You need the stock ROM as a base.
Get it from:
| Problem | Likely Fix |
|---------|-------------|
| Bootloop | Restore stock boot.img; check SELinux permissive |
| No RIL (mobile network) | Replace libmdm blobs from stock |
| Camera not working | Replace libcam* and /etc/permissions/ |
| Wi-Fi broken | Replace wlan.ko kernel module |
| Audio distortion | Replace audio.primary.mt6735.so |
| Black screen after boot | Update init.mt6735.rc and fstab.mt6735 |
The MediaTek MT6735 refuses to die. While manufacturers abandoned it years ago, the custom ROM community keeps it alive. By flashing the right ROM, you keep an electronic device out of a landfill, learn valuable Android skills, and enjoy a surprisingly usable interface.
Start with LineageOS 14.1. If your phone feels snappy, experiment with Pie. Just remember to back up your NVRAM and always keep a stock SP Flash Tool ROM on your PC as a lifeline.
Your old mt6735 phone isn't obsolete. It's waiting to be liberated.
Have a favorite MT6735 ROM we missed? Let us know in the comments (but check the XDA thread first!). mt6735 custom rom best
For MediaTek MT6735 devices, LineageOS (versions 14.1/15.1) is generally considered the best ROM for stability and performance, while Resurrection Remix and AOSP Extended offer high customization. If the device supports Project Treble, Generic System Images (GSIs) like Evolution X can provide updated Android versions. Find specific builds for your hardware on the XDA Forums.
Finding the "best" custom ROM for the (a legacy MediaTek chipset) depends heavily on whether you prioritize stability, gaming performance, or a modern UI. Since this chipset is older, official support from major ROM teams has mostly ended, and you will likely rely on unofficial ports from developers on platforms like XDA Developers Top Recommended ROMs for MT6735 LineageOS (13.0 or 14.1)
: Widely considered the gold standard for stability. For MT6735, LineageOS 13 (Android 6.0) or 14.1 (Android 7.1) offers the smoothest experience without overwhelming the limited RAM common in these devices. Resurrection Remix (RR) : Best for those who want extreme customization
. It combines features from LineageOS, SlimROM, and OmniROM. It is often heavier on the system than LineageOS but offers the most "tweaks" per megabyte. AOSP (Android Open Source Project)
: If you want the absolute fastest, most lightweight experience, a pure AOSP build is the way to go. It strips away all bells and whistles to maximize the performance of the MT6735's quad-core processor. You need the stock ROM as a base
: Based on LineageOS, it provides a "Pixel-like" experience with additional performance optimizations. It is often more stable than experimental ports of newer Android versions (like Android 10+ ports). Critical Considerations for MT6735 Devices Kernel Compatibility
: MT6735 has several variants (MT6735P, MT6735M). Ensure the ROM you download matches your specific kernel version (3.10.x or 3.18.x), or the device will fail to boot (bootloop). The "MediaTek Bug"
: Many custom ROMs for this chipset suffer from "NVRAM Warning: 0x10" errors or broken GPS/FM Radio. Check the "Bugs" list on the before flashing. Backup Requirement : Always perform a Nandroid backup using a custom recovery like before installing a new ROM to avoid permanent data loss. Instructables How to Find Your Match
Since MT6735 was used in hundreds of budget phones (like the LG K8, Meizu M2, or TP-Link Neffos), the "best" ROM is often the one specifically optimized for your exact model XDA Device Forums
Search for your specific phone model (e.g., "LG K8 MT6735 custom rom"). Look for "Stable" tags in the thread titles. The MediaTek MT6735 refuses to die
repo init -u https://github.com/LineageOS/android.git -b cm-14.1
repo sync
Best for: App compatibility & Modern UI
Many developers have ported Pie to mt6735 using Treble-like hacks (SAR – System-as-Root). It runs surprisingly well if you have 2GB of RAM.
Crucial Tip: Do not flash GApps (Google Apps) larger than "Pico" on Pie. The system partition is tiny (1.5GB). Use MicroG or F-Droid instead.
Meta Description: Is your old MediaTek MT6735 device feeling sluggish? Breathe new life into it! Discover the best stable, lightweight, and feature-packed custom ROMs, including LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and AOSP.
If building from source is too hard, use ROM porting: