Samsung S9 Plus Exynos Custom Rom

Model Numbers: SM-G965F / SM-G965FD

The Galaxy S9 Plus (codename star2lte) represents a pivotal point in Samsung’s history. It was the last flagship to feature a working 3.5mm headphone jack paired with top-tier specs, while also sporting the infamous "Infinity Display" without the pill-hole cutout of later models.

However, as the device ages, official software support has ended. For the Exynos variant (the version sold globally, outside the US/China/Korea), installing a custom ROM is the best way to breathe new life into the phone, gaining modern Android features, improved privacy, and debloated performance.

Here is everything you need to know.

You might ask, "Is my S9 Plus still worth the hassle?" The answer is a resounding yes—provided you install a custom ROM. Here is why:

First boot takes 5-10 minutes. Be patient.

Before we dive into the software, let’s address the hardware. Samsung’s in-house Exynos 9810 chipset is fully documented, which means source code is available for developers. This has led to:

Start with LineageOS 20. It is the most stable, has the largest community, and receives weekly updates. Once you are comfortable, branch out to crDroid or Evolution X.

Your old S9 Plus isn't dead—it's just waiting for a second life.

Resources:

Have you installed a custom ROM on your S9 Plus Exynos? Share your experience in the comments below.

The package arrived in a bubble mailer that smelled of ozone and stale warehouse air. Inside lay the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, a relic of 2018 with its curved "Infinity Display" gleaming like polished obsidian.

For most, this was a backup phone. For you, it was a battleground.

Under the hood sat the Exynos 9810 chipset. In the States, people touted the Snapdragon for its raw power, but in the world of custom development, the Exynos was the "chosen one"—blessed with an unlockable bootloader that didn't require a hacker's miracle to crack.

The transformation began at midnight. The glow of your monitor washed out the room as you downloaded the tools of the trade: Odin, TWRP, and the holy grail—a build of LineageOS.

The first hurdle was the "Download Mode" screen, a teal warning that felt like a digital "Keep Out" sign. With a click, you bypassed it. The progress bar crawled forward, a thin blue line rewriting the phone’s soul. You weren't just installing software; you were stripping away the "Samsung Experience," the bloatware, and the tracking, returning the hardware to its purest form. Then, the Bootloop. samsung s9 plus exynos custom rom

The Samsung logo pulsed. Once. Twice. Then the screen went black. A cold sweat broke. This was the "brick" moment—the silence where a $200 piece of glass becomes a paperweight. You dove back into the forums, scrolling through threads from 2021, finding a lone developer’s comment about a specific vendor image mismatch. One fix, one re-flash, and then: the spark.

The LineageOS arc-and-circle animation spun across the screen. The S9 Plus breathed again. It felt faster, lighter, and stripped of its corporate shackles. You held a device that the manufacturer had declared "end of life," yet it was now running the latest version of Android with a smoothness it never had on launch day.

The hardware was old, but the spirit was new. You didn't just own the phone anymore—you commanded it.

For the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus (Exynos), custom ROMs are the primary way to access modern Android versions and updated features long after official support ended. As of April 2026, the development community remains active, with recent ports bringing Android 15 and 16 to the aging flagship.  Top Custom ROMs for S9 Plus Exynos (2025–2026) 

The choice depends on whether you prefer the familiar Samsung One UI experience or a clean "Pixel-like" stock Android feel.  Noble ROM (Recommended for One UI fans):

Current Version: Noble ROM 5.x/6.x based on Android 14 & 15 (One UI 6.1 / 7).

Features: Ports official Samsung features from newer flagships, including modern UI elements and updated Samsung apps. Pros: Familiar interface; includes One UI 7 features.

Cons: Higher battery consumption and slightly slower performance compared to AOSP-based ROMs. LineageOS (Recommended for performance/longevity):

Current Version: Unofficial builds now reaching Android 16 (LineageOS 23) as of early 2026.

Features: A clean, bloat-free experience that prioritizes stability and speed.

Pros: Significant performance boost; lightest weight; offers the latest security updates.

Cons: You will lose Samsung-specific features like VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling. Duhan ROM:

Current Status: A newer contender providing updated builds based on Android 15.

Focus: Aimed at users who want a balance of new features and better battery optimization than Noble ROM.  Key Benefits & Trade-offs  Feature  Stock ROM (Official) Custom ROM (AOSP/Lineage) Custom ROM (One UI Port) Android Version Android 10 (Dead) Android 13–16 Android 13–15 Performance Sluggish over time Very Fast/Smooth Battery Life Heavy Drain Samsung Pay/VoLTE Broken Broken Camera Quality Good (requires GCam) Near Stock Installation Requirements  Before flashing, you must prepare your device: 

Unlock Bootloader: Only possible on the Exynos variant (SM-G965F/DS). Model Numbers: SM-G965F / SM-G965FD The Galaxy S9

Custom Recovery: You need TWRP Recovery or a ROM-specific recovery to flash the files.

Backup: All data will be wiped during the mandatory Format Data step.

Files Needed: The ROM zip file, GApps (if not included), and potentially a "repartitioner" script for larger One UI ports.  Critical Warnings 

Samsung S9+ Exynos Custom ROM Review: A Breath of Fresh Air

As a long-time user of Samsung's flagship devices, I was excited to dive into the world of custom ROMs on my S9+ Exynos variant. After installing a custom ROM, I was blown away by the newfound flexibility, performance, and features that I never thought possible on my device. In this review, I'll share my experience with the custom ROM on my Samsung S9+ Exynos.

Installation Process

The installation process was relatively smooth, but I had to do some research to find a reliable source for the ROM and the necessary tools. I opted for the popular LineageOS ROM, which is known for its stability and feature-rich experience. I followed a well-documented guide on XDA Developers, and after a few reboots, I was up and running with my custom ROM.

Performance

The first thing I noticed was the significant improvement in performance. The custom ROM brought a much-needed boost to my device, with animations feeling smoother and more responsive. The Exynos chip, which was previously criticized for its performance, now felt on par with its Snapdragon counterpart. I was able to play demanding games like PUBG and Fortnite at high graphics settings without any noticeable lag.

Battery Life

Battery life has been a pleasant surprise. With the custom ROM, I've seen a noticeable improvement in battery endurance. I attribute this to the removal of bloatware and the optimization of system services. On a single charge, I can easily get through a day and a half of moderate to heavy use.

Features

One of the best aspects of the custom ROM is the ability to customize almost every aspect of the device. I've added features like:

Camera Performance

The camera performance on the custom ROM is on par with the stock firmware. I've noticed no significant differences in image quality, and features like Live Focus and Super Steady video stabilization work flawlessly. You might ask, "Is my S9 Plus still worth the hassle

Bugs and Stability

While I've experienced some minor bugs, such as occasional freezes and app crashes, they've been relatively rare. The community support for LineageOS is vast, and I've been able to quickly find solutions to any issues I've encountered.

Verdict

The custom ROM on my Samsung S9+ Exynos has breathed new life into my device. I've gained a level of customization and control that I never thought possible on a Samsung device. While there are some minor bugs, the overall experience has been extremely positive.

Recommendation

If you're a Samsung S9+ Exynos user looking to breathe new life into your device, I highly recommend exploring custom ROMs like LineageOS. Be prepared to invest some time in research and installation, but the payoff is well worth it.

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

Cons:

ROM Details:

If you're interested in trying out a custom ROM on your Samsung S9+ Exynos, I encourage you to do some research and join the community on XDA Developers. Happy flashing!

Title: Breathing New Life into the Beast: The Ultimate Guide to Custom ROMs for the Galaxy S9+ (Exynos)

Introduction The Samsung Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965F) remains one of the most beloved devices in Samsung's history. With its stunning Super AMOLED display, headphone jack, and incredible hardware, it’s a device many of us just can't let go of. However, if you own the Exynos variant (common in Europe and Asia), you may have noticed the official software support has long ended, and performance in games might not be what it used to be.

It’s time to unlock the true potential of your device. Here is everything you need to know about installing a Custom ROM on your Exynos Galaxy S9+.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rooting and installing custom software carries risks. You may void your warranty, trigger Samsung Knox (disabling Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, and banking apps permanently), or potentially brick your device. Proceed with caution and always backup your data.