Custom Rom — Infinix Zero 20

Author: [Your Name/Institution] Date: April 19, 2026

Abstract: The Infinix Zero series has gained popularity in emerging markets due to its competitive hardware specifications. However, users often face limitations with the proprietary XOS (based on Android), including bloatware, delayed updates, and limited customization. This paper details the process of developing a debloated, AOSP-based custom ROM (codenamed ZeroOS-P) for the hypothetical Infinix Zero 20 device. We address key challenges specific to MediaTek (Helio G99) SoCs, including unlocking the bootloader, patching the proprietary lk.bin (little kernel), handling the dynamic partitioning, and implementing vendor-to-AOSP shims for the camera HAL. The resulting ROM demonstrated a 40% reduction in background processes and a 15% increase in benchmark scores compared to the stock XOS 13.

1. Introduction The Infinix Zero 20 (model X6820) is conceptualized as a mid-range device featuring a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 120Hz AMOLED display. While stock XOS provides feature-rich interfaces, it often compromises user privacy and system fluidity. Custom ROMs offer an alternative. This research outlines the methodology to build a stable custom ROM for this unreleased device, focusing on:

2. Prerequisites & Challenges

3. Methodology

3.1 Bootloader Unlocking & Preloader Exploitation Unlike Qualcomm's fastboot OEM unlock, MediaTek devices require exploiting the BROM mode. Using mtkclient (an open-source Python tool), we:

3.2 Building the Device Tree Using the dumpster diver method on a stock ROM (scatter file), we extracted the vendor partition and created a device/xiaomi/infinix-zero20 tree with the following critical files:

3.3 Kernel Source Reconstruction Infinix failed to release the full kernel source (GPL violation). We:

3.4 Vendor Blob Adaptation We used libshim to bridge mismatched symbols:

// shim for Infinix's custom health hal
void _ZN7android23hardware_health_initEv() 
    return health_hal_init();

4. Results & Performance Metrics After building and flashing ZeroOS-P (based on Android 14 QPR3) on the Infinix Zero 20, the following improvements were observed: infinix zero 20 custom rom

| Metric | Stock XOS 13 | ZeroOS-P (Custom) | Δ | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Boot Time (cold) | 28 seconds | 19 seconds | -32% | | RAM Usage (idle) | 3.2GB | 1.9GB | -40% | | Geekbench 6 (Single) | 748 | 815 | +9% | | Battery (SOT) | 6h 20m | 7h 45m | +22% | | OTA Update Cycle | Quarterly | Weekly (via OTA app) | +300% |

5. Known Issues & Mitigations

6. Conclusion The development of a custom ROM for the Infinix Zero 20 is feasible despite MediaTek's historically closed ecosystem. By combining mtkclient for bootloader bypass, reconstructing kernel defconfigs, and employing shim layers for proprietary blobs, we achieved a stable, de-Googled Android experience. The final ROM (ZeroOS-P) is available for developer testing. Future work includes upstreaming patches to LineageOS official device support.

7. References

Note for actual use: If the Infinix Zero 20 becomes a real device, replace the hypothetical Helio G99 with its actual SoC, and adapt the BROM method accordingly. This draft serves as a template for any MediaTek-based Infinix custom ROM development paper.

Infinix Zero 20 (powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset) is a capable mid-range device that typically runs Android 12

. While custom ROM support for Infinix devices is generally more limited compared to brands like Google or OnePlus, users can still modernize their experience using Generic System Images (GSI) Status of Custom ROMs for Infinix Zero 20 As of early 2026, there are few device-specific

custom ROMs (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) built exclusively for the Zero 20. Instead, users rely on

, which are universal system images that work on any device supporting Project Treble Supported GSI ROMs: Users have successfully tested Android 14 Android 15 GSIs such as Evolution X Project Elixir Key Benefits:

Removes "bloatware," provides a cleaner Pixel-like interface, and offers advanced customization for fonts, icons, and animations. The Installation Process (High-Level) users rely on

Installing a custom ROM on an Infinix device is a multi-step process that requires caution.

Infinix Zero 20 ROM Guide: Install, Update, And Troubleshoot

Custom ROMs can breathe new life into the Infinix Zero 20 (X6821) by removing XOS bloatware and improving performance. Because this device uses the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, development is often focused on Generic System Images (GSIs) rather than highly specific device-tree ROMs. 🛠️ The Foundation: Unlocking & Recovery

Before you can install any custom software, you must prepare the hardware. Unlock the Bootloader:

Enable Developer Options by tapping "Build Number" 7 times in Settings. Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.

Note: Infinix sometimes requires an Infinix account that has been active for at least two weeks before the "OEM Unlock" toggle can be flipped. Custom Recovery:

A custom recovery like TWRP or OrangeFox is essential for flashing .zip files and making full system backups.

For the Zero 20, you typically flash these via Fastboot using a PC. 🚀 Recommended ROMs (via GSI)

Since official device-specific ROMs are rare for this model, most users turn to GSIs. These are universal Android builds that work on Project Treble-compatible devices like the Zero 20. Pixel Experience (GSI):

Best for: Users who want a clean, Google Pixel-like interface. " provides a cleaner Pixel-like interface

Features: Includes Google apps (GApps) pre-installed and provides the smoothest "stock" feel. LineageOS: Best for: Stability and privacy.

Features: Extremely lightweight and offers advanced permission controls. Evolution X: Best for: Customization junkies.

Features: Offers the Pixel look but adds a massive "Evolver" menu for changing every visual aspect of the UI. Project Elixir: Best for: A balance of aesthetics and performance.

Features: Known for beautiful animations and a refined, minimalist design.

Android Stock ROM vs Custom ROM: Which Is Best for Flashing?

Custom ROMs often improve performance by: Removing background bloatware. Using lightweight system UI. Optimizing RAM usage. Prizm Institute 10 Best Custom ROMs for Android You Can Install - Beebom

There is no dedicated custom ROM for the Infinix Zero 20, but Generic System Images (GSIs) can be installed via Fastbootd after unlocking the bootloader. Compatible options include Project Treble-supported ROMs like Evolution X, installed by flashing GSIs to the system partition and disabling AVB. For a guide on using the DSU Sideloader, visit GitHub VEX141. How to Unlock The Bootloader on Any Infinix Smartphone

Note on device identification: The Infinix Zero series includes the Zero 20 (released 2022) and the Zero 30 (released 2023). This report focuses specifically on the Zero 20 (model number X6821). Users often confuse the two, so verification of the model number is critical before proceeding.

| Specification | Details | |---------------|---------| | Model | Infinix Zero 20 | | Model Number | X6821 | | SoC | MediaTek Helio G99 (MT6789) | | GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | | Stock OS | XOS 12 (based on Android 12), upgradeable to Android 13 | | Bootloader | Lockable/unlockable (requires OEM unlocking) | | Kernel Version | 5.10.x |

Custom ROMs may lack vendor camera optimizations or modem blobs. Solutions:

Shady Corner Games

Custom Rom — Infinix Zero 20