The Sony Xperia ZL is a full HD smartphone that comes with Android 4.1.2 out of the box and later found the Android 4.2 update arriving over the air. Since official software updates have stopped — either by flashing manually or by accepting OTA’s — you will need to install a custom ROM if you want to upgrade the firmware.

These are the best custom ROMs for the Sony Xperia ZL smartphone to help you upgrade and run newer version of Android. Some of the custom ROMs on the list are also helpful for anyone who is wanting to test new features, have a more stable, reliable and faster ROM than the stock ROM. Additionally, you’ll find some custom ROMs come pre-rooted and debloated from the stock applications from Sony that you do not want running on your device.

Sony Xperia ZL

Note: Make sure you check what model number the custom ROM is made for from the download links. Whenever we create a post such as this one, it means the model numbers are all thrown into the same article. Don’t assume that all custom ROMs will work for all model numbers. Each download link will mention what model number the ROM is for somewhere on the page, either in the custom ROM thread title or the original post closer to the download link. If you still don’t see it there then have a read of some comments or leave a comment yourself if you aren’t sure, and the custom ROM poster or other people subscribed to the thread will help you out.

Files You Need

  1. You need to install a custom recovery on the Sony Xperia ZL smartphone before you can install any of these custom ROMs.
  2. You need to root the Sony Xperia ZL smartphone before you can install these custom ROMs on the list.
    Not all the custom ROMs will come with Google’s stock applications included. In fact, the generally do not. You can install the Google Gapps packages on your device and get those apps working.

Mokee Open Source Project

The Mokee custom ROM is most popular in the Asian markets due to the fact that the developers are from China. The Mokee team do a great deal of work for the Xiaomi line of devices. Further, you can find the Mokee ROM available for many other manufacturers too — one of them being Sony. Mokee ROMs are based on Google AOSP and the source codes are up[dated frequently, making sure you have a quality ROM running on your device. These updates arrive over the air (OTA) just like your stock ROM would, which makes it incredibly easy to update.

Features: Odexed for fast performance, Native exFAT support, over the air updates, incremental updates, Multi window, Bulk SMS recipients, Active Display, Custom screen off animations, IP dialing, Smart dialing, Lunar calendar in lock screen, Adjustable SMS font size, Bulk SMS recipients and many more.

Download: Mokee ROM

LiquidSmooth

The official LiquidSmooth custom ROM is available for the Sony Xperia ZL smartphone. The LiquidSmooth ROM is based on AOSP and SlimROM. As the name suggests, the LiquidSmooth custom ROM aims to provide a really smooth experience for all. The ROMs are also incredibly quick to use. The features are worth mentioning for this one too. You can read most of them below.

Features: CM 12 theme engine, AOKP system animation control, custom navigation bar options, avoid poor WiFi connections, LockClock options in the settings, OmniROMs performance control, gesture unlock, battery icon options, SlimROMs HeadsUp, SuperSU installed and more.

Download: LiquidSmooth ROM

CyanogenMod 11

CyanogenMod custom ROMs are generally great to install but offer little value to the read when trying to research what is available in this ROMs. Why they choose to remain mum about features is beyond us, but that’s what they do.

Features: CyanogenMod do not list any features.

Download: CyanogenMod 11 ROM

crDroid

crDroid custom ROMs are developed by some of the best developers in the aftermarket firmware industry. They are generally a ROM that fly under the radar and don’t get used as much as they probbaly should. crDroid custom ROMs are very similar to CyanogenMod ROMs where they focus on better performance than the stock ROM and better reliability. With that being said, you will still find many new features available that separate this crDroid ROM with your stock ROM on the Sony Xperia ZL smartphone.

Features: advanced reboot menu, status bar brightness control, privacy guard, CyanogenMod profiles, quick delete screenshots.

Download: crDroid ROM