Samsung Galaxy Note 3
A man talks on his mobile phone near advertisements promoting the Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 3 at the company's headquarters in Seoul October 21, 2013. Picture taken October 21, 2013. REUTERS/Kim Hong-JiReuters

Custom ROM developer community Phronesis has released a new Android 5.1.1 Lollipop-based firmware to Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

The new Phronesis firmware is 1.3GB in size and brings performance-enhancing tweaks, visually appealing UI and numerous value-added features to improve the user experience on Samsung's 2013 flagship phablet.

Other notable features of Phronesis Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM:

  • Power optimisation
  • Animation
  • Sound control option in the power settings
  • Fix for Stagefright vulnerability
  • Multiple language support
  • Optimisation to extend battery life

Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the custom ROM):

  1. This new Phronesis Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM has to be installed on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9005) LTE model only; if tried on other devices, it might brick them. [To check your device model, go to Settings >> About phone >> model number.] Make sure the device is rooted before going forward with the custom ROM installation
  2. Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back up all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
  3. Make sure the PC has USB driver software, or else the device (Galaxy Note 3) will not be recognised by the computer.
  4. Make sure the device has more than 80% battery, or else there is chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.
  5. Though installing a custom ROM may improve the device's performance and UI experiences, it voids the company warranty and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future. [Users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM]

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation in) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or becoming permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of Phronesis Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Step 1: Download of Phronesis Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) on to your PC.

Step 2: Connect Samsung Galaxy Note 3 LTE N9005 to the PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone into the computer, ensure that you have installed USB driver software. If not, click HERE to download the firmware.]

Step 3: Place Android 5.1.1 Lollipop zip file and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder.]

[Also note: Before installing the custom software, ensure that the device has been rooted and has ClockworkMod Recovery tool installed.]

Step 4: Turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 5: Perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding "Volume (up)", "Home" and "Power" buttons.

Step 6: After entering the RECOVERY mode, clear the phone memory, by choosing "wipe data/factory reset" option.

[Note: Use the "Volume" keys to navigate and "Power" button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]

Step 7: Clear the cache memory by selecting "wipe cache partition"

Step 8: Then to go back to ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]

Step 9: Again come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'

Step 10: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.1.1 ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure to install Google Apps [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options]

Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.

Now, your device (Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005) will take at a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Users then head to 'Settings' >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of Phronesis Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]

Also Read