Just thought I'd create this topic to bring to everyone's attention that there is now a "stable" unofficial port of Cyanogenmod on the Galaxy Ace 2!!
There may be a few of you like me who have been flashing endless revisions of Samsung's stock Jelly Bean firmware for the device and found that no matter which one you flash it comes with it's issues and Samsung still haven't got it right. Well, Cyanogenmod fixes that. It gives you as close to a stock Android experience as possible, is fairly lightweight and performs, dare I say it, as fast as Gingerbread on the device. (There is very occasional jank but it's not really noticeable).
Now it should be noted this port of Cyanogen mod is not entirely glitch free but issues should be very rare and far fewer than with Samsung's stock JB firmware. If you DO run into a glitch (such as a small crash or Play store errors) then a simple restart should fix the issue and you'll be back to zipping through your Jelly Bean phone with virtually no slowdown.
If nothing else, this proves that the official Jelly Bean firmware issues aren't due to limitations of the device. Jelly Bean is perfectly capable of running fast (we're not talking Flagship device fast here) and smooth on this phone and it's just Samsung who haven't got their act together.
I should also remind you that if you choose to install Cyanogenmod then you do so at your own risk! If done incorrectly you WILL brick your device. I also should note that this is an unofficial port of Cyanogenmod and while the official website directs to the port it lists it as unofficial and while the port is very stable and relatively bug free there's no guarantee everything will work for you flawlessly.
Cyanogenmod 10 for GT-i8160
You can download the nesesary files at the above link. I will summerize the installation instructions bellow and try to make them easier for you to understand:
1. Download This File! That linked file is the actual unofficial Cyanogenmod for your device.
2. Download gapps from here! (I should note that when I did this it only included an outdated version of the Google Play store which auto updated. You may need to install other Google apps manually.)
3. Boot into recovery mode (Power button + Home button + Volume up)
4. Run temp CWM Recovery from external SD Card. (You can find this in the EasyRoot thread Smokey made.)
5. In CWM Recovery, select "Install from SD Card" and choose the Cyanogenmod file. Make SURE it's the CM10 file (check the filename before storing it on your external SD) and don't install anything else first.
6. When process is complete, install optional gapps in the same fashion.
7. Go to CWM Recovery advanced settings and choose "Wipe Dalvik Cache"
8. Perform a data wipe. (Should say something like "Wipe Data/Cache")
9. Reboot.
If all went well you should see the Cyanogenmod splash screen while the phone boots up. First boot might take a little while, don't worry.
If you decide to do this do NOT come to me if anything goes wrong. It's totally on you and while I managed to install sucessfully I only followed the instructions and have no real knowledge of Cyanogenmod and only just installed it for the very first time earlier today. I repeat, I take ZERO responsibility for any problems you may have with your device after installing. You made the choice, it's totally on you.
It DOES work. If done properly. It's not perfect but it's a far cry from Samsung's official JB firmware.
Also, I feel it goes without saying and anyone who doesn't know this shouldn't attempt anyway but DO NOT try to install over Gingerbread!! Make sure you have Samsung Official Jelly Bean firmware first. Cyanogenmod needs it as a base.
If anyone chose to take the leap, please post your feedback here. I'm running it and I find it fantastic!
Cyanogenmod 10.1 Install Instructions
Ok, so since I first started this thread I have become a little more experienced with Cyanogenmod although I am still far from an expert I have flashed enough builds to know that installation is fairly easy and to know every step nesecary for a sucessful install. The steps above are accurate to a T but since there is also Cyanogenmod 10.1 available for our device then I shall also post links and instructions here.
Firstly, why Cyanogenmod 10.1?
Faster than stock firmware - This is fact, not opinion. Cyanogenmod WILL be faster than stock Samsung firmware unrooted and as-is. You'll get speeds comparible to Gingerbread running on the device.
Android 4.2.2 - That's not a typo. Samsung only officially has Android 4.1.2 available for the Ace II but thanks to Cyanogenmod 10.1 we can run Android version 4.2.2 and receive nearly all the benefits of the newer version (aside from photosphere).
Built in root - Cyanogenmod comes ready-rooted so if there's anything you require root access for you don't need to root. It's already done for you!
Themes - We're talking full system themes here. Not just icon packs or wallpapers. Near enough EVERYTHING can be themed.
Stability - The most recent builds of both Cyanogenmod 10 and 10.1 are both pretty stable and you'll rarely run into full system crashes. Of course, Samsung stock is still gonna be your best bet if your only interest is rock-solid stability.
Installation instructions:
1. Boot into temporary CWM or if already running CM10 just reboot into recovery mood. CWM is the default recovery for CM10.
2. Wipe Data/Factory Reset
3. Install Cyanogenmod 10.1 from your external SD card in much the same way as you did with CM10. (these instructions are much more basic as I cover what options you need in the instructions for CM10 above). Make sure it's the correct filename for CM10.1. Check file name after downloading and before storying on your external SDCard.
4. Install Gapps from HERE. Please note this is a DIFFERENT Gapps to the one needed for CM10 so please only use the version from this stop and NOT from the CM10 instructions above.
5. Wipe data/factory reset (I like to do this again after install for good measure)
6. Wipe cache and dalvik cache (dalvik cache wipe is under advanced settings)
7. Reboot. (Please note first boot will take a while. Be patient.)
As above with CM10 you do this install at your own risk. If anything goes wrong I accept no responsibility as you made the choice to flash Cyanogenmod on your device. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable then don't do it. I also need to remind you that you NEED official Jelly Bean firmware as a base. DO NOT try to flash Cyanogenmod 10 or 10.1 over Gingerbread or you WILL brick your device!!
The files for Cyanogenmod 10.1 are linked in the appropriate steps concerning them. Make sure you are installing the files you downloaded in those steps. No others. Also remember that while both Cyanogenmod 10 and 10.1 are stable and bug free for the most part, they are not perfect. These are unofficial nightly builds and they aren't flawless. However, the only bug you should encounter is possible low volume on incoming calls. There is a patch available that can help fix this problem and if you feel you need it (after testing) hit me up and i'll post the links. The patch is slightly different for both CM10 and 10.1.
That's all I'll leave you with for now as I am rather tired at the time of posting this. Remember. Flash at your own risk and don't do so unless you're confident in what you're doing.
**update**
As well as Cyanogenmod 10 and 10.1, 10.2 is also available for our devices and also bug-free now. I'm not gonna give a step by step for 10.2 as the procedure is very much the same as 10 and 10.1 with the exception being the files you flash/install. Instead I shall post the xda-developers forum links for each build of Cyanogenmod for you to peruse at your leisure and know when a new build of the ROM is available. Btw, for flashing a new build of your current ROM you do not need to wipe data each time. Only wipe cache and dalvik-cache before (and maybe after for safe measure) flashing.
Cyanogenmod 10 Unofficial - CLICK HERE
Cyanogenmod 10.1 Unofficial - CLICK HERE
Cyanogenmod 10.2 Unofficial - CLICK HERE
**update**
Just to let everyone know, I have now upgraded/switched to an iPhone 6 so am no longer actively using the Ace 2 and cannot offer much support.
That being said, the XDA Forums are a great source of information. I will also do my best to still help out when/if I can but just don't count on hasty responses or completely accurate information.
My time/experience on Android has been great. Please don't see this as a "betrayal" of any kind. I respect all platforms and see Android as one of the prime mobile operating systems out there. Just the iPhone/iOS experience is more for me, especially seeing as I'm also running an iMac.
Thanks for checking in everyone and I do hope this thread continues to be of use to people in the future.
There may be a few of you like me who have been flashing endless revisions of Samsung's stock Jelly Bean firmware for the device and found that no matter which one you flash it comes with it's issues and Samsung still haven't got it right. Well, Cyanogenmod fixes that. It gives you as close to a stock Android experience as possible, is fairly lightweight and performs, dare I say it, as fast as Gingerbread on the device. (There is very occasional jank but it's not really noticeable).
Now it should be noted this port of Cyanogen mod is not entirely glitch free but issues should be very rare and far fewer than with Samsung's stock JB firmware. If you DO run into a glitch (such as a small crash or Play store errors) then a simple restart should fix the issue and you'll be back to zipping through your Jelly Bean phone with virtually no slowdown.
If nothing else, this proves that the official Jelly Bean firmware issues aren't due to limitations of the device. Jelly Bean is perfectly capable of running fast (we're not talking Flagship device fast here) and smooth on this phone and it's just Samsung who haven't got their act together.
I should also remind you that if you choose to install Cyanogenmod then you do so at your own risk! If done incorrectly you WILL brick your device. I also should note that this is an unofficial port of Cyanogenmod and while the official website directs to the port it lists it as unofficial and while the port is very stable and relatively bug free there's no guarantee everything will work for you flawlessly.
Cyanogenmod 10 for GT-i8160
You can download the nesesary files at the above link. I will summerize the installation instructions bellow and try to make them easier for you to understand:
1. Download This File! That linked file is the actual unofficial Cyanogenmod for your device.
2. Download gapps from here! (I should note that when I did this it only included an outdated version of the Google Play store which auto updated. You may need to install other Google apps manually.)
3. Boot into recovery mode (Power button + Home button + Volume up)
4. Run temp CWM Recovery from external SD Card. (You can find this in the EasyRoot thread Smokey made.)
5. In CWM Recovery, select "Install from SD Card" and choose the Cyanogenmod file. Make SURE it's the CM10 file (check the filename before storing it on your external SD) and don't install anything else first.
6. When process is complete, install optional gapps in the same fashion.
7. Go to CWM Recovery advanced settings and choose "Wipe Dalvik Cache"
8. Perform a data wipe. (Should say something like "Wipe Data/Cache")
9. Reboot.
If all went well you should see the Cyanogenmod splash screen while the phone boots up. First boot might take a little while, don't worry.
