LineageOS 22 review | The ONLY sustainable ROM.

Summary

Lineage OS 22.1, based on Android 15, is a great option for extending the lifespan of older devices, offering new security patches and performance improvements. While not a massive update, it introduces a redesigned music player, a built-in PDF reader, and quality-of-life tweaks like improved navigation and battery management. However, older hardware may face limitations, such as loss of Google Pay support and certain features not working as intended. Despite some minor cosmetic changes and the removal of two-button navigation, Lineage OS 22.1 remains a solid choice for those wanting a cleaner, more efficient Android experience on unsupported devices.

Takeaways

• 😀 LineageOS 22 is based on Android 15 and aims to bring updates and support to older devices that may not be receiving official updates anymore.
• 😀 This custom ROM offers a lightweight, Pixel-like experience, providing updates, security patches, and improvements to older phones without sacrificing too much customization.
• 😀 The main new feature in LineageOS 22 is a revamped music player app called 'Well 12', which now includes support for more file formats and a floating mini player.
• 😀 A built-in PDF reader is now available, addressing the previous limitation of needing an external app to open PDFs.
• 😀 Despite minimal changes from LineageOS 21, there are some cosmetic updates like new icons, switches, and a new settings layout for improved access.
• 😀 The two-button navigation option has been removed in favor of three-button navigation or gestures, which has not been explained in the changelog.
• 😀 New accessibility features are available, such as color contrast settings in the wallpaper and style section, and a new wallpaper picker that shows both lock screen and home screen simultaneously.
• 😀 LineageOS 22 includes some system performance enhancements, particularly for older hardware, offering a smoother experience and potential performance gains.
• 😀 Some features like Google Pay may not work natively, requiring third-party workarounds like Magisk to pass safety checks.
• 😀 Although LineageOS 22 offers significant improvements, users should be cautious when flashing it on older hardware due to potential issues with optimization and device-specific functionality.
• 😀 Installing LineageOS 22 is relatively simple, but users should back up their data before proceeding. It's especially recommended for those with older phones that are no longer receiving updates.

Q & A

What is LineageOS 22 and why is it important in 2025?

LineageOS 22, based on Android 15, is a custom ROM that allows users to extend the life of their older phones by providing updates and security patches beyond the official manufacturer support. It is important in 2025 because it offers a way to keep older devices secure and up to date while providing a cleaner, pixel-like aesthetic and extra customization options.

How does LineageOS 22 help with older phones?

LineageOS 22 can give older phones a new lease on life by providing them with the latest security patches and a lightweight operating system that may offer performance gains. It's especially useful for users who want to keep using a device they like without upgrading to a newer phone.

What is the most significant change introduced in LineageOS 22?

The most significant change is the introduction of a new music player, replacing the old 11 music player. This new app is a complete reworking with material You theming support, better file format support, and enhanced playback features.

How does the new music player in LineageOS 22 compare to its predecessor?

The new music player in LineageOS 22 is much more modern and user-friendly. It includes support for various file formats, a new, cleaner interface, and features like playback speed control, equalizer settings, and playlist controls. It also integrates with the files app, making it easier to access and manage music files.

What features have been removed in LineageOS 22 compared to older versions?

One feature that has been removed is the two-button navigation option. In its place, users now have to rely on three-button navigation or gestures. Additionally, some home screen widgets have been removed, though the remaining ones are more interactive and feature-rich.

What new additions were made to the accessibility options in LineageOS 22?

LineageOS 22 adds a new section for color contrast settings within the display and wallpaper section, allowing users to adjust the contrast to suit their theme. There are also improvements to accessibility options like predictive back gestures in supported apps.

What improvements to the user interface can be found in LineageOS 22?

The user interface in LineageOS 22 has been enhanced with a redesigned settings layout, including new icons, switches, and controls. There's also a more streamlined navigation with improved animations, especially for accessing deeper settings from quick settings tiles.

Does LineageOS 22 offer any changes related to storage management?

Yes, LineageOS 22 introduces better separation of system and temporary file storage in the storage section, making it easier for users to understand how much space is being used. It also provides new developer options, like the ability to disable default frame rates for games on high refresh rate displays.

What are some of the new features related to battery management in LineageOS 22?

LineageOS 22 includes a new battery manager section, which mimics adaptive battery settings from Pixel devices. It helps optimize battery life by learning your usage patterns. However, the much-anticipated 80% charge limit control feature, available on Pixel devices, is not yet present in this release.

What limitations should users be aware of when flashing LineageOS 22 on their devices?

Users should be aware that flashing LineageOS 22 on older devices may lead to issues like missing hardware-specific features, such as Google Pay, which doesn't work due to the inability to pass safety checks. Additionally, flashing a ROM may cause some optimizations to be unavailable, depending on the device's age and compatibility.