Technical Report: Best Custom ROMs for MediaTek MT6735 Devices (2025-2026) Executive Summary The MediaTek MT6735 (and its variants like the MT6735P and MT6735M) is a legacy 64-bit quad-core chipset that powered many budget devices between 2015 and 2017. Finding stable custom ROMs for this platform in 2026 is challenging because MediaTek rarely releases kernel source code, which complicates development. However, a dedicated community still maintains various "ports" and "GSIs" (Generic System Images) for these devices. Top Custom ROM Recommendations The following ROMs are historically the most stable and popular for MT6735-powered devices: 1. LineageOS (Successor to CyanogenMod) LineageOS remains the gold standard for stability and longevity on older hardware. Stability, privacy, and extending device lifespan. Key Features: Minimal bloatware, regular security updates, and a "pure" Android feel. Availability: While official support for MT6735 has largely ceased, many "unofficial" builds for specific devices (like the Lenovo Vibe K5 or Meizu M2) are still hosted on the LineageOS Downloads page or community forums. 2. Resurrection Remix (RR) Resurrection Remix is famous for offering the most customization options out-of-the-box. LineageOS – LineageOS Android Distribution
Breathing New Life into the Old Guard: The Best Custom ROMs for MT6735 Devices In the world of Android, the MediaTek MT6735 holds a strange, almost legendary status. Released in 2015, this 64-bit Quad-Core Cortex-A53 processor was the workhorse of the budget smartphone era. It powered countless devices like the Lenovo Vibe K5, Samsung Galaxy J2, Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime, and dozens of others. Today, these phones are considered e-waste by manufacturers. But for enthusiasts, the MT6735 is a playground. If you are still holding onto one of these devices, you know that stock firmware has become sluggish, insecure, and bloated. Enter Custom ROMs . The right ROM can turn a laggy 2016 phone into a snappy media player, a dedicated GPS unit, or a distraction-free communication device. Warning: The MT6735 is notorious for lacking source code releases from OEMs. You cannot flash standard Project Treble GSI (Generic System Images) easily. You need ROMs specifically compiled for your device model or chipset using hacky patches. Here are the best custom ROMs currently available for the MT6735 platform. 1. LineageOS 16.0 (Android 9 Pie) – The Stability King For most MT6735 devices, Android 9 Pie is the "sweet spot." Android 10 and 11 often break video playback or RIL (Radio Interface Layer) on MediaTek chips.
Why it wins: LineageOS strips away Google’s heavy UI layers. It runs significantly lighter than stock Android 5.0/6.0. Performance: With 2GB of RAM, Lineage 16 uses roughly 600MB less RAM than stock Marshmallow. Features: Built-in root management (AddonSU), Privacy Guard, and LiveDisplay. Best for: Daily driving if you only use WhatsApp, YouTube (via Vanced/ReVanced), and calling.
2. Resurrection Remix (Android 7.1.2 Nougat) – The Customizer If you miss the era of heavy UI customization, Resurrection Remix (RR) is the best ROM for the MT6735. While based on older Nougat, the kernels for MT6735 were most stable during this period. mt6735 custom rom best
Why it wins: It combines features from LineageOS, Paranoid Android, and OmniROM. Performance: Extremely fast. Because Nougat required fewer resources than modern Android, scrolling on RR feels like a flagship device. The Catch: Security patches are old (2019/2020). Do not log into banking apps on this ROM. Best for: Gaming (low graphics) and offline media consumption.
3. Pixel Experience (Android 10) – The Looker Getting Android 10 to run smoothly on an MT6735 is difficult, but the Pixel Experience team (and independent devs like "Rohan" and "Hriday" on 4PDA) managed to do it for select models (Redmi 2, Lenovo A6000).
Why it wins: It gives you the Google Pixel launcher, wallpapers, and fonts. It makes a $100 phone from 2015 look like a Pixel 4. Performance: Surprisingly stable, though boot times are long (2-3 minutes). Bugs: You will likely lose VoLTE (Voice over LTE). On MT6735, VoLTE rarely works on custom ROMs due to proprietary blobs. Best for: A secondary phone or a "smart home remote." Technical Report: Best Custom ROMs for MediaTek MT6735
4. AOSP Extended (Android 8.1 Oreo) – The Balanced Choice If you find LineageOS too boring and Resurrection Remix too old, AOSP Extended (AEX) sits perfectly in the middle.
Why it wins: It is the most "bug-free" custom ROM for the MT6735. Because Android Oreo introduced Project Treble lite , many devs backported stability patches. Performance: The UI is fluid. No random reboots. Key Feature: Smart Pixels (turns off pixels to save battery) – essential for aging MT6735 batteries. Best for: Users who need GPS, Bluetooth audio, and 4G data without issues.
The "Hidden Gem" – /e/ OS (Android 10) For the privacy-conscious, /e/ OS (pronounced "e foundation") is a de-Googled ROM that uses MicroG. Several MT6735 devices (specifically the Samsung J2 Core and Doogee X5) have unofficial ports. Top Custom ROM Recommendations The following ROMs are
Pro: Removes Google tracking, drastically increasing battery life (up to 30% improvement). Con: Hard to install. Requires specific TWRP builds. Best for: A work phone where you don't want Google services.
The Hard Truth: Which MT6735 devices have the best support? Not all MT6735 phones are equal. Because MediaTek refuses to release full kernel sources, development depends on "leaked" OEM sources. The best devices for custom ROMs on this chipset are: