List of Best Custom ROM for Samsung Galaxy S3 [Updated]

Welcome to the ultimate guide to custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy S3! If you’re looking to enhance your device’s performance, customize the user interface, or experience the latest features of Android, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy S3, including what they are, how to install them, and the best options available. So let’s dive in!

Understanding Stock ROM and Custom ROM

Before we dive into the world of custom ROMs, it’s important to understand the difference between stock ROM and custom ROM. When you purchase a brand new Android device, it comes preloaded with a stock ROM, also known as stock firmware. This is the operating system that is developed and provided by the phone’s manufacturer. Stock ROMs have limited functionalities and are often customized with the manufacturer’s own apps and features.

On the other hand, custom ROMs are alternative versions of the Android operating system that are developed and customized by the Android community. These ROMs offer a wide range of features, customization options, and performance enhancements that are not available in stock ROMs. Custom ROMs are built from the source code of the Android operating system, allowing developers to strip away unnecessary bloatware and optimize the performance of the device.

Benefits of Custom ROMs for Samsung Galaxy S3

There are several advantages to installing a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S3. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Improved Performance: Custom ROMs are often optimized for better performance, offering faster and smoother user experience compared to stock ROMs.
2. Enhanced Customization: Custom ROMs provide a plethora of customization options, allowing you to personalize your device’s user interface, system settings, and even install custom themes.
3. Access to Latest Android Versions: Custom ROMs often bring the latest Android versions and features to older devices like the Samsung Galaxy S3, allowing you to experience the latest software even if the official updates are no longer available.
4. Extended Battery Life: Some custom ROMs are designed to optimize power consumption, thereby extending the battery life of your Samsung Galaxy S3.
5. Removal of Bloatware: Custom ROMs give you the freedom to remove unnecessary pre-installed apps, freeing up storage space and improving system performance.

Now that you understand the benefits of custom ROMs, let’s explore the best options available for your Samsung Galaxy S3.

Best Custom ROMs for Samsung Galaxy S3

There are several custom ROMs available for the Samsung Galaxy S3, each offering unique features and customization options. Here are some of the best custom ROMs that you can install on your device:

1. Android 12

Android 12 is the latest version of the Android operating system, and several custom ROMs based on Android 12 are available for the Samsung Galaxy S3. These ROMs offer improved personalization options, a revamped user interface, and enhanced privacy features.

2. Android 11

Android 11 introduced several new features and improvements, and custom ROMs based on Android 11 can breathe new life into your Samsung Galaxy S3. These ROMs bring features like notification history, chat bubbles, improved media controls, and enhanced privacy settings.

3. Android 10 Q

If you’re looking for a stable and feature-rich custom ROM for your Samsung Galaxy S3, Android 10 Q-based ROMs are a great choice. These ROMs bring features like built-in call screening, improved call quality, smart replies, and improved battery life.

4. Lineage OS

Lineage OS is a popular custom ROM that offers a clean and stock Android experience. It is based on the legacy of CyanogenMod and brings stability, performance, and customization options to your Samsung Galaxy S3. Lineage OS is available in different versions, including Lineage OS 15.1, Lineage OS 17.1, Lineage OS 18.1, and Lineage OS 19.

5. CrDroid ROM

CrDroid ROM is known for its performance and reliability. Based on Lineage OS, CrDroid ROM offers a range of customization options and features to enhance your Samsung Galaxy S3 experience.

6. ViperOS

ViperOS is a custom ROM based on the AOSP code that offers a balance between battery life and performance. It is known for its stability and customization options. ViperOS brings features from various popular custom ROMs and provides a smooth and personalized experience on your Samsung Galaxy S3.

7. Resurrection Remix

Resurrection Remix is a feature-packed custom ROM that combines the stability of CyanogenMod, the features of Slim, Omni, and original Remix builds. It offers a fully-featured, stable, and customizable experience for your Samsung Galaxy S3. Resurrection Remix ROMs are available for various devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S3.

8. MIUI

MIUI is a custom ROM developed by Xiaomi based on the Android operating system. It offers a unique user interface, theme support, and customization options. MIUI ROMs bring the features and applications found on Xiaomi’s own devices to your Samsung Galaxy S3.

9. ArrowOS

ArrowOS is an AOSP-inspired custom ROM that aims to provide a simple, clean, and neat experience. It offers smooth performance, better battery life, and customization options for your Samsung Galaxy S3.

10. Pixel Experience

Pixel Experience ROMs bring the real Google Pixel experience to your Samsung Galaxy S3. These ROMs include all the features and applications that come preloaded on Google Pixel smartphones. With Pixel Experience ROMs, you can enjoy the stock Android experience on your Samsung Galaxy S3.

How to Install Custom ROMs on Samsung Galaxy S3

Now that you have a list of the best custom ROMs for your Samsung Galaxy S3, you might be wondering how to install them. The process of installing a custom ROM on your device involves a few steps, including unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery like TWRP, and flashing the ROM. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the installation process:

Step 1: Unlock the Bootloader

Before you can install a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S3, you need to unlock the bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to make changes to the system partition of your device. However, it is important to note that unlocking the bootloader may void your device’s warranty and can potentially brick your device if not done correctly. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding. Here is how you can unlock the bootloader of your Samsung Galaxy S3:

1. Enable Developer Options on your device by going to Settings > About phone > tap on the Build number several times until you see a message saying “You are now a developer.”
2. Go back to the main Settings menu and open Developer Options.
3. Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking.
4. Connect your Samsung Galaxy S3 to your computer using a USB cable.
5. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and enter the following command to boot your device into fastboot mode:

   adb reboot bootloader

6. Once your device is in fastboot mode, enter the following command to check if your device is recognized:

   fastboot devices

7. If your device is recognized, enter the following command to unlock the bootloader:

   fastboot oem unlock

Note: This command will erase all the data on your device, so make sure to back up your important files.

8. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the bootloader unlock process.

   Once the process is complete, your device will reboot, and the bootloader will be unlocked.

Step 2: Install TWRP Recovery

To install a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S3, you need to install a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). TWRP is a popular custom recovery that allows you to flash custom ROMs, create backups, and perform other system-level tasks. Here is how you can install TWRP Recovery on your Samsung Galaxy S3:

1. Download the TWRP image file for your Samsung Galaxy S3 from the official TWRP website or a trusted source.
2. Connect your Samsung Galaxy S3 to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the TWRP image file.
4. Enter the following command to boot your device into fastboot mode:

   adb reboot bootloader

5. Once your device is in fastboot mode, enter the following command to flash TWRP Recovery:

   fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

Note: Replace “twrp.img” with the actual filename of the TWRP image file.

6. After the flashing process is complete, enter the following command to reboot your device:

   fastboot reboot

Your Samsung Galaxy S3 will now boot into TWRP Recovery.

Step 3: Backup Your Data

Before proceeding with the installation of a custom ROM, it is highly recommended to create a backup of your data. This will allow you to restore your device to its previous state if anything goes wrong during the installation process. TWRP Recovery provides an easy way to create a full system backup. Here is how you can create a backup using TWRP Recovery:

1. Boot your Samsung Galaxy S3 into TWRP Recovery by turning off your device and then pressing and holding the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously.
2. In TWRP Recovery, tap on the “Backup” option.
3. Select the partitions you want to back up. It is recommended to select all partitions to create a complete backup.
4. Swipe the slider to start the backup process. Wait for the backup to complete.

   Once the backup is complete, you can proceed with the installation of a custom ROM.

Step 4: Flash the Custom ROM

Now that you have unlocked the bootloader, installed TWRP Recovery, and created a backup of your data, you are ready to flash a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S3. Here is how you can flash a custom ROM using TWRP Recovery:

1. Download the custom ROM of your choice from a trusted source and transfer it to the internal storage of your Samsung Galaxy S3.
2. Boot your Samsung Galaxy S3 into TWRP Recovery by turning off your device and then pressing and holding the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously.
3. In TWRP Recovery, tap on the “Wipe” option and then swipe the slider to factory reset your device. This will erase all the data on your device, so make sure to create a backup before proceeding.
4. Go back to the main menu of TWRP Recovery and tap on the “Install” option.
5. Navigate to the location where you transferred the custom ROM file and select it.
6. Swipe the slider to start the flashing process. Wait for the process to complete.
7. Once the flashing process is complete, tap on the “Reboot System” option.

   Your Samsung Galaxy S3 will now boot into the newly installed custom ROM.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S3. Enjoy the enhanced performance, customization options, and new features that the custom ROM brings to your device.

Conclusion

Custom ROMs offer a world of possibilities for Samsung Galaxy S3 users, allowing them to customize their devices, improve performance, and experience the latest Android features. In this guide, we have explored the best custom ROMs available for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and provided a step-by-step guide on how to install them. Whether you’re looking for improved performance, enhanced customization, or access to the latest Android versions, there is a custom ROM out there for you. So go ahead, unlock the full potential of your Samsung Galaxy S3 with a custom ROM and enjoy a whole new level of smartphone experience!