LineageOSThe successor ROM to the beloved and now defunct CyanogenMod, Android Pie, is updating a large number of phones. We'll tell you the details. What does version 16 bring? compared to other ROMs and which terminals are compatible right now.
In case you don't know, LineageOS is an Android ROMLineageOS, the direct successor to CyanogenMod, offers extensive customization options and advanced features. One of its most notable features is the ability to completely forgo Google Apps, a feature highly valued by users who want to escape Google's control and minimize the amount of proprietary software on their phones. Thanks to this open philosophy and its active community, LineageOS has gained immense popularity among demanding users.
Furthermore, LineageOS has established itself as one of the preferred ROMs for those looking for an experience close to pure Android But with more options: privacy settings, backup tools, battery controls, interface customization, and a carefully curated suite of proprietary apps. All this without bloatware, without duplicate apps, and striving to maintain a delicate balance between performance, cleaning y customization.
Another thing that made this ROM popular is the stand for old phonesIn this case, LineageOS 16 provides support for veterans like the Samsung Galaxy S5 or OnePlus One (which came pre-installed with Android 4.4 with CyanogenMod). This way, many phones that no longer receive official updates can continue to enjoy new features, security patches, and performance improvements.
CyanogenMod disappeared during the Android 6.0 era, only to return renamed in Android 7.0 with version 14.0 (yes, they kept the version number and reused much of the codebase). Now, with version 16.0 Based on Android 9 Pie, LineageOS continues that legacy and proves once again that custom ROMs still make a lot of sense, especially for those who value the freedom to modify their device and extend its lifespan as much as possible.
The LineageOS team usually maintains The updates are very up-to-date. Security and bug fixes have become even more important since Google switched to a patching model that is often quarterly and based on risk level. This forces projects like LineageOS to adjust their schedules, but it also ensures that users continue to have a stable and up-to-date system, even on devices that are several years old.
Key new features of LineageOS 16 based on Android Pie
LineageOS 16.0 relies on Android 9 Pie It uses Pie as a base, but adds a good number of its own improvements. The ROM offers an experience very similar to stock Android, with just enough changes to add features without breaking visual consistency or stability. Among the highlights it inherits from Pie and adapts in its own way are:
- Better battery management thanks to improvements in background process control.
- Smarter notification managementwith options to mute, prioritize, and better organize them.
- An even more resource-efficient system, ideal for veteran mobile phones who want to extend their performance.
In addition to the Android Pie base, LineageOS 16 incorporates its own features which you won't find in many manufacturer ROMs. Among the most interesting are:
- Multi-device Compatibility system-level dark mode, something the LineageOS team worked on even before Google generalized it in Android.
- Advanced options for mark notifications as read from the panel itself, without having to open the corresponding application.
- Possibility of establishing custom time intervals so that the device automatically checks for updates, which is very useful if you want to control when and how new builds are downloaded.
These features are in addition to the ROM's already classic features, such as its backup system and the security panel. Trust (designed to inform the user about the privacy status and risks of the device) and a selection of minimal but very functional applications: music player, calendar, browser, file viewer, its own camera and much more.
LineageOS as a tool to extend the life of your mobile phone
The Android Custom ROMs They can offer features not officially available in the manufacturer's pre-installed software. Furthermore, they are a key tool for keeping systems up to date. older devices when the manufacturer stops offering regular software and security updates.
If you have a phone that's several years old, it's very likely that you stopped receiving system updates a long time ago, even if the hardware is still working correctly. This doesn't mean your phone is useless, nor that you have to buy a new one if you don't want to. With a ROM like LineageOS 16, you can access Android Pie with security improvementsNew features and a smoother experience, without relying on official support.
In practice, projects like LineageOS allow that mobile phones that are 3, 4 or more years old They continue to provide more than adequate performance for everyday use: social media, messaging apps, GPS navigation, multimedia consumption, and even moderately demanding games. The ROM scene demonstrates, generation after generation, that the real limitation of many devices is not the hardware, but the manufacturers' business decision to stop updating them.
However, if you don't know how to install a ROM, don't rush into it. It's essential to dedicate time to... Learn through tutorials or detailed guidesRead the official LineageOS wiki for your model and make sure you understand each step: unlocking the bootloader, installing the recovery, backups, and flashing the ROM. There are plenty of guides on how to install a ROM and even on how to flash a flash ROM. how to install LineageOS step by step. Consult them and take it easy.
List of phones compatible with LineageOS 16.0 (Android Pie)
LineageOS 16.0 is available for a wide variety of devices, including recent models and older ones. The following list includes the main phones compatible with Android 9 Pie through this version of LineageOS. Keep in mind that This list may be expanded over time thanks to the work of the community's maintenance workers.
- Google Nexus 6
Huawei / Honor
- Honor View 10
- Huawei P20 Pro
LeEco
- LeEco Le Max 2
- LeEco Le Pro3
- LePro3 Elite
Lenovo
- Lenovo ZUK Z1
OnePlus
- OnePlus One
- OnePlus 2
- OnePlus 3
- OnePlus 3T
- OnePlus 5
- OnePlus 5T
OPPO
- Oppo Find 7
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S5 LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Active S5
Sony
- Sony Xperia XA2
- Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3
- Xiaomi Pocophone F1
In addition to these featured models, the LineageOS team maintains a more extensive list of devices Compatible with different ROM versions (14.1, 15.1, 16.0, etc.), where it is specified for each model which version of Android it supports and whether it receives official builds. It is essential to check your exact model there, since Not all mobile phones work with the same version nor do they receive the same functions.
On the official LineageOS ROMs page, you'll find all available downloads categorized by manufacturer. Within each manufacturer's list, you'll find the different models, so you just need to search for your device to see if it has a compatible version. Once you've found it, you can download the file. ROM .zip and follow the specific installation guide.
Other mobile devices compatible with LineageOS 16 according to the project
If we broaden our focus beyond the first batch of devices, the LineageOS 16 ecosystem encompasses dozens of additional models from brands like Asus, BQ, LG, Motorola, Sony, Xiaomi, ZTE, and YU, among many others. This massive compatibility is one of the ROM's greatest strengths, as it covers everything from very popular high-end models to lesser-known devices with an active community.
These additional mobiles include, for example:
- Models Asus like the Zenfone Max Pro M1 with LineageOS 15.1.
- Others BQ Aquaris with support for LineageOS 16.0.
- Others LG G2 and G3 with different regional variations.
- Cellphones Motorola like Moto Z, Moto Z2 Force or Moto X4.
- A long list of Samsung Galaxy S5 in its variants LTE, LTE-A, Active and Duos.
- Model numbers of Sony Xperiafrom the XA2 to classics like the Xperia Z or Xperia SP.
- A very extensive catalog of Xiaomiincluding Redmi, Mi and Poco with support for different versions of LineageOS.
The truth is that the list is extensive, and you might have one of these phones tucked away in a drawer or used as a secondary device. We see that OnePlus has fared particularly well This initial list of phones with LineageOS 16.0 is quite extensive, as it barely lacks any models to cover almost its entire catalog. Manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei also stand out, as their massive global user base benefits significantly from having a stable ROM maintained by the community.
It is important to remember that, over time, the project closes the cycle for some older versions (for example, LineageOS 14.1 It stopped receiving regular updates, although certain security patches continued for a while. This means that if your phone is compatible with a newer version like 16.0, it's usually a good idea to consider upgrading to enjoy the latest version. Better support and more features.
Tips before installing LineageOS on your device
Updating your old phone to LineageOS is a relatively simple process if you already have experience with custom ROMs, although it can be a bit more complicated if it's your first time. You should be aware that everything you install on your phone runs under LineageOS. your responsibilityAnd that an error in the process can cause data loss or even render the device unusable if you don't follow the steps correctly.
Some basic tips before you start:
- Always make a full backup of your important data.
- Make sure your device has the bootloader unlocked following the official or community-recommended method.
- Install a recovery compatible (such as Lineage Recovery or TWRP, as indicated by the official wiki) and check that you can access it without problems.
- Read the official guide for your model Read the LineageOS wiki from beginning to end before doing anything.
If you follow these steps carefully, LineageOS 16 can become the best way to give a second life to your mobile phone, with a cleaner, safer and more up-to-date system than the one often offered by the manufacturer itself.
Do you use a Stock ROMOr do you prefer to keep the stock ROM that came with your phone? Do you use it as the manufacturer intended, or do you like to customize it with projects like LineageOS? Tell us about your experience!
This version 16 of LineageOS solidifies the ROM as a strong alternative for those looking for full control over your device, compatibility with a wide variety of phones and the possibility of enjoying Android Pie on mobiles that would officially never receive it.