Don’t get me wrong. There is no major issue with the One UI of my Galaxy A12. But like they say, it’s not you. It’s me. I am so bored with this One UI that every time I pick up my phone, I want to puke (not literally!).
Trust me. Only if I could afford it would I have thrown this phone away already (no hatred against Samsung guys). So, after brainstorming for quite some time (5 minutes, to be exact), I decided to try out the Pixel Experience.
It is a customized ROM for Android mods, which enables each Google Pixel feature on your Galaxy (or whatever model you own).
But the question was how to install Pixel Experience on my Galaxy A12. Well, the installation of the custom ROM is simple. Let me guide you through my first-hand experience.
This Is How I Installed Pixel Experience to My Galaxy A12
At the time I decided to switch to the Pixel Experience, my Galaxy A12 was running on Android 12. Yes, it is possible to enjoy the Pixel features with Android 11.
However, the customized ROM seems to lag in this version. Therefore, any model above Android 12 is good to go for this transformation.
After getting a green signal for my phone, I gathered the two most important things I needed for this mission: a laptop and a USB. My next steps were as follows:
1. I Backed Up Everything
Whatever magic we are going to perform will wipe every last bit of data from your phone. Yes, a factory reset. So, it is better if you hurry and back up the photos, videos, files, contacts, or whatever is necessary. Do not come crying to me later.
2. Unlocking the Bootloader Took Time
I am sure many of you need to become more familiar with the concept of bootloader. It is a small program that ensures that all the OS (operating system) data is present in the memory.
The bootstrap or bootloader stays locked in the new phones to keep the device intact from any unauthorized modifications.
Now that I wanted the customization, I had to unlock the bootstrap loader. Sit back and relax if you have already unloaded the strap. If not, here is how I did it:
- Enter Developer Mode
- Go to Settings
- Open About Phone
- Access Software Information
- Tap 7 times on the Build number. It will enable Developer Mode.
- Enable OEM Unlock Option
- Access the Developer Option from Settings
- Toggle OEM Unlock
- Turn Off the Device & Connect
- Turn the device off
- Press the Volume Up and Volume Down together
- Connect the Galaxy A12 to the laptop using a USB
- Release all the buttons
- A Warning Screen will appear
- Long press the Volume Up button to access the device unlock mode.
- Press the Volume Up button again (if the device asks for permission).
- Tap any key to continue.
- The device will take some time to erase all data.
- Now, set up your Galaxy A12 like it is just store-bought.
See, we can only proceed further if the bootloader unlocking is successful. So, do not try to make up steps by yourself. It will take you nowhere.
3. Next, I Accessed the Zip Folder
Later on, I downloaded the customized ROM file on my laptop. Bad news for the Mac users. The Zipped ROM file might not support your IOS system.
Quickly extract the folder. There are multiple folders: one for the driver, one for ROM support and another for recovery. Sometimes, the driver file is located in the ROM folder. Do not delete any.
4. Laptop Connection Was Necessary
To set up the customized ROM, I shut my phone down first. Next, I had to enter the Fastboot mode before connecting the device to the laptop.
I am sure you guys know how to Fastboot an Android. In case you don’t press Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power Button at the same time. You will see some weird codes on the screen. Don’t panic. You are doing a great job.
Using the USB, I connected the laptop and my Galaxy A12. After opening the ROM file on Windows, I typed the cmd command ‘Fastboot Space Devices”. It gave me some random numerical, which I believe was the serial number of my Galaxy A12.
If your command prompt shows no such numbers, you have definitely messed up somewhere. Recheck every step.
Later on, I typed “fastboot boot recovery.img” and hit enter. Suddenly, my phone from beside flashed an AEX recovery menu. Oh boy! I did everything right so far. A few steps, and I would not have to tolerate the One UI anymore.
I tapped the Apply Update option displayed on the phone screen and chose Apply from adb.
For the last step, I typed “adb sideload” and dragged and dropped the zip file on the command prompt. Just as I hit the enter key, the ROM started installing on my phone.
5. Finally, The Pixel Experience
It took almost 5 minutes to finish the installation. I disconnected the phone and tapped on factory reset. Within a minute, my phone rebooted into this Pixel UI I always wanted.
Now, I could use my phone for hours without getting irritated at the Samsung UI.
Last Few Words!
Don’t at me if you are a Samsung fan. I am not a hater, either. Even if I could live with the UI and UX, the performance was, well, nothing impressive.
Now that I have switched to the Pixel Experience, I have no complaints. From security to usage convenience, everything seems to be better.
I tried to explain how to install Pixel Experience on a Samsung phone in the easiest way possible. Back up the data, unlock the bootloader, download the ROM Zip, install it on the device, and you are done.
You, too, can now enjoy the Pixel features on any Android. Oh, I just remembered that I had to tell you the most important bit. Your phone may turn into a stupid donkey in the process. Do come asking for my blood then. Experiment with everything at your own risk.
Leave a Reply