Finding the "best" custom ROM for the (a legacy MediaTek chipset) depends heavily on whether you prioritize stability, gaming performance, or a modern UI. Since this chipset is older, official support from major ROM teams has mostly ended, and you will likely rely on unofficial ports from developers on platforms like XDA Developers Top Recommended ROMs for MT6735 LineageOS (13.0 or 14.1)
: Widely considered the gold standard for stability. For MT6735, LineageOS 13 (Android 6.0) or 14.1 (Android 7.1) offers the smoothest experience without overwhelming the limited RAM common in these devices. Resurrection Remix (RR) : Best for those who want extreme customization
. It combines features from LineageOS, SlimROM, and OmniROM. It is often heavier on the system than LineageOS but offers the most "tweaks" per megabyte. AOSP (Android Open Source Project)
: If you want the absolute fastest, most lightweight experience, a pure AOSP build is the way to go. It strips away all bells and whistles to maximize the performance of the MT6735's quad-core processor.
: Based on LineageOS, it provides a "Pixel-like" experience with additional performance optimizations. It is often more stable than experimental ports of newer Android versions (like Android 10+ ports). Critical Considerations for MT6735 Devices Kernel Compatibility mt6735 custom rom best
: MT6735 has several variants (MT6735P, MT6735M). Ensure the ROM you download matches your specific kernel version (3.10.x or 3.18.x), or the device will fail to boot (bootloop). The "MediaTek Bug"
: Many custom ROMs for this chipset suffer from "NVRAM Warning: 0x10" errors or broken GPS/FM Radio. Check the "Bugs" list on the before flashing. Backup Requirement : Always perform a Nandroid backup using a custom recovery like before installing a new ROM to avoid permanent data loss. Instructables How to Find Your Match
Since MT6735 was used in hundreds of budget phones (like the LG K8, Meizu M2, or TP-Link Neffos), the "best" ROM is often the one specifically optimized for your exact model XDA Device Forums
Search for your specific phone model (e.g., "LG K8 MT6735 custom rom"). Look for "Stable" tags in the thread titles. Finding the "best" custom ROM for the (a
Creating a guide for the "best" Custom ROM for the MediaTek MT6735 (commonly found in older devices like the LG K10, Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus, or various regional budget phones from 2015-2017) requires a realistic approach.
Because the MT6735 is an older, budget-tier chipset, there is no "one size fits all" best ROM. However, the most reliable and widely recommended ROM base for this specific chip is LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2).
Here is your comprehensive guide to finding and installing the best ROM for your MT6735 device.
Before you begin, understand the risks:
Best for: App compatibility & Modern UI
Many developers have ported Pie to mt6735 using Treble-like hacks (SAR – System-as-Root). It runs surprisingly well if you have 2GB of RAM.
Crucial Tip: Do not flash GApps (Google Apps) larger than "Pico" on Pie. The system partition is tiny (1.5GB). Use MicroG or F-Droid instead.