If you decide to do this do NOT come to me if anything goes wrong. It's totally on you and while I managed to install sucessfully I only followed the instructions and have no real knowledge of Cyanogenmod and only just installed it for the very first time earlier today. I repeat, I take ZERO responsibility for any problems you may have with your device after installing. You made the choice, it's totally on you.
It DOES work. If done properly. It's not perfect but it's a far cry from Samsung's official JB firmware.
Also, I feel it goes without saying and anyone who doesn't know this shouldn't attempt anyway but DO NOT try to install over Gingerbread!! Make sure you have Samsung Official Jelly Bean firmware first. Cyanogenmod needs it as a base.
If anyone chose to take the leap, please post your feedback here. I'm running it and I find it fantastic!
Cyanogenmod 10.1 Install Instructions
Ok, so since I first started this thread I have become a little more experienced with Cyanogenmod although I am still far from an expert I have flashed enough builds to know that installation is fairly easy and to know every step nesecary for a sucessful install. The steps above are accurate to a T but since there is also Cyanogenmod 10.1 available for our device then I shall also post links and instructions here.
Firstly, why Cyanogenmod 10.1?
Faster than stock firmware - This is fact, not opinion. Cyanogenmod WILL be faster than stock Samsung firmware unrooted and as-is. You'll get speeds comparible to Gingerbread running on the device.
Android 4.2.2 - That's not a typo. Samsung only officially has Android 4.1.2 available for the Ace II but thanks to Cyanogenmod 10.1 we can run Android version 4.2.2 and receive nearly all the benefits of the newer version (aside from photosphere).
Built in root - Cyanogenmod comes ready-rooted so if there's anything you require root access for you don't need to root. It's already done for you!
Themes - We're talking full system themes here. Not just icon packs or wallpapers. Near enough EVERYTHING can be themed.
Stability - The most recent builds of both Cyanogenmod 10 and 10.1 are both pretty stable and you'll rarely run into full system crashes. Of course, Samsung stock is still gonna be your best bet if your only interest is rock-solid stability.
Installation instructions:
1. Boot into temporary CWM or if already running CM10 just reboot into recovery mood. CWM is the default recovery for CM10.
2. Wipe Data/Factory Reset
3. Install Cyanogenmod 10.1 from your external SD card in much the same way as you did with CM10. (these instructions are much more basic as I cover what options you need in the instructions for CM10 above). Make sure it's the correct filename for CM10.1. Check file name after downloading and before storying on your external SDCard.
4. Install Gapps from HERE. Please note this is a DIFFERENT Gapps to the one needed for CM10 so please only use the version from this stop and NOT from the CM10 instructions above.
5. Wipe data/factory reset (I like to do this again after install for good measure)
6. Wipe cache and dalvik cache (dalvik cache wipe is under advanced settings)
7. Reboot. (Please note first boot will take a while. Be patient.)
As above with CM10 you do this install at your own risk. If anything goes wrong I accept no responsibility as you made the choice to flash Cyanogenmod on your device. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable then don't do it. I also need to remind you that you NEED official Jelly Bean firmware as a base. DO NOT try to flash Cyanogenmod 10 or 10.1 over Gingerbread or you WILL brick your device!!
The files for Cyanogenmod 10.1 are linked in the appropriate steps concerning them. Make sure you are installing the files you downloaded in those steps. No others. Also remember that while both Cyanogenmod 10 and 10.1 are stable and bug free for the most part, they are not perfect. These are unofficial nightly builds and they aren't flawless. However, the only bug you should encounter is possible low volume on incoming calls. There is a patch available that can help fix this problem and if you feel you need it (after testing) hit me up and i'll post the links. The patch is slightly different for both CM10 and 10.1.
That's all I'll leave you with for now as I am rather tired at the time of posting this. Remember. Flash at your own risk and don't do so unless you're confident in what you're doing.
**update**
As well as Cyanogenmod 10 and 10.1, 10.2 is also available for our devices and also bug-free now. I'm not gonna give a step by step for 10.2 as the procedure is very much the same as 10 and 10.1 with the exception being the files you flash/install. Instead I shall post the xda-developers forum links for each build of Cyanogenmod for you to peruse at your leisure and know when a new build of the ROM is available. Btw, for flashing a new build of your current ROM you do not need to wipe data each time. Only wipe cache and dalvik-cache before (and maybe after for safe measure) flashing.
Cyanogenmod 10 Unofficial - CLICK HERE
Cyanogenmod 10.1 Unofficial - CLICK HERE
Cyanogenmod 10.2 Unofficial - CLICK HERE
**update**
Just to let everyone know, I have now upgraded/switched to an iPhone 6 so am no longer actively using the Ace 2 and cannot offer much support.
That being said, the XDA Forums are a great source of information. I will also do my best to still help out when/if I can but just don't count on hasty responses or completely accurate information.
My time/experience on Android has been great. Please don't see this as a "betrayal" of any kind. I respect all platforms and see Android as one of the prime mobile operating systems out there. Just the iPhone/iOS experience is more for me, especially seeing as I'm also running an iMac.
Thanks for checking in everyone and I do hope this thread continues to be of use to people in the future.
