How to modernize an Android smartphone: hardware and software upgrade

Introduction: why upgrade an Android device?

Smartphones based on Android over time lose performance: applications begin to slow down, the battery runs out in half a day, and new games refuse to launch. Instead of buying a new device for 50-100 thousand rubles, you can upgrade an existing both software and hardware. This will not only save the budget, but will also extend the life of the device by 2-3 years.

In this article we will examine 12 proven methods improve Androidsmartphone: from simple system tweaks to complex hardware upgrades. You'll learn how to replace the battery, install custom firmware, expand memory, and even improve the camera without buying a new phone. All methods have been tested on current models Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Google Pixel and other brands.

Important: not all methods are suitable for every device. For example, replacing the processor on smartphones is not possible due to the integration of the chip into the motherboard, but you can improve cooling or optimize its operation programmatically. We have noted limitations in each section.

1. Replacing the battery: when and how to do it?

The battery is the first component that degrades over time. After 500-800 charging cycles, the battery capacity decreases by 20-30%, and the smartphone begins to discharge within a few hours. If in the settings (Settings → Device care → Battery status) you see the capacity below 80%, it's time to think about replacing.

Cost of a new battery for popular models:

Model smartphone	Battery cost (RUB)	Difficulty of replacement
Samsung Galaxy S22	2 500–3 500	Average (needs a hairdryer and plastic blades)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12	1 800–2 500	Easy (adhesive strips)
Google Pixel 7	3 000–4 000	Difficult (glued battery)
OnePlus 10 Pro	2 800–3 800	Medium (requires a mediator)

To replace it yourself you will need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (Phillips, flat, Torx)
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermal platform for softening the glue
• 🧲 Plastic paddles or picks
• 🔋 New battery (check compatibility by model!)

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal tools to pry off the battery - this may cause a short circuit. If the battery is swollen, do not try to puncture it: contact a service center.

Turn off the smartphone and remove the SIM card|Discharge the battery to 20-30%|Prepare the work area (clean surface, good lighting)|Remove the back cover carefully, without damaging the cables-->

2. Installing custom firmware: pros and risks

Stock firmware from manufacturers is often overloaded with unnecessary applications (bloatware) and limit functionality. Custom firmwares like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Paranoid Android allow:

• 🚀 Increase performance due to the optimized kernel
• 🆕 Receive Android updates longer than from the manufacturer
• 🔒 Improve confidentiality (no surveillance from Xiaomi/Samsung)
• 🎨 Customize the interface (themes, gestures, animations)

However, there are risks:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty)
• ❌ Possible brick (turning the phone into a "brick") in case of an error
• ❌ Some functions may not work (NFC, camera, banking applications)

Installation instructions LineageOS:

1. Unlock the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock (each brand has its own command).
2. Install custom recovery TWRP.
3. Make a backup of the current firmware in TWRP.
4. Flash the firmware and GApps (Google services).

⚠️ Attention: Before firmware, check the compatibility of your model on the official website LineageOS. Some devices (for example Samsung Exynos) require additional steps to unlock the bootloader.

LineageOS|Pixel Experience|Paranoid Android|MIUI (custom version)|I don’t know-->

3. Memory expansion: flash drives, OTG and cloud services

If your phone is constantly running out of memory, do not rush to buy a new device. There are several ways to expand storage:

1. MicroSD card (for devices with a slot):

• 📱 Does your smartphone support Adoptable Storage? Check in Settings → Storage data-i="100">⚠️ Not all applications can be transferred to SD - some (for example, Settings → Storage.
• 💾 Cards SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO (class A2) give read/write speeds of up to 160 MB/s.
• ⚠️ Not all applications can be transferred to SD - some (for example, WhatsApp) require internal memory.

2. USB drive via OTG:

• 🔌 Connect a flash drive via an adapter USB-C/OTG.
• 📁 Use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer) to work with files.
• ⚡ Not all phones support powering external drives - you may need a hub with food.

3. Cloud services:

• ☁️ Google Drive (15 GB free), Yandex Disk (10 GB), Mega (20 GB).
• 📎 Automatic upload of photos/videos to Google Photos (quality settings compression).
• 🔒 For confidential data, use Cryptomator (encryption before upload).

4. Camera upgrade: software and hardware

The quality of a photo on a smartphone depends not only on the matrix, but also on processing. Even a budget camera can be improved:

Software methods:

• 📸 Install Google Camera (GCam) —a ported application with Pixel gives better HDR processing and night mode. Download versions for your model on the forum XDA Developers.
• 🎛️ Use Pro Mode in a stock camera: manually adjusting ISO, shutter speed and white balance gives better results than automatic ones.
• 🖼️ Process photos in Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile —correction of shadows, sharpness and color can transform a photo.

Hardware improvements:

• 🔍 Lens attachments (for example, Xenvo Pro Lens) - macro, wide angle or telephoto 1,500–3,000 rub.
• 💡 External LED backlight (for example, Lume Cube) for better illumination when shooting video.
• 🎤 External microphone (for example, Boya BY-M1) for clear sound in video.

⚠️ Attention: Not all attachments are compatible with multi-module cameras (for example, on iPhone or Galaxy S23 Ultra). Before purchasing, check the lens diameter of your model.

How to install GCam on Xiaomi?

1. Download the APK from the website celsoazevedo.com (select the version for your processor).

2. Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special access).

3. After installation, set up the config (XML file) for your model - they can be found on w3bsit3-dns.com.

4. In the GCam settings, disable HDR+ Control for stable operation.

5. Improving performance: from cleaning to overclocking

If your smartphone starts to slow down, first check simple solutions:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Cache data.
• 🗑️ Remove unused applications (especially system applications that cannot be uninstalled - disable them).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone once every 2-3 days - this resets background processes.

For advanced users:

• 🔧 Change the task scheduler to cfq or bfq (requires root).
• ⚡ Overclock the processor via Kernel Adiutor (caution: overheating is possible! Save your data first!
• 🖥️ Disable animations in Developer Settings (Window animation scale = 0.5x).

If all else fails, try reset to factory settings (Settings → General → Reset). Save your data first!

6. Cooling upgrade: why does your phone get hot?

Overheating reduces performance and shortens battery life. Main reasons:

• 🔥 Games or heavy applications (for example, Genshin Impact at maximum speed).
• 🔋 Fast charging (especially wireless).
• 🌡️ Dust clogging (relevant for older smartphones 2 years).

Ways to improve cooling:

1. Replace the thermal paste on the processor (requires disassembly).
2. Use a cooling case with a fan (for example, Black Shark FunCooler).
3. Turn off background activity in Settings → Battery → Optimization.
4. Install Coolify (temperature control application, required root).

⚠️ Attention: If the phone heats up above 60°C during simple tasks (calls, instant messengers), this may indicate a faulty battery or motherboard. In this case, it is better to contact the service.

7. Replacing the display: is it worth replacing the screen?

For example:

• Samsung Galaxy A52: 4,500–6,000 rub. (AMOLED).
• Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro: 3,500–5,000 rub. (IPS).
• Google Pixel 6: 8,000–12,000 rub. (OLED with high refresh rate). data-i="188">When choosing a screen, pay attention to:

When choosing a screen, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Matrix type (AMOLED is better than IPS in contrast, but more expensive).
• 🔄 Refresh rate (90 Hz or 120 Hz for smoothness).
• 🛡️ Availability oleophobic coating (protection from fingerprints).

If you decide to change the screen yourself:

1. Buy a display with adhesive tape (for example, 3M 200MP).
2. Use LOCA glue for OLED screens (requires a UV lamp for polymerization).
3. Check the operation of the sensor and Face ID (on iPhone and some Androiddevices) after replacement.

8. Additional accessories for modernization

Some gadgets can significantly expand the capabilities of the smartphone:

Accessory	Price (rub.)	What is it for
External battery 20,000 mAh	2 000–4 000	Charging the phone 4-5 times while traveling
USB-C hub with HDMI	1 500–3 000	Connecting to a monitor (DeX on Samsung)
Wireless charging 15W	1 000–2 500	Convenient wireless charging
Gamepad (for example, Razer Kishi)	5 000–8 000	Comfortable gaming on your phone

For photographers useful:

• 📸 DJI Osmo Mobile — stabilizer for shooting video (RUB 8,000–12,000).
• 🖥️ Sandisk iXpand —flash drive with USB-C and Lightning connectors for fast photo transfer.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about upgrading Android

Is it possible to replace the processor on a smartphone?

No, the processor is soldered into the motherboard and cannot be replaced. However, you can improve its cooling (replacing thermal paste) or overclock it using a custom core (requires root).

How to check the compatibility of custom firmware?

The firmware website (for example, LineageOS) has a list of supported devices by model code. You can find out your model code in Settings → About the phone. → Model. It is also useful to read reviews on XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Is it worth changing the battery yourself or is it better to have a service?

If you have experience disassembling equipment, you can try it yourself (saving 1,000–2,000 rubles). For beginners, it is better to contact the service: the risk of damaging the cables or the board is high. This is especially true for smartphones with a frameless design (for example, Samsung Galaxy S or Xiaomi Mi).

How to transfer data to a new battery or firmware?

Use Google Account to synchronize contacts, photos and applications. Suitable for a complete backup Titanium Backup (requires root) or built-in backup function in Settings → Google → Backup. Copy the files to your PC or cloud.

Which smartphones are lighter all to upgrade?

The most “repairable” models according to version iFixit (2023–2026): Fairphone 4 (10/10 in terms of maintainability), Google Pixel 6a (7/10), Samsung Galaxy A53 (6/10). repair iPhone and flagships Samsung Galaxy S/Note due to adhesive connections.