Top 5 Custom ROMs For Customizing Your Android Device

Apple’s iOS runs the same firmware on every device. It can only be customized and updated by Apple’s own developers. However, Android is truly an open source platform. Even you and I can play with it if we have the right tools and proper knowledge.
The Android device can be customized in whatever way we want. We can even make a custom Operating System out of Android. A custom ROM is an upgraded software version for your Android device. For that already-installed OS version, the term stock ROM is used.
There are mainly two reasons why a custom ROM is used. The first one is that you want to remove all that bloatware that comes already installed in your phone. The second is that you you want to do some real customization with your device. Adding splendid themes, overclocking, improving battery life, downloading apps to SD card and making your device’s speed better are some of the exceptional tasks that a custom ROM performs. A custom ROM features its own kernel.
Keep one thing in mind that installing a custom ROM is not like installing an application. It is not that easy and may turn your phone into a brick if something goes wrong.
In this article, we will discuss about some of the most popular Android custom ROMs, their features, pros and cons etc.

1. CyanogenMod

CyanogenMod is the most popular Android ROM out there and has the most number of installations in the world. This is because the ROM is compatible with more Android devices than any other ROM. This custom ROM has three versions CyanogenMod 7, CyanogenMod 10, and CyanogenMod 10.1 which are based on Android 2.3, Android 4.1, and Android 4.2 respectively.
There are many devices that don’t support Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich ICS) above, so for them, CyanogenMod 7 is the best option. This aftermarket firmware’s features that make it different from the original firmware include easy access to thousands of themes, perfect sound processing options like headphone filtering, dynamic range compression and equalization, more options in notification drop-down menu and some other improvements.

2. Paranoid Android

Paranoid Android is another great custom Android ROM that boosts your device’s usability. The special thing in this custom ROM is its hybrid mode. With this option you can switch among tablet, phablet and smartphone modes. Paranoid Android kicks out the restrictions of Android’s DPI system and in this way, you can run any application no matter if it was built for tablet interface or smartphone interface.
Actually, the ROM lets you play and customize with Android UI by removing those DPI restrictions. You can even choose different color schemes for applications. Multi-window feature is something on which Paranoid Android team is currently working.
Paranoid Android makes your phone’s performance faster but you may encounter some bugs. You may face system crashes and process crashes with annoying frequencies with the tested stable version of this firmware.

3. AOKP

Android Open Kang Project only supports some high-end Android devices. The firmware version is lightweight and empowers your phone’s processing. It also removes the bloatware that comes already installed in an Android device. Ribbons and toggles are two amazing things that have been introduced in this ROM.
Ribbons enable you to launch applications from any screen while through toggles you can get all your phone’s settings right at your fingertips. Just like Paranoid Android, the firmware lets you customize the interface as well as some features of your Android device. Two more features of this ROM are customizable LED notifications and performance tweaks.

4. SlimBean

This is another lightweight firmware for Android whose developers have mainly focused on minimalism. Its interface is almost the same as the one you get already installed on your device. However, it offers much more features like profiles and customizable notification drawers.
Another exceptional feature of SlimBean is The Real Dark Slim. Through this, you can invert the colors of your interface with one touch. Along with better performance, the firmware offers better battery life. The ROM has its own Kernel which manages your device’s power well.

5. MIUI

MIUI is not the best Android ROM out there but it definitely needs to be mentioned here just because of its elegant interface and customizable features. It makes your phone’s processing really fast. Formerly, MIUI was a mod created for Android in China, but later on the mod was extended for different languages and countries by its fans. Its worth-mentioning features are support for GApps, full root access, customizable lock screen, and theme support.

Other Android Custom ROMs

Besides these, there are many other worth-mentioning custom ROMs too. CarbonROM is a good one based on Android 4.2.2. Another exceptional ROM is Vanilla RootBox. The ROM shares some features from Paranoid Android and AOKP. Xylon, CodefireX, and Euroskank are also good options if you don’t want to go for the above ones.

Conclusion

There are many situations when you want to change your Operating System. Like you own an old phone from some renowned series e.g Samsung Galaxy and you get an old version of Android in it. The only solution for this is installing custom ROM based on updated firmware manually. So, if you have got problems with your phone’s OS, then choosing a custom ROM is one of the best methods out there. Which is your favorite ROM for Android?

