A custom ROM based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update is now available for Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Phronesis team releases a firmware for the phablet.

A recent report from International Business Times revealed that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, particularly those phablets bearing the model number SM-N9005 can now be installed with a custom ROM based on the latest Android Lollipop update.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 became available in the market on September 2013, arriving out of the box with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Currently, users can update the phablet officially only with the Android 5.0 Lollipop, GSM Arena noted.

However, Note 3 users who are eyeing to install the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update can do so through the use of the Phronesis custom ROM, a 1.3 GB-firmware which offers tweaks and enhancements to improve performance and the user interface.

Specifically, the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update brings in optimizations for power and longer battery life, a support for multiple languages and a fix for the Stagefright vulnerability. Moreover, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 users can expect additional features and fixes from the Phronesis Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM that will make a better user experience.

Team Android advised everyone that since this is not an official release, proper precautions should be made. Also, installing a custom firmware to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 automatically voids the device's warranty.

Before installing the firmware, users need to meet various requirements first such as ensuring that they have the correct model for the phablet. Reportedly, the Phronesis ROM based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update should only be installed to SM-N9005 model. To check, users simply need to go to Settings > About Phone > Model Number.

Another requirement is a recovery tool that will create the proper backup for all the essential data and settings stored on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Available tools are ClockWorkMod Recovery or CWM and the TeamWin Recovery Project or TWRP.

Download the Phronesis custom ROM from this link as well as the Google Apps (GApps) from OpenGapps.org link to PC, connect the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and save both the files into the root directory of the SD card.

Turn off the Note 3 and disconnect it from the PC afterward. Enter the Recovery Mode by pressing Volume Up, Home and Power buttons.

Once in Recovery mode, delete the phablet's memory by choosing the "wipe cache partition." Return to the recovery screen and select "install zip from SD card." Pick the Android 5.1.1 Phronesis ROM saved in the SD card earlier to begin the installation.

After installing the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom firmware, restart the Galaxy Note 3 by tapping "reboot system now" option from the recovery screen.

Below is the introduction video for Samsung Galaxy Note 3, posted on Samsung Mobile's official Youtube channel: