LineageOS 24 on a Pixel 6 highlights features Google should adopt
The author installed Android 17-based LineageOS 24 on a Pixel 6 to compare it with Pixel OS. They highlight LineageOS's fast over-the-air updates and deep customization options that Google does not offer on Pixels. The experience left them wishing Google would adopt several of those features.
LineageOS is a long-running custom Android ROM built on AOSP and nearing its tenth anniversary. It is known for removing manufacturer bloat and offering granular customization that Pixel OS does not provide. The author tested LineageOS 24, based on Android 17, on a Pixel 6 after previously trying GrapheneOS.
In the update test, an October 12 LineageOS 24 build moved to an October 19 nightly in under five minutes. The updater displayed changelog details and step-by-step progress. Pixel OS uses a similar streamed update method, but Google throttles it and adds a lengthy post-install optimization process.
This comparison may matter most to Pixel owners and Android enthusiasts who value control over updates and customization. Faster, more transparent update experiences could raise expectations for mainstream phone makers, while visible changelogs and granular settings may appeal to privacy-focused and technically inclined users. If such features influence broader Android designs, everyday users could benefit from clearer update progress and less waiting, though the impact may remain limited because custom ROM installation is not typical for most consumers.