SlimBean 4.3 For Nexus 7 (2013)

SlimBean is a notable Custom ROM with important features, apps and capabilities that cannot be found in CyanogenMod or any other Rom. Its been a week since release of this device and almost all the famous and top list custom Roms has been developed for this Google's beast. It has been developed by one of the member on Xda, gmillz. So what are you waiting for, give it a try by following the instructions carefully.

Installation Process:

• Download the ROM zip from here

Optional: Download any supplemental 3rd-party applications packages for the device you wish to use like Gapps from here

• Place the rom .zip file on the root of the SD card.

Optional: Place any supplemental packages (eg Google Apps or kernel) .zip file(s) on the root of the SD card.

• Boot to recovery mode on the device by holding Hold Volume Up & the Power button. Hold all Buttons until the Screen flashes, then release the Power button..
• Once the device boots into the ClockworkMod Recovery, use the physical volume buttons to move up and down. On most devices, the power button is used to confirm your selection, although for some devices the power button is used as a "back" button to go up one level, in which case the home button is used to confirm the selection.

Optional/Recommended: Select backup and restore to create a backup of the current installation on the device.

• Select the option to wipe data/factory reset.
• Select the option Wipe dalvik-cache in advanced.
• Select install zip from sdcard.
• Select choose zip from sdcard.
• Select the zip file you placed on the sdcard. You will then need to then confirm that you do wish to flash this file.

Optional: Install any additional packages you wish using the same method.

• Once the installation has finished, return back to the main menu, and select the reboot system now option.
• Enjoy!!

You can try Some of the Addons from here

Best ROMs For HTC One

HTC One was the most awaited Phone packed with exciting New features like HD resolution, 2 GB RAM, with official JB 4.2 Support, Qualcomm APQ8064T Snapdragon 600, Quad-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300, Adreno 320, etc. And till now it is the best smartphone available in the Market. Many members of Xda started to mod Jellybean 4.1 currently available for it to get better performance and looks out of it and they are doing an awesome work.

Here is the Top ROM list of HTC One:

5. OrDroid 3.0.0 with Sense UI 5.0 by shnizlon

Its a Jellybean 4.1 Based ROM with Sense 5.0 with a very good Battery backup.

Features Of The ROM:

• Based on 1.29.401.12 firmware
• Android 4.1.2 with Sense UI 5.0
• Stock look, no visual changes
• Multi-language (WWE)
• Deodexed, Recompressed & Zipaligned using SDK r21.1
• Bloatware removed
• Unsecured boot.img
• Persistent ADB enabled
• SuperUser, Busybox, SQLite
• OpenVPN support
• Init.d scripts support
• Sysro/sysrw commands support
• System signatures check enabled for security and safety
• Performance optimizations
• Memory optimizations
• Ramdisk tweaks
• Option to remove apps (AROMA installer)
• Option to install additional mods (AROMA installer)
• Excellent battery life!
• All applications updated to the latest version
• Support almost 24 hours a day
• ...and many more!

Download the ROM here or here

4. Maximus7 4.0.0 by LlabTooFeR

It is also a battery friendly ROM with Good LOOKS..

Features Of The ROM:

• Based on HTC One 1.29.401.5
• Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
• Sense 5.0
• Amazing battery life
• Fast and Stable
• Tweaked for Best Performance
• OTA Updates
• APM
• Auto-Kernel Flash
• Deodexed
• Zippaligned
• Rooted
• Option to remove unneeded apps
• Option to install additional mods
• Support of init.d
• Always newest ROM bases
• And many more

Download the ROM here and Flash this to battery with % in status bar

3. RENOVATE 1.0 by mwilky

Features Of the ROM:

• Added option for "Renovate Theme" (WIP):

1. Transparent UI in Sense
2. Custom fade lines
3. Percent battery icon
4. Themed EQS toggles (thanks hdneuling)

• Removed power saver notification
• Removed USB Connected notification
• Fixed the gallery not showing image previews
• Added menu to the Sense launcher
• Added PureXAudio (thanks zero)
• Enabled extra gallery functions: 

1. 3D folder 
2. Folder encryption

• Added aggressive auto brightness values option
• Redesigned the aroma installer
• New boot animation
• Fixed force closes for messages.apk
• Fixed disable exchange security on mail.apk
• Made the home screens empty after a full wipe
• Added extended features to camera.apk: 

1. Front facing HDR
2. Zoom by volume keys
3. Geotag recovery

• Tweaked Sense launcher animation speeds
• Set HTC recent apps back to default
• Made EQS option to show/hide by pressing header
• Included CM brightness slider mod (thanks dunc)
• Tweaked NFC to work while screen is off
• Disabled 180 degree rotation
• Improved sqlite tweaks
• Made /data zipalign on boot
• Reduced time taken for APM to show (thanks dunc)
• Added option for 4x5/5x6 app drawer
• Removed volume key wake due to reliability
• Added option to have stock battery icons
• Added option to download latest revision to phone in flashable.zip
• Added fully working write access to /system (thanks flar2)
• Improved overall performance/battery life.

Download The ROM here

2. TrickDroid 5.1.0 by torxx

Features Of the ROM:

• Based on latest 1.29.401.13- Thanks mike1986
• Android 4.1.2 with Sense UI 5.0
• Fully compatible with all HTC One Models
• Removed all debug code from /app and /framework
• Multilanguage support
• TrickDroid tweak package option
• Fixed all original HTC bugs
• Stock Kernel (Option to flash tbalden kernel)
• Advanced Power Menu
• CM Brightness Mod
• Menu tweak in Settings
• Extended Camera with more options
• Extended Quick Settings (Hide/Show by clicking on the date in statusbar)
• Menu on Homescreen
• Rooted with latest SuperUser by koush
• Deodexed with latest baksmali/smali
• Zipaligned with latest SDK
• Custom unsecured boot.img with Ramdisk tweaks
• Newest BusyBox
• Excellent battery life
• sysro/sysrw permission
• init.d scripts support
• Removed bloatware
• AROMA Installer with many options like:
• Option between different battery mods
• Auto Brightness Mod
• Exchange Mail Mod
• SMS Screen On Mod
• Remove 3 dot menu
• and many other tweaks!

Download the ROM here

1.  Android Revolution HD 7.0 with Sense 5 by mike1986.

This ROM is For High Quality & Performance

Features of the ROM:

• Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) - latest official HTC One 1.29.401.13 (WWE) firmware
• Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) - latest *STOCK* ROMs without changes and modifications ---> click here
• This is improved version of stock ROM - no visual changes!
• Very fast, clean & stable!
• Full HTC Sense 5.0 Interface
• Multi-language (WWE)
• Full Arabic and Hebrew languages support! (ICS feature)
• For HTC One: International GSM/LTE (UL), International GSM (U), all U.S. carriers (apart of Sprint) (click here for more details)
• Thanks to HTC for the base firmware

• Stock kernel (the most stable)

• Removed software (CPU) rendering - full Snapdragon 600 (GPU) rendering
• Fully optimized and tweaked
• ROOT (su + SuperSu Permissions - Thanks to koush)
• Unsecured boot.img
• Newest BusyBox
• RAM optimizations
• System signatures check enabled for system security and safety
• Improved virtual memory management
• Speed optimizations
• Enabled GPU UI rendering
• Data, cache and system partitions mounting tweaks
• Bloatware applications removed
• All /system applications updated to latest available
• All /data applications updated to latest available
• Improved CPU governors performance
• Most optimal system scheduler
• Disabled kernel debugging for better performance
• ZRAM ready!
• Zipaligned (Improved RAM management)
• Zipalign on boot (for user applications on data partition)
• Fully de-odexed
• init.d scripts (BusyBox run-parts) support
• Auto init.d permissions set on boot
• sysro/sysrw commands support
• Excellent battery life!
• Improved EXT4 performance
• You can replace HTC boot animation with any custom one
• OpenVPN support
• 4EXT Recovery (Thanks to madmaxx82)
• Most up-to-date system files permissions
• Adobe Flash Player support
• Support almost 24h a day
• ...and many more!

Download The ROM here

For Performance Tweaks, % battery mods, & other add-ons click here

Installation Instructions:

1. Download the ROM and place it on your virtual SD card
2. Boot your device into recovery mode (Volume Down + Power)
3. In main menu, select "install zip from sdcard"
4. Select "choose zip from sdcard" and browse to the location of ROM zip
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, full wipe is recommended if coming from another ROM or after each official release.
6. After flashing process is complete, reboot the device and enjoy!

Best ROMs For Xperia Z

Many Roms are available for Xperia Z but all cannot be considered as best. Only some of them can be considered as best and I am going to point out some of the best ROMs available for it. All of them are currently stock based. So here is the List and Their description following it..

1. RomAur v1.4 by auras76
2. KA02.2 Xperia Z Revolution™ with Black status & navbar by krabappel2548
3. TuRdZzROM 1.1.1 by xL3thalTuRdZz

RomAur v1.4 by auras76 

Features:

• Based on Stock FW C6603 ES UNBRANDED FTF- 10.1.A.1.434 JB 4.1.2 
• Fully de-odexed
• Enabled GPU UI rendering
• Zipaligned with sdk r21
• Zipalign on boot 
• Busybox 1.21.0
• Init.d scripts
• SQLlite3
• Init.d Support Busybox run-parts
• Supersu 1.25 by chainfire
• Aosp Browser
• Aosp Keyboard
• Advanced power menu , navigation bar toggle, with 18 toggles in statusbar

Downloads:

• Download Here For Unlocked Bootloaders and here For Locked Bootloaders

FOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS GO TO THE BOOTOM OF POST AND FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

If NFC not working, go to /data/usf , and delete this directory.

IF YOU WANT MODS AND EXTRAS FOR THIS ROM LIKE SYSTEMUI MOD, BATTERY MOD, STATUS BAR MOD, THEN GO HERE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS..

KA02.2 Xperia Z Revolution™ with Black status & navbar by krabappel2548

Features:

• Download music info on unlocked bootloader!!
• Build.prop tweaks
• init.d tweaks
• 100% Image quality
• Black Navigation bar
• Extra Sound enhancements
• All stock features
• Fully deodexed
• New phone off charging animation

Download the ROM here or here

TuRdZzROM 1.1.1 by xL3thalTuRdZz

Features:

• Based on Stock 10.1.A.1.350
• Loads of Bloatware removed
• AC!D Audio Engine (Thanks to Team AC!D)
• de-odexed
• Zipaligned
• Busybox
• SuperSU by Chainfire

Download The ROM Here

Installation Process For ALL The Roms:

For Unlocked Bootloaders-

• Unlock bootloader here
• Copy the downloaded Rom to ext sdcard
• If this Rom come without kernel, then to get recovery , flash DooMLoRD advanced stock kernel
• Enter recovery(When you see the Sony logo and the LED light turns pink/amber/orange keep tapping/pressing VOLUME UP key and you will be inside Recovery..)
• Make sure to do a Factory Reset/ Wipe data / system/cache before installing ROM 
• Install rom
• Reboot system
• On disable flash recovery stock say no to get init.d support
• Enjoy

For Locked Bootloaders-

• Install CWM recovery 6.0.2.8 for locked bootloaders from here
• Copy rom to ext sdcard
• Enter recovery(When you see the Sony logo and the LED light turns pink/amber/orange keep tapping/pressing VOLUME UP key and you will be inside Recovery..)
• Make sure to do a Factory Reset/ Wipe data / system/cache before installing ROM
• In case of Xperia Z Revolution ROM Don't wipe data, only cache!
• Install rom
• Reboot system
• On disable flash recovery stock say no to get init.d support
• Root your device by following guide here
• Enjoy

Samsung Galaxy S5: The most interesting rumours out there

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is already the subject of plenty of rumours about its super high-res screen, 64-bit CPU and more. Here's a list of what's the buzz around the Galaxy S5.

Even though it's just been a couple of months since the Galaxy S4 launched, we've already started seeing rumours about its successor- the Galaxy S5. These rumours point to a better display, faster processor, an evolved chipset and even a retina scanner. Let's take a look at some of these rumours:

The Galaxy S5 may have a QHD display
According to these rumours, Samsung will be applying QHD (quad-HD) tech onto their smart phone next year (not to be confused with qHD which points to a resolution of 960x540 pixels). The rumours state that Samsung has already developed the technology and is now figuring out a way to mass produce it. Flagship smartphones today sport displays with full HD resolution (1920x1280) while QHD resolution is 2560x1440 pixels, which is about four times the number of pixels than on a full HD display. Samsung is expected to reveal the first QHD smart phone at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February according to internal sources.
PLS LCD displays for Galaxy S5
According to the Korean media, Samsung is considering using PLS LCD displays on next year's flagships like the Galaxy S5 and Note 4, in order to reduce production costs by almost 20%. Samsung already uses PLS LCDs on its tablets such as the Nexus 10 and the Galaxy Note 10.1, and the company is now considering adopting the technology for its phones as well.
Samsung Galaxy S5 64-bit CPU
The rumors are also on about Samsung launching the S5 with a 64-bit processor, thanks to an ARM executive spilling the beans on how Samsung had picked up a new ARM chip for 2014. CNET reported that during a presentation at Samsung's Analyst Day in Seoul, South Korea, Samsung revealed a two-prong approach in creating a 64-bit chip: first develop a 64-bit chip based on ARM's design, and then develop its own "optimized" 64-bit CPU core design. This approach was revealed by Stephen Woo, president of System LSI at Samsung Electronics, although a specific time frame for the custom core was not provided.
Samsung Galaxy S5 rumored to pack 14nm Exynos 6 chipset
A report in Korean media has emerged that potentially sheds light on the CPU of the yet to be revealed Samsung Galaxy S5. Reportedly, the next generation Samsung Galaxy S smartphone will pack an Exynos 6 CPU with 14nm architecture and 64-bit support. The current generation uses 28nm process, while previous rumors have suggested that Samsung is working on 20nm architecture.
Eye scanner on the Galaxy S5
The next Samsung smartphone will have both fingerprint sensors and iris scanners for security, according to ZDNet Korea. Samsung integrated eye-tracking tech into the Galaxy S4, so it would make sense that the company was looking for a way to add a security element to the mix as well.

Rugged Water-And-Dust Proof S5
Sources have told Korean publication ETNews that the Samsung Galaxy S5 will be waterproof and dustproof similar to the Galaxy S4 Active. The Galaxy S4 Active debuted shortly after the original Galaxy S4, to rave reviews, much to Samsung’s surprise, reportedly. It appears customers appreciated the incorporation of metal into the Galaxy S4 Active design, which gives it a more premium look in comparison to Samsung’s other polycarbonate-encased devices.
Samsung Galaxy S5 operating system
All previous headlining Galaxy S handsets have sported the Android operating system and we don't expect that to change with the Galaxy S5. Google's latest version of its mobile platform, Android 4.4 KitKat, is launched in October 2013, so it's highly likely this will be the version of choice for the Galaxy S5 come March. There's a rumor that throws a spanner in the works though, suggesting that Samsung will offer the Galaxy S5 in both Android and its homebrewn Tizen variants.

Nexus 5 cases and skins

Got a brand new Nexus 5? Planning to get one soon? Here are the best cases and skins that should go a long way in ensuring that your Nexus 5 is protected and stays in good shape all the way.

Your new Google Nexus 5 needs protection and there are enough cases, skins and vinyls in the market that promise to protect your device against scratches, bumps and the occasional rough use. We list the best Nexus 5 cases that you should consider before you arrive on the perfect solution to protect your device.

Nexus 5 Bumper Case- The official Nexus 5 case

The official Nexus 5 case is probably the most popular and a safe bet for protecting your Google Nexus 5. It is sold by Google on the official Google Play Store India for Rs. 2,499. Unlike the Nexus 4 case the Nexus 5 case is a hard plastic shell that covers the entire back of the device along with protection at the edges. The case feels premium and does offer assurance of protecting the device against accidental falls. Also, only the black and yellow cases were in stock last we checked while the grey and bright red versions weren’t.

Price: Rs. 2,499
Buy from the Play Store

LG QuickCover for Nexus 5

Even the “QuickCover” case for Nexus 5 can be purchased via the Google Play store for Rs. 3,299. This full body protection case is expensive and it also offers more compared to the bumper case mentioned above. While the overall protection offered by this case is better, it does add more bulk and weight to the device. One minor niggle with the case is that hardware volume controls are difficult to access when you are on a call (and the front flap is open).

Price: Rs. 3,299
Buy from the Play Store

Capdase Back Cover for Google Nexus 5

This is a very basic cover from a popular brand. This case offers edge and corner protection but leaves the top and bottom front edge of the Nexus 5 unprotected. Recommended if you want a very basic level of protection that primarily protects the Nexus 5’s back surface and does not cost too much.

Price: Rs. 799
Buy from Flipkart

Spigen Nexus 5 Ultra-Thin Air case

This case is highly recommended if you want the least obtrusive transparent case for your Nexus 5. Recommended for those who are looking for basic protection against scratches while retaining the looks and the slim form factor design of the Nexus 5. Spigen does not sell directly in India via their website, but you can buy it from Amazon India or Flipkart via importers. Spigen also has a few more Nexus 5 cases, offering varied levels of protection and styling, check them out on the official site.

Price: Rs. 1,749
Buy from Amazon India

GADGET SHIELDZ Nexus 5 full body protection shield

Gadget Shieldz are high-quality protective films that cover the entire body of the device, offering protection against scratches and scuffs. While these films cannot save your device from cracking in case of an accidental fall, they promise to keep your gadget protected against scratches.

Price: Rs. 429
Buy from the Gadget Shieldz site

More cases

Nexus 5 Cruzerlite Android Experience Case: If you are looking for something different

Nexus 5 Poly Carbonate Armour case: For extra protection, when you aren’t concerned with conserving the looks of the Nexus 5

Google Nexus 5

The sleek Google Nexus 5, running on Android KitKat, is an absolute treat to use.

Simplicity is a difficult trait to achieve. More so when you are using it to market a product. But Google seems to have this thing down pat. Those who have used a ‘Nexus’ or a ‘Play Edition’ smartphone will know what I’m talking about. Imagine a smartphone with no frills, no annoying animations, no bloatware. Just the things you need day in, day out, packaged in a really simple body. That’s what the new Nexus 5 is all about. I stayed glued to it for a couple of weeks and here’s why.

Build

Apple might be the queen bee of design, but that doesn’t mean the others don’t know how to do ‘minimalism’ right. Look at the Nexus 5 and you’ll know what I mean. When I hold the phone up, it’s just a plain, sleek, sexy block of black staring back. No buttons, no controls, no recesses, no protrusions. The essential ones – power and volume – are designated either side of the phone; the 3.5 mm jack to the top and the micro-USB slot to the bottom. There’s virtually nothing standing between you and the phone.

With an almost-5-inch display, the Nexus 5 is the largest in the Nexus smartphone lineup. The screen is pretty good – it has a 1920x1080-pixel resolution, just like the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The display is great to read on although personally I prefer reading either on a monochromatic reader like the Paperwhite or at least on a slightly larger screen. However, the display was good enough to have me hooked on to multiple articles on Pocket (formerly Read It Later) for about 20-30 minutes at a stretch. 

A bite of KitKat

Stock Android is pure joy to use, especially if you are already a fan of Android. It’s the very first device to run on Android KitKat (Version 4.4). KitKat integrates your SMSes and hangouts, so at times it might get a bit confusing. I ended up pinging someone online thinking I was sending them an SMS and vice versa. To help matters, there’ll be a “via SMS” next to the SMS timestamp. If you can’t see it, then it was sent via Hangout (formerly Google Talk).

Google’s voice recognition is hands-down one of the best of its kind. There was seldom an instance when the “Ok Google” command let me down. The best is that it understands a neutral “Indian” accent so you don’ have to fake another one. I just said “Ok Google, call Mama” for the phone to dial my mom. I could just ask “Okay Google, how big is Chennai?” and pat came the reply “181 square kilometres” in voice as well as with text displayed on the screen.

The new phone app automatically prioritises your contacts based on the people you talk to the most. You can also search for nearby places and businesses, your contacts, or people in your Google Apps domain although the businesses bit has a lot of ground to cover before it can become trustworthy enough to replace JustDial for you. As part of its improvement, sometimes the app will ask you if the number you just sourced from its database was the correct one.

One of the more crucial areas where the Nexus 5 struggles to match up to its competitors is its imaging capabilities. It’s equipped with an 8-megapixel camera which manages to take decent pictures, but is nowhere close to delivering the kind of experience that an iPhone 5S or an HTC One does. If you’ve used the Nexus 4 already, you’ll know how bad a shutter lag it suffered from. The Nexus 5 is a slight improvement upon that but it still doesn’t have the quickest capture time. The photos too are average, a bit grainy at times. But considering the fact that it’s at the end of the day just a mobile camera and you probably won’t use it to shoot a professional portfolio, it should satisfy your selfie needs and more. 

Performance

The battery life on the Nexus 5 again is a huge improvement on the Nexus 4. With continuous app usage, intermittently checking WhatsApp and Gmail, and about 5-6 voice calls every day, the Nexus 5 would still be left with some charge at the end of the day. If you have been austere with the usage, you could probably stretch it to two working days.

With 2GB of RAM, multitasking is pretty seamless. Except, when I used it the first two days, a couple of apps such as Google Chrome, crashed on me a couple of times. For the rest of the duration of the review I didn’t have any issues.

Media junkies should keep in mind that the Nexus 5 doesn’t come with a micro-SD slot for extra storage. So, if you love having all your media on the phone, go for the 32GB version.

The Nexus 5 is a brilliant phone for those who need a smartphone for its functionality. Its simplistic looks don’t hurt either. The phone, for the most part, handles multi-tasking with ease and is great for media consumption - be it movies, apps or books. The battery life is on par with most other smartphones in the market, so you’ll probably have to have the charger on hand wherever you go. The camera is not the best money can buy, but it does its job as a smartphone snapper. And more than anything, this is the best, purest form of Android that money can buy.

Rs 28,999

Love – Great display, good build

Hate – Mediocre camera, prone to typos

Top 10 Windows Phone Games

For all those who thought that no good games existed on the Windows Phone 8 Platform, here are our top 10 recommendations.

Windows Phone 8 is starting to really shine lately, getting some much needed love from app developers. The latest additions were the Instagram app and the 500px app, with the former being a much awaited release. While apps are essential to the platform gaining traction with its fanbase, so are games. If you've been wondering what are the best games to acquire for your latest Windows Phone Device, here is the definitive list.

Halo: Spartan Assault
Price: Rs. 360
Download Here
Halo pretty much single-handedly shot the Xbox to fame, with the game going through its first trilogy, then moving studios, but still garnering major love from its fans. Microsoft has extended the love from the console to the cellphone, allowing gamers to enjoy the Halo experience across devices now with Halo: Spartan Assault, a top-down shooter.

Tetris Blitz
Price: Free
Download Here
A classic for all those who grew up in the 90's, Tetris Blitz is published by EA for the Windows Phone store, is free and is mostly definitely a must have for anyone using a Windows Phone device. It offers hours upon hours of incredible fun. Don't just take our word for it though, download the game and play it!

Modern Combat 4
Price: Rs. 160
Download Here
Any shooter-heads in here? If so, MC4 is the best shooter available on WP8. Inspired heavily by the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare games, MC4 is engaging from the very beginning, tossing you into a heavy fire fight right from the start.

Temple Run 2
Price: Free
Download Here
The very popular endless runner finally lands on the WP8 platform and so what if it's eight months late? The important thing is that it's here, so you don't have to be envious of your iOS and Android wielding brethren.

Rayman Jungle Run
Price: Rs.55
Download Here
A classic from the good old days, Rayman Jungle Run is actually a brilliant runner that throws up some serious challenges as you go along. This isn't a mindless runner, but involves extremely quick reflexes and a little bit of strategy too.

Subway Surfer
Price: Free
Download Here
Another favourite runner of the masses finally makes an appearance on the Windows Phone Store. This is one of our favourite runners simply because while the game play remains exactly the same, the game's environments change according to the season, festivities, and even geographical locations. It's like getting a new game, but at the same time, not.

NFS: Hot Pursuit
Price: Rs. 55
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Racing anyone? NFS Hot Pursuit has remained one of the best and most visually stunning games available on the WP Store for quite some time now. It brings the usual excitement and craziness that has become the signature of all Need for Speed games, with the added excitement of high speed chases.

Mirror's Edge
Price: Rs. 160
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Get down with some intense Parkour on your Windows Phone with Mirror's Edge. The action-adventure game puts you in the shoes of Faith Connors – an underground “Runner” who must bolt into action to stop a deadly threat in a “perfect society” full of sinister surveillance and relentless pursuers.

Asphalt 8: Airborne
Price: Rs. 55
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The ultimate in racing experience, Asphalt 8: Airborne is all about over-the-top racing shenanigans, with some of the most drool worthy cars you will ever see. It's not just the visuals and the cars, but even the soundtrack of this game that's just simply amazing.

Angry Birds: Star Wars II
Price: Rs. 55
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If you don't like Angry Birds, chances are, one of them is headed right for where you're sitting. Probably one of those exploding ones too! Angry Birds Star Wars II is one of our favourite games in the franchise and if you've ever thought of buying a game, this should most definitely be it. A crazy number of levels, lots of amazing birds, but most importantly, the ability to choose the Dark Side! Who wouldn't love that?