MIUI 7. It got updated up to MIUI 10, but the Android version wasn't updated at all. And now, thanks to LineageOS 21 my 8 years old Redmi 3S is running Android 14. And it works smoother than it used to with shitty MIUI

[@williamsokoronkwo3958]

I use LineageOS 20 on my Xperia XZ3 as my daily driver (have no other choice anyway 😂). It's been consistently superb. The only issues I even really think are issues is due to hardware constraints, like my 4GB ram version and less than stellar speakers. But overall this OS lets me enjoy it way better than if I'd left it at the stock android 10 ROM. Fingers crossed we'd get LOS 21 for this device.

[@user-sd2sh8lg4v]

i installed an Unofficial one on my samsung m62 but the is some bugs such a microphone recorder does not work , and volte , so hope it will be fixed cause its very smooth better than UI

[@K.L.A.S]

Rocking lineage os 21 on my oneplus 6T

[@DBitRun]

Can I flash this on my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G?

[@Marko_Maxa]

is there native call recording out if the box?

[@shudoy9386]

Is it officially available for the Xiaomi 11T?

[@Zerzayar]

I'm on an Pixel 4a, too, but am undecided if I should install Lineageos 21, because I do not know if my banking apps will work when switching.

[@brundle_fly_3895]

I like custom Roms as it’s nostalgic, could you do a retrospective on cyanogenmod

[@c.m.7037]

What kind of maps are the best for LineageOS?

[@RatBoraFTW]

New Subscriber😄 AMAZING video!!

[@jreynosoxtrm2004]

I'm wondering if it will work on my very old Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2015 (SM-T350)

[@tomshrifter9174]

Will they have an update for Samsung S22 ultra?

[@rpst39]

Using lineageos 21 on my Xiaomi Mi 6, it runs good and decently smooth. I like it a lot.

[@AMEGO]

Im give up with custom room long time ago bcs of the bugs and low compatibility i hope they solve it and theire no different except number since android 10

[@krutarth_suthar]

Watching this on LOS 21 on my Pixel 3a XL which gave it a faster and smoother experience

[@marqessanzcora4089]

Do you have to have OEM unlocked for SGI rom? Cause my OEM is grey disabled 😢

[@nikkeipvck8529]

why would you install custom rom on pixel??

[@marqessanzcora4089]

It's pixel 3

[@t7a9]

@@nikkeipvck8529 why would you not?

[@JR-uy2nd]

@@ss.1121 no, but you can have using pixelify gphotos

[@authenticNL2]

Does the fingerprint sensor still work if I flash this on a Samsung device?

[@vectorfox4782]

Is this OS compatible with TPZ 10” tablets?

[@soumikpal8631]

I like seeing content like this!

[@eddiepalacios451]

Does this custom ROM come with Google Play Store?

[@kvbk]

My daily driver is Pixel 4a. Official support was ended in 2023, but custom Rom's gave an entirely new life to this phone. Thank you developers for caring. It is being 3 years, the battery is showing a hit, just need a battery replacement. Except that everything works. Also, headphone jack, I can't leave that.

[@Sarmad70]

Can i flash it on samsun s8 + 😅?

[@maksadnahibhoolna-wc2ef]

how much system space does lineage OS require ?

[@baldviking5391]

can one use google wallet with this? or something like it so I can use phone with my credit cards?

[@kierenkd]

Sometimes. It will work, then break, then get patches and work again. Cat & mouse. Banks and Google try to lock it down because the device has been root exploited - they have to assume that is untrustworthy

[@JD-ux5wj]

Is there a tablet version of this?

[@bravokarthik4329]

For my phone only unofficial build is available not gona flash this rom unless it's official build

[@kennedynjagi3990]

Do a superior extended OS review, pls.

[@chocoblin5887]

what about banking apps and payment apps?

[@default1647]

I will install this on my Samsung S5 :)

[@s4meerbankupalli164]

Make a video on the best phones for rooting in 2024. Like the best phones with support apart from pixel.

[@Blueeeeeee]

Definitely Fairphone is one of them. Super easy to unlock, and you won't void your warranty even if you install a custom ROM.

[@s4meerbankupalli164]

@@Blueeeeeee yeah but it's a phone u give to someone in their 40s that just need a phone for the sake of it but not someone who's techie and want performance and shit. It's a good phone but it'll always be a backup phone or experimental phone.

[@Blueeeeeee]

@@s4meerbankupalli164 I reckon I'm not a very heavy user compared to most techie people, but I would also argue nowadays a mid-range phone is more than enough for most people. You _probably_ don't need 16GB of RAM in your smartphone, that's crazy !

[@s4meerbankupalli164]

@@Blueeeeeee i am not talking about ram i am talking about processor and camera. The hardware is gonna age differently between budget and premium smartphones. Battery, ram, screen, body are very future proof whether they're repairable or as u said it's just enough.

[@e53]

Redmi Note 12 Turbo / Poco F5

[@nationharris]

Love seeing you back on 9to5 Damien

[@7enrique7]

Where to find the wallpaper please

[@gamingpcsecenz8042]

How can i install in my pixel 4xl lineage os 21

[@steveg2021]

a video on lineageos vs graphene os would be awesome

[@mmfarahat1]

It’s been a while since I last used LineageOS. Can anyone confirm if it’s now compatible with banking applications and password mangers ?

[@dreamybull1509]

just installed lineage OS 21 microG edition on my 4a and the battery lasts a lot longer than it did on stock pixel rom

[@androidbakery]

I miss 😢 The days of flashing roms. So many to choose from.

[@acsaeo]

Same man. Good times

[@dubutofu11]

Is there a tablet version? I want to try it out on an old Samsung Tab A 2019 stuck on Android 11

[@kebien6020]

A bit late, but it looks like the latest version for that tablet is Lineage OS 20. You can find it by searching for "LineageOS gtowifi"

[@pratyushthakar6749]

Fun fact! My 4 year old midrange Samsung does all the new things without the problems mentioned here. It also has a security patch from January 24, and I think it is fine if you have 5 working brain cells, and don't click every colorful button, you will be fine with almost any security patch and any android version

[@SmitePlayz_]

Watching on lineage os 20 on moto g71 5G

[@hibikiholmes2867]

All I wanna know is if it has Battery Limiter already.

[@Parvaz_007]

Somebody help!! Right now my phone got android 13 should i try lineageos 21

[@lonerlelouch]

Will bank applications still be working with this os?

[@subhaa_]

It's time to flash Lineage OS 21 on my pixel 4a

[@oneplusaim1582]

Definitely want more on ROMs

[@emremigh]

timeless work so great

[@3mar00ss6]

one ui is so good that it makes it really hard for me to justify flashing a rom on a phone I consider to be my daily driver

[@MrChristocentric]

does it have an aod?

[@Infernox-tg6ky]

How is the battery compared to stock android ?

[@bejioum]

Better