I went from a rooted Nexus 6P to a P20 Pro a few months ago. While I like the hardware, love the camera, I am not a fan of the EMUI Android OS skin, or the lack of root. I specifically prefer the GApps over the Huawei ecosystem of apps that comes pre-installed.
I would like to install a 'stock' Android ROM, similar to my old Nexus 6P, including root. However, I am a bit overwhelmed by all the options available, required steps to get there and the issues people seem to be having. Especially compared to my old Nexus 6P where unlocking and rooting were a breeze.
Note that I am not that experienced with rooting and custom android roms, but I got around my Nexus 6P and guides pretty well.
Could you please point me in the direction what steps I need to take in my situation?
I reckon I first need to unlock my bootloader. I saw some retailers starting to offer these again. Will keep a close eye on those developments!
What ROM should I go for that best reflects the 'stock' Android experience with as few customizations as possible? I figured LineageOS or CypherOS are the most popular and well maintained roms.
I always updated my P20 Pro to the latest version whenever it came out. Is that an issue and/or should I downgrade first?
Can I get the same camera experience on the custom 'stock' Android ROMs? The one thing I like about the Huawei software is the camera that fully uses the 3 hardware lenses.
How is the device updated after installing a custom ROM. Does it support OTAs? On my Nexus 6P I had to manually flash the monthly updates which got quite annoying.
Any other tips, risks or things I should know before starting?
Thanks for helping me out!
Anyone got any tips? Looks like the keys to unlock bootloader are available again, albeit at a higher cost. Would like to start experimenting!
I'm also on that quest to @chillzilla. No one has responded a couple of videos online especially the tutorial for the lineage OS.
Got my code off FH last Friday and unlocked the bootloader.
Since then, I have been trying to work out how to root it and then rebrand it.
Not found anything concrete to work from yet, a lot of guides are old.
I heard about open kirin and I think it's could be the best usage right now, about the camera you can install the apk file of the real rom it's works like a charm. Fill free to take a look I created a poll about the best rom that we can use and see the options and choose what you want to like.
Happy hacking
Related
Hello, I've been an Android user from a while and decided to upgrade from my Nexus 5 to the OnePlus 3T. The only thing I'm concerned is not having the Google Android version since I'm very fond of how good it is, but in October 31st, Nexus 5 will be 4 years older and although Google isn't still talking of stop working on the software side of it it is probably going to happen eventually.
With all that said, I'm trying to learn beforehand (my phone arrives in 10 days) if are there any lag problems, if people are using any specific ROMs that work better with it and anything that could be quality of life improvements that I could do once it arrives.
Thank you
perezdi said:
Hello, I've been an Android user from a while and decided to upgrade from my Nexus 5 to the OnePlus 3T. The only thing I'm concerned is not having the Google Android version since I'm very fond of how good it is, but in October 31st, Nexus 5 will be 4 years older and although Google isn't still talking of stop working on the software side of it it is probably going to happen eventually.
With all that said, I'm trying to learn beforehand (my phone arrives in 10 days) if are there any lag problems, if people are using any specific ROMs that work better with it and anything that could be quality of life improvements that I could do once it arrives.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 5 is already discontinued when it comes to official software updates. It will only get security patches and even that won't be for long. (In fact it's latest factory image is from December 2016 so it might've fully stopped already.)
As for the Oneplus 3T, it's currently running the latest 7.1.1, latest security patch and the Oneplus skin (OxygenOS) is basically stock Android on steroids. I'm running the fully stock beta 4 version and the phone is extremely fast and smooth, battery is great. It's good to the point where I haven't even felt the need to unlock the bootloader and root yet. You definitely won't be disappointed in your purchase.
I recently (last week) replaced my 2 year old Nexus 6 with a OnePlus 3T and had the same concerns as you. Would I enjoy another OEM's version of Android? I was even running a really bare bones Vanilla AOSP ROM by the end and loved it.
I don't regret changing at all thus far.
I'm on OxygenOS 4.1.1 with Franco Kernel and Magisk v12 and it's working beautifully! I figured I'm gonna run OOS for a while before seeing if there's any nice ROMs available. I've been looking around a little, but not many of the available ROMs seems worth it (I don't want CM, Lineage or anything pre-rooted).
-Ric- said:
As for the Oneplus 3T, it's currently running the latest 7.1.1, latest security patch and the Oneplus skin (OxygenOS) is basically stock Android on steroids. I'm running the fully stock beta 4 version and the phone is extremely fast and smooth, battery is great. It's good to the point where I haven't even felt the need to unlock the bootloader and root yet. You definitely won't be disappointed in your purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that's so good to hear! This is exactly what I was expecting. Yeah, Nexus 5 had an extremely good run and until the beginning of this year I felt it was still so good as far apps go, but anything web related started being more and more painful. It is still a pretty good phone and I'll keep around for Android dev related things.
Now I'm pumped for the 13th.
Thanks
Didgeridoohan said:
I'm on OxygenOS 4.1.1 with Franco Kernel and Magisk v12 and it's working beautifully! I figured I'm gonna run OOS for a while before seeing if there's any nice ROMs available. I've been looking around a little, but not many of the available ROMs seems worth it (I don't want CM, Lineage or anything pre-rooted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you did modify your phone? Or am I getting it wrong? If not, why is that?
perezdi said:
The only thing I'm concerned is not having the Google Android version since I'm very fond of how good it is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OOS is as close as you can get (factory OS) to "pure" Android unless you buy a Nexus or Pixel (and the latter will of course cost you). Many are calling the OP3T a spiritual successor of the Nexus series.
There are just a few OnePlus versions of apps (music player, file manager, weather) that many folks will find useless (you probably have your preferred options). And a OnePlus launcher.
But beyond that, there are a few modifications many will see as value added: The OnePlus camera app is really nice (great options in Manual mode). There are lots of settings which let you tweak and customize in (my opinion) really useful ways.
perezdi said:
With all that said, I'm trying to learn beforehand (my phone arrives in 10 days) if are there any lag problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is arguably the fastest phone around, until the new flagships hit the streets.
perezdi said:
So you did modify your phone? Or am I getting it wrong? If not, why is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flash Franco Kernel because I have great experiences with it from my Nexus 6. Ran without for a few days, but realised I missed it...
I install Magisk because I want root and for a few nice systemless modifications. Currently: changing screen density, debloating system apps and Viper4Android.
redpoint73 said:
OOS is as close as you can get (factory OS) to "pure" Android unless you buy a Nexus or Pixel (and the latter will of course cost you). Many are calling the OP3T a spiritual successor of the Nexus series.
There are just a few OnePlus versions of apps (music player, file manager, weather) that many folks will find useless (you probably have your preferred options). And a OnePlus launcher.
But beyond that, there are a few modifications many will see as value added: The OnePlus camera app is really nice (great options in Manual mode). There are lots of settings which let you tweak and customize in (my opinion) really useful ways.
This is arguably the fastest phone around, until the new flagships hit the streets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. I never used a launcher (except the Google Now, not sure if that is even considered a launcher itself, and hopefully it is a feature in every Android phone, not just Google ones), ideally, I think I would want to get rid of that, if possible. The File Manager might be helpful, although I use one I like, perhaps theirs is a good one. No biggie, though.
Didgeridoohan said:
I flash Franco Kernel because I have great experiences with it from my Nexus 6. Ran without for a few days, but realised I missed it...
I install Magisk because I want root and for a few nice systemless modifications. Currently: changing screen density, debloating system apps and Viper4Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. You were just tuning it to your taste and knowledge. Okee dokee. Thanks!
perezdi said:
I never used a launcher (except the Google Now, not sure if that is even considered a launcher itself, and hopefully it is a feature in every Android phone, not just Google ones), ideally, I think I would want to get rid of that, if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Now is a launcher (AKA home app). It's not pre-installed, but you can easily install it from the Play Store.
I don't think you can disable or uninstall the OnePlus launcher on a stock OP3T ("disable" is grayed out), but you certainly can with root (may want to freeze it before uninstalling, and make sure it doesn't break anything else). But I also doubt it would make any significant difference, compared to simply installing Google Now launcher, and making it the default home app.
perezdi said:
The File Manager might be helpful, although I use one I like, perhaps theirs is a good one. No biggie, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't used it much, it does the basic functions (move/copy files, looks like it can open archives like ZIP) but doesn't look like anything special. If you use one that has more features (particularly root browsing) you'll probably prefer what you already use.
(I have no permissions for ROMs sections so posting this here)
So it looks things are slowly moving , and we are able to unlock bootloader and root our devices.
User @auras76 was kind enough to bring as the first ROM available, but I guess I am not the only one looking forward to get rid of EMUI and its poor customisation layer
I hope once firm .173 hits general release we start getting more dev interest, but the goal of this thread is to find out if any dev could be potentially interested (or already planning) to work on a non-EMUI ROM
I can imagine a bounty could be organised for users to support financially this action.
What are everyone's thoughts on this?
Doubt you will see much development of any major Rom's if there is not a free way to unlock your bootloader as there just won't be that many unlocked devices
I am fully aware of that, however let´s hope that changes if/when .171 FW is generally available and allows bootloader unlock.
I just wanted to check if there would be a way to attract some devs here, even by supporting their work (purchasing a device? 10$ per person???)
If you like custom ROMs so much buy a One Plus phone. Lots of custom ROMs and every custom ROM has bugs. There is no build of any custom ROM that doesn't have bugs and sometimes the bugs on "stable" versions of custom ROMs are so serious they impact the basic functionality of the phone.
If you think I'm exaggerating pick a custom ROM for the OP5, 5T, OP6 or 6T and look at the last several pages of user posts.
They will be users reporting bugs-often very serious ones.
If you pick an OP5 or 5T ROM many will no longer be in development. The last several pages before the ROM was abandoned will be users still reporting bugs that will never get fixed.
And that is on phones that are supposedly very development friendly.
The days of custom ROMs that improve a phone's functionality, speed and stability over the stock ROM died with Nexus phones but if you want to run a custom ROM anyway buying this phone makes pretty much no sense because Huawei is not developer friendly. They don't want owners of Huawei phones to unlock their bootloaders or run custom ROMs on Huawei devices. The same is true for Xiaomi and Samsung phones.
For that matter Google, the company behind Nexus phones which were the most developed friendly phones anyone could buy no longer wants people to use custom ROMs which is why they came up with the ROM certification program and safety net.
Apps that help phone owners bypass safety net are automatically banned from the Play Store. Whatever method Magisk uses to bypass Safety Net gets plugged by Google forcing the developer to come up with a new method that will stop working when it also gets plugged by Google.
The developer behind SuperSu said the writing was on the wall for original Android development several years ago and he knew what he was talking about.
Well, I thought XDA was exactly the place where people "like custom ROMS" and tinker with their phones.
I am coming exactly from OP phone so I know how scene works there.
OP phones are dev-friendly but not many people try different ROMs as Oxygen is probably the smoothest implementation layer of all manufacturers, so there is no need other to change other than fun.
But we are not talking about OP but Huawei here, which is the opposite case. Lousy software implementation, from battery management (see the Powergenie issues threads), to Huawei bloatware, notification handling, little customisation allowed.... So Huawei is not like OP but more like Xiaomi, heavily (not for good) customised Android version. And there might be not many OP ROMS, but check in Xiaomi land... many super stable versions that improve almost any Xiaomi device with AOSP or LOS versions.
As I said, maybe all it takes is to support a dev with a device for ROM release... I know I wouldn't be the only one looking forward to this.
Alright let's clear up what XDA is about.
It's a hub for developers. It's not a hub for people coming in with no knowledge demanding/posting hundreds of threads asking for ROMs for a device which is bootloader locked in most cases. Attitude like this steers developers away from devices because of noob communities. Look at the Samsung community on XDA.
Huwaei is still an infant when it comes to Android so they are learning the ins and outs of what works and what doesn't. Give em a break. They produce amazing devices with amazing technology. Just because it's locked doesn't mean you have to get your nickers in a twist because no one wants to develop for a new company on the Android scene. Give it some time. Maybe someone will come along and get the ball rolling for everyone and find a nice little backdoor in the bootloader and make it possible for everyone. Till then don't hold your breath and stamp your feet. Do your research before you flog out a grand on a device that might not have unofficial development for.
I really hope we can open this device up for more development, what could we do with unbridled access to the NPU, 3 rear cameras and the front 3d point cloud camera array
jhs39 said:
If you like custom ROMs so much buy a One Plus phone. Lots of custom ROMs and every custom ROM has bugs. There is no build of any custom ROM that doesn't have bugs and sometimes the bugs on "stable" versions of custom ROMs are so serious they impact the basic functionality of the phone. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had to pop in here to tell you you're completely wrong on that one.
Off the top of my head. No limits xXx for the OnePlus 5, not a single bug.
From Oreo 8.1 anyway.
A lot for devices have ROMs which surpass stock in more ways than one and have zero bugs
Further to my point and @ the OP.
The p20 pro has only seen ROMs because of the last few users / developers who have committed to Huawei/Honor devices and the fact that Honor view 10 ROMs work on the pro, in light of the changes made by Huawei IE: bootloader lock down, you will not see a lot of ROMs at all for your device in fact anyone who wants to root / flash / unlock their phones should not touch Huawei or Honor ever again, maybe (and that's a big maybe) the greedy pair of OEMs will see sense. But I doubt it.
Advice in short, dont buy their phones, I certainly won't ever again. They don't deserve it after what they've done.
I don't have any problems with the device, just that I am used to modding my devices and Samsung has made it very unappealing to root/unlock their phones. So if I trade this device, which is still under warranty, will it be a good deal?
that's gotta be entirely your decision as you've got to live with it. Oneplus 9 might've fixed some of it's heat issues or the community might've solved it, but look into that first. don't know much about the Xiaomi other than you need custom firmware because the stock one isn't good and the cameras aren't bad.
I'm currently running Lineage 19 GSI with a modified quick settings pull down, I'm rooted and have TWRP. the only thing I'm missing that I want is v4a and I could submit logs to get that fixed if I wanted. Samsung phones have had Knox for nearly a decade now, accepting Knox's demise going in is standard for Samsung modders. this phone is a rare chance to a Samsung with a snapdragon that can be rooted/modded for many people. custom roms are being worked on but both devs are new to Samsung and really struggling with a final major bug. if they overcome the problem custom roms will start to come thru with greater ease.
3mel said:
that's gotta be entirely your decision as you've got to live with it. Oneplus 9 might've fixed some of it's heat issues or the community might've solved it, but look into that first. don't know much about the Xiaomi other than you need custom firmware because the stock one isn't good and the cameras aren't bad.
I'm currently running Lineage 19 GSI with a modified quick settings pull down, I'm rooted and have TWRP. the only thing I'm missing that I want is v4a and I could submit logs to get that fixed if I wanted. Samsung phones have had Knox for nearly a decade now, accepting Knox's demise going in is standard for Samsung modders. this phone is a rare chance to a Samsung with a snapdragon that can be rooted/modded for many people. custom roms are being worked on but both devs are new to Samsung and really struggling with a final major bug. if they overcome the problem custom roms will start to come thru with greater ease.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that last line gives me hope.
well the truth is the two guys working on roms have been struggling with getting the SIM cards to be recognised for months, to the point of needing to walk away for their sanity. the projects may resume or might not. there are one or two other devs with this phone who've said they'll be waiting until all the official updates are finished releasing. again there, no guarantee they'll even still have the phone by that time.
most guys are using GSI roms for now, they're OK but a full custom rom would be better.
If you like custom roms and development related fun with your device, you should go with xiaomi, xiaomi devices has better developement range and easy way to play with it, but oneplus hasn't as i also own 9rt and i am not a big fan of google dialer and because of only dialer i want to change rom to chinese( as 9rt has only chinese rom and chinese rom might have oneplus dialer ) and i am unable to find a proper thread or guide to get familier with oneplus phone - unlocking bootloader, flashing rom and vice versa. but in same case with xiaomi its easier and lots of videos on youtube too to get it done.
but mi 11 x pro has not a lot of custom roms, instead of this mi 11x has a wide range and you should try this
But one thing keep in mind among all devices you said and includes mi 11x samsnug s20 fe is best as i used all of this devcices and currently i am on 9rt samsung is good with stock rom you do not need to flash any custom rom.
mi 11x has best performance according to price but worst camera, mi 11x pro good phone but so so camera, 9rt is good in 3 of this but no wide range of custom developement.
I'm new to the world of root and I want to try different ROMS, custom kernels, debloat, etc. I'm fully aware of the risks that come with rooting my phone, and I'm ready to go. I have a Pixel 5a. When I check out the 5a forums, there's not much there. The P5 has all the action! I want to know if I substitute the Barbet images for the Redfin images, can I use the Pixel 5 methods on my 5a?
keylimepienapples3000 said:
I'm new to the world of root and I want to try different ROMS, custom kernels, debloat, etc. I'm fully aware of the risks that come with rooting my phone, and I'm ready to go. I have a Pixel 5a. When I check out the 5a forums, there's not much there. The P5 has all the action! I want to know if I substitute the Barbet images for the Redfin images, can I use the Pixel 5 methods on my 5a?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the same methods to root, but you can't use the custom firmware built for the 5
xunholyx said:
You can use the same methods to root, but you can't use the custom firmware built for the 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on. Thanks for the reply.. Why does the 5 seem so much more popular?
Because the 5 was the "flagship" device that year
The Pixel 5 and 5a share the same SoC, so the firmware is effectively the same between them. Still, for the sake of being safe, I wouldn't mix and match.
The only difference between the two is the 5 has 8GB RAM, while the 5a has a bigger screen and a bigger battery. Other than that, they're identical.
Thanks for the info.. How risky is it-- If the biggest difference is in the RAM? About 10 or 12 years ago I read an article about Android and it's capabilities through open source code, so I've wanted to root and mess around with ROMS and different firmware for a long time. Unfortunately, at that time I was in prison so naturally I didn't have access to a phone. I got home in 2020 looking to change my life so I've tried to at least make this a hobby. So far I'm somehow not very lucky in getting the right phones. I thought I finally did last year when I bought a Moto Stylus 5g from cricket. I paid the phone off, cricket unlocked it, but Motorola won't give up the unlock code. Then I got a Pixel 3 but it turned out to be from Verizon and they're haters off the jump, so that was a huge disappointment too. Finally, I have this Pixel 5a. Factory unlocked, incredibly easy as far as unlocking the bootloader and rooting go and I can't seem to find a custom ROM for it. I was able to flash to graphene OS, but there were some issues with my esim so I went back to stock. A couple nights ago I tried Bliss ROMs but I don't know what I'm doing wrong there but I can't get it to work. I got kind of excited about the pixel experience plus, but that guy doesn't seem to be messing around with it anymore, he says there doesn't seem to be enough interest in it. When I look at the Pixel 5 forum, they have all the bells and whistles! I don't have an education nor do I have the money to buy phone after phone. Especially some of the more popular brands. Unless I'm looking at a ROM that requires more of it, how does 2gb if RAM make such a difference? Also you replied to another question I posted. About locking the bootloader.. what happens if I lock it without having the stock and bone firmware?
keylimepienapples3000 said:
Thanks for the info.. How risky is it-- If the biggest difference is in the RAM? About 10 or 12 years ago I read an article about Android and it's capabilities through open source code, so I've wanted to root and mess around with ROMS and different firmware for a long time. Unfortunately, at that time I was in prison so naturally I didn't have access to a phone. I got home in 2020 looking to change my life so I've tried to at least make this a hobby. So far I'm somehow not very lucky in getting the right phones. I thought I finally did last year when I bought a Moto Stylus 5g from cricket. I paid the phone off, cricket unlocked it, but Motorola won't give up the unlock code. Then I got a Pixel 3 but it turned out to be from Verizon and they're haters off the jump, so that was a huge disappointment too. Finally, I have this Pixel 5a. Factory unlocked, incredibly easy as far as unlocking the bootloader and rooting go and I can't seem to find a custom ROM for it. I was able to flash to graphene OS, but there were some issues with my esim so I went back to stock. A couple nights ago I tried Bliss ROMs but I don't know what I'm doing wrong there but I can't get it to work. I got kind of excited about the pixel experience plus, but that guy doesn't seem to be messing around with it anymore, he says there doesn't seem to be enough interest in it. When I look at the Pixel 5 forum, they have all the bells and whistles! I don't have an education nor do I have the money to buy phone after phone. Especially some of the more popular brands. Unless I'm looking at a ROM that requires more of it, how does 2gb if RAM make such a difference? Also you replied to another question I posted. About locking the bootloader.. what happens if I lock it without having the stock and bone firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stay on stock ROM. Root, and use this Magisk/Xposed MOD..
[MOD][Xposed+Magisk][13 Compatible] AOSP Mods - System modifications for AOSP-based Android 12+
This is a mixed Xposed+Magisk module, which is made to allow customizations that are not originally designed in AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Features: Currently, AOSP Mods offers customizations on different aspects of system framework and...
forum.xda-developers.com
As for RAM, see if this helps, it "Expands RAM memory by converting a part (Internal) storage to swap RAM."
Thank you. I'm going to check it out now.
Ok. My phone didn't like swapper very much. After rebooting, my screen was flickering out of control and I couldn't do anything but power down. After a couple of reboots it started up normally but now I can't use mobile data and I'm not able to access any Magisk Modules. The button is greyed out. Any idea how to reverse this?
keylimepienapples3000 said:
Ok. My phone didn't like swapper very much. After rebooting, my screen was flickering out of control and I couldn't do anything but power down. After a couple of reboots it started up normally but now I can't use mobile data and I'm not able to access any Magisk Modules. The button is greyed out. Any idea how to reverse this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh wow that's very odd how many GB did you do? I suggest 2 but if it's doing that then yea lets rid it.
when it's grey it mean it'sdisabled. you can click the remove button and reboot and it will be gone.
I'm wondering if it pays to get the Pixel 7, considering all the problems that i've been reading about.? Would it be a good idea to root this phone, if i get one? Thanks for any feedback.
stock runs great and you can disable what apps you don't want. i hadd no problems with it so far. so its not neccesary to root if you dont want to but it fun to try diffrent roms.
I just moved from a oneplus 6 (5 years!) to a 9 Pro and then the P7. Each step was a marked improvement. Only kept the 9 Pro for a week as it's app throttling was too severe and I really don't like flashing custom ROMs on current handsets. I see none of the issues typically seen in Pixel 7 reddit posts. Maybe a little warm during charging but less than most rapid charge devices. I disabled Wellbeing and and google home, otherwise prefect out of the box and remains so. Get a case. The new pixel is like holding onto a smallmouth bass.
The difference between QHD and refresh rate is minimal except for the reduced battery life with the Pro, so I am happy with the 7 and will keep it a long time.
I preordered mine, and have not had one issue since getting it. To me it's the perfect phone. All phones will have some issues with some units, but overall I think it's worth the investment.
grunt0300 said:
I'm wondering if it pays to get the Pixel 7, considering all the problems that i've been reading about.? Would it be a good idea to root this phone, if i get one? Thanks for any feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feb patch has been pretty stable. January was poo poo. Pixel 7 itself? awesome, recommend it. Software clean camera immaculate. Recent feb patch also stabilize the phone and its battery life.
I had a Pixel 6 and it was a real PITA. Stock ROM was buggy and overall I just did not like the device. Anyway I got a Pixel 7 and for me it's a much more nice device. I guess I will keep it for quite a long time. Usually I buy a new/used flagship device every six months. But I'm tired of that behavior pattern.
I tried various custom ROMs and Graphene OS on my Pixel 7, but I did not really like the ROMs/OS so I went back to stock ROM, and for me that is the best thing at the moment. It's very smooth, fast and problems/bugs are rare. I'm still in love with the Pixel camera system btw.
My Pixel 7 stock ROM setup/stuff I did
Used Pixel Flasher to flash the stock ROM and to root with Magisk. Pixel Flasher is awesome, making things way more easy if you understand the concept (for monthly updates it's great too)
Flashed Kirisakura Kernel to have at least some tweaks and it runs great (used Franco Kernel Manager to flash the kernel)
Debloated the system (getting rid of useless Google Apps stuff) using Android Debloater
In Magisk having the Powerhint Module (for the kernel), Safety Net Fix, and Sui for App Ops
App Ops by Xingchen & Rikka for privacy (editing system/user app permissions with more detail)
Adaway (systemless hosts file / Magisk) with extra hostfile sources for adblocking and privacy
Custom DNS provider for privacy
The P7 is a great phone. I'm not sure what "all the problems" are that you mentioned. Arguably the finger print sensor still isn't the greatest, but it works well enough and the phone also has face unlock if you want to use that.
I had a P6 prior to the P7 and the P7 is noticeably better than the P6. Honestly it surprised me when I got the P7 because I wasn't really expecting any differences. (I took advantage of the Google pricing and trade in values and upgraded for $20 plus tax - I wasn't really looking to upgrade from the P6, but couldn't pass up on that deal. Now I am very happy that I did upgrade).
Prior to the P6, I rooted every phone I owned for the last decade or so. I didn't feel the need to root on the P6 and I haven't felt the need to root the P7. Honestly at this point, rooting would cause me more heartburn than solving problems for me. Perhaps other people are different, but there isn't really anything that I need that requires rooting.